Premium Content:

Metallica cancel Australian tour as James Hetfield enters rehab

Metallica have called off their World Tour and cancelled their Australian concerts as lead singer and Guitarist James Hetfield enters rehab.

- Advertisement -

The rock legends cancelled their Australian stadium tour just weeks before their sojourn around Australia and New Zealand was about to kick off. The band released a statement explaining that Hetfield had entered rehab for ongoing addiction issues.

The three remaining band members issued a statement apologising to fans.

We are truly sorry to inform our fans and friends that we must postpone our upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand.

As most of you probably know, our brother James has been struggling with addiction on and off for many years. He has now, unfortunately, had to re-enter a treatment program to work on his recovery again.

We fully intend to make our way to your part of the world as soon as health and schedule permit. We’ll let you know as soon as we can.

Once again, we are devastated that we have inconvenienced so many of you, especially our most loyal fans who often travel great distances to experience our shows. We appreciate your understanding and support for James and, as always, thank you for being a part of our Metallica family.”

Promoter Live Nation said all tickets would get a full refund, and they would work with the band to lock in new sates as soon as possible.

The band’s latest album, Hardwired…To Self-Destruct, is the tenth in their long career. Their debut album Kill ‘Em All was released in 1983. Metallica achieved mainstream chart success in the 1990s with their album Metallica, Load and Reload. 

OIP Staff


Latest

Head to Pride Networking Drinks this week

Pride Networking is on this coming Wednesday 21 October from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at the Royal Hotel.

40 years ago Frankie Goes to Hollywood released ‘Liverpool’

Forty years on, Frankie Goes to Hollywood's Liverpool remains a divisive album, balancing commercial disappointment with moments of brilliance.

On This Gay Day | Poet Arthur Rimbaud was born in France

Arthur Rimbaud's brief literary career and turbulent relationship with Paul Verlaine left a lasting impact on modern literature and art.

Poppin Out returns for Adelaide Pride 2026 with Hannah Conda and many more

Mary's Poppin will transform Synagogue Place into a vibrant Pride street party featuring 32 performers, drag stars and DJs.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Head to Pride Networking Drinks this week

Pride Networking is on this coming Wednesday 21 October from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at the Royal Hotel.

40 years ago Frankie Goes to Hollywood released ‘Liverpool’

Forty years on, Frankie Goes to Hollywood's Liverpool remains a divisive album, balancing commercial disappointment with moments of brilliance.

On This Gay Day | Poet Arthur Rimbaud was born in France

Arthur Rimbaud's brief literary career and turbulent relationship with Paul Verlaine left a lasting impact on modern literature and art.

Poppin Out returns for Adelaide Pride 2026 with Hannah Conda and many more

Mary's Poppin will transform Synagogue Place into a vibrant Pride street party featuring 32 performers, drag stars and DJs.

Belinda Carlisle adds extra shows to farewell tour

Belinda Carlisle has expanded her 2027 Australian farewell tour, adding Newcastle and Adelaide to a nationwide celebration of her career.

Head to Pride Networking Drinks this week

Pride Networking is on this coming Wednesday 21 October from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at the Royal Hotel.

40 years ago Frankie Goes to Hollywood released ‘Liverpool’

Forty years on, Frankie Goes to Hollywood's Liverpool remains a divisive album, balancing commercial disappointment with moments of brilliance.

On This Gay Day | Poet Arthur Rimbaud was born in France

Arthur Rimbaud's brief literary career and turbulent relationship with Paul Verlaine left a lasting impact on modern literature and art.