James Hetfield facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Hetfield
Hetfield performing with Metallica in 2024
Background information
Birth name	James Alan Hetfield
Born	(1963-08-03) August 3, 1963 (age 62) Downey, California, U.S.
Genres	Heavy metal thrash metal hard rock
Occupation(s)	Musician songwriter actor
Instruments	Guitar vocals
Years active	1978–present

James Alan Hetfield (born August 3, 1963) is an American musician famous for being the lead singer, rhythm guitarist, and a co-founder of the heavy metal band Metallica. He is also one of the band's main songwriters. Fans know him for his powerful, rough voice and his fast, complex rhythm guitar playing.

Hetfield started Metallica with drummer Lars Ulrich in 1981. They met after Ulrich placed an ad in a Los Angeles newspaper. Since then, Metallica has become one of the most successful bands in the world. They have won ten Grammy Awards and released many hit albums. Many people consider Hetfield to be one of the greatest rhythm guitarists in heavy metal history.

In 2009, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Hetfield and his bandmate Kirk Hammett as the 23rd greatest guitarists of all time.

How It All Began

James Hetfield was born on August 3, 1963, in Downey, California. His mother, Cynthia, was an opera singer, and his father, Virgil, was a truck driver. His parents were devout Christian Scientists. This meant they held strong beliefs about faith and healing. These beliefs later inspired some of Hetfield's most famous lyrics, like in the song "The God That Failed".

His parents divorced when he was 13. Sadly, his mother passed away from cancer when he was 16. After her death, he moved in with his older half-brother, David.

Hetfield's musical journey started with piano lessons at age nine. He later played drums before picking up the guitar at 14. He said that the band Aerosmith was his biggest childhood influence and the reason he wanted to play guitar.

The Story of Metallica

Hetfield performing in 2008

When Metallica first started, the band tried a few different member combinations. The final lineup for their early days became Hetfield on vocals and rhythm guitar, Lars Ulrich on drums, Dave Mustaine on lead guitar, and Ron McGovney on bass. Soon after, Cliff Burton replaced McGovney on bass.

In 1983, the band decided to part ways with Mustaine due to disagreements. They quickly hired Kirk Hammett from the band Exodus to be their new lead guitarist. Mustaine later went on to form the band Megadeth.

Hetfield writes most of the band's lyrics, vocal melodies, and guitar harmonies. While Kirk Hammett usually plays the guitar solos, Hetfield sometimes plays solos on songs like "Nothing Else Matters" and "Master of Puppets".

On-Stage Accident

On August 8, 1992, Hetfield was in a serious accident during a concert in Montreal. A pyrotechnic effect, which is like a firework for the stage, went off at the wrong time. He was badly burned on his left side, including his hand, arm, and face. His guitar protected him from even worse injuries. He recovered and was back on stage just 17 days later. For a few weeks, another guitarist played his parts while his hand healed.

Health and St. Anger

While recording the album St. Anger in 2001, Hetfield took a break from the band to focus on his personal health and well-being. He returned after several months. The documentary film Metallica: Some Kind of Monster shows the band dealing with this and other challenges while making the album.

After Hetfield returned, the band hired Robert Trujillo as their new bassist. This new lineup has been making music and touring ever since. On April 4, 2009, Hetfield and other members of Metallica were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a huge honor for any musician.

Hetfield's Guitar Skills

Hetfield is famous for his "downpicking" style, where he almost only uses downstrokes with his pick. This creates a heavy and aggressive sound. He holds his pick with his thumb, index, and middle fingers, which he says gives him more stability and control when playing at high speeds.

Life Outside of Music

Hetfield backstage in 2004

Hetfield married Francesca Tomasi in 1997, and they have three children together. The family moved to Vail, Colorado, a place he enjoys for its natural beauty and quiet environment. He and Francesca divorced in 2022.

In his free time, Hetfield has many hobbies. He enjoys hunting, farming, and beekeeping. He is also a big fan of customizing cars and motorcycles. He loves watching sports, especially the Las Vegas Raiders and the San Francisco Giants.

Hetfield has several tattoos. One on his arm shows flames around four playing cards: an ace, 9, 6, and 3. This represents 1963, the year he was born. The flames are a reminder of his on-stage accident in 1992.

His Famous Guitars and Gear

Hetfield has used many different guitars throughout his career. He is well-known for playing ESP Guitars, especially models shaped like the Gibson Explorer. He has had several signature guitars made for him by ESP.

Some of his most famous guitars have nicknames, like "Eet Fuk" and "So What." He also uses guitars from other brands like Gibson.

• 

  ESP Iron Cross Snow White James Hetfield Signature

• 

  Playing the ESP/LTD Snakebyte

• 

  Eet Fuk Guitar

• 

  A yellow and black Iron Cross

For his sound, Hetfield uses a variety of amplifiers. In the early days, he used Marshall amps. Since the mid-1980s, he has mostly used amps from Mesa/Boogie. He also uses different effect pedals to create unique sounds, which are controlled by his guitar technician during live shows.

Discography

Metallica

• Kill 'Em All (1983)
• Ride the Lightning (1984)
• Master of Puppets (1986)
• ...And Justice for All (1988)
• Metallica (1991)
• Load (1996)
• Reload (1997)
• St. Anger (2003)
• Death Magnetic (2008)
• Hardwired... to Self-Destruct (2016)
• 72 Seasons (2023)

Film and TV Appearances

Besides music, Hetfield has also appeared in movies and on TV shows. He often plays himself, but he has also taken on acting and voice-acting roles.

See also

In Spanish: James Hetfield para niños