Metallica Postpones Arizona Concert After James Hetfield Tests Positive for COVID

Metallica was unable to take the stage in Arizona on Sunday.

The metal band announced on social media on Saturday that their lead vocalist and guitarist James Hetfield has tested positive for COVID-19, forcing them to postpone the second of two concerts at Glendale, Arizona’s State Farm Stadium.

After Friday night’s performance, the band, which includes Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Robert Trujillo and Lars Ulrich, shared the 60-year-old musician’s diagnosis on Instagram with a photo of his positive COVID test. “Unfortunately, COVID has caught up with James,” the group captioned the post. “We are extremely disappointed and sorry for the inconvenience this has caused you.”

A Dog Sneaked Out and Attended a Metallica Concert in California — Check Out the Sweet Photo!

According to Republic of Arizona, several songs, including their hit “Master of Puppets,” were noticeably dropped from their set list during Friday night’s concert. They also reported that Hetfield seemed to struggle with his vocals, opting for more audience participation as the performance progressed.

The rock legends have managed to push back their second Arizona tour, which is part of their M72 World Tour, to Saturday, September 9.

“We look forward to returning to close out the M72 No Repeat Weekend in Glendale next Saturday,” the Grammy winners continued. “All tickets for September 3 will be sold out at the fair on September 9. For more information, including refund information if you can’t join next weekend, visit SeatGeek.com. Stay tuned to Metallica.com and our social media for additional details and updates.”

Several artists commented on the band’s “Nothing Else Matters” post, wishing Hetfield well. Special guests M72 Pantera World Tour commented: “I hope you feel better soon James 🙌” and country singer Jason Isbell replied: “Respect for telling the truth.”

Metallica.

Monica Schipper/Getty

Do you remember which hand you last vaccinated against Covid? It matters — as does the timing of your booster

The EG.5 variant, also known as “Eris,” is now the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The variant is said to be related to the XBB variant, which has been circulating for the past six months, and has a certain mutation that can evade forms of immunity.

Earlier this year, Bruce Springsteen also had to cancel a show due to COVID-19. The rocker, 73, tested positive in April shortly after playing his first concert in seven years in his native New Jersey, which prevented him from attending the awards.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Axl Rose Helped Carrie Underwood Pick Rock Songs To Cover While Singing For Guns N’ Roses (Exclusive)

Metallica is currently on the road in support of the release of their 11th studio album, 72 Seasons.

Several famous guests were seen having a good time at the thrash metal icon’s performance.

Actor Joe Manganiello attended one of the band’s Los Angeles tour stops at SoFi Stadium in August, enjoying their set from the VIP section while wearing their own merchandise.

At the second concert at SoFi Stadium, several celebrities mingled backstage with the band and openers Pantera, including John Travolta, Jason Momoa, Tommy Lee and Mötley Crüe’s John 5, actress Adria Arjona and Vanderpump Rules star Tom Sandoval.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education