Metallica Cancels Some Festival Dates

Metallica frontman James Hetfield is working on his mental health and sobriety. To that end, Metallica has canceled festival gigs, including the headline slot at Sonic Temple in Columbus, Ohio this May. The band will be replaced by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Tool. Some will see this as an upgrade. Others will be disappointed. Honestly I just hope James gets the help he needs.

Comments

[Steverox]

Huge loss for Louder than Life! I heard the Columbus dates they pulled out were replaced by Red Hot Chili Peppers and Tool. Sorry but that is a huge downgrade. But how do you replace Metallica?

Hey Danny Wimmer, here’s an idea! You know this German band Rammstein? They are in the US that weekend, and have no shows planned in between Texas and California gigs! How about that? I know it wouldn’t be their full production but you can make some pyro work right??? That’s your headliner, it’s too damn obvious so it won’t happen.

[bryon]

I'm going to both festivals this year and am totally disappointed that Metallica pulled out. They are my all-time favorite band and I'm not fan of either of the replacements, so it's a massive downgrade for me. That said, we've seen enough abuse & mental health related deaths in rock & roll over the last few years that I'm glad that James is doing what he needs to do to stay healthy.

[Bkallday]

Rammstein for LTL headliner? No thanks lol

[steverox]

OK, so scrap Rammstein. It won't happen anyway as it would be too perfect but I agree they're not going to add a festival stop with no production in the middle of their gigantic US stadium tour.

But I just don't think Chili Peppers and Tool are in the same league as Metallica. Granted, there are few bands in the same league, and one of them (GNR) played last year already. So I'm just wondering who else is there? Personally, I'd love to see Maiden, AC/DC or the Crue headline the two open nights. Right now none of those 3 have dates booked that weekend.

I'd also love to see Ghost, but they're not touring this year. Scorpions would be another great addition and potentially even headliner.

I went last year, but am waiting on the lineup to decide if I go this year.

[GNR]

Totally off topic, but saw David Lee Roth open for Kiss last night. Love me some DLR, but that was not good to see, listen, or have sympathy for. Kiss, was well Kiss... liked they threw in a couple of older songs I haven't heard in awhile Parasite, for example. Feels like the End of the Road though, as the "show" stays the same.

[GNR]

On topic, sucks for the festivals for sure. But way to go for James to stay in front of mental health.

Loved the Eddie Money tribute he did the other day:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRG1YmtIjFY

[Gary]

I wouldn't go see the Chili Peppers if they were playing in my backyard and I had to get out of the recliner and walk to the kitchen to get there.They just never did it for me.Just not my cup old tea. But to each his own.

@Steve. Now Rammstein is a different story. "Du Hast" on that...🤘🔥

[Bkallday]

RHCP are cool imo but those other 3 you mentioned sound amazing. Maiden, Crüe, or AC/DC would be incredible. I agree btw that the Peppers & Tool arent adequate replacements for Metallica. And this is more of a hard rock/heavy metal festival so that’s the direction they need to go, imho. I’ve been to 2 of the 3 they’ve had and may go again this yr if they make the right call. Glad I saw Metallica last time they were in the Ville though! 🤘🏼

[Dj]

Most importantly James needs to focus on his health and sobriety, Metallica shows and fans can wait, it's unbelievable that fans are pissed off over it. Wouldn't you want to see James healthy, live longer, and give better performances? Sure drunk 80s and 90s James was untouchable as a frontman but you can't do that at 50 night after night and feel good the next day.
That being said the Chilli Peppers are not a suitable replacement, I like their "greatest hits" but I'd say Judas Priest would make more sense.

[Him]

I slag on modern day 'Tallica all the time. Thing is, if that is what he needs to do, that is what he needs to do. Wimmer was making a huge bet booking that band this summer. Contractually, I am sure some contingencies were baked in to the fine print. For fans? A similar issue: you hoped 'Tallica would be back in fighting shape. You bet wrong on those two dates.

That said, I thought James' explanation was heartfelt. Good for him. Some can live that life . . . until they don't. Others want something better and live a different life . . . until they don't.

[Bkallday]

Ive seen them 11 times over the years, so i guess ill survive. Lol