Early Life and Career
James Hetfield was born on August 3, 1963, in Downey, California, under the zodiac sign of Leo. Now 62 years old, he grew up idolizing Aerosmith, which sparked his passion for music. He taught himself to play the guitar, bass, and piano during his teenage years. This drive led him to co-found Metallica in 1981, responding to a classified ad placed by drummer Lars Ulrich in The Recycler magazine.
Hetfield serves as Metallica’s lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter. The band, featuring bassist Robert Trujillo and lead guitarist Kirk Hammett, has earned multiple Grammy Awards for its heavy metal prowess. In 2009, author Joel McIver ranked him as the eighth greatest metal guitarist of all time. His raw energy and intricate riffs have defined the genre for decades. Metallica’s success stems from relentless touring and albums like Master of Puppets, but Hetfield’s personal struggles often fuel the lyrics.
Personal Life and Legacy
Hetfield married Francesca Tomasi on August 17, 1997. They raised three children: daughters Cali and Marcella, and son Castor. In August 2022, he filed for divorce, marking a significant personal shift after 25 years together. Despite fame, he maintains a private life in Colorado, where he enjoys hunting and classic cars as hobbies—specific outlets for his introspective side.
A traumatic event at age 16 profoundly shaped him. His mother succumbed to cancer without medical intervention, adhering to Christian Science beliefs. This loss inspired Metallica’s poignant track “The God That Failed” from their 1988 album …And Justice for All.
Hetfield’s journey reflects resilience, turning hardship into heavy metal anthems that resonate worldwide.