James Hetfield, Metallica’s frontman, has made it clear that the band will not be content to live off their past success as a “legacy band.” In a recent appearance on the *Metallica Report* podcast, Hetfield expressed his commitment to continually producing and performing new material, including songs from their 2023 album *72 Seasons*. Hetfield emphasized the importance of incorporating new music into their performances, while balancing it with fan favorites from their extensive catalog. He explained that the band is “not afraid” of playing new songs but understands the need to offer audiences the hits they love.
Hetfield also took a stand against the idea of Metallica relying solely on their greatest hits. While acknowledging the nostalgia surrounding their earlier work, he said the band never wants to be a group that only plays their biggest tracks from the past. “We certainly don’t want to be a legacy band,” Hetfield remarked. He insisted that new material is an essential part of their shows, ensuring that the band stays current and continues to push their creative boundaries.
As Metallica’s M72 tour rolls on, Hetfield shared an interesting philosophy behind their live performances—mistakes are welcomed. He described a sense of comfort within the band, knowing that not every song will go off perfectly. “All mistakes are free,” he said, explaining that fans have come to embrace the band’s raw and sometimes flawed performances, allowing each show to be unique. This approach, according to Hetfield, helps to maintain authenticity and spontaneity during concerts.
For Metallica, these so-called mistakes serve a higher purpose, as they make each live performance distinct. Hetfield noted that when things go wrong on stage, they’re able to adapt, often turning these moments into something memorable. “It’s a challenge,” he said, describing how the band deals with these situations by either restarting the song or even adding back a forgotten section later in the performance. These moments of spontaneity, Hetfield believes, are what make Metallica’s concerts one-of-a-kind experiences.
Hetfield also praised the band’s fans for their support and understanding. He remarked that there is a “freedom” in knowing that the audience allows Metallica to be human and embrace imperfection. “There’s a grace that they allow us,” he said, acknowledging that this mutual respect fuels the band’s confidence on stage. According to Hetfield, this freedom empowers the band to focus on delivering their best possible performance, knowing that their fans will appreciate the effort, regardless of any technical mishaps.
As Metallica prepares for more shows and continues their legacy of pushing the boundaries of heavy metal, Hetfield’s comments reaffirm the band’s refusal to rest on their laurels. With new music at the forefront of their creative journey and a refreshing openness to mistakes, Metallica remains committed to staying relevant and evolving, rather than settling into the role of a legacy band that solely revisits its past achievements.
