Metallica frontman recalls drug battle

Metallica frontman James Hetfield fought back tears as he recalled his battle with drug and alcohol addiction at a benefit on Friday (May 12th), reports Reuters. The singer/guitarist was honored at a fundraiser for the MusiCares MAP Fund, which helps musicians dealing with addiction and recovery. In his speech, Hetfield spoke about the documentary Some Kind Of Monster, which chronicled the band's near break-up as he went away for a lengthy stint in rehab. He said that the movie "took the mystique and the mystery out of the rock myth 'sex, drugs and rock n' roll.' What a horrible statement, to me. It is a myth."

He also spoke about his "daily struggle" and thanked his family, bandmates and producer Bob Rock for saving his life. The singer and guitarist began his speech by asking for a moment of silence "for the people who didn't make it, that aren't with us, who could be and I think should be."

The event concluded with a three-song set by Hetfield, Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo and Alice In Chains members Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney. The foursome played "Them Bones" and "Would?" by Alice In Chains and "Nothing Else Matters".

Other performers included Velvet Revolver, Jason Mraz, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Tom Waits, while guests included Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich and guitarist Kirk Hammett, and Red Hot Chili Peppers singer Anthony Kiedis.

The event raised about $300,000 for the MusiCares MAP Fund.
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