Metallica Postpones Arizona Concert After James Hetfield Catches COVID-19
Metallica has postponed night two of the band’s M72 World Tour concert in Arizona after frontman James Hetfield tested positive for COVID-19.
The legendary metal group, which played its opening show at Glendale’s State Farm Stadium on Friday (Sept. 1), announced through social media the following afternoon that the foursome is rescheduling its Sunday (Sept. 4) performance following Hetfield’s diagnosis.
“We’re very sorry to report that tomorrow’s scheduled M72 date at State Farm Stadium has been postponed to Saturday, September 9, 2023, as, unfortunately, COVID has caught up with James,” Metallica wrote on X (formerly Twitter) alongside a photo of singer’s positive COVID test.
“We’re extremely disappointed and regret any inconvenience this has caused you; we look forward to returning to complete the M72 No Repeat Weekend in Glendale next Saturday.”
Metallica managed to get through its opening show at State Farm Stadium on Friday, but Hetfield struggled with vocal issues during performance, according to the Arizona Republic. The band also shortened its set by two songs, eliminating “The Day That Never Comes” and “Master of Puppets.”
Despite the postponement, other events as part of the M72 Weekend Takeover around Phoenix were still scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Metallica wrote in its post. Those included a tribute show, pop-up shops, whiskey tastings and more.
After the band’s rescheduled show in Arizona, Metallica will perform a headlining set at Power Trip fest on Oct. 8 in Indio, Calif. The group’s next M72 Weekend Takeover takes place at St. Louis’ Dome at America’s Center on Nov. 3 and 5.
See Metallica’s post on X below.
Mitchell Peters
Billboard
