Randy Blythe Says James Hetfield “Literally Helped Save My Life”
If there’s any positive side to James Hetfield’s struggles with sobriety, it’s that he continues to set a powerful example for others. There’s a lot of partying in metal — heck it’s often part of the appeal! But Hetfield has demonstrated that sobriety is not an insurmountable mountain, and that, furthermore, partying less doesn’t have to mean you’re no longer cool. He has been, in other words, a role model for others who are fighting the same demons.
Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta said as much over the weekend, asserting that he “would not have given up drinking if it wasn’t for James and the example he set.”
Now Metal Insider reports that Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe has echoed Jasta’s sentiments. Commenting on Jasta’s initial Instagram post, Blythe said:
“I got sober while we were on tour with Metallica almost 9 years ago. The first day of that run, one of my crew guys came to me and said ‘Hey, Hetfield’s looking for you’- we had been touring with them in the States & Europe for over a year and I was just RAGING, especially in Europe, but inside I was MISERABLE. He knew I had been trying to quit drinking, it wasn’t working for me anymore, & it all came to an end in Australia. A HUGE FACTOR in my willingness & ability to get sober while on fucking heavy metal tour was the fact that I had James & some of his crew who were also sober to talk to- I didn’t have to do it alone. James & crew babied me through my first month of sobriety out there on the road- it was a heavy trip. I couldn’t have done it without them. When I saw the news about James today, I hurt so bad inside for him, because he was there for me when I was in such bad shape- I know how dark it can get. But it was also a very strong reminder for me of what I am, & what waits for me if I fuck up & forget I am alcoholic. If you’re an alcoholic, NO ONE IS IMMUNE, no matter how long you have been sober. James is in the right place right now, though, & as he has gone there of his own volition, it sounds like to me he wants sobriety back- and that is the key to it all, you have to want it. So my thoughts & prayers are with him- I love that dude. He literally helped SAVE MY LIFE.”
I know a lot of us have uttered the words “James Hetfield saved my life” before, but Blythe is the rare individual who can say it in a literal sense. I’m sure Hetfield has other things on his mind right now, but hopefully he has at least some modicum of awareness that he’s been such an inspiration to others.
Party responsibly, everyone.
