Metallica Cancels Headlining Performances at Louder Than Life

Metallica made a public statement today (2/24).

Due to James' recovery efforts, the following announcement was made today on Metallica's Facebook page:

Dear Metallica Family,

It pains me to write this, but I have to let all of you know that I cannot make it to Sonic Temple in Columbus and Louder Than Life in Louisville this year. As part of my continuing effort to get and stay healthy, I have critical recovery events on those weekends that cannot be moved. I apologize to all of our fans who have bought tickets for these festivals. We are working with the festival promoters to provide for refunds or exchanges.

My intent with this statement is saying “I apologize” to each one of you. The reality is that I have not prioritized my health in the past year of touring and I now know that my mental health comes first. That might sound like a no-brainer for most of you but I didn’t want to let the Metallica team/family down and, I alone completely compromised myself.

Looking on the brighter side, my therapy is going well. It was absolutely necessary for me to look after my mental, physical, and spiritual health.

I want to stress that the band will play all other announced 2020 shows.

I am looking forward to getting back to playing and seeing all our great South American fans in April. And, of course, playing the Epicenter in Charlotte, Welcome To Rockville, in Daytona and Aftershock Festival in Sacramento. We will still play two unique sets at each of these festivals.

Beyond 2020, I am optimistic about the blessings I have been given and what the future brings. I appreciate all the great prayers and support from everyone since I went into rehab last September. Like the moth into the flame, being human in this career has its huge challenges and can be difficult. Your understanding helps the healing.

- James

We are super bummed to hear this, but we understand that James needs all the support he can get.  We fully support his recovery efforts, and hope Metallica can make it back this direction in the future.  To our winners who won Louder Than Life tickets with our Mega Metallica promotion, you are still guaranteed those tickets.   Louder Than Life's full lineup should be announced in the coming months.

If you purchased tickets to Louder Than Life, and would like a refund, here's the info.

Sonic Temple and Louder Than Life pass holders who would like to exchange their passes to see Metallica at another Danny Wimmer Presents festival, or would like to receive a refund, will be able to do so starting this Friday, February 28. An email will be sent out to purchasers from Front Gate Ticketing on Friday at 10:00 AM EST with complete exchange and refund details.

At this time, a new headliner for Louder than Life has not been announced, as Gary Spivack, Head of Talent here at DWP, says: "How do you replace a band like Metallica? Luckily, for Sonic Temple we were able to. For Louder than Life we want to do it right so we're gonna take a step back and give the fans what they deserve and we will get back to you as soon as we are ready to announce it publicly."