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Metallica have paid tribute to Green Day after replacing them as headliners at Voodoo Festival in New Oreleans.
Frontman for the metal gods, James Hetfield, attempted to ease the disappointment of any Green Day fans two songs in by joking: "We are Green Day... except a little taller."
The punk-rock trio pulled out of the festival because of singer, Billie Joe Armstrong's recent personal problems.
Hetfield went on to dedicate Metallica hit 'Battery' to the troubled rocker. "This one's for Billie", he professed (as reported by the NME) before the band launched into the song.
Metallica during their headline set at this year's Download Festival
Armstrong checked in to rehab in September to be treated for a reported 'substance abuse' problem.
But perhaps the most touching tribute was during Metallica's encore. Hetfield continued to bear Green Day fans in mind when interacting with the crowd.
He said: "You're hoping Green Day are going to show up, right? So am I. They're getting help. They're getting it sorted out. The world needs them."
Before they played their track 'Creeping Death', the four-piece also struck up the intro of Green Day classic 'American Idiot'.
The rendition received a rapturous applause but was cut short after the opening chords.
Hetfield then confessed: "We can't play that song."
Unfortunately for Green Day fans, Metallicas's short-lived cover is likely to be the only live version of the track they will hear for some time.
Yesterday, Green Day announced they would be cancelling all their remaining dates in 2012, and postponing all the shows they had scheduled for 2013.
Bassist, Mike Dirnt, attempted to explain the situation to the trios' fans.
A statement on the band's website read: "Obviously the timing for this isn’t ideal, but Billie Joe’s well-being is our main concern.
"We are happy to say that Billie Joe is doing well, and we want to thank you all for the outpouring of support and well wishes that we have received, and we can't wait to see you all again soon."
See Metallica's tribute to Green Day at Voodoo Festival below.
Photos: music's most shocking on-stage meltdowns - Billie Joe and more
