Metallica’s James Hetfield has said that the freedom he’s afforded within the band negates any need for pursuing any side projects.
Hetfield was speaking with radio station WRIF ahead of the band’s gig at Comerica Park in Detroit. Asked if he’d consider working outside of the band, he said couldn’t see why he’d need to.
He said: “Metallica’s pretty much my side project. I get to do whatever I want in Metallica – there's not really a need for it.
“I write things that make me feel good and if they end up in Metallica, then that's even better. Sometimes they don't. Sometimes they're like a Nothing Else Matters kind of thing. But, no, there's really no need for that. Or time – there's no time for that either.”
The comments confirm sentiments previously expressed by Hetfield. In 2015, he told Metallica fan club magazine, So What!: “Lars and I steer Metallica most of the time and the other two guys are very happy that’s the way it is. We’re all equal – we’re all contributing in our way.
“I think Lars and I are very comfortable being the spearheads of it. And we are in a great spot because everyone knows the band is prioritised above everything – but everyone also feels free to explore other things."
He added: "It doesn't mean that I don't want to try other things, like voiceover work, a book, photography, art, cars – you name it. I want it to add to me, not subtract from Metallica.”
