A rare interview with James Hetfield from Absent/movie 

You broke the cycle James.... you did it. I hope you get to be grandpa Het... you fucking deserve it.

10:41 - "what do you think the most personal track is to you?" How quick James answered "Unforgiven" hurt my heart.

James is the motherfucking man. Easily one of the greatest frontmen, and coolest dudes, of all time. I have a massive amount of respect for him.

This video sums up why I look up to James as much as I do. He's the reason I play guitar. He's truly my biggest role model.

Nothing but respect for Hetfield

he is one of the most honest, gold-hearted dude I know , main reason why I ll never stop listening to Metallica

I cried, no wept, for about 3 hours after watching this. Rare to find that kind of honesty, a treasure.

James, will be the coolest grandpa in the world!

James is the most identifiable member of metallica and the one most fans connect to the most

To go through what James has gone through while keeping his golden, positive outlook on life is the trademark of a very strong individual.

I was watching this documentary on Netflix, and didn't even know James was in it. I thought it was an interesting documentary and then all of a sudden, "One" starts playing. "Huh, that's an odd song choice for this, why are they--HOLY SHIT, IT'S JAMES!"

Wow, the people saying James should never have gone through rehab 'cause it "ruined him"... just means they never really liked the actual James since that's who he is now, they liked the drunk asshole who didn't know who he was. Go figure. James is great, it's so nice to see that he's woken up and grown up whilst others haven't.

James is the absolute most human metal front man there is. I've never seen anyone else in that industry more genuine and down to earth with "regular" people. He is a regular dude.

This guy has a better handle on life than most people I know.

I grew up my entire life without a father and my family was in a close minded religion (JW's) which is very similar in many ways to Christian Science. Hetfield WAS my father figure growing up and Metallica helped me through a lot of horrible times in my life. People scoff at the idea of metal music healing your soul but those people haven't got a clue. I tell them to look at James Hetfield's life and imagine the dark roads he could have taken but instead he let music be his release and his therapy. It's therapy for us all James!!! Thank you for everything.

James reading his own lyrics out loud without singing them is so strange, but I love it

That was a really deep interview. I have a similar past to James so I can definitely relate but the way he turns his anger, sadness, emotions into music is what makes him a legend and why they will always be my number one band.

he's such an amazing person, this interview made me cry so hard

The one thing I like by THIS James Hetfield (post rehab, sober, etc...) is how human and down to earth he really is. That's why people relate more than ever, because sans the fame, money, fans, etc...he's just like "one of us" that goes through life's struggles, insecurities, etc...amazing!

James is one tough dude he's been through a lot of shit in his life so all you people bitching about how he sings give the guy a break

"Then we'll see if I let you love me" I love St. Anger. it has some of James' best lyrics ever. in fact some of the best lyrics ever.

Kind of adds new meaning to when he says during live performances: 'Is the Metallica family here?'

He definitly looks like his mom, a lot! Cool guy PapaHet, lucky kids he's got.

It's really awesome how far he's come, from angry young metal dude ( read Mick Wall's biography of Metallica) to family man. James is the man!

The more I learn about James Hetfield the more respect I have for him. He's an awesome musician...awesome parent...awesome role model...awesome person. Not a day goes by that I don't thank my lucky stars for having an opportunity to meet him in person.

James Hetfield is my hero. This man is a musical legend

James Hetfield is a great man, who has a fantastic history's life and a hero: He is strong, spirtualist, has personality and the most important: he is keepp doing the best just because he believes in his dreams and he is a great man because he cares his family. So beautiful!!!God bless you James!

I can't say too many times that: I LOVE U, JAMES! You're the reason I want to keep living. This f*ckin' world has give me a lot to go through, the most of it when I was a kid, just like you. I really feel you, James, I really do... When I listen to Metallica everything just goes away, and that's the one reason to keep fighting. Looking forward to see you as grandpa Het, you'll be amazing with your grand kids, just like you are with your beautiful kids now.

This is why I'm Metallica fan and have been since 8 years old. 25 years later, it still hits me just as hard. Even as a kid, you can make connections to the lyrics, even if you're not entirely sure why.

The things that James have through just make me think “ Wow that must have been so horrible and hard to even be alive even when he was so young, this breaks my heart into a million pieces.” every time I hear the story about James childhood, I can just feel the sadness and anger that James went through. James deserves to have peace because he has gone through so much so hang in there James, everything will get better, you are not alone James you are not alone.

And once again, James’ words pull me out of the depression hole I was sliding toward. So much love & respect for Het.

I just want to give him a big hug!! 😪

In some ways Hetfield is the polar opposite to Ulrich

James is a really good man. He proove it all the time. He is a very good example to copy and I wish to be like him. Huge respect for you James! You went through a lot but you didn't lose your faith. You are AMAZING!

True definition of a boy evolving, maturing into a man, a better man.

I always felt a connection to James because we were both born in August of 1963. I can look at photos of him through the years and know what I was going through at that particular time. I’m so sorry about what he went through with his family, it’s truly heartbreaking. I’ll say this, he’s making up for it now because now he has one hell of a life! Obviously, it’s not all great all the time (who’s life is?), but he is taking what he’s learned from his experiences and trying to be a better parent to his own children because of them. This is why I love and respect James so much. Rock on, bro. 🤘

I watched this and sobbed. I knew a lot about his childhood, but never heard him really talk about it. I love that he tried to have some sort of relationship with his dad. I admire that James has owned up to his faults and grown as a man. I'd love to sit down and talk to him about trauma. Because I feel like he would be able to help give some insight into MY trauma.

Holy shit! what an interview

"Our children have no choice in what kind of parent we're gonna be" sums up my own broken family and childhood. Thank you James for that pearl of wisdom. Thank you for making father and husband more important roles than musician. Thats what makes me personally, look up to you for so long. At 52, i'm still enjoying METALLICA. They make me bust out the Les Paul and act like a youngster quite often. God bless you all.☺🙏💜👍

a heart of gold

Such an inspiration, human and living legend. Vulnerable and brave man. Love you.

Wherever i may roam

Takes alot to be that humble and honest once your father has bailed.Yout thought process gets fumbled because it's a significant person gone out of your life.Hetfield couldn't have said it any better.

wow!! the strength that James has as a person. coming from a feeling of not good enough to being a guy who's career and integrity can stand alone! horns up!!

He deserves our respect , just an awesome person , thank you James for making my life just a little better

"The world doesn't revolve around James Hetfield," being humble is great but you also have to be honest. The world, does in fact, revolve around James Hetfield, never forget it.

Really explains a lot.

WOW! i've never hear James be so honest & open

James I feel your pain. You are an inspiration. I don’t know if you’ve overcome your pain but, you’ve made me get through my pain better just hearing your story. You are awesome brother. I know you will never read this but I love you!!!

Wow. This interview was even deeper and more heart-breaking than the whole Some Kind of Monster Movie. He really puts out whats been boiling all those years within his head. Best interview with James. Im glad he opened up and stop the "im a rock"-attitude. Very inspirational and moving words. Thanks for the Upload!

what an amazing interview... loads of stuff I had never heard about James...

He sounds like he's at peace with his derailed childhood. That's a great thing to get over. It doesn't always make for great powerful rock music, but it makes for a good father.

It's James who reads them and because of that they just can be read emotionally.

나와 나이가 같은 제임스, 1983년 처음 그의 노래듣고 지금까지 메탈리카 좋아하고 존경합니다. 그와 동시대를 살고 있어 너무나 행복합니다. 멀리서 늘 제임스 응원합니다. 건강하세요❤❤

Raw and real on growing up without a male mentor - made me realise how I have grown up.

James being back into rehab was first on the news last Friday...on September 27th...that is the day cliff died. I wonder if his loss has still something to do with all that. Stay strong James and keep fighting the wolf inside you!

His music helped me through hard times in my life. I would say that to him, if i would ever meet him. And thank him for that.

James is my inspiration as a musician and in life...THANK YOU.

Much renewed respect for James

I've always loved Metallica, but the more I get to hear him talk about his life and what he's been through, the more I love James Hetfield as a person. He had such a hard childhood, but found a way to turn it into something amazing. Keep going James, and I hope we get to hear many more great records from Metallica!

The best thing I have ever watched about Hetfield. It takes a lot of courage to tell people those things about your life, especially when you get picked apart as Metallica so often does. I've been a Metallica fan as long as I can remember and James is still the draw to the band, especially after Jason left. Very cool video...

Live and breathe Metallica, as a guitarist I was hooked on Kirk as my idol but the more I see and hear of James - the guys a fucking legend and badass riff god

I saw the pain and sadness in his eyes when he was talking about his moms death and his father and i usually cant do that, seeing peoples actual feelings and emotions. Then i saw something again when he was on the interwiew about Cliff's death, i wanna say hopelessness but i dont know how do describe it since english isnt my main language. Maybe its that, he didnt helped him, tho he cant do anything at that situation, i understand that. But i gotta say, hes the best, he will be the best and he was the best in person and in Metallica. We love you James

Great interview, but such bad audio.

Now, the people who are ignorant enough to say he doesn't give a fuck about making a new album needs to watch this video. James wants to be a great father, and hopefully grandfather, so everyone should leave him to it.

If you didn't know who he was and you talked to him,you would never know he fronts one of the biggest bands in history. He does not come off like a rock star in any way. How can someone so big in music be so humble about it? I find that amazing about him.

it's hard not to tear up when i watch and feel the that hatred towards my dad, thank you james for this and for the music.

Raw. Real. 💔

This interview has got to be the best I've seen in years! Wow so much honesty from James! I cried during the whole thing 😢🥲

ppl give him shit for being able analyze those things and write about them...but it takes a man to do that.

great guy, god musician!!

My favorite vocalist/ rhythm guitarist as well as my childhood idol you are the man James!

Unforgiven 1 is the story of my childhood as well, with all of the abuse from my father, who I found out at 18 adopted me when I wasn't even 3.

Who would've thought James Hetfield lead singer in Metallica back in the day talking about "the love in the world", it's nice to know were the music really comes from.

A really great interview -very personal because James Hetsfield is so openminded and genuine about his own experiences and memories, his family life and everything. The guy is awesome -extremely talented in the arts he is doing (his music and hes fantasticly well -written lyrics). And he is amazingly talented in maintaining hes own personal mental strenth all through anything he has gone through and goes though. I have the biggest respect for James. A truly tarrific person -And very thoughful:-)

Role model to follow. Such a great inspiration to me ever since I was 14.

was a carrot used for a mic?

So awesome! Such brutal honesty! He didn't have to do this but he did! How honorable!

Coming from a similar background, a very similar background, I respect him immensely for the willingness to be this open.

Damn, never had any idea he went through so much shit growing up, and then Cliff dying on top of all that too. Glad he’s doing ok now.

I've always felt so bad for him. I couldn't wouldn't understand how it feels to lose ones mother, I just can't.

Its my dream to meet him. For the past 4-5 years James has been my biggest inspiration and influence in my music, and hes been my Role Model. Just from this interview ive learned so much about him.

This makes me cry. This is a window to James’s heart.

James, you are a tariffic human being, being so honest and genuine in your view on the many essential aspects of human life. Showing so clearly that you are really sensitive and not the least scared of going in to deep thinking about the darker and more gloomy aspects of being a human. Not being afraid of opening all up in terms of your addictive side having taken way too much control for quite some years and then completely getting out of that and being all clear and aware of everything again :-).

James Hetfield is a hero. An inspiration. He is a masterpiece. An integral part of the music industry. One of the many people who makes sure that music stays honest and meaningful even though we are in a world run by pop idol, x factor, dj what's his name and wow look at me I just took a piss so let's make a tv show about it. Thanks Papa Het !!

james hetfield knows the struggle is real

Your a GREAT GUY James Hetfield....one in a million YOU!!

the thing that really touched me was when he talked about the passing of his parents and the stuggle he went through his life and metallica and music saved him let him let all his emotion out and put them in to songs very touchy :(

I would love to hear James read all of his most personal lyrics like spoken poetry

So sorry for the loss of your mom James, so sorry you were put through so much heartbreak & pain.

audio sucks, but james is kindda going to out-burst his tears

...wow. I have watched an uncountable number of hours of Metallica footage, and have never seen this kind of inner emotion from James. Yes, he has mentioned or vaguely referenced his past, but never with such straight-forwardness. I was almost in tears, as was he. This is sooo good to see and hear he has accepted the past. This clip says so much and answers alot of questions for many. Thank you. I know I will take away from this a better tomorrow.

Thank you James and all your Metallica family I beat my dope addiction through master of Puppets, I play every day and come what may your drive to life, and acknowledged the darkness bringing lies to face truth . I am from Mississippi the blues are this way a sad song a ,glad song .only dark until dawn shared pain brings release. Thank you brother my the Source of music bring forth the healing your courage brings me . Stephen s. Phillips.

the best his interview

So glad I watched this such honesty.

Thank you James.

This Man is so humble, thank full, ADORES HIS WIFE AND KIDS, almost lost them. He came back??? I didn't know he ever left... Extremely kind and looks out for everyone around him...he deserves no negative comments, he's a Human Being and alot of people depend on him to have that life, he knows the responsibility of Sobriety and Family.. blah blah blah.. Oh jeez, that 1st wife of his, Lars....hehehe

Everything James just spoke about I agree with him going up there was never much love in my house when I turn 25 and met my wife learning how to accept love let alone saying the words I love you we're so hard for me it was complicated Metallica has been there for me since the age of seven when I started listening to them I am 34 now I've always felt a connection with you James now I know why I love you James Hetfield you're my friend I love the whole band including Jason even though he left broke my heart but thank you papa het I know you were there for me and I know you were there for a lot of other teenagers even adults going through some hard times in their lives cuz I know you were there for me man and I was dying in the ICU I had Metallica in my headphones playing when I got to the rehab hospital in a wheelchair when I had to learn how to walk due to getting shot 14 times Metallica were in my ear playing helping me not to quit I can walk today with a limp but I walk and most importantly I told my son and my wife everyday that I love them and I mean it and they feel it and they give it to them as much as possible and metallic was right there with me every step of the way of learning I love you Papa HET

One of the best Hetfield interviews.

After all these years of watching Metallica, Vids,Concerts & Interviews it's good to see James is truly happy!! Peace!