James Hetfield has opened up about the Metallica songs he finds most challenging to perform live. During a recent episode of The Metallica Report podcast, he mentioned “Moth Into Flame” and “Master of Puppets” as tracks that really test his stamina on stage. Hetfield explained that every band member has their own tough songs, and they support each other through the challenges.
The difficulty of “Moth Into Flame” was highlighted during the 2017 GRAMMY Awards when Hetfield performed with Lady Gaga. His microphone malfunctioned, leaving him struggling to be heard. He had to crowd near Gaga’s working mic to finish the performance.
As the band gets older, Hetfield noted that they’ve had to adjust their touring schedule. They’ve reduced the number of shows and now include breaks between tour legs. “It’s a testament to being human and aging,” he said, acknowledging the need to listen to their bodies.
The M72 tour features a unique circular stage in the center of stadiums, allowing Hetfield to feel closer to fans compared to traditional end-stage setups. This design helps keep the energy high and prevents burnout, especially with fast, heavy songs.
After the M72 tour wraps up, Metallica will kick off a Las Vegas residency called Life Burns Faster. Despite the challenges, “Master of Puppets” remains a staple in nearly every setlist, while “Moth Into Flame,” from their 2016 album Hardwired… to Self-Destruct, continues to be a fan favorite. Keep an eye out for all their upcoming tour dates!
