James Hetfield recognizes the power of Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters.” After all, there’s a good reason the ballad is the band’s 8th most-performed song in their catalog.
Papa Het touched on the track during Episode 23 of The Metallica Report where he and bassist Rob Trujillo talked about songs they enjoyed playing live.
Hetfield said he really enjoys playing “Nothing Else Matters,” because he loves seeing the outpouring of emotion from fans in the audience.
“I see people – they’re hugging each other, they’re crying… whatever. It’s a very different emotion in the show from just lose your mind and mosh and go crazy,” said Hetfield.
Despite his love of the track today, Hetfield had reservations about “Nothing Else Matters” when Metallica first recorded it for their 1991 self-titled album. As previously reported, Hetfield told Classic Rock in June 2021 that he initially thought writing a love song would make him look weak. Of course, he eventually got over his initial insecurities.
Guitarist Kirk Hammett thought “Nothing Else Matters” was anything but weak. He told Classic Rock in the same interview, ” … James always wanted to be perceived as this guy who is very confident and strong. And for him to write lyrics like that — showing a sensitive side — took a lot of balls.”
Metallica Resumes World Tour in 2024
James Hetfield and Co. will have ample moments to perform “Nothing Else Matters” and many more of their classic hits when they resume their M72 World Tour in May. The band split up their world tour over the course of two years in support of their latest album, 72 Seasons. Their 2024 North American tour dates are below.
8/2 & 8/4 – Foxborough, MA – Gillette Stadium
8/9 & 8/11 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
8/16 & 8/18 – Minneapolis, MN – US Bank Stadium
8/23 & 8/25 – Edmonton, AB – Commonwealth Stadium
8/30 & 9/1 – Seattle, WA – Lumen Field
9/20, 9/22, 9/27, 9/29 – Mexico City, MX – Foro Sol
Show 1 support: Pantera & Mammoth WVH
Show 2 support: Five Finger Death Punch & Ice Nine Kills
Mexico City: Greta Van Fleet replaces Pantera on Show 1 of both weekends