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James Hetfield

Historical Figure

James Hetfield

b. 1963

American musician (born 1963)

Postwar

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"Cliff Burton and James Hetfield Final Interview 1986" — 1986

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Key Dates

Biography

James Alan Hetfield is an American musician. He is the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, co-founder, and a primary songwriter of heavy metal band Metallica. He is mainly known for his raspy voice and intricate rhythm playing, but occasionally performs lead guitar duties and solos both live and in studio. Hetfield co-founded Metallica in October 1981 after answering an advertisement by drummer Lars Ulrich in the Los Angeles newspaper The Recycler. Metallica has won 10 Grammy Awards and released 11 studio albums, three live albums, four extended plays, and 24 singles. Hetfield is often regarded as one of the greatest rhythm guitar players of all time.

Source: Wikipedia · Compiled March 2026 · AI-summarized

Timeline

1963
Birth

American singer-songwriter and guitarist (Metallica, Spastik Children, and Leather Charm)

August 3 →
1981
Event

Heavy metal band Metallica was founded by Lars Ulrich1 and James Hetfield.

October 28 →
1981
Event

en los Estados Unidos, Lars Ulrich y James Hetfield forman la banda de thrash metal Metallica.

October 28 →

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