( Name ): James Alan Hetfield
( Born ): August 3, 1963
( From ): Los Angeles, California
( Personal ): Married, 3 children
( Instrument ): Vocals, Guitar
( Vitals ): Blue eyes, blond hair, 6'1", 180lbs.

James Hetfield is the voice, among other things, of Metallica's songs but it wasn't always planned that way... In the early days, Metallica tried a few differnt vocal/guitar configurations. Some of the experiments included adding another guitar player, or having then lead guitar player Dave Mustaine play the sole guitar. John Bush from Amored Saint was even asked to sing for the band at one point. Of course common sense prevailed, James decided to fight harder to establish himself as a frontman and the results are, ahem, history.

When it comes to degfining Metallica, most people use James Hetfield as their guide. There's never any bullshit with James and there's never any shirking of duities. Example? When he recently threw is back out on the summer Sanitarium 2000 tour, James ploughed his way though three weeks of intense physical therapy in four days, according to his physical therapist. And it is this sort of fierce, unbending dedication and devotion to Metallica, which has provided a cornerstone identity through the years for millions of fans.

To trace the roots of Hetfield's unflinching dedication and determination, you have to back to a childhood that was often tough but laid a foundation, which underscores James today. Born to a truck driver and light opera singer on August 3rd, 1963, in Los Angeles, his family's Christian Science religious beliefs played a large part in the young Hetfield's life, and subsequently form a central point for many of Metallica's lyrics. He was 9 years old when he first took piano lessons before taking on brother David's drums and finally picking up a guitar in his pre teens.

With the likes of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Thin Lizzy providing inspiration, James quickly set about the task of becoming a rock star in his first band, Obsession. Made up of the Veloz borhters on bass and drums, with Jim Arnold on guitar, plenty of time was spent in the veloz's garage jamming with Ron McGovney subsequently stepped in alongside Marrs and Hetfield when the Veloz brothers incarenation ended.

After moving to Brea, California, James attended Brea Olinda High School and met up with drummer Jim Mulligan. The two jammed at lunch time scaring fellow guitarist with their loud and heavy sounds before a guy called Hugh Tanner was seen carring around part of a flying V guitar at school. Phantom Lord was born with Hugh on guitar. The group went though a few bass players until graduation when James moved back to Downey.

Back in Downy, James moved into a house owned by Ron McGovney's parents that was slated for demolition due to an expressway expansion. It was the perfect place for James and Ron to crash, rehearse and jam. James talked Ron into taking up bass, Phantom Lord was no more and the third band under Hetfield's leadership, Leather Charm, was born. The only difference between Charm, was born. The only difference between Charm and Lord, was James singing without guitar and Ron playing bass guitar, Hugh Tanner and Jim Mulligan retaining their former Lord positions.

Leather Charm was a largely hard rock combo, playing some originals and covers such as Iron Maiden's "Remember Tomorrow" amongst others. The band managed to perform at a few parties and recorded a demo, but then began to fall apart.

First Tanner left the band (replayed by Troy James), then Mulligan left for a more progreeive, Rush-like band. And with no drummer, the band was forced to call it quits. Although is was Mulligan's departure that led to James searching for a new drummer, we can safely say that Hugh Tanner was responsible for the atalytic moment which would change the course of James Hetfield's life and put him on the path to achieving his childhood ambition. How? Simple... Tanner introduced James to Lars Ulrich. The rest, as you'll read elsewhere, is a long, illustrious (occationally curious) and still evolving history... James is the main songwriter in Metallica, creating the framework and structure for most Metallimaterial. When he's not writing, singing or playing, James enjoys a variety of outdoor activities including hunting, snowboarding, water and jet skying, sketching, annoying neighbors with guns and loud pipes on his chopper "The Saga", watching his favorite Oakland Raiders and going to hot rod shows.

He also collects older guitars (particularly those from 1963) and enjoys working on old cars. Almongst his favorites are a '55 Chevy BelAir (which he helped built and restore himself), and "The Beast", a fearsome all terrain 4-wheel drive Blazer that is designed to survive everything from earthquakes to nuclear holocausts. Aside from these pursuits, james is often happiest spending time with his wife Francesca and two children, Cali and Castor.

( Equipment ):

Ken Lawrence Custom Explorer Natural
ESP Custom Deerskull Inlay Explorer
ESP Custom Black Explorer with Snake Inlay
ESP Custom Black Explorer with Black Diamond Plate
ESP Custom Black Silver Diamond Plate Explorer
ESP Custom Black "Fuel" Les Paul Style with Gold Pinstripe
ESP Custom Flying V with Green Flames
ESP Custom Flying V with Hot Rod Flames
ESP Custom Black Explorer Bright Diamond Plate
ESP Custom Black Explorer with Wood-Burn Deer
ESP Custom Black & White Pin Stripe Les Paul
ESP Custom Black & Gold
Esp New Model Explorer Black with Mother of Pearl Inlay
Dunlop Custom Nylon Picks
Mesa Boogie 4x12 Speaker Cabinets
Wizard 4x12 Speaker Cabinets
4x Customized Mesa Boogie Tri-Axis Pre-Amps
2x Mesa Boogie Strategy 400 Power Amplifiers
Mesa Boogie Tremoverb 2x12 Combo Amp