James Hetfield visits Ukrainian soldiers in US hospital

2023 is a productive year for Metallica. The metal band released their eleventh studio album “72 Seasons” in April. In the same month they opened their tour “M72” in Amsterdam. More gigs in Europe and the USA follow. In Germany, the group stops at the end of May for two performances in Hamburg and next year in Munich.

Despite the album release and world tour, Metallica still finds time for “extra-musical activities”. The band’s frontman James Hetfield proved this last week. On May 18, he visited Ukrainian soldiers at a US hospital in Colorado state.

James Hetfield supports Ukrainian soldiers

As the band’s lead singer, guitarist and songwriter, Hetfield has demonstrated his musical talent since 1981, the year Metallica was formed. More recently, Hetfield has been using its reach and popularity for charitable causes. For example, Hetfield visited wounded Ukrainian soldiers at Vail Health Hospital in Colorado. As the Vail Daily reported that the hospital is currently housing two Ukrainian soldiers. Roman Denysiuk and Igor Voinyi were injured in the war and taken to Vail Health for treatment.

During his visit to the sick, the Metallica singer expressed his recovery wishes to the injured. They were happy about the unexpected flying visit and diligently posted selfies with the rock star on their social media channels.

james hetfield, @metallica Band leader, visited wounded Ukrainian defenders who are being treated in the US.

📷 Kelli Rohrig pic.twitter.com/S3JZBNe78U

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) May 22, 2023

The visit was organized by Limbs for Liberty. The non-profit organization was founded in Vail in 2022 to support Ukrainians injured in the war. Just last year, Metallica donated $500,000 through their All Within My Hands foundation to World Central Kitchen to provide meals for Ukrainian war refugees.

Christian Science & Charity

Hetfield’s charitable commitment is no coincidence. His parents were members of “Christian Science”, a strictly Christian doctrine. Because of their religious beliefs, they refused any medical treatment – in this respect, the 59-year-old, as can be seen from the charity hospital visit, seems to have at least changed his attitude towards doctors. The Christian fundamentalism of his parents shaped at least Hetfield’s attitude towards the faith. The same is reflected in his later songs.

Two more great events will be added to Metallica’s eventful year this summer. On August 3rd, the lead singer and savior celebrates his 60th birthday. At the end of the year, on December 26th, band colleague Lars Ulrich will follow him with his milestone anniversary.