Watch James Hetfield Cover Eddie Money At Surprise First Performance Since Rehab
In the fall, Metallica postponed a tour Australia and New Zealand so that frontman James Hetfield could enter an addiction treatment program. Late last month, Hetfield made his first public appearance since rehab at a Q&A for his Reclaimed Rust exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum in LA. And last night, he returned to the stage with a surprise performance at Eddie Money tribute concert.
Eddie Money died esophageal cancer last year, around the same time that Hetfield went to rehab. And last night, a star-studded group rockers including Sammy Hagar, George Thorogood, John Waite, Mickey Thomas Starship, Kevin Cronin and Dave Amato REO Speedwagon, Tommy Tutone, Greg Kihn, and Waddy Wachtel played a Tribute To Eddie Money at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills to benefit the USC Eddie Money Cancer Research Fund.
James Hetfield wasn’t one the announced guests on the lineup. But he and Money were friends — he posted a tribute his own on social media in September — and he showed up nonetheless. Hetfield played a cover Eddie Money’s 1978 hit “Baby Hold On” live on solo acoustic guitar; watch his performance below.
Been thinking about what a special guy Eddie Money was. Francesca & I appreciated your friendship. We will miss you and will be keeping Laurie and their kids in our hearts. R.I.P.
— Papa Het pic.twitter.com/Ikyz2H4axu— Metallica (@Metallica) September 25, 2019