Dave Mustaine texted James Hetfield about his insecurities on stage

Megadeth bandleader Dave Mustaine says he recently texted James Hetfield after the Metallica singer-guitarist admitted his insecurities on stage this spring.

At a Metallica concert in May, Hetfield got emotional before playing the metal band’s “Sad But True.” And he shared his fears with the public.

“I didn’t feel very good before coming here,” the Metallica frontman said. “I feel a bit insecure, like I’m an old man, I can’t play anymore – all that bullshit I’m going through in my head.”

In response, Mustaine said he tried to contact Hetfield via text. The Megadeth figurehead explained, “Love these guys [in Metallica]. I texted James just days ago after he admitted on stage that he was unsure of his guitar playing.”

Mustaine continued: “I said, ‘James, I love you and I really like your game.’ let him know.

In the same interview, Mustaine, a former member of Metallica, compared his early musical leadership to that of Metallica’s main duo – Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich. (Guitarist Kirk Hammett replaced Mustaine in Metallica in 1983.)

During the Sept. 9 chat with Classic Rock, Mustaine was prompted by the interviewer who said, “The guys who started this band, James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, are such alpha males.” But Mustaine did not accept this remark.

“I’m clearly the alpha male between the three of us,” he replied. “Why did I have to do everything when I was in the band? Why did they always ask me to talk to the promoters and collect the money? Why did I have to fight?”

Earlier this month, Megadeth released their 16th album, The sick, the dying… and the dead! In July, a Metallica song included in Netflix stranger things gave the Hetfield-led band a resurgence in popularity.

Metallica are set to play the Global Citizen Festival in New York later this month. Get Metallica tickets here. Megadeth is now touring North America. Get tickets for it here.

Metallica’s James Hetfield Addresses His Insecurities Onstage – May 12, 2022