James Hetfield

James Hetfield is the lead-singer and rhythm guitarist of the heavy metal band Metallica. In March 2009 Hetfield was hospitalized in Sweden, resulting in the cancellation of a concert. The spokeswoman for the band blamed Hetfield's illness on a stomach virus that caused dehydration. He was released from the hospital and returned to the United States the following day.E! Online: Hetfield Hospitalized, Metallica Nixes Gig (March 9, 2009) In 1992, Hetfield was injured during a concert in Montreal when he received second and third-degree burns from stage pyrotechnics.Blender: Rock Stars Who've Caught Fire Onstage! (February 2007)

James Hetfield met drummer Lars Ulrich in 1981 and formed the band Metallica. The two musicians were joined by bassist Cliff Burton and guitarist Dave Mustaine. In 1983, the band relocated to San Francisco where they attracted a large underground following. Before the band released their debut album, Kill 'Em All, Mustaine was replaced by Kirk Hammett. Mustaine would go onto form Megadeth. Metallica released two more albums, Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets before bassist Cliff Burton's death in 1986. The band released their biggest commercial success in 1986, And Justice for All, with new bassist Jason Newsted. Since then, Metallica has released five more albums and has become one of the biggest bands in the world.Metallica.com: James Hetfields StoryRolling Stone: Metallica Biography

Motorhead, Black Sabbath, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Thin LizzyMetallica.com: James Hetfields Story