Tony Iommi says that James Hetfield has "done the right thing seeking help."
The BLACK SABBATH guitarist made the comment four days after METALLICA 's tour of Australia and New Zealand was called off so that Hetfield could enter rehab to battle his addictions. The trek was slated to kick off on October 17 in Perth and was to include over 10 dates, with SLIPKNOT in the support slot.
Earlier today, Iommi took to social media to address Hetfield 's health issues and to commend the METALLICA guitarist/vocalist for confronting his struggles head-on.
"My best out to James Hetfield ," he wrote. "You've done the right thing seeking help — I’m thinking of you my friend and wishing you all the very best on your recovery. Looking forward to seeing you back at your best very soon. Your pal Tony "
The 56-year-old Hetfield has been open about his addiction and alcoholism. His struggles were detailed in the 2004 documentary "Some Kind Of Monster" .
A couple of years ago, Hetfield said "fear was a big motivator" in inspiring him to get clean. At that time, he said he was sober for 15 years.
In a 1992 interview with Guitar World , Hetfield said that he "discovered BLACK SABBATH by digging through" his older brother's record collection. "Their album covers really drew me in," he said. "I immediately thought, 'I gotta put this on.' And when I did, I couldn't believe it. It was, like, 'Whoa! Heavy as shit.' SABBATH was everything that the '60s weren't. Their music was so cool because it was completely anti-hippie. I hated THE BEATLES , JETHRO TULL , LOVE and all that other happy shit."
When Hetfield and METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich inducted BLACK SABBATH into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in March 2006, James said in his speech: "I realize that without [ SABBATH 's] defining sound, there would be no METALLICA , especially with one James Hetfield . Never have I known a more timeless and influential band. They have spread their wonderful disease through generations of musicians. They are always listed as an influence by heavy bands to this day. They are loved and highly respected as the fathers of heavy music."
