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James Hetfield was born on August 3,1963 in Downey, Los Angeles county, California. His father, Virgil and mother, Cynthia were devout and strict adherents to Christian Science, and accordingly, much of his young life revolved around religion. In accordance with their beliefs, Hetfield's parents strongly disapproved of medicine or any medical help and remained vigilant in their faith even as his mother began to die of cancer. Her death, and his subsequently turbulent relationship with religion, are both recurring subjects which have been the focal point of some of Metallica's lyrics (the songs "Mama Said," and "The God That Failed" are about Hetfield's mother and father, and "Until It Sleeps" is about cancer, of which both of his parents died).
James was 9 years old when he took his first piano lessons, before taking on his brother David's drums and finally picking up a guitar at the age of fourteen.His main influence was Aerosmith and other bands such as Black Sabbath, The Beatles, Queen, Led Zeppelin and Thin Lizzy. Hetfield formed his first band, Obsession, in his early teens. Composed of the Veloz brothers on bass and drums, Jim Arnold on guitar, and Hetfield providing lead vocals.But the band was soon crumbled by the quit of veloz brothers.
After moving to Brea city, due to the death of his mother, James attended Brea Olinda High School and met up with drummer Jim Mulligan.And then he formed his second band named"Phantom lord".  with one of their classmastes,Hugh Tanner on guitar, Mulligan on drums, and James singing while also playing guitar. The group went through a few bass players until graduation, when James moved back to Downey and then the third band under Hetfield's leadership, Leather Charm, was born. The only difference between 'Charm' and 'Lord' was James no longer played guitar  while Tanner and Mulligan retained their former 'Lord' positions. 'Leather Charm' was largely a hard rock combo. The band managed to perform at a few parties, but then began to fall apart.First, Tanner left the band, then Mulligan left for a more progressive band. Without a drummer, the rest of the band decided to call it quits.This led to James searching for a new drummer. Hugh Tanner introduced him to Lars Ulrich.And then Jaames and Lars formed the most popular rock band ever,Metallica.Hetfield is characterized as the heart and soul of Metallica, he has also a dictatorial control over the final product.
During the recording of the St.anger album, Hetfield decided to rehabilitate his alcoholism . Alcohol was the trap that kept him in depression that had affected him since childhood .Even the band's alcoholic antics earned them the nickname 'Alcoholica'. Hetfield rejoined the band after 9 months. He is now sober and clean and is determined to remain so, despite the many temptations dogging rock stars