Interview with James Hetfield -- BuzzFeed (Complete)

My interview with James Hetfield from Metallica during the Hardwired to Self Destruct promo tour in 2016 for BuzzFeed Mexico. We talked a bit about the new album and played the "Guess the Metallica T-Shirt" game that went viral back in the day.

[@buzzbrutusexcelsior2236]

Every time I see a James Hetfield interview I have to think how awesome it would be to hang out with him for a day

[@jean-baptistedesaint-leger6127]

Poor James tries to find interesting answers to lame "questions"

[@bluecomet1109]

Imagine saying "James hetfield borrowed my glasses" dude is automatically a legend

[@noaweidmann0607]

Take a screenshot every time James says "Yeah"

[@Diffuzersound]

warning: low storage

[@RudyG210]

Yaaayeahh!!

[@MegaAndyGG]

It's not "Yeah" it's UUUUHHHHYHEAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!

[@noaweidmann0607]

@@MegaAndyGG 50 sounds of JH 😁

[@mugwump7049]

Recovering AA version of the drinking game...

[@dylanjohnson577]

God James is being so nice, old hetfield would’ve cussed the guy out and burned the set down

[@cmoore1369]

He would have just laughed the same goofy laugh…

[@Michael15_25]

Not really

[@krystofodehnal9448]

Of course he wouldn´t, he had been shy kid who became more chill after he got older. He never had been Mike Tyson type of guy lol :D

[@jenellsmith7206]

That's a common misperception of him, he always seem shy to me except on stage where he becomes the Riff Lord

[@smarkmalark]

@@jenellsmith7206 Yeah, it was more Lars, Cliff, and Dave that were constantly high and crazy in the early days. I mean still got a little wild since he’s always had drinking problems, which is what helped his image he tried to create on stage. Other than that yeah, just a tall skinny shy dude as Lars said lol

[@tong_levin]

4:18 "I think the song that Trujilo wrote on this album, whatever it's called" _DEAD_

[@igortokarski9517]

"ManUNkind" - that's the song he gets the credit for (WELL, HE ONLY WROTE THE INTRO!!!)

[@theguyof360]

sus

[@cheezy8492]

Ima tread on you for that one, see how you like that

[@terrymiller8597]

@@igortokarski9517 I'm surprised he gave credit to anyone not named James or Lars

[@natedawg23451000]

@@terrymiller8597 because damn near everything Metallica has done has been Jaymz and Lars

[@JawJX]

Metallica fans: *IF YOURE NOT A FAN DONT WEAR THE SHIRT YOU POSER* James hetfield: literally cool with it Metallica fans: oh yeah it's fine

[@torliebenfels5618]

Of course he's cool with it. They buy a shirt, he gets paid.

[@katekrylov]

Oh! James is shrewd! He can tell a bootleg T by looking at the picture.

[@jameshetfield6024]

Hey🌹, all love and how are you doing today?

[@felinekaiju4517]

I have a Signed whiplash 12" vinyl signed by James and it also says "Bootleg?"

[@jasonkav]

Merch and ticket sales are all a musician makes money off of these days. Thanks Napster for opening Pandora’s box.

[@mugwump7049]

"That's Kanye West, right? In drag." Fuck, Jaymz, I was eating couscous and now it's all over the screen and floor. Thanks.

[@jansandman6983]

Lmao

[@sahan.dafcha]

Madona one was also funny

[@kalparis4056]

I'm a woman and my favorite song from metallica when I was a teenager was welcome home sanitarium and my favorite shirt was the gargoyle. Now, in my early 40's my favorite song is fade to black and my favorite t is ride the lightning.

[@alanprattes8236]

@@LakeB-zw7hc What an answer!! 🏆🥇

[@alwaysastudent]

Heh heh... yeah. When he said that i was like, 'sir... i was a young girl and saw your band when i was 15 back in 1991, and the Master Of Puppets album was my jam back then.' And then after the concert me and the 15 people i rolled with went to listen to the whole Ride The Lightning album. i used to bring all those tapes to school. Me and a bunch of the other kids went on about the Megaforce demo, the Garage days stuff... My three favorite Metallica songs are Blackened, Disposable Heroes and One. Fight Fire With Fire is dope, Whiplash... Those first four albums are classic. The 'black album' is extremely well produced, and while it wasn't reminiscent of the thrash classics they were known for, it just showed their range. i'm not one of those folks to deride the album 'cause it wasn't 'hard'. And honestly, Death Magnetic and Hardwired are solid albums. Watch the next album, they're gonna have a song dedicate to all the women... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!! i'll just say i actually appreciated their music because after their first album (which was basically about the power of the metal), they began to write songs with more complex structures, and used different sources for lyrical inspiration (like the bible, various pieces of literature, as well as their own addictions, relationships and experiences). "Spit Out The Bone' is an excellent song about how the proliferation of technology can (potentially) curtail humanity. i think Hetfield himself said something about how the question of 'giving into the machine' in light of it potentially making life easier (in practical ways, but also in ways where we no longer have to deal with painful things in life).

[@adrianjunor8661]

I remember watching clips of this interview back in 2016, thanks for uploading the full version of this!

[@davidstockdale4187]

James hetfield is a metal god!

[@ElizabethSvenssonGerman]

I love Mr James Hetfield so much .

[@alanprattes8236]

Jesus Christ!! James had a lot of patience with this guy. James is a really nice guy. James trying to keep his cool. Well, this was a hard one!! Lol

[@sentry_repair_mann]

The only buzz feed that I will ever watch.

[@lukedrums8463]

Just what I was thinking

[@buzzbrutusexcelsior2236]

Different kind of interview but James can make any interview cool 😎 👍 just always so laid back and inviting to fans.

[@copykon]

When I was a teenager you would often find "Metallica" spray painted behind supermarkets on the east coast. - ZERO Industry & RADIO SUPPORT.

[@morganw6228]

James should listen to some metallica, they are a pretty good band

[@ashterfadgadget817]

Were a good band .. about 30 years ago.

[@alanprattes8236]

Very smart joke Morgan!! Lol

[@an_38kitkashyap]

Naah. He won't like them. He only listen to cardi b

[@Alpysf]

She’s too cute for the new album 😂😂

[@__jevy]

2:55 😆 Congrats for the interview/opportunity to be with James. It has to be awesome.

[@andrescortes2923]

Humble guy..Great James

[@colleenwysocki3450]

GREAT JOB JAMES ! COULDNT HEAR THE INTERVIEWER BUT THAT'S OK I JUST WANTED TO LISTEN TO YOU ANYWAY !

[@YavuzErol]

05:14 and now he is in the Blacklist covering Metallica songs 😄

[@Michael15_25]

"Thank you...yeah!"

[@Tfichtenbaum]

I love papa Het .....would love to meet him one day

[@johnpittscom]

What a wasted opportunity to interview James

[@J_Ritz]

You gotta love Buzzfeed.

[@StoneColdFox17]

Truly painful 💔

[@disposable_hero2748]

For real !

[@CupckTrrr]

Dude I could listen to Hetfield talk for hours. Dude's got stories.

[@michaelcottbus7782]

So much irony by James, it's hilarious, especially on the latino hiphop guy xD 5:35 peak moment xD

[@Animosity00]

This interview is horrid. Good on James for being able to get through these and be a good sport about it.

[@ily0482]

It was fun, maybe try not to be an asshole just for fashion

[@calebavendano8863]

“she’s too cute for the new album”

[@orelhai]

Gotta love papa Het

[@ioanazamfirache8214]

James is awesooome❤️❤️❤️

[@N3rdGamerProductions]

“Ok... so.... new album... UHHHHHHHMMMMMM” . Damn what an intro

[@panthertrain1984]

The movie he is referencing is The Place Beyond The Pines and that's Ryan Gossling in the pic, amazing movie.

[@BuckDat]

Didnt know it till after i saw it... but Mike Patton scored that movie.

[@Leon-tb2oz]

He's literally me!

[@chriscrocker6783]

He doesn't know who notebook boy is or which Kardashian it is. Like him even more.

[@golfgrabu]

When James talks he says yeah, yeah. When he sings, YEAH YEAHAWWWRRRRG

[@zanetamatjacic7595]

Respect James Hetfield 😊

[@RococoAlmanegra]

How amazing it must feel to be oblivious to reggaeton! I envy James for that...

[@keithsa41]

this is a great relaxed interview with a great icon. Thanks for sharing!

[@lukehendrickson3200]

Yikes. Kudos to James for managing to stick this one out.

[@RococoAlmanegra]

Hetfield is fuckin' awesome!

[@themadmattster9647]

Kinda funny that new officially sanctioned black album tribute has some of those same types on it

[@SpookyApparition]

Don't think I've seen a weirder first frame on a youtube interview, lol. Guy just staring at the camera with his fingers in his mouth?

[@tonyeckman4822]

James sure has come a long way since the archaic days..."Even the posers can like this one, but they have to stand in the back" to "Why can't he be a Metallica fan? I think it's great" Ah, the woes of a youth without life experience vs the elder stateseman. Mad respect though. I've been a Metallica fan since 1984.

[@Michael15_25]

I mean why get mad at things like that at this point, even as a fan, who cares, grow up.

[@kristinavukovic1291]

Legend

[@draimantsosie4585]

5:31 he’s like okay buddy

[@CloudeeCloudzzz]

8:50 HELPPP THE DAD ENERGY HERE MAW GAWDDDD

[@ily0482]

AHAHHA I laughed so hard Btw his daughter now dresses like that lol

[@bufonoise]

5:23 Ahora sabemos quién incitó a James a incluir reggaeton en el homenaje al Black Álbum

[@zachlewis9751]

So surprised James Hetfield would actually do a BuzzFeed interview. So surprised BuzzFeed would interview James Hetfield. It’s not so surprising it didn’t work.

[@ily0482]

Why do you say it didn't work?

[@zachlewis9751]

@@ily0482 no idea, this was all 2 years ago

[@MustainDarrell]

I’m Megadeth fan and James is a nice person and that's a strong point that makes We love Metallica . Why can’t we love both band at the same time? fuck that I love it.

[@alexperez3367]

he's the same guy that claps like a seal in an old interview and james feels it like wtf?

[@Rogreedo]

No, he's not. This actually tried to do something interesting HAHAHA

[@andresardon2286]

Very good

[@jameshetfield6024]

Hey🌹, all love and how are you doing today?

[@Graysworld15]

@@jameshetfield6024 oh my gosh James hetfield 😍 I love you

[@dowens3781]

@@jameshetfield6024 Stop pretending to be James, poser.

[@u.s.m.c.fewproudthemarines2987]

Cool

[@dr.todeskralle9580]

the fact that J Balvin has now a track on the Blacklist album and is on one of the fotos is pretty crazy xD

[@andresardon2286]

Would you think this Interview IS the reason why J Balvin IS in the tribute álbum? 😅😂😂😂

[@elizamt1994]

Damn, would honestly have thought James would be sort of familiar with Taylor Momsen. I'm sure Metallica and The Pretty Reckless performed at the same festivals together. Definitely in 2019 at least they were both at the Chris Cornell Tribute Show in LA. James with Metallica and Taylor with Soundgarden. I get that that was after this interview though

[@mugwump7049]

Performing at the same festival doesn't mean that you automatically know every band and their members. Also yes, this interview is like 5 or 6 years old.

[@ceebee491]

whats the deal with the volume???

[@stiiimes]

maybe letting the viewers actually see who theyre talking about might help..?

[@reginaldmills6764]

*"That's some crazy hair... Is it real?"* Omfg 😭😭

[@JaBismarck]

That fucking reaction lmao 7:29

[@MGM261]

I love how you can see he can always remember metal and Metallica related stuff... But the mainstream stuff, nah. Haha

[@wavytiger1]

um, you need to turn the volume up

[@Mikarx]

Aww no McLovin with his And justice for all shirt! lol

[@acadia5898]

That Was Just Your Life is probably the most “hip hoppity” song they made

[@thrashmetalambassador]

05:27 No, James. Not cool.

[@mattwatts33]

He’s being sarcastic dude

[@theguyof360]

lol u

[@igortokarski9517]

James prob wanted to say "FUCKING awesome", but he need to do what he did here

[@bluecomet1109]

The singer for nickelback LMAO

[@ghostrider2664]

Why do I always get the jealous feeling of "I don't want anyone else to love them because they are mine" ....well in my case its I don't want anyone else to love them because they belong to the OG and 2nd gen fans like myself.......its a completely irrational feeling and makes me feel very stupid for feeling it. But when I see Miley Cyrus covering a song or fuckin Buzzfeed hipster leftovers doing interviews.....that feeling just comes up, even now at my age when I should have shaken such immaturity years ago....

[@Montanajj]

I’m 17 but I like to say I’ma pretty die hard Metallica fan ever since my dad showed me them and this interview just pains me this is clearly not a Metallica fan AT ALL

[@ghostrider2664]

@@Montanajj right on dude. Your dad has good taste and you've clearly inherited it. You have nothing but time. The interviewer doesnt belong there. You could kill him and take his place....

[@ghostrider2664]

@@Montanajj but you do not look 17.......dude your going to be one ROUGH look in 55 year old.

[@segermeenhorst898]

yeah

[@S0uL.0_0]

What movie is James talking about?

[@mugwump7049]

The Place Beyond The Pines

[@jansandman6983]

It's so funny James doesn't seem to know song titles or doesn't even care to know of all their new materials.

[@diegomorera8822]

8:52 papa het protekt

[@Elricwulf]

"We'll just put it in the..." aaaaaand they never "put it up on the" and seldom say who it is, so you have to try and figure out who they're talking about from bad angles of very small pictures. I made it about 3 pics in. Thanks for the frustrating interview, but no thanks.

[@josetoro4405]

is it me or james is starting to have the filthy rich laughter…

[@Michael15_25]

This is like 5 years old

[@josetoro4405]

@@Michael15_25 nevertheless

[@cotopaximusic]

@@josetoro4405 he's had this same laugh since the 80s lol

[@mugwump7049]

Since when do rich people have a specific laughter?

[@josetoro4405]

@@mugwump7049 uf do yr research it’s smth well known

[@ir6237]

6:40 I was expecting Halo On Fire lmao

[@MusickopatH]

He just had good morning sex before this I think or something fun happened. He's extra positive. Love him such a good real warm intelligent man.

[@lancelaprarie6128]

James digs Duran Duran. Lol

[@mugwump7049]

And this is funny how? He's always been outspoken about his eclectism. Back in the AJFA days, he openly admitted he was a Kate Bush fan. DD had some pretty good songs in their heyday.

[@ily0482]

What's wrong with that? A good musician has to listen to different genres

[@mariofernandocorzopinto8260]

Great answers for a lame interview. It's a shame to ask James such lousy questions

[@debonaire_nerd]

IT was so cool that Tom Waits sat in for James and did the interview for him.

[@Michael15_25]

So many of these comments are so fuckin aggressive, ahhh I remember when i was a 20 year old neanderthal too

[@bernadettealmarez3563]

U can tell he's going through an old life crisis

[@ily0482]

Why lol

[@Doomzdayxx]

Hetfield was way cooler when he was more reserved and obviously didn't like interviews

[@henrybowman7637]

Jaymze playinbg arounbd with this clown, very nice Papa Het!

[@princessstreetmetal]

7:24

[@cato7778]

It's weird how Metallica have become fashionable, even for those who don't actually like the music. In some cases a person may not even know who they are. To them it's just a cool lookin logo on a shirt. Like that "Angry Beaver" shirt worn by Japanese women who don't understand English 😂😁🤘😡🤘

[@happysad2]

It's the kardashian fans who need to know about Metallica, IMHO

[@scottnewland5797]

rotate the crowd

[@marynajacobs7538]

To all the girls... Erm yeah, Halo on Fire. And I would not let my daughter dress like that. Good father.

[@tharsgaard663]

WHy is buzzfeed so cringe in EVERYTHING that they do !!! No wonder james went back into rehab !!!

[@StoneColdFox17]

😂😂😂

[@user-lp1ir2po8o]

Tmbpacman

[@discotelaa]

reggaeton is not latin hiphop

[@SarahWynn-pg3te]

"OK let's move on." "Yeah, lets." That's great!! LOL. No hip hop sound in Metallica!! NONE!❤😂

[@master.exploder5150]

This is stupid. poor james trying to do his best

[@piperbard]

buzzfeed is so lame, good God

[@emaderaghi]

Lame Qs!

[@TheRamsesII]

How many minutes of my life I just wasted watching this......................................

[@sarcastanaut]

Man, Buzzfeed sucks, haha

[@TheKvn91]

That's a cringe worthy interview.

[@albrankovic4854]

New metallica will be power pop , how sad for metal fans.

[@sjsturkie3358]

This interview is horrible.

[@johnk1818]

Horrible interview

[@StevenMichaelCunningham]

Not much to talk about until he is incarcerated. Killing or molestation of any sort being criminal/perverse/corrupt as instinct DENOTES be there law or no law for example.

[@masteroffire5793]

?

[@tallycahamuhlhetru26]

Tf you saying?

[@StevenMichaelCunningham]

@@tallycahamuhlhetru26 *HUH*

[@dowens3781]

Lay off the meth and get back on your meds, bro.

[@StevenMichaelCunningham]

@@dowens3781 (proper response occurs)