Metallica frontman James Hetfield has long been known for his stance on avoiding fan photo sessions and autograph signing. Unlike many other celebrities who willingly pose for pictures and sign merchandise, Hetfield has made it clear that he values his privacy. He’s gone on record saying he dislikes taking photos with fans because he feels it infringes on his personal space.
Some fans might disagree with his perspective, but as an individual, Hetfield has the right to set boundaries. After decades of fame, it’s understandable that the Metallica icon would want to separate his public persona from his private life. He believes that constantly being asked to take photos reduces the authenticity of the interaction and feels more like fulfilling a social media trend than a genuine connection.
James Hetfield explains why he doesn’t like photo sessions with fans
Instead of posing for photos, James Hetfield prefers real, tangible conversations with fans. He’s more than happy to spend a few minutes talking about Metallica, sharing stories, or listening to what fans have to say. To Hetfield, these personal interactions are more meaningful than snapping a quick photo.
In 2016, James Hetfield spoke about being approached when out and about. He explained that he’d much rather have a conversation with people than them ‘steal a piece’ of his privacy.
“I really used to get freaked out that I would piss somebody off,” James told Sixx Sense. “I used to get so worried that if I say ‘No. My kids are here, I’m enjoying a family moment,’ that they’ll turn around and say, ‘You’re a dick! What a rock star!’ I was so worried about that.
“But I tell ya, (now) I put it out there that ‘now’s not a good time, I don’t do photos, I don’t sign, I will shake your hand and I will talk with you for five minutes.’ I’d rather do that and leave that kind of impression than someone just stealing a little piece of your privacy.
“I don’t find that productive for me and it puts me in a crap mood. And then I start to get resentful and I don’t even wanna talk to people. So I’d rather talk to them as a person instead of being some idol of sorts.”
In 2018, during a conversation with iHeartRadio, James Hetfield confirmed that he doesn’t like to take photos with fans, as reported by a fan who happened to meet the musician casually.
“I’m actually terrified that I might irritate somebody, I’m afraid if I say, ‘No, my kids are here, I’m having a family time,’ the person turns to me and says I’m an idiot, I’m afraid this will happen.”
“I don’t take photos, I don’t sign autographs, I’ll shake your hand and I’ll talk to you for five minutes. I’d rather do that than to have the impression someone stole a piece of my privacy.”
“If I acted otherwise it would not be nice for me and I would end up being pissed off, and resenting myself would not even want to exchange ideas with people. So I prefer to talk just as much as acting like a kind of idol”.
