Metallica’s lead vocalist and guitarist, James Hetfield, and his wife of 25 years, Francesca, are parting ways, as reported by various sources

TMZ broke the news on August 13, revealing that Hetfield had filed for divorce earlier in the year in Colorado, a development later confirmed by Francesca in a statement. “After 30 years of ups and downs but always with a lot of love, I am extremely saddened that my marriage has come to this,” she expressed.

The couple, who first crossed paths in 1992 and tied the knot in 1997, share three children: Castor, Cali, and Marcella.

In the aftermath of the TMZ report, Hetfield addressed his fans emotionally during Metallica’s concert at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pa. The 59-year-old singer and guitarist introduced the song “Fade to Black,” touching on the sensitive topic of suicide. He urged the audience not to shy away from discussing it, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and reassuring, “You are not alone.”

Having relocated his family to Vail, Colo., in 2016, Hetfield explained that the move was driven by a desire to be closer to nature and to distance himself from what he perceived as the “elitist” politics of the Bay Area. Although Metallica’s headquarters remained in San Rafael, Hetfield found the Bay Area’s attitudes and values to be conflicting with his own.

Expressing his discontent in a 2016 interview with podcast host Joe Rogan, Hetfield noted, “There was an elitist attitude there — that if you weren’t their way politically, their way environmentally, all of that, that you were looked down upon. … It wasn’t healthy for me. (I was) starting to feel like I was just fighting all the time, and I just had to get out of my own head.”

In May, Hetfield openly shared his anxieties with fans during a Metallica show in Brazil, emphasizing the support he received from fellow band members and fans.

James Hetfield’s struggles with addiction became public knowledge in 2001, leading to his first stint in rehab. The band’s 2019 statement mentioned that he had re-entered a treatment program, citing ongoing battles with addiction. Hetfield’s past challenges with anger and substance abuse were frequently credited to Francesca’s supportive role in helping him navigate these issues.

The divorce announcement comes as Metallica fans await the release of their highly anticipated fifth studio album, “Pink Friday 2,” scheduled for December 8, 2022.