Metallica Postpone Arizona Show as ‘COVID Has Caught Up With’ James Hetfield

‘unfortunately’

Singer struggled through vocal issues at previous Glendale show, resulting in shortened setlist

Metallica were forced to postpone the second night of their M72 Weekend Takeover in Glendale, Arizona after James Hetfield came down with Covid.

The band were set to return to the stadium Sunday night after playing Friday. “We’re very sorry to report that tomorrow’s scheduled M72 date at State Farm Stadium has been postponed to Saturday, September 9, 2023, as, unfortunately, COVID has caught up with James,” the band tweeted, sharing a photo of the singer’s positive Covid test.

NIGHT TWO IN GLENDALE IS RESCHEDULED TO SEPTEMBER 9!

We’re very sorry to report that tomorrow’s scheduled M72 date at State Farm Stadium has been postponed to Saturday, September 9, 2023, as, unfortunately, COVID has caught up with James. We’re extremely disappointed and regret… pic.twitter.com/neRSNMwxp5

— Metallica (@Metallica) September 2, 2023

“We’re extremely disappointed and regret any inconvenience this has caused you; we look forward to returning to complete the M72 No Repeat Weekend in Glendale next Saturday.”

Metallica performed Friday night at the State Farm Stadium for their first of two shows at the venue, but it’s likely that Covid symptoms impacted the concert: Hetfield struggled with vocal issues throughout the gig, the Arizona Republic reported, and the heavy metal legends ultimately played an abbreviated set, wrapping up two songs shy of the tour’s routine setlist; “The Day That Never Comes” and “Master Of Puppets” were listed on the setlist, but not played.

Despite the postponement, all the other events revolving around the M72 Weekend Takeover in the Phoenix area — including tribute band performances, pop-up shops, and Blackened whiskey tasting events — will still take place throughout the weekend, the band noted.

Following the Arizona shows, Metallica isn’t slated to take the stage again until October, when they headline Indio, California’s Power Trip fest. After that, the M72 Weekend Takeover will invade St. Louis and Detroit before resuming in Europe in 2024.