James Hetfield of Metallica Teams Up with His Daughter to Perform an Adele Classic
James Hetfield, known for his role as the frontman of Metallica, displayed a more tender side when he teamed up with his daughter Cali for a heartfelt performance of Adele’s “Crazy for You.” This unexpected moment took place at the second annual Acoustic-4-A-Cure concert, a benefit event that Hetfield co-founded with Sammy Hagar to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. The concert, held at the Masonic in San Francisco, brought together an array of musical talents, but the father-daughter duet was a standout performance.
The pair’s rendition of Adele’s ballad was a touching departure from Hetfield’s typical heavy metal style, showcasing his versatility as a musician and his deep connection with his daughter. Cali’s soulful voice took the lead while Hetfield accompanied her on the acoustic guitar, a simple yet powerful setup that captivated the audience. Hetfield’s pride was clear throughout the performance, as he beamed at his daughter, creating a memorable moment that resonated with fans both in attendance and online, where the video has been widely shared.
This performance was particularly significant for Hetfield, who has been known to keep his personal life relatively private. Sharing the stage with his daughter allowed a glimpse into a more intimate and personal aspect of his life, contrasting with his larger-than-life persona as the lead of one of the biggest metal bands in history. The choice of song, Adele’s emotional and vocally demanding “Crazy for You,” further emphasized the closeness of their relationship, and showcased Cali’s impressive vocal abilities.
The Acoustic-4-A-Cure event itself has become a platform for musicians to come together for a good cause, and Hetfield’s involvement is a testament to his commitment to using his platform for philanthropic efforts. His partnership with Hagar for this concert is one of many charitable ventures Hetfield has pursued outside of his Metallica fame.
For Cali, this performance offered a chance to step into the spotlight, following in her father’s footsteps. Though it was a one-off performance, it left fans wondering whether she might continue to pursue music. The chemistry between them on stage, along with the positive reception of their duet, added a personal and touching layer to an already meaningful event.
Despite Metallica’s usual high-octane performances, Hetfield’s acoustic guitar skills in this stripped-down setting were a reminder of his musical versatility. Known primarily for his aggressive rhythm guitar work in Metallica, Hetfield demonstrated his ability to shift gears, adjusting his performance style to suit a more intimate, delicate song like Adele’s. It also speaks to the broader range of Hetfield’s influences, extending beyond metal to appreciate artists like Adele, whose emotionally driven music resonated deeply in this father-daughter collaboration.
The audience at the event was treated to an eclectic mix of performances, with other artists like Jerry Cantrell and Joe Satriani also delivering unique renditions of classic songs. However, the Hetfield duo’s performance stood out, not only because of the unexpected song choice but also because of the personal connection that came through during the performance.
James Hetfield’s decision to perform with his daughter in such a public setting was a rare and touching moment, showing his softer side and reinforcing his role as both a rock legend and a devoted father. The success of the performance, along with the emotional weight of the event, made it a moment that fans will likely remember for years to come.
