The Rare Interview Of James Hetfield Opening Up About The Darkness In His Heart While Talking On Chris Cornell’s Death

Metallica frontman James Hetfield was one of the first stars in the rock scene to talk about Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell’s untimely and heartbreaking passing during an interview that he gave to WAAF Boston.

As you may recall, back on May 18, 2017, the rock scene mourned the passing of the legendary vocalist, songwriter, and music genius, Chris Cornell. It was known that the 52 years old musician had been suffering from depression for a long time and following a successful performance at Fox Theatre, Cornell returned to his hotel room, where he was found dead the next morning.

Just a day after Cornel’s passing James Hetfield gave an interview to a rock radio station where he was asked to share his views on this unfortunate happening. Hetfield said that it is things like these that make individuals appreciate the people around them and encourages them to give everyone a hug and share the love.

Hetfield’s sadness was apparent and it seems like Cornell’s death and struggles with mental health reminded him of everything that he’s been through. He said that ‘there’s a darkness that anyone and everyone can find and feel that they’re trapped in’ and that the only thing we can do for those we love is to check in with them and try to find ways to support each other.

Here’s what the interviewer asked James Hetfield [transcribed by RC]:

“How are you feeling with this loss because we’re all kind of shell-shocked over it?”

To which James Hetfield responded:

“Well, it does make you hug those around you, for sure, bandmates, family that’s out here and family at home. It makes you realize that there’s a darkness that anyone and everyone can find and feel that they’re trapped in and when you’re there – and at least I know the depth of my darkness at times – it’s difficult when you’re in that space to even fathom that there’s someone there that can help you or has been through that before.

Sometimes you’re just in such a loss, I can’t, I obviously can’t explain what he was going through but we all have our darknesses and… check in with each other, let each other know how you’re doing.”

You can check out the interview below.