Metallica’s James Hetfield Going Country-Fiction!
Summary of eRumor:
James Hetfield has announced that he’s leaving Metallica to pursue a new country music career in Nashville.
The Truth:
False reports that James Hetfield is going country can be traced back to a fake news website.
The website, HeavierMetal.net, works in a niche are of the fake news market: heavy metal music. The website regularly publishes fictional news stories about heavy metal bands and musicians.
On March 8, the website published as story under the headline, “Metallica’s James Hefield Departs Band, Announces Country Music Album ‘Hetfield Road.’” The story goes on to report:
In a statement, Hetfield said it was “time to move on and get back to my country roots”. He is expected to release his debut album in June and make his first appearance at the Grand Ole’ Opry in July. Hetfield was recently seen shopping for blue jeans and cowboy boots by paparazzi in Los Angeles.
In a candid new interview about his decision to leave the band, Hetfield says he has been a country music singer in “his heart” for the last “four or five Metallica records”. Obviously, he is commenting on the less heavier era of Metallica where Hetfield’s vocal performances resembled modern country music.
“Hetfield Road” was recorded in the fall and was somehow able to be kept a secret from fans. His debut album is expected to be a huge commercial success. His album features guest appearances from Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Phil Anselmo, and Eminem.
Within days, the story had been shared nearly 100,000 times on social media. Taken out of context, many fans of the 30-year-old rock band were duped into believing it was true.