James Hetfield Shares Holiday Greetings with Metallica Fans

Metallica has had an outstanding year, marked by the release of their album “72 Seasons” under Blackened Recordings, a successful M72 World Tour, a global concert livestream in movie theaters, the publication of several new books about the band, and continuous advancements and explorations as a musical powerhouse.

As the year concludes, James Hetfield, who does not have personal social media accounts, takes a moment to convey a message to fans through the official Metallica channels

‘Not good enough!’ Furious Metallica fans slam concert organisers for not refunding postponed shows as lead singer James Hetfield enters rehab

Metallica fans were left devastated when the heavy metal band postponed their first Australian tour in six years back in September.

And now, it appears they’ve have been dealt another harsh blow, as concert organisers have delayed refunding money for the now cancelled shows.

Metallica took to Twitter on September 28 to confirm they’d cancelled all of their shows, citing lead singer James Hetfield’s recent rehab admission as the reason why.

Sad news! Metallica has been forced to cancel all of its Australian shows. Pictured (L-R) James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Lars Ulrich and Robert Trujillo

Metallica announce six-city tour in Australia and New Zealand

‘We are truly sorry to inform our fans and friends that we must postpone our upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand,’ the band stated.

‘As most of you probably know, our brother James has been struggling with addiction on and off for many years. He has now, unfortunately, had to re-enter a treatment program to work on his recovery again.’

It is unclear what ‘addiction’ James is being treated for, but the 56-year-old previously went to rehab in July 2001 to treat an alcohol issue.

In need of respite! Metallica took to Twitter to confirm they’d cancelled all of their shows, citing lead singer James Hetfield’s (pictured) recent rehab admission as the reason why

Candid confession! The band stated on Twitter: ‘As most of you probably know, our brother James (pictured) has been struggling with addiction on and off for many years’

The band continued: ‘All tickets purchased to the shows in Australia and New Zealand, including Enhanced Experiences and Black Tickets, will be fully refunded.’

Ticketmaster, which issued tickets for Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane, also shared the message on its Facebook page, with a link for refund information.

A Ticketmaster spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday Metallica fans were told on September 30 the refund process could take up to 10 business days.

‘I can confirm that the automatic refunds were all done within the 10 business day period,’ the spokesperson said.

Speaking out! The band issued a heartfelt message on Twitter in September after it was revealed they had cancelled all of their Australian shows

‘The only refunds left to process are those for fans who have had to update or change their card or account details which has to be done manually and we are working as quickly as we can to get these done.’

But with some fans still yet to receive their refunds, many have taken to social media to slam the organisers, who they say are not following through on their promise.

‘@Ticketmaster_AU any idea when the refund for Metallica will go through? It’s been more than the indicated 10 days now,’ one person wrote.

Backlash! With fans still yet to receive their refunds, many have taken to social media to slam the organisers, who they say are not following through on their promise

‘Hey @Ticketmaster_AU how long until we get our refund for Metallica/Slipknot tickets??’ another person stated.

A third person added: ‘Still no refund for Metallica? How slow is this process? Getting beyond a joke now.’

Ticketmaster issued a follow-up response to the backlash on October 11, which stated: ‘We thank you for your ongoing patience while we process your refunds.

Don’t worry! The band previously stated: ‘All tickets purchased to the shows in Australia and New Zealand, including Enhanced Experiences and Black Tickets, will be fully refunded’

‘Rest assured the majority of refunds have been processed and we are working as quick as we can to get the final ones done.’

According to Ticketek, which is responsible for ticket sales in Adelaide, the issuer has processed ’98 per cent’ of refunds, with only a few still to be completed.

‘The Ticketek team is working hard to ensure these specific Metallica fans get their refunds as soon as possible,’ a Ticketek spokesperson told the Herald Sun.