Metallica Postpone Arizona “M72” Concert After James Hetfield Falls Ill

Metallica were forced to postpone their concert scheduled in Glendale, Arizona for Sunday (September 3rd) after frontman James Hetfield tested positive for COVID-19.

The show has been rescheduled for September 9th and tickets will be honored at the new date.

On Friday night, during the band’s first of two concerts in Glendale, Metallica played an abbreviated 14-song set (down from the usual 16 songs) as Hetfield was experiencing vocal issues. Turns out that was likely due to him contracting COVID.

“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,” the band said in a statement.

Metallica’s “M72 Tour” sees the band performing two completely unique sets (no repeat songs) over two nights in each city. Revisit our recap of the tour’s kick-off in East Rutherford, NJ here.

The tour runs through September 2024; tickets are available here.

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

Photo Gallery – Metallica at MetLife Stadium, August 4th and 6th (click to expand and scroll through):