Much like Trujillo, James Hetfield initially suggested that music in some way, shape or form would still be at the center of his life had Metallica not ever existed.

Within the discussion, James Hetfield revealed how "King Nothing" from the Load album was essentially the band's "answer" to "Enter Sandman." "'King Nothing' was kind of an answer to 'Sandman' really.

It's gotten better every decade.” (L-R) James Hetfield and Amanda Petrusich speak at the "Metallica Saved My Life" premiere during the 2025 Tribeca Festival on June 11, 2025. Theo Wargo/Getty ...

“I feel like I'm so easily able to be me with these fans,” Hetfield, 61, continued, “and the more I'm me, the more they like it. It's just so opposite of how I was brought up.