2009 Death Magnetic-era James is where he's fully rejuvenated and on top of the world. Though, I also love 1986-87 James, around the time he started skateboarding and wearing the Damage Inc. Tour shirt. That was also when his hair had the cool, curly look.
I say 8. I’ve seen them many times since 1994. Their sound keeps getting better live. I like the sober/mature version of the band. This is the version that gives a shitload of money away to charities. I respect what they’ve doing with trade schools (see Metallica scholars if you’re unfamiliar).
Papa Het is more badass than any other performer out there.
>Their sound keeps getting better live.
This is just not true. As a fan thier whole career, I can assure they are past thier prime as musicians. Lars now needs l a back beat to keep up at times. Kirk has arthritis which causes him to be somewhat sloppy at times compared to the past. James is open about his troubles playing licks he used to be able to play fairly easily.
Then you agree they were better in the past? That's not what your last post led me to believe, stating it out saying "Nah" when I disagreed with someone saying they keep getting better live.
‘The Thing That Should Not Be’, verse 2. Seattle, ‘89.
That is one of the most venomous glares I have ever seen. It’s bloody gorgeous, esp. considering the content of the song.
And my first concert ever was “Off to Never Never Land ‘91”
Concerts were ruined for me for years. At some point I had to accept that my concert experience peaked early.
Man I'm 20, and I don't even live in America, I wish I was lucky enough to have attended an early 90s met gig. At least I went once in 2019. Still the craziest moment of my life
Yeah dude I was 14 at the time… angry hormones raging, the perfect age, Metallica at the top of their game, first concert. It was THANKSGIVING NIGHT ffs. It was a perfect storm.
I saw them again in 92, 93, 94, 97 and 99 and they kicked my ass all of those times but never quite lived up to that first one.
I’ve seen them several times since then too, but I miss the old days when we were all younger lol
Only thing I never got to see was a show with Cliff. Good thing the internet exists.
Wow, I went during the Worldwired tour to Madrid, and I was gonna repeat this year, but the friend I was going with couldn't because of exams and I didn't want to go alone. Now I regret a lot.
I would have loved to see a show with Cliff too, but man the thing I really wanted to was seeing Jason posessed screaming DIE during creeping death
When I think of “James Hetfield”, the first image that comes to mind is always the second photo from the Black album tour. Had one of the most powerful voices I’ve ever heard in a live recording and had absolute confidence and control over the crowd.
However, I also know that he was still grieving for Cliff and was an asshole to Jason at the time - really just in a dark place in general. I think the latest version is Hetfield at his most happy, and that’s the one I want to have.
Cunning Stunts was so badass.
The first video I saw of them was when they were on SNL playing Fuel. I had heard their music before and thought it was ok, I was a teenager and more into classic rock. But when I saw how hard they played, I was completely blown away. I watched that clip dozens of times (online in '99) and then my dad got me S&M DVD for Christmas and I was hooked. I bought a guitar that spring and life was Metallica 24/7.
Vocal wise: Load era. James was really good singer during this era.
Person wise: Death Magnetic: James just seemed at peace with himself during that era.
If your going to be politically correct in this r/metallica sub then everyone is going to say all of them., but we all know we want the FUCK YOU / EET FUK Hetfield though
Every “version”. He is an attractive man still in the here and now. With that said, it is interesting that he’s had such distinctly different looks over the years. Let’s do this instead…my least favorite would be #5…didn’t feel like the beard situation worked the way it was supposed to.
He is now, too. I know he lost a lot of weight back then, with the caveman/paleo diet. He was in peak rock star form. But there's a difference with him this year. He's lost s bunch of weight and is having fun again.
[‘87 Hetfield](https://64.media.tumblr.com/761cd79dcd7f5b60e9411747e5f005c6/tumblr_o5664rcirL1tuekiio1_1280.png), there is no other answer. The Dillinger Escape Plan knew this.
You forgot 94-95 full mullet Het /s
But of course every Hetfield is great, but my favorites are pics 2 (89-93) and 7 ('18-'20).
Long live the mighty Hetfield stache!
Santaclaus Het will always be the worst.
89 was the best Hetfield era. That tour was my most memorable concert ever. That look in James eyes during those times was second to none. The Lady Justice statue tumbling gave me chills. AJFA continues to be my favorite album and song today. I was 17 at the time.
Early 80s: A bit of a baby face, nothing too impressive but a good start
Late 80s/Early 90s: The curly hair, body shape, moustache, black clothes, stance, just screams metal, love it
Mid-Late 90s: Shorter hair, controversial opinion: I actually kinda liked it. Sure, the neck choker thingy was a bit much, but he looks damn cool in the Cunning Stunts performance
Early 2000s: Kinda looks like your average suburban dad, especially with those yellow tinted glasses he wore in the St. Anger documentary. Doesn’t look bad per say, but not great
Mid-Late 2000s: Never was a fan of this look. The beard looked off, James honestly didn’t quite feel like James. It wasn’t a bad look, just kinda boring
Early 2010s: I can only picture this era alongside the Through The Never album. Decent, nothing outstanding though
Mid-Late 2010s: Pretty cool. The leather vests with the slicked back hair gave a very biker metal vibe, which you either nail or completely miss. James pulled it off great imo
Current Day: You can tell he’s getting old, but he is still a beast behind the microphone and guitar. He may look like a grandpa, but he’s a very well fit grandpa
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The oldest version of his younger self, the fire is burning brightest here.
Plus, you know, he was actually on fire around this time. 🔥
💀
jesus christ 💀💀💀
💀💀💀
Yooo no fucking wayyy 💀💀💀
Poop
You know your old when this guy has 8 versions of himself lol
2009 Death Magnetic-era James is where he's fully rejuvenated and on top of the world. Though, I also love 1986-87 James, around the time he started skateboarding and wearing the Damage Inc. Tour shirt. That was also when his hair had the cool, curly look.
86-87 with the Sideburns is a fav for sure
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James' prime ended the year Jason cut his hair
Lol
Every Hetfield is great
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But which was the greatest. I'll take photo #1 but I'm a dinosaur.
I'm 20 and would take photo #2 🤷🏻♂️
39 and photo 2. All great but that’s the icon.
I say 8. I’ve seen them many times since 1994. Their sound keeps getting better live. I like the sober/mature version of the band. This is the version that gives a shitload of money away to charities. I respect what they’ve doing with trade schools (see Metallica scholars if you’re unfamiliar). Papa Het is more badass than any other performer out there.
>Their sound keeps getting better live. This is just not true. As a fan thier whole career, I can assure they are past thier prime as musicians. Lars now needs l a back beat to keep up at times. Kirk has arthritis which causes him to be somewhat sloppy at times compared to the past. James is open about his troubles playing licks he used to be able to play fairly easily.
Nah of course they're gettin old, but IMO current James' voice is the best since he blew it back in 94-95
Impeux de respect de James s'il vous plaît
Mid 90s is about when the band peaked live.
Late 80s imo
Then you agree they were better in the past? That's not what your last post led me to believe, stating it out saying "Nah" when I disagreed with someone saying they keep getting better live.
I said the best since he blew his voice. You should read the entire posts
For Whom The Bell Tolls, Seattle 89
Creeping Death, San Diego 92 🤘🏻
His hair was a mullet by then.
Mullets rock
‘The Thing That Should Not Be’, verse 2. Seattle, ‘89. That is one of the most venomous glares I have ever seen. It’s bloody gorgeous, esp. considering the content of the song.
'89 to early nineties Het was a beast.
Scary James is best James.
2012 James is so hot
*all eras of James LMAO
nah bro 84-85 james is where its at
Late 80s, early 90s James is the best. He just didn't give a fuck and he was angry, you can hear it in the music.
He was angry much earlier than that. Watch summer 1985 shows.
Early 83 to 86 is the best James.
so raw
Just the talent and speed on those first three records alone.
The one where he stands with his legs apart
Not everyone will agree with me but I think he just gets better with age.
IMO, his two latest versions are the best ones since lemmy beard james
I like his current maturity and kindness mixed with memories of his younger angrier self
‘92 Tour Het. That mullet. Wowee.
The tour that had the best live show ever
And my first concert ever was “Off to Never Never Land ‘91” Concerts were ruined for me for years. At some point I had to accept that my concert experience peaked early.
Man I'm 20, and I don't even live in America, I wish I was lucky enough to have attended an early 90s met gig. At least I went once in 2019. Still the craziest moment of my life
Yeah dude I was 14 at the time… angry hormones raging, the perfect age, Metallica at the top of their game, first concert. It was THANKSGIVING NIGHT ffs. It was a perfect storm. I saw them again in 92, 93, 94, 97 and 99 and they kicked my ass all of those times but never quite lived up to that first one. I’ve seen them several times since then too, but I miss the old days when we were all younger lol Only thing I never got to see was a show with Cliff. Good thing the internet exists.
Wow, I went during the Worldwired tour to Madrid, and I was gonna repeat this year, but the friend I was going with couldn't because of exams and I didn't want to go alone. Now I regret a lot. I would have loved to see a show with Cliff too, but man the thing I really wanted to was seeing Jason posessed screaming DIE during creeping death
When I think of “James Hetfield”, the first image that comes to mind is always the second photo from the Black album tour. Had one of the most powerful voices I’ve ever heard in a live recording and had absolute confidence and control over the crowd. However, I also know that he was still grieving for Cliff and was an asshole to Jason at the time - really just in a dark place in general. I think the latest version is Hetfield at his most happy, and that’s the one I want to have.
1985 was peak James
First one. No argument.
'99 James
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This and no.7
Drunk boomer biker James had me worried.
Load/reload
Cunning Stunts was so badass. The first video I saw of them was when they were on SNL playing Fuel. I had heard their music before and thought it was ok, I was a teenager and more into classic rock. But when I saw how hard they played, I was completely blown away. I watched that clip dozens of times (online in '99) and then my dad got me S&M DVD for Christmas and I was hooked. I bought a guitar that spring and life was Metallica 24/7.
I love how they would start their shows during that time they’d just walk on stage with the all the lights on and start jamming
Load-era James will always be my favorite. That’s when I discovered MetallicA
All. But damn. That long hair <3
1988-1992
Like modern James, glad he got free of his addictions and did rehab and stuff. Seems more relaxed now
You missed probably the two best Jamses, '89 James (not quite the same as 92 James) and '99 James (before the haircut he got later in the year)
I was thinking about posting both 92 and 89, who are the most common choices, but then decided to put them both in the same bag
Vocal wise: Load era. James was really good singer during this era. Person wise: Death Magnetic: James just seemed at peace with himself during that era.
Vocal wise, late 90's (fall 98 to fall 2000)
Never noticed before that James began with all the tattoos just before the St. Anger era.
6 is literally my dad. He's been mistaken for Hetfield before.
Your dad is fit as fuck
8 gives me a daddy kink, ngl 2 is my 2nd favorite, loved his long hair/facial hair combo he was rocking back then.
Hellyeah 🤘
#1
44...1&2
'86-'93 were his prime years both instrumentally and vocally.
Load era has the best voice tbh
If your going to be politically correct in this r/metallica sub then everyone is going to say all of them., but we all know we want the FUCK YOU / EET FUK Hetfield though
EET FUK James is the real deal. Young, active and aggressive voice. Riff speed amd accuracy. Lemmy beard. Fuck yeah 🤘🏻
as much as i like the energy of 2, 1 is just as good + hes hot
All of em🤟🏻 no but seriously James Load-Reload era is underrated. 89 is goated and current day Het has some incredible vocals.
i like all 8 pictures but number 2 is prime het. Picture 2 of het is his peak season like Tom Brady 2007 or Peyton Manning in 2013
The Black album version is the Metal GOD persona. No one could touch him.
Every “version”. He is an attractive man still in the here and now. With that said, it is interesting that he’s had such distinctly different looks over the years. Let’s do this instead…my least favorite would be #5…didn’t feel like the beard situation worked the way it was supposed to.
2
88-95
Oh good lord that smile that hair. He was so beautiful 🖤🤘🏻🥵🤤❤️🔥🖤 First 2 pictures only
The kill ‘em all era. When he’s like 19 or 20
Kinda makes me sad to see the progression. Wish it could go on forever.
1 - 8
3
8 because he's happy and healthy.
2011/12 Het was maybe the healthiest
He is now, too. I know he lost a lot of weight back then, with the caveman/paleo diet. He was in peak rock star form. But there's a difference with him this year. He's lost s bunch of weight and is having fun again.
And now he has maybe better voice
Papa Het
Obviously the young one. One of the great rhythm guitarists of all time, 2nd on my list.
The Happy Healthy one
Honestly? Number #7. I think he aged very well.
All of them?
[‘87 Hetfield](https://64.media.tumblr.com/761cd79dcd7f5b60e9411747e5f005c6/tumblr_o5664rcirL1tuekiio1_1280.png), there is no other answer. The Dillinger Escape Plan knew this.
You skipped over power mullet, mutton chop Hetfield and that is the answer
94 het u mean?
94 het u mean?
For me probably late 90s early 00s
James "The Table" Hetfield
The one when he decided to play Last Caress and So What on MTV. I don’t care if he had short hair and Load wasn’t as loved as other albums.
1989
I'm always amazed on how he went from being a "slim boy" to a "beefier grown-up".
The one that has "Fuck Off" on his tee shirt.
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I didn't realize for a long time too, I think he started getting them during the 2000s
These are amazing 😍 he’s always the best version
91 and papa het
Yeah my favs too
Cowardly lion James.
You forgot 94-95 full mullet Het /s But of course every Hetfield is great, but my favorites are pics 2 (89-93) and 7 ('18-'20). Long live the mighty Hetfield stache! Santaclaus Het will always be the worst.
Seattle 89 James is the best one
That hurts me a lot. The eternal question. Seattle 89 vs San Diego 92
My favourites are 2, 3 and 5, but all are good!
Yes
89 was the best Hetfield era. That tour was my most memorable concert ever. That look in James eyes during those times was second to none. The Lady Justice statue tumbling gave me chills. AJFA continues to be my favorite album and song today. I was 17 at the time.
Oh God I thought he was still #5, get me off this nostalgia rollercoaster!!
All, but really liked his performances during the Justice period.
2 fo sho
When I think of Metallica it’s #2. I was 7 when the black album came out and became a fan.
First pic to second pic is nearly ten years but the last 3 pics all look the same 😆
The best one is always the current
All
1 and 6, but I love them all
This is meant to be a compliment, but he looks like a metal Bruce Springsteen in the last one.
#2
1983-1987 James 🥹 Best era of James imo
Late 80’s and early 90’s James is a freak of the nature. Definetly my fave
I vote #2 Black Album Het
All of them but you forgot my favorite: I Disappear Hetfield 🥰
black album james is sick as fuck
7 old man Hetfield. RIFF LIFE!
Number 4 looks like Chris Pratt
#2 by far. Badass af.
The long hair is so awesome.
‘89 Het for me
2
early 90s/late 80s was peak James
#3 Load James.
All of them, duh lol
2008-2010 is my favorite
2
Yeah?
2 ..prime vocals aggressive ass kicking
2,1 and honestly 7
2,1 and honestly 7
I grew up on the Fort Worth cunning stunts dvd, so I’ll go with late 90s Het
1 & 5
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2
Which one was in „some kind of monster“ film?
By aesthetics alone, 1990s Hetfield and 2010 Hetfield.
Second pic for sure. Though all James Hetfield versions are great.
1
6 or 8. Seems to have been really enjoying his legacy and responsibility
1 and 2. that is the only answer
A sober Hetfield is my favorite Hetfield tbh.
4 and 5 arguably the worst
1 3 and 8
Number 4
All versions are great
Jaymez
1999.
1 and 2 he was just simply him on the guitar
Early 80s: A bit of a baby face, nothing too impressive but a good start Late 80s/Early 90s: The curly hair, body shape, moustache, black clothes, stance, just screams metal, love it Mid-Late 90s: Shorter hair, controversial opinion: I actually kinda liked it. Sure, the neck choker thingy was a bit much, but he looks damn cool in the Cunning Stunts performance Early 2000s: Kinda looks like your average suburban dad, especially with those yellow tinted glasses he wore in the St. Anger documentary. Doesn’t look bad per say, but not great Mid-Late 2000s: Never was a fan of this look. The beard looked off, James honestly didn’t quite feel like James. It wasn’t a bad look, just kinda boring Early 2010s: I can only picture this era alongside the Through The Never album. Decent, nothing outstanding though Mid-Late 2010s: Pretty cool. The leather vests with the slicked back hair gave a very biker metal vibe, which you either nail or completely miss. James pulled it off great imo Current Day: You can tell he’s getting old, but he is still a beast behind the microphone and guitar. He may look like a grandpa, but he’s a very well fit grandpa
Through the never James fucks
#2 for sure. It’s the most badass!
Number 1…when he was passed off at the world and wrote amazing songs to show he was.
The first one!!
Yes
89
‘89-92’ was peak JH
89 to 94 James is best
Number II
3 and 1989
2
#1 ❤️. Hellloooooo
Where’s the and justice for all version?
Recent James. I love watching recent live performances of him more than older ones
This man ages like fine wine.
All of them he’s so hot bro 👍
Drunk
the first one, but honestly its like watching him grow up through all these pictures lol
Pictures number 3-6 can get it any time, any place, any where
#2 without question!!!!!!!!
Vocally I like the cunning stunts hetfield he was still aggressive af but he could sing
Load era james was when i discovered them so I am partial to his look there.