I’ve met James Hetfield three times. Very briefly in ‘86 (Sheffield City Hall) and then after a gig at Hammersmith Odeon during the ‘Justice…’ tour where we talked for quite a long time (after they did a backstage autograph session). Skip to a gig in Dallas during the St Anger tour and we crossed paths again. After a few “You’re English” and “What you doing in Dallas?” comments, I reminisced and he remembered me from the Hammersmith gig, without hints I might add; other than we’d met before…. He said, a little shocked: “I remember you! Oh man, how the hell are you? WTF? I think we talked about Thin Lizzy, Maiden, Motörhead, Rush? Am I right? What the Hell are you doing in Dallas?” You’ve no idea what that meant to me. I won’t lie, I’ve worried about James, a lot. I was scared he would become another victim of substance suicide. I have complete empathy with him. James is an icon, a legend and a man with a beautiful soul.

18 days sober. Started going to meetings. Best thing I've ever done in my life, other than making music.

i've been playing in the bars and restaurants 5 days a week for 8 yrs or so. and even on that VERY MICROSCOPIC scale this all rings true. it started out as "well i'll take a xanax before i leave so im not awkward and can be entertaining" to "better take 3 today" to "take them all the time, before, during, after" and THEN turned into "this dude said he can get me some heroin" I'm 3 yrs sober now. it IS hard to turn that switch off. but i focus on the fact that this is work, my family's well-being depends on this. i was living like a Rolling Stone while playing for 30 ppl a nite. the math doesn't add up and when i saw it from a different perspective it was down right embarrassing. i'll say also, my gtr playing has leveled WAY up since i quit the drink and drugs. so thats awesome

Congratulations for posting this. I recently boogied my way past 6000 days clean/sober after a 20 yr addiction to heroin/crack/booze etc. These days I'm working musician and recovery coach to musicians who need support with their own addictions.

So relatable it hurts, even for those of us that play in the minor minor league of music.

I am showing this to the teens/ young adults I do outreach and counseling for at the recovery center I facilitate group meetings at. There are deeply important messages in this video about the ego/ addiction/ not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Good stuff Justin. 👍

Right on. My band broke up before the pandemic. I became isolated and depressed. I'm not playing or singing. I lost a part of me. I guess I took too long of a break. I'm a nobody, but music has been in my soul for 40 years. Maybe I'm too old. I need to hang out with someone like you Justin. Someone with great energy to get me back to my own.

You are one of the best things on the internet. Thank you for all of your positive messages and honesty. 🙏

11:42 "...allow the fame persona and the offstage persona to become intertwined, so you are one with who you are at all times" - just replace "fame/offstage" with "work/life" here, or with any other way we divide up our lives, and you've revealed something crucial for all of us - thank you, mr. hawkins!

Always candid, honest and ever respectful. Love your channel Justin! ❤

I'm two years sober this New Year. One thing I have come to realise is how much of my own persona was wrapped up in my drinking - I worried that sobriety would take away a huge part of who I was. The further I get from my last drink the clearer it becomes to me that remaining sober allows the authentic me (whatever that is) to shine though.

Great episode! I idolized Bon Scott when I was in high school and I drank like I was on borrowed time. Quitting was the best thing I did and I don’t miss a day of it, 33 years later. I lost a few friends to drugs and alcohol and it’s a shame. Hopefully this episode will resonate with some people and they will find inspiration to turn things around.

Your honesty on such a personal subject is refreshing, and I'm sure it is quite difficult. Addiction is quite a monster, and people who have faced it and come out victorious are probably some of the strongest and self-aware folk you'll ever meet. Keep fighting the good fight.

If I didn't get sober almost 20 years ago...I would be dead. Thanks for this great video Justin!

(Long) question for comments day: in the James Hetfield video, you said the goal is to make the onstage persona mesh with the everyday persona. It seems very obvious that you take your vulnerable, sociable, intellectually curious self and incorporate that into your stage shows, even while melting faces. Do you also bring a little of the rock god into your personal life in order to be able to coexist with your artist self? On JHRA, your opinions carry so much weight because of your experience and expertise (rock god), but what makes everyone stay with you is how human you are. A channel like this would be so out of reach for a lot of performers who wouldn’t be able to come back to earth after all those monumental experiences, to wit: fronting Queen and AC/DC and others at the Taylor tributes.

Thanks for talking so openly about alcoholism… I’ve lost many people that I love to it. Addiction is a sneaky bitch, no matter what it is. I can see where someone can get addicted to fame and finding it hard to get grounded again. Especially if you’re James, who’s been doing this for so long. . . finding balance is hard anyway, even more so with an addictive personality and that type of success/lifestyle. Keep talking about it, and keep it up with the sobriety/mental health…. I’ve commented before, you’re helping people by being open with that. Love the the music, love the humor, love this channel, and love you JH. Rock and roll!!🤘🏻🎶❤️#justkeepswimming

I’m a new fan !! First saw you onstage with Wolf Van Halen, and I am now subscribed, and love the videos. Wolf said you were a really great guy… It definitely shows in the content, and just hearing what you have to say !! Have a great day Justin !! 🎶🤘🏼

Justin, we love you so much! Such a deep, sensitive, intelligent, respectful guy. Thank you for sharing your time with us ♥♥♥

It’s not only musicians who have to deal with this sort of thing! We all do in one way or another! Think about it! That’s life! I’ve recently retired from a job I really miss! Thanks for talking about this! Peace!

Another reason to love this channel; not only do you get insights into the music industry but you also receive critical reviews of your grammar. Who knew that an innocent comma could be so vital?

Thanks for doing this video Justin. I have a close relationship with this topic personally and your insight into this matter is quite on point. I wish more people understood exactly what dealing with these issues is like unless you’re actually a part of it. Explaining the things in your head & feelings in your heart to anyone outside of a select few people in similar circumstances is almost impossible. All to possible is to feel a sense of guilt about having such feelings despite having the great fortune of being successful & “famous”. At the end of the day we’re all just people; we are human & we have emotions. Shining a light on the topic is something that may not reach or change the way many understand ~ however, if it only touches a few it’s a really great thing. Cheers my friend, I love your channel here your music, & all your insights to the issues you touc upon. - My best wishes for your continued success, and have a good one mate.

Running is so therapeutic and this is so insightful - can't thank you enough for covering these difficult issues

Justin, loved the Hetfield/addiction video, really appreciate hearing your own personal experiences. On a lighter note, we need you on TV presenting some kind of music show. With your look, voice (singing and talking), and no nonsense straight talking, you'd go down a treat! Thanks for the KZfaq stuff, you da man 👍👊

Great work Justin, done with sincerity and honesty..thanks for this video..

Tommy R here, I'd forgotten about your shed invoice! Brilliant, it's on its way, cheers for that J. T R.

Thanks Justin, loved this. I’m now 14 years sober. Totally agree about performing live music, when I’m in front of an audience I’m completely in the moment. It’s one of those rare moments where I can quieten my head. My opportunities to perform are few and far between these days, but I relish them. Finding other ways to stay in the moment - be it through sport, music, work, meditation - these are all things I use to help my recovery on a day by day basis.

Keeping it real as always, Justin. You're down to earth and humble, you've embraced the human experience here on Earth school and found value in your off stage life as well as on stage. As you said, you've found a way to integrate the two.

Great choice of topic that I think every performer can relate to. Not enough has been said to date about resolving the duality of on and off stage life. Thank you for making this video.

Hey Justin thanks for being open and human with us. I wish you much love and wellness on your journey.

Such a good video for letting things hit home. I feel so many of us can relate to this in some form or another. Keep on keeping on 🤘

Truly love your daily videos / outlook on everything. x

Awesome discussion Justin and some hugely important values you talk about - thank you for sharing! Exercise is also one of my go to’s- I find running just seems to “iron out my mind” as I call it and just helps de clutter the mind after any busy or stressful days. The living in the present part is the one I’m working on- I can’t tell you the amount of hours I must have lost worrying about something ahead in the future, be it work, Sport or any other matter! The other thing I can relate to is dwelling on past mistakes, especially anything related to addiction as you can reach a cycle of blaming yourself, feeling guilt or shame. One of the biggest steps is accepting that yeah sure, if you had your time again you’d do it differently- but the one thing we can actively change is the here and now! Try and free yourselves of any of that pointless guilt and self blame guys and girls- if there’s one thing I’m realising the older I get, it’s that there’s fucking millions of us who have all had similar issues and similar feelings and made similar “mistakes”. So not a single one of us is alone, a bad person, or stupid! Life has some ups, some downs, and some sometimes-uneventful middles - just know that all around ourselves are other people navigating just the same journey and the same feelings - I find that comforting! Let’s all keep on learning about one another and having these open discussions- we are a complex species at times but all puzzles can be solved 😁 All the best Justin and everyone and thank you!

You shared some really important messages that I think can relate to everyday life too. One example is work/life which I think contributes to a lot of mental health struggles we see in Gen X and above, and the burn out that a lot of us to start to seriously burn out in the last decade. We have to start making each part of our life meaningful. You can’t rely on other people, you have to build your own resilience. Music and yoga (don’t laugh) have literally saved my life on multiple occasions. They are my reward to myself, something that’s just mine, and also bring me back down to earth when I’m riding an attention high or looking up out of a spiral. Find the thing that makes you feel you.

Sending lots of love and thank you for this! As a fellow addict, it shows that no matter how famous, talented, nice someone is we all have our flaws, Georgie Best, Richard Burton, Oliver Reed to name a few! Keep up the fight good sir!

I must say, smashingly propah blistering runs on your intro theme song-I think it's your best one yet!

Dear Justin, I truly enjoy listening to you. Your honesty, candour and authenticity is rare and refreshing. Thank you for sharing of yourself on this channel! It’s a lovely gift indeed and a bright spot in my day to day life.

Started to binge-eat in '02, when I couldn't cope with living somewhere else, & failing at my course. Nowadays, triggers are everywhere. Heading to the gym today 👍

I awake everyday awaiting a new spectacular video and you do not disappoint, sir. THANK YOU, JUSTIN!

You are so well spoken and expressed this subject perfectly. Ever consider doing a televised chat show? You are a natural.enjoy your channel.

Thanks again for your candidness and honesty 🙏 ❤

Informative and very very helpful vid Justin. Your honest approach as always, plus your informed and intelligent view, on what can be viewed, and is a minefield of advice and opinion from folks will help others.

Thank you for your honesty and integrity. To thine self be true, and being with those we love is most important. We can run to all parts of the globe and our heart and mind are with us wherever we go. I have a family member in a very bad alcoholic state of malnourishment and denial at the moment. We all hope she thinks more of her living than too soon passing. I think it is going to snow later this week, so wrap up and keep warm mate. I think a snowbound rock opera album is in order. All the snow, solitude and silence. A mental powerhouse of ideas. Rock on in great health x

Thanks Justin for your truth, honesty and venerability! I’d love to metal and keep rocking with you! Come visit Australia soon! We love you!

That Taffin shirt is perfection. I need it in my collection of esoteric shirts

Excellent, Justin. You make so much sense. Love your content.

8 years sober. I had to give up gigging when I gave up alcohol as I couldn’t sit in a bar all night. It was giving up two things I loved but life is so much better now.

SOMETIMES ITS HARD TO SWALLOW EITHER BECOMING THE PERSON YOU DREAMED OF, OR REALIZING THAT WHAT YOU'VE BECOME ISN'T WHAT YOU DREAMED OF. WE NEED TO ACCEPT WHO WE HAVE DEVELOPED INTO AND PREPARE FOR THE NEXT STAGES OF LIFE ACCORDINGLY.

If you're interested in taking part in some more interactive online stuff with me I'm currently scheduling my December Zoom Video Chat Nights where I chat nonsense with my patrons for about an hour in small groups, you can ask me questions or just watch. You can join here if you're interested: www.patreon.com/jushawk

Very relatable. I used to be so confused that when I would come home from doing a really cool show, that felt amazing and a lot of adoration and then be home alone feeling empty. Mine may not be fame, but the desire to be loved and special to others. Because then maybe I will feel enough. Great talk, Thank you.

👍👍thxs again Justin for riding again From AZ

Excellent video, very important message 🖤

I love when you speak on these sort of topics. It's very enjoyable to hear your wisdom.

Living in the moment is difficult for most people I know. It takes practice for me. Thank you for sharing your perspective!

You have such a way with words. Thanks for what you do!

Love your videos Justin great work !

Love your attitude towards this subject and great advice Justin. For James and the rest of us. I think you'd make a great therapist. Maybe next times round hey. Peace ✌

I can relate to addiction (alcohol) which i eventually kicked. I like that Justin said, "Take care of yourselves" it takes a caring and considerate guy to say that and mean it. It means so much in these uncertain times👍

I Love this Channel!!! Thank you Justin for the great Music and content.You Rock,Lovely!!!🤘😎👍

Man, I am a fan of your music, but I am a super fan of these videos that you are making. Love your insights, love your attitude to life

I miss the Adam & Joe show on the radio when they played the clip that is quoted on your t-shirt. Great video, thanks.

Thanks for the message

Long time watcher - first time commenter - Awesome episode Justin, I so resonate with this one!!! Keep up your great work!! : ) xxx

Exercise, fresh air, be present, know thyself. Awesome advice for everyone! And music absolutely saves lives! I realised recently that the harder times throughout my life have always been accompanied by a lack of interest in music and how essential it has been to lift me out of the darkness. There’s a lot of things I could live without, but music isn’t one of them. It is my refuge, my sanctuary, my happy place & I depend on it completely. I guess there’s worse addictions 😅 🥰

Another brilliant video. I can’t get enough of your sincerity & honesty. I’m hooked forever 😊

Wow Justin, I’m a newer fan of yours and I’m moved by you time and time again watching/enjoying your videos. Find myself singing intro & outro daily. Much love dude ❤

Love this more serious content, Justin! It's fun critiquing art and music, but delving deep is an entire different level of content. If you ever speak about your own personal struggles, I'm sure it could help many people.

Very good vid, as always. I played and toured throughout my 20's was well known for getting off my face regularly, even to the point of Jimmy Pursey giving me his therapist's number! And you are dead right I now work as a gardener but have to fight the addiction thing every day. I think it's partially down to being creative and the mindset that leads you to being more susceptible to stimuli or the escapism of being on stage. Am no psychologist, just thanks for getting folk to discuss.

Thanks Justin, that was really inspirational😊

You summed it up perfectly Justin . Love the video

Thanks for this Justin. I’m going to start running more frequently.

Thanks for this, Justin! I sometimes shared a flat in Glasgow with Frankie's brother Phil when you lot were taking off & my "career" was starting to go somewhere on paper. After I nearly burnt the gaff down, Phil & my flatmate came back & we had a ridiculous conversation about what he'd just experienced partying with you lot, that was hilarious & sort of helped steer me as safely as possible as a gigantic type one diabetic contemporary artist without any regular income & a taste for drink & substances can be. The ten Benson CD & your debut also really kinda helped. Thank God for creative outlets, but I still go a bit too mental after any perceived "win", basically over the bins & cats, sums, dosage calculations, phones, crap false nutrition information & pointless admin to get work. Blessings & expletives. :)

Best of luck to all with their personal struggles. Thanks again for sharing

Even while discussing a serious topic you never fail to make me laugh. I wonder how I can train my cats to take out the trash- they've been freeloading for too long 🐈‍⬛

Wise words Justin, thanks. Love the Taffin shirt!

i absolutely love your insights and takes on life. you sir, are a beautiful human being cheers

this is very inspiring content. much love!

Music attracts many who are looking to fill a void in their life. For some, the music is enough, but for others, it is sadly not, and many of us who have toiled in music on any level have lost friends who attempted to topfill their spiritual or emotional voids with drugs or alcohol. Thank you, Justin, wonderfully introspective, and thank you for shining a light 🙏

I really like this kind of videos. Thanks Justin for sharing your experiences and thoughts with such honesty and witty humor. Love from Paraguay, i hope someday we can have The Darkness play here.

I love your content and I thank you for it. I look forward to getting a notification for juuuustin haaawkins riiides agaaain - agaaaain. Very relatable to me and struggles getting through this thing called life. Much respect and thanks

This was awesome, would love to know what James said to you. A lot of this hits deep as the past X amount of years I've been working on how to be a better person, friend, band mate, life mate since my last bands wheels fell off. Keep on riding Justin

God Bless. Thanks for posting this.

Im so thankful you make these vids. 🍻

Totally agree with that 'getting in the zone' feeling that James brings up, as a performer playing your own songs live, there is not a feeling like it. Trying to replicate it once off stage is where the problem starts with many other musicians who share the same issues currently with him - people like me. Can't imagine what the high feels like though, at the arena show level the likes of James and yourself, Justin have performed .. that must be immense. Took me a while to understand when I stopped performing, or realised, rather that it was that 'zone' or 'space' I was chasing as suddenly, I did not know where to turn. que panic attacks, the lot .. of course, we all experience things like that differently when it comes to mental health and addictions ... but for me it was certainly going completely over the top with drink and drugs. Still in recovery. A real nasty illness or illnesses should I say, I would not wish upon anyone when it comes to substances which then become dependancies .. but hey, it happens. An addiction to the high of playing in that zone though, then going home and trying to work out what to do in that space of silence and what would be in my case, the dog, hah... it is tough, though most are capable of self-control in all scenarios, it is complicated for those that have struggled with that as the likes of James speak of. I would be back out doing everything I can to stay on that high, become reckless and annoying. Must be years since I have touched a drop of alcohol - coming up 8! That was the main issue which metastasised into harder things. Oh deary me. Good video - ad I hope James is well .. can't say I have followed much about his music etc, lately but glad to see he is still going strong, staying healthy and doing what he lives best.

Performers regularly experience adrenaline blasts equivalent to those experienced in a car crash. That blast, frequently repeated, changes the brain and one's health. Like quitting drugs, the brain needs time to regain a normal chemical level, and sometimes that's not completely possible. However as a recovered addict myself, I've found some lasting joy and peace by embracing a degree of selflessness that I've only found by being in this moment rather than mentally seeking that which is not present. God bless Justin. Love your posts.

Justin you're a wise man.. and you saying "see you on the ice" at the very end brings up many good memories for me.. thank you!

Thanks Justin. I’m going to try and restart my running tomorrow. Like music, it’s life saving.

What a lovely little video 😊

Thx Justin. It’s been a hard day and I felt that. G

Hi Justin. I'm not a fan of your music but I am a fan of your person ;-) Love watching your vids. Very true and inspiring. Thank you kindly.

You’re such a balanced man. I love your words!❤

Thank you for your service

Great talk,keep it up

Thanks for this, Justin. We're all Lifers!

Brilliant perspective on the crazy little thing we call life!

Love your work Justin 🤙🏽 legend

I can relate 100%. Not being famous of course, but being an addict with an addictive personality. Going through it now. Beat it once and hoped I'd never have to go through it again. But here I am once again. Anyway, not about me, just saying that so many people can relate in one way to Hetfield. Be it fame addiction or alcohol/drugs. We all can relate in some way. Just some more than others I guess.

Enjoyed the video. LOVE the Taffin tshirt

love from Stockholm , really good talk about a Really difficult subject as you mention here and ✔ agree with everything . Love Kleerup

I love that you love running. Tim Minchin famously did runs with fans in the cities he was visiting on tour, an interesting way to connect over a shared interest. I would love to hear you talk about running more, you're right it can be a total life saver.

You are such a good, good man. Thanks brotha for just being you!!!