James Hetfield and company spoke about the power of music in an interview
the members of Metallica promised to give an interview to presenter Big J if he lost 40 kg. With the challenge fulfilled, James Hetfield and company spoke with Big J, who weighed over 140 kg, last week.
The presenter, whose real name is Jeremi Schlader , shared his battle with the scale in posts on social media.
Asked how they feel when a fan tells them that music saved their life, Hetfield replied: “I know how it feels. Music saved my life, too. So, yes, welcome to the club. But that’s the bigger connection, really – something I feel; fear, anxiety. My perspective on the world, I think, is flawed. When someone comes up and says that what we wrote or created helped them, the connection forms. It’s like you don’t say anything, you just feel what that person felt. Even if it might have been different. And everyone likes it when someone tells their story. 'That guy is singing to me,' or 'this song is about me.'”
Bassist Robert Trujillo added: “With music – and I call it the ultimate driver – you make people happy. I used to run in the mountains, train listening to Metallica. There’s always a place for music, it’s usually something positive. I imagine it helps on personal journeys – our music – and will continue to do so. Music is like magic in my head – it’s really special.”
Drummer Lars Ulrich commented that “the important thing is to realize these things. 35 years on this crazy journey, it’s important to internalize it and feel proud and feel that connection. It’s really, really cool. When someone tells you that, it’s very precious. It’s always the best moment of the day.”
Big J had been diagnosed with an eating disorder. He compared his relationship with food to an alcohol addiction. “It’s like you’re addicted to alcohol, but you have to have a drink every day to survive. Every meal is a challenge, it’s exhausting.”
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