Metallica frontman James Hetfield almost broke down as he talked for the first time about his fight against drug addiction.
At a MusiCares fundraiser in Hollywood on Friday (05/12/06), the rocker also dismissed the industry's 'sex, drugs and rock' n' roll' ethos as a "horrible myth."
After a moments silence "for the people who didn't make it, that aren't with us, who could be and I think should be" he told the crowd:
"What a horrible statement, to me. It is a myth. And to have those things attached to music, which is the best drug in the whole f**king world, moves me like no other."
And I thank God that I discovered that gift early on.
"Getting sober is not for sissies. Dieing is easy, living is hard."
Five years ago Hetfield was fighting to control his addictions to drink and drugs."
That struggle was recorded in the award-winning documentary about the band, 'Some Kind of Monster.'
Hetfield said: "I think that movie helped some people, and it took the black veil away, it took the mystique and the mystery out of the rock myth 'sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll'."
The guest list for the alcohol-free event read like a who's who of rock royalty including Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, Motorhead frontman Lemmy and Red Hot Chili Peppers singer Anthony Kiedis.
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