Why James Hetfield Never Gets Tired of Playing “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica
One of Metallica’s most famous songs is “Nothing Else Matters.” Featured on their eponymous album, commonly known as the “Black Album,” released in 1991, this ballad is almost always a staple in the band’s performances due to its massive success.
According to Setlist.fm, the song has been performed live over 1.2 thousand times throughout the years, and this number is likely even higher.
Despite playing it copiously over the decades, James Hetfield never grows weary of performing it. On The Metallica Report podcast, as transcribed by Ultimate Guitar, the lead vocalist and guitarist explained why:
“‘Nothing Else Matters’ is always a song I like to play. You see people hugging and crying. It’s a very different emotion from the rest of the show, which involves losing your mind, creating mosh pits, and going wild. It’s like that, but it hits deep and internally. I love seeing people’s vulnerability and emotion during this song.”
Interestingly, the musician was initially hesitant to record “Nothing Else Matters.” As he shared with Classic Rock magazine in 2021, he felt that the composition, inspired by the longing he felt for his then-girlfriend Kristen Martinez, conveyed weakness.
“Why not write a love song? Simply put, it’s a massive sign of weakness. You’re in Metallica. It’s supposed to be heavy. But this song was for me. It’s about being on the road, missing someone back home. It was composed in a way that connected with many people. It wasn’t just about two people. It was about a connection with your higher power, many different things.”
Regarding the “Black Album”:
Released on August 12, 1991, the “Black Album” showcased the band exploring new sounds and marked the beginning of their collaboration with producer Bob Rock. For the first time, the musicians used three different tunings: traditional E, E-flat, and D.
The darker and more reflective atmosphere of the songs wasn’t merely a superficial change in approach. Besides the natural maturation that comes with age, three of the four band members went through divorces during this period—James Hetfield being the exception.