Metallica, Alice in Chains join forces for LA gig

04/26/2006 7:40 AM, Reuters
Dean Goodman

Members of hard rock bands Metallica and Alice in Chains will play together at a Hollywood benefit concert next month honoring Metallica singer James Hetfield, organizers said on Wednesday.

Hetfield and Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo will share the stage at Music Box at Henry Fonda on May 12 with Alice in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell and drummer Sean Kinney.

The concert/dinner is a fund-raiser for the MusiCares MAP Fund, which provides members of the music community access to addiction recovery treatment regardless of their financial situation.

Both bands have struggled with addiction issues. Hetfield's personal battle was chronicled in the documentary "Some Kind of Monster," while Alice in Chains lost singer Layne Staley to a fatal drug overdose four years ago.

Their paths have also intersected musically. Alice in Chains bass player Mike Inez was one of many high-profile musicians to try out for the slot that opened up when Jason Newsted left Metallica in 2001. Alice in Chains was also supposed to open some dates for Metallica in 1994, but pulled out at the last minute because of internal tensions.

Metallica are recording a new album, having kept a relatively low profile in the past year. Alice in Chains will launch their first tour in a decade in Los Angeles on May 18.

Hetfield's bandmates, drummer Lars Ulrich and guitarist Kirk Hammett, will attend the Hollywood event, as will their friend and idol, Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead. Other scheduled guests include Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, former Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro, and Sully Erna of Boston hard rock band Godsmack.

Also scheduled to perform are rock band Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and singer/songwriters Jason Mraz and Tom Waits. Besides Hetfield, veteran concert promoter Bill Silva will also be honored. Balcony tickets are priced at $250 each.

Reuters/VNU