Metallica frontman James Hetfield's appearance during this year's Little Kids Rock annual benefit was a powerful moment of self-reflection and shows just how important music has become in his personal journey.
While normally held in front of a live New York City audience, this year's charity concert was streamed online and hosted by T-Boz of TLC and DJ Skee.
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"Music has saved my life daily," the Metallica frontman said during this year's benefit, which also showed the singer being interviewed by kids involved in the charity. "It has been a passion of mine since the early, early times. Music has been an outlet for me, it has been a connection, it has been a best friend for me for my whole life." When asked who he admired as a child, James explained how he looked up to his parents growing up, but perhaps more importantly his older brothers who played in bands and "spoke my language," as he puts it. "Music was in our family; all around the house there were musical instruments sitting around."
"Having an option for music, music at schools, I'm an advocate for having an opportunity and a place for people to at least explore that," Hetfield continued. "And if they find it helpful, that's great. And it could turn out to be a wonderful career. I'm here as an example of how music has saved lives."
This year's benefit held on April 14th also featured performances, appearances, and collaborations from longtime Public Enemy band member Brian Hardgroove, Yo-Yo Ma and Jim Peterik, Jack Black, Jade Bird, Craig Robinson, Carlos Santana and Cindy Blackman Santana, Warren Haynes, Kix Brooks, Steve Vai, Jon Secada and Jason Bonham, Brian Wilson, and more... and of course the Little Kids Rock students.
Over 550,000 kids currently participate in Little Kids Rock programs across the country. In the midst of COVID-19 and school closings, the organization has moved to online workshops and has begun to create new curricular resources focused on distanced and digital learning. To make a donation, you can text "LKR" to 44321 -- and to learn more about Little Kids Rock, visit www.littlekidsrock.org.
WATCH MORE: The healing capacity of music - supporting mental health
Audacy's I’m Listening initiative aims to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there. Additionally, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-273-8255.
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