Metallica’s James Hetfield Talks Going “Against Everything That Humans Are,” and the Story Behind His Self-Drawn Foundation Logo

While known for songs like “Nothing Else Matters”, “From Whom The Bell Tolls”, and “Enter Sandman”, Metallica used the success that followed the heavy metal band to help others. Having spent decades on the stage, entertaining fans from all over the world, the band decided to use their fame to help give back to those in need. Creating the All Within My Hands non-profit organization, James Hetfield recently discussed how the band came up with the logo and the power of helping others. 

Sitting down for the weekly episode of The Metallica Report, Hetfield opened up about the philanthropy work the band does. Using the organization, the band continues to help local communities when it comes to education, work, and local services. Speaking on how the logo came about, Hetfield revealed, “I think we had figured out the name first, from the song ‘All Within My Hands’. And then kind of the obvious thing was, ‘Let’s put a hand on there.’ And so, yeah, I just traced my hand, and that is my hand [laughs], whether you like it or not.”

[RELATED: Metallica Set to Close Out 2024 with Helping Hands Benefit Performance in Los Angeles]

James Hetfield Explains One of The Best Feelings When Giving Back

Besides using his hand to create the logo, Hetfield continued, “And then somehow, having a key, having a keyhole in your hand, like something needs to inspire or open the help. So having that key going into the lock and unlocking that knowledge of it is better to give than to receive.”

While loving what they created and having the opportunity to give back, Hetfield explained one of the best feelings. “As corny as that sounds, there’s not really a better feeling in this world than helping someone else and doing it without telling about it. There is something fantastic about that. It goes against everything that humans are — ‘I need this. You give me that. I need to take this.’ Especially growing up in a band that was struggling, fighting for the only towel in the motel, or whatever it is, or ‘there’s a can of food there. I better get mine or else.’ Just that sparseness mentality and having that key unlock it to be completely the opposite.” 

Since creating All Within My Hands, Metallica raised a staggering $15 million to help families when it comes to food insecurity and career advancement. 

(Mariscal/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)