Taking sides? Metallica frontman taunts antisemitic rapper: "No bullshit"

Metallica frontman James Hetfield stopped a concert in Las Vegas to make it clear that the band does not intend to use the stage to promote political agendas, unlike other artists. His comments came amid the dismissal of rapper Macklemore from Ed Sheeran's tour after he called for the liberation of Palestine.

Metallica frontman James Hetfield stopped his concert in Las Vegas and made it clear to the audience that the band does not intend to use the stage to promote political agendas, unlike other artists. "Metallica is not here, like some other artists, to influence you with their nonsense, no bullshit," he said. His comments came amid the dismissal of rapper Macklemore from Ed Sheeran's tour, after he called for the liberation of Palestine during a warm-up show in New Jersey. Macklemore wore a keffiyeh, called for the liberation of Palestine, and performed the anti-Israel song "Hind's Hall" with images from Gaza projected in the background. Following the uproar, he was removed from the tour. Three of Sheeran's other opening acts withdrew in support of Macklemore, and the Irish folk band Beoga also announced their departure, claiming "silencing by Zionist lobbyists." Sheeran claimed the decision was made by the tour producers and venue managers. Hetfield did not explicitly name which artists he meant, but the message was clear: music should remain at the center of the stage.