They say never meet your idols – but this truly wholesome moment between Metallica guitarist James Hetfield and a 10-year-old fan is proof that, sometimes, you should ignore that advice.
The inspiring meeting – which can be seen in newly uploaded social media clips – took place in Tampa, FL back in June 2025, when Metallica were passing through on their mammoth M72 World Tour.
In the footage, 10-year-old Jacob K – who has cultivated a following of several thousand on Instagram thanks to his impressive metal riffing – has his ESP LTD Iron Cross signed by the Metallica leader. “Is this yours?” Hetfield asks before scribbling his signature on the guitar’s lower bout, and turning it into an instrument Jacob will truly treasure forever.
In an Instagram post, Jacob K reflects on the “crazy” day, calling James Hetfield “the best musician/guitarist and the reason I play guitar”.
“He was so amazing and cool,” he continues, “and so kind with me. It was the best day ever! I will never forget it.”
Another post on Jacob K’s Instagram page sees his parents reflecting on the wholesome meeting, writing: “Some moments change everything. This was one of them.”
“On 7 June in Tampa, during Metallica’s M72 weekend, something completely unexpected happened. After a night of pure magic at the show, a morning spent at the popup store buying ALL the Metallica gear, and gearing up for night two, our then-nine-year-old son Jacob got to meet his hero James Hetfield.”
They continue: “What meant the most wasn’t just meeting the GOAT. It was how humble, kind, and genuine James was with our son. He stopped. He talked with him. He encouraged him. He told him to keep playing and never stop.
“Up until that moment, Jacob’s world was countless hours of watching interviews, concerts, performances, learning Metallica riffs, listening daily, and even saving up for his Iron Cross guitar!”
They say the meeting made them bigger fans of Hetfield and Metallica than ever before: “Talent is incredible, but character is everything. James isn’t just a rock star. He’s the real deal.”
So there, have another piece of evidence pointing to how James Hetfield is one of the coolest dudes in metal – and music.
Sam is the Associate News Editor for Guitar.com and MusicTech. Thoroughly immersed in music culture for the majority of his life, Sam has played guitar for 20 years, studied music technology and production at university, and also written for the likes of Guitar World, Total Guitar, Metal Hammer and MusicRadar.