“James’ struggle to get dry is a completely personal matter mentally and emotionally,” the guitarist commented.

During a conversation with Daily Star, Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett has defended the band’s decision to launch its signature Blackened Whiskey despite frontman James Hetfield’s alcoholism struggles throughout the years.

The group’s bourbon blend was introduced in 2018. James’ latest rehab stint took place in late 2019. Kirk said when asked about the subject:

“You can’t compare the two things. James’ struggle to get dry is a completely personal matter mentally and emotionally.

“The fact that we produce, bottle, and sell alcohol is totally independent of this.

“It is completely up to you whether you drink or not. And I think I can sell what I want. If I were a diabetic, that wouldn’t mean that I couldn’t sell sweets.”

Kirk added about the band’s current state and activities:

“We hold a virtual meeting once a week to keep in touch. James is working his way out of his situation. We can really only try to support him.

“We’ve definitely survived so much and have become ­brothers. We love one another, even if we sometimes hate each other as well. But that’s the way it is with brothers.

“We realize that we are bound to one another for the rest of our lives. I could say I’m leaving Metallica. And then what? Everyone would look at me and say, ‘Hey, that’s the Metallica guy.’

“So I could physically leave the band, but emotionally, symbolically, mentally, I wouldn’t be let go anyway. What would that do for me?”