Messengers: The Guitars of James Hetfield

How many guitars can one rock star own? For Metallica front man Hetfield, it turns out the answer is quite a few. The author’s instruments are more than collectible curiosities; they are indispensable gear that helps this famous thrasher rock arenas all over the world. Detailed photographs reveal every nick, scuff, and personalized customization of this fascinating stockpile, while Hetfield provides an entertaining, precise explanation of the merits and pitfalls of each guitar. Along the way, he regales readers with anecdotes amassed over the last 42 years, including the horrific night in 1992 when he caught fire in front of 55,000 fans in a pyrotechnic mishap. Metallica is still going strong with no end in sight, and Hetfield will probably keep adding axes to his array. So, metalheads could reasonably expect a second volume someday.