Metallica frontman James Hetfield took a break from the stage to go on an underwater adventure. The rockstar proposed to his girlfriend beneath the waves, turning their activity into a special moment as the couple swam alongside whale sharks. The setting may be unconventional, yet it’s a fitting choice for Hetfield’s larger-than-life persona.
James Hetfield Got A Thumbs Up
On March 15, Metallica’s Instagram posted a photo of Hetfield and his girlfriend, Adriana Gillett, underwater. The rocker held up a laminated sign that read, “ADRIANA GILLETT, WILL YOU MARRY ME?” Gillett posed beside her new fiancé, one hand holding the ring box and the other doing a thumbs up. The caption read, “She said yes!”
Gillett posted the same photo on her Instagram, revealing more details about the proposal. According to the caption, Hetfield popped the question while the two were on Gillett’s surprise birthday trip, and the proposal happened on March 13.
Gillett gushed about the proposal, adding, “In a sea full of fish, we caught each other. Thank you, God, for putting us together.”
The Newly-Engaged Couple Received Love From Friends And Fans
Friends and fans of the couple took to Instagram to congratulate them, with longtime Metallica photographer Lee Jeffries offering a glimpse into their relationship.
“I’ve witnessed the beautiful connection you share, and it’s something truly real… built on depth, understanding, and the experiences of lives already richly lived,” Jeffries wrote, adding, “The way you connect with each other is genuinely special.”
One user wrote, “I thought it was gonna be him and Lars,” referring to Hetfield’s bandmate and friend, drummer Lars Ulrich. “Lars is his work wife,” one person replied.
Others did a play on words with the titles of Metallica’s songs, writing, “Harvester of Marriage,” “Enter Married Man,” and “Master of Prenups.”
James Hetfield Filed For Divorce In 2022
Hetfield married his first wife, Francesca Tomasi, in 1992, and they married in 1997. The Metallica singer filed for divorce in 2022, as previously reported by The Blast. They share three kids, Marcella, Castor, and Cali, all of whom were already adults at the time of their separation.
The rockstar battled alcoholism and anger issues, and he credited his wife for helping him through his struggles. “No matter what’s going on, we’re going to talk this stuff out, and make it work,” Hetfield once said.
The singer kept the details of the divorce under wraps, not making an official statement regarding the matter. Tomasi briefly spoke about the demise of their relationship, per TMZ, saying, “After 30 years of ups and downs but always with a lot of love, I am extremely saddened that my marriage has come to this.”
James Hetfield And Metallica Are On Tour
Hetfield’s engagement to Gillett came in the midst of Metallica’s “M72 World Tour,” which started in April 2023. The band will be heading to Europe in May, performing in several locations, including Athens, Frankfurt, Berlin, Budapest, and Dublin.
Since forming in 1991, Metallica has built one of the most successful careers in music history. The band has become one of the best-selling artists of all time, earned 22 Grammy nominations with nine wins, and secured its place in rock history with their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.
In 2013, Metallica became the first musical act to perform on all seven continents, as recognized by the Guinness World Records. They completed the feat in December 2013, when they rocked out inside a transparent dome in Antarctica.
Metallica’s Upcoming Las Vegas Residency Is Sold Out
In late February, Metallica announced that they would be heading to Las Vegas to perform at The Sphere for their “Life Burns Faster” residency. Fans immediately purchased tickets, and the initially planned eight shows increased to 14. With the high demand, the residency has now expanded to 24 shows, starting in October and ending in March 2027.
The tickets sold out in record time, and Metallica showed their appreciation to fans, writing, “We are so appreciative and grateful to all of you for the incredible response to our upcoming Life Burns Faster residency at Sphere in Las Vegas.” Unfortunately, they won’t be adding more shows.
