Calls to ban Metallica from Glastonbury over bear-hunting show

James Hetfield of Metallica performs on stage at the Sonisphere Festival in Helsinki. Credit: Kristiina Lehto/STT-Lehtikuva/PA

Animal lovers are calling for heavy metal rock band Metallica, to be banned from the Glastonbury lineup this year, after it emerged front man James Hetfield will narrate a TV series about hunting bears.

Hetfield who is a keen hunter and member of America’s National Rifle Association, is set to narrate an eight-part TV series called The Hunt, which follows a group of marksmen shooting bears in Alaska.

Hetfield's decision to narrate the show has caused outrage on social media from animal rights campaigners.

A Facebook page set up against the performance has said that Metallica, who are set to perform at Glastonbury on the 28th June, are "incompatible" with the ideals of the popular festival.

The page, which has now received over 30,000 likes, states:

Another petition also started online has nearly 15,000 likes:

Kynna Echoes has posted on the site: "Justice for all. You kill yourself with your own words James Hetfield."

Lisa B added: "Not in the spirit of peace-loving Glastonbury."

James Hetfield on stage during Metallica's performance at the charity concert at Wembley Stadium, London. Credit: Yui Mok/PA Archive

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A spokesperson for the Facebook group said the campaign is not personally against the singer but his support of big game hunting.

A statement on the Facebook page reads:

James Hetfield performs with his band Metallica. Credit: Axel Heimken/DPA/Press Association Images

But not all Glastonbury fans think Metallica's view on hunting should determine whether they are allowed to play.

One fan said:

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