James Hetfield, co-founder of the legendary heavy metal band Metallica, took to social media on Sunday to share some heartwarming personal news. The band announced on Instagram that Hetfield, 62, and his partner, Adriana Gillett, are now engaged following an underwater proposal while swimming with sharks. The touching moment captured Hetfield holding a sign that read “Adriana Gillett, will you marry me?” as Gillett proudly displayed the ring box and a thumbs up gesture.
The announcement of their engagement was met with celebration from fans and friends of the couple on social media. Drummer Jay Weinberg of Slipknot wrote, “Yes!!! Congratulations to you both!! ❤️❤️”
Hetfield’s engagement comes as Metallica gears up for their upcoming M72 tour, set to kick off in Europe in May. The band will also be headlining a series of “No Repeat Weekend” shows at the Sphere in Las Vegas from October 2026 to March 2027, promising never to perform the same song twice during the residency.
Metallica, founded in 1981 by Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich, has solidified its place as one of the most influential bands in heavy metal history, alongside Slayer, Anthrax, and Megadeth as the “big four” of thrash metal. With 11 studio albums under their belt, including the Grammy-winning “72 Seasons” released in 2023, Metallica continues to leave an indelible mark on the music industry.
In 2009, Metallica was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, honoring their decades-long contribution to rock music. Tickets for their upcoming tour dates are currently available on their website for fans eager to experience the iconic band live in concert.
As Hetfield and Gillett embark on this new chapter in their lives, the music world eagerly anticipates what the future holds for Metallica and their continued legacy in the world of heavy metal.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.