That's right everyone, Metallica frontman James Hetfield turns 45 today. Hetfield was born in Los Angeles. California. His parents were devout Christian scientist. James had a very strict religious childhood, so strict that he watched his own mother die of cancer at a young age due to the fact that their religion forbade medical attention. His mother's death inspired some Metallica songs such as "Until it Sleeps" "Fade to Black" and "The God that Failed."

At a young age, James learned how to play the drums and the piano before picking up a guitar at the age of 14. Before forming Metallica with Lars Ulrich, James was also in Obsession, Phantom Lord, and Leather Charm. James met Lars when Leather Charm's drummer departed the band. In 1981, James and Lars formed Metallica. Since then they have become the one of the biggest rock bands in history selling 100 million albums world wide.

Hetfield struggled for years with substance abuse before entering a rehab facility in 2001 during the recording of their last studio album St. Anger.

Metallica is currently wrapping up their latest studio album Death Magnetic. It is due out in September with a North American tour to follow.

So happy birthday James, this is for you.