James Hetfield declares song as greatest ever written
Over the course of the last forty years, James Hetfield, the guitarist and vocalist for Metallica, has created some of the most iconic Heavy Metal songs in music history. Metallica has become one of the highest-selling music acts globally, with an estimated 150 million records sold worldwide.
Influenced by a diverse range of artists, Hetfield has often discussed his inspirations, even going so far as to reveal his opinion on what he believes is the best song ever written. Surprisingly, Hetfield cited Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” a song from their fourth album released in 1971, as an exemplary piece of songwriting. In an interview for the Metallica Report podcast in 2025, Hetfield expressed admiration for the composition, noting how its structure has influenced many other bands.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Hetfield has praised “Stairway to Heaven.” In 2004, when asked to list his favorite songs, he highlighted this legendary song, showcasing how the track had even served as a learning tool for him when he first started playing the guitar. His fondness for Led Zeppelin extends to their vocalist, Robert Plant, whom Hetfield regards as one of the greatest singers of all time.
When Metallica was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, Hetfield had the rare opportunity to perform on stage with music legends like Jimmy Page. The experience of meeting and performing alongside such iconic figures was a dream come true for him. And despite the criticisms Metallica faced for albums like “St. Anger,” Hetfield remained firm in his belief that time would reveal the true value of each record, much like how Led Zeppelin’s albums had aged over time to become classics.
Among the Led Zeppelin albums that Hetfield has praised, “Led Zeppelin III” stands out as one of his favorites. This particular album, often overlooked by fans for its acoustic sound, holds a special place in Hetfield’s heart, much like Metallica’s own records that have faced mixed reviews from critics and fans alike over the years. Hetfield’s appreciation for Led Zeppelin’s music is evident in his recognition of their contributions to rock and roll history.
Led Zeppelin, a band that captivated audiences from 1968 to 1980 with their groundbreaking music, remains a key influence on artists like James Hetfield. Their enduring legacy, marked by the success of their eight studio albums and posthumous releases like “Coda,” continues to inspire generations of musicians around the world. Despite never officially reuniting after the death of drummer John Bonham in 1980, Led Zeppelin’s impact on the music industry remains unparalleled, with estimates of over 200 million records sold worldwide.