Metallica has pledged $750,000 in Australian currency — approximately $516,000 in American dollars — to NSW Rural Fire Service and the Victoria Country Fire Authority to help the victims of Australia's devastating bushfire crisis.
The band said in a statement, “We are totally overwhelmed by the news of the wildfires sweeping through millions of acres across Australia, with major impact in New South Wales and Victoria. The resulting destruction and devastating effects on all residents, animals, the environment and the incredible land in Australia is truly heartbreaking.”
The statement continued, “Please join us and do whatever you can to assist as we, along with our foundation All Within My Hands, are pledging A$750,000 to the NSW Rural Fire Service and to the Country Fire Authority in Victoria to aid in the relief efforts.”
At least 25 people have died since the fires began in September. Nearly a billion animals have perished, and hundreds of homes and habitats have been destroyed. Although the fires are believed to have started naturally, experts think human-caused climate disruption has exacerbated hot, arid conditions that fuel the growth of such blazes.
Metallica was scheduled to tour Australia last fall, but the shows were canceled after frontman James Hetfield was admitted to rehab.