Metallica is canceling its appearance at the Louder Than Life music festival this September.

The cancellation is due to frontman James Hetfield's recovery from addiction, according to a statement on the Louder than Life website.

The site also includes a statement from Hetfield:

"It pains me to write this, but I have to let all of you know that I cannot make it to Sonic Temple in Columbus and Louder Than Life in Louisville this year. As part of my continuing effort to get and stay healthy, I have critical recovery events on those weekends that cannot be moved. I apologize to all of our fans who have bought tickets for these festivals. We are working with the festival promoters to provide for refunds or exchanges."

Louder Than Life takes place Sept. 18-20 at Louisville's Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Metallica was supposed to play two different sets at the multiday festival. No other acts have been announced yet for the 2020 festival, nor has a replacement headliner been announced.

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A statement from festival promoter Danny Wimmer on the festival's website expressed regret about the cancellation but pride in Hetfield's decision.

"We are working furiously to find the best possible artists for Louder Than Life and will announce the full lineup soon," Wimmer said. "Thank you for your continued trust and support. I promise that Louder Than Life will be an incredible weekend."

Louder Than Life passholders who would like to exchange their tickets to see Metallica at another Danny Wimmer Presents festival or would like to receive a refund will be able to do so starting Friday.

An email will be sent on 10 a.m. Friday to people who purchased tickets from Front Gate Ticketing with complete exchange and refund details. For more information, visit LouderThanLifeFestival.com.

Metallica reassured fans it will perform at three other scheduled music festivals: Epicenter in Charlotte, North Carolina; Welcome To Rockville in Daytona Beach, Florida; and Aftershock in Sacramento, California.

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Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com or Twitter @kirbylouisville. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/kirbya.