Metallica’s James Hetfield Recalls ‘Absent’ Father in New DVD Documentary

Metallica frontman James Hetfield appears in the documentary, 'Absent,' slated for release on DVD next month. The moving documentary showcases Hetfield talking about his personal struggles as a teen when his father, Virgil Hetfield, abandoned the family when the singer was only 13 years old.

"He left without saying goodbye," Hetfield recalls in the documentary. "He left a note, and it wasn’t even to me. I wasn’t the man ... I wasn’t taught to step up."

Over time, the elder Hetfield made an attempt to reconnect with his famous son and was even filmed in a brief interview for the band's 1992 two-part documentary, 'Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica,' which was based around the making of the group's 'The Black Album.'

During Hetfield's on-camera interview for 'Absent,' he unearths the emotional undertakings he faced while trying to re-establish a relationship with his father. "It feels so weird saying this but, I really tried to get close with him again ... get back together ... but it was never close. [It was] very surface-y."

'Absent' is set for release on Sept. 5, but fans can now pre-order the DVD for $19.95 by clicking here. The DVD features the full-length documentary, as well as bonus features including a Q&A session with Hetfield and filmmaker James Hunt, and their recent appearance on Fox News Network's 'Fox & Friends.'

Watch the Official Trailer for 'Absent' Featuring James Hetfield