James Hetfield, frontman of the cult rock band Metallica has launched an attack on the use of drugs and the drug-cult that seems to be strongly linked with rock music.

The rocker was awarded a special prize for helping people in the music industry receive addiction treatment.

So, in front of a massive audience filled with rock heroes he stated he totally regrets and disapproves of the strong link between the image of any rock band and the general thought that its members must use and abuse drugs as part of their as wild as it gets lifestyle.

He also launched a tearful plea for rockers to resist drugs.

The 2nd Annual MusiCares map fund benefit, concert honoring himself & Bill Silva, seemed to give his statement the best media cover. The glam Los Angeles ceremony saw the singer urge an audience of stars, including Ozzy Osbourne, Motorhead frontman Lemmy and Red Hot Chilly Peppers singer Anthony Keids, to help undo the "horrible myth" that great music must be accompanied by a wild lifestyle.

James Hetfield knew exactly what he was talking about, as the star himself is a former addict. For a start he requested a moment of silence "for the people who didn't make it, that aren't with us, who could be and I think should be." Then he bashed the drug culture.

Hetfield said: "To have those things attached to music, which is the best drug in the whole world, moves me like no other. And I thank God that I discovered that gift early on."