METALLICA frontman
James Hetfield says that he is "still a little pissed" about the
Oakland Raiders' plans to relocate to Las Vegas, but insists that he "will support them" as they head south for Sin City.
NFL owners in late March approved the team's move to Las Vegas.
Hetfield, who publicly supported a plan to finance and construct a new stadium for the East Bay football franchise, told a
TMZ cameraman (see video below): "I'm excited [for the new football season]. I'm just still a little pissed about the whole money thing and the move."
Asked if he still supports the
Raiders, even though they are moving out of his former home state of California,
Hetfield said: "Well, you know, at the end of the day, I probably will end up… I mean, I supported them going to L.A. and back, so… You know, I grew up with the
Raiders, so that'll be how it is. I
will support 'em, I'm sure."
The
METALLICA frontman in December announced his support for a plan led by
NFL Hall Of Famer
Ronnie Lott to build a new stadium in Oakland.
Hetfield said in a statement: "I fully support the
Lott Group and
Another Planet Entertainment in their pursuit of keeping the team here in the Bay Area. From the heart of a true lifelong
Oakland Raider fan, this team needs Oakland, and Oakland needs the
Raiders. You will not find a more loyal and intense fan base than the Oakland 'Raider Nation.' Do the right thing here and help each other to make it work."
According to casino industry estimates, a
NFL team in Las Vegas will bring 800,000 additional people to the city annually and generate $620 million in annual economic activity.
Hetfield showed the
Oakland Raiders some love during
METALLICA's music video shoot for
"Halo On Fire" in Oakland. The band posted a behind-the-scenes video revealing how they made the music clip, and in the opening seconds,
James gave a shoutout to a man wearing a
Raiders hat.
