Imposing frontman and all-around rambunctious human being James Hetfield has made quite a mark in the music world as the rhythm guitarist, songwriter and lead singer for Metallica.

His 49th birthday falls on Aug. 3, and things seem to still be blazing for James, Metallica, and quite literally, for one of the band's crew members.

After curating their own weekend-long music and arts festival, the group is prepping for a big hometown show before finishing work on a 3-D concert film. Then, supposedly, they'll get working on their already long-awaited new album.

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