Metallica also urged their followers to “join us and do whatever you can to assist” those in Australia.
James Hetfield of Metallica.Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images
The band’s donation comes months after theypostponed their tour of Australia and New Zealandwhile frontman James Hetfield sought treatment following his relapse, and amid a slew of celebrities and musicians donating to wildfire relief efforts in the country.
The fires burning across New South Wales and Victoria as well as other parts of the nation havewiped out millions of acresand destroyed hundreds of homes and buildings, displacing thousands of people — and animals — in the process.
Tragically, as of Monday, at least 25 people had died as a result of the ongoing crisis, and experts say that the fires will go on for months,NPRreported.
Ecologists from the University of Sydney also believealmost half a billion total mammals, birds and reptileshave died since September as the more than 130 fires continue to burn.
SEAN DAVEY/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
LUKAS COCH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Thelist of celebrities who have donatedto relief efforts in the country includesAustralian actor Chris Hemsworth,Nicole KidmanandKeith Urban,Elton John, basketball playerLaMelo Balland musicianPink.
“I am totally devastated watching what is happening in Australia right now with the horrific bushfires,” Pinktweetedon Jan. 4. “I am pledging a donation of $500,000 directly to the local fire services that are battling so hard on the frontlines. My heart goes out to our friends and family in Oz.”
source: people.com
