METALLICA frontman James Hetfield headed home to the United States on Monday morning (March 9) after being hospitalized in Stockholm, Sweden over the weekend. Hetfield was admitted to the hospital on Sunday (March 8) with dehydration after coming down with a possible case of food poisoning. He was released Sunday evening, but the illness forced the band to cancel its second concert in Stockholm, scheduled for that night.

In a posting on METALLICA's offical web site, Hetfield writes, "James here, alive, at about 80% but getting better. I want to say sorry for missing the second Stockholm gig on Sunday due to illness. The cause/diagnosis at the hospital was narrowed down to either a 24-hour virus or a bad oyster...yes, hate to admit, an oyster could have taken me down.

"I acknowledge and apologize for any inconvenience this has caused fans who had travelled near and far for the show. I had done everything possible to make it, and was at the point of falling if I stood up.

"On a lighter note, since my illness, the support band 'SWEDISH OYSTER CULT' will be thrown off the tour. More cowbell?...More barf bagz!!

"Thanx for your understanding and support. It's not without notice from the whole 'TALLICA touring family.

"With love and respect, James 'Papa Het'."

The show will be rescheduled for sometime in May.