Metallica were forced to cancel a gig in Sweden last night (March 8th) after singer James Hetfield was hospitalised with a stomach bug.

16,000 fans had already arrived at the Stockholm Globe Arena in preparation for the concert, which formed part of the group's European tour.

Drummer Lars Ulrich told the crowd the group were "truly, truly, truly sorry” for canceling the show, adding: "Trust me, none of you guys wanna hear me, Rob or Kirk sing.”

A spokeswoman told the Associated Press news agency that Hetfield was treated in hospital for dehydration but left later in the evening. He has since returned to the US.

(by Jason Gregory)