Metallica were forced to cancel a show in Stockholm lastВ MondayВ night (March 8) after singer James Hetfield was taken to hospital moments before they were due to perform.

Around 16,000 fans had already packed into the Globe Arena for the show, but were then told by the other members of the band that the gig was off.

Apologising for the cancellation, drummer Lars Ulrich told the crowd. "Trust me, none of you guys wanna hear me, Rob or Kirk sing."

Spokeswoman Carolina Satterwall told the Associated Press that Hetfield was suffering from a stomach bug and dehydration. He is now back in the US.