Metallica's James Hetfield Got Engaged Underwater

Skip to ContentNewsJames Hetfield Got Engaged UnderwaterBy Chris DeVille10:28 AM EDT on March 16, 2026Share on FacebookShare on RedditShare on EmailShare on BlueskyEngaged-ah! Metallica frontman James Hetfield has big plans coming up, including European tour dates throughout the spring and summer and the band's residency at the Las Vegas Sphere this fall and winter. But he also now has big personal arrangements to make; he's getting married.A new post on Metallica's Instagram account reveals that Hetfield popped the question to girlfriend Adriana Gillett underwater, by holding up a written "WILL YOU MARRY ME?" message while the couple was swimming with whale sharks. The caption confirms, "She said yes!" Many puns follow in the comments, including "Bride The Lightning," "For whom the wedding bells toll," "And Marriage 4 All," and my personal favorite, "Master Of Prenups." On her personal Instagram, Gillett adds:The BEST birthday trip surprise ?Swimming with whale sharks on Friday the 13th ? with the most unique, special, and romantic proposal a Pisces could ever imagine ?In a sea full of fish, we caught each other ?Thank you God for putting us together ??London-born Gillett is a fashion designer and former journalist. Hetfield was previously married to costume designer Francesca Tomasi from 1997 to 2022. Do you think all current members of Metallica will be groomsmen this time around? Will Jason Newsted be invited?When I went snorkeling last year, I vomited due to swallowing salt water while being battered by the waves. Hopefully that didn't happen to the happy couple, to whom I offer my sincere congratulations. Share on FacebookShare on RedditShare on EmailShare on BlueskyChris DeVille@chrisdevilleRead More:Adriana Gillett,James Hetfield,MetallicaGET THE STEREOGUM DIGESTThe week's most important music stories and least important music memes.EmailSign upMore from NewsExplore NewsNewsSt. Vincent Joins Alanis Morissette & Norah Jones At SXSWMarch 16, 2026NewsSturgill Simpson Is Hunting Down Whoever’s Been Selling His New Johnny Blue Skies Album On BandcampMarch 16, 2026NewsBansky Identified “Beyond Dispute” By New Reuters InvestigationMarch 16, 2026NewsWatch Geese Debut Extremely Sick New Song “Apollo” In BerlinMarch 16, 2026NewsDiane Warren Breaks Record For Most Oscar Nominations Without A WinMarch 15, 2026NewsOscars 2026: Kpop Demon Hunters Wins Best Song, Sinners Wins Best ScoreMarch 15, 2026