Entertainment Music Metallica's James Hetfield Proposes Idea for Microphone with Straw: 'That Could Be Cool' The bandleader opened up about his idea to make live shows easier on the latest episode of 'The Metallica Report' podcast By Ilana Kaplan Ilana Kaplan Ilana Kaplan is a Senior Digital Writer/Editor at PEOPLE. They have been working at PEOPLE since 2023. Their work has previously appeared in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, Vogue and more. People Editorial Guidelines Published on January 9, 2024 02:05PM EST Close James Hetfield of Metallica. Photo: Monica Schipper/Getty Metallica's James Hetfield has a proposition for inventors. During the latest episode of The Metallica Report podcast, the lead vocalist and guitarist, 60, opened up about what he believes could make performing live shows easier. “Being able to maybe sip some water while I’m playing, you know, some kind of straw on the microphone," Hetfield said during the episode. "I don't know, something else like that. There's always something that could be cool." Hydration wasn't the only tweak the "Enter Sandman" musician thought could be improved during performances. Since his hands are always full during guitar riffs, having free movement with the microphone can be a challenge. Metallica Postpones Arizona Concert After James Hetfield Tests Positive for COVID However, hydration doesn’t seem to be the only thing the band can improve on while performing, according to the frontman. As he explains it, his hands are always full while riffing, so he can’t move around with a microphone quite so easily. “I’m not holding the mic, I’m not able to, you know, go anywhere. So there are mic stations everywhere,” Hetfield said. “For our monitor guy to chase me around for all the mics, he can’t have them all open because it sounds insane, especially in an indoor stadium.” The Metallica artist had a suggestion: “It would be nice to have some kind of...whatever. I'm sure they probably have something like that. You’re wearing something and if you’re within two feet of the microphone, it turns it on. Something like that. So it would make [the monitor’s job] a little easier and mine as well.” Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Metallica's James Hetfield Admits He's Feeling Insecure, Gets Hug from Bandmates During Concert On Monday, Metallica revealed the finalists of their first-ever Metallica Marching Band Competition. According to a press release, more than 450 colleges and high schools across the U.S. signed up to participate since April 2023. Professional judges chose the finalists for in the five main categories, including representatives from Conn Selmer, a company that crafts marching band instruments. Members of the Metallica chose the winners. Fan participation was encouraged for one popular vote winner, as well. The top prize of $75,000 for a Division 1 school went to Auburn University’s marching band.