James Hetfield thanked the ''Metallica family'' at the Reading and Leeds Festival.

The 'Whiskey In The Jar' hitmakers returned to the two location event after a seven-year-break over the weekend and during their 18-song setlist, which including massive hits 'One', 'The Unforgiven' and 'Nothing Else Matters', the frontman admitted the metal legends were ''truly blessed'' to have such loyal fans.

Speaking during their closing set at Leeds on Sunday night (31.08.15), Hetfield told the crowd: ''We are truly blessed. Thank you Metallica family.''

Hetfield addressed the crowd asking who their favourite act of the weekend had been and answered his own question with ''Metallica''.

He said: ''Has it been a good weekend? What are some of your favourites? Metallica? Me too. But they're a bit heavy. Do you like it heavy? Do you want Metallica heavy?''

The band then brought 50 fans on to the stage and lead guitarist Kirk Hammett helped one play along to songs 'Fade To Black' and Seek To Destroy'.

They brought the festival to a close ending on an encore of 'Whiskey In The Jar' dedicated to ''fallen soldier'' Cliff Burton, their late bassist who died in a bus crash in 1986.

James declared: ''This is going to make you bounce.''

And ended with an explosive 'Enter Sandman' followed by a fireworks display.

Metallica's Leeds setlist:

Fuel

For Whom the Bell Tolls

Blackened

King Nothing

Ride the Lightning

The Day That Never Comes

The Memory Remains

The Unforgiven

Sad But True

Turn the Page

The Frayed Ends of Sanity

One

Master of Puppets

Fade to Black

Seek & Destroy

Encore:

Whiskey in the Jar

Nothing Else Matters

Enter Sandman