James Hetfield, frontman of US metal rockers Metallica, was detained at a British Airport before his appearance at London's Live Earth gig on Saturday.

©Reuters
James Hetfield performs at the Live Earth concert at Wembley Stadium in London.

According to British newspaper The Times, the rocker jetted into Luton airport ahead of Saturday's Live Earth concert at Wembley Stadium - where his legendary rock band was due to perform - but was halted by officials before he could leave the terminal.

The legendary frontman was then subjected to a brief line of questioning, after which security-conscious officials were left red-faced when Hetfield explained he was a member of a world-famous rock band.

The Times claims Hetfield's friends blame his "Taleban-like beard" for the interrogation.

Metallica formed in 1981 and have become one of the most successful heavy metal bands selling 90 million records worldwide.

The band, currently touring the UK with their Sick of the Studio tour, will release a new album towards the end of this year.