Born in 1962, San Francisco native Kirk Hammett emerged as a central figure in the Bay Area thrash metal movement before becoming the long-standing lead guitarist for Metallica. His career transition from co-founding Exodus to joining one of the most significant rock acts in history defined his trajectory as a composer and songwriter.
Early Development and Exodus
Raised in El Sobrante, Hammett began playing guitar at age 15, initially using a catalog-bought instrument before moving to a 1974 Gibson Flying V. In 1979, he co-founded the thrash band Exodus with Paul Baloff, Tim Agnello, Geoff Andrews, and Tom Hunting. During this formative period, he received professional instruction from Joe Satriani in Berkeley, California, and played on early band recordings like the 1982 Demo.
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Hammett joined Metallica on April 11, 1983, following a phone call on April 1 and the departure of Dave Mustaine. His first audition with the band involved playing 'Seek and Destroy', which secured his permanent position. Since the release of the second album, Ride the Lightning, he has contributed significant riffs to the band's catalog, most notably the central riff for 'Enter Sandman'.
Personal Loss and Education
In 1986, during the European tour for Master of Puppets, a fatal bus accident occurred in Sweden involving bandmate Cliff Burton. Hammett, who had swapped bunks with Burton due to a card draw, has long reflected on the tragedy. Following his work on the self-titled album known as The Black Album, Hammett studied film and Asian arts at San Francisco State University.
Musical Evolution and Style
Hammett underwent a notable stylistic shift during the 1990s, incorporating blues and jazz influences that impacted the albums Load and Reload. While he attempted to include guitar solos on the 2003 release St. Anger, the band ultimately omitted them, viewing the additions as inconsistent with the record's sound. Since Death Magnetic, he has returned to his primary focus as a metal guitarist.
Fast facts
- Born: 1962, San Francisco
- Primary Instrument: Guitar
- Band Membership: Metallica (since 1983)
- Former Band: Exodus (1979–1983)
- Education: San Francisco State University, De Anza High School
- Citizenship: United States
- Collaborators: James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich
- Recognition: Co-ranked 23rd on Rolling Stone's Greatest Guitarists list (2023)
Questions readers ask
Did Kirk Hammett play on any Exodus recordings?
Yes, he performed on the band's 1982 Demo and the 1983 track Die By His Hand.
Why were there no guitar solos on the St. Anger album?
Hammett and the production team decided the solos sounded like an afterthought during the recording process and chose to leave them out.
Achievements
- Instruments: guitar
- Genres: thrash metal
