Metallica Secrets and More: Kirk Hammett Tells All
Mar 23, 2025
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Kirk Hammett, the legendary lead guitarist of Metallica, known for his vast guitar collection, dives into his musical journey. He shares the emotional connections to guitars like Greeny and discusses the resurgence of guitar solos in today’s music. Reflecting on his interactions with Kurt Cobain and the impact of the Black Album, he balances artistic integrity with fan expectations. Kirk also revisits the evolution of Metallica's music and image, revealing how personal styles and memorable experiences shaped their legacy in rock.
Kirk Hammett emphasizes the significance of seeking rare items for his collection, enhancing their value and his passion for collecting guitars.
He describes his profound connection to 'Greeny,' a transformative guitar that influences his musical expression and creative inspiration.
Hammett observes a resurgence of interest in guitar solos among younger artists, highlighting the evolving nature of music trends and the enduring appeal of guitar-driven sounds.
Deep dives
Kirk Hammett's Passion for Collecting Guitars
Kirk Hammett has been a passionate collector since childhood, initially starting with comic books and monster magazines before transitioning to guitars. He emphasizes the importance of seeking rare and unique items in his collection, as these tend to retain or increase in value over time. This strategy, he explains, often leads to extensive research and discovering even more exceptional pieces, which furthers his obsession with collecting. Hammett mentions that he tries to focus on around 40 to 50 guitars that he plays regularly, explaining the emotional connection and artistic inspiration they provide him.
The Impact of 'Greeny' on His Playing
Hammett describes 'Greeny,' a distinctive 1959 Les Paul Standard once owned by Peter Green, as a transformative guitar that influences his musical style. He shares that the tone of this guitar allows him to express music in a more melodic manner, using fewer swift notes to let the sound resonate. He believes that 'Greeny' enhances any amplifier it’s connected to, creating a unique sound that surpasses other guitars, thus providing an ongoing source of inspiration in his performances. This connection to 'Greeny' is so profound that he refers to it as his 'Excalibur,' illustrating how deeply he values its significance.
Honoring the Collector Community
Hammett discusses the unique camaraderie among guitar collectors, highlighting an example with fellow guitarist Joe Bonamassa, who notified him of a rare 1959 Les Paul Standard that finally became available. This moment illustrates the surprisingly cooperative nature of collectors, contrasting with the cutthroat environment often found in other collectible fields, like horror movie posters. He notes the happiness that can arise from trading guitars, where both parties walk away satisfied, contrasting it with the emptiness he feels when money exchanges hands. This sense of community and honor among musicians and collectors enriches their shared passion for unique instruments.
The Evolving Role of Guitar Solos in Modern Music
Hammett reflects on the cyclical nature of guitar music popularity, observing that trends will fluctuate between high and low interest in guitar-driven sounds. He argues that, despite some claims that guitar solos are outdated, these elements remain essential and are making a comeback, reshaping music trends today. Collaborating with many contemporary artists, he notices a renewed appreciation for solos, indicating that younger musicians are now embracing this aspect of rock music without reservations. He agrees that the music landscape continuously evolves, driven by listener appetite and innovation, dispelling the notion that guitar music is ever really 'dead.'
The Future of Metallica and Personal Creativity
Kirk Hammett discusses his creative process as he prepares for his second solo album, which he envisions as an eclectic blend of various musical styles. He expresses excitement about the active flow of ideas and riffs, numbering over 700, he feels inspired to cultivate. Throughout his career, he has aimed to remain connected to his instincts rather than forcing creativity, allowing for a more organic emergence of music. He feels that his continued dedication to music keeps his artistic spirit vibrant, regardless of age, affirming his motivation to inspire future musicians while evolving alongside the Metallica legacy.
Kirk Hammett, author of the new book The Collection: Kirk Hammett, looks back at his years in Metallica, hanging out with Kurt Cobain and Lou Reed, and much more in an interview with host Brian Hiatt
