Kirk Hammett American rock musician, guitarist Date of Birth: 18.11.1962 Country: USA

Biography of Kirk Hammett

Kirk Hammett is an American rock musician and guitarist best known as a member of the iconic band "Metallica". Born in San Francisco to a sailor father and a young Filipina mother, Hammett was captivated by music from a young age. He listened to records by bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Status Quo, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and UFO, all of which were collected by his older brother. It was during this time that Hammett developed a particular fascination with guitar parts, often memorizing standout solos.

At the age of fifteen, Hammett began learning to play the guitar with the dream of becoming as great as Jimi Hendrix. At seventeen, he purchased his coveted "Fender Stratocaster" guitar, bringing his dream even closer. Little did he know what lay ahead for him. In 1980, Hammett and three friends formed the band "Exodus," known for pioneering the thrash metal genre. Throughout these years, Hammett continued to learn and improve his skills, taking lessons from the legendary Joe Satriani, whose name still takes the breath away from aspiring and established guitarists alike.

In 1982 and 1983, "Exodus" had the opportunity to perform as the opening act for one of the most influential metal bands at the time - "Metallica." Hammett's talent did not go unnoticed by the members of "Metallica," and due to the excessive habits of their previous guitarist, they decided to replace him. And who better to replace him than the talented guitarist from "Exodus" - Hammett? It was then that Hammett received the fateful phone call in his apartment. In 1983, at the age of twenty, Kirk Hammett joined "Metallica," where he would remain forever.

Throughout the years, Hammett occasionally contemplated leaving the band, but he never found the resolve to do so. He realized that he could not live without "Metallica" and that the band was incredibly important to him. From the debut album "Kill 'Em All" in 1983 to the present day, Hammett has become the lead guitarist and the creator of numerous guitar riffs for "Metallica." It is impossible to imagine the band without him.

While rockers' personal lives are typically not the focus of media attention, it is worth mentioning that Hammett has been married twice. His first marriage lasted only three years and ended in 1990 during the recording of the "Black Album." Currently, Hammett resides in San Francisco with his second wife, Lani, and their two sons. Besides music, Hammett also has a passion for surfing, cooking, archaeology, cars, and collecting horror films. He is also a vegetarian.

So, while it may be more enjoyable for Hammett if listeners focus on his guitar riffs and tricks, his contributions to "Metallica" and the music industry as a whole cannot be overlooked.