Kirk Hammett is undoubtedly one of the most iconic guitarists in the heavy metal industry as he's a member of Metallica. Today, the rocker is celebrating his birthday and in honor of his legacy, take a look at his life and career through the years.
Born on November 18, 1962, the musician is now 60 years old! He was born in San Francisco, California, but he spent his early days in El Sobrante.
According to IMBd, his mother, Teofila "Chefela," is of Filipino descent, while his dad Dennis L. Hammett, was of English, German, Scottish, and Irish descent. His father worked as a Merchant Mariner.
At first, the musician became fond of horror movies which began when he got injured, forcing him to stay in front of the television. He started watching "The Day of the Triffids" and later became fascinated by his brother's Frankenstein collection.
Kirk Hammett's Early Music Career
Regarding his interest in music, he was also influenced by his brother's records which included some of the most iconic rockers in the industry like Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and UFO.
By the age of 15, he owned his first guitar which he described as "wholly unglamorous" but he was able to purchase a 1974 Gibson Flying V later in life.
The following year, he founded the band Exodus along with members Paul Baloff, Tim Agnello, Tom Hunting, and Geoff Andrews.
Kirk Hammett Thought Metallica's Call Was an April Fools Prank
By 1983, Dave Mustaine was in a dark situation as he experienced substance abuse and he had violent tendencies, leading him to be fired.
Metallica later called Kirk Hammett on April 1 and immediately flew to New York to audition for the group a few days later.
"It was April 1st, April Fool's Day, and I was sitting on the toilet. I got the call from Metallica sound engineer Mark Whittaker, and after I hung up, I was like, 'I can't believe I just got that phone call. Was that an April Fool's Day prank?'" (via Nights With Alice Cooper)
James Hetfield recalled that the guitarist did his solo riff on "Seek and Destroy" and the band was amazed at his guitar skills. Since then, the musician became a part of Metallica.
Hammett is responsible for writing one of the metal rock band's most iconic riffs, "Enter Sandman."
Today, the band is still active and has a few shows in the coming months, including a performance at the "All Within My Hands Helping Hands Concert & Auction" at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California, on December 16.
They will also play two sets at the Download Festival at Castle Donington, England, on June 8 and June 10.
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