kirk hammett

Kirk Hammett grew up in the East Bay town of El Sobrante. Kirk Hammett got interested in music thanks to his brother Rick's huge record collection, he had many LPs by Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. At 15 he bought his first guitar and a very small amplifier. After playing with a 1978 Fender Stratocaster he started mixing guitar pickups for the 'perfect sound'. He set his sights on a 1974 Gibson Flying V and he worked several jobs to pay for his equipment. In '82-'83 he was asked by Paul Baloff to join Exodus. On April 1, 1983 Metallica called Kirk Hammett to say they had just fired their lead guitarist Dave Mustaine and asked if Kirk wanted to join the band. Metallica's manager was also the manager of Exodus. Fifteen days later Kirk played his first concert with Metallica in New Jersey. Kirk's former group Exodus had previously opened for Metallica twice, on November 29, 1982, and March 5, 1983. After the Kill 'Em All tour, Kirk went to Joe Satriani for guitar lessons.