Kirk Hammett - Musician
Age: 63
Country: United States Occupations:
Musician
Kirk Lee Hammett is an American musician best known as the lead guitarist of the heavy metal band Metallica since 1983.
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### 🎸 Career Highlights
* He was born on November 18, 1962, in San Francisco, California.
Before joining Metallica, Hammett co-formed the thrash metal band *Exodus** in 1979.
* He joined Metallica in 1983, replacing original lead guitarist Dave Mustaine.
Hammett has been credited with writing a number of riffs for Metallica since the album Ride the Lightning*, including one of the main riffs for the hugely popular song "Enter Sandman."
He was inducted into the *Rock and Roll Hall of Fame** as a member of Metallica on April 4, 2009.
He has also been recognized for his guitar work on various lists, including being co-ranked 23rd on Rolling Stone's* list of Greatest Guitarists of All Time in 2023.
He is known for his signature guitar playing style, which includes the extensive use of the *wah-wah pedal** in his solos.
He previously took private guitar lessons from the virtuoso *Joe Satriani**.
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### 📝 Other Interests
Hammett has a notable passion for horror movies, which dates back to his childhood. This interest led him to publish his first book, Too Much Horror Business, in 2012. He is also known as an avid surfer.
