Kirk Hammett is a name that is probably familiar to all fans of rock music. He is the guitarist for the cult band Metallica, for which he also writes songs. His childhood dream of becoming a famous musician has come true to the full.
Kirk Lee Hammett was born on November 18, 1962, to a sailor's family. Birthplace: San Francisco, USA. Kirk is the second and middle child in the family. He has an older brother, who greatly influenced the formation of Kirk's musical taste and his love of music, and a younger sister.
Kirk Hammett has been interested in art and creativity since childhood. He was attracted by music. The older brother had an impressive collection of various rock albums, which little Kirk heard literally to the core. By adolescence, he definitely decided for himself that he should become a famous musician and conquer the rock scene.
Hammett received his secondary education at a regular school in Richmond. In high school, he got a job at Burger King. Such a side job allowed Kirk to save money, because at the age of 15 he independently bought for himself the first, albeit quite simple, electric guitar. At the same time, young Kirk began to take guitar lessons, went headlong into education, into the study of the world of music. At that time, he dreamed of becoming the same cool and flamboyant performer as Jim Hendrix. At the age of 17, Kirk bought a second guitar, and at the moment, his collection of musical instruments includes about 20 different electric guitars.
The beginning of the creative path in music
Hammett's first musical group was formed in 1980. The team was named Exodus. The guys played in the style of hard rock and thrash metal.
In 1982, the rock band released a demo disc, in which Kirk was directly involved.
The career of this group was built mainly within the framework of performances in clubs. At one time, Hammett and his band worked with Metallica, acting as their opening act. Acquaintance with members of Metallica, who became interested in Kirk, appreciated his talent and possession of the instrument, and ultimately determined the future life of the musician.
Working with the Metallica group
Comical as it may seem, Hammett joined the rock band on April 1, 1983. He joined Metallica during their tour, replacing the previous guitarist.
The first album that the band released when Kirk was already in their lineup was called Kill ‘Em All. The team released a record at the end of 1983, but it was not very successful. Further promo-tour, concerts allowed to "promote" the album.
As a result, Kirk Hammett became an indispensable member of Metallica. In addition to being the lead guitarist for the band, he also writes songs for the band. At the moment, he has devoted more than 30 years of his life to the work of this team. Hammett himself has repeatedly admitted in interviews that he was visited by thoughts to leave the team, to do solo projects. But each time he abandoned such an idea, coming to the conclusion that he simply could not imagine his life without the music of this rock group.
Hammett's biography: love, family, hobbies
Little is known about Kirk Hammett's life offstage. He is not a big fan of spreading information about his private life.
It is known that Kirk Hammett was married twice. His first marriage was in 1987. However, it broke up in 1990. Kirk married for the second time in 1998. His wife was a girl named Lani. The family has two children: boys Angel and Enzo.
Kirk Hammett is interested in horror films, collects not only guitars, but also horror comics. He also enjoys surfing in his spare time. Hammett is passionate about cars, history and food.
Kirk Hammett does not hide the fact that he has a mild form of OCD, and is also diagnosed with attention deficit disorder.
