TueNov 18

Kirk Hammett

Kirk Lee Hammett was born in San Francisco, California, on November 18, 1962. He is a guitarist and songwriter, primarily known for his long-running career in the heavy metal band Metallica. He was the founder and one of the guitarists of the thrash-metal band Exodus, one of the pioneers in the genre, until he replaced Dave Mustaine in Metallica in 1983. In 2003, he was elected by “Rolling Stone Magazine” as number 11 in the Best Heavy Metal Guitarists in the world. In 2009, he appeared at number five in Joel McIver’s “The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists.”

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Kirk Lee Hammett

Nickname:

The Ripper

Birth date:

November 18, 1962

Age:

62

Zodiac Sign:

Scorpio

Height:

5' 7"

Relationship Status:

Married

Kirk's Social Media:

Background

Kirk Lee Hammett was born in San Francisco, California, on November 18, 1962. He is a guitarist and songwriter, best known for his outstanding career in the heavy metal band, Metallica. Hammett began to show interest in music after exploring his brother Rick Hammett’s extensive record collection which included Led Zeppelin, U.F.O., and Jimi Hendrix. He began selling his horror magazine collection to afford his music obsession, which led him to pick up the guitar at 15.

A year later, Hammett formed the band Exodus alongside Paul Baloff, Tim Agnello, Geoff Andrews, and Tom Hunting. Despite being part of an influential band in the Bay Area thrash movement, something else came up for Hammett. As Metallica’s lead guitarist Dave Mustaine’s substance abuse caused him to get fired, and Hammett got to audition in New York on April 1, 1983. The first song they played was ‘Seek and Destroy,’ with Hammett pulling off the solo, vocalist James Hetfield knew it had to be him. Hammett was instantly asked to join the band.

On April 4, 2009, Hammett, alongside his Metallica mates James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Robert Trujillo, and former Metallica bandmates Jason Newsted and the deceased Cliff Burton, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. To this day, Hammett is a legend and an inspiration to future musicians and as he ventures himself with new solo and experimental work, we hope that he keeps his promise of staying on stage until he is old and gray.

Career timeline

1979
He Starts a Band

At the age of 16, he forms Exodus.

1983
Hammette Leaves Exodus

He joins Metallica.

1991
His Riffs on ‘Enter Sandman’ Go Viral

The song ranks 399 on “Rolling Stone’s” 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

2003
Hammette Becomes the Greatest Guitarist

He ranks 11 on “Rolling Stone’s” list of The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.

2009
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Alongside his Metallica bandmates, they get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

2009
The Naming of Hammett as Great

“The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists” book by Joel McIver launches, and he ranks number 15.

2022
He Begins his Solo Career

At 59, he announces a solo E.P., “Portals.”

Why We Love Kirk Hammett

  1. He is a hard worker

    To support his dream of becoming a full-time musician, he would take part-time jobs. At one point, he used to be a Burger King employee.

  2. He loves to perform

    According to him, we will be seeing him on stage until he is old and gray. We can’t wait!

  3. He is willing to try

    At the age of 59, he took a chance and released his first solo E.P. And we’re very glad he did.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. Horror enthusiast

    He is a huge fan of horror and has a collection of horror memorabilia.

  2. He likes to surf

    Surprisingly, he loves the beach and one of his favorite hobbies is surfing.

  3. He has a coffee table book

    He is the author of the “Too Much Horror Business — The Kirk Hammett Collection.”

  4. He thought his audition was a prank

    He was called to audition on April 1 and thought it was a prank.

  5. He collects vintage toys

    His collection of vintage toys goes back to the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s.

Kirk Hammett FAQs

What was Kirk Hammett addicted to?

He had a cocaine addiction.

Does Kirk Hammett have a wife?

Yes, her name is Lani Hammett.

What guitar does Kirk Hammett use?

He uses the Gibson Flying V.

Kirk Hammett’s birthday dates

Year Date Day
2025 November 18 Tuesday
2026 November 18 Wednesday
2027 November 18 Thursday
2028 November 18 Saturday
2029 November 18 Sunday