Image: Kirk Hammett, Metallica Live In Madrid 2024 [Credit: Bratt Murray]
In an interview with Metal Hammer UK, Kirk Hammett recently spoke about his departure from Exodus to join Metallica and admitted that he felt a bit guilty about it.
Although he has made a name for himself as the lead guitarist of the world’s biggest metal band, Metallica, Kirk Hammett’s musical career was already well underway before he joined the band in 1983. In 1979, at the tender age of just 16, he founded the Bay Area thrash band Exodus along with singer Paul Baloff, guitarist Tim Agnello, bassist Geoff Andrews, and drummer Tom Hunting.
The Switch to Metallica
But four years later, in 1983, Hammett had to make a serious decision. Before the recording of Metallica‘s debut album “Kill ‘Em All,” founding guitarist Dave Mustaine was kicked out of the band due to various behavioral issues and drug abuse. Mustaine then went on to form Megadeth, perhaps Metallica’s greatest thrash metal rivals.
When the lead guitarist position became available, Metallica called Kirk Hammett and invited him to audition for the band. Kirk flew to New York a few days later, and the rest is history.
The guitarist speaks in the Metal Hammer UK interview about the “guilt” he felt when he left his first band to join Metallica, but ultimately admitted it was the right decision.
“I have known Tom Hunting since I was 16 years old, I’ve known Gary Holt since I was 17. We’re all close to this day, but there was a lot of guilt there for a while. A little bit of remorse. But I really felt that Metallica was my calling. I feel more comfortable playing in Metallica than I ever did in Exodus, so go figure.”
Hammett’s Influence on “Kill ‘Em All”
As he further explained, some of the ideas he wrote during his time with Exodus were used on “Kill ‘Em All.”
“The [riffs] came from songs that I had written, music that I had written,” he says. “I consider them my parts. I didn’t feel guilty about that, but I did feel guilty about leaving the band I started in high school.”
These remarks are particularly interesting since Hammett was never credited as a songwriter for “Kill ‘Em All.” The album was officially written by frontman James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich, with Mustaine credited for “The Four Horsemen,” “Jump In The Fire,” “Phantom Lord,” and “Metal Militia.” And then, of course, there was “(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth,” which was all the majesty of Cliff Burton.
According to Nuclear Blast, Robert Trujillo will join Kirk Hammett onstage for a special EXODUS encore on July 25th in San Diego. Details of the small and intimate club show are becoming clearer, as Kirk sat with longtime friend and writer Steffan Chirazi recently. “One of the things when we devised our FestEvil earlier this year, was the importance of having great live bands playing after the day’s events,” commented Hammett. “We’re happy to share that pretty unique element of what Fear FestEvil productions brings to our cool horror party and events. So it’s obviously not a whole new Fear FestEvil convention, it’s just a taste of the craziness you find at Fear FestEvil…and rest assured that we are working hard on the full Fear FestEvil II as you read this.”
Scion Audio Visual celebrates San Diego’s enormous comic & entertainment convention with iconic METALLICA guitar player Kirk Hammett and his namesake toy company Kirk Von Hammet Toys with an exclusive, RSVP-only celebration dubbed the “Fear FestEvil After Party” that will showcase a performance by legendary Bay Area thrashers EXODUS on July 25th at F6IX located at 526 F Street in San Diego, California. (NOTE: RSVP for this event is now closed!)
This special EXODUS performance will be highlighted by Hammett joining the band on-stage for a few songs.
Kirk Von Hammett Toys will also present the Famous Zombies Jr. limited edition toy at the year’s San Diego Comic Con. The very limited edition green Hammett figure will be available exclusively at San Diego Comic Con, and Kirk will be signing the toy itself at the Nuclear Blast Records/Stern Pinball/JSR merch SDCC booth 503 on Friday July 25th from 1pm to 2pm, and on Saturday July 26th from 2pm to 3pm.
Fans will be able to purchase tickets for the signing starting on Wednesday July 23rd for the Friday appearance. Once Friday’s tickets are sold-out, Saturday tickets will be released. Tickets are available at the Nuclear Blast Records/Stern Pinball/JSR merch booth (503).
“I’m stoked to be bringing more exclusive wares to the San Diego Comic Con,” says Kirk Von Hammett himself, “Nuclear Blast have been friends for quite some time, so I’m happy to be able to bring one of my exclusives to their booth. Being a fan of comics and movies since I was a kid, it’s just a huge honor to be at Comic Con on both sides, selling and buying!”
Be warned, only a strict 300 of these Nuclear Blast Green collectible classics will be available, so act fast to make sure you’re in line for yours!
According to Nuclear Blast, Scion Audio Visual celebrates San Diego’s enormous comic & entertainment convention with iconic METALLICA guitar player Kirk Hammett and his namesake toy company Kirk Von Hammett Toys with an exclusive, RSVP-only celebration dubbed the “Fear FestEvil After Party” that will showcase a performance by legendary Bay Area thrashers EXODUS on July 25th at F6IX located at 526 F Street in San Diego, California.
This special EXODUS performance will be highlighted by Hammett joining the band on-stage for a few songs.
“Through Scion A/V, we are always looking for creative ways to merge the worlds of music and art that strike a chord with our customers,” explained Jeri Yoshizu, manager of sales promotions at Scion. “In addition to sponsoring several tours and dozens of special events each year, we also have the Scion A/V Installation where we support independent visual artists. Partnering with Kirk Hammett and his toy company helps bring distinctive music and art forms to an enthusiastic audience, which is what Scion A/V is all about.”
San Francisco-based heavy rockers ORICHID just recently have been invited by METALLICA’s Kirk Hammett to play at his “Fear FestEvil“, where the band enthralled the audience which was a top-class cast. Fellow musicians like Slash, Kerry King (SLAYER), Scott Ian (ANTHRAX), Doyle (former MISFITS) attended the festival among famous people from the movie and art industry like four times EMMI AWARD and BRITISH ACADEMY FILM AWARD WINNER Greg Nicotero who worked for big players like Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino or Wolfgang Petersen did the honors of attending the festival and Derek Riggs, a British artist who designed the IRON MAIDEN mascot Eddie and since then worked on over 60 covers for IRON MAIDEN.
After their successful European tour in November 2013, ORCHID have now announced the first festivals for the upcoming summer 2014.
01.08. D Breitanbach am Herzberg – Burg Herzberg Festival
Source: Bravewords.com METALLICA recently announced that they would hold one of the most unique performances of their career when they share the stage with renowned concert pianist LANG LANG during the 56th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, January 26th. Guitarist Kirk Hammett recently spoke with Rolling Stone about the upcoming performance of the classic Metallica track, ‘One’:
Hammett: “It’s gonna be completely insane. Lang Lang has interjected himself into the song in a way I don’t think anyone else has ever done in the course of our career. He’s going to be playing major parts of the song. He’s going to be playing through the melody.”
“He’s going to be weaving in and out of my guitar solos, which is amazing for me, because I’ve never played with another instrument that’s been able to do that so effortlessly. We’re keeping all the heavy parts. It’s going to be really cool and it’s really dynamic.”
Metallica recently issued the following statement regarding their upcoming Grammy Awards appearance:
“We’re honored to be asked back to the Grammys to perform… it’s been 22 years since the last time we hit the stage at the annual awards show! This performance will be truly special with Lang Lang, who has appeared on stages all over the world including the opening ceremonies at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, a White House state dinner, World Cup ceremonies, and the Nobel Prize concert in Stockholm among many other acclaimed appearances.
We are also very proud that the Through The Never soundtrack has been nominated for a Grammy for Best Recording Package and we’re hoping for another win for our friends from Turner Duckworth, who also designed the Death Magnetic art and took home the mini gramophone in 2009.
Check your local listings for the awards show on CBS or for more information visit Grammy.com.”
Through The Never, directed by award-winning filmmaker Nimród Antal, will be released on DVD, Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray, digitally, and V.O.D. (Video On Demand) on January 28th through Blackened Recordings.
Formats will include a standard 2-disc package on DVD, Blu-ray, or 3D Blu-ray, as well as special expanded versions. The DVDs and Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray will include extensive behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the film, including an 80+ minute Making Of Metallica Through The Never documentary, various interviews with the cast and crew and never before seen Metallica content. Metallica fans will also be able to purchase a limited-edition deluxe package containing a piece of the actual stage used in the film, a lithograph print autographed by all four band members and more. Full details of the package are below. The digital format will include the feature film, as well as the Making Of Metallica Through The Never documentary. The film will also be available for rental and download via V.O.D. on January 28th in The US, and at a later date (tbd) in Canada. Visit Metallica.com for information regarding specific countries and release dates.
I. Standard DVD (2 Discs)
Disc 1
– Metallica Through The Never Movie
– Theatrical Trailer
– ‘Master Of Puppets’ Music Video
– EPK – Cast & Crew Interviews
– Interviews With The Sound & Music Team
Disc 2
– Making Of Metallica Through The Never Documentary
– Mill Valley Film Festival Q&A With Metallica, Director Nimród Antal & Dane DeHaan
– Orion Festival 2013 Film Tent Highlights with Lars Ulrich
*Also included in package: Digital Download of the film
II. Blu-ray (2 Discs)
Disc 1
– Metallica Through The Never Movie
Disc 2
– Making Of Metallica Through The Never Documentary
– Theatrical Trailer
– ‘Master Of Puppets’ Music Video
– EPK – Cast & Crew Interviews
– Interviews With The Sound & Music Team
– Mill Valley Film Festival Q&A With Metallica, Director Nimród Antal & Dane Dehaan
– Orion Festival 2013 Film Tent Highlights with Lars Ulrich
*Also included in package: Digital Download of the film
III. 3D Blu-ray/Blu-ray (2 Discs)
*Note: The 3D DVD cover will include 3D lenticular artwork that is actually a reusable STICKER, giving fans a 3D souvenir
On 3D Blu-ray Disc:
– Metallica Through The Never Movie in 3D
On 2D Blu-ray Disc:
– Making Of Metallica Through The Never Documentary
– Theatrical Trailer
– ‘Master Of Puppets’ Music Video
– EPK – Cast & Crew Interviews
– Interviews With The Sound & Music Team
– Mill Valley Film Festival Q&A With Metallica, Director Nimród Antal & Dane DeHaan
– Orion Festival 2013 Film Tent Highlights with Lars Ulrich
*Also included in package: Digital Download of the film
IV: LIMITED Deluxe Blu-ray Set (3 Discs) – QTY TBD – 1 Run will be produced
*Note: The 3D DVD cover will include 3D lenticular artwork that is actually a reusable STICKER, giving fans a 3D souvenir
Disc 1 – On 3D Blu-ray Disc:
– Metallica Through The Never Movie in 3D
Disc 2 – On 2D Blu-ray Disc
– Metallica Through The Never Movie
Disc 3 – On 2D Blu-ray Disc
– Making Of Metallica Through The Never Documentary
– Theatrical Trailer
– ‘Master Of Puppets’ Music Video
– EPK – Cast & Crew Interviews
– Interviews With The Sound & Music Team
– Mill Valley Film Festival Q&A With Metallica, Director Nimród Antal & Dane DeHaan
– Orion Festival 2013 Film Tent Highlights with Lars Ulrich
– Limited Edition Metallica Through The Never Bandana
– Limited Edition Metallica Through The Never litho movie poster
*Also included in package: Digital Download of the film
V: LIMITED EDITION METCLUB-ONLY RELEASE: Blu-ray Set (3 Discs) – only 1,000 will be produced
*Note: The 3D DVD cover will include 3D lenticular artwork that is actually a reusable STICKER, giving fans a 3D souvenir
Disc 1 – On 3D Blu-ray Disc:
– Metallica Through The Never Movie in 3D
Disc 2 – On 2D Blu-ray Disc
– Metallica Through The Never Movie
Disc 3 – On 2D Blu-ray Disc
– Making Of Metallica Through The Never Documentary
– Theatrical Trailer
– ‘Master Of Puppets’ Music Video
– EPK – Cast & Crew Interviews
– Interviews With The Sound & Music Team
– Mill Valley Film Festival Q&A With Metallica, Director Nimród Antal & Dane DeHaan
– Orion Festival 2013 Film Tent Highlights with Lars Ulrich
*Also included in package: Digital Download of the film
Plus
– Limited Edition Metallica Through The Never Bandana
– Limited Edition Metallica Through The Never litho movie poster autographed by all four members of Metallica
– A piece of the Stage used in the making of Metallica Through The Never. Fans will receive an actual piece of “Doris” (The Statue of Lady Justice) from the stage with a letter of authenticity. This will not be sold anywhere else now or ever again.
According to Nuclear Blast Records, Kirk Hammett of METALLICA recently spoke to Nikki Blakk from 107.7 the Bone about his upcoming horror convention and announced that CARCASS will be performing at the event. Listen to the entire interview here:
“When we heard that Kirk Hammett was opening a carny fair in the Bay Area we knew we wanted in! We’re quite honored that we’ve invited to appear in the ‘freak show’ booth,” stated CARCASS frontman Jeff Walker in his typical self-deprecating sarcastic fashion. “Joking aside we’re looking forward to the Fear FestEvil, will be a nice ‘little’ warm up for our US Tour next year. See you there!”
On February 6th through 8th, 2014 at The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, lifelong horror enthusiast and METALLICA guitarist Kirk Hammett will launch his first annual horror convention, dubbed Kirk Von Hammett’s Fear FestEviL.
Created to honor the weird, the wonderful, the eclectic, and the things that make your hair stand up on end, the heavy doors of collector/curator/historian/guardian Kirk Von Hammett’s crypt will be opened to the public to display the finest acquisitions in his extensive collection of horror memorabilia which includes rare movie posters & props, costumes, models, masks, and toys from various eras.
“I’ve always loved horror, I’ve always loved collecting, I’ve always loved weird and macabre things and I’ve always loved conventions,” confesses Hammett. “So what could be better than having your own Fear FestEviL where ALL those great and crazy things can be enjoyed by like-minded people under one pretty cool roof?! Nothing!!! And because I’ve seen some conventions turn from back-room gatherings of like-minded dorks into mainstream hipster extravaganzas, rest assured that it’s my intention to make this a great experience where all things horror, weird, and nerdy are celebrated! So come one and all!!!”
Already confirmed to attend as panelists will be Slash, makeup FX legend Greg Nicotero (The Walking Dead), Tom Savini (Dawn Of The Dead), and John A. Russo (Night Of The Living Dead).
Private “Crypt” tours, signing sessions, and musical performances by Nuclear Blast Bay Area artists CARCASS, DEATH ANGEL and ORCHID will also be included in the three-day event.
More special guests & musical artists will be announced soon.
Confirmed friends & exhibitors include:
• Nuclear Blast
• Stern Pinball
• JSR Merchandising
• Super 7 Toys
• Mad Monster
• ESP Guitars
• Dunlop
• From The Land Beyond
• Richard Halegua Posters + Comic Art
• KVH Toys
… and many more to come.
Catch up on the best in heavy metal’s latest CD & vinyl releases at the Nuclear Blast booth. We’ve teamed up with our friends at Stern Pinball – creators of jaw-dropping pinball machines – and JSR Merchandising, who offer a wide array of metal merchandise, for a booth experience that will leave your spine tingling.
Visit http://www.FEARFESTEviL.com & FearFestEvil on Facebook for the latest information on horror’s newest & coolest fan convention!
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Metallica recently issued the following statement regarding their upcoming Grammy Awards appearance:
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