Kirk Hammett Shares Collection of Legendary Guitars from Throughout His Career

Metallica’s legendary guitarist Kirk Hammett recently provided fans with an exclusive glimpse into his world of music during an event in Frankfurt, Germany called The Collection: Live – A Conversation With Kirk Hammett. This event celebrated the launch of his new coffee table book, The Collection: Kirk Hammett, delving into the stories behind the iconic guitars that have played a crucial role in shaping his illustrious career spanning over four decades.

During the event, Hammett shared that his guitar collection has expanded to over 300 guitars, although he admitted to no longer keeping track of the exact number. The book, featuring photographs by renowned rock photographer Ross Halfin, showcases many of the rare and historic guitars that have become intertwined with Hammett’s personal and professional journey.

A poignant moment arose when Hammett discussed “Greeny,” the renowned 1959 Gibson Les Paul once owned by Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac and later by Gary Moore. He described the guitar with a deep emotional connection, expressing how it serves as a source of inspiration every time he plays it. Hammett revealed fascinating anecdotes about Greeny’s history, including the revelation that Jimi Hendrix once played the instrument during a jam session. Drawing a parallel to the legendary sword Excalibur, Hammett emphasized how Greeny has had a transformative impact on his life and continues to resonate with audiences.

The conversation also shed light on several other prized instruments in Hammett’s collection. He recounted the acquisition of Michael Schenker’s iconic Flying V from the UFO era, a guitar he had admired as a young guitarist while meticulously learning Schenker’s solos. Additionally, Hammett shared the intriguing backstory of a rare black late-1950s Les Paul Standard, one of just three known to exist, and an SG instrument that Gibson later confirmed had once belonged to Les Paul himself.

Reflecting on his early days as a budding guitarist, Hammett recalled being inspired by his brother’s red SG guitar, which he acquired through a trade involving a KISS album and $10. He embarked on a journey of self-teaching, learning songs by artists like Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and KISS, before seeking formal lessons while playing with EXODUS. His passion for music has remained unwavering over the years, with Hammett still dedicating time to playing his guitar nearly every day, driven by the same enthusiasm that ignited his musical journey more than four decades ago.

For fans of rock and metal music, The Collection: Live offers a captivating exploration of the instruments, influences, and anecdotes that have shaped Kirk Hammett into one of the most iconic figures in heavy music. Viewers are encouraged to watch the full interview on Kirk Hammett’s official YouTube channel to discover these incredible stories firsthand from the man himself.