Dive into the electrifying world of rock legends—where a guitar virtuoso unveils the secrets behind his iconic sound, and fans are left questioning if loyalty to your roots matters more than chasing fame. That's the thrilling tale unfolding around Metallica's Kirk Hammett, and trust me, it's about to get even more fascinating as we explore his latest revelations.
Dated October 16, 2025, Kirk Hammett, the iconic lead guitarist of the multi-platinum sensation Metallica—winners of nine Grammy Awards—has just released an official video capturing the unforgettable 'Kirk Hammett The Collection: Live' event held on June 7, 2025, at the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center in Tampa, Florida. This cozy, live session offered an in-depth exploration of Kirk's remarkable music journey and marked the exciting debut of his new coffee table book, 'The Collection: Kirk Hammett.' To everyone's delight, Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo made a surprise appearance on stage, joining Hammett for an impromptu jam session that had the crowd buzzing.
In his own words, Hammett expressed his enthusiasm: 'I'm overjoyed to present the Tampa edition of 'Kirk Hammett The Collection: Live' from June 7, 2025. During this summer's 'M72' tour, I brought the book to life across six cities, diving into the fascinating stories and craftsmanship of these extraordinary, one-of-a-kind instruments. Each photo narrates a tale, and with Ross Halfin's incredible photography, they're worth a thousand words apiece! A huge shoutout to Gibson for fueling my love for Greeny and all things guitar. I truly hope you savor this live adventure as much as I have.'
And here's where it gets controversial—Metallica has introduced an unconventional twist to their recent concerts: at every stop, Hammett and Trujillo perform stripped-down versions of tracks by their musical idols, often picking songs that diverge wildly from the band's signature heavy metal style. These 'doodles,' as the band affectionately calls them in their setlists, are minimalist renditions featuring just bass and guitar, with Trujillo occasionally lending his voice. For beginners, think of it as a raw, unplugged tribute that strips away the usual intensity, letting fans hear the influences behind the metal giants in a fresh, intimate way. But is this a bold evolution or a risky departure that might alienate die-hard fans craving the full-throttle energy? It's the kind of move that sparks heated debates among rock purists.
Published globally by Gibson Publishing, 'The Collection: Kirk Hammett' is a luxurious, hardcover coffee table book where Kirk recounts the backstories of his rare, prized instruments that have powered hit records and electrified stages in front of millions worldwide. The book is accessible worldwide through Gibson.com and Gibson Garage stores in three exclusive formats: a limited signed and numbered Custom Edition, a Deluxe Edition, and a Standard hardcover.
Spanning 400 pages, this premium volume delves deeply into the unparalleled guitar arsenal and musical life of a true heavy metal pioneer, Kirk Hammett, a Gibson signature artist. Photographed on location in Hawaii and Los Angeles by the renowned rock photographer Ross Halfin, using exclusive images from his extensive archives, it includes fresh interviews with Hammett by Chris Vinnicombe (Gibson's editor-in-chief) and Mark Agnesi (Gibson's director of brand experience). This Gibson Publishing release offers the most comprehensive look yet at the Metallica star's diverse guitar collection, tracing the instruments he's relied on from his early days with Bay Area thrash innovators Exodus to achieving over 125 million album sales globally and dominating stages with Metallica for more than four decades. Under close examination are gems like Hammett's legendary 1979 Gibson Flying V, Greeny—the iconic 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard once owned by guitar legends Peter Green and Gary Moore—and many others. 'The Collection: Kirk Hammett' is essential for any Kirk Hammett or Metallica devotee, as well as guitar enthusiasts everywhere who appreciate fine craftsmanship.
To whet your appetite, a video teaser narrated by actor Jason Momoa—a dedicated Metallica supporter—captures the essence: 'Each guitar carries its own tale, and the excitement of discovering the perfect one can be just as heart-pounding as the music it produces. Collecting becomes an obsession, a deep passion, and an endless pursuit of that ideal sound. Kirk Hammett embodies this like no one else.'
For context, Hammett was part of Exodus's initial lineup before stepping in to replace Dave Mustaine in Metallica back in 1983. Interestingly, he not only coined the name 'Exodus' but was also the first in the band to connect with original singer Paul Baloff, bringing him onboard. With Hammett on guitar, Metallica crafted their debut album, 'Kill 'Em All,' that same year.
But here's the part most people miss—in a 1994 Metal Hammer interview, Hammett revealed that his Exodus comrades were far from pleased with his choice to exit the band. Imagine the tension: abandoning a burgeoning project for the promise of stardom with a rising giant. This is where the story takes a controversial turn—does chasing bigger opportunities justify leaving behind the bands that shaped you, potentially hurting friendships and loyalties? It's a ethical dilemma that resonates in the music world, where ambition often clashes with camaraderie.
Headlining select stops on Metallica's #M72 North American Tour...
KIRK HAMMETT / THE COLLECTION: LIVE
A Conversation...
Shared by Gibson (https://www.facebook.com/Gibson) on Thursday, April 10, 2025 (https://www.facebook.com/Gibson/posts/1221459939339928)
What do you think—should artists like Hammett prioritize loyalty to their original bands, or is it fair game to follow the path to superstardom? Do you see the 'doodles' as a refreshing change or a dilution of Metallica's core sound? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you're for or against these bold choices!
