Tag Archives: Metallica

A New Interview with Kirk Hammett

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I recently interviewed Kirk Hammett, lead guitarist of Metallica. This is the fifth time we’ve talked, and he is always full of insight and joyful spirit. I first interviewed Hammett, along with all the other members of Metallica, while writing my 33 1/3 book on the Black Album. We had a fascinating and freewheeling conversation about the composition, recording, and seemingly endless life of the record – a conversation that also touched on Hammett’s acceptance of Buddhist philosophy, how the Civil Rights and anti-war movements influenced him at an early age, and his broader thoughts on music.

Since then, we’ve talked about Lemmy Kilmister, and the collaboration album with Lou Reed, Lulu. The release of the Black Album boxset, and the debut of the Black Album episode on the 33 1/3 Spotify podcast, presented the perfect opportunity to have another discussion.

On October 1st, I interviewed Kirk Hammett about the Black Album, his philosophy of creativity, and the often misunderstood identity of Metallica. 333 Sound, the website for the outstanding 33 1/3 book series, has published our discussion.

Read our wide ranging conversation about Metallica, the Black Album, creativity, intellectual curiosity, and Woodstock ’99.

Metallica's Kirk Hammett talks S&M2, drive-in concert, Lou Reed and more – Marin Independent Journal
Metallica's Metallica (33 1/3): Masciotra, David: 9781628929300: Amazon.com: Books

New Essay at Salon: Interview with Kirk Hammett about Lulu

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Lulu, the collaboration between Lou Reed and Metallica, is a brilliant and misunderstood masterpiece. Harsh reviews and poor sales would give people the opposite idea, but in the words of Hammett, much of the hatred for the album was “just people being sheep on the internet.”

In a fascinating conversation with Kirk Hammett, lead guitarist for Metallica, we discuss the origins of the album, the story behind its creation, and his reaction to the baseless bashing of Lulu, much of which began before the album’s release.

Given that due to Lou Reed’s sad death, it will now stand as the legendary singer/songwriter’s final record, now is the perfect time to revisit Lulu.

Read the interview at Salon.

Everyone interested in Metallica should anticipate the release of my 33 1/3 book on The Black Album in September. For that volume in the prestigious series from Bloomsbury, I interviewed Hammett, Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, Jason Newsted, and Bob Rock.

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Major Announcement: New Book on Metallica’s The Black Album Coming from Bloomsbury Publishers

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Bloomsbury Publishers recently announced that they will publish my book on Metallica’s self-titled record, more commonly known as The Black Album, as part of its much celebrated and acclaimed 33 1/3 series.

For the book, I have already interviewed the principal players in the making of the album, including current members of Metallica – James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, and Kirk Hammett, former bassist Jason Newsted, and Metallica’s former producer, Bob Rock.

The book is a must read for Metallica, metal, and hard rock fans, as I will give up close and personal details, received personally from the band, into the making of The Black Album, and I will examine the importance of Metallica’s music, along with the philosophical depth it possesses.

For more information read the official announcement at the 33 1/3 page.

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