Metallica made a stop in Tucson last week for the first time in more than a decade. Anyone who knows rock 'n' roll knows Metallica. And anyone who knows Metallica, or worships guitar players in general, knows lead guitarist Kirk Hammett.
The Wildcat got a chance to catch up with him backstage before the show to find out what he thinks of fame, touring and playing in Tucson.
"Tucson has always been about a bunch of cactus, some dirt and, occasionally, cool baseball players," Hammett said.
Hammet quickly recalled some vivid memories of Tucson from past Metallica ventures.
"It's funny because one of the guys was talking about how last time we were in Tucson, he was full on making out with this chick in the parking lot. I can't believe that was 13 years ago," he said.
Before rolling with the tumble weeds in Tucson, Metallica toured in Australia.
"I think Australia's my favorite place to play · just because, you know, being able to surf on days off, and people being really, really friendly and cool," said Hammett. "It was just a lot of fun. Those were some of the best times we've had on this tour."
Inspired by his brother Rick's abundant collection of records, Hammett picked up his first guitar at age 15. He started a band called Exodus and was invited to join Metallica after Dave Mustaine was kicked out. It might seem like Hammet always wanted to be a rock star, especially since he started playing so young. Hammett begs to differ.
"I never really, really wanted to be a rock star. I just wanted to be good at playing guitar," said Hammett. "At one point, I thought, ÎWell it looks pretty fun being in a band; I think I'll form one.' When it came to a point where I decided that I really like being in a band, and I hope that I can make a living out of it. That's when we started gigging. And next thing you know, I joined this band called Metallica."
Realistically, most guitar players who join bands don't ever become famous. Hammett was lucky enough to become a member of the seventh-biggest selling act in American history, a band that has consistently been a major force in alternative and heavy rock. Though fans consider the members of Metallica the quintessential rock stars, it hasn't always been that way. Even Hammett had to overcome the odds against his ultimate success.
"When I joined Metallica, none of us were rock stars. We weren't rock stars for a good two or three years," said Hammett. "The whole time I was growing up as a teenager, everyone told me, ÎYou can't be a rock star. Only like one person in 10,000 actually becomes a rock star.' I was like, ÎYeah, whatever.' I just wanted to be able to make a living playing music, and being a rock star just kind of happened."
At age 41, Hammett is still having fun playing music. He does admit that things have changed a lot, but the guys still know how to have a good time. Most importantly, they always have the memories of past indiscretions.
"We used to go play a show, stay out all night, go to sleep in the morning, sleep all day, wake up, go to the show and repeat. Nowadays, we're not such party animals," said Hammett.
"James is clean and sober now, so it's a little different when you have someone who's clean and sober in the band. We definitely still like to have a good time; it's just different."
Hammett is just like any other normal guy when it comes down to it. He is a rock star, but he too has done things in the past under the influence of alcohol that he regretted the next day.
"On my 21st birthday, I cut my hair. I drank so much that I decided to get a haircut while I was drunk. That's like the worst decision to make while you're drunk," he said.
Aspiring rock stars and aging ones alike (Mick Jagger, anyone?) should take notes: More than 20 years after its first tour, Metallica is still going strong.
"We keep in shape, we eat well, we're well-rested and we loosen up before the shows. But our biggest advantage has always been that we actually enjoy playing. It makes a big difference. We don't ever want to get off stage."