Kirk Hammett is one of the most influential and successful guitarists in the history of heavy metal music. As the lead guitarist of Metallica, he has sold over 125 million albums worldwide, won nine Grammy Awards, and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
But did you know that he is also of Filipino descent?
Hammett was born on November 18, 1962, in San Francisco, California, to Teofila Oyao and Dennis Hammett. The Metallica guitarist with Filipino roots, his mother is of Filipino origin, while his father is of English, German, Scottish, and Irish ancestry. He grew up in the town of El Sobrante, where he developed a passion for horror movies and music. He started playing guitar at age 15, taking lessons from the famous Joe Satriani. He joined his first band, Exodus, in 1979 and became part of the Bay Area thrash metal scene.
In 1983, he received a phone call from Metallica, who were looking for a new guitarist after
firing Dave Mustaine. Hammett auditioned and got the job, and soon moved to New York to record Metallica’s debut album, Kill 'Em All. Since then, he has been a vital member of the band, contributing to their iconic albums such as Master of Puppets, …And Justice for All, Metallica (The Black Album), and Hardwired… to Self-Destruct. He is known for his fast and melodic solos, his use of the wah-wah pedal, and his horror-themed guitars.
Hammett has never forgotten his Filipino roots and has visited the Philippines several times with Metallica. He has also expressed his admiration for Filipino musicians, such as the Eraserheads, Bamboo, and Gary Valenciano. He has also donated to various causes in the Philippines, such as the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. He has said that he is proud of his Filipino heritage and that it has influenced his musical style and personality.
Hammett is not only a legendary guitarist but also a role model for Filipino Americans and aspiring musicians. He has shown that with talent, hard work, and passion, one can achieve their dreams and make a positive impact on the world. He is a true Filipino-American artist and a source of inspiration for many.
Kirk Hammett. (2023, November 6). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirk_Hammett Join Filipino American Musicians, register here!
Comments