Kirk Hammett is celebrating his 31st anniversary with Metallica

It might come as a surprise but Kirk Hammett is celebrating his 31st anniversary with Metallica today. In 1983 Metallica was undergoing a few changes as the band moved from the Los Angeles area to San Francisco and they had just dismissed Dave Mustaine from the band creating the opening at lead guitar.

Kirk Hammett was playing with his band Exodus when he got the invite to join Metallica, which he accepted eagerly. Over the past 31 years he has written some of biggest metal riffs of all time and has been named the 11th greatest guitarist of all time.

The first time I saw Hammett play was in 1985 when Metallica stopped in St. Louis on their Ride the Lightning tour. They played this place called Reflexions with Armored Saint and W.A.S.P. Metallica was the middle band and I have to saw it was a kick ass show.