Kirk Hammett Net Worth

What is Kirk Hammett's net worth?

Kirk Hammett is an American songwriter and guitar player who has a net worth of $200 million.

Kirk Hammett earned fame and fortune as the lead guitarist for the highly successful heavy metal band Metallica. Since joining Metallica in 1983, Hammett has been responsible for many of the band's most iconic guitar solos, helping shape the sound of thrash metal before guiding the group through its evolution into a global arena act. His melodic phrasing, rapid-fire alternate picking, and use of the wah pedal became defining characteristics of Metallica's lead guitar style.

Over four decades, Hammett has performed on landmark albums such as "Ride the Lightning," "Master of Puppets," "…And Justice for All," and "Metallica," commonly known as "The Black Album." Those releases, along with later projects including "Load," "Reload," "Death Magnetic," "Hardwired… to Self-Destruct," and "72 Seasons," have sold more than 125 million copies worldwide. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009 as a member of Metallica, Hammett is widely regarded as one of heavy metal's most influential guitarists. Beyond his work with the band, he is known for his deep love of horror films, vintage guitars, and music education, carving out a legacy that extends far beyond the stage.

Early Life

Kirk Lee Hammett was born on November 18, 1962, in San Francisco, California, and grew up in the nearby town of El Sobrante. He is of Filipino and Irish descent. As a teenager, he became fascinated with horror films and heavy music, two passions that would follow him throughout his life.

Hammett's interest in guitar was sparked after hearing Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. He worked at Burger King as a teenager to save money for his first quality instrument, eventually purchasing a Gibson Flying V. Influenced by guitarists such as Hendrix, Jimmy Page, and Michael Schenker, he immersed himself in practicing scales and techniques.

In the early 1980s, he became a student of guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani, who helped refine his technical abilities. Hammett later credited Satriani's disciplined instruction with shaping his approach to melody and phrasing.

Exodus and the Thrash Metal Scene

Before joining Metallica, Hammett co-founded the Bay Area thrash band Exodus in 1979. The group became one of the key acts in the emerging San Francisco metal scene. As lead guitarist, Hammett developed a fast, aggressive style suited to the high-speed riffing that defined early thrash.

Exodus built a loyal underground following, and Hammett's reputation as a skilled player began to spread. That reputation would soon lead to a career-changing opportunity.

Joining Metallica

In 1983, Metallica dismissed original lead guitarist Dave Mustaine due to internal conflicts. The band, led by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, recruited Hammett to fill the role.

Hammett flew to New York to join the band and immediately began contributing to the recording of "Kill 'Em All." Though Mustaine had co-written several songs, Hammett's solos and interpretations helped solidify the album's final sound. His arrival completed a lineup that would soon include bassist Cliff Burton, creating what many fans consider Metallica's classic era.

Classic Albums and Creative Growth

Hammett's first full creative statement with Metallica came on 1984's "Ride the Lightning." His solo on "Fade to Black" demonstrated emotional range and melodic sophistication, signaling that Metallica was more than just speed and aggression.

On 1986's "Master of Puppets," Hammett delivered some of his most celebrated work, including the intricate solo sections in the title track and "Battery." The album is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavy metal records ever recorded.

Following the death of bassist Cliff Burton in 1986, Metallica continued with Jason Newsted and released "…And Justice for All" in 1988. Hammett's solos on tracks such as "One" combined technical precision with dramatic build-up, contributing to the band's first mainstream breakthrough.

The Black Album and Global Fame

Metallica's 1991 self-titled album marked a turning point. Produced by Bob Rock, "The Black Album" streamlined the band's sound while retaining heavy riffs and powerful hooks. Hammett's solo in "Enter Sandman" became one of the most recognizable guitar leads in rock history.

The album debuted at number one and has sold more than 16 million copies in the United States alone. Massive world tours followed, cementing Metallica's status as one of the biggest bands in the world.

Hammett adapted his playing style during this era, focusing more on memorable melodic lines than sheer speed. His approach complemented Hetfield's tightening songwriting focus and helped broaden the band's appeal.

Experimentation and Later Albums

In the mid-1990s, Metallica released "Load" and "Reload," albums that incorporated blues and alternative influences. Hammett expanded his tonal palette, exploring different textures and effects while maintaining his signature wah-heavy solos.

During the early 2000s, the band underwent internal struggles, including Hetfield's rehabilitation and the departure of Jason Newsted. These tensions were documented in "Metallica: Some Kind of Monster." The band later recruited bassist Robert Trujillo in 2003.

With Trujillo in place, Metallica returned to a more thrash-oriented sound on "Death Magnetic" in 2008. Hammett continued to deliver intricate solos and dynamic performances on subsequent releases, including "Hardwired… to Self-Destruct" in 2016 and "72 Seasons" in 2023.

Style and Equipment

Kirk Hammett is widely associated with his use of the wah pedal, fast alternate picking, and expressive vibrato. His solos often blend blues-based phrasing with rapid scale runs, reflecting both classic rock and metal influences.

Over the years, he has amassed an impressive collection of vintage guitars, including several iconic Gibson and ESP models. His instruments have become part of his public identity, and he has collaborated with manufacturers to produce signature models.

Michael Kovac/Getty Images

Brush with Death/Destiny

In 1986, while touring in Europe to support the album "Master of Puppets", Kirk and bassist Cliff Burton got into a fight over sleeping arrangements in the tour bus. They settled the dispute with a card draw where whoever had the highest draw would get the superior bunk at the back of the bus. Burton won the contest by drawing the Ace of Spades. Tragically, in the early hours of the morning the next day, while driving through Sweden, the bus slid off the road and overturned. Burton was thrown from the bus through his bunk window, and then the bus fell on top of his body, killing him instantly.

Horror Passion and Side Projects

Outside of music, Hammett is an avid collector of horror memorabilia. He has amassed an extensive collection of classic film posters, props, and artwork. His love of horror led him to curate exhibitions and publish a book showcasing his collection.

In 2022, Hammett released a solo instrumental EP titled "Portals," marking his first official project outside Metallica. The release demonstrated his interest in cinematic composition and atmosphere.

(Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images)

Personal Life

Hammett married Rebecca in 1998, and they have two children. Unlike some of his bandmates, he has generally maintained a lower-profile personal life.

He has spoken about the importance of meditation and spirituality in managing the pressures of fame and touring. His interests outside music, including surfing and environmental awareness, have provided balance during decades of global touring.

Real Estate

Kirk owns (and has owned) a number of impressive homes, primarily in the San Francisco area.

In 1993, Kirk spent $2.56 million on a large mansion in San Francisco's wealthy Pacific Heights neighborhood. Designed in 1899, the 10,000 square-foot home has eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a billiards room, a music studio, and a 2,000-bottle wine cellar. Kirk attempted to sell the house in 2006 for $12.5 million but did not find a buyer. It finally sold in December 2009 for $7.6 million. Here is a video tour of Kirk Hammett's former Pacific Heights, San Francisco mansion:

In 2005, Kirk spent $5.7 million on a home in an ultra-luxurious area of San Francisco called Sea Cliff $5.7 million. In 2010, he bought the home next door for $8 million, hoping to build a mini-compound. Those plans never materialized, so he eventually put both homes on the market. He sold his original home in March 2018 for $12.8 million. He sold the second home in February 2019 for $11.7 million. That's a $10.8 million combined profit.

Kirk also owns a ranch somewhere north of San Francisco, which viewers see during the documentary "Metallica: Some Kind of Monster". He owns the ranch through a trust, and its exact location is hard to pinpoint.

Who's Richer?

Kirk
Hammett

Compare!

James
Hetfield