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Kirk Hammett didn’t play rhythm guitar on Metallica's first five albums. That all changed with 1996’s controversial Load
In an attempt to explore new musical directions, Hammett was summoned to share rhythm guitar duties with James Hetfield, helping to kickstart a new phase for Metallica
Kirk Hammett tumbles off stage as Metallica pay tribute to Thin Lizzy in Ireland
The band’s first of two nights in Dublin saw Hammett embark on some unplanned choreography during a thrash classic
How a late-night drinking session with Lars Ulrich almost ruined Robert Trujillo’s Metallica audition
Robert Trujillo was announced as Metallica's new bassist on February 24, 2003, following a two-day try-out for the metal giants
The thrash metal bands who deserved to make it – but didn’t
For every success story like Metallica from the ‘80s metal movement, there are countless bands who didn’t make it. Some of them never gave up
How James Hetfield wrangled Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax for metal's biggest reunion
James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett explain the origins of the Big 4 shows – which united Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax on one historic bill
Jason Newsted explains how addiction struggles led to his Metallica departure
The bassist says he was a “horrible addict” and needed to leave the band for his own sake
Dave Mustaine reflects on the overarching influence he had on the guitarists of the Big Four of thrash metal
Mustaine makes a compelling argument that he directly inspired the likes of Kerry King and Scott Ian
Pepper Keenan got his first guitar after a tragic accident
The Down and Corrosion of Conformity guitarist has looked back at the unlikely origins of his career in rock
