Metallica will be on hand to witness history in July. The metal legends, who rose from the headbanging underground to become mainstream metal icons, will play Back to the Beginning, Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne‘s farewell performance. But don’t think that Metallica is going to follow in Ozzy’s footsteps—at least, lead guitarist Kirk Hammett isn’t ready to call it a career.
Hammett began his metal journey in the late 1970s, co-founding the now-legendary thrash metal band, Exodus. Hammett exited Exodus in 1983, replacing Dave Mustaine in Metallica. He has played with the band ever since, making his debut on their sophomore album, Ride Thhe Lightning.
Though Hammett will celebrate his 63rd birthday in November, hanging up his guitar and settling down is the last thing on his mind. “I don’t believe in retirement,” Kirk told Metal Hammer in the magazine’s recent issue.
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“Retirement is something that’s been forced onto people,” he added. “I don’t believe musicians are allowed to retire!”
The legendary guitarist looked to musicians “in the 30s and 40s and 50s”, during which time he said that “the goal was to die onstage.” Hammett elaborated, saying that the musicians of the last century “earned the right to be up there,” justifying their decision to play music for a living instead of getting a real job. So, he reasons, “you have to fulfil that responsibility to the very end.”
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“Playing music is a gift, a blessing and a privilege. I love what I do and it’s magic – it helps people,” he concludes. “So I can’t walk away from that.”
It’s good that Hammett isn’t thinking about retiring. Metallica has a busy year ahead of it. In addition to making appearances in support of its new documentary, Metallica Saved My Life, the band will head down to Australia in November to play a slate of shows. The group will also tour Europe and the U.K. in early 2026.
Hammett also recently looked back on his legacy. Kirk picked which Metallica album featured his best guitar work, and his choice was surprising.
Related: Iconic Metal Guitarist, 62, Makes Bold Statement About His Career