Kirk Hammett Biography: Kirk Lee Hammett, born on November 18, 1962, is a renowned American musician best known as the lead guitarist of the legendary heavy metal band Metallica, a position he has held since 1983. Before joining Metallica, Hammett co-founded the influential thrash metal band Exodus in 1979. In 2023, Hammett and Metallica frontman James Hetfield were jointly ranked 23rd on Rolling Stone’s list of the Greatest Guitarists of All Time. He was also ranked 15th in Joel McIver’s 2009 book The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists, further cementing his status as one of metal’s most iconic guitarists.
Kirk Hammett Biography
Kirk Hammett was born on November 18, 1962, in San Francisco, California, to Teofila (née Oyao) and Dennis L. Hammett, a merchant seaman. His father was of Irish, English, Scottish, and German descent, while his mother is of Filipino heritage. Hammett began playing guitar at the age of 15 and later studied under renowned guitarist Joe Satriani.
Kirk Hammett Biography 2025 Details
| Birth name | Kirk Lee Hammett |
|---|---|
| Born | November 18, 1962 San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Genres |
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| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument | Guitar |
| Years active | 1979–present |
| Labels | Blackened |
| Member of | Metallica |
| Formerly of |
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| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Kirk Hammett
Kirk Lee Hammett is an American musician who has been the lead guitarist of heavy metal band Metallica since 1983. Prior to joining Metallica, he co-formed the thrash metal band Exodus in 1979.
Kirk Hammett Wiki
- Born: 18 November 1962 (age 62 years), San Francisco, California, United States
- Music groups: Metallica (Since 1983), Exodus (1979 – 1983), Devilhead
- Spouse: Lani Hammett (m. 1998), Rebecca Hammett (m. 1987–1990)
- Children: Angel Ray Keala Hammett, Vincenzo Kainalu Hammett
- Parents: Teofila “Chefela” Oyao, Dennis L. Hammett
Kirk Hammett Achievements
Before joining Metallica, he was a founding member of the thrash metal band Exodus. In 1983, he replaced Dave Mustaine as Metallica’s lead guitarist, becoming a permanent member of the band. Throughout his career with Metallica, Hammett has earned multiple Grammy Awards and was part of the band’s landmark lawsuit against Napster, which helped shape the conversation around digital music rights. Hammett is widely recognized for his custom-designed guitars, many of which feature artwork inspired.
Early Life
Kirk Hammett was born on November 18, 1962, in San Francisco, California, and grew up in the town of El Sobrante. He is the son of Dennis L. Hammett, a Merchant Mariner, and Teofila “Chefela” (née Oyao). His mother is of Filipino (Cebuano) descent, while his father had English, German, Scottish, and Irish roots. Hammett has described his father as a “full-blooded Irishman who liked to drink and liked to scrap,” noting that he often fought with friends and family, creating what Hammett called “one big toxic soup of masculinity.”
Hammett attended De Anza High School in Richmond, California, where he met future Primus frontman Les Claypool—the two have remained close friends ever since. His love for horror movies began early in life. At age five, after spraining his arm during a fight with his sister, Hammett was placed in front of the television by his parents to rest. It was then that he first saw The Day of the Triffids, sparking a lifelong fascination with horror.
Kirk Hammett Facts
Where does Kirk Hammett live? And how much money does Kirk Hammett earn?
| Birth Date | 18-11-1962 |
| Heritage/origin | German- English- Filippino- |
| Ethnicity | Other |
| Religion – believes in God? | Non-religious |
| Residence | He owns a house in San Francisco, California. |
Kirk Hammett Net Worth 2025
Kirk Hammett has a net worth of $200 million and he earned most of it as a leading guitarist of the world-famous band Metallica. He was ranked 11th on Rolling Stone’s list of The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time in 2003.
| Estimated Net Worth | 200 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary | N/A |
| Colleagues | James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich & Dave Mustaine |
Houses
- Kirk Hammet has a beautiful house in San Francisco, California.
- San Francisco, California house
Cars
Kirk Hammett is quite a car collector. He owns a vintage 1968 Jaguar XKE, a custom-built vintage Ford, as well as several modern cars
- – manufactured by Jaguar
- – manufactured by Ford
Kirk Hammett: Wife, Dating, Family & Friends
Hammet has been married two times. First, he was married to Rebecca Hammet but the marriage lasted only 3 years. He has been married to Lani Hammet since 1998 and they have two sons together.
| Relationship status | Married (Since 1998) |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Current Wife of Kirk Hammett | Lani Hammett |
| Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives | Rebecca Hammett |
| More info | Was previously married and divorced |
| Has any kids? | Yes, father of: Angel, Vincenzo |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Teofila “Chefela” Oyao (Mother)
- Dennis L. Hammett (Father)
- Rick Hammett (Brother)
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos, Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This talented musician originating from San Francisco, California has a slim body & oval face type.
| Hair color | Regular brown |
| Hairstyle | arty |
| Beard or Mustache | Goatee |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Height | 172 cm |
| Weight | 73 kilo |
| Feet size | N/A |
| Does Kirk Hammett smoke? | |
| Does Kirk Hammett have a tattoo? | Yes |
FAQs
What is the net worth of Kirk Hammett?
Kirk Hammett has an estimated net worth of $200 million in 2025. Kirk Hammett’s net worth in 2025 consists of earnings from his long and successful career in music, including his iconic guitar solos. He is most famous as the lead guitarist of Metallica.
Why is Kirk Hammett a vegetarian?
In an interview with KNAC-FM, he explained: “I am a vegetarian but not because I love animals. I am one because I think eating animals is not good for your health.
What addiction did Kirk Hammett have?
At one point in his life, Hammett spent a “lot of money” on drugs. Hammett has said that he used drugs because he thought they would be fun. During the Damaged Justice tour, he had a cocaine addiction.
Why does Kirk Hammett like horror?
I saw my first horror when I was five years old, a British film called Day Of The Triffids,” he recalls. “It moved something inside of me that didn’t happen when I watched cartoons or Disney features. It was something that resonated inside me and I wanted to watch more and more horror movies.”
Is Kirk Hammett a smoker?
“I love a fat one, if I have the buddies over for cigar fellowship on an afternoon. But I do prefer the smaller ones.” Kirk Hammett, his fellow guitarist, also enjoys cigars, along with some of the Metallica crew.