Metallica lead guitarist Kirk Hammett has declared that he has no intention of ever retiring from music, stating in a new interview that he believes playing professionally is a lifelong responsibility and a privilege he cannot walk away from.
Speaking in the new issue of Metal Hammer magazine, Hammett, who joined the metal giants in 1983, explained his firm stance on the matter. “I don’t believe in retirement,” he said. “Retirement is something that’s been forced onto people; I don’t believe musicians are allowed to retire!”
Hammett pointed to a historical mindset among performers as the basis for his philosophy, saying that for musicians “in the 30s and 40s and 50s… the goal was to die onstage.”
“This was the thinking of musicians of all musicians for the last century: because you’ve earned the right to be up there, you have to fulfil that responsibility to the very end,” he argued. “Playing music is a gift, a blessing and a privilege. I love what I do and it’s magic – it helps people. So I can’t walk away from that.”
This declaration echoes similar comments the guitarist recently made to The Telegraph about his unwavering commitment to his band, even amidst the occasional creative friction with co-founders James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich. “Leaving Metallica is not an option,” Hammett stated. “If I ever left Metallica, everyone in the world would remind me that I used to be in Metallica!”
Hammett is actively living out his “no retirement” philosophy. He recently released a coffee table book, “The Collection: Kirk Hammett“, showcasing his extensive collection of guitars. Meanwhile, Metallica is currently touring North America, just premiered their new documentary “Metallica Saved My Life” at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, and has a series of European shows planned for next summer.
Metallica – 2025 Remaining North American Tour Dates:
- June 14 – Houston, TX – NRG Stadium
- June 20 – Santa Clara, CA – Levi’s Stadium
- June 22 – Santa Clara, CA – Levi’s Stadium
- June 27 – Denver, CO – Empower Field at Mile High
- June 29 – Denver, CO – Empower Field at Mile High
