Metallica's Kirk Hammett, the legendary guitarist known for his work with the multi-platinum-selling, nine-time-Grammy Award-winning band, has released an official video of his 'Kirk Hammett The Collection: Live' event in Tampa, Florida on June 7, 2025. The intimate, live discussion celebrated the launch of his new coffee table book, 'The Collection: Kirk Hammett', and featured a surprise jam with Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo. Hammett shared his excitement about the event, highlighting the rich history and artistry behind his unique and rare instruments, and the exceptional photography by Ross Halfin. The video also teases the band's recent tour, where Hammett and Trujillo have been covering songs from their musical heroes, often far removed from Metallica's traditional metal sound. 'The Collection: Kirk Hammett' is a 400-page hardcover coffee table book, available globally via Gibson.com and the Gibson Garage locations, featuring exclusive interviews and rare imagery from Halfin's archives. It explores Kirk Hammett's extraordinary guitar collection and his life in music, from his early days with Exodus to his current role with Metallica. The book includes stories behind rare and highly collectible instruments, such as his 1979 Gibson Flying V and the legendary 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard. A video teaser featuring Jason Momoa, a longtime Metallica fan, emphasizes the thrill of finding the right guitar and the obsession that collecting can bring. Hammett's journey with Metallica began in 1983 when he replaced Dave Mustaine and brought original Exodus singer Paul Baloff into the band. Despite some initial resistance from his Exodus bandmates, Hammett's decision to leave Exodus was met with mixed reactions. The 'Kirk Hammett The Collection: Live' event is a must-see for fans of Kirk Hammett and Metallica, offering a deep dive into the guitarist's eclectic guitar collection and his significant contributions to heavy metal music.
