Metallica's Kirk Hammett says he can 'play anything' after quitting booze
He's a changed man
Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett says he’s a better musician after quitting the drink.
The metaller says that since going sober he has been able to diversify his guitar playing and he can also retain a lot more.
Reflecting upon the recording process for Metallica’s upcoming album ‘Hardwired… To Self-Destruct’, Kirk told Guitar World: “The whole mental preparation for this album was different. I used to wind myself up so much before I went into the studio, but I’m finally feeling much more comfortable in my abilities.
“I feel like I’ve turned another corner – I’ve reconnected with my instrument. I quit drinking, which changed things.
“On nights we had shows, I’d play the gig, go out afterwards and get drunk, then go back to my room and play for a couple hours.
“I still do that. But the big difference is I don’t drink any more, and I retain what I played the next day. These days I feel I can play anything that I really set my mind to, whether it’s Paganini or a jazz standard.
“It might take me a couple of weeks – but I can do it!”
Boasting the songs ‘Hardwired’, ‘Moth Into Flame’ and ‘Atlas, Rise!’, ‘Hardwired… to Self-Destruct’ is released this coming Friday (18th November).
The band are celebrating release day by performing a ridiculously intimate show at the 850-capacity London House of Vans. The show will be streamed at houseofvanslondon.com from 9pm GMT.