Kirk Hammett is a heavy metal legend - he has been the lead guitarist of Metallica since all the way back in 1983 and has consistently appeared on lists featuring the greatest guitarists of all time. So, what inspired Hammett to become one of the most talented guitarists in the world? He claims it was listening to his older brother's record collection, which included Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and UFO.
It's no secret that Hammett battled drug addiction during his younger years. Some may tie it back to an unusual childhood trauma he experienced. When he was eleven years old, Hammett witnessed his pet dog being raped by his neighbor. He has said about the matter, "The guy took down his pants and started having sex with the dog! I didn't know whether to laugh or cry."