Hammett and Hetfield, 1984
Photo: Redferns, Pete Cronin. All rights reserved.
Kirk Hammett has revealed in a new interview that he and fellow Metallica bandmate James Hetfield “undoubtedly have a connection, but in a dark place that’s not comfortable.” In the detailed Conversation with “So What!” When asked what he associates with Hetfield and his lyrics, he explained:
“When it comes to James and I, we are both mentally challenged in similar ways. So we have this weird emotional connection. We short-circuit in a way that’s not comfortable. It’s not warm and cozy. It’s actually a scary place. A place that is very challenging and dark.”
Hammett and Hetfield: A somber human relationship
Some of the darkness Hammett was referring to has to do with substance abuse issues, according to Loudwire. While Hammett has been sober for nine years and likes to say everything about his life has improved because of his sobriety, Hetfield only checked himself into rehab in the fall of 2019. Immediately afterwards, the corona pandemic broke out.
“Anytime someone experiences something that changes their life, you just have to accept the fact that you don’t know what’s going to happen when that person comes back,” Hammett recalls of the uncertain time. “You don’t know how the process will change them. So when James went into rehab and then COVID hit it was a double whammy! And it looked like the future was going to be very, very bleak.” The rest is history – Metallica reunited and produced a full album during lockdown.
The Los Angeles group’s latest effort, 72 Seasons, was released on April 14, 2023. The next scheduled No Repeat Weekend shows are on May 17 and 19 in Paris.