Kirk’s Cinematic Obsessions: The Collection in the Spotlight
When you picture Kirk Hammett, Metallica’s legendary guitarist, you probably see a Gibson in his hands and a crowd losing their minds. But off stage, Hammett is just as fanatical about his horror memorabilia collection—and he recently got the chance to gush about it in episode 117 of The Metallica Report podcast. His collection isn’t just some personal curiosity cabinet: to Kirk, these are essential fragments of 20th-century film culture, woven deep into his creative DNA.
- The costume worn by Boris Karloff in The Black Cat (1933). Kirk shared,
“I was amazed that a piece of clothing like that had survived. I bought it quietly—no one seemed all that interested. The first thing I did was put it on and walk around the house pretending I was Karloff. I know… I’m a little crazy.”
- A key piece from Frankenstein’s laboratory: the “nebularium,” a distinctive mirror that first appeared in the classic Frankenstein films. Imagine having that lurking in your living room.
- His most prized recent acquisition: the cape worn by Bela Lugosi in Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. Kirk didn’t stumble onto this one by chance.
“I knew where it was for thirty years. When it finally went up for auction, I was one of the only people in the loop. I eventually got it. That was a highlight after three decades of waiting.”
The Horrific Inspirations Behind the Music
Kirk Hammett’s fascination with horror goes way back—haunting his childhood after seeing films like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and The Exorcist. For him, horror isn’t just entertainment; it’s cathartic, a way to confront fears with a head-banging soundtrack. He’s shared this passion through his book Too Much Horror Business (2012), his traveling exhibit Kirk’s Crypt, and even the Fear FestEvil festival.
A Collection with a Creative Pulse
His horror treasures are more than a hobby—they’re a genuine wellspring for his music and ideas. As Kirk puts it:
“I spend a lot of time just staring at these pieces with my guitar in hand. They inspire me. These movies matter culturally, and collecting them has meaning. Together, they tell a story. It’s a legacy, and I feel responsible for sharing it.”
Metallica Rolling On: New Ventures and Tour Plans
Kirk’s love of classic monsters isn’t slowing him—or Metallica—down. While he’s just unveiled the new Raven acoustic guitar in partnership with Gibson, the band itself keeps charging ahead. After a high-profile set at Dreamfest in San Francisco, Metallica is set to rock Australia this fall. And for fans already counting ahead, a European tour is on the horizon for 2026.
