Kirk Hammett Reflects on Grunge and His Connection with Kurt Cobain

Kirk Hammett, the legendary guitarist of Metallica, recently shared his thoughts on the alternative music movement that blossomed during the late ’80s and early ’90s, particularly his admiration for grunge. In a candid discussion on the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast, Hammett recounted his interactions with Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain after the release of their groundbreaking album, Nevermind.

Hammett’s Affection for Grunge

“I had no problem with grunge. I freaking loved it, to be honest,” Hammett expressed during the podcast. “I thought it was the greatest fucking thing.” He highlighted the enduring impact of bands from that era, including Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Mudhoney, noting that he still listens to their music regularly.

Cobain’s Metallica Fandom

In the conversation, Hammett also touched on Cobain’s admiration for Metallica. “Kurt told me that he freaking loved Ride the Lightning, too,” he recalled, adding that there was a riff from Nirvana’s debut album, Bleach, that reminded him of the Metallica classic. Hammett described Cobain as a “great, great guy” who possessed a shy demeanor, often more inclined to observe than to engage actively.

Kirk’s Prediction About ‘Nevermind’

Hammett shared a memorable encounter from when he saw Nirvana perform at the Hollywood Palladium after receiving an advance copy of Nevermind. “I came backstage and said, ‘Kurt, Nevermind is gonna be huge,'” he recalled. Cobain’s modest response was, “No, it’s not,” to which Hammett confidently replied, “Yes, it is.”

He further recounted telling Krist Novoselic, Nirvana’s bassist, about his belief in the album’s potential. “I said, ‘Bro, this album’s gonna be huge.’ He goes, ‘You think so?’ I go, ‘I know so.'” Hammett’s foresight turned out to be accurate, as Nevermind indeed became a cultural phenomenon.

The Transformation of Nirvana

Reflecting on Nirvana’s rise to fame, Hammett observed a noticeable change in the band’s dynamic, particularly in Cobain’s attitude. “Nirvana, at the time, pre-fame, were a great band with very pure intentions,” he noted. However, he remarked that once fame set in, Cobain developed a certain attitude that influenced his live performances. While some fans embraced this change, Hammett recognized a distinct difference in Cobain’s energy.

“They used to go out there and just play,” Hammett explained. “You could tell he was just so into it and really loving the support. But when all the accolades and celebrity came, it just rubbed Kurt the wrong way because he wasn’t that kind of person.” This insight into Cobain’s character highlights the struggles many artists face when navigating sudden fame.

Conclusion

Kirk Hammett’s reflections on the grunge movement and his interactions with Kurt Cobain provide a unique glimpse into the world of rock music during a transformative era. His admiration for the genre and its artists underscores the lasting impact of grunge, as well as the personal connections formed within the music community. As artists continue to evolve, the stories of their journeys remind us of the complexities of fame and artistic integrity.

FAQs

What did Kirk Hammett think of grunge music?

Kirk Hammett expressed a strong fondness for grunge, stating that he “freaking loved it” and considered it a significant movement in music history.

How did Kirk Hammett predict the success of Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’?

After hearing an advance copy of Nevermind, Hammett told Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic that the album would be huge, demonstrating his confidence in its potential impact.

What changes did Hammett notice in Kurt Cobain after Nirvana became famous?

Hammett observed that Cobain’s attitude shifted after gaining fame, noting that while Nirvana was initially a band with pure intentions, the pressures of celebrity affected Cobain’s demeanor during performances.