Metallica lead guitarist Kirk Hammett is not here to make friends with the current pop charts. In a candid new interview, the metal icon didn’t hold back, bluntly declaring that today’s songwriting and pop music is straight-up “crap” while lamenting the loss of the old-school struggle that forged real musical identity.
Speaking to The Irish Times during Metallica’s massive 72 Seasons tour stop in Dublin, Hammett reflected on how easy technology has made learning music — and why that convenience might be hurting creativity.
“I kind of lament those days when people had to really struggle to learn, because it’s all in the struggle,” he explained. “And it’s all in the determination and being inspired at the same time that forces you to come up with your own stuff and eventually your own sound and style.”
He continued: “I just worry about how things are so perfect these days, the musicianship. It’s great that all these guitar players have all this vast knowledge of technique at their fingertips. I wonder where it’s leading to.”
Then came the knockout punch: “I hope it leads to a better quality of pop music, popular music, and just a better quality of songwriting. Because right now, songwriting and pop music is crap. I’m hoping that all these great musicians who can teach themselves through the internet step up and put all that great learning and all that great inspiration into creating new stuff, new songs, the future of music, and at a higher standard than what it is now. Because I’ll say it again, K-R-A-P. Crap. Sorry for all you pop fans out there.”
Oof. Hammett’s comments — delivered with classic no-filter energy — have already lit up social media, with pop defenders firing back and metal fans cheering the veteran’s honesty. Is he right that instant access to tabs and tutorials has created technically perfect but soulless music? Or is this just another “get off my lawn” moment from a guy who grew up grinding through vinyl and bootlegs? The debate is deliciously spicy.
First Concert Magic: Thin Lizzy in San Francisco
In happier nostalgia, Hammett also revealed his very first live gig as a wide-eyed 14-year-old in San Francisco: Thin Lizzy.
“I saw Thin Lizzy when I was 14-years-old in San Francisco,” he recalled fondly. “It was the first concert I ever saw. And I couldn’t believe that was the band on stage. The guys that I would stare at on the album cover were actually up there on stage.” He described the experience as “fantastic,” crediting the Irish rock legends with leaving an indelible mark on his musical journey.
This heartfelt memory stands in stark contrast to his dim view of today’s scene, painting a picture of an artist who cherishes the raw, formative power of live music and the hard-earned craft of the past.
Hammett’s Take Lands Amid Ongoing Metallica Momentum
The remarks come as Metallica continues dominating stages worldwide on the 72 Seasons tour. Hammett, now in his 60s, remains one of metal’s most respected guitarists — known for his melodic solos, wah-pedal wizardry, and contributions to some of the biggest thrash anthems ever written. His comments add fuel to the long-running generational clash between rock traditionalists and modern pop production.
Whether you agree with Kirk or not, one thing’s clear: Metallica’s guitarist still cares deeply about the future of music — and he’s not afraid to call it like he sees it.
