[b]Kirk Lee Hammett[/b] (born November 18, 1962) is the lead guitarist and a songwriter in the heavy metal band [[Metallica]]. He has been a member of the band since 1983. 

Before joining Metallica Hammett formed a band called [i]Exodus[/i]. 

In 2003, Hammett was ranked 11th on Rolling Stone's list of [i]The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time[/i]. In 2009, Hammett was ranked number 5 in Joel McIver's book [i]The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists[/i].
kirk hammet