On February 15, 1995 Kirk Hammett was nice enough to pull an online chat off for members and non-members of the Metallica Club.

Like the previous chats, this one is broken down into multiple parts. First, the private club member chats, and lastly, the public open chat.

This chat has been edited to make it easier for you to read.

RussellMB : Ok, Are you guys gonna have an instrumental on the new album?

MET CLUB : At this point , they are all instrumentals. James hasn't written any lyrics.

KZ South : Fr: Lisa How much do you and the other guys get online??

MET CLUB : KZ - Speaking for myself, at least twice a day.

NO1257 : What is your guestimate on when the new one will be done?

MET CLUB : hopefully by the end of the year!

KevinH4474 : IN the begining of Blackened, how and why did you record guitars backwards???

MET CLUB : To set a vibe, mood, atmosphere for that song and the rest of the album. Just flipped the tape.

IvoA : do you have any plans to make a guitar lessons video?

MET CLUB : once I learn to play myself, maybe!

JDROP : Whatever happened to the Lespool/Hammett tapes? Will they be made available?

MET CLUB : There is one track that Les, Mike Borden and I recorded that Les is gonna release.

Stinky10 : Did you ever have a revelation of how much you loved music, and began to appreciate it much more? How/Why did it happen?

MET CLUB : When I was 5 years old, I loved the Beatles...so blame Yoko. My brother had a guitar too that I thought was the neatest thing in the world.

Boaris : I notice Bevis and Butthead always wear Metallica shirts. Are you flattered by this or do you consider Mike Judge the creator a social climber?

MET CLUB : I am flattered that you think using the name Metallica is social climbing.

Craig1560 : Whats in your CD player right now? And how loud was/is it?!?!

MET CLUB : John McLahlin - Carlos Santana - Jazz rock fusion thing....loud enough to annoy my girlfriend.

Stevene127 : Kirk, Do you expect to have any ballads on this album? If so, can you compare it to any previous?

MET CLUB : you can expect ballads and this album has a greater variety of hard rock , metal styles.

Woof Woof : What vintage and make guitar do you prefer to record with?

MET CLUB : I use my stage guitars...but on this album I am going to use pre - CBS Stratocaster and 58 Les Paul standard.

IvoA : What did santa bring you for christmas?

MET CLUB : A lot of headaches and hangovers and a new train set.

RussellMB : Where do you guys hang out when in Seattle?

MET CLUB : The Gravity Bar.

KZ South : What did you find the most interesting when taking music courses???

MET CLUB : Theory and harmony.

NO1257 : I heard you like NYC. I live here and was wondering what some of your fav places to go/things to do are when in town. Jason too. I've also heard you two are Ranger fans. T/F?

MET CLUB : I have a lot of friends there....they take me to where all the fun is. I like whatever team James and Lars don't like.

KevinH4474 : why did you go from a hard album like Justice to a softer one like the black thing, what will the next one be most like?

MET CLUB : I think the Black album was just as heavy in a different kind of way and the new one will probably be yet another kind of heavy.

GOSHEN400 : On the next tour will you guyz spend time, playing jams like justice medley no vocals

MET CLUB : We haven't even begun to think about the next tour.But these medleys help rest James voice.

JDROP : Who plays the rhythm part of "Funeral March of the Marionette's?"

MET CLUB : James and Jason while sitting under the stage.

Stinky10 : How do your musical ideas come about? Do you think of something then try to transcribe your idea onto guitar? Do they come from just playing?

MET CLUB : They come both ways, it depends if I have a guitar around or not.

Boaris : I raise racehorses and want to name a good one Master of Puppets. Do you think you guys would give permission?

MET CLUB : if it wins the KY Derby, we want a cut!

Stevene127 : Regarding your guitar solo last tour (after "Seek" and *just* before the "Unforgiven"-theme).... it was sort of different... did you write it? If not what was it?

MET CLUB : I did write it, it was classically inspired.

KELLCEE : I'm going to Copenhagen, and I wanted to know if you had any cool places (other than strip joints) to hang out at?

MET CLUB : Tivoli Center and christiana.

MetalKaryn : How many piercings do you have and do you plan on getting any more? Where?

MET CLUB : Both ears, lip , belly button and nose twice. But you can't tell..working my way south.

GOSHEN400 : Have you thought of using a different set list for each show?And has Jason taken singing lessons?

MET CLUB : To try to be fair to each city, we keep it similar. And no , Jason has not.

C5432 : What do you want to achieve with the next record, and do you think you will achieve what you would like?

MET CLUB : We want to push ourselves into even more new areas and keep stretching our talents by experimenting.

C5432 : WHat kind of music are you listening to lately

MET CLUB : A lot of stuff that influenced my guitar playing when I first started....like old UFO.

KevinH4474 : is anyone married?

MET CLUB : no

NO1257 : Does everyone have girlfriends at this time

MET CLUB : we all have girlfriends

JDROP : do you read "The Sandman" comic?

MET CLUB : No, I don't, JDrop

MET CLUB : I check the message boards regularly and really enjoy your comments

MET CLUB : Ok folks...enjoyed it...time for us to go!!

Question : What is your favorite horror movie?

MET CLUB : Bride of Frankenstein and Tetsuo - The Iron Man

MetalJEN : What is your favorite current band?

MET CLUB : Godflesh

Metalgdess : How many tracks do you have for the new album, and any titles?

MET CLUB : More than your standard albums worth.....watch out for working titles in SO WHAT

Crab Nappy : Do you pump your own gas or do you go thru full serve like all the rich people do? Also, which brand of gas do you prefer?

MET CLUB : I pump my own....but I have it imported from Kuwait. The Taco Bell brand.

Ktulu666 : How is the new music sounding?

MET CLUB : Raw and uncomplicated and very under produced

JHeadr4337 : Who came up with the idea to make fun of Alice in Chains and how did they take it?

MET CLUB : We just started jamming on it one night and Jerry had a good laugh

Velcro7 : Any thoughts of KNAC 105.5 going off the air...Lars and Jaymz were down here in L.A. today to say goodbye with all the DJs and stuff (and get drunk).

MET CLUB : Great station..shame it's gone

TudorRose : Does Jaymz have any lyrics yet?

MET CLUB : Just working on melodies

EvilCarlos : Why does James always write "except K---" in liner notes like on Cliff 'em All, GDRR, B&P

MET CLUB : It's just a running joke between the band.

SteveG9712 : Have you ever done anything with strange tunings like J.Page did?

MET CLUB : Nothing that has ever made it onto an album and not live since I changed my roadie.

RSkalicky : What's your favorite and least favorite Metallica song to play live? And why?

MET CLUB : Both of them are Seek and Destroy...every time we play it I get into like the first time.

W1A1S1P1 : Do you think you will ever do a solo project?

MET CLUB : Too much work with the band right now but I do do a solo performance in the bathroom every night.

MetalJEN : What is your favorite out of all your guitars? How many do you have?

MET CLUB : My black flying v is my fav.. too many to count.

Ktulu666 : Will Jason sing on any of the new tracks?

MET CLUB : Not if we can help it or unless he fights real strong.

Velcro7 : Any favorite new albums, like Slayer, Danzig, Pearl Jam, Melvins or anything else????

MET CLUB : New Danzig...PJ Harvey..Godflesh....Oasis...Portished

EvilCarlos : Any plans for a Cliff tribute? It's almost been 9 years...do you still talk to his family?

MET CLUB : We consider each album a tribute...I talk to his dad occassionaly..his mom died in 93

SteveG9712 : Are you going to be riding the pedals hard on the new cd, or running straight through?

MET CLUB : Yes, I'll be riding the pedals pretty hard and I'll be trying to get a new variety of sounds.

W1A1S1P1 : Did you write any songs for the new album? Read any good books lately? Recommed??

MET CLUB : I have contributed to several songs. Hot Zone is incredible..must read.

Metalgdess : What is your favorite area to tour, and why?

MET CLUB : The USA, because it's my home.

Ktulu666 : Was the door that Frank Bello broke really $20,000?

MET CLUB : no it wasn't really $20,000...it was $850.

JHeadr4337 : Do you have sort of release date for the new album, hopefully in 95!

MET CLUB : Hopefully by Thanksgiving

Velcro7 : There seems to be a punk bandwagon all of a sudden, into any of it?

MET CLUB : It's taken the youth of America 18 years to finally get it. Listen to GBH, Discharge, and Exploited.

TudorRose : What's you favourite Lovecraft story other than the Chthulu stories?

MET CLUB : Mountains of Madness

EvilCarlos : Are you filming in the studio again? Do you own the "Naked Truth" cd ( James naked)??: by the way? how's Edna?

MET CLUB : Probably will film....I don't to need to own it..I have the real thing. Edna is sitting in a case in my closet.

SteveG9712 : Sammy Hager says you guys owe him $100 each. Are you going to pay up?

MET CLUB : I tried to give him some champagne, but he wouldn't take it.

RSkalicky : I heard the new album may be 2 CDs, is that true and do you know of any '86 or older video bootlegs other than Cliff 'em All, if so which ones?

MET CLUB : Two cds is news to me......there are dozens of bootleg videos out there..that's how Cliff 'em All was made. ?

Crab Nappy : Why do you guys owe Sammy? Would you do another Monsters tour with them if the oppurtunity would arise?

MET CLUB : He bet us that Justice would go multi-platinum ....probably not until we pay Sammy the bet.

Ktulu666 : When the new album is released, will you guys be touring with Slayer, Sepultura, or Pantera?

MET CLUB : Unlikely, but we have not discounted anything yet.

JHeadr4337 : I read that the studio is under going remodeling AND THAT IT will delay the album, true?

MET CLUB : It is almost done and it won't delay the album. Our pool playing tournaments probably will though.

Velcro7 : Still hang with Les from Primus, and do you jam with other bands at their shows?

MET CLUB : I spent the weekend with Les at this ranch and I'll jam with anyone for a dollar.

SteveG9712 : Are you guys going to drive Bob crazy again, or do you think this session will go smoother?

MET CLUB : We'll probably drive him crazy again but we'll do it in a much smoother fashion.

RSkalicky : Did you think twice about joining Met and did you play The Mechanix or Horse at your 1st gig

MET CLUB : I didn't think twice , I had been fighting with Exodus and we played Four Horsemen at the first gig.

W1A1S1P1 : How's Lars,Jason,James? How come "Garage Days Re-Revisited" 9.98 CD Got Deleted

MET CLUB : They are all great....we drink martinis in between rehearsals....The $9.98 cd was always meant to be an interim short term release to introduce Jason.

Metalgdess : What is your personal favorite work that you've put on an album?

MET CLUB : My personal fav. album is Master... it is hard to nail a personal fav work down.

Crab Nappy : How come songs like Breadfan and So What are on imports from other countries but seldom or never on US versions???

MET CLUB : We use them as b-sides for singles, singles are considered more important in foreign markets.

Ktulu666 : Are there any instrumentals on the new album?

MET CLUB : They are all instrumentals at this point..James hasn't written any lyrics yet..

TudorRose : How heavy will the new album be?

MET CLUB : about 8 ounces

MSteveG9712 : Which guitarists inspired you to learn to play? And what happened?

MET CLUB : Hendrix.....he died.

RSkalicky : whats your favorite gig other than Moscow '91 and will you guys kick the tour off in Phoenix

MET CLUB : the Freddie Mercury Tribute......too damn hot in Phoenix

W1A1S1P1 : Have you ever listened to "DIE KRUPPS" There tribute to Metallica is COOL :)

MET CLUB : I have listened to it and it has grown on me a little.

Metalgdess : What are some concepts you are working on for the next tour?

MET CLUB : Sobriety, no other thoughts yet.

Ktulu666 : Has there been a lot of pressure following up "the black album?"

MET CLUB : I try not to worry about that too much..we focus forward not backwards.

Velcro7 : Are you into any death metal bands, or in it at all?

MET CLUB : I like Pitchshifter and Fear Factory

SteveG9712 : Kirk, Thanks for showing up. Can we expect a tour next winter? If so, PLEASE do Reno again!!

MET CLUB : Tour next year....in 96

RSkalicky : On Cliff em All, did you mean to lose your guitar to the crowd in Chicago?

MET CLUB : that was a complete accident.

MET CLUB : OK...folks....I monitor the boards regularly, if you have something to say to me..go for it!

MET CLUB : I have really enjoyed doing this....I don't think it will be the last time.

OnlineHost: Tonight's event is presented to you by The Metallica Club and MusicSpace--AOL's new music area. Check out Metallica's growing artist collection and message boards via keyword: MusicSpace.

OnlineHost: Metallica are currently working in the studio on a new album planned for release in late fall of this year with a tour to follow in the early months of 1996.

OnlineHost: For information on joining The Metallica Club, a fan club owned and operated by the band, e-mail your full name and postal address to MET CLUB.

CSEmcee1: Good evening Kirk!

MET CLUB: Good evening everyone. I am talking to you via The Metallica Club and it feels good to be out of the studio for a day!

Question: The next album: Heavier and darker and faster?

MET CLUB: I am ready to answer your questions! Of course it's going to be heavy! It runs the whole gambit, light and dark, fast and slow, you are going to experience a lot of Metallica music i.e.. a lot of songs.

Question: What kind of distortion pedal do you use?

MET CLUB: For a full equipment list.. check out the Metallica Music Space and I use a Ibanez tube Screamer.

Question: What's your favorite album?

MET CLUB: Metallica or otherwise? It's hard for me to single out a Metallica album, because I love them all. My favorite all time album is Jimi Hendrix Electric Ladyland.

Question: Kirk, Metallica songs have such deep meanings to them (especially your older ones) how do you guys do this?

MET CLUB: Yoga, just kidding....we take a lot of time and care, spend a lot of effort in to the creation of an album and make sure it's the best thing we can do, cause it's our life work We are our own roughest critics.

Question: When is Metallica coming to Oakland, CA?

MET CLUB: I am coming to Oakland tonight! We are probably going to start touring in early summer of 96.

Question: What is your favorite song to play in concert?

MET CLUB: Enter Sandman and Sad But True.

Question: We're all looking forward to another Alaska visit from you! Even 350 miles to Anchorage isn't enough to keep us away! I heard about your show with Hole in Northern Canada, and I was wondering if about 200 of us charter a plane and show up, will we get in?

MET CLUB: You should contact Molsen for this question.

Question: Kirk, who was most influential to you?

MET CLUB: Jimi Hendrix and Chet Baker and Diane Arbus, the photographer.

Question: Hey Kirk..how many songs are done on the new album so far? When do you expect it to be out?

MET CLUB: We have about 6 drum takes in the can, and I expect it out when it is done.

Question: What's the new album gonna be like?

MET CLUB: Round with a hole in the center.. unless you buy the cassette.

Question: Kirk, I've been a fan of Metallica since '85...When can we expect the next album, and are you going to try to go back to the earlier sound or experiment in a new direction as you did with _Metallica_?

MET CLUB: We are constantly experimenting with the music, but there are pieces that are reminiscent of earlier styles.

Question: Who thought up the concert that will take place in the Arctic?

MET CLUB: This is something that Molsen Ice approached us to do. We didn't even know it existed but it happens every year evidently.

Question: Kirk, Orion is one of my favorite songs. What was the motivation behind this instrumental song?

MET CLUB: It was based around the long, haunting harmony in the middle that Cliff wrote.

Question: How is it being in one of the most popular Heavy Metal Bands?

MET CLUB: Extremely boring.. just kidding.. playing music is the only thing that I can do competently and I am appreciative to be doing it...it beats working in a coal mine.

Question: Kirk, I can almost perfectly duplicate your lead guitar music, I just can't get the speed where I want it. Got any suggestions?

MET CLUB: Try coming up with your own fast licks and practice them quickly, when you've perfected them, try play playing my licks.

Question: Kirk, are we going to hear any instrumentals on the next album?

MET CLUB: Absolutely not.

Question: Kirk can you tell me when did you decide to become a guitarist?

MET CLUB: Last week.. just kidding...when I broke my brothers tennis racquet, I was about 15 years old.

Question: Hey Kirk how's it goin'? Now for the long awaited question. What's the new album sound like???

MET CLUB: It will have guitars, drums, bass and vocals.

Question: On your new album did Lars and James comprise most of the songs or was it a group effort?

MET CLUB: James wrote the bulk of the material, with Lars helping with writing and arrangement, I contributed about a third and Jason contributed on one song.

Question: Kirk, Have you done any projects with other bands?

MET CLUB: Not yet, but I plan to.

Question: Hello Kirk, I am a guitar player too, and I was wondering if you could tell me what gear you use live to achieve that awesome sound?

MET CLUB: Refer to the equipment list in the Metallica Music Space, but thanks for thinking it's awesome.

Question: So how much stuff do you guys already have written for the new album? When will it be released?

MET CLUB: 99% of the material has been written and it will be out when it comes out.

Question: What are some of the latest CDs you've bought? COC?

MET CLUB: PJ Harvey, COC, Zooropa, The Swans, Portished.

Question: How many guitars would you say you've owned since you first began playing?

MET CLUB: I've lost count, I am always trading, that's why.

Question: Kirk, I was wondering if you have encountered a jazz rock fusion band named PHISH if so, what do you think of them?

MET CLUB: I've heard Phish and it's not my bag of tea.

Question: What's the feeling like this time in the studio, y'know--being closer to home while recording?

MET CLUB: More distractions, like hockey, local shows, martinis, and girlfriends.

Question: How long have you been playing. It sounds like a long time from your songs?

MET CLUB: Since I was 15 , for about 17 years now.

Question: Hello Kirk, When are you and Joe Satriani due for a public jam session?

MET CLUB: We are both in the studio right now, so it's not going to be anytime soon.

Question: Kirk, in what direction do you think today's music is going in?

MET CLUB: The music industry seems to change every 6 months, today's Bush was yesterday's Whitesnake was yesterday's Knack.

Question: How many hours a day do you practice?

MET CLUB: When I am on tour 4-5 hours off stage, off tour about 2-3 hours. I tend to stay in hotel room and play when I am on tour.

Question: Do you think that Joe Satriani's influences in the past have had any effect on your style of playing today?

MET CLUB: Definitely, he showed me a more complete way of visualizing the guitar neck.

Question: In my opinion you hit a peak with your leads on the fifth album. Did the influence of Bob Rock have anything to do with that (i.e. a little more discipline) and is Bob producing the current project?

MET CLUB: Bob Rock and I have a good connection cause he is a guitar player also, He would say play a Clapton lick here or a Blackmore lick there, whenever I ran into a problem He is producing again.. so far.

Question: Kurt, if you could be any other musician than yourself, who would you be?

MET CLUB: I think you should just put K-I-R-K.

Question: What is your favorite horror movie?

MET CLUB: Tetsuo-The Iron Man and the old Universal classic horror movies.

Question: What band were you in before Metallica?

MET CLUB: Exodus.

Question: Are you doing another video to accompany the album, like "A year and a half in the Life of Metallica?"

MET CLUB: Yes, we are!

Question: Does your pairing with Hole on the Molson promotion indicate that you guys are fans, or was that purely a management decision?

MET CLUB: Purely a management decision, thank you!

Question: Why doesn't Metallica sell albums through Columbia House or BMG?

MET CLUB: Because it's easier just to go down to your local record store.

Question: Does Metallica still keep in touch with Diamond Head?

MET CLUB: I think they have broken up.. we haven't really heard from any of the guys lately.

Question: What advice would you give to a young guitar player?

MET CLUB: Practice, practice, practice and listen to as much different types of music as possible.

MET CLUB: Be sure to check out the new Music space site with Metallica!! And for information on joining The Metallica club.. E-mail us with your full name and address to MET CLUB.

MET CLUB: Thanks for coming tonight and I am looking forward to our next Members Only on- line chat. We will currently be in the studio through next year.. and hopefully we will see you all on the road by next summer.

MichelleJC: Unfortunately our time for the event is up. Thanks to our audience and especially to Metallica! Have a great night all!

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