A Sneak Peek...
And this time, about a fateful phone call that Kirk Hammett received on April 1, 1983, while sitting on the toilet...
(Photo: Mick Huston)
So on April 1, 1983 (yes, yes, unlike "Modern Talking" this time it's not a prank), Kirk Hammett got a phone call while sitting on the toilet. On the line was - Mark Whitaker, manager of "Exodus" who asked him if he was interested in auditioning for "Metallica".
Hammett, who was sure it was an April fools hoax, replied "Yeah, right," and hung up. But the manager insisted and called again. He explained to Hammett that "Metallica's" manager Jonny Z had asked him to call and offer him the job of the lead guitarist of "Metallica".
Hammett asked why "Metallica" was interested in replacing Dave Mustaine and Whitaker replied: "His tone sucks, his playing… He's a f --- ing drunk."
(Photo: Consequence on Twitter)
Whitaker offered to send Hammett Metallica's "No Life 'Til Leather" demo tape by express mail, so he can get ready for the audition, but Kirk Hammett made a few phone calls and got it the next day. He learned all the material by heart and a week later he flew to audition with his amp and guitar. The one who picked him up from the airport was the manager of "Metallica", he drove him to the rehearsal room, Kirk Hammett did his thing and was immediately notified that he is now a part of the band.
Guitarist Gary Holt and members of "Exodus" held a farewell party for their friends, full of alcohol. Gary Holt who was a very close friend of Kirk Hammett and even learned a trick or two from him, was at first stunned and disappointed, but later he praised Hammett and even realized that this way he would have greater control over the band, that he wanted to take in an even more extreme direction.
11 days later Dave Mustaine was Fired From Metallica.