Kirk Hammett On David Gilmour: “He Is Very, Very Understated”

Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett has praised Pink Floyd legend David Gilmour, saying that he is an understated musician.

The 59-year-old guitarist Kirk Hammett is currently playing in the heavy metal band Metallica. Joining the band back in 1983, replacing Dave Mustaine, the guitarist contributed to the band’s 10 studio albums, which means he played in the entire Metallica discography. Before he joined Metallica, Kirk Hammett was a member of Exodus, which he formed and named.

These days, Kirk Hammett has been active compared to the last few years. After he released his 4-piece EP debut, named Portals, he appeared to talk about the current state of Metallica or to detail creating his debut. Recently, he added one more interview to his agenda, as he sent his respects to David Gilmour.

As some of you know, David Gilmour came to world prominence as a member of the rock band Pink Floyd. As he started his career when Syd Barrett left the band back in 1967, Gilmour contributed to the entire Pink Floyd discography, except for the band’s first studio album, The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn.

However, focusing on the interview, there were more than David Gilmour for Kirk Hammett. Before Kirk Hammett praised David Gilmour, he revealed his favorite Pink Floyd song. Saying that he loves Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Hammett looked really fell in love with what David Gilmour did on Shine On You Crazy Diamond.

“I love Shine On You Crazy Diamond because there is a riff in that song, but it’s so sideways and so around the back,” Hammett commented. “When you listen, it’s actually blues.

“It’s a freaking blues progression but it doesn’t sound like it, and that in itself is a real accomplishment. So I really think that song is just amazing. With the opening to it, that weird ringing opening chord, Shine On You Crazy Diamond is just epic, and there’s so much that I love about that.

“Everyone goes on about Comfortably Numb and that guitar solo, and yes, the guitar solo is absolutely amazing with the delay and the chorus. But my favorite part is when he flubs a note and then turns it into an open G during the solo. I know everyone knows what I’m talking about! But I love that David left it in. I love that.”

Kirk Hammett Admits David Gilmour Is ‘Very Understated’ Musician

Kirk Hammett then recalled Peter Green’s tribute show two years ago at London’s Palladium theatre in 2020. He expressed his surprise about the moment when David Gilmour walked onto the stage to play Oh Well Part 2. Because meanwhile, Hammett thought Pink Floyd was on stage. Concluding, the guitarist admitted that David Gilmour “is understated.”

“David’s sound is amazing. During the Peter Green tribute show, David came down and played Oh Well Part 2, and when he started playing and soloing with the band that Mick Fleetwood had put together for that event, all of a sudden Pink Floyd was in the room.

“Or, it felt like Pink Floyd was in the room. It was insane! Everyone in the room was transported and we were all looking at each other like, ‘Wow, this is amazing and a real moment!’

“I love how understated Gilmour’s playing is because it is understated. If anything, I could be more understated, but sometimes I just regurgitate a ton of notes. I can’t help it – it’s just how I am! But David is very, very understated and that, in itself, is a real, real beauty to behold.”

Back this past April, Kirk Hammett revealed James Hetfield’s reaction to releasing his debut. According to Hammett, Hetfield supported him in doing a side project.

“Usually when there is an album release — it’s the four of us. We all have each other’s backs,” Hetfield says. “We are all supporting each other because it’s kind of a nerve-wracking sort of emotional and mental thing. Usually, during this time, we have each other to talk to about any sort of insecurities or whatnot.

“But now that I have put out a solo album, I am the guy who bears the whole burden of all that. I said to James, ‘This is weird. I have an album release and usually, I have you three other guys. But it’s just me and it makes me feel insecure and nervous.’ And James only had one reply: ‘This is a growth and learning experience for you, bro.’ And I go, ‘Thank you for saying that because I didn’t see it like that.’”