JPG Magazine: Photos: "KIRRRRRRRRRRK!!!!!" by marshall

KIRRRRRRRRRRK!!!!!

By marshall

On 4 May 2007

Favorited 23 Times

Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammet, Sundance Film Festival (06), small show supporting the film The Darwin Awards.

This one seemed to easy to be true. I happened to hear about a small show that Metallica was to be playing later on, so I stopped by the venue beforehand. No problem getting in, I just did that whole "look like you belong" kinda thang. Staff is usually so busy prepping the show that getting in is relatively easy. ID badges definitely helped as I had press creds for both Sundance and Slamdance, and I was, of course, wearing them in case I needed to look important.

I asked who was in charge, was told his name and pointed in his direction. About 30 seconds later the deal was done - the usual, first 3 songs no flash and he'd tell the crew to expect me. According to me, I was now officially the coolest dude in town. But not for long...

A few hours later I returned for what was to be THE event of the festival, hands down. Metallica?! In small club?! FREE?! AND i'd get to take photos?! What more could I ask for?!

So, I showed up, explained who I was looking for and who I was and they opened the first door and asked me to wait for abit. Okay, no problem. After awhile I got pretty bored and started to chat up the security dude. That's often what I do when I'm bored, I'm probably not the only one that would have done it. Having played football, I'm used to huge guys and they don't intimidate me, and there's that whole "gentle giant" thing, too, right? Normally, yes; in this case, nooooo!

So he wasn't havin' it, seemed to think I was trying to "buddy up" to him, so that he would let me in. I explained to him that that certainly wasn't the case here, as I was already in. Oooohhh, don't think that was a good idea, because before I knew it, they did that whole toss-the-drunk-guy-outta-the-saloon scene - swinging doors, wild, wild west style and I was out in the cold; literally, it was the middle of winter and we were atop a mountain.

So I waited. And waited. And waited some more. Metallica started. And I was OUTSIDE!!! Song #1 finished and still outside!!! Song #2 started and finished and still out in the cold. Nobody lovin' me now. It was red carpet, E channel type stuff, but I had to wait near the entrance so that when the boss arrived I could shout his name. The police weren't havin' it, so I had to do some sweet talkin'. Huge, huge stretch limo showed, groupies pilled out of the car, then the boss. I shouted, he replied, "What are you doin' still out here?", I explained and I was in. The door dude apologized and I said something brotherly and peaceful and I was in.

I headed towards the stage, but it was beyond packed. And I'd missed my songs. A coupld of huge dudes lifted me up onto the speakers and I got about a song's worth. Wanted to stay in the club, so I stopped shooting and started enjoying.

Unbelieveble concert; one of the best in my life! Agressive music, but the crowd was very cool.

Tough night, good result

15 Responses

On 4 April 2008 Cora D. Mitchell said:
awesome. energy here. I like Metallica alot!!!! they're awesome../ what a great up close shot w/him..and the fans!!!! Not many people can get this type of shot... "brilliant".!
On 6 April 2008 Alvarez Sal said:
Awsome shot of Kirk...Great story behind the shot....Metallica...My favorite metal band.
On 6 April 2008 Leslie Lindberg said:
I love Metallica! Great shot!
On 7 April 2008 Melissa Prosser gave props:
Funny title!
On 9 April 2008 Alexandra Muresan said:
oh, I gotta fave this one! :D
On 11 April 2008 Gorman Jones said:
Good to NEVER give up. Very good composition and expression. Great to see the fan response. I live in San Francisco and have seen him driving his BIG black mercedes around town. Saw Metallica acoustic at last years Niel Young Bridge School Benifot Show. They were fabulous, so much energy. I think they played five cover tunes out of eight or so tunes, including Rare Earth's I Just Want To Celebrate. The die hard Metallica fans were screaming, "play a Meatllica song!' It was great.
On 16 April 2008 Cristina Cocullo said:
yeah, yeah! I love Metallica!
On 21 April 2008 Allen Price gave props:
Oh hell yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On 23 April 2008 "Peggy.Sue" Harrington gave props:
Metallica! Another band that will probably never die. I love the expression you captured here on Kirk’s face. He loves his art so much and you show it within your art. That is a wonderful combination. The hands all pointing and wanting to touch him are very powerful. It shows how much music and art can bring people of all different colors, races, backgrounds, etc. together in one room, and all have a great time as a group. I like the beer bottle laying down on the table in the foreground. It pulls my mind into the club scene and makes me want to pull up a stool and grab a drink and join in the fun. Great color and lighting on Kirk’s guitar and the glow from his sweat on his brow. Over all a wonderful photo. Good work!
On 20 June 2008 Stacey Debono said:
Congrats on a rare capture! Not many people get this opportunity! :)
On 29 June 2008 John Linton said:
"So close no matter how far
couldn't be much more from the heart
forever trusting who we are
and nothing else matters"
On 2 July 2008 Ashley Parsons gave props:
sweet!
On 10 July 2008 Kathy gave props:
Very nice! I first saw Metallica in '89! Yeah..I'm old! :)
On 13 July 2008 Frédéric Frognier gave props:
Cool one!
On 18 July 2008 Ryan Ketterman said:
i've always been a huge Metallica fan, but I don't know if I could have been in the same room as that shirt that Kirk is wearing. he's got great musical talent. I think he needs someone to dress him.