Metallica lead guitarist Kirk Hammett has nothing but love for Pink Floyd's legendary David Gilmour. During a new chat with Guitar World, Hammett admitted, “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. 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.”
He went on to explain, “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.”
Hammett shed light on David Gilmour being able to showcase his virtuosity without ramming it down listeners' ears: “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.”
Metallica will next play on July 28th at Chicago's Grant Park for Lollapalooza.