Almost any metal band will quote Metallica as a major influence, and like it or not Kirk Hammett inspired a generation of people to pick up a guitar. People bash the guy because he's not the most skillful, but the guy can write excellent solos. I'd rather sit and listen to a solo from Hammett than I would from Petrucci, Vai, Yngwie or Michael Angelo Batio, despite the fact that those guys are all way more skilled. I hate it that music has become about technical prowess. you still have yet to tell me who he inspire.d form the looks of it you. it sbecome technicalbecause today..there is none. 3 chor dpunk isnt technical.