Kirk Hammett's 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard 'Greeny'

Watch as Kirk talks about his legendary acquisition of “Greeny,” Peter Green’s famous 1959 Les Paul™.

Step into the myth of “Greeny” the 1959 Gibson Les Paul that has been played by some legendary musicians, now firmly in the hands of another legend, Kirk Hammett. In this clip from The Collection, Kirk Hammett of Metallica tells Mark Agnesi the story of how he first discovered the “Greeny” Les Paul as a teenager through magazine articles and album covers, never thinking he’d own it one day. Once owned by Peter Green who used it to create the sound of Fleetwood Mac and later by Gary Moore, “Greeny” has a history like no other.

Kirk tells the story of the day in London when a call to his friend Richard Henry led to “Greeny” being brought to his hotel room. From the moment he picked it up and played it, he felt the tone and history of the guitar instantly. He talks about the reversed neck pickup, the wear marks from its legendary players, how he’s literally carved his own name into it and how it’s changed his playing style.

Now a self appointed caretaker of this iconic instrument, Kirk talks about the history of “Greeny”, from the stories etched into the scratches and dings to the music it inspires. “Greeny” he says is more than a guitar, it’s a piece of rock history that should be played and shared with the world.

For over 40 years, Kirk Hammett has been holding it down as the lead guitarist of Metallica, inspiring generations of players to pick up the guitar. With over 125 million albums sold and sold-out stadium shows worldwide, you can bet Kirk has acquired a guitar collection fit for rock royalty. Join our host, Mark Agnesi, to get an insider’s look at Kirk’s legendary guitar collection in the latest episode of Gibson TV’s “The Collection.” What you are about to see might shock you, and once you get a glimpse, nothing else will matter…

In the full episode available now on Gibson TV, Kirk Hammett chats with Mark Agnesi about his remarkable journey with guitars, starting with how a job at Burger King led him to purchase his first Gibson Flying V™, a guitar he still plays today, and how it helped shape his iconic sound that he's renowned for. In the full episode, Kirk not only talks about his legendary acquisition of “Greeny,” Peter Green’s famous 1959 Les Paul™, but shares stories about playing Bob Rock’s sunburst Gibson Les Paul, buying another of Gary Moore's Les Paul guitars and owning some of the rarest Gibson guitars ever made, including a 1963 Gibson Explorer from the first production run.

#gibson #gibsontv #thecollection #kirkhammett

📱Follow Us On Social Media For The latest Guitar Gear!

SHOP GIBSON BRANDS

ABOUT GIBSON BRANDS

[Carkshark]

I really admire how open Kirk is to allowing others to play his prized guitar

[kenjikodai]

I don't even listen to Metallica or know much about Kirk Hammett but genuinely seeing him so enthusiastic about guitars is so fun to watch. Like he's always curious about them and is truly a massive fan of them. I really like the guy after seeing the videos recently truth be told.

[richardhill]

I’m really glad he got it. Love the fact he actually uses it.

[thespectralights]

We need to get a Jimmy Page guitar collection video

[irageguitars]

Kirk said he’s got more guitars to show so I wanna see part 2 of Kirk Hammett guitar collection

[monties]

I'm glad Kirk got greeny. He loves her. SO COOL.

[greenmanalishi]

To be a fly on the wall hearing young Peter Greens wailing blues

[MsRocker]

Well I guess Kirk answered my question. Greenie somehow makes it own fate and wants to be played ! It picks its owners ! Very cool

[michaelr.]

Love his playing or not, you have to admit that he is the perfect guy to own this guitar. His passion for it is undeniable.

[vegasdogg]

I could listen to Kirk talk about anything, but hearing him talk about greeny is really cool.
Don’t know when he turned into the cowardly lion but he still rocks.

[panagiotisexplorer]

I’d like to see an interview with John Sykes and his collection

[harryadam]

Kirk REALLY loves guitars. He’s not faking it. I fuckin love that

[MrJackrockerman]

He's a multi millionaire, great guitar player with a big name band Metallica.
making history, making a remarkable guitar solo &riffs..
toured around the world..
So much experience..
And a great composer..
Selling million copies album and still continuing rock on a stage till now..
But he's still genuine, , enjoyable and humble human being..

What a great man..
Kirk you're the man.. ❤

[steveberti]

What a magnificent Les Paul
It's like a Stradivarous

[islesheerin]

It’s cool that he got it and is using it and is very proud of it.

[jbbeaudry]

If you want to see a textbook example of "a kid in a candy store", any Kirk Hammett interview talking about guitars is one of them.
I love the fact that such an iconic instrument is now being played live on stages around the world. I do remember when I saw Metallica for the last time, and Kirk was playing Greeny. I turned to my buddies, in awe, and said "damn, he's playing Greeny". They couldn't care less, probably like 97% of the audience, but it sure meant a lot for the remaining 3%.
Thank you Mr Hammett for keeping that legacy alive.

[alandeniston]

Kudos to Kirk !
This guitar has the mojo and needs to be played. Not sitting in a collector's closet or hanging on a wall at Hard Rock Cafe.

[michaelrdangelo]

Ppl need to stop worry about how much it cost! Kirk's purchase of the guitar, along with the respect he's shown for its legacy, has likely increased its value (and lore!) tenfold !!

[glennclark]

Less than half a million is all he said

[georgie]

For those who are wondering, he paid $ 420, 000 for it. It was being sold for 450k but settled for 420k.