The ESP Guitar Company

The legendary ESP-playing lead guitarist of Metallica, Kirk Hammett, is almost as well known for his collection of horror and sci-fi memorabilia as he is for the classic riffs and solos from the band's music. Currently, Kirk's collection of movie posters and related items -- including several of his ESP guitar designs -- can be seen by the public on display at the Peabody Essex Museum (Salem, MA) in the It’s Alive! Classic Horror and Sci-Fi Art from the Kirk Hammett Collection. The exhibition began in August and runs through November 26.

According to the museum, the exhibition "explores the interplay of creativity, emotion and popular culture through 135 works from 20th-century cinema, including posters by an international array of graphic designers, rare works by unidentified masters as well as related memorabilia such as electric guitars, lobby cards, film props and costumes." Kirk has spent the better part of 30+ years building his collection, which is now considered among the world's finest of its kind.

Visit the PEM web site for more information on this exciting Hammett horror exhibition.