With the numerous tributes for musicians pouring in for Chris Cornell over the past days, Ultimate Classic Rock have dug up an old interview with Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett that explained how Soundgarden were responsible for influencing one of the most recognisable rock riffs of all time.

“Soundgarden had just put out Louder Than Love. I was trying to capture their at­titude toward big, heavy riffs,” guitarist Kirk Hammett told Rolling Stone in 2008.

“It was two o’clock in the morning. I put it on tape and didn’t think about it. When Lars heard the riff, he said, ‘That’s really great. But repeat the first part four times.’ It was that suggestion that made it even more hooky.”

The two bands were set to perform together at last weekend’s Rock On the Range.

R.I.P. Chris

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiLMOJQqH3g

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