Kirk Hammett, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Washington
  • Last updated on

Metallica guitarist among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
Kirk Hammett »
See more news, pictures and video.

According to a well-placed source, Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the guitarist's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 15/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Hammett for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 63-year-old guitarist, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Hammett so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the guitarist have already been named ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘San Francisco Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in San Francisco (Kirk Hammett's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the guitarist was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“#HammettPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 14 Jan 2026
“Congrats! Kirk has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 14 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Kirk Hammett?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 14 Jan 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Kirk Hammett?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

© 2026 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Kirk Hammett: Recent News

 

page served in 0.038s (1,2)