Which former Exodus guitarist became Metallica's lead guitarist in 1983?

Kirk Hammett, formerly of Exodus, became Metallica’s lead guitarist in 1983.

Hammett co-formed the Bay Area thrash-metal band Exodus in 1979, when he was a teenager. He had already developed strong ties to the emerging San Francisco metal scene before Metallica invited him to audition in April 1983. The opportunity arose after Metallica dismissed its original lead guitarist, Dave Mustaine, shortly before recording its debut album.

Hammett flew to New York, auditioned with the band and was quickly accepted. His first live performance with Metallica took place on April 16, 1983, in Dover, New Jersey. He then recorded the lead-guitar parts for Kill ’Em All, helping establish the lineup that would launch Metallica’s international career.

Dave Mustaine is a frequent source of confusion because he was Metallica’s original lead guitarist and later founded Megadeth. John Marshall temporarily performed with Metallica after James Hetfield’s 1992 stage accident, while Lloyd Grant played on an early demo, but neither became the band’s long-term lead guitarist. Hammett has held that role since 1983.