Kirk Hammett Joins His Former Exodus Bandmates on Stage (VIDEO)

Metallica legend Kirk Hammett joined his former Exodus bandmates on stage at the Oakland Metro Operahouse last Saturday night (Feb. 4).

The special night was dubbed 'Bonded by Baloff: A Decade of Remembrance' in honor of original Exodus frontman Paul Baloff, who passed away in 2002 at the age of 41 after suffering a stroke.

Hammett co-founded Exodus with Baloff in 1980, before the former left the group in 1983 to replace Dave Mustaine as the lead guitarist in Metallica. At the tribute show, Hammett surprised the capacity audience at the Operahouse when he joined Exodus for renditions of early tunes 'Imapler' and 'Whipping Queen.'

Also on the bill were Bay Area thrash pioneers Possessed, Forbidden, Heathen, and others.