*ABC/Randy Holmes*

Kirk Hammett retirement rumors can be put to rest for now. The legendary Metallica guitarist made it clear in a recent interview with Metal Hammer that stepping away from music isn’t something he believes in—or plans to do.

“I don’t believe in retirement,” Hammett stated plainly. “Retirement is something that’s been forced onto people; I don’t believe musicians are allowed to retire!”

He expanded on the sentiment, sharing a broader philosophy that many artists have lived by:

“This was the thinking of all musicians for the last century; because you’ve earned the right to be up there onstage, you have to fulfill that responsibility to the very end.”

Hammett went on to describe the deeper purpose behind performing live.

“The goal was to die onstage! Playing music is a gift, a blessing and a privilege. I love what I do and it’s magic – it helps people. So I can’t walk away from that.”

Despite his own stance on the topic, Hammett and Metallica will be part of a historic farewell moment. They’re set to perform at the Back to the Beginning concert on July 5, which will help honor the retirement of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne.

This article is a rewritten summary based on original reporting by [ABC Audio]