On the heels of learning that Metallica will be taking over Green Day‘s headlining gig at the 2012 Voodoo Music + Arts Experience in New Orleans, Loudwire had the chance to catch up with ‘Tallica axeman Kirk Hammett. This will be Metallica’s first concert in New Orleans since 2008, so needless to say there is a lot of excitement around the announcement.

With Green Day pulling out of the festival due to lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong‘s entrance into rehab, Hammett looks at the concert as more than just filling an open slot. “I’m very honored that we’re able to help our friends in Green Day,” he says. “I wish Billie Joe the best of luck, we’ll do anything to help them out. It’s great to be able to help him out.”

What can fans expect from the show? “It’s such a recent development, so we haven’t really discussed what we’re going to do yet,” Hammett explains honestly. “New Orleans during Halloween, I’m really excited about that. I love New Orleans, I love the voodoo folklore, I love the vampire folklore. It should be pretty interesting.”

With the recent release of Hammett’s book that chronicles his horror movie memorabilia collection, ‘Too Much Horror Business,’ there’s no doubt that fans are in for a treat on Halloween weekend in New Orleans.

The 14th annual Voodoo Music + Arts Experience kicks off on Oct. 26 and runs through Oct. 28. Metallica will be headlining the Oct. 27 date.

-loudwire.com