Guitar Legend Marty Friedman Reveals His Shocking Near-Miss with KISS
Guitarist Marty Friedman is widely known for his stint with heavy metal giants Megadeth from 1990 to 2000. However, during an interview with Sam Ash Music, he spilled a fascinating secret: he was once considered for a spot with iconic rock band KISS.
Friedman’s Audition Calls
In the 1980s, when KISS was searching for a new guitar player, they reached out to Friedman’s camp with an intriguing proposition. Friedman was ecstatic at the prospect of joining one of his favorite bands and responded eagerly to the audition invitation. The conversation began with a series of casual questions to get to know the aspiring candidate better.
The Bizarre Questions
However, Friedman’s excitement was short-lived. He recalled being asked a handful of unexpected questions that would change his fortunes: "You don’t have any facial hair, do you?" "No, I replied." "You got long hair right?" "Right." "And you’re skinny right?" "Right." These queries may have seemed odd to Friedman, but the height issue that followed proved problematic.
The Height Problem
As Friedman shared, "‘And you’re over 6 feet tall?’" He hesitated, realizing the interviewer wasn’t referring to his height modestly. Friedman is actually 5’7 and a half inches, not even close to the sought-after 6 feet mark.
A Desperate Plea
Determined to prove himself a worthy candidate, Friedman joked about undergoing an operation to boost his height, thinking this would change the outcome. Sadly, this gesture was met with disappointment, and KISS concluded, "I’m sorry, it’s not going to work out."
An Understandable Decision
While Friedman was understandably disheartened, he acknowledged the band’s practical reasoning: "I totally get it." Friedman pondered the scenario and couldn’t help but wonder, "How many Jewish guys are six feet tall without boots?"
The Final Statement
In his defense, Friedman reflected on the band’s iconic image and argued that his shorter stature wouldn’t mesh well with their theatrical image, concluding, "I totally get it though, because it would look funny if there was this short guy playing lead guitar." Despite this setback, he claimed, "If there was an operation available at the time, I would have done anything."
Post-KISS Highlights
Fast forward to today, Friedman continues to create and perform music. In 2023, he released his 14th studio album, Drama, and has announced a 2025 tour, which is set to begin on January 25 in Las Vegas.
Related Content
- Check out our guide to KISS Lineup Changes: A Complete Guide
- Learn about the Best Song From Every Kiss Album
Conclusion
Guitar legend Marty Friedman reveals an unexpected chapter in his illustrious career: a near-miss with KISS. Although circumstances didn’t align in his favor, this revelation serves as a testament to his remarkable dedication and willingness to adapt. Stay tuned for more fascinating stories about music’s most iconic performers.
FAQs
Q: When did Marty Friedman join Megadeth?
A:** Marty Friedman played with Megadeth from 1990 to 2000.
Q: What KISS album did Marty Friedman record with?
A:** None – Marty Friedman was never a member of KISS.
Q: What is the theme of Marty Friedman’s latest album, Drama?
A:** The album’s theme remains unknown, as no specific details were provided in the interview.
Q: What is Marty Friedman’s height?
A:** According to the interview, Friedman stands at 5’7.5 inches.
Q: When does Marty Friedman’s 2025 tour begin?
A:** January 25, 2025, in Las Vegas.
Please note that these FAQs are based on the provided content and are intended to supplement the main story. If additional information is required or clarifications need to be made, feel free to ask!
