Marty Friedman Reveals Why He Was Rejected by KISS: Height Requirement
Playing with KISS is a dream many aspiring rock musicians share, but for some, including former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman, the chance never materialized due to strict criteria. In a recent interview with Sam Ash Music, Friedman disclosed that his height was the main reason he was rejected by the legendary band.
Height Requirement for KISS
Friedman, who stands at 5’6″, revealed that KISS, known for their dramatic and business-savvy approach, had a specific height requirement for their lead guitarists. He recounted the audition process, stating, “I was too short. I passed the other criteria. I answered the other questions well. They asked, ‘Do you have long hair?’ Yes. ‘Don’t you have a beard?’ Correct. ‘Are you single?’ Yes. ‘Are you slim?’ Yes. ‘Not blonde?’ Yes. I passed all of those things. And then they asked, ‘What about your height? Are you six feet tall (the equivalent of 1.82 meters, editor’s note) without shoes?’ And I thought, ‘Oh shit, not even close.'”
No Room for Compromise
Friedman’s disappointment was compounded by the band’s rigid stance on height. “They said six feet without shoes,” he continued. “I wear high heels anyway. But they said it had to be six feet without shoes. I had everything else. I was so disappointed. But what can you do?”
KISS’s Unique Criteria
This revelation highlights the unique and often surprising criteria that bands like KISS use in their selection process. While height may seem like an unusual factor, it underscores the band’s commitment to maintaining a particular image and presence.
Despite this setback, Marty Friedman’s career has remained impressive, and he continues to be a respected figure in the rock and metal communities.
