Ex-Megadeth Guitarist Says KISS Rejected Him Because of His Height: 'I Was So Confused'

Marty Friedman, the former lead guitarist of Megadeth, recently shared an amazing story about how he missed out on joining KISS because he was “too short.”

In an interview with Music by Sam AshFriedman, known for his ten-year stint with Megadeth from 1990 to 2000, was asked if there was a KISS song he'd like to play guitar on.

His response revealed a fascinating piece of rock history: “I would love to be on any KISS song. I'll tell you a quick story about that – when they were changing guitar players a long time ago, I got a call from the KISS people.”

The conversation quickly took an unexpected turn when KISS management began asking a series of questions seemingly unrelated to his guitar skills.

“They're like, 'Do you think you'd be interested in auditioning for KISS?' I say “Tell me when and where.” They came back and said, “We have some questions for you. You don't have facial hair, do you?' No. 'You have long hair right?' Right. 'You're thin right?' Right. “And you're over 6 feet tall?” and I say “What? I'm 5'7 but I'm going to have an operation, I'm going to do something.”

Unfortunately for Friedman, his height proved to be his undoing. “They were like, 'Sorry, it's not going to work.' I was so upset.”

Despite the disappointment, Friedman recognized the importance of image for a group like KISS. “I understand why they did it. KISS are meticulous about their image and the height difference wouldn't fit the band's aesthetic.”

This attention to image was key to KISS, one of rock's most theatrical and elaborate bands. Formed in 1973 in New York, KISS quickly became known for their blood-curdling, fire-breathing, face-painted performances. The band has delivered several Billboard Hot 100 hits, including classics like “Rock and Roll All Nite” (1975).

This year, the band hit the headlines again when Pophouse, a Swedish label known for working with ABBA's Sea trip show, acquired KISS' publishing, recording rights and trademarks. This includes the band's iconic logo and makeup design.

“We have a lot of plans for KISS,” said Pophouse CEO Per Sundin Bulletin board in April. Although Sundin says the company has acquired the rights to frontmen Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, they will work with the company to develop the show, which is expected to open in 2027 in a US city that Sundin declined to name.

“We want to stay in the legacy,” says Sundin. “We want to expand it and strengthen it for new generations.”