Marty Friedman: ‘KISS Refused Me Because I Was Too Short’

In an interview with Whiplash.net, Friedman was asked if it were true that he didn't audition for KISS because of his height. Friedman confirmed the rumour, explaining how the conversation went down (transcribed by Ultimate Guitar):

"Yes, that's true. I was too short. I fit the other ones. I fit the other questions good. He says, 'You have long hair?' Yes. 'You don't have any facial hair?' Correct. 'You're single?' Yes. 'You're skinny?' Yes. 'Not blonde?' Yes. I fit all of those things. And then he says, 'How about your height? Are you six feet tall with no shoes?' I'm like, 'Oh shit, not even close.'"

Further, the interviewer noted that Friedman should have been allowed to wear high heels. The ex-Megadeth guitarist stated that the height requirement was stricter than that, and high heels or platforms wouldn't have helped him.

"They said six feet with no shoes on. I wear high heels, anyway. They said six feet with no shoes on. I had everything else. And I was so upset. I was so upset. But what can you do?"

WATCH INTERVIEW HERE: