Dave Mustaine’s first album he owned was a stolen copy of KISS’ Hotter Than Hell.
The Megadeth guitarist has opened up on the moment he “immediately” fell in love with the glam rock icons, while admitting he didn’t actually pay for his copy of their 1974 classic LP.
Asked about the first record he ever bought, Dave told Mojo magazine: “I stole it, and it was KISS’ Hotter Than Hell. I was hanging out at an ice skating rink and a record store was right next to it…
“I had a giant down jacket on and I just slipped the record into my jacket, went home, and instantly became a rebel.
“I thought it was one of the most amazing and edgy covers I had ever seen, front and back. I became a KISS fan immediately.”
However, Dave admitted another legendary rock band holds the title of having his all time favourite album.
He added: “AC/DC, Let There Be Rock. When the needle touched the vinyl, my life changed forever.
“I was the only one in my circle of friends who had ever heard of AC/DC, but it wasn’t long until my friends knew I had discovered a supergroup.”
Nowadays, Dave’s go-to on a Saturday evening is UFO’s Strangers In the Night.
He explained: “The soloing is magnificent and the songwriting is amazing.
“Once I heard Rock Bottom from Phenomenon, I was hooked on UFO. I knew that was the musical influence that most aligned with my metal spirit.”
On a Sunday morning, Dave turns to Still Alive And Well by Johnny Winter, who he hailed as “one of the most underrated blues and slide guitar players ever”.
Despite his love for music, the guitarist admitted the shower is one place he doesn’t get distracted by his favourite tunes.
He quipped: “I’ve got two miles’ worth of hair to wash, so I focus on that. But if I did sing in the shower, it’d be Singin’ In The Rain because I love A Clockwork Orange.”
