By Newsdesk
January 13, 2026 |
Dave Mustaine has revealed that the very first album he ever owned was a copy of Hotter Than Hell by KISS, admitting he did not actually pay for it.
The Megadeth guitarist recalled the moment he instantly became obsessed with the glam rock legends, confessing that his introduction to their 1974 classic LP came via a bit of teenage mischief.
When 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."
Despite that early love, Dave said another iconic rock band holds the crown when it comes to his favourite album of all time.
He explained: "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."
These days, Dave’s preferred soundtrack for a Saturday night is UFO’s Strangers In the Night.
He said: "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 Sunday mornings, Dave tends to reach for Still Alive And Well by Johnny Winter, describing the late musician as "one of the most underrated blues and slide guitar players ever".
Even with music playing such a huge role in his life, the guitarist admitted there is one place where he does not get sidetracked by songs.
He joked: "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."
