Bass guitar and the Metallica myth (Early 1980s)

Before global grappling fame, Hogan was a musician and played bass guitar in several Florida bands. He famously claimed he was once approached to join Metallica and even stated that he was "big pals" with the Enter Sandman group's drummer Lars Ulrich, a story that has since been widely disputed by the band.

Still, the tale became part of Hogan’s larger-than-life mythology, reflecting his flair for storytelling and showmanship even before wrestling superstardom.