The actor behind metalhead Eddie Munson talks about the guitarists who influenced his playing and the steady diet of heavy metal that informed his preparation for the role
(Image credit: Michael Ochs Archives / Presley Ann / Stringer / Getty)
Stranger Things actor Joseph Quinn – who plays Warlock-wielding metalhead Eddie Munson – has been discussing his guitar influences and practice regime for the smash-hit show’s fourth season.
Quinn quickly grabbed the attention of metal fans and guitarists, even before the season premiered, after appearing prominently in the trailer.
The subsequent portrayal of Munson belting out Master Of Puppets in the Upside Down (as hoards of demonic beasts descend) has gone down as the needle-drop of the year. Now Munson has been discussing his preparation for the role and his own playing background.
“I listened to Master of Reality by Black Sabbath over and over,” Quinn tells Metal Hammer, when asked how he got into the mind of Munson.
“Master of Puppets, as well, Slayer …all that kind of stuff. That was my way into that whole world, really. Black Sabbath were my guys, and Led Zeppelin too, but I guess they’re less metal.”
In the piece, Quinn reveals he comes from a long line of guitar players, but says it’s “something we’d do as a family. We’re by no means virtuosos, but we all have a go.”
He is also asked to name his personal guitar hero, at which point Quinn picks out some big names. “Jimi Hendrix is an obvious one,” says the actor. "I was always very enamored with him. Nirvana were my first proper band obsession – I was obsessed with Kurt Cobain and had all of his posters in my wall. It’s kind of cliché, but it’s true.”
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!
Matt is Features Editor for GuitarWorld.com. Before that he spent 10 years as a freelance music journalist, interviewing artists for the likes of Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar World, MusicRadar, NME.com, DJ Mag and Electronic Sound. In 2020, he launched CreativeMoney.co.uk, which aims to share the ideas that make creative lifestyles more sustainable. He plays guitar, but should not be allowed near your delay pedals.