Don Hughes

Don Hughes (born November 7, 1961) is the founder/guitarist of the thrash metal band Renegade and the record label Wargore Records. His Father, Joseph Hughes, founded Acid Records.

Life and Influences
In his early youth, Don was introduced to rock bands such as The Doors and Pink Floyd. During the 70's, he began listening to Queen, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Motörhead. He was inspired to learn guitar when he first heard Motörhead's self-titled album in 1977.

During the 80's, Don found new bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Raven. His biggest influences at the time were Venom, Sodom, Voivod, and Motörhead. In 1982, Don bought Venom's first LP, Welcome to Hell. He was so inspired that he started his own band, Renegade. He was further influenced when he heard Voivod's War and Pain and Sodom's In the Sign of Evil.

Renegade was signed to Don's father's label, Acid Records, after they played a set for him in 1982. In the 90's, Don became interested in the emerging death metal scene. He moved to Tampa, Florida with his band. He created Wargore Records in 1991. In 1994, Don split up Renegade in order to focus on his label.