No, it was not legal. Did I give a fuck. Nope.

Had an audiophile buddy who bought tons of Japanese import vinyl records which he would burn(copy) to tape for me. Later on to CD then even later to DVD’s. Many years later bought tons of original CD’s at flea markets at rock bottom prices. Mainly got them for the artwork. Was not ever worried about the illegality of it.

Edit: I also have a boatload of .flac rock songs and oldies I downloaded as well and have stashed away.