KISS’ PAUL STANLEY DISCUSSES THE ROCK N’ ROLL HALL OF FAME, THE BAND CONTINUING WITHOUT HIM, AND TOUR MATES, DEF LEPPARD
Alan K. Stout from The Weekender spoke with KISS frontman Paul Stanley. Excerpts appear below.
On the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame:
“It’s such a sham,” he said. “Year after year, you look at the inductees, and most people on the street scratch their heads about half of them. It’s really a popularity contest for a very small group of people who actually make the decisions. That Deep Purple isn’t in there is absurd. Whether or not I’m a fan of prog-rock, that Yes isn’t in is ridiculous.”
On whether there will be an officially sanctioned KISS tribute act:
“I know KISS won’t end. The question is, ‘How long will I be a part of it, or Gene be a part if it?’ I really don’t know. As long as we can. It’s hard work, but it’s incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. In 2000, I thought it was over. It’s 14 years later, and I’m much wiser now and smart enough to know that it will continue. Though the band has never been better, I’m also aware that I’m not the only person that can do what I do. I didn’t invent what I do. I was influenced by a lot of great singers and performers, and there are people out there that are just chomping at the bit to get up on stage, and I believe there is more than one person that can go up there and blow people away. At some point, I won’t be there.”
On their tour mates Def Leppard:
When I first heard ‘Photograph,’ it stopped me. It was really, really great. And over the years, they’ve proven themselves by writing just great, great songs. While I’m getting ready to play, I can hear the audience singing all of their songs. And they’re great guys. You can’t argue with the catalog they’ve created.
Read more at The Weekender.
source: theweekender.com
All Paul’s replacement has to do is say “PEOPLE!”, “How ya doin, PEOPLE”, “This is the Rock-n-Roll National Anthem, PEOPLE”
The R&R HOF is what it is. Is it really that important? Probably not. The whole thing is kind of gimmicky, so I agree with Mr. Stanley on that count.
I don’t see why we need Kiss to go on forever. I was listening to Detroit Rock City the other day on the radio, and thought about what a great and unique singer Paul is. Do I really need to see people dress up in costume, and pretend to be Gene, Paul, Ace and Peter in some kind of weird Kiss tribute continuation? Nobody sings like Paul. If’ there’s a central aspect to Kiss, it is Paul’s voice.
But then, it’s about the brand and not the band. That’s been made abundantly clear.
It’s time to let it go and enjoy the music. I don’t care what they do anymore.
I couldnt agree more..they should have hung it up after the reunion tour or no later than the farewell tour…looking back on it, it would have been cool if they scraped the psycho circus album and did 4 solo albums instead…
The RRHOF is a complete sham. He is right about that. How can Deep Purple not be in already? Insanity It seems it is the Rolling Stone magazine crowd that makes the decisions, which is pathetic.
I wouldn’t give the RRHOF the steam off of my piss.
His face looks frozen in that picture.
He’ll keep working as along as he can. He’s got four young kids to support.
He doesn’t have to work–he’s rich. (????) I don’t get it…
Have you heard of Rock and Brew? KISS mini gold? His paintings have sold fairly well.
Poor Paul, he still doesn’t get it, and I guess he never will. What makes him think there are so many people “chomping” at the bit to be the next Kiss? Unlike Eric & Tommy, MOST people just want to be themselves! As a novelty act in Vegas it’s fine, but that’s where most people, including myself would draw the line. Las Vegas already has a hundred Wayne Newton’s & Elvis Presley’s, so a hundred different “STARCHILD’S”, “DEMON’S”, “SPACEMAN’S” & “CATMAN’S” would fit in perfectly. DISAGREE 100% with Paul that “the band has never been better”, stop trying to kid yourself & anybody else Paul, nobody’s buying or going to buy that! The “band” was at it’s best from ’74-’78, AND ’82-’89. And once again from ’96-’99. Not only is the “band” today nowhere near as good as those times/era’s, the “band” never will be again, no matter what, who, where, or whatever! However, I DO AGREE with Paul about 1 thing, YES definitely belongs in the HOF, Just like Deep Purple, Judas Priest, and quite a few others. Now if only he could make more sense about reality, a Kiss with NO original members, is not Kiss, sorry Paul, that’s just reality. 🙂
Doug, I love you buddy. But you’re telling me that Gene and Paul would not be able to find two guys, pay them I’m guessing very low 6 figures/year, most likely cover touring expenses and let them play popular music to audiences in the 3-5000 range on a somewhat regular basis and they don’t have to write any material and just do as their told? I’m guessing you haven’t heard of American Idol?
DR, all I meant was without ANY original members, no matter how much input Paul & Gene have, it will still be a cover/tribute band. No matter how much the “new” guys look, sound & act like the original 4. Hey I’m sure they’ll have no problem finding some people who will want to do this, just like there will never be a shortage of Newton’s or Presley’s in Vegas. Don’t get me wrong, I wish them luck with this “Las Vegas” project, hell next time I’m in Vegas I might even check it out myself, I’m sure it will be a great “show”. But they’re not going to convince anybody that without any original members, that it’s still Kiss. Next time you’re in a lounge or a bar in Vegas and you see a Wayne Newton impersonator, I’m sure he’ll do a good job, but that’s all it is, just a job, not the real thing. Oh yes, I’ve heard of American Idol, and if that’s how Paul & Gene want to put together the new “Kiss tribute band”, I wish them luck! Work hard, rock harder, and LIVE IT UP! Have a great weekend, CHEERS! 🙂
Well played sir…………
I was referring to DR……well played sir.
As always Scott…thank you Sir.