12/20: HAPPY BIRTHDAY PETER CRISS, KISSMAS TONIGHT, GENE IN RS & TMS, MORE.
3 days after the Kiss HOF announcement and still more crazy speculation, discussion and debate from some of the interviews that have been posted from the members, not to mention various quotes and posts in various places taken our of context to twist things and stir the pot.
I am not in any way directly involved in what will or will not happen at this event. I HAVE however been contacted by people who are, asking me for my thoughts as a fan and long time supporter. The truth is however that nobody knows what will or won’t happen at the induction because it’s early in the process and all the various parties have much to work through no doubt. Like all Kiss fans hopefully it will be a great respectful night for the band and it’s fans, as we have all waited a long time for this. When there is real factual news I’ll do my best to let you know. In the meantime loving all the different opinions and debates posted here in the comments section. Seems the big questions are:
*Will the original band play?
*Will they wear makeup (I love the idea someone floated of doing it Dressed To Kill style with suits and makeup!)
*Will non original members be represented at all, show up, play? If so which ones?
*Who inducts them?
*Will this lead to anything more with the original band?
All this and more to be announced, but discussing and debating it so far has been fun and is what being a fan is all about. The best thing is they are finally IN, so this discussion is long overdue!
Since Gene Simmons’ comments about me and That Metal Show in Rolling Stone (asked to him by the writer), I have been asked by so many what his problem is with me and the show. Obviously his reasons he gave to RS didn’t make much sense. I wish I could all give you an answer but I can’t. What has been maddening to me for a long time is Gene & Paul’s desire to formulate opinions on me, and what I did or didn’t say, based on often erroneous and out of context internet posts and sites. I can’t help this. Last time I spoke to either of them I pleaded to them to come to me directly if they ever had a question about an opinion I had or what I did or did not say. I must admit the dismissive tone about me and my shows is hard to take when you consider tonight (Friday), for the 23rd straight year, I will devote my entire 3 hour radio show in the number one market in the US to their music. ALL ERAS AND LINEUPS. The only band I do this for every year. But in fairness to Gene and Paul they never asked me to do this special. I do it for the fellow FANS like me. Who want to celebrate this bands music and their entire history. And much like I’m entitled to my opinion about what they do or don’t do with their band, they are more than entitled to what they think about me and my programs, even if it is often based on bad information and baseless perceptions. That Metal Show is VH1’s longest running program for over 5 years and over 100 episodes. That doesn’t happen in TV unless someone is watching. Is it American Idol viewership? Hell no. Is it a global following of passionate rock and metal fans? HELL YES, and I am proud and grateful for all of them! So when those fans, many who also love Kiss, ask for Gene & Paul to be on TMS, it is our job to ask. If they choose not to that is also their right and we go on with our business. AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Aerosmith, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Metallica and countless others all have felt what we do IS important and IS a great connection to the rock fan. I can’t help Gene if he feels it is not, again, I respect all opinions.
Tonight’s (Friday) 23rd annual Merry KISSmas show kicks off at 11P ET on Q104.3 in NYC. It will be live and requests will be taken for any and all Kiss from any and all albums. Only rules I have are the same as always. Only albums that came out with “Kiss” on them. In other words no side projects or offshoot bands (Frehley’s Comet, VVI, etc). The only solo albums in the mix are the ’78 ones since they have the “Kiss” logo on them as well. Ace is expected to call in live (he does my shows, can’t get opinions from people who don’t!) to discuss the Hall and more. Outside the NYC area you can listen online free to the stream at www.q1043.com or use the free iHeartradio app and dial up Q104.3, Classic Rock, NYC. One last thing, I am aware that the stream has been cutting off one or two hours into the show last few weeks. It is an issue due to some streaming license laws and the station was working on fixing it. It is out of my hands if it happens again. But be aware this is a syndicated show and only the debut is airing tomorrow. Next weekend it will air on about 25 more stations and streams around the US so you can always catch those if you miss anything. Merry Christmas to all and hope the fellow Kiss fans join me for what should be a really fun KISSmas Special this year! Judging from the emails you guys feel this IS important and I am grateful for your support listening, watching and reading!
Last but certainly not least Happy Birthday Peter Criss! As a cancer survivor I know Peter is grateful for every birthday and we are grateful he is still with us, healthy and cancer free! Thank God he is with us still to go into the HOF next April in his hometown of Brooklyn! Great story and very happy for him. Happy Birthday Peter, many more!
Honestly, Eddie, one KISS fan to another…. I love Gene but, I’ve heard more than enough outta him over the past 10 years. We all know what he has to say, how he feels about Peter and Ace…. he wouldn’t bring anything new to your show (BTW-BEST SHOW EVER!!!) They should all be more like Paul, do your shows, go home, come out every year or so and let us know what’s going on with the band or, whatever?
Gene’s become a freakin’ side show. I once (from 1975 -2000) soaked in every word he said and appreciated him for being the bad-ass rock star that he was. I hate to say this but, he’s laughable now….. His words hold no water….. He’s become your typical Hollywood moron. Anyway, keep up the great work on the show!! We’ll be watching 🙂
There is a whole lotta back peddling going on with him these days with the former members and the HOF and Rolling Stone it seems huh?
Last time I spoke to Gene a few months ago he started in again about how nobody cares about the original band, all this excitement about the Hall throws a bit of a monkey wrench in that again it would seem.. See how few care come April and the juice in that building..
Eddie, you always keep it classy. G&P should take ‘internet gossip’ with a grain of salt.
It’s very flattering to them, all lineups, past and present that you do the Christmas Kiss show. They should be pleased.
“Will this lead to anything more with the original band?”
I’m pretty sure Gene answered this in an interview (RS or USA Today), & said “No, been there/done that”, or words to that effect. I’m also pretty sure he said he’s Open to performing with Ace/Peter, but that’s pretty much it. My thinking is, we’ll see the Original 4 members play, then prob the current lineup, & then all-together.
PAUL’S Latest tweet seemed to be aimed at you Mr . Trunk. It seems he will not give you a break or recognize all that you have done in the name of Kiss.
That’s fine if it was. The #1 issue with him has always been his refusal to communicate directly and form opinions based on second hand news or posts of people spinning things out of context. It is unfortunate but I can’t help people that don’t communicate and see the entire picture and story and want to believe what they want. Proven by every post I have put up said NOBODY knows yet what will happen… So stranger yet if it was directed at me. But anything possible I guess.
Hello Eddie, thanks for bringing in Christmas season again with one of my favorite Christmas traditions..the annual Kissmass show! True reason this year for extra proud feelings and excitement as my favorite band finally going in to Hall. I was talking last night how awesome it is that all 4 original members are healthy and alive to have found this out . My love as a small child began with my first bought record on release day being love gun. I adore the original four but also love all lineups/eras of KISS. I am proud of Paul and Gene for never giving up on Kiss all 40yrs and proud of the contributions ace,Peter,Carr,vinnie,Bruce,Mark,Eric Singer,and Tommy. I have never had my request played on any Kissmass show so I’m begging to have my request played this year. I will be listening via iheart radio app from San Antonio,Tx. My request is .” Take Me Down Below” from the MONSTER album. It’s a nice Simmons/Stanley composition with both trading lead vocals and a fine catchy drive to the track. Thank you Eddie for keeping Kissmass alive and for all you do. Please try make kissmass wish come true.