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!
I too share the excitement Eddie. A great time to be a KISS fan. Lots to look forward to. Keep pushing Eddie. We got them in the hall so hopefully soon we get them on the show. It would benefit everyone and help clear the air. You are a great advocate of the band and share the passion all of us KISS fans do. Keep up the great work.
Hi Eddie,
Coming from a lifelong but not career musician, I think its more hype on who Kiss is was and will be.
First of all, think of your friends, sometimes you just don’t agree with them or says something that pissed you off, or even better someone you just haven’t worked with or hung out with in 10-20 years, but when you get back together with them its basically mutual chemistry. The money is what draws the bands apart, and if Gene had to be the “businessman” of the band so be it. If Ace was just the musician of the band, I’m sure Ace would be cool with it too. I don’t agree with milking the new line up actually it just hypes up the old line up. On the makeup question, I predict that they may just do that, however, Ace who is my hero from the band, I think would feel at this point like a clown doing so. Peter would probably do it because of his enthusiasm and pride about being the catman, and obviously Gene and Paul already do it. If they didn’t it wouldn’t hurt my feelings or change my opinion of them. I see them the way I did in the 70’s, mysterious with powerful rock and roll tunes. One more thing, as an example, I had a band in the late 90’s we had some recognition but after a divorce I left the band. On 3 of the 11 cd tracks my bass line was replaced by the new bass player, because I was not there. But, I never held a grudge because I have known these guys (the core of the band) for years. So I think things will we magical for the fans, and emotional for the band and the fans. Thanks for reading! DM
EDDIE your show is awesome,dont always agree with your top 5 but the show is great been watching for years and will keep on watching,as for KISS my favorite band of all time but gene can be a bit on a power trip because of his success but love the band
I know you try to do ALL KISS ERAS,to ensure all fans of all eras get to hear all those members of the band,if Gene and Paul don’t wanna deal with you or the show,Fuck ’em! love watchin the show with all my all my brothers and sisters in METAL! Your commercial says it all,it’s a brotherhood and you can sit there for hours talking to someone else who Loves Metal,the late 70’s and and ESPECIALLY the 80’s is what got the Metal hold on me!!! Horns up forever EDDIE TRUNK!!
in all fairness you are the most high profile original kiss supporter-
you should be inducting them into the rock n roll hall of fame
Thank you but that would NEVER happen for many reasons, none from my end though.