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!
83 Responses
It actually pains me that neither Paul or Gene will acknowledge how Eddie Trunk has supported all of Kiss’s lineups over the years. Even when they were at their lowest point (before the Reunion tour), Eddie supported them and continued to spin their tunes. being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame is long overdue, and it would surprise me not hear Eddie’s name mentioned in one of their acceptance speeches. there was no bigger supporter over the years in getting KISS inducted. I guarantee you’ll hear something from either Ace or Peter, and rightfully so!!!!!
I think Mr Simmons thinks that the opinions on TMS and Eddie´s radio shows have been biased against him and the current KISS because of the “close relationship” between Mr Trunk and Ace/Peter. True or not, Gene is entitled to HIS own opinions and has all the right to refuse going to any TV show he feels has treated him or his band on a unfair way. Eddie should let it go once and for all. We all know how big KISS fan he is, but sometimes in life you just cant change how people think… and apparently the rift between Gene/Paul and him is too deep to cross.
I let it go a long time ago. If I didn’t why would I STILL support the band? But when my name comes up in the first major interview after the HOF announce obviously I get asked about it! Weird how Kiss is the one band you can do and say 95% great things about for decades, but God forbid you say anything critical and you are cast out. The only band I know like that… I do what I do, G&P do what they do, all good. 3 hours of their music tonight in NYC on MY show where only R&R All Night is ever played. Enough said..
“Weird how Kiss is the one band you can do and say 95% great things about for decades, but God forbid you say anything critical and you are cast out.” – You hit the nail on the head Eddie. They do not want to hear that everyone wants Ace and Peter. It irritates me that they won’t give them a fair shot….and by that I mean to let go of the musical KISS reigns a little.
As recently as a couple months ago Gene kept beating the “nobody cares who’s in the band” drum to me. If nobody cares about Ace and Peter there sure as hell is a lot of excitement about seeing them together again huh? This kind of messes with the pitch they have been selling last 10 years.
Not really. No one has been campaigning for Ace and Peter to be back in the band. People are excited, KISS is in the HOF, it was the originals who got it started and had the most impact on our culture. If KISS had ended in 1980 after Peter left, they would not be in HOF, so in my opinion everyone who was in in band for the last 40 years should get in. I want to see the originals paly at the HOF and that’s it. The reunion has been done and a re-reunion wouldn’t generate much more income plus I don’t want to see Ace get sucked back into the atmosphere where he may want to drink again. Give me some Ace solo material.
Eddie I like you have been a fan for of the band for 35+ years. I appreciate all the support you have given them during your raio and tv career in broadcasting, considering what little support they have gotten from others in the industry. That being said I feel you of course are intitled to your opinions whether they are positive or negative about the band. Everybody is intitled to their opinions and sonetimes I agree with you and sometimes I do not. Anyways I am not sure what the problem Gene and Paul have with you at this point. But I do think it is childish and disrespectful to a true fan of the band to act the way they have towards you. They should at least have the decency to be honest with you and discuss it weather it be privately or on the radio/tv and put what ever problems they have with you to rest. This situation is absolutelt rediculuos at this point. Just my opinion, thanks for the many years of entertainment on your shows. MERRY KISSMIS
Eddie, I like you I have been a fan of the band for 35+ years. I appreciate all the support you have given them during your radio and TV career in broadcasting, considering what little support they have gotten from others in the industry. That being said I feel you of course are entitled to your opinions whether they are positive or negative about the band. Everybody is entitled to their opinions and sometimes I agree with you and sometimes I do not. Anyways I am not sure what the problem Gene and Paul have with you at this point. But I do think it is childish and disrespectful to a true fan of the band to act the way they have towards you. They should at least have the decency to be honest with you and discuss it whether it is privately or on the radio/TV and put whatever problems they have with you to rest. This situation is absolutely ridiculous at this point. Just my opinion, thanks for the many years of entertainment on your shows. MERRY KISSMISS
Whats the latest on Peters new studio rock album? Hope he comes up with something good, I wasn’t a fan of one for all. Love your show Eddie! Looking forward to the KISSmas how.