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
Eddie, personally I foresee another tour with Ace and Peter coming up. I feel there is too much money at stake, along with the RRHOF induction, 40th Anniversary, as well as Ace being sober and motivated. I think they owe it to the fans for one last hurrah. What are your thoughts?
I don’t see it. Peter is 68 today. Would take tons of work to get all of them in shape for a tour at this stage. Anything is possible and no doubt demand will be there after the Hall, I just don’t see it. But who knows?
Yes, Peter would need a wheel chair to get to the drums.
It is definitely a compliment to you, Ed, that it appears that both Tommy and Paul are reading the blogs and comments on your Web site to find material to tweet about. They know that’s where the KISS Army is spending it’s time celebrating the announcement of this long overdue induction.
I know for a fact in the past Paul has read this site and I even discussed it with him. Not sure about Tommy. For the millionth time for the record I never had an issue with Tommy as a person or player and don’t blame him at all for taking the gig offered to him
Hi Eddie I did have a problem with Tommy wearing Aces makeup at first.But Tommy or who ever it was wrote back and told me to give a Tommy a chance.People will always complain about Tommy and Eric,but if you people look past the makeup both Eric and Tommy have helped keep Kiss afloat.
I love Gene Paul Ace and Peter but people forget that Eric Carr Vinnie Vincent Mark St John Bruce Kulick were also a huge part of a Kiss.Now back to a Eric and a Tommy wearing the makeup they are getting paid to do a job and if Paul or Gene asked anyone of us fans to wear Ace or Peters Makeup how many people would honestly turn that down?
Never said I had an issue with them as people, never! They are just doing the gig.
Many bands I like including Genesis (talks of Phil Collins wanting to play again, and possible Peter Gabriel being involved when he’s available) use the “never say never” mantra. For that reason, even though for me, just seeing them play at the awards ceremony would be plenty, and just the mere fact that they got in is more than enough for me, I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if Gene and Paul actually give Ace and Peter a call a la the post-Unplugged reunion where the good vibes led to the reunion. I think the never say never scenario may play out yet again. DLR went back to VH after all the venom, and others have in other bands. Either way, I’m happy they got in, and obviously their glory years are in the past, but the fans would certainly pay to see the original lineup moreso than they have recently with Thayer and Singer on tour…
Kiss is whats in front of the makeup not whats behind the makeup. It’s the character on stage not the person wearing it. This is what Gene and Paul think which is why they wont go on your show and answer questions about it.
That is such an insulting view of the band and the musicians who make it up to fans who cared about the players, songs and personas that were created. Guess anybody can be in Kiss with that logic…
Eddie,
Please play one song from “The Elder” tonight. I know not everyone likes it, but it’s a very underrated album.