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
Hi Eddie
Is there a way to listen to your Kissmas special outside of the US territory? Can’t access to the Q104.3 live stream.
No, you can hear it next week however via KNAC.com at the usual times of the stream.
Thanks Eddie.
And keep up the good work.
From a KISS fan from Peru.
Eddie, thanks for all he hard work bro!! Peter looks like he’s in great shape and could tour. I’m more worried about Ace. He’s really put the weight on. For him to pull it off will take a lot of effort My question is can Ace lose that much by April to fit into his Space suit? Fat Ace, Skinny Ace I don’t care he’s the best. But Im just hoping the real KISS plays at the RHOF. No fake Kiss please Paul and Gene. Like you said Gene and I quote. “Everything pales in comprarison to Ace, Peter, Paul and Gene in full makeup!!! You said it Gene and no it’s true!!! I love you and Paul for keeping the band going but finish this the right way. You know what the fans want. We’re the bosses remember?? Give us a new 20 track album with members doing 5 tracks each on vocals. No outside writers or players then tour for 5 years and retire.
And a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you PETER CRISS!!!! You are the CATMAN!!! Your drumming on Destroyer is amazing. And out of all the members of KISS you have the best voice. Now you Ace, Paul and Gene get together and work out your differences and go Rock the world one more time!!!!!
What’s with Gene’s “inventing a hand gesture” comment? If he means the maloik, I guess he’s never heard of Ronnie James Dio.
I’ve been a long time fan of the band. I was the kid that had every vinyl album, at least two copies one that was mint a one that I played. I had the 45s the 8 tracks cassettes. If it could be played I owned it! My walls were plastered with posters and photos from all the rock mags! Comics had them dolls had them, still have a few lol. If it had anything to do with kiss I had to have it. I can play about every song on guitar and actually recording a tribute album of some of my favorite songs. I’ve seen these guys do many times in concert I’ve lost count! With and without makeup, Revenge and hot in the shade 2 of my favorite shows. The posters on my walls were from all eras. I was one of those guys who would get pissed if made any wise cracks about the band or ANY member in it. The one thing that really ticks me off is when some one says it’s not about the players it’s about the character! You’re full of crap if you say the excitement is the same when you see the current line up walk on stage vs the original 4 walking out! Impossible! Is Eric a great drummer? Eric is an amazing drummer as himself not as the Cat! Tommy’s been acting and playing like ace for so long he probably has lost heart in music. The character lol! Their songs would be a lot better if those 2 guys were allowed to be them selves! Ace and Peter are the characters. Tell Gibson and everyone who owns any model of an Ace signature that that’s a space man signature, see what kinda reaction you get! Tommy the spaceman can’t hardly sell a cheap ass epiphone. Take off the make up, do what Kiss has done 40 freakin years and evolve! Let Eric kill it like he did on Revenge, I wouldn’t mind seein Bruce or an original Tommy. What was that band he played in black n blue? That could be the reason he’d rather be Ace. 🙂
But on the brighter side Eddie I agree with you 200% ! Enjoy listening to you opinion on the band that a lot of us can say is a very big part of our life! True fans have the right to debate these things! It has always been that way and always will! People who have been around though the line ups understand!
Also enjoyed your podcast with 3 sides of a coin! I would have listened for another 2 hours lol!
Well deserved hall of fame!!!!!
I’m sure some people are gonna disagree with my opinion, that’s ok if you like the band enough to take up for any I said your a fan! Doesn’t mean you’re right lol!
My request for the show Tonight you Belong to Me
Keep up the good work Eddie
I think Craig Gass should do the induction.
Apparently Paul has no issue with Craig (who is a friend) doing impressions of him all over the place sounding effeminate..
Eddie,
As was mentioned on the Three Sides of the Coin podcast…you have to figure out how to get the program up here in Canada…lol. I agree with what you say on KISS and the current lineup. The best line was something Eric Singer said years ago….it is called the Music Business…not Music Friends…As a fan since 1978 I just can’t get interested in seeing essentially a tribute band. KISS now is very different from KISS in the 1970’s or even 80’s. Everyone has their preferences, but for me you can’t beat KISS in the 70’s….especially the Love Gun tour. Keep rocking.