Been doing press all day for That Metal Show and almost everyone is bringing up the Kiss HOF stuff with me. It is no doubt the story of the week and since it broke on my show last Friday when Ace called in many are discussing it with me. It’s interesting to hear everyone’s take on all of this. It’s also been interesting reading everyone’s comments here on this site and the loads of email about it. I get and understand ALL sides of this. People who actually take the time to fully listen to and read what I say realize there is no agenda here but being a fan and giving MY opinion when asked. I respect yours even if it differs from mine. Just like I respect your decision to go see the current version of Kiss, even if I decided a while ago it’s not for me. There is SO much misinformation out there. Not only about what I say and feel (anything positive doesn’t make a good headline) but about the whole HOF process to begin with. In a nutshell I think this whole thing again comes down to Gene and Paul not wanting to go down reunion road with Ace and Peter at all, and not wanting to open a huge can of worms like the MTV Unplugged. Again, I was there, once Ace and Peter came out for two songs it was a reunion avalanche they could not go away from. When you spend 12 years telling people (believe it or not) it doesn’t matter who is behind the makeup, you can’t bring Ace and Peter out and get a huge reaction and remind everyone it does matter! Eventually Kiss wil be a franchise with no original members in those personas. That is where this is all heading. Going back to the original band hurts selling that concept and is bad for the current Kiss business model. I don’t believe it is any real hate against Ace and Peter, it is just a bad business decision and we all know Kiss knows business! I don’t agree with this decision, but get it from a marketing standpoint.
There has also been a familiar cry from Ace and Peter detractors that “they had their chance, they fucked it up”. True, they will be the first to tell you they are far from innocent in their conduct at times while a member of the band. But what exactly does that have to do with now? NOBODY wants a reunion tour again. I sure don’t! Nobody can go forever. But it seems the past keeps getting thrown out there as a reason for the HOF issue. Why? It has nothing to do with the fact that the original four guys are the ones being inducted and a song or two is all anyone is looking for one night only. Nobody is also mentioning that these guys have been clean and sober for many years now. People change with time. A couple songs would have only damaged one thing, the current Kiss marketing plans. And I GET THAT. If I was trying to sell what was coming and owned the business of Kiss like Gene and Paul do I can’t say I would feel different from a BUSINESS angle. But we were always told the fans were the boss with Kiss. And no denying the MAJORITY of the fans who fought so long and hard to see this day are upset. But I still feel no performance in this instance (because the HOF decided only the original four are going in) is better than a current band performance which you can see any time you want pretty much.
I am curious if they all show up. To me it’s clear if you read the recent interview that Paul is annoyed with the whole process (rightfully so), the fact they were snubbed for 15 years, and the fact the HOF is ignoring other members for induction (again, the case can be made rightfully so). But most artists who complain about it still end up showing up. Axl Rose didn’t. he knew it was all a play for a reunion if even for a photo op and stayed away. I honestly don’t think the HOF cares that much if Kiss plays. Getting them in the same room together is a victory enough for them. Now we wait and see what happens next. Do all four guys show? What does the HOF put on since there is no performance from the band? Is there so much fan pressure that a last minute performance gets pulled together? One more thing; fans did not get Kiss in the HOF through voting. It’s a nice thought and the fans being so vocal about it helped sway voters, but the actual fan vote is minimal and can not alone get a band in. If it did bands like Kiss, Rush and Alice Cooper would not have been snubbed over a decade! If the HOF would have put Kiss in when they were first eligible in 1999 none of this would be happening, because the original band was still together then from the reunion! And we all know the fact that Kiss, like them or not, should have gone in first time eligible, NOT 15 years later! More soon no doubt.. Again, ALL opinions welcome here as always.
280 Responses
Just…PERFECT
They don’t want to tarnish their current line up and marketing plans, business, I totally get it. Let’s face it though, Kiss has always claimed to be about the fans, do you know any fans that do not wanna see this? I wouldnt expect or even want to see a full reunion tour at this point . However if Heart can play with the original line up and the current line up, why cant Kiss, its a few songs. Shout it loud (pun intended) a disclaimer that they will not reunite after this and its a one time thing, FOR THE FANS, THE KISS ARMY! Its down to the wire, this is literally their last shot and one more ka boom but looks like a fizzle. Tell me why cant Peter and Ace atleast do a few tunes with someone like Grohl or something. I would atleast like to see that ! Times up boys, and you’re blowing it.
P.S. I think all members should be inducted.
The fans want the original four, the HOF wants the original four, so, do the f’king show, bring as many bombs as possible and show the world who came up with KISS as we all know it and make history again!! Cheers Kiss for 40 Years!
I guess good or bad press Gene keeps making money. I am in Portland, Oregon and from Tommy’s perspective I bet he does not give a shit either way, all he knows he is the lead guitarist for his favorite band. (have friend that is good friends with Tommy since high school) it was always his dream to play in Kiss. Can’t blame him because if I had a chance to be in his position, I would be on it faster than you can say KISS. I would say 99% of you would as well. I don’t believe he cares either way what anyone thinks about him playing in the band and wearing Aces make-up.
The one thing that That Metal Show has opened my eyes about is that a lot of the guests are douche bags and lot are a lot cooler than I ever thought they would be.(Brian Johnson the best). I think if Gene and Paul actually ever did the show, it would confirm they really are the douche bags everyone says they are.
Congrats to KISS to finally being inducted, the whole band should be inducted, the whole band should perform and after its over the saddle bags with eyes Gene Simmons should go get another face lift. My god, the guy already has enough money, banged enough chicks ( ok banging more chicks is never enough) to put the ego aside one night for the HOF, just be happy and right after do the That Metal Show for free so Don can be like, Hey Gene, roses are red violets are blue if I had a face like a goblin , I would to have wore make-up to bang chicks too.
KISS just do the right thing and play. It sounds almost like Van-Halen acting like a bunch of little school girls. Love both Bands but almost had enough drama to be done with them both.
Findawg