Larry Getlen of New York Post reports:
When Paul Stanley, frontman and rhythm guitarist for the band KISS, married in November 2005, he shared his joy with friends and family, including bandmates Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer.
Notably absent from the ceremony: Stanley’s longtime musical partner, KISS bassist Gene Simmons. He wasn’t invited.
“Your views on marriage are your own,” Stanley told Simmons, who publicly denounced the concept of marriage until his own nups in 2011. “But when you insult and demean people who get married and ridicule or dismiss the idea of marriage, you have no place at a wedding.”
The incident is replayed in Stanley’s memoir, Face the Music: A Life Exposed, written with journalist Tim Mohr and out Tuesday.
As success came [to the band], Stanley noticed in interviews that Simmons “sure used the word ‘I’ a lot.” Stanley accuses him of abandoning the band in the early ’80s, distracted by attempts to become an actor, but then taking credit for Stanley’s work; and also of using the KISS logo and persona for personal projects without contractual permission.
During this time, Stanley writes, Simmons’ duplicity left him feeling there was “a traitor in the midst.”
As harsh as Stanley is with Simmons, he saves his real venom for former band mates Frehley and Criss. After it was announced back in December that KISS will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at Barclays Center on Thursday, a public war erupted over which band members would play at the upcoming ceremony.
Frehley, Criss and the Hall wanted a reunion of the original lineup in full makeup; Simmons and Stanley refused, since KISS now has two other long-standing members in drummer, singer and guitarist Thayer. As of now, all four original members will attend the ceremony, but there will be no performance of the band’s music.
Stanley’s book sheds greater light on why he wouldn’t want a full-on reunion, recalling countless past times that Frehley and Criss, who have both had substance-abuse issues, were belligerent and even unable to play.
Stanley also accuses Frehley of stashing drugs “in the bags or pockets of crew members — without their knowledge — so he wasn’t on the hook if they were found.”
Even more shocking are his accusations of anti-Semitism against the pair. Noting that Frehley owned a collection of Nazi memorabilia, and that some of his earliest experiences with Criss involved the drummer racially mocking waiters at Chinese restaurants, Stanley writes that Frehley and Criss resented him and Simmons for controlling the band’s creative output — which Stanley says occurred because Frehley and Criss’ songwriting contributions “just didn’t amount to much.”
Stanley reiterated to The Post that yes, he does believe that Frehley and Criss are anti-Semitic.
“Yes, I do,” he says. “It’s based on years and years of interactions. It’s not pulled out of thin air.” Frehley and Criss did not respond to requests for comment.
Read more at the New York.
source: nypost.com
246 Responses
Paul Stanley says he hasn’t read their books. Well, a lot of this stuff is in the other books. Peter talked about dressing up in a Nazi uniform with Ace, and there’s a photo out there with Paul in a Nazi jacket from the 70’s. Gene mentioned Peter making fun of the waiter at a Chinese restaurant in the early 70’s in “Kiss and Makeup.” Paul, why did you reunite with them in 1996 if you feel this way about them?
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Apparently the Anti Semitism only comes forth when it’s convenient for him and he has an agenda that it’s suited for. You’re right though about the almighty dollar. It sure made the anti semitism ‘bearable’.
With all due respect Cali, I don’t think its accurate to say that anti semitism is bearable for Paul or Gene just because they hooked up again for the reunion tour. Even though its well documented that Ace and Peter made these comments, Paul and Gene embraced these guys like brothers and still think about them all the time. Ace and Peter have always been distrustful of Paul and Gene because (in my opinion) they are Jewish and ambitious. Ace and Peter were more laid back and liked to party too much, whereas Paul and Gene had and still have a similar work ethic. In my experience, people will not trust even when you are trying to help. Paul and Gene had a vision of being like “heavy metal Beatles” but with makeup. It behooved them to be supportive of Ace and Peter and to give them equal credit in the early days. From my perspective, and after reading all the bios from KISS except Paul’s (soon), Paul and Gene have put up with too much crap over the years and then Peter and Ace get upset because they do not want to play with them at the RRHOF ceremony. To prove my point, Eric and Tommy each have their moments to shine on the last two albums because they realize Paul and Gene are cultivating their roles in the band–roles that in my opinion Peter and Ace squandered. Just thought this conversation could use a health dose of perspective. (:
Mike…you can’t rationalize with Cali, he can only see one side. I love Ace and Peter but like Gene and Paul they all have their issue’s…all people have. All bands do. It’s just two guys keep it together and two didn’t. That’s what it boils down to…two guys worked their butts off and two guys…who had the same opportunity as Gene and Paul, didn’t. To me it’s easy to be objective about it…hell not everything the band has done has made me happy, I mean I refuse to buy HOTS because I thought the albums was horrible…nonetheless I’m still a fan. I hate the insults right now but it doesn’t make me any less a fan of any of them. And lastly…hey, it’s Paul’s turn. All the other guys lobbed their insults when the books came out but somehow, people are having a hard time realizing that now Paul is having his say. Turnabout is fair play. People like Cali can’t understand that.
If Genie or Paul didn’t like it and always felt these guys were anti semitic, then I feel pretty sure they wouldn’t have toured with them in the ’90’s and 2000’s.
If they truly didn’t like what Peter and Ace represented they wouldn’t have hooked up again with them. I still stand behind the fact that this only became an ‘issue’ to sell Paul’s book.
JB I’m not seeing one side. I see both sides. Quite plainly. Two guys keeping it together, two guys bumming their chances, I’m very well aware what has went on between the four of them.
To accuse someone of being racist is pretty serious. I certainly don’t remember Peter or Ace making such bold and inflammatory statements and interviews to the press about Genie or Paul- yes they slung mud, but they left all of that between the pages of their books.
Turn about isn’t fair play, it’s for kids and people who can’t grow up and be adults.
I’ve asked myself that same question. I can imagine what might happen at the HoF this Thursday.
LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLLLLLLLEEEEEEE! I hope eddie brings his referee shirt, just in case, everyday it sounds more & more like there’s gonna be some sparks, and I’m not talking about from ace’s guitar!
He’s already said: they all talked and he was willing to give them another chance, on the understanding that they were sober and more mature.
That didn’t turn out to be true. I really don’t understand why Paul gets knocked for giving these guys multiple chances, and finally having had enough, but no one gives a crap that Ace and Peter have blown multiple chances.
I just wonder how many people would actually be doing what they preach about. I kinda doubt it.
For once, try to change perspectives: he did not just give Ace and Peter a chance, he did Kiss, i.e. himself and Gene, give a last chance to survice when times had clearly been very tough (for a couple of years back in 1996) regarding the survival of Kiss as a band relevant in the industry, as a band making and not losing money. Paul is clever enough to make you feel he is right, he is quite good at talking but if you just change the perspective and ask yourself the same questions again, you will seee it has always been nothing more than just propaganda.
Dude….you’re the one that needs to change the perspective. First and foremost…Ace and Peter did it as much for the money as Gene and Paul. You’re kidding yourself if you don’t believe that. What were Ace and Pete thinking about when the sold their rights to the makeup…money. Got nothing to do with being clever…it’s about making a living, paying the bills. Better point the finger at Ace and Peter as much as the other two. Afterall…they didn’t have to accept the terms of the agreement. Ace and Peter could have kept playing to a couple hundred people a night and barely scraping by, Paul and Gene could have walked away and retired…so yeah, they all needed each other. Still doesn’t change the fact that Ace and Peter agreed to the stipulations…how long did that last. Ace was never sober on any of the tours he did when he returned. Pete by most accounts actually tried to remain clean but I just don’t have a lot of respect for people that accept an agreement and then bitch about it…which he admits to doing.
What this boils down to is you feeling sorry for a couple guys that did everything you claim of Gene and Paul…and that’s put the fans second. If Kiss was so important to Ace and Peter…as they claim, then why screw it up to begin with and then why screw it up a second time when all they had to do was show up, play and make money. You clearly can’t rationalize that.
I cannot rationalize, ah, now I am really devastated – do you know me or other people here you keep criticizing? And do not call anyone dude, over here we do not think this an appropriate way to start a comment. But maybe YOU just got too empotional because you are at least as much defending the G/P side with arguments that might easily be seen from another perspective as I am taking sides with A/P, hm? …
LOL, some of you take this toooooo far.
Peter and Ace aren’t looking for a ‘third’ chance.
They just wanted a chance to play one more time for the fans. Period. Why does this keep turning into Ace and Peter are dying to get back into KISS??? Neither one of them has expressed this, and neither one has barely said anything about the situation when they found out they weren’t playing over 3 weeks ago.
Absolutely no one is looking for them to reunite and neither of them are looking for a reunion. Yeesh.
It was the money back then, and it is money now again because, of course, he wants to sell the book, right?!!
It’s all about the money…is their a problem with that? People, fans…their choice. You don’t have to buy it or support. When Ace and Peter sold their rights to the makeup it was about money, when they wrote their books criticizing Paul and Gene it was about money…now it’s Pauls turn and you guys are losing your shit because his speaking his mind.
It becomes a problem when the importance of money makes one diminsh the undisputable contribution of past members just to artificially promote others. Of course, everyone on that wagon will love the money coming in on that scale, but G and P clearly are in it now to maximize profit at all cost, even if it is making it seem that Ace or Peter were sympathizers of that nazi cult.
As i said above…you don’t have to buy what they are selling. I don’t…my days of buying their albums and concerts are over with…still I support ALL of them. It’s their right to earn money off what THEY created. Peter and Ace could have been a part of that and on two different occasions and blew it. The fact is every one of these guys…on both sides have stirred the pot. Nobody is innocent here. I’ll say it again…people like you, who can only see Ace and Peter’s side are po’ed because Paul is finally saying what he thinks. It was perfectly fine when Ace and Peter slammed Paul in their books (money grubbing jews, gay) yet now, it’s Paul’s turn and you can’t handle it. The fact is the truth lies somewhere in the middle of it all when it comes to the disagreements, who did what, when and where. I can comprehend that…can you?
To JB below, now you are really getting personal, you think you are so clever, you can comprehend and i or ttoehrs just acnnot, oh yes we are so dumb – do you have by any chance a university degree, do you? Ah … you make me laugh! but that is one of the merits of such a website, it is such great fun to read posts of people – like you.
Because he forgave them, just as Gene did. Ace did some crazy things in those days. Some stupid, and some genuinely funny or clever. He was probably on drugs when he did the Nazi uniform stunt–not that I am trying to make excuses–sometime you just have to apologize. Since he did not mention it in his book (but Gene, Paul, and Peter do) I can only deduce that he does not want to admit he did it. He probably felt ashamed after the fact. You cannot expect the other three members to leave that out of the biographies. It was a moment that probably altered their relationships considerably, since Paul and Gene (especially since Gene’s mother is a Holocaust survivor) are from Jewish families. For those who think Paul is being a crybaby, how would you feel in his shoes? Think on that. Anyway, I hope the four of them (and Tommy and Eric) can all be friends and family again.
It was interesting that some of the posters on another website mentioned that the KISS logo itself contains S’s that are the same, or similar, typeface of those used by the SS. Things that make you go, hmmmm…
D 🙂
Hi Dana,
Yes, that is worth going Hmmmmm over. Symbols have many meanings, and the lightning bolt to some will no doubt remind people of the Nazi SS sign. That version of the KISS logo was banned in Germany (which is probably common knowledge for KISS fans). It will be interesting to hear Paul respond to some of these questions and I say that with the same intent as with Ace…I am genuinely curious. I do not really believe any of them are anti Semitism, but some pictures from back in the 70s show Paul and Peter doing a lot of weird stuff together–dressing up like hit and run victims or mass murders with chainsaws and fake blood. They referred to it as blowing off steam. Who knows, maybe Peter told Paul to lighten up and Paul thought, well maybe just this once. Now it will come back in these pictures to haunt him. Damn! I really wish these guys could hug and be brothers again! ):
The ss in Kiss’s logo resembles Germanic runes that existed or were in use some 1500 years ago – the Nazi regiment used them as they were generally trying to revive and cultivate that deluded image of a strong, dominant Germanic tribe. I happen to be a citizen of the country that was responsible for these atroctities, so over here we are very aware of these things and teach our pupils all about it. using this symbol or buying anything like th regalia mentioned here is strictly forbidden and prosecuted. You simply cannot walk into ta ship and buy an old nazi uniform. I have also seen some different handwritings of Americans and others in which the s looked quite similarm more like capital letters throughout (actually, look at Gene’s handwritign on the Alive record!), so you never know where it may have come from. Btw German authorities actually made all things Kiss, including the stage logo, change to a more rounded s when they found out, i.e. were confronted by it when they cme to tour Germany, in the early 80s, so most of the records I still have from that era look different from yours. I do not know whether the authroties actually knew that Ace probably did not think of the ss special military unit and that two members are jewish (which would contradict the allusion to the Nazis in the first place!) but I think they just wanted to make sure that no cult whatsoever of that symbol would ever again be published in our country again. I can understand that, moreover, I think it necessary. So I do not think that this has anything to do with the question discuessed here, if A and P or anti semitic, until proven otherwise.
Shop, not ship:-)
I always thought they were based on Nordic symbols since Hitler admired the Vikings and wanted to create essentially a Nordic race, but, thank you for teaching me something. I just wish it was about a much more pleasant subject matter.
D 🙂
To Dana above, by Nordic you probably mean the same thing because the Nordic races and other races of the Germanic tribes were closely connected, regarding languages and traditons etc., you can still find a lot of similarities in the langauges that evolved from that, like German, Dutch, Skandinavian dialects. Essentially, you are right, Hitler tried to form a race of “lords” and used old cults and beliefs, drew heavily and the Germanic symbols etc. and also old prejudices (against jews e.g.) to do so.
Yes, by Nordic I meant of Skandinavian heritage or Norseman. Descendants of Vikings.
D 🙂
Replying to schocoman above…no it’s not personal at all. What’s funny is you thinking that it is. That aside…the whole point of all of this is there “are” two sides or four sides of the story in fact. Gene, Paul, Ace, Peter…all have opposing or different views on what went down…as I said, the truth probably is somewhere in the middle. The question is, do you believe that yourself or do you simply take Peter and Ace’s side or their word as fact. Because plenty of people posting here do indeed take their side as gospel.
Admittedly I tend to take Paul and Gene’s side because for the simple matter that they didn’t quit when the crap hit the fan for whatever reason. They stayed with the band through the good times and the band times. Does that mean I believe, agree or even like what comes out of their mouths all the time or take it as fact…absolutely not. Clever? There’s nothing clever about being able to see multiple points of view in regards to those 4…just common sense. They all have an agenda…right now Paul’s selling his book.
It will all be over soon.ill go see them this summer cause i haven’t seen them live.
You will see a very tight and talented band
“You will see a very tight and talented band”……but that is someone’s opinion. I see them at the Turning Stone Casino…..and that for sure wasn’t the case to the disappointment of many & the review
Seen current lineup 15 times, original lineup 21 times,and Carr and Kulick lineup 10 times. YOU will see a very very amazing sounding band. Still putting on better live shows than anyone and it’s all live mistakes and voice struggles at times and all. SOME shows Paul is on the next two he is off but Gene has lost nothing and I don’t care because it’s still the biggest show in rock. It amazes me and my kids the same. Those who actually go to the shows know Eric and Tommy do not imitate Peter and Ace. During their solo they do a fantastic job adding their own segments. Yes the damn rockets shoot out of guitar ala Ace but aside from certain choreography like all 3 rocking back and forth to deuce,strutter, black diamond that all guitarists even Bruce did . Folks say what has Tommy contributed to Kiss. Well besides being hands on involved with all the video releases,ideologues, the Kisstory book, writing more songs on the last two albums than Criss and Frehley wrote almost their whole career. I’m not counting the solo albums. My kids dress up and call themselves Tommy and Eric. They want to go with me on concert floor and catch Tommy picks and Singer drumsticks. I being a fan from the start taught my kids the right way and exposed them to all the members and my kids can name every song on every Kiss album and know which lineup was on it. But proof is while he thinks Ace and Peter are cool and important, he loves Eric and Tommy. When we do meet and greets,, Tommy and Eric ALWAYS remember my boy’s names by memory. They run to them and blow past Gene and Paul which I find both cool and fn hilarious. We like all the albums, we like all the members, and all the tours. My boys first met Eric and Tommy on .2004 Rock the Nation tour when they were 6 and 8 respectively. Now 16 and 18 and in high school they have formed their own band and they credit Tommy and Eric as the reason.
I can’t believe you would pay nearly $3,000 for a meet and greet. And more than once ,to boot.
B.S. Chad , really I that is complete BULLLLLLLLLLSHIT. “. YOU will see a very very amazing sounding band”…….yeah amazing my ass. Lessseeee, Gene keeps forgetting the lyrics let alone his base sounds horrific…..Paul’s voice is AT BEST average….Thayer was so rapid….couldn’t even stay in tuned on 100,000 years, DRC, Love Gun & Singer WHO I LOVE was the best…….but far far from your B S quote
Chad,
Great post! I agree, KISS does sound great and the shows are still amazing. They do sound tight. Some people still miss Ace and Peter in the band (and so do I), but KISS is just as good with Eric and Tommy. They actually sound tighter and more energetic. Some people cant stand that Eric and Tommy are kicking butt out there and doing a better job. Oh well! Congrats for stating your mind and going against the grain. This site caters to Ace and Peter and the majority of these posts lash out at Paul and Gene. Nearly 14 million fans on KISS facebook site–hmm, must be doing something right.
Tommy and Eric doesn’t imitate Ace and Peter??
lay off the peyote buddy…how can you say something that dumb…besides that they play 98% songs from Ace/Peter era, sing songs written by then, they even instructed Tommy to walk the same way as Ace, bad balance and all…
Maybe your kids wouldn’t mind if your wife hired someone to dress up like you and act like you. These guys are a cover band. Its embarrassing how much they copy pete and ace.
Yes, you will see a tight and talented band-Def Leppard. They are great and will blow KISS off the stage musically. This, despite the fact that Joe Elliott can’t sing the high notes like he used to.
Hmm…if that’s so, why didn’t everyone demand an encore from Def Leppard instead of KISS at the Rock Honors? The place went nuts when KISS played. Just a question…
What you will hear is Paul barely able to utter a sound, his voice is completely wasted. Raspy and hoarse, all he has left are those nasty fasletto screams!
It’s a shame that in the end the fans are getting the short end of the stick. No hOF performance & constant bickering. The fans have paid for Gene & Paul’s careers & they won’t give 10 minutes to satisfy the fans. Ten minutes in exchange for 40 years of touring the world & making damn good money. Seems like a small price to pay when Paul has said for yeRs it’s all about the fans. Get over yourself Paul. You were my favorite member since 76 but no longer. I respect Ace way more & even Peter for all he’s faced in his life. Gene is Gene. He’d sell his mother for a dollar.
So Bobby, why don’t you hold Ace and Peter accountable for their actions? Peter, Ace, Gene…all can lob bombs at each other for years in their books…now Paul has his chance ard your someone blaming him. I mean if we “fans” were the most important thing to Ace and Peter as they constantly claim then why sabotage your own career? Why go onstage drunk or drugged up? Why not fight as hard to keep something together that you claim is important by keeping your shit together instead drugs and alcohol. Every big time band always has two prominent members…Aerosmith – Tyler, Perry…Motley – Nikki, Tommy…just to name a few. And yet all those other members cared enough for their bands to do whatever it took to remain members. And those are two of the most drugged out alcoholic bands ever. How come Peter and Ace either quit or got fired so easily and yet fans like you don’t hold them accountable for anything. Nope, lets just blame the two guys who continued on…how dare them for wanting to continue their career. Look…I hate hearing this crap from and about 4 guys that I’ve followed for 40 years but Ace, Pete and Gene had their say…now it’s Paul’s turn.
Well if you want to put me in touch with Peter and Ace I will ask them what they want me to do to hold them accountable. :/
I think it was a rhetorical question–yeah, not meant to be taken literally.
I’m aware of that too, I’m making a ‘rhetorical’ response. So MANY rhetorical questions here..
Bobby’s not the only one saying Paul needs to get over himself here, and he said nothing about Ace and Peter being completely off the hook for their actions at any point. He just said he respected them way more. Considering how badly Paul and Gene have been talking about them they deserve more respect because they were still willing to give one last performance as the original 4 for the fans.
“How dare them for wanting to continue their career”…
If Gene and Paul could leave the past in the past and stop trying to convince everyone that KISS owes no part of its success to Ace and Peter for their contributions during the original era (for which KISS is being inducted), none of this would be going on. Besides that, if they’re so proud of the music they’ve made without those two, it’s pretty odd that 90% of their setlist is focused on the Ace/Peter years.
On the set list…so Gene and Paul, they guys who wrote the majority of songs shouldn’t play their catalog? Hell, when they ignored a lot of their 70’s music in the 80’s fans complained and now when they’re relying on many of the very songs we all love, some of you complain. Damned if they do, damned if they don’t. Hey, at least they are playing their older songs…that’s better than say Van Hagar who would ignore most of the Roth era classics. Again…why shouldn’t they play music from any era. Why not criticize Ace for playing Duece for example…half his set is old Kiss songs. Who give a crap really. It’s certainly not worth the argument.
As for giving kudos…plenty of times that Paul and Gene thank Ace and Peter for their contributions…they’ve flat stated, without them Kiss doesn’t happen. Same with Bill, Sean, Neil…others as well. So again…what exactly are you Ace and Peter fans wanting? Gene and Paul to bow down to them? Seriously how many times have you ever heard Peter and Ace “thank” Gene and Paul. Goes both ways.
Ace, even after being called a Cancer, calls them his brothers in music. If it goes both ways, why is it just bashing one way and maturity the other?
You can look at history, you can look at all the great stories in literature or in the movies, you can look at life: people always like the original and genuine guys, the weird ones, the ones who are true to themselves through/in spite of all their problems etc., the ones who admit their failures, the ones that struggle, people like Ace and Peter, who at the end might look like losers and might tragically hurt themselves, but people will love them just the same, moreover, just because of that, because they are like us, whereas Gene and Paul like to show themselves as superheroes who do everything right, who will always have the last word, who laugh at those they think to be inferior etc., which makes them boring and superficial and appaling and annoyingly full of themselves. it is the same with Ace’s versus Tommys playing, the notes and phrases are the same, but when Ace is playing, the sloppiness that he is often accused of is this quality ofg being genuine, these notes are his creation, Tommy’s perfect approach on the other hand is just a copy, it will sound similar and vene “better”, but does it touch you emotionally?
Excellent post. Maybe Paul hates Beethoven because he had severe mental and anger issues. As for the emotion felt you are spot on, man.
So lets see here…Gene, an only child. Dad abandons the family…immigrants no less. Essentially had to teach himself how to speak and basically do everything else. Paul…basically the butt of everyone jokes growing up…neither had much a family in terms of positive influences etc… barring Gene’s strong minded mother. In fact…according to Ace and Peter’s bio’s…they’re youth seemed to be a lot more grounded than Gene and Paul’s.
So here’s two guys that should have ended up drugged out and in poverty and yet some of you guys want to bag on them because they were motivated, strong willed and driven. Nope you guys want to side with two clowns (who I love btw/) who made wrong choice after wrong choice often clouded by the very drugs and alcohol that THEY chose to help sidetrack their careers.
Hey, I’d love to have the original Kiss back together…I’d love for all of them to STFU and appreciate each other but that still doesn’t change my mind that two guys kept their shit together and two who blew it. Again, if Kiss was soooooooo important to Peter and Ace then why screw it up? Plenty of drug users and alcoholics ( Aerosmith, Motley, Stones etc…) have managed to survive with addictions because at the end of the day…the band was the most important thing. Kiss was clearly not that important to Ace and Peter or they wouldn’t have walked away or gotten fired without at least fighting to keep their place.
You are talking in clichees, e.g. that everyone who comes from a problematic family background will take drugs … I for one know a lot of old friends from good family backgrounds that actually got into drugs or ruined their lives in others ways, when others did not of whom one might have thought so looking the your “arguments”, so: that just proves nothing, because you are only talking in stereotypes here.
Actually. I’ve been a fan since ’78, and for my money? I think the only one that is actually standing up for the fans is PAUL. Ace and Peter have let me down countless times. I was heartbroken when I heard that Peter left. Then again when Ace left. Then I saw the reunion, one of the first shows, and Gene was awesome, Paul was awesome, but Ace blew solo after solo (see the MSG show from the Kissology bonus disk). I’ve seen Ace live four times (solo and with Kiss) and all four times he was less than impressive. Same with Peter; I saw the last tour he did (with Aerosmith) and I am CONVINCED to this day that there was someone behind the curtain. HE SUCKED. Possibly one of the worst drum performances of a major, arena headliner that I’ve ever seen.
I’m also in the camp that things that Eric Carr and Bruce Kulick are getting the shaft on this BIG TIME, and I applaud Paul for finally standing up to that half-assed cult that is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Paul is 100% correct when singling out the RHCP and other bands for their over-representation in the Hall.
I can’t disagree with a lot of your points regarding poor performances by Ace and Peter. My question to you is what about Paul’s singing voice? His voice has never been the same since the recording of “Sonic Boom”, raspy and hoarse, all he has left are those nasty fasletto screams.
I disagree, although I know what you are referring too. Paul had throat surgery at some point and you probably don’t come back 100 percent from that right away. Ace has never been a good singer, but everyone still loves him. The last time Ace sand really good was on the 78 solo album. If you cant sing good, at least sing with conviction–which Paul still does. He does not sound like he did in the 90s but he still sounds good most of the time. I think too many here are jumping on Paul’s singing in response to the fact that Ace and Peter were not that great on the reunion tour (watch Kissollogy Three Tiger Stadium show). I admit they were much better on the Farewell Tour, but then Ace chose to leave. Peter complained about Tommy all the time so they decided not to renew his contract after the Rocksimus Maximus tour. Ace will always be my favorite KISS guitarist, but I really think KISS brings the best work from him. He shined all the way from the first KISS album to The Elder (Escape from the Island), but then he left KISS. I will listen to Anomaly again and see if I still feel the same.
Uhhh Mike….lols, if Gene or Paul came to a sudden stop your nose would go right through their assholes….wow. All of the ass kissing here for Gene & Paul is just BULLLLLLSHIT, once again Gene & Paul are innocent but Ace & Peter are the guilty ones. And it’s very easy to tell that a lot of the Gene & Paul supporters seem to forget that what happened to Wicked Lester basically happened to KISS. Quote Steve (old friend and band ate to both G&P)….”they drove us to drink, very controlling & demanding, next thing we knew they threw us to the curb”……..yeah Gene & Paul gave SERIOUS BEHAVIOR ISSUES….sorry but that is addictions. And THAT addiction….basically CONTROL….destroys other peoples lives.
Wow Jesus has arisen and come back in the form of Paul Stanley! He is so full of himself- the world revolves around him and he can do no wrong. I always thought him and Genie were tight until recently. Paul acts like he’s the SOLE KISS member- almost like Genie is a hired hand.
Who knows, maybe he is?
So Paul goes on about Criss & Frehley being anti- semitic…. hahaha, what laugh! Lydia Criss published pictures of PAUL dressed up with Peter in full Nazi regalia back when Ace bought those SS Officer uniforms in Japan- or wherever they were touring. Funny, he seemed to approve of it then.
Him and Genie both like to go on about Peter mocking the Chinese waiter once– I remember Gene acting so high and mighty about it at the time- back then Genie, Paul and Ace were 22 or 23 year old kids- Peter was the only older one at 27. I can’t imagine that a bunch of boys would find offense at that- back in the day 40 years it wasn’t considered as terrible as it is now and racist. Back then it was a joke that was on TV constantly and in print in jokes and such- it was much more acceptable. Anyone remember the Polish Joke Books out there in the 70’s and how popular and ‘cute’ those were??
Before anyone starts flaming I don’t approve of that type of behavior, I’m merely pointing out that 40 years ago not much was thought about it. But for a 24 year old Gene and 22 year old Paul to make out that they thought Peter was terrible then, why didn’t they kick him out?? If Paul felt Peter and Ace were so ant-semitic, why didn’t he kick them out of the band?
I reference their age because boys are at their teasing and sometimes obnoxious worst zenith at this age, and I find it hard to believe and Paul and Genie were such devout hard liners in their youth.
As far as creativity and musical output, seriously are Genie and Paul so good that they can judge others? Their non acceptance of Peter and Ace’s material was of their own critique. No telling how many great songs they may have passed on because of their insecurity to let someone else shine in the spotlight.
Paul and Gene both hated the fact that Peter had the highest charting hit at number 7. Paul only broke the top ten a couple of times. They both despise the fact that no matter what, MOST fans still love the original other two and what the original four created together.
Vinnie Vincent wrote some great songs for them- Bruce Kulick did a lot, Eric Carr was a backbone for ten years and Mark St John did his part for awhile. Now they’ve had Eric and Tommy for years, but the fans were weaned on Ace, Peter, Gene and Paul. They are KISS.
The band now is just a cover band whether Paul and Genie believe so or not. If Eric and Tommy are now the lifeblood, why do they wear the old makeup and sing mostly the old songs on tour?? Because that’s what the fans want.
I haven’t heard of any new release music or anything. Both Genie and Paul are in some serious denial.
Paul and Genie both need to retire- Paul needs to sit at home, look at his paintings on his walls and then compare his leopard print shoes to his leopard print rug and count his millions.
Genie needs to park it in his KISS office and fill it with all of his money, take his clothes and and sit in the middle of it counting it like Scrooge McDuck.
I really feel for Ace and Peter at this time- I’m a little down on Ace though as he said in an interview the other day that as much as he loved Peter, he was trying to distance himself from him because Peter was fired and he wasn’t and blah, blah, blah. If Ace hadn’t quit when he did, he would’ve gotten the chop from Gene’s Axe bass as well. He was lucky and got out just in time. So boo Ace for abandoning Peter- poor Peter doesn’t need the stress of all of this, I’ll personally be glad when it’s over.
Genie needs to take his clothes OFF… sorry for that type..
Paul and Gene end up looking bad in the HoF situation. Ace and Peter weren’t saying much and were smart not to.
Agreed. The least said is the least mended. Genie and Paul singlehandedly have made themselves look very small and petty during all of this.
No new releases????…kiss releasd two new albums that both rocked!!…..I have no problem with being more a fan of one side or the other or a different lineup or fave member but just be factual about it. Do you really really believe Criss writes better songs than Stanley and Simmons?? .Seriously over the Kiss career I believe Gene and Paul are by Far the better writers and singers and that is not fact but my opinion but all 4 of these guys need to grow up and stop it. Peter trashed Gene and Paul hardcore in his book. ACE did his fair share. And recently said he lived the rock star life of Morrison and Hendrix and lived to tell it and put down Gene for not walking down that path and called him out for get this…BEING SOBER!!….my goodness of course Paul will say his and Gene,,Peter,Ace no one is safe because it’s his turn. Starting with Gene they all now get there view out there. That’s good but no version is 100% fact and no version is all lies. Somewhere over the average of all 4 lies the truth.
What I meant is the releases weren’t as such that they play a bunch of the music when they tour. They’re arena shows are mostly the vintage songs with a couple of newer songs thrown in the mix.
Sorry my grammar is sucking today. ‘Play a bunch of their newer music’. And ‘Their’ arena shows… egads. Sorry.
Some fine and reasoned points here.
The picture shows Peter and Paul in Japan where the Swastika is a religious symbol having nothing to do with Nazi regalia but Buddhism and Hinduism. Are you sure he is wearing a Nazi uniform? It looks like a red jacket to me. Cant make out any details on the hat. Not defending anyone here, just thinking critically.
Mike,
The pictures that were e-mailed to me feature both Peter and Paul. Paul’s jacket looks like it is orange leather and he has the Nazi Swastika armband around his forearm.
In the second picture they are both doing the “Sieg Heil” arm salute. I, personally, was not amused.
Dana 🙂
I agree Dana,
There is nothing funny or amusing about it–the whole thing is really sad and inexcusable. Sometimes people do stupid things for amusement–which is why I want to understand where their heads were at during that time.
May I also add that those pictures are a slap in the face to our noble and humble veterans who bravely fought against Fascism. I can understand why Tom Brokaw refers to them as “the greatest generation.”
God bless the military, who serve to protect our country and our freedom. Please remember, freedom isn’t free.
D 🙂
You will find the Nazi costume photos in Lydia Criss’ book- I believe they might be in Peter’s book as well- I don’t remember. Genie conveniently left that tidbit out of his book.
Apparently Paul thought it okay at the time, that’s why I call him a hypocrite now.
I certainly don’t agree with what they did- but they did do it.
I don’t understand WHY Paul is bringing this up NOW. What purpose does it serve?
Paul!!! My goodness. Bashing Ace and Peter is getting very old. I do respect the fact that in your eyes Gene has been far from perfect. Standing your ground for your wedding. I have to respect that. The thing is Paul about Ace and Peter. You damn well know deep down that they through all THIER faults are stand up guys and brothers. Ace showed a lot of class when your miter died. Peter also as I recall. They love you and Gene even tho U2 have constantly blasted them in the media. If the chips were down Ace and Peter would be there got you and you know that. Give peace a chance!!!!! Please!!
Money and fame clouds reality. You are right about Peter and Ace are the ‘real’ guys who would be there in a pinch. If Paul or Genie needed anything, even through all this bad blood, you can bet Peter and Ace would help with what they could.