Forty years after the release of their debut album, KISS have finally made the cover of Rolling Stone. Marking the band’s upcoming induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the cover image is a classic 1975 photo of the band’s original lineup: Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, plus Ace Frehley and Peter Criss.
The cover story, by Rolling Stone senior writer Brian Hiatt, tells the sad, hilarious and triumphant story of one of the biggest rock bands ever, taking an in-depth look at the founding members’ lives and careers. Hiatt hung out with all four original members in their homes (in San Diego, Beverly Hills and Monmouth County, New Jersey) where they shared fond memories and, inevitably, some intense backbiting. “I keep thinking about Ace and Peter,” Simmons admits. “”What are they doing now? Where are they?’ It’s gotta be close to the end. How do you make any money? How do you pay your bills?”
Even Stanley and Simmons have had their differences. “We’ve always seen each other as brothers,” says Stanley. “What we seem to be at odds at is how you treat your brother. Gene’s priority, by far, has always been himself. And he’s not one to let anyone else’s feelings or contributions get in the way.”
They also explain precisely why they won’t be reuniting for a performance at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Stanley and Simmons offered to allow the former members to jam with KISS’ current lineup, featuring guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer, but Ace and Peter found that proposition deeply insulting. “I won’t be disrespected,” Criss says. “How can you put me in the Hall of Fame and then tell me to go sit over there in the corner while another guy puts on my makeup and plays? That’s an injustice. To the fans, too.”
Simmons counters that Frehley and Criss “no longer deserve to wear the paint.” “The makeup is earned,” he adds.”Just being there at the beginning is not enough… And if you blow it for yourself, it’s your fault. You can’t blame your band members. ‘Oh, look what happened to me. Oh, poor me.’ Look at my little violin. I have no sympathy.”
Frehley suggests another reason for the current members’ reluctance: “The reason they don’t want to perform with me and Peter is because the last time they did, they had to do a reunion tour. We play three songs, the fans go crazy. They don’t want to open up a can of worms.” Frehley, meanwhile, says he licensed – rather than sold – the rights to his Spaceman makeup to the band, and suggests that he’s due to get the rights back sometime soon.
Also in the story, Simmons says his touring days are almost done. “I’m 64 now,” he says. “Three more tours. Two, if I have a life change of some kind.”
KISS’ Rolling Stone cover story goes on sale Friday, March 28th and online tomorrow, March 26th.
source: rollingstone.com
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158 Responses
Funny how Paul and Gene bash the past, but that is all THEY live in now! All they play are 70’s songs that the original band wrote. Would be different if they moved on with the current band…play new songs, new characters.
That’s been my biggest critisism of them is they never change the setlist. It’s so boring. They never pull rabbits out their hats. So many cool songs that never get played unless you over pay for that silly cruise. I don’t care to see them with current guys anyways.
Joe respect you and your thoughts but I’m of MY opinion that GENE,Paul,Eric,and Tommy are being a great band and they are continuing on with new stuff. Yes they play a lot of fan favorites from old days but LIVE many bands play heavy into past catalog. However on Sonic Boom they released all new songs .( not saying u have to like album just saying new studio tracks) and designed NEW outfits for that tour. Then they wrote and recorded another studio album MONSTER and again designed new outfits and eventually an innovative NEW stage design with the Spider rig. Fake bands are not doing things like that. There are many bands living ONLY on back catalog and never record anymore. Proud Kiss is active.
A sincere question for Eddie, knowing that Gene & Paul can’t let go of the past & the “bad blood” will always be there on their side, knowing all that, would you feel happy/comfortable seeing the 4 of them get on stage together for a quick tour? Joe in The Cuse
Okay Eddie. You’re a dear friend of Ace. What is the scoop on the makeup? Did he lease it? Can you help him get it back? Fans of the original band want to know if there is truth in this. Help get it back for Ace…AND the fans!!!
I honestly do not know the nature of that deal
So if I have my “KISStory” correct, all four original members came up with their own makeup to match their own unique personalities. The only reason the band is back in makeup is because Ace and Peter came back a second time to revive KISS to arena sellout status. This was clearly not “in the beginning.” What have Tommy and Eric done to earn the right to wear Ace and Peter’s makeup designed specifically by Ace and Peter? To play their songs? What relevant contibutions have they done to “earn this right?” The friggin iconic KISS logo was designed by Ace! What an assinine comment! Tommy and Eric earned the right because Gene and Paul scratched a check to keep the gravy train rolling. Ace and Peter have done their share of screwing up but Gene and Paul would be nowhere without their contributions.
I will not be purchasing rolling stone magazine. Tired of the liberal agenda that permeates these magazines.
Also tired of hearing about “substance abuse” comments about ace and peter… there are plenty of people who never touch drugs and alcohol yet they have major personality flaws that make them miserable to be around.
Power and control can be a drug in a way.