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
Eddie,
I don’t know about you but I’m getting sick and tired of hearing comments from Gene and Paul. They come across as mean, bitter, old hacks. I’ve been a Kiss fan since the early seventies and have enjoyed all formations of band. Why is that they have to make comments that are just disrespectful. I know everyone has opinions but Jesus Christ, to make comments like I wonder how Ace and Pete survive/eat is only hurting their legacy. I wish they would just stop. Ace and Peter continue to take the high road. Peter was very sincere on TMS and didn’t make any jabs. The guy survived cancer and not one good comment can be made by Gene. Peter and have Ace have said countless times that they were screw-ups but they have moved on. Why can’t Paul and Gene say good things like I’m there for Peter in his time of need (cancer), or that was a great solo record Ace..Is it to much to leave the past alone and make better comments/judgments for what they’re doing now. Peter and Ace can, why can’t Gene and Paul do the same. One last thing, to have the current lineup in makeup and custom while Ace and Peter are being inducted is just plain disgraceful. It was a farce in Phantom of the Park.
Gene and Paul really need to zip up there mouths. Between there twitter comments or lack of and this. There going to ruin them self’s and have zero fans. Not that I care have not listen any new albums since revenge. Bruce Kulic must be so happy he not involved with the band any more.
John Fogarty pulled that shit with his former band. He actually played the hits with session players with original members there watching!!! Lol. What was really rude was when Peter had cancer Paul and Gene didn’t even call him as what was stated on TMS this past week. Terrible.
That’s different as John Fogerty’s brother, Tom, passed away 3 years before they were inducted. Without Tom, CCR doesn’t exist.
All you naive little fools! You’re all falling for this publicity stunt. You’re all going to freak out when the original Kiss performs in April.
Did you hack their private cell phones? :-))
It won’t happen. Because Gene and Paul don’t want a reunion.
why don’t they just do this the unplugged show was non make up and here recently kiss did a charity show with no make up have all 7 members (paul,gene,ace,peter,eric,tommy,and bruce) up on stage with no make up and do rock n roll all nite