Alan K. Stout from The Weekender spoke with KISS frontman Paul Stanley. Excerpts appear below.
On the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame:
“It’s such a sham,” he said. “Year after year, you look at the inductees, and most people on the street scratch their heads about half of them. It’s really a popularity contest for a very small group of people who actually make the decisions. That Deep Purple isn’t in there is absurd. Whether or not I’m a fan of prog-rock, that Yes isn’t in is ridiculous.”
On whether there will be an officially sanctioned KISS tribute act:
“I know KISS won’t end. The question is, ‘How long will I be a part of it, or Gene be a part if it?’ I really don’t know. As long as we can. It’s hard work, but it’s incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. In 2000, I thought it was over. It’s 14 years later, and I’m much wiser now and smart enough to know that it will continue. Though the band has never been better, I’m also aware that I’m not the only person that can do what I do. I didn’t invent what I do. I was influenced by a lot of great singers and performers, and there are people out there that are just chomping at the bit to get up on stage, and I believe there is more than one person that can go up there and blow people away. At some point, I won’t be there.”
On their tour mates Def Leppard:
When I first heard ‘Photograph,’ it stopped me. It was really, really great. And over the years, they’ve proven themselves by writing just great, great songs. While I’m getting ready to play, I can hear the audience singing all of their songs. And they’re great guys. You can’t argue with the catalog they’ve created.
Read more at The Weekender.
source: theweekender.com
105 Responses
The ONLY way “KISS” could continue is the way RIOT or DIO have continued. By changing the name slightly. (RIOT V, DIO Disciples). Albeit the circumstances I think are a bit different for RIOT and DIO. DIO Disciples is a unapologetic tribute band, just endorsed by Wendy. RIOT V I am not sure if they still continue to write new music or not.
No doubt they will continue and no doubt some will go. But it will not be that big, just like in REALITY this version of the band is about half as popular as they would be with all original. Just facts as proven by co headline tours every year..
Yes Ed it very well might continue, doubtful in my opinion. And yes it won’t be very successful…don’t worry though, you’ll be able to say you were right.
Another thing…on your show you’ve pointed out that few bands are able to tour without a package…but your implication is that is somehow a bad thing with Kiss. Odd.
It is interesting to try and determine the future of KISS and the possibility of Gene and Paul or one or the other potentially leaving the band. I could almost see Nick taking over for his father, I think he may be able to pull it off. Paul on the other hand…not sure who could take his place. Is Diamond Dave busy?
what sir PAUL is talking about the new Kiss band is, they work better , no distractions, show up on time for sound check, no one is forgetting the songs , no drug abuse , the shows go on and end on time , etc etc
You also fall into the “Ace & Peter are on drugs” thing here. They have been sober for years. But that doesn’t work for some and the past must always be brought up… And why does everyone constantly ignore Paul’s vocal issues?? He’s the one that says if you can’t cut it time to go…
Eddie,
Paul may not be able at this point to reach some high notes, but he is still a great showman and singer. If his voice was as bad as you say, (e.g. Shot, gone, etc…) people would walk out during the show. I think a more balanced approach would be welcome concerning this issue. You should know by now that some fans are brutal enough.
I DO agree with you about Peter and Ace being sober.
Mike B,
Are you kidding yourself? Paul’s voice is SHOT. A quick look on YouTube will prove that to you.
I don’t need to kid myself Edward Black. I am not afraid to admit when something is wrong with a band. But instead of hitting the bulls-eye with your comment, you missed the target completely. Did you read my post to Eddie, or just skim through it really, really fast because you were so anxious to say “Paul’s voice is shot!”? I think you said it because you vote with the majority and are afraid to admit that Paul’s voice, though not without problems, is NOT shot. Try on a little objectivity and see if it suits you.
People seem to forget that Gene & Paul’s control issues were/arejust as harmful to the band…..But I know some people can’t quite understand that major problem……Joe in The Cuse
Are you cranky due to an impending milestone birthday?
And you keep forgetting that every time they re-joined Kiss, the alcohol and drug issues came back. How many chances were they given? How many times does a person get bitten by a dog before they stop petting that dog?
Hey Ed…the drugs, the booze…may not be valid excuses now but it was when it counted. When Pete and Ace had a second chance, what’d they do? Yep right back off the wagon. Gotta love it…they’re sober now so somehow that should make everything ok 15 years ago. Nice snake, pretty snake…wtf, my snake just bit me.
Come on Eddie…NOBODY on this site says Ace and Peter are on drugs now..But when they were both in Kiss,they were either high, had a bad attitude (Peter), didn’t show up to play sometimes,, missed recording sessions, didn’t give a shit about the fans or the band and just couldn’t be counted on…I can go on and on, and then both quit several times, plus as I have said MANY times on this site, they both had no problem with Eric and Tommy in makeup when they were playing with them…(Kiss Symphony ring a bell Peter??) And don’t try to justify that because you can’t. Also, don’t claim I’m a Paul or Gene apologist, because I don’t like Eric and Tommy in makeup, but I accept it. Paul and Gene could’ve done things differently (like just not wear makeup), but the same old tired comment that they have ruined the Kiss legacy is absurd…the Kiss legacy is intact my friend, no matter what any of the original four are doing, or have done…Kiss today isn’t for you, but stop telling people who like it, or like me who don’t mind it, that they are blind fools…that is not the case. In closing, I really do love ya Eddie…I think you have good perspective on certain things, you certainly are continuing to lead the charge for heavy rock and metal, but I think even you get a little crazy when it comes to Kiss…it’s because you’re a fan…
Great post, George. Well said. Unfortunately I don’t have the patience to be that articulate.
no body forgetting the songs????…..ON a recent clip of Gene singing christine sixteen he hashed the words to it….selective criticising is alive and well
Lol…dont forget about war machine and I love it loud…hes made a living out of butchering those songs over the years…
Don’t forget the songs gene forgets all the time no disracsions have you heard haven’t you heard paul sing lately or try to sing
KISS is a big company now, from tech to light guys , the show needs to go on on Q, the songs have not changed, they will not go back to the way it was , if PAUL cant sing it does not matter, the show and KISS will go on, is called music Business.
‘The band has never been better’…seriously Paul? Come back to reality pal!
Yeah , never been better at BSing the public.
Edward Black,
You don’t see any bands out there saying, “Well, this band is okay. We just have to do what we can with who we have…” do you? They would not sell records or tickets to there shows sounding like that. Paul’s comments demonstrate that he has conviction about delivering a great live show with the current lineup. He is promising a great show to anyone interested, which interestingly enough was the original idea in the early 70’s.
Jason,
I don’t know if you like Motley Crue or saw them with KISS on “The Tour”…did you by chance? Motley Crue came on and they were heavy, loud, intense–honestly, they were awesome. Before that show, they were maybe my 11th or 12th favorite band. After the show, they were my third favorite.
KISS did NOT disappoint when they came on after Motley Crue. The show was high energy with excellent musicianship, and they entertained the hell out of the place. The place (Concord Pavillion–about 12K seats) was packed and everyone was enthusiastic about the show. They were just as impressive as Motley. I will not say MORE impressive–I will just say JUST AS impressive. Both shows blew me away, and judging by everyone’s reaction–them too. My point is, what do you EXPECT them to say?
Yes, the band gets along and plays better than they ever have. That’s what he meant.
You can believe that all you want, but it’s just asinine to say that they are better now, with two guys in their 60’s and two replacement members, than they were in say 74 and 75…it’s just another nonsensical jab at Ace and Peter. I haven’t seen Kiss since Tommy took over for Ace, and I’m sure he’s good, but Stanley needs to shut the hell up. Seriously, for a couple of millionares who’ve done it all, they sure make themselves sound like miserable old men!