Kiss or Twisted Sister

[X factor]

I never really was that into Twisted Sister, but I've loved more KISS tunes than I can easily count. But to me, KISS is not even really a band anymore, but a product -- almost like a Vegas show (and they've referred to it as the "KISS show" before). I just read these comments from Paul Stanley yesterday that cement the idea that KISS has nothing to do with being a band more than an "act".

PAUL STANLEY: KISS Can Continue Without Me - Mar. 12, 2008
KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley has told Australia's The Daily Telegraph that his touring days with the band may soon be numbered.

"I really, firmly believe there will come a time when the band will continue without me," Stanley said.

"Some people can't imagine it without me, but I'm here to tell you, I can. There is somebody out there with the same amount of passion and the same amount of drive," he said. "Which is not to say I wouldn't want to have creative control."

In Stanley's eyes, KISS is bigger than any one member of the band. Bigger than just a band, KISS is a philosophy.

"I think KISS is more about a point of view, about a respect for fans and about a loyalty and a direction much more than it is the people in the band," he explained.

"We don't follow the same rules as other bands. I can't live within the boundaries people set for me. I believe KISS is founded on something so solid that it will continue to live on, the way a football team continues.

"There have been great players, but there will always be other players."

Once they allowed other players to wear the classic Ace/Peter makeup, they really entered a new phase in the eyes of many fans. I still remember being excited about Psycho Circus, and hearing Gene talk about how it was "for the fans" -- right! Ace and Peter barely played on those albums at all, though they were often replaced by studio musicians in the past as well. I can honestly see why.

Good points, Ripper. Listen to what Ace Frehley had to say about Paul's recent comments:

"I think it’s kind of shitty, you know. KISS was the four of us. I think he’s just trying to make light. The fact that it’s only half of the original members now and the other two guys are just dressed up like me and Peter, I think that’s how he’s trying to rationalize what he’s doing today. Saying maybe there maybe won’t be any original members anymore, well, you know, that wouldn’t be KISS either, you know. It’d be somebody dressed up with the makeup that we all designed back in the ‘70s and it’s all different people. I don’t understand that train of thought. I don’t know where he’s coming from on that. KISS was Paul, Gene, Peter and Ace. That was KISS."

Ace was and always will be the coolest member of that band!

[Saint John]

Ace was and always will be the coolest member of that band!

That's like being the tallest midget.

[conversationpc]

Ace was and always will be the coolest member of that band!

That's like being the tallest midget.

Couldn't have said it better.

[Saint John]

"I really, firmly believe there will come a time when the band will continue without me," Stanley said.

"Some people can't imagine it without me, but I'm here to tell you, I can. There is somebody out there with the same amount of passion and the same amount of drive," he said. "Which is not to say I wouldn't want to have creative control."

In Stanley's eyes, KISS is bigger than any one member of the band.

This guy gets it. Good on him. Thanks for the article, Rip. That made my day. Paul Stanley, even though he wears makeup and heels, and makes an ass of himself on stage, is a cool motherfucker.

[X factor]

"I really, firmly believe there will come a time when the band will continue without me," Stanley said.

"Some people can't imagine it without me, but I'm here to tell you, I can. There is somebody out there with the same amount of passion and the same amount of drive," he said. "Which is not to say I wouldn't want to have creative control."

In Stanley's eyes, KISS is bigger than any one member of the band.

This guy gets it. Good on him. Thanks for the article, Rip. That made my day. Paul Stanley, even though he wears makeup and heels, and makes an ass of himself on stage, is a cool motherfucker.

So says the Arnel fan...

[youkeepmewaiting]

I never really was that into Twisted Sister, but I've loved more KISS tunes than I can easily count. But to me, KISS is not even really a band anymore, but a product -- almost like a Vegas show (and they've referred to it as the "KISS show" before). I just read these comments from Paul Stanley yesterday that cement the idea that KISS has nothing to do with being a band more than an "act".

PAUL STANLEY: KISS Can Continue Without Me - Mar. 12, 2008
KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley has told Australia's The Daily Telegraph that his touring days with the band may soon be numbered.

"I really, firmly believe there will come a time when the band will continue without me," Stanley said.

"Some people can't imagine it without me, but I'm here to tell you, I can. There is somebody out there with the same amount of passion and the same amount of drive," he said. "Which is not to say I wouldn't want to have creative control."

In Stanley's eyes, KISS is bigger than any one member of the band. Bigger than just a band, KISS is a philosophy.

"I think KISS is more about a point of view, about a respect for fans and about a loyalty and a direction much more than it is the people in the band," he explained.

"We don't follow the same rules as other bands. I can't live within the boundaries people set for me. I believe KISS is founded on something so solid that it will continue to live on, the way a football team continues.

"There have been great players, but there will always be other players."

Once they allowed other players to wear the classic Ace/Peter makeup, they really entered a new phase in the eyes of many fans. I still remember being excited about Psycho Circus, and hearing Gene talk about how it was "for the fans" -- right! Ace and Peter barely played on those albums at all, though they were often replaced by studio musicians in the past as well. I can honestly see why.

What did you think of the Psycho Circus album? I enjoyed it, particually the title take and "Raise Your Glasses"

[Saint John]

"I really, firmly believe there will come a time when the band will continue without me," Stanley said.

"Some people can't imagine it without me, but I'm here to tell you, I can. There is somebody out there with the same amount of passion and the same amount of drive," he said. "Which is not to say I wouldn't want to have creative control."

In Stanley's eyes, KISS is bigger than any one member of the band.

This guy gets it. Good on him. Thanks for the article, Rip. That made my day. Paul Stanley, even though he wears makeup and heels, and makes an ass of himself on stage, is a cool motherfucker.

So says the Arnel fan...

Although Arnel may need those high heeled boots I doubt we'll see him prancing around the stage like a drag queen anytime soon. Come to think of it, Schon could use that bit of vertical assistance, too!!! All kidding aside, KISS fans that actually wear makeup to the shows should be shot in the face with 12 gauge shotguns. We'd start to see trailer parks around the country disappear, too.

[rayzke]

Instead of giving Arnel and Neal boots....maybe just giving Ross a pit to stand in during the shows would be less psychologically damaging to the vertically challenged other two?

[Saint John]

Instead of giving Arnel and Neal boots....maybe just giving Ross a pit to stand in during the shows would be less psychologically damaging to the vertically challenged other two?

Thinking outside the box. I like it. Arnel and Neal might be short, but they're tall on talent.

[epresley]

The only "influence" KISS had was teaching men how to wear makeup, high heels and prance around the stage like Euro-fags. That group had ZERO musical influence. It was their whole "aura" with the makeup and their legion of retard fans. Name one "revolutionary" or musically influential song they had. They are the simplest band in the world to play. OK...Ace Frehley was pretty good. With a face like that it's no wonder they wore makeup. Hideous fucker. I wouldn't go see him if he played in my living room. He certainly couldn't sell it out, that's for sure.

your missing the entire point .. all that stuff is just theatrics.. under all that was 4 guys that turned it up louder and and sang about cool fun times..

the 70s were mighty fun!!

however,, KISS may have been responsible for the down fall of rock n roll .. the hair metal bands and grunge bands were all influenced by them...

And dare I say, made some good freekin' tunes! .. and quite a few piss poor ones.

oh my gosh !!.. gene hasnt written a good song since '83.. well .. maybe 2 or so... but thats it.. epresely is awaiting genes 100 song box set .. you know.. the songs that werent good enough for ASYLUM!!!!

Larry, was that really necessary.......................

[Blueskies]

They have like 35 albums and a handful of good songs...not even one per album. Nice ratio...they suck. It's official. Concerts are fun, though. Once every 3-4 years is enough for me, though.

in their heyday,, kiss was not good for bringing the chicks to the live shows.. BUT WOW!!! things have changed,,

there is ALWAYS a group of hot girls dressed in makeup that goes to any of the live shows!! it just gets me crazy.. being such a fan of the guys in the 70's .. and seeing a hot chick in the make up drives me wild!!

Get your freak on, baby!

[larryfromnextdoor]

They have like 35 albums and a handful of good songs...not even one per album. Nice ratio...they suck. It's official. Concerts are fun, though. Once every 3-4 years is enough for me, though.

in their heyday,, kiss was not good for bringing the chicks to the live shows.. BUT WOW!!! things have changed,,

there is ALWAYS a group of hot girls dressed in makeup that goes to any of the live shows!! it just gets me crazy.. being such a fan of the guys in the 70's .. and seeing a hot chick in the make up drives me wild!!

Get your freak on, baby!

actually i didnt finish my thoughts because i didnt want people to think i was strange.. but a wonder woman outfit would set the mood just right .............................................................i look great in it.. JOKE!!!

[Blueskies]

They have like 35 albums and a handful of good songs...not even one per album. Nice ratio...they suck. It's official. Concerts are fun, though. Once every 3-4 years is enough for me, though.

in their heyday,, kiss was not good for bringing the chicks to the live shows.. BUT WOW!!! things have changed,,

there is ALWAYS a group of hot girls dressed in makeup that goes to any of the live shows!! it just gets me crazy.. being such a fan of the guys in the 70's .. and seeing a hot chick in the make up drives me wild!!

Get your freak on, baby!

actually i didnt finish my thoughts because i didnt want people to think i was strange.. but a wonder woman outfit would set the mood just right .............................................................i look great in it.. JOKE!!!

SEND ME A PIC!!! I know your strange...and not joking either!...bawhahahahahaahahaha!!!...love ya, paco!

[Rip Rokken]

Good points, Ripper. Listen to what Ace Frehley had to say about Paul's recent comments:

To me, at least when I read his interviews, Stanley always comes off like he has a chip on his shoulder. He's ALWAYS making some comment about how he doesn't play by anyone else's rules, or how no one's going to tell him this or that, or how he's earned the right to do whatever, and it's always said in some condescending way. ALWAYS making comments like that in just about any interview I've seen with him. Maybe it's just the way it reads, because he seems much nicer in TV interviews. His piece above sounded like a giant excuse to keeping the KISS machine going long past it's retirement date. I got suckered into seeing the 2000 reunion tour twice thinking it was the Farewell Tour, and it was anything but. Not sorry I did, though, but I'll never spend another dime on anything related to KISS.

[Rip Rokken]

This guy gets it. Good on him. Thanks for the article, Rip. That made my day. Paul Stanley, even though he wears makeup and heels, and makes an ass of himself on stage, is a cool motherfucker.

Big difference between KISS and Journey, Dan! Journey doesn't sell their own brand of condoms and caskets. As Gene Simmons says, "We get you coming and we get you going!"



No other band in history has milked their fans more than KISS...

[Rip Rokken]

What did you think of the Psycho Circus album? I enjoyed it, particually the title take and "Raise Your Glasses"

Been a long time, so I'm going on pretty distant impressions. The title track was very strong, but I didn't care much for the bulk of the rest of the album. There was also a recurring theme of being one -- being united -- that I found to be cheesy. That song "Raise Your Glasses" was one that I didn't much like for that reason. But again, it's been a long time. I just wished they'd put out a strong, serious album with well-written material -- that one came off like a piece of opportunism to me.

[youkeepmewaiting]

What did you think of the Psycho Circus album? I enjoyed it, particually the title take and "Raise Your Glasses"

Been a long time, so I'm going on pretty distant impressions. The title track was very strong, but I didn't care much for the bulk of the rest of the album. There was also a recurring theme of being one -- being united -- that I found to be cheesy. That song "Raise Your Glasses" was one that I didn't much like for that reason. But again, it's been a long time. I just wished they'd put out a strong, serious album with well-written material -- that one came off like a piece of opportunism to me.

Yeah some good points there. TBH though I doubt we will see another true KISS album. Out of interest have you listened to Paul Stanleys newest solo album? Co-wrote by Desmond Child. Some really good stuff on there.. nothing new or original, just classic Desmond stuff. Only problem is that its too short, a ridiculous 35 minutes I think.

[conversationpc]

Out of interest have you listened to Paul Stanleys newest solo album? Co-wrote by Desmond Child. Some really good stuff on there.. nothing new or original, just classic Desmond stuff. Only problem is that its too short, a ridiculous 35 minutes I think.

Albums all used to be between 35-45 minutes in length. I liked those better because they typically saved only the best songs for the album and either canned the rest or worked on them to make them better for the next release.

[Rip Rokken]

Yeah some good points there. TBH though I doubt we will see another true KISS album. Out of interest have you listened to Paul Stanleys newest solo album? Co-wrote by Desmond Child. Some really good stuff on there.. nothing new or original, just classic Desmond stuff. Only problem is that its too short, a ridiculous 35 minutes I think.

Actually, yes, I have it -- bought it soon after it came out. I remember Paul being asked in an interview about the short length of the album, and he said something like, "What should I have added? More solos? I can pretty much say what I need to in 3-4 minutes of time." I should find that quote. I did like it, but the tunes didn't stick to my ribs very long.

[X factor]

Yeah some good points there. TBH though I doubt we will see another true KISS album. Out of interest have you listened to Paul Stanleys newest solo album? Co-wrote by Desmond Child. Some really good stuff on there.. nothing new or original, just classic Desmond stuff. Only problem is that its too short, a ridiculous 35 minutes I think.

Actually, yes, I have it -- bought it soon after it came out. I remember Paul being asked in an interview about the short length of the album, and he said something like, "What should I have added? More solos? I can pretty much say what I need to in 3-4 minutes of time." I should find that quote. I did like it, but the tunes didn't stick to my ribs very long.

Yeah, it was Paul trying to sound "current", (using a guy like John 5 for his guitarist, for example) and it just didn't fly, for my money. I MUCH prefer his 70's solo album...
I agree with Ripper too in regards to Paul's "defensiveness" in interviews. He also never misses an opportunity to sling mud Simmons' way, either, which I don't really think is too cool. Say what you will about Simmons (and BOY do I have a list) he never gives Paul anything but his props in the press...

[conversationpc]

Say what you will about Simmons (and BOY do I have a list) he never gives Paul anything but his props in the press...

Simmons always has $$$ as an alterior motive. The more he can endear himself to the fans, through whatever means, the more cash he can rake in.

[X factor]

Say what you will about Simmons (and BOY do I have a list) he never gives Paul anything but his props in the press...

Simmons always has $$$ as an alterior motive. The more he can endear himself to the fans, through whatever means, the more cash he can rake in.

True that...but at least he has the outward appearence of respect for Paul. To hear Paul tell it, he barely tolerates Simmons...


...and is it just me, or is Paul Stanley really, REALLY gay?

[conversationpc]

...and is it just me, or is Paul Stanley really, REALLY gay?

He LOOKS gay, with the pursed lips but I'm not so sure he really is. I've heard stories about how Gene and Paul would take turns doing some of the secretaries who worked at the studios they recorded at. Perhaps he's bi?

[brywool]

they both suck....
America's most embarrassing moment:

The last (?) Winter Olympics when they rolled KISS out on an Ice Float and they sang "I Wanna Rock and Roll All Night..."

I was embarrassed to be an American at that point... yikes!

The next time I encountered "Kiss" was when I was playing a gig for the Seattle Seahawks.
MINI Kiss opened for us-
Midgets dressed as Kiss, lip synching. Funny for about 15 minutes.

[rayzke]

Paul's solo album had all the fanfare of a porterhouse steak dinner at Morton's only to find out they replaced the porterhouse with a strip teak at Sizzler's. Both tasty but not exactly what was expected. Although I have to admit I still listen to it once in a while on my iPod....

[Saint John]

Paul's solo album had all the fanfare of a porterhouse steak dinner at Morton's only to find out they replaced the porterhouse with a strip teak at Sizzler's. Both tasty but not exactly what was expected. Although I have to admit I still listen to it once in a while on my iPod....

Morton's on Rush Street has steaks so good that Rosie O'Donnell would bob on a few cocks for one. I was just down there last weekend.

[rayzke]

Morton's on Rush Street has steaks so good that Rosie O'Donnell would bob on a few cocks for one. I was just down there last weekend.

Morton's is great have you ever eaten @ Houston's which I believe is down the street from Uno's (if memory serves)? Just as good in my opinion...

[Saint John]

Morton's on Rush Street has steaks so good that Rosie O'Donnell would bob on a few cocks for one. I was just down there last weekend.

Morton's is great have you ever eaten @ Houston's which I believe is down the street from Uno's (if memory serves)? Just as good in my opinion...

I ate at Houston's a long time ago...didn't realize it was still open. Houston's is like Gibson's but with much more reasonable prices.

[rayzke]

rayzke wrote:

Morton's on Rush Street has steaks so good that Rosie O'Donnell would bob on a few cocks for one. I was just down there last weekend.



Morton's is great have you ever eaten @ Houston's which I believe is down the street from Uno's (if memory serves)? Just as good in my opinion...



I ate at Houston's a long time ago...didn't realize it was still open. Houston's is like Gibson's but with much more reasonable prices.

I just looked Houstons up and it appears to be gone. I wonder when it closed? Oh, well.....

[mercytree]

There is no greater band than KISS. They are very good musicians...the current lineup being the best...they write some very good music and are the greatest live act ever...no other band has influenced those of the 80s and 90s than KISS. KISS Rules. Twisted Sister isn't even in the same ballpark...they had a handful of good songs at the most but were a KISS rip off with very little talent. Don't try to make KISS into Rush, Dream Theater or etc.....they are all good in their own rights and although I love them all....there is no way that Rush or DT could compete with KISS....they're 2 different genres.....rock has many outfits....many clothes...different styles are all good and valid!