KISS Is Finally In. Finally.
It is Saturday morning, which means I have a few moments to sit and scribble down a few thoughts. No excuses why I don't "have time" to write. I must make time to write.
And so I am.
Earlier this week one of my favorite bands of all time finally - emphasize FINALLY - made it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, after 15+ years of eligibility. KISS waited a ridiculously long time to get in, considering their influential force in the rock world since 1973.
But before I start twatting on about this band, I fully understand that many of you couldn't care less about them because you can't stand the look of them, and probably will not read any further. I am cool with that. You also should be on the board of directors at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, because that was their attitude for well over a decade as well.
I think the board finally became aware, and more than a little embarrassed by, their own mishandling, misunderstanding and underestimation of KISS.
After all, many of the acts already in the Hall of Fame included groups that once opened for KISS in the '70s (Bob Seger, Rush, AC/DC to name a few).
And more than a few inductees actually started playing music because of KISS (Guns 'N Roses, Metallica or Nirvana, anyone?).
It got to the point that inductees themselves began wondering aloud why KISS wasn't in the Hall (Alice Cooper, Duff McKagan, Slash, etc).
The problem is the aforementioned board of directors: a group of artsy-fartsy, aging hippy-types who insist Rock and Roll is a highbrow art form, man. It's a craft, man, like opera.
Wrong. You don't have to go through years of formal training to be a rock star. Rock is a combination of music, entertainment and attitude. You don't need a degree to learn it.
One of the board's biggest hang ups was that KISS's music wasn't legit, man. It's too simplistic, man. There's nothing to sink your teeth into, man.
While it is true that KISS doesn't write overly complex music (they are the first to admit it), I would argue - successfully - that neither did the Sex Pistols or Ramones, two bands which have been in the Hall for years.
(Actually, I don't know if you could even qualify the Sex Pistols and Ramones as "musicians." But that's just my opinion.)
But even if KISS doesn't write Pink Floyd/the Who/Led Zeppelin-type orchestrations, KISS's music is memorable and it's fun. It is the ultimate, anthemic party music. It is always uplifting, positive and a celebration of self-empowerment and life... and often it's about sex (gasp!).
It is a staple in sports arenas to this very day (in fact, "Shout It Out Loud" was playing at the Fargodome last night during the NDSU Bison football game). I don't care what the board says, songs cannot last 40 years in the public's ear without some kind of merit, right?
If you want cold, hard numbers: KISS has the most gold records of any American rock band in recording history. Their world-wide album sales are in excess of 100 million, making them one of the best selling bands of all time. You simply can't do that if there is no substance to your music.
KISS's image is everywhere. The band has permeated the very fabric of our culture.
Most of all, no one can deny KISS was a pioneer in "shock rock" of the 1970s. Their influence on stage design, presentation and showmanship is unmistakable. The concept "rock show" took on a whole new meaning when KISS entered the picture. No contemporary group even came close to competing with KISS. In fact, nobody still comes close to putting on a show of KISS's magnitude.
In addition, they brought band marketing into a whole new galaxy. It is not an understatement to say KISS is actually responsible for modern-day rock and roll marketing, which is now considered standard.
My favorite part of this band is not their music or show or anything even related to rock and roll. It is their little-known philanthropy. KISS has long-supported the Wounded Warrior Foundation, having donated millions of dollars over the years, supporting military veterans who were wounded in service to the United States.
On a note closer to my home, when Kiss performed in Fargo, North Dakota, in 1997, the city had recently endured one of the worst floods in its history. The band sold t-shirts, donating 100% of proceeds to relief efforts. That is class.
This is a band worthy... and finally recognized and inducted... into the Rock and Roll of Fame.
It's been a long wait. And it's about damn time.
And so I am.
Earlier this week one of my favorite bands of all time finally - emphasize FINALLY - made it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, after 15+ years of eligibility. KISS waited a ridiculously long time to get in, considering their influential force in the rock world since 1973.
But before I start twatting on about this band, I fully understand that many of you couldn't care less about them because you can't stand the look of them, and probably will not read any further. I am cool with that. You also should be on the board of directors at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, because that was their attitude for well over a decade as well.
After all, many of the acts already in the Hall of Fame included groups that once opened for KISS in the '70s (Bob Seger, Rush, AC/DC to name a few).
And more than a few inductees actually started playing music because of KISS (Guns 'N Roses, Metallica or Nirvana, anyone?).
It got to the point that inductees themselves began wondering aloud why KISS wasn't in the Hall (Alice Cooper, Duff McKagan, Slash, etc).
The problem is the aforementioned board of directors: a group of artsy-fartsy, aging hippy-types who insist Rock and Roll is a highbrow art form, man. It's a craft, man, like opera.
Wrong. You don't have to go through years of formal training to be a rock star. Rock is a combination of music, entertainment and attitude. You don't need a degree to learn it.
One of the board's biggest hang ups was that KISS's music wasn't legit, man. It's too simplistic, man. There's nothing to sink your teeth into, man.
 |
| KISS's fan club, several million members strong. |
(Actually, I don't know if you could even qualify the Sex Pistols and Ramones as "musicians." But that's just my opinion.)
But even if KISS doesn't write Pink Floyd/the Who/Led Zeppelin-type orchestrations, KISS's music is memorable and it's fun. It is the ultimate, anthemic party music. It is always uplifting, positive and a celebration of self-empowerment and life... and often it's about sex (gasp!).
It is a staple in sports arenas to this very day (in fact, "Shout It Out Loud" was playing at the Fargodome last night during the NDSU Bison football game). I don't care what the board says, songs cannot last 40 years in the public's ear without some kind of merit, right?
If you want cold, hard numbers: KISS has the most gold records of any American rock band in recording history. Their world-wide album sales are in excess of 100 million, making them one of the best selling bands of all time. You simply can't do that if there is no substance to your music.
KISS's image is everywhere. The band has permeated the very fabric of our culture.
 |
| Even Hello Kitty has KISS dolls. KISS is everywhere. |
 |
| Indianapolis Colts fans KISS it up before a game. You don't see folks getting dressed up as ABBA to have a good time, do you? KISS is everywhere. |
Most of all, no one can deny KISS was a pioneer in "shock rock" of the 1970s. Their influence on stage design, presentation and showmanship is unmistakable. The concept "rock show" took on a whole new meaning when KISS entered the picture. No contemporary group even came close to competing with KISS. In fact, nobody still comes close to putting on a show of KISS's magnitude.
 |
| Another day at the office... |
In addition, they brought band marketing into a whole new galaxy. It is not an understatement to say KISS is actually responsible for modern-day rock and roll marketing, which is now considered standard.
 |
| Yes, even M&M's has a KISS ad. Amazing. |
 |
| I remember playing on this KISS pinball machine when I was a kid in Hewitt, MN. I grew up with KISS in my blood. |
My favorite part of this band is not their music or show or anything even related to rock and roll. It is their little-known philanthropy. KISS has long-supported the Wounded Warrior Foundation, having donated millions of dollars over the years, supporting military veterans who were wounded in service to the United States.
On a note closer to my home, when Kiss performed in Fargo, North Dakota, in 1997, the city had recently endured one of the worst floods in its history. The band sold t-shirts, donating 100% of proceeds to relief efforts. That is class.
 |
| An original "We Will Survive" t-shirt. |
This is a band worthy... and finally recognized and inducted... into the Rock and Roll of Fame.
It's been a long wait. And it's about damn time.
