Only for KISS Fans
This post may not interest everyone, but I think the subject matter is fascinating.
I have been asked to put in my two cents about KISS's decision not to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony next month. It has been a volatile subject on radio stations and message boards across the internet, and the majority of KISS fans say it is a selfish, greedy move by a band that has always called the fans their "bosses."
However, you really need to dig deeper to understand what a tangled web this truly is and why I think the decision not to perform was the fairest one to make.
The first thing to recognize is the uniqueness that is KISS.
The first thing one must realize is that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame arbitrarily decided that only the four original members of the band would be inducted (Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, Peter Criss). I don't know how or why that decision was made, especially considering many bands have had past and present members inducted at the same time.
This problem becomes very unique for KISS because in 2001, Simmons and Stanley decided to continue KISS with Eric Singer assuming Peter Criss's "Catman" persona and Tommy Thayer taking on Ace Frehley's "Spaceman" role.
Yeah, it's complicated.
In 1980, Peter Criss left the band (or was fired, depending on whose story you believe). In 1982, Ace Frehley left to pursue a solo career (or was fired, depending on whose story you believe).
Multiple band members came and went during the 1980s and early 1990s, most notably lead guitarist Bruce Kulick and drummer Eric Carr (members for 12 and 11 years, respectively), who helped steamroll the band through their lean "non make-up" era, when KISS was transformed from a vaudeville-on-steroids circus act to just another hard rock band.
Neither Kulick or the late Carr (who died from a rare form of cancer in 1991) were even considered for induction into the Hall.
In 1996, the original members of KISS reunited, put the familiar make-up on, and went on an epic 13 month, 192 show sold-out tour around the world (twice). KISS fans from Japan to Jacksonville rejoiced; their ultimate dream had come true.
The reunited KISS disbanded after an equally epic "farewell" tour in 2000-2001.
KISS has now been performing in its present incarnation (with Thayer and Singer) for 13 years. There was no discussion of Thayer or Singer being inducted into the Hall.
So, why won't KISS perform at the induction ceremony in any incarnation, past or present?
Considering that KISS has recently released a new album, and they are about to embark on their "40th Anniversary Tour," and they are very happy with their current line-up, it is understandable that Simmons and Stanley do not want to put on the make-up and perform with Criss and Frehley again. Such a move would be a step backwards for the present band called "KISS."
First, the four original members simply do not like each other very much. That's the cold, hard truth. I've read their memoirs, and none of them have flattering things to say about one another. As a fan, I'm disappointed they've aired their dirty laundry in public. These guys were superheroes to me when I was kid. It is disheartening to know that behind the make-up they are just regular people who have made mistakes and have battled personal demons.
Second, if the current band performs together, Criss and Frehley simply would not show up. It is preposterous to think of Singer and Thayer performing in front of Criss and Frehley, who designed the very make-up and costumed personas which they are no longer welcomed or allowed to wear. All things considered, that idea is equally farcical and surreal. But it is uniquely KISS.
Third, it's a business decision: the original band performing together would open up a can of worms that was tightly sealed in 2001, when the original members took their final bow together. Reunion rumors would start, another reunion tour would be demanded by fans and the last thing the present KISS wants is empty seats on their upcoming tour because people are disappointed it is not the original band.
It is too bad for the fans that Paul, Gene, Ace and Peter can't set aside their differences and play just a couple of songs together one last time. But I understand why they won't.
My sincere hope is that all four will set aside their considerable egos, show up at the induction ceremony and graciously accept the award together.
Perhaps a compromise will be reached and all four will participate in the traditional all-star jam at the end of show?
For the fans, the band's "bosses," it is the very least they can do.
I have been asked to put in my two cents about KISS's decision not to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony next month. It has been a volatile subject on radio stations and message boards across the internet, and the majority of KISS fans say it is a selfish, greedy move by a band that has always called the fans their "bosses."
However, you really need to dig deeper to understand what a tangled web this truly is and why I think the decision not to perform was the fairest one to make.
The first thing to recognize is the uniqueness that is KISS.
 |
| The original KISS line-up: Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley |
 |
| The present line-up of KISS: Simmons, Eric Singer, Stanley and Tommy Thayer |
The first thing one must realize is that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame arbitrarily decided that only the four original members of the band would be inducted (Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, Peter Criss). I don't know how or why that decision was made, especially considering many bands have had past and present members inducted at the same time.
This problem becomes very unique for KISS because in 2001, Simmons and Stanley decided to continue KISS with Eric Singer assuming Peter Criss's "Catman" persona and Tommy Thayer taking on Ace Frehley's "Spaceman" role.
Yeah, it's complicated.
In 1980, Peter Criss left the band (or was fired, depending on whose story you believe). In 1982, Ace Frehley left to pursue a solo career (or was fired, depending on whose story you believe).
Multiple band members came and went during the 1980s and early 1990s, most notably lead guitarist Bruce Kulick and drummer Eric Carr (members for 12 and 11 years, respectively), who helped steamroll the band through their lean "non make-up" era, when KISS was transformed from a vaudeville-on-steroids circus act to just another hard rock band.
Neither Kulick or the late Carr (who died from a rare form of cancer in 1991) were even considered for induction into the Hall.
In 1996, the original members of KISS reunited, put the familiar make-up on, and went on an epic 13 month, 192 show sold-out tour around the world (twice). KISS fans from Japan to Jacksonville rejoiced; their ultimate dream had come true.
The reunited KISS disbanded after an equally epic "farewell" tour in 2000-2001.
KISS has now been performing in its present incarnation (with Thayer and Singer) for 13 years. There was no discussion of Thayer or Singer being inducted into the Hall.
 |
| KISS, 1977 |
So, why won't KISS perform at the induction ceremony in any incarnation, past or present?
Considering that KISS has recently released a new album, and they are about to embark on their "40th Anniversary Tour," and they are very happy with their current line-up, it is understandable that Simmons and Stanley do not want to put on the make-up and perform with Criss and Frehley again. Such a move would be a step backwards for the present band called "KISS."
First, the four original members simply do not like each other very much. That's the cold, hard truth. I've read their memoirs, and none of them have flattering things to say about one another. As a fan, I'm disappointed they've aired their dirty laundry in public. These guys were superheroes to me when I was kid. It is disheartening to know that behind the make-up they are just regular people who have made mistakes and have battled personal demons.
Second, if the current band performs together, Criss and Frehley simply would not show up. It is preposterous to think of Singer and Thayer performing in front of Criss and Frehley, who designed the very make-up and costumed personas which they are no longer welcomed or allowed to wear. All things considered, that idea is equally farcical and surreal. But it is uniquely KISS.
Third, it's a business decision: the original band performing together would open up a can of worms that was tightly sealed in 2001, when the original members took their final bow together. Reunion rumors would start, another reunion tour would be demanded by fans and the last thing the present KISS wants is empty seats on their upcoming tour because people are disappointed it is not the original band.
 |
| KISS, 1975 |
It is too bad for the fans that Paul, Gene, Ace and Peter can't set aside their differences and play just a couple of songs together one last time. But I understand why they won't.
My sincere hope is that all four will set aside their considerable egos, show up at the induction ceremony and graciously accept the award together.
Perhaps a compromise will be reached and all four will participate in the traditional all-star jam at the end of show?
For the fans, the band's "bosses," it is the very least they can do.
