Is It Fun For Anyone Anymore?
By: Steve Corral

Okay, I have read the "Sound Off's" and have had similar opinions for quite some time now. I, too, have been there from the Paul Lynne Halloween Special at the age of six. I have stuck by them through the "bad years", tracked down collectibles when they were cheap, ridiculed for liking them in the 80's, dressed up like them for Halloween, and had the time of my life at the Reunion show in my hometown. But, it is becoming apparent that they should just hang it up and go out with a little dignity. Sure I want my favorite band to be around forever, but all things have to end.

When I used to pray for a Reunion I was praying for '77 again: I was seven; they were in their 20's; Gene stepped on chickens and had a cow's tongue surgically transplanted; Ace was Ace; Paul had real hair; Peter had nine lives and they were all friendly, equal partners. When they got back together it took me awhile to admit to myself that they probably shouldn't have. Led Zeppelin didn't and the Beatles didn't, now I know why. When I see new pictures of the band it's not the same as the old ones. When I hear the new songs they're not the same as the old ones. When I listen to CD's it's not the same as listening to the records. When I see KISS now it's not the same band. They broke up for a lot of different reasons, all of which appear to be popping up all over again.

They got back together for the money and that's okay but they always said, "If it's not fun anymore than we will stop." Well, is it fun for anyone anymore? The KISS PR machine keeps spewing out "For the fans" this and "If they want it we'll do it" that, but relevancy has to factor in there somewhere, doesn't it?

Maybe it's the fact that I can't remember a time in my life when KISS was not there. I haven't had to face the fact that, like some bands, they are not a band anymore. Sure, when Ace and Peter left it was different, but I could still look forward to a new KISS album every couple of years or so. As I enter my 30's I am accepting the fact that KISS might not be there forever, although they are trying. I almost want them to breakup so I can get my hands on the box set they say they will not release until they breakup. But, don't you think it will be a major letdown like everything else in the last ten years that Gene's built up so it would sell?

Let's see: The "KISS My Ass" tribute, "Psycho Circus", the 3-D tour, the movie, etc. When will he see that no one believes him anymore? Does he think the fans are that stupid? Here are the facts: Mark St. John never had a wrist problem, Vinnie Vincent wanted to get paid for his contributions - that's it!, they didn't play a note on Psycho Circus, the Alive! albums were everything but, everyone but Gene and Paul are employees, and how did Paul Stanley grow his hair back that fast after the "Phantom" stint?

Don't get me wrong, I will buy a ticket the next time they come around here because I know it will be the last time for them. I will still be a fan but I want them to know that I don't believe them anymore and they are parodies of themselves. The "for the fans" rap is getting too old. I have a problem cheering for "Rock and Roll All Night" because I really haven't liked the song since I was eight years old. Someone else said that the hardcore fans are the ones who want to hear the obscure songs, and we should be able to because we have been hearing the same set list for the last 20 years, give or take a few tunes. Gene doesn't want to play them because it doesn't matter what a "few hardcore fans want", but Gene, that's all there is left buddy.

Please put out one more kickass album with just the four of you in a room with some good songs that you have put some thought into. Let me repeat that...with some songs you have put some thought into. It seems the last time that happened was, hmm.... in the 70's. After "Rock and Roll Over", maybe even a little before that, the albums seemed like something they would write in their sleep and crank out. Gene hasn't written a decent tune since "God o' Thunder," and Paul wrote that. Give us something to remember you by, and please don't let it be "Psycho Circus".

Come on, DO IT FOR THE FANS!!

KISS ASYLUM -- KISS Museum News Archive Features Tour Dates Photos