Make The World Take Notice Again... And Then Fade Away
By: Jace

Many people have been predicting the future of KISS, both here and in the "If You Were The Manager" feature, however I am starting to believe more and more that it is all coming to an end -- that is, KISS is more or less finished.

KISS are the ultimate rock and roll story, some would say rock and roll cliche. A young band who shocked and conquered the world with something special and individual, and then pissed it all away through a combination of self-indulgence, drugs, alcohol and meglomania. It seemed as though KISS (and their estranged original members) were destined to live in their own shadow, going down the path of bands like Blue Oyster Cult and Cheap Trick, selling less and less records and playing smaller and smaller venues. That is the way KISS were headed.

Some have said that the Revenge line-up could have conquered the world. Total rubbish. Tour on "Carnival Of Souls"?? They'd be lucky to fill a club, let alone an arena. Yet we all know that it didn't turn out that way. The Rock & Roll Fairy Godmother granted us all our wish and the original line-up reunited and went on an all-conquering world tour, crushing all in their path. The 1996/97 tour re-established KISS as a premier band. No longer the butt of jokes, even the media had to give in to KISS' resurgent fame and fortune.

In mid '98 I read in the newspaper an article previewing the most anticipated records of 1998, and alongside such heavyweights as U2 and Alanis Morrisette was KISS. The article described it as a make or break album for the band, one which could catapult them back into the rock stratosphere. Obviously we all know it was "break" not "make". Instead of the opus we'd been hearing about we got 10 lousy tracks, mostly absent of Ace and Peter. Granted, the first half rocks along nicely, but it wasn't enough for us and certainly wasn't good enough for the rest of the public to buy -- hence only Gold status.

I was watching The Simpsons the other day, and Krusty had gotten blind drunk because he realised he wasn't popular any more. Bart saves him and brings him home. When Krusty sobers up he sees Bart's room is covered with Krusty posters, Krusty clocks, Krusty blankets, Krusty rugs, Krusty toys, a Krusty phone, Krusty clothes, Krusty pens, etc, etc. When he sees all of this he exclaims, "Oh why did I spend all my time putting my name onto every piece of junk I could? I should have been working on my act!!" To which my girlfriend and I both looked at each other and said, KISS!! Yes, I WILL talk about merchandise. I'm NOT jumping on the bandwagon here. I do believe that, as in the late '70s, the merchandise is again out of control, and most, if not all of it is SHIT. Overpriced, tacky SHIT. And the focus that has been put on the merchandise has once again diluted the importance of the music.

Detroit Rock City. I never saw the film because it never came to a cinema near me, so I can't really comment. I do however, believe that it was absurd at that point to go and make a movie when they should have had full focus on creating Psycho Circus and/or its follow up and the live show, something that was wasn't given enough thought. However, not even the most pessimistic could have predicted that it would do so badly. Its failure must have really gutted the band, and must have really shaken their faith in continuing KISS.

Side projects? The very fact that side projects seem to have priority right now indicates that the band are sensing the end. Paul is currently making a name for himself in musicals and GOOD FOR HIM. He dragged KISS along single-handedly in the '80s so he deserves some mainstream recognition. Gene is going "Hollywood" again and Ace, sensing the end is near, is recording a record and shopping around demos. Peter is probably sitting on his ass.

Bottom line? KISS talk, and talk.. and talk.. but don't do much. As much as we love them, KISS missed their chance at being superstars again, and rather than drag a dead horse of a band around they're content to let it go.

So KISS, it's up to you. PROVE ME TOTALLY WRONG!!

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