Happily Somewhere In The Middle Ground
By: Joshua Aaron Day

I can only vaugely remember the original makeup days, as I was barely 2 months old when the band recorded their demo tape, and at the age of 4 seeing the band on TV in 1977 gave me nightmares for two weeks. It wasn't until Crazy Nights was a new record that I got into the band (or rock in general). Once that happened I put aside my childhood frears and KISS helped me like so many others over the past quarter century keep my chin up and taught me to believe in myself through a turbulent adolescence. I grew up with Eric Carr and Bruce Kulick in the band, so there will always be a special place in my heart for that lineup. But I always thought seeing the original band get back together would be neat, and hoped they'd do it before they got to old or too dead.

When the Reuinion Tour was announced, I was excited beyond all description. I was disappointed to learn that Bruce and Eric Singer were going to quit, but KISS still existed nonetheless, so I prayed first that they'd come to my backwoods town of Roanoke Virginia. Once the announcement was made I checked KISS Asylum 2 times daily making sure I knew when the magic date was going to be, and then started praying I could get tickets. The date was October 3, 1996, just past 3 years ago. I remember so well how my Dad was brave enough (or crazy enough) to drive me to the Civic Center where the lottery for tickets was taking place in inclement weather from Hurricaine Fran, with rain falling and the weather channels warning people to stay off the road. I bundled up in 2 sweaters, a winter coat and two hats with gloves, stood in line and was fortunate to get front row seats to a sold out show. It was an amazing.

As far as what has happened since then, I like to think I take the middle ground between the others who have posted their opinions to the "Sound Off" forum. Carnival of Souls and Psycho Circus are neither the best that the band has done or the worst. I think as people get older they get too critical of things, and forget to look positively at the situation. This goes for the real world, as well as the entertainment world.

As for the controversy of bringing '80's songs into the set. Well, I think it would be neat. I'd like to hear "Domino", "Lick It Up" and "Heaven's On Fire" again. But ideally, I'd rather hear a bunch of even newer songs because the '80's songs are themselves dated in their own way.

Carnival of Souls isn't Creatures of the Night, but it's not Unmasked. Psycho Circus isn't Rock N Roll Over, but its not Music From The Elder. Both of the albums are criticized more than they deserve. "I Walk Alone" is a classic KISS song. So is "I Pledge Alliegiance To The State of Rock N Roll." Both of these songs are far, far superior to "Flaming Youth" and "Great Expectations", both of which appeared on the sanctified Destroyer, which was of that golden era most every one complains is not being duplicated properly. Now I like Destroyer, don't get me wrong. I really like Destroyer - but it's not the holy grail of KISS albums. There is no perfect KISS album. They all have their own merits and faults and should be appreciated for what they are.

Yes I wish that Ace and Peter had more input on the albums, and that even though Peter can sing good ballads that he wouldn't get stuck singing the ballads all the time. The two of them get the most flak for being washed up has beens. But they aren't really. Ace can still rock He overcame a lot of personal demons to regain his place in the band, and he's very, very lucky to be alive today. I also have a lot of respect for drummers. Next to a pipe (church) organ, I think that drums are the hardest instrument to play. And I saw a very happy Peter Criss giving it his all at the Roanoke show with a big Cheshire grin. He overcame a great deal of physical difficulty during the tour and did the best that he could. That should be respected.

Paul and Gene are always great. They outlived disco, the glam '80's, as well as the grunge '90's. They may not have the critics' approval, but they have consistently outlasted all the fluff, even if they had to join it at times. Now if Paul wants to do other projects (opera) and Gene wants to try acting again, let them go on and do it. Let them expand their horizons. They've been running a rock band called KISS for 25 + years. I know If I had done the same thing consistently for a quarter century I would want to take a little breather and take a peek at what might be just over the next hill. This way, when KISS comes back, we'll appreciate them all the more. I think that is what we as fans need, respect. Now its time for us to return it.

Finally, the merchandise is always a good sticking point. I like what I like, I buy what I like. The stuff I don't like, I don't buy. It's that simple. To be honest, most of the stuff I don't like. KISS is my favorite Rock band not my favorite toy company. So I don't buy it. But I think that people can speak their minds if the merchandise bothers them that much by not buying it. Otherwise let it be there for whoever wants it. No one is forcing us to pad Gene's bank account, you know. I wish I could put my face on a roll of toilet paper and find someone stupid enough to part with money for it.

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