Will Ace Really Be The 2000 Man?
By: Bobby Mitchell

I want to focus on the dilemma facing KISS in the new year. I've heard that KISS intends to do another leg of PC tour and then a new record. I've also heard that Ace said in an interview that he didn't enjoy how little creative control he had during PC recording sessions and is looking for a label to do another solo record now.

When I first heard that Ace wanted to get back to his solo stuff so soon I thought it might mark the end of the Reunion KISS. Theoretically, if Ace did want out of KISS for good- what would happen? Here are some scenarios of what might happen to KISS in the coming year:

1) Gene and Paul going back with Bruce and Eric without make-up. Honestly, I don't think any of us fans can see this happening. I'm a fan of all the stages of KISS. The KISS that brought us Revenge and Carnival of Souls was the result of years of evolution and I will always love it. But once the Reunion Tour kicked off it was like the whole KISS phenomenon had come full circle. If the make up/reunion days come to a close, I'd much rather have the COS and Revenge line up back rather than no KISS at all, but it just doesn't seem realistic at this point.

2) Ace quits KISS and Gene, Paul and Peter continue on with a new guitarist with make up. Easy! Take it easy! I can already hear legions of fans shouting, "What are you- f***in' crazy?!" But think about it -- it happened before. KISS was well established worldwide, Ace wanted more creative control, Ace was out and a new guy came in wearing new make-up (I'm leaving out some key details, but work with me for a moment). Imagine the whole thing happening again. Ace leaves to do Frehley's Comet 4 or whatever and KISS records a new CD featuring: The Demon, the Starchild, the Catman, and whatever character gets created for (drum roll) Bruce Kulick! I know this won't happen, but think about it -- Bruce was the guitar player for so much of the 80's and 90's. He was a member of KISS so long and he's such a great player. He brought so much more musicality to KISS. He brought so much energy and enthusiasm to the guitar parts and yet kept respect for Ace's playing when doing older tunes. He played on PC for God's sake! They could do songs from the whole catalogue and be justified. I don't see Bruce wanting to put on make-up or really fitting into a character. Like I said, this won't happen but it is fun to fantasize.

3) KISS calls it quits. Unacceptable and depressing. I have more varied music tastes than most KISS fans, everything from Ella Fitzgerald and Sinatra to Rush and Dream Theater to Harry Connick, Jr to Joni Mitchell -- the list never stops. But I have only one tattoo, and it's the KISS logo from the Destroyer cover (that should let you know I'm not a casual fan). I got the tattoo when Revenge came out in 92. Without KISS, my appreciation of music in general would have never been the same. And like we all know, KISS has been there all along marking periods in our lives with new albums, looks, tours, etc. Psycho Circus is so strongly associated with good feelings for me that I love the record. Original KISS back together in make up and the whole world taking notice! I was going to love that record no matter what it sounded like. So like I said, the end of KISS shouldn't come for a long time if we're lucky.

4) Final Scenario. So here it is, the final scenario which I would like to formally submit as a hopeful prediction. Ace records a new solo record (called 2000 Man) and also records a follow up to PC with the Gene Paul and Peter. KISS tours in make- up (minus the KISS car contest, overestimated 3D effects and embarrassing 2001 solo), and the set list includes two songs from Ace's new solo record (as well as 2000 man- come on- it's so appropriate for the year), new tunes from the new KISS record, and some 80's stuff thrown in for good measure. That way, Ace gets to play his new tunes for millions worldwide instead of going back to smaller clubs again and KISS can move on, together as one.

In any event, I hope KISS continues. Knowing that Gene's other endeavors haven't fared as well, he'll come back to the KISS office complex and plot the next move for his business, to grow the business of KISS - the hottest band in the land. Lastly, thanks to KISS Asylum for doing such a great job and please keep up the celebration.

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