The Negative Forces Of KISS Must Be Purged
By: Childress

I have read the countless essays and offerings of KISS fans from the world over who express their doubts as to the band's future and what it is that keeps our costumed heroes from being hard rock's greatest show and spectacle any longer. I too have an opinion, a take on this current scenario and wish to express it now.

First, it seems that KISS no longer possesses the ability to shock or surprise ANYONE. Every wasted piece of "merchandise" that finds it way into cheesy retail stores or greed-indulged catalogs turns the stomach of millions across the globe. Gene Simmons cares not about this, for money is all that seems to matter to him. And when he grows older (which is closing in), those bucks will be all he has left. What a sad existence it will be, but then, the so-called mastermind of KISS has amassed this abundant fortune for himself because there is little, if anything, of substance underneath his boisterous stage personna. But, again, this lack of anything real does not seem to faze the "demon" for he has all that cash, remember?

It is clearer now than ever before that KISS' biggest obstacle to going out on top and re-claiming the hard rock mantle is Gene Simmons himself. No one else, except to a small degree, Paul Stanley, whose inability to stand up and demand a more focused effort on the band and NOT hokey gimmicks has been a sore disappointment. How many times are the fans going to hear about teamwork and all four members believing in one another, only to have sloppy projects like "Psycho Circus" be smeared in our faces? To know that Ace Frehley and Peter Criss barely made an appearance on the release disgusts me beyond expression. I anticipated this recording more than any other since "Dynasty" (another complete disaster) and could not believe the words I heard spoken about studio musicians contributing far more than Ace and Peter. And don't give me the excuse that they were too busy to be in the studio, as Gene once suggested.

The subsequent tour that followed "PC" was also a major letdown. Gene promised the greatest show, both musically and visually EVER. Did he deliver? Hardly. The two concerts I took in were fun just because I got to see KISS on stage again, but the effect was nothing remotely close to what had been predicted. Gene also said that there would be an extended world tour in support of the "group" effort, yet it never materialized. He has steadfastly denied that Ace and Peter did not play (but in very limited roles) much on the album, but we all know how much stock can be placed in these words.

I thought "Detroit Rock City" was a fine movie and really captured 1978. It was vintage. But my impression of the film had NOTHING to do with Gene's insistence that it was all about fans paying homage to their heroes. I used to have four idols in this band, now I have but two, and never one of them were around from 1982-95. The set list has been a source of contention for virtually everyone who has posted their remarks about the band's status. I am no different. To me, there is no need in playing post-makeup songs because they are not identified with the original lineup, plain and simple. Yes, there were some decent tunes that came out of the 1980s and 90s, but it seems like just another publicity stunt to suggest playing "Lick It Up" or "Heaven's On Fire" or "Crazy Nights." There are legions of fans, like myself, who celebrated when the original lineup got back together. We heard all the proclamations, mostly by Gene and Paul, that things would be different this time around. Everyone would be part of a team, everyone would play a role, and everyone would have fun. Has that come to pass? Hmmm.

When I read about Ace's comments earlier this summer that KISS would embark on a farewell tour and end sometime next year, I was saddened and yet, almost relieved. I think he sees the truth for what it really is, that this great band has seen its better days and should hang up the guitar straps and take apart the drum kit before things unravel any further. Gene suggested that Ace was allowing old demons to come back and haunt him. He was right. The "demon" that has bothered the space man most is Simmons, in my view, not alcohol or drugs or any other vice. Having someone of inferior musical talent (to me anyway) disect your performances and stymie your ability to write and record music (see "PC") is indeed disheartening. Ace probably decided to speak up and not look back. Later, I read that Gene told a Russian music magazine that if Frehley left he would simply be replaced.

Not so fast, Mr. Simmons! If you honestly think that fans will support another "scab" lineup, you are very, very misguided! I gave up on KISS after Ace left the first time because it seemed that he was not being given ANY credibility or a voice. I did buy some of the albums, but the magic was gone. Shattered. When the reunion came along, my energy and spark was back. Others warned me that if Gene persisted in being money hungry KISS would undoubtedly head down the path to destruction and, sure enough, they were right. This time, if Ace leaves, I go with him and so will many, many others. To me, KISS is no longer a band re-establishing its legacy. It is much like the Clinton presidency - full of big promises, hopes and dreams, but far short on substance and delivery. There is certainly time to reverse this trend, but I fear that the only person who can write the wrongs is Gene. Can he see the writing on the wall like so many of the rest of us? Who knows.

But one thing is for sure, if he refuses to give the fans "the hottest band in the world" once again, he will discover that many have moved beyond the hype and put KISS in a more sentimental part of the past. Let Ace and Peter BE themselves, record an album that is TRULY KISS, not an assortment of studio guys, shelve the golf balls, toilet paper and tasteless merchandise and concentrate on the music, the stage perfomance. Too much to ask? We shall see. I am one long-time fan who will wait and reserve judgment one last time. For once and for all, make the words "everybody's got to rock and roll" mean what they did in the "day."

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