Online Fans Are The Worst "Fans" Imaginable
By: Eddie Helms

One thing I want to write about is on-line KISS fans. These people are the worst "fans" imaginable. I hate to be in the same category as these people, but unfortunately, I have no choice other than not be on-line anymore.

I think these "fans" are some of KISS's worst enemies. All I've heard from everyone is how they are tired of the same old songs tour after tour. Well, the band listens and decides to do something different by adding 80's material to the setlist they haven't even performed one show yet and 'I've already began hearing complaints! What gives?!

I've also heard a ton of complaints about the merchandising. Obviously, these so called "fans" don't understand the supply-and-demand theory. Why is more and more merchandise coming out? People are buying it! If a set of action figures sells out, then by all means, if there's still a demand, release a second set! If it doesn't sell very well, don't do another! Somebody, somewhere, is buying this stuff, otherwise no one would be making any money and they would stop making it. Take a look at eBay. Brand new merchandise is being sold for well over retail price. I don't think Gene is "whoring" himself to make money off of the KISS name like some people accuse him of. He's only giving the fans what they want.

One thing that the fans want is a new album with only the original members. I have to ask why?! If that's all you care about, why didn't we make Psycho Circus a multi-platinum album? Most people on-line heard at least ONE song before the album was even released because they just couldn't wait. I'm guilty of that myself, but on the day of PC's release, I got off of work at 10:00 a.m. to go buy it. Why didn't everyone else? Everyone is dying for a boxed set. Well, if and when this happens, are we going to do the same? If it doesn't go platinum, it's our own fault.

Also, alot of fans have complained about Peter and Ace's involvement (or lack of) with the Psycho Circus album. They didn't play on the songs that they were given credit for. These same people then say how they love the way the band used to be in the 70's. Wake up! Ace didn't play everything on Destroyer, Alive 2, or Creatures of the Night. Peter was barely on Dynasty or Unmasked, yet his name and face are on both. What has changed?

On-line, Paul has been chastised for writing with outsiders. SO?! This has been going on since Destroyer. Without "outsiders" we woudn't have Detroit Rock City, Shout It Out Loud, or Do You Love Me. The KISS Family is huge and any member of it can only make the music that much better. Aren't Wicked Lester members considered outsiders? They're certainly not KISS members, yet they helped create classics such as She and Goin' Blind.

Again, KISS gave us something cool with "Detroit Rock City: the Movie." It was about US! Yet, "we"didn't even bother to go see it. I was there, proudly representing the KISS Army, as I've done for the past 12 years. Where were you? Probably at home on your computers posting some ridiculous complaint about Gene's wallet, Paul's wig, or any other insignificant rambling.

All that's left to be said is that KISS probably doesn't have much time left. If I remember correctly, in 1989, they signed a contract for 10 years, which included 7 albums, Alive 3, and greatest hits albums. (If anyone has any more info on this, let me know!) My guess is that they will end it at an even 30 years like Black Sabbath did. In any case, take it for what it's worth. Whether it be a new album, more toys, a movie, or Phantom Of the Opera, enjoy it. Once KISS retires, there's gonna be a big void in our lives. All we'll have left will be our memories.

BTW, I love being on-line. I've made many friends, kept up with the latest news on KISS via the KISS ASYLUM website, and expanded my Kollection vastly. It's just that I understand why the band hates us.

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