Reader Editorial:
You know, I've been listening to KISS since 1975. I've enjoyed almost all of their albums (there's been some duds!), but one thing I'm really having a tough time with is the justification of the Alive Worldwide tour, and the upcoming Psycho Circus album & tour. Are these efforts really a genuine "get back together and make the magic happen again," or is it all merely a way to help out a couple of buddies ( Ace & Peter) get some big bucks to sock away because they blew theirs away on toxic substances in the '70s and '80s?
Remember, Peter wasn't really doing anything when he started doing KISS conventions, and wanted to show his daughter what he accomplished 20 years ago. There's nothing wrong with that. Everyone recalls their "Glory Days" of high school football, baseball etc. And Ace was having a hard time securing a contract with a company to do his next album. They went out on the Bad Boys tour together and then the whole reunion thing happened. I saw Peter on Donahue a few years back, and he was talking about a new album, and an autobiography, all these things that didn't pan out. Why? Because he wasn't associated with KISS anymore? I'm sure these companies were not aware of the interest that KISS fans have had in what Ace & Peter were up to after they left the band, otherwise they would have signed them on in an instant!!
Don't get me wrong here; I'm not trying to slam anyone. I went and saw the tours when they were in my town, and I've got all the cds, and I keep tabs on what's going on, but it's just that they seem to be over merchandising themselves, like they did in the Seventies. I really think that KISS non-alcohol wine is ridiculous! They should stick to what they do best: making good music and putting on great shows- leave the money grabbing to someone else. I'd rather see a quality item like Kisstory, than KISS mouse pads, golf balls, ashtrays, Christmas ornaments.... I found an ad in the paper the other day from a guy selling 2 sets of KISS figures (the new ones) with the letter bases ($200), and one set with gold albums ($100). This to me is just the tip of the iceberg with regard to people ripping off true fans. No friggin' way will I pay that much for a set of figures. So, with all the merchandise that's out there, where does it end? Although we're getting the best of both worlds, in that the original band is back together, and they're making new music, and there's so much new "stuff" out to collect. Guys, why overexpose, commercialize, & prostitute yourself for the sake of a few dollars? I think that you make enough from royalties- don't you?
Anyway, that's my ranting that's been building up for the past 2 years!! What do you think?
Tim Wise
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta Canada
Ron Responds:
I think your concerns are well-founded, and done out of a true concern for our favorite group. As far as the original Kiss getting back together for Peter and Ace's sake, I do not think this was the main impetus for it taking place. Gene and Paul have always held the cards, and altruism probably was not on their minds in 1995.
I agree that the band related merchandise windfall has been tremendous, but just remember that as consumers we have the choice of whether or not to purchase a product. I also share your concern that Kiss fell into a marketing trap once before, with devastating effects, and could again if not careful. On the other hand, I feel that I can handle any new Kiss Company goods, including ceiling spackle, arm rests, and leg cream, just as long as the band remains at their best in their heads, hearts, on the road, and on record. And, don't forget, Kiss is doing all the things they are right now because they can.
Overall, I think you have voiced a popular general concern of the Kiss Army. No one wants another 1978. We shall see... the next six months will be telling. The anticipation of the new album is driving us all nuts!
One more thing: Fort Saskatchewan? Are you in the Canadian Army? Ah, a double agent, huh? Two armies?
Reader Editorial:
Hello there! Just wanted to say that I've been having a great time reading your articles about KISS. So far, I have read #3 & #4, and as soon as I'm done with this e-mail, I will be reading #1. Because of what you've written, tomorrow I will purchase the Double Platinum remaster & listen for the little differences you had mentioned. I do have the vinyl, but it's never been a favorite of mine. We'll see now, I guess!
Thanks for talking about the "not so talked about" subjects of KISS, like the Animalize '84 European stage: I never have seen a photo of the stage before. But I did have the pleasure of seeing a KISS T.V. performance from that tour- the band "performed" "Heaven's on Fire"- what a dreadful performance! Paul missed his opening cue by a good second or two.
Hey, I have some things you can talk about in your future columns. I've always been curious about the national T.V. appearances the band made back in the '70s: Mike Douglas (Gene int. & performance, KISS contest winners-did they ever get a prize for being #1 KISSERS?), In Concert (what up with the rainbow stage set?), Midnight Special, what a great set list, the band was on FIRE, D.K.R.C. (if you don't know what that is, then don't ask us what "EU" means) Paul Lynde Halloween Special- I think Bruce plays piano better in a video than Peter did with "Beth," and of course, the best T.V. Appearance as a band- Tom Snyder, with George (Ace), Peter, Paul (I fight crime), and Gene (always nervous). Some background on all that would be cool. Javier
Ron Responds:
I think we'll soon agree that Double Stanley is an underrated hits collection. As far as the Euro Animalize stage, while I have not had any luck in getting more photos of the oddity, someone has supplied me with some additional information on this camouflaged mystery. Please read a following letter for more. I have seen the "Heaven's..." lip-synch, and yes, it is weak. It is perhaps only notable for Paul's outfit, which is distinctly European in where it was and was not worn, and for possibly being Bruce's first television appearance with Kiss.
The Kissing contest talked about on the Mike Douglas show was real, although the grand prize was changed. I am vague on this (and the correct information is out there in the public somewhere), but I think I recall that instead of the Alcapulco trip the (somewhat aloof and perhaps brain dead) couple were flown out to a Kiss show and given a hotel stay. Whatever it was the winning package was definitely pared down a bit. On this program Gene and the band were great. The emerging Demon character is so great to watch. Watch during the band's performance of "Firehouse" to see Gene get engulfed in smoke! I have always wondered why the band played this song on the program. It was not a single, or even a fluke hit album cut. But, I suppose that Bill Aucoin, etc. felt that firebreathing would go a long way with housewives.
The rainbow stage you are referring from the band's famous In Concert appearance was part of the television show's stage set, and not Kiss'. That is, I hope it was. Rainbows infrequently appeared in 1974 on Casablanca Records related materials, including ads.
Next chronologically in your television references is the Paul Lynde Halloween special. This appearance has always been one of my favorites, and not just because I loved the late Mr. Lynde's work on Bewitched. The shows's set provided a great environment for Kiss to lip-synch and deliver some lines in. About that dialogue, the segment where the show's host converses with our made-up heroes is notable in that (like the Mike Douglas Show) it shows how the Kiss superhero personas were evolving. Here, the group tries to be outer wordly, but comes off as cranky.
The performance segments are excellent, with the group at their kinetic best, not having to worry about playing their instruments. Interestingly, Paul is way out in front of the group, but I think the groups's front line configuration here was due to stage and/or camera shot constraints. Speaking of lens work, the spinning special effects add to the viewing pleasure, adding a touch of frenzy to the proceedings. In the context of the show "Detroit Rock City" and "King of the Night Time World" seem more conceptual in nature than on record. "Beth" seems to be sadder here, as the rest of Kiss console Peter as he sings and fakes playing a piano.
During this segment it is fairly obvious that Mr. Criss cannot play piano. However, Peter still looked good, just like the 1978 promotional still from Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park, where the kitty was holding an acoustic guitar. Peter seeming convincing, and most casual viewers probably did not catch on to the feline's ruse. I am sure it felt good to Peter to at least pretend he was branching out as well.
As for Bruce Kulick and his playing of a keyboard onstage during "Reason To Live" live and in the track's video in 1987, I think that although the guitarist probably knows how to play the instrument, he looked a little dorky doing it. He manned the keyboard more like he was taking the Enterprise out of orbit than punching out a few chords. Also remember that on the Crazy Nights tour, Kiss employed a full-time keyboard player, and kept him stage right and out of sight. So why did B.K. play the keys onstage during "Reason...?" Because Whitesnake did the same thing that year.
Out of these two full-fledged piano/keyboard events, I prefer Peter's piano man turn. Then again, there may be some of you who think that Gene's striking of "a major chord" for "Christine Sixteen" in the 1986's Exposed video was brilliant as heck.
Moving right along, Kiss' 1979 Tom Snyder Show appearance is rightfully legendary. Besides containing the hilarious coming out of Ace as a true comic, and a great (albeit quick) close-up of Peter's full-on Dynasty costume, another noteworthy aspect to this broadcast is that almost anyone can watch the show and enjoy it. It is that funny. You know, I think the episode should be digitally remastered and put out as an IMAX film. Could you imagine the Spaceman's cackles and Gene's testy "Hi, Mom" lines in full surround sound?
In addition to this unmitigated classic, there was one other Kiss-related appearance on the master of the combover's program. While not as sidesplitting in nature, I love it just as much, and plan on writing about it soon. What was it? An interview with Peter Criss, filmed during his Out of Control press junket in 1980.
P.S.- "D.KR.C."- Don Kirschner's Rock Concert?
Reader Editorial: Well, I have to say I always wondered what the hell happened to you. Now I know. Just wanted to let you know that I think your views on these KISS issues are pretty good. I guess that's why back in the day we got along OK. I do have to say I am glad you didn't fall away to the KISS wayside like most of the people we knew back then. Rick Notar
Ron Responds:
Rick, nice to hear from you- now where is my The Originals songbook? Seriously, it is nice to hear from you, and your contact springs to mind some thoughts for me to share with the general public.
Did any of you ever spend a major portion of your free time hawking Kiss to nonbelievers in your childhood, such as I did (see the last Vault for more)? Throughout the fab '80s, particularly late '84, I was a Pied Piper in my town, playing charmers like "Burn Bitch Burn" to convert kids to Kiss by the carload. I should have been awarded a platinum album by the band that year! I think I will pull a Vinnie Vincent, and just demand it...
While I was promoting the Knights In Satan's Service in my neighborhood, Rick was on the other side of town, doing the same in his chunk of suburbia. We eventually learned of each other, and occasionally got together to trade stuff. Why, his father even took us to the first ever (to my knowledge) Kiss convention at a Best Western in central New Jersey in June of 1987. While there, I picked up (from the table of ex-Starz member and now convention star Richie Ranno) a mint condition copy of Kiss' first tourbook for $30.00. No, I won't sell it.
But getting back to you Rick, thanks for taking the time to write. Sadly, it is true- some people have disavowed their fanship of the band, declaring it leftover baggage from childhood or whatever. Me, I know that Kiss is a part of my life. I want it that way. I have two college degrees, am married, etc., and still check the Kiss Asylum page everyday, buy Metal Edge, etc. In fact, just before I typed this reply to you I had just blasted Let Me Rock You, and danced around the room like a goon as my wife and dog looked on in horror. "I can make your heartbeat, underneath your skin..." Gee, I guess it was kind of scary.
Take care, and thanks for the vote of confidence!
Reader Editorial:
Just read your article about the forgotten songs of the '80s. Good job! Although my list differs from yours, it was an interesting piece. I am also a big fan of Asylum. I think the "Radar for Love" guitar solo is one of the greats in Kisstory. By the way, do you have any idea what the hell Paul utters at the beginning of "Radar..?" I meant to ask when I met him, but I forgot. Tony (former Publisher, The Long Island Kiss Report)
Ron Responds:
Tony, your letter reminded me to report something about that early Vault: Since then I have received a ton of e-mail about "Radar..." with the opinion ratio running 1/1 on whether or not everyone likes it. So, I gave the song another spin, and here's my mini-evaluation of the Zeppelin flavored track:
Overall, I think the number was a labor of love for the band to write and record, as it has a spontaneous feel. When Bruce (Union, "Zeptune") Kulick came aboard, he only added to the massive appreciation for Led Zep already in the band courtesy mostly of Eric and Paul. The tune really plays like a tribute to that band, although I feel that "King of the Mountain" incorporated some major facets of the Zoso band as well.
"Radar For Love" just never really killed me in the context of Asylum overall, and I have always felt that it is the weakest song on the 1985 disc. It does have some really interesting elements, though: Eric's electronic drums in the solo, Bruce's following of Paul's vocals on the fretboard toward the end., and the "waka-waka" fadeout (figure it out).
As for what Stanley says at the beginning, to me it always sounded like "What's up, whatcha' doin'?". However, I now think he may have been saying, "Read the Kiss Thought Vault.."
Reader Editorial:
Your musings are quite entertaining. I enjoy a more cerebral approach to Kiss, rather than the inevitable, "Kiss rules" stuff we usually read.
One comment however. I absolutely adore "Calling Dr. Love" on Double Platinum, not only because of the abridged beginning, but because of the backing vocals and harmonies towards the end of the song. In the remake, the harmony singing of "....Dr. Love... calling Dr. Love... calling Dr. Loooooooooooove..." really shows off the band's ability to sing. And I love harmony. Another song that shows it off is the blues "call and response" type singing of "Christine Sixteen".
I rarely hear it mentioned, but in my opinion, Ace was the heart of the original KISS, not simply for his picking, which is always talked about, but for his backup singing. I love to hear Ace sing backup. While his voice alone has never been something to write home about (although on the reunion he sounded very good, especially on "Cold Gin") together with the other members they melded very nicely. Just wanted to add my 2 cents worth! Scott Villardi
Ron Responds:
Besides Paul, the vocal aspects of Kiss are usually not talked about too much. Even sandpaper Pete gets slighted. As for Ace Frehley, his voice is especially unique if not powerful. In rock-n-roll originality is just as important as range and power. Thankfully, on the reunion tour he sounded better than he has in ages. Incidentally, for the comeback it was evident that the quartet worked hard on their voices. A viewing of the group's performance of "Rock and Roll All Nite" on Mtv's 1996 Video Music Awards provides ample prove of this.
Kiss' pop leanings have always made for great choruses; "Christine Sixteen" and "Tomorrow and Tonight" although not challenging on the vocal chords, yet memorable. For "Calling Dr. Love," don't forget that Kiss used female singers on the studio cut's chorus.
Other well-sung Kiss choruses are "Do You Love Me," "Hard Luck Woman," and "King of Hearts." Speaking of Hot in the Shade, another impressive Paul vocal moment was the "Fire and Ice" by Pat Benatar reminiscent "You Love Me to Hate You." Incidentally, that song was also similar to "Tunnel of Love" on Gene Simmons, in that it uses the phrase "lock and key."
One more thing about this song: It was originally recorded for Rock and Roll Over. Just kidding.
Reader Question:
Hi! I have a question. Was Paul Stanley in a movie called I Heard the Owl Call my Name? Gian
Ron Responds:
Hey Gian- I took your query seriously and looked up the film on my Blockbuster Guide to Movies CD-ROM. There is no information on the film, other than it was released in 1973. Paul was busy that year with his music, and probably did not have time to lend his sizable acting talent to this obscure piece of celluloid.
Reader Question:
Why no Ace solo on the studio " Rock and Roll All Nite"? Now, I imagine Bogart had something to do with this, you know, shortening it for a poppier radio appeal... but they really need to re-release it with Ace's studio solo, it makes the song... really! Listen to Alive! John
Ron Responds:
Does anyone know if Ace did indeed record a solo for "RARAN" that ended up on the editing room floor? It would be amazing if so. My gut feelings tell me that there probably was not a guitar lead taped for the sing-a-long anthem at the time of Dressed to Kill's recording. By the time Kiss played the song live, they probably just threw in the part to give their voices a rest in the middle of the song. That reminds me, I have never been crazy about the anthem on Kiss Alive!. It is too slow, and played with a different, less bubblegum feel than the original.
Reader Editorial:
I thought I was the only one who had a sarcastic tongue when talking about my fave group (of course, just with fans, I would never disparage the mighty KISS in front of a non-fan in much the same way an alcoholic (no pun intended, Ace) would cringe for a drink in front of a non-drinker). I love your column, although I wouldn't rank Asylum any higher than Beverly Hills Cop III in terms of quality. Great job-someone is finally giving it to us straight! Steve Corral
Ron Responds:
Steve, I know what you mean- with fellow soldiers anything goes in discussing Kiss, but among the general public we must assume a facade of unity and undying devotion. You know, "Yeah, the designer plates are king. Oh, I love Carnival of Souls, it is so real."
As for your assessment of Asylum, while I have never seen the third Beverly Hills Cop installment (I stopped watching with the rest of the word after the first one, ha ha), I have seen Eddie Murphy's The Golden Child and think I get your point. I think you should give the mid-'80s disc another chance. Solid performances, big choruses, and a hefty dose of flash and balls make this one an all-time great. I think I'll write a column about it.
Reader Questions:
Am I crazy, or is Gene wearing a wig on the Animalize's back cover? He had made a film around then, and his hair was cropped fairly short for it. Also, it seems fairly obvious to me that Gene has had his nose worked on. I'm not sure when, but it must have been during his f*cker/f*ckee Phyllis Diller era. Could I be wrong? I've never heard anyone mention these things before, so please fill me in on details - if you have any. Also, has Gene had hair transplants? I've seen photos of him where his hair seems to be thinning at the top - it kinda looks suspicious in Unplugged too. Name not given
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As for Gene's indulgences in hair restoration, please see my at-a-glance timeline below.
The following is the text from a cyber conversation with a reader:
I gotta get this outta my system, as I'm sick and tired of cringing everytime I read a related comment on the net... is Gene really wearing a wig/hair piece? With the kind of money he must have, couldn't he just get a transplant or something? Thanks, Ali
Ron Albanese wrote:
Hey! Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Gene's natural hair has either been augmented or flat out replaced with artificial locks since September 1984. Here's a general brief wig timeline marked by album releases from Animalize through Unplugged and including the reunion:
Ali replies: Oh jeez! Paul too? Oh well, at least transplants are by far better than wigs! I was wondering how Gene could pull that Kabuki ploop thingy. Thanks for making my day Ron !
Reader Editorial:
OK... just read your #4 Vault and realized that, yes, I do have a copy of Out of Control on 8-track. Can't listen to it anymore but I have it. The shell is a drab olive or khaki.
I've also got the Double Platinum set (which is black and white), two of the solo albums (both black) and Dynasty (silver?). And, hey, I even have the Village People's Live and Sleazy album on 8-track, which I believe is some sort of a tan affair. I used to have a copy of Alive II on 8-track, and I may be crazy, but I remember it also being a red-type color. It's long gone though. Good commentary! Bechtol, Mike D
Ron Responds:
I may even have a snippet of the "It's My Life" video on an old video tape. I used to tape stuff from "Radio 1990" religiously back in the early/mid-'80s, and I remember seeing it, so it may have been taped. I'd really have to dig for that one.
Ron Respoonds:
This means that my mylar rundown was incomplete in the last issue! Oh well... I vaguely remember hearing about this poster. The first issue of the 1982 album's inner sleeve was different material wise as well: it was a semi-translucent plastic bag!
Reader Question:
As for musical rarities, are you familiar with a British released 45 from the Asylum era with the b-side being a live version of "Heaven's on Fire?'" The a-side was "Tears are Falling." I thought it was odd that Kiss would release a non-album live track as a B-side. Not really like them. Mike Bechtol
Ron Responds:
I have the record, and yes, it is an oddity. Listen to the beginning, right after Paul first says "Ya know" the first time. It sound like he sneezes off mike before continuing his rap! This version of "Heaven's on Fire" is somewhere between the versions of the semi-hit found on Animalize Live and Uncensored and Alive III in terms of quality.
Reader Editorial:
Didn't Kiss do all stadium shows in Australia in 1980? If so, then they couldn't have used the Unmasked stage set up. If you watch the Sydney "The Inner Sanctum" show, the stage is the Dynasty stage set up (except for the lighting truss), not the European Unmasked set up. It has a wider ramp that goes around the drums and around two stacks of amps, with two more stacks on the outsides, along with the elevators to bring them on to stage. I don't think that the Unmasked stage had these elevators, did they?
I like your articles. They are good thought provoking discussions for a 21 year die hard fan like me. Steve Araki
Here is another, by the same guy, with my thoughts thrown in
Steve Araki wrote:
I have two good photos that show a majority of the Euro Animalize stage and the cat faces on Eric's set. The first one is from when Paul was about to smash his guitar. It's taken from a bit to the left of the centre of the stage, but you can see the full KISS sign (which is half lit). Gene's standing to the left, Eric's in the centre, and Paul's a bit to the right. Bruce is out of the picture. There is a great view of Eric's drum set, with both cat heads in view.
Ron Responds:
Until Steve mailed me, I had almost permanently forgotten about these props. I have seen a picture of the heads, too. I wonder if they were specially ordered for the tour, or just taken from the Kiss Warehouse, since they are cat-like in nature.
As far as the Unmasked stage in Australia, the way I see it, the Unmasked stage set is made up of pieces of the Dynasty set (the drum riser, except with flames on the riser instead of the weird cat sketching during Dynasty, and just 3/4 of the speakers cabinets used on stage), but a different ramp. So in a way, we're probably both correct.
Let's encapsulate the above theories:
1) The Euro Unmasked stage was a smaller replica of the Dynasty set, and the one used later for the Euro Animalize tour.
2) The Dynasty set from the U.S. was shipped directly to Aussie land.
Note: Regarding the second summary, a proverbial fly in the soup might come from C.K. Lendt's Kiss and Sell. I think he states in his book that Kiss shipped the Unmasked stage from Europe directly to the land Down Under.