KISS: Is KISS the Kiss of Death For Rock N’ Roll?

[@uncleeerie9128]

Kiss rules still, Singer has been there longer than Criss, screw this channel, you just lost a subscriber, Kiss will still be here long after you.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

I have no doubt! I hear they’re cloning themselves for prosperity as I type! Some form of KISS will be listened by your grandchildren, Uncle! Not by mine, mind you! Oh, and watch out for that screen door! It’ll catch you every single time!👌

[@Bigchet1223]

@@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine uh oh you pissed off the Kiss army.lol

[@forgottenfilmchannel1194]

@@Bigchet1223 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

@@Bigchet1223 Oops! Sh#t happens! 😉

[@helenespaulding7562]

Hahahahahahaha You’re HYSTERICAL! What in the world do you do when someone disagrees with you about something actually important??? How old are you? 10?

[@susanhutchison1270]

I love your “brutal honesty”. As a musician for over fifty years I’ve never really got Kiss. Three chords and a gimmick. Most of their music was done with “ghost” studio musicians for their recordings that weren’t paid much. When Aerosmith first came out I couldn’t rest till I seen them do “Train Kept a Rolling “ live like on the album. Got to see them when they were the warm up band for “The Guess Who” in Hawaii. They sounded like they were all drunk. Thirty plus years later I read an article that shed light on the recording. The recording was done in a studio with Alice Coopers guitar players, Steve Hunter and Dick Wagoner, pre Milli Vanilli, and the audience applaud was taken from George Harrison’s concert for Bangladesh. I felt cheated but a ticket was less than ten bucks and the Guess Who was worth it alone. When ticket prices went over $30 I quit going to concerts besides I’d basically seen them all in their day when the bands were all original members. The music business has become a joke. They’re are hundreds of bands that never get heard that are better and more innovative than the dinosaurs of the past. Keep up the good work and thanks for all the informative videos.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Not mention Bob Ezrin as an almost ghost song writer for them! A mistake in my opinion! Thanx, Susan!❤️👌😉

[@estoltz72]

Most of their music wasn’t made by ghost musicians. More than half of their catalog had zero ghost musicians and some other albums had just minor inclusions. Check out their unplugged album.

[@andrewandy6959]

@@estoltz72 Kiss MTV unplugged is probably my favourite Kiss album. I still Love You and Sure Know something hearing those songs on accoustic guitar were just some of the nice highlights on that album. That whole album is very good and shows KISS could actually play and sing and weren't a gimmick band

[@andrewandy6959]

Susan Hutchinson ,Fair enough if you never got KISS. They are a Polarised band, that people either Love, or Hate, but that has made them one of the most successful bands in their 50 year career in the music industry. If you think about it that is a great achievement for any band in any genre. There impact on many musicians (Not all, but many) is really noteworthy of praise. From country music artists like Keith Urban,& Garth Brooks, to prominent artists in rock today like Tom Morello from (Rage Against The Machine & Bruce Springsteen)to Dave Grohl from The Foo Fighters,to Black metal artists Abbath, Immortal,and others to mainstream glam rock metal artists like Def Leppard,Poison,WASP, Motley Crue all were all influenced by KISS. I even read artists like Stevie Nicks like KiSS. She even stated in a interview that she thought they were amazing.Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, Paul McCartney like KISS as well.You say they were a 3 chord band,that's true on their earlier albums, but to be fair there were a lot of bands between the 1950s-1970s that played 2 to 4 chords.If you go back to early blues music artists like Elmore James, Howlin Wolf, and others a lot of their playing back then is 2 chord and 3 chords. From my listening, older Music then wasnt technical but was a lot more anthemic.The Yard Birds,The Beatles, Slade, and many bands had anthemic catchy songs. The universal language of music that was simple yet effective brought people together in another time. Every music & performance artist brings something to the table. KISS did with their anthemic catchy rock songs besides their visuals. You say if it wasn't for the makeup they wouldn't have broken out of the New York Club scene,you might be right, but having said that I like KISS music better than The New York Dolls. Nothing wrong with the Dolls mind you,but they just didn't grab me. If KISS didn't wear makeup in the beginning they probably would have been a different band taking on a different path. The pre KISS band Gene and Paul had in Wicked Lester may have been the psychodelic musical path they might have tried to continue had they not become the theatrical glam rock band that evolved into KISS. You say KISS are a gimmick,that's true to a some degree...lots of bands had a gimmick. Alice Cooper with his snake,Angus Young with his school boy uniform.. KISS weren't exclusively a gimmick band.A gimmick wouldn't sell over 100 million records.To date KISS has released 44 albums including 20 studio albums..That's about 250 plus songs,that amount of music is sizeable, and prolific, I believe for any music artist.They had a 13 year career peforming live, touring, and releasing studio albums without their makeup between 1983-1996 and had decent success without the makeup. A lot of bands don't last longer than a few years yet KISS without the makeup rocked just as hard as Bon Jovi,Def Leppard, Motley Crue & other Rock n Roll Hair metal acts that were popular in that 80s rock period. Ive been playing Drums for 40 years and I am glad to say that KISS was my gateway band that got me into a lot of other bands and got me interested in other genres of music. In 2022 KISS is still my all time favourite band, it doesn't matter to me if other bands are better than them,or worse than them musically. For any music artist fan, Being a fan of a band is a very personal thing for a lot of fans.I love a lot of music from Led Zeppellin,to Deep Purple, to Yngwie Malmstern, & Celtic ambient artists such as Loreena McKennet and that's just the Tip of the music iceberg for me.. But I will say this, KISS will always be a favourite band of mine.They literally changed the face of Rock n Roll and were very much a pioneer of pyro technics and stage crafting. Before KISS, no band or artist had pyrotechnics for every show.Today artists as diverse as Adele have pyro in their show. Love them or Hate them, Kudos to KISS. They deserved their induction into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in my Humble opinion.

[@earld158]

that is not true at all. "Some of their stuff used ghost musicians. The majority was them. When they did us ghost musicians it was after 77 when certain members werent relaible to show up and a couple albums where Peter criss was basically quitting the band but didn't announce it yet. Pretty much everything they recorded until destroyer was them and on that album they used 1 session guy on 1 solo. You mentioned Aerosmith- they used ghost players too- including the song you listed Train Kept a rollin

[@rustycastleberry5567]

I was 6 years old when Kiss was formed in 1973, so I admit, I was blown away with them! Luckily, my sister was 18 and had Led Zeppelin 2 in her room. I listened to it and knew I had found my favorite band.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Oh you’ve got such a cool sister, Rusty! She saved you from a life of the dull-but-sparkly for sure! 😉❤️👌

[@Dwendele]

Very similar story here. I was 4, with a 14 year old brother who turned me on to "good" rock.

[@usmcchrisg]

You hear kiss to get to pink floyd or led zep.

[@mikaelhaggard8031]

LZ was great but Purple was just as good imo.

[@mooch514]

​@@usmcchrisg zep maybe, but not pink floyd! Kiss was cool and had good songs

[@glenaleksis4589]

Kiss alive was my first album and I wore it out! I loved it!! Kiss was also my first concert and I was hooked, liked them for a long time until they canoe out with dynasty. Then I got into ozzy. But I did go to the reunion concert and really enjoyed it. later in life I took both my kids to kiss concerts and they had a great time. But yea they had their time and it’s time for them to hang it up, Paul can’t sing anymore and they are so lethargic onstage, gene barely moves, but I can’t blame him he’s 70, I’m 58 and I can barely move either lol Kiss will always have a special place in my heart.

[@stepanbandera5206]

👍 Right on ! 100%!!!

[@BillLaBrie]

I remember something similar from the 80s when big bands from the 30’s and 40’s still toured under the name despite having lost all but a few of the original members, oftentimes even the guy the band was named for. It works as nostalgia for the people who love the music. They’re tribute bands, essentially. The insult is in the ticket price. A tribute band shouldn’t expect to make as much as the real thing.

[@mikeabbott2092]

I loved Kiss in the 70's, but I agree, their time has come and gone, and they should retire.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

We’re the damned ‘The Tribe’, not 401Ks!!!

[@davidshiflett6798]

You obviously haven’t seen their live show……I saw it last week and it was better than 99% of concerts I’ve ever been too

[@terjeweum3677]

I am with you on that 👍Now they lipsynch and even have the whole band on backing tracks on many songs

[@terjeweum3677]

Go listen to Stanley singing live on Criss Angel's birthday party

[@taisyalover14]

True

[@rjs2005]

My older step brother introduced me to rock music, via Led Zeppelin 2. He also introduced me to Kiss through their Alive! album- we explored Destroyer, Rock 'N Roll Over, enjoying all those albums. Love Gun was the first album we bought and probably listened to just a couple of times. It was Alive II that made us realize the band we had started out so strong in their live performances were just mailing it in. I don't even care about the drama between Gene/Paul and Ace/Peter- I've read both Ace's and Peter's autobiographies and can understand why Gene/Paul got fed up with their BS- I just think they quit trying to grow musically around 1978, and are essentially their own tribute band at this point.

[@fredranger7385]

Saw KISS in 1976 and I thought they were great but I was 15 and just learning how to play guitar and their music was simple enough for me to cut my teeth on. What amazed me the most was that Montrose was the opening act and they blew 'em away! Great band for a beginner to learn some rock n roll chops.

[@georgeedward1226]

I give Kiss credit for letting really good bands with the potential of blowing them off the stage open for them. Rush, Van Halen, Accept Ted Nugent etc.

[@fredranger7385]

@@georgeedward1226 Indeed, Gene Simmons gave Van Halen a break, if you haven't already check out these demos, nice and raw. Van Halen - Gene Simmons "Zero" Demos 1976 HQ

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

You know Fred, your the third or fourth comment or that said they got you into music! For that alone, they’ve earned their place in The Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame!

[@fredranger7385]

@GarthanSaal444 I saw BAND-MAID in Los Angeles at the Lodge Room in 2018 and the Echoplex in 2019. Scalpers prevented me from attending the 2022 LA show due to the obscene ticket prices. They are the by far the best rock band I have ever seen live and I saw The Runaways in my high school in 1976 as well as Sabbath, Zeppelin, Dio, Yes, Zz Top, Al DiMeola, Godsmack, Iron Maiden, Motorhead and I could name drop many more. Thrill was my Introduction to them about 2017 and now I have most of their CD's and Blu Rays. Peace and Welcome to BAND-MAID

[@martymartin2894]

@@georgeedward1226 AC-DC and Maiden aswell I believe. I'm not a kiss fan but I don't mind a few of there early songs.

[@scottedwards33]

I was 10 years old in 1976 when kiss hit big. I was blown away. I think kiss should get more credit for keeping rock alive. They got 10 year olds like me interested in rock in 1976 instead of disco and pop music. I still like and listen to them. I like to say, sometimes you eat a steak, other times you have a hamburger.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

You know, Scott for just keeping kids away from the dreaded ‘Disco-Era’ they deserve the damned Medal of Honor!

[@rjs2005]

@@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine Except they embraced disco- "I Was Made for Lovin' You" is as much disco as "Disco Inferno"- and I enjoyed the Trammps more- at least they were up front about what they were.

[@daveduffy2823]

I listened to Kiss, Cheap Trick, AC/DC, Ramones, Blondie, pop and disco too. You have to have open ears. There was good stuff and crap in each genre.

[@bobbybishop368]

@@daveduffy2823 most of us do have open ears and I hate to tell you buddy, but truth is, Kiss is really just not that good of a band.

[@ByteMeCompletely]

KISS is more akin to eating dogshit.

[@bethany_dawn5222]

I was ten years old when I discovered Kiss. Destroyer just came out and it was my first album. I will admit that it was Beth that got me interested in them, but song was the weak link on the record. It was Detroit Rock City, God of Thunder, and Shout it out Loud that really caught my attention. Kiss were my gateway into what back then was considered hard rock. Soon after I found bands like Black Sabbath, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin. Foreigner among others. I still enjoy Kiss once in a while.

[@mooch514]

Kiss never tried to change the world. They were about fun and forgetting your problems for a 2 hour live show. Kiss like them or not remain one of the biggest and most influential bands of all time

[@CBT5777]

Kiss were about profit at the expense of you lack of taste in music.

[@mooch514]

@@CBT5777 and its a free country nancy, look past your nose. All bands are about the money. Its called the music business! Acdc finished a tour with that idiot axl. Why? $$$$ they were going to lose profit. Entwhistle dies?? The show went on because of profit and $$$ .. at least a dozen examples of stuff like this...relax and take your meds and maybe you learned something today.

[@leddygee1896]

Their first “Live” album in 1975 was my personal favorite. Ace’s solos are searing and raw…

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

If I had to pick an album, that would be the one, Ledded!

[@reubensane5539]

Ace was on fire back then the band was hungry then

[@bobhecker1132]

very little of Kiss live is live. Those tracks were replaced in the studio, often by studio players. Fact is, those cats aren't good

[@reubensane5539]

@@bobhecker1132 that’s hilarious,almost all live albums are touched up for professional releases. Some of the best bands in existence used outside musicians and kiss has hundreds of shows from early tours that fans heard where they were on top of their game .

[@jhay3966]

I'm 17 rn, and I was blown away by KISS when I first watched a recording of their live show during their reunion tour, and it inspired me to play guitar and do music. I mean sure they're not the best, but watching Ace do all kinds of poses while playing a solo and their whole theatrics thing was enough to get me into music. But I do agree with your points on their shows today, Paul couldn't sing anymore, and they haven't had a new song since 2012.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Jay! I’m so glad you commented here! First of all, you’ve got to be the 5th or 6th commenter to say that KISS inspired them to become musicians! That is reason alone for their inclusion to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Kudos to KISS!

[@andrewandy6959]

Jhay - Check out a Kiss song music video on KZbin called Samurai Son from 2015. It was a number 1 hit single in Japan

[@jhay3966]

@@andrewandy6959 I loved that EP

[@andrewandy6959]

@@jhay3966 KISS should have released that song worldwide as a single. Could have been a big hit for them outside Japan. Great Rock animation cross over song

[@ChicagoBeaver]

At age 14, 15, I was hooked on BOC (The Thinking Mans Band as they were called). I also got into Yes, Floyd, Deep Purple, Zeppelin, Trower, and a few other amazing bands. For me to listen to Kiss after listening to say "Made in Japan," by Purple or "On Your Feet or On Your Knees," would be almost wrong. I've never owned a Kiss album to this day. I totally agree with you. Kiss just never had the same caliber of "good tasting music," I guess you can call it. I had friends who loved Kiss, they didn't like any of those bands I mentioned. I mean, put 2 and 2 together.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Love your bands, JR! Many are mine!👌😉❤️

[@chanewinthrop1089]

The BOC live albums are fucking amazing. I especially love the cover songs. Greatest American rock and roll band of all time in my opinion. Its funny because this hugely popular band Ghost has all the mystique of early Kiss yet sounds alot like BOC. Again, just my opinion.

[@ChicagoBeaver]

@@chanewinthrop1089 Ghost? I'll have to give them a listen, since you mentioned them. But getting back to BOC. Greatest American RnR band of all time? I'd have to let that sink in, I mean I felt that way around 78, 79, 1980. They just had smoking hot, killer album after album released and I was there at the record store buying every one of them. Even bands that I consider American super groups (Kansas, Van Halen, Frank Marino and Mohagany Rush, Grand Funk and others), they didn't have as many excellent albums as BOC. Every single song on every BOC albums were great songs, unlike bands I mentioned, they had some horrible albums. So, you may be right about BOC!!!!

[@odelljl]

As a 15 year old I saw Kiss open for Rush and BOC in early 70s. Forgot about Kiss once they wiped up the fake blood but became a fan for life of the other two.

[@BBaldwin]

I like their first album and Rock and Roll Over. “Shock Me” is a really cool tune. But yeah, they were geared towards boys still whacking off to the Sears catalogue and they sure as hell ain’t no Led Zeppelin…

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

A very astute and fair evaluation for the band here, B!!! Awesome!👌❤️

[@chrisoakley5830]

Thank you for doing this video. I became a Kiss fan in 1978 at the age of 12. I followed them religiously until about 10 years ago. They are a perfect example of what you are talking about. When they announced the Farewell tour in 2000 Paul Stanley said that they wanted to go out on top. They didn't want to stay around too long but that's what they have done. The last 20 years have been sub par at best. The 2000 tour should have been their last with the original members in tact. I have nothing but respect for Tommy and Eric. They are great musicians and fine people I'm sure. Gene and Paul can certainly do whatever they want, they don't need my approval. I just feel that they have lingered longer than they should have.

[@sancho0813]

Thanks for giving Alice Cooper its due. I always called them and Bowie the missing link between showmanship and musicianship.

[@gavinkerslake]

I was really into Alice Cooper from age 13. (1979). The band was amazing. Looking back I see their talent even today.

[@ontheroadwithyode390]

You don't have to be a KISS fan to at least give them the credit their due. They have achieved a lot ,broke many barriers and forged a path for many other musicians and bands. They raised the bar for stage performances that are now industry standard.

[@MrObelisk2290]

Must admit I was in the Kiss army from 1975 to when Peter Criss was out in 1980.

[@rustycastleberry5567]

It's ok. I was too.🥴

[@SONORSQ2guy]

@@rustycastleberry5567 ditto

[@Coolnesski]

They lost me when they started wearing capes

[@rustycastleberry5567]

@@Coolnesski They lost me at " I Was Made for Loving You"

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

That was their best incarnation, Jose!

[@thefonzkiss]

Same setlists for decades, Gene looks like Grampa Munster, Paul lipsynches almost everything and when he speaks he sounds like Bea Arthur gargling wasps, and two fakes in makeup! They’re everything they said they would never sink to.

[@BBaldwin]

Grandpa Munster! Gargling wasps….that’s good stuff right there! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@AlmostReady504]

So funny you mentioned Mott the Hoople, New York Dolls , Alice Cooper and David Bowie were my (and MANY people's) favorite bands. I always, ALWAYS was drawn to the visual aspect/theatrics of bands. Living in New Orleans you could rarely see these bands. Then KISS was on The Midnight Special and played The Warehouse New Orleans ...it changed everything for THIS impressionable teenager '75 - '76 . Suddenly They were more accessible in magazines I've been a musician ever since. Don't know whether to thank them or punch them in the mouth!! ☆ they've taking enough Heat for the backing track disasters. They won't have a problem drawing for the additional hundred shows they just added. I really thought we'd see them on a residency. That would have suited them but it seemed they couldn't sell enough Advanced tickets

[@williamlangan5902]

I enjoyed Kiss up to the Phantom Of The Park. I remember a friend of mine calling me in the middle of it just to make sure I was watching it on TV. Another friend of mine got all the solo albums and I was curious to hear them. I let him know but it was to no avail. This was the beginning of the end for me. I stopped following them but was still interested. Then the makeup was removed in 1983. While the makeup removal made sense, it also meant "You can't go home again." And Kiss tried with Peter and Ace. But Gene and Paul were like "Why should we go back to them when the new guys are more reliable?" We know they had their reasons to feel that way. It would be better if Kiss just retired the name after this farewell tour. They may still sell by someone. But they wouldn't sell with me.

[@stevengabbard930]

Preach on! I loved KISS back in the day (when I was in junior high school). But, it is so painful to see them today. Paul lost his voice a long time ago and him and Gene barely move around on stage anymore. They should have kept their word and retired after they did their first farewell tour back in the late 90's. They would have at least kept some dignity. I don't know why they do it. They don't need the money. When I see Gene and Paul today, in their make-up and performing 'Deuce' for the 4000th time, I see a couple of old guys proclaiming to the world, "Hey look at me! I peaked when I was 25!". No dignity. No shame. Just embarrassing.

[@andrewandy6959]

Steven Gabbard in terms of old men you could say the same thing about Aerosmith, AC/DC, The Rolling Stones,Alice Cooper, Alice is older than Kiss still peforming ..pretty much all of those artists are. If you are saying KISS has no dignity in their 70s, are you wanting to say the same thing about other bands that have been around as long as KISS or even longer. We all know KISS aren't the same today as what they were in their 20s and 30s and that's the same with a lot of older bands. But look at this as a positive be thankful that it was a great time to grow up when KISS and a lot of other great rockers were at the top ruling the world. Today generation Z people are not overly interested in music, not like the days of the 60s70s80s where it was dominated by music artists of various genres. With social media and technology we all know the shift has changed the world. And if you look at all the negative stuff that's happening today be thankful for the band's that made music the universal language,and bringing people together. Those days are coming to an end unfortunatley because the times are changing

[@stevengabbard930]

@@andrewandy6959 I do say the same thing about Alice Cooper and all the others. Grace Slick is totally correct, there is nothing more pathetic than a rocker over 50 still performing. I applaud her accepting her age and moving on with her life. She has found a new career as a painter. Captain Beefheart did the same thing. Rock music is a young people's music. It's raw, full of energy and hormones. I cringe when I see an almost 80 year old Alice Cooper sing Under My Wheels today. And, I loved Alice Cooper in the 70's. The song simply doesn't belong to him anymore. I totally agree with Michael Noland. I didn't love these bands just so I can become their 401K's late in life.

[@andrewandy6959]

@@stevengabbard930 fair enough regarding your opinion about Rock Musicians not continuing beyond 50 with it's raw energy and suited more to a younger man. Are you just against Rock Musicians that shouldn't perform beyond 50 or are there some musicians and singers from other musical genres that you feel the same & should stop after 50 as well? Quite a few years ago I saw Jazz crooner Tony Bennett in concert nearing 90 years of age and he still had it performance wise and vocal wise.

[@saultrockcity]

KISS are the Hulk Hogan of wrestling, as I grew up with 6 older siblings and KISS got me into Rock and Roll with Slade, Foghat, Mott The Hoople, Black Sabbath, B.T.O, AC/DC, Rush, Bad Company, The Sweet and so many others following that passionate love for music. I had a vinyl and CD collection of 6000, but had to sell the majority of it when the Pulp and Paper Mill I worked at shutdown and my marriage ended, so God Bless KZbin and Sirius radio now lol. KISS always had their critics from day 1, yet they outlasted so many bands and continue to sell out arenas without no major opening acts and before anyone mentions backing tracks, I honestly don't care with the age they are, as I hear so many other bands are using them as well, but nobody makes a big deal out those bands using them lol. Technology is everywhere now, so if bands can make themselves sound better in a studio or live, I'm pretty sure they'll do it and most hardcore fans are seeing these older bands for the nostalgia and memories, along with having a great time in this crazy world, so I don't criticize any bands, because who am I to question whose music people love, to each their own. KISS distinguished themselves from any other band with their makeup and stage show, so that caught my attention back in 1975 when I was 10, but it was and always will be the music for me, as they might be simple or non complicated songs to many, but I absolutely loved most of them, although I admit KISS has songs that suck just like any other band lol, as I just never listen to those ones, but Dressed To Kill is my favorite studio album, as they're all short songs about girls and having a good time and for myself, that is Rock and Roll. I still listen to thousands of other artists and go to concerts whenever I can, with Guns and Roses and AC/DC being my last ones, but nobody gives me that nostalgic excitement and awesome memories like KISS does when the lights go out and the curtain drops, so KISS nor any band for that matter wasn't the death of Rock and Roll, because nobody can kill Rock and Roll, as the music lives on forever, we however, along with the awesome artists who created it will all perish eventually. Like Ozzy's song You Can't Kill Rock and Roll, especially when it lives in your heart. Sorry for the long winded message, but music is my passion and forever will be. Take care, stay safe and keep Rockin !!!!

[@RZK1966]

The insane ticket prices started with the Eagles in the early 90’s with $100 prices.

[@CalebePriester]

I admire some aspects of Kiss. For instance, I like how they modulate in many songs, I like their rhythm, sometimes they will use silence and caught you off guard because you will be expecting them to play a certain way, but they somewhat use silence and they caught you off guard haha I don't like every song, but I can enjoy their early albums, especially the first one and the second one. Hotter Than Hell is my favorite Kiss' song. But it's cringe to see them playing live, they are old, they should retire already.

[@andrewandy6959]

Caleb Priester good points in what you say. I think It's pretty much the same for all rock musicians and bands that have been around or have been even longer around than KISS. Alice Cooper, Aerosmith,Ritchie Blackmore and others are all getting old nearing retirement. I was watching an interview with Ritchie Blackmore the other day and he was saying he will only continue to tour if he is up for it even when promoters were very keen to book him for some more shows with his band Rainbow. He was saying he was having some health issues. Sad, to hear in a way but that's life

[@billyb8356]

I saw Kiss on the Alive 35 tour in Donington, England. I also have the cd of that exact complete performance to boot. That was in 2008 however, when the singers were 14 years younger. There's obviously no lip syncing going on there as you can hear all the mistakes. The performance is very good and it's fascinating to hear what a live album without any kind of studio doctoring sounds like. I also have the complete performance of Genesis' concert from Frankfurt in 1981. Once again, there is no doctoring, and there are fluffs in there, so even the mighty prog maestros Genesis made mistakes in their live shows 😂

[@helenespaulding7562]

Compare McCartney to Plant in what they’ve decided to perform. To me, no comparison as to who is doing it the right way. Have you heard Levee from Glastonbury last week? Amazing! If you haven’t see. It, check it out and tell me what you think.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

I agree wholeheartedly with you Helene! Robert Plant is still a live performing ‘ARTIST’ and McCartney is an artist as a songwriter, but not as a performer! I saw the whole Beatle part of his show when I went to see the original broadway show ‘Beatlemania’! They sounded more like the Beatles than Paul does now, and if I wanted a Jukebox, I’d go see them, or ‘The Fab Four’ tribute band! And I’ll save a ton!

[@waynehawk4747]

I was a Kiss fan way back when up until about 1980 when I went to Kiss concert and a lot of the crowd were children. I mean little kids 6/7/8 years old. Holding their Kiss dolls and lunchboxes. Kiss wasn't dangerous anymore. It was like Disney on Ice. I did see them in 96 but only because my wife had never seen them and wanted to go. Is Kiss the death of rock and roll? no probably not, there will always be guitar driven rock ,it's just in fashion these days but will never go away. I do have to admit that like you, I think it's time for Kiss to pack up the makeup. On the other hand lets talk about Alice Cooper for a bit. 74 years old and still just killing it. And sure his shows now are very choreographed and not as spontaneous as back in the day. But on each leg of the tour they'll change up the setlist and there's always NEW songs. Alice has released 8 albums of new music since 2000. That's a new album about every 2.5 years. Two more new ones are in the works now. Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think any other band or artist from that era is even close to that. And that's not counting 2 albums with the Hollywood Vampires. But just look at all the big names from the 70's including Kiss and none of them has that kind of output. If any output at all. I'm also aware that a lot of people dismiss anything from Alice after the original band but thats just not fair. There have been some hit's and misses but overwhelmingly they've been pretty damn good albums. 23 studio albums as a solo is pretty impressive I think.

[@analogidc1394]

There have been lots of bands that my wife and I would have liked to have gone and see play live, but the high (greedy) ticket cost has kept us away. It also doesn't make it easy or even possible for many young people still in school or working part time. You would think from a business perspective, they would want to attract the people who could become future customers.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

There was a time when that’s exactly why a band toured, IDC! You know, to get new fans, with new material, played in a way that fans didn’t just want your albums, but NEEDED to SEE you LIVE! Only the cream of the crop existed on that level! KISS was NOT one of them!

[@Hardonfishing]

@@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine I saw Kiss in 1978 for $11.. it was amazing. The problem is people don’t buy music anymore. Music is streamed and downloaded now. Touring is the income. If Zeppelin got back together and did an oldies tour, ticket prices would be just as ridiculous.

[@abrax_7]

The chemistry of the original four was pretty amazing, check-out some early bootlegs before they hit it big, there is an intensity to them.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

I agree with you, Abrar! Bob Ezrin ruined their basic sound!

[@reubensane5539]

@@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine I read a review of Destroyer in 76 I think it was in circus magazine and I think it was journalist Robert Duncan that said Ezrin ruined Destroyer and turned Kiss into eunuchs haha I didn’t even know what that word meant and had to find out lol My favorite kiss album is Dressed to kill .

[@jeffyoung8726]

Dude! Spot on with EVERYTHING you said! I agree with you Michael, great video!

[@everettnapihaa6111]

There is no band in America that can stand next to an all female Rock and Metal bands in Japan. These girls have saved Rock and Metal music! They are fresh and always with new music and can slay a few good men on guitar, bass, and drums, and vocals in America damned straight! Just don't let language be a barrier, not everyone understands Cannibal Corpse or Rammstein! Japan girls Nemophila, Love Bites, Mary's Blood, Aldous, Dextrose...and more Metal, and for best Hard Rock is 'BandMaid'. BandMaid has over 100 songs but at the begining a couple of albums were written for them untill they wrote a song called Alone...then they were given carte blanche(so to speak). They're first official music video is called 'Thrill' in 2013 and it launched a fan base all over the world.They have soldout shows in October returning to America from playing there before. All these 'All Female girl Bands' from Japan are a shot in the arm needed in Rock and Metal that the industry has abandoned!!! Final note: BandMaid's drummer is Jimi Page approved!

[@romeoslover817]

I always thought that KISS was a gimmick instead of real music. In my view, they exist to make money. And they did. The 9 year olds, that are now adults, really liked them.

[@markkasick]

My first real rock and roll LP was KISS Alive! I think I got the second one too. They would be new albums about this time I was maybe 10 or 12. Then I pretty quickly outgrew them. A few years ago I borrowed a stack of maybe their first 6 or 7 albums on CD for a re-listen The first one, KISS in my opinion is great all the way thru but I have a soft side for simple catchy rock n roll songs. Actually I never heard that one as a youth. Then I could only spot listen after. It gets cringy after the first album. But I think that first one is really underrated. There is not a bad track on it.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Wonderful analysis here, Mark!👌❤️

[@marcjeffers4229]

Kiss passed away over 20 years ago but no one told them🤨

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

See? ‘Paddy’ all over again, Marc!👌

[@daddybog7189]

That is what is out there these days, bands performing without original members for various reasons. You summed it up pretty good when you mentioned the cost of a Concert, I don't think anyone is worth it. Thanks for your enjoyable video.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Thanx, so much DaddyBog! The actual mechanical jukeboxes of the 50s & 60s have become humanized! What’s next? The Mormon Tabernacle Choir touring ‘The Wall’???❤️👌😉 You just know it’s gotta happen!!!

[@martymartin2894]

I gave up going to big arenas and stadiums, it's a rip off with ticket prices and parking,the hassle and cost of driving also for the sake of a couple of hours show and being far away looking at a screen. Now I prefer smaller theatres and clubs or sitting at home with a blue ray concert on surround sound.

[@youtoo2233]

I definitely agree, I was a little kid in the 70s and I remember a friend of mine was crazy about them and had a bunch of album covers and I would look at them and listen to the music and it just didn't grab me like Led Zeppelin did, but I still saw kiss in concert in the mid 80s not long after they took their makeup off and it was just okay

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

And sometimes, ‘just OK’ is enough! I’ve been to a lot of just OK concerts! And I enjoyed most of them on one level or another!

[@bobturnley2787]

One big difference between KISS and Zeppelin was that KISS could play their songs Live and make them sound just as good if not better than the studio recordings. While most Zeppelin songs played live sounded not bad but also not as good as the studio. Page had to play both rhythm and lead and by 1971 Plant gave up trying to sing in the same high range Live that he had done in the studio.

[@BBaldwin]

Plant’s voice was in top form beyond that, certainly until at some point on the 73 tour. Listen to How The West Was One from 72. He’s flying high.

[@bobturnley2787]

@@BBaldwin I just relistened to some of the songs for the high notes. He sings most of the high notes for Immigrant song, Whole lotta love and Rock and Roll. Maybe half the high notes for Black Dog. He does pretty good on Stairway until the last part of the song where he just skips all the high notes. And he doesn't go for any of the high notes on Since I've been loving you. Still a great Live album. But those missing high notes are a big part of the songs. They were just too hard to do while performing long shows in a long tour.

[@mooch514]

Plant struggled live live as early as 75-76

[@guillaumechabason3165]

I've been a huge Kiss fan since 78 From 73 until 83 their songs were great Perfect melodies excellent singing Ace did very memorable melodic solos I'm also a big jazz and prog and classical music fan ... from Cecil Taylor to Pierre Boulez but Kiss will always have a special place in my musical memory

[@DC-ih8bv]

Mike you’re right about Mac. I realize the younger band members was always a tactful factor to keep Paul on his toes and seeming younger but the last 3-4 years his age has caught up. His voice just ain’t the same. He seems shaky. As for Kiss. They have been caught lip syncing or having pre recorded music as backing on this tour. Terrible.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

You know D C, it’s the lip-syncing that bothers me most! More on that very subject coming up! Spot-on, Tribalite!

[@joezier3112]

There is a lot of problems with KISS i know. But, they remain to be my favorite Rock band.

[@3wheelmannc860]

I have been a Kiss fan for as long as I can remember and will continue to be. You make some very good points with support. All members SHOULD have been inducted into the HOF for sure. That Kiss movie was a joke at any period of Rock or TV. They destroyed many barriers that plagued many artists due to corporate / label greed. They did and do it their way, although a continual greatest hits tour has been getting old for a time now. Even if they did not tour in support of new material, I would have really liked to see their creativity with additional songs over the last 10-20 years. Their family squabbles should have been kept internal among all members. Just rock and roll every day and every night.

[@matthewrhelf4559]

Shout out for giving a shout out to background musicians at concerts, family that doesn’t always get their due representation. And always- long live the tribe!

[@razorsedge5145]

First off, excellent video. I was introduced to KISS in 1976 as a 7 year old kid through my uncle Barry, who also told me about their earlier albums. Naturally, I was hooked. As a kid, I wanted all the merchandise, magazines, dolls, cards etc... I followed them all through the rest of the 70's and through the 80's. I owe KISS a lot because they really got me into music and through some other tough times, but I need to get back on track. I saw them on the reunion tour, and I was content. I felt the story was done. Now, seeing them now, I just have to say I'm disappointed. I just think they are a sad caricature. The freshness is long gone. My friend Stephen saw them on the supposed "End of the Road tour," and he said it was way too sterile and there was nothing raw and powerful about it. Just the same songs that they've been playing at nausea to a mostly new crowd of followers with a few of the over the top hard-core fans who think KISS can do no wrong. All in all, we agreed this tour is just a cash grab and KISS just needs to retire. In my opinion, KISS, thank you for the memories, but you just have simply overstayed your visit and like the bubble gum in the old KISS card packs. Your flavor is gone.

[@billmchale3744]

KISS / ALIVE Is there Best Album & it still stands the time.

[@RTrocker]

Iam a die hard KISS fan and have been for about 43 years. They have been a great live band and have done a huge amount of material for the last 50 years. But I do agree with you about using prerecorded tracks. It dissapoints me that Paul is using them as an aid. I know he lost his voice a lot of years ago. But he was one of the top rock vocalists in the 80s and through to about 2006 IMO. Iam glad they are still with us performing and will miss it when they are gone. But damn they left us alot of great music and eras that I can revisit when ever I choose. They were the soundtrack not just to my youth but all through my life! Rock on people!!!!

[@Dwendele]

Kiss is the Poison on the 70s, and vice versa. Granted, both bands put on a great live show. And they were both cool to pre teens of their time.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

And they have their place! But beyound that place are The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Queen, YES, and many, many more! Never mix oil and water, YOO!

[@dibslin2.081]

@@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine Queen is the only band in that group that isn't overrated and pretentious.

[@kevinbrady6075]

Interesting take Mike! However you can't lay the 'death' of rock at their feet alone,oh no,....I stop there.Happy 4th Brother!

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

I lay the problem art the feet of them and the other eleven bands I mentioned in a previous video! And many more bands that I haven’t got to yet! Stay safe on the 4th, bro!

[@Alexanderpaal67]

From Norway: Thanx for this & Your thoughts. I understand Your opinions & statements & i do agree to a certain point. Am now 55 & this band has followed Me since the age of 9. The year 1976 when i got My first ever LP: Rock’n Roll Over. My first concert 1983 Lick It Up Tour with Vinnie Vinncent. My world would never be the same. I will allways love this band because of: they have great songs, each member sings & their stage show. Kiss has not produced any new music since Monster 2012 & the rumours of lipsync & playback. Those are obvious negatives. But do i care anymore not really. Favoritte albums: Destroyer Alive2 Rock & Roll Over

[@davidshiflett6798]

I just saw them last week……it was amazing to put it mildly! Paul was moving around like he was still a 25 year old……and his vocals were great as well! It wasn’t just a concert…..it was like huge party! It’s the only time I’ve really felt like I got my moneys worth at a show! And I didn’t even wanna go, but I’m glad I did!!!

[@chrisoakley5830]

Thank you for this analysis of KISS, my favorite musical act ever. I don't mind the things that you said that you didn't like about the band, as you said it's all a matter of personal taste. I feel about Led Zepplin the same that you feel about Kiss. They certainly have some songs that I like but overall I'm not that crazy about them. I do agree with you, however, about the current state of KISS. I think they should have ended with the Farewell tour in the year 2000. The last several years haven't been that good for them in my opinion. Thanks.

[@nigelbagguley7606]

Love your attitude to the subject ( incidental of Kiss) my first boss,told me and other FNK's, that if we wanted to make a living crewing for bands we had to put our actual musical tastes in a lockbox until we got home.If you can't do a professional job for artists whose work you don't like ,then there's no place for you.Best advice I ever got,apart from anything else,some of the people making music I f-ing hated turned out to be some of the best to know and work for in the industry.

[@leokimvideo]

Kiss's biggest mistake was going past the 90's reunion tour. Sadly it seems Paul is an expert at paying out on everyone else apart from himself. The nails in the coffin is all the lip syncing going on during The End Of The Road tour. In Sydney Paul was caught out well away from the microphone while lip syncing Shandi. It's so sad to see what was a great live band become a tired endless joke. I didn't pay $400 to see Kiss in Sydney to see a copy n paste concert with a locked up playset running to a sync track. This band has not gone out on top.

[@mooch514]

Not sure where you got that lip synch story. Kiss played shandi for the sound check. It was live . I saw a few shows on the last tour. Looked closely...no signs of lip synching by paul. His voice was tough. He is 71. Still 2 h15 of loud rock n roll. Was great. Haters will always start stuff. I think motley crue are the real fakes....they have been using pre recorded back up vocals and rythmn guitar tracks since the begining as admitted by mars himself on trunk

[@royceinthehouse842]

Hi Michael, another entertaining analysis. Kiss Army and fans are as devoted as they come. I did a live Podcast where we interviewed Ron Williams author of the book "100% true story by a 100% true kiss fan" The show did well. I never got into Kiss, but my previous 3 co hosts on my live podcast were big Kiss fans and collectors. I've seen many times their history of being fans goes back to early teens being at concert meet and greets getting pics and autographs. I do own a few Kiss albums now. At their age for me it was Beatles, Stones, The Cream, CC&R, then Hendrix and Zeppelin. On a side note Eric Singer (Kiss drummer) Is godfather to my youngest granddaughter.

[@chrisvanuden]

It’s a difference between artistic performance and entertainment. Kiss was always about entertainment, and never was going for artistic performance like Led Zeppelin was. I have been a Kiss fan since 1979 (I was 7 then) and have seen them numerous times throughout the years. I do agree on a lot of your points. However, I saw the band in Amsterdam last week with my 12 year old son. Nothing wrong with that show and we just had a good time. I just kind of relived my own first KISS show through his eyes, so to speak. That counts for something I suppose. Then again, I would love to see more new, young bands emerge that we can go to. And more important, I would love to see the media back up those new, young and creative bands so they would get more exposure. Because that is why we don’t see a lot of new rock bands nowadays. Because they are out there!

[@thema1998]

If rock is as "dead" as Gene Simmons claims it to be, then he and KISS helped kill it. Many legacy bands refuse to hang it up and/or charge too much money for their concerts. It doesn't help that some legacy bands have vocalists/lead singers that just don't sound *good* anymore! 😒

[@markkasick]

I saw Alice Cooper a few years ago in a co-headliner with Deep Purple. The latter is arguably my favorite band . Alice opened, and afterwards I was thinking how can anyone follow that? Purple was really good, but you had to a be a prog-ish sort of fan to appreciate it. The Alice show was incredible and honestly I am not a huge fan.

[@chrisvanuden]

Alice Cooper is awesome live indeed!

[@reubensane5539]

You don’t have to be a virtuoso position to be in a great rock bands MC5 ,AC/DC Cheap Trick are all Great & I’m glad as hell they’re not like Yes ElP or King Crimson,as much as I am a fan of theirs . Many bands that stay to the party start to suck ,it’s the law of nature,but kiss during Alive days kicked peoples ass’s just listening to the vinyl w out bombs and blood spitting in my living room … 40 something years later I still love 70s Kiss!

[@ludwigvanzappa9548]

I liked KISS when I was young and didn't know anything about rock music. But it changed rapidly.

[@bthere100]

Really like the original Alice Cooper Band but like solo Alice even more. Just a matter of preference but it's all great stuff. Never was a huge KISS fan but will say in his heyday Stanley was a good singer

[@warptek]

8:05. I agree with you 10000%. Led Zep live was incredible. I sometimes even preferred the live version to some of their songs then the recorded version.

[@stevemazz3121]

WOW Michael you are correct.... We are so hungry for true quality Rock and Roll we still go see those 70 plus year old's in a band.

[@lionheartroar3104]

I Love Kiss

[@williamjamesayers7719]

I loved KISS in the 70's but their time has come, just like the Stones, too.

[@philipdefibaugh5683]

For the Crazy Nights Tour Kiss did employ an uncredited keyboardist to play the synthesized parts backstage over the loud speaker.

[@mikaelhaggard8031]

I was a big Kiss fan as a kid until I heard Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin , then I discovered bands that actually had phenomenal musical talent , haven't listened to Kiss for years.

[@GrandFunker]

Lifelong Kiss fan here who couldn't agree more!!

[@jaybanks7718]

I saw Kiss three times. Once with WASP opening, once with Black and Blue, and I missed the opening band the last time. Had most of their albums. Played the heck out of them. Rarely listen to them any more. Even though some of my favorites are hair bands, the thing I dislike about 80s metal now is that most of it sounds like it was recorded on a 4-track cassette recorder. It really doesn't make much sense that music from the 60s and 70s was recorded so much better, especially considering some of the 80s hair bands sold A LOT of records.

[@carlsalazar4490]

I’m sixty years old and I’m listening to new bands. I will not pay good money to see a band beyond their prime perform. We need to support up and coming bands. Go see their shows,buy their music.

[@mikenogozones]

I'd like to hear your take on Bruce Springsteen charging $4k for tickets on his upcoming tour

[@averagejoe8187]

I became a Kiss fan when I saw them in concert in what was their Alive! tour. Wow, A great show! I stayed a Kiss fan up to the Dynasty album (I began to doubt them when they did a disco song), but Unmasked and then The Elder was the end for me. During that time period I went to three of their concerts, all great. I agree they should be in the RRHoF, but I think it should be the original line up. The band after that was still good, but it felt like it was more about the money than the music. I still consider myself a Kiss fan, if we are talking the original group. I agree, it’s time for them to Kiss and say goodbye.

[@TudorSmith]

I love the whole synopsis. Very enjoyable. Let the old rest in peace!

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

But not you and me, Tudor! We are the exception to the rule, surely! I know, I know never call you Shirley!😉❤️👌

[@JustTheFactsMan]

I agree 100% with your opinion on KISS. I don't dislike them but I haven't bought a KISS album since the late 70's. I am definitely old school rock like you.

[@aaroncrawford5638]

I saw KISS live in 2000 on their “farewell” tour. I do think their live show is way better than their studio recordings.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

I agree that their better live, Aaron! My favorite music by them are the live versions!

[@billmarshall2536]

If you heard of Kiss in '78-'79, when Phantom of the Parkwas released, then you missed out on prime Kiss. The core audience '74-'77 wasn't 12-15 and they scared parents to death during that time. By '78-'79 they were falling apart and heading fast into the end of the classic era.

[@johnpatterson4272]

KISS were my initiation into heavier and louder rock music. They were my first rock concert, that happened in the summer of '77 with Cheap Trick opening and it was magical. Keep in-mind KISS in the 21st century is a BRAND, no longer seen as original artists peddling their back-catalogue. KISS will not be the death of rock and roll, their business case never concerned itself with artistic merit nor musical craftmanship. There will NOT be 100 more shows, until early 2023 KISS are simply meeting their contractual obligations for postponed 'End of the Road' concerts from 2020 and 2021. Then, at sometime later the world will get KISS 2.0, a touring stage production in the vein of Blue Man Group or Phantom of the Opera, without Gene and Paul or Eric and Tommy. Hopefully ticket prices will be a hell of a lot cheaper.

[@markbrown7103]

Michael Nolan’ you are right on about everything you’re saying about these bands I couldn’t agree with you more your thoughts are the same as mine I feel the same way I really enjoy your show I think you’re super cool with what you have to say about other musicians I’ve been a solo instrumental guitarist for very many years I don’t try to flash myself in public as a guitarist I just play but Covid has messed me up so I don’t go in public anymore maybe I’ll get back on track but until then I’ll keep watching your show because you’re great you have a lot of great things to talk about and I really enjoyed that thanks so much for your videos have a great day👍🏼👍🏼🎸🎶🎼😎😁☮️

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Hopefully we’ll be covering some stuff that may be quite interesting to you as a a musician on ROYCE IN THE HOUSE tonight at 6:30, Mark! Hope to see you there LIVE!

[@markbrown7103]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😁😁😁 I’m glad you enjoyed that I enjoy your show thanks again so much🎸🎼🎶☮️

[@augustinecerronejr7968]

Hey Mike, I saw KISS in December of 1976. I was newly stationed at Cherry Point NC MCAS and my squad were going to see Kiss and I asked. You mean them dudes with the makeup? Oh No. He said We go everywhere together, do everything together and so you gotta go. Fayetteville NC it was. We were in the front row in front of Gene Simmons. What a show. I remember the whole place and Me. I WANNA ROCK AND ROLL ALL NIGHT AND PARTY EVERY DAY, it was awesome. I still never bought any of their albums etc. I saw Ted Nugent 7x. So KISS isn't my cup of tea either Brother ✌😎

[@kevmac1230]

I saw the Zombies last year and they had all the living original members.Colin Blunstone still has one of the best voices in rock, putting many half his age to shame.The band sound great 👍

[@ambikawolf664]

I agree with you. KISS is one of many bands that were popular but I just never got into that much. I would say there is a long list of these bands. I loved Slade, Bowie, Status Quo et al... Paul McCartney could retire and I would be fine with that. Him and many others who continue despite their voices being unsuited for older songs. There is a lot wrong with rock and roll... no wonder I have gotten into jazz and classical again.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Me too, ambivalent, me too! So sad!

[@thomasjohnson3692]

Hi Mike, I would love to see a video of you talking about new rock artists' music and what they have to offer. Keep up the good work!

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Thanx, Thomas! Appreciate your kind words, bruddah!

[@tlaust09]

Yes that would be interesting?

[@billbonu1639]

What new rock artists?

[@fredw.jensen1962]

See? This is what we first named "Heavy Metal", and that was a diminishing term at that time, and bands like Kizz worked like a vaccine on many of us against anything to come, labelled "Heavy metal". And bands like Nazareth, Uriah Heep, Deep Purple and Zeppelin was heavy alright, but the name or term "Heavy metal was never used of any of them before much later when bands like Slade and Judas Priest had already made a couple of albums.

[@FifthBoy]

Their only advertising point in “76 was “the loudest band”. Circus band for sure.

[@jimf4492]

I was 14 or 15 when KISS came out, so I guess I was their target audience. They were never my cup-O-tea, but they sure were popular in my high school. As long as folks will pay the price of admission, I don't blame any band for continuing to tour, but I do agree with your comments about enough original or notable members needing to be present to prevent it from being a tribute band. I saw the Eagles in 2005, and paid $80.00 for a nose-bleed seat. There was a Jumbotron, so it was still a great show. I recently heard they now charge several hundred dollars for a cheap seat, so I guess my concert days are over. Ian Anderson toured a few years back. He had a young guy to help sing the higher, more powerful passages. I think it was billed as Anderson, rather than Tull, although the second half of the concert was all Jethro Tull songs (I saw them 4 times "back in the day"). I thoroughly enjoyed Ian's and his band's performance - There was no pretending it was the original band, and the show stood on its own merit. And, I don't understand why Jethro Tull are not in the Hall of Fame. I guess it's just a commercial/political thing, and Tull were never conformists...that's probably why I like them.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Yeah, Jim but the Hall of Shame dictated in their wisdom to induct Dolly Parton! What are we missing, Jim???😉

[@markbrown7103]

All in another thing I never did like kiss anyway and you’re right about that song Beth and you’re right about a lot of things 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼😎😁

[@toonman361]

I admit I like their old music, especially the earliest albums. They were at their peak when I was in high school in the late 70s. My interest went away at "Unmasked." Some of the solo stuff was okay. Now that I am 60, it does seem funny to watch these old guys act as if they *could* party all night.

[@shelbytc16v]

Personally, I like hearing a band live that plays the songs like the record. That’s what the fans hear on the radio and when they buy the music. When a band plays it differently and different on a night to night basis, people don’t like that. They came to hear the song as they know it. Plus, don’t over analyze KISS’s music, it wasn’t supposed to be Earth changing . It’s all about having a good time.

[@mikeb.7183]

KISS is a good entry level into the Rock-n-Roll scene, it was mine for a short period though, No ki goes into their parents or older siblings record collection and pulls out a Meshuggah records and goes this is appealing to my ear. Any kid who wants to be in a band needs to study KISS as much as The Beatles or Led Zep. While not perfect musicians they are great performers and promoters. An old wise drummer once told me "60% of the people here tonight will hear with their eyes"

[@storymansworldofdiscovery1831]

Thank you - finally - yes is the Kiss of death has been since 2000 - Will they ever go away?

[@freedo333]

At 53, id never seen Alice Cooper till last fall. He puts on a great show & his band is great!

[@joemartucci4786]

I agree with some of this some of these bands should call it a day. There’s not too many new bands out there that are good. Hotter than Hell one of my favorite Kiss album. One reason Kiss holds a special place for me even though like a lot of people I grew out of them is that in 2010 I was in a band that opened for Kiss here in Buffalo New York. I was nervous because you don’t know how you’re gonna be treated. We were greeted at the gate by their tour manager. We were informed we had our own dressing room, we were being fed lunch & dinner, their crew moved our gear & we got a sound check. Paul’s late guitar tech introduced us on stage we hung out with manager Doc McGhee & talked to Gene Paul Thommy & Eric before their show. All great guys plus their show was great even though Paul’s vocals were shaky but a great experience. I did open for lesser bands & were treated like shit so...lol. Love your videos brother glad I subscribed.

[@joemartucci4786]

@Garrick St. Martin I was in a band called DoDriver we went on kind of early did a 25 minute set. I think other bands on the bill were Envy & I don’t recall the other band. Don’t know if you caught us or not.

[@joemartucci4786]

@Garrick St. Martin I believe that was it. We also opened for Queensryche, Jason Bonhams Led Zeppelin Experience Quiet Riot ...first time was a disaster their tour manager was a complete asshole lol

[@mikevanderwolf8575]

Saw McCartney in 2018. It was what it was and it was a pretty darn good show.

[@cafe.cedarbeard]

Kiss: the Disney of Rock. Kiss was my first rock concert, age 12. I started playing bass that year after catching one of Gene's picks, but John Taylor of Duran Duran and Steve Harris of Iron Maiden were my favorite bass players. It was 1986 when Maiden was at the top of their game. I lost interest in Kiss quickly as my taste developed into high craft once I discovered Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Yes, King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, Queensryche, Fates Warning, Dream Theater, Paul Simon, Rush, and The Beatles; Kiss became boring as hell after exposure to other musics. I grew out of their fan base by the time I joined my first band, age 14. As to their present success, with the big lights and huge volume of the shows the humans have always been little compared to the spectacle. Nostalgia sells big, and Kiss are amazing musicians compared to the kids these days. The kids these days, old man talk? yes, I'm almost 50. I was in my 20's before the internet was even able to transmit color photographs. So called 'digital natives', barely aware of their bodies or the Earth to which their bodies are native, the robot generation have the most unskilled musicians with recordings pushed to masses than any generation since recorded music has been available. Outsourcing our humanity to robots started in the 70's, but it was a synth inside a real band at first, then orchestrations of only synths with singers, but back before ProTools, turn of century, then 'smart' phones 2007 even the synth bands had good songs and powerful singers. Now and for a few years running sound systems not controlled by me in my world almost always have production more than musicianship, untrained, unskilled singers barely audible over the instruments, all virtual by the time they've gone through the shredder of edits and producer tricks. There's no song structure, no lyrics that take me anywhere other than childish emotional spaces and whining or bitching, or just quotidian nonsense with no poetic expanse of perception; swimming in circles in the kiddie pool with no bridge anywhere to be found. Compared to this stuff Kiss are excellent musicians. Even with lip synching; most of these kids can't even perform onstage at all. Their voices aren't real either with all the plugins.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Love Taylor, CCb! And if KISS inspired you to become a musician, that right there justifies their existence! That very thing in the end is what REALLY counts!

[@cafe.cedarbeard]

@@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine Kiss didn't inspire me to music first, it was just my first live show that loud. I noticed music riding around in my parent's car as an infant. We still had music in school, a piano lady who led us in songs. Truly it was MTV that turned me on to Rock. That's where I saw what was going on. I had no idea how the sounds were made. I was 8 when I found out there was an acoustic guitar in my grandparents house. I had a few lessons at school, but didn't take to it at first. Clarinet in school band, our teacher was a working professional in the local music scene in the Jazz way. That's what got me into the idea of being a musician. Then my step brother turned me on to heavy metal. I wanted to be in Iron Maiden first, then Rush, so I went for bass cause no drums in Mom house. Once I got a bass I was in for good, seeking music all my life as a participant and creator. Kiss was just a good opening round for the live experience.

[@rayjingloryproductions3770]

Not to forget the one thing that NEVER should have been discovered --- AUTO TUNE. That shit is just plain AWFULL.

[@mooch514]

@@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine john tayler of duran duran also caught a pic from gene and he started playing bass because of gene and kiss...you can hate kiss,,,but you cannot say that they werent one of the biggest and most influential bands of all time

[@michaelalberts3615]

I saw KISS last in 2012 and while the voices weren’t what they once were, the show was still fun

[@frankstrysik1558]

I agree with you on one thing, the Alice Cooper Band without the stage show was still a hell of a great rock band. David Bowie was the critics darling but other than two songs I thought he as overrated.

[@DanielE-dk1ws]

In Gematria.....Kiss Army = 56 ..... Society of Jesus = 56.... Interesting observation.

[@clydekimsey7503]

Im not a super big kiss fan, but Detroit rock city and shout it out load are 2 GREAT rock anthems

[@scait38]

Hey Michael!!!! Bad or good I love Kiss!! Great job!

[@robintaylor485]

You Have A Blast 💥 of a 4th of July Mr. Noland. I Enjoy your speeches is your good I like listening to you talk about music.