KISS Symphony: Alive IV (1) - The Kiss Symphony Story (part 1)

Kiss Symphony: Alive IV is a 2003 live album from Kiss performing with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO). The arrangements were made by David Campbell, who also conducted the MSO. It is the group's fourth album in the Alive series and first release under Kiss Records and Sanctuary Records. The album featured three of the original members of Kiss (Peter Criss, Paul Stanley, and Gene Simmons). Ace Frehley once again left the band and the concert featured for the first time a replacement musician, Tommy Thayer, dressed as Ace Frehley's "Spaceman".
The members of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra who accompanied Kiss during this performance wore makeup that mimicked the band members. At the same time they also wore tuxedos.
1. The Kiss Symphony Story
Act One: Kiss
1. "Deuce" (Simmons)
2. "Strutter" (Stanley)
3. "Let Me Go, Rock n' Roll" (Simmons)
4. "Lick It Up" (Vincent, Stanley)
5. "Calling Dr. Love" (Simmons)
6. "Psycho Circus" (Stanley)
Act Two: Kiss with The Melbourne Symphony Ensemble
1. "Beth" (Criss, Ezrin, Penridge)
2. "Forever" (Stanley)
3. "Goin' Blind" (Simmons, Coronel)
4. "Sure Know Something" (Stanley)
5. "Shandi" (Stanley, Poncia)
Act Three: Kiss with The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
1. "Detroit Rock City" (Stanley, Ezrin)
2. "King of the Night Time World" (Stanley, Ezrin, Fowley, Anthony)
3. "Do You Love Me" (Stanley, Ezrin, Fowley)
4. "Shout It Out Loud" (Stanley, Simmons, Ezrin)
5. "God of Thunder" (Simmons, Stanley)
6. "Love Gun" (Stanley)
7. "Black Diamond" (Stanley, Criss)
8. "Great Expectations" (Simmons, Ezrin)
9. "I Was Made For Lovin' You" (Stanley)
10. "Rock and Roll All Night" (Stanley, Simmons)

[@thehouso]

Seems so many don't understand that Eric Singer and Thommy haven't got a choice and have to wear the original band members make up corresponding to the instrument. Gene and Paul made this rule so don't shoot the messenger. Gene and Paul want the original alter egos on stage, so Ace and peter created the alter egos of the space man and the cat and it's up to the new members to become those alter ego's . Doing this keeps the original Kiss 'the show' alive today.

[@warrenreddaway5734]

WHAT?

[@jameshughes6049]

This was a great album with the orchestra, really meshed nicely.

[@Thespian821]

My only wish is that Ace played this one before leaving the band. Knowing that he now tours & records on his own, many of his songs (especially on his ‘78 solo album) would be cool to hear with an orchestra.

[@Prof_Tickles92]

Yeah. I’d rather have Ace & Eric Singer.

[@jamie.777]

Yeah Peter couldn't keep time

[@joshualove5920]

@@jamie.777 Peter was the only thing that kept this from being a perfect show. Honestly, Ace would have screwed it up...

[@digi_edits]

I wish I could get all the Instrumental versions like the one in the beginning of the video for "God Of Thunder", they sound beautifully epic!

[@glenncampbell1455]

One of the Greatest Bands ever. Orchestra in full make up as well. Great concept and a fricken awesome concert as well.

[@bb-gc2tx]

too bad no ace

[@LOUIS-np6be]

YES😂 AND IN DOWNTOWN MELBOURNE THE BEST !!!!

[@MatChew75]

The best orchestra band concept I've ever heard was the one Rush did for Clockwork angels, outdoor in Atlanta at the Verizon Pavilion 2012........ awesome. Nobody can pull off chemistry and musical Perfection like Rush. And it went off without a hitch as usual they were perfect; better than the album and the orchestra just added that extra touch that made it a true gem! Geddy Alex and Neil/Rush rulzzzz!

[@glenncampbell1455]

Great comeback. What an idea. And it fucking works.

[@LOUIS-np6be]

YES !!! WOW THE BEST!!!

[@mikebenjamin6511]

this was one of the best concerts that they ever did it was different

[@ajjy1110]

all re dubbed in the studio

[@jazxx9390]

I was 10 years old and my dad took me to this show . Was so good

[@fersilva5609]

I love you kiss

[@toddfrederick2872]

Beck's dad is the conductor should of had Tommy play "Im A Loser" as a nod to David Cambells son Beck and a homage to the way almost all KISS fans feel about Tommy Fake Ace Thayer : )

[@timgrant6646]

Rock band? Orchestra? AWESOME! Tho I wished Ace would’ve been part of it

[@michaelwright2359]

In 2004, that would be an arguable point. But it's been 11 years - if people don't know that it is Tommy/Eric then they obviously aren't fans anyway. Most have known since 2006ish. It is what it is.

[@Phard11]

No doubt the original members had special magic. But, for anyone to think they can keep that magic for 40 years is out of their damn mind. Members of bands come and go...the make up is not identity theft. It's part of the show. If you don't like it, fine....don't watch it. But, quit you're bitching. Just watch the old stuff.

[@trustobey1016]

+Phard11 Good point

[@jigglediggle29]

+Phard11 Members come and go, sometimes, yes. But if old members hire new "musicians" and use them as impersonators of foreign members, that is just stupid, laughable. Kiss is shit these days, nothing more. Stanley and Simmons are two old moneygrubbing farts. Here them talk about the makeup and the original members back in 2000, here them now and over the last years: both are delusional idiots. Anyone who says that Kiss is good these days is a naive prick.

[@Atreyufolife]

Phard11 no I wouldn't and they still pay Ace but Peter sold his. Paul and Gene are liars.

[@Atreyufolife]

Phard11good is about perspective.

[@Atreyufolife]

Phard11 they are impostors and I love loathe people who kiss Gene and Paul's ass.

[@johnstreet46]

My favourite KISS tour since Sydney Australia 1980 well pulled off KISS

[@johnnystek6900]

i heard Tommy taught the orchestra how to play their instruments

[@drcornnipplesyohanson3661]

@MAZE MATTHEWS then polished all their knobs

[@digi_edits]

Lmfao

[@LOUIS-np6be]

FROM WHO I HEARD

[@jameshughes6049]

This wasn't the 1st time Tommy played the spaceman, he took over in 2002.

[@88kwthomas]

3rd actually..

[@johnknox3282]

at 8:17.....and Tommy Thayer....a smattering of applause and he's thinking, "I'm not Ace."

[@LOUIS-np6be]

NO HE IS NOT THINKING YOUR DUMB COMMENT 😂

[@rglow1]

Whatever they are today who cares! They are what they are! I love Ace and Peter....just remember the good times and the music! The 70's were a great time to be a KISS fan, plus the reunion years also. Gene and Paul and what they do these days doesn't affect my life one bit, so what if they wear wigs...they're entertainers...look at Hollywood, they all do face lifts, plastic, botox, hair weaves, etc...People will bitch and moan that this isn't KISS...SO WHAT get over it and move on with your lives! If you're a die hard KISS fan and like the original four (As do I) and can care less about Thayer or Singer just remember what we had growing up!

[@johnnyrobbsodully3405]

Would've been totally epic if Vinnie Vincent played in Love Gun with him using a violin stick to play his guitar solos! Missed opportunity! Plus they should've played Creatures of the Night with Bruce Kulick! COTN would've meshed rightly after or before God Of Thunder or even after Strutter!

[@joshualove5920]

If only Peter could have kept time.. He always loses it on the fills (especially on Deuce).. It would have been a flawless show

[@josielopez2713]

ty for posting this...i loved it!

[@alan1963]

What would Michael Kamen is gonna think about that Kiss Symphony concert?

[@Northisbest]

KISS Symphony - DVD Editing is so awful change a lot of camera and making uncomfortable to watch...I actually went there really cool show with symphony but DVD sucks though.

[@bluestrapsify]

First peter is retired, He had many problems with carpel tunnel and other things . Ace also for different reasons is out, Its about time to let itgo

[@thetotcmband411]

On the next episode, Kiss belts out Mozart..

[@88kwthomas]

anyone else notice it was dubbed over the top of an eric singer vocal of black diamond? It was a good live show but there was alot of post production work on the live album, I still cant work out how the hell peter criss managed to keep time with a conductor.. doesnt add up

[@Wirdheim]

Just noticed it. The recording of Black Diamond probably comes from the farewell tour, maybe the Tokyo concert.

[@jacktherripper]

It definitely seems like Paul and Gene have their heated moments during the rehearsals.

[@MatChew75]

It would have taken months of preparation but the fact that their music so easy to learn but it's Kiss music so it only took them 3 days

[@ShockMe1994]

Khubla Khan no, it would’ve taken months in preparation but the fact that they are talented musicians that can adapt to situations with a little bit of practice made it easier. What instrument do you play?

[@88kwthomas]

@@ShockMe1994 he plays the keyboard.. logitec not korg

[@ShockMe1994]

@@88kwthomas 😂 you got that right

[@amandalindgren3579]

Why is everyone so angry at Tommy and Eric?!Give it à break!If they wasn't there maybe KISS wouldn't be here today!Think again your bastards!

[@maidenfan4927]

Amanda Lindgren ..that’s the point. There is no kiss without them. Just fake ace and fake peter

[@ontheroadwithyode390]

Just another example of Kiss following the trend insteadof setting it. The mix of hard rock with a symphony was a little fadin the early to mid 2000's . only a few years agter the "unplugged" fad all of the bands were doing.

[@markcasey3989]

don't ya mean no wonder ace and peter sold out . or are you another one who says they were tricked ???

[@stvr6144]

6:30 LOL.

[@cakestalker]

Eric and Tommy weren't forced into Kiss. If they had any self-respect and dignity they would have quit once they learned they had to act as these fake replacements. Unfortunately they are only in it for the money, just like Paul and Gene. They give a shit about the fans or the legacy of the band.

[@ShockMe1994]

Ingen Ting oh and Ace & Peter weren’t in it for the money? Of course they were to! That’s why KISS owns the makeup designs and why Ace & Peter have been bought out of the partnership

[@carlosrenealanis]

a Paul no le gusta Peter de baterista!!! 😮

[@nostalgiajim]

Summer home??? lol.....um no...

[@patrickjpm]

jeanpaul

[@michaelwright2359]

You don't state your opinion. You spam this site with the same posts, you slam other fans and berate them to tell them they should think like you do. You're butt-hurt that a rock band does something you don't like. Boo-hoo. If fans love the new stuff, too - then how is it tarnishing anything? That makes no sense. It's just good fun and fans enjoy it. Live with it and leave people alone.

[@JoeChristiano-thekissfan2.0]

I was a KISS fan for life since I was born on June 11, 2008

[@patton303]

You just know that Gene wrote that cheesy copy at the top of the video.

[@petera.michaelsen4657]

apparently Tommy spent his time there just recording hahahahahahahah

[@adareese6580]

Dear Mr.Romeoouh1 My,popcorn & coco time you have GREAT TSTE ! Kick back ...Rest 4 NEW YEAR'S Best to You. KISS ROKz !!! I here till the End.Mine ! But,what a way to go. to your 2013 THX ShandiBeth.

[@brayanronaldo09]

KISS YEA lml lml lml :b

[@anthonyc3152]

If anyone is interested on how this concept should be done check out Metallica S&M 1999.

[@mrdiv90]

um he designed the make up? sorry to confuse you but eric carr designed his own make up and so eric should do the same? when eric singer is wearing the catman make up he is wearing peter criss's make up!

[@ShockMe1994]

Daniel Diviak yes Peter Criss makeup that he took a paycheck for, correct.

[@ginx99]

Correct But he DOES NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THE MAKEUP KISS DOES so paul and gene

[@maryannperry2474]

The original press conference in Australia only included Paul, Peter and Gene. They asked Peter to join them in this, and they also asked Ace to come back for it, unfortunately, Ace had just left the band again and had had enough. They all were hoping it would be the original band. Peter Criss can't stand Tommy Thayer and made no bones about it in his book. He did like Eric Carr and would dedicate songs to him during his solo career after Eric passed away. That is something I've seen, not part of his book. I'm glad Peter was part of this great concert even though he got rear ended again by Paul and Gene when all was said and done. Personal feelings aside, it's a really great concert even though Ace wasn't there too. I almost feel bad for Tommy, they really don't acknowledge his presence even during "Great Expectations". Having to wear Ace's makeup and costumes really isn't fair to him. He has no identity of his own, neither does Eric Singer. I won't be surprised if Tommy and Eric S. come out with books one day also stating that being in a band with Paul and Gene drove them to suicidal thoughts. I think Kiss fans, past and present need to agree to disagree. No one is right and no one is wrong, it's all about each person's feelings and our freedom to express them.

[@jigglediggle29]

For the Symphony they needed at least 3 of the original 4, that was the point in the contract of the record label. Peter was just a toy, i think they dind't tell him they just got him back because of that. Ace said "Fu** off". I mean, Gene said in 2000 that Ace and Peter are not gonna be replaced because there would be no Kiss after the Farewell Tour. And, years later? Ha! But it is as it is - Peter is unhappy, Ace is happy. Ace makes a lot of money leasing his Spaceman-Persona to Kiss. Peter sold the rights, no more money for him. But i think he gets a few bucks from merchandise. And everytime Eric sings Beth, he get's some bucks, too.

[@Sean-me4fv]

Schwallschwall Gummiball Did you just say Eric sings Beth? Is that true??

[@rocsaltjohn]

....Let's correct some things. Space Ace likeness and image....trademarks.justia.com/owners/kiss-catalog-ltd-2458035/ (OWNED BY KISS CATALOG LTD) Peter only gets paid for "Beth" if the music is "sold" like recorded or sold on a record. When Eric Carr recorded it, Peter got some of that. Simply singing a song doesn't pay a specific royalty other than the royalty that's paid from the venue paying a Blanket license.

[@ShockMe1994]

Barnabas Wanger Ace doesn’t own his makeup and you’re delusional to believe that crock of shit.

[@UkyouKamimura]

Quiero el intro de este video alguien me lo puede conseguir, le estaré eternamente agradecida 💖💖💖💖💖

[@ginx99]

There is nothing HIS about it KISS owns the makeup

[@TNO73]

I understand your point.Is there a reason that Gene & Paul won't allow Eric & Tommy to create their own personas. Eric Carr & Vinnie had their own & real KISS fans accepted them into the fold. I think it is insulting & disrespectful to fans of the original band & to Ace & Peter. Also after listening to both Sonic Boom & now Monster why don't they let Tommy play in his own style. He even sings songs that sound like the were written for Ace. When Lightning Strikes & Out of This World. C'mon!!!

[@ShockMe1994]

TNO73 but weren’t Ace & Peter literally disrespecting the fans of the original band and themselves when they took $$$ for their designs? Can’t blame Gene & Paul for it all

[@thomasholt6897]

Yeah......METALLICA did!

[@mmmetalwolf]

I love TOMMY, HE IS THE BEST

[@LOUIS-np6be]

YES!! YES HE IS DEE BEST

[@terrymadre9286]

I never hear the fellas talk about this thing. It's like the swept it under the rug and forgot about it. Was it really that shitty? I'm not talking about the DVD just the music and whatnot.

[@terrymadre9286]

+boobboomagoo And why couldn't Peter continue to work with them after this travesty? They can't blame this shit idea on him.

[@ShockMe1994]

Terry Madre Symphony is AWESOME, the music is great and Peter did continue to work with them after this for the Aerosmith tour, they needed 3 originals or Aerosmith wouldn’t do it, in 2004 his contract ran out and they let him go.

[@michaelwright2359]

Nope. Wrong. *Their*

[@jean-marcmischler1142]

Super

[@tjsullivan5119]

Finally a kiss show with actual musicians

[@carlosrenealanis]

estupid !!!!

[@jmgmarcus808]

This wasn't the greatest idea, plus it must have been scary as fuck knowing Peter is such a crap player, and would be the time piece for the whole thing. I'm sure he loved singing Beth though. This band used to rock. RIP Kiss 1973 - 1978.

[@avolite719]

Yes, Peter WAS a sub-par musician. That can be also categorized as "Crappy". wither YOU like it or not. The ONLY reason he made it was because he took his sub-par ability and applied it to sub-par music. Look , I grew up listening to Kiss like a lot of pre-teenagers did, but once you branch way out and hear a lot of other bands and music it really is easy to see how shitty Kiss was. Good showmanship, something new for the time they came out, fuckin genius marketers of merchandise, but stop acting like they were anything approaching A-level musicianship. If anything it was more equated to used car salesmen. Buff that shit up and talk your ass off hyping the hell out of it.

[@Atreyufolife]

anyone saying Peter sucks is MA that they have no skill at anything other than ignorance. gene is talentless and all Paul ever had was his voice.

[@skipthebase]

This would of been so much better w Ace

[@digi_edits]

In a perfect world, maybe. But we don´t live there. Still. It was a mfking good concert.

[@memyopinionsche6610]

yeah Peter Criss is there but where's ace freaking Frehley?

[@ShockMe1994]

Me my opinion Sche Ace was fucked up at this time, he quit the band and didn’t want to do the show and tour that followed, they begged, he said no.

[@MrThecozy]

ok,but it isnt the orginal KISS without Ace and Peter even if the mask its the same.

[@josearriola3087]

i pray to god they all qgs get back together

[@adareese6580]

Great TASTE Keys again sticking.Sorry!

[@mrdiv90]

i never mentioned peter owning the rights to the makeup?

[@ShockMe1994]

Daniel Diviak neither of them do

[@LOUIS-np6be]

I NEVER MENTIONED LOL !!!! I never mentioned too😂

[@MrCraigary123]

If ace was involved it would have been that much better.

[@spacewithace1997]

tommys hair is so god aweful he looks like joe dirt

[@exeortegarubio]

I understand your support for Peter and Ace, but how come you still don't understand that they haven't overcome their addictions? Do you seriously prefer the times when they had to be replaced by session musicians because they were so drunk and stoned? I went to see them live last year in my country and I can tell you that Eric (who was in the musical peak of the band, the Revenge era) and Tommy can deliver.

[@Atreyufolife]

they have been sober for years.session musicians? Gene and Paul lie so much.

[@ShockMe1994]

Exequiel Ortega they were hardly replaced on those records and none of it was their choice and as far as Ace goes he was never replaced because of Drugs & alcohol.

[@ShockMe1994]

Exequiel Ortega Peter was been clean since 80’s & Ace since 06.

[@mrdiv90]

dude any complaint peter made would have put tension throughout the whole group... pretty sure he hated just like he hates singer wearing his catman make up

[@youkid1991]

they're acting like this hasnt been done before, metallica did it, and i bet other bands have too.

[@maddaddy6219]

Kamren Apelskog Yeah but no one else had Nuns in KISS makeup! :)

[@maddaddy6219]

Kamren Apelskog Yeah but no one else had Nuns in KISS makeup! :)

[@terrymadre9286]

+Kamren Apelskog That's what I was thinking. There was this weird period of time where bands would try to combine their music with Symphonies. I'm pretty sure Metallica was the first to do it and it was really sucessfull for them (and it sounded great) other bands followed (Collective Soul worked with a youth orchestra and it was fucking awesome) and of course other bands (honestly can't think of any off hand at the moment) KISS had to milk an idea and squeeze out another ALIVE from somewhere so why not sound super shitty with an orchestra and wtf is up Gene's ass blaming the conductor for not being "synced?" Gene, you aren't a fucking musician, you're a fucking salesman. Keep selling your toys and shut the fuck up. This people must have been paid handsomely or conned b/c no way would anyone do or put up with this type of shit.

[@terrymadre9286]

+lakefloor Because KISS always has to think and pretend they are the first to do anything. Gene still believes he was the first to ever shit using toilet paper now he uses toilet paper with his face and the KISS name on it.

[@sergeantgaben4379]

+boobboomagoo Sorry, but Deep Purple did this wayyyy before Metallica ever did.

[@jamie.777]

Peter 😂 sucks!! Can't keep time

[@headlesssoldier]

the band is a joke. Its like the rolling stones trotting out a Kieth richards impersonator. or the who finding look alikes for kieth moon and john entwistle. Paul stanely could have had real career but chose to listen to Chaim Witz. Paul has no rock and roll legacy. A truly foolish moment in rock history

[@ShockMe1994]

headlesssoldier you are a truly miserable person.

[@scottdavis2130]

Deep Purple did this 30 years before KISS.

[@ShockMe1994]

Scott Davis how is that relevant at all?

[@drcornnipplesyohanson3661]

Ghost busters did deep purple 60 years before i got diarrhoea...your welcome

[@nutsack-1904]

7:13 I didn't know Sylvester Stallone was in Kiss!

[@dansu7679]

Aaaaaaaaaahhhhh.