Musical Musings From the Wild: KISS...Why All the Hate?

[@ericporter344]

KISS was the band that made me love music. I make no apologies, as a 10 year old, I was hooked on music. Those 70s albums still hold up for me

[@MENFUSSMIKE]

@@ericporter344 same I was an 8 year old Kid In Satan's Service

[@ericporter344]

@ lol, I was 10

[@dannylgriffin]

10 years old. Exactly.

[@Rmesick-hm6yq]

Can't wait for this one. I catch sh*t often about being a KISS fan. I'm 62 now. As Martin Popoff once said and I paraphrase, "your friends think you should have outgrown them". Still love them to this day and "Alive!" is STILL one of my favorite albums.

[@robmlisanti]

Same here!

[@pjbrown4736]

47, became a fan in 1985. Still am.

[@KevinQ1989]

The first five albums, Alive and Alive II are great!

[@Pamplemousse82322]

55, since 1976

[@Olympiakospp]

Nothing wrong with that!!

[@chrisoakley5830]

I think in many cases, people see the makeup and costumes, but don't give the music a chance, basically listening with their eyes.

[@HappyMachorino-bd8no]

But how does this explain the hate campaigns?

[@MAGNUM2F]

Agreed. I did that with Marillion until my mate played Script. Top band thereafter.

[@brandonio_granger]

I never understood the hate for The Elder. I loved it back in 81 and love it even more now. I honestly feel like it's not very far removed from their previous albums musically.

[@guillaumechabason3165]

You tell the truth

[@diamondd2778]

I like it . But it's too different. Prefer it to what came after

[@dimebagdave77]

Well sed🤘✌️

[@toddfoster828]

As a progger who's always liked Kiss, that's always been an album I've liked. Maybe not loved, but certainly not hated.

[@danhickey5707]

I disliked the wimpy pop of Unmasked, and so, yeah: when I picked up The Elder and put the stereo needle down on "The Oath" I was like "Hell yeah! Kiss is BACK, baby!" There are absolutely some good, hard rocking tracks on that album and some of it reminds me of Rush and Jethro Tull. The Elder is "over-hated", imo.

[@lawrencefine5020]

My screensaver is the Kiss Alive! cover. The one album that got me into hard Rock/Heavy Metal. Yeah, they're goofy, Gene Simmons is an a-hole and a greedy bastard and milks the brand for all it's worth. Masked, unmasked, their Hair Metal days in the 80's. All the drama with the members. All the trouble with this band, yet, Pete you're right, they had the great songs, especially from their first 3 albums.. Ever since 1975 Kiss has been my go to band I hold responsible for the music that I love. For 50 years. I drew all over my school desks "KISS", I come back the next day and someone would write "sucks" under it. I'm 61 now and for all the trouble this band has wrought in the last 50 years they have brought me great music. And I owe Kiss deep gratitude because of that sole reason. Thank Pete, I needed this talk.

[@ChrisPropfeMusicallyObsessed]

KISS rules. Like you said…they had the songs. The makeup looked awesome and the stage show was influential back in the day.

[@dannylgriffin]

Hahaha!

[@Mrs.Foster1719]

KISS was my first favorite band. I love KISS and will always love KISS.

[@sworm-music]

Kiss was the gateway for millions of kids that loved monsters, Star Wars, and superheros who were too young for LZ and Sabbath.

[@andyandrew7557]

I was one of those kids that got into Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple after I got into KISS.My first gateway band into Rock n Roll and Metal. Love the music of KISS as much as I love Zeppelin as many other well known bands

[@HockeyDudeJames2]

The year t'was 2006. I was ten. Zep and Sabbath changed my world.

[@TreffBennett-g1h]

Similar story for me, being around 12 or 13 yrs old, seeing these larger than life superheros out on stage blew my mind! And after listening to a lot of AM radio (loved Sweet! Ballroom Blitz and Fox On The Run) Kiss was pretty damn heavy to me! Kiss Alive! sealed the deal for me, the energy and catchiness of the riffs, solos and vocals.......timeless! Still love it to this day. Ace rules!

[@erikrupp692]

I can tell you that the first time I saw KISS in 1976 I thought they looked STUPID. I was 8 years old. I loved comic books. But I thought they looked stupid. And then I HEARD the first album. Strutter, Firehouse, etc, completely won me over. It was the MUSIC that won me over. After getting into the band because of their music I warmed up to the image, and within weeks of buying that first album I was a die hard fan and loved the look - it made sense given the music. And they did have the songs. Great riffs, great vocal melodies, fantastic hooks - they delivered some great Hard Rock. It really is that simple. The other stuff was just the icing on the cake.

[@stevesnvegas9040]

My sisters friend gave me the first KISS album all the way back in 74. I went from liking music to LOVING music thanks to that album. I have played the first KISS album more than any record in my lifetime. I stuck with them through the end. I love other bands music more, but they started it all for me.

[@zachheinz7404]

I’ll be 52 a month from today. In the late 70s my older cousin, by 5 years, was a KISS fan. When we would visit I would see all of his KISS posters & albums. I can remember being in the record stores with my dad, who was a huge music fan, while he was looking for the latest & greatest releases at the time and seeing Love Gun on display, begging him to buy it for me & being shot down b/c I was too young. It wasn’t until Christmas of ‘84 when I was 11 that I got Animalize, along with a few others LPs from other bands, as a gift from my parents. Hell , I still have the VHS tape I recorded the Animalize concert that aired on MTV Saturday Night Concerts. In ‘88 my dad took me to my first concert, the Crazy Nights Tour w/ Anthrax opening. I wouldn’t miss a tour until their ‘96 reunion when I was on deployment to the Gulf. It was great to finally see them in ‘98 & ‘00 with the four original members, in makeup & putting on one of the greatest concerts ever with their first Farewell Tour. The last tour I saw was in ‘04 or ‘05, I won tickets off The Loop radio station in Chicago. Over the years I’ve done my fair share of defending them when at the same time just shaking my head or shrugging off some of the nonsense they would say or do. I never cared about the merchandizing. My issue has been that instead of blazing a trail, they’ve always seemed lost following whatever trend happened to be in at the time. Ironically, for the same reason they disbanded Wicked Lester & never released that album. They definitely jumped the shark with the release of KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park. Then with the disco gimmick, concept album, hair band flamboyant style (which I completely understand the unmasking & Paul trying to keep them relevant at that particular time) but the grunge, unplugged or reality show versions were hard to bare. Still, they’ve always held a place near & dear b/c they were the first. They’ve influenced & helped a plethora of great bands that followed in their wake with opening slots on tours, producing or promoting them & for that I am truly grateful. A little ling winded, yes but I appreciate this episode. I still get sucked in when KISS is mentioned. My guilty pleasure. Take care.

[@woutwout8398]

They were a terrific rock 'n' roll band with catchy hooks and electrifying riffs. All four of them could sing, three of them were great singers. And last but not least, Paul Stanley was an outstanding frontman, singer and songwriter.

[@שאולנקר]

I USED TO HATE KISS MOST OF MY LIFE BECAUSE OF THE REASONS PETE MENTIONED. BUT IN THE PAST TWO YEARS I LEARNED TO LIKE THEM THANKS TO PETE AND HIS CHANNEL. THEY DO HAVE GOOD AND SOME GREAT SONGS AND GOOD ALBUMS, ALL I NEEDED TO DO IS TO CONCENTRATE IN THE MUSIC AND NOT ON THE THINGS THAT PUT ME OFF IN THE FIRST PLACE. THANK YOU PETE !! YOUR CHANNEL IS MY FAVORITE! P.S - LATELY I DISCOVERED THE ALBUM 'CREATURES OF THE NIGHT' AND I THINK IT'S VERY GOOD

[@ragnaviussnorgoborgoskagen5986]

A few random thoughts on KISS and the hipsters who hate them: 1. Easy band to hate for their ubiquity, most people born after a certain year only know them as sort of a corporate entity that refuses to go away. Most people can't name more than a couple of KISS songs but everyone has an opinion on them 2. They survived long enough to reach superstardom. If they'd imploded early like The New York Dolls, they would be more critically regarded as some hidden gem of "garage rock" or 70s glam rock. I'm talking like if they had disbanded after Dressed to Kill 3. Nirvana and that whole Lollapalooza era of the shoegazing, "we're not in it to be rockstars" thing was the last major rock n roll movement culturally speaking, and I think this is why you've seen a decline in the "larger than life" rockstar (or the rockstar as cultural figure in general). A band like KISS seems especially ridiculous when viewed from this lens. This movement in rock made it perpetually uncool to ROCK or be ROCKSTARS. Lyrical themes switched from sex and partying to angst, politics, etc 4. I've played KISS at parties and social gatherings for people who claimed to hate KISS. They always get embarrassed when they find out a song like "Parasite" was written by this band they've been conditioned to hate 5. People consider KISS "too manufactured" without realizing every major rock band, from David Bowie to The Clash to The Cure to Sonic Youth, had a very carefully calculated image. The anti-rockstar aesthetic is every bit as much of an aesthetic. Gene Simmons is as much of a demon as Joe Strummer is a socialist revolutionary 6. It is especially funny hearing black metal kids diss KISS, for obvious reasons.

[@ragnaviussnorgoborgoskagen5986]

I'd also add that they're probably the only major rock band in history to openly admit to loving getting paid, perhaps a little too much. A band like Rage Against the Machine or Tool or Radiohead or The Stones are allowed to play massive stadium gigs and churn out endless merchandise, but they will lie to your face and tell you they never did anything for a paycheck.

[@damnwicked666]

I think yours is a very accurate assessment of the KISS hate. People seem to be oblivious of the image that EVERY band manufactures for themselves (or by a team of managers). Nirvana had an image of being the anti-rockstars, anti-corporate musicians and even though Cobain was a very low skilled musician they have this “greatness” and respect tied to their BRAND. Same for Zeppelin and many, many other famous bands. They’re all major brands AND big businesses. It’s downright strange that most people are unaware of that fact!

[@MENFUSSMIKE]

@ragnaviussnorgoborgoskagen5986 this post is hilarious and 100% spot on

[@garystinson5498]

Looking forward to this. Been a fan since I was 13. Now 58 & still my favourite band with Rush a very close 2nd. Greetings from sunny N.Ireland

[@frankcook3612]

I’m 56 years old and I’ve been playing guitar professionally for almost 40 years.Played lots of styles and like a lot of different kinds of music and I’m gonna tell you….Ace Frehley is one of my favorite guitar players!

[@johna8973]

Well , for Starters old Fans like me KISS-Dynasty see them as a Fake rip-Off for literally DECADES ❗ a blatant Cash Grab .

[@TreffBennett-g1h]

I hear you, Frank, Ace certainly isn't Jeff Beck but he knows catchy riffs and I've always dug his tone! Basically, his outward size personality comes out in his playing - plenty of feel and attitude! I mean Parasite alone......right!?!? BADASS! Ace is "the rocker" in the band, RESPECT!

[@g-man-uz3gx]

👍as a guitar player what do you think of the on 100,000 years?

[@morrisgautreau6704]

I was 5 y.o. when my uncle brought the debut album over and I became a huge fan right up until they took off the makeup. Don't get me wrong, I still do like them a lot, but not like those early years, that was a magical time as a kid! I was at first disappointed with The Elder, but it really grew on me and now I like it a lot more. I did a Tier List on my channel today before I saw this video in my feed. A cool coincidence. KISS is a great band and don't deserve the hate they get, focus on the music and forget about the image. They still make great music and I will get all the albums.

[@davidmatela9868]

One thing that people tend to overlook is the fact that all four of them could sing which gave them the ability to harmonize really well

[@dvg4104]

3/4. Ace was terrible.

[@_vixen_4504]

@@dvg4104 no he was great his singing is maybe not the best, however, he had a certain attitude.

[@ronaldmay1283]

They’re not singers, they’re vocalists

[@davidmatela9868]

@@_vixen_4504 I agree with you 👍 Shock Me is better than 99% of today’s music. It’s just amazing how much people go out of their way to hate Kiss.

[@damnwicked666]

@@dvg4104 Ace wasn’t as good as the others but somehow I like his bad singing…, sometimes.

[@Just_a_good_old_boy]

KISS is my favorite band ever. I own every album on multiple formats, met a few members, been to numerous shows. I'm a superman for life. It's in my blood

[@iceclimbers22]

A sad fact of life is that at times people love to hate what's popular. I'm as guilty of it as anybody, as I hate all forms of current popular music. That being said, how can you hate KISS? They are just so much fun and wrote some of the most catchy and memorable rock songs of all time.

[@MrFrostien]

Well if something is popular is everywhere and at the end you get sick of it and its even worst if you dont like that particular thing. That could be a song, a movie, netflix show ( you can make a show about a rock and people would make it viral overnight) a meme, you name it. Overexposure can help but at the end it could drag them down

[@allornadaaccordingtojack7601]

Yes indeed, why all the freakin' hate? Back in the late 70's, I showed up late in the game and started to like KISS when it became fashionable to hate them, and due to peer pressure, pretty much everybody did. I stuck with them until Unmasked at least, lol.

[@kennethhardbargeriii2798]

I have liked kiss ever since I was young.

[@jeffreyflint6286]

Been a kiss fan from the beginning. To me does the music hold up to repeated listening. For me it does! 65 now and still listening.

[@Rabant777]

I'm a fan of many bands and that list includes Kiss .... for me Kiss doesn't have any 11/10 songs: Stairway to Heaven or a Bohemian Rhapsody or a Dream On or a Comfortably Numb, but they have so many 8/10 and 9/10s that their complete catalogue actually surpasses all but the very greatest bands....

[@damnwicked666]

Detroit Rock City is comparable to the songs you mentioned. A song doesn't require a mellow section and a hard section to be great. The guitar solo in Detroit Rock City is that additional spice needed to lift it to the heights of Bohemian Rhapsody, Dream On and Comfortably Numb. I think it's every bit as good as those songs but even better than Comfortably Numb. If I was to pick a GREAT Pink Floyd song it would be Breathe/Time...- NOT Comfortably Numb.

[@220volt74]

I think trying to get into Kiss as an adult is like trying to get into Star Wars as an adult. It just doesn't work. Little silly and goofy. If I hand-picked my favorite songs out of 15 studio albums, I could probably make one great album. To me, Kiss is an American nostalgia-based phenomenon you had to experience first as a kid.

[@asoucytube]

I don't know, maybe if I would unfortunately hear "Hot in the shade" first I just would'nt want to waste my time on another album. But I'm close to 100% sure that you would erase my memory and play the first one, or "Hotter than hell", even "Lick it up" and I would love it right away.

[@camwatters-iz5bs]

I think you are right. It is kind of childish. Kids had kiss lunchboxes in grade 3. It is nostalgic in the way comic books are but hard to get into as an adult

[@allstopblue5717]

Never cared for them until I was in my 30s. I’ve now been super into them for close to 10 years. Love most of their catalogue even the stuff most people hate. somehow the band finally clicked for me and I’m only coming up on 40 years old so I was not around for the early days. They are definitely a loved or hated band though

[@peterberg8417]

Bill Burr is that you?

[@220volt74]

It does not apply to all people of course but I've tried to get into Kiss as an adult and it worked only partially. I do not get the whole gimmick of course, but about 15 songs I objectively really dig and can make my own Best Of compilation. But almost every album has lots of filler. Even the highly respected ones. Unlike Star Wars which I got into as a kid, I still enjoy as an adult.

[@anywayyousliceitreviews]

All of it so amazing that it even came together and happened and happened during such a special era for music during the 70's. The music is top notch doing exactly what they needed it to and the whole package will live on forever setting a high standard for live entertainment. 🎸

[@carlosperez6763]

I love KISS !! They were my gateway to rock music and metal . It’s so funny that “I Was Made For Loving You” started the hate trend . It was the song that introduced me to them !! I was listening to Disco at the time .. then , started to get into their back catalogue. I was hooked !! Then ,I started listening to Journey , ELO , Foreigner, The Rolling Stones , Led Zeppelin, RUSH ( my favorite band), etc . Like you said , Pete .. one has to lived during the 70s and 80s to understand their popularity!! It was something that wasn’t seen before!!

[@jblassio]

The hate comes from not hiding the fact that they do this to entertain and for the money. They don’t pretend otherwise unlike a lot of virtue signaling bands.

[@Dagger-Deep]

I'm sure the cheesy songs and the lip syncing doesn't help either.

[@jblassio]

@ The guys are in their 60s and 70s. You try to do this night after night st your current age! People see them regardless and the people know that when they pay. At least they don’t pretend. What would you like them to do? Ask Thom Yorke or Ed Sheeran to write for them…🤣?

[@matthewdeery2677]

If they were only in it for the money they would have called it quits a long time ago.

[@mooch514]

Like kiss or not, kiss remains one of the biggest and most influential bands of all time

[@chewbacca1271]

Here's my take. Kiss were "The Wiggles" of hard rock. The entry band for so many of us growing up in the 70's. We later grew up and moved onto heavy rock and prog. Hell, I gave away all my albums. But lòoking back, they sure wrote a ton of great pop rock music. And what other band can you name that has three killer vocalists! And of course the stage shows. I've come back around on them and refurbished my collection in the last few years. There is a sense of fun with this band, and who doesn't want a little of that.

[@Metla666]

Kiss were incredibly big in Australia off the back of I was made for Loving you and Shandi.I was 6 years old and visiting Adelaide when they arrived and played what I believe was their first ever show down under. It felt like the whole city knew about it and was buzzing. I didn't know rock n Roll, I didn't go to the show, but everyone knew those songs.

[@ThatlooneyAnimekid]

Growing up I had neighbors who were big kiss fans. I remember when I was a kid I was over one day and the oldest kid asked me to watch this band with him, and the next thing I’m seeing gene Simmons breathing fire and it blew my mind. Became a bigger fan in high school, saw them when I was a junior in high school in 2019 magnificent. Love kiss.

[@fernandoriveros1372]

I've got to say: I never understood all that hate. Correct me if I'm wrong, but a lot (If not most of the people) from our generation (1965-70) were initiated in rock by kiss. In part because they were so notorious with their makeup and theatricality and in part because their music is so fun all the time. I love kiss from day 1 and still love them today 46 years later. Yes, they are no virtuosos, but they don't suppose to be as you wisely said. I'm from Mexico and they were like the gateway to hard rock, so... it was kiss or kiss. I'm with all the fans that love "Music form the Elder" because the music is so different. They took the risk and I respect that. Don't make me start with Load and Re Load, because the feeling is the same. Great thoughts, Pete. Love the topic. Best regards

[@4themusicman]

I wasn't allowed to listen to secular music as a kid. I had heard a couple of KISS tunes through osmosis via the radio in the public square. But in 1983 a friend played for me "Lick It Up" and I loved it. Then in 1984, I heard "Heaven's On Fire" on the radio while staying at a friend's house. It wasn't until 1985 when I was at the mall with my mom that I was able to sneak away to purchase Asylum on cassette. That was the first complete album I ever heard from this band and it continues to be my favorite. And for me, all the patronizing and promoting with the caskets and lunch boxes, etc, I couldn't care less. Every band dreams of one day leaving the garage and hitting the road to make it full-time as musicians. It takes money to live that dream. I mean, Gene even sings about it..."You've gotta get all you can take!" So yeah, I say 'more power to ya, Gene'. As for the in-fighting, every band is comprised of multiple personalities and egos. I mean, who has a family that hasn't had some pretty intense fights after awhile? These guys were together more than most families are so I would almost expect there to be some bad blood on occasion. It's unfortunate that so often the guys haven't been able to work through their differences. While KISS isn't my favorite band, they played an integral role in me becoming the music fan I am today. For that, I'll always be grateful.

[@garyjoyce2160]

First concert 🎵. PIPER opened for KISS. Dec 16 7️⃣7️⃣. Madison square garden. NYC. I’m came home from school at only 15 yrs old with my “ scalped ticket 🎟️. Forced my parents to take path/ subway into. NYC with three other kids / who I knew but really weren’t close. No way my parents let me go , if I asked in advance. lol. Unreal memorable show that I actually watched by MYSELF/ 13 th row at Garden. Unreal event for my first concert. The other 3 kids also sat solo. We all bought /( scalped solo tickets from a guy who beat DAMONE “ from fast times at ridgemont high by 5 years. Lol. 👍💯

[@stevenbruno2752]

Great story, Gary! Thanks for sharing! Kiss was my first concert as well, but it was 1988! lol Ted Nugent opened up at the Coliseum in Richfield, Ohio.

[@garyjoyce2160]

Steven/. Thank you. Guess I’m little bit older. lol. Enjoy day

[@allornadaaccordingtojack7601]

Nice story, Gary, my story is less dramatic, my first time was 9/1/79 at Nassau Coliseum. Opener was a band that I would grow to love and also be a lifetime favorite, Judas Priest !!!

[@garyjoyce2160]

Jack. Nice. 👍 💯

[@thedarkwizardroom]

Great story Gary. Saw KISS 4 times 4 named tours with the original members in make up.

[@Jackylone-]

I lost them when the disco song came out, but was glad to see them reunite in the 90's with Ace n Peter. Kiss was my first concert in 1976. Still have all their early stuff and Psycho Circus.

[@cstomp1]

KISS is my all-time favorite band going back to 1976. Many fantastic songs and live shows. The early stuff is absolutely essential.

[@thekivster]

The musicianship is honestly really good in Kiss.

[@Cameron23949]

LMFAO😂😂

[@dvg4104]

I wouldn't say they were great musicians; but they were competent players, good rock vocalists and good songwriters.

[@hcondivine]

@@Cameron23949 listen to kiss alive 3

[@jimmycampbell78]

and on that point I think people are comparing apples with oranges. You could compare the musicianship level of the Beatles for example with Weather Report or Mahavishnu Orchestra and find the Beatles wanting. But really, you wouldn't compare the Beatles with those bands. So I don't understand why a lot of people who follow this channel would decide to criticise KISS by comparing them to progressive rock/progressive metal/jazz fusion bands, which I have seen. That's irrelevant, that's not what KISS (apart from maybe The Elder experiment) were about or trying to do.

[@Cameron23949]

@jimmycampbell78 the thing is though that your point is instantly invalidated by the fact that bands like AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Blue Oyster Cult, Van Halen, Aerosmith, Scorpions, Uriah Heep etc. exist. Bands that play in a similar Hard Rock, sometimes reffered to as "Proto-Metal", style or sound as Kiss. See, no one is comparing Kiss to Jazz fusion bands like Weather Report, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Miles Davis etc. Most people that complain about Kiss'es lack of musicianship are comparing them to their peers in the genre they play in (Hard Rock/Heavy Rock music) because the afterforementioned bands have leagues better albums, songwriting and musicianship in a similar vein. Which brings up the question, why would you listen to a band like Kiss (who are all style and no substance) when there's better Hard Rock or Heavy Rock bands you could be spending your time listening to that have better albums, better songs, better musicianship and better production

[@mikec4604]

I’m about the same age and share most of your thoughts. Been a KISS fan nearly 50 years and still get a buzz listening to those 70s albums. People can like what they want, but it always irritated me to hear people say “KISS can’t play”. Some people looked at the makeup and costumes and decided the band needed to be supreme virtuosos or invent new scales or progressions the music world had ever heard for KISS to be worth their time. Whatever. In reality, there is an art to playing simple catchy rock songs with hooks well and KISS did that in spades. Always thought their musical content was at the same level as AC/DC which the same KISS haters tend to regard as so much deeper. The truth is KISS were actually much more musically ambitious over their career. And look up how many hard rock and metal guitarists cited Ace as a huge influence and go try to convince THEM that KISS couldn’t play. Oh well, to people who don’t get them (or just don’t want to get them), their loss.

[@stevenbruno2752]

Well said, Mike. As far as the "can't play" comment, I don't hear people say B.B. King or Albert King can't play! Nobody could squeeze a note in rock like Ace Frehley could! Incredible vibrato and sense of melody. He always seemed to play the right notes. Everyone in the band could play and sing. And of course the great tunes, themselves.

[@Mozart2Muse]

"Once upon not yet, long ago someday; Countless times we've met, met along the way." I've enjoyed the meet-ups along the way!

[@b2tall239]

The theory that if you didn't like Kiss as a kid then you won't get into them as an adult is only true through the eyes of those who started listening to rock in the last 35 yrs or so. But when Kiss debuted 50 yrs ago in '74, glam rock was a big thing, unlike today. The makeup and onstage persona were very much en vogue. It was popular and sold a lot of records for acts like Bowie, Elton John, Sweet, Mott the Hoople, etc. And Kiss was a big part of that and fit right in. Times change and by the '80s much of what made up glam rock was out of fashion....but by then Kiss had already made their mark. Judge the band through the eyes of the '70s rock audience and not through a more current lens. I'm 60 and have been a Kiss fan from the beginning thanks to my oldest brother and his album collection that included the band's first 3 albums. Thanks, Pete.

[@allstopblue5717]

I’m just now pushing 40 and only got into KISS about 10 years ago. Most my friends viewed them as a joke. Somehow it finally clicked for me and I started racking up a pretty solid KISS vinyl collection, watching concerts online, and reading Paul and Gene’s books. Love KISS even if most people my age don’t get it

[@michaelvandiver2475]

Since 1976 on my 7th birthday when I got Destroyer as a gift (didn't ask for it, didn't know the band), I've listened to KISS music from 74-82 weekly or at least bi-weekly...I'm 55 now, so obviously they're in my top 5 bands of all-time. Hooks, cool riffs, slick solos, memorable melodies, good jam sections (on ALIVE especially)...what's not to love? Yes, the makeup and mystique added cache. Ace was always the coolest member is imo. ALIVE! is in my top 10 records in history of R&R. Webb in ATL

[@jedw9983]

Kiss Alive One was a game changer for me, an iconic moment in my music listening life. Saw them later in 1983 at Southampton Gaumont and it remains one of my top three gigs of all time. In 2016 I even took my five year old daughter to see them and went full circle!

[@bronzeagekid8223]

KISS is the reason I’m into music and the reason I’m here. Only love from me, flaws and all. We all have plenty of them. And if the songs weren’t there, they wouldn’t have lasted.

[@sjwill1956]

KISS arrived when I was in High school ... saw them on one of those late night Rock shows .. In Concert/ Midnight Special ...my memory of the buzz.. albums not very good ( poor production) but it was the reputation of the live show that was the word of mouth .. anyway agree there are lots of song I still love to this day ,, they were "fun" to watch ... the other stuff was distractions...also like Dynasty and then hated Unmasked ,,, Creatures may have been the best album of the 80's .. saw the reunion show in 96 and then the 'fake" reunion album kinda soured me and the endless "farewell" tours finished me off ... but still go back to some of the live footage from 74/75 .. such energy, such excitement ...great showmanship

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Great episode Pete! I'm 53 and as a little kid growing up in the 70s my brother and I knew about them from the toys and posters etc. I remember getting a KISS puzzle as a kid maybe in like 1979. It was Peter Criss with two black panthers. And yes I remember the commerce for the KISS dolls too! Did they need to do all of the toys and lunch boxes etc? Maybe not. All that aside I'm still a fan and without their makeup and costumes they wouldn't be KISS as we fans know and love them right? I can't see why people would be put off against the makeup and costumes? To each their own but no one can say that Paul, Gene and Ace weren't talented songwriters. Just listen to that first album, the formula was all there. To me the original lineup will always be my favorite. I'm not into as much the 80S albums like Asylum, Animalize etc but its not that they didn't have some good songs on them. I still don't own Hot In The Shade yet lol maybe one of these days! But I'll always be a fan and have seen them numerous times over the years in concert and for the last time with my girlfriend on the farewell tour. KISS will always be for me a great rocking American band who from the get go wanted to stand out from their competition and be different from all the rest and to do it with gusto and fire and makeup!

[@powrnap]

Indeed Pete. Through the years, I’ve often played people various songs purely on the merit of the hooks. As for musicianship, the only guy who I feel was sometimes over his head was Peter Criss. The other three provided perfect contributions to the songs. They were Beatles fans, particularly Gene. Just listen to the vocals on his solo album. See You Tonight, Mr Make Believe. Very good stuff.

[@jimf710]

I'm right about the same age as you Pete, just in the midwest. I have and always will have a place in my heart for the band, especially the original 4. I agree with you on all points but would have put forth my opinion that Ace, in the day, was phenomenal and the soul of the band. From the Midnight Special videos and again in 1996 Brooklyn bridge show with NY Groove. The visual aspect enhances the overall experience, not detract or cover up the music, IMO. If I ever go into a coma, put some headphones on me and crank Kiss Alive. If vitals don't jump......pull the plug.

[@brichards989]

I think even if you don't like Kiss, you have to admit that they were one of the major bridges from Deep Purple/Black Sabbath to the mid- to late-70s beginnings of heavy metal.

[@Drumdude74]

Yep, I make ZERO apologies for loving the KISS stuff, mostly 70's and 80's but they had some good stuff later on as well. I agree Pete, there is lots of cringe in their life, all the infighting, insulting, merch merch merch etc. I rank them very high in my favorites list though, they were a fun band visually and song wise, cheesy lyrics but who gives a shit, they weren't meant to be literary masterpieces, it's just goodtime hard rock n roll.

[@markwebb1040]

I was 12 years old when I discovered KISS. My mom had just died, and I knew that my life would never be the same. I didn't know how, nor did I have the vocabulary at the time to describe it, but I knew. My friend and I discovered them at pretty much the same time (also learning about Black Sabbath, but that's for another time). Someone brought in the 45 of Beth but decided to play the B side instead, which was Detroit Rock City. My friend and I looked at each other and thought, "What is this siren song caressing our ears?" We then learned it was from the album Destroyer and made it our mission to acquire this collection of heretofore unknown auditory delights. I got it for my birthday and played it nonstop. Once I was familiar with that one I had to get Alive! especially since it contained a bunch of songs that were new to me. Try to recall the first time you heard the very beginning of that album and how it was the most explosive thing you'd ever heard coming from your record player. It was definitely a defining moment for me. I had to get their back catalog as well as anything new that came along. KISS wasn't just a band but a phenomenon that the music industry hadn't seen since The Beatles. Paul and Gene never denied wanting to try to duplicate that success and they came relatively close. As I got older, my tastes matured and I began to appreciate musical ability over theatrics. If I had to declare a favorite band now it would absolutely have to be Black Sabbath. (A band with their own well-documented inner turmoil). But KISS will always hold a special place in my heart for being one of the first 2 bands to get me into hard rock music (the other being Aerosmith with Walk This Way. I have a mildly interesting story about Toys In The Attic as well). My friend and I were largely in sync when it came to music so we got to enjoy these bands together. Yet, oddly enough, we never went to our first concert together until the KISS reunion tour in 1996 and 1997 when we saw them twice. The first show we were so far away from the stage that we had to use binoculars on the Jumbotron screen. However, the 2nd time was at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY and we were just 16 rows back. Close enough to see their faces but just far enough back to take the whole thing in. We were 13 again. One of the best nights of my life. So, yes, KISS is an imperfect band with an uneven output. After all these years I still haven't listened to Unmasked in its entirety and only heard the abysmally bad Shandi for the first time while working my way through all 3 volumes of KISSOLOGY. And apart from the other couple songs from that album that were included I have yet to hear the rest. Not in a big hurry to accomplish that. I thought The Elder was ok and something different that wasn't pop or disco. And I liked Hot In The Shade well enough. If I had to point to a KISS album that I absolutely hated it would be Crazy Nights. I don't think even Poison could put out an album that bad. Oh well, if you've gotten this far, thank you for indulging the musings of an old retired fart. Have a good one and Happy Holidays to you!

[@davidgeiser4636]

I have been a diehard KISS fan since childhood and my theory has always been that because so many young kids like you and I got into them and they started catering more to kids even though Paul has said that once he looked at the crowd and saw a ton of young kids he said that wasn't what he got into this for so it alienated their original fan base, they still made great music from Creatures on those fans were done...just my theory

[@Justin-hb6cg]

The makeup caused hate. All the mothers in my neighbourhood hated me while trying to remove it from their child’s face. After they visited my mum, I was banned from painting another face.

[@toddfoster828]

I think they get more respect today than they did back then, at least from so-called critics. They have 50 years of music that stacks up pretty nicely to pretty much anybody. To give a local example for me, my favorite radio station refused to play Kiss. They thought they were a clown act. KFMH. Muscatine, Davenport, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, EVERYWHERE! No Kiss. Until they took off their makeup. Then they started playing them a little bit. Almost as if taking off the makeup gave them a little bit of gravitas. At 60 I just think of them as guys in a band, producing some good songs. At 15, they were just kind of weird, with songs I might like, except I had parents that wouldn't let me buy a Kiss record. So I bought Ace's 'Back in the New York Groove' as my first secret Kiss record. And I still love it to this day.

[@ClaymoreanOfficialMetal]

Always been a Kiss fan! Kiss Alive is the reason why I started my band. It's good old rock'n'roll, great songs and fun time! Nothing wrong with that.

[@AXXXDEAN]

They have been my favorite band since the 70's.. People say their music sucks yet they have sold how many millions of albums and that's all because of the music

[@peterberg8417]

Music sales are not really a good indicator of quality. Not saying you can't love them still though.

[@HappyMachorino-bd8no]

​@@peterberg8417 Quality? Music is not an industrial product. Music 🎶 is what people love❤

[@AXXXDEAN]

@peterberg8417 maybe not but it shows millions of sells that people like them cause of the music.. you don't get the "spectical" listening to the albums

[@RetroMusicTube]

I love Kiss. Period.

[@shortsleave]

A big fan since 1976 but I completely understand why so many people don't like them, and it's different for everybody. Some people dislike them for various reasons you pointed out but some people just don't like the music. My best friend saw them before he heard them (like many of us) and thought they looked cool but when he heard the music he found it limp and lacking. He was ready to like them but the music just left him cold. So who knows. I once asked another friend who loves stuff like the Ramones and Iggy why people hate KISS for being simple, dumb, and sub-par musicians but love the Ramones for the same reason. His response was that the difference is KISS take themselves way too seriously. The attitude behind it completely changed it. I get that, and I've had MUCH to complain about as a KISS fan over the years, but they got hold of me at 6 years old, so I'll never be able to turn my back on them entirely.

[@RichardLegge-s1u]

Gene SImmons is classic - saying he taught Geddy Lee how to play bass is one of his best lines.

[@dmac3316]

Solid video! I agree, the songs are what counts here. They wrote some cool rock n roll songs that still hold up great today. 100000 Years is still on regular rotation for me. I was playing the riff to Got to Choose earlier this evening on guitar. They opened the doors to rock music and guitar playing for me so I’m forever grateful 🤘

[@cozmicpfunk]

I love what Geddy Lee said about them: "Regardless of what you want to say about Kiss, musically or otherwise, there was no harder working band than Kiss." I am not the biggest fan but I do respect them. I have learned to be positive on the web, being a hater publicly is really lame... Kiss are a Performance band and you know the mid 70's when they were hitting their note, there was no more successful live band than KISS! I heard Destroyer when I was 11 and thought it was great. Alive was great too. I mean no matter who you like there is always something better or sophisticated etc. I love that they had a look and concept and story behind each member. No matter what one may say, they are totally original! "Beth' is still one of my all time favorites

[@stevenbruno2752]

Well said! Somebody else (might have been Elton John) said, "I don't understand how they don't just collapse from exhaustion."

[@GuitarHack66]

Kiss in the 70s was magic. As a kid, the look grabbed me but it's the music that has held me until now. They were my gateway band and Ace was,awesome in the 70s. Cheers

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

These figures there resemble the Kiss members a lot more than those new avatars do... 4:24

[@harrybryan9633]

1st live show I ever saw (Dynasty tour - which was great), through the comeback days with Vinnie, the '80s & 90's all had solid albums. The tours were also great. I have all of their albums & the only ones I don't like are the last two. I didn't crap on them until they spent 20 years on their "final" tour with the 2 fake members. I didn't understand the hate for "I was made for lovin' you" - It crunched live. Beside, everybody back then was doing disco tracks - Stones - Miss you; Kinks - Superman; Rod Steward - Do ya think I'm sexy, the list goes on & on..

[@onlysleeping8934]

I love Kiss. "Discovered" them in 1975 when I was 11 A friend at school lent me Kiss Alive & I was hooked!. Love the 73- 79 period. Like some stuff after that but definitely don't hate it. Kiss rules!

[@zoef234]

I have no thought to waste on someone that doesn’t like KISS. 👍👏🤘

[@johnhopkins6053]

Well done, Pete. Thoughful as ever. Perhaps the name itself could be added to the list.

[@jussimaatta9179]

I'm 52 and I still love Kiss.❤

[@SWEETFA24]

Whenever I'm feeling down I put on a Kiss album and it lifts my spirits up.

[@paulhrusa9225]

First KISS buy was Animalize cassette in ‘84 and next was Alive! and then I got deep into the ‘70s catalog.

[@jonathannelson4324]

I love Hot in the Shade! Top 10 for me.

[@SlitherWhisp]

I loved comics. I loved sci-fi. I loved Alice Cooper. They had what I loved in one package! And I was the right age when Destroyer came out. So damn cool! And yeah, they had great catchy songs. And with puberty hitting and the sexual innuendos…. Yeah, I was a Kiss Army guy!

[@caveman3021]

Love KISS or hate them, no one puts on a more dazzling rock show than these legends! They set the blueprint for stageshows that was followed by other popular bands into the '80s, '90s and beyond🤘🔥

[@murreygellmann7708]

KISS are a gateway band for a lot of people...they were for me. I was a card carrying KISS Army member from 1976-1979... and some of my love for KISS was in response to how many older dudes hated them. Something that was "MINE" and not a hand me down .

[@kenfrederick6223]

A lot of bands with a larger than life image catch a lot of hate. Fellow New Yorkers like Manowar and Twisted Sister get the same treatment. I think the vitriol against Kiss is even more intense because they are have been more successful than those bands and in fact became one of the most successful bands in rock history.

[@chadthompson1617]

Pete, you are spot on. I think also that when the actual music is discussed, too many non-KISS fans focus on the overplayed radio ‘Rock-N-Roll All Nite’ and ‘I was made for loving you’ songs. If they would only look at the so many quality deep cuts that are out there on these albums, I think they would be pleasantly surprised.

[@Metla666]

They get worse the deeper you go...

[@andyandrew7557]

​@@Metla666Not true. KISS have a lot of great Deep cut songs ranging from songs like Room Service, Take Me,Goin Blind, Strange Ways,She, Parasite ,Got To Choose,Love Her All I can,Watchin You,Almost Human,Black Diamond, Exciter, Not For The Innocent,A Million to One, Danger, Unholy, Domino,Spit, Paralyzed are songs that are just some great deep cut KISS songs. Lots of great bands love them. All the guys from Judas Priest do & other bands like Anthrax, Kreator,Def Leppard,Doro Pesch,Iron Maiden,to name a few.

[@damnwicked666]

@@andyandrew7557 KISS have more deep cuts than the popular fluff that is known to most casual fans. For every Beth, Forever or I Was Made For Lovin' You, they have Rock Bottom, Black Diamond, Detroit Rock City, Watchin' You, I Want You, I Stole Your Love, Tonight You Belong To Me, Rip It Out, Love Her All I Can, Room Service, 100,000 Years, Cold Gin, Creatures Of The Night, A Million To One....etc., etc....The great songs never stop!

[@andyandrew7557]

😢​@@damnwicked666Ditto

[@wernermoritz882]

Actually you can say that about most bands.

[@jimmyjambhere]

Classic Kiss is awesome

[@williamlangan5902]

Part of me will always love the Kiss era up to the solo albums. A great idea which didn’t execute that well. Finally, I checked out all four. Some were decent and some were ok. The comic book- well, who wouldn’t be honored to show up in Marvel Comics? KISS Meets The Phantom- I think I was just as stoked as you, Pete! When sitting down and watching it, it was fun! It hasn’t aged well at all. Peter’s voice was dubbed, the echo on Gene’s voice sounded ridiculous, Ace acted goofy and Paul’s opening line was pretentious- “You’re looking for somebody,” he says then with disappointment “But it’s not Kiss!” Dynasty is when I retreated from the Kiss army. I still read about them. Watching the videos about them is also fun. But ithe band is over. Let Gene and Paul enjoy their retirement. I may crack jokes at their expense but I wish them well.

[@cliveturnbull6656]

Not many bands have a run of 6 great albums, with virtually no dud tracks, Sabbath, Halen, Zep come to mind and KISS (only think by of 2 average tracks on those first 6 - the 2 covers!), and from those 6 albums produced their best 2! And the next is pretty good too. Some 'Real music lovers' couldn't see past the image, so wouldn't take them seriously, and when the money came in, the hunger went the albums lost an edge, but in that long career, in my opinion they only made 2 bad ones: CN and HITS. One of only a handful of bands to effect so many people lives and get them addicted to music, for which they should be given huge credit.

[@damnwicked666]

Yes, I agree. I'd say there was a few duds on the first 6 KISS albums but like you said, their batting average was VERY GOOD. The only other bands that I could think of that were that consistent are Van Halen (first 6 albums), Black Sabbath and AC/DC up to Back In Black.

[@stonygrantham4681]

I agree! Kiss had some good songs. Great episode, and I will always have room for KISS in the collection! Plus they we’re definitely my gateway to hard music and naturally, I was obsessed with them as a kid!

[@patrickcrowther9195]

When I was getting into music I viewed KISS as if I'd just trodden in something nasty. I remember seeing the cover of a U.S. rock mag (Trouser Press, I think) that was doing a 'battle of the bands' type thing with them and Led Zeppelin. The very idea of comparing those face-painted jerks to the mighty Zep was simply ludicrous. Roll on 40 years and I hardly ever listen to Zeppelin but LOVE early KISS. Something clicked a few years ago once I'd stopped taking music so seriously and I started thinking of them as enormous fun. They were a glam garage rock band that was never going to win any awards for instrumental virtuosity, but were supremely entertaining. I bought 'Alive' for the first time fairly recently and (whatever the truth about how 'live' it actually is) it's an absolute classic. If you want to get your rocks off, shout along with the choruses and have a great time, KISS is the bollocks of dog.

[@stevenbruno2752]

Great story, Patrick!

[@Gary-ow9he]

I have just recently listened to most of Led Zeppelins albums, having not listened to any of them in a few years. I now find a lot of their stuff not so impressive. Some of it is now just annoying and gives me a headache. Especially many of the long drawn out songs. Many of which sound like they might have been better if they had been so long.

[@soundofindividual]

I found KISS at mid 80s when I was 10y old. I like almost all their 70s and 80s albums. This led me to listen some other bands like Iron Maiden, Accept, Scorpions, WASP, Ozzy and Twisted Sister. Later I found thrash and death metal. I will never underestimate Kiss' influence on my music taste!

[@sabbracadabra7503]

They hate us cuz they ain't us. Kiss is awesome.

[@richdrums6886]

KISS was always my favorite, since I was 7-8 years old. And then - it was the music first, before I saw the album covers and such. Yes, throughout the 70's I bought into (or my mom did lol) the lunchboxes, cards, posters, shirts and all, but I always had to have the new album asap. Dynasty - love it, UnmaSKED - love it - The Elder - love it, Eric Carr comes aboard - loved it, VV replaces Ace - loved it. I've loved about 95% of the music they out out. And depending on my mood, that era's music pops up still. I've seen almost every lineup (didn't see Mark), and still wonderful memories. As I've become older, more and more I didn't like the merch, the infighting, etc. I didn't even want the reunion. I thought that was them selling out for the dollar, which worked for them, but then it became a brand, the band was secondary. I still feel that way. But the music is always there, its good stuff, at least it is, for me.

[@redrocker7857]

All well said Pete.Kiss has always been #1 for me!

[@agedefyingfitness]

Good video Pete. I thought Paul didn't drink at all too, since he got hammered for Hotter Than Hell's photo shoot back in the day lol Paul drinks wine occasionally at least. He mentioned it when he was talking about how much he enjoys visiting Australia once a year. He may have an occasional beer too, but I don't know. Peace man Gene definitely doesn't drink.

[@johnpatterson4272]

The original KISS was a new experience for those of us who grew-up in the 70s. The image, the consistency of make-up characterization (not being seen without it) and the cataclysmic stage show was the pinnacle for the day of what rock and roll was meant to be. KISS were kept at arms-length in the 70s and early 80s from becoming too personal in the media and that added to their mystique. I agree, once KISS became solely the Gene and Paul Show, the band lost much of its outré as a cutting-edge phenomenon. As lifelong fans got hip to the greed-machine and the KISS branding to monetize everything about the band began to wear thin on those attracted to the original KISS in their hey-day. The marketing machine changed the essence of what KISS was initially about.

[@brianseneca3546]

Been a KISS fan since 1976! I was a kid and my cousin Teresa gave me Dressed to Kill because she had just bought Alive! I still love that album because it was my first. I got Alive! for my birthday shortly after and bought Destroyer with birthday cash ($7 for vinyl then!). Rock and Roll Over is my favorite. Then Love Gun and Alive II. I remember seeing the display at the record store with Gene and all the blood on his face! AWESOME! Then Double Platinum. I was stoked for Ace's solo album and got it for Christmas 78. I did and do like Dynasty, but after that 1980 and Unmasked? I slowly started drifting away from them. But I STILL love KISS and will go through their entire 70's catalog from the debut to Dynasty and it brings back such wonderful memories of my youth. I still get this crazy feeling like I did then when I hear the intro part to Detroit Rock City. I will always be a fan of the music, not Gene and Paul unfortunately

[@tomholbrook5352]

Larger than life!!! Super creative

[@enkiabzu5792]

Not a diehard Kiss fan, I was born way past their Heyday but I love their records from the seventies and even liked "Revenge"alot! Personal favorite is "Hotter then hell"🤘💯

[@jeffmcpeek2526]

Kiss was just as important as comic books and Star Wars in the 70's. Those albums were damn good in the 70's and still are.From the point of view of a Gen X kid growing up then,they were important and had mystic because no one knew what they looked like under the makeup.

[@stevenbruno2752]

Right, Jeff - Star Wars and Kiss fans seem to usually go hand in hand!

[@ChromeDestiny]

I'm not a huge Kiss fan that loves everything but they have some decent stuff. I have the '74 - '82 singles collection and I love the lo fi garagey feel of Hotter Than Hell and as a Prog fan I think about half The Elder works. I wish they used more of Ace's guitar parts and maybe done a side of The Elder concept and a side of straightforward Hard Rock. I love Ace's '78 album. I hate Peter's '78 album but I actually like a fair bit of stuff from his two early 80's solo albums.

[@tboysrocknroll9252]

I don't get it...they didn't do anything that Free wasn't doing... I mean everyone praises Paul Kossoff...Ace was pretty much doing the exact same style...yet people shit on him...I was a kid in the 70s and KISS was the band that made me want to play music...so for that reason alone I will always be a KISS fan.... I wasn't a big fan of their 80s output (except for Creatures of the Night) but hey, I didn't hate all of it...but it wasn't the same band that I loved...but they soldiered on...but I went to the End of the Road tour in Buffalo in 2020 (a month before the pandemic) and after seeing KISS about 20 times through the years it hit me at the end of the show that this would be the last time I would see this spectacle and I actually shed a tear... it was kind of a full circle moment....

[@dimebagdave77]

Thanks very much for a very thoughtful and logical explanation ✌️🤘 but i think the trouble started with the Solos..😂

[@floydian2007]

As Ricky Gervais has said the job of a rock band is to annoy people and the more they do, the more people will like them. You are right Pete, they did have great songs to back it up but also they were highly influential. Make up had been done before, but creating whole characters with each member was I think very clever. You look at all the bands that followed Kiss in the 80s owed much to them, especially WASP, Motley Crue and even death metal like Mayhem, Rammstein even in terms of spectacle and Immortal. Also look at Slipknot. People said the same about them when they came out, even Lemmy was among those critical of Slipknot calling them clowns from the circus, yet now they are highly regarded and sell out for their shows. As for Gene shooting his mouth off, yet he has gone too far on occasions, but with regards to the rock is dead comment, he kind of has a point. I agree that the best music was up until the mid 90s. We’ve not had many is any artists quite on the level as some of those from the 60s to 80s. One thing I will say for Kiss, they always gave good value for money at their shows, last ticket I bought for them was only £50 but they played for two hours, played just about every hit song you’d expect and were highly entertaining.

[@Someonelser1]

KISS was my 1st rock band.9 yrs old, heard Detroit Rock City at my older, cool cousin's house. Columbia House- Alive II and Double Platinum. From Comics to Rock, they were the perfect band. Bought everything up to Unmasked, then got Lick It Up. My Walls were covered in Kiss Posters. I Remember the anticipation for Kiss Meets the Phantom. I saw it years later and didn't Remember how bad it was. In the mean time, Queen, Sabbath - Ozzy & Dio, Maiden, Priest, along with Devo, B52s, Ramones, Sparks (big time, for a while) and the whole Hair Metal era stuff. All the good 80s metal was my Playground. I saw Kiss Without Make-up. Now, With a few stellar exceptions, most Kiss stuff seems kinda lame, cheesy or purile(let me put my log in your fireplace) . There is only so much nostalgia when there are so many better bands. I will always finish Detroit Rock City when it comes up on Sirius, but my dream is to never hear Rock n Roll All Nite again. Do I intentionally listen to Kiss, no, too much better nostalgic stuff and too much new, old stuff I keep getting turned on to by Sea Of Tranquility that I need to listen too. I would type Bassists name, but it would probably cost me 10 buck copyright usage. Kinda Cool in 1984s Runaway with Tom Selleck. Then it turns out he is a huge a-hole. Then Paul turned out to be kinda a dink and Ace seemed to have been the coolest guy after all. With the exception of a few faves, Kiss is just meh. Used to LOVE em, now . . . Meh.

[@stevenbruno2752]

Me too!

[@moecullity9616]

Peter Criss is THE reason I picked up a pair of sticks decades ago after hearing ALIVE! I’ll always love KISS. The Elder? Bring it on. I actually have a bit of a connection with that album because to the St. Robert’s choir who sang back up on a couple of tracks. I’m not nuts about Crazy Nights and Hot In The Shade, but I like and love everything else.

[@philliphowson1937]

They was the gods of rock and roll 👄💯🚀⭐️1️⃣🇦🇨

[@jonfargo7321]

I fell for KISS as an 8 year old and never really stopped. I always loved the music at the end of the day and still listen to them on occasion. I could have done without all the marketing gadgets. Honestly though I’m not sure they would have had staying power without the make up. So many great bands of the day, they may have been lost in the mix.

[@paullennon8366]

I’m a 90’s kid so that Super Bowl performance was one of my first exposures to them

[@jodiebrown392]

Like you Pete, Kiss was my gateway to Heavy Metal & I'm a better man for it lol