CHEESY Balladeer Says He Wrote Iconic Band's 1st Hit in 12 Years But They DENY It!-Professor of Rock

Coming up the story of a song released under a heavy dispute between a Glam Rock God, and the King of early 90s Soft Rock. It was Paul Stanley of Kiss vs. Michael Bolton. The Co-writing credits read that both wrote the power ballad Forever. It was also the first hit by Kiss in more than 12 years. During that dry spell, two members of the original lineup were gone Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, and so was the legendary look of the band. It was a bold and risky move to change their image… Unmask… take off their iconic makeup. But would that radical change pay off? Get a front-row seat to the dispute between the hard rocker and the soft rock balladeer and the crazy antics of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley and Kiss. Find out how everything turned out…..NEXT….on Professor of Rock.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you couldn’t get this bad 80s toy jingle out of your head for a day after seeing it, you’ll dig this channel of potent musical nostalgia. Make sure to subscribe below right now and the click the bell so you always know when our new interviews and videos are dropping. I know you’ll dig you this channel. We also have a Patreon you'll want to check out. There you’ll find an additional catalog of exclusive content and you can even become an honorary producer to help us keep this a daily channel.
I always love the comeback story. It’s always an entertaining tale of the ups and downs of the music business. I love seeing how bands remake themselves and live to fight another day, especially after going big and then having to adjust when a new musical movement changes the industry and that band has to wrestle with the changes to remain relevant as well as balancing that with their artistic integrity. It’s a tough balance and an even tougher business.
Well, as we’ve discussed before. The first time the fire-breathing band KISS were in desperate need of a hit single, the band acquiesced to record label pressure and released “Beth,” a ballad written by original drummer Peter Criss. It was a dangerous artistic departure, that could’ve been a Destroyer, as the name of the album implied.
But... necessity is the mother of invention, as the proverb goes, and sometimes, as in this case... necessity is the driving force for a hit. Going with “Beth” was a stroke of genius. It became the highest charting single for KISS- rising to #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976.
Paul Stanley & Gene Simmons, the leaders of KISS, would find themselves in the same predicament 15 years later as the big-hair, hard-rock 80s were winding down and moving into the strangeness of 1990. I’ve mentioned this before but 1990 and part of 1991 was a weird time in the music industry… before Nirvana changed everything in later 91… music was in a strange place. It was kind of still the 80s, even though the calendar had moved into the 90s. But it wasn’t the good 80s… It was the overexposed pop that was invading everyone’s radio.. and it was hard to know what to make of it…
Now KISS had not benefited from a single in the Top 40 since “I Was Made for Lovin' You” in ’79, and they were once again, frantic for a hit. Fortunately, as in ’76, they happened to have a ballad.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the best ballad by a legendary rock band?

[@ueno1]

Rough Boy by ZZ Top

[@jennyjenny4501]

Alone by Heart

[@freezer8530]

I'll nominate "Open Arms" by Journey.

[@brentcox7772]

“Alone” Heart!!🤘🔥

[@rogerdeahl9629]

Drive -- The Cars

[@johnhale2353]

Thank you so much for shining the spotlight on Eric Carr. He was one of the most underrated drummers of the 80s hard rock era. What a talent.

[@gonecyco2]

Eric totally carries this song from start to finish. As he did KISS up until his passing. He, then later Bruce, brought the non makeup KISS to a whole nother level.

[@FuckThatYo]

@@gonecyco2Eric was a great drumming talent, but to say he carried KISS, in any capacity, is a gross overstatement, to put it mildly.

[@gonecyco2]

@@FuckThatYo When I use the term "carried" I am only speaking of how he carried them musically from the bottom up. And then Singer carried them and still does.

[@emptynester9241]

Agreed sadly he is an overlooked drummer.

[@sidle]

I've always felt bad for Eric, he passed the same day as Freddie Mercury and was completely forgotten. RIP Eric.

[@emb2302]

Not forgotten to us!!! That sadly happened to the iconic Farrah Fawcett Majors when she passed away….the same day as Michael Jackson.

[@aprilgosa5779]

true but Farrah's family members said she would have loved that I think she was a fan of Michael Jackson but anyway she wouldn't have wanted the attention on her sad death though she did hope to raise awareness to the form of cancer she had @@emb2302

[@Damaged262]

I sure didn’t forget, but I sure get your point. Life, she’s always been kind of a jerk. In fact, a complete a-hole.

[@mattmallecoccio8378]

If you got mad because the Slinky didn't go down the steps, you'll dig this channel

[@mikestrickhorn4132]

Free Gonzalo Lira

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha!

[@kevinramsey417]

If you've ever tried to chew an entire role of Bubble Tape, you'll dig this channel.

[@joeedwards5329]

Egon: I had half a slinky... I straightened it **I ❤ Ghostbusters 👻

[@tdsollog]

My Slinky would get kinky…. Hmmmm….

[@rattpatrol5188]

“ A Million To One” wasn’t released as a single off Lick It Up album but should’ve been. Most underrated power ballad in their catalog

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Great song. I need to relisten!

[@stanleysimmons]

I concur 👍🏼

[@eclecticx]

One of KISS's best songs.

[@proud2bamerican]

@@eclecticx They have a lot of best songs

[@chrisoakley5830]

​@@Darla-yl8ngI think Tears Are Falling is a really good song.

[@randalladams2448]

Forever was played at my first marriage to my first wife. She passed away in 2016 unexpectedly and it was also played at her funeral. 23 years and 8 months and it still perfectly fit our love for each other and how much I loved her. This song will “forever”, no pun intended, hold a special place in my heart and life just as the group who was my first rock band that I loved. Ironic how their song became the theme for my first love. KISS will always hold a special place in my life just as my wife still does today. If they read this, thank you from a KISS fan for 45 years for all the memories and the song that has meant so much to me. Just know, as long as I’m alive this tune will live on.

[@FuckThatYo]

That is a beautiful story of love, loss, inspiration and the will to carry on. KISS means more to those of us who are fans, than any non-fan could ever realize. It’s not just a band, it’s unbreakable loyalty, getting back up after getting knocked down, never giving up, and being genuine to the true you, regardless of what others may think. Although I’m sure you’ll never fully recover from losing someone so close to you, I’m glad to see you’ve been able to carry on, and honour your wife’s memory when you’re able. Stay strong.

[@stardemonspacecat]

Sorry for your loss... Gotta ask... Was your lovely first wife a KISS fan as well, or did you have to talk her into having that song played at your wedding ???

[@andrewcross8244]

Dude. Forever is played at every dude who is into rock and rolls wedding

[@MarcelGomesPan]

I am so sorry for your loss. 🌹

[@randalladams2448]

@@stardemonspacecatyes she was a die hard fan just like I was. That was a stipulation in the marriage.😂

[@bangkokfed]

The lead guitar player in KISS , for 11 years, from '84-'95 was Bruce Kulick. Previous to joining Bruce was the touring guitarist for Meat Loaf. Not only that, Bruce was the lead guitarist was for the band "Black Jack". The lead singer in Black Jack... Michael Bolton.

[@EnterprisingLeadership]

Exactly!! The Bolton connection was already in place

[@careful__Icarus]

Bravo,you can access Wikipedia. Gold star...for your right eye.

[@bangkokfed]

@@careful__Icarus Wikipedia? What are you talking about? I have been a fan since 1976. I read books and I follow their careers. I know it's difficult to detect tone over text. Your comment struck me as churlish.

[@MrClassicmetal]

@@bangkokfed Yeah, he still used his birth name Michael Bolotin at the time. Black Jack was a pretty cool band, I have their albums. Jazz fusion bassist Jimmy Haslip was also a member, and he joined the Yellowjackets later on.

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

I saw Ace at The House of Blues a few weeks ago. He blew everything away. Guy is the riff master.

[@erikthompson619]

No, he isn't. And he never was. He was always a replaceable hanger-on who just had the luck of getting to know two superior talents who brought him to the stardom that he would never, ever have achieved on his own merits.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool. What did he play?

[@Katerina9256]

I'm enjoying the heck out of the Ace videos I'm seeing lately...72 and still out there. Of course it can't compare to Kiss-era Ace but he's surrounded himself with stellar musicians and fans get to see their childhood rock star hero one more time. He seems to be enjoying himself--love how he smiles as he tosses picks to the fans 😊

[@peterd.9978]

​@@erikthompson619Are you his scorned ex-lover or something?

[@catserver8577]

@@erikthompson619 Wow, that is kind of an exaggeration. Personally, I always liked him, and I am not hearing what you hear. Those "superior talents" are only superior in their talents for over-marketing. Pretty much any other artist Gene Simmons has "produced" for has tanked. There's a difference between being popular and being financially successful. I think most of us would believe someone reviewing Ace's abilities who was actually there recently to someone who is probably a shill repeating the drivel Gene Simmons claims is the "truth". I read his autobiography. That's not talent in that guy. It's bluster and theatrics.

[@jodietimheitz9066]

I have been a KISS fan for 45 years and this video hit hard for me. I had an opportunity to see Eric Carr on the Hot in the Shade tour shortly before he passed away and wasn’t able to go. I have seen them 13 times in concert and that was my only regret was not seeing him in person. I gave a friend of mine the HITS tape to have him autograph it and to tell him I thought he was the best drummer ever, but she want impressed. I never saw my tape again or the autograph. Every time I hear thunder I think it’s Eric warming up.

[@jrnyman78]

JJ Jackson was the Prof of Rock before there was ONE. He was the most knowledgeable of all the MTV jocks by far. His post MTV years saw him as a rock docu presenter. Great man and great voice. RIP JJ.

[@Khondor]

JJ was fantastic

[@danthaman03]

Here in Australia Kiss in 1980 experienced Beatlemania. We seemed to appreciate them post the original line up.

[@Montyhugo]

Thanks for getting deep with Eric Carr! Loved him and his drums then and love him and his drums now! He just seemed to be the coolest,laid back "Rockstar"❤️ my favorite song off "Hot in the shade" is "Hide your Heart"! Ace does his own version of the song that is really good!RIP ERIC 🥁

[@ProfessorofRock]

He was so talented!

[@chrisoakley5830]

​@@ProfessorofRockI to would like to thank you for this coverage of Eric Carr, he was the Kiss drummer that I kinda grew up with. I became a Kiss fan while Peter was still in the group in 78 but by 1980 he was gone, so Eric was the guy for me.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Very skilled player.

[@StoneColdMagic]

Another great episode. Also, I’ll take the “weird 80’s” over most modern stuff any day.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Same here.

[@shannonrichardson3405]

Amen!

[@chrisoakley5830]

I agree, Kiss was certainly not as big in the 80s as they were in the 70s but I bet a lot of musical acts would have given their right arm to have the run that Kiss had in that decade.

[@I-Libertine]

Thanks for turning the spotlight on one of the most important members of KISS. We miss Eric.

[@jwvvvv]

Ace Frehley was never "sacked". He left the band on his own. Paul even went to Ace's house to try and convince him not to leave the band. Ace has said that he felt that once Peter was no longer in the group, Gene and Paul would always out vote him on things that he wanted to do. So, he quit and went on to have a very successful solo career. He also left on his own after the Reunion Tour.

[@glengamble526]

Truth. Whereas Peter WAS fired…twice.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That is very valid reasoning. To save himself the trouble.

[@kc0lif]

ace frehley was upset about music from the elder sessions ace showed up at video i love it loud kiss had to hire vinnie Vincent which is team player but great guitarist.

[@kingofallwhites]

Ace had sex with Peter. He missed it.

[@stevegallo8483]

Paul Stanley was right about the ending of Forever. Virtually every other power ballad at that time ended with the fadeout, so Forever stood out from the crowd by not doing that. Eric Carr was an incredible drummer whose death was overshadowed by the death of the legend Freddie Mercury who died on the same day. Fun fact on the subject of Michael Bolton writing songs for other acts: In 1982 Michael Bolton and Doug James wrote the song How Am I Supposed to Live Without You for the band Air Supply. Air Supply ended up not recording it after arista president Clive Davis wanted permission to change the lyrics in the chorus which Michael Bolton refused. Laura Branigan recorded it for her second album (Branigan 2) in 1982/83, and the Michael Bolton recorded it himself in 1989 for his album Soul Provider.

[@97warlock]

It wasnt overshadowed by me. Freddie wasnt a very big icon to me like Eric was

[@screwyootube1]

@@97warlock Sorry, dude. You're on your own. Eric was great. But Freddie was iconic. Even iconic doesn't seem to adequately describe him.

[@97warlock]

he was the singer of the band Queen, to me. I wasnt very into Queen other than probably 5-6 songs. Not downing them, just saying . they werent my kinda music. I was in my teens & looking for a bit more edgy guitar driving attitude drivin etc. But lotsa people liked queen. They were a big band. all good@@screwyootube1

[@FuckThatYo]

⁠@@97warlockI find KISS and Queen to be very similar, and to say that Queen didn’t make driving guitar rock, is foolishness. Brian May is, without question, one of rock n’ roll’s all-time premiere lead guitarists. So many of his riffs are truly iconic. I don’t think you’ve given them enough time. I love KISS, and I love Queen too. That’s not weird.

[@97warlock]

I got the 8 track that has we will rock you............... news of the world is the name, I liked a few songs on it. I couldnt get into the rest. I got JAZZ same thing. I got Live Killers, liked 3-4 songs . Ive learned thru the years Im not into operatic style vocals. Queen was good up until radio gaga, that one sucked, not sure what became of them after that. @@FuckThatYo

[@DC8091]

Speaking of Peter Criss songs, Hard Luck Woman (yes Paul wrote it), would make an AWESOME video. As far as KISS songs go, that’s #1 in my heart by miles! (Go Rags!!)

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Love Hard Luck Woman.

[@Slartie24]

Rags? One of my favorite songs

[@g_man2177]

Ace was replaced by Vinnie Vincent who was replaced by Mark St. John who was replaced by Bruce Kulick. Eric Carr's first song he sang lead was Little Caesar. Eric did not know about Kiss moving on without him until he found out by the media not the band. That was why Gene and Paul were not invited to Eric's funeral.

[@derekcheatham1911]

And before Vinnie, Bob Kulick did some studio guitar work.

[@g_man2177]

@@derekcheatham1911 Bob's brother Bruce couldn't find any documentation of Bob playing on Alive II or Creatures. However, that is not to say he played a chrord here and there as Bruce said. He did play guitar on Paul's solo album, and recommended Bruce to take over for Mark.

[@yzwoody]

Bolton had very little to do with that song until kiss made it a hit.

[@alanela6761]

Eric's first original kiss vocal was Little Ceasar, but he did do lead on Beth a year earlier

[@jasonr.3173]

Bruce played guitar with Bolton in the band Blackjack

[@bigdave46148]

As a long time fan of Kiss (1976), I have always thought when they took off the makeup, it allowed them to open up musically. While in makeup we would have never gotten songs like Hide your heart, Thrills in the night, Tears are falling (this one could go either way), I will always love you, and many others. The unmasked years had a lot of great songs.

[@marvinshump255]

"I will always love you"??? By Dolly & Whitney? "I Still Love You" was their song, off of Creatures of the Night, still in makeup.

[@brenturquhart7090]

Thanks for the slinky ad. After years of professional held, I finally got that jingle out of my head. I’ve had years of peace, and BAM, it’s in my head again. Thanks Prof. Lol

[@MrOctober44]

Ace quit, he wasn't fired. They practically begged him to stay.

[@ericwilliams1031]

Paul was right the ending of Forever is perfect. The 1984-95 lineup of KISS to me is the definitive non-makeup lineup and made some great music together. I saw them twice during that era. R.I.P. Eric Carr.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What years, do you remember?

[@anthonyfalante5613]

I saw them twice. 1977 and 1979. That was the definitive lineup

[@ericwilliams1031]

@@anthonyfalante5613 I know that. That's why I said "non makeup lineup"

[@rio2nyc]

By the way…. Bruce didn’t replaced Ace, he replaces Mark St. John, who replaced Vinnie Vincent, who replaced Ace

[@footy2rock]

Yeah I dont think Professor did enough research

[@anakina1]

So glad you put some light on Carr. What a great drummer he was. Bombastic style for sure, he was thunder behind a kit. Forever is a great song too.

[@SammyHorne]

I'm a big Kiss fan and have been for many years. They are a special band to me and seeing the reunion tour in 1996 was a dream come true. I wish they would do one more reunion tour before they stop touring. The original members were the best byfar!

[@fivestring65ify]

I saw the reunion tour. They are a great live band.

[@vinyllpreviews9462]

Seen them 3 times on reunion tour.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

If so, I would totally buy tickets.

[@SammyHorne]

That's Awesome!! @@vinyllpreviews9462

[@jeffshadow2407]

I went to three Reunion concerts at the L.A. Forum in 1996, the last time with "Animalize" furs and Ace Frehley makeup.

[@jennyjenny4501]

May Jimmy Buffett rest in peace! He will be missed, but we will always have his music. ☮️

[@catherine6653]

Thanks for mentioning this. A sad time for all parrotheads. 🦜

[@RBS_]

...heard about "Buff" FIRST thing thing Morning, and grabbed me 4 CD Box set to listen to....always respected the Guy for a being One of the RICHEST 'One Hit Wonders' ever.....RIP in "Margaritaville", Buff, you EARNED it.....

[@user-xm7jy7dc8f]

@@RBS_ what about cheeseburger 🍔 in paradise?

[@bobdavis4848]

I am a huge fan of Jimmy Buffett and was just listening to his recent colored vinyl double album "Songs You Don't Know By Heart." Your post is the first I learned of his death; thanks for the alert! Please be sure you spell his last name correctly!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Yes he will.

[@robertbowers2190]

The whole Crazy Nights album is a album worth discussing. Solid songs and great lyrics. 9.5 out of 10 for me. I am a solid believer that the makeup years were their best, but I always listen to this album once a week at least.

[@Fiona2254]

I was pregnant with our youngest when we went to the “makeup comeback” tour in 96. It was such a good show, and predictably so there were people protesting the show because they were “demonic.” The show was so good. I like Kiss better before the unmasking 😊

[@ratagris21]

Demonic or not they're excellent 👌.

[@fivestring65ify]

I saw it as well. One of the best live shows I've ever seen.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Haha, it makes for perfect Halloween costume ideas at least!

[@holisticanimal]

Forever is an amazing song and I have been a fan since the 70s , great episode, thank you

[@bsenka]

One of the worst kept secrets about Hot In The Shade (the album that "Forever" was a single from) is that it was not an officially recorded album by the whole band. It's a collection of demos featuring a wide range of session musicians, some of which got some overdubs and remixing before being compiled for the album.

[@BillGraper]

Man, I absolutely LOVED "Forever" the first time I heard it!!! Many people don't know this, but Michael Bolton was a rock singer before he made it big in the business as a soulful balladeer. He sounded so different, and I love his rock voice. As far as KISS, their ballads were always amazing. Beth, Hard Luck Woman (which was written with Rod Stewart in mind) and Forever. Great episode, Mr. Professor!!!

[@RBS_]

...I KNEW Bolton was a Rocker! ...me (former) co-worker turned me on to "Everybody's Crazy", and I LOVED that CD! ...Yes Bolt 'popped' up the Rock, but should get SOME credit for 'entertaining the masses'... Ronald Isley excluded! ...ha-HAAA!!

[@Fiona2254]

I remember his rock singing days and I was disappointed he went on to do ballads.

[@BillGraper]

@@Fiona2254 I remember when he hit #1 in 1990 with "How Am I Supposed To Live Without You" and thinking, "WOW, he took that old Laura Branigan song & made it his own!" Little did I know, HE was the one who wrote it!

[@ProfessorofRock]

He did have a good rock voice. It's wasted. Thanks Bill.

[@ProfessorofRock]

DO you own it?

[@Baionno]

Hey man! This was excellent. I’m 35 and first heard Death Cab when Transatlanticism came out my Junior Year of High School - while I was also a singer and guitar player in a band. Ben became my idol. I played Into the Dark at my HS Talent show, we played Summer Skin at Battle of the Bands, and still to this day, I write and record my own solo stuff and always have Ben in mind for inspiration. If you ever do a part 2, I’m in haha. Great work.

[@stevenedwards5356]

I absolutely loved Forever when it came out! I still do! Thanks for all the insight Professor, another epic dive!

[@smdias65]

I started listening to Kiss back in 1976 and have always liked the Kiss ballads. When I heard "Forever" and saw that Michael Bolton co-wrote it, I thought, "that's weird," but I really like the song.

[@kikiki4592]

Bryan Adams co wrote a few songs on Creatures of the Night, also.

[@jamiehemming9883]

Paul Stanley is an under rated songwriter I think, and the late Eric Carr's backing vocals on God Gave... were awesome. Funny this video should come up on my YT feed today as a few hours ago I found out that Rod Argent was born and raised in a house just a few yards away from the street I live in :) Keep up the great work, Prof!

[@Talon0524]

Eric Carr was amazing to watch on stage. ❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

How many times have you seen Kiss live?

[@Talon0524]

@@ProfessorofRock I saw Kiss four times in the 80s. Eric’s drum solo was always mesmerizing.

[@optimisticoutreach1236]

Oddly enough...Eric had THE BEST makeup in the band. Can't believe I am saying this...

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I know!

[@erikthompson619]

The only reason you could say that this was Kiss' first hit in 12 years, is if you're hopelessly US-centric. "Heaven's on fire" in particular was a massive hit with us in Europe, and plenty more songs from that era, like "Lick it up", "Tears are falling" and "Crazy crazy nights" were also very successful. The makeup-less era as a whole was very successful for Kiss in Europe.

[@ProfessorofRock]

THat's right. But they didn't fare as well here in the states...

[@popsequentialism7213]

​@@ProfessorofRockin the mid to late 80s the radio charts were taking a backseat to MTV's Top Ten videos, but I rarely see anybody reference that chart. Is that data lost? It's apparent in album rankings of the time how popular videos were helping to sell records that didn't score radio hits. And it's not just verifiable but widely accepted that music television had become the defacto radio station for youth culture in the United States. Kiss videos from ASYLUM and ANIMALIZE would regularly rank in the top ten videos, and those albums went multi-platinum, so I think it's a bit undermining of Kiss' (or any band's) actual popularity in that era to dismiss the video hits, or consider them somehow less than radio hits. What are your thoughts on that?

[@jeremeybrown9716]

I LOVED "Heaven's On Fire".

[@christophercrowder872]

"Heaven's On Fire" failed to make it into the Top 10 in any market. "Lick It Up" didn't crack the Top 20 anywhere. "Tears Are Falling" stalled out in the 50's if it charted at all. You *are* right about "Crazy Crazy Nights", though. It did not do well in the U.S. (#65), but was Top 10 in UK, Ireland, & Sweden. While "Forever" was a Top 10 hit in the U.S., the truth is "I Was Made For Lovin' You" was KISS' last global hit.

[@davealmer3803]

Never gets played on the radio in Toronto (HOF) and it was a minor hit at best. RIP Eric.

[@flavellinator]

Not a Kiss fan but you made them very interesting to me, Professor... I remember when Lick It Up hit MTV for the first time. You're right-- it got a lot of airplay

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They actually didn’t look that horrible without the makeup on.

[@super-robot-punch]

Maaaaaan KISS is so underrated

[@screwyootube1]

@@super-robot-punch Kiss is only underrated by die-hard Kiss fans. When they did disco, they halted the steam they had going, and never recovered from it. They became mediocre after that.

[@FuckThatYo]

@@screwyootube1All of KISS’ best material is post 1982. It doesn’t seem like that, but without the strong nostalgic attachment of those ‘70s tunes, the ‘80s and ‘90s material seems inferior. This is simply not the case at all. The ‘70s songs were immature and extremely simplistic. Although KISS material never obtained a level where it could be called complex, their post-makeup, pre-reunion catalogue is vastly musically superior.

[@mikevivian3648]

Thanks for the Eric carr Tribute. He will be forever remembered by his fans! Very talented drummer and musician! As for fave songs, Lick it up, forever, hide your heart, all hells breaking loose and many others!

[@vancewesterberg4509]

In the 80's, I too was one of the many who signed up with Columbia House to get that great deal on music. Growing up, my favorite thing about getting cassettes or CD's besides the music itself was finding the lyrics and songwriter inside.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You found those treasures in the liner notes.

[@kevinkaatz883]

KISS had hits in the 80s, Heaven’s On Fire, Tears Are Falling, Crazy Nights, to name 3

[@erikthompson619]

Exactly! It was basically just the US who ignored Kiss singles during their makeupless era. In Europe, that same period was their second heyday.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Not in the states...

[@ueno1]

I never heard any of those songs Kevin

[@jeremeybrown9716]

"Animalize" was one of my favorite albums in Jr High. All the metal heads at my school seemed to love it.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I know all those songs, but not all of them were hits.

[@stephenhanft1226]

Professor, I'm glad to see you do an episode spotlighting a song co-written by Michael Bolton. There were a lot of musical changes that I didn't like in the 90's (The rise of Rap/Hip Hop and Grunge). However, if there is one kind of music that will never go out of style and there will always be a place for it, that is the ballad/love song singer. Each decade we had at least one singer who was known and specialized in singing love song ballads. In the 1950's, it was Johnny Mathis, the 1960's Bobby Vinton, The 1970's Barry Manilow, the 1980's Lionel Richie (In fact, one music critic called Lionel Richie "The Black Barry Manilow) and in the 1990's Michael Bolton, Since people are always going to fall in love and get married, love song ballads are timeless and will be popular in any decade. I've always enjoyed them. On another topic, I heard the sad news that Jimmy Buffet has past away. Professor, I'm not sure whether or not you were a fan of his music. I don't think you've ever mentioned him on your channel. Jimmy Buffet had a style all his own. People referred to it as tropical rock. Everyone knows his signature song "Margaritaville". His other great songs include "Cheeseburger In Paradise", "Volcano", and "Come Monday". He's been a major concert performer consistently on tour for the last several decades. He recently performed his last concert this past May.His devoted fan base are know as "Parrotheads". I've always enjoyed his music. When listening, it transports your mind to a tropical island. Anyway, I hope you do a tribute episode for Jimmy Buffet.

[@JohnRotonto-ql9ds]

Kiss was a great R&R band that stood the test of time. No other band was like them. No other band could be them. With their stage makeup, on- stage antics, pyrotechnics, and hard rockin sound, Kiss set the bar high for future acts to follow! 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@jwvvvv]

The current lineup is nothing but a Tribute band.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They were top tier in the makeup canon.

[@99percentirish64]

Thanks Mr. Professor. I remember when they took the makeup off. That's very sad, what happened Eric Carr. I'm glad I caught them in concert, in 1997! Forever is a great song.

[@Googerstein]

I knew the song from the thumbnail! Well done, Prof!

[@kencrowe1965]

I have always been a KISS fan, but IMHO their BEST lineup was with Eric Carr(RIP) and Bruce Kulick!!! Saw them on the "Crazy Nights" and "Hot in the Shade" tours!!! Always loved that lineup!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Really? Ya Eric was really good, but I'll take Ace.

[@ReverendBad]

I 2nd that emotion! Band was amazing with Bruce and Eric!

[@BabyGirlRae52]

Yes. Yes yes

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Wow! When was that tour?

[@johnbernhardtsen3008]

dang Bruces guitars were hot! I almost got an ESP guitar in early 90s, sadly the cool music store bought a custom Gibson guitar for a dude, he bailed and didnt want to pay the money the store paid to get the guitar for him! I wanted a Mirage model with seymour duncans in it! edit ; the store closed 1 months after that fool didnt pay, the owner couldnt pay rent or order anything after that!

[@garygehman415]

This is one of my all time favorite KISS songs. In fact, my wife and I had our first dance to it at our wedding. My wife, who is in no way a KISS fan, looked at me like I was insane when I suggested it. Then I played it for her and then she understood why I wanted. Now it’s her favorite KISS song too. 😊

[@christysbutterfly1612]

EXCELLENT show Professor!!! Perfect fit for this Labor Day weekend!! I hope you and your family have a wonderful and safe weekend!! Big hug from your #1 Oklahoma fan!!~Christy

[@seanswinton6242]

I remember not knowing who Michael Bolton was when I met him at a NARM Convention right before his album "The Hunger" was released. Seeing that the album had the 1986 Journey line-up on it made me instantly like it. I heard the influences. So having Bolton co-write a KISS song was nothing to be ashamed of especially since outside songwriters for all the rage at the time. I came to KISS not knowing they were a band initially. My cousin had their comic books. Then I saw them singing "Rock and Roll All Nite" and I was hooked! 😂

[@ProfessorofRock]

How was he? when you met him?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Did he tell you anything interesting?

[@OLDSCHOOLROGUE]

One of their best songs! Even though I prefer the original classics, this song and several others of this album proved their musical talent! No band has ever put in more work to satisfy the fans.

[@lifemax3954]

Musically KISS was at peak quality in the 80's.....songs like "Heavens On Fire"....:Thrills in the Night"....."Hide Your Heart".....were simply masterful hard rock melodies.

[@WhatsCookingTime]

Yes

[@thepizzaveteran]

Love your channel and the great info you provide. However I have one correction for you. After Ace Frehley's departure, KISS hired Vinnie Vincent, followed by Mark St. John who was replaced by Bruce Kulick.

[@stevenfunderburg1623]

The dynamics are straight out of an episode of The Office or Parks and Recreation. Stanley is embarrassed by Bolton's involvement and seeks to publicly diminish it, while Bolton sees it as some potential validation for male audiences, and so publicly enhances it 😂🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ProfessorofRock]

Exactly right!

[@stevenfunderburg1623]

@@ProfessorofRock 😂🤣😂

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Michael Scott approves of this 😝

[@rjc7289]

I liked the overall sound and production on the Asylum record. Some very gnarly-sounding riffs on that album, and Eric Carr's drum kit never sounded heavier before or since. I remember the snare drum having a lot of snap and crack to it that really made it punch through the mix. The lead guitar on "Tears Are Falling" is among my favorite lead guitar tracks Bruce Kulick ever recorded in the 80's. Maybe Paul's ego is the reason why he diminishes Michael Bolton's creative input on "Forever". And I'm not surprised by the fact that Bruce played bass on that song. It wouldn't be the first time Gene Simmons deferred his bass parts to Bruce during a recording session. He even played bass on the Psycho Circus album a few years after he was out of the band.

[@jwhey2fun]

Michael Bolton was already friends with many of the members of Kiss dating back to his time in a band with Bruce Kulik called Black Jack. Bruce’s older brother Bob Kulik had guest appearances on many of Kiss albums and knew the members of the band before their careers really took off. It’s not like Michael Bolton was a stranger in the industry and was quite an amazing hard rock vocalist. Here is a cool little piece of info from years gone by Bruce and Bob Kulik both played in meatloaf at one time. Professor of rock I have been a huge fan of Kiss since the release of Rock and Roll Over I remember seeing it in the front of recordland store and had to have it I just had to have it lol been a rocker every sense however some of my favorite Kiss tunes to date are from those unmasked days the band do not get the credit they deserve for those Incredibly talented releases.

[@terrystarling8761]

Thanks for that piece of trivia did not know any of that. I did not become a fan until I saw them during their reunion tour and as a musician was very impressed with this band theatrics tone musical skills everything rolled into one. Just one of those shows when you leave you feel like you got your moneys worth and have a happy smile.

[@thevisionary2007]

Here's another fun fact, Bob Kulick would have been an original member, they had actually decided on him, and then this guy got out of his Mom's car and stumbled into the place wearing one orange and one red sneaker.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The Meat Loaf connection is a surprising revelation for me.

[@aaronwoltz3027]

Glad you type all of this so I didn't have to!

[@billtrepkowski527]

​@@thevisionary2007No, they had not decided on Bob. They liked him, but he and they knew he wasn't right. The reason? He was bald. Bob himself had said this. He was already losing his hair when he turned 18, so he began shaving his head. They liked his playing, though, and kept in touch with him just in case things were to turn out like they ultimately did. Peter Criss had also said Bob didn't get it because he was bald, and they didn't want a bald guitar player. When you see old photos and video of Bob and Bruce playing with Meat Loaf, Bob was wearing a wig. Bruce himself has told me that personally.

[@seanjohn1742]

Forever was played at my wedding in 2003, we just celebrated 20 yr anniversary. Forever is an amazing song, with great performances by all, especially the guitar solo by Bruce. This one and the solo on Detroit Rock City are my two favourite Kiss solos.

[@dcinsc7]

The guitar solo makes the song, and Paul’s vocal is perfect!

[@gtrgar4561]

Interesting episode today. Was more of a KISS fan during the first Classic line up era when I was in Highschool. Definitely shows why so many rock bands rely on Power Ballads to make or reboot careers. A great Power Ballad appeals to a very broad audience. As a guitar fan and player, I always follow the comings and going of guitar players in bands. I had to peak into the production details of the "Hot in the Shade" album where "Forever" appeared. I spotted Tommy Thayer's name in the credits for playing acoustic-electric guitar on three of the tracks on the album. Tommy joined as KISS' Lead Guitar in 1998 (he had writing and session credits starting with "Hot in the Shade"). Tommy is still their lead guitar player today. Their current line up of Paul, Gene, Eric Singer (drums) and Tommy Thayer (Guitar) has been together for almost 20 years. 🎸😎

[@thedrunkfox]

Love all the coverage on Eric. Awesome drummer, awesome video ❤

[@Hairmetallurgist]

It's unfortunate that so little is made of Paul Stanley as a vocalist...fifty years later and he can still belt out a song with such amazing power. "Forever" may be one of his finest vocal performances. I was never a "Kiss Army" type fan, but I still gotta give props where they're due.

[@revwillyg6450]

He's stayed out too long though. His pipes are shot to crap. Said he'd never use backing tracks on stage, now....🤷‍♂️

[@gr8handsftl]

True, though listed to "I Still Love You" the unplugged version. His vocals are amazing on that

[@Duck_Dodgers]

Lip singing

[@hbofbyu1]

I have huge respect for Kiss. They give their fans a great show still.

[@pcooper3559]

Bolton wrote a song with a friend of mine and also took credit!!!

[@Deadbeatradio]

I was listening to the radio today and "Funky Cold Medina" came on and I was reminded of the Christine Sixteen sample and of course, the Foreigner sample

[@rogerdeahl9629]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 KISS! THE ARMY! Love those guys! Might not have been the best musicians, but their mark on music history can't be denied. Favorite KISS moment was when they showed up at the Grammys in costume unannounced. Everyone else was in complete shock and awe. Thanks Professor. We are humbly your Army out here. 😅 RIP Jimmy Buffet. 😢😢

[@ProfessorofRock]

so sad.. What's your favorite Kiss song Roger?

[@rogerdeahl9629]

@@ProfessorofRock Detroit Rock City 🪨 🎸

[@DDKaraokeOutlaw]

@@rogerdeahl9629 I saw them at Sonic Temple 2023 Historic Crew Stadium, Columbus, OH, USA End Of The Road Tour. 5/27/23. They opened up with two of favorites, Detroit Rock City and Shout It Out Load.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Eff cancer. R.I.P. Jimmy 😢

[@acesteele]

"Forever" is a great song, with an epic ending,, and one of the most beautiful acoustic guitar solos, ever. P.S. prior to joining KISS, Bruce was in a band called "Blackjack", who's lead vocalist was some guy named Micheal Bolton. 😉

[@dmitryowens]

You mean Michael Bolotin 😎

[@charlesmorris1786]

I remember hearing that jingle in the early 60's. According to Wikipedia, the jingle came out in 1962 and is the longest-running jingle in advertising history.

[@tonybrown6775]

Saw them at Market Square arena right before Sicko Circus came out in 1996. Amazing concert. Reunion tour

[@scottstalcup6980]

You too? Miss that venue.

[@patkowalchuk4003]

My favourite album by KISS, the still had make up, but Peter was already gone and Ace was too…just not “officially”, but the make up was still there. Creatures of the Night is an amazing album, and IMO their heaviest too. And 2 of the heaviest songs from that album, “War Machine” and “Rock and Roll Hell” were co-written by Gene and the writing team of Jim Vallance and Bryan Adams. And I love that! To me that is more unexpected than Paul and Bolton. 😂

[@Geerladenlad]

Forever is a good song 👍 Some of my favorite songs from non makeup era kiss : Lick It up, Heaven's On Fire, Tears Are Falling, All Hell's Breakin' Loose.

[@grahamehuxley859]

Forever was my wife and I's wedding song that we danced to, still married after 23 years. The words mean something to us.

[@neilperry2224]

It's the song "god, gave rock n roll to you" for me, just after I split with my first true love, and l couldn't listen to M.Bolton. So went looking for a high loud rock n roll track. Thanks man for today's show. All the best

[@ProfessorofRock]

Rock on!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Is he not your cuppa?

[@rob1tnt]

One of my all time favorite KISS songs, while i do love the original line up and sound but my introduction to KISS was Crazy Nights that era for will always hold a special to me. Bruce's solo, Eric's drumming. Sure the song is cliché in subject matter but imo it's one of the best ballads to come out of the era.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Back in the Saddle Again Naturally!

[@ProfessorofRock]

There it is!

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@ProfessorofRock Hey ProRo, 🤓 are you ever going to interview Leo Sayers?

[@Kickinpony66]

Dude, this video is not 1 Second Longer than Perfect! Such sweet timing... 2112!

[@luxdico]

thx for the video and some Kisstory. When Forever became a hit, it was nice to see that these guys could still do it. But it was actually just a warm up for all the decades to come. It's just so disappointin' to witness all the acrimony between the members from the original line-up.

[@DougBurke89]

I totally grew up on Kiss. My first concert was the Lick It Up tour when I was 12. I also made sure to hit the 96 reunion tour to finally see them in makeup.

[@lookonthebrightsideoflife5200]

RIP Eric Carr...best drummer Kiss ever had. And that's saying something because Eric Singer is amazing too.

[@dmitryowens]

Both Eric's are great, but they're pretty standard hard rock drummers - Peter Criss' unique jazzy/funky grooving style was essential to the classic KISS sound.

[@tdanielskiss]

I loved Eric’s drumming on the track and the outro. As he hits the kick, there is that one shot on the snare drum that to me was powerful.

[@coreeeey420]

Kulick played in a band with Bolton pre-KISS called Blackjack. I found a cassette at K-Mart years ago called Double Play which contained two full length albums, though I couldn't tell you the titles. The music was typical early '80s rock.

[@stevelanemusic4463]

Michael Bolton’s first few albums were rock. Very good rock at that! I went through a MB rock phase about a year ago. My wife was shocked 😂 What a Genius move on the bands part. Eric Carr was a fantastic musician for sure. He is missed years later so much. Awesome story 👏🏼👏🏼

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The rocker side of Michael Bolton is so underrated.

[@kikiki4592]

He also had a band with Bruce Kulick called Blackjack, almost Bad Company feel to it, you can find it here on youtube. It was in the late 70's.

[@kikiki4592]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5KzZKOEoMmmh5Y

[@stevelanemusic4463]

@@kikiki4592 Oh yes, I have it. Love it..!

[@kikiki4592]

@@stevelanemusic4463 I stopped collecting LP's in the mid 90's, sold everything off, and I was able to move it alone for $750. Collector who got from me said the card box like album cover was rare. I always thought that was also so cool, miss that part of music, the album covers from that era were so badass.

[@roblancaster1892]

Forever by Kiss is by far one of rhe best ballads to come from the 80s and 90s. Great Episode!

[@gsmith207]

Thanks for doing a little extra on Eric C, he was awesome. Great vid Prof

[@WishIdThoughtOfIt]

That was truly a saddening fate imposed upon Eric Carr, which I would not have known about, but for your video. However, I managed to cheer myself up by remembering the ending scene in "Wanted Dead Or Alive" when Rutger Hauer pulled the pin on the grenade.

[@Will-ym9jn]

Yes, I enjoyed Kiss in the 80's. Its when I first really knew who they were. Tears are Falling, Heaven's on Fire were great songs!

[@mrapache10]

My first KISS album was Alive 2 when it was released. I was in 2nd grade. Been a huge fan of theirs since then. I absolutely love their old stuff with the original 4 members and to me the best KISS album of all is Revenge. Forever was mine and my wife’s wedding song in our wedding. Was surprised she agreed to it but she did.

[@ianobrien3248]

"91… music was in a strange place. It was kind of still the 80s, even though the calendar had moved into the 90s. But it wasn’t the good 80s… It was the overexposed pop that was invading everyone’s radio.. and it was hard to know what to make of it…" As a 17 year old that year I COMPLETELY agree. I could listen to my REM cd's but music was falling apart it seemed. Then Nirvana and Pearl Jam then Soundgarden then the world exploded and I felt vindicated in liking what I liked, and hating what I hated.

[@rabby-u]

Grunge really saved the day for music.

[@ProfessorofRock]

YEs! What was your favorite album of that weird time?

[@ianobrien3248]

@@ProfessorofRock I was listening to REMs "Green" a LOT. Also loved Extreme and Alice in Chains was what really started it. Seeing the premier of the "Man in the Box" video on 120 minutes made me hopeful for the future before I ever heard Nirvana

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Things were still transitioning…

[@vinceponzo7573]

I caught your channel a few months ago, I love what you do. I have been a KISS fan since I was around 4 yrs old, my mother has a picture of me with headphones on listening to Destroyer. I wished that the boys would have done one and done on the reunion tour and went back to no make up. They were on the right track on being, in my opinion the next Rolling Stones, with the direction the music was going. Carnival of Souls really showed that they could get down and dirty with the best of them. Anyways I ranted enough, keep up the 3 cords and the truth my friend. Thanks

[@SNMIKE1]

Forever and Reason To Live are THE best ballads from Kiss....PERIOD!!!

[@zughiaq]

One of the first albums I got on my own was Kiss Alive III and the live version of Forever has been a favorite of mine ever since.

[@chrisggoodwin777]

Don't forget get the other ballad "Forever" by Jesse and the Rippers 😉

[@karaokekraziness3891]

I've always loved this song. It's one of the first songs I covered on my Karaoke channel. It was one of my favorite love songs of its time and always reminds me of my school years. I would love to see you do either Creatures of the Night or I Still Love You. Those are two of my all time favorite Kiss songs, along with Detroit Rock City and Take Me. I actually love pretty much the whole Destroyer album and Rock and Rollover albums. I think that's when they were at their peak.

[@harveybojangle475]

Ace quit, he wasn’t fired.

[@brianbrewer5375]

Another interesting fact, Michael Bolton and Bruce Kulick were in a band called Blackjack in the early 80's. They released two albums but never really caught on commercially.

[@nsolitary]

Awesome that you gave so much time about Eric

[@marksguitars5617]

great video, always loved KISS in all their forms but the early make up days were my favorite. It probably drives them nuts that their biggest hit was sung by Peter Criss who's no longer with them. I always got a kick out of the Forever video with Gene (like you said hadn't played it on the album) on a stool with a music stand all smiley haha. Must not forget between Ace and Bruce Kulick there was Vinnie Vincent and Mark St. John. Appreciate all you do!

[@Imajica69]

Michael Bolton was in a band with the guitarist at the time Bruce Kulick called Blackjack and they were awesome. And that Guild that PS is playing in the video is bad ass.

[@aspnmn1]

Funny to find out about the Michael Bolton tie in. I was surprised that the Bruce Kulick tie to Michael Bolton wasn't mentioned.

[@zman890]

Saw the Carr/Kulik line up in ‘87. First album I ever bought was Destroyer. I think I was 7 or 8 so that would have been a few years after the album came out.

[@rio2nyc]

Also, Michael Bolton had a band with Bruce Kulick in 1979, called Backjack

[@nbdysfool3]

Blackjack

[@tbone7679]

I’m always amazed how when I watch the video, I “hear” the drums so much more than just listening to it. Great drumming in a great song.