KISS Frontman Paul Stanley -- WSJ Exclusive Interview

KISS frontman Paul Stanley sits with WSJLive's Lee Hawkins for an exclusive interview on his music, his business decisions, and his thoughts on a thirty-year career. Plus Stanley promises that the next KISS album will be the "best we've ever done."
Follow Lee Hawkins on Twitter: @leehawkins
Tune in later this week for Lee's interview with Cee-Lo Green.
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[@CincinnatusPublish]

Paul is the ONLY member of KISS who was completely comitted to KISS from day one until today. This man deserves ALL of the credits!

[@RockNRoller2100]

No matter how you put it, KISS wouldn't be KISS without Paul Stanley. He was the co-writer of almost all their hits, and the one member that all the fans (and girls) loved. Rock on Paul.

[@phoebechristina]

Wow, this is one of the best interviews I've seen of a musician. I'm now a fan of Paul Stanley. He spoke so much truth in this sit down.

[@gmrios]

Fantastic interviewer. Paul has always been a class act.

[@stephenray6850]

Paul Stanley is brilliant in every sense of the word. I’ve enjoyed his music/Kiss) as a child and still do this this day. 😉👍🍺🍺🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@RADIO5150EAS]

A nice job by Lee Hawkins asking the questions. As a radio guy I'd love to sit down and interview a guy like Paul Stanley. He's a lot more than just a brainless rocker who has no clue. He's an intelligent well-spoken person with a ton of life and showbiz experience.

[@rutedasilva5703]

RUTE DA SILVA

[@GRIFFKILL]

Everything this guy says makes total sense, very mature, very candid and very down to earth, I wasn't expecting that, great interview best of luck to him. Great work from Lee Hawkins also.

[@LumberjackPa]

This in my opinion was a very well conducted and unbiased interview. Thanks for sharing.

[@NeonKnights01]

This is probably one of the best interviews I've seen. People might see them as sellouts, not real musicians etc., should go to a KISS show and see what it's all about. The amount of work these guys do for their fans on and off stage is amazing and always will be. Hard work and always keeping up with what's happening around them are why they're in the position they're in now and they're got every right to gloat about it!

[@REIVAJ2194]

Fantastic interviewer I hope more interviewers were like him

[@enriqueacosta3992]

Paul didn't answer the question of If merchandise sold more than music did He went all the way around but that's ok he's still a master in songwriting!!!

[@HDLifter]

Paul's such an eloquent and logical speaker. It explains his and KISS's longevity.

[@TheTrunk60]

There will NEVER, EVER be another PAUL STANLEY...

[@nilskristianmorka5894]

Great painting of blues legend Robert Johnson, nice

[@georgiehollander2199]

I'd love a painting of HIMSELF done by himself !!!.........That would be awesome !!!

[@fussygirl65]

Paul needs to go onTED talks he’s definitely a mentor

[@JeanPierreGaray]

Paul Stanley is the best frontman and one of the best voices in history.

[@sharonjacobs4256]

A childhood listening to KISS has still gotten me into the rock and roll fantasy. Rock on KISS. AT 64 IM STILL LISTENING!!!

[@v.german11b]

Paul Stanley is a brilliant, intelligent, talented musician AND businessman, with outstanding human qualities.

[@brandonpate9258]

I love To hear Paul Stanley Talk, The interviews he does is always so good and he so well spoken, I’ve got a lot of respect for This guy and Kiss for all The hard work To put in There music in shows, when There in stage The passion is always There. I Think This interviewer did a great job and asked great questions.

[@StumptownBoy]

I thought this was a really refreshing interview. The content was OK, but it was really nice to see Paul calm and answer questions with some real thought and feeling, and without all the joking and canned answers he will often give, especially when he's in an interview with Gene sitting next to him.

[@guitarguy5475]

"I'm bothered by very little these days" awesome statement. It must be good to be Paul Stanley

[@pennyblea2705]

Paul you are so Talented love your Art. and love your music Always...

[@mhaley101]

At 6:10 Paul says, "There is somebody who is as talented at taking your money as you are at making it." So true!!!

[@davidkohner56]

Really intelligent guy, seen many interviews and he always delivers

[@TheLithGH]

This was a fantastic interview. Let me tell you why: The questions were deep, personal, introspective, thought provocing, etc. ALL other interviews are about Gene's tongue, how many women he's slept with, how long does it take to put on the make-up, stupid shit. This guy was great!!!! Questions about the music business, standing the test of time, what makes continuous success, etc. Great job, sir!!!

[@meterpangs9318]

Stanley is one of the smartest in Show Biz !

[@bofuscrapshaw]

Great Great interview!!!

[@jeannet7443]

"Success without giving back is success that isn't warranted."

[@miconn99]

another great interview most eloquent again and true to himself always impressed

[@sweetheart123103]

What a amazing interview, I could listen to Paul speak all day, he doesn't put any grap out there, just honest info!!!!

[@ss109guy]

Outstanding interview. Impressive guy.

[@frankieshankly5368]

Really good interview, we who has loved them since forever, recognize the ups and downs they have worked through, Good luck to all of you have been in there :)

[@MichaelSimmons.]

Excellent interviewer. I wish all media and interviewers were this knowledgable, and respectful.

[@Gman-bl3cg]

If you want the best you got the best with KISS, woo i love you guys.Nothing but COOL. I love the blues man painting really nice.

[@ddhuber]

I've liked a few of their tracks but never been a big Kiss fan, I always enjoy listening to Paul Stanley speak. Great interview.

[@JayJarrett1989]

I Love Paul so much the man could talk about paint drying and he'd still have my full attention lol

[@DunmoresMovieMania]

Ironic, considering we can see his paint drying behind him.

[@scottyh8494]

A very informative interview!

[@mykylc]

For any early days KISS fans that have not picked up the book by Gene and Paul "Nothin' To Lose" yet...you need to. Fabulous book that puts you in the middle of everything that was happening from 72-75. Fantastic piece of work that shows you step by step how they went from nothing to something in 4 years. You pick it up and it's hard to put down.

[@strnglhld]

Just don’t pick up Paul’s novel “Face The Music”… endless blaming of others!

[@mykylc]

@@strnglhld horrible book.

[@tesscamilleri5552]

❤ Great Interview PAUL STANLEY. Awesome ❤

[@StoneColdCrazy74]

Very classy and well spoken individual. He makes alot of sense...I know alot of KISS fans and casual listeners, and they're still popular. After 40 Million albums in the US and 100 Million worldwide sold, KISS has alot ot be proud of. They're one of the biggest bands of all time! And I'm really looking forward to 'Monster', as are KISS fans. We loved 'Sonic Boom', Paul! Great to hear you speak and congrats on your new child! Hope all you fans can make it to see them on the Monster tour. :)

[@zoricavinkovic4876]

Zar vi jos niste svjesni da je ova osoba BOG roka. Najbolji je u svemu,vokal ,gitari,izgledu. Pjevao je u operi i bavi se slikanjem.Ovako bi trebao izgledati muskarac.

[@toddubow2599]

The brains behind KISS

[@BRIERFOX]

Paul Stanley is very well spoken and very diplomatic.

[@lisalove4212]

Beautiful Paul, inside and out...I'm the Whistler, in Charletesville, last month !!!!! lol...We crossed paths,.in 1980 !!! Can't remember if it was Hampton, or scope ?? LOL.Please start quickly on your plan !!!!!! Can't wait to feel it !!! Last quarter of our lives ???? We Have Too Feel It !!!!! Or It All Was For Nothing !!!!!! And that's for All Of Us, Reading This !!!!!!!

[@sydney9030]

Paul Stanley art is amazing

[@josielopez2713]

welcome to the family!!! im new too....3 yrs...his work is AWESOME!

[@ponyboy5.0coyotewild63]

Good guy. Well done Paul. !!!!!!

[@AudiophileTubes]

ROCK ROYALTY... LEGENDS! They had some VERY 'catchy' songs and great rock riffs!

[@raquelvinalay6946]

Hermoso Paul Stanley te amo mi amor

[@iamaghost6139]

I love listening to Paul Stanley.

[@Bassmaster970]

Very, very well spoken guy.

[@kenobi99]

Paul makes a very valid point when it comes to file sharing.

[@kenobi99]

The car thing is a metaphor that you clearly didn't understand. It's a musicians job to record songs and just like any other professional they should be compensated for their work. So, why should people download for free something that took months of creative work and costed thousands of dollars to record? Doctors and lawyers don't work for free so why should musicians?

[@ophiocephalus]

Dying Art Paul. Hats off to you. I saw you first 30 years ago and loved every minute. Respect.

[@TANTRUMrecordsUK]

this is excellent

[@tedpoland7650]

I'm a very big kiss fun I play the guitar

[@HUGEMEOW]

I love their concert's. Great show with huge 'wow' factor everytime. ....and i love the way he tells it like it is regarding Jealousy and money. And now that we have all grown up, who did it right huh???

[@MusicMasterTasmania]

Brilliant interview

[@silviamarlene22]

''''PAUL STANLEY'''' ME ENCANTA COMO TOMAS CON SERIEDAD LAS ENTREVISTAS , LOS CONCIERTOS, TE AMO ,TE AMO, TE AMOOO, SIEMPRE TE AMARE SIEMPRE, OJALA SEAS MUY FELIZ, TE LO MERECES POR TODO LO LINDO Q' NOS DISTES, TU HERMOSA ''MUSICA'' SOS LO MASSSS. QUE NUESTRO DIOS TE BENDIGA, SALUDOS, BESOS, DESDE ARGENTINA.

[@sexttt]

a very very good interview! good questions, reflected mr stanley. Interessting

[@kenobi99]

It's from the extra DVD that comes with Sonic Boom. Kiss live in Buenos Aires.

[@kissclassics]

Absolutely refreshing interview ... no Gene bull**** Thumbs up Paul !!!

[@nitroangus23]

Paul's awesome, lmao at 20:37 that guy's face.

[@Perle3456]

Even though, I am a huge KISS fan, I just want to mention that ABBA sold even more. ABBA has sold over 370 million records worldwide and still sell millions of records a year.

[@sabace]

a great interview from a classy & erudite guy ! roll on monster .

[@TinManSilverHeart]

Thanks Paul for continuing to keep KISS alive (with Gene $immons).

[@MaceBlackmonSexyNerdRecords]

He's right.

[@deadlyoneable]

Tiki barber did a good job with this interview.

[@rev.jimjonesandthekool-aid4488]

I would buy a painting from him.

[@lisavanallenallen3222]

Paul started Kiss

[@fattick3188]

How important was it for you guys, when people wanted to know who was singing? Who was lead? Etc.. To emphasizs the fact that it was a team effort?? So many involved, and the fans??

[@josielopez2713]

you ARE superman with a guitar...i LOVE you!

[@davechristian7543]

2:43 well maybe you shouldn't have had the platform shoes on whjen waking around in public 'did u ever think of that mate?

[@tomlewis5542]

What a hipo

[@Stahlflug]

Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley und auch Mick Jagger sind Intelligente Menschen mit Geschmack, Feinsinn und Stil. Auf der Bühne und auch im Geschäftsleben sind es echt harte Typen. ( Kein Verbrechen ) Aber privat sind es echte Gentleman.

[@mads32]

From where are theese concert videoclips?

[@Tonyr67]

@The6thSimpson Not the same... Cause, It's not the same concert everytime you see them.. Besides, it costs lots of money to build a show like they do, every damn time, over and over again. It would be different if they do the same album every year again, but with some other vision as they did in the past.

[@cuntinakia8122]

12:17 and Helge Schneider^^

[@chimpdogs]

It's quite interesting how controversial KISS and particularly Gene Simmons seem to be

[@josielopez2713]

AND? like it has to be a 4 way partnership? can u say EMPLOYEE?

[@Torthetamebadger]

When a band is new they share their music for free on every social platform, to get people to listen to them. Even telling people to share their music. When a band gets big and famous. They complain that people share their music on social media. The truth is, 99% of all famous bands coming up the last 15 years, would probably be nothing without people sharing the music.

[@bethshadowen6928]

So what regarding his looks (Which I think are great). The interview was not skin deep!

[@fattick3188]

Wait till you see the sit down scene. Be good to them please show respect..

[@fabbrunette]

We should see more of Paul & less of Gene.

[@The6thSimpson]

@Tonyr67 not gonna lie, at least I see the logic to your argument.

[@Tonyr67]

I agree with Paul, that you can't share something, that is not yours. But I bought all the albums from KISS on vinyl and on CD..... I lost some of those albums during the years. I already paid twice for that music. So, I think, I do have the rights to download all their albums whenever I want.....

[@wasp1961]

That's a good interview but near the end when talking about the current line up getting along so well i couldn't help but think that means Gene,Paul and two other guys who do as there told.

[@The6thSimpson]

@Tonyr67 But then if I said 'I paid to see Kiss back in 2010, so I have the rights to get into their concerts for free'.

[@adifantus]

decue at the end

[@dr.jimmchugh1755]

Paul, I lost your note without reading it.

[@safire2010]

Love Paul. He's very ethical. Unlike Gene.........

[@tommymikalsen9875]

The original boy band

[@tamelaingram1260]

And later they had to do the same thing. 😮

[@tedsmith1295]

il walk up to me brothers educated crown n say , ah, ah, ah , maybe, to busy wrightn, laughing

[@pelicanbeater6100]

I didnt realize those were his paintings. I didnt realize where they were at either. As far as file downloading goes, if it can be done for free or for a fee then it is ok. Deal with it...go eat more brown rice and meditate somewhere paul...

[@izis111]

Being one of the biggest KISS fans I must say Paul Stanley can talk but can't sing anymore. His voice has turned into somewhat mixture of howling and hoarsing... I still like them very much but they are now just a shadow of what they were with ACE and PETER. High tech show stunts do not and cannot hide these facts from true fans. God bless you all.

[@darrenchase886]

I thank he's like gene simmons where he didn't drink or do drugs more power to them but he is alot nicer than gene was i like him more

[@echohotel7975]

You thank so?

[@MrBruceskelton]

Also if they would not charge so much for albums people would not be so tempted to file share. They don't have to press copies of cd's anymore or use paper for album art work or cd cases and itunes still charges over $10 for a album and $1.29 for a song. They want more money and to stop file sharing then drop the prices.

[@jendel42750]

Heavy metal's John Lennon.

[@mxpirate]

KISS is Ace, Peter, Gene and Paul! This new version of KISS is just a tribute band!