The iconic band Paul Stanley never understood: “Not my favourite”
When Kiss initially burst onto the scene, there were a lot of people who didn’t understand the hype. Sure, the music was good, especially during a particular high point for four-chord stadium rock, but why all of the added extras? The band branded themselves superheroes, went over the top with pyrotechnics, and gave their all to stand out in the crowd.
The whole point behind Kiss’ setting themselves apart as such individuals was because they wanted a unique identity that would allow them to experiment with their sound. No other band looked or acted like Kiss, so the music that occupied that space could be whatever they wanted. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons have often said they based that way of making music on The Beatles.
“Those ‘60s British groups all looked like real bands,” said Stanley when discussing the band they modelled themselves after, “No member of The Beatles could have fit into the Stones. No member of The Who could have been in the Dave Clark Five. You had unified images of those bands, and at the same time, there was an emphasis on the individual members.”
Gene Simmons agreed, saying, “We also took pride in having the same freedom The Beatles had,” he said, “Their philosophy was, ‘No matter what kind of music we do, it’s still The Beatles’. That’s what was amazing about them… The Beatles were not trapped in that way. They could do music hall, psychedelia – anything – and they did. Yet somehow, it always sounded like The Beatles.”
Even though they had a clear vision for their band, it didn’t guarantee universal acceptance. Many traditionally-minded people viewed the band as satanic, while others dismissed it as uninspired marketing. The reality is that no matter how widely admired a band may be, not everyone will be a fan. Paul Stanley knows this firsthand, as despite their widespread acclaim, one band often praised as one of the greatest in rock ‘n’ roll didn’t impress him.
“Not my favourite,” he said when asked about the band Cream. “I liked their second album [Disraeli Gears] quite a bit. But initially, upon hearing them, I was disappointed.” This was the opposite of how many people felt, as Cream was responsible for merging different eras of rock music and presenting them in a cohesive way.
While Stanley wasn’t a big fan of the sound, it was their reunited live shows that really frustrated him. “When they reunited [in 2005], it was clear as day that they were miserable,” he said, “That is disrespectful to the people who love you, who have been anticipating [the shows] and paying to see you. It didn’t last, didn’t go well, and it shouldn’t have.”
Regardless of your opinion of Kiss, there is no escaping that they put their everything into their live show, so it would make sense that Paul Stanley wasn’t a fan of the haphazard reunions. That being said, it is a surprise that he wasn’t a fan of the band’s music, given how well-loved they were.
