A year ago, Gene Simmons was telling anyone within earshot that he was done with recording, saying “There is nothing in me that wants to go in there and do new music. How are you going to deliver it? How are you going to get paid for it if people can just get it for free?” Well, a year, a sex tape, a floated reality-show pitch, and an essay contest have apparently caused a perfect storm for him to change his mind, since his band, Kiss, is getting ready to head back in the studio—with an album produced by Paul Stanley!
In 2006, Stanley told Billboard making a new Kiss album in the shadow of the band’s classic repertoire would be a formidable challenge. “The fact is, [fans] may tolerate the new songs, but it’s the old ones you want to hear,” he said. “I think Jimmy Page and Robert Plant found that out. The [Rolling] Stones certainly know it. The Who certainly know it. So unless you’re willing to go into the studio accepting that how your album will be received will never match your expectations, I’m not sure it’s worth the effort.”
Stanley admitted complete control would change his mind. “I would consider doing it if I could do it the way I wanted to do it,” he explained, adding that his 2006 solo album “Live To Win” confirmed how he’d “like music to sound that I’m a part of. To do another Kiss album, I would not be willing to compromise my point of view perhaps as much as I have in recent years.”
It’s unknown how Kiss will distribute the album, which will feature original members Stanley and Simmons alongside guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer.
I understand wanting complete control, but is there any way, Paul, that you guys could get back together with Desmond Child? Because if the current cultural moment calls for anything, it’s a love song as awesome as this one:
Kiss Making First Album Since 1988 [Billboard]
Kiss - Forever [YouTube]
I think it’s sweet that Paul thinks a new Kiss album could be good; and that Gene thinks a new Kiss album could be popular.
They haven’t written a good song since around 1977. Without Ace Frehley…I’ll pass.
Hmmm… Paul Stanley compares KISS to The Who, The Stones and Zepplin? That’s like Kanye West comparing himself to someone who can sing in tune or write an original tune, or Britney comparing herself to someone who can sing - period. What’s wrong with Paul Stanley comparing KISS to these other bands? Oh, a little thing called reality. And Gene! Gene whines about not getting paid! That’s a reality check waiting to be cashed. I hope they both return to the back of the garage that birthed them, so they can find comfort in the mothballs of which they so richly reek (and deserve). Spare the world, guys, and spare yourselves the embarrassment. Stay in your coffins, you greedy, bubblegum zombies.
Remember their last album, 1998 (not 88)’s Psycho Circus? Wasn’t that atrocious?
@juiceandgin: Creatures of the Night was alright. Extremely overrated, but alright. Also, agreed. No Ace Frehley, no interest.
@uptonking:
You gotta love the jag offs who run their mouths and hide behind the anonymity of the internet. Like I am going to do now
Why can you compare KISS to the Who, Zep, Stones, Eagles, etc? Look at the numbers m’fer. 26 albums…all but 4 went to at least gold, and a good share of those went multiplat.
That’s really enough to be said…more albums sold than the who, stones, etc. So…22 albums with a gold or higher rating.
Also their influence…I cant even begin to name the bands who have cited KISS as their main or near main influence (most of 80s hair metal, a good portion of 90s grunge)…just like the Stones, Zep and the Who.
The fact that they still play to big crowds…after 30+ years…just like the Stones, Zep and the Who. Headlined a show of 500K in Brazil. Who else has played shows like that? Zep…The Who? Pink Floyd? Hmm…
However I am realistic, Gene is a money hoarding jew. However, an album produced by Paul, its very intriguing. Its also a big sign that Gene might be letting up.
If you dont like KISS, that’s fine, but dont discredit them as a washed up 70’s band like BOC or Cheap Trick. Because their numbers and their fan base dictates otherwise.
@aszure: Speaking of Blue Oyster Cult and Cheap Trick, I saw them play at Foxwoods a few years ago. It was the single best concert I ever went to.
Floyd never did play to big, big crowds, but they did play several huge concerts (Hyde Park early in their career, the 1988 Venice, Italy performance, The 1994-95 Division Bell tour which at one point was the highest grossing tour of all time)
I’m not crazy about “Forever” as an actual song, but that is one of Bruce Kulick’s tastiest solos.
@aszure: Money hoarding Jew? Did you really just say that?