KISS Frontman PAUL STANLEY Says ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME Is 'A Sham'
- May 15, 2006
KISS' official web site, KissOnline.com, has been updated with part two of a brand new interview with KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley. It is reproduced here in its entirety:
KissOnline.com: There are fans who want to decide which lineup you should use in KISS. Some even get angry that their opinions seem to be ignored. How do you respond to those people?
Paul: "I understand what is behind their hopes but they're living in a fantasy. Whatever someone thinks regrouping any particular lineup would achieve is wishful thinking. It's a fantasy, for example, for anyone to believe that if the original lineup got together, you'd have 1976 again or even 1996 for that matter. Time has passed and for a lot of reasons the people who made that magic have moved on. Our challenge is to always keep the integrity of the band and to remember what the band has always stood for through all the changes and circumstances that had to be dealt with. To put it bluntly, we started this band to be the masters of our own destiny and we will decide in every aspect, what we think is right for KISS. Have you ever been to a basketball game and seen people in the stands yelling directions to the coach and players? Guess what...The team knows their job and aren't polling the fans to vote on what they should do next. For us, a fan always has the choice to be a part of the KISS Army or to hand in their card. I respect it either way. And either way, I'm very thankful and deeply appreciative for the time we share."
KissOnline.com: So what keeps you motivated to carry on with KISS?
Paul: "I continue on because I love doing this. I'm a fan. I'm in a lucky position, not only am I in the band but I am a fan and I do this because I get a rise out of seeing KISS. You know when I look around and I see the guys on the stage or I hear those songs, there's not a lot that can compare to that. KISS has not only been a big part of my life as a member, I'm a huge fan too."
KissOnline.com: You mentioned earlier that you had recently spoken to Ace [Frehley].
Paul: "I always look forward to catching up with him. We can be on the phone an hour at a time. I like Ace more now than ever. He's a really good guy and I'm very proud of him for his sobriety and his taking control and responsibility for his life. We both look forward to getting together. What we have lived through and accomplished together has made a bond between us that has always remained unbreakable. Of course, with KISS doing VH1's new 'Rock Honors', both Ace and Peter were invited. They belong there. I'm very proud of what we did and accomplished together. If a couple have a child and then split up, the magic they had between them may be gone but the joint pride in what they created is still there. Look what we did together! That's where I'm at. If anybody else is bitter, that's something they need to work out."
KissOnline.com: What do you think about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Paul: "The beauty of America is that you can basically start any kind of private club you want to. This one happens to be called the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It's a very impressive name for a club but it's an illusion. It's the creation of a group of industry people and critics who decide who they deem as qualified to be in their little admiration society. It's their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but it's not the people's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Have you ever voted? I know I haven't. That's why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, besides having people who very much belong in there, have an abundance of people who most people will scratch their head and not even have a clue who they are. I don't have anything against anybody who's been inducted, but more than a couple of them are a joke. A band or musician's impact is measured by how they change and influence society and other musicians. That and how many albums and concert tickets they sell should be what gets them into the Hall of Fame. As far as I'm concerned it's a private club with a misleading name. It's a sham."
KissOnline.com: So are you honored to be one of the first new inductees in VH1's "Rock Honors"?
Paul: "Absolutely. VH1 'Honors' is being done for all the right reasons and as a reaction to everything that makes the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame so irrelevant. Regardless of whether KISS is in it, there are loads of bands who should have been inducted already and loads who already have who mean nothing in the scheme of things. What QUEEN has created is indisputable and Paul Rodgers is one of my all time favorite singers. The whole point of view of 'Rock Honors' is it really celebrates rock and roll. From the honorees to the guest performers and the all stars that will be a part of the show, it really feels like rock and roll. And that's what it's all about. These awards are of the people, by the people and for the people."
KissOnline.com: Are you excited about going back to Japan and playing again?
Paul: "Totally. Going to Japan is awesome. I was on the phone last night with Eric [Singer] and I'm really looking forward to rehearsals and looking forward to getting back up there and playing again. I'm stoked and ready."
KissOnline.com: Is it possible the KISS only shows in Japan will be different from the festival shows?
Paul: "I'm happy that we have the flexibility to see what we feel like doing. When I think about some of the smaller shows, I tend to think we have a little more freedom to push the envelope a little. So we can play some songs that we don't usually play. That's certainly possible."
KissOnline.com: Are you surprised by the number of emails from fans telling you they are traveling all the way to Japan for a few shows?
Paul: "You know, I understand it because I am also a fan. Hell, I'm going too! It's an expensive one to go all the way to Japan and I don't take that lightly. We never step out on stage not having the intention of living up to everyone's expectations. That being said, somebody's always going to want to hear a song they didn't hear or because they came last night want to see a different show. But that doesn't apply to the masses. The masses don't come to show after show after show and to change the show nightly for the twenty people who travel is unrealistic. But I know everyone's going to have an awesome time."
KissOnline.com: We've heard from many fans in the Midwest who were disappointed that you canceled your appearances there to play Japan. Will you make it back to the Midwest?
Paul: "Our plan is to tour. When is the only question. Live Nation, which is Clear Channel now, with a name change, wanted to schedule and promote a KISS tour in the U.S. this summer. There are enough reasons that it did not seem to make sense right now. So we'll wait on it but we'll be back. As much as we love and were looking forward to playing the Midwest, the magnitude of the shows and the idea of going back to Japan is something we have to take advantage of, because it's a time-related, seasonal event. My apologies to all."
KissOnline.com: Is THE CLICK FIVE playing the Japan festivals by coincidence?
Paul: "Yes, by coincidence. It was very funny because one of my best friends manages THE CLICK FIVE and he called me up and said we're going to be in Japan around the same time you guys are, wouldn't it be funny if we're playing with you and as things work out, they are. It's a very interesting bill. I certainly would not complain about the PUSSYCAT DOLLS, I'm very happy to have them there. AUDIOSLAVE, those guys are great. Chris is an amazing singer and they're a terrific band. It will be cool to see ALICE IN CHAINS back in action. We did Camp Pendleton with GODSMACK. It's a very diverse bill, and it will certainly rock and make for a lack of monotony!"
KissOnline.com: Some people have said that in some past interviews, your answers were sometimes vague or full of analogies. You're pretty direct today. Any comment?
Paul: "I always try to be clear in my answers. What makes some people think they're vague sometimes is that they're not getting the answer they want. When I use analogies it's because making a comparison to something else can make a point easier for some to get. Maybe I am a little more blunt. All I can say this time is, if you want the truth, make sure you can handle it."
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COMMENT | i say posted by : ENEMYWITHIN 5/15/2006 7:29:43 AM
you and your band are a sham
COMMENT | Paul posted by : stonecold316 5/15/2006 7:41:26 AM
What about the solo CD ?
COMMENT | ...and he's actually right. posted by : Deke Jeffery 5/15/2006 7:59:02 AM
Rock and roll is supposed to represent all things anti-establishment, but the R&RHOF is as establishment as it gets.
Not that KISS aren't corporate as hell, too; nobody has ever been into KISS for their integrity. But their influence over the music scene for decades alone should get them in. Not to mention almost 100 million records sold.
All in all, the R&RHOF is a waste. People stand around watercoolers debating whether certain athletes should or shouldn't be in their respective sports' hall of fame. People don't do that over rock bands. It's nothing more than Jann Wenner's personal popularity contest.
COMMENT | BEST KISS POST EVER posted by : EarthSkynSea 5/15/2006 8:24:59 AM
was a few yrs ago, i think RICKYJULIANBUBBLES may have said it (whatever happened to that dude?)
"Fuck you Kiss for hijacking my childhood"
great line, bet millions of guys have thought that
COMMENT | Paul Stanley should shut the fuck up posted by : -nemesis- 5/15/2006 8:31:20 AM
He might be right, but KISS are the ultimate sellout band. I mean, KISS coffeeshops? Is there anything less rock 'n roll than that? Great, now KISS wil be the next yuppie trend. There aren't enough coffeeshops around, let make our own and get lots of yuppies in, because what we really need is MORE YUPPIES who claim to be into 'rock'. Fuck, as if Jet and The White Stripes hadn't done more than enough damage already.
COMMENT | ''''''''''''''' posted by : mickronson 5/15/2006 8:36:32 AM
wow! what is that matter with the white stripes? For a mainstream rock band, i think they stand out. I can see why a major label would wanna market them.
COMMENT | posted by : bill 5/15/2006 9:24:43 AM
FUCK KI$$
I'm VERY glad they're not in the hall of fame....
COMMENT | Paul... posted by : wildwood roxx 5/15/2006 9:43:22 AM
I agree with you totally about the hall. glad to hear that you are talking to Ace.
The sex pistols said it best when they refused to show at the RRHOF induction.
COMMENT | Paul Stanley I Salute You.... posted by : reub the rocker 5/15/2006 10:17:50 AM
I just hope you dont do an Ozzy Osbourne and change your fickle view if inducted, it is BULLSHIT rock and roll is NOT about getting into a middle aged boys club, its not about coming up to scratch for others approval, its about not fitting in, not giving a fuck about what anybody but your brohers in metal say! These people want to school us on what rock and roll is, FUCK OFF in the words of "Rabid Bitch Of The North": WE DONT GO TO SCHOOL!
COMMENT | Integrity? posted by : looper_guy 5/15/2006 10:35:59 AM
Speaking of "the integrity of the band", doesn't a farewell tour imply that you are going away?
COMMENT | Greed $1mm0n$ and Paul Payme... posted by : Urugay 5/15/2006 11:37:50 AM
would join the RARHOF in a heartbeat if and only if they could profit off of it...
Since they probably can't at this time - they think it is a sham...
Watch them change their minds if it would benefit them and their bankroll.
COMMENT | posted by : Bon Halford 5/15/2006 12:36:25 PM
"Our challenge is to always keep the integrity of the band..."
BWA HA HA HA HAAAA!!!! Well Paul, you pretty much blew that integirty with the Official KI$$ cologne line, the baby bibs, the coffeshops, the casket, oh let's see what else- the bobbleheads, the trash cans, the nose hair trimmers, the answering machines, etc.
But that's what you get for hitching your wagon to Greed Simmons, the rudest, greediest, most arrogant cock in the music business!
COMMENT | posted by : wildwood roxx 5/15/2006 1:33:19 PM
Kiss does not play to 500 people in a 15,000 seat arena. why say something that isn't true. I do miss Ace and Peter but life goes on and so does Kiss.
oh and another thing, all Kiss bashers should get a life or die!!!
COMMENT | My 2 Cents posted by : Heliotropic Rose 5/15/2006 1:43:28 PM
I contributed $$ to the RARHOF when it was being constructed. My name is on a brick somewhere. When I did that I thought it was a good idea for there to be a museum that dedicated itself to the preservation of the music that "saved my life" many times, to use a cliche.
Unfortunately, the whole thing has turned into a charade...bands pissed off because they haven't been inducted yet, hatin' on other bands that HAVE been inducted, the "exclusive club" factor...its just ended up being something I didn't think it would be.
COMMENT | ki$$ posted by : saxonrulz 5/15/2006 2:00:48 PM
have had no integrety since the mid 80s now, they should stop makin fools of themselves however by them continuing to do so there must be a lot of fools supporting them now. they have been done in my book for 20 years. i do agree the original line up deserve the rock n roll hall of fame though. ps revenge was a great album in 92 there best since animalize forget everything in between and after
COMMENT | true posted by : saxonrulz 5/15/2006 2:11:41 PM
tommy does play well and eric singer forget it hes an incredible drummer but paul and gene are the ones washed up now, i saw the rock the nations dvd gene sounds awful and paul cant do near what he did in the 70s or 80s. its just time to hang it up as for money and girls i dont argue with that true, but there time has come and gone...... i dont support a reunion with ace and peter at this point either becouse they are not capable anymore either. its a known fact that rick derringer played on most of the ki$$ albums in the 70s that is no secret. there should only be one ki$$ show left and that is a few songs at the rock n roll hall of fame becouse yes they do deserve it.
COMMENT | Ahem.... posted by : Heliotropic Rose 5/15/2006 2:36:57 PM
The reason all the critics love Elvis Costello is because they all look like him.
COMMENT | Rock N Roll hall of fame IS A TOTAL JOKE! posted by : factory35 5/15/2006 3:23:52 PM
Paul is RIGHT! At least he is trying to keep integrity to the name "KISS"! (well, except for the so called kiss coffeehouse).. Hope the solo album picks up where 78's left off as it was the best Kiss solo record... Fuck Stanley Haters....
COMMENT | VH-1 Rock Honors is MORE of a SHAM than the RnR HOF! posted by : HereToDefendKiss 5/15/2006 4:58:14 PM
How hasn't anyone mentioned this besides defending Paul Stanley on what he said about the RnR HOF??? I see this as Paul Stanleys' way of legitimizing the VH-1 Rock Honors show. Does anyone really think that show is any better than what the RnR HOF presents?? I think the fact that VH-1 chose to have a HIP-HOP honors show well before their ROCK show speaks volumes as to how much THEY really care about Rock music these days. All you have to do is look at their programming on their main station to see that. VH-1 classic aside (because that's the only place to really see any music anymore), they're just going through the motions with another "Award" show to pat themselves on the back while trying to "legitimize" KISS as a hall of fame worthy band.
If the RnR HOF was as true to its name as it says it is then they WOULD induct KISS. It just won't happen because the idiots who vote artists in will NEVER let themselves induct a band like KISS no matter how many records they've sold or how many concert tickets they've sold. KISS will never be taken seriously as a musically gifted and talented band. If it took them THIS LONG to induct BLACK SABBATH then you've REALLY got no chance of seeing KISS being inducted. Then again, I'm suspicious of why they were inducted conveinently following Ozzys' unexpected TV popularity. Hmmmmmmm.........
I am and will always be a KISS fan. A fan of their music. When I grew up listening to KISS their image never mattered to me. I was a fan of their songs and they're the reason why I'm a musician today. I got into them in 1980 at the age of 4. For Kiss fans who know, that would be when their popularity here in the US was at it's worst decline. As I got older and they released the "non-makeup era" albums I followed them and continued buying EVERY album that had come out. When the home video supporting the Animalize album came out in 1984 my brother got a copy of it and we watched that damn thing everyday for an entire summer. I was obsessed with Eric Carrs' playing on the drums. People who rag on KISS on this board don't realize how important they really were to alot of up and coming musicians. People seem to think no one cared about their music and it was all about the show. I'm ONE guy out of MANY who are and always will be into them for their music. Their effect on me as a musician is something I'm proud to admit. I learned how to play drums at the age of 8 just because I watched ERIC CARR kill it day after day on that Animalize home video. You fucking haters just think it's funny or COOL to post up $$$$$ and rag on the band but then offer NOTHING to back up your hatred towards the band. You are the ones with no lives, not Kiss fans.
I don't like what KISS has done in recent years with SINGER/THAYER playing in Ace & Peters' place. I HATE the fucking COFFEE HOUSE IDEA and the KISS COFFIN but I will always stick by this band and tell anyone who asks how influential they were for me becoming a musician.
Ask G'n'R's new guitar player Ron Thal about how much KISS influenced him. I'd know, I got to jam with the guy in one of his projects. You idiot bashers have no fucking clue about anything. The best you can come up with is $$$$ and useless gay jokes. Wow, never seen or heard those before.
Get off the keyboard & mouse and try to do better if you think KISS are such shit.
First of all you should change your name from TRUTHSPOKE to GETYOURFACTSRIGHT. Your info on studio albums is way off. And I'm tired of all these post 70's fans stating how much better players these scabs and nonmakeup members are. It has nothing to do with it. There are tons of better drummers out there than Ringo or Charlie Watts, but that doesn't mean we want to see Tommy Aldridge in the Beatles. It has to do with originals, past, respect and not messing with it. Paul always seems to reastablish his contradictions every 5 years or so. And I'm a fan since 1975. It used to be in the 70's "We always give what the fans want" "And in the 80's it was lets bash all that we did in the 70's as kiddie and mass marketing killed us crap. Now its we make the decisions and screw you if you dont like. In 2008 it will be we have learned that the seed that started it all is the best and we are back together and bash what they're doing today. Paul just do your album, Gene do your post KISS business and let KISS continue to sell the back catalog because it can without you, and without destroying the once DESTROYER past that was the best of the best.
COMMENT | heretodefendkiss posted by : Dogface 5/15/2006 6:58:41 PM
Is 100% correct. A better Kiss post there has never been...well done.
I fucken love KISS, always have, always will. People like "Bill" and "$cab Ki$$..." can just go and suck on a big fat turd and fuck off. You fuckheads have no life and are useless, untalented internet hacks.
COMMENT | oh BTW...tell me how this works posted by : snogodz 5/16/2006 8:10:08 AM
there are about 10 bands that opened for Kiss in the hall of fame....how the fuck does that work???
COMMENT | Yep posted by : HereToDefendKiss 5/16/2006 11:35:42 AM
Where are the KISS HATER TROLLS now??? Fuckin pussies!!
The RnR HOF is a sham just as much as the VH-1 rock honors show is a sham. The people who love music decide who's great. That's how it should always be. If fans of music were able to vote the bands in it would make much more sense, but we know this will never happen.
Say what you will about a band like the Sex Pistols but they handled their "induction" the best way I've seen a band handle it. They just said "Fuck you, we're not coming" because they know the deal. Yeah, the Pistols may've been formed as a way for Malcolm McClaren to make money and not so much to contribute to music but they did make their mark and were a big influence on many punks who've gone on to form successful bands. They knew the RnR HOF was a total farce. KISS should take their cue and just get over it. The fans will stick by them as seen on this post.
THE HATERS DON'T KNOW SHIT!!! THEY'RE JUST HERE TO WASTE OUR TIME!
To SnoGodz - I don't think Rick Derringer played on DESTROYER. Wasn't that Alice Coopers' guitar player who played on "Sweet Pain"??? Rick Derringer definitely played on ALIVE 2. I believe it was on "All American Man".
COMMENT | Yeah posted by : snogodz 5/16/2006 2:47:34 PM
Rick played on a couple of tracks on destroyer....sweet pain was one...but the other slips my mind....he played all of the solos on side 4 of alive II...except rocket ride...Fuck the haters....the truth hurts em...they don't like to hear that guys like Dimebag Darrel, Alice in Chains, Sound Garden, Nirvana, the guys from Anthrax....plus many more were influenced by Kiss...and considered them heros...kiss is still playing...and the bone yanks here are still complaining...I love it...they must be relevant for these haters to keep bitchin...lmao!!!
COMMENT | About the solos on Alive 2 (side 4) posted by : HereToDefendKiss 5/16/2006 5:27:05 PM
Most of those solos were actually done by BOB KULICK. Ace's only solo on that entire side is of course on ROCKET RIDE (it's obvious where the other solos are definitely NOT). It's been well documented in books and various magazine interviews. Destroyer could have a myriad of guitar players on that knowing Bob Ezrins strict work ethic.
COMMENT | The Rock N' Roll Hall Of Fame is no more of a sham than...... posted by : The Govner 5/16/2006 5:45:35 PM
A version of KISS with the makeup on 2 scabs posing as Ace & Peter.
Pot....meet kettle!
COMMENT | the govner posted by : snogodz 5/18/2006 11:41:02 AM
What are you some UNION putz???...ace and peter are festering scabs....neither can play anymore...I have been a fan since 1978...Kiss sounds better live now, than they did in 1978...the two so called scabs are far better than the two drunken, druggie losers.....can't wait to see them on tour!!!! Fuck off haters...I think I'll go to genesimmons.com and buy more kiss merchandise..just to piss off all you ass clowns...lol...why would I do that????...because (just like most kiss fans)...I have a good job, can afford it, and am a HUGE KISS fan. Why you guys so harsh???....you don't see us kiss fans riping your "Life sucks, the government sux" type bands...go be miserable, and worship your "doom and gloom" crapola.....I'll be at a kiss concert, enjoying a killer, LOUD show, with dozens of MILFS fashing their breasts...and I'll grinning from ear to ear...while you hang yourself in your garage...lol
COMMENT | rock n roll hall of fame posted by : spudwater 6/13/2006 8:33:28 AM
i woud'nt even piss up the side of the building if i was dying for a slash, let rock n roll hall of fame have Gary Glitter, kiss are to good for that shit hole
COMMENT | The guitarist who played on "Sweet Pain"... posted by : MsStarchild 10/30/2008 10:57:35 PM
Was Dick Wagner, according to "KISS Hotter than Hell: The Stories Behind Every Song."
COMMENT | I totally agree with Paul posted by : Doctor Talon 12/31/2008 9:04:20 PM
KISS is my all time favorite band. Knowing that they are not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is an outrage. The KISS ARMY can't do anything about it seeing how the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is not the people's Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is a total sham. KISS is obviously a band that's of a love-them or hate-them variety. Regardless of your opinion, they deserve a spot in just about any Music Hall of Fame. They have influenced many, and still to this day have sold-out shows and have sold millions of records worldwide. Nobody takes them seriously, because they just want to be snobs about it.
KISS is not without their shortcomings such as their "disco phase." They made a lot of great songs during that time, but they were never the same again having to take many albums later to get back into their groove. Then there is the flaw that they keep on releasing Compilation Albums (which are now more than their studio efforts). However, they still have a place. Also, they will finally be releasing a new album in Summer 2009.
The current inductees deserve to be in there. However, there are many bands who haven't been recognized: Obviously KISS Alice Cooper Rush YES Deep Purple Judas Priest Metallica Iron Maiden
The list goes on...
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is exactly as Paul Stanley "a private club." KISS is still being recognized through VH1 and even the Hollywood Walk of Fame, so it goes to show that Kiss HAS made an impact.
To all the Trolls bashing KISS out there: grow up! Give something more critical beyond saying they are horrible or just judging them by their looks.
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