You wanted the best and you got the best. The hottest band in the world, KISS!

Love them or hate them, KISS’s influence on the world of music — and commerce — cannot be denied. There’s no questioning the money machine that is KISS. If Gene Simmons can make a buck at it, he’s going to go for it. I have nothing wrong with it as the man works hard and reaps what he sows. I also find myself enjoying listening to interviews with Paul and Gene. Gene is a hype machine and always amusing to listen to. Paul is always the showman, even when he’s being interviewed. Always enjoyable to listen to these guys, even if in the end all you’re doing is laughing at them. In the end, they’re living the life they want and seem to be enjoying it, so I have no problem with their desire to make lots of money. I’m here however to talk about the music.

I actually think KISS makes pretty good music. A lot of people don’t agree, which is fine. Sure the songs aren’t always artistic masterpieces, but the songs are catchy, have good hooks, and you enjoy them. It’s fun music. Anthems for your life, for your party. Music you want to turn up to 11. I also appreciated that with KISS, at least with the original four members, the band was structured that everyone contributed: everyone played an instrument, everyone sang, everyone wrote. Not many bands did that.

What KISS really brought to the music world was the show, the spectacle. You went to see KISS live and you didn’t just listen to the music, you saw a show. From the makeup, to the pyro, to the on-stage “acting”. Check this video from 1975:

While early in their career, they still put on a show with pyro, makeup, even synchronized “dancing”. All of this went into making KISS something not just to see, but to hear. Every rock act since can trace the evolution of their live performance back to KISS (and Alice Cooper).

Of course KISS always worked to outdo themselves in their stage shows, with giant sets, explosions, Ace’s guitar billowing smoke and fire, and of course The Demon, Gene Simmons, breathing fire and blood:

During the 1970’s you couldn’t deny KISS. As a small child I ended up with a set of KISS trading cards and of course thought they were the coolest thing. I recall my Mom looking at a card with Gene/Demon on it. Mom was completely appalled and terrified by it, which of course made KISS even cooler. 😀