by Elizabeth Ann R.
Member since:
August 17, 2009

KISS

October 07, 2009 03:11 AM UTC
views: 0 | comments: 47

I just watched Letterman and the last guest on the show is always a musician. Tonight it was KISS. They still wear the same sort of costumes they did 20+ years ago.

My experience with live musicians back in the 70's was seeing the Smothers Brothers when then first came off the college circuit. The rest all involved attending the local opera association.

Well . . . I had a young teenage boy who wanted to see KISS and I told him that the next time they were in the area (local was 300 miles away) I would make sure he got to attend. Yes, you are right. I had to make good on my word. We did see them and it was an interesting experience, to say the least.

My eldest son teaches private guitar lessons and one of his students had attended a KISS concert. One of the members of the band, Paul Stanley I think, suddenly left the stage. Word is that he had a heart attack. I don't know this for sure, but I wasn't there.

Gene Simmons has his own TV show, Gene Simmons and the Family Jewels, and it is really funny. That man is a money making machine. He invests wisely. Just an interesting side note.

So . . . . . . KISS is still working the circuit. LOL!

Comments: 47

Bryan Bales Oct 7, 2009, 3:38am UTC
I saw KISS on the "last" farewell tour. They were awesome.
Elizabeth Ann R. Oct 7, 2009, 5:00am UTC
My son saw the Rolling Stones on their final tour. Knew it wouldn't last. Rob, my son, was just upset that they made so much money and their music used only 4 notes. He left rock and roll a long time ago and plays jazz and has even played some excellent classical. We both love Bach.

KISS is a very different group, for sure. It was an awesome performance and I don't regret keeping that promise to my other son. Rob was with us and we both had a good time.

Another learning experience.
Kathryn Flynn Oct 7, 2009, 3:44am UTC
They would be awesome to see.
Elizabeth Ann R. Oct 7, 2009, 5:01am UTC
It was an interesting experience, for sure. Some of their roadies were staying in the same hotel we were in. That helped make it even more fun.

Thanks for visiting.
kimberly g. Oct 7, 2009, 7:11am UTC
Gene is still taking college courses. He loves to learn new languages. Smart man!
Elizabeth Ann R. Oct 7, 2009, 11:56pm UTC
Good for Gene. Learning languages and being good at it is a real skill.
d d. Oct 7, 2009, 8:02am UTC
kiss, not so much... stones..I'm there for you Mick!
Elizabeth Ann R. Oct 7, 2009, 11:56pm UTC
I just thought it was interesting not having seen them perform for 20+ years.
d d. Oct 8, 2009, 7:13am UTC
funny,last night my son was telling me that his roommate went to buy jaycee tickets (not for my son..not a jaycee fan) and while the roomie was getting tickets, people were asking him if he had "kiss" tickets. The point of the story was that they all had their face painted. He said he was surprised to see how many gung ho "Kiss" fans there were.
Elizabeth Ann R. Oct 8, 2009, 11:39pm UTC
WOW! That is impressive. I am surprised to know the KISS fans are so dedicated and wearing the makeup. Thanks for this update.
Kushal Poddar Oct 7, 2009, 8:13am UTC
I have a Kiss DVD. They are good. Do you remember Procol Harum?
Bryan Bales Oct 7, 2009, 10:30am UTC
Whiter shade of pale was an awesome tune.
Elizabeth Ann R. Oct 8, 2009, 11:37pm UTC
I have that tune somewhere and had it on a web page once. Hmmm . . .
J. Reid Oct 7, 2009, 10:05am UTC
Do not watch Letterman...Graig Ferguson I record and always catch the last 3-5 min of Letterman. KISS is still out there and bravo the them!
Elizabeth Ann R. Oct 7, 2009, 2:04pm UTC
They are a hard working group. Looks as if they are still having a good time. Thanks for viewing.
J. Reid Oct 7, 2009, 5:32pm UTC
:)
Gessy D. Oct 7, 2009, 10:05am UTC
I fell asleep before I could watch them.
Elizabeth Ann R. Oct 7, 2009, 2:06pm UTC
It was interesting. There are only two of the original members: Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.
Risa G. Oct 7, 2009, 12:35pm UTC
I was never a fan. I do think that Gene Simmons is a funny man though - very quirky. I've seen his show. My hair cutter, many years back, was friends with Ace Frehley so I used to hear stories about KISS.

I've seen them doing different tv shows lately - Letterman for one.
Elizabeth Ann R. Oct 7, 2009, 2:10pm UTC
Can't say that I am a fan, but I do appreciate them. I'm sure their hair stylist had some good stories. I agree that Gene Simmons is a funny man. He was in one movie. Don't remember the title except that he was the villian. LOL!
Robert A. Oct 7, 2009, 2:08pm UTC
I saw KISS once, but not intentionally. They were the opening act for Rory Gallagher. I'd never heard of them. My impression: They couldn't play their instruments very well, and the costumes and facepaint were gimmicky, as was the fire-breathing. I thought - what does this have to do with music?

Can't believe they still have a following. Must be fans who actually thought Spinal Tap was a documentary. But hey, music like all art is subjective. Who's to say if it's good or bad.
Elizabeth Ann R. Oct 7, 2009, 2:15pm UTC
I understand your assessment of KISS. They are definitely not extremely musically talented and they have their hook. My son saw the Rolling Stones during their final tour. Right! He just thought it was absurd that they made so much money using only four notes. This was some time back but that worked out to one million in earnings for each note. Maybe more.

Yes, music is subjective. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Effervescent Mystique Oct 8, 2009, 4:28am UTC
that's amazing, they have die hard fans and good music
Effervescent Mystique Oct 8, 2009, 4:29am UTC
good for some that is, not for me. i'll stick to U2
Elizabeth Ann R. Oct 8, 2009, 11:41pm UTC
New version:

I love rock 'n roll,
taking a nap every afternoon.

I love rock 'n roll
walker is just down the hall.

They will be needing that song one of these days.
Effervescent Mystique Oct 9, 2009, 1:56am UTC
LMAO!!!!!

I love rock n' roll
is this makeup or oatmeal?

I love rock n' roll
Ouch! there goes my back

I love rock n' roll
I've fallen and I can't get up

LMAO!!!
Elizabeth Ann R. Oct 10, 2009, 7:41pm UTC
Are we having fun with this tune? This really started with Craig Ferguson commenting on how KISS is now aging. He is so funny!
Ellen B. Oct 8, 2009, 4:38am UTC
I love kiss! My uncle and older cousin were both really into kiss back in the 70's, and talked me into dressing in a kiss halloween costume one year; when I was like 3 I think- early 80's. If I knew a way to get it converted to digital, I'd post the picture of me online.
Elizabeth Ann R. Oct 8, 2009, 11:36pm UTC
That sounds so cute, Ellen. You could scan the photo then share it. Would love to see you at age 3. Thanks for sharing.
Ellen B. Oct 10, 2009, 7:58pm UTC
I'll do that, if I ever get the photo; it's probably at my parents' house.
Elizabeth Ann R. Nov 1, 2009, 2:08am UTC
That would be great!
I miss everything. I do. I fell asleep with my head on the laptop (middle of writing an email too!) WHAM, don't really watch TV, so of course I missed that. I remember them from when I was .........a ... younger person :) Right, music as well as art, is subjective and I like many different types of both.
I also am with you in that I've always loved Bach. (I've never seen him either!)

And yes, you HAVE to keep your promises to your kids. Why? They will remind you forever, years even!

Hugs,

Marilyn
Elizabeth Ann R. Oct 10, 2009, 7:42pm UTC
Music is wonderful. Just one thing here. If you've seen Bach I want to know how you have managed to live such a long life. LOL!

Yes . . . Promises to our children are very important.
Nurse Nancy S. Oct 9, 2009, 3:25pm UTC
KISS would be a great concert. However, I really would prefer to take the outrageous concert ticket prices and apply that to several CDs. That way, you can still have the music but avoid the crowds and traffic. Guess I am getting old...LOL
Elizabeth Ann R. Oct 10, 2009, 7:44pm UTC
I haven't been to a rock n' roll concdert in many years. Time was when I attended the jazz festivals and there have been some that were better than others. I liked the ones where I knew the people performing.

Manhatten Transfer was terrific, though.
Kelly Kay Oct 9, 2009, 3:27pm UTC
I have watched Family Jewels, and it is humorous at times, Gene Simmons does not drink and that surprised me =)

I saw KISS with Anthrax years ago, of course, KISS blew everyone away.
Elizabeth Ann R. Oct 10, 2009, 7:46pm UTC
Family Jewels is funny and I was surprised that not only does Gene Simmons not drink, he didn't do the drug scene. It would be difficult to do their show while being high.

KISS does have a great act and they are still working the circuit. Glad you enjoyed the gig.
Sherry J. Oct 11, 2009, 5:30pm UTC
Great post, and I have really enjoyed all the comments and comments on comments as well!
Elizabeth Ann R. Oct 13, 2009, 5:20am UTC
Thank you, Sherry. I had no idea that KISS would be such a draw. They are an interesting group, for sure. If you haven't seen them, you should at least see them on TV. *giggling*
Charles D. Oct 11, 2009, 6:19pm UTC
Kiss rocks. I wished I could have seen that Letterman show. Anyway, just in case you didn't see my comment, I wanted to thank you for encouraging me last week on my article. I appreciate it. And a well desereved ten star for this article!!!
Elizabeth Ann R. Oct 13, 2009, 5:22am UTC
Thank you, Charles. You are a positive and encouraging individual and so appreciated.

I would guess that you can find them on the internet. When going back to my blog, I discovered there was a link to Gene Simmons blog. He is quite the business man. It was an experience seeing them live.

Thanks for viewing and commenting, Charles.
April H. Oct 13, 2009, 11:44am UTC
I think they would be great to see live - they are such performers!
Have you seen the KISS Dr Pepper commercials? THey're pretty funny!
Elizabeth Ann R. Oct 14, 2009, 12:16am UTC
It was definitely interesting, April.

I did see one of them with Gene Simmons and his son. It was funny and his son does so well.
Marsha C. Oct 30, 2009, 6:35pm UTC
I've never been much of a KISS fan...the only song I truly enjoy by them is Beth--HH
Elizabeth Ann R. Nov 1, 2009, 2:07am UTC
I was exposed to them due to my son. They were his absolute favorite group. They are certainly different. Well . . . There are more out there now.
Melissa Holloway Sep 9, 2010, 11:55am UTC
My boyfriend and I love KISS. We have all there CD's and solo albums, we have the figurines, and Family Jewels season 1-3. KISS is not the most vocal of bands when it comes to sound, but the performance is always amazing. I have not yet been to a KISS concert but I have watched them all on DVD..lol Paul Stanley is my favorite.. He is kind of sexy for an old man :)

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