The end of the road, and the end of the discussion...

The End of The Road tour has certainly made for some interesting times.  Be it the times, the ease of social media, or the excitement of the tour itself, images, reactions, and gossip spread across all platforms in real time.  Good or bad, supportive or destructive, this tour has made for interesting times indeed.
In everything I have done on IT'S ALL FOR YOU DEMON, I have always tried to maintain a positive vibe.  IAFYD was created to celebrate the FUN of being a KISS Fan.  No dirt.  No scandal.  No picking sides.  No 'he's right', or 'he's wrong'.  No trash.  I celebrate all lineups, all era's, all FUN.
That being said, I felt the need to put pen to paper...
PAUL STANLEY.  The man who wrote some of my all time favorite songs.  "Strutter", "Love Gun", "Mr. Speed", "Sure Know Something", "Tears Are Falling", and "Long Way Down".  The ultimate rock star.  The ultimate front man.  The ultimate guitarist.  The man who lit a fire in my soul when I was 15, and made me want to be a rock star.  That's pretty heavy when you think about it.  A nobody kid, from a small town in Missouri, discovering a passion, rearranges his life, thanks to the talent of a kid from Manhattan.  I didn't do anything with my dream, but Paul Stanley did.  He worked tirelessly, he didn't listen to critics, and he built an empire called, KISS.  He has achieved his dream.  He has nothing more to prove, especially to the critics.
Paul Stanley could sing better at the age of 22 than most of us could ever do.  He could sing better at the age of 40 (REVENGE) than I could have at the age of 19, let alone the age of 40.   Paul Stanley is now 67 years old, and he is living more of a life, than most of us could ever dream.  Touring, painting, working, writing, and creating.  These are the reasons, I have always looked up to Paul Stanley.  He is the ultimate rock star.  The ultimate front man.  The ultimate leader of the band.
You can say whatever you want about Paul Stanley.  The fact is, he won't be going to work 9-5 tomorrow, like you or me.  He's a rock star.  We are not.
Nothing can make me not appreciate this musician, his talent, his craft, and the joy he has brought into my life.
Thank you Paul Stanley.  You make being a KISS fan fun.

Gene Simmons the Vampire

A friend of mine pointed out to me one day, that on the back of the trading cards that were included with THE ORIGINALS (1976), Gene was originally referred to as the 'Vampire'.  Somehow, I never really took notice to this fact, but lately, I find myself thinking about it more and more.  Possibly, due to the release of the Wave #2 Mego Action Figures being released, with the classic stand by names of, 'Demon', 'Starchild', 'Space Man', and 'Cat Man'.  Silly names, but I get it.  However, what I would love to understand, is why the change from the 'Vampire' to 'the Demon'?  To me (and my friend), the 'Vampire' is a much cooler name, and given Gene's look around 1975 to 1976, the name gives the character a much more darker image.  However, truth be told, regardless of the name used, I love the 'alter-ego' of Gene.  He invented a persona, and made the world believe it.  In my eyes, that is one of the coolest feats.  The following quote from the Lynn Goldsmith book, KISS 1977-1980, wraps up perfectly, what I find so magical about Gene Simmons.

"I never though respectability had any value whatsoever.  Think about the great iconic figures in cinema-for me in STAR WARS there is only Darth Vader.  Little boys all want to be big, strong, and scary like Frankenstein or King Kong and the girls just want to be the naked on he sniffs and holds in his palm."

Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley

We all know that KISS gets a bad wrap.  They are hugely successful, and often toted, 'not worthy' of that success.  They are rich, bloated, egotistical assholes.  Now, as KISS fans, you know, as well as I do, that this is not the entire picture.  And, it’s also important to note, that Gene and Paul did not do it all by themselves.  Without Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Bill Aucoin, Sean Delaney, and Neil & Joyce Bogart, KISS would not have happened.  Having said that, the following is based solely on Gene and Paul.  What THEY did as a partnership.  How they left WICKED LESTER, an almost guaranteed project at the time, with a record contract in hand, to fulfill a much bigger dream.  THAT takes balls.  THAT is dreaming big, and believing big.  And, in all my days as a KISS fan, I have never read those dreams, summed up better than the following quote from Nick Simmons, taken from an article he wrote for VICE (2015), in which he ends the piece, summing up ALL that Gene and Paul have accomplished.  The following is the best written description I have ever read of the bands early days.  Simply perfect.

“This lesson applies as much to my father's professional legacy as it does to his fatherhood. He is worshipped and surrounded by yes-men almost constantly now. But his greatest achievements, arguably, were during times of friction, before the yes-men. When he formed the band Kiss, he was a gangly, awkward kid in New York. No one said "yes" to him. He didn't do well with women. People thought he was stupid because he couldn't speak English well. My father and Paul had to fight for every deal and every concert, had to fight against bad reviews and debt and day jobs, had to fight everything, in order to achieve what they did. They had to disagree with everyone. They had to believe that everyone else, every authority, was wrong.” - Nick Simmons (Vice, 2015)

Pacifica KISS Destroyer Belt Buckle (1976)

One thing I love to do is imagine the history of piece of merchandise.  Where has it been?  Who owned it?  What did they think about it?  Where did they buy it?  How much did it cost?  When did it leave their possession?  Etc....

Stumbled upon this little gem today, and all of those thoughts came pouring into my head.  

What youngster wore this buckle to Elementary School in 1976?  Are they still a fan?  Did they make it past the disco of DYNASTY, and the makeup removal of LICK IT UP?  If you are currently 50 years of age or older, and are suffering from sagging pants, you may hold the answer to this, and many more fascinating questions.

KISS - DESTROYER...

Personally, I’ve never really been into DESTROYER.  Now, I know that by saying that, I may ruffle a few feathers, but to me this is the one album that just doesn’t click with me.  Cautiously I say, it’s because of this fact, DESTROYER is one of my least favorite records and one that I also consider to be the least, ‘fun’ of the KISS catalog. 
    The DESTROYER era was a huge time of growth for KISS.  They had toppled the Arena circuit, and were now attempting to prove themselves as world class musicians and songwriters among the rock and roll elite, that of course being the 1976 rock Gods, Led Zeppelin. 
    From that aspect, hats off to DESTROYER.  The album is a major accomplishment, and a truly genius rock and roll record, however to the point I’m attempting to make, it’s not a FUN record.  It doesn’t have that 'basement quality' of a HOTTER THAN HELL, or the ‘roll your windows down’ vibe of LOVE GUN.  Yes, there are some great songs, and yes, the album will always be celebrated. However, for my money, you need the entire picture, especially when it comes to KISS.  You need the loud guitars, you need the crushing drums, and you need the FUN.
    All the bitterness aside, I will affirm…”Detroit Rock City” had never sounded better than it did in Australia, 1980, recorded live for the Television Program, THE INNER SANCTUM.  Glory on high…had Bob Ezrin put forth that production value, we may be having a different conversation. 

ROUNDTABLE OF THE ELDERS...

• Where does DESTROYER ranks on the scale of greatest KISS albums? 

RH - DESTROYER is one of my least listened to records.  Sometimes, I even think I listen to ANIMALIZE more than DESTROYER.  If I was to rank DESTROYER, it would definitely be in the bottom 5.  I know this won’t settle well with a lot of people, but it’s just never ‘done it’ for me, and a majority of that has to do with Bob Ezrin’s production.

• Where do you think DESTROYER ranks on the scale of greatest KISS Album Covers? 

RH - I will say (minus the production value) of the album, I do think the songwriting on the album is great, furthermore, the album cover is amazing.  The DESTROYER album cover is so classic, so etched into history, it’s breathtaking.  That painting created by Ken Kelly is simply amazing.  Everything comic book art / horror movie poster art should be. I love it.  LOVE GUN remains my favorite album cover of all time (KISS-wise), however, I would say DESTROYER comes in at solid #3 (CREATURES OF THE NIGHT flying cool at #2). 

• How would DESTROYER have differed produced by Eddie Kramer? 

RH - Had DESTROYER been produced by Eddie Kramer, I truly believe I would have loved the album.  The songwriting on the album is beyond cool.  Produced by Eddie Kramer?…I do believe we would have a solid rock and roll record on our hands.  Classic songs, with that classic Marshall Amplifier Rock and Roll Sound.  Bob Ezrin?…he got so artsy and atmospheric on the record, it borders the sound and production value of an Alice Cooper record, which works perfectly for Alice, but not so well for KISS (in my mind). 

KISS - THE ALIVES...

When anyone discusses ‘live albums‘, one of the records that is always mentioned, even for non-KISS fans, is 1975‘s, KISS ALIVE!, which could very well be considered the best ‘live’ record of all time.  Granted, a lot of what is actually ‘live’ on these records is up for debate, however, for our purposes here this evening, we will disregard that and just concentrate on three pivotal albums in the KISS catalog, ALIVE, ALIVE II, and ALIVE III.

KISS - ALIVE:
    Without a doubt, its no wonder that kids around the globe suddenly became interested in playing guitar and forming garage bands after hearing this album.  I have to rate this album of the bands ‘classic’ albums.  The track listing was pulled from the first three albums (which were the classic originals), and the band was simply on fire.  The comforts of success and money had yet to creep in, and ALIVE! proved to be a raw, violent, live capturing of the band that was dead set on taking over the world. The greatest ‘live’ record of all time? In my book…yes.

• Would you consider KISS - ALIVE to be the greatest ‘live‘ record from a rock and roll band?  (If not than what is?) 

RH - I would have to say ALIVE!, and ALIVE II are my top favorite live albums.  Growing up, I loved Metallica’s LIVE SHIT, BINGE & PURGE, however, as time goes on, I find myself going to ALIVE and ALIVE II more than LIVE SHIT.  There have been a few scattered Bryan Adams live CD’s, I love, but those are more personal favorites.  Thus, when the 12 year old inside of me wants to play ’living room rock star’, ALIVE!, and ALIVE II are my go-to records.  

• ALIVE! Is the first album to contain additional packaging.  How does the extra packaging compare to the other ‘extras’ in the KISS Catalog?

RH - ALIVE!, was the first record to contain a gatefold and ‘extra’ insert items within the album.  This is a pretty sweet idea, and a great way to increase public interest.  Compared to the other ‘extras’ included in KISS albums, the ALIVE!, inserts are very grass roots.  The special notes from the band members, wonderfully nudge the record buying public into having ‘a favorite member’, a marketing technique The Beatles made popular, and the notes only reinforce the fact that the members of KISS are four individuals with distinct (and quite bizarre) personalities.  The booklet contained in ALIVE!, is a genius idea, as it simply serves as a tour book, for a concert you are able to enjoy from the comfort of your own home, and also reinforces the fact that this is a concert you will not want to miss, the next time the band comes to your town.  On a personal note, the NOTES within the ALIVE!, record have had an impact on my life, as I have always included Gene’s Ellipses in my writings from the first day I ever held ALIVE!, in my own hands and dove into the album.  I had no idea what they were, or what purpose they served the English language, however, I thought they were cool, and continue to use them to the day…  

 
KISS - ALIVE II:
    After KISS ALIVE! blew KISS into the stratosphere, what followed was a slew of huge sellers, money, fame, and everything that comes along with being a rock star (pressure, envy, etc…)  ALIVE II, in a way captures all of that perfectly.  It‘s a little faster paced than ALIVE, more energetic, and more frantic.  The audience seems to be going more nuts (which in 1977 they would have been), and KISS seems to be feeding off of that energy wonderfully. 
    One reason I loved ALIVE II, more than any other record of the ALIVE series, is single handedly the fourth side. Now, I can’t recall if the 4th side was completed to prevent KISS from repeating songs that had been included on ALIVE!, or it was just a marketing ploy to get kids to buy yet another ‘live’ record from the band they had just purchased a ‘live’ record from two years prior?  Whatever the case…it worked.  God bless them.  The fourth side of ALIVE II is amazing.  Simply powerful.  Some of the greatest songs KISS has ever put on record.  Not to mention, the album cover and gatefold, make it clear to any kid holding the record, you are in love with the greatest rock and roll band to ever live. 

• What are your favorite tracks from the fourth side? 

RH - “All American Man”.  Paul Stanley swagger at it’s finest. 

• What do you think would have happened if KISS would NOT have recorded the Solo Albums, and the fourth side would have been a Side 1 of a brand new KISS album?

RH - I daydream about this often.  I think KISS would have lasted well into the 80’s with the lineup in tact (for a little while at least).  Had this happened, I don’t think we would have ever received a DYNASTY or a MUSIC FROM THE ELDER.  I still think problems with Peter would have arose, but I do not think they would have been as bad.  I think the lack of success of the Peter Criss Solo LP had a lot to do with his sudden decline in enthusiasm during the writing, recording and touring for DYNASTY.  I think we would have seen a completely different history of KISS.  However, I’m happy the way things turned out.  But, my, oh my, I would love to have heard what this untitled (4th Side - ALIVE II) would have sounded like as a full length album.  
 

• Do you believe KISS would have self destructed as quickly as they had in the years following ALIVE II (had the Solo Albums been avoided)? 

RH - I definitely think the Solo LP’s led to the demise of the original KISS lineup.  The ACE FREHLEY SOLO LP made him a star.  Gene’s record thrust him further into his ‘Hollywood’ life, and Peter, (not being able to recreate a “Beth” type hit), drove him further and further away from the band. Although, the Solo LP’s are an amazing thing, I do believe, without a doubt, KISS would have lasted longer recording a KISS record after ALIVE II vs. the Solo LPs.  

KISS - ALIVE III
    ALIVE III was amazing, as enough time had passed that it became very refreshing to hear the band ‘live’ again and kicking ass on record.  Essentially, at the time of its release, the band was a brand new band, new songs could be added, and KISS had released, REVENGE, which was possibly the heaviest album they have recorded since 1982’s CREATURES OF THE NIGHTS. 
    Even more amazing, for we St. Joseph boys, was that KISS had just came to our town.  Let me repeat that…KISS came to OUR TOWN.  Crummy little St. Joseph, Missouri got a KISS concert!  WOW!  Words cannot express how cool this was for my friends and myself.  It was a gift from the rock and roll heavens.  Looking back, it is painfully obvious to see that financial reasons, and an ever changing record industry had forced KISS to play smaller markets, but forget that…For this moment in time, KISS was ours, and our little town was on the map. 
Although ALIVE III, is not my favorite of the ‘live’ albums, I have to say it has a special piece of my heart.  I see it as a memento of a time when my favorite rock and roll band came to my hometown, at a time, when I was very much dreaming my own rock and roll dreams of one day conquering the world. 
    Cheers to the innocence of youth…

• What is your favorite track from the album? 

RH - “I Was Made For Loving You”.  Amazing to hear this on record, with a ‘heavy’ lineup of the band.  One of my ‘go-to’ tracks from the record. 

• How do you feel ALIVE III measures up to it‘s predecessors? 

RH - If I was to rank the ‘ALIVES’ from my favorite to my least favorite (1 being the most favorite), I would list them as, ALIVE II (1), ALIVE! (2) and ALIVE III (3).  ALIVE II is just so much more cool than the rest.  The cover, the gatefold, the tattoo’s, all amazing!  ALIVE had the personal NOTES inside, which was a very cool touch, however ALIVE III lacked any goody inside.  For a time being there were rumors the album was to include tiny drumsticks and guitar picks.  Then, there were rumors the album would contain COUPONS for upcoming KISS CONVENTIONS to be scheduled sporadically around the country.  However, the album ended up, a simple release, followed by a VHS release, KISS KONFINDENTIAL.  End to end, packaging to track list, ALIVE II has my heart.  The best of the “Alives”…

KISS - DRESSED TO KILL

Historically, DRESSED TO KILL is a different than any other KISS album, as the album was produced by Casablanca President, Neil Bogart, which to some, is part of the reason for the albums shortcomings.  Personally, I am not sure how anyone could consider DRESSED TO KILL a bad record?  Of the first three releases, DRESSED TO KILL remains, to this day, my ‘go-to‘ record.
    Close to my heart for many reasons, DRESSED TO KILL contains one of the most underrated, but amazing album cover designs of the entire KISS catalog.  The juxtaposition of the dress suits and the makeup, set against the black and white New York Street setting is amazing.  Not to mention the track listing, which is beyond cool.  “Two Timer” is by far, my favorite Gene Simmons song of all time.  For that fact alone, in my eyes DRESSED TO KILL is a classic,  I have always viewed, DRESSED TO KILL as the best of ‘The Originals’  Sadly, I could do without ever hearing “Rock and Roll All Nite” again, but that’s another story, for another wax…

ROUNDTABLE OF THE ELDERS

• What do you think came first, the album title, or the cover design?

RH - I have always imagined that the (now infamous) cover photo shoot came first.  Born from a magazine photo shoot, in which the members of KISS entered a phone booth in business suits and emerged as ‘KISS’, I truly would like o believe, management liked this photo shoot so much, they decided to use the ‘street suit’ photo as the album cover.  I also want to believe someone (management) saw them in the suits and boldly exclaimed, “You boys are dressed to kill!“   They certainly were…

• Do you think the financial state of the record company had anything to do with the finished product?

RH - I think pennies were more than likely being pinched by the recording of DRESSED TO KILL.  Given the fact that Neil Bogart produced the album, makes me believe, budgets were a big deal.  Also given the fact that the “Superman” photo shoot that resulted in the ending album cover (street post) pose was not included in the album, is a head scratcher?  The concept of that photo shoot is so cool, you would have thought it would have been included in the album, either as part of a gatefold (comic), or would have been placed on the record sleeve itself.  Instead, we got next to nothing.  One photo on the front cover, and it’s negative image on the back.  Some embossing around the corners.  The DRESSED TO KILL album cover was very minimal, and I believe this was due to the fact that times and money were tight in the Casablanca offices. 

• What tracks from the album should have been left on the editing room floor?

RH - I have never liked “Anything For My Baby” and to this day I question why it was included.  I predict, this was a Neil Bogart decision, hoping for a bubblegum hit.