In 1983, the unthinkable happened, the rock band KISS took off their makeup for good (or so we all thought). They had to do it. They had become irrelevant in the rock world. Either do something drastic or say “Give it up”. Instead they took off the warpaint and and yelled “Lick It Up”. Their popularity surged for a time. The band was productive at first but with each new release, they moved further away from their hard rock roots. Albums like Animalize (1984) and Asylum (1985) still sold well but the music was getting softer. The phrase “glam rock’ was being tossed around when referring to KISS.
Muscle Up
The band was continuing to make music even though it’s main character was more interested in making movies. Crazy Nights came out in 1987 followed by Hot in the Shade in 1989. What followed is considered the lowest point in the group’s long career. Ticket sales were low, album sales too. To make matters worse, popular band member, drummer, Eric Carr was diagnosed with cancer and tragically died. Another change was needed. For the band to continue on, a change in style and a re-commitment from founder, Gene Simmons, were needed.
Revenge
The new album was aptly titled Revenge and came out in 1992. The band felt they needed to sound harder. Grunge was popular and with it came a regeneration of the guitar. Paul Stanley and Gene called in collaborators to help with the new songs. An old producer, Bob Ezrin, was called in also. He had not produced them since their biggest failure; the album “The Elder”. Despite that, Ezrin produced a purposely heavier sound for the new venture. Also, new drummer, Eric Singer was introduced. The album was well received. It was the band’s first Top 10 album in the US since 1979’s Dynasty.
When it came time to tour behind the new sound. KISS took the surprising step of booking a “Club Tour”. A short tour of playing in small clubs to rehearse the band before the big UK tour. It was also a chance to get new drummer, Eric Singer, up to speed . THIS is where our story starts.
The burning question is:
“What is it like when the once-touted ‘hottest band in the world’ plays in a small club?” The answer is obvious: “It’s friggin’ fantastic!”
The 13-stop tour kicked off in San Francisco on April 23, 1992. The first stop was a club called The Stone. The Stone (formally The Keystone) is a small room that holds about 300 patrons. A far cry from the 15,000 seat arena that KISS was used to filling. Amazingly, I was able to corral tickets. My first KISS concert was the Dynasty tour in 1979 . Since then I have attended KISS concerts every chance I get. Last time was 2020. In ‘79 they were bigger than big. They were selling out 20, 000 seat arenas. In all the years of KISS shows, I had never seen them in a small venue… this UP CLOSE.
A Night Out with the Army
My coworker, John F., who was a long-time fan like me, and I had attended a few KISS concerts together and enjoyed hearing the old stuff. So we found ourselves standing in line on Broadway Street. It was a Thursday night. The line was filled with veteran members of the KISS Army. KISS had been around for almost 20 years. An event like this attracted only the most feverish and skillful ticket-buying fans. John and I were very excited to see what we were about to see.
It’s Time!
I was struck by 2 things: The Stone is small and the ceiling is low. There was no need to work ourselves into a good spot to view the show. Everywhere in the place was a ‘good spot’. The excitement in the air was palpable. There was no BIG band introduction, like in the arenas. “You wanted the best and you GOT THE BEST!” was not announced. Instead the band just walked out onto the tiny stage. Paul Stanley stepped up to the mic and said, “ You know who we are. Let’s kick some ASS!” …and we were off to the races.
Crowded Stage
The concert began with the all-too-familiar, machine gun opening of “Love Gun”! Gene Simmons was looking extra menacing with his dark clothing and unkempt hair. The new addition of facial hair looked fitting on the ‘Demon’. Paul Stanley was master of ceremonies, per usual. New drummer Eric Singer was a vision of blonde hair, flailing behind the drum kit. Guitarist Bruce Kulick was an oak tree; playing great but moving little. The sound and the picture didn’t match up. It sounded like KISS but didn’t look like them. They looked like just normal human beings with very little elbow room on that stage. Tiny stage, very big sound.
Very early in the show, the band launched into “Deuce” from their debut album “KISS”. Standing there, in that tight room made me feel like I was just discovering this band for the first time. Hearing that killer Ace Frehley (miss ya Curley!) opening lick made me feel like a New York teen in 1973. KISS was too big to play a club back then and they were too big on this night too.
Tear the Roof off The Sucker
It felt like the roof was getting blown off The Stone. The hottest band in the world had it turned up to eleven. If they were unsure of the new songs or the new drummer, it wasn’t obvious. They ran through 22 songs, Paul practiced some new stage chatter. About halfway through the show, they played the first song off the new album. Paul called the new album “the shit” as he introduced “Unholy”. Gene sang the lead and it was a heavy song. I mistakenly thought he was singing “I’m horny!” not “Unholy”. I suppose Gene can be described and both horny and unholy. Imagine my surprise when I finally got the album.
The Only Pryo were the Lighters in the Crowd
I kept waiting for the explosions that end every KISS song at a concert. I expected to see the usual columns of fire and feel their heat. None of the usual KISS antics were there. Gene didn’t spit blood or fire. The shoes had normal heels. It was KISS music, but just the music. They had to rely more on their sound and less on their fury. I recently found bootleg audio (link below) of the show and was inspired to remember the night. The whole thing is immortalized forever on this recording. Paul offering guitar picks to everyone (“you wanna pic?, you wanna pic?” ) until some idiot grabbed the mic stand and helped himself. ERIC SINGER!! His energy was standout on the drum kit!! Young man proved that he was the real deal.
As of this writing, KISS has supposedly stopped touring for good. Our heroes are spry senior citizens now but I would not count them out. Will they ever play a concert again? I’m suspecting they will: but who knows? I don’t work with John F. anymore and haven’t seen him since. I wonder if he is still a fan. Of course he is! No one ever really quits the KISS Army!
I am not a big Kiss fan but interested in their story. Like other bands of that era, I am fascinated and amazing that early rock icons continue to entertain and develop a new group of supporters. And it is amazing how you (Rock Candy) can look back at these bits of Rock history that you attended and still remember the details. Rock On and remember Italy.