KISS, Original Members: Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley
KISS 2013: Tommy Thayer, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Singer
KISS
CURRENT MEMBERS
Gene Simmons - Bass, vocals
Paul Stanley - Guitar, vocals
Tommy Thayer - Lead Guitar, vocals (joined 2002)
Eric Singer - Drums, vocals (joined 1992)
ORIGINAL MEMBERS (1973-1980) - reunited from 1996-2001
Gene Simmons - Bass, vocals
Paul Stanley - Guitar, vocals
Ace Frehley - Lead Guitar, vocals
Peter Criss - Drums, vocals
WHO'S IN THE BAND?
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are the keepers of the flame (literally, in Gene's case) for the past 40+ years. Peter Criss and Ace Frehley both left the band (Criss in 1980, Frehley in 1982), but the original foursome reunited from 1996 to 2001. Frehley and Criss are no longer with the band.
Following the initial departure of Criss and Frehley, their replacements created new make-up designs and personas. In 1983, the band decided to drop the make-up altogether. In 1996 the original foursome reunited, with make-up and Love Gun era costumes. After almost five years of reunion tours, Criss was once again out of the band. This time, when Eric Singer (who had been the drummer before the reunion) came back to the band, a new persona wasn't created. He wore the same "Cat-man" make-up as Criss. Likewise, when Frehley left again, Tommy Thayer took over Ace's "Space-Man" look. Many longtime fans didn't like this idea, but it puts KISS in a unique position: they can replace members of the band, but still have them look almost exactly the same as the original members.
WHAT WON'T YOU HEAR
You won't be hearing "Beth," not just because Peter Criss sang it and co-wrote it, but because it doesn't really fit into the high-energy, bombastic rock & roll show that KISS is known for. They do sometimes pull this one out at acoustic Meet & Greet shows, with Eric Singer taking over on lead vocal. "Hard Luck Woman," another Criss lead vocal, is occasionally done at shows with Paul Stanley (the writer of the song) handling the vocal. One other hit that is rarely, if ever, played is "Forever," their power ballad from 1990, although Stanley sang that one. (Here's a fun fact: he co-wrote it with Michael Bolton.)
With over 40 years of songs to choose from, the band shakes up their setlist quite often, even from night to night. This is different from most big groups that stick with the same setlist throughout a whole tour - or even multiple tours. They'll play most of the major fan favorites each night, but the rest of the songs may switch around. You also may hear some early songs that were originally sung by Criss ("Black Diamond," "Kissin' Time"), or Ace Frehley ("Shock Me"), sung by their replacements.
"Shandi" is usually only performed when the band tours Australia and New Zealand, where it was a huge hit. Even then, it's stripped down to Stanley playing the song solo (maybe to avoid the "disco" treatment of the original recording). "I Was Made for Lovin' You" is occasionally played, but the original disco trappings are gone, as the band has rearranged it with a much rockier edge.
WORTH SEEING?
KISS has always been about the show. The first time I saw them (on the tour supporting the Destoyer album), I'd never seen a show that big, that bombastic. I was blown away. When I saw them a couple of years later, I wasn't so awed by the show to notice that the music wasn't really up to par.
As of 2013, the band definitely has it together, music-wise and show-wise. The show is still the main focus - as it is with almost every arena band these days - but the music is there, also. Stanley's voice is no longer as strong as it once was, but the overall sound of the band is still good.
BAND LINKS
Official Website: www.kissonline.com
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