Highlights
- KISS members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons were displeased with Ace Frehley’s behavior during their 1979 interview with Tom Snyder, feeling it made the band seem unprofessional.
- Despite the tension it caused within the band, fans now look back fondly on the interview, particularly Ace Frehley’s involvement.
- Gene Simmons has stated that the current “End of the Road” tour will be KISS’ final appearance in makeup, but touring is still worth it to see the impact they’ve had on fans.
Throughout their time in the spotlight, KISS went through several ups and downs behind the scenes. That included Eddie Van Halen almost joining KISS, while Paul Stanley found himself in a feud with Guns N’ Roses over bad advice.
In the following, we’re going to take a closer look at another memorable moment, featuring KISS’ interview alongside Tom Snyder. The interview wasn’t what Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons anticipated, as Ace Frehley went off. Although fans love the interview looking back, it caused tension among KISS behind the scenes.
Let’s take a closer look at what took place.
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Paul Stanley And Gene Simmons Weren’t Pleased With Ace Frehley’s Behavior During Their 1979 Interview With Tom Snyder
Back in 1979, KISS took part in a highly entertaining interview on the Tom Snyder Show. Ace Frehley in particular stole the show during the episode, with some hilarious statements. However, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons in particular weren’t pleased, feeling as though the band came across as unprofessional.
In an interview with Brave Words, Paul Stanley discussed Frehley’s “drunken hijinks.”
Stanley revealed, “It wasn’t that big of a fun time because you have to respect your position. You have to respect your job. You have to respect the people that you’re trying to communicate with. It may seem funny that somebody is drunk… but the fact is that the root of it was, I believe, a contempt and a lack of respect for the audience and the fans. So, sure. Can you look at it and chuckle? Yeah. I can, too, but I see deeper. And I look at it and say, what a shame to take this lofty position that somebody gave us and spit in it.”
He continues, “Spit in its face. By showing up inebriated or unable to connect a sentence. It may be funny on the surface, but what’s below the surface is a lack of appreciation for a gift that you’ve been given.”
Fans can take a look back at the interview below.
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As for Frehley’s take, the star admitted he was nervous heading into the interview, given that it was his first public sitdown. To combat the nervousness, it seems like Frehley had one too many… The interview clearly showed a divide within the group and just a couple of years later, the band went their separate ways.
Looking Back, Fans Actually Enjoyed Tom Snyder’s Interview With KISS
Still to this very day, fans are looking back at the memorable interview between KISS and Tom Snyder. Despite the negative impact that took place behind the scenes of the interview, fans have fond memories of it. Particularly Ace Frehley’s involvement.
Fans wrote, “Ace steals the show. Hilarious. The fact that Snyder goes along with it – much to Gene and Paul’s seething silent frustration – makes it even funnier.”
Another fan comments about the host, “I love how Tom goes along with Ace and enables him in a way.”
“Not a Kiss fan by any measure but this was GREAT Television. Superbly directed too. The Production, Tech and Stage Crew were on their game and captured a moment.”
“I love how all four of them genuinely laugh at Ace’s “Why did I spend all that money?” comment.”
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A memorable interview and one that the fans clearly had a blast with.
Gene Simmons Wanted The ‘Kiss End of the Road Tour’ To Be The End For The Band
Fans have seen KISS take on several “farewell” type of tours throughout the years. However, Gene Simmons said he’s done performing after his final farewell Tour Show.
Simmons tells Rolling Stone, “My hand on the Bible,” he told the outlet. “And I should know because my people wrote that book. In fact, my people also wrote the follow-up book, the New Testament. And so I’ll say right here, right now, my hand on the Bible, it will be the final Kiss-in-makeup appearance.”
He continues, “When I was a kid going to school, my nickname was Mr. Spock. I’ve never been much for emotion and stuff like that. I remember my Uncle George, who I loved dearly. I remember standing over his grave, and being sad, but I didn’t cry. Tears don’t come easy for me.”
Simmons went to admit that touring was still worth it given the fan reaction.
“But the few times they have is when I look out at the audience and I see a 50-plus-year-old fan who’s been with us ever since he was a kid, wearing Kiss makeup. And next to him is his late 20s/early 30s-year-old son wearing makeup, and sitting on the shoulder of his son is his grandson, five-year-old, six-year-old, whatever, wearing our makeup.”
Simmons added, “And that little kid putting up my hand gesture, with the two horns and the thumb out, which actually in sign language means ‘I love you,’ and sticking his tongue out for the first time. Well, that gets me going every time.”
Even if it is the end for KISS, fans will have plenty of memories and content to look back on.
Source: NewsFinale