KISS bassist Gene Simmons addressed the band’s history with original members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss in a recent interview with Kyle Meredith.
Simmons reflected on KISS’s evolution through different lineups. He emphasized the unique opportunities given to former bandmates Frehley and Criss.
“I mean, we toured during the ’90s from about… I’m trying to think of it… When we unmasked, it must have been actually in the ’80s, so we had a few records out, as members tended to change within the band,” Simmons said. “Ace and Peter were in and out of the band three different times, if you can believe that. No other band would give anybody that many chances — nor does life, by the way.”
Simmons shared his perspective on the band’s decision to perform without their iconic makeup:
“So, Ace and Peter, bless ’em, have been in and out of the band three times, and as we got new members, we thought, ‘Well, why don’t we take the makeup off?’ And in retrospect, it didn’t matter. People wanted the makeup and those songs. And you’re always too close to something and you think, ‘Well, these are the rules.’ But you formed a band not to have rules.”
He then recalled a significant moment from their unmasked period:
“As a matter of fact, I remember when Ozzy wasn’t in Sabbath, we headlined a stadium in Buenos Aires, I think, and opening was Sabbath, and then lots of other bands whose names you’d recognize. But this was without makeup. So it’s been a… What a crazy journey this has been. Unbelievable.”
The complex dynamics between KISS’s original members shaped the band’s legacy. Their story features several notable reunions and performances.
A pivotal moment emerged in 1995, as documented by Wikipedia. Criss and Frehley joined KISS for their MTV Unplugged performance. This appearance sparked widespread speculation about a potential reunion of the original lineup.
The band’s impact on rock music earned formal recognition. Britannica noted KISS’s 2014 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The original lineup received specific honors for their contributions to the genre.
This recognition validated the band’s enduring legacy. It highlighted their importance despite numerous lineup changes and transformations throughout their career. The honor specifically acknowledged the original members’ role in establishing KISS’s iconic status in rock history.
The relationship between original members remains a significant talking point. Simmons’s recent comments shed light on the band’s unusual approach to giving former members multiple opportunities, a practice rarely seen in the music industry.
