Paul Stanley Credits KISS For Introducing AC/DC, Bon Jovi And Mötley Crüe To Rock Scene

The path to fame might be challenging, especially without getting the help of other successful acts. So, being the opening act of an established band might do wonders for artists at the beginning of their careers. KISS‘ Paul Stanley discussed how they have helped out many acts that are now regarded as rock icons while chatting on this year’s KISS Kruise.

From Mötley Crüe to AC/DC, various rock figures have opened for KISS during tours in the late ’70s to early ’80s. Being the supporting act of KISS helped them build their fortunes and brands. So, when Paul answered if they were proud of seeing all of these bands as rock icons, he talked about how they had helped them out.

“We’ve been very fortunate,” said the frontman, mentioning how they’ve provided opportunities for other bands to stand out. “We’ve never made anybody famous, but we gave bands a chance. You put them in an arena, and the audience either does this [makes thumbs up gesture], but between Judas Priest and Mötley Crüe and Bon Jovi and Mellencamp and Tom Petty, AC/DC, Rush; we have a pretty good track record of bands that we liked and had us in their corner.”

The rocker continued, “A lot of bands will tell you that on the way up, they were screwed, or the headlining band wouldn’t let them play as loud or as long. We’ve always believed that if you can kick our ass, then we need to work harder. So, we’ve always told bands, ‘Go out there and be your best. We’ll do anything to help you do your best.’ Then, it’s up to us. It’s our responsibility to justify being the headliner.”

Stanley discussed how it had never been a concern for them whether the opening act would outshine them. Famous bands supporting lesser-known bands weren’t always the case, however. Check out to read the time Grand Funk Railroad upstaged Led Zeppelin and the measures Peter Grant, the British act’s famous manager, took to plug off Grand Funk Railroad from the stage.