If nothing else, Frehley’s Comet holds the distinction of almost becoming Megaforce Records’ first gold record…almost. But pull back the curtain, the backstory surrounding the Spaceman’s 1987 return to the world of rock amounts to so much more.
The 80s would be an interesting time for KISS, a decade defined by lineup instability, the near-death of the band, the removal of their trademark makeup, and a return to gold and platinum level success. Yes, in rock’s glitziest decade, once gain, KISS found themselves in a familiar, yet frustrating position as a band who needed to prove their worth to both critics and fans alike.
If any single grouping of musicians in the history of rock has systematically polarized both fans and critics alike, it’s the favorite sons of NYC, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Gene Simmons.
This is a band where each album has had its own distinguishable character to be different from the previous ones. Being amongst Ghost fandom almost reminds me of how KISS fans must’ve felt when an album as cinematic as Destroyer came out, and bore barely any resemblance to the previous three studio albums that came before.
Comparing The Beatles and The Stones is like comparing apples and oranges, but if I’m going to do it, gun to my head– I’m taking Stones all day, and it’s not even very close. If my criticism of The Beatles seems harsh, remember, I’m just being honest. At the end of the day, I’m just doing and saying what others are afraid to. Anyway, who’s your favorite?
KISS has always been a polarizing band that people either loved or hated. Even if you are not the biggest fan, there is one message I want you to take away from this article: Go back to those seldom listen to tracks, by the artist you love, and give them a listen. You might discover a new favorite song and start making your personal “top lists.”
There is always going to be “that guy.” You know the type, the one who has to put the genre down, while he sips his imported IPA and reads obscure 19th-century poetry, while his earbuds pump the latest Cage the Elephant or My Bloody Valentine clone into his ears.
