Peter is often perceived as “the least talented” member of KISS, and in general, he wasn’t given much of an opportunity to showcase his talents. As such, what too many fans don’t recall, or simply haven’t embraced is Peter Criss’ post-KISS solo career, which consists of four stellar albums, Out Of Control (1980), Let Me Rock You (1982), Cat #1 (1994), and One For All (2007).
Love them or hate them, with Alive!, KISS created the live album as we know it, but they didn’t stop there. Over the course of the band’s nearly fifty-year history, KISS has consistently put out live music. Let’s dig into all of those albums, some of which may surprise you, and see how they stack up.
Throughout Heavy Metal and Hard Rock history, there have been a great many frontmen, but few have done the job with the level of consistency, and integrity as Tony Martin.
While most of his contemporaries were working towards their big break in Los Angeles or New York amid a booming music scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Greg Chaisson was toiling in the Phoenix area, honing his chops with various local acts.
Recently, we had the pleasure of speaking with Rich Kosak, the founder, and de-facto frontman of the world’s greatest KISS tribute, Mr. Speed. Among other things, we touch on what he’s been up to during the lockdown, the origins of Mr. Speed, how the band puts on such a world-class show, all things KISS, what’s next for Mr. Speed, and what he’s looking forward to the most once COVID-19 breaks.
KISS’ legacy runs deeper than “Rock ‘N’ Roll All Night,” “Beth,” “Detroit Rock City,” and “I Was Made For Lovin’ You.” Sure, those are great songs, but KISS’ music is so much more than that. I hope you dig this article, and I hope it inspires you to dive deeper. KISS may be at the “End Of The Road,” but they aren’t done quite yet. I hope you double back. I hope you take the journey.
There is no denying that “Space Ace” has a special swagger about him…that certain something that simply makes him special. Ace is both unable and uninterested in reading music and is generally averse to playing by anybody else’s rules but his own. Still, Ace has managed to forge a fifty-year career in music and has seen the wildly unheard-of success that street-walking guys from the Bronx don’t often see.
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.”
Robert V. Conte is an editor, writer, and pop-culture consultant who, armed with his vast memorabilia collection, utilizes his expertise on a myriad of officially licensed products, including Godzilla, KISS, and Sesame Street.
The 80s and early 90s were a time of guitar god saturation, and perhaps you missed Bruce the first time around. I implore you to take a look back, and you will find that Bruce’s playing not only holds up, but it’s perhaps head and shoulders above many of his contemporaries. Simply put, a player, such a Bruce Kulick, will never go out of style, and his versatility will keep him at the forefront of the instrument for as long as he chooses.
