Paul Stanley on problems with Ace and Peter before the Reunion tour, on getting back in shape and on having Tommy Thayer to teach Peter Criss his own drum parts. Thanks for watching! please subscribe for more.
EXACTLY! They were playing State Fairs and nightclubs prior to the reunion, so Ace and Peter got them back into the arenas! And if Gene and Paul had troubles on tour with Ace and Peter, it's really their own faults. I'm not saying they should have made Ace and Peter full partners in the band again, but they definitely should have split the money equally! Peter and Ace should have both made exactly what Gene and Paul made from the performances. And the fact that they had an Ace costume all ready for Tommy Thayer in case Ace didn't make it shows the intent of Paul and Gene to steal the Ace and Peter characters pretty much as soon as they realized how successful the reunion was. They needed the spaceman and the catman, and so they took them.
@@ronchilled they became popular again in the 80s thanks to Vinnie Vincent. He might be a messed up dude, but he wrote the songs that put Kiss back on top again. The Elder, Unmasked and Creatures all sold very poorly. (even though Creatures is one of their best albums) In the early 90s, Kiss was in pretty bad financial shape. Bringing back Ace and Peter put them way on top again. So, they kind of all needed each other at that point.
They were successful in 80's? Ha, that's funny shit, when Pete and Ace came back in 96 it took the world by storm!!! Obviously, some people haven't U-tube old school Kiss and watch Peter Criss in his prime!!! Unbelievable
It’s a theme in his book. Everyone except his son and second wife seem to have “betrayed” him and he bashes everyone who was ever in Kiss except for Thayer and Singer.
Whatever, I saw Peter live in 1996 and he sounded great. Ace perhaps had a little rust on him, but he still sounded great too. Anyone who was there would agree.
I don't believe that Ace "forgot" how to play the classics. Ace had been touring as Frehleys Comet since 88. While his Frehleys Comet songs were forefront, but he played many Kiss tunes as well. I'm sure that Ace was rusty with a few songs, but there is no fucking way he had to be retaught especially from bum ass Thayer
@Greg Hubbard Sure he was no Ian Paice or Cozy Powell, but to say peter was not very good at all is bs, he did peak very quickly however, by late 77-early 78 he was shit. Either way kiss and peter, much like ac/dc and phil rudd, were never about showy or over the top musicianship, they did what worked for the band in the same way alot of funk and punk rock drummers do well for what they're trying to do, if kiss had a more over the top drummer it wouldn't have sounded right because back in the 70s kiss wasn't about flashy playing, it was about working their ass off onstage and when you're moving around as much as they did it's not as easy to play really complex stuff, plus they wouldn't have had an equalled out sound if the only good thing about the band was the drummer as everyone knows gene, paul and ace weren't really technical players. They took old school 50s and 60s rockn roll and just put alot of distortion and modern production over them.
This is nothing but a smear campaign!!! Disgusting, because Paul said in another interview and statement that Peter was the MVP of the reunion in 96? Fuck off Paul you narrcist!!!! Lol
Peter Criss is always been honest, and his own biggest critic!!! So, why would the Catman lie? Stanley and Gene are a fuckin joke and full of shit!!! If it wasn't for Peter and Ace there never ever would have been Kiss!!!!!
Im kinda like the audio book , paul is a good talker ! And he is one smart and truthfull man. I met kiss in Detroit in I think 79" and I got backstage with my press pass and I gotta tell you Paul was the nicest guy and signed everything I had. The only thing I didnt get was the interview I needed for our paper ! Not pauls fault. Well thanks for being so nice Paul. Great Guy in my eyes
I'm not a big fan of Paul's and what he's devolved to, and I do love Peter and Ace, but I have to admit that this segment on their issues with their skills (especially Peter's) rings true to me.
Paul still and always has been jealous of Peter and Ace!!! Peter did write Beth, fact and Bob Ezrin helped smooth it out and structure it, and mind you that was their biggest hit chart wise!!! Also, Peter was by far the best voice in the band and sung Hard Luck Woman and Black Diamond 2 more of the biggest fan favorites!!! Ace was one of the best guitarists ever!!! This is jealousy and nonsense? Disgusting
It just shows how Stanley is a lying scumbag!!! And, a hypocrite!!! He says this bullshit, but yet says Peter was voted MVP of the reunion tour!!!! As a die hard Peter Chriss fan, this is a disgusting smear campaign against him and Ace!!!! I think truly Paul has always been jealous of Peter and Ace, fact!!!!! Thanks 👍
Whenever, there’s a band usually one will be the strongest...it is just the way it is....Paul is attempting to explain the problems that occurred. He is not the “Victim” he’s the “Victor”. I have watched numerous interviews and this man has intelligence, strength and gallantry. This was somewhat a surprise but after watching the other mans interviews, a conclusion clearly demonstrates the likelihood of what was said... my best friend really loved this band and so I began reminiscing about her...really great memories during our childhood..Paul is a decent well spoken stand up man...I’m sure it was not intentional to hurt anyone however, an explanation was given. 👏🏽🎤🎶💕
@Shawn My impression is that Paul/Gene were serious minded while the other two more laid back. The same things that bought them together have slowly created a divide - out of issues of personality/expectations.
"KISS DNA!" Now there's pyrotechnics at football games, store openings, weddings, small cafes and roadside bars and Bar Mitzvahs--- Thank KISS for this....
Liked them all, and see people complaining about Paul, but I understand Mr. Paul and Mr. Gene did try to keep some professionalism and high quality in the band and what they put out as music. They been around and good for decades so they did something right. I know I'm still a fan.
Ace never really bashed the rest in his book. At least no more than the publisher demanded. You gotta put it in to get a book deal. Ace sure had his faults. He'd be the first to tell you. Out of all the bitching and moaning, Ace is the classiest one of the original members.
Scotty D a bit hostile Scotty. Never claimed to know him. I’m only responding from the point of the public arena. Wouldn’t stand in line for an hour to meet any of them. After seeing how the other’s behaved to promote their books, Ace comes off less vindictive. Save your venom for more important things.
I've met him several times. He came in to my uncle in laws store to buy lottery tickets. He actually remembered my name the second time he saw me. I asked him if he had an extra copy of Anomaly on lp. Not many were pressed. He dropped off a signed copy at the store along with demo's of his unreleased 1995 album. Take Me To The City actually saw a release on an Ace tribute album. He gave me one of those on vinyl too It's called Spacewalk. Dimebag Darrell plays and sings Snowblind Even though I moved, he has dropped off all of his new recordings on vinyl signed for my uncle to mail me. I promised Ace the 1995 album demo would not be leaked, and he said " it's out there, but thanks for not making me regret trusting you". So Ace is a stand up guy to his fans. So is Peter Criss. I mailed albums to him to sign, and he did for free. He even paid for return postage. Paul and Gene would NEVER treat me that well.
while I agree that Peter and Ace probably needed some help - I totally disagree that they had slipped as bad as Tommy made them out.. just a year before the reunion there are numerous videos of Ace and Peter playing together in concert and playing well
Funny how Paul trashes (to the point where he says Peter can't play at all) Peters playing, when just prior to this tour, Ace and Peter played the 'Bad Boys of Kiss' tour, where BOTH played almost nightly, and VERY well. I met them, and saw a week of shows on this tour, and they were quite good. Hats off to Richie Scarlett as well.
Saw the Bad Boys of Kiss tour in town man both Ace and Peter with their bands-they rocked and we fans knew that this would lead to the biggest tour--Reunion Tour!!.
Something happened between the time of the CRISS band and the Reunion Tour. Someone suggested that Peter during the Reunion Tour was terribly restrained and self-conscious of screwing up that it affected his playing. Sounds reasonable to me. Even last year when he played his final two shows, his playing seemed better and more confident than any of his post-Reunion time with KISS.
I don't buy the part Paul mentioned about Peter yelling at Eric when he kindly told Peter the last part of a fill was't quite right. I don't buy more than half of the shit he talks about, Yet here I am, still listening lmao
The fact that they have become multimillionaires with a limited amount of musical talent shows how good the business side of things are. Kiss knows what they're good at musically and when they stay in their lane they're very good.
I don't know why people are always talking bad about paul. Why would he lie. And have you guys seen videos of the reunion. they sucked. Ace and Peter were sloppy and had noticeable fuck ups. As much as I like Ace and Peter, they were self sabotaging there careers. Paul and Gene had no time for there egos. If you think about it gene and Paul really only care for putting on a great show for the fans. Putting aside that gene is super money hungry I believe that he at the end of the day cares mostly about putting on a great show. Also Paul bashed everyone in this book not just ace and Peter but also gene, Eric, vinnie etc.
“Why would he lie?” Easy. Resentment and smearing. He hates basically everyone who was ever at kiss except for Thayer and singer and he just wants to scream at the world and shit on them to feed his own ego and self validate his disdain for his former band mates. His book is just a recollection of half truths and exaggerations to make everyone but himself look horrible. And him? Well he’s perfect! He’s a great guy who just had the bad luck of running into 3 talentless assholes who kept pushing him down… yet he continued working then for years to come. How can anyone take this seriously is beyond me. It’s not just Paul. Every single KISS autobiography (with MAYBE the exception of ace) is just a lie filled piece of garbage. Peter’s book probably being the worst out of all. They all boil down to “everyone sucks but me” while they try to change history in order to make themselves look better and everyone else worse. Fuck Paul and all of these stupid books and stories. When the time comes and they start passing away to a better (or worse) place, they will all be regretting spending their days shitting on the legacy of their band. Such a sad and pathetic end. Ps: the reunion tour was spectacular and ace played like he hadn’t in years.
For years since the 70s I have maintained that if KISS did not have their gimmick, they never would have been more than the local bar band. To this day in 2018, I still believe that.
About the original chemistry of KISS. Each member was a unique character. Ace has unique style in his guitar and vocals. To rate Peter as a drummer, It's the ability to play what fit the songs, make them work, and after all they were a huge success. What one needs to look at is the team, or the sum of the parts as one unit. It worked and it was good. We can't deny the popularity they had. Replace one piece of the puzzle could have thrown off the momentum that made it all happen. All teams have issues, especially over time. Who was at fault for the times a member is let go could be either what that member had done or perhaps the inability for others to help them or be able to compromise and use the strengths and downplay the faults. It can go either way. Sometimes there just is no fix and it's a sad thing.
well.. they sold their souls for rock and roll and this is ultimately where it has gotten them.. they’ve had everything the ‘world’ has had to offer and i really don’t sense happiness or contentment... only an inner ‘writhing ‘ to fill the empty hole that is STILL there..
Man, this is complete B.S.!! I saw Peter Criss in 1994 and he played a lot of KISS songs. In fact, at the time I actually thought that Gene and Paul had sent him out on the road to get conditioned for a reunion. Ironically, even though I was apparently wrong, there was still a reunion a year later. Peter played great, though. The only thing was I noticed that he really didn't hit his drums very hard, but had them cranked up by the soundman, and that sort of surprised me, but his playing was spot on.
I just wonder how many of us fans cheered and screamed for Ace and Peter not knowing what Paul and Gene where going threw puts a new spin on we sold our soul for rock & roll line.
Paul trashes Peter and Ace for not remembering how to play their old songs, but he fails to mention that he and Gene also had to be retaught too. Over time, their traditional songs had gradually changed when played live so they did not sound like they did in the 1970s. All four had to relearn how to play the original versions, not just Peter and Ace. And by the way, Ace still remembers how to play some KISS songs that Paul and Gene have forgotten.
This is pathetic ! Black Sabbath has been playing their songs exactly the way they wrote them since 1968 ! And they are dead on accurate! And done lots of drugs along the way! What does that tell you about Kiss? They are a joke of a band.....
No, idiot!!! What it tells me, is that the two best and most talented in the original lineup Peter and Ace who did do drugs and alcohol were still amazing and great!!!! And, your dumbass Black Sabbath comment, Ozzy and that band are great, but not better than the original lineup Kiss!!!!
I totally believe Paul's account here. I have followed KISS developments in the 80s, 90s, and beyond. These stories reflect what I remember at the time in the mid 90s. The workout schedule must have been quite something. Look at the 96-97 reunion tour videos online. They pretty much got down to their younger weights. And as Paul says here... it was important for the reunion tour fans to see the old KISS. Other than the aged face of Ace, it looked like '77 KISS.
Well, in accordance to the Paul Stanley rule of work ethic and honing of artistic craft through practice, both he and Gene should be playing like Steve Vai and Billy Sheehan respectively.
This would not have happened had it not been for the fans whole hearted request for capturing a magical moment in time that altered people’s perceptions beyond recognition that was in a different time frame and could not necessarily be recaptured.Simmons records is going to require 100% of genes time,efforts, and resources to reignite and get off the ground!
Funny......so they kept selling out shows on a massive scale with Ace & Peter. But since those two left those sellouts became extremely rare, if at all
So Paul and Gene fired Peter and Ace, and in doing so became removed two owners of the brand, and then hired Peter and Ace back as employees, when they had originally been four equal partners, it became just two. Nice business move. When there was four, a majority of three (Paul, Gene and Ace) could vote to get rid of Peter. Then when there were three originals, a majority of two (Paul and Gene) could vote to get rid of Ace. Now there are only two, neither can get rid of the other because it is not a majority. Ace shouldn’t have allowed Peter to be voted out, because that left Ace vulnerable to being voted out. Peter and Ace could have protected each other.
Feel bad for them all all of them, new members included, should remember they're all brothers not all like each other but all should respect each other . Wish that didn't happen to them
I get Paul's frustration over Peter. I do. But the way he talks about him is just mean. Peter can be a jerk, this I know. But Paul and Gene needed Ace and Peter, period.
Say what you will about Space Ace and Peter,Them coming back to the band,brought Gene and Paul back from a sinking ship of a career. And SADLY allowed them to continue playing for the last 16 years, as a GLORIFIED TRIBUTE ACT,instead of the REAL KISS!!!!!!!
But it was more of a resurrection for Ace and Peter - their careers were NOWHERE - they were also fairly broke - having blown their fortunes. These reunion shows made them millionaires again, eventually. For a while, anyway. They foreclosed on Ace's house a few years ago - that doesn't sound good!
There is never a doubt that Kiss would sell out stadiums. Massive stadiums at that. I appreciate them with or without makeup. It's kinda hard to think that the band doubt it.
@Irish Rover , I seem to agree with you. I knew the original line-up wouldn't last long. But, it was cool for a little while. Anything after that. Just didn't settle with me all that well. But, still a fan.
Like it or not ,this is how it's done.many great bands are forgotten because after there career,people don't know anything about them personally.and all this stuff is just fine,not big stuff that people will comment saying"is it still ok to like this bands music?"perfect preparation for a movie.
I’ve listened to a couple of these audio clips (I’m assuming they’re from “A Life Exposed”) and have read a lot of the comments. WTF? Why is everybody slamming Paul? God forbid he should want the business of KISS to succeed.
I agree. It's fashionable to just blindly hate Gene and Paul today. Maybe they are arrogant. Maybe they don't tell things quite like they were. Who knows. But we don't know they're entirely wrong either. Both have a reputation for sobriety so that gives them a little more credibility to me at least.
As a Guitar player, I can tell you that you aren't accurate about Ace's deterioration. Ace admitted he was an Alcoholic. He quit drinking, and has released several good solo album's in the last several years. Ace has his own style, and he's a legend. He's not the most complicated player in the world, but so what? He writes and plays great Rock N Roll songs and always has. KISS has NEVER been as good without Ace Frehley as they are with him, and millions of Real KISS fans would say that.
"...whatever happens in the end," Ace said, "I don't want to lose you as my friend." He looked into Peter's eyes. "I promise. I will never be your friend. No matter what. Ever." Peter's voice cracked. "...If we play "Beth" I'm going to feel like shit tomorrow." "That's ok with me," Paul said. Gene lifted his dragon boot over his head. "I love you," Ace said. "I never hurt you on purpose." Paul nodded. "I don't care." He would not be going to Italy." PAUL STANLEY READS... PAUL STANLEY
I still listen to the albums and enjoy them a lot. I got Paul's book a few years ago, (this video is a clip from the audiobook version and it's very entertaining to hear the man himself reading it) now I have both Peter and Ace's books and I agree with you, it's so interesting to read about them bashing each other, especially when they talk about the early days and all of the 70's and 80's. It makes me go back and listen to the albums knowing as many details as possible about what was going on during their production. The only book I didn't get is Gene's...
@@pauldunlea6745 Ace is easily my favorite member of Kiss. The best thing he did was leave. Especially after the duds Unmasked and Music from the Elder. The latter has its moments though. As far as the 80s go Creatures of the Night is good I think. Your correct albums like Crazy Nights and Hot in the Shade are pretty much shit. Especially Crazy Nights. What a breath of fresh air and relief it was when Ace came out with Frehley's Comet. Not a bad song on the whole album.
weezer619 Exactly. Lots of people are quick to say things, but the fact is, is that we get 4 different versions of the story. Unless we were there, we can only assume.
If Ace and Peter were such negative influences, why did Paul and Gene ask them to rejoin the band? After all, KISS was playing sold out concerts and releasing platinum albums before the Reunion Tour.
John Valleau I don't think it was necessarily that Gene and Paul thought they were a "negative" influence, they just didn't like their behavior when they were together, and he probably wanted them back because he wanted how the original band was in their golden days. Paul doesn't seem to necessarily hate peter or ace. He just doesn't like his behavior. He Evan stated in this video that peter and ace were both talented musicians but they wasted it on their drug problems.
When your in a huge band it becomes a job ceo jobs don’t pay like kiss pays so if a employee potentially brings the company down you gotta make a change or two
Some irate fan said in 1996 -"Swapping Bruce & Eric for ace & Peter is like swapping a Ferrari for a skateboard". Hey, c'mon, let's have some realism here! I say it was like swapping a Ferrari for a Fiat 126!!
Paul is speaking honestly. Some people find this as "mean". Too bad. Peter was a terrible drummer and Ace was a good guitarist with a few riffs. They both had major drug & alcohol problems. I can see Paul's frustration.
Yeah, seems like this is the greatest band ever. I would want it right to. Half assed anit working. I would be there same way. I don't blame him at all.
If you know him personally, that's cool but if you don't it's pretty asinine to speak like you are "best buds" with him. Also, Tommy saying that Peter can't play at all, BULLSHIT!! I saw him and ACE at a show not much earlier than they started their reunion tour and both Peter and Ace sounded great. So, I think that Paul should talk less and play more.
If you read all four of their books and compile it into one conglomerate of information, it's very upsetting. Especially if they were your heros since childhood in the 70s. Ace's book "Anomaly" is the break in the clouds, offering some serious laughs.
Ace was absolutely right - Peter had done nothing outside of KISS. And anyone listening that 1st show they went to in '96 knows - he was an outright shell of himself. Ace could play - if he was engaged/disciplined and sober. Neither of those happened often enough at the same time. They did better than Ace or Peter did in the 80's (and Ace did ok - just couldn't keep it together) Facts are hard for people sometimes.
Peter and Ace were the hopeless cases. Too much money, too fast. I take my hat off to Paul for holding it all together for 48 years....I've followed them since the beginning..........Cant wait til November....... Please sing STRUTTER !!!!!!
Gene and Pauls "keeping up the brand" is something they should never say. Prior to the reunion, "their" brand was playing KISS KLASSIC KOLLECTABLE KOMIC KONVENTIONS. THAT was their brand. AKA in the toilet. They couldn't get booked. That is a FACT. The truth is whoever represented Peter and Ace have got to be the worst lawyers in history. All that was needed to be said was we get equal splits or we dont play. Gene and Paul would have gone for it. They had NO LEVERAGE at that point. And you know I really thing helped maintain the new make up era? The Gene Simmons TV show. Never underestimate the power of TV. I love how Paul's raging jealousy over that show is so apparent. Stanley is just a bizzare wierdo loner who, despite years of therapy, is the still the defensive person he always was.
i asked paul one time at meet and greet can you play the song" easy as it seems".paul gave me a blank face then said."what album this song from"? i said "unmasked" album sang by you.so please dont trash peter and ace.
kamran etemad -- The show I saw in Pittsburgh was great. I think they're at their worst now, by far. Paul's voice was shot since 2006. it's noticeably worse than any shortcomings of any other band member. And of course, having Thayer and Singer act out the roles of Ace and Peter is a pathetic attempt to cash in on the success of the original band. Unfortunately a sufficient number of people bought the baloney that Paul and Gene put forth that KISS has always been about 4 characters and not four people who are merely embellishing their interests and personalities. So now, Thayer is portraying Ace's interest in outer space and Singer is expressing Peter's relatability with some cat. It's artistically insincere.
Different forgetting a shitty song...but not remembering how to play strutter? If you watch the New York show in 96 something was wrong with him because he couldn’t play worth shit there.
That is common. Most artists don't remember every song. I bet they never even played that song live so they just did it in the studio for that album like 40 years ago. Of course he aint going to remember that. Paul was likely asking Ace and Peter to play songs like Love Gun. Big difference.
