Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 11, 1990 TAG: 9007110256
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: TRACY WIMMER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
"It was an idea whose time has come and gone," Simmons said of the goo. "But as long as people keep asking us about it, we're not going to put it on."
And according to Simmons, who spoke from a phone in Rhode Island, lots of people have been asking. Ever since Kiss began its 70-city 1990 tour May 4 in Lubbock, Texas, the rockers have faced questions about their old stage shows of the past - one that included lots of black and white makeup, leather and satin costumes and, in Simmons' case, fire breathing.
Not to fret though. Fans at the Kiss concert tonight at the Roanoke Civic Center will witness some theatrics. The group will make its stage entrance through the mouth of a 40-foot sphinx that shoots lasers from its eyes.
Fans will also be treated to one of the longest concerts in Kiss history - possibly three hours without intermission, according to the group's press release.
Why such a long show?
Simmons responded curtly. "I certainly don't have anything to prove to anybody, and I could care less what the press thinks," he said. "It's something we want to do - something we want to do for ourselves."
On other issues, Simmons was no less frank. Recent headlines regarding the censorship of 2 Live Crew, the rap group whose music has banned in Prince William County as well as three Florida counties, angered Simmons.
"The real danger in this country is that if you can put an X and ban a 2 Live Crew or a Kiss record, the Bible has got to be the next thing to go," Simmons said. "That book is filled with Satanic content and killings and incest and who the hell knows what else."
Simmons should be a happy man. Kiss recently celebrated its 16th anniversary. The group's worldwide album sales are around $60 million and the latest album, "Hot in the Shade," has gone gold. PolyGram recently signed the group to a 10-year contract.
But for all the group's good fortune, Simmons is angry with the press - not without reason. For if there were ever a group that music sophisticates love to hate, it's Kiss.
It all began in 1973 when the original foursome - Ace Frehley, Peter Criss, Stanley and Simmons - started playing in New York City during the height of glitter rock. While David Bowie and Lou Reed were packing clubs with kids in face paint, Kiss was coming up with its own concept: an outrageous image which combined Kabuki theater and the final reel of "The Curse of Frankenstein." Their songs bordered on fantasy, as did their costumes: wild makeup, high-heeled dragon boots.
In an attempt to make themselves larger-than-life, Kiss alienated critics who contended the group had no real musical talent. Undaunted, the guys began to tour . . . and tour . . . and tour. And while they were constantly blown away by the media, Kiss had no problem blowing away fans, drawing them in by the thousands.
By 1976, school children were carrying Kiss lunch boxes. By 1977, they were carrying Kiss comic books - Kiss being the first rock group ever to be picked up by Marvel comics.
While Kiss's popularity has periodically dipped in the United States, they have always managed to stay popular abroad. By 1982, the group had taken off their makeup and wild clothes to do straight-up rock.
When Frehley and Criss left the band to pursue other interests, Simmons and Stanley refused to dissolve the band. Frehley and Criss were eventually replaced by Eric Carr and Bruce Kulick.
"Paul and I don't see each other 24 hours a day," Simmons said of his friendship with Stanley. "I guess it all starts with respect."
The friends not only respected each other but also respected themselves by staying away from drugs and alcohol. Simmons, lead vocalist and bassist, claims he has never been high or drunk.
"It's sad actually," Simmons said. "Everyone expects if you play an instrument - especially if you play guitar - that you must have been to hell and back."
The in thing, noted Simmons, is for a rocker to say he has kicked his heroine addiction.
"And I've always resented that, because there are people out there who copy what you do," Simmons said. "The fact is you have to be an idiot to do that, and I resent anybody pointing to some suicidal streak in their nature and saying, `Oh, yeah, this is rock 'n' roll. . . . Living is rock 'n' roll - not dying.
"Kiss has never gotten on a soap box and really said anything," he said. "My life is lived by example. Basically I believe you should shut your big mouth and just play your song."
Simmons was happiest when talking of his toddler son, "Nicholas Simmons, Private Eye." Simmons refused to say where he lives or who the child's mother is, but did note he is not married to her.
"Life is a matter of choices," Simmons said. "I mean marriage is a wonderful institution, but who wants to live in an institution?"
When the reporter pointed out that Simmon's former girlfriend, Cher, originated the line, he laughed - finally.
"Did she really?" he asked. "Well, I'd say she's right."
KISS: 7:30 tonight, Roanoke Civic Center coliseum, with special guests Slaughter and Danger/Danger. $17.50. 981-1205.
by CNB