Behind the Makeup: A Hilarious Interview with KISS on Their Wildest Tour Moment
When you think of rock ‘n’ roll legends, KISS is undoubtedly one of the first names that comes to mind. With their outrageous costumes, electrifying performances, and iconic face paint, they have carved a permanent place in the annals of music history. But beyond the glam and glory lies a treasure trove of unforgettable moments, some of which are downright hilarious. We had the opportunity to sit down with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss for an exclusive interview where they shared one of their most memorable—and side-splitting—experiences on tour.
The Setup: A Night Like No Other
It was during the band’s 1979 “Love Gun” tour, a time when KISS was riding high on the success of their latest album. “We were in the middle of a show in a small town in, of all places, Iowa,” Gene Simmons chuckled, as he settled back in his chair, adorned in his signature black and silver attire. “The energy was electric, and the crowd was wild. But what happened next was completely unexpected.”
As Paul Stanley took the lead, he jumped in, “We had this elaborate stage setup—flames, fireworks, the whole shebang. But one of our pyrotechnicians accidentally set off the smoke machine too early. Instead of a graceful entrance, we were welcomed by a thick cloud of smoke that looked like something out of a horror film!”
A Comedy of Errors
What followed was a series of comedic mishaps that would make anyone laugh. “I remember walking out on stage, trying to strike my signature pose, but I could barely see anything,” Ace Frehley shared, shaking his head in disbelief. “I ended up stepping on Paul’s foot and we both went tumbling down. The audience thought it was part of the act!”
Peter Criss chimed in, “I was trying to keep the beat, but I was laughing so hard I could barely play the drums! It was chaos, but it was hilarious. We were like a bunch of clowns in a circus.”
From Chaos to Camaraderie
As the smoke finally cleared, the band regained their composure and continued with the show. “You know, sometimes the best moments come from the unexpected,” Gene reflected. “We learned to laugh at ourselves and enjoy the ride, no matter how chaotic it got.”
Paul added, “After the show, we all gathered backstage and started telling each other what we would’ve done differently. It turned into a hilarious roast session, and we laughed until we cried. That night, we really cemented our bond as bandmates and friends.”
The Legacy of Laughter
What’s remarkable about KISS is that their ability to entertain goes beyond music. Their charismatic personalities and sense of humor have left an indelible mark on fans and fellow musicians alike. “We often say that music should be fun,” Gene stated. “If you can’t laugh at yourself, what’s the point?”
As the interview wrapped up, the band reminisced about how that night in Iowa has become a legendary story within KISS folklore. “Every now and then, someone brings it up, and we all burst into laughter,” Ace concluded. “It’s these moments that remind us that we’re not just a band; we’re a family.”
Final Thoughts
In a world where rock stars often take themselves too seriously, KISS stands out as a beacon of joy and humor. Their ability to turn a potentially embarrassing situation into a cherished memory is a testament to their resilience and camaraderie. So the next time you see them light up the stage, remember: behind the makeup and the music, there’s a rock ‘n’ roll family that knows how to have a good laugh.