It’s difficult with four different egos . Most bands don’t operate long term with four equal members. Someone has to be in-charge. Then throw in the drugs and alcohol .
I trust Ace the most. He just tells the stories and is unserious about them. All of the above is true. Ace and Peter first left because of creative differences. They were also the partiers as Gene and Paul took leadership over the band and had sticks up their yjng yangs, Second time, Ace and Peter wanted to be equal members. Gene and Pauls egos took out that idea as they have to control everything.
What a great record kiss a alive was. My first record was the first record. And I believe that Ace is correct. Once you’re no longer hungry that’s their demise.
Saw KISS early on the "Destroyer" tour in 1976, and it was awesome, the crowd was sooo into everything on that stage. Then I saw them three years later on the "Dynasty" tour and the whole atmosphere had changed. Eight-year old's with their parents, and that was it, the magic was gone. Ace is a truth teller, or mostly more true. Gene and Paul are all about CYA.
I think ego killed the band. Everyone started to believe that they were the most essential part of KISS instead of realizing that the most essential part was all of them bringing their own magic to the team.
I definitely think that was a huge part of it. That all for one, one for all mentality that kept them so hungry and driven in those early years was completely gone.
I believe Paul. They all had their own egos and their own little groups that said "you're the most important piece of the band". And i can guarantee those meetings stopped happening because of Ace's alcohol and Peter's cocaine use. Paul and Gene got tired of Ace and Peter making equal money and not making equal effort. It created division within the band. And as Paul said, when Ace's and Peter's issues started hurting the band that's when he started having an issue with Ace and Peter and that makes perfect sense
Ace left the 2nd time after the final 1st farewell tour After Gene told them him they were still planning on touring Ace told him you can’t do that to the fans. And walked away. 🤟
It was a difference of opinion. Gene and Paul were about the business Ace and Peter were about the party. No one was was about the band and the music suffered.
My dad helped design KISS’ stage show and production from the late 70’s/early 80’s with his partner Bill McManus. My dad worked closely with Bill Aucoin throughout this process. So many stories to tell, but so many I’m not allowed to speak of. So unless you’re on the inside and lived and breathed that lifestyle day in and day out - you will most likely believe who you want to believe. I will say this… Paul ran KISS.
"Top Secret stuff" LOL You can share whatever you want from experiences that long ago- it's not some top secret CIA info. I know people who were involved and 2 that still are in the circle. There isn't much that hasn't been shared by someone at some point. Paul eventually took the drivers seat in Kiss, back then he and Gene tried their best to steer the ship but they all had equal vote until members started leaving. It was typically Aucoin who got his way in most cases
Paul and Gene are the one who kept the band (brand) together. Paul specifically as lead, it was his band. ACE and Peter's drug, and alcohol use caused their exit. It was toxic to the band continuing. Paul and Gene bought the Spaceman and Catman personas. Gene was the marketer without a doubt. If I was going to believe who's right, I would say Paul and then Gene. Ace admits his issues.
It sounds reasonably true, I've heard from other bands the same thing. When you are hungry you will go crazy for it, now that your fed "Ah ok what's next".
I trust Ace when it comes to what happened to the band , Ace is probably talking more about how he felt when it comes to motivation and the party, I think Paul has always wanted to be the best, But with guard truths , It took Gene and Paul a long time to actually come clean about Eric Carr , They would say whatever trying to save face
It's difficult for two married people to stay together for many years so to have 4 original band members stay together for as long as they did was a blessing to us KISS fans. I believe it just grew a little stale between the band members and there was some drug/alcohol abuse added in by 2 members. Nothing more and nothing less.
I feel that in the beginning they were very hungry. Wanted to be the band they never saw. I’d say after Love gun with the solo albums coming out, the brotherhood ended. Ace wanted to stay true to the hard rock and metal style, but Paul became more concerned with following trends instead of doing what they wanted. It became more about money, the dangerous edge lost. I remember reading somebody told Elvis when your at the top still go to restaurants and be around people. Between the drugs and money the magic faded. 1996 proved the chemistry amongst the 4 tho. Greed ruined the band.
Ace and Peter tell basically the same stories, each accepting responsibility for their share of blame and at the same time saying it was all 4 at fault. Gene and Paul blame everyone except themselves
Yes they did But Ace left after the final 1st farewell tour After Gene told them him they were still planning on touring Ace told him you can’t do that to the fans. And walked away. 🤟
Ace is very truthful , fact there video of Ace at Flordia Covention on UA-cam , where ACE says ERIC Carr called him crying that Gene and Paul fired him when he was dieing from cancer ! So Ace to me is the one !
They had to fire him . That's what running a successful business is about. It's not about friendship, or it fails. Most people would have been responsible enough to hand in a notice to quit. If you can't perform it's time to be replaced. It doesn't matter what the reason is.
@@Hecatecrossways Def Leppard didn't fire there drummer when he lost his arm , and waited for him to heal before releasing there 1987 album . they waited for him to heal , to learn to play with one arm and made record company wait 4 years before releasing there 1987 album ! IF they could done it Kiss could have cause they were both on same record company .. What kiss did to eric carr dieing of Cancer and firing him is low , and thats why today Paul Stanley has regrets and even said so !
@@Hecatecrossways Eric Carr never felt sorry , he wanted to be treated fairly and to be treated right ! Ironic that Peter Criss pays more respect to Eric Carr every year he mentions him on his website !
Kiss didn't stop it kept going for 50 years,they just replaced members. But Paul and Gene never left. There were ups and downs. I was made for loving you just hit 1 billion on Spotify. Dynasty was huge. Even non makeup kiss thrived. Ace was to f&ed up most of the time..
Having grown up with Kiss and seeing the lineup changes and interviews in real time, I do think Peter and Ace were harming themselves, thus making working with them impossible. No one denies the drug use. Years pass. They get sober and the story morphs into a bit of a blame game. If they were straight and productive would they have been booted? Unlikely. Like the Beatles, Kiss was a 4 man band and losing any of the originals was shocking. Sales and interest tanking in the early 80’s didn’t help either so in order to become Lick It Up - Kiss, Peter and Ace had to go. IMO
I've been a KISS fan my whole life. I host a weekly internet radio show that plays all things KISS. I don't know who I trust. It's like, "One of the original four members is going to watch your kid this weekend. Who do you trust?" lol Who do I believe? I believe some of what they all say. Them becoming millionaires definitely played a part in the demise of the original lineup, but it wasn't the only reason. Drugs, alcohol and ego is a bad combination. Everyone had someone in their ear saying that they were the reason KISS was a success. At their apex, life was going a thousand miles an hour and looking back, each of them will see things different than the others. The actual truth is somewhere in the middle.
You have 2 members who are decent songwriters and knew how to run a band like a business, they were Gene and Paul. Then there were the 2 who seemed to be born to do what they do, rhey were Peter and Ace. Peter was a decent jazz style drummer who idolized Gene Krupa. Ace was a decent lead guitarist who idolized Jimi Hendrix. For me, it seemed pretty evident they were going through the motions with Dynasty. I believe Alive brought them the success they needed. With Destroyer, they had Bob Ezrin exhorting them not to get too comfortable. Peter Criss got a hit with Beth. Rock And Roll Over was back to basics. Then the merchandise and gimmicks came full swing. Who wouldn’t feel honored to have a Marvel Comics book? The Paul Lynde Halloween special seemed tailor made for them. With all that, you have to wonder where is the creativity. Love Gun sort of answered that question, whether you liked the answer or not. Ace Frehley finally was coxed to sing on his own track Shock Me. Alive II wasn’t as strong as the original Alive. 1978- the writing should’ve been on the wall with Kiss fans. Double Platinum was a greatest hits collection with some obvious remixes and a new version of Strutter to coax fans who had them all to buy. The trading cards were fun and I’m sure it was a rush getting your own Kiss radio. But fans waiting for new music had to settle for solo albums. Some were better than others. We got a TV special. Great to see our heroes, not great for Kiss! It was an embarrassment to them. Dynasty comes and we get a disco song by Paul, I Was Made For Loving You. By this time, I was more interested in Foreigner, Styx and Boston. A year later, Peter announces he’s leaving Kiss. 2 years later, Ace follows suit. The unity is obviously gone and henceforth, it’s the Paul and Gene Show! Just when you thought you’ve seen it all, Kiss removes the makeup and we get Lick It Up. This Kiss fan has become more jaded with time!
I just subscribed and just watched your Alex Van Halen clip.! Thanks for all the info.! You tell it with a very convincing tone.! Great speaking voice.! Your a Handsome Daddy too.! Come to Florida often.?😊
We didn't know what was going on with the bands back then. We didn't have the Internet to know about everything like we do now. I think it all started with the solo albums and when Ace sold so much better than everyone else it caused jealousy and it went from there. Too bad that happened cause after Destroyer they could have put out some incredible music but we will never know. Psycho Circus could have been better but they already was starting to fight about who was getting paid more. Ace is better off with playing Solo. No drama.
I've been on board since 1974, purchasing the albums as they were released, and seeing KISS open for the New York Dolls in June 1974. I thought ALIVE was a great album. When Destroyer was released, and I listened to it, I didn't think it was KISS.
I beleive Peter, and think his autobiography was the most sincere. Gene tells history only in ways that make him look good. Same with Paul. Ace was too messed up to remember.
Peter’s book was the only one I bought. You’re right, his was the most sincere, and he freely complimented the other members far more than he bashed them.
I have two opinions that differ from one another depending on the day. 1) Dressed to Kill was the last KISS album. 2) Rock and Roll Over was the last KISS album. Most times I think it was Dressed to Kill, but Rock and Roll still has snippets of the original sound. One thing I remember clearly... even as a kid I thought, "Love Gun sounds wrong". I do concede that Ace's songs on Dynasty were amazing (maybe not Save Your Love), but by then it was obvious that the original "guitars weaving together" sound from KISS, Hotter, and Dressed was long gone.
KISS is my fav band but it’s like the Hatfield and McCoy’s of Rock and Roll they are retired stepped down Gene & Ace are out there but they still can’t stop talking about one another oh well in fact Peter has been the classiest one he’s kept mostly quiet since his autobiography came out
This is never ending. Ace was fired because of his drinking, drug use, and behaviors. Everytime I look at one of these Ace exposes or Peter Criss exposes. Drugs, Alcohol, do not mix with life on the road playing show after show. Ace took it to the extreme and that is why he was fired.
Beth is the reason the band broke up! She wouldn't stop calling the studio begging Peter to come home. ha... Seriously though.. the song Beth started it all. It was inevitable. Having their biggest hit sung by the drummer not the lead singers so early in their career and being a ballad changed it all. For a band that was all about Rocking All Night and Parting every day.... it was a brilliant marketing move that made them a house hold name but It came too early for them They were still young and learning how to deal with all the success. If it had came a few years after... then they would've been that more mature to handle it all. The success of Beth lead to them each wanting the spot light and to be the best leading the solo albums which the beginning of the end. In theory it should have worked and solved any musical differences.. but what it did was amplify the desire to be the best of the 4. Beth broke up the band .. She was their Yoko! ha
@@flyingburritobro68 Yeah, that and also every song on his album smashed Paul's generic passive aggressive love songs. Ace literally had the best album and is still listened to by people (with cover song or not). Pauls IMO was 3rd best believe it or not after Gene's. Then last is Peter, it was obvious he had a totally different take at this point of this life.
I actually trust Ace the most to tell this story because he never cared about the politics of the band, so he didn't have so much of a reason to lie. The explanation you discussed doesn't pin it on any one party in the band. It's about all of them. Sounds legit to me. Paul and Gene were always so concerned with their image and Peter is more emotional so they all have more bias than Ace because of that. That's my 2 cents.
Ace was so drugged out that he gave Peter Criss oral sex. Yea it’s true read Peter and Aces books. This is the guy you believe the drug addicted alcoholic that wrecked as many cars as albums the band cut
Great commentary but we kind of known about the hot to cold. But I don't think Love Gun wasn't q flop. It was Ace's debut on lead vocals . . Love Gun . . I Stole Your Love . . Hooligan .. Chris5ibe Sixteen . . Sir, that album wasn't a flop
I think they're all telling their truths. I can see Gene and Paul taking it a little more seriously (not in a good way) and Peter and Ace getting tired of their bullshit and using drugs to kinda escape. Then Gene and Paul get pissed they aren't listening and blame the drugs.
Gene and Paul took advantage of Ace and Peter when they got addicted,conned them into selling their share of the band,then kept all profits from the band!
Ace and Peter had lawyers, agents, and managers advising them. They weren't conned. Peter and Ace thought that KISS was holding them back and that they would become even bigger stars on their own
Out of the four, Paul was the one who was least distracted and concentrated more on the band and putting out kick ass songs on every Gene was busy doing other things and Ace and Peter were already doing drugs and alcohol. That didn't start when they got rich. I trust Paul the most
it's a combination of everything from all 4 of them but gene and Paul like in any band were the 2 that kept looking at the end game and where they wanted the band to be to quote gene most bands want to be the Beatles we want to be coka cola so in my opinion all 4 originals are at fault for demise of the original line up as well as creating it
I think they’re all right. They just have different opinions. I think ego killed KISS. Gene and Paul wanted to write 8 songs per album and give Ace one and give Peter one. Then Ace’s solo album was obviously head and shoulders over the others and all of a sudden one song wasn’t enough.
@@kevinp1608 really ? He could scream just as bad as Criss. Peter was a screamer not a singer who cares he didn’t even write Beth his biggest hit Nah I’m done with Peter he blew it. Had a great opportunity and pissed it all away sorry NEXT MAN UP
A lot of fans I think take Ace and Peter’s side of things. because they view Gene and Paul as being obstacles for Ace and Peter being part of the band.
I think Ace was always honest but Gene and Paul strated kiss Ace and Peter where just hired guns because ace had his thought s and got thrown under the bus by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons because Paul and Gene thought they the dission makers my opinion
I believe that they are all telling the truth from their own perspectives. They all admitted that the solo records were a way to let each member do their own thing, while still being part of the band. Also the band has admitted they lost their way through the late 70’s early 80’s. I think an interesting question would be, if they could go back to where it all fell apart. Would they have done things differently knowing what they know now? In my opinion, I think Gene and Paul would have preferred to keep the original band together. Otherwise it wouldn’t have been such a talking point for them in interviews.
Hey… I’m New To The Show. I Been A Die Hard Kiss Fan Since Early 1985. I Saw Kiss For The 1st Time In Erie PA in 1986 On The Asylum Tour. There Was Trouble Right From The Beginning With The Phone Call To Peter Criss From Gene Simmons In 1972. All Original Members Of KISS Had Huge Egos !! Ace And Gene’s Ego Are in My opinion Are pretty much equal . Peter Was The complainer. And Paul’s Rudeness Kinda Come From his insecurities And from being very sensitive. Paul And Peter Take Things To Heart And Peter is ready to rumble. And Paul will never forgive, nor will he forget any he carries that with him in my opinion. Gene & Ace Are Like F#%k You And could care less of what people think. Paul Stanley Has Always Been My Favorite Member And In Many Ways He Is the hardest working member. Not Saying Gene Isn’t But If It Wasn’t For Paul Stanley. Kiss would’ve not Lasted After 1984. Money Dose Crazy Things . Being Outta Your Mind with chemicals and drinks don’t help matters either . I think Paul’s Book is The Most Honest. Next to Peter’s . But Lydia Chris will tell you otherwise I’m sure in some chapters.. Ace I’m sure had help writing his book because he’s can be so brain fried from everything he did and has done and thank God he’s still here. Again I’m not talking Ace Down. I’m Proud Of Him Because he’s a survivor . Gene’s Book is right up there next to Peter’s Than in 4th place Ace’s Book. But as Obi-Wan Kenobi said in return of the Jedi. . lol The truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view . Yes, it’s a quote from a movie, but it makes a lot of sense in this kind of situation.. it’s Sad How It Ended. But You’ll Never Know The Good If You Didn’t know the bad. Love Kiss and I’m talking All through the kisstory !! To the four originals Paul Gene Ace Peter To Eric Carr Vinnie Vincent Mark St. John Bruce Kulick Eric Singer Tommy Thayer. Kiss Music is like a Lays potato chip. Can’t just have one. Thank You.. Thomas Malone Warren Pennsylvania
@@andrewking4885 Hello Australia!! Love your country. Love to come visit it one day. I agree with you on Paul Stanley .. keep rocking !! Tom From USA Warren PA
I don't "trust" any of them, they all have their own valid point of view. I exclude Peter who was never a great fit for the band and always had a huge chip on his shoulder. No Peter, no problem.
back then i didn't know of all these problems inside Kiss, i was just amazed by the whole package. But then around 83 I kinda lost interest. Too many other bands and artists showed up, did more or less the same thin', so Kiss became less dominant.
Once they released the "Solo" albums...it wasn't hard to glean that it was all done. Finish off the contracts and control the power and let the excrement hit the fans.
From the beginning, Paul had issues with Gene, but they worked together to achieve a common goal. Once Ace & Peter joined the group, things started happening, and that classic KISS sound came together. As far as the groups dismissed, each of the individual members had their own thoughts. Paul's ego & control issues, Gene created his own rifts due to the anti-social acceptance of Peter & Ace desire to escape the tension with drugs or alcohol. Yeah the fame & money got to all of them...I agree with Peter most the music changed and it wasn't his style and so they used another guy to fill in. Peter felt betrayed & unwanted due to Paul & Genes desire to keep up with the time's. Once Peter had enough it was the beginning of the end of the original lineup. Ace left a few year's later and he was replaced. We all know the rest of the story KISS continued to make music some of it good some not so much but the money machine kept rolling. In my opinion this is what lead to the downfall of KISS they stopped carrying about the music and were too focused on keeping the money rolling in.
I believe Ace and Peter. But mainly Ace. Because he was Right About The Elder. Because he wanted to do a Rock and Roll album. For the fans. But Gene and Paul didn’t want to do it. Because after Unmasked. Paul decided to empress the music critics. And it didn’t work out .if Creatures of the Night came out after Unmasked. Ace would’ve stayed in the band.
Alive 2 was the album we wore out. Ace was a funny guy, the one who would hang with Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee and mess with Gene and Paul. I'm guessing some good Columbian Gold Bud was involved.
Destroyer is what tore them apart. Bob Ezrin like with decline of Alice Cooper Band . The actual band members didn't play on the record and it tore that unity apart, that all for one spirit is gone and things become bitter
It seems to me that Peter tells the truth now that he’s getting older. Ace is correct to. Fame money drugs and alcohol broke up the band. Paul and Gene their egos were outta control! It was multiple things that broke them up.
I think they all tell their version of the truth but in my opinion Ace is the only one who admits his short comings and takes on some responsibility. The others must live in a house without mirriors.
How can you NOT believe the one guy who did EVERYTHING to keep this band ALIVE! ? Both Ace and Peter were hired guns. Once THEY made the money they lost interest. FACT! If not for Bill Acoin, there never would have been a "four way split". Gene started losing interest focused on Hollywood. Paul, did all he could to keep KISS going for 50yrs.
As a Die Hard fan since '76! I Think it's a combination of alot of things! Yes! The Wealth definitely had to do with, But as Paul said in One of Videos I have, "Now You Got What You Wanted! Fame & Fortune! "Shut Up!" But It's Never that Simple! I Personally Think Gene going to Hollywood and Making Movies was a Mistake!....That's for AFTER KISS! The Drugs & Booze Took their Toll Also! Ace & Peter always seemed to Be Shy about their Singing on the 1st 3 Albums! I Think if You Write a Song, Because You Already Involved!, You Should Sing It!......But That's Just Me! I'm NO SINGER//SONGWRITER/MUSICIAN or Anything Like That! But I DO HAVE LIKES & DISLIKES!, And Like I Said Before! I'm a Diehard KISS Fan! In Closing, I Think It was Alot of Things!.......From Perceptions of "Not Pulling Your Own Weight!: or Thoughts of Being "Too Important" in the Band!...It is What It Is!
All that money they made was fyou money. Youre now in control of your life until you make bad finacial decisions. The guys who kept the band going are telling you the truth. Ace is telling you so is peter. I dont hang with many old friends no more. We change. Gene is a great rock n roll businessman. They got the 2 back in the band and made probably more money than back then. Ace is a great rockin roller. Hes more about music and being a rock star than he is about the money. Seems like peter kinda went back into the shadows and enjoying life. Paul is more about music but he gets the business side of it. Dang just to be in kiss what an experience. I think gene had the most fun.
This is 7 minutes I can’t get back. ….
Fame, lots of money at an exponential rate, booze, drugs and greed tore Kiss apart in my opinion.
And ego definitely
@@nunestunes most definitely.
It’s difficult with four different egos . Most bands don’t operate long term with four equal members. Someone has to be in-charge. Then throw in the drugs and alcohol .
I trust Ace the most. He just tells the stories and is unserious about them. All of the above is true. Ace and Peter first left because of creative differences. They were also the partiers as Gene and Paul took leadership over the band and had sticks up their yjng yangs, Second time, Ace and Peter wanted to be equal members. Gene and Pauls egos took out that idea as they have to control everything.
What a great record kiss a alive was. My first record was the first record. And I believe that Ace is correct. Once you’re no longer hungry that’s their demise.
Saw KISS early on the "Destroyer" tour in 1976, and it was awesome, the crowd was sooo into everything on that stage. Then I saw them three years later on the "Dynasty" tour and the whole atmosphere had changed. Eight-year old's with their parents, and that was it, the magic was gone. Ace is a truth teller, or mostly more true. Gene and Paul are all about CYA.
I think ego killed the band. Everyone started to believe that they were the most essential part of KISS instead of realizing that the most essential part was all of them bringing their own magic to the team.
I definitely think that was a huge part of it. That all for one, one for all mentality that kept them so hungry and driven in those early years was completely gone.
I believe Paul. They all had their own egos and their own little groups that said "you're the most important piece of the band". And i can guarantee those meetings stopped happening because of Ace's alcohol and Peter's cocaine use. Paul and Gene got tired of Ace and Peter making equal money and not making equal effort. It created division within the band. And as Paul said, when Ace's and Peter's issues started hurting the band that's when he started having an issue with Ace and Peter and that makes perfect sense
Ace left the 2nd time after the final 1st farewell tour After Gene told them him they were still planning on touring Ace told him you can’t do that to the fans. And walked away. 🤟
They’re probably all telling the truth from their own perspective
It was a difference of opinion. Gene and Paul were about the business Ace and Peter were about the party. No one was was about the band and the music suffered.
My dad helped design KISS’ stage show and production from the late 70’s/early 80’s with his partner Bill McManus. My dad worked closely with Bill Aucoin throughout this process. So many stories to tell, but so many I’m not allowed to speak of. So unless you’re on the inside and lived and breathed that lifestyle day in and day out - you will most likely believe who you want to believe. I will say this… Paul ran KISS.
"Top Secret stuff" LOL You can share whatever you want from experiences that long ago- it's not some top secret CIA info. I know people who were involved and 2 that still are in the circle. There isn't much that hasn't been shared by someone at some point. Paul eventually took the drivers seat in Kiss, back then he and Gene tried their best to steer the ship but they all had equal vote until members started leaving. It was typically Aucoin who got his way in most cases
@@Rd61372 I hear ya. But NDA’s are NDA’s. But again - I agree. 👊🏻
No one is 100% honest but I'll take Peter and Ace's words over the other two any day
Paul and Gene are the one who kept the band (brand) together. Paul specifically as lead, it was his band. ACE and Peter's drug, and alcohol use caused their exit. It was toxic to the band continuing. Paul and Gene bought the Spaceman and Catman personas. Gene was the marketer without a doubt. If I was going to believe who's right, I would say Paul and then Gene. Ace admits his issues.
It sounds reasonably true, I've heard from other bands the same thing. When you are hungry you will go crazy for it, now that your fed "Ah ok what's next".
Under the circumstances they introduced the world to Eric Carr. His destiny was to be in KISS. Just as important as the original 4 to me.
Where's the interview. ??
I trust Ace when it comes to what happened to the band , Ace is probably talking more about how he felt when it comes to motivation and the party, I think Paul has always wanted to be the best, But with guard truths , It took Gene and Paul a long time to actually come clean about Eric Carr , They would say whatever trying to save face
It's difficult for two married people to stay together for many years so to have 4 original band members stay together for as long as they did was a blessing to us KISS fans. I believe it just grew a little stale between the band members and there was some drug/alcohol abuse added in by 2 members. Nothing more and nothing less.
Thanks Steve for another great show brother stay safe and well God Bless peace
I feel that in the beginning they were very hungry. Wanted to be the band they never saw. I’d say after Love gun with the solo albums coming out, the brotherhood ended. Ace wanted to stay true to the hard rock and metal style, but Paul became more concerned with following trends instead of doing what they wanted. It became more about money, the dangerous edge lost. I remember reading somebody told Elvis when your at the top still go to restaurants and be around people. Between the drugs and money the magic faded. 1996 proved the chemistry amongst the 4 tho. Greed ruined the band.
Paul's book is very entertaining.
Ace and Peter tell basically the same stories, each accepting responsibility for their share of blame and at the same time saying it was all 4 at fault. Gene and Paul blame everyone except themselves
Yes they did But Ace left after the final 1st farewell tour After Gene told them him they were still planning on touring Ace told him you can’t do that to the fans. And walked away. 🤟
Ace is very truthful , fact there video of Ace at Flordia Covention on UA-cam , where ACE says ERIC Carr called him crying that Gene and Paul fired him when he was dieing from cancer ! So Ace to me is the one !
They had to fire him . That's what running a successful business is about. It's not about friendship, or it fails. Most people would have been responsible enough to hand in a notice to quit. If you can't perform it's time to be replaced. It doesn't matter what the reason is.
Feeling sorry for yourself is the worst thing to do when you're dying. It only guarantees that you lost the fight
Yeah and Ace was always drunk
@@Hecatecrossways Def Leppard didn't fire there drummer when he lost his arm , and waited for him to heal before releasing there 1987 album . they waited for him to heal , to learn to play with one arm and made record company wait 4 years before releasing there 1987 album ! IF they could done it Kiss could have cause they were both on same record company .. What kiss did to eric carr dieing of Cancer and firing him is low , and thats why today Paul Stanley has regrets and even said so !
@@Hecatecrossways Eric Carr never felt sorry , he wanted to be treated fairly and to be treated right ! Ironic that Peter Criss pays more respect to Eric Carr every year he mentions him on his website !
you never answered or addressed the title of your video!
Kiss didn't stop it kept going for 50 years,they just replaced members. But Paul and Gene never left. There were ups and downs. I was made for loving you just hit 1 billion on Spotify. Dynasty was huge. Even non makeup kiss thrived. Ace was to f&ed up most of the time..
Having grown up with Kiss and seeing the lineup changes and interviews in real time, I do think Peter and Ace were harming themselves, thus making working with them impossible. No one denies the drug use. Years pass. They get sober and the story morphs into a bit of a blame game. If they were straight and productive would they have been booted? Unlikely. Like the Beatles, Kiss was a 4 man band and losing any of the originals was shocking. Sales and interest tanking in the early 80’s didn’t help either so in order to become Lick It Up - Kiss, Peter and Ace had to go.
IMO
Peter and Ace: top tier self-confident musicians, all about the music.
Paul and Gene: average musicians who need attention; showboaters.
I've been a KISS fan my whole life. I host a weekly internet radio show that plays all things KISS. I don't know who I trust. It's like, "One of the original four members is going to watch your kid this weekend. Who do you trust?" lol Who do I believe? I believe some of what they all say. Them becoming millionaires definitely played a part in the demise of the original lineup, but it wasn't the only reason. Drugs, alcohol and ego is a bad combination. Everyone had someone in their ear saying that they were the reason KISS was a success. At their apex, life was going a thousand miles an hour and looking back, each of them will see things different than the others. The actual truth is somewhere in the middle.
You have 2 members who are decent songwriters and knew how to run a band like a business, they were Gene and Paul. Then there were the 2 who seemed to be born to do what they do, rhey were Peter and Ace. Peter was a decent jazz style drummer who idolized Gene Krupa. Ace was a decent lead guitarist who idolized Jimi Hendrix. For me, it seemed pretty evident they were going through the motions with Dynasty.
I believe Alive brought them the success they needed. With Destroyer, they had Bob Ezrin exhorting them not to get too comfortable. Peter Criss got a hit with Beth. Rock And Roll Over was back to basics.
Then the merchandise and gimmicks came full swing. Who wouldn’t feel honored to have a Marvel Comics book? The Paul Lynde Halloween special seemed tailor made for them. With all that, you have to wonder where is the creativity. Love Gun sort of answered that question, whether you liked the answer or not. Ace Frehley finally was coxed to sing on his own track Shock Me. Alive II wasn’t as strong as the original Alive.
1978- the writing should’ve been on the wall with Kiss fans. Double Platinum was a greatest hits collection with some obvious remixes and a new version of Strutter to coax fans who had them all to buy. The trading cards were fun and I’m sure it was a rush getting your own Kiss radio. But fans waiting for new music had to settle for solo albums. Some were better than others. We got a TV special. Great to see our heroes, not great for Kiss! It was an embarrassment to them.
Dynasty comes and we get a disco song by Paul, I Was Made For Loving You. By this time, I was more interested in Foreigner, Styx and Boston.
A year later, Peter announces he’s leaving Kiss. 2 years later, Ace follows suit. The unity is obviously gone and henceforth, it’s the Paul and Gene Show!
Just when you thought you’ve seen it all, Kiss removes the makeup and we get Lick It Up. This Kiss fan has become more jaded with time!
I just subscribed and just watched your Alex Van Halen clip.! Thanks for all the info.! You tell it with a very convincing tone.! Great speaking voice.! Your a Handsome Daddy too.! Come to Florida often.?😊
We didn't know what was going on with the bands back then. We didn't have the Internet to know about everything like we do now. I think it all started with the solo albums and when Ace sold so much better than everyone else it caused jealousy and it went from there. Too bad that happened cause after Destroyer they could have put out some incredible music but we will never know. Psycho Circus could have been better but they already was starting to fight about who was getting paid more. Ace is better off with playing Solo. No drama.
I've been on board since 1974, purchasing the albums as they were released, and seeing KISS open for the New York Dolls in June 1974. I thought ALIVE was a great album. When Destroyer was released, and I listened to it, I didn't think it was KISS.
I beleive Peter, and think his autobiography was the most sincere. Gene tells history only in ways that make him look good. Same with Paul. Ace was too messed up to remember.
You are correct!!!
Peter is nearly illiterate and could barely write his name. Like he really wrote a book!!!
Peter’s book was the only one I bought. You’re right, his was the most sincere, and he freely complimented the other members far more than he bashed them.
Ace wrote a book, "No Regrets ". Decent read actually.
Gene and Paul were the last two standing. They catch this hell because they wasn't willing to sacrifice to this spirit of rock
I have two opinions that differ from one another depending on the day. 1) Dressed to Kill was the last KISS album. 2) Rock and Roll Over was the last KISS album. Most times I think it was Dressed to Kill, but Rock and Roll still has snippets of the original sound. One thing I remember clearly... even as a kid I thought, "Love Gun sounds wrong". I do concede that Ace's songs on Dynasty were amazing (maybe not Save Your Love), but by then it was obvious that the original "guitars weaving together" sound from KISS, Hotter, and Dressed was long gone.
I believe the four were at fault. The four created the band and the four destroyed the magic. All of them were guilty of fame and ego.
Everyone should know if you want the answer then you must consult the expert....
A Plumber.
I get it!!😀
I got a piece of pipe that needs worked on.!😅
KISS is my fav band but it’s like the Hatfield and McCoy’s of Rock and Roll they are retired stepped down Gene & Ace are out there but they still can’t stop talking about one another oh well in fact Peter has been the classiest one he’s kept mostly quiet since his autobiography came out
I think achieving fame was the demise of them. But I still love KISS!!
It was uncontrolled egos…many bands become successful and stay together. The Stones,U2 are 2 examples.
Rush,AcDc
This is never ending. Ace was fired because of his drinking, drug use, and behaviors. Everytime I look at one of these Ace exposes or Peter Criss exposes. Drugs, Alcohol, do not mix with life on the road playing show after show. Ace took it to the extreme and that is why he was fired.
Truth/fact has nothing to do with anyone's opinion. Opinions are subjective and open to debate.
Egos got too big for everyone
I wonder what an Eric Carr book would have been like...great guy.
Beth is the reason the band broke up! She wouldn't stop calling the studio begging Peter to come home. ha...
Seriously though.. the song Beth started it all. It was inevitable. Having their biggest hit sung by the drummer not the lead singers so early in their career and being a ballad changed it all. For a band that was all about Rocking All Night and Parting every day.... it was a brilliant marketing move that made them a house hold name but It came too early for them They were still young and learning how to deal with all the success. If it had came a few years after... then they would've been that more mature to handle it all.
The success of Beth lead to them each wanting the spot light and to be the best leading the solo albums which the beginning of the end.
In theory it should have worked and solved any musical differences.. but what it did was amplify the desire to be the best of the 4.
Beth broke up the band .. She was their Yoko! ha
Just my opinion, but it could have also been because Ace's Solo Album took off so greater than anyone else's.
No it didn’t. They all went gold. Paul’s sold close to Aces. Ace just had a radio hit with a cover song that’s it
@@flyingburritobro68 Yeah, that and also every song on his album smashed Paul's generic passive aggressive love songs. Ace literally had the best album and is still listened to by people (with cover song or not). Pauls IMO was 3rd best believe it or not after Gene's. Then last is Peter, it was obvious he had a totally different take at this point of this life.
Gene was too busy with thew ladies.
If you've ever seen "Behind the Music" it's always the same story the only change is what band is featured. lol
I actually trust Ace the most to tell this story because he never cared about the politics of the band, so he didn't have so much of a reason to lie. The explanation you discussed doesn't pin it on any one party in the band. It's about all of them. Sounds legit to me. Paul and Gene were always so concerned with their image and Peter is more emotional so they all have more bias than Ace because of that. That's my 2 cents.
Ace was so drugged out that he gave Peter Criss oral sex. Yea it’s true read Peter and Aces books. This is the guy you believe the drug addicted alcoholic that wrecked as many cars as albums the band cut
Great commentary but we kind of known about the hot to cold. But I don't think Love Gun wasn't q flop. It was Ace's debut on lead vocals . . Love Gun . . I Stole Your Love . . Hooligan .. Chris5ibe Sixteen . . Sir, that album wasn't a flop
ace looks like a muppet now
Age does no one any favors
Ace i feel he is honest... Gene & Paul are only in it for the MONEY FAME.. Peter & Ace were the Party Animals..
i respect this guy no matter what i love kiss ace made the choice to leave the band he has no regreats
Eh ?Ace was saying this back in the eighties.
This was labelled as Ace exposes..not a word from Ace, just a windbag talking clichés about the band
Truth...ace I believe the most
I think they're all telling their truths. I can see Gene and Paul taking it a little more seriously (not in a good way) and Peter and Ace getting tired of their bullshit and using drugs to kinda escape. Then Gene and Paul get pissed they aren't listening and blame the drugs.
kiss had a great career as a band for fifty years and that to me is 😎 cool
You are spot on!!
Gene and Paul took advantage of Ace and Peter when they got addicted,conned them into selling their share of the band,then kept all profits from the band!
Ace and Peter had lawyers, agents, and managers advising them. They weren't conned. Peter and Ace thought that KISS was holding them back and that they would become even bigger stars on their own
Peter and Ace should tour as IS!
...mate...thats old news...we all know the history ...
Out of the four, Paul was the one who was least distracted and concentrated more on the band and putting out kick ass songs on every Gene was busy doing other things and Ace and Peter were already doing drugs and alcohol. That didn't start when they got rich. I trust Paul the most
Ace is right now matter what kiss isn't kiss without Ace Peter an gene an Paul
it's a combination of everything from all 4 of them but gene and Paul like in any band were the 2 that kept looking at the end game and where they wanted the band to be to quote gene most bands want to be the Beatles we want to be coka cola so in my opinion all 4 originals are at fault for demise of the original line up as well as creating it
Maybe they all need to sit in a room together and air out their personal feelings
Good luck with that!
I think they’re all right. They just have different opinions. I think ego killed KISS. Gene and Paul wanted to write 8 songs per album and give Ace one and give Peter one. Then Ace’s solo album was obviously head and shoulders over the others and all of a sudden one song wasn’t enough.
Nice one…I trust Ace. 🤘🏼
Paul is STILL angry at Ace and Peter for the original line up ending.
Paul and Gebe sold out making Dynasty and Peter hated it and bowed out.
@@evangelistbrianbakerPeter sucked at that time Eric Carr was so much better then him
@@CoreySosner Not vocally!
@@kevinp1608 really ? He could scream just as bad as Criss. Peter was a screamer not a singer who cares he didn’t even write Beth his biggest hit Nah I’m done with Peter he blew it. Had a great opportunity and pissed it all away sorry NEXT MAN UP
@CoreySosner to each their own. Have you heard Hard Luck Woman?
This is not News.. We have known this 4 years🤘🏿
I think it's to keep the hype up.
A lot of fans I think take Ace and Peter’s side of things. because they view Gene and Paul as being obstacles for Ace and Peter being part of the band.
I think Ace was always honest but Gene and Paul strated kiss Ace and Peter where just hired guns because ace had his thought s and got thrown under the bus by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons because Paul and Gene thought they the dission makers my opinion
Tommy and Eric are hired guns. They weren't even allowed to create their own characters
I believe that they are all telling the truth from their own perspectives. They all admitted that the solo records were a way to let each member do their own thing, while still being part of the band. Also the band has admitted they lost their way through the late 70’s early 80’s. I think an interesting question would be, if they could go back to where it all fell apart. Would they have done things differently knowing what they know now? In my opinion, I think Gene and Paul would have preferred to keep the original band together. Otherwise it wouldn’t have been such a talking point for them in interviews.
Thought maybe we were going to hear this from Ace Frehley himself instead of the animated hands of Mr. Champagne.
Hey…
I’m New To The Show. I Been A Die Hard Kiss Fan Since Early 1985. I Saw Kiss For The 1st Time In Erie PA in 1986 On The Asylum Tour. There Was Trouble Right From The Beginning With The Phone Call To Peter Criss From Gene Simmons In 1972. All Original Members Of KISS Had Huge Egos !!
Ace And Gene’s Ego Are in My opinion Are pretty much equal . Peter Was The complainer. And Paul’s Rudeness Kinda Come From his insecurities And from being very sensitive. Paul And Peter Take Things To Heart And Peter is ready to rumble. And Paul will never forgive, nor will he forget any he carries that with him in my opinion. Gene & Ace Are Like F#%k You And could care less of what people think. Paul Stanley Has Always Been My Favorite Member And In Many Ways He Is the hardest working member. Not Saying Gene Isn’t But If It Wasn’t For Paul Stanley. Kiss would’ve not Lasted After 1984. Money Dose Crazy Things . Being Outta Your Mind with chemicals and drinks don’t help matters either . I think Paul’s Book is The Most Honest. Next to Peter’s . But Lydia Chris will tell you otherwise I’m sure in some chapters.. Ace I’m sure had help writing his book because he’s can be so brain fried from everything he did and has done and thank God he’s still here. Again I’m not talking Ace Down. I’m Proud Of Him Because he’s a survivor . Gene’s Book is right up there next to Peter’s Than in 4th place Ace’s Book. But as Obi-Wan Kenobi said in return of the Jedi. . lol
The truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view . Yes, it’s a quote from a movie, but it makes a lot of sense in this kind of situation.. it’s Sad How It Ended. But You’ll Never Know The Good If You Didn’t know the bad. Love Kiss and I’m talking All through the kisstory !! To the four originals
Paul Gene Ace Peter
To Eric Carr Vinnie Vincent Mark St. John Bruce Kulick Eric Singer Tommy Thayer. Kiss Music is like a Lays potato chip. Can’t just have one. Thank You..
Thomas Malone
Warren Pennsylvania
Well said. Even when I was a kid I thought Paul Stanley was the hardest working member. Cheers from Australia.
@@andrewking4885
Hello Australia!! Love your country. Love to come visit it one day. I agree with you on Paul Stanley .. keep rocking !!
Tom From USA Warren PA
Sure the fame an what goes with it were factors to put the way Paul Stanley always throws Ace an Peter under the bus is so sickening
I don't "trust" any of them, they all have their own valid point of view. I exclude Peter who was never a great fit for the band and always had a huge chip on his shoulder. No Peter, no problem.
When they became millionaires then their egos kicks in and then each member tells their side of the story through their egos.so who do you believe?
Trust is a 4 imput story and then we look at parties outside the situation.
I think they are all kind of true. But Gene and Paul was sober and more focused. So I think their side is the most true.
It went from being all for one and one for all to every man for himself!
Its pronounced Fray-lee, not Free-lee
Yes but free-ly sounds better.
back then i didn't know of all these problems inside Kiss, i was just amazed by the whole package. But then around 83 I kinda lost interest. Too many other bands and artists showed up, did more or less the same thin', so Kiss became less dominant.
Once they released the "Solo" albums...it wasn't hard to glean that it was all done. Finish off the contracts and control the power and let the excrement hit the fans.
old knowledge, they all were saying this stuff back in the 80's. They were also still blaming each other then too but we all know this stuff.
From the beginning, Paul had issues with Gene, but they worked together to achieve a common goal.
Once Ace & Peter joined the group, things started happening, and that classic KISS sound came together.
As far as the groups dismissed, each of the individual members had their own thoughts. Paul's ego & control issues, Gene created his own rifts due to the anti-social acceptance of Peter & Ace desire to escape the tension with drugs or alcohol.
Yeah the fame & money got to all of them...I agree with Peter most the music changed and it wasn't his style and so they used another guy to fill in.
Peter felt betrayed & unwanted due to Paul & Genes desire to keep up with the time's.
Once Peter had enough it was the beginning of the end of the original lineup. Ace left a few year's later and he was replaced.
We all know the rest of the story KISS continued to make music some of it good some not so much but the money machine kept rolling.
In my opinion this is what lead to the downfall of KISS they stopped carrying about the music and were too focused on keeping the money rolling in.
I believe Ace and Peter. But mainly Ace. Because he was Right About The Elder. Because he wanted to do a Rock and Roll album. For the fans. But Gene and Paul didn’t want to do it. Because after Unmasked. Paul decided to empress the music critics. And it didn’t work out .if Creatures of the Night came out after Unmasked. Ace would’ve stayed in the band.
Ace Frehley is out because of Ace Frehley.
There is no other explanation.
Alive 2 was the album we wore out. Ace was a funny guy, the one who would hang with Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee and mess with Gene and Paul. I'm guessing some good Columbian Gold Bud was involved.
Destroyer is what tore them apart. Bob Ezrin like with decline of Alice Cooper Band . The actual band members didn't play on the record and it tore that unity apart, that all for one spirit is gone and things become bitter
Click bait.
It seems to me that Peter tells the truth now that he’s getting older. Ace is correct to. Fame money drugs and alcohol broke up the band. Paul and Gene their egos were outta control! It was multiple things that broke them up.
I think they all tell their version of the truth but in my opinion Ace is the only one who admits his short comings and takes on some responsibility. The others must live in a house without mirriors.
If all that shit were true, the Beatles would've split in '65.
How can you NOT believe the one guy who did EVERYTHING to keep this band ALIVE! ?
Both Ace and Peter were hired guns. Once THEY made the money they lost interest.
FACT! If not for Bill Acoin, there never would have been a "four way split".
Gene started losing interest focused on Hollywood.
Paul, did all he could to keep KISS going for 50yrs.
Their first make up album KISS and last make up album Creatures of the night are their best studio albums . They had something to prove
As a Die Hard fan since '76! I Think it's a combination of alot of things! Yes! The Wealth definitely had to do with, But as Paul said in One of Videos I have, "Now You Got What You Wanted! Fame & Fortune! "Shut Up!" But It's Never that Simple! I Personally
Think Gene going to Hollywood and Making Movies was a Mistake!....That's for AFTER KISS! The Drugs & Booze Took their Toll Also! Ace & Peter always seemed to Be Shy about their Singing on the 1st 3 Albums! I Think if You Write a Song, Because You Already Involved!, You Should Sing It!......But That's Just Me! I'm NO SINGER//SONGWRITER/MUSICIAN or Anything Like That! But I DO HAVE LIKES & DISLIKES!, And Like I Said Before! I'm a Diehard KISS Fan! In Closing, I Think It was Alot of Things!.......From Perceptions of "Not Pulling Your Own Weight!: or Thoughts of Being "Too Important" in the Band!...It is What It Is!
Yea his side that he was fen drunk and Peter was an idiot who couldn’t keep a good thing going. Funny the two other guys kept it together
My opinion is the the Malignant Narcissism of Gene and Paul ruined everything.
Gene & Paul took over KISS kicked out Ace & cat man, I believe Ace !!!
So...there's no interview in this video?? -Tim
@maureencrowley2921 The Interview Was Done By A Magizine And No Video Was Available Sorry
i believe gene and paul
All that money they made was fyou money. Youre now in control of your life until you make bad finacial decisions. The guys who kept the band going are telling you the truth. Ace is telling you so is peter. I dont hang with many old friends no more. We change. Gene is a great rock n roll businessman. They got the 2 back in the band and made probably more money than back then. Ace is a great rockin roller. Hes more about music and being a rock star than he is about the money. Seems like peter kinda went back into the shadows and enjoying life. Paul is more about music but he gets the business side of it. Dang just to be in kiss what an experience. I think gene had the most fun.