Ranking the KISS Lineups WORST to BEST

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  • Опубліковано 27 тра 2024
  • As suggested by @danthaman03, I go through all the Kiss lineups rank them from worst to best and tell you why these are my choices. Let me know what do you think?
    #podcast #kiss #genesimmons #paulstanley #acefrehley #ericcarr #ericsinger #tommythayer #brucekulick #petercriss #vinnievincent
    00:00 Introduction
    00:37 # Seven
    01:27 # Six
    02:47 # Five
    03:54 Rabbit Hole
    04:17 # Four
    05:02 # Three
    05:30 # Two
    06:30 # One
    07:26 Conclusion

КОМЕНТАРІ • 283

  • @RockinRobin411
    @RockinRobin411 4 місяці тому +12

    7. Mark & Eric
    6. Tommy & Eric (tribute band to themselves)
    5. Ace & Eric (pretty good)
    4. Vinnie & Eric (I really like Vinnie Vincent)
    3 & 2 (tied). Bruce & Eric
    1. Ace & Peter (ORIGINAL)

  • @jasongoad1084
    @jasongoad1084 4 місяці тому +21

    I am so glad to see the Bruce lineups ranked so high! Bruce is my favorite Kiss guitarist. Love Eric Carr too. But.... you have to rank the original band as number 1. It was just magic.

  • @allendean9807
    @allendean9807 3 місяці тому +4

    The thing that made Pete perfect for the early music was the fact he wasn’t a rock drummer. He was the Gene Krupa, big band/jazz school, and the way he swings on those tracks gives them a dirty, garage band vibe that the hitters like Carr and Singer just don’t have. I’ve always known the best way to tell if Pete is playing on later tracks is by the use of his high hats. A standard drum theme in music is high hats for verses, and pre choruses, and rides for choruses and bridges. Pete uses his high hats almost exclusively, using his ride as more cymbal like than bell like, which gives Anton fig away instantly on the later recordings. Peter Criss was also a fantastic vocalist. His only issue was, he couldn’t write songs. And once cocaine came into the picture, it derailed him, feeling somehow he didn’t get enough of the spotlight as a songwriter. Remember, back then, as now, songwriters get the biggest piece of royalty monies. So the incentive to be a major writer in the band fueled his jealousy for Gene and Paul.

  • @paulusrumanouw3176
    @paulusrumanouw3176 3 місяці тому +5

    Ace wasn't involved in the making of Creatures album so the Creatures line up was actually with VV already.

  • @SurviveTheDay
    @SurviveTheDay 4 місяці тому +7

    I’ve worked at a number companies and they all want to create high performance teams. Hey there’s lots of advice how to do it, but there’s no recipe with specific ingredients.
    The Original KISS lineup is pure gold. The right time, people and situation. When that happens grab hold of it because it won’t last.

  • @thepizzaveteran
    @thepizzaveteran 4 місяці тому +4

    I think you nailed the ranking order, I’ve been a KISS fan since the mid 70’s and would have come to the same conclusion. When it comes to Revenge vs Carnival of Souls, I actually think Carnival of Souls is the better of the two. On Bruce, he’s my favorite guitarist next to Ace. He is humble even though he’s incredibly talented and just a super nice guy. I had the pleasure of meeting him while he was still in the band and he was just the easiest guy to talk to and very generous with his time.

  • @JustK009
    @JustK009 4 місяці тому +2

    Best: Original lineup
    Worst: Mark St. John
    Most interesting : Vinnie Vincent and Eric Carr
    Disappointing but it’s “business”: Current lineup
    ---
    Damn good post & channel sir🍻🍻

  • @jeffrailey
    @jeffrailey 2 місяці тому +1

    Thank you, Steve. As a true KISS fan, I definitely agree with you. In my opinion, musicianship-wise and technique or technician-wise, the best line up is Paul Stanley (awesome musician), Gene Simmons (awesome musician), Bruce Kulick (best musician guitarist of KISS that’s humble), and Eric Carr (R.I.P.- in my opinion The Fox 🦊 was the heaviest KISS drummer 🥁 like Bonham of Led Zeppelin). However, I agree the best classic KISS line up is the original lineup: Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss. As a musician, Peter Criss is a jazz-influenced drummer. In fact, Gene Krupa (R.I.P.) was a member of the KISS Army. The greatest proof that the original line up of KISS is #1 🥊💖🥇 is the song “Love Her All I Can” off Dressed To Kill. Just listen to Ace Frehley’s phenomenal guitar 🎸 work. That musicianship chemistry of the original KISS line up cannot be touched!
    🥊🥊🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💖✝️

  • @72seasonsofwither
    @72seasonsofwither 4 місяці тому +17

    The best and most musically tight version of Kiss was with Eric Singer and Bruce Kulick. They were well-rehearsed and took the old Kiss catalog to a whole new level. Gene created a tight rhythm section with Eric, and Bruce's leads were a great combination of shred and melody. He know when to let loose and when to use some restraint.

    • @stevelongmusic880
      @stevelongmusic880  4 місяці тому +1

      I can't argue with that, I love Bruce, and Eric Singer is a great drummer. There's something about Eric Carr that I thought was awesome. Maybe its just because I saw him so many times in concert, I dunno. Thanks for watching!

    • @nathanhubbard7591
      @nathanhubbard7591 4 місяці тому

      Agree with Ya seasons… my favorite lineup of them too. And the points you brought up are really good too!

    • @markparent5112
      @markparent5112 4 місяці тому

      I couldn't agree more.

    • @rustyblades2566
      @rustyblades2566 4 місяці тому +3

      Any line up containing Eric Carr is AWESOME!!.

  • @vegasaxeman
    @vegasaxeman 3 місяці тому +2

    Steve, my friend, just turning 60 this January, my Rock-N-Roll stage antic days are far behind me. I fall in the "almost made it" category as do most musicians who ever picked up an instrument. I did, however, do many things that I to this day am very proud of. Three days after my 21st birthday, I was on a plane out of Indiana and on my way to land at LAX in LA to be a Rockstar. I first picked up a guitar because I heard KISS Alive at a friend's house. Long story short, I not only played up and down the Sunset Strip in Hollywood and up and down the Vegas Strip in Las Vegas (because I ended up moving away from Hollywood to become a "big fish in a small pond" in Vegas and it was close enough to drive a Hollywood and play) and wound up opening for many of the bands that I used to watch on MTV and got to know a lot of them as close friends. I even got to not only meet but eventually work with my musical heroes, KISS! Just when we were getting serious label interest, the "grunge" scene hit and slammed the door on "good time party Rock-N-Roll music" and the clock ran out on my Rockstar dreams but I couldn't let go of my love of music so I became a professional audio engineer and worked in Vegas with everyone from KISS to James Brown, Mariah Carey to Prince, Motley Crue to Christina Aguilera, etc... you get the picture... Anyway, sorry that my comment was so winded, but I agree with your evaluation 100%!
    (Great minds think alike!)
    New sub here my friend! I look forward to binge watching your channel and seeing new content also!
    God bless and take care...

    • @stevelongmusic880
      @stevelongmusic880  3 місяці тому +1

      Hey man, thanks, that's awesome! I followed a similar path, although from my then homebase Portland, Oregon, but never made it far, but we tried :) Love hearing stories like this, reminds me of a more carefree time. Thanks for sharing, sounds like we have a lot of common ground :) God bless man!

    • @TheWorldwidetour
      @TheWorldwidetour 3 місяці тому

      well done, i never get so far......but I m on the "almost made it" club too.

    • @kevinatkinson636
      @kevinatkinson636 3 місяці тому

      Wow....!! Rock on.... You've been there done that wore the tee shirt wow and respect .....kiss alive best live album for me ,

  • @mattharriss3835
    @mattharriss3835 4 місяці тому +4

    I've seen every lineup... more than once. KISS concert total 36 as of today. I have to say I would push Vinnie version up to #3. I know Dude is a whacko but he wrote Lick it Up and that did a lot for KISS. I 100% agree with every other placement you made... you'll never beat the original but that goes for most things. I am the guy the looking forward to the AI version. I mean Gene will fly without strings now! LOL!
    Great Video! But... I can sit and talk KISS all day... and NO I don't live in my parents basement. ROCK ON EVERYBODY!

    • @stevelongmusic880
      @stevelongmusic880  4 місяці тому

      Wow, you got me beat :) I get ya on Vinnie he was a great player, great songs, just never felt right to me, but hey thats just MHO. Thanks for watching man!

    • @matskindell4130
      @matskindell4130 4 місяці тому

      Both Ace and Peter are sloppy players

    • @billyf2833
      @billyf2833 4 місяці тому

      ​@@matskindell4130
      ...that fit like a glove.

  • @mickeygklug
    @mickeygklug 4 місяці тому +4

    Cool video. There were two other lineups that never recorded: 2001-Paul, Gene, Ace, Eric S; 2002-Paul, Gene, Peter, Tommy. I saw the 2001 lineup at Tokyo Dome in 2001. They really rocked. That was actually my last Kiss concert since I lost interest in the band after Ace departed for the second time. If they had brought Bruce back, I might’ve gone out and seen them again.

    • @stevelongmusic880
      @stevelongmusic880  4 місяці тому

      Thank you! Yeah, didn’t realize Eric took over for Peter when his contract ran out. Thanks for watching!

    • @ozzyace71
      @ozzyace71 4 місяці тому +1

      Correct. I saw them on the Australian 🇦🇺 leg of the “Farewell Tour” in 2001. The Japan/Australia leg happened just after contract negotiations fell through with Peter Criss & his manager. I actually have a cassette tape of my phone conversation with Paul on a Sydney radio station where I asked him why Eric S did not have his own makeup / costume & persona. All part of the contract agreement with our Promoter. The whole makeup debate for Tommy & Eric is another topic though !

    • @EPCoachTom
      @EPCoachTom 4 місяці тому +1

      Yeah, I was wondering about those 2 line ups, as well.

    • @TheJohnnyCotts
      @TheJohnnyCotts 4 місяці тому +3

      Paul, Gene, Peter and Tommy did Alive 4, the orchestra show, but I can understand if it doesn't count because they didn't do an album of new material.

    • @stevelongmusic880
      @stevelongmusic880  4 місяці тому +1

      @@TheJohnnyCotts It counts, I missed it :( Thanks for watching!

  • @incubus8924
    @incubus8924 4 місяці тому +5

    The worst lineup by far was the last one

    • @kevinchandler179
      @kevinchandler179 10 днів тому

      You mean the impostors? Lol 😂
      I agree, no Peter or Ace no Kiss

  • @majorwedgie8166
    @majorwedgie8166 3 місяці тому +1

    The two best players left early, after that I don't care what Gene and Paul did.

  • @themechanix8804
    @themechanix8804 4 місяці тому +2

    What a great video this is! Awesome!
    8 - Gene, Paul, Tommy and Peter:
    I really hate this lineup, completely out of sense, completely... I don't know, it's just bad. The fact that we had Peter already in a state of playing incredible bad, also there's Tommy omg...
    7- Gene, Paul, Ace and Eric Carr:
    They sounded great, spectacular, but I prefer other lineups.
    6- Original Kiss:
    Without them, without Kiss, but I prefer other lineups.
    5- Gene, Paul, Tommy and Eric:
    Sonic Boom it's a underrated album, they sounded spectacular live (till 2010, after that Paul's voice fell apart, and was over for me), I love the 2010 Rock am Ring concert. Say what you want, but I prefer listening to these guys than any show Kiss putted out on the terrible reunion tour.
    4- Gene, Paul, Bruce and Carr:
    The band had such a great chemistry, even though I'm not a fan of the albums recorded by them, live it was a completely different story.
    3 - Gene, Paul, Mark and Eric:
    I love Animalize, it's a shame that Mark got sick and was fired from the band, the Off the Soundboard even though it's interesting, sounds like a disrespectful thing, the guy was sick, never rehearsed with the band, he was waaay better than what the sounded there.
    2- Gene, Paul, Bruce and Singer:
    The best live version of Kiss, everything was on point, everything sounded nasty and mean, watching any 90-95 Kiss concert it's a pleasure.
    1- Gene, Paul, Vinnie and Eric:
    Same thing as the Revenge lineup, but better (for me of course), I love Vinnie's style, if you join a band what's the point of playing the same solo of the original guy, it's like Megadeth, I don't wanna listen to Tornado of Souls solo like on the record, I wanna see how the new guy's gonna play it (and I love Vinnie's solo career). This lineup was aggressive, dark, mean, evil, fast, was the Heavy Metal Kiss, and that's it!
    Did you made a ranking of guitarists of Kiss? (I bet I know your completely ranking lol) if you don't, would be great!

    • @stevelongmusic880
      @stevelongmusic880  3 місяці тому +1

      Good list and explaining your reasons! Appreciate you watching! Good suggestion I add it to the list!

  • @robcaiger1781
    @robcaiger1781 3 місяці тому

    100% Steve. Great commentary. Saw 1 - classic. But for me, 2 live was exceptional. The energy was incredible, the movement on stage & the playing. Wonderful gigs. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

  • @rogerbennett6117
    @rogerbennett6117 4 місяці тому +1

    I agree with you on #1 and #2

  • @Frehley4000
    @Frehley4000 4 місяці тому +1

    Nice video. I think you forgot about the line up Gene, Paul, Ace and Eric Singer. This was a short period timeline during the farewell tour around Japan. In my opinion it was an excellent one.

    • @stevelongmusic880
      @stevelongmusic880  4 місяці тому +2

      Yeah I missed it and Peter and Tommy with the Kiss Symphony. Thanks for watching!

    • @lmethom
      @lmethom 3 місяці тому

      Yes, I liked this line-up on their "Off the Soundboard" album. At this point, Ace could still play well enough, but the band needed a boost of energy, which Eric Singer brought to the band.

  • @johnpatterson4272
    @johnpatterson4272 3 місяці тому

    To honestly say who the best or worst KISS lineup was needs some context for 1) the best sounding live, 2) the best studio band, and 3) the most appealing lineup for the fans. 1)Does anyone remember the very brief lineup of Gene, Paul, Ace and Eric? To me that was the KISS sound of the 80s albeit I've only heard 'The Oath' from the early 80s show 'Fridays' with that version of the band playing live. Imagine if that band had toured? 2) In the studio KISS did their best work with the Gene, Paul, Eric and Bruce lineup. 3) Bottom-line is the original KISS will always be true KISS fans' favourites.

  • @lymer2158
    @lymer2158 3 місяці тому

    as much magic as the original line up has, i still put it at 2, the bruce, eric carr lineup is 1000% my fave, the energy is un matched, and as much as i love revenge as an album,, those parts were written for eric carr

  • @74Batigol
    @74Batigol 4 місяці тому +1

    I love Bruce years

  • @mikejohnson7225
    @mikejohnson7225 4 місяці тому +1

    Okay, gene & paul were in every lineup so just listing the lead guitar/ drummer combos. I’m not counting the random one offs but am including the touring lineups. There were nine that I know of. Let me know if I missed any.
    1. Ace & Peter
    2. Bruce & Eric Carr
    3. Bruce & Eric Singer
    4. Ace & Eric Carr
    5. Vinnie & Eric Carr
    6. Mark & Eric Carr
    7. Tommy & Eric Singer
    8. Ace & Eric Singer
    9. Tommy & Peter
    Saw them in 2004 when Peter briefly rejoined the group. Ace left in 2002 so Tommy was on guitar. Probably the strangest lineup. Just seemed to lack the chemistry and excitement of the other lineups.

  • @sanguinerogue6990
    @sanguinerogue6990 9 годин тому

    nice ill agree with this list and i will say rain and jungle were memorable on Carnival of Souls

  • @IanK369
    @IanK369 3 місяці тому

    I would rank 'em like this:
    *#7* Tommy & Eric Singer
    *#6* Mark & Eric Carr
    *#5* Ace & Eric Carr
    *#4* Vinnie & Eric Carr
    *#3* Bruce & Eric Carr
    *#2* Bruce & Eric Singer
    *#1* Ace & Peter
    The original lineup is the greatest. No way around it. People can mock Kiss in any number of creative ways but _that_ band became the *BIGGEST* band in the world. No one can ever take that away from them.
    You tossed out the transitory lineups featuring Tommy and Eric playing with three original members, and I commend you for that. By 2001 the band was a full-fledged nostalgia act. Psycho Circus has its moments but it was all creative collapse after that. Probably why 11 years passed between studio albums.
    I understand putting the Mark St John lineup last as he wasn't really all that prolific a member. However, I put that incarnation above the final lineup because I enjoy Animalize more than Sonic Boom and Monster.

  • @poeslanding
    @poeslanding 3 місяці тому

    I actually completely agree with you on the list. The top two I think we’re interchangeable but yes the magic was undeniable. What you failed to mention though was that sonic boom was also quite a subpar album. I listen to it once and gave it away. The most talented lineup was number two.

    • @stevelongmusic880
      @stevelongmusic880  3 місяці тому +1

      You are right, I didn't mention Sonic Boom, and I should have. Thanks for watching!

  • @nathanhubbard7591
    @nathanhubbard7591 4 місяці тому +1

    I enjoyed the video. Thank you for posting! I liked your lineup and respect all the reasons you gave too. And I agree that the original is hard to beat and the reason you gave for that is because of the good times, attitude, and era it all began in. Agreed 💯
    But if you were to ask me who my favorite lineup is, it’s Paul, Gene, Singer, and Kulick. Their sound was just more raw in my opinion, like in Alive III, and I truly believe that Singer and Kulick are better, more talented musicians. I like Kulick’s riffs more as he added some variations in songs that gave a scream kind of sound, and I think Singer hits the drums harder and can play faster with more variation than Criss. He could sing better than Carr too. And I also think he can sing just as well if not better than Criss🤷🏻 I just saw them in concert this year and they’re still killing it. Singer sang Beth and you could tell there was no added background artificial made sound aiding his vocals. It was Awesome ❤

    • @stevelongmusic880
      @stevelongmusic880  4 місяці тому +1

      Thanks man, and I you are right, Kulick and Singer are both monsters, great players and Eric does have a great voice! Thanks for watching!😀

  • @sodapop8408
    @sodapop8408 3 місяці тому +1

    Gonna say Eric Carr,Peter Criss,Eric Singer

  • @michaelking2582
    @michaelking2582 8 днів тому

    Great job, great list, great narrative. Well done sir.

    • @stevelongmusic880
      @stevelongmusic880  7 днів тому

      Thank you so much, I appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

  • @XtheLostGen
    @XtheLostGen 6 днів тому

    You nailed it. 100%.
    I thought about whether Vinnie should be higher than Ace w/ Eric bc they barely did anything together, but I sawVinnie live with Kiss & the Invasion & it was a train wreck both times.
    With the original lineup, the song was always more important than the player, which makes it #1 in my book.

  • @luxdico
    @luxdico 4 місяці тому

    well, interestin' topic, Vinnie V. wrote some gr8 tunes with Kiss, so in my opinion the line-up with him should be higher. As a live act one cannot deny the powerhouse Tommy/Eric/Gene/Paul was.But of course I agree with you, the original line-up is nr.1, no question about it, because they created most of the classic songs, the personas, the stage act.

  • @michaelhendricks6991
    @michaelhendricks6991 4 місяці тому +1

    I like the ranking. Good point on #1. 70’ s kiss is awesome. Some 80’s albums are good.

  • @maria-lena5919
    @maria-lena5919 4 місяці тому +5

    Agree 💯 per cent with U!
    The original lineup just worked the best!

  • @stf259
    @stf259 3 місяці тому

    I would argue they didn't replace Ace with studio musicians quite a bit--more like "a few times." He wasn't on creatures at all nor did he want to- that was when he was quitting. I can only really think of the studio songs on Killers, Alive 2, Sweet pain and a couple solos on unmasked that Paul did

  • @jessesmith5501
    @jessesmith5501 4 місяці тому +1

    The original ! They were by far the most successful !

  • @larsgustavsson4891
    @larsgustavsson4891 3 місяці тому

    I agree to a large degree. I would perhaps have ranked Ace+Carr a bit higher, based on the Unmasked Tour. The live recordings from that one rock.

  • @mikeclary147
    @mikeclary147 4 місяці тому +1

    Have to put the Vinnie line up ahead of the Thayer line up. Lick It Up is far better than anything they did with Thayer.

    • @stevelongmusic880
      @stevelongmusic880  4 місяці тому +1

      Actually thats a good point. I just didn't care for him live, guess it jaded me. Thanks for watching!

  • @Gd1ddy29
    @Gd1ddy29 2 місяці тому

    Spot on about the original 4 being the best lineup.

  • @russellj.s.257
    @russellj.s.257 3 місяці тому

    Least favorite lineup for me Gene, Paul, Eric S. and Tommy Thayer,second favorite is Gene, Paul,Eric C. and Bruce Kulick(I can't count Vinnie Vincent and Mark St. John because their time in the band was short lived) of course my number one favorite lineup Gene, Paul,Peter and Ace.

  • @Leveer13
    @Leveer13 4 місяці тому +56

    There is something critical about Peter you didn't mention. Peter was by far one of the better singers in the band. And absolutely a better singer then Eric or Eric.

    • @stevelongmusic880
      @stevelongmusic880  4 місяці тому +13

      That's true, Peter is a great singer! Thanks for watching!

    • @shawnwomack6907
      @shawnwomack6907 4 місяці тому +1

      Right.

    • @markparent5112
      @markparent5112 4 місяці тому +4

      Right, If you like finger nails on a black board. LOL!

    • @tampadave13
      @tampadave13 4 місяці тому +2

      Peter had a unique voice that was perfect for Black Diamond and Nothing to Lose. But, Paul is on an entirely different level. Gene is a better singer and so was Ace. Peter was limited in what he could play, so unlike the other members who kept getting better, he wasn’t. Plus, his drug use and how he acted was the primary reason for everything falling apart.
      This is from independent sources. Not Paul and Gene. They Seem so Weird, Kiss and Sell, Kiss and Tell, and so on.

    • @tampadave13
      @tampadave13 4 місяці тому

      There are two reaction videos to Let Me Go, Rock n Roll. One with Peter Criss and one with Eric Singer. You’ll notice that Ace is still better than Thayer and Singer is better than Criss.

  • @loganheidel5008
    @loganheidel5008 3 місяці тому

    Good vid But forgot the line up of Peter and Tommy from 03. Also Ace and Eric singer did a couple shows outside the US, but I wouldn’t really count it as a lineup

  • @user-ch5ly7lm9q
    @user-ch5ly7lm9q 3 місяці тому

    OEM # 1 CAN NEVER BE MATCHED, PURE MAGIC!

  • @Geddy2112
    @Geddy2112 3 місяці тому

    I was positivelly surprised to see the Bruce/Carr-Lineup so high! It's my favorite lineup and Crazy Nights is really one of their greatest (and most underrated) record!

  • @kdwright
    @kdwright 4 місяці тому +1

    I agree with that line up also.

  • @user-tz7qj5bv2h
    @user-tz7qj5bv2h 3 місяці тому

    Have to agree 100% with your rankings.

  • @aisforapple2494
    @aisforapple2494 4 місяці тому

    Good thing you had the original lineup as best.

  • @CharlesCiarfello
    @CharlesCiarfello 4 місяці тому +1

    spot on

  • @renemarrero6523
    @renemarrero6523 4 місяці тому +1

    Agree

  • @motorcitywestauto4674
    @motorcitywestauto4674 3 місяці тому

    Ive seen kiss a dozen times, first time was in '82 at Cobo Hall in Detroit. The Plasmatics opened up and Wendy O was wild as hell. But Kiss felt off even then, and i was 12.
    I kept going to concerts and was disturbed by all the "final" tours. I went to 3 final tours before i gave up. They went from looking like superheroes to old men in drag. Last time i went was around 2014, and they were not rhe same band.

    • @stevelongmusic880
      @stevelongmusic880  3 місяці тому +1

      That's the last time I saw them too, took my daughter. She had a hard time with a 62ish year old Paul Stanley shaking his butt - haha

    • @motorcitywestauto4674
      @motorcitywestauto4674 3 місяці тому

      @@stevelongmusic880 It is a little weird that Paul still sees himself as a 25 year old sex symbol.

  • @spontaneousremarks1719
    @spontaneousremarks1719 3 місяці тому

    agree 100%- except for monster... I'll the album- I do hear the similarities you mentioned though... Paul wrote those 4 songs you mentioned so the probably sound so similar because of that. Pretty interesting though. Great Job

  • @databasedan6833
    @databasedan6833 4 місяці тому +2

    Although Psycho Circus is not one of the great albums, Kevin Valentine did a terrific job on drums….

    • @jvidalw
      @jvidalw 4 місяці тому

      but he wasn't an official member.

    • @databasedan6833
      @databasedan6833 4 місяці тому

      vinnie vincent wasn’t either..he never signed a contract…but here he is in this video….,

    • @jvidalw
      @jvidalw 4 місяці тому

      @@databasedan6833 you're not very bright, right? Vinnie vincent composed and performed on two albums. Appeared on album covers, official photographs, played a lot of concerts, etc. He wasn't a session musician, like Valentine . For all purposes he was a band member, even though he didn't sign a contract.

    • @databasedan6833
      @databasedan6833 4 місяці тому

      Ok apparently your tin foil hat has to be adjusted kiss fan boy! I was just saying a guy was a good drummer…..lol

  • @l.salisbury1253
    @l.salisbury1253 4 місяці тому +1

    6:40 - I'd include the Who (1964-78) on that list...

  • @jhaeck1
    @jhaeck1 3 місяці тому

    i would say you are spot on

  • @loganheidel5008
    @loganheidel5008 3 місяці тому

    Peter was a great drummer back in the 70s

  • @tomassantos3584
    @tomassantos3584 4 місяці тому +1

    Agreed!!!

  • @lipstickkiller798
    @lipstickkiller798 4 місяці тому

    honestly. im a huge Thayer fan. hes done some great things for KISS, but i understand he wasnt always allowed to be Tommy Thayer. i feel like he had so much potential for the lineup and couldve done so much better if he had a little more creative freedom.

  • @Artress357
    @Artress357 3 місяці тому +1

    You cant give Ace credit for Creatures... I'd consider that Vinnie era.

  • @modelcarjedi
    @modelcarjedi 3 місяці тому

    Spot on !

  • @errolthomas9426
    @errolthomas9426 3 місяці тому

    Simmons Stanley Frehley Criss: #1 line-up of all time

  • @samuraidarryl
    @samuraidarryl 4 місяці тому

    Well I see these opinionated rankings with things to do with the band (albums, album covers, songs, solo albums, etc etc) and I go meh, who cares.
    Yet I watched this and imo you nailed it. Exactly my order. You said why and what you felt, backed it up. And importantly you said that despite not the best technical musicians, it just worked. Ppl comparing Ace and Tommy. Ppl hating on Ace for his addictions and hating on Tommy for being a copy. Ultimately it’s the band.
    Totally agree. Eric and Tommy are polished but there is no feel. It’s a job. Peter and Ace (along with Gene and Paul) had passion and desire to create something amazing and that they did. It showed every night on stage. Incredible. E & T never experienced that and in reality turned up for work with something missing. That was the drive to be successful. Not their fault but it showed.
    The list is the same as mine. CNs gets panned and I love it despite being a fan from DTK.
    Great vid. Thank you.

  • @nobrakes3765
    @nobrakes3765 3 місяці тому

    For me, anything with Peter Criss after 1978 was compromised. The two Erics really brought the energy and groove up. The guitar players (lead) were all good.

    • @kevinchandler179
      @kevinchandler179 23 дні тому

      I think you mean anything with Peter and Ace!!! Peter was amazing and fantastic!!!!

  • @funnyuniverse1
    @funnyuniverse1 4 місяці тому +1

    W Ranking I agree 100%

  • @jjbast
    @jjbast 2 місяці тому +1

    100%! Bravo!

  • @jamesm2550
    @jamesm2550 3 місяці тому

    I love the original line up but the Bruce Kulick and Eric Carr line up are a close second for me.

  • @Cokeapplewhite
    @Cokeapplewhite 3 місяці тому

    Great video.

  • @keithsowder4308
    @keithsowder4308 4 місяці тому

    I loved why you had the original band as number one. As an old front man for a number of metal bands in the 80's....a lot of times ( and the same is true in athletics ) the WHOLE is greater than the sum of it's parts. I played with some technically great musicians...many of whom were ( I lived in the Greater Cincinnati area at the time ) the VERY best in the Tri - State area....but the CHEMISTRY wasn't there...and you KNOW when you have that chemistry...just because you have the 4 or 5 best musicians playing together...doesn't mean you're gonna be the best band !

  • @redhorse67
    @redhorse67 3 місяці тому

    Fawken eh. You got the number one right on. I loved Kiss growing up, but now just like Paul Stanley (in a Gay Voice says, Kiss is Piss. They turned into assholes. Im so glad I got to see them in Ottawa in the 90s with the original line up. Wow, a dream come true. But it was all downhill. But after that, I began to dislike them more and more as the years went. Today I can't stand em. Ace is rocking out with his music today. 10,000 volts is awesome. Just like his solo album when they were together, his was by far the best one. He still kicks their asses. Fawken eh ACE!!! Kiss is Piss.

  • @ATK10155
    @ATK10155 4 місяці тому

    My favorite line up was with Eric Carr and Vinnie.
    Absolute monster song writing and hard rock. While Vinnie was a c*nt. They turned into the hard rock band they should have been. I don’t care for the make up. I completely agree about the Live problems.
    Honorary mention: Tommy Thayer’s “Lightning Strikes” was actually pretty cool

  • @borisarsenault6576
    @borisarsenault6576 3 місяці тому

    I 100% agree with you!

  • @jonstreng7850
    @jonstreng7850 Місяць тому

    I'm sure many fans have voiced their opinion to you on this one. The only shining moment from Tommy Thayer, for me, is Modern Day Delilah off of Sonic Boom. Most spontaneous playing and the solo absolutely kicks well.. you know what. Looking back now this lineup only did two albums? I wish Eric Singer and Tommy would keep the band going with Paul's son, Evan, on vocals. I know it is wishful thinking and will never happen but Id love to see Gene Simmons proved wrong.

  • @justinfendelet8675
    @justinfendelet8675 3 місяці тому

    #1 peter paul Gene Ace #2 Gene Paul Eric S. and Bruce #3 Gene Paul Vinnie Eric Carr (brazil calling Dr.love Solo is outstanding)

  • @XDEMONX-ph7vr
    @XDEMONX-ph7vr 3 місяці тому

    The elder album is awesome in my opinion

  • @michaelmares3452
    @michaelmares3452 4 місяці тому

    Is that a Guild Songbird in the background? I had one of those. Nice.

    • @stevelongmusic880
      @stevelongmusic880  3 місяці тому

      Actually its a 2002 Taylor 714CE. LOVE this guitar :) Thanks for watching!

  • @SeeCSeesCC
    @SeeCSeesCC 4 місяці тому +2

    Look at you!! 745 subs Steve!!!!!❤

    • @stevelongmusic880
      @stevelongmusic880  4 місяці тому +1

      Hey, thanks! I'm so appreciative of all the support!

  • @Greggyboyz60
    @Greggyboyz60 3 місяці тому

    Historically the original lineup is always best. They invented it.

  • @BradH2024
    @BradH2024 2 дні тому

    I agree that the opening of “All for the Love of Rock & Roll” sounds like the opening of “Mr. Speed”, but the opening to “Hell or Hallelujah” sounds nothing like the opening to “I Stole Your Love”.
    At least that’s my opinion…
    As far as your list, flip 1 and 2. Maybe I say that because Simmons-Stanley-Carr-Kulick was the lineup I first heard and got into, but I still think they were the best lineup - with the Simmons-Stanley-Frehley-Carr lineup leaving one to wonder what could have been had it held together.
    Worst? That’s easy.
    THE AVATARS.
    By the looks of things, the avatar “lineup” is strictly Simmons-Stanley-Singer-Thayer. Someone feel free to correct me if I’m wrong, but it almost seems like they’re erasing Criss, Frehley, Carr and Kulick altogether.
    Not involving St. John (who wasn’t there that long), or especially Vincent (who’d likely file lawsuit #1,000,000 if they DID include his makeup character) is one thing. But leaving out the originals and the two that really got the band through the 80s? Give me a break!

    • @stevelongmusic880
      @stevelongmusic880  12 годин тому

      Well it’s subjective so it may just be what I hear. I get you on the lineup, I was into the original from the beginning. You are right about the avatars, they are ignoring the other members who helped them achieve the success the did. Thanks for watching!

  • @andreasandreas9291
    @andreasandreas9291 3 місяці тому

    00:56
    He/Mark actually did a tour with them. Although he almost never played live. At one point Bruce and Mark were on stage for half a show each, and as far as i know he only did 1 full show with them in Poughkeepsie 1984. It's up on UA-cam and Spotify, etc. So listen to it if you haven't already. My guess is that if you have a hard time with Vinnie you're gonna have a real hard time with Mark.
    I'd put the last lineup last on the list. Thayer is the only Kiss member out of everybody that doesn't have his own style, and i can't go for that.
    Lastly you forgot two lineups. 2001-2002 Kiss was Eric, Ace, Paul and Gene. And 2003 Kiss was Peter, Tommy, Gene and Paul. They even released Kiss Alive IV together.
    Nice video.
    Always fun with a chart.

    • @stevelongmusic880
      @stevelongmusic880  3 місяці тому

      Thanks, yeah I didn't include those. Thanks for watching, I appreciate it!

  • @slasherdope8065
    @slasherdope8065 3 місяці тому +1

    I would rather hear Tommy playing than Ace. Tommy plays absolutely perfect. Ace is sloppier than ever

  • @daktarioskarvannederhosen2568
    @daktarioskarvannederhosen2568 3 місяці тому

    wow i didn't think you were going to rate the original line-up as number 1.
    i definitely view the original as no. 1.

  • @zabelius1
    @zabelius1 4 місяці тому

    Partially agree

  • @user-et4ju5vt7e
    @user-et4ju5vt7e 3 місяці тому

    I do agree with you great job 👏 👍🙏

  • @strangeways75
    @strangeways75 4 місяці тому

    1. 1973 - 1980 Gene, Paul, Ace & Peter
    2. 1982 - 1984 Gene, Paul, Vinnie & Eric Carr
    3. 1984 - 1991 Gene, Paul, Eric Carr & Bruce
    4. 1992 - 1996 Gene, Paul, Bruce & Eric Singer
    5. 1996 - 2001 Gene, Paul, Ace & Eric
    6. 1980 - 1982 Gene, Paul, Ace & Eric Carr
    7. 2004 - 2024 Gene, Paul, Tommy & Eric Singer
    8. 1984 Gene, Paul, Eric Carr & Mark
    9. 2001 - 2002 Gene, Paul, Ace & Eric Singer
    10. 2002 Gene, Paul, Eric & Tommy
    11. 2003 Gene, Paul, Eric & Tommy

  • @reygarciaiv484
    @reygarciaiv484 4 місяці тому +1

    That was a good list man.

  • @hotdogpilot6319
    @hotdogpilot6319 4 місяці тому

    Agreed.

  • @TheFlashpoint69
    @TheFlashpoint69 4 місяці тому

    I agree

  • @OgGamingrealm
    @OgGamingrealm 3 місяці тому

    Top is AcE , Gene , Paul , Eric all though we never seen a lot like with Peter . Least would be Paul , Gene , mark , Eric due to not Knowing how it turned out .

  • @TheWorldwidetour
    @TheWorldwidetour 3 місяці тому

    I think with Vinnie they were the heaviest band ever....due of Vinnie problems of actitud we couldn't enjoyed em more......I agree about crazy nites my fav album.

  • @danthaman03
    @danthaman03 4 місяці тому +3

    Thanks for posting this. I remember asking you to make this video.

    • @danthaman03
      @danthaman03 4 місяці тому

      My ranking.
      1st the original line up due to the dirty raw no nonsense rock and roll they produced on 6 albums.
      2nd the eric ace Paul gene line up. I am tempted to rate this as the best and you will understand why if you see Sydney 1980 footage.
      3rd the revenge line up. I saw them play and I think with the Revenge album they definitely were on the right track. The look the sound. Everything. Back to rick n roll.
      4th vinnie Paul eruc gene. I think creatures was one of their best albums and lick it up was their last good album until revenge. Yeah he was crazy on stage but I still like the look and sound of the band based on bootleg recordings.
      5th eric carr Paul gene Bruce.
      Live they were good but they never toured Australia with this line up so I have to rely on bootlegs. Asylum and hot in the shade are simply not good albums. Crazy nights is a good pop album but the fact no songs get played on tour tells you something. I blame Paul and gene for the poor productivity from 1984 to 1989.
      6th the sonic boom line up. Its a cover band. I refused to watch them. Monster is forgettable. Sonic boom I like but I can't help listening to it and thinking it would be much better with the real space Ace licks and new York vocals.
      7th mark eric Paul Peter. Animalize has only a few good tracks and they only performed 3 shows.
      My ranking is much different to yours. That's why Australia is the land down under.

    • @stevelongmusic880
      @stevelongmusic880  4 місяці тому

      Hey that's all good. In reality, its all subjective, that's what's cool. We can all have different opinions and share them. You make good points. We agree on number 1 so that's all that matters huh? 😀

    • @danthaman03
      @danthaman03 4 місяці тому

      @@stevelongmusic880 yes us Australians actually consider Eric Carr the real kiss drummer. Where Americans shunned Dynasty and Unmasked we had kiss hysteria during that period.

    • @stevelongmusic880
      @stevelongmusic880  4 місяці тому

      I loved Eric, great drummer! And don't tell anyone, I loved the Dynasty and Unmasked albums :)

    • @danthaman03
      @danthaman03 4 місяці тому

      @@stevelongmusic880 do yourself a big favour and look at the 1980 Sydney concert here on UA-cam. The Dynasty and unmasked tracks are heavier with Eric's savage drumming.

  • @rodneylockhart6775
    @rodneylockhart6775 4 місяці тому +1

    I think you nailed it man.

  • @elleryparsons2433
    @elleryparsons2433 4 місяці тому

    Their Favorite Album Was In Australia with Peter Tommy Thayer Paul And Gene.

  • @pilsking1976
    @pilsking1976 4 місяці тому

    I agree with most of your opinions here. The first KISS album is killer, and unique. I also agree with you, that Crazy Nights is a great album. But I know most KISS fans rank it as one of their weakest efforts. Apart from the debut, and a few songs here and there, I like the 80's KISS best.

  • @davidteague5461
    @davidteague5461 3 місяці тому

    I actually agree with this list . Even though I think Eric was their best drummer . .

  • @peterdiamantakiou
    @peterdiamantakiou 3 місяці тому

    There was 2 other line-ups
    Paul gene Ace Eric Singer
    Paul gene peter Tommy Thayer

  • @user-oy9zs2ql8y
    @user-oy9zs2ql8y 3 місяці тому

    The original line up no doubt seen them 5 times destroyer.love gun.and reunion.

  • @amberfashing1136
    @amberfashing1136 4 місяці тому

    I was completely unaware of Paul's mj rants 😅

  • @fundhund62
    @fundhund62 7 днів тому

    To be honest
    8. Eric Singer/ Tommy
    7. Peter/ Tommy
    6. Eric/ Vinnie
    5. Eric Singer/ Bruce
    4. Eric Carr/ Mark
    3. Ace/ Peter
    2. Eric/ Ace
    1. Eric/ Bruce

  • @CrissPOPS
    @CrissPOPS 4 місяці тому +1

    Mark St. John didn’t even play the whole album

  • @cesarolivares6200
    @cesarolivares6200 3 місяці тому

    The best is the original, they created KISS, none of the others created the impact that the original line up did

  • @js92css
    @js92css 3 місяці тому

    I do consider myself a super fan, but your really a die hard, ultra fan if you say crazy nights was good..... A quality that should be mentioned is that with VV, they probably had the most potential to make more music that was groundbreaking for this band. We know it probably would have failed no matter what, but his stuff on Creatures, Lick it Up, and Revenge speaks of this. Moving forward in those 80's, this would have been relevant and helped the band. The original 4 are probably the best due to the atmosphere and spirit
    The elder was good
    Either way, and any way, we're all entitled to our opinions and I respect yours, thanks for making the video

    • @stevelongmusic880
      @stevelongmusic880  3 місяці тому +1

      Thanks, and I know I'm in the minority for liking Crazy Nights haha...Vinnie did write some great stuff, I agree with yo on that. I think it really comes down to egos, personality, and insecurities. I appreciate your opinion as well. I love being able to talk where we all share opinions. Everyone looks at things a bit differently and when we listen, we can learn from each other. Thank you so much for watching and your input!

  • @kevinchandler179
    @kevinchandler179 10 днів тому +1

    Eric Singer couldn't hold Peter's drumsticks!!! Peter Criss had a great jungle rhythm and jazz filled riffs and unique style and voice was by far the best in Kiss ever!!! Original lineup is the only one that truly matters!!!

    • @stevelongmusic880
      @stevelongmusic880  7 днів тому +1

      Well you are right. They are a totally different style of drummer, and Peter has more feel, the chops and the voice. Eric is pretty much a straight ahead rock drummer. Thanks for watching!

  • @trance9158
    @trance9158 4 місяці тому

    I only rate kiss through Lick It Up...the original line up is the greatest line up.. I prefer the line up with Vinnie 2nd.