Band Was PISSED When DJ Turned Single OVER & Played B-Side..Became their #1 Hit | Professor Of Rock
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- Опубліковано 17 лют 2023
- The snobs and the critics thumbed their noses at KISS as a party rock band with high theatrics and no technique. Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss were ready to prove them wrong, I mean they are the band that really taught us how to rock… up next a song that took them to another level. Detroit Rock City was first written as a party anthem. then the singer decided to change it up and write about a real-life tragedy. They felt they had something special, so they put it out… Then It Totally Bombed.. with radio stations picking up the B SIDE Ballad Beth instead…but redemption would come…even if it took decades. It’s a great comeback... NEXT on the Professor of Rock.
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It’s amazing that today’s song is a classic rock tentpole. one of the most played songs in classic rock radio history and a signature song from one of rock’s greatest and yet it never charted. It was considered a commercial disappointment. I’m talking about Detroit Rock City, by Kiss. Kiss’ iconic foursome consisted of Gene Simmons, “The Demon” on bass, Paul Stanley, “The Starchild” on rhythm guitar, Ace Frehley, “The Spaceman or Space Ace” on lead guitar, and Peter Criss, “The Cat” on drums. Together they pioneered the spectacle of pyrotechnic and costumed rock. You know, the appeal of Kiss has always been first and foremost their live performances… with painted faces, over-the-top outfits, and fire-breathing guitars, all served up with some seriously hardest rocking anthems, it’s rock entertainment at its best. Just ask them. After all, they have been billed as ‘The Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Show On Earth’.
In just over a year’s time, Kiss released their first three albums… the self-titled Kiss in 74, Hotter than Hell in 74, and Dressed to Kill in 75. However, hit singles were lacking on all three albums. Even the now legendary ‘Rock and Roll All Nite’ stalled at #68. At least its original version did. But then came Kiss’ 1975 landmark concert album ‘Alive!’, which blasted open the doors to mainstream success. Peaking at #9 on the Top 200 Album charts, it hung around for an amazing 110 weeks. By far the longest run in the band’s history. ‘Alive!’ is not only considered to be Kiss’ breakthrough record but a milestone for future live music albums. And it would go on to become the biggest-selling Kiss album of all time… selling over 9 million units since its release.
The song from ‘Alive!’ that turned the band’s fortunes around was a reissued live version of ‘Rock And Roll All Nite’. Rock and Roll All Nite jumped 56 spots from its first run, coming in at #12 in November 1975. The band’s live presence on the song clearly made all the difference. Raring to go, the band signed a new contract for two albums with their label. And then returned to the studio in early 1976 to work on their next album Destroyer. - Розваги
Poll: What is your pick for the greatest two sided single in rock history?
This one, & Zeppelin’s Immigrant Song/Hey, Hey what can I do
1977 - We Are the Champions b/w We Will Rock You
"Don't Be Cruel" / "Hound Dog" - Elvis Presley
CCR - Fortunate Son/Down on the Corner
We can work it out/ Day Tripper
Mother's Little Helper / Lady Jane
Getty Lee of Rush, who opened for Kiss on one of their U.S. tours, once said of Kiss, say what you want about Kiss, musically or otherwise, no band worked harder to give their fans a great show. Much respect
All of Rush spoke highly of them, you can't get a better validation than that!
He’s right.
What did Alec Fifeton and Neil Pearce think? 🤡
Are pictures of the lead singer of Rush considered Getty Images? 🤨
@@himoffthequakeroatbox4320 Since he's quoting the Documentary that everyone and their mother has seen by now, you should have said Perce or Purse, like Jack Black and those other morons would have mispronounced...
My dad was the biggest kiss fan- that he passed down to me and I started playing guitar - ace was my first guitar hero. Dad and I didn’t miss a cool 70’s/80’s band concert. Kiss poison, motley, ozzy, ZZ Top, ac/dc etc we were there. In 1996 we followed the reunion kiss tour 9 dates. I lost my dad in 2014 to Alzheimer’s- kiss was playing at the funeral home. Every time I hear kiss or I hit a power chord on my guitar I think of the greatest hard rock dad ever- a 2 tour in nam vet(go army) 1965-1966- 1968-1969 9 infantry division. Dad you were the greatest and you introduced me and my friends to the hottest band ever
Kiss and Poison are probably the two most recognizable bands for a couple of reasons. They both put on great shows with high energy. All the band members are still fit and ready to rock ‘n’ roll. Both bands tune down a half step. And as far as Ace freely, all you have to do is learn the a minor pentatonic scale and you have it down. Ace and CC DeVille are awesome.
I was 11 years old and begged my parents to stay up later than normal to watch the Paul Lynne Halloween Special because a new band I started hearing was going to be on it making their first television appearance. I sat amazed from the first note of DRC that they hit and I was hooked. My first concert was KISS in 79 at Madison Square Garden.
Amazing!
I was 11 years old when I managed to attend the KISS concert at the Sahara Space Center in Las Vegas in the spring of '75. They basically did the Alive! album. I swear, the moment I heard those first few notes of Deuce was a bigger one that when I unhooked my first bra. What a moment.
Paul Lynde slagged on Alice Cooper in his opening song on that special. He made a joke about The Coop on one of the episodes of The Paul Lynde Show, too. Maybe the Professor of Rock will cover that feud someday.
I watched it. Saw 'em for the first time a few weeks later on Thanksgiving day. Wow!
I'm sorry.
My mom brought home my very first Kiss album, Destroyer, when I was 8 years old, and signed me up for the Kiss Army as part of my birthday present the next year! While everyone else in the midwest had their parents confiscating and even burning their rock & roll records, mine were making sure I got to listen to whatever I liked! Thanks mom and dad!🤘❤️✌️
I also drew absolutely amazing parents who also had great taste in music well my dad at least my mom had a taste that included some shit pop songs.
My first Kiss album also- I was 12 though in 78 when I got it. My parents also supported our Kiss addiction- even drove us all 4 hours to see them in Detroit!
My parents were also very cool with the music scene, buying records and driving my brother and me to shows while others were screaming about "that devil music" that was destroying their children. I thank them to this day!!!
Mine too. My first album gift was Jefferson Airplane, and at 6 yrs old I knew every Beatles song by heart...No joke!
My mom confiscated all my KISS records. 😂
Detroit Rock City is absolutely one of my top 5 KISS songs of all time. That song just takes me to a different place, a place of manic high energy, every single time I hear it. As a song that 'flopped' when it was released, it sure has stood the test of time and has, indeed, become a frequently played classic.
It’s like a whole cinematic movie, and it gives me goosebumps every time.
I had the destroyer pinball machine. Bought it used for $100. It had $50 inside it. Worked well enough.
A few years later I went to sell it. When the buyer opened it up he said he could smell a lot of burned out components.
Because my dad was standing behind me I was unable to explain to the guy that it smelled like that because I had stored my bongs in there for years.
wow.. how much would that be worth today? Just cause it is a pinball machien!
Bwahaha! That's awesome!
I actually got this album by mistake; I had just joined Columbia House with my "six albums for a penny" deal and if you recall, you had to send back the post card saying that you did NOT want the "album of the month". I wasn't a big Kiss fan at the time since I grew up in a small farming town in northern Nevada and the only kind of music they played on the ONE radio station was Country and Western and Adult Contemporary. Anyway, I didn't really want it but rather than send it back, which was kind of a hassle back then, I decided to give it a listen. OMG, that opening riff to "Detroit Rock City" blew my mind and I was hooked on hard rock for the rest of my life!
Your comment reminded me of that line in the Blues Brothers, "Oh, we have both types of music, country AND western."
I ended up getting King's X self titled album by mistake. Turned me into a fan. Sometimes happenstance is good.
Did you live near Fallon Nevada that had all the water issues many decades ago? Not sure if they still have that anymore or not. I was from Vegas (Phoenix now) so I’ve taken the highway straight up through to Reno. What a great drive.
@@rattyguitars Yes, that's where I grew up. I'm not sure what water issues you are referring to, but our well water was WAY over the federal limits for arsenic, and also mercury which washed down the Carson River from Virginia City during the Comstock Lode. It might have something to do with why I am so crazy🤪
@@andrewmurray8864 not sure if you will know this, but while we were riding through Fallon, we stopped by and had a hotdog and some homemade root beer which was being sold there in the gallons. Not to mention a couple of cute girls that were working there too! Yes, that’s what I’m referring to as far as the arsenic.
A KISS concert isn't just a concert, it is an EVENT! The anticipation is palpable, the air is filled with electricity - then they explode on stage like something from another world! They seem superhuman and make you feel that way through the end of show till you reach home, trying to process everything you've just experienced! Rock and Roll All Nite!
I went to see Kiss with a friend, my 2nd time, his first. I told him, "This isn't a concert. It's the greatest rock n roll show you'll ever see."
Their concerts are in a realm of their own!
You explained that perfectly! There's nothing like a KISS show, even if your not a fan
As soon as you hear, “YOOOUUU WANTED THE BEST…!”, we’ll it’s impossible to explain the feeling to someone who has never been to a Kiss concert.
Kiss is theatrical Broadway level performance
Once I learned that the meaning of the song was dedicated to a young fan who had died on route to one of KISS' concerts, it was extremely heartbreaking. As always, you'd never be able to guess the sad backstory, thanks to the overally upbeat tune!
Yep. It's very strange.
A great song
The similarity between Kiss and Cheap Trick is pretty amazing as well: Three previous studio albums that only really started selling after a landmark live album.
There was actually a photo-turned-poster of Bun E. Carlos wearing Paul Stanley's boots and jacket at that time, (late '78) with Tom Petersson on his right and Robin Zander on his left propping Bun E. up.
So I think the similarity was evident to most of Cheap Trick as well...
It made the song more somber to me. I’m only a teenager, and can hardly predict what life will throw at me until it happens.
@XxLilly_playsXx Kiz Advice I wish an old guy had told me.
Exercise A LOT, but moderately.
Extreme exercises cause inflammation.
The result is great health and strong attractions.
Work for yourself unless you're studying to be a Petrochemical Engineer (Sick money and you can travel and work almost anywhere in the world)
Business owners get ALL of the business deductions (Find and pay well the best accountant)
Invest in rental houses and learn the building trades (Free experience working on Habitat for Humanity projects) to keep your properties up.
This will help you retire early when you have enough houses to net 10K a month or more.
(Apartments and Commercial properties work well, too)
Lastly, build your emotional maturity.
You hear too often of great people getting sidetracked by bad relationships and bad behavior.
Good Luck 👍
I remember the first time I heard Beth. I was so mad at Kiss over what I perceived as them selling out to become radio-friendly. Then I decided to listen to it again so I could mercilessly tear it apart in my critique. Then I listened again,and again, and before I knew it I was singing along and it became one of my all time favorite Kiss songs. Damn Kiss😊
Haha, I’m sure you weren’t alone in feeling that way.
LOL, you fell right into their trap!
I'm the opposite. I did the same thing you did but could never like that song.
I remember when it came out and when there was a Halloween special on ABC and Chris was in a room with candles and cobwebs, a fireplace with him on the piano. Wow
THE utter IRONY is that Gene Simmons HAS sold out KISS Over and over again. Just RIDICULOUS crap that he lowered the band to frelling HAWK WALMART?????? Played the MACY'S DAY PARADE??? Bought an OFFICE PARK? I mean the KISS dolls and comic' books were OK and honestly when I would listen to Destroyer I would stare at that ALBUM cover endlessly and imagine the STORY behind that. What the FRELL happened? I had all sorts of scenarios and story lines.. I actually watched the SCOOBY DOO /KISS cartoon and it actualy wasn't that bad. I mean Scooby Doo was campy and yet it was pretty well produced and story line made sense for the "comic book" personas they invented. It worked. I will admit that the KISS Meets the phantom of the park is MASSSIVELY Cringeworthy... ugh... that was a disaster on whatever ..
As a teenager of the late 70's and 80's, this was my band. I own every album The live albums were played the most.I didn't care for changes in band members and style of songs as time went on but never stopped listening. Dynasty was too disco, but I was made for loving you just can't leave my brain. Paul knew how to get into your head.
I was made for loving you,,,,,great song
If Dynasty was too disco then Unmasked probably made you sick!!
I still can't stand I WAS MADE FOR LOVING YOU. The only KISS song that i HATE! I am a huge fan of the band, seen them in concert several times - starting in 1978. But that one song - blechh~
I was a closet KISS fan (and ABBA, too) all the way through high school and college. Destroyer was my first album of theirs. I told none of my friends bc the band was ridiculed by them. Decades later, many of them admitted they had done the same thing I had done.
Yeah well for us that stuck up for them and took the ridicule and the ass beatings were the real fans.
That was a great first album from them to have
Never hide...Shout It Out Loud. 😁
As a KISS fan, I know this story backwards and forwards, but I LOVE the way the Professor tells it!! Awesome story teller!
Yes love this show
Yes I'm in the same boat. Love how the Professor does it.
I was born in 1974. KISS was my favorite due to the roller rink that I grew up in, essentially. Winger opened for KISS at the show I saw in Sacramento, California, and that concert was the greatest. 1989 was both when I started high school and the first time I saw KISS.
@@bobablaw1298 I didn't see KISS until they put their make up back on with the original line up....I'm glad I waited; KISS without make up is different persona.
@@jeremiahrose4681
I saw KISS in 1989 and again in 1993, without makeup. They were just as amplified & "with it" each time I have seen them with no makeup. They have scheduled performances, and those shows are what brought them to the forefront. So the makeup doesn't make too much of a difference at all..
Destroyer was the first album I ever got. Back in 1977 from the record club when I was 6. I still remember that first listen by myself on the big stereo in the living room. I was totally blown away. Been a KISS fan ever since.
Me too
Good old days!!!
Same for me
My first Kiss album as well but on 8-track.
Lol Record Club stamps! Memory unlocked!
Saw them 3 times, always with the original band. The Destroyer tour concert I saw in Sept. of '76 in Pittsburgh was larger than life.
Yes, after sending them a fan letter, I received everything from the Kiss Army as a new member. As far as DRC, I always loved Ace's solo in that song.
Glad you saw the action.
I was a huge Kiss fan back in 76. They were my first rock concert in Montreal in 1977 and I still look back on the early Kiss lineup fondly.
They were actually able to hide their make up free faces from photography during the absolute height of their career for years.....I'm still amazed. Kudos to KISS.
That could never happen today.
Except for the movies Gene Simmons was in.
@@billsedutto8824 Gene Simmons wasn't in a non Kiss related movie until Runaway which was filmed after they took off the makeup.
@@kwmusic4560 yeah I realized you were referring to their original run which started in the 70s.
@@kwmusic4560 👀 Daft Punk
I became aware of KISS around '75 because of 'Rock And Roll All Nite' on the radio. It wasn't until 'Beth' came out that I became a fan. I guess I was one of those girls they were hoping to draw in, and it worked! Destroyer is my favorite album to this day. There's just something about it that does it for me. I finally got to see KISS in concert in 1979 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Southern California. My cousin and I were 8 rows from the stage! I was 16 at the time, and I was in utter awe! There were so many amazing moments: Gene's bloody towel flying over my head; almost catching one of Peter's drumsticks; each of their amazing solos; all the pyrotechnics and special effects. But the best moment by far was when we managed to make our way to the stage and stood against the security fence, gazing up at these larger-than-life rock 'n' roll gods. Then, Peter took the stage and sang 'Beth', and I was enraptured, with tears rolling down my cheeks. I'm pretty sure they finished up with 'Rock And Roll All Nite', and all this confetti came raining down on us! I made sure to collect every single piece that fell on me and put them in my purse. Later that night I taped all those pieces of confetti to a piece of paper as my treasured memento of the most magical, awesome night ever!
I will never forget my father taking my brothers and me to KISS & Dr. Hook when we were just kids. Best Christmas present ever!
Sharing the night together!
@Code Name V So funny! I don't remember knowing who Dr. Hook was at the time. And I clearly recall them making jokes about the audience not being familiar with their music. It must have been tough on them coming out to thousands of kids in face-paint night after night.
Beth has a special meaning to me. One, my wife's name is Beth, but also when I was deployed to Qatar, her mother passed away. And it tore my heart out that I couldn't be there with her. They at least let me make long distance phones to her.
My old man forced us to listen to them growing up. Now I can't get enough of them, i went back and went over their discography. Their 70s and 80s music was stuff of legend.. In the 90s their Revenge album was top tier. It's a shame people focus on the bandmates that split. KISS is a truly legendary band that i don't think gets enough recognition.
"Beth" never really did much for me .. But when it comes to Kiss ballads, "Hard Luck Woman" was fantastic .. Definitely one of my favourite Kiss songs !
Great song for sure.
Absolutely! I really love that song.
Forever's my favorite ballad of theirs.
"Hard Luck Woman" is a continuation from "Beth" with Criss singing.
Love Hard Luck Woman.
One of my most fond memories about this album, is the wreck at the end just kind of went right into King of the Night Time World! It just kept the momentum! As a 9/10 year old, it blew my mind!
I always tense up at the car crash part.
I KNOW.. I mean DESTROYER was a geniously produced album. Everything had it's place on the vinyl. You had the album cover art that you would stare at... I mean. . the entire thing. I think it is underated. KIDS now days do NOT know what it was like at all!!!!
Yep. I've always loved that transition into King of the Night Time World.
It is pretty amazing that KISS wrote virtually all of their music, wholly or at least in part. How many bands can honestly say that?
16:30 ... one reason it did not chart so high is there were certain radio stations that outright refused to play anything by KISS. Back then, the rumor on the street was it had been KISS themselves who refused to allow their songs to be played over the airwaves. I never found out if it was the radio stations in San Diego, CA who refused or if it was the band's decision, but back in the 70s, you only heard about KISS through word-of-mouth and borrowing your friend's LP (or double LP) and then hitting Tower Records, Musicland or the indie record stores to buy your own album for yourself.
One of my best memories of listening to KISS was my brother and I pouring out our LEGOS across the bedroom floor and building tanks and airplanes while our RCA portable turntable record player kicked out the songs of Destroyer or Double Platinum through its single speaker. Sunday mornings were LEGO mornings that lasted through the afternoon. We had over a hundred pounds of LEGO blocks/kits in several storage baskets and we spilled them across the floor searching for the right piece as "God of Thunder" rocked through and bottomed out that one 6" speaker... I remember it like it was last week, even though it was 47 years ago.
The rumor that KISS stood for Knights in Satan's Service was made huge. Not true of course.
I first saw KISS on the ALIVE II tour. I went with a friend, not knowing any of their music. I have been to roughly 100 rock shows in the years since, nothing has ever come close to the experience off that show opening with Detroit Rock City, the huge staircase, and the pyrotechnics. They are without a doubt the best live band I have ever seen.
Just Missed It Damn
Yes! Saw them on that tour at the Garden Dec 16, 1977!
I saw them in LICK IT UP and CREATURES tour..was 10 rows back center standing on the back of chairs for lick it up...we all were....and I threw a cigar in the wrapper at Gene and he picked it up put it in his mouth pointed at me and shook his head side to side to the beat of the music and the spot lights turned on me and lit me UP it was sooo cool Gene was totally in charge and it was a cool way to say thanks for the cigar!
Saw that tour at the old Hampton Rhodes Forum outside of Norfolk, VA. Only live shows I've seen that came close were Alice Cooper and Motley Crue (Tommy's flying drum kit)!
They are concert masters.
I had that 45 and I remember playing DRC and Beth for all my friends and we thought there was a mistake on the record label and that it was supposed to be the “B” side because Beth was the only one we ever heard on the radio. But it was an important step for KISS and what a great time for music. Cheers from Ottawa, Canada 🍁
Been a die-hard KISS fan since 1975. One of the most influential and important bands in music history. Thanks so much for your amazing coverage of the music that made us. Professor of Rock is my ultimate go-to for inside info. Love your channel. Keep up the awesome work. 🤟
First record I ever bought. 13 years old, I asked my mom if I could get it and she shockingly said yes. Last night I saw Ace Frehley for the last time.
Yup..
Another awesome video from the professor of Rock
I love both Beth and Detroit Rock City, but it's really fascinating how Radio had that much power to change the fate of a song destined for greatness. Interesting story as always!
Radio is all about “payola”. Pay us to play your song.
Like many parts of the liberal entertainment industry, it is all about control and making decisions for people rather than promoting competition and FREE WILL!
Thanks RC32. They had a lot of power back then... For sure.
Payola...ugh.
Beth was the song that made KISS famous with the rest of the world, not sure if there was as big a cross-over hit before that.
@@ProfessorofRock the term that you meant to use was magnum opus. To say it was just their opus, means that it was just their "work".
This was the very first KISS song I had ever heard and it started a lifetime love for this band! It is in my top 3 favorite KISS songs! Great video!
Fantastic video today. Thanks.
I've always known the lyric of "Detroit Rock City", but I didn't know the full backstory. That context only makes it cooler. That's what I love about this channel.
Awesome video! I’ve been a fan of Kiss since I was little, but I never really put that much thought into the lyrics of DRC. I knew what the song was about, but the way you pointed out the “I got to laugh” lyric really drove it home. Wow. 👍🏼
Another wonderful foray into one of the most epic rock songs ever - thanks for this one, Adam! 'Destroyer' started it all for me as a kid. My cousin's 9yrs older and got me into Kiss, Thin Lizzy, Alice, Aerosmith, etc. There was no turning back!
FunFact: That radio announcer was voiced by Gene!
Wow! I didn't know that. Thanks for sharing.
My first ever concert was KISS in 78 in St. Paul, MN. The standard was set high that night for sure. Have seen them many times since and they always deliver! Thanks for the wonderful story on a legendary band.
Keep up the great work, Professor!!
My first concert was KISS in Kansas City in 1977. I was eleven years old and it changed my life completely. I started my first band at 16 and the rest is history. (Not well known history!😂)
MAN the way you reel off those statistics is really amazing,, Ive gained worlds of new respect for musicians and bands that I really didn't care much for before... You are truly THE Professor of Rock... Kudos and burnin a rock for you brother lol...
First car, upgraded sound system, windows down in the summer, cassette ready, stopping at a light, then hit play at the end of this song, volume maxed, just to see how many people I could freak out. Ah, life in a small town...
Saw them in ‘76!! Crazy good performance!!🤘🔥
AWESOME!
They made you rock and roll all nite and party every day? Nice!
Destroyer was the first KISS album I ever purchased (when it was new) and it's still my favorite. One of the best album covers ever! Detroit Rock City and Beth are probably my two favorite KISS songs to this day. The guitar solo on DRC is underrated - excellent work by Ace.
Same here. The cover scared the hell out of me.
Destroyer made you wanna jump to buy the record!
I still have the album, I bought it new in the late 70s. I have Rock and Roll Over also. In modern times I have both on CD.
Saw Kiss with Poison opening. Great show, good times.
I'm finding your channel is becoming one of my favorites. Well done, respectful of the artists and all the people it takes to provide entertainment in its many forms. Thank you sincerely.
This was / is still a truly timeless masterpiece! And of course, Adam, you have an extremely beautiful and gifted way of telling the story… I feel like I’ve been friends with this song since it first hit my ears…
Was not part of the Kiss army....Because in the 70's we had Aerosmith, The Cars, Cheap Trick, Boston, ELO, Super Tramp, Kansas, omg....whatta an era I grew up in!!!!
Didn’t We Though
Never was a Kiss fan. I always felt they covered up a lack of talent through theatrics. Over time though I have admitted to myself that their songs are good to motivate oneself as most have a pretty driving beat. This was another great insight by you Professor.
I never cared for Kiss. I always thought they only appeal to immature teen boys. I will give them credit for amazing marketing.
I'm kind of the same way, but I really liked "Strutter" when it appeared on Guitar Hero 2.
I admire them because they both had talent and could entertain. It’s like they were a rock band with a theater background.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
They were Alive!
So Alive! 1, Alive! 2, and Alive! 3 definitely set them apart. They were Alive with great talent & control.
@@MightyAvengingLeo Strutter, Cold Gin, DRC.. .others.. they HAD really great tunes.... maybe they are not Mozarts but gods.. give them credit for doing some seriously good rocking basic but on your feet music!!
Wow, just wow! What an incredible awesome documentary you have put together!!!! I w be watching more of these! Thank you
Great stuff, professor! Amazing song and a really good summary of it's background. You even got the story on the bands chance meeting with Ezrin on a staircase. I'm impressed 🙂
The best KISS song by far. Excellent music and even better story telling. A+
My favorite KISS song from my favorite KISS album.
Love your videos, Professor!
The band gave me a safe place. Where the music carried me through all things good and bad. I am forever a fan, for we grew together.
My best friend in the 70s introduced me to Kiss and I will always be grateful! Saw them at the height of their career, it is still one of my top three concerts! I’m almost 60 and have seen quite a few lol! Once a rocker, always a rocker no matter how old you are! My kids tell me I listen to music highly inappropriate for my age and I guess I always will! Thanks for this breakdown POR you are simply the best at paying homage and telling the stories of our favorites!
This song is one of the most enduring of the band's entire output. It sounds as good to me in my 60's as it did when I was a teenager and the song was new.
Thanks for this, Professor. The very best of KISS and a band who should have gotten in to the rock and roll hall of fame a lot sooner than they did. They revolutionized the stage show beyond belief.
I know.. I don't know what political snobbery was messing around with that crap.. just ridiculous!
although the Bands personal issues never helped..
Great presentation, dude! Informative, entertaining, and mellifluous.
Much appreciated!
Myself being very knowledgeable of the thing we call Rock n Roll. "Professor of Rock" has stories that even myself haven't heard. This is old news to me. But, there's so many artists and their stories I haven't heard. Listening to the newest video from the Professor has become part of my daily routine. Professor, you are the MAN.
To me, KISS always was and will be one of the biggest rock monsters ever. Rock and roll all night!!!!!!
This brought back some teenage memories. My first real concerts were Kiss concerts in Detroit. One at the old Olympia Stadium, the next at Cobo Hall, the last was at the Pontiac Silver Dome. One of the guys from the neighborhood, Robert, brought lighter fluid a blew a huge flame during Simon's blood spitting bass solo. I think that was at Cobo, 77 back under the 'shelf' and the scoreboard (stage left). This also was Stanley's birthday. Beth was introduced as an award winning song of 76. Didn't pay much attention to words back then, even when I knew them. Just loved to rock.
Professor, another great video. My KISS Army patch is framed & shares a prominent place in my office. Thanks for educating me yet again.
Love it! KISS Army members since ‘77 here!
If you don’t get an interview with Paul Stanley after this glowing testimonial, then he’s not only lost his singing voice… he’s lost his talking voice too! 😜 💜💚❤️💙
My favorite KISS song will always be Calling Doctor love. We were talking about driving songs…that is one of my go to songs from a great album. rock and Roll Over!
Good song for sure.
My favorite kiss album
“Dr. Love, is this you?”
I loved these guys and still have my KISS records - from the 1st album up to The Elder, which is momenumentally epic !
I didn't know about Kiss here in the Philippines, till I heard Beth on the Radio . Then I ended up buying their Double Platinum LP which I still keep and play to this very day!
Just saw it. I loved it because this album itself holds a special place in my heart because the Destroyer tour was my first live concert, and it blew me away thanks for the awesome info you provide keep up the awesome work
we used to cover this, such a good song to do! i loved the dual guitar solo, soooo good.
Detroit Rock City is one of the greatest concert openers ever. The live version on Kiss Alive II is still my favourite. Saw Kiss live at Madison Square Gardens in July 96 when the original lineup got back together in makeup. It was awesome. I've seen them in the UK too, last time in 2019. Still one of the best live shows and live bands ever.
Awesome episode, with my favorite band of all time! Thanks for this! :)
Also, wanted to drop that "Grounded for Life" also had an episode where Sean and Eddie Finnerty played the song at the Red Boot Pub.
Born in '75. When I was young, Kiss kinda scared me. Fell in love with there music when they did the MTV concert during the Animalized tour. They led that show off with "Detroit Rock City" The Destroyer album is probably my favorite from beginning to end.
KISS was my introduction to rock n' roll in 1976. I've been a fan ever since, although I'm an "original members only - make-up only" kind of fan.
In the early years it was hard being a fan due to the backlash from others. (The movie "Detroit Rock City" showed what it was like, flawlessly.)
I'm so glad that I got to see the reunion tour in 1996. It was 1976 all over again & I loved it.
Only Women bleed by Alice Cooper was released a year earlier than Beth. Both have that orchestral influenced intro and both were produced by Bob Ezrin it took 47 years to figure that out.
Both great songs both awesome bands.
I’d be excited if he gets into that one next.
I never realized how alike those two songs were until you mentioned it.
L o v e that song
Only Women Bleed is a heartbreakingly great song. Alice hits a grand slam on his vocal delivery for that one.
Only Women Bleed and the entire Welcome To My Nightmare album are mt Favorites by Cooper. When I was 19, heard the first Kiss album, loved Hotter and Dressed; Alive I started the string of great live albums, to include Frampton Comes Alive, Alive II, Live At Budokan for Cheap Trick, among others. Both DRC and Beth live versions would be released and climb the charts again.
I grew up with their music blaring and shaking the pictures hanging on the walls..and all these years later it still does….. great video, thank you!!
Can’t wait for you to finally sit down with the band for an interview Professor! Love all things KISS!
I saw kiss in concert back in 1987 in Evansville Indiana it was the night before new years eve. Ted Nugent opened for them. Wow what a show... Ted Nugent rocked out and kiss gave us 4 encores!!! Best concert ever
Nice combo! That night's array of music must have hit like a speeding freight train! 💥💥💥💥🤘🤘
@@glennhecker4422 there were 4 encores!! People were stomping the bleachers the whole stadium rocked. The very first thing ted Nugent did when he walked out on stage was light up a doobie and pass it to the crowd. The best thing about that concert was i was not supposed to be there. The girl that got the tickets decided she did not wanna go! So i bought her ticket and 1 other. Her loss.. One of the best memories I have. There were preachers outside warning us. It just made it all the more fun!
Nuge is a maniac. Saw him in 2002 at The House of Blues, and he was on fire!
Not a huge Kiss fan but I like their uptempo material such as "Rock & Roll All Night","Shout It Out Loud","Calling Dr.Love","Hard Luck Woman" & "Detroit Rock City".
All of their stuff is uptempo
So you still like to party every day?
Check out Toad the Wet Sprocket's "Rock And Roll All Night" if you want to see an uptempo party song transformed into something that will make you want to ask your doctor about Prozac.
Professor, you have a knack for dissecting a song and shedding light on everything to do from song single by single bravo man:)I been to 3 concerts wish one of them was KISS1973 ,I saw Black Oak arkansas ,1974 I saw Fog Hat and 1975 i saw Jethro Tull.
thank you @professorofrock, between you and Andrew Hickey, I love learning about the music that I grew up on.
I wouldn't call myself a KISS fan (never bought an album or saw a live show), but I like quite a few of their songs. Of the songs I like, Detroit Rock City is far and away my favorite, and I never get tired of hearing it
You've done it again! Frankly, I've never been a Kiss fan -- just the way it is. Nonetheless I found myself watching this whole piece, fascinated by the story of the group and the details behind the song. Well played! On a side note, you couldn't avoid "Beth" on the radio where I lived during a memorable portion of my late teens, so it has a warm place in my heart.
It was a really popular song, caused by tons of drama.
Odd isn’t it? I’ve never been a Kiss fan. But I watched the whole video too.
Appreciate the music history in soooo many great bands and musicians .. thank you brother 💯🤘
1977 me loves this. Ezrin did a great job on the Anniversary edition too. Treat your ears to that folks. You won't be disappointed.
I still have memorabilia from being a member of the KISS Army from the 70s... I will always love the album Destroyer above all others, yet all their others are awesome. I think Destroyer, being my first KISS album I bought with my own money is what made it especially... special.
It’s a killer album.
Being from the Detroit area obviously this Detroit anthem was in heavy rotation on rock radio we loved it especially the air guitar solo we thought in was a worldview hit,lol. I never knew the story about the real meaning till today. Great episode professor. I have often wondered who are the people behind the scenes that help you make this fantastic channel, would love to see a hats off to them
Right on!
I'm from the U.P., and I thought it was a big hit, too!
After hearing the tragic backstory I couldn’t listen to it for a while until it was featured on Stranger Things last year. That guitar solo truly blazes.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I didn't know that backstory until today, it changes the song for me a bit now. Still a rocker!
@@MyName-pl7zn Yeah, it remains a classic song, but knowing the beginning actually happened just saddens me, especially because I’m learning how to drive.
Beth was probably my first favorite song for a long time. Comic book kid and I loved Kiss as a young kid probably for their theatrics. They were my first concert in 78. I was 8. I used to draw them and everything. Great concert as I vaguely remember 40+ years later. Great retrospective! Thanks Professor.
I think that one of the best song is "I love it Loud." It just rocks and came out at the right time in the 80s. But not many know about it anymore.
What a groove this song has
Detroit Rock City is both specific and epic. It's their masterpiece. My favorite KISS song by far. Just perfection.
Their magnum opus.
I was blown away by them in1978 and then again in 2019, just as great! Wonderful concerts!
That was extremely informative , well thought out and well delivered , I have been a member of the Kiss Army since the first record , and performance at The Daisy in Amityville Long Island , I thought I was well versed in Kisstory and I learned several new things from this clip . Thank You , Very Well Done .
Critics hate them. Really hate them. But their fans LOVE them
I'm a Casual kiss fan who mostly only enjoys the makeup free era but yeah kiss fans really love kiss... to a scary degree.
Yep.
The KISS ARMY!
The "live" version has so much more energy. One of my favorites.
Amazing job as always bud.
I’m 53 years old and I’ve been a Kiss fan since I was eight. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago I came across a song called “Sure Know Something.” I can not believe that I went decades without knowing this fantastic song. A pleasant surprise. Great show, by the way.
I became a Kiss fan when my older brother received Kiss Alive II for his birthday. The album cover was amazing and I was hooked ever since.
Destroyer was the first album I ever owned - followed quickly by Love Gun and Alive. I was 10 years old and KISS was scheduled to play at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. I was devastated when my dad refused to take me to that concert. Also, I think that the success of “Beth” laid the foundation for the often lamented “requirement” for a ballad by hard rock bands. Almost every 80s rock/metal band released a ballad.
That's a very interesting point. 🤔
same
My dad turned me into a KISS fan, even named me after one of their songs. And whenever you do a video on the band… I’m watching it.
So your name’s Beth? 🧐
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 real funny.
I named my daughter after Izzy Stradlin' and Axl Rose. Izabella Rose(Izzy)
@@ShandiNicole1982 Just saying…😏
Hey professor love your Smiths t-shirt in video. Super excited by your videos and I see over 800K followers. You will break into the million follower club. Thank you for this important and valuable channel. Young people really need to hear "GOOD MUSIC" for a change! Much love to you and family!! 😊😊😊😊
Adam, clever use of the International Destroyer cover. Bravo mate.
Destroyer. First Kiss record I bought. 6 years old. Bought from a store named Zayre in Fall River , Massachusetts.
Detroit Rock City. First time I ever heard the word uptight.
I pretended to be Ace every chance I got.
Great times.
Thanks, as always, for another fun post.
Lick it up, live in Detroit 1984. Man, that still gets me pumped.
I love crazy nights too.
That's when I first became aware of kiss as a kid.
It was their biggest ever single here in the uk thanks to us getting mtv a few weeks before crazy nights released. It obviously benefited kiss.
Yeah, what a band. I love kiss.
Good stuff. Thanks Randy!
First time we ever saw them without their makeup on.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I recently seen the big reveal on an old MTV video.
I obviously missed it as a kid as Europe didn't get mtv until 1987.
@@TheRetroManRandySavage Yes, only the American kids got the real magic.
I'd forgotten how bright the drums on this track were. It really brings an interesting contrast to the theme of the song.
My older brother loved kiss and i can thank him for my love of kiss that I've passed onto my sons. My brother saw them on their first tour of Australia , and as my tribute to him i took my 2 sons to see them for their last tour of Australia last year . Kiss were awesome that night but to see both my sons excitment and their faces when they hit the stage was a moment I'll never forget and I have to believe my big brother was looking down on us and smiling as well.
Yes, KISS ARMY MEMBER here. 😝 I was a Navy brat living in Sicily, Italy, and became a 10 year old KISS fan. They were huge. We'd go on field trips and a classmate named Stone (we used last names alot as military brats), who was called Stoner 😆, would bring his brig brother's huge boom box and we'd rock out the back of the bus. Good times.
The Detroit Rock City/Beth single is as close as KISS ever got to to the Beatles' legendary Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever single in terms of a single being a definitive and essential creation by a band.
Very true.
You are not wrong there.
Well, due to me not being a big KISS fan during my teens, this is the first time I've even heard of this song. What's funny, though, is Beth is one of my favorite ballads.
EPIC TUNE!! I was in the film Detroit Rock City!! It was too much fun!!