One of the advantages of starting to know Kiss in 1983 is that I didn't have any context. I just bought the albums without thinking "Oh, this isn't Kiss", or "Make a rock album again" etc. Every album was just a Kiss album. There wasn't a "then" to make me criticize the "now". God, my first Kiss record was Unmasked, an album that sells us a band which is not there. Ace and Paul on bass? Anton Fig on drums? I think I was not supposed to like it, but hey, the songs were awesome, and there was no internet to tell us who played what. Same with the Elder. I loved it because I didn't know I was supposed to hate it. Still love it.
Same here I got into KISS in 1996. My first album was also Unmasked! I picked it because of the comic book cover so figured it must be great. I then went straight to 'ALIVE!'.
Yep i was same in Alice Springs Australia, KISS toured down under & exploded whereupon i brought my very 1st album in my life Unmasked on cassette then every 2 weeks would buy another but on vinyl
When I was younger and bought or got KISS "records", I didn't read any of the info enclosed on the inserts or sleeves.So.I never knew until a LOT later into the bands history about all the replacement or fill in members,or any internal issues with the drugs and drinking in the band. The whole mystique of the make-up and costume era fizzled out for me after '83.But I still liked the band.And still do.
Thanks for posting. What makes Kiss unique with their music is that every album was different in its own way. Most likely from bringing in different producers/engineers.
In a rush to do a music video but I've been listening to this while getting ready and had to comment. Love hearing these old stories. This was great. Thanks!
Destroyer has the best drum sound on the original quartet's albums. The first three albums sound like finely tuned cardboard boxes in a dead room. I wish Eddie Kramer would have gotten the same drum sound for Love Gun as he did on Alive!
I hate when Paul and Gene won’t talk about the Elder, pretending it never existed. Don’t understand why they don’t appreciate it for what it was. Taken on its own as a record, it is a really good album. Yes, not a typical KISS record, but it shouldn’t be put down because it’s not a typical KISS record!
Kiss,is paint by the numbers. They're probably afraid that people would demand songs from it,and they would have to practice. But they always slam their old records.
When you don't understand why, read Paul's book (Bob Ezrin said the same). When they first introduced the album the guests looked like the audience at the theater when they heard "Springtime For Hitler". This reaction must have been traumatic for Paul. Do you really expect them to praise an album which their original fans hate?
I remember hearing the elder when it came out and really liking it and Paul's voice sounds great, Aces solo on dark light is awesome. Shame it wasn't a bit more coherent as a concept album but I still listen to it all the same. Even Ace says its a good record in hindsight, just came out at the wrong time, what people wanted to hear was an album like creatures.
Although Destroyer is now beloved by many and regarded as a classic, the album probably would have flopped if not for the inclusion of Beth and the song's success as a single. Detroit Rock City and Shout It out Loud received some airplay, but they were not huge hits at the time.
It was very good, but no Peter or Ace, not the same to me my friend!!! Sorry, love the original lineup and the early days!!! The first record ever which was titled Kiss, had Black Diomand which in my opinion was their best song ever, Cold gin, Strutter, and Deuce!!! Alive obviously was their biggest break through album by far!!! Peter was the only one they didn't have to edit or use any other bullshit electric garbage, all his was really live!!!
Destroyer is the Holy grail of music and art perfection that defined Kiss gtfo. Rock and Roll over is 2nd followed by Alive 1 I never knew it was up for debate, because on a whole there is nothing Kiss has better than these smoking 3 Fn albumz
Eddie Trunk tries to construct a lie 2:01. When a stranger asks Paul: "Are you happy with your records?" And Paul says: "Yeah. Why?". Until this day he maybe was happy. But Eddie Trunk has to find something to accuse Paul of a lie? Hallo? Does Eddie Trunk know better whether Paul was happy or not? It's simply impertinent.
Jack Douglas was already on his way up before Kiss even existed… he was on John lennons imagine (New York sessions) Usual Americans feeding their own shit.
“Destroyer” was an ok album... “Dressed to Kill” sounded so raw and good. It just sounded great. Even when I played it in my crappy turn table back in the day it sounded good... Then “Alive!” really broke them out... then along comes “Destroyer” - there are a few great tunes like “Detroit Rock City” “God of Thunder” and “Shout it Out Loud” but songs like “Sweet Pain” and “Great Expectations” are embarrassing... I think “Rock and Roll Over” saved them, personally...
I was so disappointed when I finally got round to listening to this album. It starts off great but much of the rest of the album is an over-produced slog.
When I first heard Destroyer I was uninterested with most of the album..I was used to their debut, Love gun, Alive 2 and even Unmasked albums and I totally pushed Destroyer away and never listened to it ..40 plus years later nothing has changed! I listen to the Elder more and Revenge is 1 of my favorite all time Kiss albums..
ive always read that ezrin was a whacked out prima donna and bully ....he sounds nothing like that here.... and he should get more recognition for helping the KINGS with "this beat goes on/ switchin to glide" ....it's a work of art !!
Well. He might have been, back in the day. My experience in general, is that people who are like that usually get good results sadly. I worked under a couple of people who blow up over minor stuff. Always on the verge of blowing a fuse. But they get results,and in the end. That's all the people at the top ever care about. So it could've been the same thing with him. He might've been all that,and more. But he got results,
At the beginning of 1976, Kiss was the heaviest band out there. But by the time Destroyer came out, they were cartoon already. Too much comic books and lunchboxes.
One of the advantages of starting to know Kiss in 1983 is that I didn't have any context. I just bought the albums without thinking "Oh, this isn't Kiss", or "Make a rock album again" etc. Every album was just a Kiss album. There wasn't a "then" to make me criticize the "now". God, my first Kiss record was Unmasked, an album that sells us a band which is not there. Ace and Paul on bass? Anton Fig on drums? I think I was not supposed to like it, but hey, the songs were awesome, and there was no internet to tell us who played what.
Same with the Elder. I loved it because I didn't know I was supposed to hate it. Still love it.
Same here I got into KISS in 1996. My first album was also Unmasked! I picked it because of the comic book cover so figured it must be great. I then went straight to 'ALIVE!'.
Yep i was same in Alice Springs Australia, KISS toured down under & exploded whereupon i brought my very 1st album in my life Unmasked on cassette then every 2 weeks would buy another but on vinyl
Same 86-87
Beautifully illustrated. Same.
When I was younger and bought or got KISS "records", I didn't read any of the info enclosed on the inserts or sleeves.So.I never knew until a LOT later into the bands history about all the replacement or fill in members,or any internal issues with the drugs and drinking in the band. The whole mystique of the make-up and costume era fizzled out for me after '83.But I still liked the band.And still do.
Thanks for posting. What makes Kiss unique with their music is that every album was different in its own way. Most likely from bringing in different producers/engineers.
Thanks for the upload, it is very cool to hear Bob talking about his time with Kiss.
In a rush to do a music video but I've been listening to this while getting ready and had to comment. Love hearing these old stories. This was great. Thanks!
Bob Ezrin is one of the greatest producers of all time and you can take that to the bank
You are definitely correct. Anybody who argues with you has not read their history.
Bob Ezrin is the best producer in the business I would love to work with him.
W😮W. The still photos of the group during the interview are incredible.
Destroyer has the best drum sound on the original quartet's albums. The first three albums sound like finely tuned cardboard boxes in a dead room. I wish Eddie Kramer would have gotten the same drum sound for Love Gun as he did on Alive!
The drum sound on "Cold Gin" and "Love Theme from Kiss" was great.
I have heard he used mono drum tracks instead of stereo. When they released Double Platinum the producers mentioned it.
I hate when Paul and Gene won’t talk about the Elder, pretending it never existed. Don’t understand why they don’t appreciate it for what it was. Taken on its own as a record, it is a really good album. Yes, not a typical KISS record, but it shouldn’t be put down because it’s not a typical KISS record!
Kiss,is paint by the numbers. They're probably afraid that people would demand songs from it,and they would have to practice. But they always slam their old records.
When you don't understand why, read Paul's book (Bob Ezrin said the same). When they first introduced the album the guests looked like the audience at the theater when they heard "Springtime For Hitler".
This reaction must have been traumatic for Paul.
Do you really expect them to praise an album which their original fans hate?
Because money rules those 2, and that coming from a diehard fan
There where several great songs on The Elder.
True. But it was ment as a soundtrack. Kiss just had to learn the hard way,that you don't release the soundtrack first,than make the movie.
I remember hearing the elder when it came out and really liking it and Paul's voice sounds great, Aces solo on dark light is awesome. Shame it wasn't a bit more coherent as a concept album but I still listen to it all the same. Even Ace says its a good record in hindsight, just came out at the wrong time, what people wanted to hear was an album like creatures.
Although Destroyer is now beloved by many and regarded as a classic, the album probably would have flopped if not for the inclusion of Beth and the song's success as a single. Detroit Rock City and Shout It out Loud received some airplay, but they were not huge hits at the time.
Revenge gave me my faith in Kiss again. Great album.
Revenge was my first kiss CD back in 94
It was very good, but no Peter or Ace, not the same to me my friend!!! Sorry, love the original lineup and the early days!!! The first record ever which was titled Kiss, had Black Diomand which in my opinion was their best song ever, Cold gin, Strutter, and Deuce!!! Alive obviously was their biggest break through album by far!!! Peter was the only one they didn't have to edit or use any other bullshit electric garbage, all his was really live!!!
Revenge definitely one of my favorite kiss albums
It was OK, no Peter or Ace though, no Kiss!!!@
Bob finally put down the coke spoon lol
Great albums!! (Specially The Elder) but I still stay with those first 3 and Alive I
Paul jealous of Peters leopard prints. 1:23
To me, Destroyer was KISSes Welcome to My Nightmare🎼🤘🏻
the Elder was great! nothing to cringe about.
“I am just a boy…”. OMG. It was embarrassing dude.
Agreed! The oath and dark light are great tracks
The one guy, Ace, who wasn't into doing The Elder, ends up doing the best, most memorable song on it, go figure.
Destroyer is the Holy grail of music and art perfection that defined Kiss gtfo. Rock and Roll over is 2nd followed by Alive 1 I never knew it was up for debate, because on a whole there is nothing Kiss has better than these smoking 3 Fn albumz
im the michael longman bob talks of
Eddie Trunk tries to construct a lie
2:01. When a stranger asks Paul:
"Are you happy with your records?"
And Paul says: "Yeah. Why?". Until this day he maybe was happy. But Eddie Trunk has to find something to accuse Paul of a lie? Hallo? Does Eddie Trunk know better whether Paul was happy or not? It's simply impertinent.
As a die hard Peter Criss fan and Ace, Paul and Gene are delusional greedy assholes and lies after lies!!!
How do you make a concept album with Kiss and not make it about Kiss?
Jack Douglas was already on his way up before Kiss even existed… he was on John lennons imagine (New York sessions)
Usual Americans feeding their own shit.
BOB EZRIN is da GOAT... check out my kiss podcast called KISS and TALE on UA-cam-Apple Podcast-Spotify-Deezer-iHeart Radio...Rock on LYONMAN
Aw come on, I wanted to know what they were going to do before they went to the phones the rest of the way.
“Destroyer” was an ok album... “Dressed to Kill” sounded so raw and good. It just sounded great. Even when I played it in my crappy turn table back in the day it sounded good... Then “Alive!” really broke them out... then along comes “Destroyer” - there are a few great tunes like “Detroit Rock City” “God of Thunder” and “Shout it Out Loud” but songs like “Sweet Pain” and “Great Expectations” are embarrassing... I think “Rock and Roll Over” saved them, personally...
I was so disappointed when I finally got round to listening to this album. It starts off great but much of the rest of the album is an over-produced slog.
I agree with you on Dressed to kill beign better than Destroyer
When I first heard Destroyer I was uninterested with most of the album..I was used to their debut, Love gun, Alive 2 and even Unmasked albums and I totally pushed Destroyer away and never listened to it ..40 plus years later nothing has changed! I listen to the Elder more and Revenge is 1 of my favorite all time Kiss albums..
Destroyer is a masterpiece to me it's so big sounding and a lot of variety-and I love dressed to kill too
1:40 That's not irony, Eddie Chump! That's nothing more than a coincidence.
KISS gimmick yes thay did it with fire make-up pyrotechnics AND bar chord stuff so....thay did something right hu???
ive always read that ezrin was a whacked out prima donna and bully ....he sounds nothing like that here.... and he should get more recognition for helping the KINGS with "this beat goes on/ switchin to glide" ....it's a work of art !!
I agree, Bob's arraignment for the King's song is imo a masterpiece.
Well. He might have been, back in the day. My experience in general, is that people who are like that usually get good results sadly. I worked under a couple of people who blow up over minor stuff. Always on the verge of blowing a fuse. But they get results,and in the end. That's all the people at the top ever care about. So it could've been the same thing with him. He might've been all that,and more. But he got results,
he is a sensitive man
He also compared Trunk to Wayne's World at one time.
The Elder is the best KISS album by far. None of the others even come close.
good album at very wrong time.
I like it a lot. It's not my favorite KISS album, but it's an album I enjoy listening to start to finish. I love the Elder era because of the mystery.
another great example of the famous ''YT Random Experts''
spiritual cramp Terrible album at any time.
Interesting interview revenge was there strongest album for sure
No talk about Psycho Circus? Interesting.
u made me research... Bruce Fairbairn produced "circus"....
That album is more of a marketing gimmick. Heh, Kiss is back with the makeup and the original line up etc.....
Yep, Revenge...........where it was an album too little too late........they were so irrelevant by then....sad
Only Trunk would school one of the world’s preeminent producers on how to operate a mic.
Don’t forget that Eddie invented the microphone along with the leather jacket and radio
At the beginning of 1976, Kiss was the heaviest band out there. But by the time Destroyer came out, they were cartoon already. Too much comic books and lunchboxes.
so you feel shame
the elder was yes awesome and cringe worthy but we wouldn't have it any other way thats kiss allover
Gosh...cant stand Eddie Trunk!!!!
Destroyer sux !!!
the most over rated band of ALL TIME
You dont last 50 years and constantly sell out shows if your over rated.
U2 is overrated!
Stevie Ray Vaughn is one of the most overrated guitarist of ALL time. A 2nd rate Jimi Hendrix wanna-be
No, that would be your failed band.
No. That would be Queen. Or U2.