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I am sad.
Why, you ask?
Are my stocks down?
Is my car kaput?
Has the "I Love You" virus screwed up my e-mail?
No, I am heartbroken because my favorite band is on its "farewell" tour.
You see, I am a KISS fan -- and damn proud of it.
I can hear the snickers now: the snide remarks about the makeup, platform boots, and big hair are something I've heard since I was six and bought a copy of "KISS Alive" when I was in first grade (I saved up my money from little chores assigned by my mom).
Other little girls liked David Cassidy and Peter Frampton...Gene Simmons was more my style.
I love KISS because they sing simple (but not stupid), catchy songs about feeling good, standing up for what you believe in and not putting up with any crap. Isn't that what rock 'n' roll is all about? I'm not the type who wants to hear protest songs, 15-minute extended guitar solos or Yes-like progressive rock. And judging by KISS' record sales (nearly 100 million worldwide), many others agree with me.
I am sad that Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss are hanging it up because they are true rock gods, and there aren't many of those left. You've got pretenders like Fred Durst, Kid Rock and Billy Corgan, all of whom I enjoy, but they are just trying too hard. They've perfected their poses and their messages, but I wonder if they actually feel it?
Do you think that any current MTV darlings would go on with a concert if they got a nasty electrical shock on stage like Frehley once did? Or if they accidentally set themselves on fire like Simmons? Naaah. This new crop of wonder boys is just too sensitive.
I always liked KISS because they proudly admit that they aren't a message band. You won't hear them sing about saving the rainforests or the moral implications of totalitarianism. The one time KISS took a stab at a concept album was 1981's "Music From The Elder," and it nearly led to the band's demise.
What I love most about KISS is that they taught fans to dream and to dream big. From their humble beginnings as immigrants and the children of immigrants in New York City, these four epitomized the American Dream: work hard and believe in yourself.
Yes, indeed, KISS is an American band, and I shall miss them very much.
Copyright 2000 by ThePittsburghChannel. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
