Podcast Summary: The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers – Episode 159: Kiss – Alive! with Paul Stanley

Introduction

In Episode 159 of The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers, host Josh Adam Meyers welcomes Paul Stanley, the rhythm guitarist and vocalist of the legendary rock band Kiss. This episode delves deep into Kiss’s iconic live album Alive!, exploring its creation, impact, and enduring legacy within the rock music landscape.

Journey to Alive!

Josh begins by tracing the origins of Kiss, highlighting Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons's transition from their early band, Wicked Lester, to forming Kiss. Paul shares insights into the challenges they faced, including the unreleased Wicked Lester album and the financial struggles that led to the creation of Alive!. He states, “We were in tremendous debt... once we started to become successful” (20:07).

Creating Alive!: A Sonic Experience

The discussion shifts to the conception of Alive!, emphasizing its role in capturing the raw energy of Kiss’s live performances. Paul explains, “We wanted to create a sonic souvenir... an immersive experience” (25:19). This approach was groundbreaking, aiming to transport listeners directly into the concert atmosphere. Paul reflects on the meticulous effort to ensure authenticity, noting, “It is as honest and accurate a sonic depiction of those shows” (26:32).

Stagecraft and Visual Identity

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Kiss’s distinctive stage presence and visual aesthetics. Paul details the evolution of their look, from initially experimenting with an androgynous style inspired by the New York Dolls to adopting the now-iconic black and white makeup and leather outfits. He recounts, “We looked like linebackers in drag... and then leather” (13:51). This transformation was pivotal in establishing Kiss’s unique identity, setting them apart in the rock scene.

Collaboration and Band Dynamics

Josh and Paul explore the collaborative dynamics within Kiss, particularly the songwriting partnership between Paul and Gene. Paul clarifies, “Gene and I worked on each other's songs and didn't necessarily give each other credit” (34:43), dispelling misconceptions of a Lennon-McCartney-like partnership. They discuss specific tracks like “Strutter” and “Deuce”, highlighting their creative process and mutual influence.

Legacy of Alive! and Influence on Rock Music

Alive! is celebrated not just as a live album but as a catalyst that propelled Kiss into mainstream success. Paul acknowledges its historical significance, stating, “Kiss Alive is Kiss Alive is the statement. It's just... a sonic representation of the experience” (78:30). The album’s success paved the way for other bands to release live albums that captured the essence of their performances, influencing artists like Peter Frampton and Cheap Trick.

Fan Engagement and the KISS Army

The conversation underscores Kiss’s unwavering commitment to their fanbase, the KISS Army. Paul shares the story of the KISS Army’s origin, detailing how passionate fans “surrounded the building” to ensure Kiss’s music was played on the radio (73:07). He emphasizes the importance of fan interactions, stating, “There’s a tribal gathering with music and entertainment” (73:07), highlighting events like the upcoming KISS Army Storms Vegas for their 50th anniversary.

Family and Future Generations

Discussing legacy beyond the music, Paul expresses immense pride in his children’s musical endeavors. He talks about his sons, Evan and Nick, collaborating on a new project, “Stanley Simmons”, and their organic chemistry as musicians. Paul remarks, “What they've created is organic. It can't be manipulated” (56:09), underscoring the continuation of the Kiss legacy through the next generation.

Stage Presence and Iconic Performances

Paul delves into the theatrical elements of Kiss’s performances, such as pyrotechnics and choreographed moves. He explains the strategic placement of songs within concerts to build climaxes, using “Black Diamond” as a prime example. Paul shares, “Our shows have always tended to be not scripted, but planned for arcs... building to climaxes” (64:52), illustrating the deliberate pacing that defines their live shows.

Closing Reflections

As the episode wraps up, Paul reflects on Kiss’s enduring appeal and the authenticity of their music. When asked about favorite songs on Alive!, Paul emphasizes the album’s collective impact over individual tracks: “Kiss Alive is... the magnitude of it” (78:27). He passionately advocates for experiencing the album as a whole, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of rock history.

Notable Quotes

• Paul Stanley (20:07): “We were in tremendous debt... once we started to become successful.”
• Paul Stanley (25:19): “We wanted to create a sonic souvenir... an immersive experience.”
• Paul Stanley (13:51): “We looked like linebackers in drag... and then leather.”
• Paul Stanley (34:43): “Gene and I worked on each other's songs and didn't necessarily give each other credit.”
• Paul Stanley (78:27): “Kiss Alive is... the magnitude of it.”

Conclusion

Episode 159 offers an in-depth exploration of Kiss’s live album Alive! through the eyes of Paul Stanley. From the band’s formative challenges to their strategic creative decisions, the episode highlights the elements that solidified Kiss’s place in rock history. Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how Alive! not only captured the essence of Kiss’s live performances but also influenced the broader landscape of rock music.

Timestamps

• [20:07] Paul Stanley discusses the band's financial struggles.
• [25:19] Paul Stanley explains the creation of Alive!.
• [13:51] Paul Stanley describes the evolution of Kiss’s visual style.
• [34:43] Paul Stanley talks about the songwriting partnership with Gene Simmons.
• [78:27] Paul Stanley shares his thoughts on the collective impact of Alive!.