Paul Speaks

Hi! These questions just keep getting better. I hope you enjoy the answers as much as I have enjoyed the time you have put into these great questions. Now let's get going!

Asked By: dallek Paul, You wanted tougher questions... so here is mine: After Ace and Peter left the Band in the early 80's it seemed that KISS followed the "popular" trends rather than leading just to get back on top or receive airplay. When I watch the Animalize Live tape and the other 80's video's it reminds me of Motley Crue, Twisted Sister and Bon Jovi all rolled into one big hair band. Was this a deliberate decision?

Great question! The 80's were a time of transition and once again finding ourselves. In a sense we were the same band that started in the early 70's and yet we were a new entity. The challenges of the band were unique because the makeup identities were indelibly stamped in rock fans psyches. The ability to be unique when essentially looking like any other rock band is tough to say the least. You only have look at the current crop of rock bands to realize that this is not a new issue. From Elvis forward, most bands have at least appearance wise, been interchangeable. So your assessment of the 80's is pretty correct. That's why then, now, and always, it ultimately has to come down to the music. Fair enough?

Asked By: reno.d What was harder for you. Adapting to performing on stage without makeup for the fist time in 10 years, or adapting to performing again in makeup after 13 years without it?

Obviously the band in makeup kicks things up more than a couple of notches in terms of intensity and image. So putting the makeup, boots and everything else back on was like supercharging the engine. Still, I have to say the very first show without makeup didn't feel very strange for me until I looked at the other guys! Thanks for the question.

Asked By: robertdesroches What was the most difficult album to write songs for and why?

I've always believed that if you wait for inspiration, you may wait forever. Discipline will bring about productivity. Some albums are obviously harder to get started than others. Primarily, for me, based upon how much downtime there is between a tour and recording, the longer we wait the more it's like turning on the tap having to let all the rusty water run out before it's clear.

Asked By: SNEATHEN Hi Paul. I am somewhat confused on what is going on with KISS. I have ALWAYS been a loyal fan. I am disappointed in what you and Gene are doing though. I remember well when Gene said that the Farwell Tour was it, 'going out on top'. It wasn't about trying to get more money with ticket sales. I was so VERY excited when the original lineup came back for the reunion tour and it was AMAZING..MAGIC! You guys had another very BIG run! I thought the idea it ending was sad, but I understood your reasoning. Now it seems that that wasn't the case, that you and Gene have changed your minds. Yes it is true that people do change their minds, but it does seem that money is the issue here. Are you doing it for the money or for the fans?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Hope you wrote the same letter to Michael Jordan and a slew of others! Yes, as you said, people do change their minds and in this case that goes along with being a living, thinking person. What one says one day with total commitment may at another time turn out not to be so. Am I doing this for the money or the fans? BOTH; and let's not forget I'm doing this for me. That is the reason I originally started playing: Because I wanted to, and only I can decide ultimately when to stop. As you know (assuming that you have a job) it is great to have both the appreciation of those around you and to be compensated financially. Don't you agree?

Asked By: patrickbamburak If, for some reason, you were to lose all of your money and material possessions, what would be the things left in you and your life that would still make you a rich man? Thanks!

Despite what anyone else might say I believe riches come in all shapes and forms. The person whose needs are small, but has what he desires, is much richer than someone with a big bank account and inner-emptiness. Hope that's not too deep for you but you asked!

Despite what anyone else might say I believe riches come in all shapes and forms. The person whose needs are small, but has what he desires, is much richer than someone with a big bank account and inner-emptiness. Hope that's not too deep for you but you asked!

Asked By: Dogfu Do you think that "Alive 3" has the same classic quality of the first two live albums?

I don't think that ANY live album by us, or probably anyone else, could have the same "classic quality" of those first two live albums.

Asked By: MrTravel Paul, I remember in 1975 when I was 6 and seeing KISS coming down Mitchell St and also hearing some of the show in the school parking lot. The town was KISS crazy and even though I was very young I remember the excitement that KISS generated in that town that hasn't been duplicated. What are some of your memories from that visit to Cadillac? Chris

I remember seeing you on Mitchell Street too Chris! Just kidding! I probably did. The trip to Cadillac has been well documented, and as I have said in the past it's a great memory that few other bands will ever be able to experience. Thanks for the question Chris!

Asked By: JockoRocko Hi Paul! I was watching the "Kiss X-treme" video the other day, and I heard you say that it's fine if you like or hate Kiss, but if you're in the middle just f**k off (you didn't use those words but it was clearly the message. I think it's stupid to not care about the people in the middle. They buy Kiss records and come to concerts as well, and you would not be has big as you are if it wasn't for the guys in the middle! I could die for the chorus in Crazy Night or Heavens On Fire, but I don't dig so much the stuff from the 70s! I'm still a Kiss fan, I'm just located in the middle. I think you should appreciate us to!! Hope you will respond!! P.s. sorry about my bad English, I'm from Norway.

You speak better English than I do Norwegian, so just think about that! The point I was trying to make about "people in the middle" was not directed at you! I have to say that anyone who comes to our shows or buys our albums I don't believe is in the middle. To me "in the middle" means not caring enough one way or the other, which you certainly do! Say hi to everyone back home.

Asked By: Taupin What do you think is the biggest difference between audiences in Europe and in the states? And what do you think of the name Julia for my newborn daughter? Take care and thanks. The world wouldn't have been the same without you. Henrik

Thanks Henrik! I'm always amazed at the similarity in audiences worldwide. Music truly is the international language, and what we don't understand with our ears we understand with our hearts. That is why audiences around the world, with some varying degree, are so much alike. Julia is a great name, but more importantly what do you think! Take care and thanks!

Asked By: rock-n-rollgurl Hey! I wanted to say something... but I hope it won't offend you in any way it's not supposed to. I understand that you and Gene are two different people and have different opinions on some things. Well... when people talk to you, and (as I put it) try to snap your head off, you don't say anything. You don't treat them bad or anything. Why not? They deserve it. Gene on the other hand tells people straight out that he's not gonna take crap like that from them. How come you don't do the same thing??? Just Curious...

Interesting question! While I'm the last person to allow anyone to be either disrespectful or snap my head off, as you say, there are all kinds of ways to handle those situations and that's what makes for the differences between people. Also, quite honestly, judging by the poor spelling and grammar and the inability of some of those that you’re speaking of, it just isn't worth my time to respond to a moron. Thanks for a really interesting question.

Asked By: krushuk I've often heard you say that some of your favorite music came from some of the more obscure British bands. What were the names of the bands that you liked the most that I might not have heard of? You turned me on to The Nazz and The Move just by listening to your interviews. So who should I check out? Thanks for all the years of great music. Benny Bruce New Orleans, La.

An interesting old album to try and pick up is the first rock concept album. This one came out before "Tommy" and was called "S.F. Sorrow" by The Pretty Things. You might also want to check out The Hives as far as something from the new crop. Thanks Benny, hope you enjoy.

Asked By: demartini It is widely known that you considered production duties for Poison's second album. I recently read that you also did some work with Guns N Roses for their debut but obviously that didn't work out. These are two hugely successful records, would you speak candidly about your experience with both bands?

I was originally going to produce the second Poison album but, due to the longevity of its success (great for them!), the start of the album ultimately conflicted with a KISS tour. Poison were and are great guys and continue to make their fans very happy. What more can anyone ask? Guns N Roses had a short but great run, and I really have nothing candid that I would want to add.

Asked By: mrmojorisin For you and gene, as people who neither drink alcohol nor smoke, how was life in a band together with ace and peter, who lived the typical rock'n'roll life and were high (on whatever) for so many years? Ask myself, how you managed it to bear all the problems connected with that. Kinda frustrating?

Yes, I do not smoke I do however drink alcohol in great moderation. It is always frustrating, in any situation, to work with anyone whose great potential and capabilities are hampered and tainted by chemicals or alcohol. No matter how frustrating that may be to watch, ultimately it must be horrendous for the person with the problem. Unfortunately, those same substances hamper the ability for someone to take responsibility for their own mess and the destruction it causes.

Asked By: How did you get involved with The Ramones CD, who recorded the song and how does it sound?

Boy, you guys know everything! I frequently run into Johnny Ramone and about a month ago he told me about The Ramones tribute album and asked if we would participate. I can remember our club days and seeing Joey Ramone standing a head above everyone else! Having come after us, we certainly can't say we were influenced by them, but they were from New York and this seemed like a fun project. Gene, Eric and I recorded a track called "Rock N Roll Radio." We used a big saxophone section done by Scott Paige who tours with Pink Floyd and Derek Sherinian on piano, you may remember him from playing keys on the Revenge tour. Gene and I trade off vocals, and I have to say this is as cool and kick ass as it gets! It's a really cool track and I think you'll love it!