Do we need a KISS 2.0?

Four-Who-Are-One · Post by **Four-Who-Are-One** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 4:37 pm

Gene has indicated that he's open to a new generation taking over the KISS mantle when he and Paul finally hang up their platform boots. But is it a good idea? And who should don the facepaint?

metaldad · Post by **metaldad** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 4:39 pm

Outside of a $ 5 cover charge at the local fair
That band won't see one fucking penny from me

Buffalo Wing · Post by **Buffalo Wing** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 4:45 pm

Fuck, no.

Post by **RisingForce** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 4:49 pm

No. When it's over, it will be alright. The world will go on. There doesn't have to be a unit of four people hopping on the stage doing the KISS show for the world to keep turning. When it's done, let it be done.

To dilute things to that level and prove that the artists don't matter just as long as someone.......anyone is willing to go on stage in those personas would just cheapen everything and bring it to ridiculous depths even beyond where they are now. Why cheapen what they've done by just continuing on with a full group of people who had nothing to do with what made the band what they are? When it's over, just celebrate all that they've done........but for fans to desperately hang on and accept that the whole band is just interchangeable characters that can be played by anyone is just sad.

67321 · Post by **67321** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 4:51 pm

No, just no. And, I don't like Nick or Evan (especially that Nick). I'd rather have Monique, Jennilee & Sophie dawn the Grease-Paint and find a super hot lady starchild.

Four-Who-Are-One · Post by **Four-Who-Are-One** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 4:55 pm

67321 wrote:No, just no. And, I don't like Nick or Evan (especially that Nick). I'd rather have Monique, Jennilee & Sophie dawn the Grease-Paint and find a super hot lady starchild.

KISS GIRLSS... now you're talking!!

(Or KISS The GIRLSS!)

A female incarnation might get by on sheer novelty value.

His Majesty · Post by **His Majesty** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 5:25 pm

67321 wrote:No, just no. And, I don't like Nick or Evan (especially that Nick). I'd rather have Monique, Jennilee & Sophie dawn the Grease-Paint and find a super hot lady starchild.

This is brilliant, which is precisely why it won't happen...

atowntommy · Post by **atowntommy** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 5:31 pm

At one point, I was okay with Kiss 2.0. Then I realized, there would still be the tributes bands. So why does a sanctioned version get some sort of unearned credibility?

LoveGun77 · Post by **LoveGun77** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 5:35 pm

metaldad wrote:Outside of a $ 5 cover charge at the local fair
That band won't see one fucking penny from me

Same here....the idea to me is just ridiculous,outside of a small deal like you said.

What cracks me up the most is people thinking this will be a huge success,touring the country playing arenas. Won't happen.

PsychoElder · Post by **PsychoElder** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 6:08 pm

No, Just No. Ridiculous idea.

Post by **Julien** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 6:11 pm

No. Let it go.

So Cruel · Post by **So Cruel** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 6:20 pm

Nope. KISS is done once Paul & Gene call it a day. If they went ahead with 2.0 they'd quickly shut it down once the losses started piling up.

KISS 1.0 is now playing casino's in North America. Where would 2.0 play, the local bar?

Rockandrolloverman · Post by **Rockandrolloverman** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 6:51 pm

I think if it were to have a chance to find an audience and succeed, it would have to be a revitalized refreshed take on the overall Kiss concept

new in many ways to bring new life and generate new interest inxtesf of merely rehashing at imitating the past and present kiss

Reinvigorate and gave them new life to the brilliant concept; that of four unique personnas with hidden identities, playing larger than life characters in a theatrical live concert setting, while playing a unique style of FRESH, NEW hard rock music

I don't even think it should have the same for characters, but feature for new characters that were based upon and born out of the existing characters, to take the entire thing to a new level

Kiss as we know it has been done- for 40 years in fact

Do something new and fresh and exciting with the unique kiss qualities that no one else has. With modern concert technology they have the potential to take the live fantasy based show two incredible heights never before done by the current group

LordThurisaz · Post by **LordThurisaz** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 7:05 pm

No, but I'm definitely interested to see it happen. Why? Because I want it to end up like an AC/DC song and "go down in flames."

Look!ItsRock&Roll! · Post by **Look!ItsRock&Roll!** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 7:09 pm

No, but I think they'll probably give it a try, one way or another. Once it doesn't make tge amount of money they'd like, then they'll call it a day. I don't mind going to see a KISS tribute band, but I wont pay top dollar to see one. I think they should just call it a day.

Xcarnation · Post by **Xcarnation** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 8:22 pm

No not for us !
But for people who doesnt know Kiss and wanna see a Vegas type Show might enjoy it..
not us ! never !

Gene & Paul already abandoned real Kiss fans years ago so I think they don't give a shit about the Kiss Army anymore
and trying to leech normal folks with a fency rock n roll show.. its already a vegas type organization.

Mr Slow · Post by **Mr Slow** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 8:42 pm

Do we need it? Of course not. But is there some merit to it? Absolutely!

Four-Who-Are-One · Post by **Four-Who-Are-One** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 8:55 pm

So Cruel wrote:KISS 1.0 is now playing casino's in North America.

Dontcha mean KISS 1.8?

Planet Caravan · Post by **Planet Caravan** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 9:03 pm

depends what "KISS 2.0" is.

If its an attempt to actually continue the band known as KISS, then no.

But it its an official tribute show with high production values, which tours the world playing theatres, giving people a taste of the 'kiss experience" then yeah sure why not. Such a venture would be more than viable IMO.

Buffalo Wing · Post by **Buffalo Wing** » Wed Jun 14, 2017 9:07 pm

Mr Slow wrote:Do we need it? Of course not. But is there some merit to it? Absolutely!

What would be merit to you?

Miow · Post by **Miow** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 2:39 am

Planet Caravan wrote:depends what "KISS 2.0" is.

If its an attempt to actually continue the band known as KISS, then no.

But it its an official tribute show with high production values, which tours the world playing theatres, giving people a taste of the 'kiss experience" then yeah sure why not. Such a venture would be more than viable IMO.

This is what I always imagine KISS 2.0 to be. Hopefully anyway!

FanbAce1978 · Post by **FanbAce1978** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 3:27 am

Need? No way.
Want? Maybe.
I must admit it would be kind of a unique concept and it definitely would be in line with the current Thommy/Eric makeup 'situation'. If Gene and Paul would replace themselves and KISS continues with the same characters, that would proof the current arguements used are honest. Which I doubt btw.

peopleselbow · Post by **peopleselbow** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 4:10 am

I voted no but I must say that Foreigner 2.0 is doing OK. I am sure they will draw well on this latest tour. Many of their shows feature NO original members of Foreigner.

Post by **elleneff** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 5:45 am

They'll go on in a similar fashion to Queens or Rock of ages.

Post by **elleneff** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 5:49 am

They'll go on in a similar fashion to Queens we will rock you or Rock of ages.
Broadway and or west end, stage musical,
Young stage performers , all Kiss best know tracks in there with a story about 4 desperate to make it kids.
Then afterwards why not go for a Rock n Brews and load up on some Kiss merch?
G & P have full control. The usual business MO, they'll pitch the idea, get an up front payment
Someone else will bankroll it.
G & P turn up to sell it and do PR.

Tommy may have stage manager role etc or do the programmes.

pete1699 · Post by **pete1699** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 6:32 am

atowntommy wrote:At one point, I was okay with Kiss 2.0. Then I realized, there would still be the tributes bands. So why does a sanctioned version get some sort of unearned credibility?

Great point.
Yes, I think that's what they're going for.
Just like they noticed there were unofficial Kiss conventions and then they decided to do their own. They're going to try to give us an official tribute band that will have the copyright permission to call itself Kiss instead of a tribute band name.

battra · Post by **battra** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 6:33 am

Instead of all of a sudden, Kiss going from G&P + Tribute Players like it is now to Gene + Tribute Players to Just Tribute Players...

I bet that would gain traction.

Post by **elleneff** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 6:36 am

If they were smart they could do a Four Tops or Drifters thing.
2 official versions of Kiss out there touring.
Paul and tribute players
Gene and Tribute players
Double the KISS, double the takings at smaller theatres.
Ace may as well jump in too with his version.

Eddie Van Hazel · Post by **Eddie Van Hazel** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 8:28 am

No...."Klassic 78" is all the KISS 2.0 I need.

carlos · Post by **carlos** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 8:40 am

I would be interested in seeing who they pick, but it could be very bad. With the band's track record of missing the boat I have little reason to believe that they would do this right. So I voted "No". But there is potential for it to be great, I just doubt it would be anything but embarrassing.

sugardaddy · Post by **sugardaddy** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 9:01 am

KISS 2.0 would be an ultra-failure. KISS 1.0 should pack it in.

redinthesky · Post by **redinthesky** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 9:10 am

The band right now is "Kiss 2.0," two originals and two actors re-creating 70's Kiss of Gene, Paul, Ace and Peter.

There will never, ever be a "Kiss" without any original members. At very best, maybe something like some kind of small Vegas tribute show. But that would run on the same juice as today's Kiss tribute show - people will go for the show (which would not compare to "real" Kiss), and not the music.

His Majesty · Post by **His Majesty** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 9:11 am

You know damn well that if they did an American Idol/find the New KISS 2.0 sort of show, we would all watch. Then we would all laugh and come on here to endlessly rant about it.

Sounds kinda fun, actually.

Erwin · Post by **Erwin** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 9:26 am

Not for me, not without G&P.

Of course, if it happens (Which I don't believe it will) I'll keep tabs on what it's like.

battra · Post by **battra** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 9:26 am

redinthesky wrote:The band right now is "Kiss 2.0," two originals and two actors re-creating 70's Kiss of Gene, Paul, Ace and Peter.

There will never, ever be a "Kiss" without any original members. At very best, maybe something like some kind of small Vegas tribute show. But that would run on the same juice as today's Kiss tribute show - people will go for the show (which would not compare to "real" Kiss), and not the music.

Really it's Kiss Mark 7...but I'm just being nitpicky.

Post by **DonkeyKong** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 9:43 am

67321 wrote:No, just no. And, I don't like Nick or Evan (especially that Nick). I'd rather have Monique, Jennilee & Sophie dawn the Grease-Paint and find a super hot lady starchild.

Now we´re talking

jannep17 · Post by **jannep17** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 10:58 am

Oh no, we do not.

His Majesty · Post by **His Majesty** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 11:19 am

Their first album should be called...Oh, you know this is the perfect title...Scabs With No Integrity.

Book it.

ado2002 · Post by **ado2002** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 11:53 am

I think kiss is so fucking horrible these days that i strongly think that kiss 2.0 will be feeling like a liberation!

If these guys can perfect a 1977 kiss show with a jumping Gene acting like a real demon. A running Stanley. Ace done perfectly en a fit peter criss. Give these guys million dollar show. 1977 stage!! Man would i be enjoying this!!

The kiss of the last 17 years would be forgotten in a heartbeat. Bring on KISS 2.0 and lets celebrate KISS.

...and for those who miss GENE or PAUL; im sure one or both will be touring along selling guitars and meet n greets. Lol

JohnBergless · Post by **JohnBergless** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 11:57 am

Every time this comes up, I interject my Blue Man Group theory. So here goes:

Who here has - fairly recently - been to a BMG show in Las Vegas or Orlando? Maybe on one of thier tours? Fun as hell; especially for the first-timers. The 3 guys onstage look like the pictures you've seen in magazines, TV commercials, etc. Just like them!! The paint drum playing, catching marshmallows in thier mouth, and that cool-ass PVC pipe drum sound they're reknowned for. Bright lights, lasers and other technical "tricks" and jokes and gags keep people entertained, don't they?

Not one of those guys are the original band. And there's a cast of about 15 other "Blue Men" situated backstage around the country at these shows, and there's more in training.
People know the routine, know the gig - but they enjoy it for entertainment. Not one single original band member, but you still get the original idea.

Dr Like · Post by **Dr Like** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 1:16 pm

Four-Who-Are-One · Post by **Four-Who-Are-One** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 3:49 pm

JohnBergless wrote:Every time this comes up, I interject my Blue Man Group theory. So here goes:

Who here has - fairly recently - been to a BMG show in Las Vegas or Orlando? Maybe on one of thier tours? Fun as hell; especially for the first-timers. The 3 guys onstage look like the pictures you've seen in magazines, TV commercials, etc. Just like them!! The paint drum playing, catching marshmallows in thier mouth, and that cool-ass PVC pipe drum sound they're reknowned for. Bright lights, lasers and other technical "tricks" and jokes and gags keep people entertained, don't they?

Not one of those guys are the original band. And there's a cast of about 15 other "Blue Men" situated backstage around the country at these shows, and there's more in training.
People know the routine, know the gig - but they enjoy it for entertainment. Not one single original band member, but you still get the original idea.

True, and maybe this forum is the wrong place to be asking, cos a KISS reboot would never appeal to the "true fans". But for those who are just there for the spectacle, they probably won't even notice.

Same with The Wiggles, kids don't care who's wearing the skivvies so long as the colours stay the same.

jonnybgoode82 · Post by **jonnybgoode82** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 4:05 pm

I think it happens eventually.

KISS call it a day but maybe 18 months later Gene (especially) and Paul say the band carries on and they will handpick people to continue as them with Tommy and Eric continuing on for now.

Paul picks Adam Lambert and Gene picks his son Nick.

Crimson Harpoon · Post by **Crimson Harpoon** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 4:08 pm

Not caring who's in the band is kinda like being a fan of a sports team. When one players leaves, retires, gets traded, etc, he is replaced, the game goes on and the fans stay fans. That's because people are not fans of the actual team, but are fans of the colors, the city or a number of other things. You can have a great team that has won back to back championships, then with some personnel changes finds itself in last place. That's because it's NOT the same team, it's just a bunch of guys wearing the same uniforms. I'm a fan of a band because of who it's made up of and the music any particular lineup may be responsible for. Sorry, but the reality is that the only true KISS is the original KISS. Once one person left it was no longer the same band. Yeah, it kept the name and the look, but the dynamic of the band changed and so did the music. That happened simply because it was NOT the same band anymore. I've continued to like the band that calls themselves KISS because I've found something to like with each successive lineup. That however does not make it the same band and I know that. KISS 2.0 will not be KISS. If I like that band (if it ever comes to be), then fine, but it'll be KISS in name only just as every iteration since Peter Criss originally departed has.

Maybe all that really counts with some KISS fans is the look?

I'm not one of them.

Mr Slow · Post by **Mr Slow** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 4:20 pm

Crimson Harpoon wrote:Not caring who's in the band is kinda like being a fan of a sports team. When one players leaves, retires, gets traded, etc, he is replaced, the game goes on and the fans stay fans. That's because people are not fans of the actual team, but are fans of the colors, the city or a number of other things. You can have a great team that has won back to back championships, then with some personnel changes finds itself in last place. That's because it's NOT the same team, it's just a bunch of guys wearing the same uniforms. I'm a fan of a band because of who it's made up of and the music any particular lineup may be responsible for. Sorry, but the reality is that the only true KISS is the original KISS. Once one person left it was no longer the same band. Yeah, it kept the name and the look, but the dynamic of the band changed and so did the music. That happened simply because it was NOT the same band anymore. I've continued to like the band that calls themselves KISS because I've found something to like with each successive lineup. That however does not make it the same band and I know that. KISS 2.0 will not be KISS. If I like that band (if it ever comes to be), then fine, but it'll be KISS in name only just as every iteration since Peter Criss originally departed has. Maybe all that really counts with KISS is the look?

That's what works for you and me, but as we've all discussed ad nauseum, a vast majority of today's audience at a KISS show goes for the entertainment. Sure there are still us diehards that care who is (or isn't) in KISS but we are the minority. It's largely the concept that sells these days. So why wouldn't a band of young, energetic, talented guys in full makeup and costume have at least some of the appeal of the current band? If they can get away with dressing up the tour manager/DVD editor and putting him onstage (as so many of you like to point out) and still pull an audience then doesn't that mean they could replace all 4 and do ok?

mamado · Post by **mamado** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 4:28 pm

No. I don't need it.

Crimson Harpoon · Post by **Crimson Harpoon** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 4:28 pm

Mr Slow wrote:
Crimson Harpoon wrote:Not caring who's in the band is kinda like being a fan of a sports team. When one player leaves, retires, gets traded, etc, he is replaced, the game goes on and the fans stay fans. That's because people are not fans of the actual team, but are fans of the colors, the city or a number of other things. You can have a great team that has won back to back championships, then with some personnel changes finds itself in last place. That's because it's NOT the same team, it's just a bunch of guys wearing the same uniforms. I'm a fan of a band because of who it's made up of and the music any particular lineup may be responsible for. Sorry, but the reality is that the only true KISS is the original KISS. Once one person left it was no longer the same band. Yeah, it kept the name and the look, but the dynamic of the band changed and so did the music. That happened simply because it was NOT the same band anymore. I've continued to like the band that calls themselves KISS because I've found something to like with each successive lineup. That however does not make it the same band and I know that. KISS 2.0 will not be KISS. If I like that band (if it ever comes to be), then fine, but it'll be KISS in name only just as every iteration since Peter Criss originally departed has. Maybe all that really counts with KISS is the look?
That's what works for you and me, but as we've all discussed ad nauseum, a vast majority of today's audience at a KISS show goes for the entertainment. Sure there are still us diehards that care who is (or isn't) in KISS but we are the minority. It's largely the concept that sells these days. So why wouldn't a band of young, energetic, talented guys in full makeup and costume have at least some of the appeal of the current band? If they can get away with dressing up the tour manager/DVD editor and putting him onstage (as so many of you like to point out) and still pull an audience then doesn't that mean they could replace all 4 and do ok?

Oh, I agree with you. It could be done. That's what I find ESPECIALLY sad.

Mr Slow · Post by **Mr Slow** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 4:42 pm

Crimson Harpoon wrote:
Mr Slow wrote:
Crimson Harpoon wrote:Not caring who's in the band is kinda like being a fan of a sports team. When one player leaves, retires, gets traded, etc, he is replaced, the game goes on and the fans stay fans. That's because people are not fans of the actual team, but are fans of the colors, the city or a number of other things. You can have a great team that has won back to back championships, then with some personnel changes finds itself in last place. That's because it's NOT the same team, it's just a bunch of guys wearing the same uniforms. I'm a fan of a band because of who it's made up of and the music any particular lineup may be responsible for. Sorry, but the reality is that the only true KISS is the original KISS. Once one person left it was no longer the same band. Yeah, it kept the name and the look, but the dynamic of the band changed and so did the music. That happened simply because it was NOT the same band anymore. I've continued to like the band that calls themselves KISS because I've found something to like with each successive lineup. That however does not make it the same band and I know that. KISS 2.0 will not be KISS. If I like that band (if it ever comes to be), then fine, but it'll be KISS in name only just as every iteration since Peter Criss originally departed has. Maybe all that really counts with KISS is the look?
That's what works for you and me, but as we've all discussed ad nauseum, a vast majority of today's audience at a KISS show goes for the entertainment. Sure there are still us diehards that care who is (or isn't) in KISS but we are the minority. It's largely the concept that sells these days. So why wouldn't a band of young, energetic, talented guys in full makeup and costume have at least some of the appeal of the current band? If they can get away with dressing up the tour manager/DVD editor and putting him onstage (as so many of you like to point out) and still pull an audience then doesn't that mean they could replace all 4 and do ok?
Oh, I agree with you. It could be done. That's what I find ESPECIALLY sad.

Yep, what we think as lifelong fans really doesn't mean much unfortunately. My point of view is that if it happens I'll take a look and see what I think. I could never be as invested as I am in what I view as real KISS (everything up until now) but that doesn't mean I can't get some level of enjoyment out of it.

The unknown in all of this is how the public perceives it. Done well and the transition could be somewhat seamless. But handled poorly and it could become a complete joke that fizzles out to nothing. Either way, it will be fascinating to watch it all unfold.

Vandelay Industries · Post by **Vandelay Industries** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 8:22 pm

If a group of four individuals wrote great songs, why the hell would they want to burn that material by playing in a band with a limited ceiling at best?

"But, Paul and Gene could write the songs"....yeah, that's been working out awesomely for the last two decades, lol

Sorry, but if you could support a Kiss 2.0 with a straight face, then it's intervention time for you...

Rockandrolloverman · Post by **Rockandrolloverman** » Thu Jun 15, 2017 8:54 pm

If they put this together to be a mere reproduction of the current kiss, I see no point in it, and very little demand for it after a year or two and the new wears off (But if they were immitation/reproduction of the current band, there would be no new to it)

There is a sizable, untapped rock audience out there, and if this was done correctly,refreshed and reworked from the ground up , and made very interesting and fresh, being an entirely new band -but with it all being ,"based upon," the kiss concept

this angle could be incredibly cool with may have potential

But the new members that they hire would have to have some certain level of control as for a songwriting, live production and marketing.... it couldn't last if it were 4 talented guys that are mere puppets to Gene and Paul ; if that were the case they would not stay around

But for it to be interesting and have a shot at acontinuation,/ a future, with potential success, and if it were to to stay together for in a considerable length of time to try snd build an audience , the new members would -have to have- quite a bit of control over it and not be mere puppets that are told exactly what to do by Gene and Paul

So as I see it, to give it a chance to succeed, it can't be "kiss". It has to be a new vision of the kiss concept, revitalized and reworked for an entirely new era and largely, a new audience

Should there be a KISS 2.0?