Talent search to find FOUR new members of KISS coming...

[MIB41]

Personally I think KISS will retire their act to a Vegas house where they take up permanent residency. They are doing a temporary residency this Fall, so that's strong evidence they are testing the waters to see if there's a market for that. If it works out, they could take on a permanent residency and have a salaried set of performers play there as part of the Vegas attraction. And when Paul and Gene are feeling it, they could hold special meet & greet events for themselves before the show, so they are still getting a taste of the glory and attention.

Because this I know - Paul & Gene might retire their roles on stage, but not the money they collect from the license. And no one will tour the country and work their tails off while Gene and Paul collect the lions share of the profits. So a permanent Vegas venue is the only thing that makes sense. That would keep the show going, but KISS as a working band would cease to exist. And believe me, Paul and Gene won't promote it like that, but that's what it will become. Musicians would certainly love a stationary gig like that where they get to dress up. Plus the stages could be changed to different eras from year to year to promote new shows. And through all that, players could come in and out of each character role and no one would care, because it would now be just a Vegas show. That's what I truly believe will happen.

[madmarva]

^it sounds like a solid idea, but I'm not sure of the demand. Could it be sustained like Elvis or Sinatra? As big as Kiss was, they were never that big. But it is spectacle and that works in Vegas. I say more power to them.

I haven't seen the live since the Love Gun tour, which was like 1980 or 81. They are playing in Tulsa with Def Leppard in August. I might have to go see them.

[MIB41]

^it sounds like a solid idea, but I'm not sure of the demand. Could it be sustained like Elvis or Sinatra? As big as Kiss was, they were never that big. But it is spectacle and that works in Vegas. I say more power to them.

I haven't seen the live since the Love Gun tour, which was like 1980 or 81. They are playing in Tulsa with Def Leppard in August. I might have to go see them.

My first concert was the Love Gun tour, but that was 1977. 1980 was Unmasked and '81 was the infamous Elder release in which they did no touring. It's scary, if not sad, that I have those years so crisp and clear in my head. But I was (and still am) a pretty hardcore fan. It's been an interesting ride. I've never seen another band out there like them. Their reunion tour was fun, but they've never felt like the old KISS since putting the grease paint back on, even with Ace and Peter. There were characters to that stage performance and they forgot about that when they reunited. It's basically just been their 80's personalities with the costumes. But I guess that's the evolution of it.

[madmarva]

Wow, my years are off. I saw them in the Love Gun costumes in Memphis. It seems like it was in December or maybe I'm melding memories. I'm pretty sure it was after Alive II and the solo albums were released because those were the last albums of theirs that i had until picking a best of CD after the reunion with Criss and Frehley.

[EmergencyIan]

I was not able to see them in the 70's. I was born in '74 and was a bit too young.

However, when the 4 reunited in 1996, I saw them that summer. I actually had side of this stage seats (Gene's side) and it was awesome. Then, I saw them again in 1999 (original 4 still). They were as good the second time around, but it was still a really great show.

- Ian

[Dark Shadow]

I don't believe this story is anything more than Trunk attempting to draw attention unto himself now that his RARHOF drama is dead and buried. Stoking the passions of KISS fans seems to be his reason for living (closely followed by the sadistic pleasure he appears to reap while scouring salt into the wounds of former members).

As for KISS...they looked pretty Alive! and well to me. Saw them at the LA Forum three nights ago and the place was packed. The arena was about 60-65% full while Def Leppard performed, and completely packed when KISS hit the stage.

Six nights ago, I saw them at Irvine Meadows Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, pretty much the same story. Had a great time at both venues. So far, the shows on this tour seem to be doing quite well.


So while the end is inevitable...it isn't here just yet.


KISS residency in Vegas: what we know (off the record) is that it will be a temporary stay sometime this Fall. I wouldn't be surprised if it turned into a long-term stint, but I do not think Paul & Gene are giving up their spotlights anytime real soon.

Two years (minimum) is my bet before they completely retire...and I believe we will see at least one more tour after the upcoming (but still secret...sssshhh!) Vegas run. After that, they may settle into some sort of longer-termed residency before they bow out.

Will KISS survive without Gene & Paul? Possibly.

I think the question that begs to be asked is: Will the original four reunite for the 2nd residency?

If Ace & Pete's grievances/annoyances stem from the stresses that are generated from the pressures of touring, and once that aspect is deducted from the equation, aren't all things KISS possible?

[MIB41]

I think the question that begs to be asked is: Will the original four reunite for the 2nd residency?

If Ace & Pete's grievances/annoyances stem from the stresses that are generated from the pressures of touring, and once that aspect is deducted from the equation, aren't all things KISS possible?

THAT is a great observation. I think there could be a chance for the original KISS to do one last show if that is going to be their true farewell. But I do think it will have to be the last show they do. I know Paul & Gene are all in with keeping Tommy & Eric happy until they no longer have to. So I'm confident if they can get one last event squeezed out of the KISS cannon, this would be the one.

[Dark Shadow]

THAT is a great observation. I think there could be a chance for the original KISS to do one last show if that is going to be their true farewell. But I do think it will have to be the last show they do. I know Paul & Gene are all in with keeping Tommy & Eric happy until they no longer have to. So I'm confident if they can get one last event squeezed out of the KISS cannon, this would be the one.

Why...thank you kind sir.

I humbly accept the compliment.

I personally don't think it will happen, but of the many things I've learned in respect to KISS..."Never" rarely means "Never".

[MegoMonk]

I doubt Gene or Paul have a ever watched a football game in their life.