KISS’s Longevity in the Music Industry
KISS, the iconic rock band that has been rocking stages around the world for over five decades, has just embarked on their farewell tour, known as the End of the Road tour. This tour has been ongoing for over four years and has already brought them to Michigan multiple times, showcasing the band’s longevity in a time where most bands’ careers barely last a decade.
Despite being interrupted by the pandemic, KISS is still going strong with their farewell tour. The two remaining original members – Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley – are both in their seventies but have continued to exhibit remarkable work ethic and dedication to continue performing. However, as the band grows older, concerns from fans have arisen about their physical abilities and age.
The Story Behind KISS’s Hit Song ‘Beth’
One of KISS’s most significant hits is undoubtedly “Beth,” a ballad that topped charts around the world. The song was always an unconventional venture for KISS since they were notoriously known for their hard-hitting rock anthems.
Drummer Peter Criss wrote “Beth” as a folk tune for his girlfriend under the title “Beck.” However, he had to increase its tempo to get approval from his bandmates’ Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. When the band recorded their followup album “Destroyer”, they worked with Bob Ezrin, who helped slow down “Beth” and add different textures to it.
However, recording “Beth” was challenging for Criss; Simmons and Stanley teased him in the vocal booth until Ezrin threw them out. To make matters worse, it was placed initially on the B-side of “Detroit Rock City,” but after fans flipped it over, it became a massive hit in the US.
Ultimately, “Beth” became the prototype for power ballads in hair metal and influenced other rock stars to create slow songs. KISS also noticed a demographic change in their audience, with more women attending their shows after the song’s success. Stanley and Simmons tried to replicate “Beth’s” success by following genre trends but faced criticism.
The Departure of Ace Frehley from KISS
In the late 1970s, KISS faced internal conflicts between band members. Ace Frehley and Peter Criss left the band following a shift in popular music towards disco.
Frehley, who played guitar for KISS, did not participate in the production of the album “Music From the Elder” because he didn’t agree with its grand concept. After this album’s failure, he left the band.
Frehley’s departure was due to his conflicts with band leaders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, who expressed dissatisfaction with his behavior during their tours. Eventually, he left the band and did not play on their next album, “Creatures of the Night”.
Despite this loss, KISS continued to be one of rock’s most iconic bands. Their work ethic and dedication have helped them become legends in the music industry. With their farewell tour now underway, it is clear that they are ready to bid a well-deserved farewell after fifty years of non-stop entertainment.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
