There’s no doubt that KISS has had more of an impact on heavy metal than any other American rock band in history. From Motley Crüe to Metallica, all the stars grew up listening to the awesome licks of KISS, Whether it was gettin’ off on the sonic excursions of the Space Ace in the early days of rockin’ out to the boomin’ fiffs of Gene and Paul, no one escaped the magnetic pull of KISS’ metal magic. With that in mind, we gathered together some of rock’s names to have them discuss their remembrances of KISS.
KIM THAYIL, SOUNDGARDEN
«KISS were the reason I started playing guitar. If it wasn’t for them, I’m sure I wouldn’t be playing and doing what I’m doing today.»
LARS ULRICH, METALLICA
«The only American band that meant anything in Europe in the ‘70s was KISS y’know.»
CHARLIE BENANTE, ANTHRAX
«I first saw KISS in 1976—I was very young, so I went with my cousin. Iwas so excited because I caught one of the Ace Frehley’s guitar picks. It was broken, but I didn’t care. It was at Nassau Coliseum in New York. They ruled that night. After that, I went to see them every time they played, for years. People sometimes said that the guys in the band couldn’t play their instruments. But that’s bull. When the makeup came off, the only thing that happened was it meant ‘Halloween’s over.»
RICK NIELSEN, CHEAP TRICK
«What better way to play tribute to a band like KISS? I put their name in a song, Surrender The lyric was ‘got my KISS records out,’ and the song is one of our favorites.»
TED NUGENT
«KISS and its members represent rock and roll irreverence at its best, with make-up or without.»
DAVE`SNAKE`SABO, SKID ROW
«I didn’t even think about being a musician until I was about 13. That’s when I discovered KISS and it was all over. It changed my life, and I thank them every day.»
JOEY RAMONE,THE RAMONES
«I remember back in ’73 when I used to hang out at The Coventry in Queens, I saw KISS in their early stages. I saw them grow. Gene would wear a black skull and crossbones T-shirt, and the band used dry ice. They gave a big concert at The Conventry to announce thier signing at Casablanca Records. The band came out on stage with all this new euipment together. It was the loudest show I had ever experienced at the time. It was great! A few years later, my brother, who was friends with the designer of the KISS dolls, got us free tickets to see the band at the Nassau Coliseum. This was around the time of DESTROYER, which—along with the band’s first LP—is my favorite KISS album. My brother and I had good seats, near the front. It was a real freak show walking in because everyone in the audience was dressed like a different member of KISS. It was amusing. I remember the stage explosions were so intense it was like getting a bad sunburn. I was definitely a fan of KISS in those early days. Detroit Rock City is one of my favorite all time songs.»
MARK SLAUGHTER,SLAUGHTER
«KISS is one of the most theatrical bands—if not the most theatrical band ever. They’ve been successful for years, after many personnel changes, which proves that the longevity of good rock and roll is there to stay. After touring with them, we realized why they are the kings they are.»
NIKKI SIXX,MOTLEY CRUE
«I guess I was first really influenced by bands like KISS. They just seemed different and more exciting than anything else. It was really that simple. When I saw them, I knew what I wanted to do with my life.»
PATRICK BADGER, EXTREME
«The God Of Thunder inspired me to pick up the bass and make my own thunder. Thank You Gene!»
NUNO BETTENCOURT.EXTREME
«You wanted the best, you got the best, the hottest band in the world, KISS! Infected me and every other kid in Junior High!»
JASON NEWSTED,METALLICA
«One day in junior high scool somebody brought the first KISS album. That pretty much changed things for me. My fourteenth birthday, I asked for a bass guitar—I wanted to be Gene Simmons.»
STEPHEN SHAREAUX,KIK TRACEE
«I dressed up like Paul Stanley ans Geme Simmons and terrified my neighbors, wearing my mom’s high-heeled black leather boots. I was a freek! In the bathtub, I’d listen to God Of Thunder and spit ‘blood’ in my Fruit of the Looms. I still have underwear stained with ‘blood’.»