Gene Simmons said he walked past Beethoven's dressing room and it's quiet, not a big party scene like the other acts. He asked Beethoven why and Beethoven just looked at him and didn't answer because he was fucking deaf.
Heard an interview once. Short version: Kiss tours Canada. Rush is opening. Backstage wandering around and Simmons wonders why Rush dressing room is so quiet. Looks in and the guys are reading books instead of partying like other bands. He has huge respect for our boys and so do we.
I remember reading an account that while Rush was touring with KISS, one morning during breakfast Gene commented to Paul, "I think these guys are in MENSA..." Kinda funny. :)
@@HighPower762 In the doc.. i remember Gene saying he thought they were gay.. little did he know that they were all married with young families .. they weren't big partiers, but they did love their hash... cheers
Rush is just incredible. It shows the confidence of Kiss to have a band like that open for them. In those times there were few bands that sounded as good live, Kansas maybe, REO, Rush always sound as good or better than the album live and I am a huge fan of Kiss but they sacrificed a lot of playing and singing well for showmanship in the seventies. They were a lot tighter in the eighties. I heard that when Rush had Gene listen to Caress of Steel he asked "What is this?" Not enough groin for Gene lol.
I’ve never been a KISS “fan” but always appreciated the live show spectacle they put on and the number of bands they helped get exposed…I am pleasantly surprised that Paul even remembered John Rutsey! Respect🙌
@@SketchesofChina I can't tell you the reasons people say the things they do,.maybe he was talking about the style band they were with Rutsey after all Neil played all Rutsey songs the first tour but that doesn't change the facts. John Rutsey left the band due to health reasons a cpl weeks before the Rush tour kicked off.
I was never a big Kiss fan growing up. I saw them on the Animalize tour in 1984, mainly because I wanted to see the opening act, Queensryche. They killed it. Kiss put on a great show, of course. They gave so many bands a chance to shine, I have great respect for them to this day for their influence on rock.
I was a huge KISS fan and one reason (besides the music and attitude) is KISS gave countless bands the opportunity to get known without the worry of being upstaged getting in the way (which is very uncommon). Queensryche is a great example. That concert, both bands, were stellar, absolutely stellar. The show I saw also was one of the few that had Mark St. John on stage. Needless to say, I also became a huge Queensryche fan. I hadn't heard anyone as good as Geoff Tate and still haven't. Nor will I. Queensryche, honestly, and especially Tate were in a class all their own performing live. I caught them on tour from then all the way through Empire. Tate was perfect every single time.
Nick, I've spread that message under a number of YT videos when folks bad-mouth KISS. Geddy said they were highly professional and gave their fans everything. As well, they were apparently one of the few bands that gave Rush a soundcheck.
@@thefreestylefrEaK My point is to simply understand that each band has its merits for its fans. KISS were monstrous in the 70s, and they worked hard to please their fans. It's not my music, but neither is bluegrass and I'll give respect to any musicians who ply their craft with dedication. I just don't see what all the fuss is about. Must be TH-cam Commenter-itis. 😄
New England! A band that didn’t get the acclaim I think they deserved. I saw them open for Kiss in the 70s and I still pull out their albums every now and again and give them a listen. They put on a great show and created some great music!!!
That goes to show how cool KISS really is. Both George Thorogood and ZZ Top said The Rolling Stones were extremely kind & friendly to them, when they went out on tour with them. I'm very pleased to hear stuff like that...
My first concert, at 12 years old was KISS, with Judas Priest opening. New Haven Coliseum, 1979. My dad took me. RIP Dad. RIP New Haven Coliseum. LONG LIVE KISS!!!!!
As a proud Canadian, I’d just like to thank Gene, Paul and Kiss for showing our boys so much love and respect over the years. It means everything to me as one of YOUR long time fans. God bless you fella’s ❤️❤️❤️
Americans.and the world, love Rush. They are something to be very proud of. I suspect most non Canadians main reference and partial understanding of your country ties directly to Rush being the quintessential Maple Leaf band. If I know anything about Canada, it is from watching the band speak about their youth...
Touring with KISS was great for Rush. Rush had the better musicianship, but one thing KISS excelled at was the showmanship. Give the fans a great show. Rush picked up on that early, and once they were headlining, they could give fans the show they deserved.
12 yrs old I saw Rush open for Kiss in Dec. 74 at the Detroit Palace and fell in love with Neil Peart & Rush, Didn't want them to leave the stage. Kiss was also really good, A great concert overall for my first one.
not only did they open up to them, but they were one of VERY few bands that Gene & Paul got on with on a personal level - in addition to Cheap Trick & Ted Nugent - most other bands who opened for KISS did not particularly like them personally.
Paul is a Great Effing Guy !! The World is a Better Place Because of Him. I don't why all Kiss and non Kiss guys got an issue with him and/or Gene. 🤷♂️🤷♂️ 2 Great People !
I'm glad to hear that Kiss appreciates their openers, but don't almost all headlining acts book opening acts? I don't see that as especially noble on their part.
RUSH RULES!!! Since we are talking about various bands opening for other bands.....I had an incredible experience. It was Jan. 20, 1985 on a snowy Sunday night in S. Buffalo at the Salty Dog Saloon and Metallica (Ride the Lightning tour), W.A.S.P and Armored Saint were playing. We got snowed in until 3-4 am and got to hang out and party with all of them. Awesome time. One of those times you never forget!!!
In 1980 I saw Iron Maiden opening for KISS and they were amazing. They were promoting their first album and still had Paul Di'Anno and even Dennis Stratton in the band. KISS were on their Unmasked Tour promoting that album and it was the first Tour with new drummer Eric Carr. Rush with Flight by Night must have been a great show also, as this is my favorite Rush album. I have heard that Uriah Heep also were an impressive opener as Paul Stanley mentioned in a different interview.
Gene really liked Cheap Trick. People can say what they want about his ego , but he has a great eye and ear for talent. He had tried to get VH signed before they finally did get a deal. He even had paid for a demo to be recorded.
I saw CT open for KISS August 16th 1977 at the Cow Palace in Daly City/San Francisco. It was the night Elvis Presley passed away. I wasn't a big KISS fan, but I really enjoyed Cheap Trick that night. Went out the very next day and bought their 2nd album "In Color" 👍
I arrived late to a KISS show and the opening band was already on stage. After a few minutes I realized they were great and asked the guy next to me if he caught the name of the band? He said I think they said Cheap Trick. The next day I bought their first two LPs and they became my favorite band.
I loved Cheap Trick from the first time I Heard their music. I am going to see Cheap Trick in August at the Orange County Fair Ground - Pacific Amphitheater. I saw them there in August of 2021 and they were great! Tom Petersson had recently had heart surgery, and was recovering, so Robin Taylor Zander filler in and did an excellent job.
@@SirManfly Peart’s drumming really really opened up the way for Alex and Geddy to move the band’s sound in a direction that no other drummer could (Neil’s authoring of lyrics too). I do admire that Paul at least acknowledged John Rutsey, where even the other Rush guys barely mention him anymore.
John Rutsey carved his own unique niche in Rush history. When Rush was more Zep and a bit harder. Not saying that he couldn’t adapt to the more progressive Yes path Rush went on, but we’ll never know. But Working Man and Finding My Way?? Top shelf drum work. Glad Kiss recognized JR’s times. 😎
@@megadethmofo2001 - I heard Guy Lafleur & Kent Nilsson came out and jammed with Cheap Trick... And then KISS brought Bobby Hull and Anders Hedberg on for a few numbers...
I believe that Tom Petty met Prince back in the 70's when they were both opening for KISS on different days. Man, the '70's were just a different time, music was less compartmentalized
Prince? I don't think Prince ever opened for KISS. Prince only came out in the late 70's. 1978 maybe was the first album . He was headlining by 1983 (1999 album) considering KISS didn't tour in 78, didn't tour much between 1980 and 1983 I doubt Prince would have opened. Maybe he opened in his own town but not on an extended tour.
@@angryagain3801 It is quite possible there were only a few isolated shows. I saw Krokus with Priest on their monstrous Fuel For Life tour. But Dokken did most of the North American leg.
@@michaeloedy1568 very possible. Raven also had a slice of that Priest tour. Dokken did most of it. Krokus had the very tail end as far as I know. When I saw Turbo, Dokken opened.
@@angryagain3801 That is right. I forgot about Raven. We caught them the following winter with Slayer and Wasp. If I’m not mistaken, Steve Riley was drumming for Wasp on that tour. I’m gonna have to Google that.
I believe it's not a matter of who has opened for Kiss but more like who hasn't. They literally helped darn well the whole genre of Rock n roll band's that would follow them around the world. They deserve so much respect.
My greatest Kiss opening band memory was 1977 Detective featuring Michael Des Barres , from Zeppelins Swan Song records , still love and listen to there 2 albums today also Sammy Hagar gone solo after Montrose , opened for Kiss in 1976
Plenty of people diss Paul Stanley because of his demeanor at times however one must remember how many badass songs this man has written. Even though his voice isn't what it was in his hey day I feel he should be up their with one of the best voices in RocknRoll- no doubt.
Paul Stanley is not a very good singer and especially does not deserve a "best voice" award. And don't bring up the broadway gig because that was not in a major city like his home town New York City.
@@riproar11 He has one of the best voices in rock for sure. and Kiss strength imo was actually him and Genes vocals together, or all of the vocals together. But definitely Paul and Gene are like the Beatles of the genre.
I know its been said many times, but they gave many bands exposure without fear of being upstaged because of how unique they were at the time. Hearing them list those bands its like the Island of Misfit Toys in that they all had their own "thing" going.
And every band I've ever heard speak about touring with KISS, said they were treated great by them. Very respectful, fair, and even allowed encores if the audience wanted it. That's very cool.
I saw Motley Crue open up for Kiss for their creatures of the night tour and witnessed Motley Crue blow Kiss out of the water. It was insane! People were like “who are these guys?” People did not know what hit them. Kiss was great that night but the next morning I woke up early and headed to the music store to buy Motley Crue’s first and only album at the time. Too Fast for Love. That night they played songs from their upcoming album too. They played Shout at the Devil and Looks that Kill. It was an amazing show
For guys who started off with paint, mascara and masks, they're downright real! That's so refreshing. Young bands can learn so much from them, even today
The question was, (name some of the good bands that opened up for you) and Gene starts talking about how Kiss is one of a kind. Thank you Paul for actually answering the question and listing some of the great bands that opened up for Kiss.
Cheap Trick opening for KISS was an eye opener. It was before the live album (cheap trick). It went from “who cares” to “who was that”. AC/DC would’ve been cool w/Bon Scott too!
Angus Young about KISS : Gene Simmons was very good to us when we came to America. He had gotten us a lot of shows with KISS. Today I am still grateful that he had done this. I remember when I came and saw us live the first time we played in Los Angeles at the Whiskey. He went to the backstage, approached us and said: Hey! I’ve been glued to the wall with your music.
The amount of bands and especially guitarists they inspired is phenomenal. I grew up in the 70s loving this band. They have a great list of iconic rock songs.
Yep. I got lucky. I saw the KISS-AC/DC tour in 1977 at the L.A. forum. No one knew who AC/DC was but sure did when they were done rockin. Incredible show.
Must have been great. I did not see that show, but saw KISS three times in that early era, 1975 at the Long Beach arena with the James Gang, later at the San Bernardino Swing, and I do not remember where and when the third show was.
The first time that I saw Kiss they were the opening act for Foghat in a small venue in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Kiss was hungry and not widely known. It was unforgettable and would have been even if Foghat never took the stage.
I'm from Washington, Iowa and I saw KISS for the first time on their Animalize Tour in Cedar Rapids at the Five Seasons Center. Years later I saw the original four members of KISS on their Farewell Tour in Moline, Illinois. Ted Nugent and Skid Row opened for them.
Just one of the many reasons I still love and respect both Gene and Paul quite frankly. And Rush has said many times over the years that Kiss treated them with nothing but respect and kindness.
I was impressed how Peter and Paul knew specifics about Rush like knowing the year Fly By Night (1975) came out. That was Neil Peart's first album with Rush. I was impressed indeed with the knowledge.
A little known band opened for KISS in the 70s in Baton Rouge called New England. They never amounted to much but I still listen to them. They were awesome!
Respect to KISS and their fans. The band introduced a lot of phenomenal talent to the world on their tours and I suspect shared a lot of wisdom with these acts on the music business. Best of luck on this final tour guys and thanks for the music.
@@hapaguy2001 We had tickets for a show with Rush, Montrose and Faces in early 1975 but Montrose broke up with Hagar a week or so earlier and canceled but Rush and Faces were great but I was extremely bummed with Montrose out of the lineup, I too thought Paper Money was an excellent album, loved "I got the Fire"
I saw Motley Crue open for KISS in 1983 (one of only 5 shows they did before they got so rowdy Gene kicked them loose). Game changer. And I’m not sure Motley wouldn’t have made it without KISS, but it sure didn’t hurt to be included.
Motley Crue got a bigger boost from opening for Ozzy Osbourne that year. In 1983, Kiss was at their lowest level of popularity, as the COTN tour in North America was plagued with half-empty venues.
I was at the Universal Amphitheater show. It was a terrific show, KISS doing Creatures and a young Motley Crue playing Shout at the Devil tunes before the album was released. Plus the crowd was insane, about 50% KISS fans & 50% Crue fans….leather, spikes and ladies in fish-net stalkings, good times!!! I live in So Cal and Crue was already getting big, I think they would’ve made it anyway, but supporting KISS sure helped.
Angus Young about KISS : ,, At the beginning our career, we had big problems to go on tour. The Headliners says everytime: Kick them out. .......But Gene Simmons saw our potential and helped us to get bigger Shows ....That was our carreer start.
@Mooch 514 KISS certainly have Geddy's respect. He said KISS gave them a soundcheck unlike some other headlining bands. He also said Rush learned about working hard for your fans and not taking them for granted, and always being professional. KISS were huge in the mid-70s, so it's great to know they gave so many acts opportunities to perform and gain exposure. You don't need to love their music to respect their work ethic and philosophy.
I'm not a big KISS fan. But, I've always loved and respected Paul Stanley's appreciation and love for music. It's incredible thinking about Tom Petty, Bob Seger, and John Mellancamp opening for KISS. I'd heard some stories from Rush about opening for them in the 70s. It's amazing how many artists that are INSTITUTIONS of rock n roll were cutting their teeth, and most often peaking in the 70s. I think it was the Renaissance of rock music, and any era of ROCK in particular will always be a little less. But, that is speaking purely for rock n roll and not music overall. God bless the 1970s.
The first concert I went to (age 17) was Kiss, great show! I'd never heard of Bob Seger, he was one of the opening bands and his performance was also great.
@ Not my intention. They are very different. Each is one of a kind for what they are and do. I'm from Toronto. Rush is my favorite rock band of all time.
@@gocars3210 Funny thing about that; Gene actually appeared in a Rush documentary, praising the band for being different. The filmmakers probably paid him a solid amount for that.
I love when this topic is brought up about KISS’ history. In the beginning of the “Let There Be Rock” movie the camera pans a venue poster promo of Kiss w/special guest, Judas Priest. This brings up a whole new topic. Who has a nice collection of these promo posters? I’ve seen a lot of reprints over the years. But man, an old radio employee might have some real gold.
@@glenntipton6226 Judas Priest is amazing. So diverse, so much phases of rock, from classic metal to NWOBHM to Glam to power metal….they did it all, and they did it best. It might sounds strange, but they are underrated in my opinion.
Kiss always had great bands for openers. Gave a lot of bands their first taste of what true success looked like. Say what u want about Paul and Gene but those bands that they let open for them are forever grateful.
Let open for them!!! Peter and Ace were the real heart and soul of the original lineup, fact!!! And, Paul and Gene like you said, let another band open??? Peter and Ace should have always had a say, not just Paul and Gene letting things happen!!! Literally
@@dodgerssuck1890 It was my very 1st time seeing KISS and Cheap Trick. My twin brother took me cause he was a huge KISS fan, and I was incredibly impressed by KISS stage show, but was taken back by Rick’s guitar antics, and the power voice of their singer Robin Zander and the booming sound of Tom’s 12 string bass sound and the big sound beat of Bun E Carlos on the drums. I really enjoyed the KISS stage show, but was impressed by the sound and music of Cheap Trick
the one time i got to see KISS in concert, the lineup was: Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, Mahogany Rush (before Frank Marino's ego put his name in front of the band), Montrose (yes, with Sammy as lead singer), Ted Nugent and then KISS. outdoors at Anaheim Stadium. pretty sure there's at least a video or two on here of songs from that show.
@@Sebastian-dx2xg if I remember correctly the tickets were $12.50 each, and no fees piled on. It was the same the following year...$15 to see REO Speedwagon, foreigner, Ted Nugent and lynyrd skynyrd...a little over a month before the plane crash.
Holy Cow, KB !! That's Awesome ! I love Seger. Van Halen dug Montrose. I read 2 books by Nugent. 2 books by Hagar. 1 from Ace, 1 from Peter, 2 from Paul and 2 from Gene and Paul, 5 from Gene and about 2 or 3 more about KISS
Saw KISS in Kemper arena on The Dynasty tour. Best Show I've ever seen. Judas Priest opened. As a 13 year old I'm thinking, "Who the hell is this, and who cares?" Now , I'm 56 , and thinking, "Why the hell isn't Judas Priest in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?"
I agree. Cheap Trick and Rush were the two best bands that I saw open for them, hands down, although I wish I had seen AC/DC open also, that must have been a great show
I remember in the 10th grade, I drew KISS in their type style on all of my binders. This was in 1976. One of my buddies played guitar well and he was a huge Paul Stanley fan and he said back then, “You try playing guitar, singing vocals, and running backwards across a stage”
Regardless of how you feel about Kiss, one has to respect their ability to find great opening acts...Rush, AC/DC, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Bon Jovi (when they were good), the list goes on. Honestly I would see any of those bands over Kiss
That was the toughest gig to have in the 70s was opening for Kiss. If a band could make it through their set without getting booed off stage it was a good night. Kiss fans had only ears for them.
Oh yeah ... I was wondering, I forgot ... ( I knew it was Ted Nugent in 2000 ) , saw both Tours... Didn't bother with AIC ... I was there to Rock Out and be happy and have fun, not do heroin and be miserable and sing about and put on black workboots, shorts and a flannel and go to Seattle and commit suicide
I went to see Rush in Sault, Canada right after they released "Fly By Night." Before the concert, my friends & I were walking around in the basement of the arena killing time when somebody said, "Hey! Here come the guys from Rush." I was wearing my newly purchased "Hotter Than Hell" t-shirt and one of the guys in Rush says, "I wish I had a shirt like that!" I thought, "That's very cool & odd at the same time!" As the years went by, the memory of that night faded and I even wondered if it had even happened. Then I saw that they toured with Kiss for a stretch and the event was affirmed!
Hell yeah. Must have been in 1980. At least I saw Maiden (w/Di'Anno) opening for Kiss in Munich in 1980 if my memories don't fool me. I've also seen Scorpions as support act to Kiss in 1976.
Did everyone notice the lack of any hint of hesitation when Gene was asked that question. I don't think I have ever seen a more honest answer to any question. Respect.
@@elvisparker4691 SkidRow got angry with Sebastian Bach when he booked an opening gig for Kiss because the band thought the Skidrow were too big to be an opening band. Fast forward few years, Sebastian Bach left the band and SkidRow opened for Kiss. Saw Kiss in Melbourne in 2008 and loved it!!
I saw Beethoven open for Kiss in 1797 in Vienna Austria! That was awesome! Best opener in my opinion.
I thought Kiss opened for Beethoven??
@@kenz5469 - No, Kiss opened for Mozart. I saw Mozart with Ozzy. That was a great show.
Wasn't that awesome when Ludwig set the piano on fire and then dove into the crowd!? Awww man...good times!
Yeah, Gene stole the line from Beethoven- “if it’s too loud, you’re too old.”
Gene Simmons said he walked past Beethoven's dressing room and it's quiet, not a big party scene like the other acts. He asked Beethoven why and Beethoven just looked at him and didn't answer because he was fucking deaf.
Heard an interview once. Short version: Kiss tours Canada. Rush is opening. Backstage wandering around and Simmons wonders why Rush dressing room is so quiet. Looks in and the guys are reading books instead of partying like other bands. He has huge respect for our boys and so do we.
I believe Gene Simmons told that story during the Rush documentary Beyond The Lighted Stage. It's a great story!!🤘
@@HighPower762 man I don’t remember what I was doing as a teen back then but I sure think I missed something spectacular with a KISS/Rush concert !! 😭
I remember reading an account that while Rush was touring with KISS, one morning during breakfast Gene commented to Paul, "I think these guys are in MENSA..."
Kinda funny. :)
@@HighPower762 In the doc.. i remember Gene saying he thought they were gay.. little did he know that they were all married with young families .. they weren't big partiers, but they did love their hash... cheers
❤️🇨🇦👍🏻✌🏻
Geddy Lee from Rush always was appreciative of the support KISS gave them.
Rush is so much better than Kiss.
@@reneemclane1845 im sure Gene would dispute that but us Canadians know better😏
@@J72-w9t We.
Rush is just incredible. It shows the confidence of Kiss to have a band like that open for them. In those times there were few bands that sounded as good live, Kansas maybe, REO, Rush always sound as good or better than the album live and I am a huge fan of Kiss but they sacrificed a lot of playing and singing well for showmanship in the seventies. They were a lot tighter in the eighties.
I heard that when Rush had Gene listen to Caress of Steel he asked "What is this?" Not enough groin for Gene lol.
Seger the same. He has often mentioned KISS's generosity to their opening acts.
I’ve never been a KISS “fan” but always appreciated the live show spectacle they put on and the number of bands they helped get exposed…I am pleasantly surprised that Paul even remembered John Rutsey! Respect🙌
That Paul remembers John Rutsey shows true class.
You are absolutely right,at least Paul acknowledged John Rutsey, Alex and Geddy never even mentioned his name at the HOF induction.
@@paulk8716 Paul never met John Rutsey. Neil took over before the Rush tour started in July of 74 they didn't play with Kiss until October 74.
@@BobSmith-mg6iz Then why did Paul say Rutsey was still the drummer on their first tour together?
@@SketchesofChina Who knows but Neil joined the band July 29th '74 and their first gig with Kiss was Sept 15th that year.
@@SketchesofChina I can't tell you the reasons people say the things they do,.maybe he was talking about the style band they were with Rutsey after all Neil played all Rutsey songs the first tour but that doesn't change the facts. John Rutsey left the band due to health reasons a cpl weeks before the Rush tour kicked off.
I’m old enough that I saw AC/DC,Seger and Priest all open for KISS.Spectrum Philly Pa.
I'm old enough that I saw KISS open for the New York Dolls, during the first half of 1974.
My first concert was Kiss w/ Judas Priest opening for them September 7th 1979 at the Spectrum
And the Broad Street Bullies!
Bob Seger opened for Bachman Turner Overdrive at my first concert at McMahon Stadium in Calgary August '75, no hearing for next 2 days and loved it!
Wow i was 4 wen you saw that i wish i was born sooner i would have seen that and so many others the 70s was the best time for rock and roll.
I was never a big Kiss fan growing up. I saw them on the Animalize tour in 1984, mainly because I wanted to see the opening act, Queensryche. They killed it. Kiss put on a great show, of course. They gave so many bands a chance to shine, I have great respect for them to this day for their influence on rock.
Right. Queensryche stole the show.
Yeah saw that same tour and Queensryche were awesome. Of course Kiss were great too
Kiss did only one song that I care about: Detroit Rock City.
I was a huge KISS fan and one reason (besides the music and attitude) is KISS gave countless bands the opportunity to get known without the worry of being upstaged getting in the way (which is very uncommon). Queensryche is a great example. That concert, both bands, were stellar, absolutely stellar. The show I saw also was one of the few that had Mark St. John on stage. Needless to say, I also became a huge Queensryche fan. I hadn't heard anyone as good as Geoff Tate and still haven't. Nor will I. Queensryche, honestly, and especially Tate were in a class all their own performing live. I caught them on tour from then all the way through Empire. Tate was perfect every single time.
I saw the Asylum tour with Dokken.
Geddy Lee said it best: " Say what you want about KISS and their technical ability but there is no other harder working band out there"
Nick, I've spread that message under a number of YT videos when folks bad-mouth KISS. Geddy said they were highly professional and gave their fans everything. As well, they were apparently one of the few bands that gave Rush a soundcheck.
Geddy was just being nice. KISS meh!
I agree - but then it's not really what I'm looking for in a band.
@@thefreestylefrEaK My point is to simply understand that each band has its merits for its fans. KISS were monstrous in the 70s, and they worked hard to please their fans. It's not my music, but neither is bluegrass and I'll give respect to any musicians who ply their craft with dedication. I just don't see what all the fuss is about. Must be TH-cam Commenter-itis. 😄
@@brettwilkinson8904 two different styles.
The early Kiss records with Criss, 1977 and before, were great.
New England! A band that didn’t get the acclaim I think they deserved. I saw them open for Kiss in the 70s and I still pull out their albums every now and again and give them a listen. They put on a great show and created some great music!!!
I saw Seger open for Kiss in Shreveport LA in 1976. My first concert as a 14 year old.
The guys in Rush also mentioned how nice the KISS guys were to 'em on that tour.
Always got a sound check with KISS, unlike with some other bands like Aerosmith.
People talk a lot of crap about Kiss but apparently they’ve always been pretty nice to their opening acts.
@@Hochmann2 people mostly talk crap about the music itself.
@@jans2887 Yeah people like to bag on Kiss. But they achieved what most bands never do.
That goes to show how cool KISS really is. Both George Thorogood and
ZZ Top said The Rolling Stones were extremely kind & friendly to them, when they went out on tour with them. I'm very pleased to hear stuff like that...
My first concert, at 12 years old was KISS, with Judas Priest opening. New Haven Coliseum, 1979. My dad took me. RIP Dad. RIP New Haven Coliseum. LONG LIVE KISS!!!!!
God Bless Dad 🙂👍
Great Bill ! 🎸🥁
Was there blood on the streets in town of New Haven ??
Great area to see a show. Great venues, great food, cheap hotels back then
If that was the Dynasty tour I was at that show in NH. Don’t remember Priest though😮
How cool I went to that concert too. Judas Priest opening was great !
As a proud Canadian, I’d just like to thank Gene, Paul and Kiss for showing our boys so much love and respect over the years. It means everything to me as one of YOUR long time fans. God bless you fella’s ❤️❤️❤️
Hello from Saskatchewan
@@williamdon3442Shannon Tweed’s home province.
Americans.and the world, love Rush. They are something to be very proud of. I suspect most non Canadians main reference and partial understanding of your country ties directly to Rush being the quintessential Maple Leaf band. If I know anything about Canada, it is from watching the band speak about their youth...
Touring with KISS was great for Rush. Rush had the better musicianship, but one thing KISS excelled at was the showmanship. Give the fans a great show.
Rush picked up on that early, and once they were headlining, they could give fans the show they deserved.
Headpins opened for them. I think Gene had a thing for Darby Mills, but she was always A DEVOTED FAMILY GIRL AND LATER WIFE.
12 yrs old I saw Rush open for Kiss in Dec. 74 at the Detroit Palace and fell in love with Neil Peart & Rush, Didn't want them to leave the stage. Kiss was also really good, A great concert overall for my first one.
The Palace didn't open until 1988
@@jjg4704 Sorry i meant Michigan Palace
@@Ebikelover Right on! I guess I'm too young to remember that place
@@jjg4704 I'm 61
Clicked play to see if Rush was mentioned. Not disappointed.
I am. All Hall of Famers? No deep cuts? Where's the Donnie Iris love? Pages? Jerry Riopelle?
I did the same for AC/DC. We were not disappointed at all lol
Interesting with the 'pre-Peart' comment. I always like hearing bands that have enough self esteem to compliment other musicians.
not only did they open up to them, but they were one of VERY few bands that Gene & Paul got on with on a personal level - in addition to Cheap Trick & Ted Nugent - most other bands who opened for KISS did not particularly like them personally.
Me too!😎🤘
Can I just say I love that Paul always mentions Bon Scott
It sounds as if he accidentally said "Bond".
Yeah that Bond guy....he was really good. Paul you're a dweeb.
Both bisexual.
@@kingofcomments4832 even if true (which it isn't), what does that have to do with anything?
@@kingofcomments4832 I had never heard that either Bon Scott or Paul Stanley or switch hitters...Interesting!👌😳
That is an incredible list of co-stars and they are all so humble about it. It was the 70's and the most amazing bands came from that era.
I have come to truly admire Paul Stanley. He is s deep thinker and a very considerate human being!
Paul is a Great Effing Guy !! The World is a Better Place Because of Him. I don't why all Kiss and non Kiss guys got an issue with him and/or Gene. 🤷♂️🤷♂️ 2 Great People !
🤮
Paul Stanley is fuckin awesome
Such a Great guy.
Heartwarming to hear Kiss salute their support bands. That is true class.
Dont fool yourself, it's way for them to pretend they broke this bands in
They were asked the question.
I'm glad to hear that Kiss appreciates their openers, but don't almost all headlining acts book opening acts? I don't see that as especially noble on their part.
@@andan04 that’s true. But Kiss are known to handpick openers that over the years would go on to be big and memorable bands.
@@FilipRapp76 I remain unconvinced that Kiss is unique in that regard but again, it's very cool that they seem so respectful of opening acts.
RUSH RULES!!! Since we are talking about various bands opening for other bands.....I had an incredible experience. It was Jan. 20, 1985 on a snowy Sunday night in S. Buffalo at the Salty Dog Saloon and Metallica (Ride the Lightning tour), W.A.S.P and Armored Saint were playing. We got snowed in until 3-4 am and got to hang out and party with all of them. Awesome time. One of those times you never forget!!!
In 1980 I saw Iron Maiden opening for KISS and they were amazing. They were promoting their first album and still had Paul Di'Anno and even Dennis Stratton in the band. KISS were on their Unmasked Tour promoting that album and it was the first Tour with new drummer Eric Carr. Rush with Flight by Night must have been a great show also, as this is my favorite Rush album. I have heard that Uriah Heep also were an impressive opener as Paul Stanley mentioned in a different interview.
Right ! I saw Maiden opening for Kiss too. And ironically later vice versa.
@@VuotoPneumaNN Question is: did Kiss turn the table or did Maiden ?
@@VuotoPneumaNN I think bitterness on Kiss' side is no more than appropriate. It was a fall from grace.
Uriah Heep was awesome opening for Kiss.
Same here, then almost unknown Iron Maiden opening for Kiss in 1980 at the show in Basel/Switzerland. And they absolutely stole the show :)
They named a lot of GREAT performers who opened for them over the years. Much respect to KISS, a phenomenal band!
Was never a Kiss fan, but I am of all the aforementioned bands that opened for them…especially Rush!
I'm not a big KISS music fan but I like KISS, decent guys, helped a lot of people.
@T Scott yeah, I can't argue with that
I saw Cheap Trick open for them in San Diego in 1977 and they killed it. Great show.
Me too in L.A.👍
Gene really liked Cheap Trick. People can say what they want about his ego , but he has a great eye and ear for talent. He had tried to get VH signed before they finally did get a deal. He even had paid for a demo to be recorded.
I was there.
I saw that show in Portland in '77.
I saw CT open for KISS August 16th 1977 at the Cow Palace in Daly City/San Francisco. It was the night Elvis Presley passed away. I wasn't a big KISS fan, but I really enjoyed Cheap Trick that night. Went out the very next day and bought their 2nd album "In Color" 👍
I arrived late to a KISS show and the opening band was already on stage. After a few minutes I realized they were great and asked the guy next to me if he caught the name of the band? He said I think they said Cheap Trick. The next day I bought their first two LPs and they became my favorite band.
I loved Cheap Trick from the first time I Heard their music. I am going to see Cheap Trick in August at the Orange County Fair Ground - Pacific Amphitheater. I saw them there in August of 2021 and they were great! Tom Petersson had recently had heart surgery, and was recovering, so Robin Taylor Zander filler in and did an excellent job.
I was really surprised that Paul remembered John Rutsey's name (R.I.P.)
John was a very good drummer but I don’t know if he would have been able to do the more complicated drumming that Neil Peart did on later albums? 💿
@@SirManfly No one could do what Neil did. And that’s no insult to John.
@@SirManfly
Peart’s drumming really really opened up the way for Alex and Geddy to move the band’s sound in a direction that no other drummer could (Neil’s authoring of lyrics too).
I do admire that Paul at least acknowledged John Rutsey, where even the other Rush guys barely mention him anymore.
John Rutsey carved his own unique niche in Rush history. When Rush was more Zep and a bit harder. Not saying that he couldn’t adapt to the more progressive Yes path Rush went on, but we’ll never know. But Working Man and Finding My Way?? Top shelf drum work. Glad Kiss recognized JR’s times. 😎
Holy Cow, Rush, Judas Priest, Ac/Dc, Tom Petty, Bob Seger, John Cougar Mellencamp, Bon Jovi, Iron Maiden, Ted Nugent, Uriah Heep, Blue Oyster Cult... That's Incredible !
Humble Pie was my favorite! Best funky blues voice from a diminutive white guy...One and only Steve Marriott!
@@cherylcrawford251 - Paul Loves Humble Pie
Kiss opened for BOC first.
Soundgarden also opened for them.
Saw them with Priest in 79
So many incredible Musicians… they all have one thing in common. There’s so much Lovable respect for one another and that’s what fans LOVE to see !!!
AIC was great opening for them. Best 45 minute show I've ever heard before.
Cheap Trick opened for Kiss in July '77 Ottawa Civic Center - Love Gun tour.
I saw that tour. That was actually the first concert i ever went to. All of 13 years old.
@@megadethmofo I was 12 and my kid brother was 6 lol northlands edmonton same tour
That's cool. I had never heard of Cheap Trick before. They blew up big in '78 with Live at Budokan.
I was at the Montreal Forum.
@@megadethmofo2001 - I heard Guy Lafleur & Kent Nilsson came out and jammed with Cheap Trick...
And then KISS brought Bobby Hull and Anders Hedberg on for a few numbers...
I believe that Tom Petty met Prince back in the 70's when they were both opening for KISS on different days. Man, the '70's were just a different time, music was less compartmentalized
Great point!
Prince? I don't think Prince ever opened for KISS. Prince only came out in the late 70's. 1978 maybe was the first album . He was headlining by 1983 (1999 album) considering KISS didn't tour in 78, didn't tour much between 1980 and 1983 I doubt Prince would have opened. Maybe he opened in his own town but not on an extended tour.
@@angryagain3801 It is quite possible there were only a few isolated shows. I saw Krokus with Priest on their monstrous Fuel For Life tour. But Dokken did most of the North American leg.
@@michaeloedy1568 very possible. Raven also had a slice of that Priest tour. Dokken did most of it. Krokus had the very tail end as far as I know. When I saw Turbo, Dokken opened.
@@angryagain3801 That is right. I forgot about Raven. We caught them the following winter with Slayer and Wasp. If I’m not mistaken, Steve Riley was drumming for Wasp on that tour. I’m gonna have to Google that.
I believe it's not a matter of who has opened for Kiss but more like who hasn't. They literally helped darn well the whole genre of Rock n roll band's that would follow them around the world. They deserve so much respect.
LOVE seeing Rush getting props from these guys. Awesome.
Funny how Gene always can turn a question into something about them lol
and the drummer!
@Muhutda Fuga Well, as long as they are not like, Beijing Biden!
@Muhutda Fuga your name suits you!
@Muhutda Fuga or the name of a Steve Perry song.....
Muhutda Fuga it certainly annoys the liberal left.....
My greatest Kiss opening band memory was 1977 Detective featuring Michael Des Barres , from Zeppelins Swan Song records , still love and listen to there 2 albums today also Sammy Hagar gone solo after Montrose , opened for Kiss in 1976
I saw them in 74, Cedar Rapids. They opened for Foghat. Iconoclastic!
I had a crush on Michael's ex-wife, Pamela.
Saw KISS in 1977 when Legs Diamond was the opener. My first concert. Changed my life. Entered as one person and left as another.
I wonder if they had any "Stage Fright" opening for KISS,,,haha!!! that band made some good albums!
Lucky!
As soon as I read the title I thought of one band, and one band only: Rush. Bingo!
Plenty of people diss Paul Stanley because of his demeanor at times however one must remember how many badass songs this man has written. Even though his voice isn't what it was in his hey day I feel he should be up their with one of the best voices in RocknRoll- no doubt.
Unfortunate about Paul Stanley's voice, similar to Ian Gillan from Deep Purple. They just can't hit the high notes in their old songs anymore.
Paul Stanley is not a very good singer and especially does not deserve a "best voice" award. And don't bring up the broadway gig because that was not in a major city like his home town New York City.
@@riproar11 He has one of the best voices in rock for sure. and Kiss strength imo was actually him and Genes vocals together, or all of the vocals together. But definitely Paul and Gene are like the Beatles of the genre.
One of the best and familiar voices. I agree.
I know its been said many times, but they gave many bands exposure without fear of being upstaged because of how unique they were at the time. Hearing them list those bands its like the Island of Misfit Toys in that they all had their own "thing" going.
Exactly. KISS has Never been Upstaged !
And every band I've ever heard speak about touring with KISS, said they were treated great by them. Very respectful, fair, and even allowed encores if the audience wanted it. That's very cool.
Gene is a class act
Maybe it’s because they had their equipment sabotaged by the headliners, so they knew what it was like to be pushed down.
I saw Motley Crue open up for Kiss for their creatures of the night tour and witnessed Motley Crue blow Kiss out of the water. It was insane! People were like “who are these guys?” People did not know what hit them. Kiss was great that night but the next morning I woke up early and headed to the music store to buy Motley Crue’s first and only album at the time. Too Fast for Love. That night they played songs from their upcoming album too. They played Shout at the Devil and Looks that Kill. It was an amazing show
For guys who started off with paint, mascara and masks, they're downright real! That's so refreshing. Young bands can learn so much from them, even today
Yes, they can!!!
The question was, (name some of the good bands that opened up for you) and Gene starts talking about how Kiss is one of a kind. Thank you Paul for actually answering the question and listing some of the great bands that opened up for Kiss.
Cheap Trick opening for KISS was an eye opener. It was before the live album (cheap trick). It went from “who cares” to “who was that”. AC/DC would’ve been cool w/Bon Scott too!
Would that have been on their "In Color" tour?
@surfing636
Cheap trick touring with Kiss was Summer of 1976 or 1977 I think.
Trick also opened for Queen in 1977. That would have been a ridiculously good show to see.
@@sameoldeh it was in '77, my first concert.
@@gnomespace my first concert too, Cheap Trick opening for KISS in Kitchener, Ontario, July 1977
Angus Young about KISS : Gene Simmons was very good to us when we came to America. He had gotten us a lot of shows with KISS. Today I am still grateful that he had done this. I remember when I came and saw us live the first time we played in Los Angeles at the Whiskey. He went to the backstage, approached us and said: Hey! I’ve been glued to the wall with your music.
Los shapis is the Best band ever
And I got to see some band called "Breathless" on the Dynasty tour in '79. Never heard of them before or since. Though I did get Queensryche in '85.
I grew up in the 70’s and 80’s KISS was such a huge part of that era.
The amount of bands and especially guitarists they inspired is phenomenal. I grew up in the 70s loving this band. They have a great list of iconic rock songs.
It’s crazy to think about how many bands got pushed to the next level of exposure because of KISS
Like Rammstein
Van Halen
Yep. I got lucky. I saw the KISS-AC/DC tour in 1977 at the L.A. forum. No one knew who AC/DC was but sure did when they were done rockin. Incredible show.
Must have been great. I did not see that show, but saw KISS three times in that early era, 1975 at the Long Beach arena with the James Gang, later at the San Bernardino Swing, and I do not remember where and when the third show was.
The first time that I saw Kiss they were the opening act for Foghat in a small venue in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Kiss was hungry and not widely known. It was unforgettable and would have been even if Foghat never took the stage.
I'm from Washington, Iowa and I saw KISS for the first time on their Animalize Tour in Cedar Rapids at the Five Seasons Center. Years later I saw the original four members of KISS on their Farewell Tour in Moline, Illinois. Ted Nugent and Skid Row opened for them.
Rush. I didn't know who they were back then. They would become my favorite band. And, still are.
I've seen KISS more than a dozen times, my favorite opening acts on the shows I saw were Queensryche, WASP and Winger
Very Cool ! 👍
Bands I've Seen ( 5 ) Times or More ;
- KISS
- ZZ Top
- RUSH
- Lynyrd Skynyrd
- John Cougar Mellencamp
Saw them with winger in 90
Just one of the many reasons I still love and respect both Gene and Paul quite frankly. And Rush has said many times over the years that Kiss treated them with nothing but respect and kindness.
I was impressed how Peter and Paul knew specifics about Rush like knowing the year Fly By Night (1975) came out. That was Neil Peart's first album with Rush. I was impressed indeed with the knowledge.
That was Eric Singer, not Peter.
I admit to seeing Bob Seger opening for Kiss in St. Louis way, way back when! It was before Live Bullet came out and it made me a Seger fan for life.
I remember going to see Bob Seger on Saturday nights doing a battle of the bands in Detroit for $1.00 ...
A little known band opened for KISS in the 70s in Baton Rouge called New England. They never amounted to much but I still listen to them. They were awesome!
Respect to KISS and their fans. The band introduced a lot of phenomenal talent to the world on their tours and I suspect shared a lot of wisdom with these acts on the music business. Best of luck on this final tour guys and thanks for the music.
Not surprised about Rush. Ace mentions how much he liked them when they opened for Kiss. Ace said Alex had a great sense of humor.
Fricken choked up about this - love the comments about Fly by Night, John Rutsey, Neil, and RUSH FIRST ALBUM!!!
Saw Montrose open for KISS in 1976. That was pretty awesome.
LA Forum
was that with Sammy Hagar ?
@@johnnyrotten5507 unfortunately no. I believe Sammy left Montrose a year or so before. The Paper Money album is one of my favorite albums
@@hapaguy2001 We had tickets for a show with Rush, Montrose and Faces in early 1975 but Montrose broke up with Hagar a week or so earlier and canceled but Rush and Faces were great but I was extremely bummed with Montrose out of the lineup, I too thought Paper Money was an excellent album, loved "I got the Fire"
Ive heard Gene say a million times that hands down, Cheap Trick was the most mind bending opening band. They are just name dropping here
Grew up in the 70's with Kiss posters on my wall. Discovered Rush in 1980 and it changed my life
Rush rocks!!!
I saw Motley Crue open for KISS in 1983 (one of only 5 shows they did before they got so rowdy Gene kicked them loose). Game changer. And I’m not sure Motley wouldn’t have made it without KISS, but it sure didn’t hurt to be included.
Motley Crue got a bigger boost from opening for Ozzy Osbourne that year. In 1983, Kiss was at their lowest level of popularity, as the COTN tour in North America was plagued with half-empty venues.
I was at the Universal Amphitheater show. It was a terrific show, KISS doing Creatures and a young Motley Crue playing Shout at the Devil tunes before the album was released. Plus the crowd was insane, about 50% KISS fans & 50% Crue fans….leather, spikes and ladies in fish-net stalkings, good times!!! I live in So Cal and Crue was already getting big, I think they would’ve made it anyway, but supporting KISS sure helped.
Angus Young about KISS : ,, At the beginning our career, we had big problems to go on tour.
The Headliners says everytime: Kick them out.
.......But Gene Simmons saw our potential and helped us to get bigger Shows ....That was our carreer start.
@Mooch 514 KISS certainly have Geddy's respect. He said KISS gave them a soundcheck unlike some other headlining bands. He also said Rush learned about working hard for your fans and not taking them for granted, and always being professional. KISS were huge in the mid-70s, so it's great to know they gave so many acts opportunities to perform and gain exposure. You don't need to love their music to respect their work ethic and philosophy.
@@dorarie3167 Well stated!
In the ACDC bio they said that they always played to blow the roof off - 50people or 50,000. It started to scare the headiners after a while.
"and the list goes on and on"...... this is why I turned onto kiss when I was 13 in 1975, seeing them with rush at the san antonio college area.......
Melloncamp opened for KISS?! “Lemme tell you a story about Jack & Diane..”) HUGE FLAMES Going off! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Kiss, a class act forever. Road tested, true to the fundamentals. Rock On!
I'm not a big KISS fan. But, I've always loved and respected Paul Stanley's appreciation and love for music. It's incredible thinking about Tom Petty, Bob Seger, and John Mellancamp opening for KISS. I'd heard some stories from Rush about opening for them in the 70s. It's amazing how many artists that are INSTITUTIONS of rock n roll were cutting their teeth, and most often peaking in the 70s. I think it was the Renaissance of rock music, and any era of ROCK in particular will always be a little less. But, that is speaking purely for rock n roll and not music overall. God bless the 1970s.
ehh whatever
Well said. Agreed
Iron Maiden opened for KISS in 1980 and then in 1988 KISS were special guests to Iron Maiden at the Monsters of Rock.
I was there. It was in Schweinfurt at the Mainwiesen and one day later in Bochum at the Ruhrstadion (Germany).
Some guy painted a picture for the opening act when I saw KISS. What a show!
The first concert I went to (age 17) was Kiss, great show! I'd never heard of Bob Seger, he was one of the opening bands and his performance was also great.
Kiss one of a kind. Rush one of a kind
Please don't place the band RUSH in the same sentence as KISS. That's doing RUSH a great disservice.
@ Not my intention. They are very different. Each is one of a kind for what they are and do. I'm from Toronto. Rush is my favorite rock band of all time.
@@steelersnorth2914 Geddy, Alex and Neil have always had high praise for Kiss treated them on tour, Aerosmith not so much lol.
@@steelersnorth2914 I'd put Triumph against Rush, any day. Both are great bands.
@@bobhoffman5581 Man, noone ever talks about Triumph. Great band. I'm going through all of Rush's early stuff right now. Loving it.
Whenever Rush get a mention I feel pride and joy.
I knew someone was going to say Rush. Of course and rightly so.
But notice it wasn’t originally Gene or Paul.....
@@gocars3210 Funny thing about that; Gene actually appeared in a Rush documentary, praising the band for being different. The filmmakers probably paid him a solid amount for that.
Well kiss was the first concert I ever saw and saw them five more times after that. Saw rush 18 times. Enjoyed them both .
I love when this topic is brought up about KISS’ history. In the beginning of the “Let There Be Rock” movie the camera pans a venue poster promo of Kiss w/special guest, Judas Priest. This brings up a whole new topic. Who has a nice collection of these promo posters? I’ve seen a lot of reprints over the years. But man, an old radio employee might have some real gold.
Kiss, Rush and AC/DC - three of the most amazing bands out there! Just brilliant musicians and committed to giving phenomenal live performances
I'm obviously biased because of my username, but I'd also add Judas Priest as well to that list
brilliant musicians and Kiss i have never heard in the same comment ever before
Iron maiden as well
@@glenntipton6226 Judas Priest is amazing. So diverse, so much phases of rock, from classic metal to NWOBHM to Glam to power metal….they did it all, and they did it best. It might sounds strange, but they are underrated in my opinion.
Kiss has never been about great musicianship!
Kiss always had great bands for openers. Gave a lot of bands their first taste of what true success looked like. Say what u want about Paul and Gene but those bands that they let open for them are forever grateful.
Let open for them!!! Peter and Ace were the real heart and soul of the original lineup, fact!!! And, Paul and Gene like you said, let another band open??? Peter and Ace should have always had a say, not just Paul and Gene letting things happen!!! Literally
I saw Cheap Trick open for KISS in the late '70s at the Cow Palace in S.F. monster show!!
I saw Cheap Trick open for KISS August 16th 1977 at the Cow Palace. Great show, and became a lifelong Trick fan
Dude. I saw that show too. It was a good show. I’ve seen Cheap Trick four or five times but never went to see cheap trick.
@@dodgerssuck1890 Hahaha!
@@dodgerssuck1890 It was my very 1st time seeing KISS and Cheap Trick. My twin brother took me cause he was a huge KISS fan, and I was incredibly impressed by KISS stage show, but was taken back by Rick’s guitar antics, and the power voice of their singer Robin Zander and the booming sound of Tom’s 12 string bass sound and the big sound beat of Bun E Carlos on the drums. I really enjoyed the KISS stage show, but was impressed by the sound and music of Cheap Trick
When I saw Kiss in 1977, Detective was the opening group.
I cant believe all those Iconic bands opened for Kiss back in the day. 🤯
the one time i got to see KISS in concert, the lineup was: Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, Mahogany Rush (before Frank Marino's ego put his name in front of the band), Montrose (yes, with Sammy as lead singer), Ted Nugent and then KISS. outdoors at Anaheim Stadium. pretty sure there's at least a video or two on here of songs from that show.
And I bet tickets for that show were cheap in today’s standards. Now a show like that will cost over $500
@@Sebastian-dx2xg if I remember correctly the tickets were $12.50 each, and no fees piled on. It was the same the following year...$15 to see REO Speedwagon, foreigner, Ted Nugent and lynyrd skynyrd...a little over a month before the plane crash.
@@kurtborchers6178 yup I saw kiss in 79. That was when we would camp out to get tickets. Now brokers get all the good seats and charge triple.
@@Sebastian-dx2xg you've gotta be rich to afford a concert these days.
Holy Cow, KB !! That's Awesome ! I love Seger. Van Halen dug Montrose. I read 2 books by Nugent. 2 books by Hagar. 1 from Ace, 1 from Peter, 2 from Paul and 2 from Gene and Paul, 5 from Gene and about 2 or 3 more about KISS
Saw KISS in Kemper arena on The Dynasty tour. Best Show I've ever seen. Judas Priest opened. As a 13 year old I'm thinking, "Who the hell is this, and who cares?" Now , I'm 56 , and thinking, "Why the hell isn't Judas Priest in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?"
The last question is another who cares. That place means nothing.
Priest is in the RRHOF since recently
CHEAP TRICK!! I was there as a little kid (with my Mom)... they absolutely killed it!
I agree. Cheap Trick and Rush were the two best bands that I saw open for them, hands down, although I wish I had seen AC/DC open also, that must have been a great show
I saw Queensryche open for KISS at the Aladdin theater in Las Vegas back in late '84-early '85. That was a great evening of music.
I remember in the 10th grade, I drew KISS in their type style on all of my binders. This was in 1976. One of my buddies played guitar well and he was a huge Paul Stanley fan and he said back then, “You try playing guitar, singing vocals, and running backwards across a stage”
in 10 inch heels in front of thousands of screaming people
Regardless of how you feel about Kiss, one has to respect their ability to find great opening acts...Rush, AC/DC, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Bon Jovi (when they were good), the list goes on. Honestly I would see any of those bands over Kiss
I love of of them!!!
That was the toughest gig to have in the 70s was opening for Kiss. If a band could make it through their set without getting booed off stage it was a good night. Kiss fans had only ears for them.
Bon Jovi is twat rock for karens.
@@XA351GT
And the easiest gig in the 80s and 90s.
@villa clarise Maiden and Priest are posers? are you joking?
I'm not a real Kiss fan but those two guys are legends in more ways than their music.
They better be legends for more than their music or no one would care. Their makeup artist should get half.
@@gutenbird didn't they do their own makeup, though ? That's what i read ages ago in some guitar magazine
When I saw the reunion tour in 96, Alice in Chains opened for Kiss. Layne Staley was still in the band. Awesome show.
I saw AIC with them too. I somehow didn't realize til fairly recently that I'd seen Layne's second to last concert.
Oh yeah ... I was wondering, I forgot ... ( I knew it was Ted Nugent in 2000 ) , saw both Tours...
Didn't bother with AIC ... I was there to Rock Out and be happy and have fun, not do heroin and be miserable and sing about and put on black workboots, shorts and a flannel and go to Seattle and commit suicide
I went to see Rush in Sault, Canada right after they released "Fly By Night." Before the concert, my friends & I were walking around in the basement of the arena killing time when somebody said, "Hey! Here come the guys from Rush." I was wearing my newly purchased "Hotter Than Hell" t-shirt and one of the guys in Rush says, "I wish I had a shirt like that!" I thought, "That's very cool & odd at the same time!" As the years went by, the memory of that night faded and I even wondered if it had even happened. Then I saw that they toured with Kiss for a stretch and the event was affirmed!
I was never a fan of Kiss, but all those opening bands were terrific.
I saw Kiss later in life. 2000 farewell tour. Uncle Ted Nugent opened up and it was awesome.
And Skid Row wasn't too bad either.
@@therifleman5611 I was just talking to my friend who came with me to that show. Jon Solinger did a great job singing.
Maiden with Paul Dianno.
Hell yeah. Must have been in 1980. At least I saw Maiden (w/Di'Anno) opening for Kiss in Munich in 1980 if my memories don't fool me. I've also seen Scorpions as support act to Kiss in 1976.
Did everyone notice the lack of any hint of hesitation when Gene was asked that question. I don't think I have ever seen a more honest answer to any question. Respect.
AC/DC🤘
I saw the kiss reunion tour in 97 with pantera, fkng awesome!!!
Im glad Paul mentioned Priest, they talked nice about all of those bands
Apparently iron maiden opened for Kiss for a few gigs in Italy in 1980 and blew them away 💪💪💪
No surprise there !
@@rickleblanc8900 iron maiden have a bit of an habit to blow away other bands performances
NOBODY Blows Away KISS
@@elvisparker4691 SkidRow got angry with Sebastian Bach when he booked an opening gig for Kiss because the band thought the Skidrow were too big to be an opening band.
Fast forward few years, Sebastian Bach left the band and SkidRow opened for Kiss.
Saw Kiss in Melbourne in 2008 and loved it!!
@@dariostino Ha ! 🙂 ...
Very cool ! 👍
Sebastian was a Major KISS fan. I saw him at a few shows !