CHEESY Balladeer Says He Wrote Iconic Band's 1st Hit in 12 Years But They DENY It!-Professor of Rock
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
- Coming up the story of a song released under a heavy dispute between a Glam Rock God, and the King of early 90s Soft Rock. It was Paul Stanley of Kiss vs. Michael Bolton. The Co-writing credits read that both wrote the power ballad Forever. It was also the first hit by Kiss in more than 12 years. During that dry spell, two members of the original lineup were gone Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, and so was the legendary look of the band. It was a bold and risky move to change their image… Unmask… take off their iconic makeup. But would that radical change pay off? Get a front-row seat to the dispute between the hard rocker and the soft rock balladeer and the crazy antics of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley and Kiss. Find out how everything turned out…..NEXT….on Professor of Rock.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you couldn’t get this bad 80s toy jingle out of your head for a day after seeing it, you’ll dig this channel of potent musical nostalgia. Make sure to subscribe below right now and the click the bell so you always know when our new interviews and videos are dropping. I know you’ll dig you this channel. We also have a Patreon you'll want to check out. There you’ll find an additional catalog of exclusive content and you can even become an honorary producer to help us keep this a daily channel.
I always love the comeback story. It’s always an entertaining tale of the ups and downs of the music business. I love seeing how bands remake themselves and live to fight another day, especially after going big and then having to adjust when a new musical movement changes the industry and that band has to wrestle with the changes to remain relevant as well as balancing that with their artistic integrity. It’s a tough balance and an even tougher business.
Well, as we’ve discussed before. The first time the fire-breathing band KISS were in desperate need of a hit single, the band acquiesced to record label pressure and released “Beth,” a ballad written by original drummer Peter Criss. It was a dangerous artistic departure, that could’ve been a Destroyer, as the name of the album implied.
But... necessity is the mother of invention, as the proverb goes, and sometimes, as in this case... necessity is the driving force for a hit. Going with “Beth” was a stroke of genius. It became the highest charting single for KISS- rising to #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976.
Paul Stanley & Gene Simmons, the leaders of KISS, would find themselves in the same predicament 15 years later as the big-hair, hard-rock 80s were winding down and moving into the strangeness of 1990. I’ve mentioned this before but 1990 and part of 1991 was a weird time in the music industry… before Nirvana changed everything in later 91… music was in a strange place. It was kind of still the 80s, even though the calendar had moved into the 90s. But it wasn’t the good 80s… It was the overexposed pop that was invading everyone’s radio.. and it was hard to know what to make of it…
Now KISS had not benefited from a single in the Top 40 since “I Was Made for Lovin' You” in ’79, and they were once again, frantic for a hit. Fortunately, as in ’76, they happened to have a ballad.
Poll: What is your pick for the best ballad by a legendary rock band?
Rough Boy by ZZ Top
Alone by Heart
I'll nominate "Open Arms" by Journey.
“Alone” Heart!!🤘🔥
Drive -- The Cars
Thank you so much for shining the spotlight on Eric Carr. He was one of the most underrated drummers of the 80s hard rock era. What a talent.
Eric totally carries this song from start to finish. As he did KISS up until his passing. He, then later Bruce, brought the non makeup KISS to a whole nother level.
@@gonecyco2Eric was a great drumming talent, but to say he carried KISS, in any capacity, is a gross overstatement, to put it mildly.
@@FuckThatYo When I use the term "carried" I am only speaking of how he carried them musically from the bottom up. And then Singer carried them and still does.
Agreed sadly he is an overlooked drummer.
That was truly a saddening fate imposed upon Eric Carr, which I would not have known about, but for your video. However, I managed to cheer myself up by remembering the ending scene in "Wanted Dead Or Alive" when Rutger Hauer pulled the pin on the grenade.
Please, freakin’ please, give me 1964 through 1983 back!!!!!!! Not just about the music, however; that won’t hurt.
If you got mad because the Slinky didn't go down the steps, you'll dig this channel
Free Gonzalo Lira
Ha ha!
If you've ever tried to chew an entire role of Bubble Tape, you'll dig this channel.
Egon: I had half a slinky... I straightened it **I ❤ Ghostbusters 👻
My Slinky would get kinky…. Hmmmm….
“ A Million To One” wasn’t released as a single off Lick It Up album but should’ve been. Most underrated power ballad in their catalog
Great song. I need to relisten!
I concur 👍🏼
One of KISS's best songs.
@@eclecticx They have a lot of best songs
@@Darla-yl8ngI think Tears Are Falling is a really good song.
I've always felt bad for Eric, he passed the same day as Freddie Mercury and was completely forgotten. RIP Eric.
Not forgotten to us!!! That sadly happened to the iconic Farrah Fawcett Majors when she passed away….the same day as Michael Jackson.
true but Farrah's family members said she would have loved that I think she was a fan of Michael Jackson but anyway she wouldn't have wanted the attention on her sad death though she did hope to raise awareness to the form of cancer she had
@@emb2302
I sure didn’t forget, but I sure get your point. Life, she’s always been kind of a jerk. In fact, a complete a-hole.
The lead guitar player in KISS , for 11 years, from '84-'95 was Bruce Kulick. Previous to joining Bruce was the touring guitarist for Meat Loaf. Not only that, Bruce was the lead guitarist was for the band "Black Jack". The lead singer in Black Jack... Michael Bolton.
Exactly!! The Bolton connection was already in place
Bravo,you can access Wikipedia. Gold star...for your right eye.
@@careful...Icarus Wikipedia? What are you talking about? I have been a fan since 1976. I read books and I follow their careers. I know it's difficult to detect tone over text. Your comment struck me as churlish.
@@bangkokfed Yeah, he still used his birth name Michael Bolotin at the time. Black Jack was a pretty cool band, I have their albums. Jazz fusion bassist Jimmy Haslip was also a member, and he joined the Yellowjackets later on.
Forever was played at my first marriage to my first wife. She passed away in 2016 unexpectedly and it was also played at her funeral. 23 years and 8 months and it still perfectly fit our love for each other and how much I loved her. This song will “forever”, no pun intended, hold a special place in my heart and life just as the group who was my first rock band that I loved. Ironic how their song became the theme for my first love. KISS will always hold a special place in my life just as my wife still does today. If they read this, thank you from a KISS fan for 45 years for all the memories and the song that has meant so much to me. Just know, as long as I’m alive this tune will live on.
That is a beautiful story of love, loss, inspiration and the will to carry on.
KISS means more to those of us who are fans, than any non-fan could ever realize.
It’s not just a band, it’s unbreakable loyalty, getting back up after getting knocked down, never giving up, and being genuine to the true you, regardless of what others may think.
Although I’m sure you’ll never fully recover from losing someone so close to you, I’m glad to see you’ve been able to carry on, and honour your wife’s memory when you’re able.
Stay strong.
Sorry for your loss... Gotta ask... Was your lovely first wife a KISS fan as well, or did you have to talk her into having that song played at your wedding ???
Dude. Forever is played at every dude who is into rock and rolls wedding
I am so sorry for your loss. 🌹
@@stardemonspacecatyes she was a die hard fan just like I was. That was a stipulation in the marriage.😂
Speaking of Peter Criss songs, Hard Luck Woman (yes Paul wrote it), would make an AWESOME video. As far as KISS songs go, that’s #1 in my heart by miles! (Go Rags!!)
Love Hard Luck Woman.
Rags? One of my favorite songs
Another great episode. Also, I’ll take the “weird 80’s” over most modern stuff any day.
Same here.
Amen!
I agree, Kiss was certainly not as big in the 80s as they were in the 70s but I bet a lot of musical acts would have given their right arm to have the run that Kiss had in that decade.
Thanks for getting deep with Eric Carr! Loved him and his drums then and love him and his drums now! He just seemed to be the coolest,laid back "Rockstar"❤️ my favorite song off "Hot in the shade" is "Hide your Heart"! Ace does his own version of the song that is really good!RIP ERIC 🥁
He was so talented!
@@ProfessorofRockI to would like to thank you for this coverage of Eric Carr, he was the Kiss drummer that I kinda grew up with. I became a Kiss fan while Peter was still in the group in 78 but by 1980 he was gone, so Eric was the guy for me.
Very skilled player.
Thanks for turning the spotlight on one of the most important members of KISS. We miss Eric.
So glad you put some light on Carr. What a great drummer he was. Bombastic style for sure, he was thunder behind a kit. Forever is a great song too.
I have been a KISS fan for 45 years and this video hit hard for me. I had an opportunity to see Eric Carr on the Hot in the Shade tour shortly before he passed away and wasn’t able to go. I have seen them 13 times in concert and that was my only regret was not seeing him in person. I gave a friend of mine the HITS tape to have him autograph it and to tell him I thought he was the best drummer ever, but she want impressed. I never saw my tape again or the autograph.
Every time I hear thunder I think it’s Eric warming up.
Ace quit, he wasn't fired. They practically begged him to stay.
JJ Jackson was the Prof of Rock before there was ONE.
He was the most knowledgeable of all the MTV jocks by far.
His post MTV years saw him as a rock docu presenter. Great man and great voice. RIP JJ.
JJ was fantastic
The whole Crazy Nights album is a album worth discussing. Solid songs and great lyrics. 9.5 out of 10 for me. I am a solid believer that the makeup years were their best, but I always listen to this album once a week at least.
Paul Stanley was right about the ending of Forever. Virtually every other power ballad at that time ended with the fadeout, so Forever stood out from the crowd by not doing that. Eric Carr was an incredible drummer whose death was overshadowed by the death of the legend Freddie Mercury who died on the same day.
Fun fact on the subject of Michael Bolton writing songs for other acts: In 1982 Michael Bolton and Doug James wrote the song How Am I Supposed to Live Without You for the band Air Supply. Air Supply ended up not recording it after arista president Clive Davis wanted permission to change the lyrics in the chorus which Michael Bolton refused. Laura Branigan recorded it for her second album (Branigan 2) in 1982/83, and the Michael Bolton recorded it himself in 1989 for his album Soul Provider.
It wasnt overshadowed by me. Freddie wasnt a very big icon to me like Eric was
@@97warlock Sorry, dude. You're on your own. Eric was great. But Freddie was iconic. Even iconic doesn't seem to adequately describe him.
he was the singer of the band Queen, to me. I wasnt very into Queen other than probably 5-6 songs. Not downing them, just saying . they werent my kinda music. I was in my teens & looking for a bit more edgy guitar driving attitude drivin etc. But lotsa people liked queen. They were a big band. all good@@screwyootube1
@@97warlockI find KISS and Queen to be very similar, and to say that Queen didn’t make driving guitar rock, is foolishness. Brian May is, without question, one of rock n’ roll’s all-time premiere lead guitarists. So many of his riffs are truly iconic. I don’t think you’ve given them enough time. I love KISS, and I love Queen too. That’s not weird.
I got the 8 track that has we will rock you............... news of the world is the name, I liked a few songs on it. I couldnt get into the rest. I got JAZZ same thing. I got Live Killers, liked 3-4 songs . Ive learned thru the years Im not into operatic style vocals. Queen was good up until radio gaga, that one sucked, not sure what became of them after that.
@@FuckThatYo
Here in Australia Kiss in 1980 experienced Beatlemania. We seemed to appreciate them post the original line up.
I absolutely loved Forever when it came out! I still do! Thanks for all the insight Professor, another epic dive!
May Jimmy Buffett rest in peace!
He will be missed, but we will always have his music.
☮️
Thanks for mentioning this. A sad time for all parrotheads. 🦜
...heard about "Buff" FIRST thing thing Morning, and grabbed me 4 CD Box set to listen to....always respected the Guy for a being One of the RICHEST 'One Hit Wonders' ever.....RIP in "Margaritaville", Buff, you EARNED it.....
@@RBS_ what about cheeseburger 🍔 in paradise?
I am a huge fan of Jimmy Buffett and was just listening to his recent colored vinyl double album "Songs You Don't Know By Heart." Your post is the first I learned of his death; thanks for the alert! Please be sure you spell his last name correctly!
Yes he will.
Not a Kiss fan but you made them very interesting to me, Professor... I remember when Lick It Up hit MTV for the first time. You're right-- it got a lot of airplay
They actually didn’t look that horrible without the makeup on.
Maaaaaan KISS is so underrated
@@super_robot_punch Kiss is only underrated by die-hard Kiss fans. When they did disco, they halted the steam they had going, and never recovered from it. They became mediocre after that.
@@screwyootube1All of KISS’ best material is post 1982. It doesn’t seem like that, but without the strong nostalgic attachment of those ‘70s tunes, the ‘80s and ‘90s material seems inferior.
This is simply not the case at all.
The ‘70s songs were immature and extremely simplistic. Although KISS material never obtained a level where it could be called complex, their post-makeup, pre-reunion catalogue is vastly musically superior.
Ace was replaced by Vinnie Vincent who was replaced by Mark St. John who was replaced by Bruce Kulick.
Eric Carr's first song he sang lead was Little Caesar. Eric did not know about Kiss moving on without him until he found out by the media not the band. That was why Gene and Paul were not invited to Eric's funeral.
And before Vinnie, Bob Kulick did some studio guitar work.
@@derekcheatham1911 Bob's brother Bruce couldn't find any documentation of Bob playing on Alive II or Creatures. However, that is not to say he played a chrord here and there as Bruce said. He did play guitar on Paul's solo album, and recommended Bruce to take over for Mark.
Bolton had very little to do with that song until kiss made it a hit.
Eric's first original kiss vocal was Little Ceasar, but he did do lead on Beth a year earlier
Bruce played guitar with Bolton in the band Blackjack
Ace Frehley was never "sacked". He left the band on his own. Paul even went to Ace's house to try and convince him not to leave the band. Ace has said that he felt that once Peter was no longer in the group, Gene and Paul would always out vote him on things that he wanted to do. So, he quit and went on to have a very successful solo career.
He also left on his own after the Reunion Tour.
Truth. Whereas Peter WAS fired…twice.
That is very valid reasoning. To save himself the trouble.
ace frehley was upset about music from the elder sessions ace showed up at video i love it loud kiss had to hire vinnie Vincent which is team player but great guitarist.
Ace had sex with Peter. He missed it.
I think por did a video about how Ace had more hits than kiss at a certain period? I could be remembering the details but that was the gist lol.
By the way…. Bruce didn’t replaced Ace, he replaces Mark St. John, who replaced Vinnie Vincent, who replaced Ace
Yeah I dont think Professor did enough research
I saw Ace at The House of Blues a few weeks ago. He blew everything away. Guy is the riff master.
No, he isn't. And he never was. He was always a replaceable hanger-on who just had the luck of getting to know two superior talents who brought him to the stardom that he would never, ever have achieved on his own merits.
Very cool. What did he play?
I'm enjoying the heck out of the Ace videos I'm seeing lately...72 and still out there. Of course it can't compare to Kiss-era Ace but he's surrounded himself with stellar musicians and fans get to see their childhood rock star hero one more time. He seems to be enjoying himself--love how he smiles as he tosses picks to the fans 😊
@@erikthompson619Are you his scorned ex-lover or something?
@@erikthompson619 Wow, that is kind of an exaggeration. Personally, I always liked him, and I am not hearing what you hear. Those "superior talents" are only superior in their talents for over-marketing. Pretty much any other artist Gene Simmons has "produced" for has tanked. There's a difference between being popular and being financially successful. I think most of us would believe someone reviewing Ace's abilities who was actually there recently to someone who is probably a shill repeating the drivel Gene Simmons claims is the "truth". I read his autobiography. That's not talent in that guy. It's bluster and theatrics.
Eric Carr was amazing to watch on stage. ❤
How many times have you seen Kiss live?
@@ProfessorofRock I saw Kiss four times in the 80s. Eric’s drum solo was always mesmerizing.
Oddly enough...Eric had THE BEST makeup in the band. Can't believe I am saying this...
I know!
RIP Eric Carr...best drummer Kiss ever had. And that's saying something because Eric Singer is amazing too.
Both Eric's are great, but they're pretty standard hard rock drummers - Peter Criss' unique jazzy/funky grooving style was essential to the classic KISS sound.
Thanks for the Eric carr Tribute. He will be forever remembered by his fans! Very talented drummer and musician! As for fave songs, Lick it up, forever, hide your heart, all hells breaking loose and many others!
I started listening to Kiss back in 1976 and have always liked the Kiss ballads. When I heard "Forever" and saw that Michael Bolton co-wrote it, I thought, "that's weird," but I really like the song.
Bryan Adams co wrote a few songs on Creatures of the Night, also.
I was pregnant with our youngest when we went to the “makeup comeback” tour in 96. It was such a good show, and predictably so there were people protesting the show because they were “demonic.” The show was so good.
I like Kiss better before the unmasking 😊
Demonic or not they're excellent 👌.
I saw it as well. One of the best live shows I've ever seen.
Haha, it makes for perfect Halloween costume ideas at least!
My favourite album by KISS, the still had make up, but Peter was already gone and Ace was too…just not “officially”, but the make up was still there.
Creatures of the Night is an amazing album, and IMO their heaviest too. And 2 of the heaviest songs from that album, “War Machine” and “Rock and Roll Hell” were co-written by Gene and the writing team of Jim Vallance and Bryan Adams. And I love that! To me that is more unexpected than Paul and Bolton. 😂
Michael Bolton was already friends with many of the members of Kiss dating back to his time in a band with Bruce Kulik called Black Jack. Bruce’s older brother Bob Kulik had guest appearances on many of Kiss albums and knew the members of the band before their careers really took off. It’s not like Michael Bolton was a stranger in the industry and was quite an amazing hard rock vocalist. Here is a cool little piece of info from years gone by Bruce and Bob Kulik both played in meatloaf at one time. Professor of rock I have been a huge fan of Kiss since the release of Rock and Roll Over I remember seeing it in the front of recordland store and had to have it I just had to have it lol been a rocker every sense however some of my favorite Kiss tunes to date are from those unmasked days the band do not get the credit they deserve for those Incredibly talented releases.
Thanks for that piece of trivia did not know any of that. I did not become a fan until I saw them during their reunion tour and as a musician was very impressed with this band theatrics tone musical skills everything rolled into one. Just one of those shows when you leave you feel like you got your moneys worth and have a happy smile.
Here's another fun fact, Bob Kulick would have been an original member, they had actually decided on him, and then this guy got out of his Mom's car and stumbled into the place wearing one orange and one red sneaker.
The Meat Loaf connection is a surprising revelation for me.
Glad you type all of this so I didn't have to!
@@thevisionary2007No, they had not decided on Bob. They liked him, but he and they knew he wasn't right. The reason? He was bald. Bob himself had said this. He was already losing his hair when he turned 18, so he began shaving his head. They liked his playing, though, and kept in touch with him just in case things were to turn out like they ultimately did. Peter Criss had also said Bob didn't get it because he was bald, and they didn't want a bald guitar player. When you see old photos and video of Bob and Bruce playing with Meat Loaf, Bob was wearing a wig. Bruce himself has told me that personally.
Paul was right the ending of Forever is perfect. The 1984-95 lineup of KISS to me is the definitive non-makeup lineup and made some great music together. I saw them twice during that era. R.I.P. Eric Carr.
What years, do you remember?
I saw them twice. 1977 and 1979. That was the definitive lineup
@@anthonyfalante5613 I know that. That's why I said "non makeup lineup"
Paul Stanley is an under rated songwriter I think, and the late Eric Carr's backing vocals on God Gave... were awesome.
Funny this video should come up on my YT feed today as a few hours ago I found out that Rod Argent was born and raised in a house just a few yards away from the street I live in :)
Keep up the great work, Prof!
I liked the overall sound and production on the Asylum record. Some very gnarly-sounding riffs on that album, and Eric Carr's drum kit never sounded heavier before or since. I remember the snare drum having a lot of snap and crack to it that really made it punch through the mix. The lead guitar on "Tears Are Falling" is among my favorite lead guitar tracks Bruce Kulick ever recorded in the 80's.
Maybe Paul's ego is the reason why he diminishes Michael Bolton's creative input on "Forever". And I'm not surprised by the fact that Bruce played bass on that song. It wouldn't be the first time Gene Simmons deferred his bass parts to Bruce during a recording session. He even played bass on the Psycho Circus album a few years after he was out of the band.
As a long time fan of Kiss (1976), I have always thought when they took off the makeup, it allowed them to open up musically. While in makeup we would have never gotten songs like Hide your heart, Thrills in the night, Tears are falling (this one could go either way), I will always love you, and many others. The unmasked years had a lot of great songs.
"I will always love you"??? By Dolly & Whitney?
"I Still Love You" was their song, off of Creatures of the Night, still in makeup.
Kiss was a great R&R band that stood the test of time. No other band was like them. No other band could be them. With their stage makeup, on- stage antics, pyrotechnics, and hard rockin sound, Kiss set the bar high for future acts to follow! 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
The current lineup is nothing but a Tribute band.
They were top tier in the makeup canon.
The guitar solo makes the song, and Paul’s vocal is perfect!
I'm a big Kiss fan and have been for many years.
They are a special band to me and seeing the reunion tour in 1996 was a dream come true.
I wish they would do one more reunion tour before they stop touring. The original members were the best byfar!
I saw the reunion tour. They are a great live band.
Seen them 3 times on reunion tour.
If so, I would totally buy tickets.
That's Awesome!!
@@vinyllpreviews9462
I went to three Reunion concerts at the L.A. Forum in 1996, the last time with "Animalize" furs and Ace Frehley makeup.
I have huge respect for Kiss. They give their fans a great show still.
KISS had hits in the 80s, Heaven’s On Fire, Tears Are Falling, Crazy Nights, to name 3
Exactly! It was basically just the US who ignored Kiss singles during their makeupless era. In Europe, that same period was their second heyday.
Not in the states...
I never heard any of those songs Kevin
"Animalize" was one of my favorite albums in Jr High. All the metal heads at my school seemed to love it.
I know all those songs, but not all of them were hits.
Musically KISS was at peak quality in the 80's.....songs like "Heavens On Fire"....:Thrills in the Night"....."Hide Your Heart".....were simply masterful hard rock melodies.
Yes
"Forever" is a great song, with an epic ending,, and one of the most beautiful acoustic guitar solos, ever.
P.S. prior to joining KISS, Bruce was in a band called "Blackjack", who's lead vocalist was some guy named Micheal Bolton. 😉
You mean Michael Bolotin 😎
I have always been a KISS fan, but IMHO their BEST lineup was with Eric Carr(RIP) and Bruce Kulick!!! Saw them on the "Crazy Nights" and "Hot in the Shade" tours!!! Always loved that lineup!!!
Really? Ya Eric was really good, but I'll take Ace.
I 2nd that emotion! Band was amazing with Bruce and Eric!
Yes. Yes yes
Wow! When was that tour?
dang Bruces guitars were hot! I almost got an ESP guitar in early 90s, sadly the cool music store bought a custom Gibson guitar for a dude, he bailed and didnt want to pay the money the store paid to get the guitar for him! I wanted a Mirage model with seymour duncans in it! edit ; the store closed 1 months after that fool didnt pay, the owner couldnt pay rent or order anything after that!
Yes, I enjoyed Kiss in the 80's. Its when I first really knew who they were. Tears are Falling, Heaven's on Fire were great songs!
Love all the coverage on Eric. Awesome drummer, awesome video ❤
The only reason you could say that this was Kiss' first hit in 12 years, is if you're hopelessly US-centric. "Heaven's on fire" in particular was a massive hit with us in Europe, and plenty more songs from that era, like "Lick it up", "Tears are falling" and "Crazy crazy nights" were also very successful. The makeup-less era as a whole was very successful for Kiss in Europe.
THat's right. But they didn't fare as well here in the states...
@@ProfessorofRockin the mid to late 80s the radio charts were taking a backseat to MTV's Top Ten videos, but I rarely see anybody reference that chart. Is that data lost?
It's apparent in album rankings of the time how popular videos were helping to sell records that didn't score radio hits. And it's not just verifiable but widely accepted that music television had become the defacto radio station for youth culture in the United States. Kiss videos from ASYLUM and ANIMALIZE would regularly rank in the top ten videos, and those albums went multi-platinum, so I think it's a bit undermining of Kiss' (or any band's) actual popularity in that era to dismiss the video hits, or consider them somehow less than radio hits.
What are your thoughts on that?
I LOVED "Heaven's On Fire".
"Heaven's On Fire" failed to make it into the Top 10 in any market. "Lick It Up" didn't crack the Top 20 anywhere. "Tears Are Falling" stalled out in the 50's if it charted at all. You *are* right about "Crazy Crazy Nights", though. It did not do well in the U.S. (#65), but was Top 10 in UK, Ireland, & Sweden.
While "Forever" was a Top 10 hit in the U.S., the truth is "I Was Made For Lovin' You" was KISS' last global hit.
Never gets played on the radio in Toronto (HOF) and it was a minor hit at best. RIP Eric.
Who remember "Knights In Satan's Service" was going around!
Michael Bolton’s first few albums were rock. Very good rock at that! I went through a MB rock phase about a year ago. My wife was shocked 😂 What a Genius move on the bands part. Eric Carr was a fantastic musician for sure. He is missed years later so much. Awesome story 👏🏼👏🏼
The rocker side of Michael Bolton is so underrated.
He also had a band with Bruce Kulick called Blackjack, almost Bad Company feel to it, you can find it here on youtube. It was in the late 70's.
th-cam.com/video/eaP3pNkdsQ4/w-d-xo.html
@@kikiki4592 Oh yes, I have it. Love it..!
@@stevelanemusic4463 I stopped collecting LP's in the mid 90's, sold everything off, and I was able to move it alone for $750. Collector who got from me said the card box like album cover was rare. I always thought that was also so cool, miss that part of music, the album covers from that era were so badass.
Michael Bolton was in a band with the guitarist at the time Bruce Kulick called Blackjack and they were awesome. And that Guild that PS is playing in the video is bad ass.
One of the worst kept secrets about Hot In The Shade (the album that "Forever" was a single from) is that it was not an officially recorded album by the whole band. It's a collection of demos featuring a wide range of session musicians, some of which got some overdubs and remixing before being compiled for the album.
Bolton wrote a song with a friend of mine and also took credit!!!
Professor, I'm glad to see you do an episode spotlighting a song co-written by Michael Bolton. There were a lot of musical changes that I didn't like in the 90's (The rise of Rap/Hip Hop and Grunge). However, if there is one kind of music that will never go out of style and there will always be a place for it, that is the ballad/love song singer. Each decade we had at least one singer who was known and specialized in singing love song ballads. In the 1950's, it was Johnny Mathis, the 1960's Bobby Vinton, The 1970's Barry Manilow, the 1980's Lionel Richie (In fact, one music critic called Lionel Richie "The Black Barry Manilow) and in the 1990's Michael Bolton, Since people are always going to fall in love and get married, love song ballads are timeless and will be popular in any decade. I've always enjoyed them. On another topic, I heard the sad news that Jimmy Buffet has past away. Professor, I'm not sure whether or not you were a fan of his music. I don't think you've ever mentioned him on your channel. Jimmy Buffet had a style all his own. People referred to it as tropical rock. Everyone knows his signature song "Margaritaville". His other great songs include "Cheeseburger In Paradise", "Volcano", and "Come Monday". He's been a major concert performer consistently on tour for the last several decades. He recently performed his last concert this past May.His devoted fan base are know as "Parrotheads". I've always enjoyed his music. When listening, it transports your mind to a tropical island. Anyway, I hope you do a tribute episode for Jimmy Buffet.
C'mon Adam, you gotta give a tribute to "Jimmy Buffett" today if you can. It wouldn't be right not to. We are all gonna miss him just a little.
nuff said?
I totally grew up on Kiss. My first concert was the Lick It Up tour when I was 12. I also made sure to hit the 96 reunion tour to finally see them in makeup.
Reason KISS took make up off was because MTV wouldn't play the make up version of KISS.
Eric Carr said before they were discussing it when he joined--that was a year before MTV even existed.
One of their best songs! Even though I prefer the original classics, this song and several others of this album proved their musical talent! No band has ever put in more work to satisfy the fans.
Sure Know Something 5 in 1979 Shandi 5 in 1980 Talk To Me 39in 1980;I 24 in 1981 ;Crazy Crazy Nights 34 in 1987 ; all charted here in Australia ;Forever peaked at 38 in 1990 ; God Gave Rock An d Roll To You peaked at 18 in 1991
Forever is a good song 👍
Some of my favorite songs from non makeup era kiss : Lick It up, Heaven's On Fire, Tears Are Falling, All Hell's Breakin' Loose.
It's unfortunate that so little is made of Paul Stanley as a vocalist...fifty years later and he can still belt out a song with such amazing power. "Forever" may be one of his finest vocal performances. I was never a "Kiss Army" type fan, but I still gotta give props where they're due.
He's stayed out too long though. His pipes are shot to crap. Said he'd never use backing tracks on stage, now....🤷♂️
True, though listed to "I Still Love You" the unplugged version. His vocals are amazing on that
Lip singing
Don't believe anything Paul Stanley says..........ever
This is one of my all time favorite KISS songs. In fact, my wife and I had our first dance to it at our wedding. My wife, who is in no way a KISS fan, looked at me like I was insane when I suggested it. Then I played it for her and then she understood why I wanted. Now it’s her favorite KISS song too. 😊
I may be in the minority, but my favorite non makeup album is Carnival of Souls, which, of course, didn't get any love because of the reunion. I'd like to see an episode on that album.
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
KISS!
THE ARMY!
Love those guys!
Might not have been the best musicians, but their mark on music history can't be denied.
Favorite KISS moment was when they showed up at the Grammys in costume unannounced. Everyone else was in complete shock and awe.
Thanks Professor.
We are humbly your Army out here. 😅
RIP Jimmy Buffet. 😢😢
so sad.. What's your favorite Kiss song Roger?
@@ProfessorofRock
Detroit Rock City 🪨 🎸
@@rogerdeahl9629 I saw them at Sonic Temple 2023 Historic Crew Stadium, Columbus, OH, USA End Of The Road Tour. 5/27/23. They opened up with two of favorites, Detroit Rock City and Shout It Out Load.
Eff cancer. R.I.P. Jimmy 😢
Your timeline seems to be a bit off... you keep saying 15 yrs after Beth and i think you said 12 yrs after I Was Made for Loving You.
Beth was '76 and I Was Made for Loving You was '79, as you said, but Forever was on Hot in the Shade, 1989.... 13 and 10 yrs later respectively.
One of my all time favorite KISS songs, while i do love the original line up and sound but my introduction to KISS was Crazy Nights that era for will always hold a special to me. Bruce's solo, Eric's drumming. Sure the song is cliché in subject matter but imo it's one of the best ballads to come out of the era.
Forever and Reason To Live are THE best ballads from Kiss....PERIOD!!!
Also around this time was Michael Bolton's hit single "Steel Bars," which he co-wrote with none other than... Bob Dylan! Professor, maybe you need to investigate that strange pairing for us as well. :)
Man, I absolutely LOVED "Forever" the first time I heard it!!! Many people don't know this, but Michael Bolton was a rock singer before he made it big in the business as a soulful balladeer. He sounded so different, and I love his rock voice. As far as KISS, their ballads were always amazing. Beth, Hard Luck Woman (which was written with Rod Stewart in mind) and Forever. Great episode, Mr. Professor!!!
...I KNEW Bolton was a Rocker! ...me (former) co-worker turned me on to "Everybody's Crazy", and I LOVED that CD! ...Yes Bolt 'popped' up the Rock, but should get SOME credit for 'entertaining the masses'... Ronald Isley excluded! ...ha-HAAA!!
I remember his rock singing days and I was disappointed he went on to do ballads.
@@Fiona2254 I remember when he hit #1 in 1990 with "How Am I Supposed To Live Without You" and thinking, "WOW, he took that old Laura Branigan song & made it his own!" Little did I know, HE was the one who wrote it!
He did have a good rock voice. It's wasted. Thanks Bill.
DO you own it?
My favorite song from Kiss in the 80" s was Lick it up! But I have been a Kiss fan since 1975! I was 4 years old and had gotten a kiss record for my birthday! I have been hooked ever since.
Forever by Kiss is by far one of rhe best ballads to come from the 80s and 90s. Great Episode!
Eric’s death was sooooo overshadowed by Freddie’s that it was disgraceful.
It still bothers me today.
At the time….Freddie’s lifestyle was Russian Roulette…and he knew it.
Eric could not control how he died…but yet…they choose to remember Freddie’s death on that Nov day.
I always call our local Rock station and get it mentioned that it’s also the day that Eric passed from this world.
The same as I do for other greats that get overshadowed…like Joey Ramone…who died on the anniversary of the Titanic sinking.
Back in the Saddle Again Naturally!
There it is!
@@ProfessorofRock Hey ProRo, 🤓 are you ever going to interview Leo Sayers?
Also, Michael Bolton had a band with Bruce Kulick in 1979, called Backjack
Blackjack
Ace quit, he wasn’t fired.
Everything they did in the 80s was great 🤘KISS RULZ 😎 🤘 The Hottest band in the world 🌎 KISSSSS 😎🤘🤘
One of the first albums I got on my own was Kiss Alive III and the live version of Forever has been a favorite of mine ever since.
I hated Kiss. I think Forever has Micheal Boltons sound. Michael Bolton and Bruce Kulick have history, they were in a band together called Blackjack.
My first KISS album was Alive 2 when it was released. I was in 2nd grade. Been a huge fan of theirs since then. I absolutely love their old stuff with the original 4 members and to me the best KISS album of all is Revenge. Forever was mine and my wife’s wedding song in our wedding. Was surprised she agreed to it but she did.
Thanks Mr. Professor. I remember when they took the makeup off. That's very sad, what happened Eric Carr. I'm glad I caught them in concert, in 1997! Forever is a great song.
I dunno, man. Kiss is a pretty lousy band, musically. I mean, I guess the costumes are cool, and Ace had a hilarious personality. But, as far as music? Yeah. Lousy.
Bruce was not the first guitarist to be hired after Ace, first was Vinnie Vincent (who went on to firm the Vinnie Vincent Invasion who later brought us the band Slaughter) and Mark St. John.
Kiss is my favorite band, and I saw them on this tour; Hot in the shade. It was my first concert. I loved all the Eric Carr back history stuff!
I always loved forever. Another favorite is Reason To Live off of the Crazy Knights album.
You forgot to mention that Michael Bolton was in a band blackjack with Bruce Kulik who was the guitar player of kiss at the time
Never was a big KISS fan but I did love their cover of God Gave Rock and Roll To You.
Heavens On Fire was their all time best song. Best comeback song. The only Kiss song I ever really loved and still love today. I still play it all the time in my favorite playlist.
I personally love power balads. I t understand that to find real love you love you got to be tough, which is why they spam to me. I think they really the truth more then the so called love balled.
Regarding KISS, everything after 'Love Gun' was rubbish.
I love ”Forever”.
That guitar solo is incredible and so is Stanley.
The video is great too ( i love Pauls guitar btw ).
Paul is the ultimate rock star to me.
Has been since 76.
Kiss was one of my favorites ...loved most of their stuff. Revenge was probably my favorite non makeup album .
LOVE GUUUUUUUUNN!
"See, Ronnie? His dick is the gun!"
I'm not a big fan of KISS' older stuff, but I love the unmasked era in the 80s and 90s, especially the album "Crazy Nights". I don't understand why some fans think it's a weak album.
The first time I heard "Forever" was on the "Sonic "Boom" album deluxe version, which came with a "Best of" bonus CD (plus a live DVD) I think all the songs were re-recorded, probably for legal reasons. I liked the song immediately.
@19:00 sounds like he just bullied an employee out of a job and then spun the story in his favour tbh
I've always been a sucker for ballads; they speak to me like no other form of song. Most of the songs I like are in ballad form. That said, I love Forever and would say it's my fave song of Kiss from the day it came out. From the few of theirs I know
Iconic band. Terrific band, especially with Kulick and Carr but more so with Kulick and Singer (Revenge is my favorite KISS album and that with having become a fan with Rock n' Roll Over). Forever? Way too much cheese. Ick. Where's the Lactojoy? That said, I love how Kulick played on the track.
I loved Eric’s drumming on the track and the outro. As he hits the kick, there is that one shot on the snare drum that to me was powerful.
eric carr.. was the most amazing drummer there is he is my idol..theres nobody better