Music Review: KISS - Alive: 1975-2000

Okay, I’ll admit it, I happen to think that I like KISS.

I’m not sure if I actually do like KISS, mind you, only that my heart keeps telling me I do. Of course, this is all while my brain is screaming at me in denial. KISS? How can I really like KISS, it mocks?

Yes, if you must know, my brain mocks me occasionally.

I think my fascination with the idea that “KISS must be cool!” began when I saw them perform on television. I’m not sure what program it was on, and I certainly don’t remember what songs they played. What I am sure of is that my parents immediately looked at what I was watching and laughed at me.

That’s like daring me not to like this band.

Every now and then I’d pick up a KISS album and give it a whirl in my stereo. To my utter disappointment, the songs that emanated from my speakers were nowhere near as cool as the make-up wearing rock freaks that I’d seen on that television screen.

So, I rejected the idea that I liked KISS.

This continued for years. I’d see something on KISS and think “Why don’t I like these freaks?” then I’d grab an album and remember why, of course.

Throughout those years, KISS went through several changes of their own, whether it was original members leaving, deciding to “bravely” un-mask themselves, or live down song titles as goofy as “Let’s Put the X in Sex.”

All in all, it helped solidify my idea that they were pretty much the jesters of rock and not worth my time. If all that is true then why am I currently listening to the new Alive: 1975-2000 box set from KISS?

I think my answer would be that I finally had one experience that helped me to change how I think about KISS. A few years ago, when the original members of the band decided to get back together for a reunion tour, in full make-up no less, one of their tour dates landed them less than 30 miles from my home.

Add to that the fact that one of their opening acts was Ted Nugent, and you arrive at the logical conclusion that THIS is a spectacle that I must SEE!

So, I went.

The first opening act was a “Sebastian Bach-Free” version of Skid Row. Now, this isn’t really a review of their music, but they sucked. The only thing they had going for them was volume.

Article Author: Michael Jones

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