KISS Frontman Gene Simmons Looks Back on the Band’s Most Infamous Studio Album
In a recent interview, Gene Simmons, co-founder and bassist of KISS, identified the band’s worst studio album and took full blame for its creation. His choice, 1981’s Music From ‘The Elder’, is hardly surprising to the band’s fans. The album’s creation was a ill-fated attempt at earning critical acclaim with a high-minded, medieval times-themed concept album.
From Experimentation to Disaster
KISS had previously tried to regain their hard rock sound with the album Unmasked in 1980, but the attempts were met with negative fan reactions. Simmons remembered his conversation with producer Bob Ezrin, where he envisioned a concept album inspired by the Who’s rock opera Tommy. "I said: ‘Yeah. If the Who can do it, why can’t we?’ Well, the straight answer is because we’re not the Who!" Simmons revealed, stating that the album’s honesty was compromised due to its failure to achieve their vision.
Taking Full Responsibility
Simmons accepts full responsibility for the creation of Music From ‘The Elder’, explaining, "I take the blame for it, because it was my idea… We were trying to make something special, something important, but it ended up being a mess."
Lessons Learned and Faded Memories
The 1997 album Carnival of Souls (The Final Sessions) took the dubious honor as Kiss’ most dishonest album. Simmons admits, "We were trying to follow a trend instead of just being ourselves… In hindsight, Kiss never really spent enough time in the studio."
Band Member Paul Stanley’s Take
Guitarist Paul Stanley agreed with Simmons’ assessment in their 2001 book Kiss: Behind the Mask, stating he was "dead-set against doing that kind of album" and that they needed to "just be themselves." Stanley believed the band didn’t need to replicate the sound of popular acts like Soundgarden, Metallica, and Alice in Chains.
Conclusion
Gene Simmons has had a long-standing track record of candid remarks and unwavering self-reflection. His confession and analysis of Music From ‘The Elder’ offer valuable insights into KISS’ creative journey, from experimentation to catastrophe and eventual redemption.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is KISS’ worst studio album, according to Gene Simmons? Music From ‘The Elder’ (1981) is Gene Simmons’ pick for the band’s worst studio album.
- What inspired the concept of Music From ‘The Elder’? Simmons borrowed the idea from the Who’s rock opera Tommy**, but admits their own attempt was dishonest due to its failure to capture their vision.
- Who is responsible for creating Music From ‘The Elder’?** Gene Simmons accepts full responsibility for creating the album, which was originally intended as a return to KISS’ hard rock roots.
- How does Paul Stanley compare to Gene Simmons in the opinion of KISS: Behind the Mask? Stanley agrees with Simmons that Carnival of Souls** (The Final Sessions) is one of the band’s least authentic albums, believing it’s essential to just "be themselves" in music.
By exploring Gene Simmons’ thoughts on KISS’ worst studio album, fans gain a deeper understanding of the band’s evolution, growth, and ultimately, redemption.
