I did it as a KISS fan not even realizing that I would be included in this awesome literary monument to KISS. Yet with all that has been written over the years, there are subjects that fans have never put to rest when it comes to the “hottest band in the land”: What were the most significant concerts?

From the perspective of this investigation, the piece did make a salient observation: “If the new Out of Control Casablanca LP by ex-Kiss member Peter Criss doesn’t make the charts, it won’t be from a lack of promotional push on his part. It is an industry, one less interested in artistic expression and artist happiness than the bottom line — and if either of the first two are results of profit generated, then that’s simply a byproduct with little commercial value other than keeping creative waters flowing until exhausted.The KISS Army (created … well, details about that can be found elsewhere in this book) allowed fans of the band a mecca of tolerance and understanding in a sea of harsh critics—professional, friends, and family members—who looked down their noses at KISS.

Featuring Wally Bryson the lineup for the album included Jeff Hutton (Keyboards, played live with Raspberries and on one of their albums), Dan Klawson (Bass, ex-Choir Band), David Allen Thomas (Guitars) , and Thom Mooney (Drums, ex-Nazz). Even in 1980, when the band ran into accusations of using Nazi symbols in West Germany (see Chapter 5 for details) and Simmons’s birthplace and heritage could have been used to defend the band, it would not become part of the company line until sometime later. We relish debating about our favorite members, albums, album covers, songs, tours, opening acts, eras, merchandise, collectibles, and on and on. Yet I’ve never seen such an eclectic group of people, all motivated to share in their devotion to KISS, to one another, or to those who don’t subscribe to our love to rock and roll all nite and party every day. Of course, the other thing many people remember about KISS is that they have a loyal fan base commonly referred to as the KISS Army.The two hours allotted for Modern Drummer resulted in the most extensive coverage for Peter when published in the Feb/Mar 1981 issue. While he was not likely to listen to hard rock, I think he saw a degree of professionalism, work ethic, and rapport that KISS had that he valued. But a theme emerged, with his frustration creatively in the band built on the foundation that “Beth” had provided. And the good thing about legends and tall tales is that they must be good enough to be continually told and retold decades later. The KISS Army surrounded the radio station and threatened the DJ if he did not play KISS by 5 o clock.