dale
June 9, 2006 / 12:59

Not being a KISS fan myself, but during my high school & University days in the mid-late 70's - they had a gimmick & freinds of mine loved them. I actually went to see them at MLG in 1979 & was probobaly one of the best SHOWS (not the music) I have seen. Much like Alice Cooper to see their concerts you are there for the experience - theatrics & music. Audience involvement.
Much like the Kingway Theatre (RIP) playing Rocky Horror Picture Show every Friday night at Midnight during the mid 70's. A cult thing.
The same could probably be said for the DEADHEADS (Grateful Dead fans).

Al
June 9, 2006 / 15:28

KISS also invented and mastered merchandising in music. They took anything and everything and put their ugly mugs on it and sold millions! These guys are rich, not because their music was good, but because they were excellent salesmen. THe perfume and coffeehouses are just a continuation of the KISS brand. They're truly the first ever sell-out band.

Jill
June 9, 2006 / 16:02

I think a large component to their success and popularity is due to their product merchandising. I remember living in South America at the height of their popularity (1977) and my brothers and I would use my fathers short wave radio to listen to music coming out of Miami radio stations. KISS was putting out new music quite frequently. The thirsty Kiss fans just kept soaking it up and were drenched in their sound. I remember hanging out with my "local" friends who could barely speak english but sing all KISS lyrics fluently.They would ask relatives (living in Florida) to bring them back anything that was current with American Pop Culture. These kids would drape themselves with Kiss Shirts and masks, etc. If you think back to this time in history......there were no music videos and KISSreally was all about visuals and theatrics. The 70's were high energy times and it was their high energy shows and marketing strategies that sold them. I personally like their 1996 MTVs unplugged and think they sounded like talented musicans. As for the opening of their coffeehouse.......
how else do we expect to rock and roll all night, and party every day? Caffeine

Mike Boon
June 9, 2006 / 19:47

Lots of crap sells well. The merchandise for my buddy's band Backstreet Boys sold like hotcakes, but that didn't make them a great band.

Do a few radio-friendly hits and the ability to sell out large make you as acclaimed and beloved as Kiss, the most overrated band on earth? I guess so...