Watch NICK MENZA Play MEGADETH’s ‘Hangar 18’ Two Years Before His Death
Previously unreleased drum-cam footage of late MEGADETH drummer Nick Menza playing along to the band’s classic song “Hangar 18” can be seen below.
The HD video, shot in a two-camera-angle mix, was filmed in March 2014 at Uberbeatz Studios in Seattle, Washington and is believed to be some of the final studio drum recordings of Menza before he passed away more than two years later.
The footage was supposed to be used for the late drummer’s first-ever instructional DVD, “Intense Mega Drumming”, that was to feature 10 re-recorded classic MEGADETH drum tracks with tons of tips and tricks from Menza’s arsenal to help teach anybody out there become a better player. The DVD, which was produced and directed by Kari Pearson and Menza’s manager, Robert Bolger, has since been shelved.
The unreleased video footage and audio from the session will be a featured highlight in the recently announced official Menza documentary film “This Was My Life – The Story of Nick Menza”. It is described in a press release as “an unflinching exploration into the life of one of the most successful thrash-metal drummers of all time, authorized by the Menza family. From his childhood all the way through to the end of his life including a true blow-by-blow account of the repeated failed attempts of the classic ‘Rust In Peace’ lineup.”
“This Was My Life” will feature rare and never-before-seen photos and video footage from Nick’s archived VHS tape collection, personally filmed by Menza himself from 1988 through 1991. Included will be exclusive content showcasing Nick working at the studio, personal home movies, casual time and party time with his fellow bandmembers, as well as other well-known artists of the era that Nick toured with.
Bolger said: “I am very excited to be working with Screaming Butterfly Entertainment on Nick’s official documentary.
“There’s a lot of published misinformation out there about Nick that isn’t true and I am very happy to bring the truth forth.
“Nick loved his fans and always said without the fans none this would be possible. I really think Nick’s fans will enjoy this journey through his life.”
Executive producer Holly Mollohan from Screaming Butterfly Entertainment added: “As both a filmmaker, and fellow metalhead who deeply values the metal community, I am honored and excited to go on this journey alongside all of you.”
Menza’s official autobiography, “Megalife: The Autobiography Of Nick Menza” by J. Marshall Craig, was released in December 2018 via Post Hill Press.
Late in the evening on May 21, 2016, Nick collapsed after suffering a heart attack during a concert with Chris Poland and Robertino “Pag” Pagliari in their band OHM: at The Baked Potato in Studio City, California and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner said Menza died of hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Nick rightfully earned his place as one of heavy metal’s fiercest drummers during MEGADETH’s 10-year commercial peak. The highlight of his career, Nick said, was playing Rock In Rio before more than 100,000 people. The lowest point was being fired by MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine while he was still in a hospital bed after surgery to remove what doctors feared was a cancerous growth.
Read more »
Producer Arthur Rizk on the Influence of Former Ozzy Osbourne Shredder Jake E. Lee
Super-producer and Eternal Champion and Sumerlands member Arthur Rizk on the lasting influence of one of the Ozzman’s often overlooked key contributors.
The post Producer Arthur Rizk on the Influence of Former Ozzy Osbourne Shredder Jake E. Lee appeared first on Decibel Magazine.
SABATON Teases New Song
Swedish metallers SABATON have released a short teaser for a brand new song. In a message accompanying the YouTube clip, the band wrote: “We bet you did not see this one coming.. Are you ready for some new SABATON music? Wait no more! Hear now a teaser of one of our upcoming songs..”
Earlier this week, SABATON surpassed one million subscribers on its YouTube channel. To celebrate this, as part of their Advent Calendar, they surprise-released an animated video for their hymn “No Bullets Fly”, taken from their “Heroes” album. The clip tells the story of Franz Stigler and Charlie Brown, two (enemy!) pilots in the second world war. While Charlie’s plane was severely damaged and the pilot hurt, Franz decided, instead of shooting him down, to risk his own life and escort him to safety. Both survived, and over 50 years later, they met each other again and became very close friends. A lovely story that did not became public before 1990.
SABATON’s ninth full-length album, “The Great War”, came out in July 2019 via Nuclear Blast Records. The band’s 20th-anniversary record was a concept effort covering stories from the First World War.
SABATON started recording “The Great War” exactly 100 years after the end of the First World War (November 11, 1918) and took three months of intensive work to complete the album with longtime producer and collaborator Jonas Kjellgren at Black Lounge studios. The disc was mastered by Maor Appelbaum and the artwork was once again created by Peter Sallaí.
“This is not the first time we sing about stories from this period in time, but now we felt the timing was right to make a full concept album about this war,” the band said.
SABATON’s latest disc is the group’s first with guitarist Tommy Johansson (GOLDEN RESURRECTION, REINXEED), who replaced Thobbe Englund in 2016.
Read more » Album Premiere and Interview: Transilvania – ‘Of Sleep and Death’
Sink your fangs into the morbid majesty of Of Sleep and Death, the furious new LP from Austrian black metal nightbringers Transilvania.
The post Album Premiere and Interview: Transilvania – ‘Of Sleep and Death’ appeared first on Decibel Magazine.
LESLIE WEST Is Reportedly ‘On His Deathbed,’ With Only ‘Hours’ To Live
Leslie West, the legendary guitarist, vocalist and original founding member of MOUNTAIN, is reportedly “on his deathbed,” with only “hours” to live.
The news of the 75-year-old rocker’s deteriorating health was broken by his brother, Larry West Weinstein, who took to his Facebook page on Monday (December 21) to say that Leslie was gravely ill and near death after his heart stopped, and that he was put on a ventilator.
“I am asking for all your prayers,” Weinstein wrote in a since-deleted post. “[Leslie’s wife] Jenni is by his side in Florida but it’s not looking good. Thanks Jenni, he wouldn’t have made it this far without you.”
Weinstein went on to say: “His heart gave out and he’s on a ventilator. May not make it through the night.”
Earlier today, TWISTED SISTER singer Dee Snider, who is apparently a friend of Leslie and Jenni, and has been in contact with the family, tweeted: “The final hours on this earth for the amazing Leslie West of MOUNTAIN. His voice and guitar will be silenced but his music will live forever. I am heartbroken. Prayers for him and his amazing wife, his rock, Jenni who is with him now. @lwestmountain”.
He added: “He has not left us yet. He is on his deathbed. Send some love and prayers his way for a safe journey to the other side….”
Snider went on to acknowledge West’s massive influence on rock music, writing: “Leslie West and MOUNTAIN are one of the founding fathers of heavy metal. His explosive, powerful guitar playing and seering solos helped define the genre. Attending guitarists gatherings with Leslie I saw ALL guitarists bow down before him (yes even @eddievanhalen)… And his influence on HIP HOP (You heard me!) is undeniable. His song Long Read has been sampled on over 750 hip hop tracks including Jay-Z 99 Problems. What an incredible force @lwestmountain was!”
Dee then clarified: “He’s still with us, but leaving very soon. Love and prayers for you my friend.”
After news of Larry West Weinstein’s post made the rounds, several other legendary rockers offered their words of support, including KISS frontman Paul Stanley, who tweeted: “LESLIE WEST! The great MOUNTAIN is in need of our prayers. This gentle man and guitar hero needs all our positive energy, love and good thoughts now.”
Stanley’s KISS bandmate Gene Simmons added: “The great Leslie West !!! Our prayers are with you …”
Joe Bonamassa wrote: “Prayers for Leslie. We all love you my friend.”
GUNS N’ ROSES guitarist Slash said: “Sending tons of positive energy to #LeslieWest to get better as quickly & thoroughly as he can. We’re all thinking of him during this time. RnFnR! iiii]; )'”
Born Leslie Weinstein, West first gained worldwide recognition in 1969 as the guitarist and singer in the groundbreaking rock band MOUNTAIN. Included among Leslie’s many fans and disciples are six-string luminaries such as Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, John McLaughlin, JETHRO TULL’s Martin Barre, Warren Haynes and Ritchie Blackmore of DEEP PURPLE. Blackmore has stated that Leslie’s phenomenal playing on “Mississippi Queen” served to redirect the course of DEEP PURPLE’s music in an instant, ultimately resulting in the brutal hard rock intensity displayed on “Deep Purple In Rock”.
For Barre, meeting Leslie in 1970 served to inspire the writing and playing on JETHRO TULL’s most successful album in the band’s history, “Aqualung”. “Prior to going into the studio to record [1971’s] ‘Aqualung’, I met Leslie, whose playing I absolutely loved,” Barre revealed. “Leslie is well known for his association with Les Paul Juniors, and just after meeting him, I picked up a 1958 Junior because his sound was so incredible. I would say that he’s the only guitarist who has ever influenced me directly.”
Leslie was also influential in the development of the music for THE WHO’s masterpiece, “Who’s Next”. In early 1971, he was invited to record with THE WHO for the band’s initial New York City Record Plant sessions for the album, which sparked a close friendship with THE WHO’s leader, Pete Townshend. Said Pete: “Leslie gave me a really great Les Paul Junior with one pickup on it for me to use on ‘Who’s Next’, and Eric Clapton gave me an old Strat. They both gave me really good instruments and I still have those instruments today. Along with my Gretsch Chet Atkins, those three guitars were the only ones I used on ‘Who’s Next’.”
Another fan of Leslie’s was none other than Jimi Hendrix, with whom Leslie jammed at famed New York City clubs like Ungano’s and elsewhere.
“I first met Jimi while I was recording ‘Climbing!’ at the Record Plant and he was in another room mixing ‘Band Of Gypsys’,” Leslie recalled. “Jimi came in, and after hearing the first track, ‘Never in My Life’, he looked over at me and said, ‘That’s a great riff, man.’ I started shaking! There’s a great picture of us playing together at Ungano’s, and Jimi’s playing Felix [Pappalardi’s] bass. Getting to know and play with Hendrix is one of my greatest life experiences.”
A life-threatening battle with diabetes cost West most of his right leg in 2011.
“I’m lucky it wasn’t one of my hands or I’d be screwed,” West later said. “It was a difficult struggle, and after the amputation I didn’t know whether I’d ever want to or be able to perform again. But a month later I played at the Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp in New York City, and I heard my guitar on stage and that was it. I knew I had to keep going.”
In 2009, West married his wife Jenni. They exchanged vows on stage at the Woodstock 40th-anniversary concert. West credited her with saving his life — first with her love, and then by making the difficult decision to permit his doctors to amputate while he was in a coma.
My dear friend @lwestmountain is VERY sick. Prayers for one of the greatest…and an amazing guy. I love you, Leslie.
— Dee Snider?? (@deesnider) December 23, 2020
The final hours on this earth for the amazing Leslie West of Mountain. His voice and guitar will be silenced but his music will live forever. I am heartbroken. Prayers for him and his amazing wife, his rock, Jenni who is with him now. @lwestmountain
— Dee Snider?? (@deesnider) December 23, 2020
His final hours…. https://t.co/oBQZHswQ9j
— Dee Snider?? (@deesnider) December 23, 2020
He has not left us yet. He is on his deathbed. Send some love and prayers his way for a safe journey to the other side…. https://t.co/zuGvpocEH9
— Dee Snider?? (@deesnider) December 23, 2020
And his influence on HIP HOP (You heard me!) is undeniable. His song Long Read has been sampled on over 750 hip hop tracks including Jay-Z 99 Problems. What an incredible force @lwestmountain was! He’s still with us, but leaving very soon. Love and prayers for you my friend.
— Dee Snider?? (@deesnider) December 23, 2020
LESLIE WEST! The great MOUNTAIN is in need of our prayers. This gentle man and guitar hero needs all our positive energy, love and good thoughts now. pic.twitter.com/FeJ7VAzjYG
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) December 23, 2020
The great Leslie West !!! Our prayers are with you … pic.twitter.com/GDk8jm0Kvo
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) December 23, 2020
Prayers for Leslie. We all love you my friend. https://t.co/GZ5vc5SVTo
— Joe Bonamassa (Official) (@JBONAMASSA) December 23, 2020
Please keep Leslie West in your thoughts and prayers. https://t.co/amtGWkBhpr
— Rudy Sarzo (@rudysarzo) December 23, 2020
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Slash (@slash)
Read more » KORN’s FIELDY On Coronavirus Crisis: ‘I’ve Never Seen Anything Like This In My Life’
KORN bassist Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu spoke to “Offstage With DWP” about how he and his family have been dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. He said (see video below): “All I can say is you’ve gotta try to not really give in to talking about it, because talking about everything going on in the world, you find you’re never gonna get those 20 minutes to an hour back. For example, my son was bored yesterday. Well, it has nothing to do with the world shutting down. He’s bored, and he has a little band together. And he got a new guitar player that’s really good. And he’s, like, ‘He’s really good.’ And I go, ‘You wanna be better? You’re sitting on your phone right now.’ I go, ‘Go get your guitar.’ And he went and got his guitar.
“When you guys are sitting at home, go pick up your guitar and pick up your instrument. What do you like to do? Go start a project, man. I’ve been doing a lot of painting. If I’m not doing music, [I’m] painting. Have multiple projects.
“This is all gonna pass, man,” Fieldy continued. “If we all can just chill out, it’s gonna pass, and we will be back rocking. And when we do, it’s gonna be like letting bulls out of cages. And it’s gonna be the most insane, probably, crowds we’ve ever seen in our life, and insane performances from bands ever, because you have a bunch of tied up bulls… We’re being held back, and when you let us loose, it’s gonna be on and poppin’, man — it’s gonna be crazy. But meanwhile, while on lockdown, write some songs, man. Pick up your guitar or your instrument. Pick up some painting. Get into a project. ‘Cause it’s not easy. Everyone I talk to, they try to act like they have it together, and they don’t. Because this is the hardest times… I’m 50, and I’ve never seen anything like this in my life. And we’re world travelers.
“So, what can we do? Not talk about it, and try to get into a project and do our best,” Fieldy added. “Yeah, I fall short and I get in there and talk about it a little bit sometimes, but I’d rather not. I’d rather talk about how we’re gonna overcome this and reinvent it and recreate it and we’re gonna come through it. We’re all gonna be back, and we’re all gonna figure this out. And if anybody’s got ideas, let’s brainstorm on ’em. We’re gonna make it happen. I don’t know how, but we’re gonna make it happen.”
Fieldy’s STILLWELL side project released its third album, “Supernatural Miracle”, in September.
KORN’s latest LP, “The Nothing”, arrived in September 2019 via Roadrunner/Elektra. The follow-up to 2016’s “The Serenity Of Suffering” was once again produced by Nick Raskulinecz.
Fieldy’s 2009 memoir, “Got The Life: My Journey Of Addiction, Faith, Recovery And Korn”, detailed his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction during KORN’s early years and how he became a born-again Christian to help get his life together and get sober.
Read more » Guitar Legend VINNIE MOORE Releases Music Video For ‘Same Sun Shines’
Guitar legend Vinnie Moore, best known for his solo albums and work with rock icons UFO, has released a music video for “Same Sun Shines”, a song from his latest critically acclaimed album “Soul Shifter”.
Says Vinnie: “I wrote this song at a time when I was struggling to find some light at the end of the tunnel. It was me trying to lift myself up and reconnect with feeling positive and focusing on the good things. I was looking up at the sun and thinking about how it’s always there; always has been. We all go through cloudy patches, but just have to remember that beyond those clouds the light is still there and continues to shine. You will lose it at times, but can always find it again. Hopefully the song is uplifting to others as it was for me. It is one of my favorite songs on the ‘Soul Shifter’ album and my first choice for a video. We’re all living through unprecedented times right now unfortunately, but have to believe we’re eventually going to come out the other side and find brighter times again.
“Wayne Joyner put this video together for me and created some very cool graphics which he mixed in with footage of me playing. He has also done videos for KANSAS, SEVENDUST, FOZZY, L.A. GUNS, BLACK STONE CHERRY, DREAM THEATER, Robby Krieger, Jon Anderson and Devin Townsend.”
The follow-up to Moore’s critically acclaimed 2015 “Aerial Visions” album, “Soul Shifter” was released in October 2019 on his label Mind’s Eye Music. Vinnie’s ninth solo LP features guest appearances by Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT) and Jordan Rudess (DREAM THEATER), with Richie Monica on drums, Michael Bean (bassist from Vinnie’s “Time Odyssey” album), John Cassidy (keyboards) and John Pessoni (drums).
Vinnie is considered one of the originators of shred guitar, and has released nine influential solo albums, and six albums and a live DVD as a member of rock royalty legends UFO. He’s made countless album guest appearances, and has even recorded the soundtrack for a Pepsi TV commercial. He’s been a member of Alice Cooper’s band and was opening act for RUSH on their “Roll The Bones” tour with his own band. His solo and UFO recordings as well as live performances have amassed rave reviews all around the globe from both fans and music press, catapulting him into guitar icon distinction. He has been an inspiration for fans and guitarists worldwide.
A few years ago, Moore stated about his songwriting approach and musical influences: “I hope to keep growing and learning as a songwriter and as a player, and to explore different musical directions, kind of following the inspiration wherever it leads. I don’t plan ahead musically, which keeps things interesting for me. I want to continue following my muse into areas that inspire and excite me. I am basically a rock guy, but love many different styles of music, and am often inspired by — and learn from — all of them. Music is so vast, and there are so many things to pick up from all the different styles. I’ve kind of always been like this, drawing on different musical influences, partly because I like lots of different things and partly… because I get bored easily. Exploring different directions is fun, and it keeps me excited as both a writer and a player.”
Read more »
BLACKMORE’S NIGHT Releases Lyric Video For ‘Silent Night’
BLACKMORE’S NIGHT has released the official lyric video for “Silent Night”, taken from the band’s “Here We Come A-Caroling” EP. The four-song effort arrived on December 4 via earMUSIC, the global independent rock and contemporary music label of Edel Germany GmbH.
BLACKMORE’S NIGHT was founded in 1997 by Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night to stage their mutual love for traditional medieval and folk-rock music. Blackmore has shaped the hard rock scene for decades as one of the most influential and notorious guitarists ever, first with DEEP PURPLE and later with RAINBOW.
“Here We Come A-Caroling” track listing:
01. Here We Come A-Caroling (Vinyl Side A)
02. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear (Vinyl Side A)
03. O Little Town Of Bethlehem (Vinyl Side B)
04. Silent Night (Vinyl Side B)
On March 12, 2021, BLACKMORE’S NIGHT will release “Nature’s Light”, its eleventh studio album and the first in six years, via earMUSIC.
“The story of ‘Nature’s Light’ is the story of nature being the true queen and the simplicity and magic of everyday miracles that happen right before your eyes,” says Candice Night. “If you feel stagnant or repressed in your surroundings, it is important to take a break from the mundane and go where your heart leads you. It allows you to recharge and begin again with fresh and renewed energy. For some it is the ocean, for some the woods, for some feeling the sun on your face. Our music is an escape from the stress and pressure of modern times. Journey back through time with us, to a simpler, magical time where music enters your heart and soul.”
While the album is rooted in a traditional approach, fans of Ritchie Blackmore’s unique style will not be disappointed. Heartfelt ballads, such as a brand-new version of “Wish You Were Here”, set the scene for the magical tales on “Four Winds” and “The Twisted Oak”. On the two instrumental tracks — “Darker Shade Of Black” and “Der letzte Musketier” — Ritchie’s guitar brilliance shines through.
“Nature’s Light” will be released on multiple formats. Among these is a strictly limited 2CD hardcover mediabook edition, including a bonus CD featuring a carefully selected set of BLACKMORE’S NIGHT’s masterpieces from their extensive back catalogue. Furthermore, the album will become available as a CD digipak edition, a strictly limited heavyweight 1LP gatefold edition on yellow vinyl, a 180g 1LP gatefold edition on black vinyl as well as digital.
Read more » EXTREME’s NUNO BETTENCOURT Says EDDIE VAN HALEN’s Rhythm Playing Was Almost As Influential As His Solo Playing
In a brand new interview with “The Mistress Carrie Podcast”, EXTREME guitarist Nuno Bettencourt discussed the legacy of his longtime friend, VAN HALEN icon Eddie Van Halen, who died in October at the age of 65.
“Who is the guy that influenced my style, sound, DNA out of everybody? It would be Edward, without a doubt,” Nuno said (hear audio below). “And I wouldn’t have to tell you that — you can hear it in EXTREME’s sound. Believe it or not, the funky [side of EXTREME’s sound], people [go], ‘Well, it made you guys different.’ It’s, like, no. Actually, to be honest with you, the songs that I love the most out of VAN HALEN were the ones like [‘Outta Love Again’]. That’s where I got some of that rock/funk [from]. ‘Mean Street’ was funky to me.
“Eddie’s solo playing is amazing, and that’s what people talk about nine out of 10 times,” Nuno continued. “Not me. And I don’t mean to sound special, but it’s sad to me. His rhythm playing fucked me up. And I believe his rhythm playing was more influential to all guitar players than they know or than they like to believe. Every guitar player after Eddie, the way they played rhythm — the chording, everything they did, the way they phrased them — from Warren DeMartini [RATT] to, you name it. Randy Rhoads at the time — it affected all of them, and that was even simultaneously. Eddie had a way to play rhythm and soloing — that’s what makes him the greatest to me of all time. Period.”
A few days after Eddie’s death, Nuno said that Eddie Van Halen was “super excited” about the prospect of reuniting with Michael Anthony for a proposed VAN HALEN stadium tour. The EXTREME guitarist made the revelation while recounting the last time he met the legendary VAN HALEN axeman. “He wanted to do one final tour and have VAN HALEN go out the way they came in…Together… Guns Blazing!” Bettencourt wrote in an Instagram post.
Nuno also acknowledged Eddie’s immense influence on his style, saying: “It’s incredible how as a young player, your guitar chord, is the umbilical chord that intimately connects you to someone you may never meet, moreso than even someone in your own family. At the drop of a needle or the touch of a space bar. They are there for you 24/7. As Eddie was… and forever will be.”
Eddie died on October 6 at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. Following his death, fans left flowers at his childhood home on Las Lunas Street in Pasadena, California. Additional flowers, candles and fan mementos were placed on Allen Avenue where Eddie and his brother, VAN HALEN drummer Alex, scratched their band’s name into the wet cement of a sidewalk when they were teenagers.
VAN HALEN was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2007.
Rolling Stone magazine ranked Eddie Van Halen No. 8 in its list of the 100 greatest guitarists.
Read more » PAUL STANLEY ‘Would Consider It Beyond Flattering’ If KISS Could Continue Without Him And GENE SIMMONS
Paul Stanley has once again said that he believes KISS can carry on without any original members.
Almost two years ago, the legendary rockers launched their second farewell tour, dubbed “End Of The Road”, which is now scheduled to end sometime in 2022. Joining founding members Stanley and Gene Simmons in the band’s current lineup are Tommy Thayer on guitar and Eric Singer on drums. Thayer and Singer are replacements for original members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, respectively.
Asked by Scott Lipps whether he thinks KISS could one day exist without him and Simmons, Stanley said (see video below): “Unlike other bands, that rubs some people the wrong way, but KISS is so much more than a band. Look, you go see any act now — any band, any performer — and you’re seeing a KISS show, you’re seeing the KISS DNA, because everything that anybody does is, in some way, based on what we’ve done. And I’ve always believed that the band is bigger than the individuals. People would say, in the beginning, ‘Oh, that’s not true.’ Well, they’re half wrong now, because Eric’s been in and out of the band for over 20 years, and Tommy’s been in the band probably 18 now, and the band’s never been better.
“So my feeling is… Is there someone who can take my place? I think I’m really damn good, but I also know that there’s people out there who are as committed to what they do as I’ve been and should be able to do what I do without copying it,” he continued. “So do I think it’s possible? Yeah. I actually would consider it beyond flattering — I would consider it a real feather in the cap if KISS could continue as a viable live act, because it’s ultimately about what we deliver and about our philiosophy of giving fans a hundred percent, not only on stage but in terms of this reciprocity that we have with them.”
Stanley added: “Could another band do it? I don’t wanna point fingers, but at this point, who are THE EAGLES? It’s [Don] Henley and a bunch of other guys who are really super talented. Does it sound like THE EAGLES? Yeah. So, people wanna hear that music. When Steve Perry left JOURNEY, you had [people saying], ‘Well, that’s the end of JOURNEY,’ but people wanna hear those songs, and they wanna hear them done the way they remember them, so Arnel [Pineda] does a great job. So this just takes it to another level. But we’re not setting the precedent; we’re just following one.”
It was back in 2005 that KISS manager Doc McGhee first told the New York Times that the group had “been toying with the idea of recruiting an entire band to don the band’s famous makeup.” McGhee said: “KISS is more like Doritos or Pepsi, as far as a brand name is concerned. They’re more characters than the individual person. I think [new members] have a legitimate chance to carry the franchise.”
Four years ago, Stanley spoke about how he would go about finding someone to replace him in KISS. He said: “Honestly, I think all the KISS tribute bands are great, but none of them have a good ‘Paul.’ So I’d like to see somebody who incorporates what I’ve done with a lot of the things that inspired me. And it’s not a matter of a puppet being me; it’s somebody who comes in and contributes and adds something new to it while still following the template that’s been set.”
Frehley said in 2016 that the idea that KISS could continue without any original members was “the most ridiculous statement I’ve ever heard [Stanley and Simmons] make.” He added: “I think the only reason they make those statements at this juncture is to try to validate the fact that they have two other guys in the band that aren’t the original members. So they’re trying to rationalize to the fans, ‘Well, you know, we replaced Peter and we replaced Ace, and eventually we’re gonna replace ourselves. That’s like Mick Jagger saying, ‘Yeah, after me and Keith [Richards, THE ROLLINGS STONES guitarist] die, THE STONES will continue on with two other guys.’ I mean, it’s a joke.”
Read more »