Yes, I like KISS

I actually like many different kinds of music, but I recently re-discovered KISS. I got a couple DVD sets and, I must say, I really enjoy them. And, by the way, this is actually a current topic since Gene Simmons is on Celebrity Apprentice right now.

I could write at length about the band, but all I want to say now is that I appreciate the effort they made to make a genuine show for the audience. You hear about the likes of Axl Rose showing up late or cussing out an audience and you wonder why certain entertainers even bother scheduling concerts. Just consider this: KISS members had the extra work of make-up for every appearance and managed to look natural strutting around in high platform shoes.

The band works hard. Gene, in particular, never looks like the typical bass player who’s so into his bass line that he doesn’t have time to look up or peer over his sunglasses. Gene’s constantly strutting or mugging or sticking his tounge out or waving his arms. And even if you think there costumes were silly (they surely were at one point or another) it beats the likes of Axl Rose (again) looking like he rolled out of bed and thought a plaid shirt, bike shorts, a ball cap, and Ray Bans might do the trick for the night’s show.

Lemon Law for Entertainment?

Have you had any major disappointments with concerts and shows you’ve been to?—the kind where you think, “if I’d only known.” Here’s a short list of my bummers.

“An Evening with Carol Burnett” Saw this “show” in 1997. It turned out to be her telling anecdotes and taking questions from the audience in a much-too-large auditorium. That was it. No singing. No acting. And 2/3 of the questions were idiotic. Wasn’t worth the trip to hear the “Tarzan yell” in person.

“Phantom of the Opera” No, not that one—and that was the problem. I got tickets and then realized it was not the Andrew Lloyd Webber version. The songs were classic opera, as I remember. Not what I was looking for.

Arlo Guthrie—When you’re famous for about two songs, you’d better play ‘em both. He told the audience that if they wanted to hear “Alice’s Restaurant” they could buy the album.

Paula Poundstone—Okay, it wasn’t really her fault that I was in the first row. It maybe wasn’t even her fault that the first row and the back of the audience were one in the same that night in the Des Moines Civic Center. The act went on, though. Boy did we need that crowd. Somebody needed to laugh. I learned we had much different views on our Creator and sexuality. Ooh! It reminded me of a college comedy show where the audience was Melba toast compared to the rough-around-the-edges comedian. When he announced he’d managed to kick drugs and awaited praise from us, we’re all staring at him like, “You were on drugs? Ooh!”