As we all know KISS announced their second and hopefully last ‘farewell’ tour. And they’ve got a long road ahead of them. As in the tour is going to last just over three years. The band, claiming to be giving the audience the ultimate KISS show. The best KISS show. A thank you to the fans for over forty years of service. But there’s just one problem: KISS a mere shadow of what they once were.
Sure, the new costumes look really freakin’ cool. Probably the best post original line-up outfits. But that’s the thing, they’ve still got Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer dressed up as Ace Frehley and Peter Criss. And if they think they can go out on one last, big tour that was as successful as the 90’s reunion shows, they’ve better be prepared to be disappointed. They certainly sold out stadiums and arenas when they attached themselves to another headlining act: Def Leppard, Motley Crue. But this tour is going to be just them. And I think there’s just too many fans that won’t care because of the character blasphemy. But who knows what’s going to happen. Judging from what’s happening on the current KISS cruise anything could go. Ace is there; KISS even performed ‘Shock Me’ twice in a set. Once with Tommy and then with Ace. I honestly don’t know how to feel about it. It seems like Paul is trying to have his cake and eat it too. Vinnie Vincent is also on the cruise doing his thing. Which is churning rumors that KISS is going to do a gigantic, career spanning set with the players from each era. And if I’m being totally honest that might work.
But here’s the other thing: Paul’s voice is embarrassingly bad. Like, cringe worthy at times. And he’s been having vocal issues for about seven to eight years now. To the point that his own bass player is calling him out at times. And he’s been busted lip syncing on late night. Now, that’s not too big of a deal because it’s national television. Maybe they weren’t on point that day or something and they figured ‘hey, we gotta sell some tickets. Let’s just cut this one.’ But, if you watch some videos from the latest KISS cruise you’ll notice that Paul is a little late getting to mic at times. So it’s safe to say that Paul will most likely be lip syncing on the upcoming tour. We don’t know that for sure, but I think it’s a safe bet. And if you’re fine with that, cool. But one of the things that’s made KISS so sacred is their authenticity live. It’s just kind of sad to see them in this state. Particularly when Paul is saying ‘We’re going out on top!’ on Good Morning America. And then he throws this out, ‘Lots of bands are forced to retire. We’re in the best shape we’ve ever been and we’re going out on top.’ And then you get busted lip syncing? C’mon Paul!! You’re better than that! Even if you’re croaking out the notes. So, if you’re planning on going to a show, just know what you’re going to get. I personally won’t be going. Unless they get Ace back in the costume for the full set. That would be the only way I’d consider going.
You can see the blatant lip sync. And if you look real close you can see Eric Singer about a quarter second behind the tape.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQXbBqauPs8
And then he says this.
