It's nice to hear an actual musician...someone who knows music, point out what KISS does. They were not just a visual band.

As a fingerstyle guitarist, Ace was actually the reason I got a guitar. Gene is very underrated, almost never looks at his hands. There's discipline here.

In his prime... Peter Criss had one of the truly great, pure, rock and roll voices.. Great choice Fil.

If it was all show they never would have lasted so long. They are top notch musicians and song writers.

KISS worked very hard to polish their sound & stage moves. They were more than just some gimmick.

it was 1980 when my girlfriend wanted to go to see Kiss and I didn't want to. Then saw that Iron Maiden ( with Paul Di'Anno at that time) was support and said hell yeah I still can leave after them. To make it short: Kiss blew me away, and I'm not talking about their show.

As a life long KISS fan, and defender I've noticed that most haters never bothered to listen to the lesser known songs or albums. I've turned a few haters into "accepters" (whatever) by playing their hidden gems and the album "the Elder" (ironically)

Want to improve your mood? Listen to KISS for 6 months like I have ... lol! ALL their music (with Ace) is so fun and inventive. All positive emotions, all funny, raunchy, ... kings of innuendo. And what great song writing! Paul is pop rock, Gene is metal, Ace and Peter are punk rockers. Just a great blend of talent... and they ALL sing lead. How many bands have FOUR singers who could front their own band? KISS is so good!

Gene did a great job spitting blood everywhere

Thank you. I have always been confused when someone says they have no talent. What are they listening for? The stage show is for our benefit as a fan. The music is for everyone. Enjoy it.

KISS is so underrated musically. Their 70’s albums are packed with gear raw guitar rock.

I've listened to Kiss since 1974, and watching this brought it all back--the chills, the amazement, the appreciation I had as a boy. Thanks for this.

Dude, thank you sooooooo much for doing one on KISS. The best part of the whole thing was the CONSTANT smile on your face while you were watching the video. THIS is the impact that KISS has on people. For the ones that got it, and still get it, it's truly a magical moment! And thank you again for bringing some much needed attention to their overall abilities as musicians. I'm saddened by how many people still refuse to acknowledge them or to take them seriously..........even after all these years. They have been my favorite band for almost 40 years now, and the MUSIC is the key reason for my love of them!

Kiss was the first band I saw in concert back in December, 1979. 10 dollar ticket price and I managed to get on the front row. It was a show indeed. Thanks for bringing back the memories.

Just have to say that it’s really good to here all the positive things that you have to say in all your reviews. It’s refreshing rather than hearing a lot of negativity. A lot of people talk negative to make themselves look better. Wish more people had your outlook....

Loved Kiss as a kid and the people who said Peter Criss couldn't play don't know what they were listening to.

Got to admit the KISS ALIVE record set the tone for my musical journey and the solo for Black Diamond is my favorite of all time. And I know theres a million other more complicated solos but that one just grabbed me as a kid. The tone was so full, and the offbeat phrasing as Paul joined in and doubled it gave me goosebumps and still does. I had on HUGE headphones and played in on 8 track when my folks were asleep because they didn't want "Devil Music" in the house. I think it was KISS themselves that tried to downplay their abilities for whatever reason, but these Cat's could play, and Paul has some of the most iconic rhythm parts of the last 4 decades.

I've seen Kiss live about 4 times over all these years. Money well spent because they were really dedicated to giving us their absolute best. They're all great musicians but Ace is one of the best lead guitarist IMO.. I think he's very underatted.

Raw tone and Showmanship. What a great combination. Kiss back in the day should not be underestimated.

Phil, you're right about Ace and Paul not having anywhere to hide with such straightforward gear. Thankfully, there are a few newer bands going back to this kind of tone and it really showcases the humanity of the player. It's just so musically honest.