In a revealing new interview, KISS frontman Paul Stanley has pulled back the curtain on the band’s unique and tightly controlled relationship with its global army of tribute acts, explaining that they operate under a revocable license and must ensure their “heart is in the right place” to avoid crossing the line from homage to big business.
Speaking on the Howie Mandel Does Stuff podcast, Stanley detailed the business-minded approach the rock legends take to protect their iconic, trademarked brand while still fostering the fan community that celebrates it.
“There are some KISS tributes that we’ve allowed to continue,” he explained (as transcribed by Blabbermouth). “It’s a matter of giving them the license to do it that can be revoked at any time, because all the makeups, all those personas are trademarked and nobody can use those for any purpose.”
When asked under what circumstances the band would revoke a license, Stanley clarified that it’s a matter of spirit and intention. “If it becomes big business, that goes beyond a tribute,” he said. “Yes, it’s okay to make some money, but your heart has to be in the right place.”
KISS is set to put this philosophy on full display this fall. The band’s upcoming “KISS Kruise: Landlocked In Vegas” event, a three-day fan experience in November, will prominently feature two officially sanctioned tribute bands, Mr. Speed and KISS Nation, performing alongside KISS members and other rock luminaries. The event demonstrates how the band actively incorporates the tribute scene into its official activities, elevating the acts they believe best represent their legacy.
This deep consideration of their legacy extends to how Stanley views the potential future of KISS itself. In a previous interview, he shared his critique of the tribute world and his vision for any potential successor. “Honestly, I think all the KISS tribute bands are great, but none of them have a good ‘Paul,'” he once quipped.
He explained that if someone were to ever step into his “Starchild” persona, he wouldn’t want a mere copycat. “It’s not a matter of a puppet being me,” he said. “It’s somebody who comes in and contributes and adds something new to it while still following the template that’s been set.”
