Is It Time To Replace The Star Child?

 

Paul Stanley has always been my favourite member of KISS.  So much in fact, that when he launched his own solo tour in 1988 I bought a ticket to the concert even though I was underage and risked being refused at the door.  Luckily, my appearance and size resulted in a successful experience, but this cemented for me that Paul was "the draw" for me and I would be satisfied if Paul had continued without the band at that time as a solo artist.  Perhaps the Label KISS was under contract to, wouldn't have allowed Paul to simply branch out as a solo artist and instructed him to continue as KISS, even without Gene.  I've always wondered if the creation of "Dudes of Wrath" was a result of trying to satisfy the Label and that group possibly would have continued on as KISS had Gene not returned from movies, producing or whatever else had his attention in the '80's.  I guess it makes little sense to debate that point now, as KISS certainly continued and eventually led to a full reunion of the original members.  Today, is a different story.  Long gone are Ace & Peter, yet the make-up KISS remains.  The Starchild while stepping up to be ready for the task, is showing obvious signs of suffering from age and a voice that seems to fail him on a more regular basis.  Paul has nothing left to prove to KISS fans.  It naturally would be my choice for Paul to continue indefinately, but this isn't a fantasy league.  Paul at 60+ needs to shift focus on finding a replacement, if the dream of KISS continuing on as a touring band is the ultimate goal that is.  A new generation of youth are discovering KISS with even a younger set waiting in the wings.  A transition to a new Starchild next year or soon after in my opinion, would make best sense.   However, while it's been said that KISS will continue on without any original members, by Paul himself no less, the bottom line for me is that if Paul wants to continue on, or change his mind, or play injured, or risk his health, it's his right to do so.  I've been a fan since '76 and I'll always be a fan.  I think that the boundaries are just changing, more on that in an upcoming blog.