ERIC SINGER: No One Cops ACE FREHLEY Solos Like TOMMY THAYER Does

KISS' official web site, KissOnline.com, recently spoke with KISS drummer Eric Singer to get some of the fans' "Ask KISS" questions answered. The Q&A session follows:

Question #1 - From John Montury, Shaker Heights, Ohio: I grew up in the Cleveland area myself. Who was the ONE drummer that influenced you the most when you were first learning to play?

Eric Singer: "John, that's kool that you're from my old hood! Great rock 'n' roll city to have grown up in, I must say. It's hard to single out just one drummer from my formative years, but I would have to say Buddy Rich left the biggest impression on me. WOW! He is the epitome of what a drummer should aspire to be. As far as rock drummers, I would have to say Denny Carmassi from MONTROSE really impacted myself as well as a lot of other Cleveland drummers in a huge way. He is the consummate hard rock drummer of that era in my opinion."

Question #2 - From Jonathan Parry, Lithgow, NSW Australia: KISS tours have spanned the globe, what are your favorite cities to visit when you're on tour? Where's the best girls, food and/or entertainment?

Eric Singer: "Jonathan, I love so many cites for so many different reasons. London for the shopping, Stockholm for the view, Tokyo for the gadgets, Lisbon for the food, Montreaux for the watches, Perth for the relaxed vibe, New York because it's New York! and on and on... I think you get the idea ?? :-)"

Question #3 - From Vidi Purnell, Mesa, Arizona: I've read you're an auto enthusiast, what are you driving these days?

Eric Singer: "Hey, Vidi, YES!! I love cars, to say the least. I have always been a car buff since I started driving and I have always had a weakness for '60s and '70s American muscle cars in particular. I currently own a 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 / 1968 Mercury Montego MX and a BMW M3. Next??? We'll see..."

Question #4 - From Amanda Dubois, Plano, Texas: You've had the unique opportunity to play with three different KISS lead guitarists. How do you compare playing with Ace [Frehley], Bruce [Kulick] and Tommy [Thayer]?

Eric Singer: "Amanda, that is an often asked question and a good one. Obviously, Ace is the guitarist who set the standard and ground rules of the lead guitar spot in KISS. I think Ace is a hard act to follow but, both Bruce and Tommy have done a great job in different ways. Bruce came into the band during the '80s when a more busy style of guitar playing was en vogue and he was able to play that Eddie Van Halen-influenced style in a KISS format quite well. Bruce really shined on 'Revenge' when he took a more upfront approach to the lead spot with some great playing. Tommy really has the 'Ace' thing down, I think. He comes from a very '70s approach that is right in line with KISS. I don't think I have ever heard anyone cop the Ace solos the way Tommy does. But Tommy also has so much more up his sleeve than meets the eye. He really can play any style and has a great feel and tone that fits in perfectly with all eras of KISS."