KISS Drummer Answers Fan Questions

KISS drummer Eric Singer recently answered a few questions from fans via the band's official web site, KissOnline.com. The question-and-answer session follows:

Q: I have a CD called KISS "Indiscreet", a club performance KISS did in Brooklyn just after you joined the band. On that show you used extreme double bass drumming (which was awesome). But as I heard you later in the band, especially on MTV "Unplugged" you had reverted back to the original patterns of the songs. Was it hard to learn these patterns, and as a superb double-bass drummer, was it hard to do single kick-drumming?

Eric: Thank you for the email and props... As for double kick or single kick drum usage? It really depends on the band or songs. I am just as comfortable either way and have no problem playing more simplified if needed or asked. It really is about playing for the songs first and if there is more room to stretch then that is kool too! The KISS songs are not that complicated drum wise but rather require the feel and attitude to be more important, in my opinion.

Q: My question is which KISS song do you like playing the most and why?

Eric: I always have liked playing a lot of KISS songs like "Parasite", "Got to Choose", "Cold Gin" or just about anything from the first three records. But, I would have to say "Do You Love Me" is my fave KISS classic because it represents what KISS is all about. Great rock 'n' roll song!

Q: Eric, I'm a big fan of yours and your overall playing style. My question is this — what do you get out of playing with KISS and that style of rock music versus what you have done in the past?

Eric: I always loved that KISS was a visual band that had really kool songs and was basically a hard rock band in that classic sense. Rock and roll, to be more exact! You can't really have one without the other. Since I was also a fan growing up it makes it even more kool to get to play with a band that influenced me as well.

Q: I was wondering if you were and are a big Cleveland sports fan or if you have other teams you prefer? I was born in Cleveland, but live in Wisconsin now.

Eric: Of course I will always be a Browns, Indians and Cavs fan BUT, I really love the Lakers since I was a kid even before I moved to L.A. I also love Ohio State football/basketball. Go Buckeyes!

Q: My question is what is your favorite Carr stuff? And which song you wish to play with KISS but you never played?

Eric: I liked Eric Carr as a drummer and think "Creatures" is a great record partly because of his drumming for sure ! As for a song(s) I would like to play but never did? "The Oath", "Strange Ways", "Flaming Youth".

Q: What are your favorite KISS albums and why?

Eric: My favorite KISS record is either "Dressed to Kill" or "Hotter Than Hell". I love a lot of the other records as well but, those two really made me a fan in the first place and I love the simplicity of the sound recordings as well. Very raw.