KISS Drummer ERIC SINGER: 'This Band Transcends Generations And Really Touches People'

Marc McLaughlin of the Sacramento Press recently conducted an interview with KISS drummer Eric Singer. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Sacramento Press: How does it feel to be a part of such an iconic band?

Eric Singer: Although I am not an original member, it really is an amazing feeling. This is a band that people recognize whether they know the music or not. The band is known worldwide; when we travel to Europe, it is just amazing how many people come out to see us. Being with people like Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, two original members, [makes you] realize that this band transcends generations and really touches people. Well, ultimately, your audience is what helps put you in a positive position. Without a fan base, you have nothing; however, you have to keep yourself there by delivering the music, the shows and the performances. I always tell people, "You vote through participation in life." If someone decides they don't like the product, service or the way they are treated, they will stop buying the product. Eventually, the company would have to redesign it or come up with a new product to keep their audience. This is true of anything, so your actions and your work need to be on target to keep you in business.

Sacramento Press: Speaking of that, how does it feel now that the band is experiencing another reemergence in the music industry?

Eric Singer: Every band goes through their up and downs and their support comes in waves, so it is normal for us. It is nice though, seeing people still want to be around us and coming out to see this iconic band. Whenever you have people who support what you do, it feels good and we are just so supportive of that. Without our fans we would not be here, and knowing they support us is the ultimate compliment.

Sacramento Press: KISS is known for their makeup most of all. How is it sitting there and actually having it applied does it become a role you slip into or is it just one more thing that must be done?

Eric Singer: Yes, the makeup is something we are known more for than anything else. Some know the "monster" while others know the "star." It is all a part of who we are. Because of that, the process is something that cannot be explained. It takes a couple of hours to get ready and the makeup is a closely guarded secret. When I first started doing it, it felt strange to take on a role like that; becoming something so known, so iconic. Even after all this time, it is still the same. You become part of the character and you use that to entertain the fans. Even with these interviews, it is part of what we do. For this we flew in early so we could spend some time with the press. You know, Gene and Paul have been doing this since the beginning and they still go the extra mile and speak to people when asked. It is a part of what makes the band who they are. The work ethic is very high and an important part of what we do. Everyone does their part to keep things moving forward. Many bands of lesser levels do not put the time in and that is part of the reason why our fan base is as deep and supportive as it is.

Read the entire interview from the Sacramento Press.