KISS Frontman PAUL STANLEY: 'Reality TV Is A Contradiction In Terms'

KISS' official web site, KissOnline.com, has been updated with the following question-and-answer session with KISS frontman Paul Stanley:

Q: I read that you attended a RASPBERRIES concert recently, the article said they are one of your all time favorite bands. What other groups have been long time favs of yours?

Paul Stanley: "Yes, I did go see the RASPBERRIES. As a band that was clearly influenced by some of my favorites, THE BEATLES, THE WHO, and THE SMALL FACES, I always felt a kinship to the RASPBERRIES from the first time I heard them. It was great to see them back together after so long. Most of my favorite bands and strongest influences were the English bands of the sixties. Besides the ones I already mentioned, THE YARDBIRDS, ROLLING STONES, and THE MOVE are among some of my favorites. At a time when music in America was being made by a bunch of unattractive slobs who looked like they just rolled out of bed, the image conscious philosophy of those great British bands was a much needed breath of fresh air and a wake up call to rock fans everywhere."

Q: As one of rock's greatest frontmen, defining the art of dancing, singing and playing guitar onstage; How did it feel taking the stage recently in Columbus, Ohio, performing a full show after undergoing hip replacement surgery earlier this year?

Paul Stanley: "Another great question! Unfortunately my recovery has been slower and not nearly as complete or successful as I had hoped. It was great to play once again and hopefully most of the complaints about my performance were my own!"

Q: What do you think about reality TV?

Paul Stanley: "Reality TV in reality is a contradiction in terms, or at the very least, misleading. There can be no reality when everyone is aware of the presence of cameras. Besides directors and producers skewing a show the way they think it will best appeal to the viewer, the actual participants are well aware that the opportunity is theirs to create their own 'reality.' In short, reality stops whenever filming begins."

Q: You've written so many great songs over the years, what songwriters do you admire?

Paul Stanley: "Although there are many interesting and talented songwriters, I guess the ones that I ultimately respond to the strongest are the ones who have lasted the longest. I guess at the end of the day its really not about success, but sustained success, that gives a songwriter the opportunity to truly leave his mark. I can say with certainty that it will be a while, if ever, before we know who belongs in the same breath as Lennon/McCartney."