TOMMY THAYER Says Eight Songs Have Been Recorded For New KISS Album

Dustin Schoof of The Express-Times recently conducted an interview with KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

On still being the "new guy" in KISS despite having worked with the band for more than two decades:

"I've been so much involved with KISS and (singer/guitarist) Paul (Stanley) and (singer/bassist) Gene (Simmons) so many years, we're talking 25 years, there's a repertoire there already. For me to start as the new lead guitarist was actually a kind of natural, easy transition because we knew each other so well. It wasn't like there was a learning curve there."

On donning the "Spaceman" regalia after Ace Frehley's departure a decision which was met with backlash by some longtime KISS fans:

"The biggest step was replacing one of the great guitar players of our time who has influenced so many people. Those are big shoes to fill. The biggest challenge walking into that situation and succeeding was that good things take time. Getting in there and trying to fill the role he played and play the parts as well or even try and do it better ... it slowly becomes a little more me and just being the Spaceman, it's been quite a process. There have been so many amazing fans who have been so supportive and honest about letting me know I'm doing a great job and to keep it up."

On the progress of the recording sessions for the follow-up to 2009's "Sonic Boom":

"It's going phenomenally. We've been in the studio for several weeks. We've cut eight songs already. I've heard Paul and Gene. This is definitely some of the best stuff KISS has ever recorded."

"The idea [with 'Sonic Boom'] was to create a classic KISS record going back to the roots of the early records and really try and capture that vibe. I think we did and then some. I slowly wanted to put a little Tommy Thayer in there. I think on this record, we're taking it to the next step.

"We're spending a lot of time making sure it sounds like a great KISS record."

On the inaugural Kiss Kruise, which will set sail in October and feature a full-blown KISS performance as well as acoustic renditions of the band's biggest hits:

"The battle plan is exactly the same: pummel and deafen and blow it up. We're not going to sink the ship, but we're going to do some devastation ... This will be a great and very unique experience for the consummate KISS fan."

On being in a band and performing with his heroes:

"[Performing with the for the first time] was kind of an out-of-body experience. It's something I might have dreamed about, you almost have to pinch yourself remind to you that it's really happening. The enormity of a band like KISS, to be suddenly in that position, is a once-in-a-lifetime (opportunity). I never imagined it would have happened, especially to someone like me, who grew up a fan of theirs ... it's an unbelievable experience."

Read the entire interview from The Express-Times.