Kiss Challenge U2 And Rolling Stones To Stadium Duel
In an interview with London radio station XFM 104.9, Gene Simmons challenged U2 and The Rolling Stones to a stadium-off. In a clearly combative mood, Kiss’s God Of Thunder wanted to show Bono, Jagger et al how to rock an enormodome.
“I would love to play on the same stage as U2, The Stones and anybody out there who considers themself a world champion.
“You come on up on that stage with us baby. Show me what you got, and then we’ll show you what the big boys do.”
[My note to Gene: Real "big boys" don't require a bunch of gimmicks in order to perform, such as elaborate makeup, costumes, pyrotechnics, aerial apparatus -- and tongue extensions.]
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26 Responses to “Kiss Challenge U2 And Rolling Stones To Stadium Duel”
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All stadium shows are gimmicks. U2 playing on a life-size Boston album cover or with a giant lemon isn’t really any more or less excessive than a KISS show. It’s the nature of stadium shows.
Granted, ZooTV was in support of arguably U2’s finest album, but the tour itself was just a giant (albeit brilliant) gimmick.
Really? Kiss wants to teach The Rolling Stones how to rock? And U2 too? The band who created The Claw and Zoo TV and the Stones? He really doesn’t know what he’s talking about…
Make-up and costumes? MacPhisto? Aerial apparatus? The lemon? The claw? Tongue-extensions? Well, no, but a few guys need hair extensions.
Gene is clever and apparently read the tour sales figures, beyond that it’s a no lose dare for Kiss and a mismatch of styles otherwise not worth the effort. When was the last time Kiss sold out a stadium? Exactly my point.
I took Zoo TV, PopMart and 360 (the latter two being my least favorites) into account when I made my comment. However, the majority of tours have been pretty bare-bones, and I don’t think most of us felt anything was missing. The music is strong enough on its own. My favorite tours — Zoo TV and Elevation — are complete contrasts. Elevation has a bit of an edge (har har) over Zoo TV because of the radiant emotion and spirit that transcended the shows I saw.
Granted it was a couple of decades ago, but I recall KISS refusing to play in my hometown just because they weren’t allowed to use pyrotechniques. IMO, their gimmicks are an absolute necessity for them in order to perform. I just can’t see them ever doing a “KISS: Unplugged and Bare-faced” tour. I’m old enough to recall that there was actually a televised event solely based on them unmasking. (Paul Stanley, you looked fine. The others, not so much.)
For one thing, KISS’ “music” sucks so they need gimmicks to take away from that horrible noise. But then again their fans aren’t really into the music then, are they? Or if they are they those fans just like really crappy music. Second of all, U2 has always said it is about the music, always has been, always will. ZOO TV was about “chopping down The Joshua Tree” for all of the people and critics who were waiting for The Joshua Tree Part II. MacPhisto, the lemon, the claw… all of these things, coming from a band like U2, which, lets face it, there is only one U2, is not for the sole purpose of trying to outwit or outduel any other show. When U2 came up with the idea for the 360 show it wasn’t about trying to be the biggest concert ever, again, the band wanted to try to play stadiums in the not so conventional way, you know, the KISS way with pyro, drum solos, guitar solos and all of those awful things. Gene Simmons better watch watch he says about taking on U2 in a stadium, because, as true U2 fans know, it is and only about the music and clearly U2 kicks everyone elses asses on that!
Well, if Gene is lucky, maybe Bono and the boys will invite them along as a support act…
i can’t believe that gene simmons thinks that kiss is in the same league as U2. his ego and his mouth are as big as that disgusting tongue of his … the man, obviously, needs some publicity for his lame band. honestly, i didn’t even think they were together any more. U2 is passion, joy and unity. there is no comparison. viva U2!
Haha, this is made all the more hilarious after learning that Kiss have failed to achieve a platinum album in the U.S. since 1987 and the highest average attendance for one of their tours doesn’t even cross the 15,000 mark.
Actually, I’d love that to happen. I think U2 is getting lazy in a musical and tour aspect. The only amazing thing of this tour is the 360 thing, but other than that, nothing…
But do you honestly think Kiss is going to inspire them to do any better? Bands like Kiss are the reason U2 don’t need to try that hard…
I’ve always thought of KISS as a sort of novelty act. I suppose people actually liked them for the music a few decades ago, but it seems like now they are just running on nostalgia and spectacle. Some people might say that about U2, but at least U2 are still making music.
The true nature of Stadium shows is to accomodate as many fans as possible. While Kiss can sell out a stadium in Europe, they aren’t going to do it in the USA.
U2 and the Stones have the spectacle, but don’t need it because the music speaks for itself. While Kiss does have some catchy tunes, people want to see the fire breathing, the exploding guitars and the pyro.
I’m a huge fan of all 3, but the only thing Kiss is better at than U2 and the Stones is merchandising.
This is just classic Gene Simmons. First, Kiss puts on one type of show. Rock’n'roll all night long. U2 at their best puts on a show that has rock, has roll and has the bliss when the combination puts the spirit first.
Rock’n'Roll is about vitality and the Stones are at this point a generational retro act more than anything vital. U2 just made an album that was great but in no way an album full of big hits. What they don’t have currently they have in albums past that never really tire.
As far as Kiss goes? They are a theatrical act without the back catalog to keep people interested that is what you got.
Take your kids, get people dressed up in the makeup and have fun. That is Kiss and it is fine.
For U2 or the Stones, you go to feel 15 again. These songs are etched on you. You go to bring others with you to a show in the hope that they have a great experience.
That is why Kiss is what they are and U2 are what they are. That is why Kiss is talking about U2 and U2 jokes about turning into Kiss.
Paul Stanley was in front of me at the first night, LA Vertigo show, he was digging it, probably thinking that KISS could never pull a show like that off. Gene Simmons is all about exposure and making money, and he’s getting his exposure by making that ridiculous challenge.
Exactly jv7800! Gene Simmons is TOTALLY all about the money and is proud of it. I’ve read his book, Sex Money Kiss, in which he right out says that Kiss is a gimmick and was about trying to make as much money as they could, any way they could. It’s not a bad thing ; it worked for them!
I’m not going to say U2 isn’t all about the money,or they would have kept doing arena shows where they said the shows “felt” better. They are doing stadium shows just to pay for The Claw, not to reach more fans. (Can you tell I’m not a 360 fan, hehe?)
That said, it would be absolutely cringe-worthy to see U2 take any part in such a stupid challenge. They don’t have to and they’d look like fools to even play the game. The same for the Rolling Stones. —Gene is just looking for some way to get some attention other than…um, making some new music or actually doing something more creative than designing new KISS merchandise to sell at Wal-Mart.. or something crazy like that.
I think the opinions about the music of U2 are quite sincere, but as a “young” man (26), the U2 of 2010 doesn’t offer much in music as the U2 of 2000 did to our generation-I remember clearly being 16-17 and being blown away by All That you can’t leave behind for the concept of travelling and letting it all in the past while taking the good-, but now…where’s the coherence? My generation kinda miss songs that make them think. “The future needs a big kiss?” No, thanks. The future needs to get its ass handed to it.
It’s obvious that Kiss and Rolling Stones don’t offer the same thing as U2, but they never offered it. They were always for the fun and drugs and sex, and self-absorbed. Sadly -at least for me- U2 is dumbing down to the same level of them. Why Gene wouldn’t dare to say that in 1992? or 1997? Hell, even in 2001?? Because U2 was above Kiss, and they knew it -in terms of touring and musical content-. But now…it’s easy because they have become reachable. As Larry once said “we are not four guys against the world anymore”. When you lose the ambition, you become another Gene Simmons or Mick Jagger with a different band.
And also (and I’m sorry to bring it up in another answer)…three f**king versions of the same CD?????? They didn’t need that for The Joshua Tree, Pop, Achtung Baby or All That You can’t leave behind, and those albums Kicked ass with capital K.
Sorry for being this viceral guys, but I feel betrayed by MY band.
KISS? Ha ha! That’s funny. Bono and the boys should dress up as Irish leprechaun demons for one night and engage the challenge…yeah baby!!!
With ultra sized inflatable lucky charms and a Giant Rainbow prop where the huge arch would have gone for Popmart
Gene Simmons doesn’t need Bono’s permission to create the challenge. Just show up at Glastonbury, where U2 and the Rolling Stones will already be!
Sadly, he won’t because without all the gloss, U2 will ROCK, the Stones will ROCK and KISS will SUCK!
He is only making the challenge because he knows he will not have to actually live up to it!
Gene — I got news for you; don’t quit your TV show!!!
I saw KISS at an indian casino, and their only good song was Rock & Roll All Night. Blue Oyster Cult would be a stiffer challenge.
Luniero, the first part of your comment made me giggle a bit…I get a vibe that you think all U2 fans are in their mid-40’s or something. Don’t know why, it just tickles me ; I’m 30.
I agree, I’ve been a bit confused by U2 and my fandom lately too. I’ve been obsessed since Achtung Baby and it feels that the band is really being more carefee (to the point of careless) with this album/tour, etc. The fanclub has sucked for years (viva Propaganda!), I am not a fan of the 360 Tour and don’t see what’s so great about the Claw except for the video screens. NLOTH was hard to get used to at first, but I get it. I like it, not love it,not quite my taste, but I still love U2. It’s their art, they can put out whatever they want of course, but when it comes to the fans, they are slipping.
I disagree that U2 has lost their ambition. I would go so far as to say that in some ways they’re trying too hard. Bono keeps giving these silly soundbites about wanting to show up the trendy bands and show them a real old skool punk band. U2 is not a punk band or garage band or even a rock&roll band compared to KISS and The Stones. How they could show this is to just make a kickass record for themselves and forget everyone else.
Back to the topic — I am sure (at least I hope and pray, lol) nothing will come of Gene Simmons’ challenge. I don’t even want to see something come out of it just for giggles. As someone else said, KISS is REALLY good at what they’ve created, but it seems they are in a rut too and what U2 has and KISS does not is depth and the ability to recreate themselves.
Ahh! Are we all over analyzing this? LOL! Gene Simmons doesn’t deserve our ponderings. Sorry for the long comment,ya’ll! Peace!
PPPLLLEEAASEE. A band that has to use fake props, still has large hair and has to hide behind makeup wants to challenge U2? HAHAHAHAHA. Especially after U2 is in the middle of the hugest stadium tour in history. Gene Simmons is so full of himself its not funny. Ever see his show? everything revolves around Gene. I think U2 would have a bigger show no doubt, and they would bring in more people. At least grown men who are U2 fans dont come to a concert wearing makeup and leather.
Absolutely! This non-event is too silly to debate, much less consider. It is not funny. It’s very sad for Mr. Simmons who’s obviously lost his mind.
Gene needs to realize that life has moved on and apparently he hasn’t. Nobody is gonna call you, Gene, for a “stadium off.” KISS had their time. They pushed the envelope for their time and were entertaining. U2 is more the the music. They say that time and time again. Their formula is not a fad. It’s much more meaningful. Now, go back to sleep Gene.