Gene Simmons, the iconic bassist and vocalist of the legendary rock band Kiss, recently reflected on the band’s extensive discography, singling out 1981’s Music From ‘The Elder’ as their worst studio album. In a candid interview with Classic Rock magazine, Simmons not only identified the album as a misstep but also took full responsibility for its conceptualization and execution. This admission comes as no surprise to longtime Kiss fans, who have often debated the album’s merits and its place within the band’s broader musical trajectory. Music From ‘The Elder’ stands as a stark departure from Kiss’ signature hard rock sound and represents a failed attempt to garner critical acclaim through a high-concept, medieval-themed narrative.
The Genesis of a Misfire: A Look at the Creative Process Behind “Music From ‘The Elder'”
The original intention behind Music From ‘The Elder’ was a return to the band’s hard rock roots. Following the disco and pop-infused experiments of Dynasty (1979) and Unmasked (1980), albums that alienated a significant portion of their core fanbase, Kiss sought to reclaim their hard rock identity. However, this well-intentioned effort took a dramatic turn, transforming into a complex concept album, complete with a sprawling narrative, elaborate costumes, and a decidedly theatrical presentation. Simmons, in the interview, revealed that the inspiration for The Elder came from a movie script he was developing. He envisioned the album as a musical accompaniment to this unproduced film, a concept that, in retrospect, proved to be overly ambitious and ultimately detrimental to the project.
“I Take the Blame”: Gene Simmons’ Admission of Responsibility
Simmons’ admission of responsibility highlights his willingness to acknowledge the album’s shortcomings. He stated, “I take the blame for it, because it was my idea.” He further elaborated on the creative process, recalling a conversation with producer Bob Ezrin, where the idea of creating their own Tommy-esque rock opera emerged. Ezrin, known for his work with Pink Floyd and Alice Cooper, was a natural choice to helm this ambitious project. However, the comparison to The Who’s iconic rock opera proved to be a double-edged sword, highlighting the stark contrast between the two bands’ approaches and ultimately underscoring the flaws in Kiss’ execution.
“Music From ‘The Elder'”: A Departure From Kiss’ Core Identity and a Failed Experiment
The critical and commercial failure of Music From ‘The Elder’ can be attributed to several factors. The album’s conceptual nature, combined with its medieval themes and theatrical presentation, alienated many longtime fans who craved the band’s straightforward hard rock sound. The album’s narrative, which involved a young boy’s quest to become a warrior, felt convoluted and disconnected from Kiss’ established image. Furthermore, the music itself lacked the energy and immediacy of the band’s earlier work, opting instead for a more progressive and experimental approach that failed to resonate with their core audience.
Beyond “The Elder”: Examining Kiss’ Other “Dishonest” Albums
While Simmons takes responsibility for The Elder, he also pointed to 1997’s Carnival of Souls (The Final Sessions) as another example of the band straying too far from their authentic sound. He labeled Carnival of Souls as Kiss’ “most dishonest” album, criticizing its grunge influences and acknowledging the band’s attempt to chase a fleeting trend. This period saw Kiss experimenting with a darker, heavier sound, a departure from their established glam rock and hard rock roots. This stylistic shift, while intended to capture the zeitgeist of the mid-90s, ultimately proved to be another misstep, further alienating longtime fans and failing to attract a new generation of listeners.
The Importance of Authenticity: Kiss’ Live Legacy and the Pursuit of a Genuine Sound
Simmons’ reflections on The Elder and Carnival of Souls underscore the importance of artistic authenticity. He admitted that Kiss “never really spent enough time in the studio,” suggesting that the band’s focus on their live performances often overshadowed their studio efforts. He cited 1976’s Destroyer and 1992’s Revenge as exceptions, albums that captured the energy and excitement of their live shows. This emphasis on live performance highlights a key aspect of Kiss’ identity, their connection with their fans and the visceral experience of their concerts.
Paul Stanley’s Perspective on “Carnival of Souls”: A Shared Discontent
Paul Stanley, Kiss’ other co-founder and frontman, echoed Simmons’ sentiments regarding Carnival of Souls. In the band’s 2001 autobiography, Kiss: Behind the Mask, Stanley expressed his strong opposition to the album’s grunge-influenced direction. He stated his belief that “the world needed a second-rate Soundgarden, Metallica, or Alice in Chains.” This shared discontent further emphasizes the band’s internal struggles with artistic direction during this period.
Conclusion: Learning from the Past and Embracing the Future of Kiss
Music From ‘The Elder’ remains a significant, albeit controversial, chapter in Kiss’ history. Gene Simmons’ candid assessment of the album and his willingness to accept responsibility for its shortcomings offer valuable insights into the band’s creative process and the challenges of balancing artistic experimentation with fan expectations. While The Elder may be considered a misstep, it serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision while acknowledging the evolving tastes of audiences. Kiss’ enduring legacy, however, rests firmly on their electrifying live performances and the undeniable impact they’ve had on the world of rock music.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Kiss and “Music From ‘The Elder'”
Q: Why did Kiss decide to create a concept album? A: Following the lukewarm reception to their disco and pop-influenced albums, Kiss sought to reinvent themselves and regain their hard rock credibility. They believed a concept album would be a bold artistic statement.
Q: What is the story behind “Music From ‘The Elder'”? A: The album tells the story of a young boy named Eric Carr (coincidentally the name of Kiss’ drummer at the time) on a quest to become a warrior and fulfill an ancient prophecy.
Q: Why was “Music From ‘The Elder'” considered a failure? A: The album’s complex narrative, medieval themes, and departure from Kiss’ signature hard rock sound alienated many longtime fans. It also failed to garner critical acclaim or achieve commercial success.
Q: Did “Music From ‘The Elder'” have any positive impact on Kiss’ career? A: While considered a commercial and critical failure, the album has gained a cult following over the years. Some fans appreciate its experimental nature and unique place within Kiss’ discography.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts and questions about Kiss and “Music From ‘The Elder'” in the comments below. Your insights and perspectives are always welcome.
