KISS may record a new album

Stanley raises an eyebrow at recording
Stanley raises an eyebrow at recording

In what will be a gift to some and a shoulder shrug to others, KISS may record a new album in 2009.

This news comes via noted photographer Ross Halfin, who writes in his blog: "I had breakfast with Paul Stanley,The Love Gun. Paul told me they may make a Kiss record, which he'll produce. A real '70s Kiss-style record. If Paul can stop painting which is his other career."

Band changing their tune?

That KISS might cut a new record in 2009 flies in the face of comments made by both Stanley and Gene Simmons earlier this year.

"It'd be nice to have new KISS songs, but what's the business model? Do you just put songs on the Internet for free? Then what?'' - Gene Simmons

During a press conference at June's Download Festival, Stanley said, "We have no plans to record. The reason we don't record is because any classic band that hits the road, the last thing you really wanna hear is their new songs.

"Who goes to see the Stones to hear a new song? Who goes to see McCartney, The Who? Who goes to see any of the classic bands to hear new songs? If you're playing a new song, that means you can't play a classic song. So, really, what's the point?"

Simmons angry at fans

Simmons's take on the subject was equally blunt, but more far-reaching in scope. The bassist breathed fire at fans who swapped files and put the music business "six feet under." Continuing his rant, Simmons said, "Any band who tries to do new material is trying to climb a slippery mountain. Every day record companies are folding. It'd be nice to have new KISS songs, but what's the business model? Do you just put songs on the Internet for free? Then what?''

Well, you can just stick to playing oldies shows (big bucks there). Or painting, which is where Staney's head is at. Here's an example of his artwork called Karma.

As all things KISS come with a price attached, you can purchase prints of Stanley's art on his official website.

Joe Bosso

Joe is a freelance journalist who has, over the past few decades, interviewed hundreds of guitarists for Guitar WorldGuitar PlayerMusicRadar and Classic Rock. He is also a former editor of Guitar World, contributing writer for Guitar Aficionado and VP of A&R for Island Records. He’s an enthusiastic guitarist, but he’s nowhere near the likes of the people he interviews. Surprisingly, his skills are more suited to the drums. If you need a drummer for your Beatles tribute band, look him up.