Bands beware: KISS is back in rock music scene
Val Palmieri
Issue date: 11/19/09 Section: Opinions
No expense or advertising opportunity will be spared on KISS's "Alive 35" tour, either. Local rock station WDVE has plugged the concert numerous times, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has run ads for it as well.
Merchandising has proven to be pivotal to the idea of KISS. Selling everything from KISS coffins, T-shirts, cocktail tables and blankets for your home, they have every market cornered.
KISS has been an influential force for hard rock and the music industry in general, especially when one views them as innovators in merchandising, stage persona and musical impact. Their return to Pittsburgh, this December, marks their first appearance here since their "Rock The Nation" tour in 2004, during which they performed at the Post-Gazette Pavilion.
My hope is that KISS can attract more young fans to the hard rock scene, not only with this tour, but also with the new music they're releasing as well. I'm hoping they'll attract young fans who were inspired to play the musical instruments they see in KISS's performances, or who have grown to love KISS's music so much that they'll pass it on to their own children.
The return of KISS gives those who have purchased concert tickets since the 1970s a chance to see the band live again. For others, this means seeing the band live for the first time.
Either way, the "Alive 35" tour means that bands of today had better watch out because the originals are back in town and bringing the KISS army with them. The torch has yet to be passed to newer bands. KISS doesn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.
Merchandising has proven to be pivotal to the idea of KISS. Selling everything from KISS coffins, T-shirts, cocktail tables and blankets for your home, they have every market cornered.
KISS has been an influential force for hard rock and the music industry in general, especially when one views them as innovators in merchandising, stage persona and musical impact. Their return to Pittsburgh, this December, marks their first appearance here since their "Rock The Nation" tour in 2004, during which they performed at the Post-Gazette Pavilion.
My hope is that KISS can attract more young fans to the hard rock scene, not only with this tour, but also with the new music they're releasing as well. I'm hoping they'll attract young fans who were inspired to play the musical instruments they see in KISS's performances, or who have grown to love KISS's music so much that they'll pass it on to their own children.
The return of KISS gives those who have purchased concert tickets since the 1970s a chance to see the band live again. For others, this means seeing the band live for the first time.
Either way, the "Alive 35" tour means that bands of today had better watch out because the originals are back in town and bringing the KISS army with them. The torch has yet to be passed to newer bands. KISS doesn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.
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