Paul Stanley, the legendary frontman and guitarist of KISS, recently shared his thoughts on the band’s long and eventful history. At 73 years old, Stanley has seen the group go through countless changes, but instead of dwelling on past conflicts, he chooses to look at the bigger picture. In a recent appearance on the “Sound Up!” podcast, he explained that he holds no resentment toward any of the musicians who have been part of KISS, as he believes every moment—good or bad—has led to their success.
“Everything happens for a reason, and it’s all part of the end result,” Stanley stated. He emphasized that the band’s history, with its highs and lows, has shaped what KISS ultimately became. He pointed out that if things had gone differently, the outcome may not have been as great as it is today.
Stanley also took a moment to acknowledge the importance of the band’s original members, particularly Ace Frehley and Peter Criss. He recognized their significant role in building the foundation of KISS, stating, “Everyone contributed something, and of course, Ace and Peter, above all, laid the groundwork for what KISS became.” While their departures led to changes in the band’s lineup over the years, Stanley sees it all as part of an inevitable process.
Reflecting on past disagreements and challenges, he explained that he prefers to focus on the positive contributions of each musician who has been in KISS. Rather than holding onto grudges, he believes in appreciating what every member brought to the table at different points in time.
To illustrate his point, Stanley used an analogy: experiencing hardships in life is like winning the lottery—if you hit the jackpot, you wouldn’t complain about the taxes. His philosophy is clear: success and struggles go hand in hand, and every step, even the difficult ones, is part of the journey.
His outlook speaks to the resilience that has defined KISS throughout its decades-long career. No matter how much the band has evolved, its legacy remains as strong as ever, and Stanley’s perspective is a testament to the idea that growth comes from every experience.
