Letters

My sister recently asked me to provide her and my family with a list of Christmas gifts that I would enjoy receiving. I gave her a list with only three items on it and they were all books about the band. My sister and wife both inquired about what it was that KISS had that made them so important to me throughout my life. What follows is my response. I'm sure a lot of KISS Army troopers would share these sentiments... What no one seems to understand is there were times in my life that if it weren't for KISS, I really don't know where I would be right now. So many things in life have changed, disappeared, disappointed, or been taken away. KISS remains. They have been there through it all. Without even meeting them, Gene, Paul , Peter, Ace, and now Tommy and Eric have been like friends that I can always count on. Be it through a record, a DVD, a video tape, a radio show, a magazine, an interview, a web site or a book, or a concert, they have been there. Always. For me KISS has been a source of constant entertainment, amusement, energy and hope. Their message of belief in oneself, positive thinking, and that good will win out in the end, has been better than any psychiatrists advice ever could be, and a lot more fun. At the lowest points of my life, their music has gotten me through, and it has been the soundtrack to some of the best times of my life. Their direct, powerful, hook-laden, ass kicking rock and roll is better than any alcohol or drug buzz ever could be. Hearing their music makes me want to pick up my guitar. It makes me smile. It makes me feel powerful and energized. It makes problems seem not so problematic. I don't think I have gone a day in my life without listening to their music since I was 9 years old, and it still seems as fresh and exciting as it did that beautiful late Spring day in 1976 when my mother bought me my first KISS record. If someone is going to go out of their way to give me a gift, I make it simple. No sizes, colors, or brand names need be discussed. Just give me my KISS and I'm the happiest son-of-a-gun you'd ever want to meet. Family, faith, friends, and KISS. Those are my favorite things in life. If that's a problem, than so be it!