Letters

I have been a KISS fan since the mid 70's. I was in grade school when KISS began their trek toward world domination, the adults in my neighborhood told me to grow up when I painted my face and stomped around in makeshift costumes. When I hit junior high I was made fun of because of loyal dedication to this band. My classmates told me to grow up because I was carrying folders and notebooks with their faces on them. When I hit high school I let go of KISS. The original lineup was no longer intact, the makeup and costumes were gone and I guess it was time for me to...grow up. When I was in college, a local bar was having a lip sync contest. Grand prize was $1,000. I spent several weeks assembling costumes and with a huge amount of support from my fraternity brothers I walked away with the grand prize. I graduated and life happend. I got a job, starting living, got married and grew up. KISS drifted away from my life again, or so I thought so. I was working the night shift at the local radio station. I was running a ball game and flipping through the channels in the next room. I came across MTV's Unplugged. KISS was playing and if you paid close attention you could actually see their old costumes in the background. So I watched, hoping the I would get a glance at Gene's dragon boots when something amazing happened: Ace and Peter came out and joined them. All the years started drifting away, I was a kid again. Then came the reunion tour, Pyscho Circus and Farewell. My life was complete. HOWEVER, they started touring again with Ace, but without Peter. I was bitter for awhile. I reluctantly attended the World Domination tour, did one of the very first meet and greet packages. I remember my parents telling me that I should grow up and stop wasting my money. Rock the Nation followed, then came Sonic Boom. I was absolutely blown away by the album and the tour that followed. My narrow minded view of the originals or nothing disappeared. Instead of cursing Tommy and Eric for taking the other guys' place. I wanted to personally thank them for keeping "my" band alive. I did that in Cleveland at the band's meet and greet. Some people live in L.A. and New York and run into one or more members from time to time. I knew I would never have that chance. I also knew there was something about being in a room with all four in full makeup and costume. I want to encourage every single fan overseas about to attend this tour, do whatevever you have to do to attend those meet and greets. Gene, Paul, Tommy and Eric are so gracious and appreciative to their fans. I'm now in my 40's and my friends and relatives have given up telling me to grow up. KISS is a part of who I am. Not everyone will get it. Not everyone has to. Grow up? Not a chance. KISS will live forever!