Letters

In the photo, the only one I could find, I'm 16 here, having been a fan since 1974. Prepping for a Halloween Party with friends - pre costume and wig. I had the pleasure of meeting the band the next year, November of '79 in Seattle, during the Dynasty Tour. Interviewed Gene backstage in a hilarious 5-minute interview. Using a cassette boombox. He was extremely kind and generous with his time. I had weaseled my way into a local radio station KJR, the day before, to watch an interview with the band with the DJ Sky Walker. Made a plea to their road manager - I think his name was Rick Alberti? That I was in high school and trying to get a job at a radio station - and could he get me an interview with one of the band members. He told me to show up at the venue the next day, around 3 pm and he'd see what he could do. I did and when they arrived in limos, he remembered me and invited me backstage. There I stayed until KISS took the stage. Awesome day. Recorded the soundcheck and concert on that boom box (and no, I never gave it to anyone - just for my own listening pleasure) Paul was unimpressed when I told him we shared a birthday just 10 years apart - but he was busy with a couple of lovely young ladies. Ace was cackling and staggering and guzzling wine or something. Peter seemed ill - like with a cold - but aloof - and Gene was unbelievably warm. One of the most memorable days I've enjoyed. By the way, I didn't parlay the interview into a radio job - but I did manage to break into the biz where I've been since 1981. - BRIAN L STEPHENSON