Kiss may not be planning on hitting the recording studio any time soon, but vocalist/guitarist Paul Stanley is heading down the solo route. As first tipped here in 2003, Stanley is nearing completion on his first non-Kiss release since his self-titled 1978 album, issued in tandem with solo projects from the other three original Kiss members.

"So far everybody that's heard [the album] thinks it's great, so I'm real pleased with it," Stanley tells Billboard.com of the as-yet-untitled set. "Again, at this point, if it sells 100 copies or 100,000 copies or 10,000,000 copies, it won't change my life either way. All it's about is doing what I want to do and what I have the freedom to do. That being said, it's a very mainstream album. I don't think I'm going to surprise anybody being mistaken for somebody else. It was important to me to do the album I wanted to do, without any regard for anybody else's opinion or direction."

Stanley did not reveal specifics about the sonic direction of the project, but says time has only sharpened his skills. "It's not 1978 anymore," he says. "It's certainly the same mentality, and certainly I'm a better singer today. My perspective and where I'm at in my life at this point, and what I've experienced and seen, brings something else to the table that wasn't there then. But I still look back on that album as a really great snapshot of who I was and what I was doing then."

Joining Stanley on the album are session drummer Victor Indrizzo, guitarist Corky James, former Marilyn Manson guitarist John5, former Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick (who plays bass on a few songs) and noted string arranger David Campbell.

Countdown to Natisse.....

minneapolisgenius said:

Yeah, her AND me too! I think it's great news. Paul Stanley is one of the best frontmen in rock history. Great, great showmanship. He was holding it down with his vocals, all the while running and prancing and shit, playing his axe. All in those 7 inch heels. Gene is my boy and all, BUT, Paul IS the one with the best songs and best riffs, overall, in the KISS catalog. Now, I'll page Spyz and Rip.

You know I wouldn't miss this thread, Brutha B (lol). It's cool that Paul has kept a low-pro while doing his new CD. I guess Paul didn't want to make the same mistakes ol' Geno did while hyping up his CD "Asshole". I always knew back in the old days that if Paul went solo, he'd be able to hold his own. Should be interesting to see how he does his thing in 2006. John 5 (Manson/Rob Zombie) plays guitar on it so it shouldn't be too bad!

Good to see that i am not the only one excited. I was a Kiss fan before I was a Prince fan. Destroyer was the first LP I ever bought.

jthad1129 said:

Nah, it's not many on here that admit to digging KISS. But uh, there are a few. Where were u doing Oct. 31. It was a few KISS threads goin'.

blackguitaristz said:

I admit it. My first digs into music was Funk/soul some disco and KISS. That was my main influence in picking up an instrument. I will always have a spot for KISS. But the original KISS. Not the other versions. I am one of the few fans who digs THE ELDER. I'm gotta get it for that one but there ya go.

Bfunkthe1 said:

Not from me, player. I dig The Elder as well. Underrated album.

Co-sign. "The Elder' had some cool tunes. "The Oath", "I", and "Darklight". You remember on that old late nite show "Fridays" when they came out and jammed on those tunes live?? Cool stuff.

SPYZFAN1 said:

I used to have that on tape Spyz. The ribbon ripped. I definately remember that.

In my opinion, Gene and Ace had the best solo albums back in 1978. Gene's was the best. So if Paul's is anything like his last one, it is going to suck bad.

I love KISS & Paul Stanley & although I don't know if he'd admit it but I think he's a bit of a Prince fan himself.
I can't wait for the cd to drop but has anyone noticed that there's no release date mentioned?
It's been 7 frecking YEARS since Psycho Circus!

blackguitaristz said:

Thanks B, what about Mr. Blackwell (middle section) and Dark light guitar solo, Damn!

Thanks for the update. It has been too long since we've heard from Paul.

He was definitely the glue that held Kiss together. I understand that a lot of folks don't dig the '80s period, and much of the music was pretty crappy. But Paul definitely kept the band going.

He's mentioned he likes Prince b4 and I believe he attended the opening nite of the Musicology Tour in L.A., here's a quote from him:

Paul Stanley of KISS: Prince has been an innovator and a groundbreaker. From that early album with "I Wanna Be Your Lover" on it, he's somebody I've watched. First time I saw him was in a club in New York in like 1979. The music and the show just blew me away. Although some of what he's done in recent years is a lot more obscure and narrower in its appeal, I admire him tremendously for following his own vision and for having a huge, huge wealth of talent.

MrRedbell said:

yes...he was at the opening night of Musicology....in fact, if you went to the live broadcast, the cameraman was scoping out the audience before the show started and spotted Paul with his wife or girlfriend...needless to say she was slightly more attractive than he was.....and his shirt was really ugly....but it was a trip to see Paul there

Could a Paul Stanley/Prince collaboration be in the works?

I sure hope so!

I also loved KISS before Prince and I have always thought that Paul Stanley has one of, if not the best Rock n Roll voice period.