Are the members of KISS underrated as musicians and songwriters?
I think that has always been true with KISS. They took a lot of flak in the old days: “Oh, they can’t play.” To me, they were the band with great nights and off nights, so that can make them seem less consistent. The band today is fiery and in your face. We go out every night and lay it down, and the point of view that someone may have taken before doesn’t apply anymore. Eric is one of the greatest rock drummers out there, I don’t do so bad, Gene and Paul have been at it for a long time, and we’re all very cohesive and strong when we’re together. We’re coming from the same place in how we approach the songs, and that can be very lethal onstage, especially with a big P.A.! Does being the guy who replaced the guy [Frehley] who replaced the guy [Kulick] who replaced the guy [St. John] who replaced the guy [Vincent] who replaced the original guy [Frehley] cost you rep points? Can you be Tommy Thayer, guitarist, and not just Tommy Thayer, replacement guitarist in KISS? Or is being Tommy Tha
