Staying Power
KISS played the rodeo last night, and boy, they had their crowd on their feet. Did you ever think they would play the rodeo? Let alone have a paid attendance of 72,384. Several rows down, there were a few in costume in their late teens or early 20’s. To the right was two generations of family with a boy I would get to be 7 yrs of age, and yes he was singing the songs. Keep in mind now, KISS formed back in 1972. The kids in costume certainly were not around and neither was the youngster to the right, yet they were rockin out to the show. As I watched Gene and Paul do their thing, memories of the first time I saw them 35 years ago at The Summit came bouncing back in my head. Back then, it was long hair and a KISS Army card, and today it is short “gray’ish” hair and an AARP card, but I had as much fun last night as I did back then.
KISS is a production rather than just a group of musicians. In fact, their music is rather simple from the technical aspects of playing, but it works. The costumes, the audience, the pyrotechnics, the lights, and makeup are the show. There have been changes over their 40 years. Peter and Ace are no longer with the band. They went through the unmasked phased where they performed without the costumes and makeup. They made a very cheesy movie playing the characters of their on stage personas. They still tour regularly, have a huge following, and known as maybe the best marketing machine in music. The KISS brand is one of the most recognized logos in the world and has been for many years. Gene and Paul pay attention. To be around some 40 years later, that my friends is staying power.
The KISS “machine” survives and succeeds based on three simple things, stick with what works, change what doesn’t, and keep moving forward. How is your staying power?
Rodney - Stickin, Changin, & Movin
No comments:
Post a Comment