Paul Stanley, the lead vocalist and guitarist of KISS, recently shared his thoughts on what he hopes to see from future musicians. At Clive Davis’ pre-GRAMMYs party on January 31, he expressed a desire for less reliance on computers and more focus on genuine passion in music. “I’d like to see people playing instruments,” he said. “Music is about passion, not perfection.”
The 74-year-old rock legend attended the event with his wife, Erin Sutton Stanley. He emphasized that he values heartfelt music over technical perfection. Stanley has spent decades as the frontman of KISS, a band famous for its theatrical shows and elaborate costumes.
Reflecting on his career, Stanley mentioned that if he could do it all over again, he would prioritize his relationships with bandmates Ace Frehley and Peter Criss. “If I have any regrets, it’s that I sometimes wish we were smarter in helping them have better lives,” he admitted.
Stanley also recalled feeling unhappy during KISS’s 2000-2001 tour, which was initially meant to be their farewell tour. The band later reunited for the End of the Road World Tour in 2019. He described that period as having erratic music and noted that some of their songs no longer feel age-appropriate.
As KISS continues to make music and perform, Stanley’s focus remains on the heart and soul of rock and roll. He hopes that future artists will embrace the same passion that has defined his long career.
