Paul Stanley acknowledges in a significant interview on KISS’ iconic Destroyer album that he found it extremely difficult to accept producer Bob Ezrin’s choice to perform the Stanley-penned legendary song “God Of Thunder” with Gene Simmons.
In the latest issue of Rock Candy Mag, Stanley states, “To put it mildly.” It was heartbreaking and crushing! We were both aware that the producer’s job on Destroyer was to make judgments and have the last word. I played “God of Thunder,” and Bob responded, “Oh, that’s great, that’s for Gene!” right away.I was simply heartbroken. The thought of someone else taking a song from me so fast… It was challenging, and even after hearing it, it was still a source of pain.
“God Of Thunder” immediately became known as a KISS classic and Gene’s hallmark song when the Destroyer album was initially released in March 1976. Stanley was soon compelled to acknowledge that Ezrin was quite correct to give the song to the bassist and singer.
“It’s really a Gene song,” Stanley remarks. It’s a true highlight of Gene’s personality, and if I had performed it, the song would never have been as amazing. Never. Gene performed admirably, and Bob was correct. And at least I can enjoy the happiness and fulfillment that comes from knowing that the song that best represents Gene is mine!
Stanley and Simmons delve deeply into the process of creating their breakthrough album in the Rock Candy Mag cover article. They also discuss their worries at the time, as some of the first people they played the album to weren’t thrilled with it.
Stanley acknowledges, “They didn’t find it heavy enough.” “And I understand that this is following after Alive!, which truly brought the band’s rawness to life. However, we took the necessary action.
In an effort to determine which KISS albums are the best in the band’s nearly 50-year existence, Rock Candy Mag also assembled five recognized KISS specialists and fans. The panel was made up of: Former KISS webmaster Michael Brandvold is the host of the popular KISS podcast Three Sides Of The Coin. Former KISS manager Larry Mazer. Frank Novinec is a Hatebreed guitarist that is obsessed with KISS. Ross Sampson is a lifetime KISS fan and the digital guru for Rock Candy Mag. Mark Cicchini is a member of Three Sides of the Coin and an avid KISS collector. Since its founding in 2012, the unofficial KISS podcast Three Sides of the Coin has amassed over 450 weekly episodes and over 7.5 million plays.
Check out this 12-page Kiss article and a ton of other intriguing tales, such as Scorpions, Anthrax, and Steve Vai in issue 30 of Rock Candy Mag.
Rock Candy Mag is available in print format with a free digital download version for anyone who buys the mag online at here.