KISS Frontman Paul Stanley Gives Advice to His Younger Self
KISS frontman Paul Stanley gave some positive advice to his younger self, talked about his feelings on influencing other bands, and shared his opinions on Mick Jagger and Dave Grohl’s new song. Stanley emphasized the importance of going easy and not letting some small stuff mess with one’s head. He also said it was a great feeling to know that he influenced other people. The band’s guitarist Tommy Thayer was recently in an interview too, and he named two songs from KISS that he loved to play. Anyway, let’s check out what Paul Stanley said during his appearance on Inside With Paulo Baron as transcribed by Ultimate-Guitar.
Paul Stanley’s advice to his younger self
When asked about a piece of advice that he could give to his younger self, KISS frontman replied: “I would say, ‘Go easy on yourself, things will get better, things work out.’ What we learn, I think, as we get older is – don’t sweat the small stuff, don’t let the small stuff bother you, and be your own best friend.”
Paul Stanley on Anthrax and influencing other bands
“You influenced many bands, when you see guys from Anthrax for example go and take a picture with you and they are big, and many other bands, how do you feel? Do you feel old or do you feel, ‘Hey, I still have what it takes,’ how are you feeling?” asked the interviewer.
Paul Stanley replied by paying respect to his fellow musicians. He also mentioned few names.
“Well, I’m not young. I’m very thankful that there are people who feel that we have influenced them. You know, you can get very self-absorbed and be very much in love with yourself if what you’re thinking about is how you’ve influenced people.”
After revealing his gratitude towards people who have respect for KISS, Stanley went on to speak about people who influenced KISS.
“I think how people have influenced me over the years, how people have made me who I am, how I’ve learned things. I think it’s great, and it’s an honor to have bands and people say that they got into it professionally, music or whatever, because of us. It works both ways, I am who I am because of you, so that’s important to remember, you know?”
Paul Stanley: “It works both ways”
Stanley mentioned some specific names like Kirk Hammett and Rod Stewart to show that the influence worked both ways.
“Interestingly, a friend of mine just had dinner with Kirk Hammett last week, and Kirk was blasting the Soul Station album. It’s great, it’s a great feeling to know that you’ve influenced other people, and also to know that people who inspired you love what you’re doing. Rod Stewart loves the Soul Station album; Paul Rodgers loves the Soul Station album, Otis Williams from the Temptations loves it… That’s important to me, that people who I respect and that I’ve been inspired by love what I’m doing, so I’m very thankful for everything I have, and I wouldn’t have it without you, so it works both ways.”
KISS frontman on Jagger and Grohl’s new song Eazy Sleazy:
“I just heard Mick Jagger and Dave Grohl’s song, and it’s great, it kicks, and it feels live. That’s really what I go for. I want the truth that comes with flesh and blood, I want the truth that people can share with each other. All of a sudden I’m at a loss for names, but you know, there’s loads of good music out there, and anybody that says, ‘Oh, there’s no good music out there,’ there is. There’s also music that I don’t like, but what’s new? There’s always been music that we don’t like. Focus on the music that’s good.”
You can listen to the song below.