KISS Drummer Eric Singer - "Being With People Like Gene Simmons And Paul Stanley Makes You Realize That This Band Transcends Generations And Really Touches People"
May 31, 2011, 13 years ago
The Sacramento Press caught up with KISS drummer Eric Singer when the band hit town on May 29th for the Walk 'N Rock for Kids fundraiser benefit concert. An excerpt from the interview is available below.
Q: How does it feel to be doing a charity event for children (Walk ‘N Rock for Kids)?
Eric Singer: "It's cool. I mean, everyone has to make a living, but when you can do what you love to do, make a living at it and also help people, it feels wonderful. I can do things that help people and I think that is really important. Then, when you add that it is for kids, it makes it even better. As you know, KISS does a lot of work with wounded soldiers and it is amazing being able to help them whenever we can."
MM: How does it feel to be a part of such an iconic band?
Eric Singer: "Although I am not an original member, it really is an amazing feeling. This is a band that people recognize whether they know the music or not. The band is known world-wide; when we travel to Europe, it is just amazing how many people come out to see us. Being with people like Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, two original members, [makes you] realize that this band transcends generations and really touches people. Well, ultimately, your audience is what helps put you in a positive position. Without a fan base, you have nothing; however, you have to keep yourself there by delivering the music, the shows and the performances."
I always tell people, 'You vote through participation in life.' If someone decides they don't like the product, service or the way they are treated, they will stop buying the product. Eventually, the company would have to redesign it or come up with a new product to keep their audience. This is true of anything, so your actions and your work need to be on target to keep you in business."
Q: Speaking of that, how does it feel now that the band is experiencing another reemergence in the music industry?
ES: "Every band goes through their up and downs and their support comes in waves, so it is normal for us. It is nice though, seeing people still want to be around us and coming out to see this iconic band. Whenever you have people who support what you do, it feels good and we are just so supportive of that. Without our fans we would not be here, and knowing they support us is the ultimate compliment."
Go to this location for the complete interview.
As previously reported, KISSOnline has issued the following Saramento show overview from Bret M.:
The KISS Army was well represented in Sacramento, California on Sunday, as KISS brought the music, the stage show, and the makeup to the Capitol of California - for the Walk 'N Rock for Kids fundraiser benefit concert. KISS fans poured past the KISS Minis into Raley Field, and rocked the warm summer like evening, enjoying a bombastic spectacle, and supporting a great cause. Kids seemed to be a huge part of the audience, with many of them made up in makeup as their favorite rock heroes.
From 'Modern Day Delilah' to 'Rock and Roll All Night', KISS filled the baseball stadium with guitars, drums, fire, and smoke. The Walk 'N Rock VIP fund raisers enjoyed up front tables, but everyone in the minor league venue had a great view.
The KISS Minis were parked at the venue's main gate, and later backstage. The stars of Family Jewels - Sophie, Nick, and Shannon - were also present, filming scenes and greeting fans down on the floor.
The show ended with a series of explosions ringing the Sacramento air. The KISS Army, especially the young ones present (and who the show was really about), will not forget the show anytime soon.
Setlist:
'Modern Day Delilah'
'Cold Gin'
'Let Me Go Rock N Roll'
'Firehouse'
'Say Yeah'
'Deuce'
'Calling Dr. Love'
'Shock Me'
Tommy/ Eric Jam
'Animal'
'100,000 Years'
'I Love It Loud'
'Love Gun'
'Black Diamond'
'Detroit Rock City'
'Shout It Out Loud'
'Rock and Roll All Night'
(Photo: Tom Hopkins - Hope Productions)