KISS’ Paul Stanley Accuses Former Members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss of Anti-Semitism
As has become de rigeur for mega-huge rockstars these days, KISS vocalist/guitarist Paul Stanley hired someone to write his memoirs for him (in this case, journalist Tim Mohr). And while I don’t particularly care to read this book, and honestly wasn’t even aware that this book existed and was about to be released before this morning, this report from The New York Post (The Newspaper of Refuse) did catch my attention:
“Ace and particularly Peter felt powerless and impotent when faced with the tireless focus, drive and ambition of me and Gene, [Simmons]” Stanley writes. “As a result, the two of them tried to sabotage the band — which, as they saw it, was unfairly manipulated by [us] money-grubbing Jews.”
Stanley reiterated to The Post that yes, he does believe that Frehley and Criss are anti-Semitic.
“Yes, I do,” he says. “It’s based on years and years of interactions. It’s not pulled out of thin air.” Frehley and Criss did not respond to requests for comment.
Having not read the book, I don’t know if there’s any more details as to why Stanley feels that Frehley and Criss are anti-semites… but there had better be. That’s (obviously) a pretty serious accusation to lob at someone without presenting any evidence. Did Frehley and Criss openly refer to Stanley and Simmons as “money-grubbing Jews”? Did they use anti-semitic slurs? Accuse Gene of spitting out Christian baby blood at every show? Did they try and change the title of Hotter Than Hell to Hotter Than Hitler? Did they try to change the title of Rock and Roll Over to Rock and Roll Oven? Were they the ones who decided that the “SS” in the KISS logo should look like the Nazi SS symbol? If so, why didn’t Gene and Paul object? Are there any other Jewish musicians (besides Simmons) who can corroborate Stanley’s accusations? KISS toured with Rush at least once — what does Geddy Lee think?
Because the truth is, without any more specific details, Stanley’s accusation is less-than-convincing. I mean, I can say “Paul Stanley has no penis. This accusation is based on years and years of interactions. It’s not pulled out thin air.” But that doesn’t make it true. I mean, sure, it seems plausible, but…
Thanks: Jon K.
