4.12.14 Black leather, KISS and Adam's Closet
Apr 12, 2014 8:09:08 GMT -5
Post by cassie on Apr 12, 2014 8:09:08 GMT -5
Thanks for the KISS info. To me, everything about Gene Simmons on and off stage screams "egotistical." It does not surprise me that he expresses his OPINIONS as gospel truths. But, reading his statements, they don't seem a put down of Adam. In fact, he seemed to LIKE Adam. His opinion that Adam's voice didn't fit rock and roll is one shared by others. While Adam tears up the stage as a Queen frontman, from the very first lines of the very first song a choir director friend of mine said Adam was obviously a professional stage performer from musicals/ligh opera. And his GNT had definite roots in a musical stage production.
As far as Gene's reference to Adam as a "puppy," that perspective is also not uncommon in the industry. It is why reality music show contestants have such difficulty making the transition to successful pop/rock stars. They are seen as not having paid their dues or devoted the time to mastering their craft and gaining the "hard knocks" experience necessary to be credible.
At some level, I understand the perspective. In my own profession, there are young "kids" who enter the field and receive high praise for work that, from my years of experience, is adequate, but not remarkable. They don't know what they don't know, and accept assignments that are clearly above their ability and experience. If I comment on it, I am seen as elitist, a snob, and resentful of the young, new blood. Nope. Not true. They have some basic skills. I can see the potential. In five or ten years, working hard, studying the masters, they might become the top of their field. But, they can't pop out of the womb and do that.
I know, I know, Adam didn't "pop out of the womb" with that voice, that stage presence, that confidence, that compelling performance style. Yes, he more than paid his dues. Most Adam naysayers don't know his background and make assumptions. After they have actually seen and heard him perform live they often change their opinions of him. Perhaps, if Mr. Simmons saw him perform today, he would, too.
Or perhaps not. Mr. Simmons seems to be too narcissistic to objectively evaluate any other artist.
As far as Gene's reference to Adam as a "puppy," that perspective is also not uncommon in the industry. It is why reality music show contestants have such difficulty making the transition to successful pop/rock stars. They are seen as not having paid their dues or devoted the time to mastering their craft and gaining the "hard knocks" experience necessary to be credible.
At some level, I understand the perspective. In my own profession, there are young "kids" who enter the field and receive high praise for work that, from my years of experience, is adequate, but not remarkable. They don't know what they don't know, and accept assignments that are clearly above their ability and experience. If I comment on it, I am seen as elitist, a snob, and resentful of the young, new blood. Nope. Not true. They have some basic skills. I can see the potential. In five or ten years, working hard, studying the masters, they might become the top of their field. But, they can't pop out of the womb and do that.
I know, I know, Adam didn't "pop out of the womb" with that voice, that stage presence, that confidence, that compelling performance style. Yes, he more than paid his dues. Most Adam naysayers don't know his background and make assumptions. After they have actually seen and heard him perform live they often change their opinions of him. Perhaps, if Mr. Simmons saw him perform today, he would, too.
Or perhaps not. Mr. Simmons seems to be too narcissistic to objectively evaluate any other artist.
