If given a choice, ill rather go to a KISS gig than a wooten gig. I can just watch wooten on youtube.
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The Truth About Gene Simmons
- Thread starter plangentmusic
- Start date
Just like the "Kings of Leon"
Worthless musicians with a purpose i suppose?
Why? Because theyre not playing 20notes per second in odd-time?
Gene is no bass god (of thunder), that's for certain - but he's an entertainer. I'd rather listen to KISS all day that to be subjected to Yanni or some other stuff that might be compositionally intricate but bores me to tears. And Kiss shows are fun.
I like the Ramones too. Great musicians? Nope. Rock N Roll? Yup. Where's the Dee Dee Ramone bashing thread, because he certainly made more money than what he could have on talent alone (see the "right place at the right time" theory) - but the Ramones influenced a whole generation of bands, as did Kiss.
You don't like Gene? Fine. I can't stand Geddy Lee. His voice is like nails on a chalkboard and for all his talent, I can't listen to Rush for more than 5 minutes without wanting to strangle someone. Is my opinion any more valid than that of anyone else? To me, yes. To others, nope.
I like the Ramones too. Great musicians? Nope. Rock N Roll? Yup. Where's the Dee Dee Ramone bashing thread, because he certainly made more money than what he could have on talent alone (see the "right place at the right time" theory) - but the Ramones influenced a whole generation of bands, as did Kiss.
You don't like Gene? Fine. I can't stand Geddy Lee. His voice is like nails on a chalkboard and for all his talent, I can't listen to Rush for more than 5 minutes without wanting to strangle someone. Is my opinion any more valid than that of anyone else? To me, yes. To others, nope.
What defines a 'good musician' anyway?
Someone who can write music that touches a million hearts or someone who can play complicated enough to gratify his own ego?
Someone who can write music that touches a million hearts or someone who can play complicated enough to gratify his own ego?
"The Truth About Gene Simmons."
"The music industry is more about luck and who you know."
Thanks for the brilliant insight (and misleading title).
(if certain other TBers wrote this, the word "troll" would have been used 37 times by now)
"The music industry is more about luck and who you know."
Thanks for the brilliant insight (and misleading title).
(if certain other TBers wrote this, the word "troll" would have been used 37 times by now)
Outplaying? Sorry bro. I don't see music as a competition. I've posted stuff along the way -- everything from chord melody solo bass to original country songs. But if you're looking for something specific to criticize you can check out my latest CD, DON'T FEAR THE REVERB on Youtube.
Lighten up bro. In the time it took you to write that enlightening response you could have clicked on something else.
Thanks to all the posters to this thread! I have been entertained for the past 5 minutes going through it. Gene as stated is an entertainer and carnival huxter. He makes a ton of money with his businesses. Is he the best bassist ever, arguably, not. Is he better than me and has more in the bank than me, HELL YES. Do I care, no. I hope he is happy and enjoying his success. I think he is based on what I have seen on my limited exposure to the "Family Jewels".
"And I'll not only put my skills up against yours but I'll bet before we're both through I would have made more money in this business than you ever will"
__________________
"Outplaying? Sorry bro. I don't see music as a competition. I've posted stuff along the way -- everything from chord melody solo bass to original country songs. But if you're looking for something specific to criticize you can check out my latest CD, DON'T FEAR THE REVERB on Youtube"
hmmm.......
__________________
"Outplaying? Sorry bro. I don't see music as a competition. I've posted stuff along the way -- everything from chord melody solo bass to original country songs. But if you're looking for something specific to criticize you can check out my latest CD, DON'T FEAR THE REVERB on Youtube"
hmmm.......
Does this mean that some mod is going to issue a blanket statement that he's going to delete all "The truth about ____" threads?
Confused? Intrigued? lol The first statement was in response to some kid who assumed I was bitter for not "making it" while inferring that HE would succeed due to his knowledge of music.
I didn't do it to brag, but to let him (and others) come to the realization that making money in the music business these days in next to impossible. Naturally, somebody was going to try and twist that against me. After all, who wants to face any harsh realities?
As the the second remark -- you asked. I never said I can outplay anyone and don't believe in it. I figured you'd track down some stuff of mine so I gave you a head start if that's what you're looking to do.
I mean, I can't make it any simpler/easier in every way. Take your best shot -- if that's what you're looking to do.
Roy Vogt
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- Sep 20, 2000
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Popular success in the Marketplace is always a magic combination of timing, marketing, presentation and having that elusive "it" quality that speaks to the Public.
I live in Nashville which is probably the Center of the Universe for writing contrived, calculated Pop Music (listened to Country Radio lately?). There is a Craft to this kind of Songwriting, measured hooks, formulas, etc. I have friends who go to offices at Sony Tree, Warner Brothers, Best Built Songs and other publishers to write for a living. I've also recorded tributes to or with great writers like Townes Van Zandt, Mickey Newberry, Jerry Reed, Angela Kaset and others. There's a difference between Songwriting at the level of those writers and "Honky Tonk Ba-Donk-a-Donk".
Why does one song succeed while one fails? Part of it's promotion, part of it's marketing, but part of it's that "It" factor that nobody can measure, IME.
I had brief contact with Peter Criss when he was putting together his own band in the early 80s. Nice guy, but I think Gene was smart enough to realize they'd grabbed the Brass Ring and he'd better make the most of it.
This is from the perspective of someone who was in the elusive Band with a Record Deal where you didn't get a hit. I got stories.........
I live in Nashville which is probably the Center of the Universe for writing contrived, calculated Pop Music (listened to Country Radio lately?). There is a Craft to this kind of Songwriting, measured hooks, formulas, etc. I have friends who go to offices at Sony Tree, Warner Brothers, Best Built Songs and other publishers to write for a living. I've also recorded tributes to or with great writers like Townes Van Zandt, Mickey Newberry, Jerry Reed, Angela Kaset and others. There's a difference between Songwriting at the level of those writers and "Honky Tonk Ba-Donk-a-Donk".
Why does one song succeed while one fails? Part of it's promotion, part of it's marketing, but part of it's that "It" factor that nobody can measure, IME.
I had brief contact with Peter Criss when he was putting together his own band in the early 80s. Nice guy, but I think Gene was smart enough to realize they'd grabbed the Brass Ring and he'd better make the most of it.
This is from the perspective of someone who was in the elusive Band with a Record Deal where you didn't get a hit. I got stories.........
After reading all the previous posts...
Sorry, I have got to give Mr. Simmons props.
He was one of the creators of a tremendously successful brand, one that a LOT of people were able to make money from... past the record companies, all the way to the T-shirt and bobble-head manufacturers. Gene seemed to focus on these "tangential" marketing and licensing opportunities a LOT better than anyone else ever had. For that, I give him a lot of credit, he's smart. He made money, and so did a LOT of other people.
The music was just he "vehicle" for the spectacle, the show, and the million-dollar marketing opportunities. If no one had ever seen a picture of KISS, or been to a show, the music via airplay alone would have rendered them sub-mid pack status only.
Bottom line?...the fans ENJOYED it!!!
Sorry, I have got to give Mr. Simmons props.
He was one of the creators of a tremendously successful brand, one that a LOT of people were able to make money from... past the record companies, all the way to the T-shirt and bobble-head manufacturers. Gene seemed to focus on these "tangential" marketing and licensing opportunities a LOT better than anyone else ever had. For that, I give him a lot of credit, he's smart. He made money, and so did a LOT of other people.
The music was just he "vehicle" for the spectacle, the show, and the million-dollar marketing opportunities. If no one had ever seen a picture of KISS, or been to a show, the music via airplay alone would have rendered them sub-mid pack status only.
Bottom line?...the fans ENJOYED it!!!
Popular success in the Marketplace is always a magic combination of timing, marketing, presentation and having that elusive "it" quality that speaks to the Public.
I live in Nashville which is probably the Center of the Universe for writing contrived, calculated Pop Music (listened to Country Radio lately?). There is a Craft to this kind of Songwriting, measured hooks, formulas, etc. I have friends who go to offices at Sony Tree, Warner Brothers, Best Built Songs and other publishers to write for a living. I've also recorded tributes to or with great writers like Townes Van Zandt, Mickey Newberry, Jerry Reed, Angela Kaset and others. There's a difference between Songwriting at the level of those writers and "Honky Tonk Ba-Donk-a-Donk".
Why does one song succeed while one fails? Part of it's promotion, part of it's marketing, but part of it's that "It" factor that nobody can measure, IME.
I had brief contact with Peter Criss when he was putting together his own band in the early 80s. Nice guy, but I think Gene was smart enough to realize they'd grabbed the Brass Ring and he'd better make the most of it.
This is from the perspective of someone who was in the elusive Band with a Record Deal where you didn't get a hit. I got stories.........
I actually have great respect for writing a catchy pop song. That's very different form just "writing a riff with words."
Hey, try this. Crank out a pedaled C . Hit some random white notes on the piano. (Within singing range). Put those notes to lyrics.
CAn;t think of any? Here's some --
Gotta have your love. Gotta have your love tonight.
(Make sure the amount of notes match the sylables).
Boom. That's a song. (Or at least a chorus) Maybe not a very good one. But it's a song.
That's very different from a Day Tripper, Smells Like Teen Spirit or Poker Face. THOSE are hits. That have the "it" factor.
KISS was big before ever having a hit. I believe R&R all night was their only top 10 song and I get why. It's an anthem. Another good gimmick.
i agree 100% with the op
bands like paramore sell well at the moment because thats the cultural shift. next shift i wouldent be surprised if paramore and nickelback get left behind for the next big thing. ether that or they would try to go allong with it.
now the only thing that have ever kept kiss going is there "loyal" fan base. gene was smart enough to figure out if they made there shows and image as big a spectical as they possably could then they wouldent have to rely on music too much. so much so that they actually sold kiss condoms. there is one thing that can be said about them is that they have NEVER changed there sound/image because thats all they have to go on.
i still hate kiss with vengance but there good at creating a spectical...... much like lady gaga
bands like paramore sell well at the moment because thats the cultural shift. next shift i wouldent be surprised if paramore and nickelback get left behind for the next big thing. ether that or they would try to go allong with it.
now the only thing that have ever kept kiss going is there "loyal" fan base. gene was smart enough to figure out if they made there shows and image as big a spectical as they possably could then they wouldent have to rely on music too much. so much so that they actually sold kiss condoms. there is one thing that can be said about them is that they have NEVER changed there sound/image because thats all they have to go on.
i still hate kiss with vengance but there good at creating a spectical...... much like lady gaga
