I'm guessing a lot of bands/artists have fans willing to shell out big $ for stuff, though, right? Not just KISS?
There's something about Kiss that inspires people to make some really poor financial decisions, though. This recent $3,000 guitar strap thing (and the other offerings) are certainly bringing this into a brighter light than before.
They certainly will take your money if you’d like to give it! What other bands/artists do this type of stuff (even if it’s not to this level)? I guess I honestly just don’t know...
I can't think of any that sell stage used gear at their shows, I would assume think the most musicians are extremely picky about what they use live.
KISS is doing an invitation only exclusive show for Sirius/XM at the Whisky a Go Go on 2/11/2019... will be aired, but not sure if it will be aired live... lol
I was thinking about Kiss 2.0 and would bet Paul & Gene already have the "rules" laid out. I wonder if they would allow new music by new members or if the bands music would remain static. I bet as long as Paul & Gene are alive they would be running the show. I wouldn't be surprised if they go through a lot of people in casting. They'll be looking for people in their 20's and I'll bet younger people will tire of playing the same stuff and rebel. I could see it being quite a mess.
I’m not trying to justify anything. KISS has always been about merchandising and making $. Are these same “broke people” also attendeding the KISS Kruises? Or are they a different demographic? Cruises aren’t cheap don’t cha know. People choose to spend their money on all kinds of things. Supply & demand.
All of them, maybe? Let;'s face it, anybody who does LN/TM arena tours or high-priced meet & greets is gouging their audience in some way. For Bon Jovi you pay a grand or so to hang out backstage with no access to the band.
So Bon Jovi has managed to remove the meeting and greeting from meet and greets...and people are still buying? lol, gotta hand it to him that's impressive.
Yes indeed.....You get to pay to watch the roadies! Ultimate Barricade VIP Experience: Includes: • One (1) general admission ticket in The Bon Jovi VIP Barricaded Section –an exceptional dedicated viewing area in front of stage/ramp with in and out access. • Early Entry with Special Bon Jovi VIP Entrance • Behind The Scenes Tour: Tour the inner workings of Bon Jovi’s tour production. Find out what it takes to produce the tour and take it from city to city. • Litho Autographed by Jon Bon Jovi • Exclusive Job Bon Jovi Overnight Bag • Exclusive Flag • Exclusive Guitar Pick Tin Set
Kiss has always been about merchandising and making money, and that's fine -- but of course, back in the day we're talking about $5 items. Until recently, there was no such thing as a Kiss collectible that the band offered for $20,000. I doubt these people are attending the Kruises -- I've never been on one and have no desire to go on one -- and I've really distanced myself from that community over the past decade as my interest in the band has waned. Ultimately, this all comes down to how much is "too much", before it crosses a line for you personally. Everyone's gonna have a different threshold. Some people don't care. Other people were turned off 20 years ago when Spencer Gifts was overrun with the latest Kiss chip & dip sets and pool cues. For me, this whole business of charging outrageous amounts of money for a guitar that they played for five minutes -- is a massive jump over that line. Your mileage may vary. I'm just calling it as I see it personally.
When you look at the retail prices of those guitars that Paul offers good grief, it's price gouging on a whole new level. If you want a Paul Stanley Ibanez, buy it retail at a discount and use the remaining money for lessons, that might be a lot more fulfilling in the long term than meeting Paul for 5 minutes backstage.
No, I think KISS definitely rip off people with their outrageously expensive “memorabilia”. I’m not justifying it. I agree with you guys, but as PT Barnum reportedly once said, “there’s a sucker born every minute”.
There was a guy in the Waxahachie, TX area that was a big KISS collector who got written up in the paper (he had the KISS Kasket which I think was the big draw); my parents live in the area so when I was back one time years ago my mom called the guy and we went out to see his collection. It was very impressive and he was super nice and seemed completely normal/sane/together to me in that he had a job (a police officer, IIRC?) and a family, etc. (of course, I have no idea what his life was really like)...he just loved collecting KISS stuff. But that's my only encounter with a "real" collector who might be up for some of the stuff they've got going these days...
In this instance I just wish Kiss were more like Howard Stern (of all people). Love him or hate him, Howard has probably left tens of millions of dollars on the table by refusing to sell licensed merchandise such as t-shirts, mugs and hats*, even back when he was at his peak of popularity. He has said several times over the years that he has been able to make a very good living from his radio career, and he would not feel comfortable "taking advantage of his fans by selling them ****". In other words, just because you can do something doesn't mean it's the right thing to do. Paul and Gene can't possibly need the money at this point, so why do they do everything they can to squeeze the last pennies from the fans that have supported them for decades? It's really become pathetic to me. *He has written a few books and sold some CDs and tapes over the years
EXACTLY! These are the two extremes in thought. I don't want to be the guy to say "Gene Simmons has enough money!" -- but...he does. Gene and Paul are surely making more on ticket sales on this upcoming tour than they will ever possibly be able to spend. All in addition to the massive bank accounts they already have. So how much is too much? That really isn't anyone's place to say. Capitalism's great. They're free to do whatever they want. However, when they're as rich as they are, and they're quite obviously squeezing out every last dime from their supportive fans, giving them so little for soooo much money -- that really makes them look like jerks in my eyes.
