Kiss and Aerosmith were two of the biggest bands of the 1970s and, creepily, both still rock the house three decades later.
What's the secret?
Aerosmith, as any fan will tell you, changed its modus operandi entirely in the '80s, tightening the music into pop-rock hits as its members stopped the drinking and drugging for which the band was notorious. Hey, they didn't call front guys Steven Tyler and Joe Perry the "Toxic Twins" for nothing. The clean 'n sober Aerosmith found its voice again with smashes Janie's Got A Gun, Dude Looks Like Lady and What It Takes. Things haven't simmered down since.
But Kiss' attempt at an '80s makeover - taking off the makeup, rearranging the lineup - wasn't as successful. Admit it: It wasn't until 1996 that we all liked Kiss again. Kiss is about Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss and Ace Frehley. Period. (Though Ace is replaced on this tour by new guitarist Tommy Thayer.)
Kiss is about the makeup. It's about Gene's fire breathing. And the fake blood dripping out of his mouth. And his ridiculous dragon boots. It's about Paul's Loverman star around his eye and his lip-sticked puckery lips. Kiss is Peter's cute kitty-cat whiskers. We've seen Peter without the whiskers: WE DON'T WANT IT.
Bop your heads along to Dr. Love, Detroit Rock City and Rock 'n' Roll All Night and thank goodness there are still bands out there shameless about show biz, 'cause it sure is fun.
The bands perform at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. $46.75-$126.75. (813) 287-8844 or (727) 898-2100.
KISS
AEROSMITH