In the world of rock and roll, few artists have been as vocal about their disdain for the excesses of the genre as Patti Smith. Her disdain for the likes of Kiss, with their pyrotechnics and circus-like performances, is well-documented. But what makes Smith's perspective so intriguing is her desire to return rock and roll to its roots, to the raw, unfiltered expression of her idols like Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix. In her eyes, Kiss was a band that prioritized spectacle over substance, a band that was more interested in making a splash than in making a statement. This is not to say that Kiss was alone in their use of pyrotechnics; many bands of the time were experimenting with light shows and smoke bombs. However, Kiss, with their larger-than-life personas and corporate-like approach, stood out as the main offenders in Smith's eyes. What many people don't realize is that Smith's disdain for Kiss goes beyond their use of pyrotechnics. It's also about the way they approached their art. Gene Simmons, the bassist of Kiss, treated the band like a corporation from day one, prioritizing business over artistic expression. This corporate mindset, in Smith's view, was a threat to the very essence of rock and roll. Kiss, despite their moments of theatrics on albums like Destroyer, often failed to make a sophisticated statement, as evidenced by their embarrassing records like Music From the Elder. Simmons' approach to his job, which often involved pandering to the rock culture, whether it was hair metal or grunge-flavoured music in the 1990s, further solidified Smith's belief that Kiss was a band that had lost its way. In contrast, Smith's own work was always driven by heart and authenticity. Her music, like her idols, was about making the world a better place, not just about putting on a show. This is why she wanted to take rock and roll back to basics, to the raw, unfiltered expression of her idols. From my perspective, Smith's perspective on Kiss and the state of rock and roll in the 1970s is a fascinating one. It highlights the tension between artistic expression and corporate interests, and the struggle to maintain the integrity of the genre. What makes this particularly fascinating is the way Smith's own journey as an artist reflects this tension. She, like her idols, was driven by a desire to make a difference, to use her music as a force for change. This is what makes her such an influential figure in rock and roll, and why her perspective on Kiss and the state of the genre is so valuable.
