In a recent tweet, Paul Stanley discussed his ranking over Gene Simmons in KISS power rankings.
The rocker shared an article that ranks KISS members based on their influence within the band and asked fans, “What Do YOU Think??”
According to the article, Stanley was named the most influential member of KISS, with many fans agreeing. Mitch Lafon commented, “PAUL IS KISS. Without Paul. KISS doesn’t survive the ’80s. So my power ranking: 1. Paul 2. Gene 3. Ace.”
Another fan stated, “Without a doubt you are the heart and soul of the band. I’m not sure if KISS exists past the mid-80s without your commitment to the band.”
One user added, “Of course, the real KISS is correctly ranked as the top four. No denying that Paul always was the musical leader of the band so correctly shown as number one.”
Following Stanley, Gene Simmons ranked second on Ultimate Classic Rock’s list, with Ace Frehley in third and Peter Criss in fourth. The article noted, “Gene Simmons may be the most recognizable face of KISS, but Paul Stanley is the band’s undeniable heart and soul.”
The statement went on to explain, “In addition to serving as the master of ceremonies at every one of the band’s concerts, he’s kept KISS at or near the top of the rock world through decades of changing trends and industry upheaval.”
It continued, “When the band threw a hail mary by taking their trademark face paint off in the early ’80s, it was Stanley who adjusted far better than Simmons, becoming the band’s undisputed frontman (while Simmons dabbled in acting and record label careers) and contributing lead vocals on every single between 1983 and 1991.”
The website concluded, “It was also Stanley who insisted on a back-to-basics approach for the band’s final two studio albums. Admittedly, it’s a tight race between gold and silver medals here, so this last fact might just seal the deal: It was Stanley, not Simmons, who wrote the Demon’s spotlight-stealing concert centerpiece ‘God of Thunder.'”
Simmons has previously hinted at seeing himself as KISS’s frontman, and Stanley later responded to Gene’s claim. Paul stated that the frontman is the one who communicates with the audience and shapes the band’s image on stage, believing this makes him the true frontman.
