PAUL STANLEY WINS SHOWMAN OF THE YEAR!

PAUL WINS SHOWMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD!
(Thanks to Linda/via Kissonline)
Paul couldn't make it to the Classic Rock Awards, but he sent a video message on how it felt to win the Showman award. Below is the text of the video.

Stanley: I'm very pleased because all my rock 'n' roll heroes have been great showmen. Everyone from Steve Marriott of Humble Pie to Slade's Noddy Holder. Showmanship is key to all my favourite bands. Although I must admit I was surprised to receive the award, given that I'm not quite as commanding on stage as I used to be! ( Stanley is quoting Classic Rock's review of KISS' appearance at Download 2008 -Ed.) in Fairness, it has taken me some time to recover from a torn shoulder - I had to have my left rotator cuff replaced. Plus I've had hip replacement surgery. I'm 57 years old now and being a member of KISS is very demanding physically. But at this point it feels like I've just had my 50,000-mile check-up. I'm good for another 50,000 at least.

What does the future hold for KISS?

It looks like we'll be touring Europe as well as the states. You'll be getting more of what you saw at Download - the KISS Alive! vibe amped up to the max. There might even be a new KISS album at some point. I have been ambivalent to the idea in the past but I'm much more open to it now. I thought I'd be content for KISS to remain a heritage act, just playing our greatest hits - Detroit Rock City and all that. But the new KISS line-up with Tommy Thayer (guitar) and Eric Singer (drums) is proving to be so good, so strong in spirit, it would be interesting to see how we perform in the studio. The intention would be to make a KISS album in the style of our 1970's recordings. A classic KISS album, unmistakably.

These days, do as many people clamour for the return of original members, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss?

The fact that Ace and Peter are not seen on stage with us doesn't seem to bother people as much as it used to. That's a testament to the ability of the new guys, obviously. But in all honesty, many people's image of 'classic KISS' is based on fantasy. A myth. It's like they're looking through rose-tinted glasses, most nights, it was all we could do to struggle through the set that we'd rehearsed.

You couldn't attend the Classic Rock Awards because your wife, Erin, is due to give birth soon.

Our daughter is due in January. It will be my second child with Erin. We already have a son, Colin, who is two years old. I also have a 14-year-old son, from a previous marriage. I'm looking forward to having a daughter, you bet. I feel like it's payback for my wanton life. I can see myself being very protective... protecting her from people like the man I used to be, back when KISS used to run riot all over the world. She'll be daddy's little girl and no one else's.