In a revealing press interview, Paul Stanley shared that a particularly harsh moment influenced Kiss’ decision to remove their iconic masks in 1983. At that time, the band was facing a decline in their popularity as musical tastes evolved, leading them to abandon the beloved characters and elaborate costumes they had embraced for nearly a decade. This significant transformation marked a pivotal moment in their career, reflecting the challenges of adapting to change while remaining true to their identity.

By 1996, Kiss made a triumphant return to their original personas, moving past a phase that Stanley himself acknowledged included some subpar moments. However, this era also witnessed the release of some of their most memorable hits, such as “Crazy Crazy Nights” and “Lick It Up,” showcasing their ability to evolve while still producing chart-topping music.

READ MORE: Doc McGhee Urged Kiss: ‘Reach Out to Me When You Reapply the Makeup’

Reflecting on their fashion choices, Stanley humorously remarked, “The outfits became absurd,” during a conversation with Billy Corgan on the latest episode of the Smashing Pumpkins leader’s podcast, The Magnificent Ones (video below). He quipped about their appearance, saying, “We looked like we had gotten dressed in a dark costume shop! ‘What do you think of these feather earrings?’ ‘Oh, perfect – they complement your eye makeup!’”

Stanley further emphasized that despite these humorous missteps, his commitment was to ensure the band’s continuity. He stated, “Nobody can dictate when this band concludes. I did interviews with journalists near the end of our makeup era, where the level of disdain was palpable, as if some individuals derived pleasure from our discomfort.” He believed this negativity stemmed from “individuals frustrated by our enduring success.”

Delving deeper, he described a defining “death knell” moment during an interview that left a lasting impression on him.

What Interview Question Provoked Paul Stanley’s Anger?

Stanley recounted a particularly provocative question he received: “How does it feel to be on the Titanic?” His immediate response was one of disbelief: “I’m a human being. How could you even ask that?” He continued, expressing his determination: “All I could think was, ‘Nobody’s going to dictate when this ends… just watch us.’ You need a motive for perseverance, and mine was that no one has the authority to declare the end.”

Stanley candidly acknowledged the reality of past mistakes, admitting, “There were certainly occasions where I now listen and think, ‘Wow…’ All I can assert is that we devoted ourselves entirely to every endeavor, believing we were delivering our best at that time.”

He concluded with a humorous yet honest remark, “And some of that is truly awful!”

Catch Paul Stanley’s Discussion with Billy Corgan