The Verve Pipe frontman, Brian Vander Ark recently recalled opening for KISS back in the 90s and he revealed that KISS fans constantly booed the band.
When KISS had a reunited with their original line-up and put the make-up back on for their 1996-’97 Alive Worldwide Tour, it was a massive success, as it sold out venues throughout the world. A variety of bands were invited to open: most of which were of the alt-rock variety (Alice in Chains, Sponge, D Generation, etc.).
However, some of the opening acts were not welcomed by KISS’ fanatical following. One such band was The Verve Pipe, who would score a hit single in the US with “The Freshmen” and a platinum-certified LP, “Villains.”
During an interview with 101 WRIF, The Verve Pipe’s singer-guitarist, Brian Vander Ark, recalled the time his band bravely opened or Kiss. And how the experience was an important lesson going forward for him and his band.
KISS fans booed
“Nobody knew who we were,” Vander Ark confessed.
“‘The Freshmen’ wasn’t out, I think ‘Photograph’ was just released, so nobody knew us. So imagine 20,000 people in any given city are so excited that Kiss is getting back together with the original members and putting the makeup back on, it’s going to be the spectacle.”
“And 20,000 people buy tickets and 20,000 people drive to the arena and wait for two hours to see Kiss in the arena, and then the lights go down and 20,000 Kiss fans roar in anticipation of finally seeing Kiss, and the lights come up and it’s some stupid band you’ve never heard of! We were that band, my friend. They were not nice to us at all.”
That said, Vander Ark recalled that the less-than-warm reception from KISS’ audiences taught him and his band an important lesson, especially when it comes to playing in front of audiences.
“And I learned right away never to fear another crowd for the rest of my life. It was a great experience for that reason. I was never afraid of another crowd.”
Gene Simmons’ public persona is one of a gentleman. However, he has a large ego and is never at a loss for providing outrageous quotes. Vander Ark remembered seeing another side of the Demon. Which he shared during the chat.
“The funny thing is Gene Simmons was great. He came backstage almost every show before into our dressing room to talk to us. And I think he got a real kick us for whatever reason. And anyway, so he would give us encouragement. We were so excited, we’re on the side of the stage going, ‘Oh my God! Can you believe this? We’re opening up for Kiss!’ I was a huge Kiss fan.”
“And then when I stepped out on the stage, a rain of boos and coins thrown at us. I was like, ‘Oh no. This is what this is for 30 dates?’ And Gene came back afterwards, and he put his arm around me, and he said, ‘Don’t take it to heart. Every single band that opens up for us gets booed relentlessly.’ And I was like, ‘Dude, that’s something that we could have known before we signed on for 30 dates.'”
