There are few releases that proved to be more polarizing than others amongst fans. KISS certainly had a few of them, tops being 1981’s conceptual rock opera, “(Music From) The Elder” and 1997’s decidedly grungy “Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions”.
However, there is another album in their discography that is also met with a bit of resistance from their following: 1987’s “Crazy Nights”. Unlike the other aforementioned controversial albums, “Crazy Nights” was a hit: going platinum in both the US and Canada, and gold in the UK (where the album peaked at an impressive #4). Additionally, Kiss scored a smash hit single with the anthem “Crazy Crazy Nights” in the UK (which also peaked at #4).
But the sudden sweetening of KISS’ sound with keyboards and some of the material sounding like it was written on the spot (particularly the lyrics to the Spinal Tap-esque “Bang Bang You”) has become quite apparent when listening back to the LP with “2025 ears”.
Speaking in an interview with Chaoszine, former Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick discussed the “Crazy Nights” album. And explained which member was all for it, and which member wasn’t entirely comfortable with its direction.
“In contrast to ‘Asylum’, which seemed to be more self-produced, it was interesting to get [producer] Ron Nevison involved, who was very successful then,” Kulick said. He had hits with some big bands, and I know that Paul [Stanley] was very excited to work with him. Gene [Simmons], maybe not as much, but again, I was able to contribute some songs.”
“I thought that Ron had a vision for the album. But I know that even though he added some elements that people argued with, maybe keyboards or some samples on the drums, like the snare drum or whatever. But he always wanted the lead guitar up front, which was important for me. So I was happy about that. I think he did a good job, though I remembered watching Gene be so nervous about it.”
While “Crazy Nights” was not the crossover mega-hit KISS was hoping for, it still saw the band continue to be on the covers of rock mags, spawned videos that MTV aired heavily, and led to another worldwide arena-headlining tour.
“It was actually a platinum record,” Kulick added.
“So, he obviously did a good job. I think it was the last platinum record for the band. I read some article just recently about that. So, y’know, Nevison did a good job. And I think there’s some great songs. And again, I was able to contribute some songwriting and everything. So, pretty exciting.”
