During the “KISS Kruise: Land-Locked In Vegas” event held on November 16 at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, longtime KISS manager DOC MCGHEE sat down for an extensive Q&A session with fans. The conversation delivered rare, candid insight into the band’s working dynamics, the legacy of ACE FREHLEY, and the enduring tensions within the original lineup. As one of rock’s most influential managers, McGhee offered a unique perspective shaped by decades of experience guiding one of the most theatrical and ambitious bands in music history.
GENE SIMMONS and PAUL STANLEY: Perfectionists On and Off the Stage
One of the first topics brought up during the session was the relentless work ethic of GENE SIMMONS and PAUL STANLEY. According to McGhee, both musicians remain intensely hands-on, even after decades at the top of the rock world.
He explained (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET):
“They’re very hands-on before the show, after the show. We sit and critique the show after the show every night. It’s probably one of the very few bands that I’ve ever managed that was actually coherent enough after a show to sit down and talk about it, but actually wanted to sit down and go through pyro, video — we’d always have playback brought in of that show, so when we talked about something, we could play it back and see how we were going to change it.”
McGhee highlighted that few artists maintain this level of dedication after a performance. Rather than relaxing or heading straight to celebrations, KISS consistently reviews each detail — from pyrotechnics to timing and staging effects. The band’s technical precision is part of what helped them build a legacy spanning five decades. Their commitment to constant improvement reflects a mindset in which even small changes can transform an arena-level show.
KISS and the Kennedy Center Honor
Another major topic McGhee discussed was the significance of KISS being honored by the Kennedy Center — an achievement only a few rock acts have ever received.
He shared:
“Very, very few artists have ever received this award, especially in the rock field. Usually rock bands are not talked about at [this level] — I mean, [LED] ZEPPELIN got it, but there’s only been a few [rock] artists that have received it. To get that honor is amazing…”
McGhee added that some musicians decline the opportunity due to political disagreements, yet he believes music should transcend those divides. He said:
“Some artists say they won’t play it because of the political landscape. To me, music is supposed to bring people together… Some artists are doing it even though they’re not with this regime. Two of them said, ‘It doesn’t matter — it’s not about politics. It’s about music.'”
His remarks underline how groundbreaking the recognition is for KISS, a band once dismissed by critics despite enormous global influence. The award marks both their cultural footprint and their impact on generations of fans.
ACE FREHLEY: A True Rock Icon
When asked about the late ACE FREHLEY, McGhee spoke with deep respect for the guitarist’s influence and legacy. Even though Frehley remained a controversial figure at times, his impact on rock guitar is undeniable.
McGhee said:
“I think Ace would have been a rock star no matter what. The guy was just crazy… Whether you liked Ace or not as far as a person or think he’s a great guitar player, he’s probably one of three or four guitar players in the world that actually influenced kids to pick up a guitar.”
He continued by emphasizing Frehley’s unique position in rock history:
“You can [count] the other ones on one hand. [There were plenty of other] great guitar players, but not kids who said, ‘That’s what I want to be.'”
This acknowledgment reflects how Frehley’s style — raw, expressive, and unmistakable — inspired countless young guitarists. His iconic stage persona and tone remain cornerstones of KISS lore.
Why the Original KISS Lineup Could Not Stay Together
Fans have long debated why the original KISS lineup — featuring GENE SIMMONS, PAUL STANLEY, ACE FREHLEY, and PETER CRISS — struggled to remain unified. McGhee addressed this head-on with a candid analogy.
He said:
“They didn’t play together for 17 years… If you have a glass of milk that’s sour and put it in the refrigerator for 17 years and expect it to taste any better, I’m not sure that’s what’s going to happen.”
According to McGhee, the tensions had deep roots. Even after the successful reunion, those unresolved feelings resurfaced over time:
“They really hung in there for a while [after reuniting] before their emotions got to them and all the old feelings came out.”
He compared band relationships to marriages — intense, personal, and often fragile:
“Seventy percent of all marriages fail, so why wouldn’t a rock band fail? They’re with each other every day of their lives… and ‘I’m more important than him,’ and ‘This guy’s getting more than I’m getting’…”
McGhee added that external influences only intensified the instability:
“You’re getting all these things that interfere, and sometimes people can’t get past those things. They can’t let things go, and that past kills the future.”
He noted that history repeated itself almost exactly:
“It was about six years before they started to fall apart to begin with, and when I put them back together again, it was six years when we started falling apart again…”
Finally, he addressed why certain reunions or appearances never came together:
“We wanted everybody to come and play this [event]. I talked to all of them and couldn’t get it done. It’s just, sh-t happens, and there’s not much you can do about it.”
A Look Inside One of Rock’s Most Complicated Legacies
McGhee’s comments reflect both admiration and realism. KISS changed the sound and spectacle of rock, but the intensity that fueled their greatness also contributed to their internal conflicts. Even so, fans continue to honor each era — from the original members to the modern lineup that carried the band across the finish line of their touring career.
The Q&A session offered a rare, unfiltered look at a band whose history remains as complex as it is legendary.
