I had read Peter Chriss' biography and at one time started Gene Simmons, so when Paul Stanley wrote his biography, I had to read it. I like KISS, but I am not a huge fan. One cannot deny though that if you were a child of the 70s/80s, KISS was somehow on your radar. From toys to shirts and the albums, KISS seemed everywhere.

This book was very well written and told the KISS story from Paul Stanley's point of view. Chriss' book talked about the unfairness of the band, but he owned some problems, Simmons' book was extremely self centered, and Stanley's book kept taking pot shots at the other members of the band while making himself look like the victim. How much of it was true? Who knows? It probably depends on who you believe the most.

Stanley writes about growing up with one ear and how being made fun of as a child, shaped who he was as an adult. This will appear numerous times in the book, so brace yourself. Uncaring parents made him seek refuge in his band. The Star Child persona was created out of who Stanley wished to become. The other members of the band didn't care much for the band and Stanley carried most of the band toward the end, according to him. He takes shots at Frehley (a weirdo), Chriss (an idiot), and Simmons (a narcissist) regularly throughout the book. What was missing were some stories about how the music was written. There are a few, but they are few and far between. He also writes about how much money he has, regularly which was kind of off putting. I kept expecting something to the effect of- that's when the bottom dropped out, but the stories he tells of money are just stories about his money.

It was a good read, worth your time, if you are a KISS fan. If you are a casual fan, I might not read it. My biggest question was- what was the point of this book, besides blaming the other members? ( )

So good! ( )

Finished on Jul 20, 2014

I'm not drawn to hard rock or heavy metal but I do enjoy an interesting rock and roll tale, especially one in which the volume closes with happiness and hope.
"Face the Music: A Life Exposed'' is the autobiography of the frontman, rhythm guitarist, co-founder of KISS.

Paul Stanley says "Each of us wears something that reflects who we are. I always loved stars and always identified with them – so, when it came time to put something on my face, I knew it would be a star."...hence, the onstage "Starchild" persona.
Once I saw the cover of "Face The Music..A Life Exposed", I knew I had to read his story and would continually pause and look again at the cover.

A few phrases I thought expressive of this autobi would be
" incredible highs and equally incredible lows"...candid..raw and confessional...gritty...brave.

It's not my band or music but the book is clear and well written and the band has a definite place in rock and roll history.
Definitely, the book satisfied my curiosity.

4 ★ ( )

Though I've never been particularly into the music of KISS, I have always been fascinated with the unique (and I've always thought, very cool) look of the band. I expected this to be a ghost-written sex, drugs, and Rock n Roll book, which, of course, it is in part; but the audio book is read by Stanley himself (that is actually his first name) and it seems pretty clear that he wrote it himself and that he is an intelligent man and a good person. The book was very easy to listen to and carried some good insights into life. I wanna go out and buy some KISS posters or maybe a KISS Hello Kitty shirt (I think those are so adorable) or something...not sure how that would go with my decor or my wardrobe, though!
( )

Though I've never been particularly into the music of KISS, I have always been fascinated with the unique (and I've always thought, very cool) look of the band. I expected this to be a ghost-written sex, drugs, and Rock n Roll book, which, of course, it is in part; but the audio book is read by Stanley himself (that is actually his first name) and it seems pretty clear that he wrote it himself and that he is an intelligent man and a good person. The book was very easy to listen to and carried some good insights into life. I wanna go out and buy some KISS posters or maybe a KISS Hello Kitty shirt (I think those are so adorable) or something...not sure how that would go with my decor or my wardrobe, though!
( )