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Tribute Band of the Week
KISSNATION covers KISS
Photo: KISSNATION.com
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Every week, Encore will highlight a tribute band with an upcoming show in New York City. Today’s installment: KISSNATION covering the band that stole our love, KISS.
Like many twentysomethings, my initial introduction to KISS was hearing “Rock and Roll All Nite” every five seconds on FM radio. It was a catchy enough song, sure, but also a little grating after you’ve heard it 326 times. I never really made an effort to listen to KISS, mainly because of that song—until I saw Detroit Rock City. Released in 1999, when I was 12, it revealed a different side of the band to me, one that wasn’t cheesy and showed that KISS were more than just four guys (always Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons on guitar and bass, with Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer currently taking over for Ace Frehley and Peter Criss on guitar and percussion) dressed up with weird makeup. They could actually rock—whether it be all nite or all day.
All these years later, I still listen to KISS and consider their self-titled debut to be one of the finest first albums of the 1970s (the Replacements must agree, as they covered “Black Diamond” on Let It Be). So I must bow my Starchild-respecting head to KISSNATION, “New York City’s tribute to KISS.” The band—bassist Carlos Espada, lead guitarist Ruby Rinekso, rhythm guitarist Billy May and drummer Michael Demetrious, with everyone taking turns on vocals—have been paying tribute to the Nation for over a decade and have even worked with their idols on many occasions (check out their website for more details).
On Sunday, August 29, at 8 p.m. KISSNATION will perform at B.B. Kings. With tickets, which can be purchased here, only costing $5 ($10 at the door) and a set list that ranges from the ’70s-’90s, it’s not to be missed. Encore had the chance to speak to Ruby Rinekso before the gig about his initial interest in KISS and whether tribute bands get groupies.
When did you first begin listening to KISS?
I started to listen when I was 4. My first album was Rock and Roll Over, released in 1976.
What initially attracted you to the band?
My family was in a top-40 band in the ’70′s, and I used to see music magazines all over our home. It seemed like KISS was on every cover. So as a child, seeing KISS with all the costumes and their personas was like seeing superheroes in a band for me, which I’m sure was the case for millions of other kids my age…I used to wonder why my parents didn’t wear superhero costumes in their band! Ah, the logic of a child.
How did the idea of starting a tribute band come about?
As you may or may not know, KISSNATION wasn’t the first KISS tribute band. When I was in high school, there were a couple which I saw and liked. At some point I got together with some local friends and made an attempt to do this ourselves. I didn’t know that I would still be doing this all these years.
What is it like to meet the guys you’re emulating in KISS?
Very surreal. There’s always a part of me that still has a “dream come true” feeling whenever we meet them. It’s always been a positive experience. They’ve all been very nice, supportive, and sometimes even impressed and appreciative at what we do.
Do you play the songs as they sound on the albums, or do you add a unique touch?
Our job is to sound and perform like KISS as best as we can. That’s why people come to see us. A “unique touch” or doing our own spin would conflict with what we’re trying to do.
KISS is pretty famous for its groupies; does KISSNATION ever get the same perks?
Why? Are you looking to join the band?
Favorite KISS album?
Alive!
Favorite song?
It changes everyday, so I can’t really say.
Least favorite?
That changes as well.