When I was in Myrtle Beach, I had the pleasure of meeting another trib band "Paul" named Steve Stanley from the band KISSin' Time. Let me tell
you, this fella LOOKS like a Revenge era Paul out of makeup. Missy and I couldn't stop looking every time he walked past - it was like .... whoa. 
Ken had the idea of doing a Q&A with Steve, and Steve graciously agreed to answer a set of questions which I sent to him, as well as questions you have asked. It's a great way of getting to know yet another fellow KISS fan - and a talented one at that.
And please feel free to add more questions for Steve as he'll check in with us and add
answers as he has time.
How did you get into KISS?
I saw them on TV on the Mike Douglas show for the first time. Basically, my mom freaked out. I ran upstairs to watch it on the other TV because my mom turned it off. There was something intriguing about them, although Gene scared the crap out of me, but I figured it was cool since my parents didn't like it.
When and why did you decide to start a tribute band?
The tribute band decided to find me. I have been playing music since I was 10 and onstage since 15, but I was playing drums. Almost got a record deal in the 80s with my own band, but that is another story. A tribute band was something I always wanted to do and now just seemed like the right time.
How many guitars do you have?
Six guitars and a bass, 2 drums sets, 1 electronic drum set, and a keyboard. Lots of recording gear.
What was your first guitar?
Probably some cheap acoustic guitar a long time ago.
What is your favorite brand of guitar?
I like the Paul Stanley Washburns, although I do like the Ibanez but I don't own one.
How long have you been playing?
I've been playing drums pretty much most of my life. In the 80s, I started to teach myself guitar so I can write songs. Paul Stanley was an influence on me. I didn't want to limit myself as just a drummer. I wanted to be more of an asset to the band, to contribute songs on the albums and help in the songwriting aspect of it.
When you're offstage as the Starchild, what guitar do you play?
Cherry red Gibson.
How do you figure out your set list?
It's a collaboration with the band. We all talk about it and it is pretty much the flow of the music, how long the show is, etc. Sometimes, some of my favorites get cut out, but it is all for the good of the show.
How do you come to choose some rarities over others?
Pretty much from requests from fans. The people from the Coffeehouse wanted us to play, "Is That You," because it's their favorite song, so we were more than happy to oblige. Plus, I like that song anyway.
Are there any obscure KISS tunes that you have never done but want to?
Sure, I did want to play "All American Man." Also, "I Still Love You."
How do you learn to play KISS songs? Do you use tabs, or do you listen to the songs and learn to play them by ear?
I am by no means what I consider to be a guitarist, so this is a difficult question. I have an understanding of guitar chords and can play. I have been fortunate enough to have some people show me the songs and most of the other times I have done it by ear. I can't read tabs.
Which KISS song was the hardest for you to learn?
The ones that have a lot of guitar riffs in them, such as like "Watching you" and ones that have dual guitar leads.
How much time you spend rehearsing?
A lot. I practice singing and playing and running around doing the moves. It is important to make it look easy on stage but it really is very difficult because I have not been a guitarist as long as I have been a drummer.
How early do you arrive at a venue to set up?
A few hours before sound check, usually in the mid afternoon. Most places, sound check is around 5 p.m.
How much time do you need to get into the clothes and the war-paint before a show?
We like to do it together for about 2 hours before the show just to make sure it is right and go over stuff, but if I had to, I can do it a lot quicker. It is more of a band bonding experience, like the calm before the storm.
What was the biggest show you ever played?
I have played bigger shows outside of the KISS tribute band. With the KISS tribute band, I played a small tour of House of Blues with Strutter which was packed.
Do you have a favorite venue that you play frequently, one that you really look forward to going back to time after time?
Love to go back to the House of Blues and the KISS Coffeehouse anytime they ask me. Love those guys over there.
Do you have your outfits made professionally, or do you make them yourself?
Combination of both. I had the outfit made by a costume designer and embellished the rest.
Have you ever had any costume "malfunctions" or "mishaps"?
No, not yet. I've been lucky to always seem to go home with my clothes on.
How many different costumes do you have, and which is your favorite?
I just have the Alive one, but I am looking to get the Destroyer one made.
Was it difficult to get the hang of putting on the make-up and learning to walk and jump around in the boots? Have you ever had any "oops" moments related to those boots?
Believe it or not, it is pretty natural for me. The boots are a little tough, but they are a bit small so they hurt after the show. I did twist my ankle once on stage stepping on a cable. There are wires all over and if they are not taped down, it could be dangerous.
Have you ever forgotten the words to a tune during a show? If so, how did you handle it?
I did, but it was really just one word, and I just got back on track. Luckily I didn't look like a deer in the headlights.
How has wearing the Starchild persona affected you?
It has given me new confidence because of the challenge of doing it and being a front man for the first time.
What has been some of the strangest or most interesting reactions of others when they've seen you in costume?
I think some of them actually believe you are the real guy. I just think their excitement of wanting to take a picture with me is interesting because they feel it is the closest they will get to the real band. The strangest thing is some of the requests from the ladies… I did get a request to sign KISS memorabilia next to signatures of the real guys, which I won't do.
Do you spend a lot of time "practicing" Paul's moves and mannerisms? Is it a conscious thing on your part when you're onstage, or is that now just second nature to you?
Actually, no. It is just very natural to me, all the moves kind of come from the guitar chords you play. I consciously don't sit and watch the videos and copy moves or anything like that. Maybe because I am so familiar with it in my head, I am comfortable with it. When I put the guitar on, I just feel comfortable.
Is your natural singing voice influenced by your "Paul" voice?
I don't know. It's just the way I sing.
What is the most inspirational KISS tune or KISS related tune for you?
I don't think there is just one tune, I think it is the philosophy behind the band that you can do anything you want to and live your dreams.
If you could play a concert on any of the KISS stages (past or present) which one of them would you love to run around on?
That is a tough one. I actually loved the Dynasty white Stage. I remember seeing that show at Madison Square Garden. I think it was so different because it was white. Everyone was doing the black stage. It had the ramps going around the drum set, and had different levels.
Do you have a KISS collection? If so, what are your favorite items to collect?
Don't we all? Actually, I am pretty fortunate that people seem to give me Paul Stanley memorabilia. I like the guitars.
How many KISS concerts have you been too?
Oh, so many. I have been to all the ones from 1977 at Madison Square Garden to the first time Eric Carr played with Kiss at the Palladium in New York. I have seen a lot up to the farewell tour. I haven't seen them live since.
What kind of music do you listen to when you're at home? What other bands do you like?
I'm a big fan of Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick, Bon Jovi, Queen, Stryper, and believe it or not, Manowar.
What are your top 5 CDs of all time - the "desert island" discs?
I would say Queen II, Double Platinum from KISS so I would have most of the hits, In Color from Cheap Trick, Crush from Bon Jovi, and then I would have to have Legend from Bob Marley (because after all, I am stuck on an island).
What would you like us to know about you and your tribute to KISS?
This is something I have always wanted to do, and I am happy that I am able to fulfill that dream and have the ability to do it. I am fortunate that I have gotten such a good response from people. I took on this challenge to do this, and it seems to be paying off for all the hard work I have done for this project. I was going for the Live To Win philosophy. I figured if it didn't work out, I would become a better singer and musician overall for it.
These questions are from some of our members here at KFS:
From Nicky in the Czech Republic:
Hello Steve, you look pretty great in the pics I've seen and you really do look like Paul. Myquestion is - have you ever had a feeling like "Damn it, why do I look like him?" or have you always liked the fact you and Paul look similar?
Thank you about the pics. When I was playing drums, everyone would always say, "it's Paul Stanley playing drums." That was strange, but now I embrace it and would rather be told I look like Paul Stanley than Keith Richards. I only wish I had his money.
From Heather in Nova Scotia:
My question would be 'What do you do to get geared up for a show?'
Actually, I try to relax more than anything before a show and focus. I want to use all my energy on stage. I do some vocal warm ups so I don't go out cold.
From Sylvia in Washington:
Have you ever been mistaken for the real Paul Stanley?
Yes, many times. It is quite interesting the reaction I get from people. It makes me wonder what the real Paul must feel like. It is cool freaking people out. When I saw Paul's solo tour, people wouldn't leave me alone. When I was with my daughter at Libby Lu's, which was the last place I would expect to get attention, a girl asked me if I was Paul Stanley.
Have you ever met Paul?
No, but I met Eric Carr and had a picture with him in Rock Scene magazine in the 80s with my band at the time. I met Ace Frehley who came to check out my band to produce my demos in the late 80s, which was a kick. I used to spend all my money to go see him and now this time he was watching me play. Kind of like a Mind Freak.
What's one of your favorite songs to play?
I like to play Detroit Rock City, Do You Love Me, Shout It Out Loud and Rock and Roll All Night because I get to break a guitar and there is good audience participation.
From Mandy in New Zealand:
To me you sound very much like Paul when you sing. So my question is... Steve, is your voice naturally like Paul Stanley's or did you train it to sound like him?
No, that is the way I sing. The only thing I am doing is training my voice to get more strength and increase my range at this point.
From Michelle in Georgia:
What got you started being Paul in a trib band?
This is a long story. I was trying to audition to do Eric Carr being a drummer by trade, but I got responses back from people asking me to be in their tribute band. I would reply, "Great, send me the list and I would have it down in a week," figuring it was the drums, which would be easy for me. But, they would write me back saying, "No, we don't want to you play drums, you look like Paul Stanley, do you know how to play guitar?" So, I figured I would just embrace the idea of me being the front man because of my resemblance of him and learned the Paul parts on guitar. It just seemed natural to me seeing I was a Paul fan anyway, so I figured why not go for it. It turned out to be a win-win situation.
From Damaris in Germany:
How old were you when you first got into KISS?
Preteen, I guess. It might have been before the Kiss Alive album went through the roof.
Was Paul your favorite right away?
Yes, actually. I did gravitate towards him because of his vocal ability and his song writing style I enjoyed. Obviously, Peter was an influence on me as well.
When did you start playing guitar and did you have lessons?
I had no lessons. I taught myself the guitar probably in the mid 80s to write my own material, so I pretty much only know how to play my original songs and KISS songs.
From Missy in Maryland:
What do you find to be the most difficult Paul mannerism to perfect in your portrayal of Paul?
The only one that is difficult to me is playing the guitar under the leg, if I try to do it with the wrong guitar with the short strap. It is really not difficult for me to portray Paul and his mannerisms. It just kind of comes out naturally for me. I guess I am fortunate that way.
Ken had the idea of doing a Q&A with Steve, and Steve graciously agreed to answer a set of questions which I sent to him, as well as questions you have asked. It's a great way of getting to know yet another fellow KISS fan - and a talented one at that.
And please feel free to add more questions for Steve as he'll check in with us and add
answers as he has time.
How did you get into KISS?
I saw them on TV on the Mike Douglas show for the first time. Basically, my mom freaked out. I ran upstairs to watch it on the other TV because my mom turned it off. There was something intriguing about them, although Gene scared the crap out of me, but I figured it was cool since my parents didn't like it.
When and why did you decide to start a tribute band?
The tribute band decided to find me. I have been playing music since I was 10 and onstage since 15, but I was playing drums. Almost got a record deal in the 80s with my own band, but that is another story. A tribute band was something I always wanted to do and now just seemed like the right time.
How many guitars do you have?
Six guitars and a bass, 2 drums sets, 1 electronic drum set, and a keyboard. Lots of recording gear.
What was your first guitar?
Probably some cheap acoustic guitar a long time ago.
What is your favorite brand of guitar?
I like the Paul Stanley Washburns, although I do like the Ibanez but I don't own one.
How long have you been playing?
I've been playing drums pretty much most of my life. In the 80s, I started to teach myself guitar so I can write songs. Paul Stanley was an influence on me. I didn't want to limit myself as just a drummer. I wanted to be more of an asset to the band, to contribute songs on the albums and help in the songwriting aspect of it.
When you're offstage as the Starchild, what guitar do you play?
Cherry red Gibson.
How do you figure out your set list?
It's a collaboration with the band. We all talk about it and it is pretty much the flow of the music, how long the show is, etc. Sometimes, some of my favorites get cut out, but it is all for the good of the show.
How do you come to choose some rarities over others?
Pretty much from requests from fans. The people from the Coffeehouse wanted us to play, "Is That You," because it's their favorite song, so we were more than happy to oblige. Plus, I like that song anyway.
Are there any obscure KISS tunes that you have never done but want to?
Sure, I did want to play "All American Man." Also, "I Still Love You."
How do you learn to play KISS songs? Do you use tabs, or do you listen to the songs and learn to play them by ear?
I am by no means what I consider to be a guitarist, so this is a difficult question. I have an understanding of guitar chords and can play. I have been fortunate enough to have some people show me the songs and most of the other times I have done it by ear. I can't read tabs.
Which KISS song was the hardest for you to learn?
The ones that have a lot of guitar riffs in them, such as like "Watching you" and ones that have dual guitar leads.
How much time you spend rehearsing?
A lot. I practice singing and playing and running around doing the moves. It is important to make it look easy on stage but it really is very difficult because I have not been a guitarist as long as I have been a drummer.
How early do you arrive at a venue to set up?
A few hours before sound check, usually in the mid afternoon. Most places, sound check is around 5 p.m.
How much time do you need to get into the clothes and the war-paint before a show?
We like to do it together for about 2 hours before the show just to make sure it is right and go over stuff, but if I had to, I can do it a lot quicker. It is more of a band bonding experience, like the calm before the storm.
What was the biggest show you ever played?
I have played bigger shows outside of the KISS tribute band. With the KISS tribute band, I played a small tour of House of Blues with Strutter which was packed.
Do you have a favorite venue that you play frequently, one that you really look forward to going back to time after time?
Love to go back to the House of Blues and the KISS Coffeehouse anytime they ask me. Love those guys over there.
Do you have your outfits made professionally, or do you make them yourself?
Combination of both. I had the outfit made by a costume designer and embellished the rest.
Have you ever had any costume "malfunctions" or "mishaps"?
No, not yet. I've been lucky to always seem to go home with my clothes on.
How many different costumes do you have, and which is your favorite?
I just have the Alive one, but I am looking to get the Destroyer one made.
Was it difficult to get the hang of putting on the make-up and learning to walk and jump around in the boots? Have you ever had any "oops" moments related to those boots?
Believe it or not, it is pretty natural for me. The boots are a little tough, but they are a bit small so they hurt after the show. I did twist my ankle once on stage stepping on a cable. There are wires all over and if they are not taped down, it could be dangerous.
Have you ever forgotten the words to a tune during a show? If so, how did you handle it?
I did, but it was really just one word, and I just got back on track. Luckily I didn't look like a deer in the headlights.
How has wearing the Starchild persona affected you?
It has given me new confidence because of the challenge of doing it and being a front man for the first time.
What has been some of the strangest or most interesting reactions of others when they've seen you in costume?
I think some of them actually believe you are the real guy. I just think their excitement of wanting to take a picture with me is interesting because they feel it is the closest they will get to the real band. The strangest thing is some of the requests from the ladies… I did get a request to sign KISS memorabilia next to signatures of the real guys, which I won't do.
Do you spend a lot of time "practicing" Paul's moves and mannerisms? Is it a conscious thing on your part when you're onstage, or is that now just second nature to you?
Actually, no. It is just very natural to me, all the moves kind of come from the guitar chords you play. I consciously don't sit and watch the videos and copy moves or anything like that. Maybe because I am so familiar with it in my head, I am comfortable with it. When I put the guitar on, I just feel comfortable.
Is your natural singing voice influenced by your "Paul" voice?
I don't know. It's just the way I sing.
What is the most inspirational KISS tune or KISS related tune for you?
I don't think there is just one tune, I think it is the philosophy behind the band that you can do anything you want to and live your dreams.
If you could play a concert on any of the KISS stages (past or present) which one of them would you love to run around on?
That is a tough one. I actually loved the Dynasty white Stage. I remember seeing that show at Madison Square Garden. I think it was so different because it was white. Everyone was doing the black stage. It had the ramps going around the drum set, and had different levels.
Do you have a KISS collection? If so, what are your favorite items to collect?
Don't we all? Actually, I am pretty fortunate that people seem to give me Paul Stanley memorabilia. I like the guitars.
How many KISS concerts have you been too?
Oh, so many. I have been to all the ones from 1977 at Madison Square Garden to the first time Eric Carr played with Kiss at the Palladium in New York. I have seen a lot up to the farewell tour. I haven't seen them live since.
What kind of music do you listen to when you're at home? What other bands do you like?
I'm a big fan of Alice Cooper, Cheap Trick, Bon Jovi, Queen, Stryper, and believe it or not, Manowar.
What are your top 5 CDs of all time - the "desert island" discs?
I would say Queen II, Double Platinum from KISS so I would have most of the hits, In Color from Cheap Trick, Crush from Bon Jovi, and then I would have to have Legend from Bob Marley (because after all, I am stuck on an island).
What would you like us to know about you and your tribute to KISS?
This is something I have always wanted to do, and I am happy that I am able to fulfill that dream and have the ability to do it. I am fortunate that I have gotten such a good response from people. I took on this challenge to do this, and it seems to be paying off for all the hard work I have done for this project. I was going for the Live To Win philosophy. I figured if it didn't work out, I would become a better singer and musician overall for it.
These questions are from some of our members here at KFS:
From Nicky in the Czech Republic:
Hello Steve, you look pretty great in the pics I've seen and you really do look like Paul. Myquestion is - have you ever had a feeling like "Damn it, why do I look like him?" or have you always liked the fact you and Paul look similar?
Thank you about the pics. When I was playing drums, everyone would always say, "it's Paul Stanley playing drums." That was strange, but now I embrace it and would rather be told I look like Paul Stanley than Keith Richards. I only wish I had his money.
From Heather in Nova Scotia:
My question would be 'What do you do to get geared up for a show?'
Actually, I try to relax more than anything before a show and focus. I want to use all my energy on stage. I do some vocal warm ups so I don't go out cold.
From Sylvia in Washington:
Have you ever been mistaken for the real Paul Stanley?
Yes, many times. It is quite interesting the reaction I get from people. It makes me wonder what the real Paul must feel like. It is cool freaking people out. When I saw Paul's solo tour, people wouldn't leave me alone. When I was with my daughter at Libby Lu's, which was the last place I would expect to get attention, a girl asked me if I was Paul Stanley.
Have you ever met Paul?
No, but I met Eric Carr and had a picture with him in Rock Scene magazine in the 80s with my band at the time. I met Ace Frehley who came to check out my band to produce my demos in the late 80s, which was a kick. I used to spend all my money to go see him and now this time he was watching me play. Kind of like a Mind Freak.
What's one of your favorite songs to play?
I like to play Detroit Rock City, Do You Love Me, Shout It Out Loud and Rock and Roll All Night because I get to break a guitar and there is good audience participation.
From Mandy in New Zealand:
To me you sound very much like Paul when you sing. So my question is... Steve, is your voice naturally like Paul Stanley's or did you train it to sound like him?
No, that is the way I sing. The only thing I am doing is training my voice to get more strength and increase my range at this point.
From Michelle in Georgia:
What got you started being Paul in a trib band?
This is a long story. I was trying to audition to do Eric Carr being a drummer by trade, but I got responses back from people asking me to be in their tribute band. I would reply, "Great, send me the list and I would have it down in a week," figuring it was the drums, which would be easy for me. But, they would write me back saying, "No, we don't want to you play drums, you look like Paul Stanley, do you know how to play guitar?" So, I figured I would just embrace the idea of me being the front man because of my resemblance of him and learned the Paul parts on guitar. It just seemed natural to me seeing I was a Paul fan anyway, so I figured why not go for it. It turned out to be a win-win situation.
From Damaris in Germany:
How old were you when you first got into KISS?
Preteen, I guess. It might have been before the Kiss Alive album went through the roof.
Was Paul your favorite right away?
Yes, actually. I did gravitate towards him because of his vocal ability and his song writing style I enjoyed. Obviously, Peter was an influence on me as well.
When did you start playing guitar and did you have lessons?
I had no lessons. I taught myself the guitar probably in the mid 80s to write my own material, so I pretty much only know how to play my original songs and KISS songs.
From Missy in Maryland:
What do you find to be the most difficult Paul mannerism to perfect in your portrayal of Paul?
The only one that is difficult to me is playing the guitar under the leg, if I try to do it with the wrong guitar with the short strap. It is really not difficult for me to portray Paul and his mannerisms. It just kind of comes out naturally for me. I guess I am fortunate that way.
Man...If only...
