Paul Stanley recently commented on the band’s approach to setlist curation, addressing fan expectations in a statement shared during the Q&A section of KISS Kruise Vegas 2025, reported by The Rock Experience with Mike Brunn.
During a Q&A at KISS Kruise Vegas 2025, Stanley explained his reasoning for prioritizing popular tracks over lesser-known songs. He emphasized that deep cuts, by definition, lack the appeal and quality of a band’s most successful material.
“Let’s talk about deep cuts for a minute. Deep cuts appeal to two people,” Stanley said. “I once went to see a very, very big band, and what they were advertising for this particular show was [that] they were going to play all deep cuts. It was the most boring f*cking thing I’d ever seen in my life.”
Stanley further elaborated on why KISS maintains a hits-focused approach to their performances.
“Honestly, the reason cuts are deep is because they’re not popular, and they’re not as good,” he continued. “Do we take out ‘Detroit Rock City’? Do we take out ‘Love Gun’? Do we take out ‘God Of Thunder’ to play some [lesser-known] song? I don’t think you’ll be disappointed [with Saturday night’s set list], but if you’re expecting deep cuts, I’ll see you next time.”
Stanley’s comments reflect a deliberate strategy that has defined KISS’s live performances for decades. The band’s approach prioritizes audience satisfaction and commercial appeal over artistic experimentation, a philosophy that has proven successful throughout their career.
uDiscover Music highlights KISS’s most iconic songs, including “Detroit Rock City,” as essential tracks that define the band’s legacy. “Detroit Rock City” stands out as one of the band’s most celebrated compositions. It is known for its raw energy and storytelling that resonates with fans across generations. This track exemplifies the type of material Stanley believes audiences genuinely want to experience at live shows.
The band’s commitment to hits-driven setlists extends to their disco-influenced material as well. Louder Sound’s fan poll revealed that “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” remains a staple in KISS’s live performances despite receiving mixed critical reception upon its release. The song’s strong chart success and enduring popularity among fans have secured its place in their setlists. This demonstrates that commercial viability often trumps critical acclaim in determining what audiences want to hear.
Revolver Magazine’s fan rankings show that the most beloved KISS songs consistently align with the band’s biggest commercial hits rather than deeper album cuts. This data supports Stanley’s assertion that deep cuts lack the universal appeal of the band’s signature tracks. The pattern demonstrates that fans overwhelmingly prefer experiencing the songs that defined KISS’s career and cultural impact.
KISS’s pragmatic approach to setlist construction reflects a broader industry trend where established acts prioritize delivering the greatest hits over experimental deep-cut performances. Stanley’s candid remarks underscore the band’s confidence in their catalog of classics and their understanding of what keeps audiences engaged and satisfied at live events.
