Army of rock

KISS is known by many around the world as one of the most entertaining live acts in history. The KISS Army tribute band, featuring Yio Darcangelis (Gene Simmons), Steve Clark (Peter Criss), Bryan Angel (Paul Stanley) and Doug Gery (Ace Frehley) is known by many as the closest you can get to the real thing.

"I'm not gonna say we blow everyone else out of the water, cause that would be arrogant," Clark said during our interview. "But we blow everyone else out of the water. We're just hyper-nerdy about it."

On Saturday at the Arena Building, we will all get a chance to judge for ourselves.

JS: First off, what does it take to put together the same show as one of the most entertaining American rock bands ever?

SC: Oh man, it isn't easy! Everything we do and strive for KISS started, and that's not an easy job. We've been doing this for 16 years now, and we take it serious, although we try not to take it too seriously. But it can be intense, man. There is a lot involved. It's not just hair and makeup and dressing up in costumes ... we get up there and bring out our heroes.

JS: What got you guys started?

SC: Our love of KISS brought this together. But in order to put this thing together, we had to have the right chemistry. It's taken us awhile, but we have a good group now. But really, we're all very lucky to be able to do this. KISS deserves it. Besides, none us really fit into the Creed or Godsmack stuff.

JS: Is there anything about KISS that you guys can appreciate more than the average fan because you have studied and played their show for 16 years?

SC: Definitely! If anything, it's much more brutal for us because we are going around the country with no funds so we have to get creative, and that's something those guys never really had to do except in their earlier years in a station wagon. We have to be our own stage hands, managers and then go out on the stage and pull off the KISS experience in any setting ... not that there will ever truly be another KISS ... but we want people to be reminded of what those four started on the entertainment level, and that isn't easy for sure.

JS: Do you see the younger generation as still a big part of the KISS Army?

SC: I think our audience is probably mostly the baby boomers, but it continues to explode. Most kids' music tastes are wide-ranging, but it's mostly this Ozzfest stuff they're listening to. Don't get me wrong ... to each his own ... but there is more melody and entertainment in our shows, and I would put us up against any of these Ozzfest bands with record deals.

JS: Your tour dates list events all over the country ... why Cape Girardeau?

SC: Why not Cape Girardeau? We've heard nothing but good things about the opening act Drivin' Rain, and we like playing smaller venues just as much as any bigger venue. It really gives us a chance to dial in our performance ... let the power of KISS compel everybody. We also love to mingle and meet people after a performance, and this venue gives us that chance.