Aerosmith and KISS have a shared history since their 1970s origins, including performing together on tour.
Some of that past came up during an interview on Tuesday, as Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry were interviewed on "The Cowhead Show" on 102.5 The Bone in Tampa Bay, Florida.
The host commented on seeing the two bands play together in 2003, saying that Aerosmith’s set was "like you were watching a different level of concert."
"KISS is a comic-book rock band,” responded Tyler. “They've got a couple of hits, but they're more, they're comic book — you see them in their spackled faces."
"We were always a band that had something to prove,” he continued. “We always wanted to blow off whatever band it was. And I remember when we went out with KISS in '76 or something, one of our roadies got into a knife fight with their guys. And I hated them ever since. But, you know, since then I've gotten to know Gene [Simmons] and Paul [Stanley], and they're beautiful people.”
"But it is different,” explained Tyler. “A KISS lick and a Joe Perry lick — two different worlds, and I, sometimes — depending on the time of day — get offended. I hear that and go, 'It's alright. But do they really mean it?' And, 'What's this all about?' And that's why I think Aerosmith has been around forever. We really do take ourselves seriously. And I feel like you do. We would come on stage [after KISS] and I would think it was a little 'comic book.'"
"It's two different animals,” added Perry. “They [KISS] went the theatrical way and used rock and roll, kind of, as their soundtrack. And for Aerosmith, the music is our show. And from that point of view, it's apples and oranges."
KISS released their latest album, “Monster,” on Tuesday; Aerosmith will issue “Music From Another Dimension” on November 6.
KISS See also:
VIDEO: KISS rock Good Morning America
VIDEO: KISS rock new single on Letterman