James Beier, one of the original members of Kiss Army, Question and Answer

Do you still keep in touch with the other guys who started the Kiss Army?

I keep in touch with Bill and talk to him several times a year. He is a good guy and it is fun to catch up with him and see what is going on. I saw his brother John a couple of years ago as well. Bill, John, Jay Evans and I used to take turns calling the radio station to play Kiss.  

Was there a point in time when you lost interest in Kiss? If so, what era specifically?

No-I never really lost interest. I think I listened more often though in the earlier years-Specifically, up to "Rock & Roll Over". I am particularly fond of the first 3 albums-"Dressed To Kill" is at the top of that list. I also think the later stuff is great though all the way up to "Psycho Circus"...  

How do you feel about Tommy & Eric Singer in Ace & Pete's Makeup?

I think they both have done a great job. I mean seriously-Talk about hard shoes to fill? Of course-There is nothing like "The Original" of anything. But the reality is-Kiss is badder and bigger than ever because they kept it going with these guys. Eric is a great guy and an excellent drummer. Tommy has done a superb job at filling in. Better to keep it alive than to let it rest.  

Do you still consider yourself a huge fan? Taking into consideration the Band has had no new music!

Absolutely-Always will be. I never get tired of their music. Never will~

What do you think about Gene's money making ventures? And Paul’s interest in painting?

I admire both of them for keeping busy. I am quite sure they are in a position to just sit around and do nothing. Gene is obviously very ambitious and excited about what he is into. That is a good thing and a life lesson. Creating and distributing wealth is a very important job. I think a lot of Paul's art is great. My brother is an artist and did an early sketch of him in the earliest years of Kiss in his makeup. I am going to send it to him-I think he will really like it a lot. It is great. 

Do you think KISS will ever make an announcement as to whether or not they will continue to play as a band?

I think they will when they are ready to. Kiss is an industry unto itself. It is much too big to set aside for good. Plus the fact, the guy's are young enough still where they could play for a long time to come. They sound as good-Or even better in some cases as they ever did. Personally-I think they just need a break and deserve one.

Do you know anybody in Australia that would be able to organize a huge KISS expo professionally?

I certainly do know a few people...But would have to ask them first!

Did you buy Peter Criss’ new Album? And if so, what did you think of it?

No-But this is a good reminder to pick it up. I heard some cuts and really liked what I heard, sounds like he did a great job. Peter is a talented guy. 

What Kiss concerts have you attended? What was your most memorable and why?

Many up to "Psycho Circus". The most memorable was in 1975 when Kiss came to Terre Haute, Indiana where Bill formed the Kiss Army. There is a nice pic of Bill, Jay & I in "Kiss-The Early Years" at the airport to greet them. They were late...And it was freezing. But they came to play & were great. 

Are there any future Kiss shows you are planning on attending?

Sure I would go again when they came around.

Which Kiss members have you met, who is your favorite Kiss member?

I met Peter & Ace at the airport in 1975. They were nice guys. Stanley was standing on top of the limousine and Gene was on top of the Army Jeep they had brought in. No real favorite member. They all are so different and filled their roles very well.  

How have Kiss influenced you in your life? (Choosing a profession, playing an instrument…etc)

No doubt-Peter Criss influenced my playing the drums. I played from a very early age...But spent many hours playing to Kiss records and reading what he had to say about drumming. He is an interesting guy with a very varied background musically. I am not sure people really realize all of the things that he has done. I manufacture drums now and want to show him what I am up to. I think he would find it interesting.  

What are your hopes for the future of KISS

For one-I would like to see them open their own museum and not worry about the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. It is not worth worrying about. I would also like to see them continue to play. It is critical that younger people are exposed to what Rock & Roll used to be....And not only to what is has become. They are one of THE links to the past of great Rock bands. 

click on pictures to enlarge

This was Halloween 1975-Less than a year after the release of "Kiss" in February 1974.

John Starkey (Bill's brother) is Paul Stanley & I am Peter Criss. The unique thing about this photo is that I have on a Kiss T-Shirt that I made. We made our own because you could not buy them anywhere-They were not available. When they finally were-They were the one John has on & were the first commercially available Kiss T-Shirt. They came in White & Powder Blue & I think Yellow as well.

Just a photo of Bill to me with myself behind his image. Same day as the image from "Kiss-The Early Years"....Page 105.   
 

Several years ago with Bill at the Indianapolis Kiss Expo. he is holding the plaque Kiss gave him as an "Honary Member" when they came to Terre Haute. They gave it to him on stage-We all went crazy.

More on James at Beier Drums