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The 1976 song Paul Stanley had “every intention of singing” before giving up
Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons formed their creative partnership despite Stanley's initial reservations about Simmons' collaborative nature. Their shared aesthetic vision—elaborate makeup, pyrotechnics, and theatrical presentation—established Kiss's unified visual identity and allowed considerable songwriting freedom across the band, though conflicts sometimes arose over the final direction of tracks.
Stanley originally composed 'God of Thunder' for himself to perform, with nearly identical lyrics to the final recorded version (changing only 'We make love 'til we bleed' to 'Hear my word and take heed'). Producer Bob Ezrin recommended Simmons take the vocal role instead, a choice that turned the song into one of Simmons' most recognisable performances, complete with his trademark demonic stage presence. Stanley has since reflected on this decision, emphasising that the song was a genuine composition intended for him rather than a throwaway idea, even as it became permanently associated with Simmons' theatrical delivery.
In short
- Paul Stanley wrote 'God of Thunder' in 1976 with himself as the intended vocalist
- Producer Bob Ezrin convinced Simmons to sing it instead, transforming it into one of his signature performances
- Stanley has acknowledged the shift, noting only one lyric was altered from his original composition
Explained simply
Kiss is an American rock band formed in the 1970s, known for theatrical performances featuring elaborate makeup, pyrotechnics and staged set pieces. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons are the band's primary creative forces, and have written numerous songs together whilst maintaining considerable individual songwriting freedom.
In 1976, Stanley composed "God of Thunder" as a song for himself to perform. However, producer Bob Ezrin suggested that Simmons take the vocal role, and Simmons' version of the song, delivered with his trademark demonic stage presence, became one of the band's most recognisable tracks.
Stanley created the track as a genuine composition for his own voice, not as a preliminary idea. Despite its authorship, "God of Thunder" has remained permanently associated with Simmons throughout the band's career.