Classic Rock
Tommy Thayer says he is the Ronnie Wood of Kiss
Kiss guitarist since 2002, Tommy Thayer compared in an interview with Guitar World his role in the band with The Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, who became the band’s guitarist after the group already had two important musicians before him.
Advertisement
Tommy Thayer says he is the Ronnie Wood of Kiss
When asked what it would be his legacy on the band, Tommy Thayer said: “I don’t know if many people realize this, but I’ve been the lead guitarist in Kiss longer than any other Kiss guitar player. But I will always be known as ‘the new guy’ though – no matter what happens. I’m ‘the Ronnie Wood’ of Kiss.
“My legacy will be a guy who came in, worked hard, and was the glue that kept the band together for a long period of time. I think the kind of character and personality that I have is that of a team player and somebody who can bring people together and bind things together.
“And I think the reason that we’ve done so well and so consistently in the last 20 years is because of the personalities, the give and take, and the ability to keep everybody happy… and keep working together on a professional level. It works well. I’ll probably be that guy that has been in the band longer than anybody else besides Gene and Paul, that kept things together, and was the glue that made it work.”
Kiss farewell tour
Kiss is currently in their farewell tour that according to Paul Stanley will continue until 2023, as he said in an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock:
“I believe strongly by the beginning of 2023 we will be finished. It’s a different time than we had pondered [farewell tours] in the past. The fact is that, physically, it’s incredibly demanding to do what we do. Look, we played [recently] in Austin, an outdoor show, 100 percent humidity. We’re running around for two-plus hours, not only with guitars, but I’ve got 30-plus pounds of gear on. There’s a point where you go, ‘You know what? This is more challenge than I want.’ And I only want to do it as long as I can do it smiling.”
“There’s really no thought about changing our minds. It has nothing to do with personalities in the band or tensions or a difference of opinion or musicality. It’s purely practical. You can play beat the clock, but ultimately the clock wins.”
