When exploring the intricacies of Music From ‘The Elder’ by Kiss, one can recognize that what seemed like an intriguing concept in 1981 has evolved into a contentious subject among fans and critics alike. This album has sparked numerous debates over the years, highlighting the diverse opinions it elicits within the rock community. Its ambitious nature and the departure from traditional Kiss elements have made it a focal point for discussions about artistic evolution in rock music.

Gene Simmons candidly shared his thoughts regarding the creation of this album during a recent interview on the UCR Podcast. “I have to take full responsibility,” he admits. “At the time, I was living in L.A. at the Beverly Hills Hotel, immersed in acting and various projects. Inspired by my experiences, I envisioned a movie titled The Elder. On hotel stationery, I began crafting a narrative that illustrated a world where ancient heroes emerged during every age and era. The story possessed a captivating mythic fantasy quality that I believed could resonate with audiences.

“Bob Ezrin, who was set to produce the record, visited me during this creative phase. The band was undergoing significant changes; Peter Criss had departed, and Eric Carr had joined our ranks,” he elaborates. “Ace Frehley was sometimes present, sometimes not. We engaged in discussions about the direction of our music and the type of album we aspired to create. When Ezrin stumbled upon my notes for The Elder, he expressed enthusiasm, suggesting we develop a concept album that reflected these ideas. He reached out to actor Christopher Makepeace, known for his role in the film My Bodyguard, which depicted a poignant story of friendship and protection. We also brought in celebrated English actor Ian McKellen to add depth to the project.”

READ MORE: 10 Notable Challenges Faced by Kiss During the Creation of ‘Music From ‘The Elder’

The recording process was anything but straightforward, as Simmons reflects on its development, describing it as evolving “in drips and drabs.” Frehley, in his recounting, resisted the structured approach we had in place for the recording sessions. “He declined to travel to Canada, just outside of Toronto [where portions of the album were being recorded], preferring to remain at home where he had a studio set up. We ended up duplicating 24-track masters and sending them his way, resulting in a very disjointed and fragmented album.”

Gene Simmons Reflects on His Current Perspective of ‘Music From ‘The Elder’

In his dialogue with Simmons, it becomes apparent that his views on Music From ‘The Elder’ have remained relatively consistent over the past four decades. He acknowledges that while the band ventured into new territory, some aspects of their approach would later resurface in their subsequent works. “What I can assert about [Music From ‘The Elder’] is that it was not a genuinely honest record, as we were attempting to diverge from our established sound,” he explains. “This sentiment echoes in later projects like Carnival of Souls [happening]. Before we even began writing those songs, we aimed for something outside our natural style. While some listeners appreciated it, others did not connect with it. Ultimately, it wasn’t an authentic representation of us, as it was a deliberate deviation from our usual sound right from the start.”

Despite his mixed feelings, there are a few tracks he expresses fondness for, singling one out in particular. “I have a soft spot for ‘I,’ which serves as an anti-drug anthem,” he states. “Its message resonates deeply: I don’t need substances to hold me down; I possess the willpower to stand strong on my own, believing in myself. [So I like that one] There are one or two other songs I appreciate, but generally speaking, it represented a significant shift in our musical approach.”

Listen to Kiss’ ‘I’

Although the envisioned film adaptation of Music From ‘The Elder’ never materialized, Simmons retained a persistent interest in bringing this vision to life. Author Seb Hunter initiated pre-production for an independent film inspired by the The Elder concept in 2011, yet this project has yet to see the light of day. More recently, in 2016, the band released a comic book interpretation of the story, and in December 2024, Todd Kerns (of Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators) and Zach Throne (of Jerry Cantrell) formed a group called The Elder Band to perform the album in its entirety at the annual Kiss Cancer Goodbye benefit event.

As for what lies ahead for The Elder, Simmons is gearing up to hit the road again, with the Gene Simmons Band scheduled to embark on a series of performances starting May 2 in Peachtree City, Georgia. They will also be part of the iconic Sturgis Festival later this summer, promising fans an exciting live experience.