Danger Zone: An Exploration of KISS' Crazy Nights

by Julian Gill

Ultimately, KISS' 1987 album, "Crazy Nights," was a failure. It did not provide the expected hits in the U.S. or lead to a blockbuster sold-out tour. While the album may have missed the mark, like "The Elder," it wasn't from a lack of creative energy and effort by the band. However, even in failure, the "Crazy Nights" era served as a catalyst that would see the band inevitably start to surrender to their past; and to a certain extent embrace it. By the end of the tour, the trend of loading their live sets with 1980's material had been reversed. Neglected classics such as "Strutter," "Calling Dr. Love," and even "I Was Made For Lovin' You," started returning... A celebration of the album's 30th anniversary, this work digs into the album through a series of exclusive interviews with those who participated in its creation and promotion.

322 pages, Hardcover

Published November 13, 2018

Reviews

[John Huiett · Rating 2 out of 5]

EDITOR NEEDED.

Julian Gill desperately needs a good editor and copy editor. This is a redundant and error-riddled look back on the cheesiest album Kiss ever made.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got what I expected out of this collection of interviews regarding the recording of Crazy Nights. After reading Odyssey and Gene, Ace, Peter and Paul, the formula is pretty straightforward by now.

A lot of (mostly) minor players talk about their experience recording the album. A lot of them repeat the same anecdotes. And, occasionally, someone reveals a minor tidbit that you didn’t know going in.

Honestly, if you’re one of the people reading a book like this, you probably know most of the details. You’re here for the nitty gritty. And there’s not a lot of dirt in the KISS camp that hasn’t been explored already.

But it is good to hear from Bruce Kulick, an actual member of the band at the time, give his side of the story. And Ron Nevison, the album’s producer, appears as well — even though he doesn’t remember a lot of detail.

This is a quick, easy read for hardcore KISS fans. No one else will care and that’s fine and dandy.

[Jackson Herod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Mr. Gill

A very informative look at an, in my opinion, underrated KISS album. Gill breaks the album down song by song, and then goes deeper into the information about the album, the tour, etc...Every KISS fan should have a copy of this book on their shelf, right next to Mr. Gill's other fantastic books.

[Roney Lundell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Difficult to rate since it is a work in progress. If Julian gets the interviews he is aiming for it will be as good as his previous books.

[Ali Baddley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiss Crazy nights

I enjoy reading about my fave band kiss, especially Gene Simmons. Bad reviews don't bother me. I saw them on this tour. I wanted the best and I got the best.