Video of the Day (Throwback): A Newly Released Look at Kiss’s “Rock and Roll All Nite” Unplugged
The official Kiss YouTube channel has quietly dropped an HD throwback that is well worth your time. This newly released clip captures the band tearing through “Rock and Roll All Nite” during their legendary MTV Unplugged appearance and it still hits just right.
Recorded in 1995, Kiss Unplugged was a big moment. The band leaned into a stripped down format and welcomed Ace Frehley and Peter Criss back into the fold for the first time in years. What could have been a novelty gig turned into a genuine celebration of the band’s roots and chemistry.
From a bass standpoint this one is a treat. Gene Simmons is playing an acoustic Kramer Ferrington bass. Without amps and explosions doing the heavy lifting, the groove has to carry the song and Gene delivers with confidence. Hearing “Rock and Roll All Nite” in this setting is a reminder that underneath the makeup and mythology is a band that knows how to make a room move.
No Treble CEO Jody Miller is a Chicago-based bassist, guitarist, engineer, and producer best known for his bass gear demo videos and as the co-host of The Bass Nerds podcast.
That Unugged is my favorite. Gene’s playing is choice, and sounds great. He gets grief unfairly, his playing 100% serves the songs. I love his lines. If Chris Squire or Geddy or Jaco played in KISS, everyone would complain about overplaying.