Tensions between rock legends aren’t as rare as you might think, but few rivalries have been as dramatic as the one between Aerosmith and KISS. These two iconic bands have clashed for decades, and their feud has become the stuff of rock lore.
What sparked this animosity? A backstage incident in 1976, when their road crews escalated a disagreement into an outright knife fight. What should have been a standard tour turned into a powder keg of resentment.
This event not only ignited a rivalry but also set the tone for years of public jabs, competitive antics, and outright disdain. It’s a fascinating chapter in rock history, one fueled by ego, pride, and a lot of sharp words—literally and figuratively.
The Knife Fight That Sparked a Feud
Aerosmith and KISS have never been close, and fans know it. Over the decades, the two legendary bands have taken every opportunity to criticize one another. But according to Steven Tyler, their infamous feud began with a violent backstage incident in 1976.
During an interview on The Cowhead Show, Tyler recalled the tense moment. “One of our roadies got into a knife fight with their guys,” he said. “So I hated them ever since.” That explosive encounter set the stage for years of animosity.
Tyler didn’t hold back his opinion of KISS, either. Referring to them as a “comic book rock band,” he dismissed their success as little more than “spackle faces and a couple of hits.” The rivalry between these rock icons remains one of the most heated in music history.
“A Kiss Lick and a Joe Perry Lick—Two Different Worlds”
Tyler didn’t mince words when comparing Aerosmith to KISS. Speaking on The Cowhead Show, he explained, “A KISS lick and a Joe Perry lick—two different worlds.” He admitted that KISS’s style sometimes left him unimpressed, questioning their sincerity and wondering, “What’s this all about?”
Joe Perry chimed in with his own take on the bands’ contrasting approaches. “It’s two different animals,” he said. “[KISS] went the theatrical way and used rock ‘n’ roll kind of as their soundtrack, and for Aerosmith, the music is our show.”
Tyler also highlighted Aerosmith’s competitive edge. “We were always a band that had something to prove,” he said. “We always wanted to blow off whatever band it was.” This drive for authenticity and dominance fueled their lasting legacy—and their rivalry with KISS.
Paul Stanley’s Take on the Feud
Paul Stanley wasn’t one to stay silent when it came to Aerosmith. In his memoir Face the Music: A Life Exposed, Stanley offered some praise for the band, highlighting their rock credibility. “In some quarters, there was more credibility in being a rock band,” he wrote. “But the impact of being an all-encompassing phenomenon was more widespread and diverse.”
However, Stanley didn’t let Steven Tyler’s comments slide. During an interview on Rockline, host Bob Coburn brought up Tyler’s remarks, prompting a measured response. Stanley said, “Look, I love Steven and Joe, and Aerosmith is a great band.”
Still, he couldn’t resist adding a subtle jab. “Maybe Steven’s feeling a bit full of himself because he’s got an album coming out,” Stanley quipped. His words balanced admiration with a touch of competitive spirit, keeping the feud alive.
The Tension of Sharing the Stage
Stanley reflected on the rocky dynamics of the 2003 co-headlining tour between KISS and Aerosmith. While the tour was billed as a 50-50 partnership, Steven Tyler insisted on closing the show each night. “I really don’t care,” Stanley admitted, “because one way or another, you’re going to have to come up on the stage, so you can go on before us or after us.”
Stanley didn’t shy away from calling out Tyler’s attitude during the tour. He described Tyler as having a “chip on his shoulder” and an air of superiority toward KISS. Watching Aerosmith perform to an increasingly empty audience after KISS’s set didn’t bother Stanley, who remarked, “Seeing people walking out didn’t feel too bad to me.”
For Stanley, the tour revealed a clear truth about their rivalry. “Make no mistake,” he said. “I take myself every bit as seriously as he does. At the end of the day, I think that the tale got told.” The tension between the bands was as undeniable as their shared legacy.