Paul Stanley Describes KISS Groupie Relationships As 'Wholesome'

One of the most (in)famous thing about KISS's 50-year touring career is their relationships with groupies, and during a visit to the Wild Ride! with Steve-O podcast, Paul Stanley defended those connections.

“I don't think we promoted ourselves for what was going on backstage or at hotels,” the frontman began. “It just was common knowledge. I mean, people were just seeing what was going on. And it was terrific. What a great, great life. It's everything that people imagine it to be and more.”

But it wasn't all about the physical, according to Stanley. “The interesting thing was for all the girls, groupies, young women, whatever they were, it was really kind of, no pun intended, wholesome,” he proclaimed. “They were there because they loved music. And they would travel with you. They would do your laundry. You'd go to the movies with them. There was nothing tawdry about it. It was companionship. And they loved music. And I loved them. So it was a good tradeoff.”

After the Jackass star and podcast host pointed out that having a one night stand might have been better for the psyche of these women, Stanley disagreed. “The women who would come to shows weren't coming there to be courted,” he assured. “You have tonight and we all know that. You know that and I know that. And it was very simple. And nobody got hurt. Nobody ever walked away feeling disrespected or diminished.”

Listen to the full podcast episode below.