In the world of rock and roll, few artists have been as vocal about their disdain for the genre's excesses as Patti Smith. Her disdain for the corporate side of rock and roll is well-documented, and her preference for the raw, unfiltered energy of her idols like Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix is clear. But what makes her stance particularly fascinating is the way she navigates the tension between artistic expression and commercial success. In this article, I will explore the reasons behind her disdain for bands like Kiss, and how her own artistic vision shaped her perspective on the genre.
The New York Scene
New York in the 1970s was a vibrant, ever-changing landscape, and Patti Smith was at the forefront of it all. Lou Reed's influence on her was profound, opening her mind to the potential of lyricists as artists. However, the city was also awash with bands trying to emulate the glitter scene, and the New York Dolls were one of the biggest names in the world. Yet, Smith felt a strange trepidation when it came to talking about a band like Kiss. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons were clearly ready for primetime, but their approach to rock and roll was different from Smith's. While they were making a significant impact with their theatrics and pyrotechnics, Smith felt that Kiss lacked the substance and artistic integrity she valued.
The Corporate Side of Rock and Roll
Smith's disdain for the corporate side of rock and roll is well-documented. She wanted to take the genre back to basics, away from the glitz and glamour of the mainstream. Kiss, with their focus on business and their treatment of rock and roll as a corporation, represented everything she opposed. Simmons' approach to the band was pragmatic, and while he could write great tunes and turn stages into exciting places, it's clear that Kiss was pandering to the rock culture, whether it was hair metal or grunge-flavoured music in the 1990s.
The Artistic Vision
Smith's own artistic vision was shaped by her desire to express herself authentically. Anything she made had to come from the heart, and she valued the raw, unfiltered energy of her idols. Kiss, on the other hand, was all about making an impact and turning shows into circuses. While this wasn't necessarily a bad thing, it was never going to be Smith's cup of tea. Her preference for the artistic integrity and substance of her idols is clear, and her disdain for the corporate side of rock and roll is a reflection of that.
The Broader Perspective
In my opinion, Patti Smith's stance on rock and roll is a reflection of the tension between artistic expression and commercial success. Her preference for the raw, unfiltered energy of her idols is a reminder of the importance of authenticity in the genre. While Kiss may have been successful, their approach to rock and roll was different from Smith's, and her disdain for them is a testament to her commitment to artistic integrity. From my perspective, her stance is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision, even in the face of commercial success.
