E.C.: First, what inspired you to start a KISS tribute band?

Steve Clark: For me, back in ‘92, if you can believe that, I saw a band called “Strutter” performing what was their 4th show ever in Louisville, Kentucky (my hometown) and “I just HAD to GET THAT JOB”. (laughs) It was THAT simple - I had been a diehard KISS fanatic/musician since say late '75. And shortly thereafter, maybe like 4 months, I got the job replacing the original drummer and the next thing I knew was that I was gonna be performing as my childhood hero around the U.S. for an average of say 150/200+ shows the following two years. Shortly thereafter “Hotter Than Hell” was formed and featured 3 former members of the 'then' successful touring “Strutter” act. “Strutter” ran around another 2-year period into mid 1995 and then came “KISS ARMY”. And it also had featured 3 former members of “Hotter Than Hell”. “KISS ARMY” had clearly become the 'evolution' of ALL major touring KISS tribute shows worldwide. How's that for starters? (laughs)

E.C.: What is the competition like between KISS tribute bands? Is it friendly? Do you study the other KISS tribute bands for ideas?

Steve Clark: Honestly, there simply IS no competition to “KISS ARMY” in my eyes. We only learn from 'our' mistakes from having so much experience. I'd like to say it's 'friendly' amongst other KISS tribute bands, but the ones that we get along with best are simply the ones that are honest fans in the first place and understand why we do this at all. KISS ARMY has went through a metamorphosis since it's incarnation in 1996 and member changes have become 'part' of simply getting it 'right' on overall spirit to perfect and dial in the ultimate KISS live spectacle of the 70's. ALL that have participated have helped to make it what it's become today, but it's extremely important to see the 'whole' picture and not just get the 'idea'. Of course, it's not easy to live with each other while touring for such long periods of time either, and you need peace amongst each other all around to make anything substantial happen on a regular basis.

E.C.: What are your study tools? Do you use any unreleased videotapes, etc?

Steve Clark: Videotapes, audiotapes, magazines, interviews and classic marketing styles are the only format we know to utilize.

E.C.: How do you pick the songs? Just the hits, or any of the lesser-heard KISS songs?

Steve Clark: We pick a nice rounded classic live show that's expected by most, if not all, to be played live - and then simply add some extra stuff from our own personal favorites list.

E.C.: The tribute band field is very lucrative, whether it be Elvis, Beatles, Kiss or Led Zep. Do you guys do this full time and how long do you see yourself doing this?

Steve Clark: Yes, we do this full time, and have since 1992 in various formations. And this could go on for as long as we believe in it as a 'group'.

E.C.: Are there are legal issues that you have encountered doing a KISS tribute show?

Steve Clark: Just the typical pyrotechnics issue, which we only use in approved situations that are of no danger in any way, shape or form. And honestly, it should be a top-notch act before you have to consider the bells and whistles.

E.C.: With the pyrotechnics accident at the recent Great White show - will this change the way that KISS Army does its show in any way?

Steve Clark: We've already begun to take extra precaution long ago and hope the fans understand that it's the 'band' that needs to be the 'show'. Anything else simply adds to the excitement. But only in the safest of situations will pyro be part of the show, and that comes with written approval from the owners of the venue as well as approval of the local Fire Marshall after demonstrating what would be used throughout the entire show. This is mandatory before we'd ever consider lighting a match.

E.C.: You got Bill Aucoin's endorsement onstage at the Atlanta KISS Expo. So, I guess that means that you guys are the "hottest KISS tribute band in the land"?

Steve Clark: Bill Aucoin's 'endorsement' of KISS ARMY is the HIGHEST form of flattery that this band could EVER want to achieve. We respect ALL that HE was responsible for bringing to the 'classic' KISS extravaganza. As you'll notice in ALL of our promotional materials and our focus on accuracy that continues to this point and beyond. Honestly, would we've EVER known who KISS was without Bill Aucoin? Hard to say…