Face the Music

A Life Exposed

By: Paul Stanley

Narrated by: Paul Stanley

Length: 12 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

In Face the Music, Paul Stanley - the co-founder and famous "Starchild" frontman of KISS - reveals for the first time the incredible highs and equally incredible lows in his life both inside and outside the band.

Face the Music is the shocking, funny, smart, inspirational story of one of rock’s most enduring icons and the group he helped create, define, and immortalize. Stanley mixes compelling personal revelations and gripping, gritty war stories that will surprise even the most steadfast member of the KISS Army. He takes us back to his childhood in the 1950s and '60s, a traumatic time made more painful thanks to a physical deformity.

Born with a condition called microtia, he grew up partially deaf, with only one ear. But this instilled in him an inner drive to succeed in the most unlikely of pursuits: Music. Stanley’s memoir is a fully realized and unflinching portrait of a rock star, a chronicle of the stories behind the famous anthems, the many brawls and betrayals, and all the drama and pyrotechnics on and off the stage.

Raw and confessional, Stanley offers candid insights into his personal relationships, and the turbulent dynamics with his bandmates over the past four decades. And no one comes out unscathed - including Stanley himself. "People say I was brave to write such a revealing book, but I wrote it because I needed to personally reflect on my own life. I know everyone will see themselves somewhere in this audiobook, and where my story might take them is why I’m sharing it." (Paul Stanley)

©2014 Paul Stanley (P)2014 HarperCollins Publishers

You wanted the best

Face the Music by Paul Stanley was much better than I expected. It was what I expected as a Kiss fan and also not what I expected. I have an new respect for Paul Stanley, not as a musician or member of Kiss but as a person. I never knew that he was born with a birth defect and had a stub for an ear, which after his fame was surgically repaired. Apparently even with all his fame and rockstar status his deformity haunted his through out his life making him think that he was not good enough. He eventually joined a group that helped children with facial defects. It was interesting to hear his take on the value of himself, Peter Criss, Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley to the band. Its interesting to wonder if hos opinion are accurate of based on self-obsorbtion, but considering his ability to reflect on past mistakes and admitting to not always seeing things clearly would lead me to believe that his depiction was accurate. It would be interesting to read a book authored by Gene Simmons to see how they differed from their different perspectives. It was interesting to hear how the SS in KISS when touring to being perceived as Nazi symbolism when two members of the group were Jews. It was also interesting that Peter Criss was/is a collector of Nazi artifacts and that according to Paul, he and Ace might have had some animosity towards Paul and Gene based on the Jewish heritage. The book was very indepth and shared a personal perspective from Paul that made the book a great read for any KISS fan and Paul’s perspectives on life to anyone that might not be huge fans of the music snd stage presence.

If you believe in rock and roll...

...like you say you believe in rock and roll, then stand up for what you believe in! Buy this book and enjoy it. If you like KISS, it's a no-brainer. if you just like books about rock and roll, I still think it's a fair bet that you will like it. A bit inspirational, a bit emotional, a bit deeper than comparable books usually go.

Short it out loud

What a great story makes me wish l could meet Paul Stanley to tell him how well he put this story together. l was in awe from the start. Loved it Paul!!!

Lick It Up: Dreams, Family and True Love

Any additional comments?

Paul Stanley's autobiography is truly moving and far from anything you'd expect in a KISS biography.

His transparency regarding his childhood trauma creates an instant trust between author and reader. His drive and work ethic to make KISS one of the greatest rock bands of all time is the envy of any entrepreneur. (If two decades of staying away from all the hard drugs he had available to him in his position as Rock God isn't a sign of dedication to his business, I don't know what is.) His discovery of true love with his children and wife is deeply touching.

Stanley is a gifted writer and narrator (who would have guessed he would be so comfortable in front of a studio microphone?); this autobio is well-paced with great candor and wit. He dedicated this book to his children, it's a story that they (and we the public) can learn so much from.

This audience of one is on his feet for this outstanding book.

Great book! Inspiring & motivational!

I recommend this book for anybody who loves Rock N Roll or trying to get their dreams off the ground. Loved it was read by Paul Stanley himself. Gave the book a more genuine & authentic feel. Definitely going to purchase the hard cover to see the rare pictures.

You don't have to be a KISS fan to read this book.

As a one time small time musician playing bars in my 20s and now in my 60s if you want something bad enough you have to stay focused and be passionate about it whatever that something is. I was amazed that Peter was not kicked out of the band when he first started pulling his shit. That said everything happens for a reason I don't ask why I just accept it.

I sometimes would feel sorry for Ace and Peter but they made their decisions, they were so lucky to be given what most of us could even dream about. Oh well hope they saved their nickles.

This is from Paul's point of view, there are other's that see the story from other points of view, however I think Paul's is pretty accurate as to how it all went down. I am not a KISS fan and never liked the music and never understood the rabid fan base, I can appreciate however the struggle, challenges and determination it to get took to get where they are today, long after other rock bands of that era have turned to dust and have blown away.

Money can make life easier but it can't bring fulfillment to it, I am glad Paul has found that fulfillment and I think his message is that if he found it anyone else can as well.You just have to decide not to sit in the pile of shit in the middle of the road.

Loved it!

While I was upset he had anything bad to say about Eric Carr it was nice to see he had some real human feelings about him too. Same with Ace and Peter. Paul tells the whole story here of his life even before KISS making this a very heartfelt story. Every KISS fan must get this as soon as you can.

I did not know

Huge Kiss fan since I was really young, but never knew a lot of the details. This was a great look into the inner workings of the band, and Paul pulled no punches.

Wow this book was so good.. Very insightful!!!

I have not been " into " Kiss since I was a child.. This book opened my eyes to many things about not only the band, but some of my downfalls in life. Crazy? Huh... lol NOT REALLY Paul Stanley has done an amazing job writing and Narrating this killer book..And I have always felt that Ace and Peter got the short end of the stick.. But hearing the other side of this situation let me know I was wrong... Also Paul opens up about some very powerful and painful things from his Past... I have gained so much respect for Paul and I have learned quite a bit about living life... Thanks so much Mr. Stanley for not only the Book but the 40urs of music and performances.. Paul you Rock!!!!

Great Book

It was a great book and to learn about Paul’s childhood and how KISS came to be. He’s a very likable guy and a good family man. Thanks for sharing your life with us.