Face the Music

A Life Exposed

By: Paul Stanley

Narrated by: Paul Stanley

NEW YORK TIMES and INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER

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.

With never-before-seen photos and images throughout, 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 book, and where my story might take them is why I’m sharing it.” —Paul Stanley

Intriguing and Insightful

I was never a great KISS fan but have found Paul Stanley to be an interesting and engaging person. By their nature autobiographies are, of course, self indulgent and this is no exception. Learning of Paul’s early life and the struggles from his physical disability show a very personal and deep element to the challenges he faced as a young boy growing up in NY and the effect this had on him throughout the vast majority of his life. Of course a book of Paul Stanley’s life is going to be in large part a book about KISS and in this area he pulls no punches, indeed in all areas of the book he is not shy about saying exactly what he feels about people and events that have had happened. At some points I was erring to the side of thinking that maybe he is a bit of a jerk who seemed unable to say much positive about people too often. Then again to be in the arena of work he is, does take a very self focussed drive. In general it did not, however, detract from my positive impression of Mr Stanley. The real interesting part of the story is how he eventually found happiness within himself off stage and not just as the Starchild persona.

As a performance I really enjoyed the recording. I generally prefer to have British narrators on audio books as I find their vocal tone easier to follow, especially on long recordings. In this case, as with Michelle Obama’s book, it was just perfect being read by the author.

I recommend the title wholeheartedly on all levels.

Good stuff!

Paul's great - true kiss fans will enjoy.
Quick listen - blew through it in a few days. Wished he delved more into the solo albums.

Nice to see some honesty and humility

I met Paul and Gene in the eighties. Gene seemed nicer and more down to earth. I didn’t realize Paul was just naturally more reserved and quiet. I’m glad I listened to this book. He seems more a regular guy than I ever expected.

Don't hold back

Paul Stanley doesn't hold back. Honest and thorough. Feel like I know the guy. I feel like I was there at Madison Square Garden.

Really Puts It Out There

Paul Stanley really opens himself up. What a wonderful life he's had. Loved the book.