“The most outrageous interview seen on Snyder’s show occurred on Halloween 1979, when the rock band KISS appeared to promote their album Dynasty. During that 25-minute “interview”, the interview devolved into a somewhat chaotic exchange between Tom and a very drunk Ace Frehley, who picked up a teddy bear left behind by another guest, put the armbands from his costume on the bear, and laughed, “the only Spacebear in captivity! I’ve got him-- he’s captured!”. When Tom asked Ace if his costume was that of some sort of spaceman Frehley quipped, “Actually I’m a Plumber.” Snyder shot back, “If that’s the case then I’ve got some pipe you can work on backstage.” The inebriated Frehley clapped his hands and cackled hysterically at the exchange. Gene Simmons has revealed on his website that he felt “betrayed” by the other members during this interview.”
Not sure why that’s considered so infamous, though…
I so remember that; it rocked because of its surrealness. Tom was known for being a bit square and Ace was hilarious (if being drunk was what it took for him to be funny).
Tom also asked Paul about his expensive shoes. He replied they were $7.95 specials. (you had to be there).
Also, Gene was amazingly subdued and quiet, as he explained, he’d earlier had a dental procedure.
The interview is available on YouTube (sorry I’m inept at typing links) and is well worth a look. There’s lots of funny stuff: Snyder at his clueless best (he actually prononunces “bass player” like you would refer to the fish), Ace’s bizarre laugh and total inebreation, and Gene giving “the stare” to Ace as the interview goes on. Another infamous moment is when Ace starts talking about German aircraft and starts to do a “sieg heil” salute. Gene yells “don’t you dare” before Ace was able to extend his arm all the way.
“When you coming back, Tom Snyder? Tom Snyder, when you coming home?”[sup][/sup]
[sup][/sup]I swear this was a song on Late Night (in response to a Viewer Mail letter or something) but no one else seems to have heard it.