PAUL STANLEY ON THE ‘END OF THE ROAD’ TRADEMARK

Is the "end of the road" near for KISS? Not quite, but Paul Stanley says that the reason that KISS filed for the trademark for "End of the Road" last month was to be prepared when that day comes.

The band raised a few eyebrows in February when news of the filing was revealed, but Stanley says in a new interview with Michael Cavacini that the forward-thinking band were thinking ahead in their branding.

"It's not the first trademark that's been filed," said Stanley. "I thought it was a terrific name, and I was surprised nobody had used it before. I wanted to make sure that when we used it, and there will be a time that we do, I imagine — I wanted to be sure that we own it and it's ours. When we wanted to go out and do the 'Hottest Show On Earth' tour, Ringling Bros. came to us and said, 'You can't do that.' It set off a light and bell for me. We've always had slogans or sayings that are synonymous with us, and this was another. Everything does end, in one form or another. When it's my time, I want to go out in style, and I want to go out guns blazing. So, when I came up with this idea, I thought let's make sure we tie this up."

While the band did file for the name with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in February, it is not known if the request for the trademark was granted. But if it does end up with KISS, the band would be able to use it in association with their live performances.

The mention of the running into issues with Ringling Bros. also should come as no surprise, as Kid Rock recently found himself facing legal challenge from the owners of the trademarks for the legendary circus over the use of "The Greatest Show on Earth" for his touring. Stanley and Gene Simmons have been the constants through KISS' run, but the singer has spoken frequently in the past about the idea of KISS continuing beyond the pair's participation. Still, it makes sense to file for a trademark as a final tour for both Stanley and Simmons would undoubtedly be a big draw for KISS fans whether the band continued beyond them or not.

From Loudwirer.com >>