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The only time I listened to music was in the car.  I was a hard working young mother.  When I wasn't working I was taking children to and from games, practice, or grandmas house.  Like so many young people, I lived my life in a never ending hurry.  I didn't realize how fast life was flying by.  Though I've always been a huge music fan, there was awhile when I really didn't listen to music.  I remember friends asking if I liked the group KISS.  I had no idea who KISS was.  My friends were shocked, "you know the guy with the long tongue".  Then I saw a few pictures of them.  Gene would always be sticking out his tongue and I thought he was pretty disgusting.  I couldn't believe this weirdo was so popular.  I mean how many people went around sticking out their tongues?  I had an instant dislike for Gene Simmons and KISS.  This was shocking in itself because I don't dislike people.  I loved the songs Beth and Rock & Roll All Night, but I didn't know they were KISS songs.  Through the years, each time I heard KISS mentioned I would cringe and think UGH!!!  FAST FORWARD TWENTY YEARS.  I'm about 45, being the workaholic I was, I thought I would take a second job and work at the Rabobank so I could enjoy free concerts while getting paid.  One of the concerts I got to do was, you guessed it KISS!  The first thing that surprised me was how many of the fans came dressed up.  I mean if you go to a country concert, you will definitely see some people in a cowboy hat and a few western shirts.  This was different, there were so many people dressed as Gene Simmons.   They donned elaborate costumes and high platform boots and shoes, it was amazing.   I  stood at the feet of this God of a man, wearing his demon costume and I was awestruck.  KISS put on the absolute best concert I've ever seen in my life.  I'm sure the show they put on for the audience was probably the most costly I've seen as well.  I liked everything from the first note to the speech at the end.  I came away from that concert a different woman.  I really liked KISS, but I loved everything about Gene Simmons.  Yes I even liked the tongue.  I watched Gene move, play, stick out his tongue, toss guitar pics.  He did everything right.  I was told last week that Gene never got into drugs and alcohol.   I regret judging this group simply because a man stuck his tongue out.   He's probably made more money sticking out his tongue than most of us have made working hard.  Way to go Gene, I'm glad it worked for you.    No matter what the cost, save my seat, I'll be there for the next reunion concert!  Anyone know where I can find a costume?