Guitarist Paul Stanley sat down with CNN for an exclusive interview last week to discuss all things KISS, including the band’s upcoming tour, a new merchandise deal, and his relationship with frontman Gene Simmons.

Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons formed KISS back in the early 1970′s. Despite this obvious partnership, Stanley says that Gene doesn’t always see it that way.

“Gene lives about five minutes from me -– I can see his ego from my house! Gene enjoys being out there saying ‘me, me, me’ when it’s actually ‘we, we, we.’ We’re partners, and part of the dynamic of a successful partnership is knowing its limitations.”

Despite this apparent source of friction that would drive some bands to break up, Stanley has been with Gene for so long that the two friends are more like family.

“Friends come and go; we’re family, which is more important.”

In other KISS news, they’ve announced a merchandise deal with the animated cartoon series Family Guy.

“KISS and Family Guy coming together for a line of products is a great mash-up of two iconic brands that speaks directly to fans who will be able to enjoy something a little different and special with what we have in store,” said Jeffrey Godsick, president of Fox Consumer Products.

Andrew Celani – WZLX.com