Offbeat Rock Legends: Why KISS, REO Speedwagon, and Meat Loaf Never Played Shows Together

Why didn't KISS, REO Speedwagon, and Meat Loaf ever play shows together? It's a question that has puzzled many rock enthusiasts over the years. The answer, it turns out, is not just about the past, but also about the comedic and musical quirks of these legendary bands.

The Bomb that Wasn't

REO Speedwagon. For those who didn't live through the 1970s and 80s, REO Speedwagon was a veritable hit factory. Songs like 'Can't Fight This Feeling' and 'Keep on Loving You' were staples of mid-century rock radio. The band's sound was innovative for its time, moving away from the raw punk rock of the early 1970s and towards a more polished, radio-friendly sound. They were the bomb in the rock world.

But why did they avoid playing with Meat Loaf and KISS? Interestingly, the reasons are multifaceted and largely rooted in the cultural and musical landscapes of their respective eras.

The Complexity of Meat Loaf

Mean Loaf. While some described Meat Loaf's music as powerful and dramatic, others found it to be a polarizing force. His massive hit 'Two Out of Three Ain't Bad' and the iconic 'Bat Out of Hell' series captured the hearts of many, but the man himself was often perceived as more complex. His stage presence and vocal prowess were undeniable, but he left many on the fence, largely due to his eccentric personality and brash stage antics.

When you juxtapose REO Speedwagon's polished sound with Meat Loaf's theatrical rock, the combination might sound more like an uncomfortable joke than a harmonious collaboration. Imagine the contrast between a smooth cruise of electric guitars and a high-octane performance of arena rock; the two genres, while both influential, are naturally quite different in both sound and style.

The Carnage of KISS: A Cover Band of a Comic Book

"Kiss the Meatwagon." The proposal to have KISS and Meat Loaf collaborate seems like a joke, thanks to Gene Simmons' reputation. Jokingly, many fans believe that KISS would be better off playing an ambiguous cover band named after a comic book rather than teaming up with Meat Loaf. Gene Simmons is known for his flamboyant stage presence and over-the-top antics, making him the embodiment of a cartoon character brought to life. His off-color jokes and often controversial comments further contribute to his image as a 'stuck up as hell' performer.

Compared to the structured songs of REO Speedwagon and the grandiose, operatic stylings of Meat Loaf, KISS's live shows are known for their theatricality and intensity, which could overshadow any potential musical collaboration.

The Undetectable Mosh Pit

Even beyond the music, the question of whether REO Speedwagon could mosh to their own tunes raises a humorous eyebrow. Moshing, a form of stage dance characterized by jumping and shoving, is typically associated with heavy metal and hardcore punk bands.

REO Speedwagon's music is more suited for a dance floor filled with people swaying to the rhythm, rather than one filled with rowdy fans. While their music has elements of dance and movement, it certainly has a lot less edge and intensity that encourages moshing.

An Ambulance Tour Name?

Is the idea of a synergistic trio of 'Kiss the Meatwagon' absurd, if not entirely ridiculous? It's a hypothesis that would make for an interesting headline or perhaps a quirky gig. However, the logistics of such a performance remain questionable, especially considering the venue and audience.

Imagine a community where emergency services are the backbone of the local music scene! If an EMT concert indeed exists, they might as well have a mosh pit named after REO Speedwagon. 'Safety first' indeed, if that's what they need to manage their energetic fans!

Conclusion

So, why didn't KISS, REO Speedwagon, and Meat Loaf ever play shows together? It's a question born from the glory of rock history and the comedic components that make up the collective memories of fans. While it may sound like the kind of performance that would make for an undetectable mosh pit, the answer lies in the bands' unique styles, performances, and the era they each came from. Perhaps one day, in a world filled with imagination and entertainment, they might reteam as an ambiguous comic book cover band or a mysterious ambulance concert!