Tim McPhate | kissfaq
KF: Lydia, I have to ask the obligatory “Beth” question. “Beth” is a song that generates much debate among KISS fans. Before its release, “Destroyer” was hovering around the million mark but seemed to have stalled. If “Beth” was never released as a single, what would have happened?
LC: They had already gone gold on “Alive!” I’m not really sure … but I know Gene and Paul [didn’t] want the song on the album. I think it was Bill Aucoin who really pushed for it.
When we were going to Japan, we were at the airport. We had a long wait at Kennedy [International Airport] before we got on the flight. And I looked over to Gene and I was thanking everyone in the band for making it possible for me to go to Japan. And I said to Gene, “I really want to thank you for making it possible for me to go to Japan.” And he said, “Don’t thank me. Thank ‘Beth’ — it made it possible for all of us to go to Japan.”
KF: I’m not sure if you’re aware but KISS have been playing “Beth” in concert with Eric Singer singing. What do you think of that?
LC: I’ve seen them do it on YouTube. I think it’s kind of strange because he’s standing instead of sitting and the guys are playing guitars in the background?
KF: Yes, acoustic guitars.
LC: I’m not that crazy about it. I guess I’m so used to the way Peter sang it.
KF: Of course, Eric Carr recorded it.
LC: Eric Carr did a good job.
KF: So you liked Eric Carr’s version?
LC: I was shocked when I first heard it. When I saw him at the Hot In The Shade party, I was talking to one of my girlfriends. He walked by, and I said, “Eric come here.” And I asked, “When you sang Beth, did you think of me?” And he said, “Of course, I did!” And I said, “That’s a great answer.” He was such a sweetheart. And I really did like the way he sang it.