We recently had the chance to connect with John Carlazzo and have shared our conversation below.
John, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I’ve heard, over the years of doing this, some variation of…”Wow you guys get THAT much for playing a 90 minute show?”
What I’ve learned is that unless you’re in this business of playing on stage in a band, most people have no idea the amount of work it takes to put on a 90 minute concert. They also typically have no idea of the amount of expenses that each and every show has.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m John Carlazzo, the frontman for the tribute band KISS ALIVE the Tribute. The band is based in Florida, but we do travel when it makes financial sense to do so. The band is in it’s 17th year and it’s a fun and accurate homage to one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Each of us are obviously huge KISS fans and while we DO take the band and it’s presentation seriously, we absolutely do NOT take ourselves seriously. It’s taken a long time to get this lineup and we each strive to portray our roles as accurately as possible…think of it kinda like a Broadway show but the “actors” play live and sing live.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was a happy kid growing up in a NJ suburb of New York City. I had family in NYC and thankfully was exposed to all sorts of amazing cultural experiences growing up….everything from the fantastic food the City offers along with spending huge amounts of time in Central Park, all the museums, music and Broadway and Off-Broadway performances (well before they became priced beyond reason lol).
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
The bad times won’t last forever. Neither will the good times. Just ride the waves as they come as best you can and you’ll be alright. Oh, and don’t take yourself too seriously.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They’d likely say that family and friends are what really matters to me. I know it’s trite and cliche’, but it’s 100% true. ALL this other stuff like business, work, the band, while all great and important, really pale in comparison to family and friends. Look, I absolutely LOVE performing for a huge crowd of KISS fans on any given evening, and that definitely feeds my soul, when it’s all said and done, family and friends are what REALLY matters.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am surrounded by family and/or good friends having a nice meal or get together. Nothing beats that!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.KissAliveTheTribute.com
- Instagram: kiss.alive.tribute.band
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KATTBANDROCKS/
