Early Influences:
* Chuck Berry: Stanley has acknowledged Berry's influence on his guitar playing, particularly his rhythm and blues style.
* Little Richard: Richard's flamboyant stage presence and powerful vocals were a strong inspiration for Stanley's own showmanship.
* The Beatles: Stanley has cited the Beatles as a significant influence, particularly their early work, for their songwriting, catchy melodies, and pop sensibility.
* The Rolling Stones: The Stones' raw energy and blues-based rock were key influences on Stanley's musical approach.
* The Who: Stanley has mentioned the Who as a major influence, particularly their powerful live performances and Pete Townshend's songwriting.
Other Important Influences:
* Jimi Hendrix: Hendrix's innovative guitar techniques and psychedelic rock influenced Stanley's approach to guitar soloing.
* Led Zeppelin: Zeppelin's heavy blues rock and epic sound influenced Stanley's songwriting and stage presence.
* David Bowie: Bowie's theatrical persona and artistic vision inspired Stanley's own stage persona and creative vision.
* Alice Cooper: Cooper's shock rock theatrics and dark humor influenced Stanley's development of Kiss's unique stage persona.
Later Influences:
* New Wave: Stanley has also acknowledged the influence of New Wave artists like Blondie and Talking Heads, particularly their pop sensibility and innovative arrangements.
It's important to note that these are just some of the many influences that have shaped Paul Stanley's musical journey. He has drawn inspiration from a vast array of artists across different genres, and his eclectic musical taste continues to be evident in his work today.