How about an absolute scorcher of a new single from the legendary Michael Des Barres? Out on Rum Bar Records, "Kiss or Kill Me" finds the 26th Marquis Des Barres obliterating the notion that we ever become too old to rock. Co-written with guitarist Loren Molinare (The Dogs, Slamdinistas) and co-produced by Richard Duguay (Personality Crisis), this song is a shot of pure glam/punk/rock 'n' roll energy delivering a truly provocative proposition. Its release on the eve of Valentine's Day was no coincidence. "Really the song is an anthem of love," Des Barres notes. "Love me or leave me. You either bring love to life, or you're not living." And man oh man, this song sure does bring love to life. Joined by Paul Ill on bass and Rob Klonel on drums, Des Barres and Molinare kick up a swaggering, hard-rocking racket with a hook that cannot be denied. It's one thing to hear bands pay homage to the heyday of glam rock and proto-punk. But to hear guys who were there when it was originally happening still sound this enthused and inspired in 2026 is quite the thrill. If you aren't already aware of how massive Silverhead ought to have been, go track down its two LPs. But buy this first! While most people may now think of Des Barres as an actor and radio personality, he has never stopped writing and releasing music. And with "Kiss or Kill Me," he has a massive indie radio hit on his hands. The B-side of this single, "I Was Saved In '64," is something quite extraordinary. It's a spoken word number in which Des Barres tells his rock 'n' roll origin story while Molinare and Duguay accompany him on guitar. It's an exhilarating piece of poetry, and of course no one is better suited than Des Barres to turn a spoken word track into a captivating performance.
"Kiss or Kill Me" is available on vinyl (in three color options) and compact disc from Rum Bar Records. With only 100 copies pressed in each color, you know the vinyl (shipping next month) is going to go fast. Mozy on up to the bar and order yourself a proper jolt of rock 'n' roll!
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