Press Conference Start Time: 12:00 PM PT
Date: Thursday, July 4th, 2013
Location: KISS ARMY DEPOT Pop-Up Store (@ Tom Lee Music - 929 Granville Street)
Fan Check In: 10:00 AM (First 200 fans will receive a wristband.)
Each KISS ARMY DEPOT Pop-Up Store will offer an array of KISS merchandise and music, including exclusive product only available in the Pop-Up Store. A portion of the proceeds from each of the Pop-Up stores will be donated to local charities. In Vancouver, the participating local charity is “Sophie’s Place” and in Toronto the charity is “About Face”. For more information on all 4 Canadian KISS ARMY DEPOT Pop-Up Stores, please see below.
Be sure to join KISS in Vancouver at the KISS ARMY DEPOT at 929 Granville Street (@Tom Lee Music) on Thursday, July 4th as they mark the kick-off of their Monster Canadian Tour!
There will be four Canadian KISS Army Depot Pop Up Stores:
Vancouver - June 28-July 7th
Calgary-July 6-July 14th
Edmonton July 13-July 21st
Toronto July 19-July 28th
Epiphone signature artist and KISS lead guitarist Tommy Thayer will be making a very special appearance at Long & McQuade Musical Instruments in Vancouver, BC on July 6. Don't miss this opportunity to say hi to Tommy, get a picture taken and an autograph.
Long & McQuade
368 Terminal Ave.
Vanvouver, British Columbia
(604) 734-4886
www.long-mcquade.com
Tommy Thayer's life story is the classic tale of a musician who knew from childhood that his future was on stage with a guitar in-hand. Thayer has been part of the KISS family since 1985 as songwriter and guitarist, working behind-the-scenes at rehearsals and on studio demos. Finally, in 2002, Tommy became a full-fledged member, joining KISS on stage as the iconic "Spaceman" and giving the rock legends an explosive new sound and attitude. And now, the 21st century "Spaceman" has his own Les Paul Standard with Gibson 498T™ Humbuckers, Grover™ Deluxe Vintage tuners, and a custom silver hard case with a signed certificate of authenticity. And like Tommy himself, this Les Paul Standard "Spaceman" is one-of-a-kind, with a limited run of only 1,000.
The grand prize winner will receive round-trip airfare for four people to Orlando; hotel accommodations for three nights; tickets to the AFL Celebrity Gala; front row seats to the KISS concert at the Amway Center; a KISS makeup makeover the night of the concert; access to the stage prior to the show for a meet and greet with KISS; an autographed Gene Simmons bass guitar; VIP tickets to ArenaBowl XXVI; and the opportunity to attempt a 25-yard field goal at halftime of the game for a chance to win $100,000.
The contest kicks off today and will run through June 30, across more than 300 Clear Channel Active, Classic and Mainstream Rock; Sports and News Talk stations. Fans can enter to win on all participating station websites and on iHeartRadio.com/KISS.
http://www.axs.tv/programs/concert-series
Here's a promo clip for this special event.
One of Campbell’s pals, Tommy Thayer, loves the game and its history. He’s had several chances to play Merion, so when he got a chance to catch up with Campbell a few weeks ago, he had plenty of pointers and bits of course history to pass along.
The thing is, Thayer did so moments before going on stage as the lead guitarist for KISS.
“I couldn’t look at him normally because he’s all fully in makeup,” Campbell said Wednesday. “He was about to go on stage so he was in the KISS rock star mentality. I was looking at him thinking ‘I can’t take you seriously, Tommy. Look at you.’”
Thayer has been with the iconic glam-rock since 2003, taking the place of Ace Frehley and wearing the “Spaceman” costume. He invited Campbell, who won the 2005 U.S. Open at Pinehurst, to a recent show and the two talked golf backstage.
“It was nice because I’ve known Tommy for the last five or six years,” Campbell said. “It was so nice to hear from him, his passion about the game.”
On this edition of PodKISSt, we look at the phenomenon of bootlegs and how they have changed with the times.
All this – and rare tunes, too – on PodKISSt… the KISS fanzine for your ears!
Listen here: http://podkisst.com.
Prior to the show, the four members of KISS were interviewed by the "Nyhetsmorgon" program on Sweden's TV4 channel. You can watch the chat here.
"One day it will end," Simmons explained. "And I hope on the day that we end, we end on a high note instead of going down. You don't wanna stay one day longer than when it's great; you wanna be great 'till the end." Asked how long he gives the band before it will be time to call it quits for good, Simmons said: "We probably have another 5 to 10 years at the most."
Back in June 2008, KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley issued a statement in order to "set the record straight" regarding the possibility of KISS continuing with all-new members long after he and Simmons decide to take off the make-up for good. "If we were to do a 'KISS II,' and I don't rule that out, it would be in addition to, and never in place of, KISS," he said. "If we were to do it, I know it would be done in a groundbreaking way and would be tremendously entertaining. KISS has always defined itself by the rules we break, so what's the big surprise?"
In a 2009 interview, Stanley was asked about fans being upset that guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer have been sporting the costumes previously worn by Ace Frehley and Peter Criss.
Stanley explained, "That there are people who take issue with it is all well and good," he said. "To say the vast majority don't agree would be an understatement. The fact is, there are four iconic figures that are what KISS is. To change that because someone is no longer in the band cheats me, because I busted my butt for 35 years making this what it is. So why would I let somebody deny me and the majority of the fans what they expect? That's what we owe to people; the representation and embodiment of what KISS has been since the beginning."
Stanley added that if he left the group, he wouldn't be upset if someone took on his persona. He explained, "I would hope it would happen. It would only affirm that the band is bigger than any of us. That the band is about an ideal, about a point of view, about a way to deliver a show, about a philosophy that puts the fans first. I'm not delusional enough to think I couldn't be replaced." (Video)
Psycho Circus
Shout It Out Loud
Let Me Go, Rock 'N' Roll
I Love It Loud
Hell Or Hallelujah
War Machine (Gene Simmons breathes fire)
Heaven's On Fire
Deuce
Say Yeah
Shock Me (excerpt)
Outta This World/Tommy Thayer & Eric Singer Jam
Gene Simmons Bass Solo/God Of Thunder
Lick It Up
Love Gun (Paul Stanley flies)
Rock And Roll All Nite
Encores:
Detroit Rock City
I Was Made For Lovin' You
Black Diamond
Check out a preview clip at Biography.com.
Eric and Tommy will be available for photos (bring your own camera), and will autograph ONE item. They will also hold a Q&A with the fans.
A KISS Tribute band will also perform. KISSONLINE will attend the event!
This event is run by the fans for the fans!
Here’s how the story goes, the school’s football team was struggling until they started cranking up Kiss in the locker room before games. After winning seven games in a row to become conference co-champs the team credited their success to Kiss. The band heard about the team and in 1975, visited the school and performed there during homecoming weekend.
Now the story is in the process of being tuned into a film. Vh1 Radio caught up with Gene Simmons last week at the opening of his new Rock & Brews restaurant in California and gave them an update on the status of the film: “There’s a gentleman named Mark Johnson who’s a producer, who’s produced the Narnia movies as well as other things. There have been some meetings. You know, they don’t call it development hell for nothing. It’s hell to launch anything and he’s almost there, the financing is almost there.” Gene went on to say, “I mean there’s a script, I read some of it. It’s about Cadillac. Kiss is part of the culture, the inspirational story about how a nowhere, nobody football team scaled to heights by infusing their blood with Kiss blood.” Gene added, “We are not producing this movie, by the way, this happened naturally out of Hollywood.”
Join Gary, Ken and the mighty Chris Karam (PodKISSt Fan extraordinaire) as they discuss ”What If” with KISS.
“What If” KISS broke up in 1979? How would it effect the 80's and beyond?
Chock full of KISS Talk! All this, and plenty more, on PodKISSt… the KISS fanzine for your ears!
Listen here: podkisst.com
Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp marks its return to New York Aug. 7-13, 2013 with Campalooza headlined by Yngwie Malmsteen and features KISS drummer Peter Criss, guitarist Robben Ford, Mountain guitarist Leslie West, Johnny Winter, and Grammy Award Winning Producer for Aerosmith and John Lennon Jack Douglas. Campers will have a chance to jam and perform with the Grammy winners and epic guitar legends at BB King's in Times Square. From there, they will write and record at the Gibson Rehearsal Studios, formerly The Hit Factory, which was the recording studio for "Thriller" "Born in the USA" and many other countless hits. On the final night, campers will play at The Cutting Room, which has hosted acts ranging from David Bowie to Kid Rock to Jon Mayer. For ultimate bragging rights, campers can book an 8-hour recording package with Jack Douglas in Avatar Studios, where Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Iggy Pop, Journey and so many more have recorded.
Dispelling the myth that rock stars only drink hard alcohol and cheap beer, Rock and Roll Fantasy camp is hosting a Wine, Wisdom & Rock camp at the Louis M. Martini vineyard in Napa Valley Aug. 16-18. In addition to playing with real rock legends like Joe Satriani, campers will blend their own special Cabernet, conduct barrel tastings and receive a tour of the vineyard and winery from third-generation master winemaker Mike Martini. Louis M. Martini is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year and features legendary wines from Sonoma County, Napa Valley and Monte Rosso.
For the ultimate Beatles fan, Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp is hosting the world-famous Fab Faux camp Oct. 9-13 at its state-of-the-art facility in Las Vegas. Campers will spend either 3- or 5-days learning music's most revered catalogue, which will culminate in live performances at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino Las Vegas. Members of the Fab Faux will be on-site to give campers tips on playing songs from the Lennon/McCartney songbook as well as perform a private concert.
Previously announced, the four-day YES Fantasy Camp takes place July 14-17 in Las Vegas. YES fans will be participating in jam sessions and receiving instructions from the members of the influential rock group. Campers also will attend Master Classes with renowned musicians and then perform live with their band in front of an audience at MGM Grand Hotel and Casino Las Vegas.
Campalooza features rock star counselors Sandy Genarro (Pat Travers Band, Joan Jett), Joe Vitale (Eagles) and Rodney O'Quinn (Pat Travers Band.) Wine, Wisdom & Rock counselors include Kane Roberts (Alice Cooper), Teddy Andreadis (Guns 'N Roses), Kip Winger (Winger) and Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath). Fab Faux counselors include Laurence Juber (Wings) and Danny Seiwell (Paul McCartney and Wings), with more being added. YES Fantasy Camp features rock star counselors like Joe Vitale (Eagles), Gary Hoey, Kane Roberts (Alice Cooper) and Mike Pinera (Iron Butterfly), among many others.
Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp features new lower prices that are affordable for everyone. Campalooza is available as a 3 and 5-day camp option, priced at $3,999 and $4,999 as part of an early bird special until June 30th. The 8-hour studio session with Jack Douglas is available for an additional $3,000 and only with the purchase of the 5-day camp option. Wine, Wisdom & Rock, which is limited to only 12 campers, is priced at $6,499 including a two-night hotel stay. Fab Faux is also available as a 3- or 5-day camp option at $3,999 and $4,999 as part of an early bird special until Sept. 15. The YES Fantasy Camp is currently priced at $4,999 as part of an early bird special until June 1.
Campers at any of the upcoming Rock and Roll Fantasy Camps will be placed into bands and led by their rock star counselors who will teach them stage presence, how to play some of music's greatest songs, tips on playing together as a band and hear stories of life on the road from their counselors. Attendees at YES, Campalooza and Fab Faux will also write and record their own song. All instruments and backline are provided by Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp although campers may bring their own equipment with them.
For more information and to make a reservation, visit www.rockcamp.com or call (888) 762-2263.
The guitarist faces a June 11 foreclosure conference at Westchester County Court in White Plains regarding his home at 1347 Spring Valley Road. If he or his attorney can’t attend, the court must be informed a week beforehand, according to the May 8 notice.
In February, U.S. Bank National Association claimed in a foreclosure filing that the rock star, whose real name is Paul Frehley, stopped paying his $735,000 mortgage on March 1, 2011. U.S. Bank National Association is a trustee that manages the asset-backed securities tied to Frehley’s home mortgage.
Frehley’s White Plains attorney, Daniel Seymour, declined to discuss his client’s case Thursday but said that he’s in an active discussion with the bank.
“Paul is doing well,” said Seymour, adding a message for Frehley’s fans: “Keep the faith and there are more good things to come.”
In his April 2 response to the foreclosure filing, Seymour asked the court to dismiss the action because it was improperly served, as well as other objections. According to court records, Frehley was served with the foreclosure action on April 12 at a Marriott Hotel in Burbank, Calif.
In February, Frehley’s house had almost two years of unpaid taxes, according to the Yorktown Tax Receiver’s Office, which hadn’t received a payment since Dec. 30, 2011. Back taxes included a 2011 lien of $5,131.61 for town and county taxes, as well as $13,425.94 for unpaid 2012 county, school and town taxes.
On Thursday the Yorktown Tax Receiver’s Office said that all back taxes on the home had been paid.
State law requires foreclosure settlement conferences for any case begun after Feb. 13, 2010. At the conference, the court will discuss the parties’ rights, determine whether the parties can reach a resolution to avoid foreclosure, evaluate settlement options like repayment schedules and plan subsequent court proceedings if needed.
Stanley is excited about the rapid expansion of the Rock & Brews brand.
“We are spreading our tentacles!" Stanley said. "It’s a family friendly place where you don’t have to compromise your palate. Most of the time when you bring your kids to a restaurant, you are eating cardboard pizza or dried out macaroni and cheese. This is really your place where you can hang out, choose from one of our 80 craft beers, hear quality rock music and have a great night with your friends. ”
Rock & Brews PCH joins the brand’s growing roster that includes its flagship location in El Segundo, Calif., which opened in April 2012, and the first international location in Los Cabos, Mexico, which debuted in March. Locations opening in the next 12 months include: Rock & Brews LAX (California) opening later this summer (in the Delta Airlines Terminal); Rock & Brews Maui (Hawaii) and Agoura (California) which will open this fall; and Rock & Brews Kansas City (Missouri), which is slated to open early next year.
During the Torrance restaurant’s opening, held on Thursday, Stanley and Simmons hosted and personally served more than 100 returning military veterans and Wounded Warriors at a luncheon honoring them. The event kicked off with a Military Color Guard ceremony and national anthem. Later that night, the two hosted an opening gala, with all proceeds benefiting the Torrance Education Foundation. A $25,000 check was presented last night to TEF President Tom Brewer. KISS played a three-song set, performing "Hotter Than Hell," "Rock and Roll All Nite" and "Lick It Up."
Simmons described the restaurant as "on fire".
"People love bringing their families all day long and through dinner, and enjoy the rockin’ social scene later in the evening.”
Stanley noted that KISS’ Europe tour starts up in Stockholm in a few weeks. “We have a brand new stage show that will be bigger and spectacular.”
When asked if touring all these years ever got too grueling, Stanley quipped: “If it ever got old, I would quit.”
* our special guest RICHIE RANNO from STARZ!
* an Indy Expo report with ANDREW SQAMBATI!
* a "Birthday Block" of songs for ERIC SINGER!
* plus all of the fun that you expect to find each month
!Listen here: thekissroom.com.
"It's really great," Stanley said. "You know, for so many years, we've talked about a new stage show and basically what we've been doing has been an extension of the old stage show. So people would sometimes come and, obviously, the band does a great show and it's great to be there, but some people would say, 'Gee, it doesn't look that different.' This is a completely different stage, it follows a really great theme, the lights are like nothing you've ever seen before."
When pressed for more details, Paul said, "Um… I hate to give anything away but when you see first photos of this new tour, and we're headlining festivals all over Europe, I think people will be blown away by what we're doing onstage."
KISS recently completed an Australian tour with very special guests MÖTLEY CRÜE.
"Monster", the 20th studio album from KISS, sold 56,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 3 on The Billboard 200 chart.
Stanley recently admitted that he's never surprised by how deep KISS' fan devotion continues to run worldwide. "It really for me, resoundingly once again, I guess validates for me why this band exists," he told The Pulse Of Radio. "It's not a tepid recreation of the past, it's really an ageless beast that dominates at will. It's timeless."
Earlier in the day, Simmons and Stanley hosted a luncheon for more than 100 returning military veterans and Wounded Warriors.
KISS performed their anthem "Rock and Roll All Nite", as well as "Lick It Up" and "Hotter Than Hell". Video footage of their appearance can be seen here.
PBR and KISS have teamed up to create the 8-Second KISS Kam, an innovative twist on the long-standing tradition in many sports venues where couples in the audience are highlighted on the large, in-venue video screens and encouraged to engage in a public display of affection. In typical PBR and KISS fashion, the innovative KISS Kam has a twist. Just like a successful bull ride, our participants are timed with a digital clock and must kiss for 8 seconds or face the ridicule of tens of thousands of PBR fans.
Band members Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer, Eric Singer and Gene Simmons cheer fans on and provide constructive criticism via video during the promotion. Videos from the 8-second kissing couples will be recorded and posted online at www.pbr.com/KISS where visitors can vote for the best (or worst) kiss and register to win valuable PBR and KISS prizes.
Is there a MONSTER in the house? In support of KISS’s new MONSTER album and other great albums from the past 40 years, there are half-a-dozen new MONSTERs in PBR arenas nationwide. PBR and KISS have teamed up to name six world-class bucking bulls after KISS albums; KISS Monster, KISS Destroyer, KISS Animalize, KISS Revenge, KISS Love Gun and KISS Psycho Circus.
These top-ranked animal athletes will face off against the Top 35 bull riders in the world at prestigious Built Ford Tough Series events for years to come. The PBR’s Built Ford Tough Series features 26 events across the country from Madison Square Garden to Cowboys Stadium to Anaheim and points in-between. All Built Ford Tough Series events are televised nationally on CBS and CBS Sports Network.
The collaboration between PBR and KISS will officially launch Friday, May 10, when both the KISS Kam and bulls from the KISS team will be unveiled at the prestigious PBR Last Cowboy Standing event held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center May 10 and 11. The event is nationally televised on CBS on Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
“Some see this as an unlikely pairing,” said Stanley, KISS front man. “But it’s quite the opposite. PBR fans have a passion that we relate to and want to be a part of. They span cultures, stereotypes and countries. They are our kind of people. The 8-Second KISS Kam is a great way for fans to show their passion for both.”
“And that’s no BULL….” Added Gene Simmons.
KISS THIS BULL!
This relationship will introduce KISS to a new, passionate audience that has been entertained at PBR events by KISS’ music for many years. PBR’s adrenaline-packed, bull riding-only events are wrapped in a rock concert environment with plenty of pyrotechnics and fire, a hallmark of the hottest band in the world.
“KISS and PBR have a lot more audience crossover than some might think,” said PBR Chief Operating Officer Sean Gleason. “KISS is an icon of rock music celebrating their 40th anniversary this year; PBR has been wrapping itself in a rock concert environment for years, playing KISS’s music during our live events throughout our 20-year history.”
Professionals and amateurs alike are welcomed to submit their best work. Head over to www.BandJob.com to find out more and submit your design!
Don't design? You can still have a hand in choosing your next favorite KISS shirt. Sign up for an account at www.BandJob.com and vote for the entries you want to wear!
Band Job is an online community created by and for professional designers working in the music industry. It's a place to showcase your work, talk shop, and learn from the best in the business.
Not a designer? Band Job is a great place for all enthusiasts and supporters of visual arts in music. Learn more about the art behind your favorite bands. Check out great merch designs, awesome album covers, and other amazing art from the best designers in the music industry.
Players can go online to the Texas Lottery Luck Zone to enter each non-winning ticket in one of four second-chance drawings to be held throughout the run of the game. Each second-chance drawing will award 100 autographed KISS® Monster Album Wall Plaques, 10 KISS® Signed Guitars and one KISS® Fly-Away Trip for two, including transportation, accommodations, a private dinner with the band, a VIP tour of the Grammy museum and LA Live and a KISS® merchandise gift package. www.txlottery.org
Justin Timberlake is set to produce and also star as Bogart, a 1970s music industry icon who promoted the careers of such artists as KISS, Donna Summer, and the Village People before he died at age 39. His son, Timothy Scott Bogart, wrote the script for the biopic. Dreamgirls producer Laurence Mark, who earned an Oscar nomination for Jerry Maguire, will also produce.
“Spinning Gold is about a larger than life man who achieved so much in his short life and helped define a generation,” Foresight CEO Mark Damon said in a statement. “The film is going to be a wild, music extravaganza that will light up the screen. I also have a personal interest in bringing Neil’s story to the screen, as I started my career working with Neil at Casablanca Records and Filmworks.”
Foresight Unlimited’s upcoming projects include 2 Guns, starring Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington, and Lone Survivor, starring Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, and Eric Bana.
Production on Spinning Gold will begin in early 2014.
KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are gearing up for the grand opening of Rock & Brews’ newest location at 6300 Pacific Coast Highway in Torrance on Wednesday, May 8.
Grand opening activities will include a ribbon cutting ceremony; a private luncheon for more than 100 returning military veterans and Wounded Warriors with Stanley and Simmons waiting tables, and an evening gala with a special appearance by Stanley and Simmons.
VIP tickets to the evening gala are $250 per person, which includes food and beverages, a private reception with Stanley and Simmons, and a Rock & Brews gift bag. Proceeds from VIP ticket sales to the gala will benefit the Torrance Education Foundation.
For tickets and information, visit www.rockandbrews.com.
This marks Spike TV’s return to its scripted roots — the network’s last foray into scripted was with the 2007 event series The Kill Point. While the focus is for all five projects to be true events that “everyone wants to watch when it happens and that have a zeitgeist element to them,” some could live on beyond the original run, Levy said. For instance, Hit Men, a drama from Greif and Simmons about the mob’s takeover of the 1970s music industry, could continue as a series, while iHuman, about the intersection of technology and humanity and how their relationship evolves, could become an umbrella of films tackling the subject. Here are details about Spike TV’s scripted projects in development:
HIT MEN: From Leslie Greif (“Hatfields & McCoy’s”), Chris Collins (“Sons of Anarchy”) and Rock God and multi-hyphenate Gene Simmons (KISS), comes “Hit Men,” a thrilling look into the untold story of how the mafia took control of the music industry of the 1970’s. From rising artists to radio stations to record labels, the impact organized crime had on all facets of the music business in this era was all-consuming and changed the music world forever. The event series will be produced by Thinkfactory Media.
WHITEY BULGER PROJECT: Written by Academy Award-winning writer, Bobby Moresco (“Crash”) and produced by Jonathan Koch and Steve Michaels of Asylum Entertainment (“The Kennedys”), this movie event chronicles the raw and unfiltered rise and fall of Whitey Bulger, one of America’s most notorious criminals. This four-hour epic delves deep into the life of Boston’s most infamous organized crime leader, who ruled New England’s criminal underworld with an iron fist for decades. Bulger’s larger-than-life story takes us from his days as a low-level street thug to FBI informant, to mob boss bent on undermining the competition, to the FBI’s most wanted list, and fugitive on the lam for sixteen years
THE LAMP: In the 1970’s, the United States military set up some very unorthodox and secretive departments to research a wide range of areas from telekinesis to ambient noise to body language. Among these included the Research and Acquisitions Department, designed to covertly find and acquire all artifacts mentioned in religious and mythological texts to determine if any of them truly claimed magical powers. The search came up empty until they came across the legendary Aladdin’s Lamp. The project comes to Spike from the Levinson / Fontana Company with Brant Englestein (“Borgia”) as writer.
UNTITLED BENGHAZI PROJECT: This project lifts the curtain on the untold behind-the-scenes story of the 2012 terrorist attack on the American diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya. Based on declassified documents and testimonials from those who were on the ground, this miniseries will shed light on the actual events surrounding the tragic deaths of four Americans, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens, and the heroic actions of CIA operatives that saved dozen of American lives. The untitled Benghazi project comes to Spike from Pilgrim Studios and Emmy Award®-winner Craig Piligian (“Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy,” “The Ultimate Fighter”) who is executive-producing, along with Pilgrim Studios’ Beth Miller.
iHUMAN: The stories of how technological innovation is transforming the human condition will be at the center of a series of films from Raw TV, the BAFTA-Award winning team behind the critically-acclaimed film, “The Imposter.” As technology becomes such an integral part of our lives and our most personal information becomes captured in a “cloud,” how does this affect human interaction? From the comfort of a laptop, we are now able to do everything from cheating on our spouses, to sending SWAT teams to celebrities’ homes, to bringing about revolution or crashing financial markets. The connections in the digital age are actually resulting in a disconnection from humanity and this film series will explore this in a way never before seen on television. Raw TV’s credits also include “Gold Rush,” “Locked Up Abroad,” and “Paranormal Witness.”
With over 30 years in the business, and more than 17 million albums sold worldwide, NIGHT RANGER proves they can still rock!
Kruise alumni Leogun and Big Rock Show have also been added to the roster. Both bands have rocked previous KISS Kruises, and we welcome them back again for KKIII!
An outfit worn by Criss on KISS's 1996-97 world tour is now up for sale on eBay. It can be yours right here, but be warned, the bidding is already approaching $6,000.
Criss seems to be an easy target for this kind of thing. Back in 2011 a life-sized model of the KISS man was listed on eBay, but, you know what, it did not meet its near $5,000 reserve. Who'd have thought it?
Today, rock icons Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, co-founders of KISS announced plans to open a new Rock & Brews™ restaurant on May 8th, 2013.
The new Rock & Brews is located on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Torrance, Calif., and is the newest in the Los Angeles area and the third to open in just over a year, demonstrating Rock & Brews plans for a worldwide rapid expansion of the brand. Rock & Brews PCH joins the brand’s growing roster that includes its flagship location in El Segundo, Calif., which opened in April of 2012, and the first international location in Los Cabos, Mexico, which opened in March 2013.
“We continue to expand Rock & Brews worldwide with a commitment to building a family-friendly atmosphere that serves exceptional food along with a broad selection of craft beers,” said Stanley. “We offer incredible value in a fun, energized rock-themed environment.”
Four additional Rock & Brews restaurants are currently in development: Rock & Brews LAX (CA) will open this summer (in the Delta Airlines Terminal); Rock & Brews Maui (HI) will open this fall; Rock & Brews Agoura (CA) will also open this fall; and, Rock & Brews Kansas City (MO) is slated to open early next year.
"Rock & Brews is on fire around the globe,” said Simmons. “People love bringing their families all day long and through dinner, and enjoy the rockin’ social scene later in the evening.”
Stanley and Simmons, along with their co-founding partners, restaurateur Michael Zislis and concert industry veterans Dave and Dell Furano, plan to open as many as 100 Rock & Brews restaurants in the next five years.
The new Rock & Brews PCH welcomes local partner Jon Mesko, who will own and operate the Torrance location. The restaurant will feature the brand’s signature casual American cuisine, a full bar including a broad selection of premium wines and craft beers, and there will be a 21-and-over lounge area with private tables, offering self-service beer taps, monitored through new iPad software that tracks consumption and also provides detailed information about other draft and bottled beers available at the restaurant.
Join Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons on Wednesday, May 8th for the Grand Opening of Rock & Brews Pacific Coast Highway.
Visit www.torranceeducationfoundation.org/rock/ to buy tickets for the opening.
Play Hookie with the Wookie!: Listen here: thekissroom.com.
And at 61 years of age, Stanley can't let himself go and still rock out to arenas full of screaming fans. As one of the hardest working bands in rock 'n' roll, he has a reputation to maintain — one he won't let age tarnish. I've seen how lively KISS performances are up close and understand his dedication to fitness to keep the fans on their feet for the band's Monster world tour.
Were you always such a fit guy?
The only exercise I got as a kid was fork to mouth. Food was equated with love in my household. I thought you left the table when the zipper was down and you'd explode if you took another bite. I'd eat my plate and then everyone else's leftovers.
I was a chubby boy. My pants used to wear out in the middle, and it was because my legs used to rub together. I wasn't obese, just chunky.
That doesn't sound at all like the Paul Stanley we've seen on stage. What changed?
Even when the band started, I was chunkier, and the wide belt I used to wear on stage was a bit of a corset. Over the years that became unnecessary. I couldn't do what I started doing onstage without "leaning out" because the physicality of it was akin to an aerobic workout. This was coupled with a mystery virus in the early '70s that laid me up for a month and I barely ate. When that was over, I looked in the mirror and was pretty lean, and it had been a life dream of mine. And I decided to hang on to it.
With your revealing stage attire, I assume vanity plays a role in your fitness motivation.
I had heard some women make comments about my chest, so why not show it off? Nobody wants to see a fat guy in tights. That wouldn't be fair to the fans. It's not vanity as much as common sense. I think vanity in some degree is a great incentive. Taking pride in oneself shouldn't be seen as detrimental. We should try to look our best, because the road to looking our best is one that involves being healthy. When I look my best I'm also feeling my best.
So what is the Paul Stanley workout?
Core strengthening is key to everything. It's not just about the way I look but about stabilizing my body so I can perform better on stage. My workout is exhausting; I do a lot of hill climbing, a lot of abdominal work and crunches, upper-body weights, but light with high reps — I never wanted to bulk up. I also do jumping jacks and jump rope 500 times, and if I missed one make myself start over. It's sport-specific training for jumping around on stage. You have to prepare. You don't want to find out you're out of shape when you're about to get into the ring with the champ.
But when I'm on tour, the tour is the workout. My boots weigh 30 pounds. I'm running around and kicking with 15 pounds on each leg. We do at least four shows a week, and the days off are recuperation time.
And those stage performances have done some damage, haven't they?
What I do has taken its toll. I've had both my rotator cuffs surgically repaired. They're all similar to sport injuries. I've torn my meniscus in both knees and had a hip replacement. This is all from on-stage performances. It's like doing a triathlon with a guitar around my neck. You have to jump, sing, swing your arm and play the right chord. With that combination, anything can go wrong. I used to jump up in the air and land on my knees. It didn't hurt then, but it does now.
If you take away the black and white face paint, flashy stage outfits, and smoking guitars, KISS frontman Paul Stanley is an average guy—or at least he’s got average-guy priorities: staying fit, having fun, and enjoying his family. We recently caught up with the 61-year-old rocker, who told us why he stopped eating like a kid, how he balances his family with his tour dates, and his secret to avoiding drugs and alcohol when a rock-and-roll lifestyle practically spoon feeds you opportunities to indulge.
How would you say your diet and fitness routine today differs from your lifestyle in the 70s and 80s?
My routine then was: Eat whatever’s in front of you. Youth is incredible because you really do feel invincible. I had no real routine as far as diet; I ate what I wanted to. Back then I tended to eat a lot of sugars. I ate a lot of cookies, a lot of ice cream; I didn’t eat a lot of proper food. I started working out, doing a formal workout right around 1980. That’s when I really decided I needed to get in shape and it may have been because you just start to see a decrease—a change in your body. The workout I was doing then would kill me today.
What is your routine? Do you do it with a trainer?
It really depends. There’s certainly a time before a tour where you start to count days until you’re leaving and that’s crunch time—no pun intended. My workout is always with a trainer because, quite honestly, I don’t think most people are motivated enough to do what they need to on their own. You either need a spotter or you need a trainer. You need somebody there to push you to get that extra five.
Your performances often seem like workouts in themselves.
You can’t do that unless you train for it. You can’t enter the Olympics unless you do your routine to get in shape for it. The idea of going out on stage on a tour without having prepped for it would be suicide, literally.
How did you avoid alcohol and drugs in a culture that is surrounded by it—and it’s almost expected of you?
Common sense. You just have to look around you, and you have two choices. You either go “Gee, I want to be just like him!” or not. In the music business, I always go back to, if all those vices and excesses were so great, you’d probably be doing this interview with Jim Morrison or Jimi Hendrix or John Belushi—but you’re not. If someone were to come over to me and say, “Hey, I’ve got something really cool for you to ingest. It’s going to make your teeth rot. It’s going to make you impotent. It’s going to make you lazy. It’s going to wreak havoc with your body and there’s a good chance that you’ll come down with hepatitis.” Well, gee, sign me up!
Between KISS’ debut and now, a lot has changed. How have you managed to balance a rock lifestyle and integrating to family life, more traditional life?
The whole idea of rock and roll lifestyle is a cartoon. It’s a caricature. And at times, it’s made up of people emulating others; a few who actually live that lifestyle and many who claim to live that lifestyle. Don’t kid yourself; the guy who’s onstage in ripped-up jeans is wearing as much a costume as I am. Sex, drugs and rock and roll...for a long time I said, “That’s great, you keep the drugs, I’ll take the sex and the rock and roll.” I want to remember tomorrow what I did tonight if it’s that good. I’d rather be alive and enjoy the rewards. And it applies to everyone in every life. It’s discipline, it’s understanding that passion for something is the key to success because passion will not only get you to success, but passion also gets you through failure. Those are the defining focuses of who I am and ultimately nothing’s more important than family.
Does it get more difficult when you’re on tour?
I try to integrate the two. I don’t go away for any length of time where I don’t get to be with my wife and kids. They either come out or I take a break and go home. I used to think it was important for them, I realize now it’s important for me too. Why was I late to call you? I was out with my 16-month-old daughter. Where was I this morning? I was driving my other one to school. At the end of the day, sooner or later, it comes down to family.
Any advice for budding musicians or artists to stay healthy and not fall into a life of drugs or alcohol?
You should always remember that the person who wants you take that extra drink or toke or share drugs with them isn’t doing it for you. They’re doing it because misery loves company.
That the museum, which is two years into a capital campaign to raise $6.5 million for a renovation, will be named after Thayer's father, the 91-year-old retired Gen. James B. Thayer, is an added bonus.
"I'm honored to be part of this outstanding event to recognize not only my father but all veterans who have sacrificed for our country," Tommy Thayer said in a release.
Others scheduled to attend the 2013 All Star Salute to the Oregon Military are saxophonist Patrick Lamb, gospel and soul singer Linda Hornbuckle, KGW's Brenda Braxton, and former Trail Blazer Jerone Kersey.
To date, the museum campaign has raised $2.5 million.
Prior to last year's event, the Oregonian's Mike Francis profiled Gen. Thayer, digging into the possible connection between the general and KISS bassist Gene Simmons.
The inclusion of Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein performing with Glenn Danzig is incredibly significant, as the relationships between classic Misfits members have been complicated through the years. Doyle has joined Danzig onstage a number of times in the past, but the Golden Gods will likely serve as the guitarist’s most spotlit appearance with Danzig. As previously reported, the Golden Gods Awards Show will also feature performances by Metallica, Stone Sour, Anthrax and more.
Further appearances at the show will include KISS’ Gene Simmons, Marilyn Manson, Alice Cooper, Lemmy Kilmister, Phil Anselmo, Jason Newsted, Kerry King, Zakk Wylde, Korn‘s Brian ‘Head’ Welch and Munky and many more, including Fozzy vocalist and WWE wrestler Chris Jericho, who will host the event once again.
In other Golden Gods news, the city of Los Angeles will officially declare May 2 as ‘Golden Gods Day,’ with Councilwoman Jan Perry opening the awards show with the official proclamation.
For those not attending the May 2 ceremony, no worries! Revolver will host an online broadcast of the awards show on their official website.
Gene's wife Shannon has been house hunting -- checking out this nice $2 million fixer-upper in Sherman Oaks (here) Sunday.
Apparently the digs aren't suitable for 24-year-old Nick and 20-year-old Sophie ... so the search continues.
BTW, as for why the 3,800-sq.-ft. house wasn't right ... the yard just wasn't big enough for their dogs.
According to a post Kulick shared on his website, he’s a big fan of both horror and sci-fi. So when he heard that both Ace and Lita Ford would be in attendance he decided to made the trek out to the event.
Although it may seem like a strange kinship given their separate pasts with Kiss, Kulick had nothing but kind words for Frehley, saying, “Ace was very charming, and signed a copy of his book to Lisa and me.” He continued talking about the experience, explaining, “We chatted briefly as there was a line for him, and we said our goodbyes. Glad to see him looking sober and happy.”
For those curious about what brought Frehley to Monsterpalooza, ‘Space Ace’ has been partaking in the horror convention circuit since the release of his memoir ‘No Regrets’ last year.
On early Saturday afternoon, May 11th, the legendary Gene Simmons will host a spirited question-and-answer session with the fans! You won't want to miss this special appearance! The Gene Simmons pre-expo event is a separate ticketed event with additional ticket options including a photo opportunity for you with Gene! Tickets are limited. This will be Gene's only appearance this weekend.
Saturday night's Expo features former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick and guitarist Bob Kulick! Both Bruce and Bob have rich histories with KISS and will be available for autographs and photos throughout the evening. They will also jam a few KISS classics onstage for your enjoyment!
Sunday's Expo will feature KISS drummer Eric Singer, and in his first-ever Expo appearance - drummer Kevin Valentine. Kevin was the drummer on KISS' Psycho Circus album. He also recorded demos for Hot in the Shade and a track on the Revenge album. (Kevin went to high school with Eric Singer!). Fan-favorite KISS tribute band MR. SPEED will also perform.
KISS dealers from around the country, including KISSonline, will be on hand at both Expo days selling KISS collectibles and memorabilia from all eras! Throughout the weekend there will be numerous giveaways and raffles.
CLICK HERE for more details and ticket options.
As always, the Indianapolis KISS Fan Expo is run by the fans, for the fans.
Listen/watch here.
Tons of Kool KISS Talk!
Chock full of KISS Talk! All this, and plenty more, on PodKISSt… the KISS fanzine for your ears!
Listen here: http://podkisst.com
KISS' Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley discuss their restaurant chain, Rock & Brews, which pays homage to classic rock with a family environment. Plus, they discuss their professional friendship, which has spanned four decades. (Video)
Long before he donned Ace Frehley’s iconic makeup and became the band’s official ax master in 2003, Thayer had already developed an impressive service record with the group, included writing and recording demos with Gene Simmons, managing the 1995 Kiss Worldwide Convention Tour and working as producer and editor on the Kiss films The Second Coming, Detroit Rock City and The Last Kiss.
Thayer’s signature Epiphone Spaceman continues his tradition of stellar contributions to the Kiss legacy. It’s a souped-up tour de force of tone and certainly one of the most thrilling and well-balanced Les Pauls created in recent years. In addition to featuring a pair of Gibson’s hotter 498T pickups, it has an ultra-cool retro-style silver-flake finish. Epiphone is making only 1,000 of the limited-edition Spaceman, and at a street price under $700, they’re sure to go fast.
KISS 2013 CANADIAN TOUR DATE:
July 5 - Save On Foods Memorial Center (Victoria, BC)
July 6 - Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena (Vancouver, BC)
July 8 - Prospera Place (Kelowna, BC)
July 10 - Enmax Centre (Lethbridge, AB)
July 12 - Rexall Place (Edmonton, AB)
July 13 - Scotiabank Saddledome (Calgary, AB)
July 14 - Credit Union Centre (Saskatoon, SK)
July 16 - Evraz Place (Regina, SK)
July 17 - Keystone Centre (Brandon, MB)
July 18 - MTS Centre (Winnipeg, MB)
July 23 - Sudbury Arena (Sudbury, ON)
July 25 - Scotiabank Place (Ottawa, ON)
July 26 - Molson Canadian Amphitheatre (Toronto, ON)
July 27 - Budweiser Gardens (London, ON)
July 29 - Bell Centre (Montreal, QC)
July 31 - Harbour Station (Saint John, NB)
Aug 1 - Metro Centre (Halifax, NS)
Aug 3 - Mile One Stadium (St. John's, NFLD)
Aug 4 - Mile One Stadium (St. John's, NFLD)
Simmons's appearance came on the final day of a week of concerts to benefit the music academy for Sioux Falls Boys & Girls Clubs members.
"This is about kids. We've had our chance. We've got to give them a chance. Anything that gets them off the street is a good thing," Simmons said.
Music, Simmons said, is self-empowering.
"It doesn't matter if you become a star. If you don't believe in yourself and get up on stage, everybody is watching. You can feel the power ... and it helps you get through life, especially when you're impressionable."
He said getting involved in music — whether it's learning to play an instrument or sing karaoke — improves social skills, too.
Motley Crue singer Vince Neil was also at Saturday's show, and he, too, expounded on the positive benefits of music.
"Say you finish your first song, it could be 'Mary Had a Little Lamb,' it doesn't matter, but at least it's something you've played," Neil said. "And I think for kids, they could go into a whole other direction because they accomplished something."
Neil said he was 10 when he first started taking guitar lessons.
"I was terrible," he said laughing. "That's why I'm not a guitarist. I went into the other direction."
Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen here. Photos are available at B1027.com.
Alice Cooper and guitarist Robby Krieger of The Doors jammed with a who's who of '80s glam and metal to help christen the $3.6 million Brennan Rock & Roll Academy in Sioux Falls. Also performing: Joey Allen of Warrant, former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach, and Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer of Kiss.
"These guys all know my songs, so I'll be doing four or five of my songs, and then a couple of Doors songs," Cooper told The Associated Press before the show.
He said he was looking forward to performing the late Jim Morrison's parts on "Break on Through (To the Other Side) and "Back Door Man."
"I'm filling in for Jim tonight. I've done it many times," Cooper said.
The all-star band also planned to perform some Kiss songs and a little Skid Row.
The $1,000-a-ticket concert is a fundraiser for the center, which is the brainchild of Sioux Falls native Chuck Brennan. Brennan, the founder of short-term lender Dollar Loan Center, based his idea on Cooper's Solid Rock Foundation in Phoenix.
Cooper said about 100 kids a night are flocking to his Solid Rock center, which opened about two years ago.
"If you take one kid out of a gang and get him involved in rock 'n' roll or get him involved in a guitar or bass or drums, you don't just change that kid, you change the neighborhood," he said.
The Sioux Falls academy has had the feel of an exclusive, intimate venue this week, but starting in April it will become the afternoon home for young people looking to learn or improve their skills in guitar, bass, drums, keyboards or vocals.
Lessons will be given in nine soundproof rehearsal rooms, five of which are wired to a professional mixing and recording studio. The four upstairs rehearsal rooms will honor Kiss, with each decorated as an homage to the band members' characters: The Demon, Starchild, Catman and Spaceman.
Kiss' Thayer, who grew up playing saxophone in a school music program before he ever touched a guitar, said the facility will spark kids' creative side.
"I'm blown away with this whole facility," Thayer said. "I think it's a great thing."
Today I'm psyched to tell you that the adorable feline is poised to star in an animated series for The Hub. The unexpected twist is that it'll be a mashup ... with KISS.
Yes, I'm serious: KISS Hello Kitty (working title) is now in development, and it's based on this line of KISS Hello Kitty products, which debuted in 2010. The show will feature "four KISS x Hello Kitty characters living their rock 'n' roll dreams and bringing pink anarchy to every situation they are in."
KISS' Gene Simmons is slated to be one of the executive producers, and the band sounds pretty pumped about the project. Says Paul Stanley: "Knowing and viewing The Hub as I do daily with my three children, it is the perfect home for us to bring the KISS Hello Kitty juggernaut to yet another generation."
You heard it here first, folks. I'll keep you posted on when the series will make its debut.
The first phase of project construction to renovate the Oregon Military Museum will begin next month at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas.
Removal of existing facilities at Camp Withycombe, an active Oregon National Guard post, will make room for new buildings, a plaza and a new entry gate, according to Gary Van Drew, senior project manager for the Oregon Military Department.
The $6.5 million capital campaign to renovate the museum, which will commemorate the military service and sacrifice of all Oregonians who have served in the nation’s armed forces, continues with a fundraising event April 20 at the Governor Hotel in Portland.
The All Star Salute will include a silent auction and live entertainment by Tommy Thayer of the rock band KISS, Patrick Lamb, Linda Hornbuckle, and Derrick McDuffey of Kingdom Sound.
Tommy Thayer is the son of Brig. Gen. James B. Thayer, whom the museum will be named after. Brig. Gen. Thayer is an Oregon native who helped liberate a Nazi concentration camp during World War II. He earned a Silver Star and Bronze Star.
Tickets for the All Star Salute are $150 each, of which $100 is tax-deductible are available by visiting the Oregon Historical Outreach website, http://goo.gl/z8tQy.
For more information on the capital campaign and the Oregon Military Museum renovation, visit www.allstarsalute.com. To make a donation, click on the “donate” button.
Back before they could afford to party all day, they were already rock ’n’ rolling all night.
Forty years ago this month, Kiss bassist Gene Simmons, guitarists Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss dabbed on some black and white facepaint bought in a Manhattan hobby store and forever left their mark on music history.
“We were just four kids off the streets of New York that dreamed big," Simmons, who was born Chaim Witz, told the Daily News this week.
There’s no historical plaque in front of the six-story, cast-iron building at 10 E. 23rd St., where Kiss first formed and practiced their three-chord riffs in a dingy fourth floor loft with yolk-encrusted egg crates nailed to the walls to muffle the noise.
But maybe there should be one: Kiss has gone on to sell more than 100 million records and perform live in front of an estimated 22 million fans.
Stanley (born Stanley Eisen), who drove a cab to pay the bills in those days, says one of them hit on the eureka idea one day that an ominous look would get people to notice them long enough to hear their music in a New York scene already oversaturated with bands.
The makeup was a work in progress.
“Paul drew a circle around his eye,” says Simmons. “He looked like the dog on ‘Our Gang.’ It was Ace who suggested to Paul to put two stars, one over each eyes, and Paul said, ‘I'm just going to do one. I'm too lazy.’ And that's why to this day he only has one star.”
Stanley remembers it slightly differently.
“I always liked the asymmetry of it,” he says, laughing. “Maybe it's because there's at least two sides to me.”
They debuted their new look at a pair of gigs at an Amityville, Long Island, club called The Daisy on March 9 and 10, 1973 — and got panned by their first critic.
“I remember playing The Daisy and locking ourselves in the owner's office because one of the bouncers said he was going to kill us because of the way we looked,” says Stanley.
“The first night there really was a handful of people, but within a few times of playing there, they were literally breaking the windows to get into the place.”
Within a few days, the band found themselves in a studio, recording a demo with producer Eddie Kramer of Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin fame.
“That five-song demo got us a record contract right away; that five-song demo got us a manager,” says Simmons.
“Within a year and a half of that record coming out, we were playing Anaheim Stadium.”
Criss, aka George Peter Criscuolla of Brooklyn, was drummed out of the band in 1980; Frehley left two years later. Both have briefly returned several times over the years, but their platform shoes currently are filled.
Stanley still can close his eyes and recall stepping on the Madison Square Garden stage for the first time — a Queens boy's dream.
“When I played there the first time, I remembered not too much earlier than that, driving my cab and driving a couple to Madison Square Garden to see Elvis Presley (in 1972),” says Stanley, “and I thought to myself,
‘One of these days people are going to be coming here to see me.’ ”
So taking on the restaurant business now?
Absolutely, man. Obviously for me to get involved in something worthwhile is important. I’m not out there selling liquid, soap or detergents. The idea when I got involved was that I was never going to be in the back seat. I have a pizza oven at home, I grow my own produce, so I know a lot about what we are doing.
Is KISS ever going to show up and play?
There is no live music. You can see the lyrics on the screens so you can pick up the words you’ve never heard before [laughs].
Want to talk a little bit about the latest ‘Monster’ album?
I couldn’t be more pleased or proud of it. It speaks a lot about the band and it really backs up what this band is about, what it’s been about and what the future holds for us. One of my rules for this album was no recycled old material. And don’t reinvent the wheel. A lot of times as you grow you learn your craft better, but you don’t necessarily become better at it. You may become a technically better songwriter, but you’re not writing better songs. So the idea for me was: Let’s simplify things and don’t over-think things.
You have four kids now. How is dad doing?
I am a lucky guy. Amazing wife [ Erin Sutton], amazing kids. Emily is 19 months now, Sarah is 4, Colin is 6, Evan is 18. I’ve been busy and staying busy.
Word is Evan is an amazing guitarist.
He is. He is phenomenal. He was born to play. A lot of people have heard him and ask why I wasn’t as good as him at his age and I say I’m not as good as him now!
Sounds like things are going well.
I live a life that I am proud of and I sleep well at night. You have to like who you see at the end of the day and I do.
The tiny terrors hit stands in an all-ages new series!
Ah, the simple pleasures of just being a kid. Lemonade stands, little league games, advanced fort building, rocking the faces off of millions of screaming fans all over the world while thwarting the plans of your evil school Principal.
If a couple of those cherished childhood memories sound unfamiliar, that’s because they can only be found in KISS Kids, the new series starring the pint-sized rock gods! Join Starchild, Li’l Demon, Spacey, and Catkid as they get into trouble and kick out the jams in strips featuring familiar characters and settings from KISS lore. Helmed byKISS series writers Chris Ryall and Tom Waltz with fun, expressive art by Jose Holder (Mars Attacks The Real Ghostbusters), KISS Kids promises to be a treat for fans of all-ages!
“KISS is used to rocking and rolling all night and partying every day, but back when they were little’uns, those things only happened around nap time,” said Chris Ryall, also IDW’s Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief. “This series will appeal to kids and Kiss fans of all ages, as we see the school-age band engage robots, evil teachers, other students, and much more, all filtered through the KISS lens. Beth, the school’s Doctor Love, the snooty Torpedo Girls, the bratty “Wicked” Lester, nefarious Principal Elder… they’re all here for this accessible, funny, and appealing new series.”
The new KISS Kids series, coming this fall, is being previewed in the form of a one-page strip on the back cover of all four issues of this spring’s Kiss Solo series. Fans will get their first real look at the Kiss Kids on April 10, when Kiss Solo #1: The Demon by Ryall and artist Angel Medina is released.
"Rock and Roll All Nite….and Potty Every Day," added the L’il Demon himself, Kiss founding member,Gene Simmons.
This fall, there’s only one place for proof positive that whether you’re a Starchild or a Demon, there’s nothing better than rocking and rolling all night and reading comics every day!
The alleged incident occurred during the final song of KISS' set, "Rock And Roll All Nite" (see video below), when William Mueller Jr. claims the cannon "exploded and with great force launched a metal ratchet tie-down strap" that hit him while he was standing at his assigned seat.
"(P)rior to this incident plaintiff had been diagnosed with a rare brain cancer (Esthesioneuroblastoma) and had experienced major surgeries and intense radiation therapy," Mueller says in the complaint. "At the time of his injury, plaintiff's body was in a weakened and vulnerable condition.
"Defendants owed to plaintiff the duty to exercise the highest degree of care for his safety. Defendants actions, conduct, or omissions were negligent, negligent per se, or both and were not those of a reasonably prudent person."
The members of KISS are not a parties to the complaint, which was filed in St. Louis County Circuit Court. (Video)
"A lot people have a problem with KISS," Ian said. "KISS is just as important as AEROSMITH and LED ZEPPELIN.
"The people who vote on these kinds of things — I don't know who these people are — I think they're the kind of people who never, ever liked KISS.
"If you like ALICE COOPER, you should like KISS. But a lot of people didn't take them seriously as a songwriting entity. I feel like they're never gonna let KISS in, which is pretty fucking lame when you consider what they've accomplished."
He continued: "I was reading an interview with someone from the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, and he said that one of the main criteria to be considered into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame is what influence have they had on music? KISS has influenced bands that are already in the Hall Of Fame! They're one of the most influential bands of the last forty years!"
British rock legends DEEP PURPLE were denied entry to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame this year — losing out to pop and rap acts DONNA SUMMER and PUBLIC ENEMY.
"How many people started playing guitar because of the riff to 'Smoke On The Water?'" Ian asked Radio.com. "You can pinpoint that riff as the starting point to more guitar players than any other song in the history of rock. So it's just amazing to me that a band like DEEP PURPLE isn't in."
Ian added: "Nothing against my friends in METALLICA, but even if you asked them… When METALLICA were inducted [into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2009], James [Hetfield] name checked a bunch of bands from the stage, saying maybe you should put these bands in as well."
To mark the 40th Anniversary of KISS, we have gathered some of the greatest rock musicians for a KISS tribute album. “A World With Heroes” features unique performances of incredible KISS songs.
Here at PledgeMusic, you can be a part of the creation of this album. Have a look to the right —> to see how you can be involved.
Your pledge will PRE-ORDER this historic album.
And not only will we be making an amazing tribute to KISS come to life, but your pledges will also benefit a cancer care hospice (my father-in-law passed away there peacefully on Jan 4th 2013).
All basic tracks will be recorded by these incredible musicians: Eric Brittingham (bass – Cinderella) , Jeff LaBar (guitars – Cinderella) and Troy Lucketta (drums – Tesla).
The vocalists and other artists that will contribute to the CD include: Don Dokken, Mark Tornillo (Accept), Terry Ilous (Great White), Bumblefoot (GNR), Mark Slaughter (Slaughter), Russ Dwarf (The Killer Dwarfs), Ron Young (Little Caesar), Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake), Rex Brown (Pantera, Kill Devil Hill), Dery Grehan (Honeymoon Suite), Bill Leverty (Firehouse), Phil Lewis (LA GUNS), Doro, Tommy Denander, Slaves on Dopes (w/Jason Rockman), Phil Naro (ex-Talas & Peter Criss), Ron Keel, Sean Kelly (Nelly Furtado’s band & Helix) and more to be announced shortly.
Pledge to be a part of this amazing tribute and great cause.
— Mitch Lafon, KISS Tribute Organizer
www.pledgemusic.com/projects/kiss40thtribute
Instead, her family watched in delight as lead singer Paul Stanley last night did an acoustic version of the band's song Shandi for Shandee.
Ms Blackburn was stabbed to death early last month as she walked home from work.
She was less than a block from home when her attacker struck.
"I think everyone knows about a girl called Shandee Blackburn," Stanley told the Mackay crowd last night.
"We lost her and we wish she could be here with us, so why don't we sing a song for her, all of us."
Shandee's mother Vicki said she had no idea the band had agreed to their request to play the song she'd named her daughter for.
"I wasn't looking forward to it (the concert)," she said.
"It was just another one of those days where Shandee should have been there. I was quite angry that she couldn't be there."
Mrs Blackburn bought the KISS tickets as an early birthday present for Shandee.
"One of the detectives (investigating her murder) said to me that his interpretation of Shandee was that she would have told me to go out and have fun, not to get upset, and enjoy the night."
She said many of those in the audience sang along to the touching tribute.
"It was just really sweet and at the end he said 'let's say goodnight and goodbye to Shandee'," Mrs Blackburn said.
"I wasn't crying at all until then.
"It was a very special moment."
Mrs Blackburn said it was still important that Mackay residents think about their movements around the early hours of February 9 in the hope it could help the investigation.
Shandee was killed around 12.30am.
The stadium was within earshot of the Harrup Park Country Club where Shandee worked the late shift the night she was killed.
"So we say good night and we say goodbye to Shandee - and now let's get crazy!" frontman Paul Stanley said following the tribute.
The sugar and mining town was an unlikely place for such a big show, the 12,000-plus capacity crowd at Virgin Australia Stadium equating to around 10 per cent of the city's population.
"We've played all the big cities in Australia," Stanley told the crowd.
"Some people said, why the hell Mackay? I said, Mackay is gonna show ya, size doesn't matter!"
KISSteria gripped the town as the veteran supergroup wrapped up their Australian tour with a bang.
Lots of bangs, actually. As with any KISS show there were pyrotechnics galore, along with theatrics from fire-breathing and blood-spitting to levitating platforms and aerial hijinks above the crowd.
As with the rest of the tour, the emphasis was on the back catalogue, with classic hits such as Detroit Rock City, Deuce and Dr Love. Hell or Hallelujah and Outta This World, from the current album Monster, were the only new songs on the setlist.
The Monster Tour marks KISS's 40th anniversary year, and features support acts Motley Crue, Thin Lizzy and Diva Demolition.
Listen here: thekissroom.com
At the end of the episode, Frank says that the albums are priceless to him, and they're going in his own private collection, never to be sold. Here's a clip!
Paul and Gene are heading South of the Border to open their Rock & Brews™ restaurant in San Jose del Cabo March 22 and 23.
KISS Army Fans are invited to join the celebration at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, Los Cabos, the rockin’ AAA Four-Diamond host resort for the event, which is offering a KISS Army Rock & Brews weekend package to welcome them.
The KISS Army Rock & Brews package includes a two-night stay in a deluxe room with a Jacuzzi and private terrace (double occupancy) March 22 and 23, two tickets to the invitation-only Rock & Brews grand opening on March 22, a private seaside reception and photo opportunity with Gene and Paul at the resort’s Five Star Diamond De Cortez restaurant prior to the opening event, a breakfast buffet for two at the resort’s Tomatoes restaurant, and a Rock & Brews t-shirt for $749 (including tax, based on availability). The rate code is KISARRB. For more information, or to make reservations, please visit www.sheratonloscabos.com, or call (011) 52-624-145-8000
The new Rock & Brews Los Cabos features a unique concert themed-atmosphere, complete with giant murals of classic rock artists, album and tour art. Guests can take advantage of the al fresco dining offered, or enjoy sitting indoors in an authentically themed backstage concert site. The restaurant features a full bar and the largest selection of craft beers in Los Cabos. It is set to be a main late-night attraction for locals and tourists alike, as after the dinner rush, a DJ will be spinning tunes nightly.
He rose to fame in the '70s as the blood-spurting, fire-breathing bass player from fantasy-rock visionaries Kiss. Along the way to selling an estimated 100million albums with the band, Gene Simmons has become an astute businessman, author and reality-television star. He reportedly renounced his renowned groupie-hunting ways after marrying his long-time partner, Shannon Tweed, in 2011. He has long dismissed flak for continuing to tour with a band that held its ''farewell tour'' more than a decade ago, pointing to the continued enthusiasm of the band's fans. Two of its original members have since been replaced by others using the same make-up. In October, Kiss released its 20th studio album, Monster. The band marks its 40th anniversary this year.
I'm listening to …
The Black Keys. A good kick in the pants for all of us to get back to basics. Meat and potatoes.
The last film I saw was …
Django Unchained - a tour de force. Edgy. Violent. Funny. Pure Tarantino.
The next film I want to catch is …
Oblivion with Tom Cruise. Radical [Studios] is producing that one and I'm partnered with them on two film projects.
The best thing I've seen on stage lately is …
Lady Gaga. Not really my kind of music, though Born This Way is a rock anthem, and should be done by a rock band. She's the only new ''rock'' star in 30 years.
Try this: name 100 superstars from 1960 to 1985 - 25 years. Elvis. The Beatles. The Stones. Led Zep. Jimi Hendrix. The Doors. Pink Floyd. Motown. Prince. Madonna. U2. Metallica. AC/DC and on and on. Name one superstar from 1985 until 2013 - 28 years. Who?
When it comes to reading …
Newspapers and paper goods will soon be obsolete. Simply because it takes too long to gather, edit, print and distribute to newsstands. The internet - though I hate the art of it, it's cold - is instantaneous. And that's what people want; perhaps need.
The problem with the internet is that there is no soul. Newspapers abide by Joseph Pulitzer's anti-yellow journalism ethos: one should report the events, not colour the events by one's biases. The internet is a garbage heap of lies and gossip, and is not accountable to any ethos.
It's the beginning. Lawmakers will and should start to legislate protecting underlying rights issues of artists and creators - to minimise piracy - and bring the internet under the ''guidance'' of a country's laws.
My biggest creative inspiration is …
My mother. She continues to be. Every day above ground, she would say, is a good day.
I get wound up by …
The internet.
I like to unwind by …
Waking up every day in Western society and feeling free to be who I am, think what I like and be all that I can be.
It’s the OG line-up of Mötley Crüe that’s heading Down Under, but only one half of this current KISS line-up are constant members: vocalist/rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley and vocalist/bassist Gene Simmons. Singer, who officially became KISS’s drummer after Eric Carr passed away in 1991, and lead guitarist Thomas Thayer – whose debut outing in The Spacesuit (replacing Ace Frehley) occurred in 2003 when the band recorded KISS Symphony: Alive IV with the Melbourne Symphony – round out the line-up.
Given that Singer hasn’t always lorded over us from the KISS drum riser, when was it that he first became aware of KISS? “Um, I saw KISS in a magazine back in the ‘70s called Rock Scene,” he explains. “It was a rock magazine, but the print was almost like a newspaper; the cover was in colour, but all the content was black and white. I always thought that was the coolest magazine – that’s the one that I found I was influenced by the most and there was a section in it that had new bands. And it showed a picture of this band with makeup on.
“Paul Stanley told me that bands would send their own picture in to promote themselves. So I cut that picture out and I remember I taped it or glued it to my little wardrobe, like an armoire, that I had in my bedroom. My mum reminded me of that; she remembered that I had done that. So I was attracted to the band from the first time I saw it, because I liked all the English glam-era bands: The Sweet, Mott The Hoople, T Rex, David Bowie – anything like that I was attracted to. [Coughs a loogie from his throat] Excuse me. So right away, of course, I saw KISS and then when I saw the album cover – I bought the first album, by the way – and I saw how they looked, and then hearing the music, to me somehow it all made sense: the logo, the look, the sound of the band. I thought, ‘Oh, this band’s got something unique going on here, I have a feeling this band’s gonna be something special. And, um, I think my instincts were right.” Singer acknowledges that “because [he’s] experienced it firsthand”, through his own life experiences, there might be some truth in the law of attraction.
There’s such a strong visual component to being in KISS. When asked whether he has to drum in platform moon boots, Singer chuckles, “Noooo,” before pointing out he’s only required to rock the towering footwear for photo shoots. Then he pauses. “Well one time I actually did do that. We did a gig for a plus-size women’s clothing line here in America and they were doing a fashion show/runway thing in New York City. And a couple of models were Mia Tyler, Steven Tyler from Aerosmith’s daughter, and Anna Nicole Smith. So we did this thing and we had to basically lip sync playing to, like, five songs and then when we finished it we’d get up from behind our instruments and walk down the runaway with all the models to take pictures for the paparazzi. So I had to play in the platforms even though I wasn’t really playing live. And I remember the next thing my legs and ankles were just killing me. It was the most weirdest sensation and so awkward, but that’s the only time that I actually physically [drummed in platforms].
“On stage I just wear regular, like, training-type shoes, sneakers, tennis shoes – whatever you wanna call ‘em. But I actually got some shoes – I think I found them in the airport in Amsterdam, I don’t remember – a bright silver leather, something that matches my costume. ‘Cause nobody sees them except me, but I wanna look cool at least to myself back there.”
As a fellow drummer, surely Singer has been tempted to have a crack on Tommy Lee’s drum coaster; the Mötley Crüe stickman’s gargantuan kit is part of a circular rollercoaster structure that enables Lee to drum while in motion, defying gravity while suspended upside down. “I’m not really much for going upside down,” Singer admits, confirming “the whole kit and caboodle” of The Tour’s stage setting, is headed our way. There’s an extra seat on the coaster to accommodate a lucky fan per show, and Singer tells of a nine-year-old “little Philippine girl” named Alexey [Poblete], who came down for a spin during soundcheck when the rock’n’roll circus hit Las Vegas. “She’s on YouTube,” he points out. “You’ll get a kick out of it seeing a little kid that can play at such a high level, at such a young age, and she’s only been playing for three years so she’s pretty amazing.”
On how kids get so good so young these days, Singer observes: “Well you gotta remember, when I was a kid coming up we didn’t even have video machines, you know, to buy instructional videos. You didn’t have YouTube where you can go on there and pretty much watch your favourite drummers over and over. You know, when you’re a kid you’re a sponge. So you just absorb stuff and, bingo! We just had to listen to records and kind of pick things up and then the only time you got to see a drummer play was if you saw them in concert and that was only when they came through town. So our way of learning and picking up things was a lot different.”
Monster is the latest (and 20th) KISS studio album and Singer offers, “I think we realise that KISS is what it is and you’re not trying to chase any trends, or be something you’re not… because at this point in everybody’s life nobody needs headaches to make it work. You have to be workman-like in the sense of your professionalism, and your due diligence, when it needs to apply. But ultimately you wanna be able to have fun.
“I mean, next year will be forty years that KISS has been a band. So it is multi-generational and our fans are really pretty much all ages from little kids up to people a lot older than us even at this point. KISS is not just the music, it’s everything, the whole visual appeal combined with the music, which has made the band unique and turned it into a timeless iconic longevity.”
Complete Set of All 12 KISS Series 4 Action Figures Including Variants. Each 12" variant is limited to 500 pieces worldwide, and 8" variants are limited to 1000 pieces!
The tongue-thrusting vampire bassist known as "The Demon" is highly detailed and features 16 points of articulation. The Demon's face paint and stage outfit were derived from KISS's album entitled "Monster" that was released on October 9th, 2012. His highly detailed legendary style comes complete with bat wings and rubberized armor/boots. Each piece of armor has multiple bones sticking out of its plates!
Variant edition has blood splattered all over his face!
The glittering guitarist and lead vocalist known as "The Starchild" is highly detailed and features 16 points of articulation. The Starchild's face paint and stage outfit were derived from KISS's album entitled "Monster" that was released on October 9th, 2012. His star-studded style comes complete with a black and silver vest and black pants with real metal chains!
Variant edition includes a black and green feather vest outfit!
The "Out of This World" guitarist known as "The Spaceman" is highly detailed and features 16 points of articulation. The Spaceman's face paint and stage outfit were derived from KISS's album entitled "Monster" that was released on October 9th, 2012. His futuristic style comes complete with a studded shirt and silver vest, as well as his atmospheric platform shoes!
This lion-maned drummer known as "The Catman" is highly detailed and features 16 points of articulation. The Catman's face paint and stage outfit were derived from KISS's album entitled "Monster" that was released on October 9th, 2012. His feline style comes complete with a black and silver vest (with spider web design on the back), and black pants with snake design!
Clamshell packaging allows you to open the packaging to see the figure. Each 8 inch figure comes with a commemorative "Monster" mini 2 X 2 inch album cover, while each 12 inch figure comes with a mini concert t-shirt!
IF YOU PRE-ORDER THIS BEFORE APRIL 30TH, 2013 (OR UNTIL SUPPLIES LAST) YOU WILL GET A FREE 8" AND 12" HOTTER THAN HELL DEMON BLOODY VARIANT!
The bassist and co-vocalist of rock band Kiss was known for being a womaniser when the group first started out in the early '70s.
The 63-year-old is now married to former Playboy Playmate Shannon Tweed, but he quipped his lothario past sometimes still comes back to haunt him.
"We are now celebrating our 40th year since the first tour and Paul [Stanley] and I were in a Los Angeles airport and a senior woman - who I would say was in her 70s - came over with a cane and she said, 'Oh, Gene Simmons, how are you? I haven't seen you in forever,'' he recalled to Australian radio show hosts Kyle and Jackie O.
"I think, 'Oh, your daughters are fans, your granddaughters are fans...' She said, 'Don't you remember? 1975 backstage, during the drum solo...' So I did some quick arithmetic: I must have been 25 and she could have been ten, 15 years older. Oh my god, I slept with grandma!"
Gene married Shannon in 2011, after almost 30 years together. The couple have two children and the singer says it was important to be honest with his wife before they settled down.
"The cure to all this madness is my beautiful wife Shannon," he smiled.
"I had to come clean; before you get married you should do it. Men are just messed up. First thing you need to do is just come clean, everything, all out."
Thanks to his career in one of the most successful rock bands, people have always been interested in Gene's life. He says the best way to deal with fame is to not worry what others think.
"People are curious because I always led my life [my own way]. This is my life, I get to live it once, the world be damned, I am gonna do it my way!" he explained. "I think that's a good piece of advice for anybody: stop looking over your shoulder to see if anybody isn't OK with you being you. It's my life."
Stanley, also a singer in the U.S. hard rock group known for its garish makeup, will also be selling the microphone he sings into for $3,000, along with special microphone and guitar combination packages, his website said.
If you purchase a KISS guitar during the Australian tour, currently underway until March 16, you also get to meet Stanley before the concert and view your yet undamaged guitar, which will be smashed that night in your honor, according to Stanley's website (paulstanleyguitars.com).
Not included in the price is your concert ticket.
"What a fantastic feeling I got seeing Paul Stanley smashing 'my' guitar at the end of an unbelievable show," gushed one fan on the website after buying a guitar during an earlier British tour.
Detroit Rock City
Shout It Out Loud
Deuce
Firehouse
Hell of Hallelujah
Calling Dr Love
Outta This World
Psycho Circus
Bass solo
I Love It Loud
Crazy Crazy Nights
War Machine
Love Gun
Rock and Roll All Nite
Lick It Up
Black Diamond
Rock & Brews Los Cabos is the first international location for the new entertainment and rock-themed dining concept. Stanley and Simmons, along with Rock & Brews co-founding partners restaurateur-hotelier Michael Zislis and veteran concert promoter Dave Furano, have teamed up with Los Cabos' restaurateurs Jessica Moreira, Rodrigo Cabeza De Vaca, and Sergio Martinez, and developers Alfredo Gadsden, Gabriel Gadsden and Mario Gadsden for the opening.
"I am honored to join the Rock & Brews lineup, and am especially excited for our first international location in Los Cabos," said Stanley. "Rock & Brews is truly a unique concept that embraces music and concert-style social gatherings like no other dining venue."
The new Rock & Brews Los Cabos features a unique concert themed-atmosphere complete with hand-painted murals of rock artists, album and tour art. Guests can take advantage of the al fresco dining offered, or enjoy sitting indoors in an authentically themed backstage concert site. The restaurant features a full bar and will have the largest selection of craft beers in Los Cabos. It is set to be a main late-night attraction for locals and tourists alike, as after the dinner rush, a DJ will be spinning tunes nightly.
The grand opening of Rock & Brews Los Cabos will welcome about 400 KISS fans from around the world, along with music industry notables and local VIPs. A special KISS Army Rock & Brews package is available at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort that includes a two-night stay in a deluxe room with a Jacuzzi and private terrace (double occupancy) March 22 and 23, two tickets to the invitation-only Rock & Brews opening on March 22, a private seaside reception and photo opportunity with Gene and Paul at the resort's Five Star Diamond De Cortez restaurant prior to the opening event, a breakfast buffet for two at the resort's Tomatoes restaurant, and a Rock & Brews t-shirt for $749, including tax, based on availability. The rate code is KISARRB.
Four additional Rock & Brews restaurants are currently in development. Rock & Brews Redondo Beach (on Pacific Coast Highway) is set to open in late April; Rock & Brews LAX (in the Delta Airlines Terminal) and Rock & Brews Paia, Maui will open this summer; and a Rock & Brews Prairiefire, in Kansas City, Missouri is also slated to open later this year. Several others are on the drawing board for locations throughout the United States and abroad.
Rock & Brews Los Cabos is located at Paseo Malecon San Jose Plaza del Pescador Local 1, San Jose Del Cabo.
For more information, visit www.rockandbrews.com.
Detroit Rock City
Shout It Out Loud
Calling Dr Love
Firehouse
Hell or Hallelujah
Christine Sixteen
Outta This World
Psycho Circus
Bass solo
I Love It Loud
Crazy Crazy Nights
War Machine
Love Gun
Rock and Roll All Nite
Lick It Up
I Was Made For Loving You
Black Diamond
Chaired by Lori Kirsch, the American Cancer Society's Hope Lounge will be held in the exciting new venue Encore at 106 Schanck Road, Freehold, New Jersey 07728. The festivities will begin at 8 p.m. with designer cocktails, gourment, hors d'oeuvres, premier entertainment , dancing, live and silent auction and casino games.
Hope Lounge is one of the premier cocktail-style events of its kind to be held in Monmouth County, as more than 200 attendees, including corporate sponsors, prominent medical and business professionals as well as social and political leaders, underwriters and guests are expected to attend this exciting event.
For more information, go to this location.
Detroit Rock City
Shout It Out Loud
Hell or Hallelujah
I Love It Loud
Psycho Circus
Calling Dr. Love
Firehouse
Crazy Crazy Nights
Outta This World
God Of Thunder
War Machine
Shandi (Paul solo)
Love Gun
Black Diamond
Lick It Up
I Was Made For Lovin' You
Rock And Roll All Nite
The explosive season premiere of The Footy Show will shake the studio foundations when rock legends KISS perform live and exclusive on Thursday, March 7, on Channel Nine at 9.45pm AEDT.
In the only television performance on their Australian Monster tour, the giants of glam rock will perform two of their hits LIVE in the studio to kick off the 20th season of The Footy Show.
KISS are celebrating their own amazing milestone in 2013 with a world tour to mark 40 years of hard rockin’. When they arrive for The Footy Show performance, host Paul “Fatty” Vautin, an unabashed KISS tragic, is going to break out his platforms and white face paint and warm up his tongue as all hell breaks loose at the Nine Network’s Sydney studios.
“What an amazing way to kick off our 20th year, with one of the biggest rock bands in the world LIVE in the studio. Fatty is such a Kiss tragic we may need to have oxygen on standby,” Glenn Pallister, Executive Producer of The Footy Show, said.
KISS began their Australian tour in Perth on Thursday – their first in five years – and with a number of sold-out shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Mackay and Adelaide, Australian rock fans are in for a treat with an extravaganza not to be missed!
After performing at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium the night before – on a bill with the heavy metal Motley Crue and Irish rockers Thin Lizzy – KISS will hit the road for their live performance on The Footy Show’s 2013 premiere less than 24 hours later.
Join Fatty, Michael “Slats” Slater and the boys as KISS, the legends of glam rock, set The Footy Show alight on Thursday, March 7, on Channel Nine at 9.45pm.
The 70s supergroup, including Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, casually strolled through Adelaide Airport, posing for photos and signing autographs for about 50 devoted members of the 'KISS Army'.
Stanley said the band was ready to rock Adelaide after kicking off their tour in Perth last night.
"The show is amazing...there'll be lots of bombs and lots of lights, and great music spanning the whole career of the band," he said.
"We've got decades of decibels so we're going to be giving everybody exactly what they're expecting."
Simmons, who arrived with wife, actress Shannon Tweed, said he was excited to return to Adelaide for the first time since 2004.
"Adelaide is a terrific place, we've been here five or six times, we love it," he said.
"The food's great, the people are good, everything's really nice."
While the singers told AdelaideNow they were car racing fans, Stanley said they would use tomorrow's rest day to visit the city's famed wine regions.
"Adelaide is a fabulous city, we have to go to the Barossa Valley, check out all the great wines," Stanley said. KISS will perform at the Clipsal 500 after-race concert on Sunday.
They'll be joined on the main stage by rockers Motley Crue, who are expected to fly into Adelaide later tonight.
On the Tommy Thayer "Spaceman" Les Paul Standard Outfit guitar:
Tommy: "A year or two ago I contacted Epiphone, which is really a part of Gibson, the same company. I met and talked to Jim Rosenberg, the president, and told him I would love to do a Tommy Thayer limited-edition Les Paul signature guitar. He loved the idea. The reason I went to Epiphone and not Gibson is because I wanted to make a signature guitar that was high quality, had great playability, was well made, had great performance, but was also something that was completely affordable for everyone. That's why we've done an Epiphone, and that was my preference from the beginning.
"Jim and I just deal directly with each other; we don't have any intermediaries. We just talk on the phone, and email. I just sent him the exact specs for that original silver sparkle top that the Custom Shop had done for me in '06. Jim made the point that it was important we replicated the guitar exactly right down to the detail of the same tuners, the exact same pickups, the same parts, bridge, all the details being exactly the same as the original guitar. He said that fans really scrutinize that, and want replica guitars exactly like the originals. That's what we did; we made an exact replica of the original one, and it turned out great. We actually ended up using Gibson 498 pick-ups, Grover Deluxe tuners, all the exact same parts."
On KISS no longer using outside writers:
Tommy: "In the '80s with the beginnings of MTV and the video revolution, I think that bands and artists began to take a slightly different approach to writing. It was about creating something that was going to work well and sell well on video, on MTV and on radio. Therefore, the idea of bringing in outside writers was popular then because you wanted to write songs that were more single-oriented and more hit-oriented. The success of a band depended on that; being on MTV and on the radio, you had to have hit songs one way or another if you wanted to succeed. I think it's evolved now where bands and artists don't find that to be the most important thing anymore, and it's not what drives the process like it used to in the '80s. Now it's more organic again, where we just write songs because we love the music. We love the raw, rock 'n' roll, rootsy songs that we're writing. That approach was just simpler and more honest, actually. It's more real, more what we really are. In that regard, I like that better."
On writing with Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons:
Tommy: "It's interesting writing with Paul and Gene, but I think I wrote more with Paul for whatever reason. Paul and I would get together quite often, and work out song ideas. It's really inspirational for me, because Paul is a guy that has been doing this for a long time. He's very experienced and very smart about his approach to songwriting, and just influences in general. People don't realize it, but Paul and Gene are huge rock fans as well. They love the rock music that they grew up with, and that's still very much a part of what influences them when they're writing. I've learnt a lot from them because a lot of the stuff that they're influenced by was a little before my time. They've turned me on to a lot of great bands from the late '60s that I wasn't privy to because it was before I was aware of what was going on. [laughs] I came into music more in the early to mid-'70s because I'm a little younger. Learning from them and enjoying a lot of the things that they love has been a great experience. It's just phenomenal."
Read the entire interview at Metal Forces.
CLICK HERE to listen to part two of the interview, which starts at the 2:10:40 mark.
A bank is accusing Ace Frehley, a former member of the rock group KISS, of not paying the mortgage on his Yorktown home for almost two years. U.S. Bank National Association claims that the rock star, whose real name is Paul Frehley, stopped paying his $735,000 mortgage on March 1, 2011.
In its Feb. 15 foreclosure filing, the bank asked the court to order a sale of the home to pay for the outstanding principal of $703,581.48 plus interest, late charges and other expenses.
Frehley, 61, borrowed the money in 2006 for the one-family home at 1347 Spring Valley Road that sits on 3.01 acres. The 2,441-square-foot house has two floors, three bedrooms and three bathrooms.
Frehley could not be reached for comment, and his personal assistant John Ostrosky did not respond to an email sent to an address posted on Frehley’s website. One of Frehley’s companies, Max Cake Productions, uses the home as its business address.
The bank’s attorney, Elizabeth A. Clarke at Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak in Rochester, declined to comment on the foreclosure filing.
According to Yorktown records, Jendell Productions bought the home on Nov. 17, 2000, for $650,000. The company then transferred ownership to Frehley in 2004 for no money.
Jendell is the name of the fictional home planet for Frehley’s extraterrestrial “Spaceman” stage character, who wore silver face paint and black lipstick.
Frehley’s house also has almost two years of unpaid taxes, according to the Yorktown tax receiver’s office, which hasn’t received a payment since Dec. 30, 2011. Back taxes include a 2011 lien of $5,131.61 for town and county taxes, as well as $13,425.94 for unpaid 2012 county, school and town taxes.
Frehley, now a solo musician, became famous in the 1970s as the lead guitarist for KISS, a band beloved for its outlandish costumes, stage shows and heavy metal music. Frehley left the group in 1982 and rejoined it from 1996 to 2002.
KISS charted its biggest hits while Frehley was a member in the 1970s. The group’s highest-charting song was the ballad “Beth,” which hit No. 7 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1976.
For more information, visit AceFrehley.com.
Asked who is the "creepiest rock star" that ever hit on her, Bobbie said (see video below): "Paul Stanley from KISS. He was just effeminate… extremely effeminate. I don't know… It was pretty creepy, I have to say. I mean, no offense to KISS and all that stuff, but it was bizarre. And I think that maybe…. I don't know… Who knows?! I don't know if he's gay or not, but [laughs] I really had the feeling that he might be. I don't know."
Bobbie is one of the stars of "Ex-Wives Of Rock", the new reality series which "chronicles the highs and lows of the glamorous L.A. lives of four women who have led the sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll life... and have survived to reinvent themselves."
The show, which is co-produced by the FEMME FATALE frontwoman Lorraine Lewis, follows video vixen Susan Dixon (ex-wife of WARRANT bassist Jerry Dixon); Bobbie Brown; Athena Lee (ex-wife of SCORPIONS drummer James Kottak and MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee's sister); and Sharise Neil (ex-wife of MÖTLEY CRÜE frontman Vince Neil). Throughout each episode, you see all sides of the four ex-wives: the good, the bad and the ugly. We witness family drama, messed up love lives and friendships crash and burn. We see the glamorous red-carpet events, the seedy rock clubs, the fabulous hotel lunches and the quiet dinners at home.
Platinum and MONSTER ticket packages are available for the VIP Party. Sales are limited as we would like everyone in attendance to enjoy the party!
The day will kick off with a free KISS Expo outside in the parking lot of KISS by Monster Mini Golf from 10am - 6pm.
Special Expo Guests include Bob Kulick and Ken Kelly.
- Shop for KISS collectibles at a KISS venue!
- Get your Face "KISS" Painted!
- Get your Photo taken in the KISS boots!
According to the producer, Paul’s interview was “so great” they had to make it a two-part feature.
For tune-in information or show times in your area, go to www.nightswithalicecooper.com.
If you're already booked on the Kruise, you can submit your song now! Check your email for a message from the KISS Kruise that contains a link to the song request form.
The KISS Kruise has also announced details of its Alumni program. On your first Kruise, you’ll be known as a Sailor.? Once you complete your first mission, you’ll be promoted to Petty Officer.?
After 2 missions, you’ll be promoted to Lieutenant.? After 3- Commander?.
Then, if we continue this Rock n Roll invasion through The KISS Kruise V… After 4- Captain?, and After 5- Admiral! And beyond that....We'll surprise you. As a token of our appreciation for your service, you’ll receive a KISS Kruise dog tag commemorating that year’s sailing.
Written by Gene Simmons and Ken Sharp, "Nothin' To Lose: The Making Of KISS (1972-1975)" is a 544-page hardcover book that chronicles for the first time the crucial formative years of the legendary rock band KISS, culminating with the groundbreaking success of their classic 1975 album "Alive!" and the smash single "Rock And Roll All Nite", a song that nearly four decades later remains one of the band's most enduring anthems.
Drawing on more than 200 interviews, the book offers a captivating and intimate fly-on-the-wall account of their launch, charting the struggles and ultimate victories that led them to the threshold of super-stardom. Constructed as an oral history, the book includes original interviews with Paul Stanley, Gene, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss, as well as producers, engineers, management, roadies, costume and stage designers, fans, and musical contemporaries from the time, including: original manager Bill Aucoin, Casablanca Records founder Neil Bogart, rock photographer Bob Gruen, promoter Ron Delsner, Ted Nugent, Dick Clark, Alice Cooper, Marshall Crenshaw, and Bob Seger, as well as members of AEROSMITH, BLACK SABBATH, RUSH, STYX, NAZARETH, SLADE, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, URIAH HEEP, MOTT THE HOOPLE, NEW YORK DOLLS, RAMONES, and THE QUATTROS, among others. The end result is an indelible and irresistible portrait of a band on the rise and the music scene they changed forever.
Receive a Phone Call from Paul Stanley of KISS, a Signed Washburn PS 150 Electric Guitar & Signed Guitar from Gene Simmons!
Have you ever wanted to talk to Paul Stanley personally? Would you like to own a Paul Stanley PS150 autographed guitar?
You have the chance to win both when you bid on this new CharityBuzz auction! The winner of the auction will own a Washburn Paul Stanley model PS 150 electric guitar that was signed by Paul Stanley! The winner will also have the exclusive opportunity to speak with Paul when he or she receives a 5 minute phone call from the legendary rock frontman! The winner will also receive a Gene Simmons AXE bass guitar signed by Gene!
The auction ends on Thursday, February 14th at 1:16PM EST.
Proceeds from the auction benefit the Voice Health Institute. The Voice Health Institute is a federally-approved non-profit organization (501-C-3) that was established in 2003 by patients with voice loss to advance voice restoration and breathing impairment as a result of throat and larynx problems through the support of innovative research, education and outreach programs. Learn more about the VHI at this link.
The conference is an annual gathering of Tickets.com clients and industry professionals. Focused on education, it also explores key topics and business opportunities for executives of sports teams and live entertainment venues around the world. Simmons' extensive experience as a performer as well as his insightful perspectives on how to control a brand and leverage it for profit will be invaluable material for attendees and be the highlight of the conference.
"Gene is an absolute ideal fit for our event," said Doug Lyons, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Tickets.com. "ProVenue Exchange is all about the business of live entertainment, and nobody -- and I mean NOBODY -- can talk to this topic better than Gene. We are so excited to have him join us."
In addition to being co-founder of one of the most successful and unique performing acts of all time, Simmons has built a reputation for excellence in a wide array of ventures including movies, television shows, publishing, merchandising, live event promotion -- even smartphone applications and financial services. His reputation for directness, superb business judgment and making money is legendary, and his presentation skills and style are unparalleled.
"The fact that we are using a Rock and Roll theme for this year's event -- and holding it at the ultimate Rock and Roll property, The Hard Rock Hotel -- was the clincher," continued Lyons. "Gene was by far our top choice and we know he will inspire our attendees and raise the overall conference experience tremendously."
Tickets.com, provider of both the www.tickets.com online "ticket exploration engine" and ProVenue, the leading in-house ticketing platform for sports and live entertainment, has been a pioneer in technology since entering the Internet ticketing space in the late-1990s.
For more information about the conference, visit provenueexchange.com.
Iconic Australian ice cream brand, Peters, has joined forces with legendary rock giants KISS to make their upcoming Monster Tour even sweeter by bringing back the famous Peters KISS ‘Thunderbolt’ ice block.
In February 2013, Peters will re-launch their widely popular 1980s KISS ‘Thunderbolt’ ice block to coincide with KISS’s Monster Tour in Australia celebrating their 40th Anniversary. Peters and KISS will be encouraging KISS fans to ‘Lick It Up’ while stocks last* and rock out at a concert in their local city.
Alicia Munday, Peters Marketing Manager, said, “The original KISS ice block was such a hit when it first launched that we knew we had to bring it back at some stage. When KISS announced that they were starting their global KISS Monster Tour in Australia we knew we had to make it happen.
“We know the comeback of this ice block will conjure up a sense of nostalgia and excitement for new and old fans and expect the Peters KISS ‘Thunderbolt’ to be a sellout success,” added Munday.
KISS front man, Paul Stanley, is excited by the partnership and can’t wait to ‘Lick It Up’ Down Under. “Getting a chance to revisit our first time here through this awesome Aussie project gives us a taste of KISSTERIA and all that made us a phenomenon back then.” he said.
Gene Simmons, KISS bassist and co-founder, admits-- “I still have 12 original boxes of the ice blocks from the 1980s."
The Peters KISS ‘Thunderbolt’ ice block is a triple threat of three flavours that will take you straight back to childhood – lemonade, raspberry and cola.
The Peters KISS ‘Thunderbolt’ ice block will be one of the first products to be released under Peters’ new Australian ownership and part of a renewed commitment to creating products that Australians want.
*The Peters KISS ‘Thunderbolt’ ice block is available exclusively in Caltex outlets from Wednesday, 6 February and Coles supermarkets from Wednesday, 13 February until sold out.
Tommy, KISS' former tour manager who took on the "Spaceman" persona after founding KISS guitarist Ace Frehley left the band in 2002, says, "It's based on a Custom Shop Les Paul that Gibson made for me. It has a Silver Sparkle top and it's a straight-ahead Standard based on a 1959 to 1960 vintage. It's got the same 498 pickups that I use onstage."
A video chat with Thayer about the guitar can be seen below.
According to Epiphone, the guitar features a solid mahogany body and a plain maple veneer top that deliver the classic tone and sustain that can only come from a "real" Les Paul. The 1960s SlimTaper "D" profile mahogany neck has a deep-set glued-in neck joint, a 24.75" scale length, 22 medium jumbo frets, and a 1.68" nut. Like all Epiphone Les Pauls (and unlike less costly designs), the limited-edition Tommy Thayer "Spaceman" Les Paul Standard Outfit features a 14-degree headstock that gives you more pressure at the nut for more sustain with less tuning hang-ups caused by "string-tree" gadgets. A rosewood fingerboard with a 12-inch radius and pearloid trapezoid inlays completes the classic Les Paul Standard look and feel. The hand set-neck delivers outstanding string-to-body resonance while the medium-jumbo frets add to the smooth and sustained tone. The top features a beautiful Silver Flake color finish and a black gloss finish on the back, sides, and neck. The body features single ply white binding on the top and on the fingerboard. A cool black pickguard completes the modern look. (Video)
Below are some fun facts…
1. Before changing their name to KISS, the quartet were called Wicked Lester. As Wicked Lester, they even recorded an album’s worth of demos for Epic Records in 1971-‘72 that never got released. Some of these songs would show up on later KISS albums. Drummer Peter Criss joined around April 1972 and Ace Frehley followed in January ’73. Two weeks later, they debuted as KISS.
2. Before they decided on KISS, they also considered the names Albatross, Rainbow (before Ritchie Blackmore’s post-Deep Purple band of the same name), and Crimson Harpoon. Gene Simmons was once quoted as saying that he wanted to call the band F***, but he was joking. Simmons is smart enough to know that would be uncommercial.
3. In the 1970s, some anti-rock preachers suggested KISS stood for Knights in Satan’s Service – that’s not true.
4. The Rainbow connection doesn’t end there. Ken Kelly, the artist who painted both the Destroyer and Love Gun album covers also painted album covers for Blackmore’s Rainbow.
5. Former Twisted Sister guitarist Jay Jay French auditioned for lead guitarist of Kiss in late 1972/early ‘73, when they were still called Wicked Lester. But Ace got the gig. Even though Ace auditioned wearing mismatching sneakers, one red and one orange.
6. Their fervent fans are known as the KISS Army, and started in Indiana when a local radio station refused to play any KISS songs in the early ‘70s. Protesting fans marched outside of the radio station and referred to themselves as the KISS Army.
7. Original pressings of debut album KISS did not include "Kissin' Time". The album was reissued in July ‘74 to include the cover, "Kissin' Time," originally a hit for Bobby Rydell.
8. For the cover of KISS, the band wanted their debut LP to resemble Meet The Beatles. Oh, and Warner Bros. Records initially threatened to end the band’s deal if they did not remove their makeup.
9. To get the silver “Spaceman” look for his hair on the KISS artwork, Ace Frehley applied commercial spray-paint that he assumed would wash right out afterwards. Ace was wrong.
10. Ace began using blue eyeshadow in the late ‘70s – he also developed allergic reactions to his silver makeup.
11. “Dimebag” Darrell (Pantera/Damageplan) was buried in a “KISS Kasket”, as he had requested in his will. Gene Simmons said, “There were a limited number made and I sent mine to the family of ’Dimebag’ Darrell. He requested in his will to be buried in a KISS Kasket, as he sort of learned his rock’n’roll roots by listening to us for some strange reason.” For those who favor cremation, KISS urns are also available.
12. In the early 70's Peter Criss flew to England to audition for Elton John's backing band. He failed the audition.
13. Ace Frehley was once known for liking a drink, but his classic “Cold Gin” wasn’t based on his preferred adult beverage. “I didn't drink gin: didn't drink liquor of any kind very often,” he writes in his No Regrets memoir. “I was a beer man then, and not even a connoisseur. Gimme a can of whatever you had in the fridge! I was happy. I wanted to write a drinking song, and "Cold Gin" sounded like a great title.”
14. KISS were offered the part of the Future Villain Band in the 1978 movie Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The band declined, as they were afraid of damaging their image. The role was taken by Aerosmith.
15. The hand on the cover of Music From The Elder is not that of Paul Stanley, as some fans presume. It’s that of a hand model, according to ex-manager Bill Aucoin.
16. The door pictured on the cover of …The Elder is the door for a Methodist church on Park Avenue in New York City.
17. Gene Simmons is one of the world’s top fire breathers. The bassist’s fire-spitting is a KISS stunt, but Simmons is actually good at it. He’s reached 15ft. Not as good as the 2011 world record held by American Antonio Restivo of 8.05m (26 ft 5 in) but impressive nonetheless in what can only be described a “minority” pursuit.
18. Ace Frehley sings horizontally! He says, “Every time I ever record a lead vocal, I've had to do it on my back. If I stand up and try to sing, I can't hit the notes sometimes.”
19. Paul Stanley wrote a number of early Kiss songs, including "Firehouse" and "Let Me Know" while in high school.
20. Stanley was later an art major at the Bronx Community College, before devoting his time to KISS. But he still paints - see Paul Stanley paintings.
21. Kiss have never had a U.S. number one single. But "I Was Made for Lovin' You" hit Number 1 in Canada and Holland.
22. KISS’s late drummer Eric Carr’s collar on his 1980 “fox” costume was made out of real fox fur.
23. Most of the songs featured on Peter Criss's 1978 solo album were originally written in 1972 for an album by his then-band, called Lips.
24. In 1986, Paul Stanley was close to getting the producer's job for Guns N’ Roses' Appetite for Destruction album. But Stanley eventually changed his mind, and declined.
25. For his solo album of 1978, Gene Simmons wanted guest appearances by Sammy Davis Jr., Dinah Shore, Chaka Khan and Liberace. Other obligations meant they couldn’t take part. Simmons also asked Paul McCartney. “Scheduling problems” also stopped that happening.
26. According to Peter Criss, Ace Frehley played bass on a lot of early Kiss songs.
27. Early in their careers, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss all recorded vocals on commercial jingles, including some for AMC trucks.
28. Sammy Hagar was thrown off as the opening act of a Kiss tour during the late ‘70s due to using foul language on stage.
29. The “newscast” heard at the beginning of "Detroit Rock City" on the Destroyer album was read by producer Bob Ezrin.
30. Immediately after leaving Kiss in 1982, Ace Frehley flew out to Los Angeles to produce the first demo tapes for W.A.S.P.
31. Despite Stanley being the serious art student, Ace Frehley designed the KISS logo.
32. When Eric Carr recorded his vocal for the re-recording of "Beth" in 1988, he sat on the same drum stool that Peter Criss used during the original recording of the song in 1976.
33. In his early years, Gene Simmons entered a Jewish Rabbinical school with the intention of becoming a Rabbi.
34. Ace Frehley was a drum roadie for Mitch Mitchell during Jimi Hendrix's final Band of Gypsys New York performance in 1970.
35. All instruments on the song "Little Caesar" off the Hot in the Shade album were played by Bruce Kulick (all guitars) and Eric Carr (drums and bass).
36. Immediately before joining KISS in 1982, Vinnie Vincent was a staff songwriter for the TV program Happy Days – he reportedly wrote all the songs that characters Joanie and Chachi sang on the show. (We so hope this is true!)
37. The guitar solos on the songs "All American Man" and "Exciter" were played by Rick Derringer (of "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo" fame.)
38. In 1977, Kiss became the first band since The Beatles to have four albums on the Billboard Hot 100 album chart. Alive, Destroyer, Rock and Roll Over, and The Originals were all in the Top 40 at the same time.
39. In 1983, Gene Simmons says he turned down the romantic male-lead role in the movie Flashdance, for fear of hurting his image. Apparently.
40. In the early ‘90s, Gene Simmons claimed to have written a song with Bob Dylan. It has yet to surface.
As is always the way with KISS, some of the above “facts” may be more true than others. Thanks to all the fine KISS fansites, biographies and member autobiographies for their own version of some krazy events…
With the Arena Football League's championship game as the centerpiece of a three-day event that includes one of music's most recognizable bands, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is among those seeing the financial potential.
"Some of the estimates were $15 million to $20 million for other ArenaBowl events, but this is a more expansive event," Dyer said. "We know a lot of people will travel to Orlando."
ArenaBowl XXVI, scheduled for 1 p.m. on Aug. 17 at the Amway Center and televised by CBS, will be the sixth time the game has been held at a neutral site but a first for Orlando. The Predators have hosted three ArenaBowls, none since 2000, but the site was determined then by the team with home-field advantage.
"This is a destination spot," AFL Commissioner Jerry Kurz said. "There's no doubt in my mind, there's no doubt in any owner's mind across the league that this is the place we need to be."
Preds managing partner Brett Bouchy grew up a KISS fan and said the band's association with the ArenaBowl looked bleak at times. They will perform at a concert the day before the game and be integrated into the ArenaBowl weekend.
"We've been working on it for months, but as any good business deal has, it had a few hiccups,'' Bouchy said. "We didn't have the green light until we got the signature from [KISS bassist and co-vocalist] Gene Simmons, and the signature didn't come over until an hour before the press conference."
AFL owners unanimously approved Orlando as the host site in mid-January. Kurz said the league considered three or four other cities as potential hosts.
Kurz said Orlando could be a destination for future ArenaBowls. He cited corporate profitability and scheduling flexibility as the main reasons for looking at continuing neutral-site championship games.
Las Vegas hosted neutral-site ArenaBowls in 2005 and '06, and New Orleans hosted in 2007, '08 and last year.
"New Orleans loves our game, and they'd love to have us back," Kurz said. "We think a number of our markets could step up, like Orlando, but they have to be able to put everything together. They have to put together the support of the team, the community, the civic leaders and the buildings.
"If that's done like it's going to be done here, I can see a rotation."
Four decades on, KISS is still rocking a legion of fans that number in the millions around the globe. Now 40 years strong, Paul, Gene, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer prepare for a "Monster" world tour in 2013.
Says Stanley: "My dream from the start was five years of glory with KISS. Along with Peter and Ace, we kicked doors open that stood in our way, and every band member who has stood with me at some point during these decades has played an essential part in turning that five year dream into a phenomenal 40-year reality. I thank each of you for your contribution to this milestone.
"Our journey and victories are a joy I also share with you, our fans who have always given us the freedom to stand and fall on our own terms, and we have done both with a grateful smile. For the past ten years, Tommy and Eric's pride and dedication have enabled Gene and I to reclaim and celebrate all that we have been, while continuing to move forward in a way that would have been impossible without them. I love playing with the band as it is today, and many of my proudest moments are tied to moments of magic we have created together in the studio and on the stage. I know we're ready to do it again."
Adds Eric Singer: "A special thanks to all of the fans who have been with the band on this roller coaster ride called KISS for 40 years! I am honored to be a part of this machine and pay special respect to all members past and present. I especially want to thank Paul, Gene, Tommy and [manager] Doc McGhee for giving me a place to call home. And most importantly the fans. YOU fuel this engine!"
States Tommy Thayer: "At 40 years strong, I'm proud to be in one of the greatest bands in rock history. KISS is a band that is as full of life and vitality today as it was 10, 20, 30 and 40 years ago. All eras of the band should be celebrated today. Long live KISS."
Says Gene Simmons: "To the Kiss Army — who made it all possible for us.
"To Paul, without whom I would never have been able to achieve my dreams.
"And to the band — past and present — for continuing to treat the stage as holy ground and the fans as our bosses.
"Here's to another 40 years!"
It's a silver sparkle beauty that Thayer is clearly very proud of, as he should be. He's now been in KISS for over a decade, and he's slowly but surely carved out his own unique sound and approach, all the while being sensitive to the legacy of the "Spaceman" character originally created by original guitarist Ace Frehley.
As Tommy tells us, he didn't want to rock the boat too early in the game, but with the last two KISS albums, Sonic Boom and Monster, he took the opportunity to begin putting his personal stamp on the sound of the "hottest band in the land."
In just a few weeks, KISS are off to Australia to bring some thunder down under and then hopefully after they have their way with Europe, we'll get some KISS here again in the U.S.
Aside from being a fantastic guitarist, Thayer (formerly of Black 'N Blue) is also one of the most down-to-earth guys in the business and it's always a pleasure when Noisecreep gets a chance to speak to him.
While the group's characters--Paul Stanley's Starchild, Peter Criss's Catman, Ace Frehley's Spaceman, and Gene Simmons's Demon--weren't yet fully formed when KISS took the stage that fateful night in Queens (their legendary platform-footed characters would make their true debut 10 days later, at the Daisy club in Amityville, New York), the KISS guys already knew that they wanted to put their own, much more macho spin on the early 1970s' prevailing glam-rock style.
"At the same time that we were forming in New York, there was a very big glitter scene, where boys were basically acting like girls and putting on makeup," Gene Simmons recalled during an interview with '90s fanzine Porkchops & Applesauce, conducted shortly before the original KISS lineup kissed and made up in 1996. "Y'know, all the skinny little guys, hairless boys. Well, we were more like football players; all of us were over 6 feet tall, and it just wasn't convincing! The very first pictures we took when the band first got together, we looked like drag queens. But we knew we wanted to get outlandish. We weren't a Grateful Dead kind of band that would get onstage and look worse than the roadie delivering our stuff. Which doesn't negate what the Dead and other bands were doing; it just wasn't us. Getting up onstage was almost a holy place for us, like church, so being onstage looking like a bum wasn't my idea of respect. That's where the makeup and dressing up came in. It would have obviously been a lot easier to get up onstage in jeans and T-shirts and go, 'Okay, here we are--we're the Ramones!' And that would have been just as valid, but it would not have been honest."
Considering how iconic the KISS characters have become--inspiring lucrative lines of action figures, lunchboxes, Halloween costumes, even Hello Kitty fashions and coffins--it's amazing that there was no real master plan, marketing team, or celebrity stylist behind the band members' character designs. "Nobody else was involved," Gene recalled to P&A. "I just remember being in a loft in downtown New York, and looking in the mirror and just starting to draw. It was very stream-of-consciousness. What you see is really what just happened."
Even back in those early club days, these creatures of the night were dreaming of stadiums filled with dry-ice smoke and screaming girls, and none of the band members--especially Gene, always the crafty entrepreneur of the group--have ever apologized for harboring such lofty, mass-market ambitions. "There is a credibility line that we completely ignored, and still do," said Gene, proudly. "That credibility line of 'We don't want to be big, we want to be small and play in small, smoky places, and we don't care if anybody like us.' Um, no! We never adhered to that point of view. It seems very self-destructive to me. Anything that prevents a band from becoming as mega as possible is complete idiocy to me. If you think highly enough about the stuff you're doing, you want as many people as possible to listen to it--it has always been about that for us."
However, 10 years after KISS's debut--on September 18, 1983--KISS did leave their larger-than-life, hotter-than-hell cartoon image behind, stripping off their warpaint at an infamous MTV press conference promoting their 11th studio album, Lick It Up. Although that album eventually went platinum, the unmasked men's fresh-scrubbed faces met with mixed reactions from diehard KISS Army recruits at the time. "Everybody hated it," recalled Gene. "People didn't want the paint to come off, but you know what? Tough. It had to happen. You want your heroes to stay the same forever, but then the consequence of that is you get bored with them. We had to take it off. It had run its course.
"New members had come into the band, and then new characters were happening [Vinnie Vincent, aka the Ankh Warrior, and Eric Carr, aka the Fox, had replaced Ace and Peter]. And it just wasn't convincing to us anymore. We had always adhered to the philosophy that if Peter and Ace ever left, then KISS, at least in that form, would cease to be. And I think, instinctively, we did that. Without killing ourselves, without taking the Cobain way out, we simply killed off that version of KISS and did a different version."
Of course, the original, fully facepainted KISS (Gene, Paul, Ace, and Peter) did get back together in 1996, for one of the most-hyped reunions in rock 'n' roll history. Their first joint appearance was a surprise cameo at the 38th Grammy Awards, which was bizarre not only because KISS had never even received a single Grammy nomination in their career, but because they were randomly (if awesomely) introduced by Tupac Shakur, for reasons that have never been satisfyingly explained.
But the makeup didn't stay on forever: Ace left KISS for good in 2002, and Peter followed in 2004. When Ace and Peter's replacements, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, started sporting the famous Spaceman and Catman makeup onstage, many fans balked, but Gene has pointed out that the group, even in all their clawfoot-booted, cape-brandishing, fire-breathing, blood-spitting glory, can never totally recapture the thrill of their '70s heyday, with or without the warpaint.
"There was a shock value you can never regain again--in the same way that no matter how pretty you are now, you'll never be as cute as you were when you were a baby," he told P&A. "And that's just the cross you have to bear for being around so long. If you're just a shooting star, people say, 'Wow! Look at that explosion!' But if you've been around for a while, it's going to go up and down and up and down. And the idea is really just to enjoy the ride."
You have the chance to win both when you bid on this new CharityBuzz auction! The winner of the auction will own a Washburn Paul Stanley model PS 150 electric guitar that was signed by Paul Stanley! The winner will also have the exclusive opportunity to speak with Paul when he or she receives a 5 minute phone call from the legendary rock frontman!
The auction ends on Thursday, February 14th at 1:16PM EST.
PLACE YOUR BID NOW TO WIN A PHONECALL & AUTOGRAPHED WASHBURN PS 150 GUITAR FROM PAUL!
Proceeds from the auction benefit the Voice Health Institute. The Voice Health Institute is a federally-approved non-profit organization (501-C-3) that was established in 2003 by patients with voice loss to advance voice restoration and breathing impairment as a result of throat and larynx problems through the support of innovative research, education and outreach programs. Learn more about the VHI at this link.
The series will be co-produced by Network Entertainment and Gene Simmons Company, the rock star's production banner.
"This is a character that could only have come from the fertile mind of Gene Simmons, and the opportunity to help bring Gene's vision to life is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity", states Network President and COO Paul Gertz, "We are thrilled to be in business with not only one of the industry's most diverse creative talents, but a man who has architected a portfolio of the music world's most successful merchandising and licensing initiatives that have supported and showcased the KISS global brand since its inception."
About Gene Simmons Company. Gene Simmons Company, the production arm of legendary performer and entrepreneur Gene Simmons, co-produced GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS on A&E (9 Seasons), created MY DAD THE ROCK STAR animated series (Nelvana/Nickelodeon), ROCK SCHOOL (VH1), and is currently in pre-production on the feature film ICARUS (Scott Films).
About Network Entertainment Inc. Network Entertainment Inc. is an established television and film production company with an award-winning international reputation. Network's recent productions include the Academy Award shortlisted feature documentary "Facing Ali", and the feature documentary "I Am Bruce Lee", which set all time ratings records for Viacom. Network's programming has been showcased at marquee film festivals and by broadcasters throughout North America.
Network's past projects and current productions can be viewed at www.networkentertainment.ca.
* RICHIE FONTANA, drummer on Paul's 1978 solo album!
* SiriusXM Radio host SCOTT ENGEL of RotoExperts.com talking about KISS Fantasy Football!
Listen here: thekissroom.com
It was a very busy year for the greasepaint-wearing legends, who released a “resurrected” version of their classic ‘Destroyer’ album in addition to the brand-new record ‘Monster.’ The former won Best Reissue or Archival Release honors by nearly a four-to-one margin (48% to 13%) over the nearest competitor, Pink Floyd‘s massive ‘The Wall: Experience Edition’ box set.
Meanwhile, ‘Monster’ earned 44% of the vote in the Album of the Year race, easily outpacing Van Halen‘s ‘A Different Kind of Truth’ (14%) and Rush‘s ‘Clockwork Angels’ (10%). The album’s second single, ‘Long Way Down,’ took home the Song of the Year prize with 35% of the vote, with Journey‘s ‘Resonate’ (11%) and Motley Crue‘s ‘Sex’ (10%) also earning medals.
As you can imagine, racking up wins in all those big categories also made it pretty clear that KISS was the Artist of the Year in the eyes of our readers, and indeed they beat Van Halen (14%) and Aerosmith (10%) out for that honor by capturing 42% of the vote.
The makeup-wearing marvels also took home prizes for Commercial of the Year (although we wonder if even they might agree Rush and Eddie Money got robbed there) and Photo of the Year, for a series of shots unveiling the latest versions of their famous stage costumes. Together with summer tour mates Motley Crue, KISS also came in second place in the Tour of the Year category.
Coming from your early band Black 'N Blue, could you tell us what it was like the first time you donned the Spaceman outfit and got up on stage as an official member of KISS?
It was a whole new world. Being in KISS onstage is a surreal experience guaranteed to be nothing like any other band. I can attest to that because I've been in other bands. It's a commitment physically in terms of the show, the makeup, the outfits and the boots. Unlike other artists, we start getting ready for our concerts hours beforehand. Being onstage is like being in some kind of apocalyptic, rock & roll fantasy land.. It's definitely different than your average band experience, that's for sure.
Anything going on with your old band Black 'N Blue?
Not a lot. I think they've been doing a few gigs here and there, some of the summer rock festivals.
Now that you have rocked some of the biggest stages in the world, what were some of your early influences as an up and coming musician that directly lead to you being where you are today?
Growing up I was knocked out by guitarists like Ronnie Montrose, Richie Blackmore, Jimmy Page, Peter Frampton, Steve Marriott, Mick Ralphs, Mick Ronson, Alex Lifeson and Davey Johnstone. I've always been drawn toward guitarists that are great songwriters and great riff writers.
During your time with KISS, is there a favorite city you enjoy playing?
It's always a tough question because no matter where you go in the world KISS fans are insane. I'm serious, it can be Moscow, Tokyo, Sao Paulo or Anchorage, they all go nuts. A really cool thing happened recently. We just completed an amazing tour of South America. In Buenos Aires we rocked River Plate Stadium on November 7th, which was on my birthday. When we came out for the encore they brought out a birthday cake and 55,000 KISS fanatics sang "Happy Birthday" to me. I don't know many people that that's happened to recently.
When you're on the road with KISS, do you guys do any writing or recording of new material? If so, do you bring your own portable studio with you?
If we're working on a new album and we're in that mode, we'll get together in hotel rooms or backstage on occasion to put new ideas together. I'd say that all four of us are very "low-tech" when it comes to electronics or recording gear. These days we use the voice memo function on our iPhones to collect new ideas.
Throughout the years you've surely tried your fair share of amps and effects. Do you have a go-to combination of effects and amps that makes up your sound and is there any new gear that you want to try?
My approach has always been really traditional when to comes to guitars and amps, meaning I plug a guitar straight into the amp and play. I believe if you can't get to the core of your sound that way then you're probably kidding yourself with a lot of extra "sound modification." I've heard guitarists come out onstage with huge racks of digital gear and you say to yourself, "Honey, someone shrunk the guitar sound." I think some stomp boxes are cool. For me it's a great sounding Les Paul into one of my Hughes & Kettner signature amps, it's a simple, killer, raw tone.
We hear you have worked to bring attention to music in the schools in the past. Are there any current projects you are working on or any organizations you support?
I like to help out where I can. I think it's really important for everyone to try to help other people. Give a little bit when you can with your time or money, it's really our civic duty. It makes for a stronger society and a better World.
Here at American Musical Supply, we're happy to be carrying your signature Epiphone Les Paul. Could you give us a little background on how that came about and what features you personally wanted in this guitar?
When the opportunity came up for an Epiphone Tommy Thayer signature Les Paul, the first thing I thought of was offering a pro guitar for musicians that looks amazing and is also affordable. I wanted it to be the guitar I play onstage with KISS but also a classic looking instrument that would catch the eye of any player. My Epiphone is modeled to the same specs as my silver sparkle top Gibson Custom Shop LP Standard I've played onstage for years. It's a quality-constructed instrument utilizing the same parts I use on all my Les Paul's, including Gibson 498 pick-ups and Grover Deluxe tuners. It's a professional guitar for real musicians but available at a price that's affordable for everyone. The guitar comes in a custom silver hard-shell case together with a very cool studded black and silver leather guitar strap like the ones I use onstage. I'm playing my Epiphone signature model live with KISS now and I couldn't be happier with the sound, the look and the performance of the guitar.
A lot of our customers are familiar with KISS and might someday like to follow a musical path as you did. Do you have any advice for them?
Another good question. The thing a lot of people don't realize is success starts with passion. Nothing is guaranteed if you're the most talented musician. In my opinion, it always takes passion, commitment and effort. It's more important to be able to put yourself in the position to be successful rather than waiting for it to happen because you're really good at what you do. The people that work the hardest will win most every time. You'll find your niche and you will succeed.
Steindorff is producing through his Scott Pictures banner. Logline is under wraps other than it is centered on two characters, one the hunter and the other hunted. Scott Pictures is out to writers.
In Greek mythology, Icarus is the son of the craftsman Daedalus, who creates wings of wax and feathers to escape from Crete. Icarus ignored instructions not to fly too close to the sun, causing him to fall into the sea and drown.
Steindorff is in pre-production on "Jane Got a Gun," starring Natalie Portman and Michael Fassbender, and "The Master and Margarita," slated for production in the fall.
Under Stone Village Pictures, Steindorff's producing credits include "The Lincoln Lawyer," "The Human Stain" and "Love in the Time of Cholera."
Last fall, the band’s new slot machines debuted at the Borgata in New Jersey and have now made their way into the Las Vegas casinos.
This isn’t the first time the quartet has been immortalized with their own row of reels, but the visuals and multimedia elements that accompany this latest incarnation are impressive – and no doubt the timing of their release was to coincide with the band’s robust new album, “Monster.”
Since I had zero luck when I first played the game in Jersey in November, never experiencing the all-important bonus round that truly shows a slot’s entertainment value, I was wary of feeding the beast more money at the Venetian in Las Vegas last week.
But, I’m glad I did, as this machine was much more accommodating, frequently rolling into bonus rounds where players pick a “Backstage Pass” bonus that awards free spins and other incentives. A breathy-voiced female might also bring you to an “encore” round if you’re (financially) lucky and you can only hope to get a row of Gene Simmons’ snaking tongues, which turn wild and can be lucrative.
What is most engaging about the slot – as it should be for something dedicated to KISS – is the music. An innovative feature is the cassette tape (ha) at the top of the screen that allows you to choose a background song while you play. If you get tired of “Detroit Rock City” after a few minutes, just touch it again and you might land on “Rock and Roll All Nite” or “Calling Dr. Love.”
Also cool? The characters showcase the original foursome with plenty of nods to classic album covers.
It seemed only fitting that the Spaceman should don the Les Paul. However, as fate would have it, Thayer has been a longtime Les Paul player, even back in his days in Black and Blue.
Thayer's 10th year in Kiss — and the band's 40th year in business — is commemorated by Epiphone's release of its Tommy Thayer Signature Edition "Spaceman" Les Paul. Featuring an eye-catching silver-sparkle top and top-of-the-line components, and made as a limited edition of 1,000 guitars, this model is sure to become a must-have for Kiss fans around the globe.
We recently caught up with Thayer to discuss the new model in detail.
GUITAR WORLD: You've announced there will be a limited-edition Tommy Thayer “Spaceman” Les Paul from Epiphone. Will it be present at the 2013 Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, later this month?
Yes, it'll be at the NAMM Show. And I believe it's already available through American Music Supply.
Can you talk about exactly what you did with the guitar and what makes it “Tommy Thayer” specific?
It's essentially an exact version of one of the Gibson Custom Shop Standards I've played on stage for several years. It is a silver-sparkle top, and the sides, back and neck are black. It has a cream binding. For an affordable guitar, it is a nice package. It’s using really good parts. We are using Gibson 498 pickups, which are the ones I use. The tuners are Grover Deluxe tuners. It's really well put together with good components and parts.
I've actually taken to playing the guitar on stage for the last bit of the South American tour for six or eight shows. I played it every night for part of the set. The guitar was great. I have one that I’m playing on stage, and you really can’t notice the difference between the Gibson and the Epiphone. The sound, the playability and the feel really pleased me. Comparing it to my Gibson Custom Shop guitar, it's right there. That made me really happy. The techs were saying they couldn’t tell the difference between the guitars. It's surprising in a good way.
The reason I decided to do the guitar this way was that the silver-sparkle top gave it a bit of a “Kiss” feel. But I didn’t want to introduce a guitar that was too stylized. I wanted a guitar that had some flash to it, but at the same time I wanted to offer a guitar that any pro musicians or guitar player that walks into the guitar shop will think looks cool. It’s not something that is so stylized that it will scare people away. I didn’t want it to have too much of a Kiss look to it.
Some guitarists’ signature-edition guitars are so specifically tailored that, as a consumer, you might hesitate. You might get up on stage and have to worry that people think you're a clone of someone. That has to be a double-edged sword with Kiss fans because some fans might want to get the guitar just because of Kiss.
That's true too, and that's why on the back of the headstock there is the Tommy Thayer Spaceman logo. But it's discreet; it isn’t too over the top. It has a look that doesn’t automatically make it look like Tommy Thayer or Kiss. Then again, for collectors, it's great because it's the guitar I play, and people can take pride in that.
As far as the paint, is it fairly similar to the Gibson Explorer you've played for years now?
I have a couple of Explorers that have the silver sparkle on them as well. We decided, though, that the flake of the sparkle would be less than the flake on my Gibsons. I didn’t want to make the size of the flake too pronounced. I worked a lot with Jim Rosenberg (president of Epiphone) and we went back and forth to find that perfect medium-sized flake. I didn’t want it to be too heavy. That could be the difference between someone loving or hating it.
That’s mahogany underneath?
Yes, that's mahogany and a rosewood fretboard like a standard Les Paul. It has trapezoid inlays. We have a nice package that it comes with too. We have an all silver hard-shell case. You don’t’ see that too often. That’s very Kiss! It comes with a studded guitar strap that is exactly like what I use on stage. It is a cool little memento. It also comes with a certificate-of-authenticity booklet with a signature and all that good stuff. It is a great value at the prize point.
Actually, I didn’t even talk to Gibson about doing a guitar and called Epiphone because I felt that doing a guitar like this that is high quality but still affordable was more appealing to me. Especially for people who don’t have $5,000 or $6,000 to buy a guitar. You get this great package, and it is really affordable and that was an important thing to me.
I think every guitar player remembers back to when they were young selling newspapers or whatever it was to get their first guitar.
My very first electric was a Fender Mustang and it was $135. My mom helped me buy it. This was back when I lived in Portland. We went across the river to Vancouver Music. For some reason, they had a great selection of guitars over there. This was back in 1973 or 1974. I was so overwhelmed. I couldn’t believe I actually had a professional guitar. Back in those days, it was either a Gibson or a Fender. I hadn’t established yet that I was more of Gibson player.
I think everyone remembers looking down at that headstock and seeing the brand of one of their guitar heroes.
Yeah, it was like a dream. It was a great blue Fender Mustang with the light blue racing stripes.
Epiphone's Limited Edition Tommy Thayer “Spaceman” Les Paul Standard Outfit is available for order now at tommythayerguitar.com with several autographed and stage-used options. The guitar also is available at American Music Supply for the $699 street price. The guitar includes the case, custom strap and certificate of authenticity.
For more about the guitar, head to epiphone.com.
A photo of the happy couple couple can be found at this location.
Much of that can be attributed to lead guitarist Tommy Thayer. Thayer had been a behind-the-scenes member of the KISS family since 1985 working as a songwriter, guitarist, and even a video producer. But in 2002, Thayer joined KISS full time as the legendary "Spaceman," giving the rock legends an explosive new sound and attitude. Now, Epiphone is proud to present the Ltd. Ed. Tommy Thayer "Spaceman" Les Paul Standard Outfit, a beautiful Les Paul Standard in a one-of-a-kind Silver Flake color finish that's worthy of KISS's 21st century "Spaceman." Epiphone spoke with Thayer about his Les Paul, joining KISS, and his first trip to Hollywood in the early '80s.
Tommy, thanks for speaking with us and congrats on your Ltd. Ed. Tommy Thayer "Spaceman" Les Paul Standard. Epiphone fans have been very excited about this guitar. What when through your mind when you realized that you could design your own guitar?
I've always been a traditionalist when it comes to amps, guitars and gear in general. When the opportunity came up for an Epiphone Tommy Thayer signature guitar, the first thing I thought of was offering a pro guitar for musicians that looks amazing and is also affordable. I wanted it to be the guitar I play onstage with KISS but also a classic looking instrument that would catch the eye of any player.
You grew up in Beaverton, Oregon which some might not consider the best place to see a lot of live rock n' roll.
To the contrary, Beaverton is a suburb to Portland, Oregon where I saw tons of great rock shows at the Paramount Theatre and the Memorial Coliseum through the 1970s and early 80s. I went and saw literally every rock band that came to town. At the Coliseum you could walk around the top section of seats that went behind the stage. Before the show started, I was fascinated looking down at the amps, guitars and gear the bands were using. I dreamed of someday owning a stack of amps or a Les Paul guitar. I used to hang out at the local guitar shops in Beaverton or Portland and stare at the guitars on the wall, dreaming about owning one. I never would have imagined that one day I would have my own Epiphone Tommy Thayer Signature Les Paul!
Tell us about the signature model: what were you looking to do with this model that you've never seen before?
I'm proud of the Epiphone Tommy Thayer "Spaceman" Les Paul Standard. It's modeled exactly like my silver sparkle top Gibson Custom Shop LP Standard I've played onstage for years with KISS. People don't realize it, but I wanted my first signature guitar to be an Epiphone. It's a quality-constructed instrument utilizing the same parts I use on all my Les Pauls, including Gibson 498 pick-ups and Grover™ Deluxe tuners. It's a truly professional guitar for real musicians but available at a price that's afford able for everyone. The guitar comes in a custom silver hard-shell case together with a very cool studded black and silver leather guitar strap just like the ones I use. I'm playing my Epiphone signature model onstage with KISS now and I couldn't be happier with the sound, the look and the performance of the guitar, it's outstanding!
Tell us about how you got started in the business. What inspired your move to Southern California? That's a brave move for a kid from Oregon.
That was back in the Black 'N Blue days. I actually wasn't so brave. I knew that our future was in LA but I hesitated at first. Our singer and my best friend Jaime persuaded me to move and it's a life-changing decision that I still thank him for. When we arrived in Hollywood (in 1983) we tore it up because we were a hot band with great songs and a presence. John Kalodner from Geffen Records saw it, snapped us up and signed the band after just a few months in town. Soon, we were on our way to Germany to record our first album. The Hollywood rock scene was exploding then. Every night the streets were packed with hard rock kids and hot chicks. It was a great time for us and for our music.
A lot of KISS fans may not know that you've been part of the KISS family since the early '80s as a writing, singer, and aide-de-camp. How did you first meet Gene Simmons?
Fast forward about two years. As a struggling up and coming band, we had just released our second album and somehow we landed the opening slot on the KISS Asylum tour. That's when I got to know Gene, Paul, Bruce, and Eric Carr. They knew we were fans and they took interest and gave us some help, especially Gene. He was interested in producing bands and eventually began working with us producing our third and fourth albums. Things evolved and soon I began working for KISS first behind the scenes, then later directly with the band, and then ascended to the coveted KISS lead guitar spot in 2002.
Was working with KISS a dream-come-true right away or did you still want to pursue a career with Black 'N Blue?
Actually, being the lead guitarist in KISS was unimaginable, but I think Paul and Gene had almost made me the heir apparent for several years before it happened. Because of the volatility in the band from 1998 on, I was literally on 'stand-by' backstage for several tours to take over on guitar if necessary. Behind the scenes, I had my own KISS outfit, boots and makeup kit in case of an emergency situation. By the time they asked me to be the new KISS lead guitarist over 10 years ago, the writing had been on the wall for a long while.
Ace Frehley: For many fans, Ace Frehley will always be the definitive KISS guitarist. Starting with the group’s 1974 self-titled album debut and stretching to his initial departure, in 1982, Frehley inspired countless aspiring players to pick up the instrument. Moreover, his impact on his six-string peers during that decade was incalculable, as his thrilling riffs and incendiary solos – delivered on an ever-present Les Paul Custom – dovetailed perfectly with KISS’s pioneering theatrics. Fourteen years after leaving the band, Frehley, along with drummer Peter Criss, rejoined the group as part of a reunion of the original members. Their appearance at the 1996 Grammy Awards ceremony elicited a standing ovation. Two years later, the original KISS lineup released Psycho Circus, and Frehley remained a touring member for the next three and a half years. His last performance with KISS took place on February 24, 2002, during the closing ceremonies of that year’s Winter Olympics. (Video)
Vinnie Vincent: Vinnie Vincent’s apprenticeship, as a player, was far and away the most unusual of any KISS guitarist. Specifically, at the turn of the ‘80s, he served as a staff songwriter for the TV shows “Happy Days” and “Joanie Loves Chachi,” often writing tunes for both series on his acoustic guitar at the “Cunningham’s” kitchen table on the studio set. Joining KISS as the replacement for Frehley, in 1982, Vincent was integral to the success of that year’s Creatures of the Night album, and to 1983’s Lick It Up. Both albums marked a return to the hard rock sound that had fueled KISS’s best work in the ‘70s. Vincent’s tenure with KISS ended in March of 1984. Some say his departure was due to conflicts arising over his habit of overextending his solos during KISS’s live shows, but in a 1996 interview with Norway’s KISS Army Magazine, Vincent painted a positive picture of his time with the band. “We grew up with the same kind of bands, and we had the same influences,” he said. “So even though I was technical and Paul [Stanley] wasn’t, it wasn’t really about guitar playing. It was about the songs that we grew up with and that we all loved. And it was about sharing the same musical style. You know, we all loved The Beatles and Led Zeppelin. So the chemistry was there. I think we had respect for each other and I think we were really good friends.” (Video)
Mark St. John: Mark St. John’s tenure with KISS was the shortest of any of the band’s guitarists. Still, his contributions to 1984’s Animalize, one of the best albums from KISS’s “unmasked” period, were dazzling. Formerly a respected guitar instructor based in Southern California, St. John brought a flashy style to KISS – replete with whammy bar pyrotechnics and tapping – that reflected the Van Halen-led battalion of wizard-like six-stringers emerging at that time. During the sessions for Animalize, St. John developed a rare form of arthritis that interfered with his ability to play effectively, both in the studio and on-stage. During the Animalize tour, after performing just two full shows and one partial show, the illness forced him to bow out, and Bruce Kulick stepped in to take over lead guitar duties in December 1984. St. John eventually recovered from the arthritic condition, and went on to do non-KISS related music projects. Tragically, on April 5, 2007, he died after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage. (Video)
Bruce Kulick: Bruce Kulick’s lengthy tenure with KISS extended from late 1984 through August 1996, and covered the making of five studio albums plus the live releases Alive III and Kiss Unplugged. He has the distinction of never having worn KISS face-paint on-stage. Praising Kulick’s style, Ted Nugent once told Guitar World, “He plays a great guitar; he's fast, controlled and real expressive.” As recently as 2010, Kulick was asked – by Guitar International – if there was a chance he might perform with KISS again. “The only way that could really happen, and it’s not something I would expect to happen, is if they decided to take the make-up off and do a Revenge style tour,” he said. “If they did that I would be flattered to be a part of it, but I think they do pretty well in the make-up, and as much as I miss being in the band because of the chemistry that I have with those guys, having me put on Ace’s make-up just wouldn’t work out. I’m really proud of the time I spent with the band and if I ever play with them again it’ll be fun, as it always was, but if it doesn’t happen I’m cool with that too. Whatever happens, happens.” (Video)
Tommy Thayer: Tommy Thayer’s involvement with KISS dates back to 1985, when his band, Black ‘n’ Blue, toured for two month’s as KISS’s opening act. In 1989, Thayer co-wrote songs with Gene Simmons and played session guitar on song demos for KISS’s Hot in the Shade album. Thayer joined the KISS organization, officially, during the Criss and Frehley reunion years, performing such functions as organizing conventions and tours, and editing DVDs and the like. When the reunion lineup fell apart, in 2002, Thayer was the perfect choice to step in as Frehley’s replacement. His role in the making of KISS’s acclaimed 2009 comeback album, Sonic Boom, was monumental, as was his playing and writing on 2012’s Monster. In a recent interview with Gibson.com, he talked about how it felt to be a part of the band. “Being in KISS is the ultimate in rock and roll performance and theatrics,” he said. “I was thinking about that the other night. We were on-stage doing ‘Rock and Roll All Nite’ toward the end of our set. Gene and I were going up on lifts – about 30 feet into the air – and confetti was flying and bombs were going off. All of a sudden a big smile came over my face. I was thinking, ‘How lucky can I be, being in this band, on-stage right now, experiencing this?’ It doesn’t get any better.” (Video)
In an impromptu photo session, Simmons - clad in a black pin-striped blazer, red handkerchief and his signature black leather pants - posed for photos while chatting casually with media and fans in the Paddock Garden.
"You can feel the excitement," Simmons, a savvy businessman who is now helping Santa Anita's parent company, The Stronach Group, with marketing and entertainment at its racetracks, said Wednesday shortly after the first race had posted. "First of all, Arcadia is just beautiful. The drive up here is just gorgeous. Even God likes it - look at the day. He placed the setting, the mountains, the location ... The people (working at the track) are nice too."
Despite early morning showers, most of the storm clouds cleared well in advance of the first post at noon. In preparation for the storm, workers sealed the main track surface overnight, and two of the three races that were slated for the turf were transferred to the main track.
As racetrack officials waited Wednesday to see how badly the forecast of rain would affect opening day attendance, they said they were grateful the weather ultimately broke in their favor.
"We're lucky it's cleared up," said Santa Anita Park President George Haines. "For a lot of people (opening day's) tradition and for other people, it's the start of a new tradition ... There are always new horses, new stories and there will be a lot of them. And here's our first," he said, pointing to Simmons who was joking with fans.
On track attendance on opening day was recorded at 27,273 this year, compared to last year's 55,000-plus attendees, said Mike Willman, a racetrack spokesman. In addition to the early rain, last year's opening day took place on a Monday, when most people had the day off, he said.
An hour before the first race, David Felton of Las Vegas, a retired letter carrier who has been coming to the meet's opening day for about 25 years, was at Clocker's Corner reviewing the horses. He said he comes to opening day as much for Santa Anita's traditional wall calendars that he collects as for wagering on the thoroughbreds.
Felton became interested in horses in the mid-90s when he scored two pick sixes in a month's time, earning him about $325,000.
"They are beautiful animals," Felton said. "They don't know you bet on them and that's why they're a good bet, not like the Dallas Mavericks, messing around with a 12-point spread in the NBA."
Also at Santa Anita Wednesday was Sharon Cahill of Sierra Madre, who has been coming to the racetrack since her high school days. Although she was too young to bet at the time, Cahill would bring family friends to the track and tell them which horses to bet on, she said.
Cahill, 66, found out the day before Thanksgiving that she has stage 3 breast cancer and will begin her chemotherapy treatment on Jan. 3. She will then have surgery and another round of chemotherapy and radiation.
"I thought I would come and enjoy it while I can," she said, noting she's not sure how the chemotherapy will affect her.
Cahill, who is now reading "Seabiscuit," said she hadn't been following the horses too closely in recent months and thus was not planning to wager on Wednesday. She has always enjoyed seeing the "sheer power" of the 1,000-pound thoroughbreds thundering down the track under the command of petite jockeys.
"I'm just hoping I can come back here and enjoy them next year," she said.
“KISS’ 20th studio album ‘Monster’ is scary good” – Associated Press, 2012
On December 18, KISS will release their first ever iBook for their critically acclaimed, recent studio album release, MONSTER. The content of the iBook is comprised of a special edition digital book which includes an exclusive bonus video, “Shout It Out Loud (Live in Anaheim 1976),” interviews with all four members as well as a multitude of additional unpublished pictures and a preview for the blistering new music for DESTROYER: RESURRECTED and MONSTER.
Rock legends KISS returned with Monster, the 20th studio album in their historic career released October 9, 2012, through Universal Music Enterprises. The 12-track, straight-ahead rock ‘n’ roll album features collaborations among all four members—including co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer—in an album that shows the band at the top of its game. And that’s saying something, considering their illustrious, 40-plus year history—28 U.S. gold albums, the most gold records for any American rock band, 40 million sales in the U.S., and a total exceeding 100 million worldwide.
iBook content includes:
• Interviews with all four band members as well as album co-producer Greg Collins
• Exclusive bonus video of “Shout It Out Loud (Live in Anaheim 1976)” from the KISS vault
• A plethora of photos exclusive to this iBook including backstage shots, live performances and snapshots from the recording studio
• Lyrics plus band commentary on all MONSTER tracks
• Article on the band’s support of our troops
• Features on the band’s merchandising, the Monster Mini Golf experience, the KISS Kruise and the 2012 newly remixed reissue of DESTROYER: RESURRECTED, plus KISS’s newest box-set collection, The Casablanca Singles: 1974-1982
• Loads of KISS facts throughout including an interactive map of the U.S. with historically important locations
• Audio samples of the 12 MONSTER tracks and the iTunes exclusive bonus track “Right Here Right Now” as well as DESTROYER: RESURRECTED
This book is available for download on your iPad with iBooks or on your computer with iTunes.
http://umusic.ly/KISSMonsteriBook.
Echoing their famous series of 1978 solo albums, this March, legendary rockers KISS take to solo adventures in a new miniseries from IDW Publishing! Further exploring the deep mythology that’s made the Kings of Rock hold dual citizenship as Kings of Comics, this year, The-Four-Who-Are-One must take up arms alone against a slew of dynamic enemies and evil forces.
Spread out across four dimension-shattering issues, this face-melting slew of hard-rocking comics tectonics kicks off with KISS SOLO: THE DEMON, a tale starringGene Simmons’ classic alter ego, The Demon! Veteran KISS writer Chris Ryalland fan-favorite Kiss artist Angel Medina, rejoining the band for the first time sinceKiss: Psycho Circus, weave another tale of epic bombast and explosive rock and paving the way for the accompanying tales of the Starchild, the Celestial, and the Catman!
“We’ve turned KISS into gangsters, barbarians and teenage girls so far in our KISS comics,” said Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer, “but now it’s time to give everyone the unfettered KISS over these four issues. Issue one sees the Demon taking on none other than the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and no one draws widescreen apocalyptic action better than Angel Medina. It’s a thrill to have Angel back in the KISS fold.”
In addition to providing full art on issue one, Medina is on board for covers for all four parts of the solo series. To further give longtime fans a bit more, each issue’s storyline and title is culled from the original solo album songs, such as issue one’s “Radioactive.”
Continuing a comics partnership as fruitful as it is sonically booming, the solo series is a must-have for comics fans and members of the KISS Army. After all, rocking ‘n’ rolling all night and reading comics every day sounds like a pretty solid plan, doesn’t it?
"Destroyer" producer Bob Ezrin flashes back to the darkest horse in the KISS catalog.
Ah, the concept album ... the ambitious extension of every pop artist who gets tired of his job and dreams of a bigger fish. In the 70s, as music and mass media leaned toward bloat with bands like Queen, The Who and Pink Floyd conquering the charts and grand-scale cinema like Stars Wars owning the box-office, KISS decided to give the rock and roll pulp that made their name a rest and pursue loftier creative heights.
The result their semi-delusional dream was 1981's The Elder, a baroque, full blown concept platter charting the story of a Luke Skywalker-esque boy who is called upon to battle the evil Mr. Blackwell and restore order and balance to the land. The album was the work of legendary producer Destroyer (and Destroyer: Resurrected), Bob Ezrin, who at that time, had worked with Pink Floyd in its double-disc rock opera juggernaut The Wall.
Both Ezrin and the band (well, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley anyway) were convinced that The Elder would be the record that would forge their new and "mature" path, a bounce back after their lightweight pop fluff 1980's Unmasked. KISS trimmed their hair, stripped down costumes, and the cover was the first in their history not to feature the freak four, however, was an abstract image Stanley's hand on the cusp of banging a baroque door-knocker.
The entire enterprise was, as we all know now, a gross miscalculation. Fans recoiled, the album failed and The Elder drove a stake in the first wave of KISS history. But time heals well, and over the years, many KISS devotees have come now and have expressed their love for the album (including this writer). Lush, evocative, frightening, beautiful and very cinematic, The Elder is such a breathlessly odd piece, so different from anything else in the KISS lexicon, which demands respect.
We tracked down Ezrin to talk about The Elder and share some memories of that pivotal point in the saga of the band ...
KISS MAGAZINE: To say that you love The Elder is, even now, not a popular sentiment.
Bob Ezrin: True. Not even amongst those who created it.
KISS: What can you tell us about the genesis of the album?
EZRIN: Well, the boys came to me at with a handful of really heavy demos. They wanted to make a record to combat the criticism of the last couple of records. I had just done The Wall, and convinced them to get rid of these demos and do something different. So The Elder was a victim of the Wall and our mutual desire was to do something "different", it was antithetical to what KISS was about. KISS was never pretentious or precious, and never took themselves seriously. They were always about fun, sex and power, and always were, in effect, horror cartoon characters, so to suddenly make a concept album, which had something of "consequence", was an idea anti-KISS. It was a flawed concept from the beginning.
KISS: Who was the driving force of the album?
EZRIN: At the time we were all looking for bigger and better things, and Gene - more so than Paul, jumped on the concept of making The Elder. I'm not really sure if it came with it or if they develop together, but both developed a script for a short film to accompany it. We thought it would be the beginning of many projects to come out under the name Elder. Of course, we were wrong. But Paul and Gene were very into it, and put everything in it. They both had to step out of their personas, and was really daring for them to do that. They were attracted to the classic rock, almost Beatle-esque style of the album - they were seduced by that. It was a big mistake.
KISS: It is well known that the lead guitarist Ace Frehley was not happy with this direction, failed to show up for sessions and left the band soon after. But you also had similar problems when recording with Frehley on Destroyer, right?
EZRIN: People dwell on that, but its not entirely true. I loved Ace. It's just that Destroyer was a big project. It was ambitious and grandiose and had to be delivered on a finite budget in a limited time frame. Gene and Paul were, as always, totally disciplined, but Ace was a free spirit and, like his persona suggests, a real space cadet. Sometimes we could not find him when we were in the studio and had to record, so we had to go ahead with Biff Wagner playing his parts. But when he did play on the album, he was fantastic.
KISS: Destroyer was huge, a landmark album, but it too was met with fan disent. Do you remember the backlash when the Elder was released?
EZRIN: I do. Here was this larger than life fantasy / rock record, full of myth and violence and passion, and I think some fans liked. Some critics also liked it, which rarely happened with KISS. But most fans could not grasp it, and they felt left behind, isolated.
KISS: How about The Elder now?
EZRIN: There are some truly great moments in there, of course, and some classics buried in the mix. But overall, it's way too self-indulgent and too over produced. its also not fully realized. There is not enough material, and the story is not fleshed out. It's an interesting failure.
As Bennington explained it: "So the first time I met Gene Simmons, I was like 'Whoa, that's Gene Simmons. He's like right here.' So I went over and introduced myself. He grabs me by the shoulders, and he says, 'You are a powerful and talented young man.' He's staring at me in my eyes and says, 'If we were in prison, I would make love to you.' I was like, 'Oh.'"
Shinoda chimed in that Simmons' wife, former Playmate Shannon Tweed, was nearby and cracked, "He would. He will make love to you."
Behind every great enterprise is a pop culture carefully sculpted mechanism, driven by ideas and dedication to create art that is commercial, which transcends trends, and endures. With KISS today, that engine business is a cosmic cocktail consisting of three driving personalities: Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and KISS manager Doc McGhee.
McGhee is a legend in his own right, and was so long before lock he locked his legacy with KISS. The bands summer tour with the band Mötley Crüe was an obvious no-brainer for the decades- spanning maverick as Crüe remains one of McGhee's non-KISS live draws ever since he gave the band their first big break opening for KISS on the tour Creatures of the Night. We spoke to McGhee smack dab in the middle of the thundering double shot of KISS / Crüe.
KISS MAGAZINE: Can you tell us how you ended up in this mad game of rock 'n' roll management?
Doc McGhee: I was a guitarist in a band of Chicago when I was in high school. I mean, I already had a contract with Mercury Records when she was only 17! Then I called in the army and continued playing, and when I left, I went to Florida, became a waiter and at night I would play in a recording studio. As far as being a manager, people thought I was smart, I guess, or smarter than them at that time, so as I kinda fell into it. I started working with a producer named Barry Mraz, who made ??the first Styx record, Robin Trower ... the list is long. One of the bands that he handled was one that I played in called Night Flight, and it just took off from there. I stayed in the R&B business a the beginning managing James Brown and Isaac Hayes. Then I met Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi and all these rock bands.
KISS: Never mind Crüe or KISS, managing Brown or Hayes must have made you a nervous wreck. The stories you must have ...
McGhee: You have no idea! You know, the nice thing about this business is that there are no footprint. Every artist is different. Outside of telling the truth, staying on the right path, there is no formula. It is a learning process. You treat everyone the same, and I learned that if you do that, if you're fair, if you do not develop a "selective amnesia", that good fortune comes back to you.
KISS: When one thinks of leading managers of pop music, there's really only Col. Tom Parker ... and you. Did you have a role model getting into this game?
McGhee: Actually, partly yes. When I started, David Krebs was the biggest name in the world of rock managers. He had to Humble Pie. He was my mentor in that he liked to do big things, difficult-to-pull-off-things, but the big moves are what people pay you for. People want to pay for the two or three things a year that change their lives. I learned that from David.
KISS: Simmons tried to secure you as manager of KISS back in 1982, during the tour of Creatures. Why did you resist?
McGhee: There was no Makeup! There was not much I could do to change their fortune; I didn't have a rabbit out of its hat. Although we kept in touch over the years. Gene and Paul are extremely enterprising and very smart - and in the '90s they called me again and I said, "Are you putting the make-up back on?" They were silent, so I knew they were going to. I drove over to Gene's house and Paul was there, and that's it.
KISS: Did you support them going back into the studio post-Psycho Circus?
McGhee: Yes! Gene and Paul and I are very good partners, we think very similarly, so I didn't have to tell them what kind of record they had to do. Paul knew he had to make a KISS record. When we did Psycho Circus, they were just back into the makeup, and we pushed the envelope a bit with a 3D record, a 3D tour, etc ... to make it bigger and better, but they really got back to the essence of KISS with Sonic Boom. It did really well, it came in at number two because Michael Bublé did Oprah on Friday and took the number one ... so blame Bublé for that. Monster obviously followed the same formula.
KISS: You are right in the middle of The Tour, how are Mötley Crüe these days?
McGhee: Mötley have stayed true to what they are, but they are much calmer. They were never really bad people, they were just crazy -- they had that special kind of insanity. But yes, they are much calmer now!
KISS: Are you still loving your job after all these years?
McGhee: Every day. We're always on the hunt for the next big thing. There are only one or two artists in a lifetime that you can get to have that special connection to get to stardom. There lots of great bands out there, great songwriters, but only a few have the chops to make it. I've been lucky enough to have a few of the big ones.
The drummer, who sang and co-wrote KISS’ biggest chart hit, “Beth,” tells ABC News Radio that he thinks his story is one that will captivate KISS fans, as well as readers in general.
“This book is a roller-coaster ride,” he maintains. “It’s a real story…of a man’s life that really went through rags to riches, to rags to riches again in a whole different way.”
Criss digs into Simmons and Stanley throughout the book, criticizing them for what he calls the unfair way they treated him — personally and financially — both during his initial stint with KISS and on his second go-round with the group during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He complains about Gene’s and Paul’s egos, and about how they teamed up to take control of the band. He also lambastes Simmons for his womanizing and poor hygiene, and suggests that Stanley was confused about his own sexuality.
Meanwhile, he admits to ABC News Radio that, although he felt a sense of relief to be able to reveal his true feelings in the tome, he was nervous about how his old band mates would react to some of the harsh things he says about them.
“It was really cathartic, but trust me, many a nights I had many a horrible nightmares and sweats and I didn’t sleep for weeks,” he says. “I was thinking this was gonna happen, that’s gonna happen…’Cause a lot of people don’t really wanna hear the truth, and a lot of people have been hung and shot for talking the truth.”
Meanwhile, Criss says he’s happy about the success of Makeup to Breakup, which debuted at #7 on The New York Times‘ Hardcover Nonfiction Bestsellers List.
“I’m proud I outsold Gene’s book and [guitarist] Ace [Frehley]‘s book, which made me feel pretty good,” he declares. “And a lot of people said, ‘Well…one book was about taking a lot of drugs and having parties, and the other book was how many women [Gene] slept with, and my book seems to talk about music.’”
That being said, Criss doesn’t shy away from recounting his own drug excesses. He explains that he fell into the cocaine habit at a time, the late 1970s, when “everyone [around him] was doing it.”
“I had no clue the danger of addiction,” he says. “I’m doing it with my manager, I’m doing it with my lawyers, I’m doing it with my business managers. So, to me, it was cool…I figured, well, if lawyers were doing it and business managers and record presidents, that [there] must be no downfall to this. And, sure enough, of course there is.”
Around the same time, Criss was beginning to get disillusioned with KISS, thanks to the commercializing of the band that he says Simmons and Stanley embraced. Criss says he was “appalled” by the band’s cartoonish 1978 TV movie, KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park and that he felt like “I’d flushed myself right down the toilet” with the hit 1979 disco tune, “I Was Made for Lovin’ You.”
Despite all the bad blood between Criss and and the other KISS members, the drummer admits that he still would consider playing with them again…under the right circumstances.
“Let’s face it, if we really were offered…one great night at Yankee Stadium…it’d be pretty hard [to] say no to that,” he tells ABC News Radio. “Sometimes I really miss the greasepaint and the roar of the crowd.”
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But drummer Eric Singer, in a new talk with Rock Music Star, says the tune was influenced first by George Harrison’s drone-rock tune “It’s All Too Much,” issued by the Beatles on 1969's Yellow Submarine, and then by a subsequent cover version by Journey.
The second take, included on Journey’s 1976 sophomore release Look into the Future, pre-dates Steve Perry’s arrival. Gregg Rolie handles the vocals in a lineup that included current Journey stalwarts Neal Schon and Ross Valory, as well as Aynsley Dunbar on drums.
In both instances, though far more prominently on the Journey cover from the mid-1970s, “All Too Much” ends with a trippy echoing effect. Called “flanging,” it was first developed by Abbey Road engineer Ken Townsend in 1966, as part of the Beatles’ on-going experiments with sound.
When Kiss convened to work on Monster, its long-awaited studio follow-up to 2009's Sonic Boom, Singer remembered how cool it sounded.
“That was a suggestion that I had made,” Singer tells Rock Music Star. “I basically got that idea from the Beatles song, “All Too Much,” where at the end of the song, it goes into a flanging thing. On one of the early Journey records — before they had Steve Perry — they did a version of “All Too Much,” and on the outro, they elaborated further on the whole flanging thing, and I thought it was a cool effect. When they (Journey) go into the outro of the song, they go into double time on the drums, and it goes into this flanging effect on the whole mix.”
Singer says the band employs a number of these kind of subtle influences across the new album. “I think we always take our influences from different things,” he says. “It could be a style of a song, it could be a particular band, or it could be a production idea or an arrangement idea, that we remember that we like.”
Of course, that doesn’t mean that the end results on “Outta This World” will ever be confused with the Fab Four.
“What we did was based on a production thing that I heard when I was a kid, that I thought was cool,” Singer tells Rock Music Star. “I thought it would really suit the song, because the outro section (from “Outta This World”) reminded me of that Beatles song. Not that we sound like the Beatles, but I’m just using that as a point of reference, of an arrangement of a song.”
Will Hartman walked away with the night’s poker trophy. Those who didn’t play poker enjoyed casino games and entertainment provided by The Commodores Band, American Idol Winner Lee Dewyze, and Dominic Scott Kay.
Sponsors for the event include ICON Films, The London West Hollywood, The Sher Group, Morgan’s Jewelers, Variety, Marich Premium Chocolates, Polanti Watches, BERYLL, Smile Sciences, El Cartel Tequila, Akvinta Vodka, Atlantico Rum, Paul Smith, Floral Crush, and GrapeVine Productions. MKI is already planning the 2nd Annual event for Fall 2013 and sponsorship opportunities and player slots are available.
About Mending Kids International: MKI is a 501(c)3 organization working to save the lives of children in over 51 countries around the world in Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa and Southeast Asia. MKI strives to give children access to critical surgeries that they would otherwise not be able to receive due to lack of medical or financial resources, and works to help communities create self-sustaining surgical programs.
You have been sending in your reviews and we dive into the PodKISSt Mail Bag to bring the KISS Army your thoughts on the newest KISS CD “MONSTER”.
We also take a trip on the KISS Kruise II courtesy of KISS Fan Joey Hanie and an exclusive PodKISSt interview Photographer David Spindel whos work appears on “ALIVE!” and “The Elder” All this – and killer rare kuts – right here on PodKISSt… the KISS fanzine for your ears!!!
Listen here: http://podkisst.com
During an appearance on this past Wednesday's (November 28) edition of the "Sixx Sense" radio show hosted by MÖTLEY CRÜE/SIXX: A.M. bassist Nikki Sixx, Stanley, 60, was asked if he has read some of the other rock and roll autobiographies out there and whether he has plans to write a book of his own.
"This will come back to haunt me, because, of course, mine is in the works," Stanley said.
"Autobiographies, for the most part, to me, are like writing a love letter to yourself," he continued. "I mean, George Orwell said that the autobiography is the most outrageous form of fiction. How objective can you be when you are writing about yourself.
"I've seen people around me write books and somehow they're always in the center of everything that happened, they were the one who made it happen. There's been a lot of those books that didn't really interest me much. I thought Duff's [McKagan] book was great. I think a book that just says, 'Gee, aren't I the greatest thing?' And 'I was smarter than everyone else.'…"
Asked how his book will be different from the other rock and roll autobiographies and whether his book will be "a history lesson in music," Stanley said, "Well, everybody will tell you the same thing: 'Well, my book is brutally honest.' It's a history lesson in music, but it's also a history lesson in somebody taking themselves and making themselves into something they weren't — taking a not-so-great deck of cards and winning at poker. So it's good. I think it's terrific. Especially, it's funny, at this point, with the three other guys from the original lineup having written books. It’s kind of like, 'OK, have you all said your piece? OK? Now let me tell you what happened.'"
In a 2007 interview with Australia's TheAge.com.au, Stanley stated about the prospect of writing an autobiography, "Show me anyone who writes about themselves and doesn't find themselves in the center of the universe? I have seen other people's autobiographies and I had some questions about those.
"Tooting my own horn is of no interest to me ... it takes you away from real life. It's a waste and I don't find a need to sing my own praises."
Thayer recently commented on the guitar on his web site: "I'm psyched to be playing my new guitar onstage as we embark on the 2012 Kiss Kruise and South American stadium tour in the weeks ahead.
"My signature axe will soon be available in guitar shops everywhere. In the meantime, the first guitars off the line are ready for you through some very special offers on my new site, TommyThayerguitar.com. Keep it rockin' and remember to turn it up loud!"
Epiphone.com recently posted a demo video featuring Thayer. You can check it out here.
RockMusicStar: Could you tell us what "The Tour" was like for the band, and did it exceed your personal expectations?
Eric Singer: Well, it was a very successful tour, and for me, I think it was a great package. I can only speak for my own point of view, but I think most people would have to concede that it was a good pairing. If I was a fan, I would want to see that tour. Even if I wasn't in KISS, I'm a fan of both bands, I'd wanna see KISS and Motley Crue together. People had been saying for years that it would be a good package (to see happen again), and I think it turned out to be. Of course, you're gonna have people say, "Oh, I'd rather see KISS do their own show, or Motley Crue do their own show," because they want to see a band play longer. But for me, if I was going as a fan, to see each band play at my age now, seeing each band play for 75-80 minutes, that would be just the right amount for me. Just enough, without being too short or too long.
RMS: That being said, in the future, will KISS' headlining shows be shorter than what they have been in the recent past?
ES: It's not that we don't wanna play longer, it's just that you realize playing 2 hours and 20 minutes, like we did on some tours, is too much. However, on the recent shows we just played, which were not with Motley Crue, we went back to playing a longer set. So, instead of playing an hour and 20 minutes, we had to play an hour and 45 minutes, and we added a few more songs. And that seemed to be enough.
RMS: What may fall in the category of 'musical minutia,' starting with "The Tour," KISS lowered it's guitar tuning a half step (from E flat to D), which is the first time KISS has ever tuned that low in concert. Did it take some getting used to, or did it just make it easier to sing in a lower key?
ES: All the parts that I sing on the choruses, it's always the high part. So for me, (the lower tuning) it actually helps. Because some of those parts are high, like in "Love Gun" and "Lick It Up" and certain other songs. When I'm singing up there, I'm not going to deny it, it can be a little tough some times. And I take my singing very seriously. It's very important to me, and I know it's very important to the band, that I'm able to sing those parts and sing them well. So, if it's going to help me, and it does, then I'm all for that. But, to me, I don't notice it that much. If anything, it just makes the music sound a little thicker, or a little heavier, maybe. It gives it a little more weight if the songs sound darker or heavier. I don't think that most people noticed that we changed the key. I don't think most people (non-musicians) understand subtleties of music, or the technical things of music. They just know if they like something or they don't.
RMS: Moving on to the "Monster" CD, one of the things that I like about it, perhaps a little more than "Sonic Boom," is that there are subtle differences in the production values from song to song, as opposed to every song sounding sonically identical. Were those differences done deliberately, or are they present due to multiple recording sessions?
ES: I think you look at the whole record as a body of work and say, "OK, what direction, or vibe are we going for sonically on the record, or what are we trying to achieve?" But then when you get into individual songs, for example, on "Out of This World," at the end of the song, it goes into a phase/flanger thing, and that was a suggestion that I had made. I basically got that idea from the Beatles song, "All Too Much," where at the end of the song, it goes into a flanging thing. On one of the early Journey records - before they had Steve Perry - they did a version of "All Too Much," and on the outro, they elaborated further on the whole flanging thing, and I thought it was a cool effect. When they (Journey) go into the outro of the song, they go into double time on the drums, and it goes into this flanging effect on the whole mix. So what we did was based on a production thing that I heard when I was a kid, that I thought was cool. I thought it would really suit the song, because the outro section (from "Out of This World") reminded me of that Beatles song. Not that we sound like the Beatles, but I'm just using that as a point of reference, of an arrangement of a song.
I think we always take our influences from different things. It could be a style of a song, it could be a particular band, or it could be a production idea or an arrangement idea, that we remember that we like. Like the beginning of "Eat Your Heart Out," that's definitely a direct influence of all of us liking (the group) Humble Pie. I know Paul (Stanley) and myself are especially really big fans of Humble Pie. If you ever listen to Humble Pie "Rockin' the Filmore," listen to the raps in between the songs, the way Steve Marriott talks to the crowd, and then listen to "KISS Alive!" and listen to Paul Stanley. And although they don't sound the same, you can definitely see he (Paul) was definitely influenced by Humble Pie and Steve Marriott.
"Watchin' You" is a great example of a song that's influenced by Humble Pie as well. So those influences have been there since the beginning of the band. Sometimes you wear your influences on your sleeve, where it's very obvious. You'll hear a particular drumming, guitar or vocal style, that you can directly relate to some other band. We always want to use references, and it's not like we're trying to copy anybody, or be something else. It's just that you have influences, and sometimes you wear them directly on your sleeve. When you can directly hear them you'll go, "That reminds me of THAT band." Like some people have said that they think certain riffs on "Monster" reminded them of Mountain. Especially on some of the Gene (Simmons) riffs on "Monster," you can hear the influence from Mountain. Gene was absolutely influenced by Mountain when he was growing up.
RMS: When I spoke with you after "Sonic Boom" came out, although you were proud of your singing debut on a new/original KISS song with "All For the Glory," you told me that you actually preferred the original demo version of the song, with Paul on lead vocals. Do you feel "All For the Love of Rock and Roll" was a better suit for you, vocally?
ES: Absolutely! Obviously, that song's a little different than the rest of the songs on the record. Stylistically, it's more in the family of like a Rod Stewart "Hot Legs" or something. It's got more of a straight ahead "rock and roll" feel to it, as opposed to being heavier. I liken it to Rod Stewart, as my approach to singing has always been more in that vein. I'm not saying that I sound like Rod Stewart, because I absolutely don't, but my influence of vocal style, tonality and approach lends itself better to that style of music. I thought "All For the Glory" was a cool song, but I never felt 100% comfortable with that vocal style. Because I listened to it, and I heard myself singing it and I'm going, "This is a really cool song, but this isn't really the way I would sing it, if I wrote the vocal melody." It's more the way Paul would sing, which makes sense, since Paul wrote the song. I remember when Paul put the guide vocal down, I just thought it sounded better with him singing it. Mind you, I'm always hypercritical or too hard on myself, as I've never really gotten used to hearing my own self singing, where I hear it and go, "Oh yeah. I really like that." But I would say, on "All For the Love of Rock and Roll," that's much more in line with the way I would sing a song, and the way I DO sing.
We also took more time to cut my vocals this time around. When I went in to cut it, I'd go in to sing it many times, and then Paul would go, "Go in and sing your song again." And I'd go, "Really?" I had already sang it like 5 times the day before, or 5 times three days before that. And then I realized what he was doing. Without saying it, he was trying to get me more comfortable with the song. He really wanted me to get comfortable with the song and live with it. So he had me sing it multiple times, for that purpose. I could tell from when I first started singing it a few times, to the final version, I did get more comfortable with it. I was able to do a little bit more with this or that line. After a while, I really knew what I was singing, I knew how I wanted to sing it, and then it was just about going for the performance.
RMS: How do you respond to those who say that "All For the Love of Rock and Roll" is just an attempt at mimicking or copying a Peter Criss song?
ES: Here's the thing John, I'm 54 years old and this is the way that I sing. Those type of comments seem to come from the same people who question why I play (the drums) a certain way. You know somethin'? I play for the song, and I play for the band. That's what I play for first. Not for myself, not to appeal to a drummer in the audience. I play to appeal to the song and the band, and what the band does in that format. I always point back to people, listen to "MTV Unplugged." That's the best example that shows where I'm coming from, as a drummer and singer in KISS. I played very simple, very straight ahead, more closer to an earlier KISS approach, to the arrangements and the style of the songs. I made the conscience effort, from that point on, I made the concerted effort to play more simple. So I find it interesting that when I come back to play in the band in 2001, all of a sudden, just because I have makeup on, people are asking, "Why is Eric playing more simple? They're telling him to imitate Peter Criss." Gene and Paul, for the record, NEVER ONCE...EVER...(told me) to ever play anything like Peter Criss. NEVER!!!
RMS: While we're on the subject of Peter Criss, Peter recently released his book, "Makeup to Breakup." He pretty much makes negative comments about every member of KISS, past or present, with the exception of Bruce Kulick. I wanted to give you the opportunity to respond to the comments that he made towards you, as he calls you a "schlep" and claims the story of you suggesting for Peter to play at the 1995 Los Angeles KISS Konvention was disingenuous.
ES: That's funny because it wasn't disingenuous. At the time when that happened in 95, Gene asked me, saying "Eric, Peter Criss wants to come down to the expo and bring his daughter. Do you have a problem with that?" I am the one that actually said, "You should have him come up to play." Let's just put it this way, Peter doesn't know me. Peter's met me a couple of times, through all the years that I've been around. It was literally like, "Hi. How ya doin'?" Other than when we did "MTV Unplugged," where we were at rehearsals on and off together, that one week. Other than that, Peter does not know me. He doesn't know my character. He doesn't know what type of person I am. If he wants to take it that way, then that's fine. That's his prerogative. I don't have nothing against the guy, he's done nothing to me personally. I may have my own personal opinions of how I feel about him as a drummer, or how he's conducted himself, that I may or may not agree with everything, but that's really their (Peter and Gene & Paul's) beef.
For some reason, Peter really hates Tommy Thayer. Why? I don't know? All that Tommy ever did was try to help the guy. When Peter came back to the band in the very beginning, for the Reunion, Tommy's the one who that sat in a room with him and Ace, teaching them the songs, and working them through the routines, before they even got together with Gene and Paul. He put the time into helping the guy, and now for some reason, he's got some real venom towards Tommy, and I don't know what that's about.
The sad thing is that the fans who like a particular person, or a particular band member, they're going to believe everything the person says, whether it's true or not. You gotta remember, this is Peter's chance to get some more attention for himself. Because, he really hasn't done much since he's been out of KISS. Obviously, Peter has his point of view on his time and his experiences, on what he feels and how he feels about his time in KISS, and all of the players that are all part of it.
I think the ultimate good way is to take the high road in life. We've all had good and bad things happen in our lives. A lot of times, when things don't go our way, it's understandable why people become negative, or bitter, or cynical about something, but hopefully, they say that "time heals," and I do believe that's true. Hopefully, we all get to that place in our lives when we look back at our experiences, and we try to remember the positive and the better things about them, rather than the negative and bad things about them. We do get affected by what happens in a given situation, but we make the conscience choice about how we wanna deal with those experiences. If we want to turn them into a learning experience, and be able to look back on the accomplishments and things we've done in our lives, and maybe crack a smile, that's hopefully what we should ALL be able to do. We're supposed to learn from life and learn from our experiences. I think everyone who's been involved with KISS has done some pretty remarkable experiences that they should be able to be proud of, and look back and smile on.
Peter Criss, however, has arguably been the least intolerable of the four original members of KISS: the lovable fuck-up, the "emotional one," the heart and soul of a frequently heartless, soulless band. Never considered a particularly great drummer, his contributions were crucial nonetheless—his "Beth," however sappy, was KISS's biggest-ever hit, and his vocals made "Black Diamond" and "Hard Luck Woman" two of the band's better tunes. But he seemed forever pushed around and disrespected by Gene and Paul. And his addictions and unceasing protestations of unfair treatment earned him multiple pink slips from the KISS corporation over the years.
It has made Criss a fairly sympathetic figure, and maybe if he'd kept his mouth shut and his pen away from paper, things would have stayed that way. But Criss, who'd been threatening to write a tell-all memoir for the past 25 years, finally completed the deed with his newly published Makeup to Breakup: My Life In and Out of KISS—co-authored by Larry "Ratso" Sloman (who helped write Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis's Scar Tissue and Howard Stern's Private Parts and Miss America).
Bad move. Makeup to Breakup—through which Criss clearly intended to settle scores with his erstwhile bandmates, various KISS associates, and his two ex-wives—backfires dramatically, coming off exceedingly petty, exasperating, and selfish. Criss hardly portrays himself as a saint, but even though he details his many personal and professional failings, candidly recounting them isn't the same as owning them. In the end, his lack of genuine soul-searching—as promised in the preface—and his persistently righteous indignation and self-pity render him an unlikable, bitter, oblivious lout.
Criss plays the sympathy card from the book's outset in the admittedly compelling opening line, "Have you ever tasted the barrel of a .357 Magnum that's halfway down your throat?" It's January 17, 1994—the date of the Northridge earthquake—and Criss is sitting inside his demolished Hollywood apartment, down to his last $100,000 (cash in a bag, because he doesn't trust banks), lamenting his IRS woes and status as a washed-up rock-'n'-roll has-been. He sticks the gun in his mouth, then, just as he's about to pull the trigger, he spots a photo of his young daughter on the floor and decides to go on living. Nearly 400 pages later, after we've been taken through the ups and downs of his 66 years on the planet, he says he's "a deeper Peter Criss" for whom "trust, honor, integrity, respect—all those were very sacred to me." But the bulk of the book blasts that claim to pieces.
Criss's hypocrisy and contradictions are breathtaking, even after having decades to mull this stuff over. We're told repeatedly that Gene is "truly a pig when it comes to sex." But elsewhere in the book, Criss looks back at his own questionable sexual escapades with virtually no shame or remorse. There's the drunk girl he and Ace covered with food and condiments from the hospitality table, then shoved naked into the elevator. There's the redheaded Vegas showgirl Criss picks out to be sent to his room who, years later, he learns, jumped out a hotel window over having to "service" guys like him. ("I'd kill myself, too," Criss writes unsympathetically.) And there's the time he stumbled across members of the KISS crew—biker guys—abusing groupies in their room at a Holiday Inn, forcing them to, among other things, snort powdered cleanser. "Some of those guys were really crazy. But I loved them," writes Criss with the benefit of hindsight.
Elsewhere, Criss goes out of his way to suggest, in pejorative fashion, that Stanley is gay or bisexual (a long-standing KISS-related rumor). Stanley loved to doodle and would rather shop for drapes and "frilly blouses" than drink with Criss. Clearly gay. Meanwhile, Criss says that he and Frehley used to "grab each other's dicks. It wasn't sexual, just stupid adolescent tomfoolery." And, in maybe the most talked-about nugget from the entire book, Criss all but confirms that Frehley (who he earlier outs as bisexual) gave him oral sex during a threesome with infamous groupie "Sweet Connie from Little Rock": "What he did down there, I don't know and I don't care, but eventually he came up for air. 'You are one sick motherfucker,' I said, and Ace just shrugged."
Simmons and Stanley are consistently raked over the coals for putting money ahead of decency and friendship. And yet, when the pair asks Criss to join the 1996 KISS reunion tour, he leaps for the money and ditches his bandmates in Criss, his '90s group that he'd previously credited with helping to pull him out of the suicidal depression that opens the book.
Later, he and Frehley have a falling out when Criss finds out he's being paid less than on the 2000 KISS "Farewell" tour. Frehley, who Criss claims was like a blood brother to him, "betrayed me like Judas for some pieces of silver." Throughout the book, Criss slams Frehley as "lazy" and a chronic masturbator.
Aside from one or two generic "Boy, I was an asshole" mea culpas, Criss rarely takes responsibility for any of his own failures. Crappy record companies—or the meddling of Simmons and Stanley—are to blame for his post-KISS records tanking. Others foisted drugs upon him.
The final two chapters of Makeup to Breakup detail Criss's recent bout with breast cancer and his deep religious faith. He uses the cancer episode to get in one last shot at Simmons, Stanley, and Frehley: "Every year I do a walkathon for breast cancer to raise money. My dentist sent in a grand one year. Did the band send anything? Not a fucking dime. They didn't even call me after I went public with my cancer."
At the end of the book, Criss writes what's already obvious: He's still harboring plenty of bitterness toward his former bandmates. Evidently, this revenge memoir didn't provide quite the catharsis he'd imagined, and it hardly provides the reader with any notion of goodwill toward the Catman. "I hope that I don't take these feelings to my grave," Criss writes of his anger.
He should have kept his feelings to himself.
Paul Stanley, the iconic founder and frontman for KISS, will make an in-studio appearance on The “Sixx Sense” with Nikki Sixx this Wednesday, November 28. The legendary singer will join his co-host from the recently completed and phenomenally successful 'The Tour' with KISS & Motley Crue, to discuss the great success of the Paul Stanley-produced album MONSTER.
For further information on The “Sixx Sense” or listening times in your area, please go to www.sixxsense.com.
"That's funny because it wasn't disingenuous," Eric said. "At the time when that happened in '95, Gene [Simmons, KISS bassist/vocalist] asked me, saying 'Eric, Peter Criss wants to come down to the expo and bring his daughter. Do you have a problem with that?' I am the one that actually said, 'You should have him come up to play.'"
He continued, "Let's just put it this way, Peter doesn't know me. Peter's met me a couple of times, through all the years that I've been around. It was literally like, 'Hi. How ya doin'?' Other than when we did 'MTV Unplugged', where we were at rehearsals on and off together, that one week, other than that, Peter does not know me. He doesn't know my character. He doesn't know what type of person I am. If he wants to take it that way, then that's fine. That's his prerogative. I don't have nothing against the guy; he's done nothing to me personally. I may have my own personal opinions of how I feel about him as a drummer, or how he's conducted himself, that I may or may not agree with everything, but that's really their [Peter and Gene and Paul Stanley's] beef.
"For some reason, Peter really hates [current KISS guitarist] Tommy Thayer. Why? I don't know? All that Tommy ever did was try to help the guy. When Peter came back to the band in the very beginning, for the reunion, Tommy's the one who that sat in a room with him and Ace [Frehley, original KISS guitarist], teaching them the songs, and working them through the routines, before they even got together with Gene and Paul. He put the time into helping the guy, and now for some reason, he's got some real venom towards Tommy, and I don't know what that's about.
"The sad thing is that the fans who like a particular person, or a particular band member, they're going to believe everything the person says, whether it's true or not.
"You've gotta remember, this is Peter's chance to get some more attention for himself. Because, he really hasn't done much since he's been out of KISS.
"Obviously, Peter has his point of view on his time and his experiences, on what he feels and how he feels about his time in KISS, and all of the players that are all part of it.
"I think the ultimate good way is to take the high road in life.
"We've all had good and bad things happen in our lives. A lot of times, when things don't go our way, it's understandable why people become negative, or bitter, or cynical about something, but hopefully, they say that time heals, and I do believe that's true. Hopefully we all get to that place in our lives when we look back at our experiences, and we try to remember the positive and the better things about them, rather than the negative and bad things about them. We do get affected by what happens in a given situation, but we make the conscious choice about how we wanna deal with those experiences. If we want to turn them into a learning experience, and be able to look back on the accomplishments and things we've done in our lives, and maybe crack a smile, that's hopefully what we should all be able to do. We're supposed to learn from life and learn from our experiences.
"I think everyone who's been involved with KISS has done some pretty remarkable experiences that they should be able to be proud of, and look back and smile on."
Commented Tobias: "Bruce and I have been friends for some years now. He is a lovely person and an amazing guitarist. It was really obvious I would ask him to come on board for AVANTASIA once again. Two of the tracks he plays on are more than 10 minutes long, and they include screaming and whammy-bar-driven stuff as well as anthemic MEAT LOAF-ish-type melodies. I love it, because it's got such an old-school quality, and Bruce just has it! Class act!"
The new AVANTASIA album is being recorded in part at VOX Klangstudio in Bendestorf, Germany with producer Sascha Paeth (KAMELOT, EDGUY, EPICA, RHAPSODY). The CD will once again be a rock opera based on a conceptual story very similar to the early AVANTASIA albums and will feature "a legion of guest instrumentalists and vocalists," according to a press release. The drum tracks on the effort were laid down by Russell Gilbrook of URIAH HEEP.
Tobias originally wanted to put AVANTASIA to rest after the release of the "The Flying Opera - Around The World In 20 Days" concert DVD in April 2011, but he has since had a change of heart. He explains, "Even though I love to record and tour with EDGUY, I didn't foresee how much I need AVANTASIA when I decided to finish this chapter of my life in 2011. I didn't know if there would be another AVANTASIA album one day, but I didn‘t feel like doing it. After the worldwide success of the latest studio releases, an arena world tour that was sold out pretty much everywhere, collaborations with childhood heroes like Alice Cooper, Klaus Meine, Rudolf Schenker, Eric Singer of KISS, etc. I 'knew' that I had said everything I could possibly say in the name of AVANTASIA. But that's not what AVANTASIA is all about. I wanna create more great music, I wanna create more fantasy worlds, the bigger and the more epic, the better. And listening to the material that I have created for this forthcoming chapter in the history of AVANTASIA, I know there is no way I am not going to do it! I have got the feeling and the certainty that this is absolutely meant to happen and to be!"
AVANTASIA is planning to embark on a headlining tour for in April 2013. Also in the works are several summer festival appearances, as well as South American and Asian tours at the end of the summer.
Commented KISS ON THE ROCKS: "Yes, people, dreams do come true. One more for us [on November 10]. We performed at the German Kiss Expo in Oberhausen, in the famous Turbinenhalle with no one less than John Corabi!
It's always a pleasure performing in Germany, and Turbinenhalle had been high on our list for years. But to perform with one of our heroes, Mr. John Corabi, was just amazing.
"John joined us for soundcheck and later on performed 'Strutter', 'She' and 'Come On And Love Me' for an outrageous crowd of KISS and MÖTLEY CRÜE fans. John did an amazing acoustic set promoting his new album as well."
Corabi's all-new acoustic release, "Unplugged", is available on Rat Pak Records. The effort offers five new original tracks, seven re-recorded classic songs and in addition, features an exclusive 2012 behind-the-scenes interview with John. The album features John Corabi on vocals/guitar, Cheney Brannon (formerly of COLLECTIVE SOUL) on percussion/vocals, Topher Nolen on bass/vocals, D.A. Karkos on guitar/vocals, Matt Farley on percussion/vocals and Bruce Kulick (KISS, GRAND FUNK RAILROAD) on guitar (on "Hoolgan's Holiday" and "Man In The Moon").
“What we learned is that you can’t make a great Kiss album without Kiss,” he says. “When there are two people in the studio working, and two who are refusing to come in, or who have their attorneys on the phone all the time, that’s not a good situation. Psycho Circus was interesting in the sense that it made me never want to go back into the studio, and at the same time, I felt I’ll be damned if that was going to be the last album we made. The band, during the reunion period, went south pretty quickly. It was something we managed to keep alive in much the same way a paramedic might keep a stroke victim from dying.”
To say Stanley and Simmons have kept Kiss alive is an understatement. Since the group’s 1974 self-titled debut, Kiss has released 20 studio albums, 10 live records and 13 compilation discs. Including solo records, they’ve been awarded 28 gold albums, more than any American rock group. Worldwide album sales are colossal—more than 100 million.
There’s another facet to that success—the group’s merchandising empire, and it’s unrivalled in rock. The Kiss brand offers everything from baby bibs to action figures to caskets (spelled Kaskets, of course). There’s also a miniature golf course, a coffeehouse and even a Kiss Kruise. The vast array of goods is served up without apology. “It all begins with the songs, no question about that,” says Simmons. “But there were never any rules for being in a rock band. People just thought there were. For us, it’s not enough to just be a Radiohead or a U2. That’s why we have 3,000 licensed products.”
Kiss continued to tour after Psycho Circus, albeit in ever-changing configurations. Criss left in 2001, replaced by Eric Singer, who had previously served as the band’s drummer in the early ’90s. Frehley departed the following year, and longtime Kiss associate Tommy Thayer stepped in as replacement on lead guitar. Thayer’s position was made permanent, but in 2003 Criss returned for KISS Symphony: Alive IV, a concert album with Australia’s Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. A year later, Criss was out, Singer was back.
Since then, the lineup of Stanley, Simmons, Thayer and Singer has coalesced into a finely tuned rock machine that has achieved its greatest success on the road. World tours in 2008 and 2009 solidified the group’s status as a premier live act, as the band’s chemistry rose to a level commensurate with the group’s spectacular stage show. In 2010—following a decade of resistance to the idea—Kiss released Sonic Boom, a no-frills studio album that captured the band’s sound from their mid-’70s heyday.
Kiss’ latest, Monster—produced by Stanley and production vet Greg Collins—fully embraces a stripped-down, back-to-basics approach. “No boys’ choirs, no symphony orchestras, just meat and potatoes,” says Simmons, alluding to the adherence to two guitars, bass and drums. The goal? Raise the bar while keeping things simple. “We sat facing each other as we recorded,” he says. “The idea was to get things in the first, second or third take. I didn’t want to lose any of the urgency and passion of what we were doing.”
Simmons and Stanley emphasize that no other Kiss configuration could have made Monster. The spirit of camaraderie is evident in the song credits. Thayer wrote or co-wrote nine of the 12 songs, and Singer co-wrote one tune and takes lead vocals on the Stanley-penned anthem, “All for the Love of Rock and Roll.” “This lineup is the embodiment of everything the band wanted to be,” says Stanley. “To think any other lineup could have made this album would be enough to get you committed. I’ve been there from the beginning, and I know.” Stanley and Simmons discussed the music behind the theater, their creative partnership and the Kiss legacy.
Was there a goal with Monster?
STANLEY: To hark back to the music and artists who influenced us and capture that spirit. That doesn’t mean copying anybody. It means finding that spot they touched. I grew up hearing bands at the Fillmore East nearly every weekend. Those bands played like their lives depended on it. There was also a joy. It almost felt like being in church, like gospel. James Brown didn’t go for perfection—he went for passion. Same was true for Motown, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, the Who, the Stones, early Elvis and on and on. Sonic Boom stayed close to our past, to things we had done previously. But for Monster, I wanted to make the album we never made.
Speaking to VH1 Radio Network's Dave Basner, Medlocke revealed how he became involved in the project. "[Bret's] doing a rendition of 'Alabama' and he wanted some guitar work on it," he said. "He got a hold of me and Gary and we kind of went in, did a little bit of playing on it, on 'Sweet Home Alabama'. It's pretty cool. We played a little bit of leads, a little bit of chinky rhythms on it or whatever. But Bret's a good guy. He's a good friend of ours."
Asked how the song sounds, Rickey said, "It's good. I mean, it's different. It's real different. And he took it away from what you would cop 'Sweet Home Alabama'. He took it from that but he did a… I think he did a good rendition of it. It's different. Different arrangement, but it's cool."
In a recent interview with Gimme Noise, Bret stated about his upcoming CD, "I'm really proud of what we've done with it. It's really not just a Bret Michaels album. I had so many other talented artists come in and support that it's really a 'Bret Michaels And Friends' album. There's a staggering amount of talent on this album. . . It's been such a fun project for me and I'm excited to share it with the fans."
Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine in February, Bret revealed that his new solo album will feature a remake of the POISON smash "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" as a duet between him and Loretta Lynn. He said, "For me, growing up in a family that my father loved country music and 'Coal Miner's Daughter', this is gonna be a really awesome time."
For more information, go to AceFrehley.com.
“This is an important decision, not only for ‘KISS,’ but also for the entertainment industry,” said William Randolph, the General Counsel for Kiss Catalog in New York. “Of course, the rock group ‘KISS’ has the advantage that the ‘KISS’ Logo and facepaint used by the group are registered trademarks in the US and around the world. But the precedent also applies to all entertainers. Previously, we obtained a permanent injunction and substantial damages against the sale of bootleg videos taken without permission at “KISS” concerts,” said Mr. Randolph. “We would also like to thank our counsel, Howard and Howard in Michigan, including Raymond Scott and Greg DeGrazia, for their legal work in these matters.”
Other backstage requests included alcoholic beverages, but just a few: only beer, a bottle of vodka and two bottles of wine. There will also be no shortage of newspapers backstage. The group asked for several editions of Brazilian newspapers, as well as editions of USA Today.
Since the band members are all responsible for their own makeup, there is a large living room lit to prepare before they go up to the stage.
Additionally, KISS also passes through São Paulo on November 17, and the next day they set foot in Rio de Janeiro.
Presented by McManus Entertainment, the summer's biggest, baddest rock tour will hit Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Mackay and Adelaide with guests Irish rockers THIN LIZZY along for the ride (except Adelaide).
KISS and MÖTLEY CRÜE's 45-show U.S. summer tour has already gone down as one helluva rock'n'roll extravaganza and now, finally, its Australia's turn!
Not only has it been five long years since KISS last toured Australia, but 2013 marks a very special milestone for this great band — their 40th anniversary. In all their bombastic and unstoppable glory, KISS will perform fan favorites from their treasure-trove of hits along with tracks from their just–released 20th studio album, "Monster", which debuted at #7 on the ARIA chart.
MÖTLEY CRÜE recently become the first rock band in history to play an epic sold-out Las Vegas residency at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The band is best known for continuing to reinvent not only their live show (with mind blowing elements such as Tommy Lee's 360 drum roller coaster) and music (brand new song due out soon), but remain on the cutting edge via social media interaction.
And if that wasn't enough, classic Irish rockers THIN LIZZY will be back in town with the line-up that has been winning over fans and critics alike for the past two years. Along with Scott Gorham, Brian Downey and Darren Wharton, the additions of vocalist Ricky Warwick, guitarist Damon Johnson and bass player Marco Mendoza, THIN LIZZY have been re-introducing their music to a whole new generation of fans to overwhelming success and now it's Australia's turn.
Brisbane up-and-comers DIVA DEMOLITION have won the highly-prized local support act spot and will open all shows on the tour.
The dates are as follows:
Feb. 28 - Perth Arena
Mar. 03 - Clipsal 500, Adelaide
Mar. 05 - Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Mar. 09 - All Phones Arena, Sydney
Mar. 12 - Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Mar. 16 - Virgin Australia Stadium, Mackay
"We're so comfortable now, this should have been KISS always: Tommy, Eric, Paul and myself," Simmons said. "We like each other's company, we like playing onstage with each other. And the creative process is just second skin. We could have just as easily gone into the studio and done another record."
He added later in the interview, "I want to go on record: Eric and Tommy have revitalized the band, made Paul and myself realize what lucky bastards we are to be in KISS and to have each other. And this should have been the lineup of KISS from the beginning."
Asked if they are bothered when people complain about founding KISS members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss not being in the band anymore, Simmons said, "Almost nobody does. When you have 3-year-old and 5-year-old fans showing up to our concerts — or even 30-year-old fans — they don't know about Ace and Peter. I mean, next year is going to be our 40th year. We've been touring longer than most of the people who come see us live have been alive. Who's Ace and Peter? By the way, bless 'em both — what I just said doesn't mean that Ace and Peter weren't every bit as important as Paul and myself in the beginning of the band, but not everybody has the same DNA. Some people shouldn't be in a marathon race. They're just not designed for it. Some people are good for short runs."
"Eric's been in and out of the band for 20-some-odd years. And Tommy, too," added Stanley. "The only people who would complain, I think, are people who don't really follow the band at this point. The myth that sometimes surrounds the original lineup is purely myth. Some of it was of our own doing. The whole projecting the idea that it was four guys giving equally. Quite honestly, it was kind of our take on THE BEATLES: four guys that spend all their time together and run down the street jumping up in the air. But it's not a reality. And maybe part of the problem was that some of the guys in the band really bought into believing it. The band always had two people who were leading it and the idea that anybody is entitled to having songs on an album is crazy."
On the topic of why they think they felt like they had to project those myths in the early days, Stanley said, "Well, l think there was a certain amount of truth to it. Just in the sense of you have a band and there's a certain camaraderie, but there's also a sensitivity factor to people feeling minimized or left out. So to avoid that, we sometimes gave people more than their due. In those days, Gene and I shared our songwriting l with those guys because we didn't ever want it to be an issue that anybody was making more money than the other and therefore wanting songs on the album. Well. it obviously didn't work. [laughs] The only thing l did was give money away. [laughs] But all that being said, I've said it before. I'll say it again — we couldn't be here today without what Ace and Peter did in the beginning, and we couldn't be here today if they were still in the band."
In Mexico, "Clarín" interviewed the band, which soon will be 40 years old and has just released "Monster", their 20th studio album. On Wednesday KISS plays River Plate Stadium and promises a perfectly "monstrous" show.
Talking to the four members of KISS after they've already transformed into the super heroes of rock is a different experience than doing so to washed faces. With their stage clothes and war paint, and in the roles of Starchild, The Demon, Catman, and Spaceman, the situation is filled with extra adrenaline, both for this writer and the band.
KISS is about to turn 40 years old, and Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, along with drummer Eric Singer and guitarist Tommy Thayer, are synonymous with music and show, but also marketing and business. And they know how to do both well. They know the game, and they play it with kindness. As I exchanged apologies for this bad English chronicler, I also received an apology in kind for their bad Spanish. There was both willingness and humility from the band, although the subtitle of the article might suggest otherwise.
In the minutes before taking the stage at the Arena Monterrey, KISS professed that they only wanted to have fun.There were no serious questions and no claim of depth to answers. Similarly, noticing that the interview was for a written publication, without cameras, the band's serious effort emerged. Or at least, they gave answers with sincerity and broke through a little of my preconceived characterizations.
After nearly 40 years of Kiss, how is the band?
Simmons: We are in excellent shape, better than ever, as you're going to see. No matter what they say, people are already waiting to check that out at the stadium. This is the best KISS: we are eternal, we are gods.
What should fans of this new show expect?
Thayer: They can expect it to be big, as always, a monstrous show. It is over the top, bombastic. Whenever we go out on tour, we try to make it larger, stronger and better than the last.
Clarin witnessed the latest and powerful show of Kiss in Mexican lands, prior to the concert at River Plate on Wednesday. Our interview coincided with the days prior to the release of their 20th album, Monster. It was released in October and, with just a few days on the street, was already the best-selling of the label, according to Universal Music. It hit thes Top 10 in twelve countries, including markets such as the USA and Canada (3 °), Mexico (4 °), Germany (6 °) and Japan (9 °), where the band re-entered the Top 10 after 35 years. The first single, "Hell or Hallelujah," became one of the most downloaded items on Amazon in the first days of its launch.
Before "Monster" you said that you didn't want it to be just another album, but a great rock album. Do you think that's what you made?
Stanley: It is the most important album we've done, because this is the best KISS. It's why we can do things that we had never done before. The music is the best, and we called it "Monster" because it is so powerful, it has so much strength... It is an album that we wanted to do, thinking of the height of all the heroes we have and which have influenced us. We did an album in the style of the old KISS. We wanted to make a disc that had a new focus, which says: "This is KISS today. "Thank you for yesterday, but look at tomorrow."
What feelings are reflected in this work?
Stanley: For us, the album was like a monster that lives and breathes. We got together in a room and we wrote together. We went to the recording studio and we sat down to play with everyone in a circle. We didn't want perfection, we wanted passion. Today's albums are made with computers, looking at the screen to see if everything is OK. But... does that make us better? Does it make you move your feet? That's what makes a band and their music. I saw that it was special...
Thayer: I feel that it is actually the band's album. We met in our homes, in rooms of hotels during the tours, where we got to compose. We did not do demos; we wanted to test directly after composing, arranging, going to the studio and laying down the material. Very organic, very simple, very from the heart, very direct and forward. That's what I liked about this work. We were all very involved, very determined to make a great album in a very organic way.
Simmons: It is very real, as we assumed that the band should do these things: Gather, rehearse, get into the studio and record. And that's all. That's it. No turns, no nonsense, no computers.
As our meeting unfolded, the Mexican stadium had filled to hold about 10,000 souls. In this country, fans are very passionate, but in a different way than the Argentines. Minutes after the interview, watching the show metres from the stars, this journalist noted that Mexican fans have tattoos, they say "I live for KISS" and follow them all over the world. But when it comes to the show, their attitude is a little more passive. It's no less loving, but just a little more calm.
What expectations do you have for playing Argentina?
Stanley: We have always done impressively well there. They are fans, and they are friends, both when we're onstage, and when we're not. Buenos Aires has always been a fabulous city with a very high cultural level. People are passionate and sophisticated at the same time. It's an excellent combination. You should have fire, passion, but you must also know and enjoy life, have those great experiences of life. That is what makes Argentina so great.
Simmons: Its history, multiculturalism, the gauchos, the pampas, Tango...
Singer: Tango!
Do you know Tango?
Stanley: The Tango is beautiful because it is subtle. The Tango is control, it's passion and sex, but it's not dirty.
At this time, the crowd began to cheer, and our conversation was distorted from the noise. It was time for KISS to take the stage.
The Clipsal 500 runs from February 28 with KISS and Motley Crue performing the closer on Sunday evening March 3.
A special “KISS Hot Zone” with limited number tickets has been created for fans wanting access to an exclusive section in front of the stage. These are on public sale from 9.00am Friday November 23 (SA time) from Ticketek phone 132 849 or online at www.ticketek.com.au. There is a limited of four tickets per transaction.
Various packages are available to attend the races and concert are available. For more event information visit www.clipsal500.com.au.
The glam rock band are reported to be headlining the second stage at the 2013 festival, joining previously announced acts Iron Maiden, Slipknot and Rammstein on the line-up. Metal Talk reports that Gene Simmons and his bandmates will close the Friday night of the three-day festival.
"Kiss are understood to be headlining the second stage at Download Festival on the Friday June 14th. They have already confirmed appearances in Scandinavia from June 1st to 11th including the Sweden Rock Festival. The Donington show would be their only UK concert in 2013 as part of the European Tour promoting their new album 'Monster'
Download Festival will take place from June 14-16 2013 at Donington Park. The festival was headlined by Metallica, Black Sabbath and The Prodigy in 2012, with the likes of Chase & Status, You Me At Six, Biffy Clyro, Soundgarden, Machine Head, Rise Against, Slash and Megadeth also performing across the weekend.
See Downloadfestival.com for more information about the festival.
Check out these fan-filmed clips of the first-ever live performances of these MONSTER tracks!
"ALL FOR THE LOVE OF ROCK & ROLL"
Among other topics in his book, Criss — who remains most recognizable in full “catman” regalia (inset) — discusses his battle against male breast cancer and settles some scores with his onetime bandmates. (Interviewing Criss last month, the radio hosts Opie and Anthony called the bassist and singer Gene Simmons “the other cancer in the book.”) Yet despite his feistiness, Criss also has a sentimental streak, perhaps not surprising in someone who cites “To Kill a Mockingbird” as his favorite novel. In a New Jersey lifestyle magazine a few years ago, he wistfully remarked that nobody could compare to Kiss’s original lineup. “No matter who they get to put stuff on their face, it ain’t us,” he said. “You can take the mask off the Lone Ranger and put it on someone else, but it ain’t the Lone Ranger.”
Also premiering on the list is founding KISS drummer Peter Criss‘ autobiography, Makeup to Breakup, which landed in the #7 spot. Who guitarist/songwriter Pete Townshend‘s Who I Am, meanwhile, dropped from fifth to 11th place after its third week on shelves. Neil Young‘s Waging Heavy Peace is right behind Townshend’s tome, dropping from #8 to #12 during its fifth week of release.
Lastly, Duran Duran bassist John Taylor‘s In the Pleasure Groove skidded to #20 after debuting at #6 on The Times‘ Hardcover Nonfiction Bestsellers List the previous week.
But he is also an arch proponent of what he calls “Kisstianity” — the religion followed by the band’s thousands of devoted believers.
"It is a religion of sorts,” affirms the performer born Chaim Weitz in Haifa, Israel, in 1949, chatting in a London hotel without the garish make-up that helped make him famous.
He finishes the joke: “Only, without anybody having to die for anybody’s sins.”
Then he gets a bit more serious. “It’s a celebration of life and a real mind-set.
"Being in Kiss is a privilege, not a birthright. On the one hand, we are humbled by our fans and truly grateful to them for allowing us to be here.
"On the other, we are arrogantly self-confident about who we are and what we mean. We subscribe fully to the idea that we are legendary — we are legends who walk the face of the earth. ”
Simmons does this for much of the interview — talk in grandiose terms, albeit with tongue firmly in cheek, about the impact he and his fellow Kiss members have made.
Then again, they have sold upwards of 100 million albums since forming in New York in 1973.
With their outlandish space-age costumes, platform boots and face-paint, Kiss were an American version of British glam rockers such as David Bowie, with some of the shlock-horror theatrics of Alice Cooper.
By the late ’70s, they were one of US’s biggest bands, selling out stadiums on the back of albums such as Destroyer and Kiss Alive II.
And, although they may have lost members along the way — notably, original lead guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss, to alcohol and drugs — nothing has stopped them becoming an American institution.
Whatever their travails or the trends of the day, Kiss seem to go on and on, acknowledging that the band is a brand, bigger than any of the individual players.
Today, they are like a Stateside Rolling Stones — survivors (Simmons’s Hungarian mother Florence was an actual Holocaust survivor) and hardy perennials who, whenever they go on the road or release a new record, still command the attention of the press and public.
“We certainly hold our place in America as the underdogs that continue to win, the black sheep that still play by our own rules and do more than survive — we thrive,” contends singer-guitarist Paul Stanley (born Stanley Harvey Eisen in Queens, New York, in 1952).
“The longer we’re around, the more invincible we appear. We started out as a fantasy of sorts. Now we’re a flesh-and-blood band who put on war paint and carry on a tradition started 40 years ago. We haven’t wavered from that.”
Stanley says that Kiss are a triumph of songwriting prowess, rock power and business nous. “You can’t succeed without business acumen,” he says.
“But that’s the bonus on top of being a creative person. Creativity on its own is almost worthless unless you can harness it. It’s our business sense that gives us the freedom to continue to create.”
He accepts that smartness is an undervalued commodity in rock ’n’ roll.
“Absolutely,” he says with a wry smile. “There’s a stereotype — which is pathetic — of what a rock ’n’ roll star should be: stupid, high, ear-pierced, tattooed.
"Most of the time it’s a stereotype that is propagated by music critics who do none of that and live vicariously by seeing someone else risk their life.
"It’s pathetic to see people buying into that and living a reckless lifestyle. I never wanted to be a dead legend.”
Kiss could so easily have fallen prey to the perils of superstardom. They certainly enjoyed success to excess, particularly Simmons whose penchant for bedding women is legendary.
But it is to their credit that they managed to focus on what matters: the music, and the business empire that it enabled them to build.
“A lot of musicians fall into the trap of drugs and the rock ’n’ roll lifestyle, but this band never has,” says Stanley.
He adds: “I live a rock ’n’ roll lifestyle! I’m free to do whatever I want, I answer to nobody, I have four kids and a wife — I have a fabulous life. That’s my idea of a rock ’n’ roll lifestyle.
"I’m not going to walk on the ledge so somebody down on the street below can tell me to jump. I’ve seen people die! I’ve seen lives ruined. When people used to say ‘sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll’, I’d say: ‘You can keep the drugs’.
On the subject of abstention, Simmons — who charges up to $500,000 a time to give motivational speeches — can only concur.
“There is everything to be said for leading a straight life,” he says.
“No drugs, no booze, your schmekel will work better, you’ll look better. There’s nothing as shameful as God giving you five senses and you going out to get chemicals to numb those God-given senses. It’s the height of stupidity.”
He also agrees with Stanley that Kiss’s rigorous work ethic has stood them in good stead and enabled them to succeed and endure.
“Being in the right place at the right time, with the right songs — that was key,” he says.
“So, too, was conviction and — a very important word — pride: pride in craftsmanship, showing up on time and, by God, doing a good day’s work.”
Not forgetting a just-say-no attitude to all indulgences save for the carnal variety.
“Well,” he muses, “that’s what God intended. In the Good Book it said: ‘Spread thy seed’. We were just doing the Lord’s work.”
Kiss’ latest album, Monster, is released on Universal
KISSIN' TIME - Canada's Tribute To KISS - CD out Oct. 31, 2012! All proceeds after expenses will be donated to SICK KIDS Foundation (Toronto's Sick Kids Hospital)
13 of Canada's Best Indie Acts!
13 Classic KISS Songs!
1 Cd!
All proceeds after expenses will be donated to SICK KIDS Foundation (Toronto's Sick Kids Hospital)
Visit http://kissintime-canadastributetokiss.bandcamp.com for more info or to order the CD.
We hope to have more information to you by tomorrow afternoon, but please know we're putting all efforts into making sure this long-awaited vacation is everything it should be. Please note, there are no plans for a change of departure from Miami on Wednesday, only a potential delay of a few hours to accommodate guests arriving late. Thanks for your patience while we explore our best options. If you need to contact Sixthman while you're traveling, please call us at 877-379-9183.
The weather forecast for the Bahamas and Caribbean looks beautiful for our vacation so do your best to get here safely and know we'll be looking forward to seeing you.
"It's certainly a shock when you first put it on," producer Bob Ezrin said of the LP back in 1981. "It's kind of dreamy and a little softer than most people expect from KISS. The harmonies and different vocal sounds on this record are going to throw a lot of people for a loop."
Shock people and throw them for a loop, "Music From The Elder" did. Upon its release in November 1981, the album was confusingly received by both KISS fans and the general public. By the time the calendar turned to 1982, the album was essentially a commercial failure. And KISS were already ready to move on.
More than 30 years later, "Music From The Elder" has attained a cult-classic status among a segment of diehard KISS fans. A great part of the album's appeal lies in the mysterious conditions under which it was created. While "Music From The Elder" has been discussed in various music publications and KISS-related books, there has never been a concentrated effort to put this album under a historical microscope.
Until now.
Through a series of brand-new KissFAQ interviews, original features and related special content, NovElder will shine a spotlight on "Music From The Elder" like never before. More than 10 hours of interviews were conducted with various individuals who either worked on the project or have a connection of sorts, including professionals who have never told their "Elder story." These interviews will provide interesting insights and unique perspectives regarding the album's creative process and this fascinating period in KISStory, in addition to fun anecdotes and personal recollections.
A series of topical features will shed more light on KISS' activity in 1981 and early 1982 and dissect the album further with in-depth musical analysis, biographical information on the album's participants, a revised KissFAQ Album Focus, and much more. NovElder will also take a look at the climate of the rock genre in 1981 and look at the bloodline of rock concept albums.
Members of the KissFAQ community will have the opportunity to participate in NovElder via commenting on content, voting in "Music From The Elder"-specific polls and sharing album reviews and personal "Elder stories."
The odyssey continues November 1 with NovElder only at www.KissFAQ.com.
Tom: It's funny. I don't know where that came from. I guess he just happened to say something in the course of an interview and it got blown up.
PureGrainAudio.com: Like most things do thanks to the Internet.
Tom: Well, there's some entertainment value there... Rivalry. Any story with good conflict in it is interesting. We used to tour with them in the '70s. Actually, we didn't really do that many tours together. We did some shows together and then we parted ways because we had made it and then they made it. So, they were out on their own. There was a rivalry and I remember the dressing room talk about the opening act and what they wear, what they look like and what they do, but over the years I've come to have more respect for KISS through fans that I know. They have very very loyal fans and as far as Steven's comment in a way their origins are... If you talk to Gene Simmons, he might even agree with it. He was a huge comic book fan like most of us were in our early days... Some of us made a separation between that and what we did musically, but he wanted to live that out with his band and it's pretty cool. When I want to listen to music, I go back to my BEATLES, STONES, ZEPPELIN and DIRE STRAITS. I don't think I necessarily listen to KISS that often, but I love that song of theirs, "I want to rock and roll all nite and party every day." It's just really accurate in describing what teenage males want.
I'm psyched to be playing my new guitar onstage as we embark on the 2012 KISS Kruise and South American stadium tour in the weeks ahead. My signature axe will soon be available in guitar shops everywhere.
In the meantime, the first guitars off the line are ready for you through some very special offers on my new site: www.tommythayerguitar.com. Keep it rockin' & remember to turn it up loud
For more information, visit RocklineRadio.com.
Rock legends KISS were the first signing to the late Neil Bogart’s newly formed Casablanca label after he saw and recognized their talent and showmanship at their spectacular performance at a showcase concert at New York City’s Le Tang’s Ballet Studio in 1973, offering them a contract on the spot. Now, KISS celebrates their 40th anniversary in 2013 having broken box office records set by The Beatles and Elvis, more than 28 U.S. gold albums, the most gold records for any American rock band, 40 million sales in the U.S. and a total exceeding 100 million worldwide.
In their early years, KISS released a total of 29 singles on seven-inch 45 RPM records for the Casablanca label. These were available for sale to the public, used for commercial radio airplay and to promote album sales. Many of these singles had entirely different mixes, edits and material that didn’t appear on their vinyl albums. Now for the first time, these musical snapshots of KISS’ formative years, which have never been available in a commemorative singles edition, entitled The Casablanca Singles 1974-1982, on Mercury/Casablanca/UMe, will be available in December in two box set configurations:
29 Seven-Inch Vinyl (Limited Edition available direct to consumer via http://www.universalmusicenterprises.com/select/product)
29 CDs (available through all retail)
In typical KISS fashion, these are no ordinary boxes. The sets are housed in a beautiful die cut shadow box with a limited edition etched silver metal plate and ribbon pull magnetic closure custom KISS 45s box with 26 collectible picture sleeves from original single releases around the world, including Japan, Germany, Holland, Spain and Britain. The vinyl collection also features singles from all four solo albums in purple, blue, red and green vinyl with a mask picture sleeve representing each individual member as originally released in the U.K. Both sets include a booklet which tracks the genesis and chart history of each single represented in the package.
The Casablanca Singles 1974-1982 covers KISS’ remarkable eight-year stay on Bogart’s label, from their very first, “Nothin’ to Lose” b/w “Love Theme from KISS,” from their self-titled debut to their very first charted 45, “Kissin’ Time.” The band’s subsequent string of hits included Dressed to Kill’s live version of “Rock and Roll All Nite” (#12 on Billboard’s Hot 100), Destroyer’s “Shout It Out Loud” (#31) and the Top 10 ballad “Beth,” Rock and Roll Over’s “Hard Luck Woman” (#15) and “Calling Dr. Love” (#16), Love Gun’s “Christeen Sixteen” (#25), Ace Frehley’s solo hit, “New York Groove” (#13) and Dynasty’s “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” (#11).
“Even I haven’t heard some of this stuff, but this is all part of our master plan to celebrate KISS at this milestone in our careers,” says Gene Simmons. “This box set represents us at the very beginning of our career, and documents the band’s early success and subsequent growth.”
Adds Paul Stanley: “This collection is meant for the true KISS aficionado. The packaging really captures the development of both our music and image at a very crucial period in the band’s history.”
The special set comes out a month after the release of Monster, their 20th studio album. Showing the band at the top of its game, Monster embodies all that is KISS and the music that first inspired them to pick up their guitars and flame-throwers and don makeup to entertain millions. Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, with longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer, return stronger than ever with their new album to continue the legacy of the spectacular larger-than-life extravaganza, known as, KISS.
More info at http://www.universalmusicenterprises.com/select/product.
Airing Friday, October 26 at 6 pm ET through Monday, October 29 at 3 am ET on Ch. 39.
Taking over Hair Nation for the weekend, Scare Nation is a 24/7 all-KISS, limited-run channel that will showcase music from the band’s entire career. Playing everything from their 1974 self-titled debut through their 20th studio album, "Monster," listeners will also hear the band members talking about their new album, touring, their fans and much more.
Scare Nation will feature an encore broadcast of “SiriusXM’s Town Hall with KISS” on Saturday, October 27 at 12 pm ET.
It was barely five years before that the makeup-wearing group were on top of the world, selling out stadiums and releasing hit album after hit album.
However, internal tensions between the group’s two camps — basically, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons vs. Peter Criss and Ace Frehley — and a desire to reach an even larger, mainstream and family-friendly audience combined to almost completely torpedo the group.
Kiss’ previous three albums — 1979's overly thin, disco and pop-influenced ‘Dynasty,’ 1980's even more pop-heavy ‘Unmasked‘ (which bombed, but holds up better than you’d think) and 1981's infamous medieval concept album ‘Music from the Elder‘ — failed to connect the band with that desired “next level” success, and in fact instead very quickly turned off the loyal fans they’d worked so hard to win over in the ’70s.
By all accounts, Criss checked out during the making of ‘Dynasty,’ although he remained on the credits and cover art of that and ‘Unmasked.’ Similarly, Frehley was mostly M.I.A. from the ‘Elder’ project and completely absent for the recording of ‘Creatures of the Night,’ but the group kept him on the cover so that replacement drummer Eric Carr was the only was the only new face fans saw.
When they entered the studio, Kiss were determined to make their new album what they had originally intended ‘Music from the Elder’ to be — a loud, brash return to their hard-rock roots. This time out they not only stuck to that plan, they may have overshot it a bit, venturing deeper into heavy metal territory than they ever had before.
“I thought (‘Creatures’) was great,” Stanley says in ‘Kiss: Behind the Mask.’ “It really was us reclaiming our purpose. We’d become complacent, wealthy and deluded… that album had a purpose.”
Carr, undoubtedly confused about joining a straight-ahead rock band only to have his first project be the ornate ‘Music from the Elder,’ was thrilled to show what he could do in a more traditional setting. As anyone who’s heard the hard-hitting album can tell you, producer Michael James Jackson made sure the drums were the first thing anybody heard:
“Gene and I went on a search-and-destroy mission all over Los Angeles to find a great drum room… I used vintage microphones on the drums, and the room itself was also well covered with microphones. The end result was excellent, and further enhanced by the fine work Bob Clearmountain did in the mix at the Power Station.”
With Ace gone, the lead guitar work was done by committee, with Robben Ford, Steve Farris (of Mr. Mister!), and Bob (not Bruce) Kulick all contributing solos. However the lion’s share of the lead work, as well as some impressive songwriting, was turned in by the man who would ultimately — if only temporarily — replace Frehley, Vinnie Vincent.
Somehow in all this transition everything clicked into place, to the point where Simmons to this day seems to promise every upcoming new Kiss studio album is a blend of ‘Creatures’ and 1976's ‘Destroyer.’ The album’s big hit ‘I Love it Loud’ is still played at nearly every Kiss concert to this day, and for much of the band’s non-makeup years the title track and the bluesy Stanley showcase ‘I Still Love You’ were staples of their live shows.
Other highlights include Stanley’s wonderfully over-the-top ‘Keep Me Comin” along with the riff-heavy ‘War Machine’ and ‘Killer.’ However the album’s true heart lies in a pair of Simmons-fronted tracks, which hint at the band’s determination to overcome the often self-created chaos that had enveloped them in recent years.
First up is ‘Saint and Sinner,’ a lurching and surprisingly sophisticated rocker which finds the Demon kissing off his former bandmate Frehley in barely-masked terms — “Without you it’s aces high.” ‘Rock and Roll Hell’ treads in similar territory as Simmons ponders losing his place in the rock world (“This time the pressure’s really on”) with songwriting help from Bryan “Summer of ’69? Adams. Both of these songs are packed with dramatic moments and depth without ever seeming gimmicky; it makes you wonder if this was the sonic and lyrical territory Kiss were aiming for with ‘The Elder.’ (If you spend long hours thinking about such things, which we do not recommend.)
Even though ‘Creatures of the Night’ marked not just a strong return to form, but new levels of songwriting, arrangement and performance skill, the record failed once again to reconnect the band with their understandably distrusting audience. In later years ‘Creatures’ would get the recognition it deserved, but in order to get themselves back in the national spotlight Kiss would have to make a drastic and previously unthinkable change….
http://ultimateclassicrock.com
Halloween is a big thing in the Trisha Yearwood/Garth Brooks house.
And so it's big on Yearwood's Food Network series, Trisha's Southern Kitchen.
Taping a special episode, Garth's daughters Allie and August Brooks surprised Trisha in the kitchen by arriving in full KISS rock band costume with her costume waiting and ready for her. Nice tongue, Trisha! Hubby, dad and country singer Brooks makes a cameo to share Halloween stories from years past.
Trisha, the girls and their friend Kim LeFlore make Trisha's traditional Halloween meal — Trisha's Chicken Tortilla Soup — to warm up the trick-or-treaters, and Candied Apples. The Halloween episode of Trisha's Southern Kitchen airs Saturday at 11 a.m. on the Food Network.
On how far into his tenure with KISS he realized there were going to be problems and ego clashes with a couple of the other members:
Peter: "Three, four years… five years. I could start feeling [guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley and bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons] wanting the power. The more we were going up the ladder of future and fame, the more it was kind of swaying to Mr. Simmons and Stanley. Ace [Frehley, guitar] and I were kind of not getting our musical [ideas] in.
"It's funny — I wrote the biggest hit the band [ever had], and meanwhile, I was kind of always getting put down for this stuff.
"So it was always a battle, and eventually, I didn't get the great education that maybe the other two guys got, so they would start playing mind games. I don't like games. I like genuine guys. I like real people that tell me how it is not matter much it hurts. And I don't like to be messed with. And they would constantly battered — they called it 'battery,' if you read Gene's book — [they were] battering my brain. And let me tell you, it takes its toll. I feel today, I'm still a casualty of rock and rolls wars, because it turned out every day was a battle for one thing or another, for some kind of running the band, or being the head of the band. And eventually they got their way. And I was miserable."
On how he and his KISS bandmates were seemingly on the same page when they first started out:
Peter: "I thought we were pretty much brothers in arms. I thought we all wanted the same thing, we all wanted to do the same thing, we all wanted the same road to success. But that changed immensely. I realized even when I met [Gene and Paul], they had a deal with some band and they dumped the band because it wasn't their way. That should have given me an immediate 'lights on.' And the same thing started happening as we would roll along. And now they got their way."
On his relationship with Ace Frehley:
Peter: "Ace, I would have done anything for him. I stuck up for him through all the years. I was in his corner. Gene used to tell him, 'The best friend you've got in this band is Peter Criss. He'll always be there for you.' And it broke my heart when [Ace] broke my heart. In the book I tell the story, but towards the reunion, towards the end, I was devastated, man. I couldn't believe what went on. [Peter was reportedly hurt when he found out that Ace was making more money than he was on the "Farewell" tour. — Ed.] And it was again about the old M-O-N-E-Y. Money, money, money. Power, power, power. It never was enough for those guys."
On KISS' infamous October 1979 appearance on Tom Snyder's "The Tomorrow Show" when a visibly irritated Stanley and Simmons tried to contain the bombastic (and drunk) Ace Frehley, whose nonstop laughter and joking overshadowed the rest of the group:
Peter: "When we got to the dressing room, Ace passed out — immediately hit the couch. I still kept laughing about it, 'cause we had such a great time. We [Ace and I] finally had a great time in an interview; we finally enjoyed ourselves. I knew how pissed off they [Paul and Gene] were, and that made it even better. Because they didn't finally get to take over the interview. Gene loves to hear himself talk, so he didn't get a chance to do that. And I knew we really got them P.O.ed, 'cause we did take over. And Tom had the best time, I think, of his life. It's considered one of the best talk shows the band, in Kisstory, we ever did. And I had a ball. Tom came in and said, 'I wanna thank you, guys. I had the best time of my life. Where's Ace?' He saw him on the floor, and he said, 'When he wakes up, tell him I love him.' He sent me a great picture. And they [Paul and Gene] were furious. And I got a feeling then, we should do this more often, because we got so much feedback from the fans — 'It's about time you and Ace spoke up' — and we enjoyed it so much. We tried, but it was always a fight to get supremacy of anything in that band."
Following up on FANGORIA’s well received first installment, we present the second issue of KISS: MONSTER- THE OFFICIAL ALBUM AND TOUR MAGAZINE, a LIMITED EDITION collector’s mag featuring new interviews about the making of the new KISS album, MONSTER, as well as incredible, insightful features on the smash summer tour and other great moments in KISStory, past and present.
And…it’s in 3D!
That’s right, inside you’ll find 14 pages of exclusive, new concert photos presented in dynamic 3D: SEE Gene’s axe thrust toward you, his blood dribbling right onto your lap! SEE Tommy’s rockets aiming straight at your face! SEE Eric’s drums rising right into your living room! SEE Paul swinging right from the crowd into your arms!
Other features include a new interview with MONSTER co-producer Greg Collins; the band reflecting on their recent pre-tour trip to London; artist Ken Kelly remembering the making of classic KISS covers DESTROYER and LOVE GUN; Gene talking about his memorable villainous movie roles; Paul flashing back to his role in PHANTOM OF THE OPERA; Top Thirty Alternative KISS Klassics; GIANT fold out KISS poster…and so much more!
This incredible LIMITED EDITION collector’s item will be sold EXCLUSIVELY through FANGORIA.com, not in stores.
KISS: MONSTER – THE OFFICIAL ALBUM AND TOUR MAGAZINE is available for purchase NOW from FANGORIA.
Be sure to stay tuned for more details…
CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE KISS: MONSTER – THE OFFICIAL ALBUM AND TOUR MAGAZINE NOW!
The former KISS guitarist gave no reason for his non-appearance, making it the second consecutive year he has backed out of the event.
Last year, Frehley upset his U.K. fans by scrapping his scheduled performance at Hard Rock Hell three days before the event with a wrist injury.
Reunited hard rockers UGLY KID JOE have now been announced as Saturday night headliners on a weekend that also includes SEBASTIAN BACH, TESTAMENT, BUCKCHERRY, SOIL, FOZZY and PRIMAL FEAR.
KISS recently returned with Monster, their 20th studio album and a rocking return to the thunderous hooks and classic chordal mayhem that makes them, well, KISS. Over their 40-plus year history, the band can boast 28 U.S. gold albums, the most gold records for any American rock band, along with over 100 million albums sold worldwide.
Noisecreep recently had the pleasure of talking with longtime lead guitarist Tommy Thayer about the new album, and his life in the band.
It must feel good to finally have Monster in stores.
We're all super happy and super proud of Monster and we put a lot of time and effort into making it great. We approached it from a very organic and simple place, like a band just starting out. We were just hanging out at each other's houses, we arranged the songs at rehearsal then we'd go in and just knock them out. We didn't even do demos. We didn't have a label involved when we did it so there was no manager or A&R person telling us what to do, it was just the four of us making the calls, so whatever was in our hearts made it onto the record.
How has your role in KISS evolved over the years?
It has evolved a lot. My first dealing with KISS was an opening act on the Asylum tour in 1985 while I was in my band Black 'N Blue. We did about 24-25 shows with KISS and I got to know Paul and Gene and then the relationship with Gene evolved after that. He produced some of our records, and then I worked on some KISS albums after that. Black 'N Blue then ran its course and I was hired to work behind the scenes with KISS, managing different sorts of things. Then ten years ago things evolved again and I came on board as lead guitarist.
It's a unique path you took.
Certainly is. I did a lot of video and photo work back then and really got up to speed on the band, archiving stuff, editing producing and directing videos, pay per views; more stuff than I ever imagined. It was never my aspiration to be in KISS. I was interested in them, but never aspired directly to be what I am today. Very ironic how it worked out. Since I've been in the band my role has evolved more – my playing, my approach in the studio – I'm more confident today than I've ever been. But today the feedback from KISS fans has been phenomenal, just so positive, which means a lot to me. This is a band built for the fans. I also love how much they seem to like Monster.
Were you a big KISS fan as a kid?
Huge. I was a KISS fan when the first record came out – my KISS roots go back to the beginning. The first three records I was a huge fan of in junior high school - so everything has come full circle in my life. I saw them play twice in Portland, Ore. during that time growing up and it was phenomenal. Those shows made a big impact on me –– the attitude, the presentation and most of all, the music.
This band has grown into something of an American and patriotic phenomenon with all the support of the troops you guys provide.
No doubt. KISS started out as a mere rock and roll band and the phenomenon has evolved into something quite extraordinary. This band touches so many people in so many generations in so many ways – it's truly incredible. And to your point, the troops mean the world to us. We will always stand by them.
You dad himself is a true American hero.
Thank you. He's a hero to me as a dad and also as a soldier in the military He just turned 90. In Europe in 1945, as a member of the U.S. Army in World War II he was in head to head combat with SS troops and he earned both the Bronze and Silver Star. His platoon helped liberate one of the Nazi concentration camps in Austria – he was one of the first guys in there and he helped save a lot of people's lives. He's done so many amazing things that the new Oregon Military Museum up in Portland is going to be named in my dad's honor: The Brigadier General James B. Thayer Oregon Military Museum. I'm helping to raise the money for it now.
How can people learn more about it and even contribute?
Thank you. The website is www.allstarsalute.com.
Does he like KISS?
Loves KISS. He came to the recent KISS show in Portland. My parents have always been great supporters of everything I've done. Very encouraging and wonderful.
It still blows us away that KISS does their own makeup every night.
KISS is the hardest working band in show business – it may sound like a cliché but it's true. We get to the gig hours before, do an acoustic set, a meet and greet, soundcheck, eat dinner – then 2-3 hours before the show we do our the make up - and we have all done our own make up since day one. It's a personal transition every night and a great part of the ritual. Then we do photos, press, then we perform, which of course is the most important part of it all. Then after the show is over, we get out of the makeup and transition back to normal life. It's a long day but we are very dedicated – we don't just show up before the gig, tune up and get onstage. There is a huge level of dedication that goes into it KISS every single day and every single show.
In an interview earlier in the month with a Tampa radio station, Tyler stated about contemporaries KISS, "They've got a couple of hits, but they're more, they're comic book — you see them in their spackled faces." He added, "It is different: a KISS lick, a Joe Perry lick — two different worlds, and sometimes depending on the time of day get offended. I hear that and I go, 'Yeah, that's alright. Do they really mean it? And what's this all about?' And that's why I think AEROSMITH has been around forever, we really do take ourselves seriously." Tyler revealed that he "hated" KISS ever since one of their crew members got into a knife fight with an AEROSMITH roadie back in 1976, but added, "Since then I've gotten to know Gene [Simmons] and Paul, and they're beautiful people."
While promoting his memoir, "Makeup To Breakup: My Life In And Out Of Kiss", on this morning's (Tuesday, October 23) edition of "Jim Kerr Rock & Roll Morning Show" on the WAXQ-FM / Q104.3 radio station in New York City, Criss was asked for his reaction to Tyler's comments.
"In my book, I really talk about our tour — the last tour we did with [AEROSMITH]," Criss said (see video below). "I found those guys to be sweethearts. I felt honored to be on stage with AEROSMITH. I think they're one of the greatest rock and roll bands in the world.
"I could see how Steven loves Steven and he always wants the spotlight over him — he's always, 'Look at me. Look at me.' And that's OK, 'cause I had one of those in my band. The other two — Tom [Hamilton, bass] and Brad [Whitford, guitar] — treated my wife like a million bucks. Joe [Perry, guitar] was a jerk. I say it in my book. He had a thing about the whole… he just didn't like us, he called us clowns and he didn't really like playing with us. So I now I hear even Steven jumped on the bandwagon. And it kind of hurts my feelings, 'cause I really like the guys. I think they are one of the greatest bands ever to hit the stage — and still are — and it's kind of strange that he said that, because he didn't give me that impression when we toured together."
KISS frontman Paul Stanley lashed back at Tyler last week, telling "Rockline", "Maybe Steven's feeling a bit full of himself because he has an album coming out . . . When [the AEROSMITH] album comes out, let's put (it next to ours and) and let the music do the talking."
Stanley went on to talk about the bands' 2003 tour, which featured KISS and AEROSMITH as co-headliners. "Steven insisted that they close the show. I really don't care, because as far as I am concerned, one way or another you're going to have to come up on the stage, so you can go on before us or after us. And that being said, he certainly had a chip on his shoulder back then about… There is some sort of… I don't know… ambivalence or just looking down his nose a bit towards KISS. So I have to say that seeing him go on after us and play to an underwhelmed audience and see people walking out didn't feel too bad to me … No matter who you think you are, don't wish for something that may come true."
"Makeup To Breakup: My Life In And Out Of Kiss" is being released on October 23 via the Simon & Schuster imprint Scribner.
Criss wrote the 320-page hardcover book with the help of Larry "Ratso" Sloman.
The KISS gift set includes four dispensers, depicting the four members of the Hottest Band in The World and one six pack of candy. The Starchild, The Demon, The Catman, and The Spaceman are displayed in a reusable metal gift tin. The set will retail for approximately $12.99.
“Interest in the KISS gift tin has exceeded our expectations and we doubled our original production”, stated Joe Vittoria – CEO of PEZ Candy, Inc. “There have been several imitation KISS PEZ dispensers in the market over the years and we are pleased to launch this authentic set in time for the holiday season.”
"The Kiss merchandise juggernaught continues with the PeZ Kiss gift set and the Kiss Army will love them," says Janet Dwoskin, Vice President of Live Nation Merchandise.
In celebration of their legacy and new album Monster, VH1 Classic’s nationally syndicated radio show, On Tap hosted by Nik Carter is getting set to feature a ton of KISS music and interviews! Nik kicks it off Monday, October 22nd with exclusive tracks and interviews from the ultimate KISS collection,Kissology! On Tuesday, October 23rd, On Tap will feature a Classic Current, which will include the new Kiss single, Long Way Down and a classic track voted on by fans on Facebook! Facebook.com/ontaprocks. Wednesday Nik will feature clips from his exclusive interview with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley and play a KISS track each hour!
To find out where to hear On Tap presented by VH1 Classic, go to vh1classicontap.com
The Kiss star said that he was handed the money by a promoter who was trying to tempt the band into making a comeback.
Industry insiders were keen to get Led Zeppelin back together for a reunion tour after the success of their one-off gig at London's O2 Arena in 2007.
"In 2009/10 I was given a few hundred million dollars in an account by a large concert promoter and given the task of reaching out to Jimmy and Robert and trying to convince them to get back together," he told The Sun.
"Of course, it didn't work," he said. "Robert [Plant] just doesn't want to do it."
Simmons recently joined the rest of Kiss to help launch the band's 20th album Monster. The LP is their first release in three years, and Simmons said that he is "very proud" of the record.
"It goes back to the heart and soul of what Kiss is, which is two guitars, bass and drums," the singer explained. "There are no symphony orchestras, boys' choirs, keyboards or ballads. This is meat and potatoes, no fluff."
“There are no symphony orchestras, no boys choirs, no keyboards, no outside producers and no outside songwriters,” says Gene Simmons, who, along with KISS co-founder Paul Stanley, credits lead guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer with reinvigorating the band. “The best thing we did was to turn inwards to ourselves.” In the following interview, Simmons and Stanley talk about making Monster, creating distinctive guitar riffs and holding onto their inner child.
How did making Monster differ from making Sonic Boom?
STANLEY: Sonic Boom was us discovering who we are today, as a recording band. We had proven ourselves as a live entity, and we had our history down pat, but the question to answer was: who are we in the studio, today? Monster, on the other hand, is a band that’s totally sure of what we can do. We were all confident about how great this album could be. My role as producer, as I saw it, was to be a director and a coach, to make sure we kept our eye on the goal.
What was the writing and recording process like?
STANLEY: We wrote the songs primarily at my house. After that we went into rehearsal. We didn’t spend a lot of time on that, but that’s why it’s called “rehearsal.” You don’t want to go into the studio and do anything except record. If you’re spending time in the studio learning to tie your shoelaces, you’re just wasting money. We were prepared, and we went in and did things just like we did in rehearsal. We recorded facing one another – just an arm’s length apart.
Did keeping things simple – just two guitars, bass and drums – steer you down a certain creative path?
SIMMONS: The first few albums we put out were band-made, band-played and band-designed. And then we veered off and started doing lots of other stuff -- concept records, symphony orchestra albums, all sorts of things, all over the map. Those things are like going to a fancy French restaurant, where things taste good but afterwards you have an upset stomach. There’s too much butter, it’s too creamy, there’s too much of this and that. Ultimately, the best food is Mom’s home cooking. Pride comes into play as well. It all starts in your heart and soul. You know in your heart what’s good, before anyone else hears it. You sort of go, “Gee, that’s damn good. Let’s play that again.” The best measure of that is that we’re actually playing the new album in the dressing room, when we’re getting ready to do a show. Invariably, someone walks in and says, “Who is that? Turn that up!”
How old were you when you first picked up a guitar?
SIMMONS: I was 14. My mother bought me a Gibson SG Standard, a beautiful guitar. I held it for a long time before I knew anything about how to play it. The first chord I learned was a “C” chord. I played it the way folk players play it [begins singing “Michael Row the Boat Ashore”]. I wrote my first song with that chord. It was called “I Wanna Be a Sailor.” Melodies started coming into my head as I learned new chords. I wrote “Deuce” when I was 19.
Why did you switch to bass?
SIMMONS: I’ve always been a pragmatist. Everybody else was playing guitar. I could see clearly that if I wanted to be in a band, maybe I should play bass, since there were fewer bass players. Of course, some of the bass players for the biggest bands in the world started out as guitar players. Being able to play guitar gives you a different perspective as a bass player.
Who were your main influences?
SIMMONS: Paul McCartney, above everybody else. His approach wasn’t based on how Motown bassists played. The Motown guys were stupendous, but when you listened to those records – everything from The Temptations to The Supremes to Stevie Wonder – the bass line was never something you hummed. It wasn’t a hook. When you heard Beatles songs, sometimes you actually hummed the melody of the bass. “Taxman” is a good example. A lot of those Beatles songs served as the basis for metal – or certainly hard rock. Think of those bass riffs [hums the riff for “Day Tripper”]. Whatever the bass is playing, the guitar is playing. That’s true of “Lady Madonna” and on and on.
Most KISS riffs have a signature, something that tells you right away it’s KISS. Are great riffs a dying art?
STANLEY: I agree, there is something distinctive about KISS riffs. But I also think most great riffs have already been written, and Jimmy Page probably wrote most of them. “Black Dog,” “Whole Lotta Love,” “Heartbreaker,” “Dazed and Confused,” on and on. Granted, much of what Led Zeppelin did was based on Blind Boy Fuller, Robert Johnson, Hubert Sumlin, you name it -- but they took those things and skewed them in a way that created a signature. Most of what’s come afterward has been based on that. Has anyone else come up with riffs that great? There have been other good riffs by other players, but most of them tip their hats to those same sources. I doubt they’ll stand the test of time as well as the originals.
Do you see irony in the fact that KISS’s style, today, is closer than ever to what it was in the‘70s?
SIMMONS: That’s a compliment of the highest order. Painters often talk about the innocence of children. Children put their hands in buckets of paints – all colors – and start to smear on a canvas. It’s all impressionistic. As a musician, it’s extremely hard to recapture that innocence you had when you were a kid, when you were in a garage, by yourself, plugging into an amp for the first time. If someone tells us we’ve recaptured something we had on those first few records, that’s the highest compliment. That’s the hardest thing to do – to get back to the purity and essence of who you actually are. Free unencumbered emotional expression exists in innocence. We’re fighting against knowing too much.
On Saturday, September 15, we here at 102.3-FM presented “KISS ON THE MOUNTAIN,” a three-hour radio special which celebrated the musical history of one of the most successful American rock bands of all-time. The show was done in conjunction with the group’s September 18 show at Montage Mountain in Scranton. We had a great time putting it together. And based on the feedback we received, we know a lot of people enjoyed it. In fact, thanks to the fact that info about the show was posted on the official KISS website and Facebook page, as well as some of the most popular KISS fan sites in the world, we knew we had people listening not just in Northeastern Pennsylvania, but also all around the globe.
We were also aware, however, that a show broadcast in Pennsylvania, USA, from 8-11 p.m. (EST) might not have been the best time for someone to listen in Australia, England, or Japan. And we also had some of our regional listeners tell us that they’d like to hear it again. Thus, in celebration of the recent release of KISS’ new album, “Monster” - which is currently the No.1 album in Northeastern Pennsylvania – the entire “KISS ON THE MOUNTAIN” program is now also podcast. You can now listen to the entire radio special right here on our website, commercial-free. And to make it even more convenient, we’ve broken it down into six segments.
What will you hear?
1. Excerpts from a new 2012 interview with Gene Simmons, during which he talks about “Monster,” as well as several other musical topics.
2. Audio excerpts from archived newspaper interviews that I had done with the band dating back 18 years. They include conversations with Paul Stanley, Simmons and former members of the group and include conversations from 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2004 and 2011.
3. Commentary on the music of KISS. I’ve been a fan since 1976, have interviewed the band more than dozen times, have written more than 35 articles about the group and have now seen them live 32 times. Thus, I had fun sharing a few stories.
4. More than 30 songs from all eras of the band’s career. This includes the classics and some gems that you’ll probably never hear anywhere else on the radio.
What do Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley think guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer bring to the KISS lineup? What are Simmons’ thoughts on the 2012 tour? And, from the archives, how did Stanley feel, in the early ‘90s, when the band suddenly became the inspiration to countless KISS tribute acts and began to receive long overdue critical acclaim? What were Ace Frehley’s and Peter Criss’ fondest memories of KISS? What were Simmons’ thoughts on the grunge movement and how it affected live performances, and how do both Simmons and Stanley feel about the legend of the KISS live show? What are Stanley’s thoughts on the successful non-make-up era of the band, which saw KISS continue on as a platinum act? And how does Simmons feel about the loyalty often displayed by the group’s fans?
You can hear it all on the “KISS ON THE MOUNTAIN” radio special, as well as some of the band’s best songs. When discussing KISS, it’s easy to get caught up in the image, the innovative stage shows and all of the pomp, but KISS is a band that has sold 100 million records and has 28 gold albums. It has a band that has recored some fine rock and roll music, and this radio show, more than anything, is about that music.
KISS By Monster Mini Golf, the unique rock ‘n’ roll-themed amusement attraction based around the legendary band KISS®, celebrates Halloween with activities for Saints and Sinners on Oct. 31. Kids in costume can play unlimited golf for $5 from 4 – 6 p.m. and are able to trick-or-treat while on the course. A Crazy, Crazy Nights Pajama Party begins at 7 p.m. for adults 21 and over. The party features live entertainment from Sin City Sinners, rock ‘n’ roll trivia contest, cash bar, and a pajama contest judged by a special guest. Anyone in pajamas or a costume gets FREE admission while that not in costume will be charged a $5 entry, or “wimp-out,” fee.
The day’s lineup includes:
4 – 6 p.m. – Kids’ special – kids in costume golf for $5 and can trick-or-treat on the course
7 p.m. – Mini Golf Course opens for adults-only unlimited play during the evening
7 p.m. – Rock ‘n’ Roll Trivia Contest – winner earns a spot at Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp
8 p.m. – Zombie-themed rock/punk cover band, The Bones, perform live on stage
9 p.m. – Halloween Costume Contest Judging with a special guest and Sin City Sinners
10 p.m. – Sin City Sinners perform live on stage
“The atmosphere at KISS By Monster Mini Golf makes it the perfect place to have a rockin’ slumber party,” said Christina Vitagliano, founder of KISS By Monster Mini Golf. “Our guests will have to dress up to impress as our special guest will be judging all costumes and pajamas with a very critical eye. We’ll have great music from the Sin City Sinners, amazing prizes and of course, mini golf that is second-to-none.” Mad Monster Party is a three-day monster convention with celebrity guests, horror memorabilia vendors, monster exhibits (this year features the world's biggest collection of "Jaws" original screen used props and memorabilia), the Crypt Critter exhibit with live snakes, arachnids and insects (with a rare photo op with wrestling superstar Jake "The Snake" Roberts with a live Burmese python sponsored by Cold Blooded Encounters), a vintage Midnight Spook Show, macabre magic acts and more! For more information, visit TheMadMonsterParty.com.
’Monster’ seems to be one of the most personal collection of songs on any Kiss album. Was that a conscious decision or was it just material that was brought into the sessions? Tommy Thayer: That’s a great question. ‘Monster’ is a great band album – it’s something that just the four of us created without any outside input or influence from management, record labels, nobody. We wrote the songs, we rehearsed them, then recorded them. It was very organic, very in your face. Paul [Stanley] produced it; he did a phenomenal job and was great about choosing the right songs — not only the very best songs that should be on a record by Kiss but also the songs that were cohesive, that fit together and made a statement as a group of songs. That’s a very important thing that people don’t think about because often you get records where it isn’t cohesive and it’s confusing to listen to records like that sometimes you think, “That song doesn’t seem to fit.” All these songs are of the same nature, they fit together like a puzzle, Paul did a great job as a producer in making that happen. That’s what ‘Monster’ is about. It’s a very cohesive, strong, bold statement. Paul Stanley: I think when you talk about it being personal, where that comes from is a passion that the band has. This lineup has been together for ten years and once we found our footing as a live band, it was only a matter of time before we said, “Let’s go into the studio.” We know what we’ve been, we know what we’re celebrating in terms of the past but let’s put our boots down and say, “This is who we are today and in the future.” ‘Monster’ is a whole different thing. ‘Monster’ is four guys coming together with a real passion and passion is the key to it. We didn’t want perfection. Too much music nowadays or what gets passed off as music is made on computers. People are in the studio looking at computer screens to see whether the music is good. If music is good, by God, you’ll tap your foot and you’ll sweat. All the stuff we listen to that made an impression on us, whether it was Motown, James Brown, Led Zeppelin, Beatles on and on it was about passion, it was about doing something that was true to the heart and that’s what we wanted to get back to. So personal, yeah it’s the four of us and we couldn’t be more proud of it. We stand by this one and make no apologies and want to bask in it’s success. TT: We’ve all been involved in bands and having an experience with everybody and really enjoying it and interacting and collaborating and people throwing ideas – it’s a comfortable situation, a very productive situation. It’s rare and we’ve got something here that we really enjoy a lot. Gene Simmons: Maybe the standout vocal, by some people’s standards, is the powerful track of Eric Singer singing ‘All For the Love of Rock & Roll.’ You should hear this song. It’s the single in Europe and people fall in love with this guy when he sings. He sings to me in the bathtub. How many songs were brought to ‘Monster’ and what is the process you take of sifting through material and decide what’s on the final recording? PS: Interesting, one of the ground rules and I think everybody operates better when you have certain expectations and certain limitations. One of them that we setup was no old songs because if a song wasn’t good enough for the last album it’s not like wine, it doesn’t get better with time, it doesn’t age well. The idea with the album was to come up with new songs and the criteria was to make a cohesive album that really from start to finish reflected who this band is at its best. There weren’t that many songs. TT: We didn’t really bring songs in. It was a thing where let’s meet over at your house and start writing songs. PS: If the song’s not good, why finish it? It’s much better to self-edit, I think than to just keep writing and writing. So on this album there are 13 songs counting the bonus song – I don’t think there were more than 15 or 16 that were even thrown around. GS: Half-finished, we didn’t even finish them. PS: We’re pretty good at listening and going, “This isn’t the one, next,” and we move on. It wasn’t a matter of we have all of these extra songs sitting in the can. We’ve never been like that and now more than ever we’re really focused and tuned into who we are. TT: We didn’t do demos either which is important because people write songs and then they demo it and you make these great demos and you go to record the record trying to beat the demo – people in bands know what I’m talking about – so we didn’t have any of that kind of thing going on. We wrote a song, we knew it was good, we rehearsed it to get the arrangement and then we go right into the studio and record it so it was very fresh and that was it. We didn’t have any demos or things happening before that which kind of can screw things up sometimes so we kept it spontaneous and for real. GS: This is important to say because you guys are here, media and all this stuff and the record comes out and the accolades and the attention usually falls on us two knuckleheads but with Eric and Tommy in the band Kiss is revitalized and reborn and re-energized. You can’t know what it’s like to be onstage and have a solid band where you can just lean back and the power of Eric’s drumming – you can never get lost. First of all he’s a triple threat, he’s not only cute and young but the guy can sing any one of us under the rug. He plays drums with his hands tied behind his bag, shackled upside down, all kinds of things. Tommy, likewise, can write songs, sing lead, this band is unstoppable. Any band out there that wants to dare step onstage with us, come get it. Now get out. PS: When Tommy first came on the scene, we’ve known him a long time, I really considered him a good guitar player and that’s honest. Tommy’s become just a ferociously spectacular guitar player and what makes the band so great at this point is when you have four people in the band who are all saying, “How can I make the band better?” instead of “How can the band make me more famous?” You accomplish everything. If everybody is working toward bettering the band everybody will get in the spotlight. We make get a lot of attention over here but we couldn’t make an album like ‘Sonic Boom’ or an album like ‘Monster’ with any other lineup, I want to know what you’re smokin’ ‘cause it’s just not true. Honestly especially with the original lineup which people always love to talk about, those guys and us laid the foundation for what is Kiss today — we couldn’t be here today without them and we couldn’t be here today with them. The band carries on and we’re better than ever, we couldn’t be happier. We’re blessed. We get onstage every night and it’s a treat to be up here with those guys. What was the name behind Wicked Lester and how did you come up with the name Kiss? Jose Mangin: Wicked Lester was name of Paul and Gene’s group before Kiss was formed as some background. PS: I think we were just looking for something cool. I think we could have been the Crimson Harpoon. I don’t know, it [Wicked Lester] didn’t have a meaning although we kind of envisioned a cartoon type character and once the band did an album – we actually did an album for Epic Records over a year’s time. We would sit around all day and when a band would leave, we would run in sometimes 24 hours at a time and we did this awful album. We were kids, we were lucky to be in a studio. We did this album and by the time we finished the album Gene and I both looked at each other and said, “This isn’t something we’re comfortable with, it’s not something that represents us.” As though out of our minds – here’s a bunch of guys without a pot to piss in and we said, “We don’t want to be in this band” and we basically let the other guys go and the other guys said, “We’re going to hold out contract” and we said “Fine” and we quit. So Epic had this album and Gene and I decided to write songs that are much more cohesive, that sound like they’re the same band and we quickly started writing. It couldn’t have been two months and every week we just had three or four songs and we knew Wicked Lester was not the name of this band anymore. We thought about it a while and one night we were driving on the Long Island Expressway right near the Woodhaven Boulevard exit and I said, “What about Kiss” and I was thinking “Dear God I hope nobody says no.” It just felt so right and everybody went “Yeah” and it really embodies so much of what we are – it’s heavy, it’s passionate and it’s a name, no matter where you go in the world, people know that word. In the beginning when we were nobody, nobody knew who we were, people would go “Oh Kiss, I’ve heard of you” because it’s just a word you hear all the time. Long answer to a short question. GS: I want to tell you something that I don’t think we’ve ever told anybody. We were looking for a name Wicked Lester at the time, we settled on. Right before that for a short time we were thinking of The Norman Watch Company. PS: What about Sid Cup Kent? GS: Sid Cup Kent, I was reading an English music magazine and there was a place called Sid Cup in Kent England and to me it just sounded like Sid Cup Kent, Jethro Tull, Led Zeppelin – of course I was out of my mind. There was a sign on the street and I thought, “Yeah that’s a cool name Norman Watch Company.” Can you guys talk about the Kiss Cruise that’s coming up for some people listening who may not know about it. PS: The Kiss Cruise is something uniquely Kiss. It brings 3,000 fans around the world on a cruise with us that lasts four days. It’s sold out and last year was phenomenal. It has the sense, at least when we go down the halls, it’s kind of like a dorm. People are putting stuff on their doors and we’ll go around and sign it. It’s Kiss fans from around the world getting together. We get a chance to play acoustically – then we do two shows in full gear in and we pull out a lot of those obscure classics and just have a lot of fun with the die-hards, this really is for them. It’s unique and then we have a lot of extra activities. Last year we were all kind of trepidatious – wondering what’s this going to be like for us, we had a ball. Probably the second or third day in we were all looking at each other saying, “We got to do this again next year.” It comes up at the end of October. Kiss doesn’t need any validation from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but another year goes by and there’s other guys that are being nominated and it probably doesn’t matter too much to you but how does it make you feel when the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame comes and goes another year and Kiss is not mentioned? PS: I think it bothers you and that’s why it bothers us, it’s not about us. We don’t need the validation – I think most people realize that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a scam. It’s a bunch of faceless people that none of us know who get together in this club and pick singers and a lot of the people who they nominate and put through aren’t even people who sell a lot. The fact of the matter is, there are people in there that it’s ridiculous to have in there. There are plenty of bands who belong in there – I think this year they’re reaching a point where they realize that they’ve realized that they’re running out of their hip and happening artist of choice or people who we all know don’t belong in there. Now they seem to be opening up the doors somewhat and letting in the bands who belong in their but they’re not doing it by choice – they’re doing it because they have no choice. When you put in someone like Patti Smith, God bless Patti Smith or Laura Nyro who most of you don’t even know who I’m a big fan of but those people have nothing to do with rock and roll. The people who run the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have nothing to do with rock and roll either. GS: How about Madonna, how about Grandmaster Flash, those artists belong in the hip-hop hall of fame and the disco hall of fame – there ain’t no rock in there, nobody play guitar, get out of here. In one of my angrier moments somebody asked me about it and I said, “I’m thinking of buying it and firing everybody.” We are so lucky to be in this position we have nothing to complain about. A long time ago people asked us about this stuff and we get plenty of awards just stepping up onstage. It’s a sham and they should be ashamed of themselves. PS: If we ever did get inducted or indicted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, we would accept on your behalf. I think it means a lot to you people, the validation that you think is missing and by all means if it were to happen – we would go as your champions because you make us.
KISS help parents to rock, one suburb at a time, in this new comedy sketch streaming on helpingparents2rock.org!
KISS' previous CD, "Sonic Boom", opened with 108,000 units back in October 2009 to enter the chart at No. 2. This marked the band's highest-charting LP ever. KISS has notched ninr Top 10 albums, according to Billboard.com. Its previous highest-charting set was 1998's "Psycho Circus", which debuted and peaked at No. 3 with 110,000 copies in its first week, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The group's other high-charting sets include 1975's "Alive!" (No. 9), 1977's "Love Gun" (No. 4) and 1992's "Revenge" (No. 6).
"Back to the Stone Age" tilts toward the MC5 brand of garage rock, while the lusty "Eat Your Heart Out" has an a capella start and plenty of cowbell. Elsewhere, "All for the Love of Rock and Roll," sung by drummer Eric Singer, is a slice of Southern rock boogie, and guitarist Tommy Thayer's "Outta This World" brings in psychedelic flavors. Many of Monster's tracks would fit comfortably on any of KISS' pre-Destroyer (1976) releases. KISS may be at the point in its career where new albums are merely adjuncts to the legend, but Monster proves the group can still convincingly shout it out loud.
Kiss' Catman drummer charts his course from gritty New York upbringing to the heights of global fame — and back down to a suicidal moment after Los Angeles' Northridge earthquake. Start me up: Inspired by the kabuki-style androgyny of David Bowie, Kiss chose alter egos. Criss' character was his wife's black cat, Mateus, because "we were both wild, independent." Gene Simmons (who "loved horror films") chose the Demon, Paul Stanley was Starchild, while Ace Frehley, Spaceman, was actually convinced that extraterrestrials had colonized this planet ("He was working on a radio to communicate with them"). Stayin' alive: In 1994, battered by drug abuse and two broken marriages, Criss surveyed the wreckage of his life after L.A.'s big earthquake ("The whole room stank from death and the debris of my former exalted life") and quietly slipped a .357 Magnum in his mouth. "Then I thought of my (late) mother. We had a very strange, deep relationship." He pulled the barrel out: "I woke up the next morning and got on with my life." It's only rock 'n' roll: "We found out from day one that sex was a part of rock 'n' roll," Criss writes in the book's biggest understatement. Criss says Frehley and Stanley were intrigued by both sexes, while Simmons kept a running tally of his female conquests in Polaroid pictures, "carefully pasted into bound volumes, each dated." Criss once tried to make love to a groupie who had dressed in his cat costume, but, weirded out, claimed he "had a headache." The name game: After Alive! put the band on the cultural map, Criss' newfound celebrity found him befriending John Belushi. "He wanted to be a rock star," Criss writes. And party like one. "He would scoop (cocaine) up in his palm." Rockin' my life away: Criss' ballad Beth was the big hit off Destroyer (1976). Manager Bill Aucoin came by Criss' New York brownstone to toast the drummer and offer a prediction. "You saved the album, Peter," he told him. 'But (the band) is going to hate you for it." The high of that hit came with the crushing lows of cocaine abuse that led to primal scream therapy. "I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown." — della Cava
"For four decades KISS have Rock n Rolled All Night, and adoring fans have lapped it up. But the blokes behind the makeup are more than rock gods – they are marketing masters."
In an interview last week with a Tampa radio station, Tyler stated about contemporaries KISS, "They've got a couple of hits, but they're more, they're comic book — you see them in their spackled faces." He added, "It is different: a KISS lick, a Joe Perry lick — two different worlds, and sometimes depending on the time of day get offended. I hear that and I go, 'Yeah, that's alright. Do they really mean it? And what's this all about?' And that's why I think AEROSMITH has been around forever, we really do take ourselves seriously." Tyler revealed that he "hated" KISS ever since one of their crew members got into a knife fight with an AEROSMITH roadie back in 1976, but added, "Since then I've gotten to know Gene [Simmons] and Paul, and they're beautiful people." During KISS' appearance on tonight's (Monday, October 15) edition of the nationally sindicated radio show "Rockline", host Bob Coburn asked Paul Stanley if he had a response to Tyler's comments. "Maybe Steven's feeling a bit full of himself because he has an album coming out," Stanley said. Stanley recalled KISS' 2003 co-headlining tour with AEROSMITH, telling Coburn, "Steven insisted that they close the show. I really [didn't] care because one way or the other you have to come up onstage. He had a chip on his shoulder back then. [He] was a looking down his nose a bit at KISS. Seeing him come onstage to an underwhelmed audience and [seeing] people walking out [made me smile]." He added, "When [the new AEROSMITH] album comes out, let's put [it side by side with ours and] let the music do the talking." Stanley concluded: "Steven may have been overenthused and needs a reality check."
Norway: #2 Whether he really is in the midst of a good mood to end all good moods or not, the KISS founder has every right to be pretty darn pleased with life right about now. Fast approaching 40 years since they formed, the veteran classic rockers are enjoying a rich resurgence, with this week seeing the release of new album Monster, their second in three years, following the critically-acclaimed Sonic Boom. As he geared up for the record’s release, Gene shared a few memories from some of the band’s career-defining efforts from down the years. “For us it was Alice in Wonderland. Four knuckleheads off the streets of New York who didn’t have a clue what was going on or that they were about to scale the heights of Mount Olympus. Or that one would become the actual God of Thunder, you’re damn right I am. “There was this spectacular innocence in the band, Ace and Peter were healthy, happy and couldn’t believe their luck. You find the Genie lamp, the Genie Simmons lamp of course, you rub it and out comes the Genie and says, ‘Whatever you’d like, you can have it.’ You say, ‘I like to be a rockstar with more fame and whatever than you could imagine.’ And you get it. “We were hard task masters on ourselves. Everybody was equally important in the band and there was an us against the world feeling because everything we did, people laughed at. ‘You have a song called ‘Strutter’? What the f*** is that? What about love and broken hearts?’ We’d say, ‘F*** that!’ Black Diamond is about a prostitute, they’d say, ‘Sing something romantic’, that just isn’t cool.” “KISS never had the patience to be in the studio. Lots of bands will stay in the studio until it feels right, we don’t have the patience for that. It’s wham, bam, thank you mam. "We can’t wait to get on stage. We’d rather rehearse the songs and set up the mics like the Beatles did on Get Back and just get on with it. “Alive was the last ditch effort of a band that didn’t break through on the first three records, they just did OK. Our record company was going out of business. In American football it’s called the Hail Mary pass, you have nothing to lose, so f*** it, go for the crazy throw. "We decided to put out not just a live album, but a double album. If this was going to be our last record, let’s go out in a blaze of glory. In 1976 the platinum record became a certified award and Alive was the second platinum record and the first double platinum album of all time." “We got big success - raw, mistakes, untuned guitars and all. Then we decided to do an arranged album with Bob Ezrin and do a ballad with a string quartet with kids singing on it. "If you were a KISS fan I’d understand why you were angry. Yet, it all comes down to songs, either the songs connect with the DNA of a band, or they don’t. “When it first came out some people were really happy with Detroit Rock City and some people were upset with Beth. They were released as the single, Detroit Rock City as the A-side, but the b-side, Beth, became the Number One record. “Everything has been a gamble. When we first put on the make-up, that was a gamble. When we decided not to do la-di-dah music or wear tie dye t-shirts, not to sit on the stage with acoustic guitars and incense singing about birds and trees, it was all a gamble.” “A band should have the backbone of a wild animal and what they do is take risks, they pee on the ground and say, ‘This is my territory.’ "A band has to be like a wild animal and define for itself and everybody else what it is. You can’t be a slave to somebody else. We consistently kept doing risky moves. “That album was a risk, but it was necessary. At that point, Ace and Peter, god love them, had succumbed to alcohol and drugs in a deep way. We had done a movie, KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park, and during the movie they would disappear and we’d have to have actors sit in for them in make-up, just pathetic behaviour. “We had a meeting and Ace said he wanted to leave and have a solo career. We told him to have a solo career but stay in the band, have your cake and eat it too. ‘No, I’m going to have my own solo career and show you that I can sell ten million records.’ "Ace is now going through his third bankruptcy and poor Peter followed him. Our manager convinced everybody to go off and do our own solo records ands release them all at the same time. That appealed to everybody’s competitive nature. It was risky but necessary to keep the band together for a little while longer.” “Before we decided to go back into the studio, the industry was in turmoil. Kids decided they didn’t want to pay for records. "KISS is not a charity, I work and I want to get paid for it. I don’t want to give away my stuff for free. We refused to do new music, why should we? I refuse to give away our hard work for nothing. “When Best Buy and Walmart stepped up and said they wanted to distribute our albums and they’d pay us for them we said, ‘Ok, now is a good time.’ It just so happened that we had Tommy and Eric who had reinvigorated the band and made us realise we could do great things.” “What’s great [about Monster] is that we all have different favourites, all four of us. My favourite is Wall of Sound. “Going back to the first few records, we were forced to work that way because there wasn’t time, we had to get together in hotel rooms and toss around songs and riffs. Paul in particular started to have the credit for being there more hours than anybody else and for having the focus of reminding everybody and himself that this is what we all decided to do, let’s do an uncompromising record. Let’s be who we are. “When you’re eating bad food, you know that it’s bad for you. A year later when you’ve got those extra pounds, and heaven knows I’ve succumbed to that, you know what’s good for you, what’s good for you is to keep it raw and lean. But that’s harder to do, it’s self control. "When you get in the studio it’s like being on a diet inside of a bakery. You’ve got all this technology and all the time in the world. You can bring in symphony orchestras and saxophones and glockenspiels, because you’re not in front of people. "We would never dare bring a guy with a saxophone out on stage. It’s not who we are. The hardest thing to do was to go in the studio and say, ‘F*** all of that fancy French cooking, let’s just have meat and two veg.’”
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This week Kiss released their 20th studio album, Monster. Though the band is based in L.A., they were in NY promoting the record on SiriusXM. We spoke with him about the importance of not showing up to work drunk, and other topics. Did you always see yourself not only as someone who would be doing music but also as someone who would be wearing this? Well, I've worn this for more of my life than I haven't. You think you've spent more hours in it than out of it? Oh, yeah. Well, I've certainly spent more years in it than out of it. I'm a lucky guy. I get a chance to live my dream every day. And certainly I would hope that other people pursue the same thing. If you have a dream, you go after it. It's very easy to find people who tell you what's impossible. Invariably, the ones who tell you what's impossible are the ones who failed. So, I'm here because I didn't listen. And if somebody finds talk of self-empowerment corny, well, they should look where they are and look where I am. Do you still hold fast to that "rock and roll all night and party every day" credo, at this point in your life? I think that's a state of mind. It's an attitude more than the tangible of partying every day or rock-and-rolling all night. It's more a mindset of enjoying your life. It's not literal. It's not? I don't think it ever was literal-- Oh, come on! Well, you can rock and roll all night and party every day. But it's more the sense that life is for enjoying...We sing about very basic instincts and things that are truly timeless, and that's about self. Self-reliance and self-celebration. Pride in self. That's what it all comes down to. It all starts with you. We were watching the infamous Tom Snyder interview [with KISS in 1979 that got derailed by Ace Frehley's drunken goofiness] and were wondering what was going through your mind at that time. It looks like it was fun, but it also looks like Gene was not so happy about it. It wasn't that big of a fun time because you have to respect your position. You have to respect your job. You have to respect the people that you're trying to communicate with. It may seem funny that somebody is drunk...but the fact is that the root of it was, I believe, a contempt and a lack of respect for the audience and the fans. So, sure. Can you look at it and chuckle? Yeah. I can, too, but I see deeper. And I look at it and say, what a shame to take this lofty position that somebody gave us and spit in it. Spit in its face. By showing up inebriated or unable to connect a sentence. It may be funny on the surface, but what's below the surface is a lack of appreciation for a gift that you've been given. You seem to take it very seriously. I take what I do very seriously...and we still have an amazing time. Having pride in it and being serious about it doesn't take away the fun of it. I'm the happiest guy on earth. Really? You betcha. Can you smile for us? (He grins.) Ok, now we believe it.
Why? “Because I get to be Gene Simmons for another day,” he replies. What better opening from one of the proud lions of rock ‘n’ roll? He’s a showman, a shrewd businessman, a wily TV star. Of course he’s delirious. Simmons and the rest of KISS –singer Paul Stanley, guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer – just wrapped a 40-plus-date summer tour with Motley Crue (it played Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood in July), but don’t even hint at KISS taking a break. The band released “Monster” on Tuesday, its 24th studio album. And it’s a firecracker. KISS hasn’t sounded this pumped or tight since “Rock and Roll Over,” and songs such as “Freak,” “All for the Love of Rock and Roll” and the Simmons-sung “The Devil is Me” should rattle the roofs of the arenas on the 60 shows they’re planning for South America and Europe (expect a U.S. return in about a year) to promote the release. The always-entertaining Simmons, 63, checked in recently from Boston to talk “Monster,” life beyond the now-ended A&E reality show, “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” and what items in the world can still be KISS-ified. Q. You’ve said in the past that it drove you crazy that bands weren’t interested in putting on a show, and how they’d stand up there and stare at their shoes. Do you still think that’s the case? A. It baffles me. I just don’t understand it. You’re a woman and if you’re going out, why wouldn’t you put on your makeup and do your hair? Same thing. Why would you go on stage looking like a bum? There is only one personality [currently] who totally has the goods and that’s Lady Gaga. She’s not classically a rock act, but she’s the real deal. She cares about the shows and the appearance. That’s what you want a star to be. Maroon 5 has great songs, but I don’t want to look at them. From 1980 to 2012, where are the stars? We had grunge. I wanted to kill myself. Kurt Cobain couldn’t shine my shoes. They had some fine bands but the only one that survived was Pearl Jam. The biggest bands in the world play guitars and drums. When we first came out of caves, we picked up sticks and started beat on logs. That has never changed, that primal beat of rock ‘n’ roll. Q. This new album is total classic KISS. How did you approach this differently from [2009’s] “Sonic Boom? A. We’re lucky we have Tommy and Eric in the band. It’s a reborn KISS. If I heard a new record called ‘Monster’ and it was from a new band, I’d say, ‘What the hell? This is amazing.’ If this was our first record I’d be proud of it. There are a lot of bands who are long in the tooth and their new product doesn’t hold up. Q. So what makes KISS different? A. It’s called caring. Either you care and you want to be up there and the only thing that keeps you up there as a champion is the win or you don’t. We didn’t have to keep doing this 30 years ago. But you know, when you climb to Mount Olympus, the view is breathtaking. Q. KISS will be 40 next year. How much longer do you see yourself putting on the boots and spitting fire? A. We can’t do this forever. But if what you saw on stage [during our tour] this summer was legit, then it’s still not time to hang up the platform heels. Q. After all these years, are you and Paul still friends outside of the band? A. We live a half mile from each other. He’s got four kids now and I’m going out on dates with my wife. Q. There’s a word we didn’t hear you use before [Simmons wed his longtime partner Shannon Tweed last year after vowing he’d never marry]. A. That’s something I never said in my life. But luckily, I met a girl who was willing to wait for my sorry [behind] for 28 years. Q. [Your seven-season reality show] “Family Jewels” isn’t coming back. Do you miss having the cameras around ? A. No, everything happens for a reason. It’s a good thing the show ended now so we can concentrate on being on tour. We’ve been on TV for how many years? We’ve seen our kids grow up there. Q. Speaking of, how are Nick and Sophie? A. They’re just great. Nick just got an acting gig on a TV show, Sophie is on a talent show [she appeared on “The X-Factor” last month]. They both sing at casino shows, the same rooms that Tony Bennett sings in. They each do a set and then join for encores at the end. They do blues and torch songs. And Nick is in the studio with [super producer] Eddie Kramer for his own band. Q. Do you think the show diluted your mystique as Gene the Rock Star? A. Yes and no, except that when the curtain drops and we get on stage it’s either real or not. You often see a lion ripping the head off something it just killed and the fact is that it’s also a loving parent. Either you’re the king of beasts or you’re not. Q. So what’s left to put the KISS logo on to sell? A. Have you seen the KISS Hello Kitty in 90 countries? It’s just massive. The KISS ‘Family Guy’ line is coming. I can’t wait for Stewie to wear my makeup. There’s nothing we can’t do, no other band can do this stuff. Q. You always seem to find success in your numerous endeavors. But how do you handle failure of an idea? A. Failure doesn’t mean anything to me. The guys that play baseball, everybody strikes out. So what? Sometimes you go out on dates and it doesn’t work. So what? The lesson in life is that the word ‘no’ doesn’t mean anything and failure means even less. But my batting average is pretty damn high.
London, Thursday 11 October – KISS, Universal Music and Aurasma proudly launch an epic bonus to the band’s brand-new album Monster using 3D Augmented Reality technology. Celebrating the release of KISS’ landmark 20th studio album, fans are invited to download the free uView app now to bring the Monster artwork to life with a one-of-a-kind performance in awe-inspiring 3D animation. In a truly unique and immersive digital experience, this exclusive album extra unlocks a new dimension to KISS as fully-3D digital Bobble Heads rocking out to radio hit “Hell or Hallelujah”, defying the laws of physics by performing in your hands, on your wall, or anywhere you need a Monster-good time, simply by using the Monster album artwork and the free uView app. Four decades ago Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley joined up with drummer Peter Criss and guitarist Ace Frehley to form KISS. Forty years later, having racked up 28 U.S. gold albums along with 40 million U.S. and 100 million in worldwide sales, Simmons and Stanley, with longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer, return stronger than ever. With Monster, and the trailblazing use of advanced augmented reality mobile technology, KISS continues their career-long trend of being at the forefront of showmanship and innovation. Monster, the 12-song, full-throttle rock ’n’ roll album features collaborations from all four members in an effort that shows KISS at the top of its game. The album finds a band with its legacy firmly in sight, a chip on their shoulder and a desire to prove there’s more to the KISS spectacle than meets the eye. The uView app and augmented content have been developed in partnership with Aurasma, the leaders in image recognition and augmented reality technology. Matt Mills, Head of Sales at Aurasma, said: “We are thrilled to be working with our partner Universal Music and absolute legends of rock, KISS. Through the Aurasma-enabled uView app, the new Monster album has been augmented with a 3D animation of the band, complete with Gene Simmons’ 3D tongue. KISS fans will love unlocking this new dimension to the band – still pushing boundaries after twenty studio albums and an incredible four decades in the music business.” The uView Application is available to download now for iOS and Android devices at http://umusic.ly/uview. (Looking for a place to try out the app? Scan the cover of your "MONSTER" CD!)
Set List: When Calta told the AEROSMITH guys how seeing their band take the stage after KISS during the two groups' joint tour in 2003 was "like you were watching a different level of concert," Tyler said, "KISS is a comic-book rock band. They've got a couple of hits, but they're more, they're comic book — you see them in their spackled faces." He continued, "We were always a band that had something to prove. We always wanted to blow off whatever band it was. And I remember when we went out with KISS in '76 or something, one of our roadies got into a knife fight with their guys. And I hated them ever since. But, you know, since then I've gotten to know Gene [Simmons] and Paul [Stanley], and they're beautiful people. "But it is different. A KISS lick and a Joe Perry lick — two different worlds, and I, sometimes — depending on the time of day — get offended. I hear that and go, 'It's alright. But do they really mean it?' And, 'What's this all about?' And that's why I think AEROSMITH has been around forever. We really do take ourseleves seriously. And I feel like you do. We would come on stage [after KISS] and I would think it was a little 'comic book.'" Added Perry: "It's two different animals. They [KISS] went the theatrical way and used rock and roll, kind of, as their soundtrack. And for AEROSMITH, the music is our show. And from that point of view, it's apples and oranges." Listen: soundcloud.com.
KISS' previous CD, "Sonic Boom", opened with 108,000 units back in October 2009 to land at position No. 2 on The Billboard 200 chart. This marked the band's highest-charting LP ever. KISS has notched eight Top 10 albums, according to Billboard.com. Its previous highest-charting set was 1998's "Psycho Circus", which debuted and peaked at No. 3 with 110,000 copies in its first week, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The group's other high-charting sets include 1975's "Alive!" (No. 9), 1977's "Love Gun" (No. 4) and 1992's "Revenge" (No. 6).
"She's terrific", he said. "I don't like that kind of music, but if you listen to what she did with Tony Bennett, the girl can sing". Simmons thinks Gaga could do much better than simply front her solo pop act: "She could do straight-ahead rock. If I were her I would come out with a rock band next time and just rock it out". Apparently the feeling is mutual, with Gaga previously citing KISS among her favorite rock acts and hanging out at their shows. "She came backstage a few tours ago, before her meteoric rise", said Simmons (via UltimateClassicRock). "They didn’t know who she was, so she was there as a fan and then came backstage and told us about how she has Kiss parties where they all dress up as KISS and run around". It turns out that his love for Gaga isn't new, and that rumors of a collaboration last year for their forthcoming album "Monster" were true. "When 'Freak' was being written, Lady Gaga got interested in singing on it", he said. "It espouses her emotions about being comfortable in your skin and all that stuff. Paul [Stanley] and Gaga were gonna sing it, and then finally I suggested Paul should sing it by himself". Can you imagine a Gaga and KISS pairing? Are rock artists just jumping on a bandwagon by pledging their support to her?
The magic moment happens during the album’s penultimate track, ‘Take Me Down Below,’ which features a primal, rhythmic riff that sounds more like early AC/DC than anything in the Kiss catalog. Smack dab in the middle of a typically outlandish Gene Simmons-sung tale of sexual conquest on the high seas (set during last year’s Kiss Kruise, perhaps?), his longtime bandmate Paul Stanley suddenly jumps in to take the lead for a spell. Now the two have shared vocals on a few tracks in the past, most notably on ‘Shout it Out Loud.’ But for some reason this appearance comes as a particularly exciting surprise, and shows that time hasn’t left the band behind. In fact, the “Starchild” comes off a bit like a hip-hop star who’s just chomping at the bit to spit a verse on a hot beat one of his peers cooked up. Stanley makes the most of his time, strutting like a peacock over Eric Singer’s thunderous drum rolls while gleefully dropping elevator-and cruise-related double-entendres that would make even a young David Lee Roth blush. It’s outlandishly fun, and if nothing else on ‘Monster’ quite hits that height — or stands much of a chance of earning a spot on the band’s setlists past the tour in support of the album — there’s still much to admire and enjoy here. Let’s start with the second single, ‘Long Way Down,’ which finds Stanley confidently treading into swirling, almost psychedelic territory. The song may be more of a kick for existing fans than something that will create new ones. But its clever use of T-Rex and Led Zeppelin riffs shows the often-forgotten depth of the band’s influences and suggests that more sophisticated music may yet be coming from our facepainted heroes in the future. Other highlights on ‘Monster’ — which could most simply be described as a heavier, slightly more complex sequel to their 2009 retro-leaning studio comeback ‘Sonic Boom’ — include the a capella opening segment of the cowbell-heavy ‘Eat Your Heart Out’ and the Stones-ish “whoo whoo”s in the chorus of the soulful ‘Shout Mercy.’ All four members are in fine form throughout; with Simmons in particularly nasty spirits on ‘The Devil is Me,’ lead guitarist Tommy Thayer perfectly in “Spaceman” character on ‘Outta This World,’ and Singer channeling his inner cat on ‘All For the Love of Rock and Roll,’ which, if you’re feeling generous, could be imagined as the 11th track on 1976's ‘Rock and Roll Over.’ So, to answer our own question: yes, given that you go into it with the proper expectations, ‘Monster’ is more than a worthy addition to Kiss’s recorded oeuvre.
Given this truth, KISS' new album, "Monster," is a fantastic dog: Protective, loyal, fun to be around but ferocious when it needs to be. It's also mostly dumb as a post — but that doesn't mean it isn't awesome. As the New York-born band has done since its rise among the proto-metal glam rock movement of the early '70s, on "Monster" KISS focuses on primal riffs, heavy bass lines, simple metaphors, trigger-happy solos, Stanley's delirious wail and Simmons' gruff bark. It's monosyllabic music to sing along to, with drum fills perfect for air-rolls and double-kick foot stomps. It's way better than the last Darkness record and stomps the hell out of Radiohead and/or Muse-like pomposity. "Hell or Hallelujah," the first single, sounds like a Motorhead rip off — in a good way, filled as it is with a rolling momentum worthy of a band with the experience of 19 earlier studio albums in its arsenal. "Outta This World" features the couplet, "You and me we're like TNT/Light the fuse that's inside me," with no irony whatsoever. The first singer/songwriter to transform the insta-classic outsider anthem "Freak" into a cover for a new generation wins a gold star (and probably Simmons' eternal contempt). Ryan Adams? In fact, were "Monster" released not by a star-man and a demon whose 40 years in the rock business is peppered with ridiculousness — reality shows, close-minded Simmons rants, hilarious concept albums, gluttonous live albums, microbeers and everything else (insert ridiculous KISS related product here) — this record might touch an audience beyond the band's usual fan base. But these creatures are uninterested in irony. They've got business to tend to. "Monster" KISS (Universal Music) Three stars
Whirlwind, non-stop TV and radio and personal appearances for fans to experience KISS extravaganza “KISS’ 20th studio album ‘Monster’ is scary good” – Associated Press, 2012 “KISS unleashes ferociously fun 'Monster'” – Los Angeles Times, 2012 Showing the band at the top of its game, Monster, out October 9, embodies all that is KISS and the music that first inspired them to pick up their guitars and flame-throwers and don makeup to entertain millions. Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, with longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer, return stronger than ever with their new Monster album to continue the larger-than-life spectacular, known as, KISS. NY natives, KISS, in all their bombastic and unstoppable glory kicks off the first of their performances in New York as the special guest commemorating the 50th Live On Letterman Webcast, October 10. Only KISS can bring an enormous, dazzling, theatre worthy stage show complete with fire and blood to Broadway to the historic Ed Sullivan Theater. The hottest ticket in town, KISS will perform fan favorites from their treasure trove of hits along with their recent worldwide #1 smash “Hell or Hallelujah” from Monster. Fans can watch KISS’ webcast live or on-demand on CBS.com at http://www.cbs.com/shows/liveonletterman/, a live audio stream on Radio.com's mobile applications and available across the entire VEVO platform, including VEVO.com, its mobile apps, mobile website, and syndication partners. The next morning, October 11, the band gears up for their performance on Good Morning America. Fans can come get their faces painted in honor of their favorite KISS member and a few early fans will be able watch them live from the studio. Immediately after Good Morning America, the band travels to the SiriusXM studios where SiriusXM’s exclusive KISS Town Hall event with the band will go LIVE and allow lucky listeners the opportunity to ask the band questions themselves in an intimate setting. “SiriusXM’s Town Hall with KISS,” the two-hour broadcast event, will air live on Hair Nation, channel 39, on Thursday, October 11 at 12:00 pm ET. After the live broadcast, “SiriusXM’s Town Hall with KISS” will be available on SiriusXM On Demand for subscribers listening via the SiriusXM Internet Radio App for smartphones and other mobile devices or online at siriusxm.com. The special will also be rebroadcast on “Scare Nation,” the all-KISS limited-run channel on Saturday, October 27 at 12:00 pm ET. “Scare Nation” will air Friday, October 26 starting at 6:00 pm ET through Monday, October 29 at 3:00 am ET on channel 39. The debut single by KISS “Hell Or Hallelujah” from Monster recently peaked at #1 Classic Rock, #5 Mainstream Rock and #39 Active Rock. It was the first single by KISS to chart on the current-based Active Rock chart in 14 years! The group has just launched their heavily-anticipated second radio single “Long Way Down” to rock radio as well – as the demand for contemporary KISS material continues to build at a variety of media outlets. Fans can also wake up with a KISS all week, when morning show radio listeners all across the country can tune in and hear interviews with all four band members, through Premiere Radio Networks and various local stations and nationally syndicated radio outlets.
The band has a new album, Monster, released today by Universal, and produced by singer-guitarist Stanley. He's taken the leadership role in the studio, and he wouldn't have it any other way, guiding Simmons, guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer to a sound that's loud and swaggering. It's given Kiss some new material to chew on for their ongoing road show, which just ended a successful tour across North America with Mötley Crüe. "We're best off prowling the stage," Stanley tells Rolling Stone, during an interview about the new album, the current state of Kiss and the music that first inspired him. The makeup hasn't changed much since the Seventies, and neither has the attitude: "It's the embodiment of everything I am and have nurtured and created. I look in the mirror and go, 'Hey, there's Paul Stanley – he's so fu**in' cool!'" You took the producer's role beginning with the last record, Sonic Boom. What did that mean for Kiss? Democracy in the studio is overrated. What you wind up getting is compromise on everybody's part, which means that nobody has their way, and that means nobody wins, including the fans. I thought it was really important, and in my mind it was a deal-breaker – if I wasn't going to produce the albums, we weren't going to do albums at this point. Somebody had to set parameters and boundaries and voice expectations. To make sure everybody was committed, some things had to be spelled out. It didn't change anything. I think we had more fun. All the cards were on the table and everybody knew what the game plan was. We're more productive. I never thought being the producer was being the dictator. It means being the director and being the coach. It's a way of keeping everybody focused on the goal, and also having final say. Everybody can be in the same car, but somebody has to drive. You must have thought something was missing from Kiss albums. It's important to make sure [Kiss] is everyone's primary focus. One way of doing that was to say "no outside writers." We recorded everything facing each other in a room. There's no substitute for collaboration within a band. We all like each other and enjoy each other's company and respect what each other is capable of doing. I didn't get the producer role by default. I read some comment from Gene that he doesn't have the patience anymore, so he was happy to have me do it. The truth of the matter is, there wouldn't have been any albums if it had been any other way. It isn't as if Kiss never wrote any hits on your own. How did you get into the habit of having outsiders contribute? There were times where we weren't quite as focused. It's great to have talented people come in and ignite a spark and perhaps point you in a direction you might not normally go. That's great in its time. Look, Desmond [Child] and Diane [Warren], off the top of my head, are incredible talents and good friends of mine. But at this point, it was more important for us to dig deep and define who we are as an entity. What was your plan for Monster? I wanted to make an album that really harkened back to why I got into this in the first place. I was lucky enough as a kid to spend most of my weekends at the Fillmore East. On a great night, that was like a Holy Roller evangelical church. When rock & roll is done with that fervor, it's close to gospel. That's what I wanted to go for with this album – passion as opposed to perfection. James Brown wasn't perfect. Motown, the Beatles, the Stones, Zeppelin, early Elvis – I wanted to maintain the essence of it, getting a first, second or, if you really had to push it, a third take and record on analog tape and capture the intensity of what you're doing, and not compromise it. Was there a particular night at the Fillmore East that changed your life? It's so incredible to think of how many amazing bands were featured there on a weekend. Tickets were $3, $4, $5, so it was a safe bet to go on any weekend, because there were three acts. I remember Traffic, Iron Butterfly and Blue Cheer. Derek and the Dominos, or the Who with Buddy Guy opening, or Jimi Hendrix with Sly and the Family Stone opening. The bills were just crazy. They were eclectic, and it made it so much more fun. The diversity of it was like going to a buffet. There was no monotony. You could see Led Zeppelin with Woody Herman's Orchestra opening. That's cool! You recorded Monster on analog tape? And as much vintage gear as possible. You don't need to reinvent the wheel. I have nothing against technology. When technology trumps emotion and feel, when somebody will tell you something is good by looking at a computer screen rather than seeing if they're sweatin' or tapping their foot, I'm out of there. We recorded analog and we sat around with our amps next to us. It was great. It's always exciting when you're doing something without any input from outside sources. Nobody heard the album until it was done. I wasn't interested in what anybody else thought. There were three other guys in the room whose opinions I valued, and that was it. The last Foo Fighters album was recorded on analog, too. Are you expecting others to do the same? Yeah, when it becomes clear that people have strayed from what the essence of what we're doing. As a matter of fact, I was talking to Dave Grohl this morning when we dropped our kids off at school. He's doing a documentary [about the studio Sound City], on the great history of it. The music and the people it inspired were recorded on tape. They didn't have pedal boards where you push a button on the right and it gives you cappuccino. Gear that looks like Star Trek isn't what any of our heroes played on. If you can't get a great sound with your guitar plugged into an amp, you need a new guitar or a new amp. The album starts off with a snarl with "Hell or Hallelujah." Our albums usually start with a song that's almost a battle cry. It sums up what the album's going to be like. "Hell or Hallelujah" immediately became the frontrunner. It's timeless. It doesn't matter how rich, how old, what your lot in life is – you have to stand up for yourself and stake your ground. That shouldn't change. I'm still a rebel, but being a rebel doesn't mean that you have to fight anything. You just live your own way. "Eat Your Heart Out" opens with a bit of a cappella, and has that recognizably Kiss vocal harmony. It's just classic harmony. Even as a little kid, when everybody was playing cowboys and Indians, I was in the house either watching Alan Freed or Dick Clark. Somebody else wanted to be Hopalong Cassidy, I wanted to be in Dion and the Belmonts. You go back to doo-wop and that worked its way into the Everly Brothers, and the Everly Brothers gave us the Beatles. Those triad harmonies are elementary, and also pretty classic. Has the writing process for Kiss changed over the years? On the last two albums, we wrote together, and that really hadn't happened with the same spirit or the same surrender of ego for a long time. Plus, Tommy [Thayer] is in the mix, and he should not be underestimated. There's a great riff on "Wall of Sound" that's Tommy's. Tommy had a lot of input. This is the embodiment of everything Kiss wanted to be or intended to be. We're well aware of what we've done in the past, and we celebrate it every night. We're also living in the present and looking to the future. Kiss has been pretty active on the road for years, but only recently have you been back in the mode of recording new music. What changed? The stability of the band. We've been together long enough that it seemed a shame not to take advantage of what we were doing as a live band and transferring that to the studio. The band's just great at this point. Psycho Circus, which was the last album [in 1998, with the reunited original band] prior to Sonic Boom, was such a debacle and such a nightmare – in essence you had two guys in the studio trying to make a Kiss album while talking to two other guys' lawyers. And those lawyers didn't play well. After that album, I was torn between never going into the studio again and having to go in the studio again. Fans had waited a long time for that album to begin with. It was started with the best of intentions, but just like the reunion tour – it was done with high hopes and the glimmer that perhaps we could pick up where we left off and soldier forward. Unfortunately, the same problems, the same dysfunctions, and the same tolls took some of those guys back down. Do you have contact now with original members Peter Criss or Ace Frehley? No. It's not out of animosity. It just has no point in my life today. Safe to say, the band wouldn't be here without those guys having been in it. The band also wouldn't be here today if those guys were still in it. I respect and love what we created together, but that was a long time ago. Some of your fans are openly upset that Kiss hasn't been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Does it bother you? Or indicted into the Hall of Fame. No, because I think it's so transparent. You have the East Coast music Mafia – they are clearly more motivated by each other than reality. Filling their criteria is leaving them at this point some pretty slim pickings. Would we accept? Of course, because it matters to our fans. So I would be gracious. But honestly, it means nothing to me. My life is far beyond anything I could have anticipated and will continue to be so without a new doorstop. You just put out a $4,000 Kiss book. When people talk about Kiss licensing, they often point to Kiss Kondoms and the Kiss Kasket. Do you have a favorite item of unusual Kiss merchandise? Clearly, some of the things we do are not to be taken too seriously, except by the people who hate us. For that alone, it's worthwhile doing. The fact that our merchandise sells so incredibly well is not because we're marketing geniuses. We listen to our fans. Why not give them what they want? We're Kiss. We set the boundaries. Our fans understand that, and the people that don't like us want to tell us the definition of rock & roll, and I'll tell you I'm living it.
With their garish black, white and silver face paint and outrageous costumes with six inch stack heeled platform boots, KISS may just be the most instantly recognizable band on the planet. Hated by the critics yet adored by their fans, almost four decades in the business and 100 million album sales suggests that they've done something right and now they are back with their 20th studio album, Monster. For a band who only a few years ago proclaimed that their recording days were over only to hit back with Sonic Boom, an album that saw them kept of the top of the US album charts by Michael Buble, KISS are on something of a roll. In the past KISS have sometimes been guilty of straying too far from their signature sound, with forays into Disco/Pop territory with Dynasty, Hair Metal (Animalize), Grunge (Carnival of Souls) and even Symphonic Rock (the intriguing but ultimately unsuccessful The Elder) but Monster sees KISS heading in a heavier, darker direction while still retaining those classic KISS elements that has seen 28 gold records come their way, a record haul for an American band and second only to The Beatles. There`s plenty of thumping stop/start Rock `n` Roll riffs, screaming, staccato, Chuck Berry inspired guitar solos, fist pumping anthems and clanking cowbell. It`s all here in abundance, wrapped up with some of the tastiest melodies around. Lead singer/guitarist Paul Stanley comes up trumps as usual with the hallmark up-tempo, chest beating songs laced with interminably catchy hooks. “Hell or Hallelujah” positively roars out of the stocks in a way not heard since “I Stole Your Love” kicked off Love Gun back in `77. “Freak” and “Last Chance” hit hard but with a melody you`ll be humming for an age. Gene Simmons (bass/vocals), so often in Stanley's shadow in the song writing stakes is a revelation with “The Devil is Me” and “Eat Your Heart Out” adding the menace and the bite to counter point Stanley`s glitz. Simmons hasn't delivered this consistently since 1982`s Creatures of the Night opus. While Stanley and Simmons share the bulk of the lead vocals, even trading lines in “Take Me Down Below”, lead guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer have their moment in the spotlight. Singer, with his gravel edged voice, shines on “All For The Love of Rock & Roll”, a song that tips its hat to the early Dressed To Kill days while Thayer`s “Out of this World” is one of many highlights on the album. Thayer, who at times has received stick for replacing the original Space Man, Ace Frehley, has succeeded in breaking out from the shadows not only co-writing nine of the albums tracks but stamping his own individual style throughout the album rather than closely replicating Frehley`s technique as on Sonic Boom. A band almost 40 years into their career should by all logic be heading into pipe and slippers territory yet KISS have always lived to break the rules and may just have released their strongest, most consistent and exciting record since their `70`s heyday.
Through-out their career KISS have racked up 28 U.S. gold albums, along with 40 million U.S. and 100 million in world sales. Monster will be the bands 20th studio album in their historic forty year career and is set to be unleashed to the world on October 10, 2012. This incantation of the band with Gene Simmons on bass, Paul Stanley on rhythm guitar, Tommy Thayer on lead guitar and Eric Singer on drums has been together for roughly 11 years. Monster will be their second release together. It combines the KISS flair and catchy hooks from the early ’80s CD with the sonic crunch and song writing bite from their early ’90s releases. The 13 tracks on Monster (including the Best Buy bonus track) range from the raucous prehistoric pop tune of “Back to the Stone Age” with Gene on vocals to the heavier rally cry for individually and independence on “Freak” with Paul taking the helm. All songs on this CD have an infectious groove that lasts with you even after the first listen just like their first single, a full-throttle rocker, “Hell or Hallelujah”. As you would come to expect with any KISS song, the lyrics are laced with sexual innuendos and overtones. Were you expecting anything different? What separates this release from Sonic Boom is that the music has more dimension and depth. It’s the subtle nuances on the guitar work and leads that add the texture to each of the songs as well as provide a level on complexity, breaking the mold of verse, chorus, verse that KISS has always been known for. I think that Tommy Thayer has stretched out of the Ace Frehley box for this CD and is on his way to perfecting his own signature guitar sound, just like Vinnie Vincent did on Lick it Up in 1983. He even takes lead vocals on my favorite track, “Outta This World”, a story about taking you out of this world on a midnight rocket! The songs are split up pretty evenly between Paul and Gene on lead vocals and even have Eric Singer getting in on one, “All for the Love of Rock n Roll”, which Paul wrote specifically for his singing style. Gene’s songs really shine on Monster; they are reminiscent of his efforts on Revenge, being dark and malevolent like on “The Devil is Me” and “Wall of Sound”. “Long Way Down” and “Shout Mercy”, with Paul on vocals are soulfully slinky, rock driven songs just what you would come to expect from the “Starchild”. The songs flow perfectly into each other, offering continuity from the first song to the last. I think Monster is a monumental achievement for Kiss that will please the diehard KISS fanatics and thrill any newcomers.
"Monster" is the caped crusaders' 20th studio album, and one that fans of old school '70s classic rock will be just as comfortable with as those who cut their teeth on later material. It opens with a bang in "Hell or Hallelujah," a fast-paced rocker that could be the band's best concert opener since "I Stole Your Love," way back in 1977 (though they put it in the middle of the set this summer). Imagine a mash-up of "Helter Skelter" and Kiss' 1992 track "Spit," and you've got "Wall of Sound," a dramatic, ground-pounder. "Freak" uses a grungier distorted sound to showcase the band's longstanding philosophy of not caring what anyone else thinks of them. And "Back To The Stone Age" features Eric Singer's pounding drums with a beat reminiscent of the Stones' "Live With Me." This is guitarist Tommy Thayer's second studio album with Kiss since replacing Ace Frehley in 2003 (and completely stealing his musical identity to the point where the FBI should have been notified). His first outing, 2009's "Sonic Boom" LP, was marred by rampant theft from Frehley's classic solos. This time, Thayer restrains his most larcenous impulses. These solos won't make anyone forget Eddie Van Halen or Randy Rhoads, but at least most of them are his. Things bog down somewhat on tracks in the middle of the disc, but finish strong on "Last Chance," propelled by an AC/DC-like "Thunderstruck" chant. This album isn't "Destroyer" or even "Love Gun," but it's still worth having. CHECK OUT THIS TRACK: "Right Here Right Now" is available only on iTunes or on a Best Buy version of the album, but it should have made the full album cut; it's better than at least half the tracks on the album.
On the band's 20th studio set, Kiss could stand for "Keep It Simple, Stupid." So primal riffs and hefty hooks, some owing to rock progenitors like The Beatles and Mountain, rule the day. In other words, it's the very best kind of Kiss album. -- Brian Mansfield Download: Wall of Sound, Outta This World, Shout Mercy.
"Monster" is the group's first studio album since the band's 2009 smash success, "Sonic Boom", and was also produced by Paul Stanley with Greg Collins at Conway Studios in Hollywood, California, and The Nook in Studio City, California. Speaking to Artisan News (see video below), Stanley said that he wanted "Monster" to be a a true collaboration, and as producer, wouldn't stand for anything but a cohesive, focused band album. "Ultimately, anytime you involve outside people, you're diluting what the band does, and you're also leaving some loopholes for people to not do their job," he said. "And it was important to me, and basically a deal-breaker in terms of producing the album, that the band wrote all the material." He continued, "When you have outside writers, it kind of means sometimes that you don't have to do any work. You have somebody else write a song and you slap your name on it. So it gives you the ability to go off and do other projects when you should be taking care of your home. So I wanted to avoid those kinds of pitfalls." (Video)
Featured singles: American hard rockers Kiss have enjoyed something of a renaissance in recent years; 2009’s ‘Sonic Boom‘ – which was the band’s first record of original material in over a decade, and also the debut studio release of its current line-up – recalled their glory days, right down to its comic-style cover art. Lead single ‘Modern Day Delilah’ was immediately hailed as a classic, and they took no prisoners as they embarked on a glorious 36-date European tour. Looking to build on that momentum (producing an album every three years might seem routine for the majority of bands, but then not many have been going strong for almost 40 years), ‘Monster‘, Kiss’ 20th studio album, is more of the same – straight-up rock and roll that pays homage to their 70s pomp and stays true to principles that have seen them rack up album sales in excess of 100 million, including 28 gold records, during a storied, globe-trotting career. The ‘Sonic Boom’ formula is a clever one to follow. The band have once again refrained from inviting songwriters to pitch ideas as they have in the past; all tracks were written by Kiss, with emphasis on greater involvement for guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer. Paul Stanley, meanwhile, has resumed co-producing duties with Greg Collins. Just like on their last album, battles lines are drawn from the off – the lead single and best track throttles out of the speakers first thing. ‘Hell Or Hallelulah’ is vintage Kiss – a fat guitar riff, big, bolshy chorus and energy to spare. Tommy Thayer also rips a killer solo – this song has everything and doesn’t let up for a micromoment. ‘Wall of Sound’ is similarly thumping, with crunching guitars and Simmons growling through lead vocals. The word “swagger” can be ascribed to virtually every track, and what else would you expect from a hard rock album titled ‘Monster’? ‘Freak’ has an unmistakable likeness to ‘Thief In The Night’ from 1987’s ‘Crazy Nights‘, and Thayer, who co-penned 10 of the 13 tracks, enjoys space to shred his Les Paul with abandon. ‘Back To The Stone Age’, sung by Simmons but featuring collective vocal harmonies from the whole band, demonstrates a punkier sound while remaining heavy and assured, and ‘Shout Mercy’, for its part, could’ve come straight off the ‘Revenge‘ album. While Kiss stick to what they’re good at throughout, they have some fun on ‘Eat Your Heart Out’; the quartet singing the intro a capella. Simmons commandeers this song, with Stanley contributing to the chorus and Gene’s rumbling bass prevalent throughout. Once again, Thayer nails a rip-roaring 70s style lead solo. The guitarist really has carved out a meaningful role in the band where once he seemed little more than a convincing Ace Frehley imposter. Eric Singer, meanwhile, has always been the best drummer Kiss has ever had – a perfect composite of Peter Criss’ rhythm and Eric Carr’s raw power. It’s now about time the pair received the credit they deserve. ‘Long Way Down’ is a slightly surprising choice for second single – there are stronger candidates here – but it is nevertheless a solid song and could be a grower. It sees Stanley confront the possibility of the band falling from their throne: ‘It’s a long way when you fall from the top’ he muses at one point, but it’s difficult to be convinced. The swagger of this tune indicates Kiss will only surrender the stage when they kick the bucket which, given their longevity and popularity, will probably be ON the damn stage itself. Simmons’ self-referential ‘The Devil Is Me’ and Thayer’s ‘Out Of This World’ are a little predictable when it comes to theme (do we really need another song extolling how demonic the Demon is, or how spaced-out the Spaceman is?), but nonetheless rock hard. ‘Take Me Down Below’, like ‘Love Gun’ and ‘Lick It Up’, is playful and oversexed (‘I raised my flag and she dropped her dress’), with the frontmen sharing vocal duties once again. Eric Singer takes over the mic on the Stanley-penned ‘All For The Love of Rock & Roll’ and though not as epic as its name suggests, it’s a rare opportunity to hear Singer – a tragically underrated and undervalued vocalist – take centre stage. Stanley himself sounds like he has something to prove on ‘Last Chance’, which showcases a sound more like garage rock until Thayer shreds another hair-raising solo 1:45 in. Like ‘Say Yeah’ from ‘Sonic Boom’, it has the kind of chorus destined to ring around arenas. Bonus track ‘Right Here Right Now’, meanwhile, is punchy and outlandish, with each member playing their part on vocals. And that’s what this album is all about. Even fans might find themselves wondering where the filler is but, quite honestly, there really isn’t any. This is 40 odd minutes of battle cries, of straight-up, hard-assed, flesh-and-bone rock music. “We’re a band at this point in our career where we can live up to our own legend,” said Paul Stanley recently. If ‘Monster’ is anything to go by, he couldn’t be more right.
In 1984, Bruce joined KISS, where he remained as their lead guitarist for twelve years, accompanying the band on the "Animalize" tour and continuing with the band until the 1996 reunion tour. Bruce is heavily featured on "Kissology – Vol. 2" and "Vol. 3", the band's DVDs spanning their historic 35-year career. Kulick's third solo album, "BK3", was released in Europe in January 2010 via Frontiers Records and in North America in February 2010 through Twenty 4 Records/Rocket Science Ventures. The first single from the album, "Hand Of The King", featuring Nick Simmons (son of KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons), was a digital-only release available at all online music stores, including iTunes. (Video)
The campaign, created by Karmarama, is running across TV, print, digital and in-store, and will culminate in a user-generated TV ad. An app allows Costa fans to record and upload videos of themselves singing along to the song, with the winning performances featuring in a later TV ad. The work was created by Sam Walker and Joe De Souza, and directed by Sam Brown through Rogue. Post-production was by The Mill, while GCRS oversaw audio post-production. With over 1390 coffee shops across the U.K. and more than 800 internationally, Costa is a global success story with a growing network of retail sites. (Video)
Gord Prior hasn’t been performing quite that long, or even come close to selling as many albums as the legendary rockers. However, he is hoping a love of the band’s music, along with his own connection to the KISS Army, will benefit children in need of treatment at SickKids in Toronto. Prior is one of the lead figures behind, as well as a performer on, the upcoming tribute album to the face-painted music legends, Kissin’ Time: Canada’s Tribute to KISS. Proceeds from the album will go to SickKids. The album will feature 13 bands, most from across the Southern Ontario area, including four from London: Prior, Bobnoxious, Sarah Smith, and the Buffalo Brothers. “A lot of bands stepped up from our city, but there are bands from Montreal, Toronto, Kitchener, Hamilton area, all throughout the Southern Ontario area,” Prior said. “We have bands from Brantford, the Goderich area, the Salads out of Toronto; we have quite a group.” Prior said all the bands on the album donated their time, their studio time, and other expenses with the goal of getting the album finished and released by the end of October. By working with SickKids, which has taken on some of the marketing responsibility for the project, Prior said the goal of the artists is to raise at least $10,000 in profit for the hospital. Prior, a real estate agent who has been singing and performing “all of my life,” said the idea for the project started small and grew as more people found out about it. Prior said he spoke with some friends about the project, only to have more and more bands express interest in joining the cause. Then after speaking with his friend, Spiro Papadatos, about playing bass on his song for the album, the idea really began to spread. Papadatos, who works for the band in several capacities, helped get the word out. However, it was the KISS Army itself that Prior credits with really taking the project global — literally. “The CD isn’t out until the end of October, but we have been getting coverage on the Internet on pretty much most KISS fan sites worldwide,” Prior said. “Greece, Italy, the far reaches of the world have been doing stories. It has been on various KISS fan sites, Facebook pages, even the band’s site. The fans have really helped us.” In addition to the passions of the KISS Army, Prior said it was the hospital and its reputation for helping children facing often terrible circumstances that really took hold in the mind’s of the artists playing on the album. Prior said he is hopeful the album could find its way onto the shelves of various select record stores. The bands will also be selling the record at their own shows, along with possible joint performances to help push awareness of the album. “We all grew up loving the music of Kiss, so it is our way of showing a bit of respect to the band we grew up loving and it’s a great way for independent artists to get their music heard,” Prior said. “But number one, it is a fantastic way for the music community around Southern Ontario to help out everyone’s children who need help.” Prior said he believes that with so many KISS fans being collectors of all things related to the band, Kissin’ Time could soon become a must have item. Which, of course, would help push the fundraising goal towards success. But in addition to helping SickKids, Prior said creating the album has been something that every musician involved has done so because they genuinely love the music of KISS and want to use that passion for something positive. “It is a fun thing to do and a great way to use music to do something important. Everyone believed in the project,” Prior said. “Every band has its group of followers who will help support them. And with the help of the bands, of SickKids, I think we are going to do well on this.” For a list of the artists included on the Kissin’ Time album, or to place an order, visit www.facebook.com/KissinTimeCanadasTributeToKiss or www.kissintime-canadastributetokiss.bandcamp.com.
At this very special event, KISS will answer a variety of questions from an audience of SiriusXM subscribers about their career, including their new album. SiriusXM is not providing transportation or accommodations; see Official Rules for more details. Each winner and their guest will also have the unique opportunity to attend a meet-and-greet with KISS, where they will be photographed with the band and receive an autographed copy of the Monster CD. CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE CONTEST.
"I fought with it for the first year or two when I had it," said Criss, the former drummer for Kiss, who lives in Wall, N.J. Criss stated publicly that he had beaten breast cancer in 2009. "Should I go on CNN? Should I discuss it? I prayed hard on it and eventually decided, better me than some tabloid that never says the truth and ruins people's lives ... so I wanted to beat them to the punch." It was a punch against cancer. "God's given me five more years, and I'm a devoted Catholic and know it's a miracle I've had when I hear a doctor say that a man's coming in because he saw my commercial and said, Gee, if Peter Criss can do it I can do it," Criss said. "It's an honor to educate people about male breast cancer and reaching out and letting people know about it. I'm so freaked out about it. I've gotten many accolades in the 50 years I've done this but there's one no more greater then saving a life and recently that theme has been my calling." Criss will be honored by the Jersey Shore branch of the Cancer Support Community on Oct. 18. The Cancer Support Community helps people affected by cancer enhance their health and well-being through participation in more than 100 free programs of emotional support, education and hope, according to the group. It's all about being in the right frame of mind and that's where Criss' advocacy for breast cancer comes in. "The fact that Peter Criss can readily say he had breast cancer is terrific for other men who have breast cancer," said Ilene Winters, founder of the cancer support group. "You don't get more manly than someone who played drums for Kiss." Criss wore the cat makeup in the New York City band Kiss. The group achieved stardom around the world, and perhaps the band's most famous song is the Criss ballad "Beth." Criss had already departed the band when he noticed something odd about his chest area in 2007. "I wore Spandex all my life and I'm a very active guy and I'm a very physical guy," Criss said. "When I came home from the gym I took my shower, and in the shower I checked myself and I caught it immediately." Criss went to his doctor and in early 2008 the lump was removed and found to be cancerous. Criss has been cancer-free since. A patch of blue "It is a disease for women but 2% of men (out of all breast cancer victims) get this in the world and they need to be educated about it," said Criss, who added that he would like to add a patch of blue to the pink breast cancer awareness ribbon. "Most men are, Oh, it will go away, or, I lifted weights wrong, or, I did something on the job -- I'm a man, and they don't realize." One in 1,000 men will get breast cancer as compared to one in eight women, according to the American Cancer Society. The danger is that often men are diagnosed late, hurting their survival chances. "I feel so fulfilled at my age," Criss, 66, said. "I'm getting older and I hate that word, but I am. My music is always there, but this seems to be very important because I wouldn't be here if I didn't go (to the doctor) immediately. Men need to know -- they need to go right away to check it because it won't go away. The next thing is you go away -- I hate to be blunt about it, but that's the truth."
FOLLOW DENVER ON TWITTER https://twitter.com/denvermccord TO HEAR A BRAND NEW KISS SONG TOMORROW, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6TH!
Presented by Rock & Brews, a restaurant concept founded by Simmons and business partners’ restaurateur Michael Zislis and concert promoter Dave Furano, Rocktoberfest is a rockin’ California tribute to the two centuries-old Bavarian tradition with a schedule of events taking place at L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles October 15-21. Nightly festivities will include DJs and jam bands, special celebrity guests, Wolfgang Puck’s globally-inspired Oktoberfest cuisine, local, national and international beers, and a special craft beer festival on Sunday, October 21. Rocktoberfest will kick off with an opening gala benefiting Wounded Warrior Project, hosted by Simmons and Puck on October 15 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets to the gala start at $100. The event is limited to 1,000 attendees and will sell out quickly. Some big names in rock and roll are expected to take the stage in a jam band format. KISS Army night will welcome KISS and rock and roll fans from around the world to enjoy food, fun and a special jam session featuring Simmons and others. Nightly festivities are scheduled for Tuesday, October 16 through Saturday, October 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. with pre-sale tickets starting at just $10. Closing out the first annual Rocktoberfest on Sunday, October 21, will be the Craft Brew Festival from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. which will feature more than 50 different craft beers and breweries. A portion of proceeds from the Craft Brew Festival will proudly benefit The GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE. Rocktoberfest Ticket information: • Opening Night (October 15) Charity Jam tickets start at $100 and include $60 worth of food and beverage vouchers. Reserved VIP tables for 8 are $1500 and VIP tickets are $250. Both VIP options include a seated dinner featuring Wolgang Puck’s globally-inspired Oktoberfest menu, exclusive table service and premiere views of the live entertainment. Also announced today are exclusive VIP packages that include the chance to jam onstage with Gene Simmons, take pictures with Wolfgang and Gene on the red carpet and much more! A portion of ticket sales will proudly benefit Wounded Warrior Project. • General Admission tickets are available for $20 when purchased in advance at rocktoberfest.com. The $20 admission includes a commemorative Rocktoberfest beer stein. • General Admission tickets will also be available for purchase on the day of the event at L.A. LIVE for $25. • Reserved VIP tables for 8 are available on Saturday evening for $800. VIP tickets are also available for $125. Both VIP options include, a seated dinner featuring Wolfgang Puck’s globally-inspired Oktoberfest menu, exclusive table service and premiere views of the live entertainment. • Tickets for the Craft Brew Festival on Sunday, October are $50 and will include 12 3oz pours to redeem from over 50 craft breweries and a portion of ticket sales will proudly benefit The GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE. **All guests must be 21 years of age or older. “We are taking the concept of Oktoberfest and contemporizing it with a rock theme and one of the most energetic environments in California at L.A. LIVE,” said Simmons. “The event will rock the socks off any other Oktoberfest celebration offering great food, incredible beers, and a strictly non oom pah pah rock vibe.” For information on Rocktoberfest, VIP packages and to purchase tickets in advance, please visit www.rocktoberfest.com.
That’s right, inside you’ll find 14 pages of exclusive new concert photos presented in dynamic three dimensions (glasses included): SEE Gene’s ax thrust toward you, his blood dribbling right onto your lap! SEE Tommy’s rockets aiming straight at your face! SEE Eric’s drums rising right into your living room! SEE Paul swinging right from the crowd into your arms! Other features include a new interview with MONSTER co-producer Greg Collins; the band reflecting on their recent pre-tour trip to London; artist Ken Kelly remembering the creation of the classic DESTROYER and LOVE GUN album covers; Gene Simmons talking about his memorable villainous movie roles; Paul Stanley flashing back to his stage role in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA; the top 30 alternative KISS klassics; a giant foldout KISS poster…and so much more! This incredible collector’s item will be sold exclusively through Fangoria.com, not in stores, and will be available for purchase October 23. Be sure to stay tuned for more details!
Performance Follows the Release of Their New Album, MONSTER, on Oct. 9 KISS’ Performance Will Be Streamed Live and Available On Demand on CBS.com and VEVO To celebrate the 50th webcast of CBS Interactive’s award-winning live webcast concert series, LIVE ON LETTERMAN, KISS will bring their spectacular, larger-than-life extravaganza of music to the world famous Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City. The concert will be webcast live and available on CBS.com and VEVO, Wednesday, Oct. 10 (8:00 PM, ET/5:00 PM, PT). KISS, in all their bombastic and unstoppable glory, will perform fan favorites from their treasure-trove of hits along with their recent worldwide #1 smash, “Hell or Hallelujah,” from their new album, Monster, which is set to come out Oct. 9. Showing the band at the top of its game, Monster embodies all that is KISS and the music that first inspired them to pick up their guitars and flame-throwers and don makeup to entertain millions. Having already broken box office records set by The Beatles and Elvis, KISS celebrates their 40th anniversary in 2013 with more than 28 U.S. gold albums, the most gold records for any American rock band, with 40 million sales in the U.S. and a total exceeding 100 million worldwide. Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, with longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer, return stronger than ever with their new album. The LIVE ON LETTERMAN franchise, which has surpassed 130 million views to date on CBS.com and VEVO, marks its 50th webcast with KISS’ performance. Past performances have included some of the most established bands and musicians across the globe, from its first event which featured Pearl Jam, to Paul McCartney on the marquee of the Ed Sullivan Theater, Foo Fighters, Katy Perry, Coldplay, Adele and more, all staged in an intimate and dynamic setting for worldwide followers to enjoy. Fans can watch KISS’ webcast live or on-demand on CBS.com at http://www.cbs.com/shows/liveonletterman. Additionally, the show is available live and on-demand through CBS properties, broadcast on select CBS RADIO stations, viewable live on CBS's JumboTron in Times Square, as well as via a live audio stream on Radio.com's mobile applications. The webcasts are also offered on VEVO, the world's leading all-premium music video and entertainment platform, through VEVO.com and its free mobile apps for iPhone, iPad and Android. The on-demand performances areavailable across the entire VEVO platform, including VEVO.com, its mobile apps, mobile website, and syndication partners. KISS’ LIVE ON LETTERMAN webcast will precede their appearance on the LATE SHOW with DAVID LETTERMAN, which will be broadcast that same evening, Wednesday, Oct. 10 (11:35 PM-12:37 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.
"Long Way Down" and "All For The Love Of Rock & Roll!" KISS MONSTER will be released next Tuesday, October 9, 2012!
Writing on his official web site, original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley stated, I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Paul Stanley's mother Eva. She always had a smile on her face at the KISS shows she attended in New York and was always very gracious to me and my family when we'd meet backstage before and after concerts… My deepest sympathy goes out to Paul and his family. God bless."
Said Paul: "My mother found so much pleasure and fulfillment in all the various types of music that she so loved. It was through her that I, too, found that same passion. She lived long enough to see, enjoy and love an extended family that included her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She found numerous ways to contribute to her community and was appreciated and loved by those who knew her. My mom was the matriarch of our family and words cannot express our loss." Added the other members of KISS: "From the earliest days of KISS until recently, Eva was always seen by fans at New York-area shows. "We send our deepest sympathies to Paul and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
Given it involves KISS, the book has been billed as being "from sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll to multiple brushes with death.” Criss – born Peter John Criscuola - is keeping things more low-key. A statement from the drummer/songwriter/author says he is speaking more about “the whole man” and not just his rock’n’roll life. "I am so blessed that I am finally going to write my autobiography, and I hope you enjoy the ride," says Criss. "The best of all is I get to share my true feelings of my love for God, family, friends and fame. It's been a wonderful life.” Even so, you can expect a rollercoaster read. Criss promised his mom he’d one-day play Madison Square Garden. And he did it. Criss wrote and sang “Beth,” one of KISS’s best-loved hits. He went through drug abuse, subsequent treatment in 1982, near-suicides, two broken marriages, and a hard-won battle with breast cancer. It’s not going to be dull.
Crypt Magazine: So now that [the new KISS album] "Monster" is finished, what do you think of the album? Tommy: I think it's a high watermark for us. It's coming out in a couple of weeks, and we couldn't be more excited, more proud of a great studio record than this one. Ya know, it's been a long time coming. We actually finished the record probably six or eight months ago, but it's just taken a long time for the release schedule, putting the deal together with Universal, and then also we did the KISS/MÖTLEY CRÜE tour, so we didn't want to drop the record right at the beginning of that. We wanted it to have its own kind of place, ya know, instead of just being part of the KISS/MÖTLEY tour, which was great. So, anyway, ya know, we're super-excited about it, and it's really a bonafide "band" record — band-made, band-produced, by Paul Stanley, and we did it all ourselves, which is very gratifying, because it kind of reminds you of when you were a young band in the garage starting out, and we approached it the same ways you did back then. You wrote tunes on your own just with the guys, you rehearse them, and then you play them live, or ya know, work an arrangement or go record them, and there was no other people involved, like an outside producer, or an outside writer, or, even the record label didn't have any input in terms of what kind of direction or what kind of songs they should be, or, "We're missing a radio song," or a single — none of that. We just did it with no agenda. It's very organic and true to the heart. Crypt Magazine: I have always thought that, even though Gene [Simmons] and Paul are like brothers, there is still a "healthy competition," as far as which guy can pull off a better song. I've always felt like the two of them have a little bit of that. Would you agree? Tommy: Yeah, I think that's part of the dynamic of KISS. Gene and Paul, obviously, are brothers; they have been together for a long time, and very successful, they continue on. They have that longevity and history together. But they are two completely different personalities, and I think it's that edge between the personalities, and maybe a little competition, too, is the thing that drives the performance and it drives the whole thing a bit, and I think you're right about that. That's definitely part of the dynamic. Crypt Magazine: 'Cause personally I think Paul is usually the better songwriter, the better performer, even though Gene is amazing, too. But if there was any record where all the Gene songs pretty much ate all the Paul songs, this is probably the record. Gene is on fire! I thought "Out Of This World" and "Wall Of Sound" are very memorable, and "The Devil Is Me" is amazing —classic Gene. The first time I heard them, I just yelled, "Wow!" They just sound great! Tommy: Ya know, the key to real success in a band is great collaboration, and to have a great collaboration you have to be comfortable, and you need to respect the other people that you are working with, that you're in the band with, and feel comfortable, and also like I said, want do it. The collaboration on the songwriting and even in the recording process, even though Paul's the producer, and he's driving the car, its good to have four guys who are all comfortable collaborating and open. I've been in bands where that just doesn't really happen naturally in that situation. I'm sure there's a lot of bands out there, where, ya know, you hear stories, and because of the the tension in the band, they can't, ya know, easily collaborate or be open to suggestions and things like that, because it's too difficult personality-wise. [laughs] Again, in this situation, everyone's so comfortable and everybody truly wants to hear what the other person has to say, and it's a great environment for creativity. Read the entire interview from Crypt Magazine.
Chicago, September, 2012 - Designed in conjunction with Kiss' Paul Stanley and based on his USA Washburn PS2012 model, Washburn Guitars is proud to introduce the affordable Washburn PS12 Starfire. The PS12 is a sleek, classically inspired design that features a carved “raised center” solid mahogany body and mahogany neck for warm tone and lots of sustain. A bound ebony fingerboard is fitted with 22 easy playing jumbo frets and features stunning pearl/abalone split block inlays. The high quality hardware includes a custom Paul Stanley tailpiece machined from solid aluminum aiding in sustain, a Tune-O-Matic bridge, graphite nut and premium Grover® 18:1 tuners for precise tuning. The mirrored pickguard ties in nicely with the headstock shaped mirrored trussrod cover. Both contain a silk screened variation of the Paul Stanley Starfire logo. Electronics include 2 chrome mini humbuckers, each controlled by separate top hat volume and tone knobs and a 3-way pickup selector. The high output mini humbuckers produce a tone all their own that is both versatile and will sit front and center in a stage mix. Judicious use of the volume and tone controls will reward the player with a wide pallet of biting and/or creamy sustaining tones to choose from. The PS12 Starfire is available in black or white, includes a gig bag and carries a retail price of $1,426.90. www.washburn.com
"It's been an amazing kick ass summer for us and a serious blast to share the stage again with Kiss three decades after our first tour together," says Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue in a press release. "We feel grateful and fortunate to have been given the opportunity to support different charitable organizations throughout The Tour so hard every day to provide relief and make life better for our fellow Americans." Paul Stanley of Kiss adds, "It's a privilege to be in a position that enables us to give back to the community through various charities and also raise everyone's awareness of these worthy causes." The Tour benefited several organizations including Hiring Our Heroes, Aurora Victim's Relief Fund, Operation Homefront, Skylar Neil Foundation, Spondylitis Association of America and the Augusta Warrior Project.
Every note of this album is klassic KISS, through and through. It helped define KISS musically and thematically, while pushing the band to new heights of creativity. Now, with the release of “Destroyer: Resurrected,” the KISS Army has a new reason to celebrate this beloved record. Bob Ezrin’s gone back to remix and remaster the 1976 masterpiece, and the results are stunning! For this in-depth discussion of “Destroyer: Resurrected,” Ken and Gary are joined by Matt Porter (host of the “KISS Room” radio show), author Julian Gill (from KISSfaq), Brian Shaller (long-time KISS Army member), and John Humphrey (drummer from the band Seether)! An album this important warrants plenty of exploration, so this is only SIDE 1 of our “Destroyer: Resurrected” celebration; join us for SIDE 2 on the next edition of PodKISSt… the KISS fanzine for your ears! Listen here: podkisst.com
"I don't know what's more embarrassing, these musicians and actors talking about politics in interviews or the media actually giving them credibility about it," Stanley said. "It's absurd that a celebrity could speak out on the economy or politics with no more justification than a hit album or a movie. Not to deride Gene, but I just think he's part of a symptom of absurdity where you'll see somebody on television whose only criteria for being there is success in a field far away from what they're being asked about. I really don't know who is more ridiculous, the celebrity answering these political questions or the person asking them." He continued, "I'm usually not at a loss for words, but this whole celebrity political thing always gets me. It's so embarrassing to see people with absolutely no inside knowledge of anything they are talking about. I have friends who are intimately involved with world affairs and these are the people who won't give opinions like these celebrities do. For my friends, it's far more complex and sensitive than that, unlike these celebrities who read some newspaper story, or watch CNN, and then spout out some opinion on something they truly don't know anything about." Earlier in the year, Simmons expressed regret over his endorsement of President Barack Obama in 2008, telling Fox News' "Fox and Friends", "Hindsight is 20/20. I have some real issues with the economy and how it's being done. America should be in business and it should be run by a businessman." He continued, "America is a business. If you can't afford to do something, no matter how much bellyaching everybody does… I'm so sorry, if you can't afford it, you shouldn't do it. If you can afford to take care of two kids. Have two kids. Don't have ten kids. If you can't afford to have a $400,000 home, you can afford a $100,000 home, then do that." Asked by host Gretchen Carlson who his pick for president was, Simmons responded, "Strictly speaking on the economy and in my humble opinion, Mitt Romney."
The judges put her through, though not unanimously. L.A. Reid says no. And they were not heaping on the praise. Demi Lovato says, "I think that if you just got a little more control, you could be really great." Simon Cowell praises the "interesting tone" to her voice, but L.A. says, "I didn't quite get the chill bumps that I wanted to get from you." We don't think she'll survive the next round of cuts unless she really brings it. What do you think, "X Factor" fans?
October 23 October 24 October 27 November 2 November 16 "Makeup To Breakup: My Life In And Out Of Kiss" will be released on October 23 via the Simon & Schuster imprint Scribner. A press release promises, "From sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll to multiple brushes with death, 'Makeup To Breakup' will be Peter Criss' unvarnished and eye-opening life story." An excerpt from the book's first chapter can be found at Amazon.com. Criss wrote the 320-page hardcover book with the help of Larry "Ratso" Sloman. When Criss was inducted on January 14 as part of the latest Drum Legend class during the grand finals of Guitar Center's annual Drum-Off at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, California, he told Artisan News about his upcoming book (see video below), "You'll enjoy it. It's about my life. It's not about just… Of course, it's about drugs, sex and rock and roll. But it's about my parents, my growing up, getting through Brooklyn, going through gangs, getting into drugs, getting out of them, getting through cancer. I'm four years free of cancer now, so that's why I've got my pink shoelaces on. I'm doing great." In a press release issued last year, Criss said, "I am so blessed that I am finally going to write my autobiography, and I hope you enjoy the ride. The best of all is I get to share my true feelings of my love for God, family, friends and fame. It's been a wonderful life." While some men feel embarrassed because of "this macho crap," Criss told CNN surviving breast cancer was actually a blessing. He was treated before the tumor could spread and said he was speaking about male breast cancer to raise the profile of this rare disease. Criss, who played drums for KISS and was known as "Catman," offered this advice to men who spot lumps in their breast: "Don't sit around playing Mr. Tough Guy. Don't say 'It's going to go away.' It might not and you might not see life anymore and how beautiful that is." Criss, who is currently working on a new rock album, told Reuters his bout with cancer had affected his songwriting. "My lyrics are not so deep and dismal," he said. One of the tracks on the album, expected next year, is called "Hard Rock Knockers".
Stanley told The Pulse Of Radio that he's particularly excited with the material on "Monster", if for no other reason than it captures the band in a high point in its long and storied career. "With this album, we're totally at home with who we are, what we are, out past, present, and future," he said. "And I wanted us to take any blinders off so to speak. I wanted to unleash us, and let us be exactly who we are today. There's no getting away from our past — nor would we want to — but we're pumped! We're in top form, and the best way we can put it is, I didn't want us to make and album we once made, I wanted us to make the album we never made." KISS will next appear with MÖTLEY CRÜE on Saturday (September 29) Mexico City, Mexico.
The award-winning K’NEX building system combined with the popularity of figure packs will bring the well-known images of the beloved musicians to the construction aisle for the first time. A part of our culture, The Beatles and KISS buildable figure packs are sure to appeal to music and building fans of all generations. “The K’NEX buildable figure packs will bring these favorite personalities to life in a new way,” said Michael Araten, president of K’NEX Brands. “Children of all ages will have the opportunity to build and collect The Beatles Yellow Submarine or KISS!” Buildable figure packs will feature authentic adornments from the unforgettable Yellow Submarine movie and the show-stopping looks of KISS. Sets include instruments, such as guitars and drums, to recreate the full band experience and packaging that doubles as a stage! Designed for children ages 5+, the sets will bring the fun of the stage show to the child and expand its appeal through a rewarding, age-appropriate K’NEX building experience. The Beatles Yellow Submarine and Kiss buildable figure packs are available exclusively at Target, target.com and knex.com now!
"Wow! How time flies! Last night of the U.S. part of the tour. One show in Mexico in a few days but it's a rap for 2012, kids! A little break 'til January 2013 then off to Australia with KISS and Motley. Been going like [expletive] since February in Vegas! Nine months!" In January, KISS' manager hinted that the bands would be hitting Australia, although no specific details were given. Those details are still pending, but Lee's post seems to imply that they are close to being announced. The bands' co-headlining tour has, since July, encompassed 40 dates across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Each band plays a 90-minute set at every stop.
Featuring the music made famous by one of the world's most recognized and successful rock bands, the new KISS slot game offers players unique features for multi-array games, as players can be awarded one, two or three bonus video reel sets on any spin, each enhanced with WILD symbols added to the reels or the low-credit symbols removed. Additionally, when three or more bonus symbols appear on the reels, players will be awarded a Backstage Pass. Players then can choose from one of three passes that may award the Rock n' Records free spin bonus, Band Prize Top Box Bonus or the KISS Alive! Bonus with its exciting new interpretation on picking bonuses set to a soundtrack that's "Hotter than Hell" on WMS' Sensory Immersion platform with the near-concert-like surround sound. The KISS slots are sure to transform casino slot floors into party mode 'round-the-clock with "Rock And Roll All Nite And Party Every Day." With game elements that feature the band member personas of the "Starchild," "Demon," "Spaceman" and "Catman," players will keep coming back for exciting bonus rounds and music from the band that's been awarded 28 gold albums, the most of any American rock band. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, co-founders of KISS, noted, "We've spent 40 years bringing our spectacle music and the KISS experience to life on stages around the world. We're blown away by this new cutting edge slot game. WMS has done an incredible job of capturing the energy of KISS and bringing our classic rock to life on the casino floor." Rob Bone, Senior Vice President, North American Sales and Marketing for WMS, said, "KISS is a unique and legendary band that has entertained fans around the world since 1973; and our game designers have brought the distinctive music and energetic appeal of this iconic band to life in a new slot experience that is sure to engage and entertain players everywhere. Everything that makes KISS one of the most well-known bands of all time is featured in this game, from their distinct look and original album artwork, to their chart-topping hits. We know that bringing a player popular brand like KISS to life creates some big platform shoes to fill, but I'm confident we've succeeded. And, with Gene and Paul at G2E to help kick off this exciting new product, it doesn't get any better." See the rocking new KISS slot game along with more than 100 other new products that demonstrate WMS' commitment to "Engaging Players. Delivering Results." on display at G2E 2012 (booth #1118). The deal was brokered by Live Nation Merchandise, KISS's exclusive worldwide licensing agent. (Video)
PLUS each band member issue will include an exclusive interview with the respective cover star. Also included in the pack are 4 collectable art cards one for each band member; Gene, Paul, Tommy and Eric. The magazines and art cards will be presented in a highly collectable deluxe pack, there are only 1,000 copies available and each copy will be individually numbered. DON’T MISS OUT – ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY! The standard issue of Classic Rock 177 is also available to purchase at the standard cover price of £5.50.
Listen here: http://www.thekissroom.com
Their latest album -- the 20th studio album, in fact -- is called, appropriately, "Monster," and while not due in stores until mid-October, the band hit the road this summer, demolishing stages across the U.S. and Canada with fellow hard-rockers Motley Crue. "The Tour," as it's boldly calling itself, condenses both bands' performances into two 90-minute sets, but, as KISS co-founder and media gadfly Gene Simmons insists, KISS won't be skimping on any of their patented blood, bombs and pyro. "KISS has a philosophy few other bands have," says Simmons, who is 62 and still swinging from wires and vomiting gore. "And that's to give the fans bang for their bucks. Not just our show, but making sure anyone on the bill with us is worthy of being on hallowed ground, the Electric Church, the KISS stage. For us, the power and the bombast and, yes, the roar of the crowd and the smell of the greasepaint is what it's all about." What KISS are also all about is the way the band has transcended the fate of many of their classic-rock ilk who are content to tour the hits and pander to the generation that first found them. Instead, a typical KISS audience contains a cross section of fans of every age, with KISS Army lifers sharing space with kids, their faces painted to honor their larger-than-life heroes. "The KISS Army is a living, breathing thing," says Simmons, who has never been known for a lack of confidence. Combine that with international omnipresence, sold-out stadiums and an anticipated new album, and Simmons has every right to brag. "We have every intention of making 'Monster' a No. 1 album," Simmons states matter-of-factly. "If you're a world champion, and if you have the heart of a lion, you will stay in the ring. If not, pack up and go home." Shout it out loud Simmons says he always enjoys the way KISS fans get in the spirit for concerts. "You can't put your finger on it. Through the decades, the fans have always showed up wearing our makeup, some of them tattooed with our faces all over their bodies, and now, with children in tow, who are named after our songs. And when we do the KISS KRUISE in Halloween in the Bahamas, it's a gathering of the tribes." Yes, you heard that right, a real-deal KISS KRUISE, one of thousands of branded events and products that bear the band's seal of grandiose approval.
30-second clips from all songs from KISS' upcoming album "MONSTER" are now available to sample at iTunes! You will need to log in to iTunes to listen to the clips. Sample them now and pre-order "MONSTER" today! Click here to pre-order KISS "MONSTER" now at iTunes.
Ask him what he thinks of partner Paul Stanley's 2009 statement to this writer that "democracy is overrated" in relation to the Starchild's production of that year's Sonic Boom, and Simmons chuckles. "Yes," he says. "Everybody can't have equal say. The good thing about Paul is that he was able to commit the time and the mental fatigue that it takes to stay in the studio for three months. I didn't have that. I'm way past that." With Simmons pretending he's past that, Stanley produced Kiss' metal-marauding 20th studio album, Monster. "We're in the same car," Simmons says. "Paul just happens to be steering, and I'm happy he is." Simmons should be: Monster is a beast, a richly melodic yet gut-punching work that rivals Kiss classics such as Dressed to Kill and Destroyer, the latter currently getting a polish with a recently remastered re-release. "There's always going to be a 15-year-old who hasn't heard the classics," says Simmons. "Seeing the kids dressed in our makeup on his father's shoulder - also wearing makeup, by the way - is the most emotional thing of a Kiss concert for me. That those same kids can hear Destroyer anew is equally emotional. We outrun the pre-planned obsolescence of pop. Not much music has that sort of timeless currency. I love Chuck Berry, and once upon a time his riffs were contemporary. So was doo-wop. Those things are gone. But Kiss not only stood the test of time, we've transcended it." If transcending time and truthful pragmatism are Simmons' best friends, it would stand to reason he'd be curious to read the autobiography of Peter Criss, Kiss' one-time drummer, in Makeup to Breakup: My Life In and Out of Kiss, by Criss and Larry Sloman. Especially after Stanley and Simmons ushered Criss out of Kiss several times, along with original guitarist Ace Frehley. "Of course I'll read it," says Simmons. "Peter and Ace, God love them, were equally important in putting the band together in the first place, but they'll both have to tell you honestly that neither one remembers much of what really happened clearly. Truth be told, Ace and Peter were kicked out of the band several times for being drug addicts and alcoholics. You can't romanticize that. Musical differences? Every band has those. But with them, it all came down to drugs and booze. At the beginning, those guys were as important to our formative years as me and Paul. It's what they did with it that hurt." Simmons says Frehley's 2011 autobiography, No Regrets, written with Joe Layden and John Ostrosky, should have been titled I'm Sorry as he blasphemed the band and insulted fans with his bad behavior. With honesty as his calling card, the always outspoken Simmons didn't speak about rock alone. The demon bassist went on to discuss his political beliefs and the current electoral climate. "I voted for Obama last time around. I'm unhappy and want to hear what Mitt Romney has to say," he says. "Romney's a humanist, a family man. He sees running America as a business. I don't believe in demonizing the rich. The rich are the reasons we have jobs. When I was poor, nobody poor gave me a job. Somebody rich did. But I want to hear what both men have to say before I vote my conscience at the last minute."
KISS Collectors, Rock Fans get ready to rock again. Figures Toy Company is about to introduce KISS Series 2 action figures, reminiscent of the action figures first released in 1977-1978 by the Mego Toy Company. These figures will have rooted hair, cloth clothing, 16 points of articulation and are based on the very first KISS album from 1974 title “KISS”. CFO Anthony Balasco states, "I never understood why 8 inch KISS action figures were not produced back in the 1970's when The Mego Toy Company had already released the 12 inch versions. Our second release will have the retro look from the 1970's but updated with more detailed costumes. Future releases will cover all time periods in KISS's 40 year musical career from 1972 to 2012". Look for a Demon “Hotter Than Hell” and Starchild with “Bandit Makeup” exclusives and limited edition releases. Collectors will be able to find KISS Series 2 at toy stores, comic shops, music stores and on-line retailers starting in Late October 2012. Please visit www.figurestoycompany.com for more details.
Then the band most seemed to be waiting for hit the stage, and the audience energy changed. Cool rock dudes became giddy ten year-old versions of themselves, complete with fist-pumping screams and air guitars. 70’s Rock icons KISS opened the night with “Detroit Rock City”, followed by “Shout It Out Loud”. Every person in the near-capacity venue was on his feet, singing along and spilling their over-prices beers as they jumped to the drum beats. As founding members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley strategically struck poses for the cameras and enthusiastic audience, newer band mates Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer carried the sonic energy with their drum and guitar skills respectively. Next up were “I Love It Loud” and “Firehouse”, to which Simmons did his signature (he’d trademark it, if he could) fire breathing stunt. Then came lesser know songs “Hell or Hallelujah” and “War Machine”. Thayer and Singer traded solos on “Shock Me” while Stanley and Simmons took performance breaks. Simmons returned to the staged rigged with fake blood capsules and wire harness. He spat blood, wagged his well-known oral appendage, then was lifted several feet up to the rafters for “God of Thunder”. The band then performed thunderous “Love Gun” and 80’s Rock Pop sounding “Lick It Up”, at which point Stanley zip-lined to an outer audience platform with his guitar. The band pulled out their old gem “Black Diamond”, much to the delight of fans throughout the venue. Stanley did a brief guitar solo, then the band informed the audience they’d have to wrap up their night due to a strict venue curfew. The last two songs were “Dr. Love” and of course, “Rock and Roll All Nite” accompanied by a three minute shower of confetti, stage fog, and a few thousand pairs of arms in the air. Nowadays, KISS concerts are more about the party and nostalgia than discriminating musicianship and the presentation of new material. There are a handful of shows concert goers attend because they want consistency; they want to reminisce and memorialize their carefree, Rock and Roll-fueled youth. KISS is one of those shows. The band changes just enough of the set list from town to town and tour to tour to keep fans coming back. You can always guarantee they will hit the stage with an overabundance of pyrotechnics, black and silver trademarked costumes (we’ll pretend those few makeup-free years in the 90’s never happened), a bit of fake blood from Simmons, and bit of flare and posturing from Stanley, and a solid backbone with Thayer and Singer.
Saturday, September 15 @ 8 p.m. You wanted the best, you'll get the best .... In celebration and anticipation of KISS' performance at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain in Scranton on September 18, 102.3-FM The Mountain will be presenting a definitive three-hour KISS radio special. The show, hosted by Mountainguide and Weekender music correspondent Alan K. Stout. Stout has seen KISS in concert 31 times and has interviewed the members of the band on 12 occasions. The show will feature: • An all-new exclusive interview with Gene Simmons Showtime is Saturday, September 15 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on 102.3-FM, The Mountain INTERNATIONAL WEBCAST at www.102themountain.com.
KISS is thrilled to announce its return to Buenos Aires! On November 7th, the band will rock River Plate Stadium, fresh on the heels of the release of "MONSTER!" The band will bring classic hits with all of the bombastic theatrics KISS fans expect!
Where are you now in the tour? We played a sold-out show at the Minnesota State Fair last night. It's a 44-city tour. We just added Mexico City and Monterrey. Where did you grow up in Cleveland? Euclid. I graduated from Euclid High School in 1976. When did you start playing music? My dad was Johnny Singer. He had a society club band. They went from being a trio to a 15-piece band, depending on the gig. I started playing drums with him when I was 14. We played a lot of country clubs on the East Side. I was later in a band with Mike McGill that would become Beau Coup with the Amato brothers [Frank and Tommy] and Dennis Lewin. Then you moved to Los Angeles? In 1983 I moved out to the West Coast. The idea was to study music for a while, or take lessons. But within a year I was playing in Lita Ford's band. She was dating Tony Iommi from Black Sabbath and I got some gigs from him. I played with Gary Moore [Thin Lizzy], Brian May [Queen] and did 13 tours with Alice Cooper. How did the Kiss thing happen? I was hired for Paul Stanley's solo tour in 1989. I've been on and off with Kiss for 21 years now. For the last nine in a row. How much of a pain is all the makeup? Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining. But being in this band is a lot of work. All the makeup and costumes can be cumbersome. Especially when you play outdoors in Phoenix when it's 115 degrees. Did you grow up a Kiss fan? I saw them open for the New York Dolls at the Allen Theatre in 1974. I still feel like a fan to this day. Sometimes I see a kid at a show in the front row and I think, that was me. I've been blessed. Retaining that feeling of being a fan keeps me passionate about doing this. You need to be passionate to do this. Have you ever met [original Kiss drummer] Peter Criss? Is it awkward? We've met. He's fine. We don't socialize or anything. I realize that fans want their bands to stay together forever. But that's because they've never been in a band. Know how hard a relationship between two people can be? Imagine that with four or five people. Sometimes a band has to change to survive. Sometimes a guy has to leave a band as a survival tactic. Life happens. Things change. It's not a perfect world. How do you stay healthy on the road and in the heavy-metal world? I don't smoke or do drugs. I hardly drink. Maybe a glass of wine with dinner. I had one drink last night after the show. A vodka and soda on the rocks. I nursed it for an hour. Even that is rare for me. My way of staying healthy is getting rest and eating well. That's the key. I spend 22 hours of my day getting ready for the two hours onstage. I've never missed a show in my life.
A: “It depends how high you want to reach,” Simmons, 63, says. “The rewards are much greater in the music business, but the pitfalls are very deep.” Something both professions offer, the rocker notes, is the chance to be in the spotlight. “In one, you’re in front of an audience who may not want to be there,” he says. “In the other, you’re in front of an audience who worships at your feet!” Kiss’s 20th studio album, Monster, will be released Oct. 9.
But there seems to be something special about its connections with the state of Michigan. The band penned the song "Detroit Rock City," still thinks fondly of Cobo Hall and made an unforgettable visit to Cadillac on Oct. 9, 1975, after hearing the Cadillac High School football team used the band's music as motivation the year earlier. Kiss and Motley Crue performed Thursday night at the DTE Energy Music Theater after a truck carrying pyrotechnics equipment rolled over on a highway in northeast Ohio, causing the show, originally slated for Wednesday, to be delayed. It's another interesting chapter in the band's history with Michigan. At Thursday's concert, Paul Stanley shared his affinity for the Detroit area, according to the review from MLive.com's Eric Lacy, who wrote: "There's a lot of bands that write a lot of songs about cities," Stanley said, after the group opened with "Detroit Rock City. "But we've only wrote one about one city, and that city is Detroit." Stanley later showed love for old Detroit venues like the Michigan Palace and Cobo Hall, places where KISS was a headline act after trips to other cities as openers. "Where would we be without Cobo Hall?" Stanley asked. Kiss recorded its breakthrough album, "Alive!," behind the Cobo Center's walls 38 years ago. The group also holds northern Michigan close to its make-up-loving heart. The Cadillac appearance in 1975, which came shortly after a concert in Kalamazoo, has been retold on VH1 and ESPN over the years. To help break the Cadillac High School football team's slump, Vikings coach Dave Brines put assistant coach Jim Neff in charge of finding music for the locker room to lighten up and motivate the team. Neff picked Kiss and the team turned around the season. The following October, Kiss surprised the team and Cadillac when they came to town on Oct. 9. The band met with the team and community, participated in a parade and played at the school's gymnasium. There's talk of the visit becoming a film. The band will return to West Michigan on Tuesday when Kiss and Motley Crue play at 7 p.m. at the Allegan County Fair. We'll see what kind of memories are made there. CLICK HERE to view a gallery of KISS Cadillac photos.
Even more so than on Sonic Boom, guitarist Tommy Thayer played an integral role on Monster, writing or co-writing ten songs and, alongside Paul Stanley, delivering half the band’s two-guitar punch. Clearly, he’s established himself as an indispensable cog in the current KISS lineup of Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Singer and himself. In the following interview, Thayer talks about the new album, his main guitar influences and why Gibsons are his choice guitars both on-stage and in the studio. How did the band approach making the new album? Generally, it was the same approach as Sonic Boom. We didn’t have an agenda. We just wanted to write great rock and roll songs and make a cohesive album. With Sonic Boom, it was more like testing the waters, seeing how things would go with this lineup and with the band as it is today. We came up with a great record, obviously, and we found that we could be effective and lethal in the studio. Monster takes those things to a new level, and ups the ante in terms of the songs and the production. It was similar, but it was new and improved as well. Why was the band reluctant to make an album for all those years prior to Sonic Boom? That’s probably more a question for Paul or Gene. It was before I was on-board. But my impression is that they didn’t feel comfortable trying to record a studio album because of the state of the band at that time. They didn’t feel it was healthy -- or that the band could produce, write and record a great rock and roll record. That said, the band has fused incredibly well in the last eight or ten years. There’s such great spirit and chemistry now, it suddenly became obvious – prior to making Sonic Boom -- that this band should make a studio album. What guitars did you use on Monster? Primarily I used a Gibson SG – a 1961 reissue that belongs to Paul. It’s the same guitar I used on a lot of Sonic Boom. Normally I play a Les Paul, but for recording work I’ve found that the SG has a little more punch, and isn’t quite as full-bodied. Sonically, the SG fit well into the tracks. I did use the Les Paul on a few things as well. It was pretty much straight head: plug the SG into a couple of good amps, and keep it raw and ballsy. What Les Paul models do you play? They’re Custom Shop reissues of the ’58, ’59 and 1960 Les Paul Standards. I use those guitars on-stage as well. I also have one that’s customized – the Rocket Guitar, which has a rocket launcher mounted on the back of the headstock. I also have a couple of Explorers I take on the road. They have a silver-sparkle finish, the same finish that my new Epiphone Tommy Thayer Signature Les Paul will have. The signature model is similar to the Les Paul I often use on solos, which is a Les Paul Standard with a silver sparkle top. Epiphone will be releasing officially announcing that guitar in the next couple of months and it should be available in stores in early 2013." Who are your main guitar influences? My favorite bands when I was learning to play were Foghat, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, KISS, Aerosmith, Montrose – those types of bands. Probably my favorite guitar players were Ronnie Montrose and Jimmy Page and Peter Frampton. I’m still a big fan of Frampton. I also loved Pat Travers, Robin Trower … second generation mid ‘70s players. Mainly I learned by mimicking records, putting albums on the turntable and trying to figure out the chords and riffs. I probably didn’t learn them quite right, in the beginning. When you’re a kid, you’re kind of at a loss for how some of these things are done. Eventually I started learning some solos – again, by listening and studying what was on those albums. Which era was the greatest for guitar riffs? The early to mid ‘70s was a great time for guitar riffs. But at the same time, when you’re 13 or 14 years old, that’s a magical period in your life, when you’re first getting into playing guitar and first going to concerts and so forth. The riffs you’re listening to at that age tend to stay with you. A great rock album that still holds up today is the first Montrose album. “Rock Candy,” “Rock the Nation,” “Bad Motor Scooter,” “Space Station #5” … those are great rock and roll songs with incredible riffs. A great guitar riff is worth its weight in gold. Being able to come up with great riffs – and write that kind of stuff – isn’t as easy as people think. What makes Gibsons so right for what you do? A lot of it has to do with the guitarists I grew up loving. Most of them played Les Pauls or other Gibsons. The guys in Aerosmith, Ronnie Montrose, Peter Frampton and the guys in KISS all played Les Pauls. When you’re growing up, and you’re first excited about rock and roll and guitar players, you want to mimic that as soon as you can. Those players weren’t using those guitars by chance. When it’s combined with the right amp, you just can’t beat the sound and the beefiness of a Gibson. Is being a guitarist in KISS different from being a guitarist in other rock bands? It’s a whole other world. I could never imagine being in a regular band again. That would be a huge step backwards. Being in KISS is the ultimate in rock and roll performance and theatrics. I was thinking about that the other night. We were on-stage doing “Rock and Roll All Nite” toward the end of our set. Gene and I were going up on lifts – about 30 feet into the air – and confetti was flying and bombs were going off. All of a sudden a big smile came over my face. I was thinking, “How lucky can I be, being in this band, on-stage right now, experiencing this?” It doesn’t get any better.
Asked about his plans to write a follow-up to his New York Times best seller "No Regrets: A Rock 'N' Roll Memoir", Ace said, "Towards the end of [writing] the ['No Regrets'] book, I finally got hold of a lot of the people I wanted to talk to and then I had the deadline, and by the time the deadline came around, a lot of the stories didn't make it into the first book. So the stuff that didn't make it into the first book is gonna be in the second book. . . [The book publishers] are not rushing me this time. They said, 'Ace, take your time. Get everything in. Don't miss a story.'" "No Regrets: A Rock 'N' Roll Memoir", landed at position No. 10 on the New York Times "Hardcover Nonfiction" best sellers list. The book, which is described as a look back at Ace's "life of sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll," arrived on November 1, 2011 via Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.
The woman, a 25-year-old from Orion Township, told police that she was forced into the woods and assaulted by a man around 9:40 p.m. She went home before notifying authorities. The suspect is described as a white man in his mid-20s, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was wearing cargo shorts and a V-neck shirt. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Oakland County Sheriff's Office at 248-537-3530 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
All fans in attendance an hour before kickoff at O.co coliseum Monday night will be treated to a performance by Ice Cube who will perform his Raiders anthem "Come and Get Some". It's the Pepsi NFL Anthem in which Ice Cube dubs himself "The President of the Raider Nation" as arguably the most famous diehard Raider fan. In addition, Gene Simmons, of the legendary rock band KISS, will perform the National Anthem (not to be confused with the NFL Anthem.
Starting in October, aspiring rockers who have dreamed of playing with their musical heroes can sign up for the camp's courses at the MGM Grand hotel and casino. Upcoming camps will feature rock legends as Roger Daltrey, Jack Bruce, Alice Cooper, Dave Navarro, Sammy Hagar, Gene Simmons and Vince Neil. Camp founder David Fishof, a former manager and tour producer for Ringo Starr and The Monkees, said he had been looking for a permanent location for some time to cope with growing demand. "It gets bigger every year," said Fishof. He estimated that since its start, over 7,000 rock star wannabes have attended the camps, which have been held six times a year in various locations including New York, Philadelphia and London. Prices vary but a five-day camp with a star like Simmons is about $9,500 including hotel accommodation and meals, instruments and a performance at the MGM Grand hotel. Fishof said the camps attract a cross-section of people. "We get mothers, 15-year-old kids, top executives and music fans from all over the country, and the common denominator is their love for music - and many of them keep coming back, they love the experience so much," he said. Now, the faithful will have a permanent shrine at which to worship. The 10,000 square-foot (930 square-meter) facility in Vegas will also offer a "Rock Star for the Day" package for visitors to the city, consisting of a two- to three-hour jam session with famous musicians. "What I love about Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp is watching these people learn so much in such a short space of time and having fun," Roger Daltrey of The Who, who will be appearing at the new camp in January 2013, said in a statement. Simmons of KISS fame will inaugurate the new Vegas digs by headlining the October 10-14 camp, along with special guest rock stars including Vince Neil (Motley Crue), Sebastian Bach (Skid Row) and Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne guitarist, Black Label Society). Additional camps are scheduled throughout the 2012-2013 season; headlining the November 7-11 camp as a "salute to the blues" will be Warren Haynes (The Allman Brothers) and Jack Bruce (Cream), followed by Daltrey who will headline the January 23-27 camp featuring Dave Navarro (Jane's Addiction.) Alice Cooper will headline the February 14-18 camp with Sammy Hagar headlining the March 6-10 camp. Further details are available at www.rockcamp.com.
Country superstar Tim McGraw, who partnered with Operation Homefront, Chase Bank and ACM Lifting Lives- the charitable arm of the Academy of Country Music- to donate a mortgage-free home in each city during his summer tour accepted the check on behalf of the organization. KISS’ Paul Stanley states “The freedom we all enjoy and may take for granted is only made possible by the brave servicemen and women who chose to put themselves in harm's way to protect this great country. Tim's work for Operation Homefront with ACM Lifting Lives is a great example of how those in our position can show our appreciation while also urging all Americans to contribute on whatever level they can and KISS is proud to support this worthy cause. Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx affirms ““We wanted to give back to the servicemen in need. They are the ones who bravely go out to defend our freedom so the least we can do is support them & their families when they return. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with our friends KISS to donate money. Hopefully it will help create awareness and inspire many others to follow suit" Operation Homefront was formed in February 2002 to support the families of deployed service members immediately following 9/11. A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers with nationwide presence, and has met more than 590,000 needs of military families since its inception. A four-star rated charity by watchdog Charity Navigator, nationally, 94 percent of total revenue donated to Operation Homefront goes directly to assist service members. The majority of military families served by Operation Homefront are the lowest-paid service members, the E-1 through E-6 enlisted ranks. To donate, please visit: www.operationhomefront.net
But with Kiss eyeballing its 40th anniversary in 2013 — and a new album coming later this year — the self-styled, fire-breathing, blood-spewing rock ’n’ roll demon allows himself a moment of unapologetic mistiness. “We really come with love and admiration and appreciation for this thing called rock ’n’ roll, because it’s not just music,” explains Simmons, 63, who co-founded Kiss as Wicked Lester during 1971 in New York, adopting the Kiss moniker in 1973 and selling more than 100 million albums globally since then, as well as enjoying a stature as one of the world’s most popular live bands as well as a merchandising juggernaut. “Rock ’n’ roll is self-empowerment,” he says. “It’s the ability to get up on stage. You can be as fat as Meat Loaf for from another country (Israel) like Gene Simmons, speaking a language where the most popular sound is like a cat throwing up a hairball. We were all made fun of when we were kids — ‘You look stupid! You don’t walk right or talk right! or look right!’ “But then you get in a band and you get up on stage and you’re on Mount Olympus. You’re one of the gods. There’s no other job that gives you that, so we never take for granted that it’s the job we’re fortunate enough to do.” The job has been keeping Simmons, Stanley and their current Kiss bandmates — guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer — plenty busy of late. Job One has been “Monster,” Kiss’ 20th studio album, which is due out Oct. 16. Produced by Stanley, who also helmed 2009’s “Sonic Boom,” the 12-track set is what Simmons calls “classic Kiss.” It’s also, he says, “one of the best or the top three albums we’ve ever done,” ranking with Simmons’ personal favorites. “It’s like ‘Revenge’ meets ‘Destroyer,” he says, “just guitar and drums, nothing else. No keyboards, no little boys’ choir, no strings, no nothing. Band-written; literally we’d get in and strum guitars like the old days.” While the Kiss Army waits with baited breath, it’s at least getting to hear the first single, “Hell or Hallelujah.” “Paul came in with a guitar chordal pattern, and it was originally called something else,” Simmons recalls. “Then a few days later he came back in and said, ‘What do you think of ‘Hell or Hallelujah?’ and we all just sparked to it and went, ‘Yeah, that’s right.’” Some of the album’s other songs, meanwhile, have a bit more history. For instance, Simmons says he wrote “Eat Your Heart Out” during the ’70s but made some significant changes for the version that appears on the album, while “Are You Ready?” is another “old song that was torn apart and re-written.” Kiss has dug into its vaults as well this year. It’s issued a new photo book, also called “Monster,” that costs $4,250 (you read that right), and weighs in at 45 pounds, 3 feet high and 2 1/2 wide. “You don’t need the coffee table,” Simmons quips. “It IS the coffee table.” And the group has released a new version of its landmark “Destroyer,” the 1976 album that declared the group’s love for “Detroit Rock City.” “Destroyer: Resurrected” restores the landmark 1976 album’s original cover — which was deemed too violent at the time (“The buildings lay in ruins, which was too much for the mom and dad and kids-friendly places,” Simmons recalls) — and featuring an alternate version of “Sweet Pain” with a different guitar solo. The double-platinum “Destroyer” was “a breakthrough, because we were able to move on to the next level,” Simmons says. But he recalls it wasn’t an easy sell at the time. “When it first came out, the fans didn’t understand it,” he says. “It went up to about 890,000 copies sold, whereas the previous record, “Alive!,” did millions. “But then we came out with ‘Detroit Rock City’ as a single, and the B-side was ‘Beth,’ and Kiss was growing bigger and bigger and bigger. By that point we were doing stadiums ... and the merchandising was just exploding and it grew so fast that for the next three years we were the Gallup-polled No. 1 band in the world. Led Zeppelin and the Beatles were below us. “It was a phenomenon, and we were caught up in the middle of it, so you’re not aware of how big the storm is because you’re in the eye of it. But we did know that we couldn’t leave our homes or go anywhere without paparazzi hounding us and trying to get photos without the makeup. So it was a very peculiar time.” Simmons and company are happy to just have a busy time now — so busy that he claims he brought the curtain down on “Gene Simmons Family Jewels,” his popular A&E reality TV show, in order to concentrate on the band. A fourth volume of its “Kissology” DVD series is coming, he says, with “everything you haven’t seen before — archival stuff, backstage (footage), going all the way back to 1973.” And the group’s current road trek with Motley Crue is the beginning of “a two-year long tour” that includes the Kiss Cruise on the high seas starting on Halloween, then will take the band to Africa, Israel, Asia, Europe and, Simmons promises, “everywhere.” “You know, I’ve always thought this was a wonderful world,” Simmons says. “It’s the world that enabled me to buy my mom a house, all that stuff. I don’t shy away from it at all. “And the more you’re cognizant, the more you’re aware of that world, my contention is the better your music will be and the more you’ll do and the happier you’ll make your fans. And in the end, that’s really what we’re here to do, and I mean that.”
By Paul Jordan, KISS roadie It's a dream job, but traveling as a KISS roadie is not all fun and games. It requires a lot of hard work, long bus rides and little sleep. I was put into the carpentry team knowing next to nothing about that field. My education started immediately. On show days, my mentor and I set up and place various pieces of equipment on the stage. During performances, my workplace is between the barricade and the singers. I also assist with some of Gene Simmons’ theatrical effects. And if anything goes wrong during the show, I'm one of the guys scrambling to fix the issue. Backstage is a professional environment where the band prepares to give fans the greatest show they've ever seen. The band members are friendly guys who stop and say hello. One big roadie benefit: I have the best seat in the house every night. I still mouth the lyrics to my favorite songs when there's a free moment. I've also met some celebrities, including pitching great Randy Johnson, members of Pearl Jam, and "American Idol" contestant James Durbin. Vinnie Paul of the heavy metal band Pantera sat 5 feet away from me at the Dallas show. I've been given the nickname “Hollywood” since joining the crew. It started when we were in DC, and I was asked to do an interview for a local TV station. One interview turned into four, and the nickname was born. Since then I've been on TV five times, radio once more, and featured on various Internet sites. Despite my coworkers' gentle teasing, I like talking with the press because it gives me a platform to spread the word about veteran unemployment. I feel lucky: I get to travel the country, help produce the best rock show on the planet, rub elbows with celebrities, spread the word about veteran issues -- and get paid for that work. I have the greatest job in the world!
Make-A-Wish is the nation's largest wish-granting organization. Since 1980, it has given hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. From its humble beginnings with one boy's wish to be a police officer, it has evolved into an organization that grants a child's wish in the U.S. every 40 minutes. (Vudei1, Video2)
Metal-Rules.com: First of all, the "Monster" [album] is finished and it's ready to roll, it's ready to go. How do you like the results at this point? Paul Stanley: I think it's terrific. I mean, I have said it so many time already. You know, the idea wasn't to make an album that sounded like we once sounded; it was to make an album that sound like we have never sounded. The idea of making of an album that is a retro album… I wasn't interested in that. I wanted to make an album that has vitality and passion and that's a great rock album. I don't want to make a great KISS album. I don't want to be judged by other KISS albums. It's OK to judge KISS by KISS, but it's also nice to open up the gates and say not how good is this compared to KISS albums, but how good is this comparing to the albums that I love. Metal-Rules.com: "Monster" is the number twenty in the KISS studio album catalog. At this point of your career, when you've already reached almost everything, what kind of goals do you have with that album? Paul Stanley: I would be lying if I say I don't want it to be successful. But I don't expect success. I succeeded because of the album I wanted to make. Would I like the other people to like it? Sure. Everybody wants validation. But if you try to second-guess people — what kind of album do they want? — and then you fail, you kick yourself and say, "I should have done it my way." I did it my way and whatever is going to happen is going to happen, but I stand behind the album. Metal-Rules.com: The album is now coming in October, although it's been ready for a long time. Originally it was supposed to come out earlier, like in May. What's the reason for that delay? Paul Stanley: The reason it didn't come out… I mean, it has been done for a while. We wanted to have a different type of setup in terms of a distribution. We wanted to go with a label this time. So the legalities of working out a contract take a long time. So, you know, by going back to Universal, with a company that has our whole catalogue, so for a lot of reasons it made a lot of sense. Plus they were very "come home," very committed to the album. So had we wanted to do it a different way, we would have had it out in May. But this made more sense and will make more sense. You know, doing the Walmart deal was great in one way, but in another way, if you didn't have a Walmart near you, or if you didn't have iTunes, if you couldn't get it from iTunes, so it was very limited how you could get the album. So, we tried that once and now we said let's do it this route. But Universal, they very much wanted us back. And they have all these other albums, so it's a good agreement. Metal-Rules.com: Can you tell me something about the creating process of the album? How long did it actually take this time? Paul Stanley: It really didn't take that much time at all. The funny thing is that the album has been done for a quite a while. It's just that we decided to go with a major label and it took a long time to negotiate the contract. The album has been done a long time ago and it didn't take any longer than "Sonic Boom". So we had the album done for a long time. I think that if you spend too much time on something, it loses its emotion and its passion. If it comes out perfect, that's nice, but a rock and roll album? I don't know whether it should be perfect. Metal-Rules.com: During the '80s and '90s you did most of the writing with outside people like Desmond Child, Diane Warren, Adam Mitchell, etc. How it was different to work on within the band members only for this album and "Sonic Boom" as well? Paul Stanley: I think it's important that the band stay within the band to write. And one of my rules, when I said I would produce the album, and everybody went along with the idea, [was] no outside writers. It's very easy to in some cases to have somebody to write a song for you and you put your name on it and you have very little to do with it or maybe you're doing something else instead of writing songs. And, you know, you come up with the songs that really are not yours. I wanted to make sure that every song was worked on by the band. I have always included the band. I love Desmond, I love writing with him. I love Diane, I love all those people. But the band is also different now the band has the ability to be completely self-contained. Maybe that's why it's important that we do it like that. Metal-Rules.com: You have produced the latest KISS albums and your solo album by yourself. Is it easier to work when you're having the full control for everything? Paul Stanley: Yes. I didn't take that role on lightly. You know, I did it because I knew I could do it, and because I didn't think anybody else could do it as well. I knew that the answer wasn't for the band to do it because there is no focus. Then everybody is doing it the way they think it should be. And then you have people getting songs on albums that may not belong on the album but just because they like them. So there is a responsibility but it makes it easier for the band. The band will tell you that the last two albums were just fun to make. It's not a matter of being a dictator in a studio. It's a matter being a coach, a captain, the leader, not telling everybody what to do but being the person that keeps the eye on the ball and the vision. Read the entire interview from Metal-Rules.com.
Multi-Platinum Selling Group’s Single “Hell or Hallelujah” Will Kickoff ACC Network Telecasts Legendary multi-platinum group KISS will rock ACC Network telecasts of Atlantic Coast Conference football, it was announced today by Raycom Sports. Through this partnership of rock royalty and premier college football, KISS’ new hit single “Hell or Hallelujah” will set the tone for the kickoff of each week’s syndicated game. Rock legends KISS is the juggernaut of them all having already broken box office records set by The Beatles and Elvis. Their 40-plus year history includes -- 28 U.S. gold albums, the most gold records for any American rock band, 40 million sales in the U.S., and a total exceeding 100 million worldwide. Their 20th studio album MONSTER will be released October 16, The band’s first single from MONSTER, the full-throttle, autobiographical rocker “Hell or Hallelujah,” immediately went #1 on the iTunes rock charts in the U.S., and numerous countries around the world including Australia, Finland, Norway, Sweden and more. KISS returns with Monster, a 12-track, straight-ahead rock ‘n’ roll album features collaborations among all four members - including co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer - in an album that shows the band at the top of its game. “We are honored to have KISS open our ACC football telecasts,” said David Barringer, producer for Raycom Sports. “KISS’ music and college football go hand in hand. They are part of the fabric of America and American culture. Their pure, high energy music is going to be a great addition to our games.” KISS leads a star-studded list of performers featured in Raycom football and basketball telecasts over the years, including Rascal Flatts, Brooks & Dunn, Jason Aldean, Daughtry, Sugarland, Alison Krauss, Chris Brown, Lil’ Mama, T-Pain, David Cook and Ricky Skaggs.
PodKISSt staffer Matt Porter and Frank Hagan from KISS MASK Fanzine are joined by “Sealed with a KISS” author Lydia Criss! Enjoy cool KISS tunes and More fun KISS Talk! Originally broadcast on MONTCO RADIO, streaming live and worldwide from Montgomery County Community College. Tune in to MONTCO RADIO, streaming on montcoradio.com Listen here: www.thekissroom.com
Meet Paul Stanley of KISS with 2 tickets to an upcoming concert of your choice and take home a personalized Washburn Starfire guitar played for one song at the concert! Bid now at www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/316458.
This new large-size (three feet long by two-and-a-half-feet wide) limited edition collection features 40-years of KISS with an intimate collection of 127 photographs by world-renowned rock photographers, including rare and never-before-seen images sourced from the band's own archives. The massive book is a collector's goldmine, with just 1,000 copies available and individually signed, dated and numbered by the four members of the current lineup. Printed in high-definition links by one of the world's finest limited-edition and large format printers, each copy has been hand stitched-and-bound in Italy, by the same binder used by The Vatican. As vocalist/guitarist Paul Stanley joked recently, "This book is way beyond my expectations. The photos are incredible at this size. It's not a coffee table book, it's a coffee table!" So big that all four band members appeared at the Viper Room in Los Angeles this week (Aug. 21) while on break from their wildly popular trek across America to unveil the massive tome. KISS took some questions from the stage, discussed the making of the book, and their commitment to the Wounded Warriors organization among other things. After the press conference, Noisecreep had the rare opportunity of sitting down exclusively in a room with all four members – Stanley, bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons, guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer - to talk at length about the book, the band and the legend that remains one of the most successful, inventive and hard-working bands in history. Together in a small dark room, as they are onstage, this is a band of brothers. What sorts of memories were triggered in putting this package together? What did it take you back to? Paul: We originally did the band because we loved doing it – that's it. Through all the trials and tribulations of playing in empty clubs or whatever, you always have to think, or at least we did – this will be a great memory someday. You don't see the negative side – you look at it in wonderment. It's just a part of the journey. That said, we were on a crusade from the beginning and we weren't going to quit until everybody fell beneath our boots. Back in the early days, as depicted in the book, you guys pasted your own flyers around New York – you basically wrote the book on how to promote an unknown band. Gene: We were forced into it, we cared about the band, we did things that hadn't been done before, but we didn't know that! We just thought – this is the way it should be done. The logos, the look, the makeup, the posters – we had to do it all ourselves because we didn't even have a manager. We didn't have anything. We did it all ourselves. We did our own mailers, put together our own press kits – but the impression was – 'these guys have a lot of money and a big organization.' We had nothing. We called ourselves "Heavy Metal Masters." This was barely when the term heavy metal even existed. We were nobody. So in a very real way we took the tact of, "We're only going to get the respect we demand." We created our own buzz. Did this feel like an important time in band history to create something this elaborate and inclusive? Paul: In a way it did. But musically, we reached a point where we needed to do more than celebrate our past and what we had accomplished. We needed to stake our claim to the future. And that's when we went in to do Sonic Boom. And now Monster. It was about using everything that we had built to this date as the foundation for continuing to build this monument that is KISS. So it's great to have all these great songs and the accolades in our history – but we have to be more than an oldies act. We have to stake our claim – and that's why our audience isn't necessarily just people in the sixties or fifties. It goes literally from like five and six-years-old, because what's behind KISS and always has been is the preaching of self-empowerment and the idea that if you believe in yourself and you're willing to work hard, that's nothing's impossible. We're the proof of that. It's heady stuff- but it's also timeless. When people would see us in the early days, they thought the songs were trite and juvenile. They thought that bands like Emerson, Lake and Palmer – that was "great art." Put them on today and put on our first album, and which sounds contemporary? We do – because the simple truths are the real ones. When you sing about celebrating life, then that will last forever. Singing about saving the whales? Next! Tommy: Oh yeah. I'd say about 90% of the photos are previously unseen. Real special archive stuff. We've got vast archives and pulled some just unbelievably rare stuff. The most ardent fans will say, "I've never seen most of these shots." It's amazing. Eric: For me, seeing the sheer size of the book is really impressive. Some of the pictures fold out bigger than posters, four or five feet – it's just amazing. Tommy: Right, you see a different dynamic and emotion when it's blown up that big. You look into the eyes of those shots and you see more depth than you've ever imagined. Tommy, what's it like playing new songs you helped write versus the old songs onstage? Tommy: It's a great feeling, although I love playing the classic KISS songs – I get off on that every night. But the new stuff is especially exciting and fresh and I enjoy it – because I've had a lot of input on it. Gene, back to the book – what did you learn about, or were reminded about Kiss in putting it together? Gene: Our perspective goes back almost 40 years. You take a look at where we are now, and there are recent photos of the band in the book of course - the present lineup. And then you take a look almost 40 years ago when we first started. The thought I had looking at it from my vantage point was, "This band is either f---ing insane, or they know something the rest of us don't." Because when we first stepped up onstage, in front of Argent and Manfred Mann and all these other bands – you've got to remember the times – about the wildest thing anyone would wear, were tie-dyed t-shirts. We decided to change the game and completely ignore everything and in the very first song, BOOM, flash pops are going off. We were third on the bill! Our logo's hanging above the stage blinding people and the headlining acts were not even smart enough to take the logos down so when they'd come on, the people would still see "KISS" glowing in their eyes, when they closed their eyes! We didn't know anything. But, when you get into a fight with a madman, it's not a good idea. They'll kill you. So we had this kind of madman thing. Our road crew, too. They wore leather jackets with this sense of pride – they were like a biker gang. Nobody picked fights with these guys. Then the KISS Army – the fans. We didn't call them the Kiss Army. The fans did that themselves. They got it. They understood. I remember a very early TV apperance on The Mike Douglas Show in 1974 that brought you into the living rooms of America for the first time. What a brilliant idea to use daytime TV to shock the country. Paul: We can take credit for being geniuses and having great foresight. But the fact of the matter is, we would go on any television show back then that would have us. And we were lucky enough to have some connections to Mike Douglas and were thrilled that we could get on because most shows wouldn't have us. Not too long after that, Dick Clark became a champion of ours. And to the very end he remained someone we could go to for advice. In real life, he was even bigger than the legend. You remember the people that helped you in the beginning. Not just the ones that helped you when it was fashionable. On this recent tour with Mötley Crüe, you've played through some brutal summer heat. But nothing seems to stop this band. Paul: In all the sweat and all the hard work and toil, there was a basking in the glory of being KISS. Through all the sweat and all the agony of playing in that kind of weather, there was something to revel in – something to stand there and say about – "This is glorious. We are KISS." And for newer generations, Tommy and Eric are just as much a part of the band as Ace Frehley and Peter Criss were. Gene: You're only as good as those you share the stage with. Eric and Tommy have revitalized the band in spirit, in musicality, in stage presence – since the inception of the band. Paul: Not only revitalized the band, but revitalized us – Gene and me. There's a vitality and a joy that Gene has and that I have that had been sorely lacking for longer than I can remember. And longer than the public will ever know. We've always tried to paint a picture that, in some ways, emulated what we grew up loving, which was the Beatles, the idea of four guys who loved each other, who lived together, who ran down the street together – that was mythology. And perhaps in the same way, we created a mythology that came back to bite us in the ass because it wasn't all true. And unfortunately, some of the people who were part of the story actually believed it. Head over to www.KISSmonsterbook.com for information on the new book.
The rockers showed up, sans face paint, at the Viper Room in West Hollywood on Tuesday to debut their latest endeavor. After they climbed on stage, Paul Stanley told the media-centric crowd that the band really hasn't been in contact with former band members, implying that Ace Frehley and Peter Criss had little to do with the book. Added Gene Simmons, "You've had girlfriends before, right? You're happy that you had the girlfriends and now you're happy that you don't have those girlfriends. That's our life too. They were fantastic for the formative years but not everybody is designed in their DNA to run marathons." Stanley later told Billboard that the band's forthcoming album, also dubbed "Monster," out Oct. 16, is all original. "I'm a big believer that when people recycle old stuff, they should leave it where it was," said Stanley, who produced the album. "When you hear bands that are lifting riffs that they had 15, 20, 30 years ago, I think, 'My God. Can't they come up with anything new?'" Guitarist Tommy Thayer explained that Simmons tried to bring old riffs to the table, but Stanley was having none of it. "It was like, how about this one? How about no?" said Stanley, adding that, "you can't polish a turd." As far as advice for aspiring musicians, Stanley said he'd recommend that they quit unless it's something that they have no choice but to pursue. "The industry is in such shambles that if you're doing it for any other reason than it being your quest, give it up because the chances are slimmer than ever." Stanley touched on his relationship with Simmons after 40-plus years, referring to it as, "a marriage where thankfully I don't have to see him naked." As Kiss approaches their 40th anniversary as a band, the members reflected on whether or not they have another ten years in them. Will they reach a 50th? "All bets are off at this point. We're in uncharted waters. I never thought we'd be here today. Forty years ago, if you told me I'd be doing this now and loving it and doing it with pride, I'd tell you that you were crazy. What will I be doing in ten years? I have no idea," stated Stanley. Added Simmons, "All I know is we're having the time of our lives getting up on stage and living up to our motto - 'You wanted the best. You got the best.' This is the hottest band in the world."
As Monster was rested safely on a nearby couch, Simmons composed himself and straightened his shades. He explained proudly, "It's five feet wide, weighs close to 50 pounds. It's spectacular." At well over $4,000, the book is also a pricey, limited edition item, much closer in luxury to the infamous Kiss Kasket than the band's other book retrospective from the Nineties, the two-volume KISStory. It is a prority for the band; their press appearance at the Viper Room came midway into their 40-date North American tour with Mötley Crüe. Stanley told Rolling Stone that a more affordable "Mini-Monster" may become available at some later date but, for now, he maintained that the deluxe version was necessary. "[Not releasing it] wouldn’t be fair to the people who can afford it and will appreciate it... If we didn’t make it high-end, it would be compromised," he said. "Part of what makes it special is the quality and the size. There was no way to do that without excluding some people. We’re putting something out that celebrates 40 years of victories. This is a celebration and a victory lap. It means a lot to us.” A project spearheaded by guitarist Tommy Thayer, the book collects live photographs of Kiss performing in makeup and body armor amid their onstage pyrotechnics, going back through their four-decade career. Each volume of Monster is autographed by all the band's current members and is limited to 1,000 copies in each of 10 countries. It was partially inspired by the original 1999 edition of SUMO, the massive career retrospective of photographer Helmut Newton that came with its own metal display table. (Simmons owns a copy.) The book shares its title with Kiss' upcoming album, which is set for release on October 18th and is their first since 2009's Sonic Boom. While the last album was released in an exclusive deal with Walmart, Kiss is now back with Universal Records, which owns the band's catalog back to its first round of stardom on Casablanca Records in the Seventies. "They made it very clear they wanted us to be back in the fold and made their intentions known," said Stanley, "not only with goodwill but good money, and the two go hand-in-hand. We're very happy to be back there. We will be shooting from all cylinders." Added Thayer, "It's a real band album, too. No outside writers, no agenda with power ballads or radio songs. Just rock & roll, pure and simple, from start to finish." Hours after their Viper Room appearance, Simmons and Stanley stopped by Universal in Santa Monica to share four songs in a private meeting with the label's movie and TV music supervisors. In a downstairs lounge, the rock icons sat on a small stage and introduced each of the songs, beginning with the driving Sixties-style grind of "Long Way Down" and continuing into "Wall of Sound," which rocked with a grinding boogie rhythm. Still wearing what he called his "asshole glasses," Simmons joked with Stanley between tracks and offered to personally close the deal with any filmmaker considering use of a new Kiss song. Both also complained about the room's sound system, which gave the songs a muddier sound than intended; Stanley joked about buying the label a new one. Tellingly, the new cut "Freak" banged with classic-rock riffs and a searing Thayer guitar lead. "It doesn't matter how rich you are, how successful; we proudly wave that flag," Stanley told his audience of the song. "We are freaks, remain freaks, and hopefully you do, too."
"They're very pretty girls. It is not a good band, but they have the right to do whatever they want to do," Kiss bassist and singer-songwriter Gene Simmons told AFP at the release of the group's new book "KISS Monster Book." "It's too bad that politics gets in the way of rock bands," added the 62-year-old famous for his demonic black and white makeup. Three members of Pussy Riot were sentenced to two years in prison Friday for a political protest in an Orthodox cathedral that infuriated the Kremlin. The decision sparked a storm of international criticism. "A strong country should never be afraid of freedom. And with freedom comes independence... and many countries still want to squash that," said singer and guitarist Paul Stanley, 60. The four members of Kiss, founded in 1973, released their colossal book -- measuring 92 centimeters (36 inches) in length and 76 centimeters (30 inches) in width -- at the Viper Room in Hollywood, where actor River Phoenix died of a drug overdose in 1993. About 200 fans gathered at the club to catch a glimpse of the band behind rock anthems like "I Wanna Rock N Roll All Night" and "I Was Made For Lovin' You." The book documents the band's nearly four-decade career and includes 127 photographs, some previously unpublished. Only a thousand copies will be published, all individually signed by the four current members. Simmons and Stanley, who belonged to the original band, are now joined by drummer Eric Singer and guitarist Tommy Thayer. Kiss is expected to launch its twentieth studio album entitled "Monster" in October.
Video footage of the press conference can be seen here. For more information, visit www.kissmonsterbook.com.
“You will find our Celebration of Life filled with joy, camaraderie, hope, compassion, and love as we honor cancer survivors for their strength and courage,” said Ilene Winters, founder and executive director. “We will also recognize our special honorees, including community leader and philanthropist Tim McLoone, Cancer Support Community board member Gary Weiner, and Cancer Support Community volunteer Ellen Levine.” Beginning at 6 p.m., a special VIP reception will take place on the terrace of the country club, where guests will mingle with Peter Criss while enjoying champagne and hors d’oeuvres. VIP guests will also receive a signed copy of Criss’ new book, “Makeup to Breakup: My Life In and Out of KISS,” their picture with Criss in a commemorative frame, and a $2,000 gift certificate from Kramer Portraits. VIP tickets are $250 and are limited. Michelle Charlesworth, WABC news anchor, will emcee the main event beginning at 7 p.m. There will be a sampling of dishes from Monmouth County’s best restaurants, a variety of libations, desserts and an auction. The evening will culminate with a runway show featuring fashions by Stacy Gemma Everywhere and Macy’s. Main event tickets are $125. The mission of the Cancer Support Community is to help people affected by cancer to enhance their health and wellbeing through participation in professional programs of emotional support, education and hope. Details: Lorraine Mackin at 732- 578-9200 or Lorraine@cscjerseyshore.org.
Nearing 63, he exudes disdain for the modern brand of rocker, the sloppy kids he claims look no different from their own roadies. Metaphorically, he sticks his famous elongated tongue out at them. “When I’m up there, I’m wearing 40 pounds of armor and studs, in 10-inch heels. I’m like a Marine on a 26-mile trek in a loaded backpack.” Guitarist Tommy Thayer, only a 10-year veteran of the 39-yearold rock band, concurs with the military analogy. “When we’re getting into our outfits and makeup before a performance, we say we’re climbing into our battle gear. Putting on war paint.” Worldwide, the band has legions of fans, called The KISS Army. The likenesses to fighting men go on and on for the members of this ageless group. The similarities go even deeper, and they are not haphazard. AMERICA – A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH Gene’s mother, Flora, was a survivor of a Nazi concentration camp. The girl, then only 14, watched her mother accompany her grandmother into a gas chamber so the older woman would not die alone. That camp was eventually liberated by the U.S. Army, and Flora was rescued. Gene is adamant – and probably right – that without America’s troops, he wouldn’t be here. Tommy’s father, James Thayer, was a young Army officer fighting in the European theater. He was a captain in May 1945, when his unit liberated a Nazi concentration camp, Gunskirchen Lager, in northern Austria. The other two members of the band, founding guitarist Paul Stanley and 20-year drummer Eric Singer, also have personal motivations for this affinity with soldiering. Both of Paul’s parents fled Nazi Germany in the months before the war, narrowly escaping the horrors of the Holocaust. Eric hails from a long family history of military service, including cousins and his veteran father, the bandleader for whom Eric first played the drums professionally. Anyone who’s ever toiled in a band, from garage to coliseum, knows that the sweet spot is when the band plays “tight,” when you throb, croon and soar on a single united groove, so fused in the music it’s like mind reading. The members of KISS have years of experience together, married with extreme musical talent and a proven bombastic look and formula. When they rock, they really do roll. ‘PRIVILEGED TO BE AN AMERICAN’ Yet, on the other side of that wall of sound, beneath the roaring greasepaint, beyond “rock and roll all nite and party every day,” stand four serious and like-minded men united, tight, on a wonderfully unlikely mission. They want you to know who the real rock stars of America are. And it’s not KISS. “It’s really simple,” says Paul Stanley. “Any free country’s greatest national treasure is the armed forces that keep it free.” Gene, Paul, Tommy and Eric are rich. In KISS regalia, they’re famous around the world. They play sold-out shows, they play anthems of an age, they look to be eternally young. It’s good to be KISS. But, against the grain of the preening, slouching rock gods they might have become - the downhill road taken by so many of their Boomer cohort – these four bandmates are thoughtful about their good fortune, and the nation that made it possible. And they are grateful. “I feel so privileged to be an American,” says Paul. “There’s no way to ever show enough thanks for what this country has made possible for me.” Gene, particularly, with his somber voice like a tolling bell – the opposite of his hectic stage persona – sounds this theme of American transcendence. He was born Chaim Witz in Israel. “No one loves America more than the immigrant. America’s the best place in the world. Have you ever heard of anyone sinking to their knees and crying out, ‘Thank God I made it to the shores of Mexico’? No. Only America.” What stands out, what is rare, is how the band’s affection for America expresses itself as gratitude, then hardens into action and generosity. The band plays for the troops here and overseas every chance they get. On top of that, they put their money where their microphones are: KISS has linked up with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Hiring our Heroes” program, hired a veteran to work as a roadie for their summer tour, and again said it will donate $1 from each ticket to the hiring program. KISS also teamed up with BOOMER to select a vet to interview the band and to give tickets to a vets-only concert. The men and women in uniform – the green and khaki ones, not the studs and black spandex – return the love. It’s easy to find KISS tattoos, posters, concert shirts, rocking-out iPods and heartfelt KISS loyalty at every U.S. military base on the globe. THE GENERAL’S SON Tommy Thayer came of age with KISS. In 1974, he saw them for the first time at age 14. They were “real rock stars, pure showmen,” and he wanted to be like them. He bought his first guitar, tore it up practicing and made himself into a master shredder. He did all this under the watchful eye of his career military dad. “I come from a sound family background. Disciplined and aware. My father helped me avoid rock and roll stupidity.” James Thayer didn’t talk about his experiences in the hinterlands of Austria, the rubble of Germany. He did what soldiers have done for generations, the job, where and how it needed to be done. Then he came home, raised a family, became a successful businessman in Oregon and a brigadier general in the reserves. Like General Thayer, today’s warriors return from foreign battlegrounds to an unsure present and have to make the best of it they can. Like the general, they don’t talk much about what they’ve done and suffered in the name of freedom. But unlike Tommy’s father, who walked into the waiting arms of a grateful nation, the men and women of our contemporary military come back to a country that, while applauding them, has yet to embrace them. “Our military has the best we can offer them on the way in,” says Gene. “Why not do that for them on the way out?” “Way too often,” says Eric, “people leaving the military carry burdens. Burdens the rest of us probably have no idea about, nothing we can identify with. We’ve got an entitled attitude in this country. What do most of us do to earn that entitlement, to deserve our freedom? These men and women, the ones who put their lives at risk for me and you? They’re the ones entitled.” Paul echoes the sentiment: “I want to raise awareness among all Americans that when the soldiers return, they and their families deserve to be given all means necessary to rehabilitate and integrate back into society.” Tommy goes a step farther, expressing the belief that supporting the troops after service is “a civic ideal, something we should all agree on.” He adds, “But I’m an optimist.” ‘PHILANTROPHIC FOR THE TROOPS’ Last year they raised over half a million dollars for the Wounded Warrior Project. “Maybe we can set an example,” says Tommy. “Maybe we can encourage more people to be philanthropic for the troops.” Charity aside, Gene literally growls about the failure of American businesses to open up sufficient opportunities for returning soldiers. “I want to send a heads-up to anyone who’s hiring. There’s no clock in the military, OK? No unions. They come already trained. They’ve proven they can do a tough job. Who better to hire than a vet? It’s not just morally right. It’s good business.” Gene heaps the same scorn on people who don’t value the sacrifices of the military as he does on today’s baby fat rockers. “People appreciate firemen because their houses could burn down. And cops because their lives could be in danger. But soldiers do their work out of sight. And unlike a house or a life, we assume our liberty could never be taken away. Wrong.” AND WORK HARD EVERY NIGHT How do men living what Tommy Thayer says “looks like the ultimate party life” have such a strong empathy for the men and women in uniform standing watch on faraway seas, in sere deserts, in the skies? This mature affinity seems a long way from hammering out rock tunes in heels and fake armor, wearing comic book hero outfits in front of ten thousand at a time of their private KISS Army. It seems a life best suited for hedonists and arrested development boys, even big boys. Not boomers. Not philanthropists. After 39 years of fame and wealth, silliness and tragedy, why isn’t KISS spoiled? Uninspired? Why aren’t they, at the very least, tired? “We love what we do, and we work our butts off,” says Tommy. Attend any KISS concert and that much is obvious. No secret there. A lot of us love our work and go at it hard. After a point, we’re over it. But not KISS. “Be like the old drill sergeant,” Gene says, “who can kick the hell out of a 20-year-old recruit. Know how to pace yourself.” A great American general once said something like this. He spoke in praise of old soldiers, but it’s not a stretch to apply the adage to the music, members, and the message of KISS. Never die. Just fade away.
Ruby-Strauss, editor at Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, previously worked on Marilyn Manson's book and MÖTLEY CRÜE's legendary "The Dirt: Confessions Of The World's Most Notorious Rock Band". More recently, Ruby-Strauss worked on Frehley's "No Regrets: A Rock 'N' Roll Memoir" and he also acquired a future book from Pearcy. On his experiences with Ace Frehley: Ruby-Strauss: "I'll never forget our initial meeting. He told a story of wanting to meet Keith Richards, but neither of them could physically stand up — so they were both propped up by assistants so they could shake hands briefly, before each slumped over. It was also very memorable when he rejected our cover and proceeded to design it himself. But you know, why not? We loved it and went with it, and the book went on to be a huge best seller." On what fans can expect from Stephen Pearcy's forthcoming book: Ruby-Strauss: "There will be a ton of sex, mind-boggling amounts of drugs, and, of course, a whole lot of RATT and roll. Hence our current working title, 'Sex, Drugs, Ratt & Roll: My Life In Rock'. There's also stuff about him breaking both legs as a kid and whatnot, but are you seriously not more intrigued by the sex and drugs?" For the complete interview, visit SlushPile.net.
"We've always believed in letting the best bands available go out there and do what they do, because it only fires us up that much more," singer/guitarist Paul Stanley said in a mid-July phone interview. "Our track record is pretty stellar, whether it's, my gosh, Bob Seger, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Bon Jovi, early (Mötley) Crüe, John Cougar Mellencamp, AC/DC. The list just goes on and on." On one of this summer's biggest tours, KISS will close out an evening that also includes a 90-minute set from co-headliner Mötley Crüe, a band known for making its own show a visual spectacle and nonstop party. But Stanley knows his band will deliver as well, if for no other reason than the enthusiasm he sees in the band 40 years into its career. "KISS today is KISS as I've always wanted it — four guys who get along great, who play fiercely and are proud of who we are, proud of our fans and celebrate what we do from the time we wake up to the time we go to bed," Stanley said. Of course, KISS also knows a thing or two about putting together a spectacular live show. And the band has reloaded for the tour with Mötley Crüe. "It's a whole new show, a whole new stage," Stanley said. "We will have a brand new show and a brand new stage and just some pretty amazing visuals. This whole summer is giving new meaning to bang for the buck. "If anybody's expecting high-tech subtlety, forget about it," he said. "What we're trying to do is build a bigger bomb." As is evident by Stanley's enthusiasm for this summer's tour — as well as KISS' recently completed new CD, "Monster," which will be released in October -- KISS is experiencing a rebirth that few would have predicted when the new century rolled around At that point, the band seemed to be trying to recapture past glories for one last time. In 1996, Stanley and bassist Gene Simmons had reunited with the two other original members of KISS — guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss -- for what became a blockbuster reunion tour. This was followed by the release in 1998 of "Psycho Circus," a reunion album that was a reunion in name only. Criss and Frehley made only minimal contributions to "Psycho Circus," although the CD was billed as being made by the original KISS lineup. In reality, guitarists Tommy Thayer and Bruce Kulick and drummer Kevin Valentine played on the vast majority of the material. Today, Stanley is open in admitting the shortcomings of "Psycho Circus" and the tensions that existed with Frehley and Criss during the reunion years. "'Psycho Circus,' as I've said before, was such a debacle and such a distortion of what making an album should be," Stanley said. "You can't make a KISS album without a band, and we didn't have one. We did as gallantly as we could, but if people had any inkling of what was going on behind the scenes, it's a miracle that we even got an album done." When Criss and Frehley departed the lineup for the final time, the replacements — Thayer and drummer Eric Singer (who had been in the band in the late '90s, prior to Criss' return) — injected new life into the band. And in 2008, work began on a new KISS album. The band decided it would either succeed or fail on its own terms, as Stanley served as producer and the group kept all key aspects of the project in-house. "To go back into the studio after not having done an album in probably 10 years is a risky move," Stanley said. "The band was just so strong live, just so potent, that I thought we have to make an album. "But I didn't want any of the pitfalls that had happened in the past," he said. "I needed some ground rules just to make sure that everybody stayed focused and committed. And the key one was all writing had to be within the band. No outside writers, no phoning in your parts, and the band was going to play live and the band was going to record on tape. And whatever songs went on the album would be my choice. That's a producer's job," The 2009 album the group made, "Sonic Boom," was hailed as the best KISS CD in years and a return to form for the group. Now KISS has "Monster" ready for its October release. Once again, Stanley was the producer, and it was written and recorded entirely by the current lineup of KISS. Stanley isn't shy in expressing his excitement about the CD. "'Monster' is exactly what the name implies. It's just a ferociously good album," Stanley said. "'Monster' is far, far, far beyond 'Sonic Boom.' It's a much more focused, a much bigger sounding album. The songs are better. And everybody's playing more assuredly. We clearly established on 'Sonic Boom' who we are now. And 'Monster' just reinforces that like a sledgehammer."
Ask Ace Frehley. He exited Kiss in 2002, then left drugs and alcohol behind in 2007. He owned up to his wild past in "No Regrets," his 2011 autobiography. Writing that was a somewhat cathartic experience, Frehley said, during a phone interview from California while he waited for his wife to finish shopping. "There was some emotion there," Frehley said, about writing the book. "But it was also very cleansing. As of September, I will be sober six years." His past was so hazy, he consulted with friends, family members and others "just to make sure I got all the stories right," he said. "After putting it all down, after reading it, I just said, 'Wow. I'm really lucky to be alive.'" Frehley had more close calls than an umpire at first base. "And believe me, that wasn't all of them," he said. Which is why he's already begun a sequel to "No Regrets." Frehley occasionally talks to his former Kiss band mates. "I had lunch with Gene (Simmons) awhile back. I gave him some excerpts from the book. He got a kick out of it. We just talked about old times," Frehley said. "We've been through so much together, there's no hard feelings. They decided to continue on, and I decided to leave and do my solo stuff." But there's one place he doesn't leave his Kiss past behind -- the stage. He plays nearly a dozen Kiss songs, including "Deuce," "Cold Gin," "Shock Me" and "Shout It Out Loud," plus solo hits such as "New York Groove" and songs from 2009's "Anomaly." Frehley said he's working on a CD, planning a DVD, and hopes to mount an art show. He'd like to score a film, too, ideally a sci-fi one. "Forbidden Planet" is one of his favorite films, and he fondly recalled watching "Twilight Zone" with his brother while growing up. "It always brings me back to my childhood, growing up in the Bronx. Friday night, me and my brother used to get together and watch 'The Twilight Zone,' hiding behind a pillow." Their father was an electrical engineer. His sister graduated Phi Beta Kappa. "I'm the only kid in the family who didn't go to college. I'm like the black sheep, but the intelligence was there." He wound up rich and famous, anyhow. Frehley said his folks didn't mind that he pursued rock. "I was such a wild kid, they were just happy I wasn't in jail." He would have gone on, but his wife finished shopping. "I gotta run," he said. "My wife's out of the store. Prada." She shops at Prada? That should give you hope for another reunion tour, Kiss fans.
"For seven great seasons, Gene, Shannon, Nick and Sophie have been part of the A&E family, and we could not be more proud of the unparalleled run of Gene Simmons Family Jewels," the network said in a statement obtained exclusively by The Hollywood Reporter. "On behalf of everyone at A&E, we’d like to thank the production team at Thinkfactory Media, Gene and his amazing family for their partnership, collaboration and for opening up their lives, warts-and-all, to us throughout the years." Added the family: "With Kiss on tour and with my other business commitments, we have decided to draw the final curtain on our show. It has been a wonderful, life-altering experience for our family, and after seven successful seasons, we feel it’s time to move on. A big thank you to A&E for allowing us to tell our story and a big thank you to our excellent producers Leslie Greif, Adam Freeman, Adam Reed and the team at Thinkfactory Media. This is not the end of our story, it's the beginning of a new chapter. With love -- Gene, Shannon, Sophie, and Nick." Thinkfactory's Leslie Greif said, "After having produced over 160 episodes of Gene Simmons Family Jewels, all of us at Thinkfactory Media are honored to have spent the last eight years with the Simmons-Tweed family. It's rare that a show is able to connect with America, and we are proud to have partnered with A&E on this iconic family journey." The news comes as A&E focuses on freshening its fare with new efforts in both the scripted (see Carlton Cuse's upcoming Bates Motel) and unscripted (see breakout Duck Dynasty) realm. In May, A&E canceled Dog the Bounty Hunter after eight seasons. The network is coming off of its best July ever, thanks to originals including Storage Wars, The Glades and freshman scripted effort Longmire. With 1.7 million viewers tuning in, A&E tied for the No. 4 entertainment cable network for the month.
According to KissAsylum.com, this will be one of your last chances to meet "the Catman." Sources tell the site Peter has decided to retire from signing and attending autograph events by next year. To give the fans one last hurrah, Peter will provide special "One-On-One With The Catman" meet-and-greet packages which include autographs, a photo with Peter, exclusive event merchandise, and most of all, the opportunity to do all this with Peter in an intimate, one-on-one environment where you can have your items signed and speak to him personally in a private room, away from the crowds and lines outside. Criss will join Bruce and Bob Kulick as well as many other guests at this year's event. Standard tickets are $20 in advance. Since 1986, the New Jersey KISS Expo has been the premier fan-run KISS event of the world and this year will be the biggest and best lineup of any KISS expo ever. Visit NJKissExpo.com for more information.
Every Tuesday, for eight weeks, contestants will compete in a rock trivia contest that will consist of three, 30-minute rounds containing 30 rock-related questions in each round. The first three rounds will be against fellow fans of rock while the fourth round will put contestants against one of rock's very own. Breaks will be given between rounds with refreshments provided by Brew Ha Ha. The grand finale will take place on Tuesday, September 25 in historic downtown Las Vegas at Fremont Street Experience on the 3rd Street Stage. For more information, visit www.monsterminigolf.com.
Somehow the term spectacle isn’t sufficient to describe a KISS concert. From the outset, as the KISS logoed curtain dropped and the band launched into “Detroit Rock City,” the crowd began their mania as bassist Gene Simmons, guitarist Paul Stanley and guitarist Tommy Thayer were lowered from the rafters into Hell while drummer Eric Singer ascended upward on his platform towards the heavens. The members of the KISS Army, both long time and the newly converted, had no trouble singing along to “Shout It Out Loud,” and chanting the arena rock anthem beginning to “I Love It Loud.” The audience was ready to do its part and KISS was more than willing to reciprocate. Any doubt that the evening was going to be beyond hot was erased by the flames, sirens and Simmon’s fire breathing that punctuated “Firehouse.” Just in case one was too far back to feel the heat of the flames coming from the stage, a huge HD video screen behind the band projected one of the clearest pictures you’ll see at a concert. With almost forty years of hits to choose from, it was natural that “old school” KISS, as Stanley called it, was primarily featured. But the band did play one tune, “Hell or Hallelujah,” from their upcoming “Monster” cd. Judging from the reception the song received, it should be another KISS hit. It’s easy to dismiss KISS as just a party band when they shout it out loud or rock and roll all night. But feeling the heavy bass line of “War Machine” or listening to Simmons growl the lyrics to “God of Thunder,” as he did while standing atop the lighting rig above the stage and you rediscover how good a heavy metal band KISS really is. The two non-founders of KISS, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, were showcased in “Shock Me,” with Thayer handling the lead vocals and while elevated, Singer and Thayer firing pyrotechnic shots at each other concluding with Singer’s bazooka blast. It soon became Stanley’s turn to be lifted off the stage and he obliged by ziplining over the audience to a rotating elevated platform in the middle of the crowd for “Love Gun.” He returned to his band mates for a rousing version of “Lick It Up,” complete with choreographed flames and a little bit of The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” It’s no secret that from the beginning, with their makeup and outrageous costumes, KISS has been as much about the performance as they have been about the music. With decades to perfect their craft, KISS does fireworks, flames, sparks and other eye popping effects better than anyone else. It’s one thing to listen to KISS Alive! (I’ve finally upgraded from my 8-track of it) but it’s quite another to actually see for yourself what all the hoopla is about. But all the special effects in the world won’t help you if you don’t deliver on the music and KISS still does. Vocally, they sounded tight and their musicianship always is underrated. As the band closed with the iconic “Rock and Roll All Nite,” one thing was clear. It rains a lot of confetti in Hell. Set List: Detroit Rock City | Shout It Out Loud | I Love It Loud | Firehouse | Hell or Hallelujah | War Machine | Shock Me (with extended guitar and drum interplay) | Gene Simmons Bass Solo | God of Thunder | Love Gun | Lick It Up | Encore: Black Diamond | Cold Gin | Rock and Roll All Nite
Metallica without James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich? Ditto. But Kiss without Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, who co-founded the larger-than-life band in 1973 and have co-led a dozen different lineups since then? Not a problem. “The band is bigger than its members,” said Stanley, who performs Sunday with Kiss at Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre. “And it only takes, in this case, four like-minded people with a similar outlook and talent to further the cause and continue Kiss. It makes perfect sense to me. It may not make sense to other bands, but we’re not other bands. We don’t live by those rules. We never have.” Might Stanley (born: Paul Stanley Eisen) be concerned that he and Simmons (born Chaim Witz) are growing too old to rock ’n’ roll all night? “I’m damn good at what I do,” the singer and guitarist said, speaking from a tour stop in San Antonio. “But do I think I’m the only person capable of doing what I do? Absolutely not. I’m not talking about a clone (of me), but somebody with the same passion, drive and love for the music I love. So, can I envision a time when I won’t be here anymore? Absolutely. It’s not tomorrow, or next week. But when it happens, I would be celebratory. Because it would prove that I was right and that Kiss is exactly what I believe it is: an ideal, a way of performing, a point of view. It’s an attitude, and the respect and love (we have for) our audience.” Attitude — and lots of fire-breathing chutzpah, literally and figuratively — have been key components of Kiss for the past four decades. During that time the New York-bred band has sold close to 100 million albums worldwide and scored such hard-rocking hits as “Shout It Out Loud” and “Calling Dr. Love.” The group, which refers to its fans as the “Kiss Army,” has also inspired everyone from Garth Brooks and Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails to former San Diegans Matt Cameron and Mike McCready of Pearl Jam. Along the way, there has been a slew of Kiss-related products, from pinball machines and condoms to lunchboxes and coffins. Like no other band (or brand) before or since, Kiss is determined to capitalize on its fans both coming and going. “When Kiss comes to town, everybody is in the Kiss Army,” country-music superstar Toby Keith said. “You want to see Kiss, you go see Kiss. You can’t see that anywhere else.” In 2000, Kiss embarked on its farewell tour, four years after its “Alive/World Wide” reunion tour of 1996 and ’97 grossed $150 million. However, the farewell ended up applying only to original Kiss drummer Peter Criss and lead guitarist Ace Frehley (now a San Diego resident). Their roles in the band were filled by Eric Singer (who first replaced Criss in 1980) and Tommy Thayer (who came on board in 2002). Might another reunion of the four original members of Kiss be possible? “Never!” Stanley replied. “You only get so many opportunities and so many chances. And while I don’t wish (Frehley and Criss) any ill will at this point, you know, most people are fortunate to win the lottery once. When you win it twice, and throw it away, the opportunities are gone. “Plus, everything that those guys did, unfortunately, jeopardized what I do. Those who don’t learn from their mistakes are doomed to repeat them. … The intent and spirit of what this band was founded on is more intact and alive today than ever. And it’s not because of the individual founding members or any of that nonsense, but because of people who have the passion, the love and commitment to live up to what Kiss is.” The group’s next album, “Monster,” is due out Oct. 16. It features no-frills songs that are inspired, in part, by some of the bands that inspired the members of Kiss before Kiss existed. One number, “Shout Mercy,” suggests Stanley was a big fan of the blues-rocking English band Humble Pie, circa its galvanizing 1971 live album “Rockin’ the Fillmore.” “I was there when they recorded it!” he said. “I was a huge, huge fan. I thought (lead singer) Steve Marriott was the ultimate showman/singer, and he turned a venue into an evangelical event. That’s one of those bands I still listen to.” The new Kiss album also includes “Back to the Stone Age,” which features a stop-go guitar riff that evokes the MC5’s 1968 metal-meets-proto-punk classic “Kick Out the Jams.” “I don’t necessarily like citing influences if they become a distraction,” Stanley said. “But we were in the studio writing the song, and Eric brought up the MC5. And, although we didn’t want to copy something, we certainly wanted to capture a primal kind of vibe that they had. One of the goals for me with the album was not to make a great Kiss album, but to make a great rock album that could stand with some of my heroes, the people that influenced me. "You can’t re-invent the wheel, you can just make sure you make a great wheel. The goal was to make an album that really had the sense of what inspired me and the band in the first pace, not a tip of the hat, as much as making sure the DNA was there. And if it’s apparent to some, then that’s fine.” And just how does Stanley make the distinction between a great Kiss album and a great rock album? "I didn’t want the scope to be quite as narrow," he replied. "And with all respect to our past and previous lineups -- Eric has been in and out of the band for 20 years and Tommy’s been with us close to 10 years -- the band is capable of flexing our muscles a little more than perhaps in the past. And those influences are very healthy and solid for any band. "Rather than narrowing the scope to try and make an album that falls into solely the category of being judged as a Kiss album. I wanted to make an album that would be judged as a rock album, and that means raising the bar. It’s not that they’re not one and the same, but the criteria is a bit more expansive." Bonus Q&A with Paul Stanley QUESTION: Where are you calling from today? STANLEY: I'm in San Antonio. It’s a much welcome day off, because all the shows we've been doing have been outdoors. The night before last, we played Dallas and it was 100 degrees. And Houston was much the same. The heat has been staggering. And we’re putting out incredible heat on stage, which doesn’t help things. Q: And you're wearing some pretty heavy boots and stage costumes. STANLEY: Trust me, in a pair of shorts you’d be ready to be basted; it’s just mind-bogling, the heat that’s going on. One-hundred degree heat, with 100 percent humidity. So it takes a lot of determination and commitment to do what people are expecting of us. We show up with the commitment to live up to what people are expecting, only it’s a different scenario in a steam room! Q: Does your makeup run? STANLEY: No. It stays fixed. It doesn’t move. But my boots weigh 30 pounds. The outfits, or uniforms, we wear kind of put us in the position of Marines in boot camp – we’re running around with a backpack and utility belts and artillery strapped to us, while we’re jumping fences. Q: Do you miss the days of your makeup-free, "Unmasked" tour era? STANLEY: No. I'm incredibly grateful every time I look out and see a packed house of fans. You don't win the lottery and complain about taxes. Q: How different or similar is your impetus for making music now than 20 or 30 years ago? STANLEY: Interesting question. You sure this is for the San Diego newspaper? I think it’s, well, it comes from a much more fertile place (now), because -- as you live -- in some way or another, your experience or perspective is enhanced and influenced by your life. So the danger is, as time goes on, you can find yourself a more adept songwriter, but not writing better songs. Because I don’t believe the key to writing great rock ‘n’ roll is honing your songwriting expertise. Sometimes, that can get in the way. You almost have to make an effort, on some level, to deprogram yourself and unlearn things. Because the beauty of some of the earlier material (you write) is its lack of restrictions, a lack of understanding of the so-called laws of writing. And, as you continue, you learn a craft that may get in the way of the essence of what rock ‘n’ roll is supposed to be. Q: If my hearing is accurate, the lyrics to the song "Back to the Stone Age" on the upcoming new Kiss album start: In the beginning there was darkness and there was light / At the dawn of creation there was fear / In the dead of night there was thunder... Did you at any point think of Spinal Tap and "Stonhenge?" STANLEY: Hah! I don’t think any rock band born of that period when we were can get away without, at some point, parallels being drawn (with Spinal Tap). I don’t see it there (in that song), but Spinal Tap had a lot of bands squirming in their seats when they saw it. We’ve all been there, to one degree. Every band can look at some scenes in that movie and say: ‘That was us.’ But (the song) “Stone Age: is really more a battle cry of getting back to basics. Q: Is that a mantra for the new album? STANLEY: I think so. I consider myself an Anglophile and the bands I grew up listening to are 99.9 percent British. But that music wouldn’t exist unless they had listened to (Delta blues pioneer) Robert Johnson and Blind Boy Fuller and Little Richard. What I loved about English music is it took the roots of great American music and put it on steroids and dressed it up, and interpreted it in a way that, to me, was very appealing. Going to the Fillmore and seeing all these bands, there was so much style to them, visually, and an incredible sexuality, to a lot of them. And they also, in their own way, took (Howlin’ Wolf lead guitarist) Hubert Sumlin and all things that were the foundation of American blues and took it somewhere else. Q: Did seeing Humble Pie at the Fillmore and hearing Steve Marriott sing without a microphone, and project to the back of the building, have a big impact on you? STANLEY: For sure. Let’s not forget that Tony Bennett does the same thing. With Marriott, there was a tremendous, not only passion in what he was doing, but joy, a sense of exhilaration of almost him being lost in the moment, not unlike what you see in holy rollers. There was something of a divine intervention, which I was blown away by. And his ability to capture an audience and pull them into his experience. Q: Did Kiss ever open for Humble Pie? STANLEY: No. Humble Pie was virtually over by then. I think Humble Pie reached a zenith after (the 1972 album) "Smokin’. " They kind of went awry, and we might want to chalk that up to drugs and alcohol. But they had a time when they were stellar. Q; So many rockers have had substance abuse problems. Why is it that you and Gene Simmons never fell prey to drugs and alcohol? Do you credit your parents? STANLEY: For me, the idea of self-preservation has always been key. We don’t even have to go to Jim Morrison or Hendrix. We can go back to Billie Holiday. Time and time again, the drugs will either kill you outright, or kill your spirit, your creativity, your joy in life. It becomes a life sentence, without bars. I never wanted to sign up for that. There’s nothing romantic about that. And the only people who see that as romantic are often the critics, who sit on the sidelines and like to romanticize while their heroes deteriorate, and somehow, that validates the art of the addict. I never bought into that. Q: So you were a young guy into rock 'n' roll who never did drugs? STANLEY: My very, very limited experience with drugs and, mind you, back then certainly the connection hadn't been made that clearly that drugs lead to other drugs, but it didn't seem like anything productive. It didn't seem to enhance anything. It may have made you think you were brilliant, but I never heard anybody play (stoned) who actually was brilliant. The (negative) impact it had on your life was nothing I wanted to be a part of... I never wanted to be a dead legend. I did this because I enjoy it and wanted to enjoy the fruits of my success. It seemed so clear to me that to sabotage what I love would be insane. Q: Do you think the early failures of Kiss, the struggle for recognition, made you stronger? STANLEY: Totally. You can't appreciate what you have if you're born with it. The struggles and the adverse situations only make you appreciate what you have more and will also give you a backbone. I remember whatever tough times we went through, I always found myself going these are times we'll look back on. Q: I remember asking John McLaughlin what the oddest double-bill he ever played was, and he said it was when Shakti -- his acoustic Indian classical music band -- opened for Black Sabbath in the mid-1970s at a college in Long Island. Can you recall any especially unusual opening spots that Kiss did early on? Q: I happen to love those eclectic bills, particularly in the late 1960. I was a kid, but the idea you could see The Who and have Buddy Guy open for them not only made the bil interesting, but -- all of a sudden -- I said: 'Wow, now I not only like Jimi Hendrix, but I see who he liked. So I was a fan of a lot of those bills, like Led Zeppelin with Woody Herman's Orchestra. That was what made it all so interesting. That being said, we had one show that probably contradicts what I was saying, but thankfully it got canceled -- us with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Roger McGuinn. But we also did a lot of shows with Savoy Brown, Rory Gallagher, Dr. John, Billy Preston. Q: Your goal, presumably, was to win over audiences that did not come to see you? Q: It was stimulating, it was fun. and did we win over those audiences, hell, yeah! One of my fond memories was playing an ice rink in Michigan. It was our first show opening for Savoy Brown and we came waking out of the dressing room (in costume) and these guys (in Savoy Brown) were just in hysterics, laughing at us. And I could understand it, coming from their (English working-class) backgrounds. When we left the stage and half the audience left, too, we had some new-found friends in a blues band called Savoy Brown. My philosophy has always been, as far as the bands we played with: "I love you, until I walk out on the stage, and then my job there is to win." That's ultimately what this is about. Bands (on tour) have a great time and may socialize, but it's not putting your arms around each other shoulders and singing "Cumbaya." When you get on stage, your only objective should be to be the best.
The bands said at their concert in suburban Denver on Wednesday night that they would donate $100,000 to the Aurora Victim Relief Fund. The fund was set up to help victims and families who were hurt when a man opened fire July 20 at a midnight showing of the new Batman movie in Aurora. Twelve people were killed, and 58 were injured. Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue and Paul Stanley of Kiss said in a written statement that they hope their gesture will encourage others to give.
For more information, visit RocklineRadio.com.
The Tommy Thayer signature model Les Paul will be available in about two months. Recently, while in London, Tommy was interviewed for Guitarist Magazine and filmed the following short video demo.
The members of KISS are still determined to prove themselves and give the fans their money's worth over three decades after they formed. The group continually shows younger bands up year after year. Their live performance is what the new rockers should use as a bar to gauge excellence. Insanely hot weather didn't stop fans from dressing up or painting their faces to celebrate the triumphant return to the Dallas, TX area. The estimated crowd of some 15,000 people stayed on their feet the entire show. All of them were smiling and singing along. Many shook their fists in the air to the beat of the drums or returned the hand-gestures of bassist Gene Simmons. All of KISS's signature moments were featured in their set. Paul "Starchild" Stanley flew out over the audience to a rotating round platform in the middle of the venue to perform "Love Gun." Gene "The Demon" Simmons belched flames for "Firehouse" and spit blood before ascending into the rafters like a flying dragon for "God of Thunder." Tommy "Spaceman" Thayer fired off rockets from his guitar after "Shock Me." Eric "Catman" Singer shot a bazooka that sent a piece of light scaffolding crashing to the floor. Even the band's costumes were modified. Gene's armor and dragon boots were accompanied by protruding horns. Thayer's Spaceman outfit had additional silver shoulder "padding" and glittering designs. Stanley wore a black boa and sleeveless vest with altered boots. They also switched things up and played one new track and a classic they haven't played on tour in a while. The band played their new single "Hell or Hallelujah" off of their upcoming album "Monster." The energetic song is reminiscent of their early 1980s tunes off of "Lick It Up" and "Animalize." KISS continued to reflect a particular fondness for that era by performing "War Machine" off of their last album before they took off the make-up, "Creatures of the Night." Simmons belted out the song like a wild animal let loose on a bloody battlefield. They've only played it one other time in Dallas or Fort Worth that I can remember of since 2000. The band could only play one song for an encore thanks to the strict curfew the city of Dallas has. Concerts at the Gexa Energy Pavilion can only go on until 11:00PM. KISS did their best to push the envelope playing right up to the last second. They came out and apologized for having to stop before bursting into "Rock 'N Roll All Nite" and blowing confetti all over the crowd. KISS fans definitely left the show energized and excited. Smiling faces made their way out of the venue drenched in sweat. Both the band and the audience worked hard at having a good time that night and it was apparent. It just goes to show that it takes a lot more than a little heat to defeat KISS and their Dallas Army.
For about two-and-a-half hours Kiss and Mötley Crüe turned up the heat – literally – at a packed Gexa Energy Pavilion Saturday night. The venue’s large ceiling fans worked intermittently, mostly during the Mötley Crüe set. During Kiss they were mostly off, leaving the crowd close to the stage to swelter. That’s rock ‘n’ roll, eh? Both bands delivered visual spectacles and more testosterone riffs than you could handle. The co-headlining trek, simply dubbed “The Tour,” takes Kiss and Mötley Crüe through 42 US dates, two Mexican gigs and one Canadian concert. They’ll be on the road together through Oct. 1. Mötley Crüe went on first, performing for roughly 75 minutes. Ditto for Kiss, who took the show-closing slot. And while each set was truncated, it was a full production. We got Crüe drummer Tommy Lee’s 360 drum roller coaster, which was also in tow last year during the headlining Gexa show that featured special guests Poison and New York Dolls. This time audience member Lauren strapped herself in with Lee for a wild, upside down ride while he kept the beat. Kiss brought copious amounts of pyro (explosions, sparklers, flames) as well as Gene “The Demon” Simmons’ blood-spewing, bat-flying performance of “God of Thunder” and Paul “Starchild” Stanley’s above-the-crowd jetting to a second mini-stage for a take on “Love Gun.” Stanley, always the talkative master of ceremonies, took to popping guitar picks in his mouth, then spitting them into the crowd. Spaceman Tommy Thayer hopped onto a rocket platform during a guitar solo, while Catman Eric Singer had his own rising drum kit in action. The Kiss guys played one new song, “Hell or Hallelujah,” from the upcoming new album Monster, which is scheduled for release in October. Otherwise, it was all classic tunes – “Detroit Rock City,” “Shout It Out Loud,” “Lick It Up” and “Rock and Roll All Nite.” The Crüe boys, including singer Vince Neil, bassist Nikki Sixx and guitarist Mick Mars, didn’t stray far from the same set list in the 2011 stint. That means we got “Don’t Go Away Mad (Just Go Away),” “Kickstart My Heart,” “Dr. Feelgood,” “Girls, Girls, Girls” and “Home Sweet Home.” Neil had his wailing moments, while Sixx enjoyed dousing the crowd in water. Speaking of Neil, I got a chuckle out of his sleeveless jacket. On his back was a drawing of two female pole dancers with “I [Heart] Single Moms” emblazoned above it. That certainly tied into the band’s two curvaceous background singers. Mötley Crüe is all about “Sin City” rock, to quote Neil’s guitar strap, with dashes of glam metal, while Kiss revels in a comic book escapist hard rock with plenty of power pop exuberance. Together in one concert and on one stage the results were naturally explosive.
The KISS and Motley Crue concert on Wednesday, August 15th at Shoreline Amphitheatre has been cancelled. Refunds for the Shoreline performance will be made available at point of purchase. The Sleep Train Pavilion concert on Thursday, August 16th will still take place as scheduled. There are a limited number of tickets available for KISS and Motley Crue at Sleep Train Pavilion online at www.Livenation.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
KISS did perform a new song from its upcoming album, "Monster," but that was its only nod to 2012. In every other way it could easily have been 40 years ago, from the song selection to Paul Stanley's perfectly dated stage banter. "I'm not gonna lie to ya," he said after some halfhearted audience participation. "Birmingham was a lot louder!" Well, to hell with Birmingham. This is Louisville, and we were gonna make Stanley forget he ever set his platform boots in Birmingham. So we got louder and KISS played "Black Diamond" as our reward. That's a deal I'd take any day. KISS was much more fun than Motley Crue, which has always seemed to take itself too seriously despite all evidence to the contrary, because leaders Stanley and Gene Simmons fully embrace the band's kitschy qualities. Now past age 60, there's really no point in pretending that they're not old men in make-up and cartoonish costumes. But KISS also has the better songs, and they powered through a string of classics in rapid succession to start the show. "Detroit Rock City," "Shout it Out Loud," "I Love it Loud," "Firehouse" and "Love Gun" let everyone know that the emphasis was going to be on big hits and bigger explosions, culminating in the usual storm of confetti. Motley Crue certainly wasn't bad, although the band clearly has a lot fewer exceptional songs from which to choose. Their performance was muscular and heavy on theatrics, with guitarist Mick Mars a particular standout, but it was also the concert version of plastic surgery, with prerecorded vocals augmenting the entire set to help hide the wrinkles. The Treatment opened the show with outrageous enthusiasm and songs that sounded like a mash-up of vintage UFO and Bad Company. They were good songs, too, simple but distinctive and delivered with impressive heavy-metal panache by singer Matt Jones. The band is on its first tour of the United States, but clearly not its last.
"We've always believed in letting the best bands available go out there and do what they do because it only fires us up that much more," original singer/guitarist Paul Stanley said in a mid-July phone interview. "Our track record is pretty stellar, whether it's, my gosh, Bob Seger, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Bon Jovi, early (Mötley) Crüe, John Cougar Mellencamp, AC/DC... The list just goes on and on." On one of this summer's biggest tours, Kiss will close out an evening that also includes a 80-minute set from co-headliner Mötley Crüe and England's The Treatment. But Stanley knows his band will deliver as well. "Kiss today is Kiss as I've always wanted it — four guys who get along great, who play fiercely, and are proud of who we are." Kiss also knows a thing or two about putting together a spectacular live show. "It's a whole new show, a whole new stage," Stanley said. "Everything is brand new. We will have a brand new show and a brand new stage and just some pretty amazing visuals. This whole summer is giving new meaning to bang for the buck. If anybody's expecting high-tech subtlety, forget about it — what we're trying to do is build a bigger bomb." The band's recently completed Monster — which will be released in October — finds Kiss experiencing a rebirth that few would have predicted when the new century rolled around. "[1998's] Psycho Circus was such a debacle and such a distortion of what making an album should be," Stanley said. "You can't make a Kiss album without a band, and we didn't have one. If people had any inkling of what was going on behind the scenes, it's a miracle that we even got an album done." When guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss (both original members) departed the lineup for good in the late '90s, the replacements — guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer (who had been in the band in the late '90s, prior to Criss' return) injected new life into Kiss as a band. Sonic Boom, Kiss's 2009 album, was widely hailed as the best Kiss recording in years and a return to form for the group. Now three years later, Kiss has Monster ready for its October release. As with Sonic Boom, the new album is produced by Stanley and written and recorded entirely by the current Kiss lineup. "Monster is far, far, far beyond Sonic Boom," Stanley said. "It's a much more focused, a much bigger sounding album. The songs are better. And everybody's playing more assuredly. We clearly established on Sonic Boom who we are now. Monster just reinforces that like a sledgehammer."
Saturday night may be alright for fighting but Sunday night is guaranteed to rock excessively with Kiss and Mötley Crüe arriving at the AT&T Center. The legendary, if aging, wild bunch hasn't toured together since the early '80s “Creatures of the Night” tour. But they're certain to pull out all stops when the rowdy fun begins at 7 p.m. The Tampa Bay Times reported that Kiss leader Gene Simmons has mellowed not at all and warned fans to get ready for a spectacle. “We are the masters of bells and whistles, and we are going to leave the audience exhausted at the end of every show,” said Simmons at a news conference announcing the 40-date tour. “When you see fireworks going off at a McCartney show, where do you think he got that from? Gerry and the Pacemakers?” All which means that Simmons will be spewing flames and drooling blood and drummer Tommy Lee's drum kit will once again be attached to a roller coaster-style rig. Of course, Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil will have a small bevy of babes nearby, according to press reports. But it's the nostalgic set lists of radio hits that will keep multigenerational fans on their feet and pumping their fists. Mötley Crüe's show has included songs not different from last time around with “Saints of Los Angeles” “Wild Side,” “Shout at the Devil,” “Same Ol' Situation (S.O.S.),” “Looks That Kill,” “Girls, Girls, Girls,” “Kickstart My Heart,” plus a new one called “Sex.” Kiss — which also includes Paul Stanley, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer these days — plays all the hits beginning with “Detroit Rock City.” They'll play “Shout It Out Loud,” “Love Gun,” “God of Thunder” and “Rock and Roll All Nite” and also throw in a new song, “Hell or Hallelujah,” from an upcoming studio album, “Monster.” It's their 20th album. In the same media announcement, Simmons explained why Mötley Crüe was perfect for opening the rock show. They're co-headliners, actually. “They were loud, proud kids from the street, which was exactly what we wanted,” he said. “You want the opening act to come up there and challenge you. What's the use of being the world champion boxer if the guy who's in the ring with you isn't gonna give you a run for your money? “If they challenge you, it makes you a better fighter, and it makes for a better fight. That's why we take great pride in the bands we've brought on tour with us. They're always able to stand on their own two legs — and then we come out and crush them.” A&E's “Family Jewels” star explained just how that happens. “(With) more firepower than most Third World countries.”
Eric Singer sits behind his drum throne pounding away through KISS tunes night after night. Just like his cat persona, he never shows any signs of fatigue as he constantly pounces on the drums set in front of him. Singer gives his all to the audience and has been since he started playing for the band in 1991. KISS is heading down South to Dallas, TX on August 4 and Singer was quick to let fans know what to expect while remaining secretive about the details of the show. KISS likes to change things up with every tour. However, he doesn't want to spoil any surprises. "That is the part that you need to see and hear with your own eyes and ears. This is a tour not to be missed, I can assure you," Singer responded when asked what fans can look forward to seeing and hearing this time around. Every regional area and city has their own local flavor. Texas and Dallas, more precisely, are no different. What does KISS look forward to when coming back to the most prominent city in the American South? "We love the Southern/Texas hospitality! We know that you do everything bigger in Texas and we have the show to match the saying," Singer stated. One thing Dallas is known for is its grueling Summer heat. There've already been several 100+ degree days and it doesn't look like it will be letting up anytime soon. That won't slow down the Hottest Band in the World. Singer shares the mission of the make-up wearing and leather-clad rock warriors known as KISS. "'Hotter than Hell' isn't just a KISS album or song title. The show must go on rain, shine, or heat! We will bring it no matter the weather." KISS plays the Gexa Energy Pavilion on Saturday, August 4. The show starts at 7:00PM.
"A lot of the lyrics and points of view have less to do with sort of the cocksmanship, craftsmanship -- 'Hey babe, I'm gonna rock you all night long,' and are more about sort of primal notions about who we are and how we feel," Simmons tells Billboard.com. "So something like 'The Devil is Me,' for instance, is more confessional; you can keep pointing your fingers at all the evil in the world, but you've got some of it and here's the Lord's decree -- the devil is me. Maybe there's a little devil in all of us." Simmons considers "Monster" to be "one of the best or the top three albums we've ever done." Like 2009's "Sonic Boom," Kiss kept the 12-track "Monster" raw -- "Just guitar and drums, nothing else," Simmons says -- and singer-guitarist Paul Stanley again sat in the producer's chair. "In both instances he put aside everything else in his life and was there," Simmons says of Stanley, who co-founded Kiss with him in 1972 and stood up in his 2011 wedding to Shannon Tweed. "I no longer have that patience or the temperament to be strapped in the studio for three months. There's too much going on outside, and who better to trust than (Stanley)? He's a very good team player and isn't afraid to say, 'Yeah, maybe I'm not right? Let's try this' or 'Let's try that.' We'd go in and just try anything. It's really a band effort, like four guys in a car but somebody's got to be driving and everybody else is going, 'No, turn right here, turn right there!' Ultimately we're all going to the same place, and Paul got us there." Kiss has released a first single from "Monster," "Hell or Hallelujah," which the group is already playing during its current tour with Motley Crue. "Paul came in with a guitar chordal pattern, and it was originally called something else," Simmons recalls. "Then a few days later he came back in and said, 'What do you think of 'Hell or Hallelujah?' and we all just sparked to it and went, 'Yeah, that's right.' " Some of "Monster's" other songs, meanwhile, have a bit of history. For instance, Simmons says he wrote "Eat Your Heart Out" during the 70s but made some significant changes for the version that appears on the album. After "Monster's" release, Simmons says Kiss plans to "go around the world" in support of it. Following the tour with Motley Crue, which wraps Sept. 23, the group will hit the high seas for the Kiss Cruise Oct. 31-Nov. 4, then plans to head to Africa, Israel, Asia, Europe and, Simmons promises, "everywhere." Meanwhile, he says being on the road with the Crue has been "really phenomenal. The Motley guys put on a great show. We took them out on their first tour, and they are a more proficient, professional band now. We did the same thing for AC/DC and Bon Jovi and Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Rush, you name it. At some point somebody gave us a chance, so we should give other people a chance, too." Besides "Monster," Kiss will release "Destroyer: Resurrected" on Aug. 21, restoring the landmark 1976 album's original cover -- which was deemed too violent at the time ("The buildings lay in ruins, which was too much for the mom and dad and kids-friendly places," Simmons recalls) -- and featuring an alternate version of "Sweet Pain" with a different guitar solo. Simmons says Kiss is also releasing a fourth volume of its "Kissology" DVD series with "everything you haven't seen before -- archival stuff, backstage (footage), going all the way back to 1973." The group has also published a limited edition, deluxe "Monster" book that's five feet wide. "You don't need the coffee table," Simmons says. "It IS the coffee table."
01. Hell Or Hallelujah Originally broadcast on MONTCO RADIO, streaming live and worldwide from Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell, PA on Friday, July 27, 2012. Tune in to MONTCO RADIO, streaming on montcoradio.com Using their recently launched "Monster Hunt" Facebook app, the rockers have been exposing portions of the image at various web sites around the Internet since last week. The complete "Monster" cover can now be seen here. "Monster" will be released on October 16 through Universal Music Enterprises.
Launched in conjunction with the band's 40-city summer tour with Mötley Crüe, a new online tool called Kiss Social Hub (kissonline.com/socialhub) not only aggregates multiple social networks into one central platform (including Facebook, Twitter and Google+), but automatically translates text from 53 languages between fans and the band, in real time. "For a group like us, an international audience is essential to continuing the growth and worldwide exposure of the rock experience we want to offer fans," Kiss bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons tells USA TODAY. "Connecting with them in their own language and familiar social networks makes the fan experience personal and direct, with no barriers of translation." Kiss followers in Russia or China, for example, can write to the group at the Social Hub, but it instantly appears as English when viewed by band members and other fans. On the flip side, whatever Kiss writes back in English is viewed in the desired language a second or two later. The band, which made its debut in makeup and platform boots 39 years and dozens of albums ago, says the ability to chat in real time with non-English-speaking followers wasn't possible until now. "The experience for the international fan has completely changed over the past few years, (where) a global audience can hear from their favorite group in their own tongue," says guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley. "Now it's a possibility for every member of the Kiss Army in the farthest reaches of the globe to reach us directly." Kiss Social Hub is powered by a technology called Ortsbo, a leading real-time communications platform used by more than 200 million people, according to its parent company Intertainment Media. The multilingual social-media chatting service is available on computers, Web browsers and mobile devices. A free Ortsbo app for Apple's iOS devices (iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad) lets users chat live via Facebook with people in other languages. Coming soon is support for other social networks, including MSN, Yahoo! Messenger and Google Talk. Kiss Social Hub will serve as the Web's command center for the band throughout the tour, which wraps Sept. 23 in Hartford, Conn. "Expect live updates from us from each performance," Simmons says. Simmons might not need this technology as much as the rest of the band, however, as his famously long tongue can speak five languages: English, Hebrew, Hungarian, German and some Japanese.
It's been just shy of four decades since KISS released their eponymous debut album. But as Gene Simmons says, the hard rock titans – who are set to drop their 20th studio album, Monster, on October 16th – are still firing on all cylinders. "The band is more focused than ever," Simmons tells Rolling Stone. "The weather looks great for the band – reinvigorated, redefined, refocused and reborn." While Simmons and lead singer Paul Stanley remain the band's only original members, Monster marks the second consecutive KISS record, following 2009's Sonic Boom, created with a lineup that includes drummer Eric Singer and lead guitarist Tommy Thayer. Simmons insists the new album ranks up there with some of the notoriously outlandish crew's finest work. "If this was a first record by a new band, I'd be floored," he says. Monster was recorded at studios in and around Los Angeles and, like Sonic Boom, was co-produced by Stanley and Greg Collins. Though it has been finished for a few months, the bassist and perennial self-promoter says there was no point in rushing out something this epic. "Just because you have a lot of ammunition doesn't mean you have to shoot your wad right away," he says. "You have to pace yourself." Monster itself does not pace itself: it's a full-on aural assault, from the first note of the opening track and lead single "Hell or Hallelujah" ("I rode the highway to heartache/ I rode the ship of fools" ) to the appropriately titled "Wall of Sound," a barn burner anchored by a snaking guitar lick. The album doesn't let up until Stanley lets out a final jarring wail on "Last Chance." "If you like guitars and drums, this is right up your alley," Simmons explains. "Which is better than right up your ass. It's relentless til the end. We're not doing thrash. We're not doing any of that stuff. It's straight meat and potatoes. No messing around. And no ballads, no string choirs, no little boys doing a cappella, no eunuchs singing background." Simmons adds that Monster is less intricate than their classic 1976 album Destroyer, and that it hearkens back to the band's first three records. "Destroyer was a more produced studio record," he explains. "To reproduce Destroyer live, we would need keyboards. We love that, but it's more produced material." Simmons admits he's taken inspiration from other classic rock acts performing their iconic albums in their entirety. To that end, he is toying with the idea of playing Monster from start to finish on tour. "It's an interesting idea," he says. "It would sound the same as the record because that's the way it was recorded. You wouldn't have to add anything." For now, Simmons is relishing being on the road with Motley Crue, one of several legendary bands, including Bon Jovi and AC/DC, he says he's proud to have brought out on their first massive tour years ago. "It's been phenomenal," he says of the two band's worldwide jaunt, dubbed The Tour, which kicked off its U.S. leg last week. "We come out there and we will kick you in the nuts as soon as we can." As for what it feels like for Simmons to be onstage at age 62? "I am the god that walks the face of this planet," he declares. In decidedly KISS fashion, a mega-tour and a forthcoming new record are not all that's on the horizon for the rockers. In addition to a guessing game of sorts on the band's Facebook page that will slowly uncover Monster's cover art, in the coming months KISS will release a remastered edition of Destroyer, a DVD entitled Kissology and a mega-sized Monster book, a limited-edition 45-pound behemoth of a read that features never-before-seen photographs and will be signed by all four band members. "You don't need a coffee table book," says Simmons of the over-the-top collector's item. "This is the coffee table."
Frehley certainly doesn’t regret that decision, but the guitarist says he doesn’t miss being in the band these days. “I like running my own life now,” says Frehley, 61, who served two tenures with Kiss, ending in 2002, and got sober in 2006. “One of the things that made me crazy when I was in Kiss was being at the mercy of Paul (Stanley) and Gene (Simmons), who were like workaholic. They wanted to tour constantly and record constantly, over-merchandise the brand, and that made me crazy. “I’m not a kid any more. Touring constantly can be very exhausting. I don’t want to put myself in that position, so I’m happier with what I’m doing now.” That doesn’t mean Frehley isn’t staying busy. He released a solo album, “Anomaly,” in 2009 and is preparing to make a follow-up. He’s also thinking about an acoustic album and has been approached by a filmmaker friend to score the soundtrack for a science fiction movie he’s working on. Frehley might also celebrate the 35th anniversary of his self-titled first solo album, which went platinum, by performing the album in its entirety next year. And he’s working on a sequel to his 2011 autobiography “No Regrets,” which made the New York Times Bestsellers list and also topped Amazon.com’s music charts. “Writing that book opened the floodgates and put me in contact with a lot of people I haven’t spoken to in a while,” Frehley says. “A lot of stories came up I had forgotten about, and there were a lot of stories I came across too late. I’ve spoken with a couple of my old bodyguards, roadies and stuff; they helped me with the first book and they’re helping with stories for the second book, too. “I’m having more fun now than I was way back then because now, in a sober state, I remember what I do. That’s a nice feeling, to wake up the following day and remember what you did the day before. It wasn’t like that for a long time.” Ace Frehley performs as part of the Rockin’ on the Riverfront series at 8 p.m. Friday, July 27, on the south side of the GM Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit. Admission is free. Visit www.gmrencen.com.
First, the band did a Q&A, answering questions from the fans who attended the Meet & Greet. Then, they proceeded to play "Dr. Love", "C'mon and Love Me", "Beth" and "Hard Luck Woman!" The band was seated for the performance with Eric using a plastic bucket for a drum! The reaction from the fans, crew and the band themselves was so positive that this experience has been made a permanent part of the Meet & Greet! KISS will now perform a "private" set each evening for these lucky fans instead of a sound check. We think you will love this as much as we do! Here are clips of "Dr. Love" and "C'mon and Love Me" from Raleigh.
Go to the KISS Facebook page to download the MONSTER REVEAL app then join the hunt for the album art. Be sure to check the KISS Facebook page and KISS Online for clues and hints where you can find the pieces. Collect all pieces and the album art will be revealed to you on Monday July 30th! Get ready to hunt for MONSTER!
Set List: Detroit Rock City / Shout It Out Loud / I Love It Loud / Love Gun / Firehouse / War Machine / Shock Me / Hell or Hallelujah / God Of Thunder / Lick It Up / Black Diamond / Rock And Roll All Nite
Engaging with users of every major social network, the KISS Army will converge in one all-inclusive social music destination, making 40 City Tour with Motley Crüe a World-Wide, Social Experience Legendary rock band KISS (www.kissonline.com) has tapped Ortsbo (www.ortsbo.com), the world’s leading real-time experiential communications platform, to create the first globally social fan engagement platform, broadcasting fan communications worldwide for the band’s 40-city summer tour with Motley Crüe. Reaching fans in 53 languages, the platform will aggregate more than 17 social networks in a central platform at [link], with instant translation and real-time integration to Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, Flickr, Vevo, and more. The launch will effectively transform in-venue fan engagement during a live music performance into a global, social and merchandising experience. A world first in music & fan communications, Ortsbo’s revolutionary multilingual social network aggregator will enable the tour’s on-site team, concert-goers, KISS members and fans worldwide to converse across language barriers, continents and all the top social networks. Built to transform the way audiences, musicians and staffers share live and static entertainment experiences, the new hub will serve as a global base for KISS fans, tour attendees and viewers around the world. Gathering data and statistic in real-time, the service will also collect invaluable information on its back end for further refinement, development and perfection of the platform while creating unprecedented, niche audience information for advertisers and marketers to potentially tap as well. Combining all forms of multimedia, chat and e-commerce, users can share photos, video, text, tweets, links and purchase merchandise in one all-inclusive portal, in the language of their choice. The ultimate international experience for music and concerts, Ortsbo’s platform will centralize the global fan base of one of the most-renowned rock bands for a new experiment in defining a social music experience. The full experience will intend to create a heightened fan loyalty coupled with a game-ified communication experience in one powerful online home. “We’re giving our fans a more powerful and meaningful way to communicate and engage with us while on tour. Every member of the KISS Army brings pride and power we share and with Ortsbo’s technology we can reach anyone, anywhere, in any language through one single place on the web,” said Paul Stanley of KISS. “No matter where our fans are or what native language they speak, now all of them can be part of the tour plus purchase tour merchandise through one easy platform.” “This unrivaled approach to combining more than a dozen social networks, real-time translation of 53 languages and fans of KISS around their summer tour with Motley Crüe may set a new standard in socially-powered music fandom,” said David Lucatch, CEO of Ortsbo. “We are proud to elevate the sharing and socializing of music fans – the strongest form of emotionally-empowered communications – to a level never seen before.” In addition to the hub, Live Nation has been tapped as a partner to power fan shops and merchandise sites with Ortsbo translation technology, bringing a gambit of must-have KISS items to a global audience in their native tongues. This end of the program enables globalized merchandising opportunities and expanded revenue opportunities for other partners, manufacturers, providers and more.
Stanley and his bandmates have sold 100?million albums since they first daubed their faces with black and white warpaint in 1973, and he has paid the price with two hip replacement ops. ‘I’m a bionic man and I’ve earned every scar,’ the 60-year-old singer and guitarist says proudly. ‘My doctors are sports specialists, as my injuries are the same as those that affect [American] footballers. 'My knees have been surgically reassembled and I’ve had work done on my shoulders. ‘But I’m in better shape than ever. The engine’s been serviced and I’m good for another 50,000 miles.’ Kiss are one of rock’s great survivors, as well known for their comic-book stage personas and garish costumes as their music, while their gigs are renowned for fire-breathing stunts and eye-popping special effects. But they attribute their staying power to a more old-fashioned virtue: hard graft. ‘Four decades ago, a bunch of knuckleheads from New York got together,’ says bassist Gene Simmons. ‘The four of us had an epiphany: let’s put together the band we’ve never seen on stage. So we did it, and we’re still here. ‘Back then, there were no shortcuts. There was no internet or cable TV. You had to take your case directly to the people by playing live, and we do the same today. We’re the real deal.’ Or as real as anyone sporting face paint, Spandex leggings and glitter wedges for their day job can be. The bullish 62-year-old adds: ‘If you are a member of U2 or Coldplay, you put on your jeans and T-shirt and play. Those bands are great, but they don’t have to sweat. ‘We spend two hours putting on make-up. Then we run around for two hours in platform shoes. I spit fire and fly up to the rafters.’ Founder members Stanley and Simmons are in London to launch a wave of Kiss activity. First, there is a new single, Hell Or Hallelujah. On the horizon is a 20th studio album, Monster, plus a ten-hour DVD, Kissology Volume 4. And Stanley is happy to be here. ‘I’m an Anglophile,’ he says. ‘Rock ’n’ roll started in the States, but the Brits turned it into something brilliant.’ There is also the aptly named Kiss Monster Book being released. Limited to 1,000 copies worldwide, the hand-bound tome stands 3ft high and 5ft wide when open, and will set you back £2,500. But then, Kiss have never been a band for half measures. Simmons, who lives in California with his wife, erotic film star Shannon Tweed and their two children, Nick, 23, and Sophie, 20, once claimed he had slept with 4,600 women since the band began. ‘That figure’s about right,’ he says, face deadpan. I can’t tell if he’s being tongue in cheek — but I hope not, given that he is the proud possessor of the longest tongue in rock (one rumour had it that he had a cow’s tongue surgically grafted on to his own). ‘I’ve behaved like a horny teenage boy all my life, but, at some point, we all grow up. Love wasn’t something I thought seriously about before, but I love my wife. ‘I have a magic woman in Shannon, and she has stuck by me — through all my indiscretions — for 29 years.’ Kiss set their sights on world domination early. In their infancy, they avoided New York’s elitist rock clubs to focus on the music mainstream. To some, they are the height of rock kitsch, their pyrotechnics a mere marketing trick (Gene once accidently set his hair alight while spitting flammable liquid at a torch). ‘If people say we’re a gimmick, I won’t argue,’ he replies. ‘But then so was Jerry Lee Lewis when he played piano with his feet, and Elvis when he shook his hips.’ Paul begs to differ. ‘If we were just a gimmick, we wouldn’t have lasted 40 years.’ Kiss’s two other founder members, Peter Criss and Ace Frehley, have not played with the band since a mid-Nineties reunion, but the group’s current line-up, with drummer Eric Singer and lead guitarist Tommy Thayer, has been together for a decade. So, how long will they keep rocking? Paul says: ‘We’re still in the middle of an amazing ride. But there will come a time when we say enough is enough. Then we’ll throw down the gauntlet, and somebody else will pick it up.’ Hell Or Hallelujah and the Kiss Monster Book are out now.
Talk to a local veteran, however, and he’ll tell you that the real tour started on Thursday evening, when Kiss staged a private show for 1,600 members of the U.S. military. “We owe so much to the brave men and women who voluntarily put on that uniform and go to places where people don’t like them,” Gene Simmons explained earlier this week, several hours before he and his three band mates — Paul Stanley, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer — paid a visit to patients at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. “The vets that we’ve met never ask for praise, glory or money,” he added. “They just want to re-enter society and get a job. We do these all-vet shows to show our appreciation, because what they do for us is beyond comprehension.” Kiss have a long history of paying tribute to vets on both sides of the Atlantic. Earlier this summer, the guys staged a small show in London to benefit the British troops, and their 2011 tour featured a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance during each concert. “We used to stop every single show in the middle,” Mr. Simmons remembered, “and hoist the Stars and Stripes before saying the Pledge of Allegiance, right there in the middle of the concert. Very cornball, very not cool, but I don’t care. Sometimes, you gotta flush cool down the toilet and just arch your back and stand proudly, realizing that you’re living in the greatest country on the face of the planet.” For the upcoming tour, the band has some additional tricks up its sleeve. For starters, Motley Crue will co-headline every show. The two groups have been friends since 1982, back when Kiss handpicked a relatively unknown Motley Crue as the opening act for the “Creatures of the Night” tour. “They were loud, proud kids from the street, which was exactly what we wanted,” Mr. Simmons recalled. “You want the opening act to come up there and challenge you. What’s the use of being the world champion boxer if the guy who’s in the ring with you isn’t gonna give you a run for your money?” “If they challenge you,” he continued, “it makes you a better fighter, and it makes for a better fight. That’s why we take great pride in the bands we’ve brought on tour with us. They’re always able to stand on their own two legs … and then we come out and crush them.” To crush Motley Crue’s elaborate stage show, Kiss will fill their own performances with “more firepower than most Third World countries.” Fans can also expect plenty of pyrotechnics and Kiss classics, as well as the new single “Hell or Hallelujah.” “With all due respect to everyone else,” Mr. Simmons said, “when you see fireworks going off at a McCartney show, where do you think he got that from? Gerry and the Pacemakers? We are the masters of bells and whistles, and we are going to leave the audience exhausted at the end of every show.” Being a member of Kiss sounds a little exhausting in its own right. Before every performance, the guys spend an average of two hours in the dressing room, applying makeup and strapping 45 pounds of armored costumery onto their bodies. Once showtime hits, they move around the stage on 8-inch platform shoes. “If that’s not enough,” added Mr. Simmons, “I fly up to the top of the light system at the speed of eight feet per second, Paul flies over to the soundboard over the heads of the audience, Tommy levitates up into the air, Eric’s entire drum kit levitates up into the air, and that doesn’t count the entire band’s descent from the heavens before the first song even begins. “It’s physically exhausting, but I’ll tell you, there’s nothing as satisfying. Because when you see that you’re not the only one who’s drenched in sweat — that the audience is just as wiped out as you — there’s something else happening beyond the usual, ‘OK, this is my next song.’ “
There have been an army of Kiss dolls and action figures, a showcase of Kiss shot glasses and more reproductions of the members’ iconic painted faces than anyone has ever needed – on items ranging from ski masks to M&Ms. Part of this is due to the band’s legion of fans – the Kiss Army – who devour the swath of collectibles as if they were life essentials. But the driving force behind the merchandising has been the band itself, or, namely, bassist Gene Simmons, who has shamelessly shilled everything from condoms to caskets decorated with the band’s signature logo. As Kiss is about to roll into Farm Bureau Live in Virginia Beach this weekend with Mötley Crüe, we look back at 10 of the most outrageous and curious Kiss items we’ve ever seen. Chances are you’ll see one or more of these Saturday night. Mr. Potato Head, the Kiss version If you want to instantly destroy your cool reputation, put your face on a Mr. Potato Head toy. It doesn’t make things better if the faces are in Kiss makeup. It’s still lame. Not much better: Kiss sock monkeys. Possible rationale for this product Making money is the only conclusion I can reach. Kiss Kondoms Announced in the early 2000s, this concept is at once genius and revolting. It’s the kind of quirky product everyone talks about, but the thought of Gene Simmons’ face on contraception is nonetheless disturbing. And don’t even get me started on the Paul Stanley “studded” condoms. Possible rationale for this product Simmons claims to have slept with thousands of women (read his autobiography, “Kiss and Makeup”) and doesn’t have the STDs to prove it. He wants to ensure the world can say the same. Kiss Kaskets The only Kiss merchandise more bombastic than the condoms is this post-life cocoon decorated in Kiss logos, faces and, of course, flames. It’s a merchandising masterpiece that has to be respected, even if it’s freaky as funk. Also, if you’re into cremation, there’s now a Kiss urn. Possible rationale for this product Kiss can’t buy your soul, so it wants to lay claim to your corpse. Kiss prepaid phone cards Somebody took the “Calling Dr. Love” song entirely too literally. Possible rationale for this product Kiss has a huge following among immigrants looking to phone home on the cheap. Kiss Snuggie If you’ve ever dreamed of cuddling with Kiss while watching “Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park,” this blanket with sleeves, adorned with the faces from the first Kiss album, is a poor surrogate. Possible rationale for this product Kiss’ original female fan base is transitioning to a life of couch-potato status. Kiss comic book OK, this is pretty darn cool. In 1977, the Kiss guys teamed with Marvel Comics for a comic depicting them as superheroes. For an extra cool/creep factor (take your pick) they mixed their blood into the comic book’s ink. Possible rationale for this product As a child who immigrated to the U.S. from Israel, Simmons was really into comic books. This was a dream come true for him. Kiss bicycle shorts I understand that the allure of Kiss transcends genre stereotypes – not only long-haired people like Kiss music – but the idea that there’s a Venn diagram with an overlapping area of “Kiss fans” and “hardcore bicyclists” is ridiculous. To make matters worse, these shorts don’t appear to have Simmons’ tongue anywhere. Possible rationale for this product Kiss wants to sponsor somebody in the Tour de France. ‘Kiss This’ wine This kind of makes sense when you apply the logic that rock ’n’ roll fans like to drink. Then you realize the Kiss This line includes a nonalcoholic wine. Fail. Yet, I like to think that somewhere, recovering alcoholic Kiss fans are partying right now with this stuff. Possible rationale for this product Simmons does not drink alcohol – quite true – and got tired of sipping punch during the after-parties. Kiss knife Granted, there was a time as a child when Kiss scared me. Now, the idea that this band is tough enough to sell knives with the Kiss logo is pretty funny. Possible rationale for this product The number of whittlers who listen to Kiss would surprise you. Kiss car air fresheners Because sometimes you want to ride in a car that smells like sweaty leather and smeared makeup. OK, that’s not what these fresheners smell like, but a guy can dream, right? Possible rationale for this product After decades in tour buses, the Kiss crew vowed never to ride in another vehicle that reeked of roadies.
Album description: "There will never be a better show opener than 'Detroit Rock City'. 'Beth' is the gold standard for power ballads. And 'Rock And Roll All Nite' is the quintessential rock 'n' roll national anthem. Given Rockabye's kid-tested, parent-approved lullaby treatment, these KISS Klassics are as alive as ever — just as thrilling when xylophones and bells replace Ace Frehley's Gibson Les Paul and Gene Simmons' demonic snarl. Except come bedtime, junior won't be able to keep partying into the 'nite;' these lullabies will have him counting a veritable KISS Army of sheep." "Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions Of Kiss" track listing: 01. Shout It Out Loud Rockabye Baby! was created by VAN HALEN singer David Lee Roth's sister Lisa Roth in conjunction with CMH Records. The label turns popular rock songs into lullabyes — songs from artists like PEARL JAM, BLACK SABBATH, GUNS N' ROSES, METALLICA and JOURNEY, just to name a few. "It's more for the parent than the child but it calms the child at the same time," Lisa Roth told Forbes magazine. She added, "When I knew I'd really hit something right was when I saw an interview of Kirk Hammett of METALLICA talking about playing it for his child, and he said that it works."
KISS also teamed up with Hiring Our Heroes, a campaign by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and supported by NBC News that aims to get veterans back into the workforce. KISS has hired a military veteran to be a roadie for their upcoming national tour. KISS co-founder Gene Simmons said that hiring veterans "is the most important thing that we can do." The band held an open call and after receiving over 1,900 applications for the job, Paul Jordan, an army serviceman from Buford, Georgia was chosen. Jordan, who has devoted over 20 years to the military serving three voluntary tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, is a life-long KISS fan and member of the KISS army who sports a tattoo of Gene Simmons on his chest. Jordan reports for his new job as roadie, with his first full show on July 19. Following KISS's lead, Boomer magazine held an online contest to support Hiring Our Heroes and hired a veteran to conduct an interview with KISS. Robert Crespo, an Army serviceman, was chosen. Crespo served in Iraq's combat zone and listened to "Kiss Alive Symphony" often while in the desert. "KISS was the motivation to keep going," Crespo explains. Crespo's interview with his idols, KISS, will be featured in the August issue of Boomer magazine. KISS will release its 20th studio album, "Monster", on October 16 through Universal Music Enterprises. Described in a press release as a "12-track, straight-ahead rock 'n' roll album," the CD features collaborations among all four members — including co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer — in an album that shows the band at the top of its game.
You seem busier than ever GS: It's a very exciting time for KISS, but then it always is. The 10-hour DVD Kissology Volume 4 is on the way. Not five hours. Not seven. Ten. Then there's Monster the album and Monster the book, which weighs four stone [6.3 kilograms]. People say of great books: "I couldn't put it down" but this one's more "I couldn't pick it up". You're consummate entertainers, but would you concede there's something inherently silly about KISS? PS: I don't negate having a sense of humour about what we do, but KISS is far from a joke. We work very hard and if you come to our show it will put a smile on your face. KISS shows are more tribal gathering than rock concert. At most rock concerts, you sure as hell don't want to see your little brother or your mum there, but at KISS shows, it's thumbs up to everybody. We're a different animal and proudly so. Getting dressed and made-up for the stage - can you do it pretty quickly these days? GS: It still takes two hours. But it's our time together and it's a ritual of sorts. There's a sense of realignment. I've talked to people who get dressed up for Halloween, and they'll say: "You know, when I put the make-up on I felt different." It's an interesting comment. It's like when those American-Indian tribes put on warpaint - it's self-empowering. We're not wearing make-up onstage; we're wearing warpaint. How long does it take to take the warpaint off? GS: About an hour. It gets in your pores. It gets in your hair... It's not a joke, sir. I breathe fire with kerosene and that cooks the make-up on. I spit [fake] blood down my costume and it gets everywhere. You're sticky and you're sweaty and you stink. You mention the fire breathing. Who taught you? GS: A guy called Amaze-O the magician who came into our management offices in the early 1970s. I noticed he was bald, but only when I caught fire myself on New Year's Eve 1973 did I realise why. Paul, a lifetime spent in eight-inch heels has cost you two hip-replacements. Had you known what lay ahead, would you have worn flats? PS: I've actually only had one hip-replacement op, but every scar on my body was proudly earned. There isn't anything about my life I would have changed. I tell my son there's nothing worse than looking back on your life and wishing you had done certain things. I did 'em all. That's how life is supposed to be lived. After 40 years of KISS, do the pair of you still find shared interests to talk about? PS: I don't know how many shared interests we've ever had. We're very different people. The common bond is being committed to making KISS the best it can be. The key to a great relationship is knowing its limitations, then you can go on forever. I'm 60 and Gene's 62. You reach a point where you put the unimportant stuff to one side and just bask in the joy of being KISS. Monster the album comes out on October 15.
The band, with its painted faces and pyrotechnics, was among the biggest acts of the 1970s, coming out of the glam rock era with hits like "Rock and Roll All Nite" as a predecessor of 1980s the heavy metal groups that included Motley Crue. KISS guitarist and singer Paul Stanley recently spoke to Reuters about the tour, the band's new album "Monster," and the secret to the group's longevity. Q: After all these years, do you still feel pressure when you hit the road? A: "I do. I'm very excited about it but I also know there's a lot to live up to. We're really up against our own reputation and the legend of what KISS is supposed to be, and that grows bigger and bigger. How much of it's true I don't know, but we have to live up to that." Q: So what can fans expect? A: "The apocalypse! It's a lot more than people usually get in one night. It's being bombarded with rock ‘n' roll. Motley's co-headlining, and one thing we didn't want to do was the kind of sabotage between bands that happens. We always figured, let a band go out and do the greatest show they can, and that'll only amp us up to do what we do that much better. There's no ego clashes, and this is another way to give fans more than just a concert - it's an event." Q: What about the new album which you also produced? What can fans expect from that? A: "'Monster' is done. Its heart is beating, and it's chained down until we release it in October. I was asked if it's a great Kiss album and I said, forget about Kiss - I truly believe it's far beyond being a Kiss album. It's a great album of its genre with all the elements of all the classic bands that I listened to - all the music that inspired me - The Who, the Stones, Humble Pie, (Eric) Clapton, (Jimi) Hendrix, Led Zeppelin. That's what I grew up with, and it inspired me to create passion, chaos, something sexually aggressive that'd celebrate life. That's a description of rock ‘n' roll." Q: So many bands implode after they make it big. Do you guys still hang out together off-stage? A: "Well, Gene Simmons lives five minutes away - I can see his ego from here (laughs). We have a great relationship, and the key is knowing its limitations. If you want a family, go have one, as a band isn't a family. It may start out like that, but if it evolves into something else you haven't lost anything. I told this other very famous band, well-known for all their in-fighting, ‘Look, if you make magic on stage, anything else is a bonus. Be thankful for that.'" Q: You've outlasted all sorts of movements in music - punk rock, grunge rock. What's the secret to the band's longevity? Q: "KISS's appeal has always been timeless. It's not about a movement, just a simple philosophy - you're here once, let's celebrate life and enjoy ourselves. And it's about empowerment, believing you can accomplish something. We're the proof of that. We were given up for dead before our first album came out, and I think we're like a rallying cry to fans of what's possible. Kiss concerts are no longer concerts. It's a tribal gathering." Q: Ever see a day when KISS might retire? A: "I can see a day when I'll say ‘that's it,' but that has nothing to do with KISS. Members have been replaced before and I'm not excluded from that. The philosophy is, the band's bigger than its members. You show a KISS photo anywhere in the world, and they know who it is even if they don't know all our names." Q: What's your view of the music business today? A: "It's in shambles. I don't even know if it's a business now. It lost its footing when the Internet arrived and ways to clamp down on piracy weren't put into effect. Suddenly you had people file sharing, which is a nice way of saying stealing. You can't share what you don't own." Q: In 1999, you played the title role in a production of "The Phantom of the Opera." Any more theatrical ambitions? A: "Sure. I love doing theater. I saw the show in London and I just connected with it, so I auditioned and got the part. I loved every minute of it." Q: You're also a successful artist. What do you get from painting that you don't get from music? A: "It's a different mindset. For me, there are no rules with painting. When I started, it was an outlet - something cathartic, something therapeutic - so to put any boundaries or limits on myself went against everything I've always stood for. So there's no structure as there is with music."
“Destroyer boasts plenty of sound effects, orchestras, and choirs that paved the way for other bands to rip them off for many years to come… easily one of the best albums in the Kiss canon.” - Pitchfork KISS is regarded as one of the most influential rock and roll bands of all-time and holds the honor as one of America’s top gold-record champions. On August 21, 2012, Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) will release KISS’s 1976 multi-platinum, landmark album Destroyer: Resurrected, newly remixed from the original master tapes by the album’s original producer, Bob Ezrin. Ezrin pulled the tapes from the vaults and painstakingly remixed the entire album, enhancing the sound and bringing out its rich texture and vibrancy, while keeping the integrity of the original recording intact. Destroyer: Resurrected will also include rare and unreleased recordings rediscovered during the remixing process, plus the originally intended cover artwork. Hot on the heels of their breakthrough hit album Alive!, KISS released their fourth studio album Destroyer which is considered the most ambitious studio recording of KISS's '70s catalog. Bob Ezrin, who had previously worked with Alice Cooper, was brought in to produce the album and among the production flourishes Ezrin introduced to KISS were sound effects, strings, a children’s choir, reversed drumming and the eerie, echoing sounds of screaming children over Gene Simmons’ vocals on “God of Thunder.” Upon its release, Destroyer reached the No. 11 position on the Billboard Top 200 and, with the help of the surprise top-10 hit “Beth,” was their first album to go platinum. Originally released as the B-side to the single “Detroit Rock City,” “Beth,”–the heart-yearning ballad co-written and performed by drummer Peter Criss–was quickly picked up by radio nationwide and became the first top 10 for KISS, climbing all the way to the No. 7 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. While going through the original tapes, a forgotten vocal piece that was originally edited out in the final mix of “Beth” was discovered and now, for the first time, the complete original vocal recording has been restored and is included in the final mix. Other rediscovered gems include a complete, alternate guitar solo for the track “Sweet Pain,” now heard for the first time since it was originally recorded. The newly remixed “Sweet Pain” with the original guitar solo will be included as a bonus track. In addition to the treasures found buried in the hours of recordings, KISS classics such as “Detroit Rock City,” “Shout It Out Loud,” “Do You Love Me?” and “God of Thunder” were painstakingly remixed by Ezrin as he fleshed out the drums and guitars, bringing out the bottom end to the bass, making his mixes tight and tough. In addition, Destroyer: Resurrected will now be issued with the originally intended cover art thought too controversial for the time. Created by artist Ken Kelly, the “brown” cover depicts KISS dressed in their ALIVE! costumes and standing on rubble in front of a burning city in ruins. At the time, the record company thought it was too violent and settled for the tamer “blue” version known today. This release also marked the first time that a comic-book illustration of the band appeared on the cover, confirming that the band was transforming from hard rockers to superheroes. To this day, Destroyer remains one of the group’s most ambitious recordings and greatest accomplishments. In both Kerrang! and Guitar World magazine it is listed as one of the "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All Time" and in 2003, it was included on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Now, with today’s state-of-the-art technology, this landmark release can be heard the way that KISS intended. The KISS legacy continues to grow, generation after generation, transcending age, race and creed. KISS releases their 20th studio album, Monster, in October 15 internationally and October 16 in North America. The unparalleled devotion and loyalty of the KISS Army to the “Hottest Band in the World” is a striking testament to the band’s unbreakable bond with its fans. CD TRACK LISTING Meet Gene on 'THE TOUR' at a backstage meet-and greet... then watch as Gene rocks your bass from the stage! Don't miss this opportunity to purchase one of the most unique KISS collectibles ever! For more information visit www.gsaxe.com.
2012 'THE TOUR' GUITAR OPTIONS: All options include a personal meet-and-greet before the KISS show with Paul for you and one guest! Your guitar will be autographed and personalized with the inscription of your choice. For more information visit www.paulstanleyguitars.com.
Bass player Gene is often the most visible member of the 'Crazy Crazy Nights' group through his outrageous comments and starring in his own reality show, 'Gene Simmons Family Jewels', but Paul says he has equal input within their group. When asked if any of the band - which also includes Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer - were jealous of Gene, he exclusively told BANG Showbiz: ''Well, he gets attention for reasons that have nothing to do with what I do. It's not a slight, but I'm busy living my life, not creating a life for television. ''There is no such thing as reality television, there's reality and there's television. I find it interesting though, when, because of those activities, some people have a sense of Gene's role in the band being far greater than what it actually is. ''There's a transference because he somehow gets given a certain cache which is a little distorted. But so be it. My life is full and spectacular.'' Paul also admitted he and Gene have had their arguments and fallouts, but they are getting currently getting on better than ever. He said: ''How can you be together with somebody for 43 years, and not fall out? But it's always well intentioned. If we've ever had a big disagreement, it wasn't for petty stuff, it was because of conviction. But I can't remember a time we've gotten along better than now, and I'm not talking about this week, but years. Paul was speaking at a preview of the new KISS Monster Book, a huge three foot by two foot tome which features full color photos from the band's 40 year history, and is limited to 1,000 copies worldwide. For more information, visit KissMonsterBook.com.
“A band that is bigger than life deserves a book that is bigger than life,” says singer and guitarist Paul Stanley to cheers from the assembled media. “Size does count,” adds Gene Simmons, the bassist with the legendary long tongue and Lothario reputation. “It is the Rolls-Royce of books,” he says, explaining how each tome is hand-bound, and goes on to describe the fanatical devotion of the sort of fan likely to cough up the necessary £2,700 to acquire a copy of Monster as “Kisstianity”. “It sounds cultish but some people have dedicated their lives to Kiss,” says drummer Eric Singer. So do they worry that fans may take their ardour for the band, who have sold more than 100 million records worldwide since forming in 1972, too far? “Well,” says Simmons, “Eric has someone stalking him right now.” Kisstinianity, he says, “is a religion of sorts, only without anybody having to die for anybody else’s sins.” Kiss’s supreme confidence has helped them survive while so many rock bands have fallen. There are not many groups who, after four decades, can still reach number two in the American charts, as Kiss did in 2009 with their last album Sonic Boom. “We are arrogantly self-confident about who we are and what we mean and we subscribe fully to the idea that we are legends,” says Simmons. He’s not finished yet: “We are, by some estimates, the four most recognised faces on Planet Earth, and I can prove it to you,” he says, turning to yours truly. “You’re a schooled man, you’ll know that Sweden is a monarchy. That means they have a king. What does the king of Sweden look like?” I admit I have no idea, “which is interesting because everybody in Sweden knows what Kiss look like”. Only in full painted face and outfits? “Of course,” he replies, adding: “We are supremely arrogant but on the other hand we are humbled and eternally grateful for the opportunity to stand in front of our bosses, our fans, and work our butts off.” This comic self-aggrandisement and respect for their fanbase has helped Kiss survive. “That, and being in the right place at the right time, with the right songs,” he says, “and pride: pride in craftsmanship, in standing up straight, showing up on time and, by God, doing a good day’s work. “There is everything to be said for leading a straight life,” he adds, more seriously. At 63 Simmons is a living testament to abstaining from excess (give or take the 4,000 or so women he’s alleged to have slept with). “No drugs, no booze. Your schmekel [Yiddish for penis] will work better, you’ll sleep better, you’ll look better. There’s nothing as shameful as God giving you five senses and you going out to get chemicals to numb those God-given senses. “Absolutely, it’s a pathetic stereotype of a rock’n’roll star: stupid, high, ear pierced, tattooed,” agrees Paul Stanley. “Most of the time it’s a stereotype propagated by a critic who does none of that and lives vicariously by seeing someone else risk their life. I never wanted to be a dead legend.” Lead guitarist Tommy Thayer chips in: “A lot of musicians fall into the trap of a drugs and rock’n’roll lifestyle. You have to be smarter than that. Kiss are.” “Listen,” says Stanley. “I have four kids and a wife, I have a fabulous life, and I answer to no one. That’s my idea of a rock’n’roll lifestyle. When people used to say ‘sex, drugs and rock’n’roll’ I’d tell them: ‘You can keep the drugs.’ “Anything worth doing is worth remembering. When people say, ‘I don’t remember the Seventies’, that’s really sad. I do. They were great. They were everything they’re talked up to be. “Any woman I was with is worth remembering. I lived 10 lives but the reason you’re interviewing us and not Jim Morrison or Jimi Hendrix is because we kept away from drugs. “All drugs have ever done is killed your creativity, killed your spirit, or killed you.” How do Kiss stay in shape for their concerts, which are often several hours long and feature pyrotechnic displays that require total concentration? “We go to the gym,” says Thayer. “We work out. We’re serious about it because our shows are more physical than any other band’s. You really have to be in shape.” “Or,” jokes Stanley, “we won’t make it to the end of the show.” Thayer, of course, is a relative spring chicken at 51, while Singer is 54. Both are replacements for, respectively, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, who left the band following addiction problems. If Simmons has any regrets, it’s that he didn’t take them aside often enough to help them overcome their issues. “That’s why,” he says, “it’s such a privilege and an honour to have Eric in the band. He can sing, has great song ideas, plays his ass off and always shows up on time.” In a way, Kiss are more of a brand than a band; an institution that is bigger than any individual. “We represent Americana,” declares Singer, “like McDonald’s or Coca Cola. The Kiss logo is a trademark, a signature.” But the last word inevitably goes to Gene Simmons, with a little help from a cartoon sailor with bulging arms. “Kiss,” he proclaims, “stands for bombast. We are guilty as charged, yes, of making a complete spectacle out of ourselves. You’re goddamned right we do. And all the critics who didn’t understand us have long since been buried in my backyard. They’re dead. “I’ve learned some important life lessons over the years, principally: be the best you can be but be yourself. I espouse Popeye’s philosophy of life: ‘I am what I am and that’s all that I am, I’m Popeye the sailor man.’ “We could never be The Beatles, Led Zeppelin or Queen, but equally they could never be Kiss. So dream big. Love big. Lead a big life. Because you never know, it might be the only 24 hours you’ll have on earth.”
To celebrate the success of FANGORIA’s KISS: MONSTER magazine and the kick off the big KISS/Mötley Crüe summer tour, Fango editor and KISS mag contributing writer Kelly Stewart are hosting a go-for-broke KISS: MONSTER party in Toronto. Slap on your greasepaint, spit stage blood and pull on big boots, and come out on Friday, July 27 at east end movie house The Projection Booth (1035 Gerrard East at Jones). KISS klassics will be live DJ’d all night, the bar will be open, KISS concert footage will be projected all over the room, Toronto KISS tribute band Destroyer will be on hand in full gear to freak out the ladies and there will be a special screening of Adam Rifkin’s 1999 KISS/coming-of-age comedy DETROIT ROCK CITY (shot in Toronto and featuring the band themselves as well as Mrs. Gene Simmons, Shannon Tweed). Win prizes from KISSONLINE and FANGORIA, get your own copy of the first KISS: MONSTER magazine and celebrate almost four decades of “the hottest band in the world.” Tickets are $10 at the door, $8 if you're wearing KISS makeup. “[The make-up] was warpaint. Make-up does not give it enough respect. We played a place called the Daisy. There couldn’t have been more than 50 to 100 people there. When we looked across the stage, we felt as if we belonged together. I remember seeing The Beatles as a kid and thinking there must have been a Beatle mother ’cause they all looked like they were connected. There’s no question that our outfits and our boot-heels and our make-up was a unique definition of who we were and helped us become who we are.” Fellow frontman Paul Stanley shared another strategy that KISS used to make the group look popular in the early days. He said they created a myth of success, even though they were struggling at the time. “We had a rule that we wouldn’t play more than once every eight or 12 weeks because we wanted people to think we were busy. We were literally sitting in our loft starving and rehearsing. And then we would go out and do a show and I would say, ‘It’s great to be back’ we’ve been gone!’ We weren’t anywhere. But it was about creating this mythology from the ground up,” he said.
Paul Stanley knows just what fans expect from a Kiss concert, after decades of explosions and ear-splitting rock. That’s why they’ll be upping the ante on an upcoming tour with Motley Crue. “We’re not known for the subtlety — and this time we are pulling out all of the stops,” Stanley said today. “I say it’ll probably be a no-fly zone over the amphitheaters we are playing. When you come to see us, you leave pummeled and that’s the way it should be. You want bad news, you can listen to CNN. But everybody needs a break, so we are giving you a one night vacation in the town of your choice.” Stanley also talked about the multi-generational nature of their crowds these days, as older fans bring their children — and even grandchildren — to take in the Kiss experience. As for the lasting appeal of a band that first rose to fame in the mid-1970s, Stanley says it’s the same as it ever was. “I think we sing about universal truths: We sing about things that are timeless. We sing about celebrating life. We sing about freedom — and in these time of economic turmoil, we give you a bang for the buck. When you come to see us, you know you are going to see something spectacular, and this show will be no exception.” Kiss’ new 40-date North American tour with Motley Crue kicks off in Bristow, Va., on July 20, with each band playing a 90-minute set. Announced tour dates are below. This is the first time that Kiss and Motley Crue, who boast combined album sales of almost 200 million, will share a stage since 1982. And for all of the fun they have, Kiss also gives back: A dollar from every ticket is donated to the Wounded Warrior Care project, “an organization that rehabilitates and helps veterans get back into society after serving overseas,” Stanley said.
It was instead comic books, and they're tying into Simmons' latest goal in the realm of popular culture: "I just want to be Stan Lee," says the Kiss bass player. "With more hair." A regular at Comic-Con over the years, Simmons comes to San Diego later this week with a three-pronged attack: He'll be there promoting IDW's Kiss comic series, a second helping of an Archie/Kiss crossover and the relaunching of his Simmons Comics Group with Arcana Comics. The 62-year-old rock icon was raised a geek after emigrating from Israel to New York City when he was 8, so at Comic-Con, he's in good company. "In simple terms, we've won," Simmons says. "When I was growing up, they used to make fun of us: 'Oh, that comic-book funny-animal stuff.' Really? Comic books have surpassed almost all other forms of literature because superheroes have taken the place of cowboys as the great mythic American character. "They have secret identities and individual problems — no different than the Greek gods who were vain and jealous and fought with each other. The Greeks had their gods, and we have our comic books." Only 200 copies of his new Simmons Comics Anthology book will be sold at Comic-Con, but he'll be on hand to debut exclusive art and talk to fans about the three properties that are the beginning of his comic-book universe. There's Zipper, starring a leather-clad reluctant hero and "misplaced bit-of-Jell-O-like-consistency alien" who finds himself on Earth after running from an enemy. "He's got a strange fascination with humanity," Simmons says. Another major title is Dominatrix, with a heroine who "works hard for the money and deals pleasure and pain," according to Simmons, in an action-packed story involving secret government organizations and super-soldiers. "She just happens to be hot and bothered." (She also meets — and throws down with — Zipper in a tale in the anthology.) The third is Gene Simmons House of Horrors, an anthology series itself that uses different artists and writers for Twilight Zone-esque stories. "Behind it all, of course, is the eternal, powerful and attractive visage of Gene Simmons looking on," he says. Issues of each title will be released every two months, but comics are just the start — Simmons also has big plans for licensing and merchandising with his characters. (This is, after all, the guy who co-branded Kiss with Hello Kitty in 90 countries and the man behind the Kiss coffin.) "It's never enough for me just to have a thing in my mind," he says. "I want to hold it, play with it. It becomes part of your everyday life, the bobblehead you keep on your office table and all that other fun stuff. "Plus, if you're a big fan of a character or a superhero, you want to wear the T-shirt and proudly arch your back and say, 'Yeaaah. That's the real me inside.' " Not only does Simmons want to use the best writers and artists in the industry to translate his creations — he writes the overall origin stories for each — but he says he wants to spur the imagination of the next generation of comic geeks who pick up my books, just like what happened to him in the 1960s buying first issues of Fantastic Four and The Incredible Hulk. "When I came to America, I couldn't speak a word of English," Simmons says. "The great thing about all those comics was they weren't just stories. Somehow at that young age you get connected to it and it impacts you and empowers." He most connected with Spider-Man. Like the teenage kid under the mask, Peter Parker, Simmons grew up in Queens and had similar insecurities. "Intrinsically, the idea behind Spider-Man, if you will, is a pimple-faced kid, not too good looking, not too popular with the girls, the cops don't like him, the bad guys don't like him and he always feels alone," Simmons says. "That's what I felt like — I felt alone and disenfranchised." That all changed by the time he became the makeup-clad "Demon" rock god of Kiss, but when the rock band had its own Marvel comic released in 1977, it was a different kind of thrill for Simmons than having an army of music fans cheering for him. "It's one thing reading Fantastic Four comics and seeing Doctor Doom, the malevolence, the scientific genius. It's another thing to become a superhero myself and fight Doctor Doom and meet Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four, and I did!" says Simmons, who will be on the road again with Kiss this summer for a tour beginning July 20. The lives of his clan — including wife Shannon Tweed, 23-year-old son Nick and daughter Sophie, 20 — are taped for the A&E reality series Gene Simmons Family Jewels, but off-camera his son is a big fan of Japanese manga and Simmons himself mixes a little bit of old and new in his comics-reading. Simmons has long fostered an interest in sci-fi, fantasy, horror and superheroes with secret identities in the stuff he reads as well as creates, but so has mankind from its very beginnings. Before reality, he says, we all imagined. "Even in mythology — Greek, Roman, Norse — we're all fascinated by things that can defy gravity and people who can walk on water," Simmons explains. "The idea of fantasy, the what-ifs, the what-could-be, that's been intrinsic in our DNA ever since we crawled out of the ooze we were created in and first looked up at the heavens and started howling at the moon thinking it was some bright orb in the sky. "The real stories that have yet to be written are the ones where people fall asleep and they dream. Those are some good stories."
But the patriarch of A&E's "Gene Simmons' Family Jewels" is also arguably one of the most iconic rock stars of his generation (and by that I mean if you were born in the '70s), and, unlike some other high-profile artists, he's a pretty shrewd businessman to boot. With a career spanning more than 40 years and multiple hit records to his credit, his secret for success is simple. "Don't allow that guy - the drug user and the alcoholic - to be in your band," he said. "Get rid of that cancer early on because they will be like vampires." Simmons recently sat down with CNN and revealed that despite his larger-than-life stage persona, he's never been drunk or high in his life. "It's what I sold. Big, bad," Simmons said. "Going up on stage and turning it on ...and then when the show's over and we finish blowing up Earth, you've got to get off the stage and become a father, a man, ethical and responsible." His aversion to drugs and alcohol was a personal decision he made out of respect for his mother, who survived a concentration camp during World War II. "Our entire family was killed off in the gas chambers of Nazi Germany. There is nothing that I would do ever to break my mother's heart." Simmons' relationship with his father is different. The elder Simmons left the family when Gene was six, and growing up poor in Israel he "had the sense that nobody cared," he recalled in an emotional interview. Simmons broke down on camera describing the time he received a care package, not knowing who it was from. "[A]ll of a sudden I had the idea that somebody cared," the rocker said. It was that moment that would then drive the rest of his life. "I don't wait for the calendar to figure out when I should live life," Simmons said. "My mother told me so. She said, 'Treat everyday as if it's the only day you'll ever have.' You can't go through life and leave things the way they are. We can all make a difference, and if I die today, I know I made a difference." A difference indeed. As Simmons quips, more people today "know what KISS looks like than the faces on Mount Rushmore."
A two-and-a-half-minute video report on last night's concert from the Associated Press can be seen here.
The band's setlist was as follows: Encore: "Hell Or Hallelujah" comes off KISS' 20th studio album, "Monster", which is scheduled for release in October through Universal Music Enterprises. KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley calls the track, "a battle cry that encapsulates the entire record...one way or another, we're going to do it our way." Described in a press release as a "12-track, straight-ahead rock 'n' roll album," "Monster" features collaborations among all four members — including co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer — in an album that shows the band at the top of its game. And that's saying something, considering their illustrious, 40-plus year history — 28 U.S. gold albums, the most gold records for any American rock band, 40 million sales in the U.S., and a total exceeding 100 million worldwide. "Monster" is the group's first studio album since the band's 2009 smash success, "Sonic Boom", and was also produced by Paul Stanley with Greg Collins at Conway Studios in Hollywood, California, and The Nook in Studio City, California. "Monster" represents KISS' nod to the music that first inspired them to pick up their guitars and flame-throwers and don makeup to entertain millions. The group goes back to their own beginnings with THE WHO-like "Freak", while Gene lives up to the title track's declaration on the raucous rock of "Back To The Stone Age" and the bludgeoning "The Devil is Me". Even guitarist Thayer takes a turn on his own with "Outta This World". a tribute to his KISS "spaceman" character, while drummer Singer provides the vocals (and the back story) for the arena anthem "All For The Love Of Rock & Roll". "There are no symphony orchestras, boy choirs, keyboards, outside producers or songwriters on this album," promises Gene Simmons. "The best thing we did was to turn inwards to ourselves. Tommy and Eric have revitalized this band, with a work ethic and the talent to back it up. This is a real band effort. KISS has become a behemoth. We're going where no bands have gone before." "Hell Or Hallelujah" live performance: Video.
Ken Kelly's original version of the album cover for "Destroyer" was rejected by the record company because they felt the scene was too violent-looking. Also, the original version had the members of KISS wearing the "Alive" costumes. Released in March 1976, "Destroyer" was the second consecutive KISS album to reach the Top 20 in the U.S. The LP was certified gold by the RIAA on April 22, 1976. It was certified platinum on November 11, 1976, the first KISS album to achieve that distinction.
KISS's 20th studio album, "Monster", is set for release in October through Universal Music Enterprises. The 12-track, straight-ahead rock 'n' roll album features collaborations among all four members — including co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer — in an album that shows the band at the top of its game. And that's saying something, considering their illustrious, 40-plus year history — 28 U.S. gold albums, the most gold records for any American rock band, 40 million sales in the U.S., and a total exceeding 100 million worldwide.
The limited-edition book — which stands at three feet tall and two and half feet wide — is a retrospective featuring all the different eras of KISS in makeup, starting in the early years and continuing on to present day. "A band that is bigger than life deserves a book that’s bigger than life," stated KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley. "You could call it a coffee table book, but if you put legs on it, it is a coffee table." Only 1,000 copies of "KISS Monster" are being made available, priced at $4,250 from KissMonsterBook.com. "It's not a cheap book because it is hand bound, handput together. It's the Rolls-Royce of books," said KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons. Every signature page is signed by KISS members Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer. The signature page has a personal message from KISS to their fans. According to a press release, "KISS Monster" book is "page after page of glorious, unseen, giant photographs, stunningly reproduced and hand-bound into the largest rock book ever published. Prepare for a larger-than-life journey through 40 years of KISS, the greatest rock band in history! The latest photographic reproduction techniques and high density printing has enabled us to faithfully reproduce the ultimate KISS experience for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. This book is like nothing you have ever experienced!" Video1, Video2.
The band — Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer— was in London on Tuesday to launch its new retrospective book, "KISS Monster," and to hold a news conference. The limited edition book — which is three feet (1 meter) tall — features unseen photographs from the band's 40-year career. "A band that is bigger than life deserves a book that's bigger than life. You could call it a coffee table book, but if you put legs on it, it is a coffee table," joked Stanley. Only 1,000 copies of "KISS Monster" will be on sale and each one will be signed by the band. It will retail at a staggering >2,742 ($4,299). "It's not a cheap book because it is hand bound, hand put together. It's the Rolls-Royce of books," said Simmons. "KISS Monster" is now on sale in the U.K.
The rocker and his bandmates have built their career on their huge personalities, shocking make-up and elaborate stage shows, and Paul thinks bands who dress in regular clothes and don't make an effort 'doesn't deserve your money'. The singer-and-guitarist exclusively told BANG Showbiz: 'The notion of a rock star looking like your neighbour doesn't deserve your money. Whether its music or movies, people want something larger than life. Why aren't there more around now? Maybe because it's not that easy, it's a craft.' Despite there being a huge emphasis from the band - which also includes Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer - on their image, Paul is adamant their music is always his number one priority. He said: 'Ultimately it's got to be about the music, all my heroes when I was small were preaching rock 'n' roll. It was like church, and I'm glad to be up there with a spectacle, but when I saw Humble Pie, Derek and The Dominoes, Led Zeppelin, they were all about the songs. 'We may have taken it over the top and turned it into something else, but at the heart and soul of it, we're a rock 'n' roll band and we understand the concept of writing a song, not an exercise in j***ing off. 'A song should be, by the second chorus, familiar enough that you can sing along.' Paul was speaking at a preview of the new KISS Monster Book, a huge three foot by two foot tome which features full colour photos from the band's 40 year history, and is limited to 1,000 copies worldwide. For more information, visit KissMonsterBook.com. Kiss also release new single 'Hell or Hallelujah' this week and play the Forum, in London, on Wednesday (04.07.12) to raise funds for Help For Heroes.
KISSOnline has been receiving fan report for all that the debut single from MONSTER is topping charts everywhere internationally! The single will be available in North America tomorrow. Early reviews: Called "Hell or Hallelujah", the song flashes back to classic tracks like 1976's awesomely trashy "Makin' Love", with more than a dash of their speedier 80's output. - Fangoria Magazine A tantalizingly raw opening riff straight out of Paul Stanley‘s ‘I Stole Your Love’ playbook kicks off ‘Hell or Hallelujah,’ the new single from Kiss. - Classic Rock
Saturday night Kiss was the last band on the final night of Kollen Sommerfestival. This was one of two concerts the band is doing in Europe this summer. Then, they're off touring the United States with Mötley Crüe. There are several reasons why Norway and London were the only stopovers in Europe. "That's because you are special, we just had to play in Oslo," laughed Tommy Thayer. "No, it is a combination of several factors. Originally we were going to play at Sonisphere, but it was for some reason canceled. But then we had a partial event in London that were already planned, and we also got a surprise offer to play at this festival. So a lot was about the timing." Fans who met up at Sommefestival did not hear the new single "Hell Or Hallelujah", which is the first track from the upcoming album, Monster, even though the single is being released next Monday. "The main reason we came here was to make preparations for the upcoming single release in London, so we're going to play it when we get there. We can't play it until it is actually released on Monday," explained Eric Singer. "There is some sense to that," Thayer added. "We don't want the new track's premiere to be from some cheap recording on YouTube." Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer have different backgrounds for becoming a part of Kiss, where Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons are the only remaining original members. The two have had their lives turned on their heads after they were included in the traveling circus. Eric Singer feels lucky that ended up in Kiss. "Everything in life is to some extent influenced by it, but I feel very fortunate and lucky. I've been in the music industry for many years. I am 54 years old and I am sure that Tommy agrees with this -- we see a lot of friends that we started playing around the same time years ago, who are trying to do the same thing for a living, but never get the chance to play in a band. We have worked hard to get where we are today, but feel fortunate to have had this opportunity." "Playing in Kiss, one of the world's most famous bands, feels in many ways like having found 'the Holy Grail,'" says Tommy. "But we are not here only because we have had good luck." "We are here because we're successful, and we deserved it," Singer added. "It's easy for some people in the audience to say 'That's where I could be too", or "that's easy, I'm as good as him." It's easy to be a 'back seat driver' and believe that, but there is no way that anyone can do this. This is about so much more than the ability to play the notes. There is much more to being in a band and be a professional musician at this level." - Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons have said that the chemistry in the band is very good, and that is also a big part of the reason why KISS made a new album two years ago that got so many good reviews. For many years said they (Paul and Gene) that we weren't going to record some new music. But our tour in Europe in 2008 went so well. So when we came back, Paul and Gene said that 'this band is really amazing, so perhaps we should record a new album.' So it was actually pretty fast and out of the blue, "said Thayer. -So you guys just did it? -"Yes, they [Paul and Gene] decided it They are the people who make those decisions." Eric Singer breaks in and tells of a saying he thinks is important in this context. "I have a saying hanging on my fridge at home – I've had it there for many years. It is by John Lennon and says; 'Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans.' It is one of the very best quotes, and I try to always have it with me. For life is not always as you intended. And I think that also applies to Kiss. The band had a particular course, possibly on its way towards the end. But the chemistry and dynamic of the band changed and it caused another change. And that change created new music and creativity. Without the changes you would probably not have seen KISS turn around the way it has today," said Eric Singer. - When Sonic Boom came two years ago, many people realized that Kiss still could make a good album. Many believe it's the best collection of songs the band has recorded since the late 70 's or early 80 's. "Sonic Boom was in many ways a kind of experiment.We recorded an album together, and together they found out how it was going to work," explains Thayer. "The vision was to create a classic Kiss album, and we did, and I think we did well," he added, giving fans insight as to how the next album "Monster," is going to be. "On this album we take it to a whole new level, and here I think you'll discover that we really have got wind under the wings. I think people are going to be surprised at what they hear."
The band's setlist was as follows: Encore: KISS's 20th studio album, "Monster", is set for release in October through Universal Music Enterprises. The 12-track, straight-ahead rock 'n' roll album features collaborations among all four members — including co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer — in an album that shows the band at the top of its game. And that's saying something, considering their illustrious, 40-plus year history — 28 U.S. gold albums, the most gold records for any American rock band, 40 million sales in the U.S., and a total exceeding 100 million worldwide. Legendary Band’s 20th Studio Album, first single “Hell or Hallelujah” available July 3 “The music is all hard-edged — they call it "thunderock" — and throughout their electrical storm solid craftsmanship prevails.” – Rolling Stone, 1978 “Nice to hear some things never change.” Spin, 2009 “We’re a real, flesh-and-blood rock and roll band with people who’ve spent 40 years doing what we believe in.” – Paul Stanley, 2012 Rock legends KISS return with Monster, the 20th studio album in their historic career, set for release in October through Universal Music Enterprises. The 12-track, straight-ahead rock ‘n’ roll album features collaborations among all four members—including co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer—in an album that shows the band at the top of its game. And that’s saying something, considering their illustrious, 40-plus year history—28 U.S. gold albums, the most gold records for any American rock band, 40 million sales in the U.S., and a total exceeding 100 million worldwide. BIGGEST BAND IN AMERICA – KISS - TO UNLEASH A MONSTER IN OCTOBER Legendary Band’s 20th Studio Album, first single "Hell or Hallelujah" available July 2 Internationally and July 3 in North America "The music is all hard-edged — they call it "thunderock" — and throughout their electrical storm solid craftsmanship prevails." – Rolling Stone, 1978 "Nice to hear some things never change." Spin, 2009 "We’re a real, flesh-and-blood rock and roll band with people who’ve spent 40 years doing what we believe in." – Paul Stanley, 2012 Rock legends KISS return with Monster, the 20th studio album in their historic career, set for release in October through Universal Music Enterprises. The 12-track, straight-ahead rock 'n' roll album features collaborations among all four members—including co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer—in an album that shows the band at the top of its game. And that’s saying something, considering their illustrious, 40-plus year history—28 U.S. gold albums, the most gold records for any American rock band, 40 million sales in the U.S., and a total exceeding 100 million worldwide. Monster is the group’s first studio album since the band’s 2009 smash success, Sonic Boom, and was also produced by Paul Stanley with Greg Collins at Conway Studios in Hollywood, CA, and The Nook in Studio City, CA. The band's first single, the full-throttle, autobiographical rocker "Hell or Hallelujah," will be available digitally on Monday, July 2, internationally, and on Tuesday, July 3, in North America. Stanley calls the album’s lead track, "a battle cry that encapsulates the entire record...one way or another, we’re going to do it our way." Monster represents KISS’ nod to the music that first inspired them to pick up their guitars and flame-throwers and don makeup to entertain millions. The group goes back to their own beginnings with the Who-like “Freak,” while Gene lives up to the title track’s declaration on the raucous rock of “Back to the Stone Age” and the bludgeoning “The Devil is Me.” Even guitarist Thayer takes a turn on his own with “Outta This World,” a tribute to his KISS “spaceman” character, while drummer Singer provides the vocals (and the back story) for the arena anthem “All for the Love of Rock & Roll.” “There are no symphony orchestras, boy choirs, keyboards, outside producers or songwriters on this album,” promises Gene Simmons. “The best thing we did was to turn inwards to ourselves. Tommy and Eric have revitalized this band, with a work ethic and the talent to back it up. This is a real band effort. KISS has become a behemoth. We’re going where no bands have gone before.” On July 4, the day after "Hell or Hallelujah" hits digital retail in North America, KISS crosses the ocean for its very own Tea Party, performing an Independence Day show at The Forum in London, a holiday most certainly not celebrated in the U.K., though this show might just offer some reparation for that bitter defeat in 1776. The concert will serve as a benefit for the British "Help for Heroes" organization, which raises money for its wounded, sick and injured troops. The band owes its own debt of gratitude to the English, admitting that Monster is influenced by the country’s great, legendary rock groups who influenced and inspired them to pick up their instruments in the first place. “We’re all Anglophiles in this band,” says Simmons. “America may have invented rock and roll, but England knew what to do with it. They gave us the Beatles, the Stones, Led Zeppelin and the Who.” Timed to coincide with the release of the Monster album is the deluxe coffee table, limited edition KISS MONSTER, a collection of artworks, 126 photos from the band’s 40-year career, including never-before-seen images from the world’s greatest rock photographers. The three-foot high, two and a half feet wide and two-inch thick Monster will be available in copies signed by all four band members and limited to only 1,000 copies worldwide. More info at www.kissmonsterbook.com.
Hall of Fame broadcaster Bill Schonely, who tagged Portland with the nickname “Rip City” in 1971, will lead a host of Portland Trail Blazers and other celebrities in the tournament, which benefits Pacific’s 21-sport NCAA Division III athletics program. Schonely, who will receive the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s Curt Gowdy Award in September, leads a list of fan favorites who are lending their support to the Legends Classic. Joining “The Schonz” are Bobby Gross, a starter on the Blazers’ 1977 NBA championship team, Jerome Kersey and Brian Grant. This year’s Legends Classic combines a number of new names with familiar favorites. The tournament field includes return visits by professional golfers Shaun Micheel, Brian Henninger, Notah Begay III, Tommy Masters, Paige Mackenzie and Perry Swenson. Legendary NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine returns as does former Oregon head football coach and current ESPN analyst Mike Bellotti as well as two-time MLB All-Star, Richie Sexson. Among those from the world of music returning to support the Legends Classic include the original lead guitarist for the Eagles, Don Felder; the original drummer of Chicago, Danny Seraphine; Night Ranger frontman Jack Blades, Robby Krieger of The Doors and the legendary manager of KISS, Doc McGhee. Joining Legends for the first time is country musician and comedian Gary Mule Deer. Tournament spots are filling up quickly as the Pacific University Legends Golf Classic has become one of the top celebrity golf events in the Pacific Northwest. The Legends Classic opens on Sunday, July 29 with a dinner that includes both silent and live auctions and features memorabilia from the music and sports world, trips and special concert opportunities. The evening concludes with a concert by Tommy Thayer and friends, featuring Jack Blades and many of the musicians playing in the tournament. The event continues the following day, Monday, July 30 with a putting contest, a professional golf clinic and an 18-hole tournament on one of the premier courses in the Northwest. In its first five years, the Legends Classic has raised more than $500,000 for Pacific University’s 21-sport NCAA Division III athletics program. Funds from the tournament have helped fund facilities upgrades, enhanced operating budgets for sports programs and aided in the return of Pacific’s football program. To reserve a place at the Pacific University Legends Classic and for more information, including celebrity biographies and sponsorship details, visit pacificlegendsgolf.com.
A brief clip of the song turned up over the weekend on the U.K. version of Amazon. In the snippet, ‘Hell or Hallelujah’ is shown to be the typical rock anthem we’ve come to expect from the band. Singer Paul Stanley belts, “I paid the price to have my way / Cause I can’t change the rules / Yeah / Sing it / Lay down / I’m looking through you / Stay down / You’ve got what you should / All that you ever would / If that’s good.” ‘Monster’ was recently pushed from a reported summer release date to a still-to-be-determined October unveiling, but the single is expected to be released the first week in July. The group will hit the road this summer, sharing stages with Motley Crue on what the two bands are calling simply, “The Tour.” The trek begins July 20.
"Hell Or Hallelujah" comes off KISS' new album, "Monster", which is scheduled for a fall release. The CD was again produced by the Stanley and is, in KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons' words, "either the best or one of the top three records we've ever done. It's like 'Revenge' meets 'Destroyer' — just guitar and drums, nothing else. No keyboards, no little boys' choir, no strings, no nothing. Band-written; literally we'd get in and strum guitars like the old days." The album "was written very fast," according to Simmons and includes one track, "Are You Ready?", that he describes as, "an old song that was torn apart and re-written." Other songtitles set to appear on the CD include "It's A Long Way Down", "Back To The Stone Age", "Shout Mercy", "Out Of This World" and "Wall Of Sound". "I wasn't interested in making an album unless I was in charge and no one agreed to it half-heartedly," Stanley told Classic Rock magazine. "The band's all there, all the time, and we cut the tracks all facing each other in the same room. Chemistry and camaraderie, that's essential. That's what made [2009's] 'Sonic Boom' so great, and this album is thunderously better." "Monster" will be accompanied by a "monstrous book" of the same name, an over-sized art book that Simmons told Billboard magazine "should weigh 100 pounds or more" and come with its own stand. "It's something you can't put on your coffee table, 'cause it'll crush it. It IS the coffee table."
The KISS Monster book features all the different eras of KISS live, from the early years to the present day. - Three feet tall and two and half feet wide! As tall as a guitar! - Each book is carefully handmade in Italy, choose from one of 10 country flags, the sleek and stylish KISS Monster logo edition or the classic KISS Army cover. - Every signature page is signed by Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer. - Signature page has a personal message from KISS to their fans. Includes photographs that have never been seen before. Put on your favorite KISS songs, turn up the volume and prepare yourself for the ultimate rock book experience. Page after page of glorious, unseen, giant photographs, stunningly reproduced and hand-bound into the largest rock book ever published. Prepare for a larger-than-life journey through 40 years of KISS, the greatest rock band in history! The latest photographic reproduction techniques and high density printing has enabled us to faithfully reproduce the ultimate KISS experience for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. This book is like nothing you have ever experienced! - KISS have limited the number of books to just 1,000 copies. Be one of the lucky few to own one, but order quickly before they sell out! AMAZING PHOTOS Every single image in this book is beautiful and unique, and each one has been carefully chosen by the band to give you the full ‘KISS live’ experience. COLLECTORS ITEM You have to see this book to believe it! Don’t miss out on your chance to own this amazing collector’s item. It’s an investment. It’s a fan’s dream. It’s KISS close-up and personal. Buy it today because tomorrow it may be too late! YOU MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO PICK IT UP! BUT IF YOU CAN, YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN! Anyone who has experienced a KISS performance knows the bigger, louder and heavier, the better!! And just like the performance, the epic scale of KISS Monster really has to be seen to be believed. The sheer size of the images the book contains means that the level of detail, vibrancy and intimacy is incredible, bringing the KISS experience alive! Some of the close-up photographs are, quite literally, larger than life! this is the closest any fan could ever get to their heroes without an access-all-areas pass. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE KISS MONSTER BOOK NOW!
The album’s release marked a pair of turning points for the band. It was the last record to feature their original lineup — Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss and Ace Frehley — performing together on every song. (In 1998, the foursome released a reunion album entitled ‘Psycho Circus,’ but it is widely reported that outside musicians joined Stanley and Simmons for much of that project.) ‘Love Gun’ was also released at the high-point of the band’s commercial success. KISS were without question the hottest band in the land at the time, with arena shows selling out across the country and mountains of records and merchandise flying off store shelves. Seeing as how ‘Love Gun’ was their fifth studio LP in just three years — not to mention the near-constant touring the group had been doing since forming in 1973 — it’s hard to say they didn’t work hard to earn that position. By 1977, they were ready to reap the rewards. As Stanley explains in the band’s official biography ‘Behind the Mask,’ “I had fun making ‘Love Gun’ because I was feeling my oats. I had a very clear vision of what I wanted to do and in some ways what KISS was going to do… I’d give that four and a half, five stars. I’m proud of the record.” Recorded in just three weeks with production help from the legendary Eddie Kramer, who had worked with the band on their breakthrough 1975 ‘Alive’ double-live concert album, ‘Love Gun”s drum-heavy title song (rat-a-tat-tat, rat-a-tat-tat!) became an instant classic, and has been performed at nearly every KISS concert since its release. The piano-tinged ‘Christine Sixteen‘ and the blistering album opener ‘I Stole Your Love‘ have also endured in fan’s hearts and on the group’s setlists. (The downright nasty Simmons tune ‘Almost Human‘ has always been one of our personal favorites, not that anybody asked.) ‘Love Gun’ was the first KISS album to feature all four members on lead vocals, with Criss signing of his younger trouble-making days in ‘Hooligan‘ and Ace Frehley turning in one of his career highlights with ‘Shock Me.’ Inspired by an accidental and scary on-stage electrocution, the guitarist wrote the track and then gave into his bandmates’ positive peer pressure to take the lead, although he was reportedly so nervous he sang the track lying flat on his back in the studio. Looking back, the only sour note Stanley sees on the record is the gender-switched, album-ending cover of the Crystals’ 1963 smash ‘Then He Kissed Me.’ “Some things in retrospect just don’t work. That’s a great song and it needs to get redone like ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand‘ needs to get redone. It’s a song you don’t mess with.’ ‘Love Gun’ was a smash hit immediately upon release, racing up to No. 4 on the Billboard charts and selling over a million copies. But cracks were forming within the band. Criss and Frehley were eager for more creative freedom, and Stanley and Simmons were growing tired of the hard-partying duo’s unreliable ways. The very next year, these internal squabbles would result in each of the KISS members recording solo albums under the band’s brand name. Between those four simultaneously-released projects, the band’s second live album (‘Alive II’), and their first-ever best-of collection, ‘Double Platinum,’ it could easily be argued that KISS over-saturated the market prior to the release of their next group album, 1979's ‘Dynasty,’ which, as discussed here, is widely regarded as the beginning of the group’s most challenging era.
A KISS magazine made by KISS fans for KISS fans, this glossy, 72 page collector’s magazine features dozens of rare, new and never before published photographs as well as brand new interviews with KISS members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, wherein they muse on the past, reflect on the present and look to what lies in store for “the hottest band in the world” on the cusp of the release of MONSTER, the band’s 20th studio album. Filled with blood, spectacle, fire, passion, insight and affection, KISS: MONSTER – THE OFFICIAL ALBUM AND TOUR MAGAZINE is a souvenir no KISS fan will want to be without. Sources close to "X-Factor" tell TMZ ... Sophie Simmons showed up at the San Francisco auditions today ... saying she wanted a "fair shot" and telling the judges, "This isn't about my dad. This is about my audition." Of course ... her famous father was in attendance, but we're told he almost didn't make it. Sources say the KISS front man got a surprise call from his 19-year-old daughter the night before ... saying she couldn't come home for Father's Day because she was trying her hand at the talent competition. We're told Gene decided to hop on a private jet and made it just in time to see his daughter belt out some tunes. We'll find out soon if the apple falls far from the tree.
Cusano previously argued that his royalty payments were protected from garnishment. Vincent, whose real name is Vincent Cusano, played with KISS from 1982 to 1984, co-writing "I Love it Loud", "Lick it Up" and other songs. Back in October 2006, Vincent lost a Supreme Court appeal in a dispute over royalties with his former KISS bandmates and awarded the KISS defendants about $66,400 in attorney's fees and $15,400 in costs. Justices declined to consider lower court rulings dismissing Vincent's claim that he is owed royalties for his contributions to the band's 1983 album "Lick It Up".
Rock Legends KISS are rolling out into London in July and taking over the UK with not just a single release, but also a book release and an intimate show at London’s Forum on July 4th. Gene, Paul, Tommy and Eric will be performing to their KISS Army of fans at the celebrated London venue for one night only as a fundraiser for the Help for Heroes charity. The band has always supported the US troops at their gigs over the years but this year, on Independence Day, the US rockers will be backing our wounded, sick and injured servicemen and women by raising money with this unique concert. All proceeds from the concert will go to the charity. Ahead of the new KISS album ‘Monster’ (due out in the Autumn), the band will also be releasing a single on 2nd July. Also, KISS are happy to announce that they will further be raising funds for our wounded, sick and injured troops as all proceeds from the single will be donated to Help for Heroes. Paul Stanley states "The greatest national treasure of any free country is the army that defends it at all cost. Bringing attention to the obligation we all share to those returning heroes has been our mission in the US and now the UK. We pay tribute to those brave men and women and urge everyone to show their thanks with donations". Bryn Parry CEO and Co-founder of Help for Heroes, “We are absolutely delighted to have the support from KISS and are certain the concert will be a huge success! The money raised will be used to provide direct, practical support to those wounded in the service of our country. We have already spent or allocated £millions and we have a shopping list of future projects that will ensure they get the very best. We may not be able to prevent them from being hurt but we can certainly do our bit to help them get better.” When the world’s most visual band release anything, EVERYONE notices. And the launch of their latest book is no different! KISS MONSTER is a collection of artworks, 126 photos from the band’s 40-year career including never-before-seen images from the world’s greatest rock photographers. Not known to do things by halves, KISS MONSTER really is a beast of a book at approximately 3ft high, by 2.5 ft wide and 2 inches thick. HUGE in fact! It weighs approximately 4 stone. A must for fans of the band, KISS MONSTER will be available fully signed by all 4 band members and limited to only 1,000 copies worldwide. Experience KISS in their natural environment, up close and alive on stage with KISS at The Forum, performing the single from their upcoming album “Monster” and get the KISS Monster Book. ABOUT HELP FOR HEROES • Thanks to the fantastic British public, Help for Heroes (H4H) has raised over £130m since its launch in October 2007. All funds raised to date are either allocated or spent on the direct, practical support of those Servicemen and women who are wounded, injured or become sick while serving our country. • H4H has funded a variety of projects including the £8.5m Rehabilitation Complex at Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court, a new £3.5m treatment centre for Combat Stress, adaptive adventure training through the Battle Back programme and the creation of a £6m Quick Reaction Fund to support individuals in need.
Collaboration Kicks Off Co-branding Strategy That Will Pair Animated Franchise With Other Iconic Names On their own, FAMILY GUY and KISS are two of the most recognizable names in entertainment. Today, Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products and KISS are proud to announce an upcoming co-branded FAMILY GUY/KISS product line that will hit shelves this coming fall. Moving forward, Fox Consumer Products and Kiss will look to create a line of co-branded merchandise inspired by other prominent guests from the show. The FAMILY GUY/KISS line is an organic collaboration that taps into the band’s references within the show. So far, KISS has appeared three times on the series, providing viewers with insightful and hilarious nuggets that include Peter Griffin’s love for the band and the fact that Lois Griffin once dated KISS' bass playing Demon, Gene Simmons before he became famous. To support the program, Fox Consumer Products and Live Nation Merchandise, Kisses' licensing agent, will be looking for partners in the following categories: vinyl figures, bobble heads, apparel, plush, novelty,barware, social expressions and fine art. According to KISS' lead singer/guitarist and co-founder Paul Stanley; "With KISS merchandise, endorsements and co-branding heading to the billion dollar mark we are focusing more and more on the upper tier, blue chip opportunities for prestige partnerships. Family Guy's track record and consistent success with it's demographic makes this match up ideal." "Lois, our night together is a memory I will cherish."said Gene Simmons “KISS and FAMILY GUY coming together for a line of products is a great mash-up of two iconic brands that speaks directly to fans who will be able to enjoy something a little different and special with what we have in store,” said Jeffrey Godsick, president of Fox Consumer Products. "Kiss is the leading concert artist brand with a huge and growing base of licensed product worldwide. The ever increasing Kiss Army legion of fans are the most loyal in the music industry. Kiss loves Family Guy and are very excited to be in partnerships with Fox Consumer products", said Doc McGhee, Kisses' longtime manager, who brokered the deal. Outside of co-branding efforts, Fox Consumer Products is developing character collections based on Stewie, Brian, Peter and Quagmire, while expanding into new product categories. One new area includes pet products. A deal with Fetch…for pets!, already in place, will introduce a full range of pet toys, clothing, collars, leads, bowls and even backgrounds and accessories for fish and reptile tanks starting in 2013. The FAMILY GUY brand will also continue to forge into the interactive space. A recent agreement with Activision Publishing Inc. for FAMILY GUY: Back to the Multiverse will offer fans an unforgettable, interactive third-person action experience inspired by one of the series’ most popular episodes. Family Guy Online was alsorecently launched, providing fans with a fully interactive version of Quahogfor the first time. Family Guy Online allows users to create new characters, interact with the Griffin family, quest through adventures based on episodes from the show, and more. FAMILY GUY is one of the most-watched and influential shows of the last decade, reaching over 33.5 million viewers weekly in the U.S., and is the number two TV show on Facebook with more than 45 million ‘likes’. In the U.S., the series is the number one TV franchise on DVD with more than 25 million copies sold.
According to Gene Simmons, we’ll be able to get our hands on the 35th anniversary edition ‘Destroyer’ reissue very soon. He says that it will be “coming out shortly, this summer.” 36 years after the release of ‘Destroyer,’ it’s easy to understand why Simmons considers the album “a very pivotal record for us.” It marked an important point in “Kisstory,” with the band learning a new process of making music. Producer Bob Ezrin wanted to take the band back to their roots and have them really focus on the formatics of being a band, telling them “we’re going to learn how to tune our guitars and talk about song structure.” As Simmons told Ultimate Classic Rock, it was a different path than the one they had taken on their first three studio albums. “When we first started out, you know, we basically dove into the deep end of the pool and [said] ‘let’s see if we can swim?’ And then once you stay in the water long enough, you want to start to get some style and do the breaststroke and the backstroke and all of that stuff, because you become a better swimmer. It’s not just enough to not sink. So the sink or swim thing became ‘hey, let’s be really good swimmers.’” It was a stormy time for the group. “There was a lot of turmoil in the band at that point. That was the first record where the future troubles with Ace (Frehley) and Peter (Criss) surfaced. Peter started screaming at Bob Ezrin, ‘Don’t tell me how to play drums!’ Ezrin (was) kind of going, ‘Well, first you have to learn how to play drums then you can say don’t tell me how to play drums. You’re playing it wrong, here’s what you gotta be doing right.’” Simmons also remembers that there were times where Ace didn’t even make it to the studio. “Ace literally wouldn’t show up because he’d be in a drunken stupor at his home. It got so bad we used outside players to play solos. So when you hear ‘Destroyer’ today, not all of the lead guitars are Ace Frehley’s — some are Dick Wagner.” The deluxe edition of ‘Destroyer’ will tell the entire story of the album, according to Simmons: “You’ll hear the DNA of what it’s all about, [with] a big booklet that shows the making of [the album] and what everybody was going through.” In addition to the ‘Destroyer’ reissue, Kiss will also have new music this year, with their 20th studio album ‘Monster’ tentatively scheduled for release sometime this fall.
Paul Stanley, the founder and driving force behind the greatest band ever born on American soil, KISS, will appear live on CNN this Thursday, June 14 at 7:40 a.m. PST (10:40 a.m. EST). Stanley, one of rock’s most preeminent and iconic frontmen, will be interviewed by award-winning CNN anchor Carol Costello regarding the summer concert season and the much-anticipated “The Tour” with Motley Crue which kicks-off July 20 in Bristow, Virginia. Check your local listings for station and air times in your area.
Kiss mastermind Gene Simmons told Ultimate Classic Rock the news today (June 11), revealing the band’s 20th studio album will come out “in probably September or October.” ‘Monster’ was produced by Paul Stanley, a move that happened partially because, as Simmons says, “I don’t have the ability and the attention span anymore to do that.” Stanley, Simmons explains, has a “clear mind and time to think in those terms.” The ‘Demon’ bassist gives high marks to the production work executed by his trusted associate and says that ‘Monster’ “could be one of our top two or three records ever.” He emphasizes that the material was all written by the band collaboratively. “We sat together in the same room for the first time in decades and came up with some pretty classic stuff. You’ll hear everybody in the band singing lead.” “Everybody co-wrote the songs – that includes Eric [Singer], our drummer. It really is a band record.” Simmons says that they “may stick in a tune or two” from ‘Monster’ into the setlist for their shows this summer with Motley Crue. ‘The Tour’ will launch at the Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Va. on July 20, and both bands are promising an equally spectacular show, void of any elements of compromise, to fully satisfy both Kiss and Motley fans. We’ll have more from our conversation with Simmons in the coming days.
All indoors, the KISS: By Monster Mini Golf opened in March, featuring the band's logo and images spread across the course, a souvenir shop and a big collection of band memorabilia. There's even a "Hotter Than Hell" wedding chapel. And just inside the entrance, there's a 500-gallon fish tank containing an LED-lit KISS logo timed to flash to music. On Saturday, June 9, Animal Planet's sophomore reality series "Tanked" chronicles the creation and installation of the KISS-themed tank. Outside the mini-golf, set in a shopping plaza, there's a concert stage set up for a performance by a KISS tribute band, along with a seating area for a party in the evening. But at midday, preparations are still frantically underway to get both the tank and the mini-golf ready in time for the arrival of band members Simmons and Paul Stanley. The paint is still wet around the restroom doors, and there are lights to be hung and snacks to be stocked. Brett Raymer, one of the two brothers-in-law (the other being Wayde King) of Las Vegas-based Aquarium Tank Manufacturing, creators and builders of the custom tank, needs a little extra height to reach over the top of the tank and put in the fish, so he dons a pair of KISS platform boots. "I like KISS," he says during a lunch break with King afterward. "I grew up with them." The design of the tank was vital to the attraction, since it's just inside the door. "They want everybody to stand in front of it and take a picture," says King, who's battling some sort of flu. "That's the picture area, so they wanted it to stand out." After much waiting, phone calls and nervous anticipation -- and some drama about whether King would feel well enough to make the unveiling (he doesn't, actually, but he's there anyway) -- Simmons and Stanley arrive. They do a few takes in front of the tank, and during one, Simmons decides to rub Raymer's bald head. "I liked that," Raymer says. "That was funny. He was trying to get some good luck." The duo has chosen different fish to represent the four band members and the characters they play, led by a lionfish -- resplendent with poisonous spines -- to represent Simmons. "I am deliriously happy," says Simmons in the mini-golf's VIP room later on, where he also meets with TV host Robin Leach and representatives of the Hello Kitty brand (who have brought along a KISS-themed Hello Kitty T-shirt). "I didn't eat it," Simmons continues. "I looked at it; it looked at me. It recognized its own." Stanley isn't quite as sanguine about the clown grouper chosen to represent him. "I don't know that I would think of myself as a clown fish," he says, "but it was fine. Any way we can bring KISS into other areas and other avenues, it's great." As to whether he has a fish tank at home, Simmons says, "Yes, we do. It's called a refrigerator." He looks around for approval of the joke. "Come on, that's good!" After the big reveal, Raymer and King sit outside to discuss the experience. "I liked it," King says. "You meet celebrities ... like, KISS has been doing this their whole lives. We haven't. We're excited to see them, and we're excited to show our work to them. We love what we do, and we want to see their expression and what they think. "But they goof. They're so used to this. It's new to us." The conversation eventually turns to other musicians and what fish could represent them. For example, there's Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. "A bigmouth bass," says King. "Or a lipstick tang," says Raymer, referring to a colorful fish with bright, Rolling Stones-logo lips. "A lipstick tang?" says King. "No, that's Keith Richards." David Bowie? "Bowie's a blond Naso tang," says King, "or a unicorn tang." "Yeah," says Raymer. "I agree." Elvis? "Wow," says King, "that's a toughie. A shark. Somewhere in the shark field." The Who lead singer Roger Daltrey? "He could definitely be one of the groupers," says King. "But there are so many beautiful bands and fish, you could pick one for each of them." As for themselves, King says, "As a fish in the ocean, I'd pick me as an octopus. Brett picks himself as a clown trigger. He's always clowning around; I'm always doing eight different things." As for King's red-haired wife - and Raymer's sister - Heather, King says, "Heather would be a flame angel. She's a little red flame angel."
But Sophie, who has vocalized her strong objections to expanding the family, will pull even further away from her parents. In this week's episode (Monday at 9/8c on A&E), she runs away to the family home in Whistler, British Columbia. In this exclusive sneak peek, Shannon and Gene venture to Whistler to try to confront her about the issue, but she's hardly happy to see them: Video. Will Gene and Shannon be able to get through to Sophie? Will she change her mind on their plans to adopt? Gene Simmons Family Jewels airs Mondays at 9/8c on A&E.
George joined Sterling Sound in the summer of 1973 where he has worked on many of the industry's most influential albums, including recent Billboard chart toppers like COLDPLAY's "Parachutes", BON JOVI's "Lost Highway", THE OFFSPRING's "Rise & Fall, Rage & Grace", THREE DOORS DOWN's eponymous release and ARCTIC MONKEY's "Favourite Worst Nightmare" as well as Billboard classics, including JOURNEY's "Frontiers", CYNDI LAUPER's "She's So Unusual", eponymous releases by both KISS and THE CARS, and MÖTLEY CRÜE's "Dr. Feelgood". George started as a musician, playing rock n' roll guitar in New York City bands. His first job in the industry was as a librarian and assistant at Capitol Studios in 1967. He then apprenticed in the mastering department, helping cut rock, pop, jazz and classical albums. When Capitol shut down its New York studio, and before heading to Sterling Sound, George joined the fledgling Record Plant, eventually becoming a partner in the recording-mastering studio. There he quickly established his reputation with projects such as DON MCLEAN's "American Pie" and classic albums by the ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND and STEVIE WONDER.
The details are as follows: Jul. 06 - Indianapolis, IN - Days Of The Dead (signing) Ace VIP meet-and-greet packages will soon be offered. Stay tuned to AceFrehley.com for details.
How was it working on the new KISS album, Monster? Singer: “When we first started working, Paul wanted to get all together and flush ideas out. He wanted it to be fresh with no old riffs that somebody had worked on a previous record (that you’re just trying to re-write). Gene will write 30 or 40 ideas just to come up with four songs for the record. That’s the way he works. Gene, Tommy and I went into a demo studio a couple of times to put some ideas down and I told Gene, ‘I think you have another solo record here.’ I told him that when we have a break, we should go in and put some of these other ideas down. He’s got a couple of songs that are in the style of ‘World Without Heroes.’ They’re really good. When, Gene writes in that style it kind of reminds me of a George Harrison kind of a thing, but Paul didn’t want any slower, mellower, ballad type songs on the record. He wanted everything rock n’ roll. Understandably, he had a point of view on the style and direction of the record. So, that’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to stick to that point of view. No outside writers. No old material. All new material written by the band now. Nobody, but the band plays on the record. Nobody, but the band sings on the record. Nothing and that’s what it is.” Click here to read the full interview, celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the release of 'Revenge.'
This poster goes to prove that branding has always been important to KISS. Though Gene Simmons and company have since taken that idea to extremes, KISS has always been exceptionally clever in marketing themselves. Can you imagine a disc jockey or record store owner in a remote town opening up a promo package, finding a white label promo album that included this poster with it? This poster could have very well been the first image they saw of the band, and chances are they wanted to hear what these four boys in make-up sounded like. Mission accomplished. Due to the way it was originally shipped, the seller notes that every copy of this poster has crease marks in it — in fact, if it doesn’t, it’s likely a reproduction. This particular poster was purchased at a KISS convention in the early ‘90s and though it does have the fold lines, it’s been in a frame since that purchase date. The listing notes a few minor flaws but overall this rarity appears in very good condition. Good enough to pay $1500 for? Apparently!
The hitmaker and his band are set to kick off their summer tour with Motley Crue in July, and, in a bid to give back to retired members of the armed forces, he launched a contest to find one die-hard fan in need of work. And on Wednesday Simmons unveiled his new employee on U.S. breakfast show Today - in a bid encourage other Americans to lend a hand to struggling veterans. Introducing Paul Jordan as the winner, Simmons said, “Here’s a gentleman who’s had three tours of duty voluntarily. Paul has been in Iraq and Afghanistan three times. He’s volunteered to risk his life for you and I. He’s been wounded twice. He’s been in the U.S. Army (for) 22 years - voluntarily. If you don’t give him a round of applause now I’m gonna find out where you live.” And Jordan was elated: “(It’s a) dream come true! I’ve always wanted to be involved with KISS somehow. I mean I’ve been a fan since I was four-years-old.” Simmons signed off, adding, “Our heroes go and represent us on the field of the battle, voluntarily, and then they come back and we throw them back out: ’Here, good luck, go get a job.’ They should have guaranteed jobs... Give them a job, it’s the least you can do.”
With over $1.9 Million in prizes, KISS® Scratch & Win will rock you! Get your tickets at any lottery retailer in British Columbia now! Check out the promo clip that Paul and Gene filmed for these new scratch off tickets.
The "All Star Salute to the Oregon Military" gala raised over $400K, kicking off the two-year, $6.5 million Oregon Military Museum Capital Campaign last Friday evening May 18, at the Oregon Golf Club in West Linn, Ore. The museum will be named in honor of Retired Brigadier General James B. Thayer Sr., one of Oregon's finest military and civic leaders and father of KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer. In attendance were Honorary Co-Chairs, Oregon Governors Vic Atiyeh (1979-1987) and Ted Kulongoski (2003-2011), as well as special guests Robert Waxwell (Congressional Medal of Honor recipient), Master of Ceremonies Peter Jacobsen (PGA star), Bill Schonely (Basketball Hall of Fame), Doc McGhee (KISS manager) and Patrick Lamb (Grammy-nominated Jazz musician). The evening featured film documentaries on BG James B. Thayer Sr.'s career, and the History of the Oregon Military. A live auction that included a KISS-autographed guitar and KISS Concert package raised over $185K. The night culminated with a live performance by the Patrick Lamb Band that featured KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer joining in on several songs. Visit TommyThayer.com to view photos from the event.
Big thanks to all who participated, and to you for listening! So face front, KISS Army! It’s PodKISSt… the KISS fanzine for your ears! Listen here.
Tommy Thayer, lead guitarist for the rock band KISS and son of an Oregon war hero, is scheduled to perform at a fundraiser for the Oregon Military Museum on Friday, May 18 at the Oregon Golf Club in West Linn. His father, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) James B. Thayer, will be honored by the museum during the event. James Thayer helped save the lives of thousands of Hungarian Jewish refugees during World War II when his platoon liberated a concentration camp, and is the recipient of the Silver Star and Bronze Star. The dinner, auction and music event, which begins at 5:00 p.m., kicks off a two-year, $6.5 million capital campaign to renovate the Oregon Military Museum at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas.
KISS is a rock n’ roll band, but it is also a business and Gene Simmons is the CEO. Gene has showcased his entrepreneurial expertise through interviews with such influential publications such as Forbes and Business Week just to name a few. Below are five business quotes from Gene that translate into great advice for B2B marketing professionals looking to build or improve their current content marketing strategy. 1) “We need the people to like what we do. The more they like us, the more they will buy.” Producing quality content that adds value, solves problems, is consistent, and entertains can have a humanizing effect making your business more likeable. Likeable content translates to likeable business and of course more adoring fans that are much more likely to buy your product. 2) “The most important thing is to use the right language.” When creating content for your business, you have to understand your target audience. What topics are relevant to them and what their pain points are. Monitor the conversations that are taking place in the social world then write your content addressing hot topics and providing solutions to their problems. 3) “If you want to hit the bull’s eye you should do it with a bomb instead of a bullet.” Having a solid inbound marketing strategy behind your content is important to get the maximum reach. It allows you to canvas a much larger online presence and boosts the likelihood of your content being found. 4) “In a stadium, you know the first rows of fans have all your records.” It’s important to produce content for your close community, but it’s equally important to push the boundaries of the content to reach outside of your immediate base as well. Doing so will keep your immediate fans engaged while amplifying your messaging. 5) “You have to understand that nothing appeals to everybody.” Your content cannot be everything to everyone. This is my favorite quote and it’s incredibly relevant to content marketers. KISS has always maintained a steady fan base by giving their fans what they wanted, and knew that they would never be able to please everyone. You are inevitably going to have critics; the important thing is to not let them derail your strategy.
Fan-filmed video footage of the event can be seen below. Joining McCready in FLIGHT TO MARS are friends and fellow Seattle-area musicians Tim DiJulio (guitar), Gary Westlake (bass), Mike Musburger (drums) and Paul Passereli (vocals). FLIGHT TO MARS is currently touring in celebration of its 10th anniversary. The tour kicked off on May 14 at The Observatory in Santa Ana, California and wraps on May 23 in the band's hometown of Seattle at the Showbox at the Market. Proceeds from the tour will benefit Crohn's And Colitis Foundation Of America's Camp Oasis and Advocacy For Patients With Chronic Illness — two non-profits that McCready has supported for nearly a decade. In 2002 McCready made public his 20-year battle with Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis and has since been committed to raising awareness and funding for CCFA. "As a patient living with Crohn's and colitis, the CCFA has played a huge part in helping me get the support and information that I need," says McCready. "I'm grateful that my bandmates and friends can support and join me for a night of music and fun that will help us find a cure for these debilitating diseases." (Video)
Commented Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp founder David Fishof: "I can't think of a better way to kick off our next installment of Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp in Las Vegas with none other than rock god Gene Simmons." Simmons added: "I can't wait to reveal the secrets of becoming a rock star. Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp is a grueling, military-style musical training process. And I'm just the guy to be your sergeant. Now, drop and give me twenty." Kicking off October 10 and culminating October 14, Gene Simmons will jam with campers of all talent levels providing them a taste of what it's like to live the rock 'n' roll lifestyle and a memory that will last a lifetime. The camp will host special rock stars, including Zakk Wylde (OZZY OSBOURNE, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY), Vince Neil (MÖTLEY CRÜE), and Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW). The rock camps allow music fans a chance to jam nightly with legendary rock stars, write and record an original song and perform live on stage in front of family and friends. Campers have the option of purchasing a three-day rock star package or five-day headliner experience. Both packages will cover hotel accommodations, breakfast/lunch, daily classes and jam session, opening-night dinner and cocktail party as well as a DVD copy of the final concert performance. To celebrate the camp's culmination on October 14, campers will jam at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada during a live concert. The Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp is the world's only place where real people get the life-changing experience of meeting, writing songs, recording and performing with their musical heroes. Created by veteran music producer David Fishof to be the ultimate music-making experience, these camps provide once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for musicians of all skill levels. For more information, visit RockCamp.com.
On Friday, May 11 at 12:30 pm, Acreage / Loxahatchee Relay for Life team, “Alive n Kickin,” will be holding their annual auction to benefit The American Cancer Society. This year, they are auctioning off the first ever item from original KISS manager, Bill Aucoin’s, personal collection: a yellow “Dolce and Gabbana” leather jacket. Along with the jacket comes one of Bill’s personal KISS Alive 35 All Access Badges, a Certificate of Authenticity, (Bill’s signature is a digital copy), and an 8×10 of Bill and Gene that Bill used to sign at KISS conventions. This certificate will be personalized by Collection Administrator and longtime partner, Roman Fernandez. Also included is a personal bonus gift from the Aucoin family to be disclosed at time of auction. Auction to be held via eBay beginning May 11 and closing on May 21. Full details to be released on Friday, May 11. For any preliminary questions, please email: AlivenKickin2012@gmail.com.
"Kiss' song writing was really a big influence," Motley Crue bassist and songwriter Nikki Sixx told Fox 411. Mike Portnoy, former drummer of Dream Theater, even went as far as to say Kiss "were the Beatles for our generation." Fellow '70s face-painter Alice Cooper says Kiss remain relevant today, almost four decades after Gene Simmons first unrolled that tongue onstage, because they are "a band that proves themselves over and over again". However, despite selling over 100 million albums worldwide and accumulating 24 gold records, they have received little critical acclaim and few industry awards. Yahoo! Music reporter Billy Johnson Jr. tells FOX 411 that Kiss' over-the-top stage performances has always had some questioning their authenticity. "When you consider some of the theatrics that come along with Kiss, like spitting blood on stage, blowing fire, even the face paint, those for a lot of people are considered gimmicks." Kiss has also been overlooked thirteen times by one of rock's most elite clubs, the Rock N' Roll Hall of fame. "When you have a hard core critic who is listening to the music, comparing how well someone sings versus how well the song writing is compared to the musicianship, I think that is where some of the debate comes in, and I think a lot of the hard core rock critics feel they don't measure up to some of the other groups," said Johnson Jr. But Kiss rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist Paul Stanley could care less what these hard core critics have to say. "I don't shun from calling myself an entertainer," Stanley told us. "I'm a d**n good rock star and I'm a d**n good musician and everything else that goes along with it." Regardless of the Rock N' Roll Hall of fame's induction criteria, Kiss is continuing to build on their legacy this year with the release of the album, Monster, and a massive summer tour with Motley Crue.
You’ll also get a thorough, critical look at the full KISS discography; a preview of MONSTER written by the band; secrets behind THE TOUR; a look at the design of the new KISS costumes as well as their costumes worn through the ages; Gene and Paul remembering classic KISS albums like CREATURES OF THE NIGHT and ALIVE; in-depth retrospective of the delirious KISS TV movie KISS MEETS THE PHANTOM OF THE PARK and so much more! Edited by FANGORIA editor-in-chief (and lifelong, card-carrying KISS ARMY member) Chris Alexander, this towering salute to the ever-evolving KISS mythology is one that every self respecting KISS fan MUST have. KISS: MONSTER – The Official Album and Tour Magazine will be on newsstands EVERYWHERE late June and will be available to order through KISSONLINE.COM and FANGORIA.COM.
Commented Stanley: "Yesterday, the private memorial for Dick Clark took place, and I was there by invitation along with Erin [Stanley's wife], Gene [Simmons, KISS bassist/vocalist] and Shannon [Tweed, Gene's wife]. "Dick was a true icon who changed the world of rock and roll while making a career of using his love of music to make icons of others. "To see rock's greats spanning five decades humbled and giving thanks to this giant only underlined once again the impact this wonderful man had on so many. "Any of the current 'Idol'/'Voice'-type shows wouldn't exist without the trail that Dick Clark blazed to make them possible. He left an indelible mark on me for the irreplaceable generosity he showed KISS over the years. Always there with a word of guidance, we won't forget him. He will live on through his impact on countless aspects of American pop culture." Clark died of a heart attack in Santa Monica, California at age 82. According to The Pulse Of Radio, Clark's death came a day after being admitted for an outpatient procedure. Clark, affectionately known as "America's Oldest Teenager," is survived by his wife Kari, and his three children Richard Augustus II, Duane, and Cindy. Memorial plans have yet to be announced. Over the course of the show's 30 years, artists who performed on "American Bandstand" included the BEACH BOYS, THE DOORS, MADONNA, and literally hundreds of others. In 1964, "American Bandstand" moved to Los Angeles, where it would remain until 1989 when the show was canceled. "American Bandstand" became one of television's longest running music shows, and the first network series devoted exclusively to rock n' roll.
Stanley will be working directly with the Ortsbo team to develop and initiate Ortsbo's entre into global socialization of live event programming. The platform will allow fans at live concert venues to interact with other fans around the globe, in real-time in over 50 languages through Twitter, Facebook, Ortsbo.com and online through Ortsbo's Live & Global platform creating a social, global village at live entertainment and sports events. In addition to socialization, the program will connect global fans to exclusive sponsors, offers and merchandising opportunities partnered with Ortsbo. "We are very excited and honored to have Paul Stanley join Ortsbo. For almost 40 years, Paul has been a major influence in the entertainment industry. Together with Gene Simmons, KISS has become one of the true giants of global business with over 3,000 licensed products and continues to perform for sold out audiences and set records around the world," said David Lucatch, CEO Ortsbo / Intertainment. "Paul's entrepreneurial and artistic visions have continued to garner successes beyond the entertainment industry and we welcome the opportunity to work with him to extend Ortsbo's brand and reach into global live venue socialization." This program will also be integrated into New York City's newest major venue, The Barclay Center in Brooklyn, New York where Ortsbo is a partner. The Barclay Center is scheduled to open fall 2012. In addition to creating the world's first globally socialized live events, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS together with Ortsbo hold the Guinness World Record for the most nationalities in an online chat, having established the record in May 2011 with 88 countries participating. Since then, Ortsbo has unofficially smashed the established record, having as many as 161 countries participating in real-time multilingual chat broadcast events including Steven Spielberg at the "Warhorse" premiere in New York City, the British Academy of Film and Television Awards in London and the "Avengers" movie premiere in Los Angeles. Stanley comments, "Fluent simultaneous conversation across all languages and in real time isn't science fiction, it's Ortsbo. Ortsbo is the universal language that breaks down the barriers separating countries and cultures and turns a vast planet into a global village."
"I intend to be a hard taskmaster," Simmons, who joins the camp Oct. 10-14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, tells Billboard.com. "The guy you hate the most when you go off into war is your drill sergeant, and he's the guy you love the most when you get on the battlefield and all that hard work he put you through saves your life, or at least made you a better soldier. So I'm gonna be the drill sergeant and take these guys through it. They may not be able to perform in an arena, play in the band of their dreams or become big rock stars, but they'll certainly be able to step up on their local stages everywhere and be 10 times the performer they were before." Simmons also notes that he's "going to be insulting some people, because in the real world when you get up on stage, sometimes the audience will insult you. All they're doing is telling you how they really feel -- 'Aw, you suck!' " Simmons will be joined at the fall camp by Black Label Society leader Zakk Wylde, former Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach and Vince Neil of Motley Crue, which will be touring with Kiss during the summer, wrapping up Sept. 23. Simmons says most of his lessons will be pragmatic -- "Less about celebrity and more like, 'OK, here it is,' " he notes -- teaching the campers to "know about your instrument and know how to play," develop some sense and appreciation for the business side of music and know that "you'll be judged by not only how you sound but also how you look, how you dress, how you talk, what you say. I really want to treat this seriously." Details about the fall camp are available at www.rockcamp.com. Simmons' camp gig will come after a serious summer for Kiss that will see not only the tour with Motley Crue but also the July release of the group's 20th studio album, "Monster." The follow-up to 2009's "Sonic Boom" is again produced by the band's Paul Stanley and is, in Simmons' words, "either the best or one of the top three records we've ever done. It's like 'Revenge' meets 'Destroyer' -- just guitar and drums, nothing else. No keyboards, no little boys' choir, no strings, no nothing. Band-written; literally we'd get in and strum guitars like the old days." Co-produced, like "Sonic Boom," by Kiss co-founder Paul Stanley, "Monster" "was written very fast," according to Simmons and includes at least one track, "Are You Ready?," that he describes as "an old song that was torn apart and re-written." "Monster" will be accompanied by a "monstrous book" of the same name, an over-sized art book that Simmons says "should weigh 100 pounds or more" and come with its own stand. "It's something you can't put on your coffee table, 'cause it'll crush it. It IS the coffee table." The book will include paintings, drawings, photos and other impressions by various artists, inspired by Kiss. The group will also be rolling out a new 10-hour DVD this year, a Kiss golf course in New York, a series of comic books and a product line in conjunction with Hello Kitty that will include "everything from back to school items to bed sheets, bedspreads, you name it." And its Kiss Kruise takes launches Oct. 31 form Miami. On the horizon, meanwhile, is the 40th anniversary of Kiss' formation in 2013 and of the release of its first album 2014. Simmons says "there are a lot of plans" to celebrate both. "Let's just say it's going to be a two-year long tour," with details still to come.
By now, this is all old hat for the 60-year-old arena rock veteran. Yet as staunchly stratified as Kiss' flashpot-and-greasepaint-aesthetic has become, the group seems set to enter its 40th anniversary year in 2013 amidst a music industry that has in many ways reformed into the band's own image. Though no longer attempting to stay abreast of every change in the musical weather, -- as it did with disco and glam metal in its middle period -- Kiss has managed to keep its name in the pop music conversation admirably well, slotting in on "American Idol" and launching a previous co-headlining tour with Aerosmith. Yet what's perhaps most remarkable is the degree to which Kiss' longtime operating procedure -- aggressive multimedia licensing and an overall reliance on touring over record sales -- has positioned the group for the industry upheavals of the last decade. The band has a catalog of 3,000 officially licensed, branded Kiss products, and recently signed a worldwide licensing deal with Hello Kitty owner Sanrio. (Kiss beer, coffins and condoms have also recently joined its immense catalog of apparel and toys.) Of course, Kiss' uber-capitalist stance was once regarded as anathema to the countercultural spirit of rock and roll, yet given the explosion of music branding, licensing and marketing agencies over recent years (as well as such ventures as Dr. Dre's Beats by Dre electronics line and David Guetta's new sponsorship platform), the band's gung-ho branding approach now seems to rival only George Lucas' "Star Wars" merchandising deals in its prescience. "Our credibility is defined by our own criteria, and we are as credible as we are profitable." Stanley said. "It's undeniable that the (non-traditional) revenue streams can be enormous, and to not maximize your potential outside of music would be absurd. It is the music business, and the business element doesn't negate or detract from the other end of it. We're a band, and we're a brand. And without one, the other suffers. "Just to give an example, when we first started our (Kiss Army) fan club, people snickered, critics snickered, other bands snickered. And the fact of the matter was, what's wrong with organizing and affiliating yourself with your fans? It seemed to me incredibly self-absorbed to do the opposite, and not acknowledge and nurture it. In the beginning, we were surprised with the hostility it met. But we've always stuck to our guns. There are a lot bands that can't do the same because, quite honestly, they're boring." Despite such self-promotional chest-thumping that has always accompanied Kiss' music and business ventures, Stanley casts a sympathetic eye on the acts following in his band's wake, especially given new digital models that, he notes, "force the artist to go along with a royalty system that they might have never agreed to" if they had the choice. "I would hate to be a band starting out now, because the pot of gold isn't there to be had," he said. "We came up on a route that, in essence, wasn't far removed from vaudeville. You started fourth on the bill and gradually worked your way up. You graduated from clubs to theaters to arenas. By the time we were headliners, we damned well knew how to headline. That's an opportunity most bands today will never get, and it shows in their performances." While Kiss' recorded output has long been perceived as supplementary to its maximalist stage show -- a model to which, of late, the rest of the music business has been forced to conform -- Stanley has taken the reins on the recording side in recent years, self-producing "Monster" as he previously did with 2009's "Sonic Boom," which notched the band's highest rung on the Billboard album chart to date, topping out at No. 2. "It came from me saying, 'either I produce or we don't do albums,' " he said, bluntly. "I think we reached a point where democracy showed itself to be highly overrated." Similarly, Stanley is remarkably upfront about his own songwriting style ("I'm not a brooding, miserable artist. I won. This is exactly what I wanted"); the band's missteps ("nothing would have been worse than for our last recorded album to have been (1998 reunion album) 'Psycho Circus.' That was an epitaph I didn't want"); and on his own expectations for the band's new material ("no matter how great the songs are, nothing on this album is going to have anywhere near the impact that 'Love Gun' had on people"). He's just as straightforward about his unique relationship with bassist-singer Gene Simmons -- his constant bandmate since even prior to Kiss' founding -- and who often takes the role of public spokesman for the band: "Over the years, you learn to accept the dynamic, and the best way to make for a great partnership is to accept its limitations. Do my shoulders sometimes get sore from someone standing on them all the time? Sure. But that's part of the dynamic. … And for all the bluster, I still put 50% of what he gets into my bank account." But when asked about the band's future as it crosses over into its fifth decade, Stanley turned contemplative. "Kiss will far outlive me," he said. "I can't shut it down, nor would I want to. At some point I'll be gone -- to say that other people have been expendable (in the band) and not include myself would be narcissistic and ridiculous. There's someone out there who can do what I do at least as well, add something else to the band, and take it further. Even as a brand, Kiss is only in its infancy. It's timeless in the same way Batman and Superman are timeless. Kiss doesn't age."
KISS will headline the 2nd night of the Kollen Summer Festival in Oslo, Norway on Saturday, June 30th, 2012. The concert will take place at the Holmenkollen National Arena - the roof of Oslo - made world famous by its iconic ski jump that can be seen from all over the capital. This new two day festival will feature 26 artists on three stages! ”KISS Saturday on the big stage at Kollen is a dream come true. To really experience a band like KISS you need a stage that justifies the greatness of the band, and Kollen is the only festival in Norway that can provide just that. It’s flat out extremely cool to be able to give Oslo an exclusive concert with the worlds largest rock ’n’ roll circus as the grand finale on the first edition of Kollen ever.” – Pål Jakobsen, head of booking Kollen. Visit www.kollenfest.no/ for more information on the show, or www.billettservice.no to purchase tickets.
Legendary rock god and multi-hyphenate Gene Simmons returns with his unconventional family for an all-new season of A&E's hit series "Gene Simmons Family Jewels," premiering with a special one-hour episode on Monday, May 28 at 9:00 PM ET/PT. Season seven, which continues the longest running celebrity family-based series on television, begins with a shocking moment for America's most traditional, non-traditional family. After going through their most tumultuous year of their 28-year history, Gene and Shannon finally tied the knot. However, that doesn't mean all their troubles have magically gone away. In what promises to be the most explosive season ever, Shannon decides she wants to adopt a child, and the entire family battles over her decision. Gene, Nick and Sophie are against the adoption, and for the first time in her life, Sophie is at drastic odds with her mother. Meanwhile, Gene is trying to learn to be a better husband but is still battling with his rock-star ways as Nick is striving to emulate his father's good qualities, yet finding it hard to avoid the bad ones. From the family's adoption battle, to Gene and Shannon's honeymoon in Africa (where Shannon has an ulterior motive planned), to Gene on tour for the first time as a married man, fans will have an all-access pass as America's favorite rock family unfolds personal layers of their lives that they have yet to reveal. "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" is produced by Thinkfactory Media and the Gene Simmons Company. Adam Freeman, Adam Reed, Gene Simmons, Erin Kelly, Moriah Muse and Leslie Greif are the series executive producers. David McKillop and Neil A. Cohen are the A&E executive producers.
The "Makeup To Breakup" cover can be seen here.
"It was pretty painless," Raymer says of working with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS, who came out to admire their handiwork at the grand opening of a KISS-themed miniature golf course in Las Vegas, where the duo built a tank bearing the band's logo. The structure is just one of many the pair, who are also brothers-in-law, construct in the newest season of Tanked, which airs Saturdays at 9 p.m. on Animal Planet. Later this week, King and Raymer will head to the home of 30 Rock star – and noted animal lover – Tracy Morgan to install a shark tank. "It's a one-of-a-kind deal because it's going into his basement and we actually have to assemble it on site," says King. "It's going to be pretty interesting to see it done on TV, all the different guys that we work with and putting it together in pieces and bringing it downstairs in pieces. It's going to be a pretty unique tank." While they're capable of creating tanks that defy gravity and expectations, King and Raymer say their main motivation for creating these works of art lies with their love of fish. "We want it to be very fish-friendly and accessible to take care of," King says. "We want people to be happy, but the safety of the fish is very important to us." And according to Raymer, some of their best projects have been ones undertaken for simpler reasons. "We do a lot of nature centers, public aquariums, schools; we do a lot of things that are going to bring educational value to kids and people out there," he says. "The best thing is when you're done with a tank and you build it from scratch and you see a little kid run up to it," adds King. "That's probably the most rewarding feeling you can have."
He not only offered interviews, but accompanied by his wife Shannon Tweed, covered the Historical Center, came to the Palace of Government and had a brief meeting with the President Ollanta Humala. As published in the web edition of El Comercio, the legendary bassist of KISS' tour was to film an episode of 'Gene Simmons Family Jewels', his 'reality' TV show, dedicated to our country. Around 10am in the morning, Simmons came to the district of Lima, visited the Golden Palace, attended the changing of the guard of the Hussars of Junín and met with the President, who was accompanied by first lady Nadine Heredia. "The whole world loves Peru; its food, its women, its history. This is not a small country in a small continent. This is a modern country in the twenty-first century that would impress anyone," said Simmons to ElComercio.pe
Money, I object, is as much an illusion as a ticket. "Not if everyone believes it," says Simmons, holding up a fork. "If I say this is a royal scepter and everyone recognizes it as such, then it's a royal scepter and I'm king. That's power, not an illusion." Before I can insist it's still a fork, guitarist Paul Stanley – known for the black star over his right eye and for his bright red lips – sits down and stuffs a piece of cake into his mouth. "I'm really sick to my stomach," he says, licking the fingers of one hand, holding his taut belly with the other, and searching for another slice with the calm eyes of an addict who has enough money to feed his habit. "I got chills and everything. I thought I was going to pass out onstage last night." Maybe he would feel better if he stopped eating gunk? "The best diet for the road," he says, "is soup for lunch and candy for supper. It keeps the weight off and you're speeding on all that sugar by show time." A roadie announces that it is time for a sound check, and the three of us walk to the $300,000 stage set in the cavernous auditorium. Drummer Peter Criss – who paints his face to resemble a cat – is already at his kit and nearly falling off his seat, laughing at his own ludicrous version of the bang-the-drum-slowly ending of the Chambers Brothers' hit, "Time Has Come Today." Guitarist Ace Frehley, who plays the role of a spaceman with two silver stars splashed over his eyes, ignores the folderol and sends occasional blasts of power chords echoing through the hall. None of the members of Kiss is wearing the makeup he invariably puts on for public appearances, and, stripped of paint, Stanley comes the closest to handsome, with patrician features that one could imagine, in another age, riding a two-stallion chariot too fast down a crowded Roman street and lashing the backs of slow peasants. Frehley looks like the original 1967 acid casualty, his face as pock-marked as the moon backdrop on his side of the stage. Criss appears several years past his official age of 30, but his eyes are a child's in their lack of calculation. With his swarthy central-European complexion and flaking black fingernails, Simmons could look filthy stepping out of a shower. Though we are all about 6'2" in our stocking feet, Frehley, Stanley and Simmons tower over me in their eight-inch platform shoes and I begin to realize the luxury of height. All these years, I've been talking down at people. Standing here under Simmons' unflinching gaze, I am somehow the wimpy one whose opinions don't matter. "Come here. I want to show you something," he says, ascending a staircase to the parapet of the ruined castle that is his side of the stage. It is spattered with red from the nightly ritual of puking blood during his bass solo. "We're 40 feet over the audience. You know what this is?" The 40 feet are straight down and the only answer I can think of is acrophobia. Simmons steps to the edge and gestures over a sea of empty seats. "This," he says, "is power." According to Scientific American, every time a buffalo farts in Africa, thousands of dung beetles are alerted to the possibility of manna from heaven. The relationship between the farts and the beetles is a peculiarly honest one. Each species of beetle is genetically programmed to eat a particular kind of dung, so the buffalo need not sponsor marketing surveys to discover where they have to fart for maximum return on their investment. Competing herds do not advertise themselves or offer promo samples. As for the product: buffalo farts do not promise to reveal the meaning of life. Buffaloes do not promise to craft farts that make the whole world sing. They do not promise intellectual respectability if a beetle can interpret their fart sounds with sufficient pedagogy. Buffalo farts promise shit, which is what they deliver. Among contemporary rock & roll bands, the music of Kiss comes the closest to comparing favorably with buffalo farts. Allowing for a few aberrational songs, they, too, do not promise to reveal the meaning of life, make the whole world sing, or any of that. They scream elemental need, placing as much emphasis on words like "I wanna" as the Ramones, only with no condescending satire to sink them in Middle America. One of their most dramatic stage moments comes in a break, when Stanley faces the audience alone and gets them chanting: "IiiiIIIiiahah WaAAaaNT YooOOooOOooOOu." He sounds uncomfortably close to Robert Plant, but the moment obliterates the known world aside from primal craving. None of this woman-you-need-love chivalry, none of this hold-your-hand subtlety. (Kiss had to drop "Hard Luck Woman," a song about a woman being hard luck until she found a man, because it was getting lousy audience reaction.) The known world, aside from primal craving, is a vast conspiracy to most teenagers pouring into the job market with no intellectual skills, thanks to the massive rupture that is American education. Ask a Kiss fan why he/she likes the band, and he/she will likely stare at you with vague hostility as the words fail to articulate in the cerebral cortex, and it's too much effort to dig them out. The smarter ones notice the press pass pinned to your shirt and beg to be taken backstage. Ask to take their picture, and they preen with all the bravado their fresh hormones can muster. What's important is declaring "I" to the conspiracy. Which is transcendence of the inner conspiracy that is growing hair and zits in strange places all over their recently nubile bods. No better way to forget the inexorable march of biology than to lose your identity to four guys who have stepped out of their mundane bodies altogether and simultaneously wallow in those disgusting urges your parents would rather forget. It is pagan religion for adolescents. Bombs, flame throwers (sometimes as much from the audience as the stage), Simmons spitting blood and fire, all of them leaping and running up and down stairways in their platforms, Frehley's guitar smoking and bursting into flames, Criss' six-foot glowing demon cat statues and drum set that levitates 30 feet in the air – attending a Kiss concert is surviving the Normandy invasion. You walk out and you are one of the gods' chosen few, a survivor who can go home and face the enormous blackheads on his nose like a man. Or at least have the inspiration to paint them different colors. Kiss is the greatest act since death. Gene Simmons, dressed in a blue bathrobe in his hotel suite, I asks, "Would you like to see my collection?" He pulls about 20 Polaroid snapshots out of a suitcase and drops them on the desk in front of me. Each is a groupie posed in a spread shot or other equally imaginative position. The bodies range from beautiful to grotesque. "Names, dates and places are written on the back. Those are just for this tour." "You must have strange diseases," I finally say. "Never." "Did you ever do it with anyone famous?" Humming "We've Only Just Begun," he walks into the adjoining living room. Star Stowe, the February Playboy foldout, and a Bunny friend of hers emerge giggling from the bathroom. Stowe wears black panty hose with holes ripped in them, skimpy blue-jean shorts and a Kiss T-shirt a couple of sizes too small. I recognize her from a Polaroid. Simmons makes some remark about their sexual proclivities. "Ge-eene," says Stowe. "You know we were only in there together 'cause we have the same suitcase. Don't even joke about that with him here. If I was a faggot, I woulda said so in the [Playboy] article. I don't want my reputation ruined." After a few more minutes of distressed discussion, Simmons dismisses them with a curt "Why don't you do what females are best at doing?" They immediately quiet down, so presumably that is what he thinks they are best at doing. "We're not a great band," he says, turning his attention back to me. "The musicianship is average, maybe even below, but in a year we're going to be the biggest band in the world. Two hundred million Americans out there don't appreciate subtleties. They want to be sledgehammered over the head with clear issues and no pussyfooting. Nobody hides behind any pseudointellectualism. I am a fan of Middle America. Remember, it was mass culture that created rock 'n' roll. Our tastes happen to coincide with theirs." I ask who he voted for in the 1972 presidential election. He says McGovern and admits there may be something wrong, on occasion, with mass taste. "But nothing is right or wrong in music. There are just certain tastes. People in New York hate Lawrence Welk, but he sells half a million records every time out and he's got about 30 releases." "Will you admit it's still shit?" I ask. "Somebody out there likes it." "Jacqueline Susann sells more books than Shakespeare, but she's still shit and Shakespeare is still Shakespeare." "Wait a minute!" Simmons exclaims. "I think Shakespeare is shit! Absolute shit! He may have been a genius for his time, but I can't relate to that stuff. Thee' and 'thou'; the guy sounds like a faggot. Captain America is classic because he's more entertaining. If you counted the number of people who read Shakespeare, you'd be very disappointed." "No aesthetics exist aside from what people buy?" I ask. "You bet." "But Madison Avenue, for instance, doesn't much believe in what it sells. Nobody needed a deodorant before they created a market." Simmons answers by spraying his pits with a can of Royal Copenhagen. I continue, "All they're selling is a stupid image of getting laid or something. They're selling an illusion to get money, which is just another illusion." "So why not commit suicide," he helpfully suggests, "and get rid of this pain you're having? TV is an entertainment medium. If I had a computer go on the air to list the ingredients and price so there wouldn't be any images, it would be the most boring commercial ever. I wanna see a slut put it between her legs and ram it in and out! Then I'll go buy it!" "I'm saying don't sell shit in the first place. The human race got along without deodorant for 10,000 years." "We must have smelled like mooses." "There's a whole theory of evolution that says we survived because we smelled so bad that no other animal would eat us." "I get eaten great because I smell so bad – and so what if deodorant is shit? I demand this shit! I am full of shit!" "Do you consider yourself more socially significant than deodorant?" "No." The telephone rings for the umpteenth time and Simmons answers. He is the only member of Kiss – and one of a very few rock stars of any stature – who registers in hotel rooms under his real name. The result is a deluge of calls which he feels he owes his fans. "Yes, dear. Open your hand and look at it. My tongue is longer than that...." The subject changes to his personal motivations for getting into music as a career. "After graduating from college," he says, "I taught sixth grade at P.S. 75 at 96th and West End, near where I live now. I lasted six months because I couldn't stand the kids. I wanted to beat the shit out of them. That's the age when rebellion first sets in. I started teaching for the same reason I'm doing this: I needed to be onstage. All people need to be noticed, but some need it more. I'm an extreme version of what everybody is ... I don't want any kids of my own. I'm the last male in the family and I want the line to end with me. I'm very guarded in my personal relationships. I never want to get married." "You know how it is when you sleep with chicks on the road," says Billy Miller, latest in a long line of Kiss tour managers. "You'll do anything to make them leave before morning. Without their makeup, they look like Señor Wences' fist." Anderson smiles at the analogy as Paul Stanley lies on a couch, exhausted after the show. Most of the big black star over his right eye is sweated off. Did Stanley find any validity in the charge that some of their lyrics were sexist? "Fuck 'm," he says. "I don't believe in women trying to be me. We're two different species. You get trouble in a relationship when they try to act like a man. Somebody needs to be in charge. I have a lot of respect for my own opinion." Could it be that many rock stars lead insulated lives on the road and get distorted impressions by being with groupies all the time? "Well, it would be easy to generalize that all women want is a free meal and a fuck. That's not my generalization, though." Stanley is the Virgin Mary of Kiss – in the Unholy Quadrenity, he is the most approachable by the worshipers. He does the majority of singing, all the talking onstage (in a Southern accent rather incongruous with his upbringing in Manhattan), and some amazing dancing that includes clicking his heels in the air while wearing eight-inch platforms. It is almost more an athletic test of endurance than a concert. I tell Stanley about the deodorant discussion with Simmons. "If we're selling something," he says, "it's good. We're selling escapism, relief from nine-to-five problems. Many people lead dreary lives and we fulfill a need to get away from it all. People take Valium, people buy records. It's just not as heavy as you want to make it. We reach the masses, we have fun, and that is valid. I sleep very soundly." A photograph of Kiss without their makeup has never been published, and I wonder about the great emphasis placed on preserving the mystique. "We're not telling you we're from another planet or that we're laboratory creations," he says. "We try to keep, a sharp image because the public wants it. Who would have wanted to see Clark Gable without his false teeth?" After Stanley takes a shower, we go down to the hotel bar, where a woman comes up to point out a rose tattoo on her shoulder, identical to one on Stanley's shoulder. He wears no makeup, but with his plentiful hair, fringed leather jacket and high platform shoes, it is obvious he is a rock star even if you can't place the face. I find Star Stowe's Bunny friend and, thinking to flirt, ask if she's really a lesbian. "Don't say that out loud! I'm the most man-hungry woman in the world," she says, genuinely upset. I change the subject to Simmons. "He was right this afternoon, you know," she says. "He's always right in everything, except when he's wrong." In his hotel room in Detroit, Peter Criss takes a quick swig from a white plastic bottle. "This protein liquid is the worst shit I ever tasted," he says with a grimace, as Al Ashton, a Canadian disc jockey, sets up a tape recorder to interview him and Ace Frehley. "I'll try anything to wake up. Even vitamins." "Why not just take speed?" suggests Ace Frehley, who's slumped in a chair. "'Cause I don't like it." During the interview, Frehley will say that he wants to go to another planet before he dies, but Criss is the first to open up, reminiscing about his childhood. "They threw me out of the choir because I drank all the wine when I was an altar boy," he says. "They used to lock me in the closet for hours in school. They made me sit in the wastebasket. I hate nuns, man." The resentful memory seems to jar loose some inhibitions because Criss is soon railing against the present-day equivalent to his old nuns. "We're the ones kicking shit out there every night! The only ones who know what's going on are the band and road crew. Record executives just sit behind desks getting their pictures taken for the trades and grabbing all the credit... Oh, God! I didn't say it! I've pulled a John Lennon!" Frehley shrieks with high-pitched staccato laughter. The DJ asks about his childhood. "I was in the Bronx somewhere, floating." Again he shrieks. And his future plans ? "I want to start a monkey farm." Another shriek. "And the agents!" Criss resumes, shouting. "They're bigger assholes than the record company. They'll book us anywhere. They drug us, say they'll let us bring our old ladies, have bodyguards to lock us up." A bellboy wheels in a cart with a big silver bucket of ice. "Oh, no! Not more champagne!" Criss cries. "See what I mean about drugs?" Everyone takes the bellboy as a signal to end the radio interview. As I walk to the door, Alan Miller, head of promotion for Kiss' Aucoin Management, jokes: "If you say anything to hurt the group, we'll break your legs." The four band members stare intently into the mirrors in their dressing room and smear on makeup as Bill Aucoin, president of Aucoin Management, announces that "Beth," their hit ballad of 1976, has tied with "Disco Duck" for best song of the year in the People's Choice Awards. "What did we win?" says Stanley. "A hundred pounds of dog food?" Aucoin chuckles and says they have to discuss how they will receive the award since they will be on the road during the ceremony. "I don't think we should be on TV at all," says Simmons. "Are you kidding?" says Aucoin. "We'll make it a surprise for Peter. He'll go out to sing the song alone as usual, and you guys will come out and say you just got a wire that you've won the award. Peter says thanks, blah blah, you walk off and he does the song. We'll put together a tape and send it to the show." After a few more minutes of makeup smearing, Criss announces with ridiculous solemnity that it is time for Gene Simmons to come out of the closet and admit to his leadership role in the gay liberation movement. He suggests several loathsomely graphic possibilities for the origin of Simmons' long tongue, to uproarious laughter among several roadies and other assistants. "He says if he likes you he'll swallow it," says Stanley. "He even owns stock in K-Y jelly." Simmons stands defenseless against this locker-room onslaught and says nothing after a couple of lame attempts to link Criss' Italian heritage to the Mafia. I catch his eye and for the first time see the monster pleading. Someone brings in a box and says it is a present from the family at whose house Kiss has been invited to party after the concert. Criss opens the box and pulls out a bottle of wine. "If these people are as rich as they say, how come they send us Gallo?" he asks. "Oh, man! Look at this!" He passes around a greeting card that shows a photograph of a slightly obese businessman, his wife and two beautiful children smiling out from their suburban living room. "This is Middle America, man. They're sicker than we are." Peter Criss walks out of the bathroom with a smoking hair dryer in his hand. "I was blowing on my hair when all of a sudden sparks started coming out of the thing," he says. "I could have gone up in flames. Imagine that: all these years of bombs going off next to me every night and I finally get done in by a hair dryer." As he settles down in a chair to towel off, I ask about the ribbing of Simmons. "That was heavier than usual because you were there," he says. "We were showing off and really getting to him because the press means so much to him. Joking keeps my mind off the performance and keeps us all friends." And the outburst this afternoon with the DJ? "It's a game. We built up this whole thing about being outlaws against the system. But I do feel the guys behind desks a lot of times don't know what the hell's going on. "My social life has suffered," he continues. "I go to parties and find myself really scared – always sitting in the corner, not knowing how to act. It's sick. I used to go to parties and flaunt the rock-star role, but now that I am one, I can't. I'm losing the real Peter Criss somewhere and it scares me. I never go to sleep at night. I sometimes have an insecurity that I'm not good enough for the success. But I believe I've worked very hard and I'm entitled to it now. I've cleared that up. I'm pretty happy. I'm very excited over the band." Does he find any conflict between the Christian crosses he wears around his neck and the group's image of evil and sex? "I find myself evil," he says. "I believe in the devil as much as God. You can use either one to get things done." What would he tell God about how he had been spending his life if the hair dryer had in fact fried him? "I don't know. I'm having a good time. It's all show business. I would tell him, 'You should have been there, man.'" Ace Frehley braces himself for my questions with a beer and a firm dismissal of a couple of little kids who are staring at him at the party thrown by the family who sent them the Gallo. They've turned out to be more upper than middle class, with a mansion in Grosse Pointe, just outside Detroit. Seeing "the spaceman" without his makeup, the children appear to have just learned that there is no Santa Claus. "I go crazy about privacy," says Frehley in a heavy New York accent. "I have to, to keep my sanity and handle stardom. Onstage I'm Ace Frehley, and offstage I'm a kid from the Bronx. I consider myself lucky in a way. Mick Jagger will always be Mick Jagger, but I can take off my makeup and know who I am. When all the girls scream, it's not me they're grabbing. It's what I represent." Does he really believe he's going to another planet? "I eat, sleep and drink my character. It is my fantasy to go to another planet. By the time I'm 40, interplanetary travel will be common. Nobody will want to talk to me at that age anyway. Stardom is a temporary phase. You become a candidate for the nuthouse when you believe what you are is everlasting." Don't all stars play for immortality, though? Doesn't he want to be remembered in 50 years? "I'm gonna be on Mars. It doesn't fuckin' matter. This planet won't be here in 50 years." And how does he feel about deodorant? "Better to compare us to President Carter," he says, "because people vote the same way they buy records." All the members of Kiss were fuckups in high school: Frehley was thrown out of two schools and dropped out of a third in the Bronx; Criss got his knuckles rapped by nuns in Brooklyn and was humiliated for wearing his hair too long; Stanley was chronically "at the bottom of the smartest class" in school in Manhattan; and Simmons was the inveterate class clown and a fan of monster comic books in Queens. All were driven by an unquenchable craving for fame and a love for simple rock & roll. Stanley and Simmons found each other six years ago and formed a band that played everything from country & western to rock. That flopped, but the two took their money from a shelved album and invested in a loft and the most imposing-looking equipment they could find. In early 1973, Simmons called up a drummer who had placed an ad in Rolling Stone saying he would do anything to make it. That was Peter Criss, and they played together for several months as a trio. After about 60 guitarists had answered an ad they placed in the Village Voice, they were impressed enough by the surliness and musicianship of Ace Frehley to hire him on. The focus of the band existed from the beginning: heavy theatrics, heavy metal and heavy makeup, though they looked more like vermin than monsters at the time. The emphasis on the projection of power was also immediate: they played in front of a huge wall of amplifiers that, if the lights were misplaced, would be revealed as having no speakers inside. They stenciled the Kiss logo of double "s" lightning bolts on all the equipment so it would appear as if they were a big touring band. Copying addresses out of Record World, they sent out press releases and invitations – to anyone even vaguely connected with the music business – to their gigs, for which they rented their own halls when they couldn't get bookings. Bill Aucoin, then president of an independent TV production company that did a syndicated rock show called Flipside, showed up at one show and offered to get them a record contract in two weeks if they would let him manage them. This he did, with Casablanca, a label just starting under the aegis of Neil Bogart, former copresident of Buddah. After three albums, several exhaustive tours and an almost unmitigated drubbing by the critics, they and their record company were in debt several hundred thousand dollars and had no more resources. An entire 1975 tour was financed by Aucoin's American Express card. Then Kiss Alive! was released, went gold, went platinum, went double platinum. It was the first and only time their sound had been truly captured on record. Alive! in my opinion should be ranked among the classic live rock albums. Nearly sunk by a catastrophic double album of Tonight Show bits, Casablanca Records refloated and Kiss became rich. Destroyer, their first attempt to write something beyond "suck me, fuck me songs," as Stanley phrased it, also went platinum. So did Rock and Roll Over, which was a return to almost pure heavy metal because the hard core of the Kiss Army (the band's official fan club) reacted so vehemently against the violins on Destroyer (including "Beth"). All three albums remain in the Top 40 of Record World's LP chart. This June, a Marvel Comic – with Kiss as superheroes – written by Steve Gerber, who also does Howard the Duck for Marvel, will be published on slick paper. And the band members, these days, are almost universally liked among the press for their openness. Aucoin Management, which has maintained firm control over the image-making process by making all photographers sign clearance contracts and other such devices, is less universally liked. Aucoin himself draws a parallel between his control over artists and that of the old Hollywood studios, which he looks on as "places where things got done, whatever their faults." "The key to building a superstar is keeping their mouths shut," says Bob Ezrin, producer of Destroyer. "They have to be kept isolated to avoid being manipulated by all these outside forces. There was a time when Kiss wasn't allowed to talk to anyone. To reveal an artist to the people can be to destroy him. It isn't to anyone's advantage to see the truth. In the long run, the audience matters more. That's the story." Did I ever show you my collection?" asks Gene Simmons in the bedroom of his duplex in New York three weeks after the Detroit concerts. He hands me two huge leather scrap-books which I page through, spying an occasional familiar face. After about five minutes, a woman walks out of the closet. I don't catch her name, but she says she played Daisy Mae in a production of Li'l Abner four years ago. The room is decorated with paintings and other paraphernalia from fans. One shows Simmons, with a headman's ax, gloating over a burning city. Another portrays him as a gargoyle. Jewelry with tarantulas and black widows embedded in clear plastic is scattered about. He gives me a few letters from a plastic bag full of fan mail. All of them have drawings of the band. The American ones seem nearly incoherent with bad grammar and misspellings. "I wonder if these guys are morons," I say. "Doesn't bother me," Simmons replies. "At least they're doing something." The Japanese fans, on the whole, seem to have a better command of English. "My dear Gene. Please eat up all my love. I want a lot more experience while I am young. With love, Shinobu I." "The Beatles sold out the main hall in Tokyo four nights. We've got it booked for five," he says, putting a tape on his cassette deck. As Kiss music plays in the background, a Japanese girl weeps. "Please Gene Simmons, I want to hear your voice. I pray to God every day. I'm expecting you every moment. When you come to Japan, please answer me at once. Please never forget me... please..." Both stunned, we sort of stare at each other over the 15-odd scrapbooks of press clippings. The heavy Hungarian accent of Gene's mother calls us downstairs to eat. "Make at home yourself," she says. "Sit and have some yummy-yummy." Over yummy-yummy, she tells how Simmons used to print his own monster fanzines in the basement and how he got his first guitar. "I don't want any of the credit," she says. "I bought him first guitar for $65 from Italian boy. I made $49 a week then. He wanted $75 but I drove him down to $65. Later we sold it for $135. I went along everything every way. I know behind makeup who he was. Al Jolson put on makeup. It's all right so long as he doesn't smoke or drink alcohol. I know all about his girlfriends." Well, even if Jolson wore makeup, he didn't have a complete alter ego – a distinction Kiss shares only with Alice Cooper, who destroyed his claim to evil and insanity by playing golf with George Burns and Mike Douglas, while Kiss vomited blood and fire. But, given their overwhelming need for adulation, is there any real difference between them? "I don't know," says Simmons. "I never wanted to appear on Hollywood Squares." As I rise to leave, Simmons takes me aside and says, "Don't print anything that's gonna blow it for me. It's very fragile and I like it too much." I try to assure him that most of his fans can't read anyway, but he still seems worried. "I won't have you ridicule them; I won't let you do it." At the door he relaxes. "We make our first comic book appearance in this month's issue of Howard the Duck," he says. "It's crazy. I'm a superhero down the block at the newsstand, and I'm standing here in my bathrobe. I can't think of anyone outside Kiss who can say that."
The musicians took part in a press conference yesterday (Thursday, April 26) at Hotel Westin in Lima to talk about how the idea for the trek came about and what fans can expect from tonight's concert. You can now watch video footage of the question-and-answer session here: Video 1, Video 2, Video 3, Video 4, Video 5.
Golf Classic helps raise money for Phoenix' Rock Teen Center, a place that will allow teens to build confidence and discover their passion through music, dance, self-expression, and creativity. The Rock will provide programs lacking in today's schools. "Rock 'N' Roll Allstars regret to inform our fans that the shows we had scheduled in Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala and Venezuela have been cancelled. An incredible effort was made to work with local promoters to bring our show to the fans but they made it impossible for us to do so. We are saddened that we will not be coming to Central America and will do everything possible to ensure that our fans receive refunds for all tickets purchased. We are in South America and just had amazing shows in Paraguay and Argentina where thousands of fans came to hear the hits of GUNS N' ROSES, KISS, DEF LEPPARD and more. The show in Lima, Peru [on April 27 at Jockey Club] is still on sale and the band is still playing this show. Thank you for your support and we hope to see each and every one of you soon."
For your listening pleasure, Ken and Gary assembled a kick-ass crew comprised of Joe Casey (co-creator of “Ben 10? and writer for Disney’s new “Spiderman” cartoon), Andrew Sgambati (the Catman from famed KISS tribute band “MR SPEED”), and musician/illustrator/entertainer Morgan Taylor (creator of “Gustafer Yellowgold”). This is one PodKISSt installment that will have you rockin’ out tomorrow and tonight! So sit back and listen to side one of “Shut Up and Play LOVE GUN!” Listen here: http://podkisst.com.
And the threads that spin from a long life well-lived will be drawn together May 18 when friends, family and supporters celebrate the service of the 90-year-old retired general while raising money to renovate the Oregon Military Museum at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas. "The All-Star Salute to the Oregon Military" will center on Thayer's service as a soldier and his life beyond. When the museum reopens in 2014 or so, it will include artifacts from the Indian Wars to Operation Enduring Freedom, and it will bear Thayer's name. (Details below) The kickoff of the two-year, $6.5 million capital campaign will feature numerous Oregon celebrities, from golfer and master of ceremonies Peter Jacobsen to former Gov. Ted Kulongoski to Kiss guitarist Tommy Thayer, who happens to be one of the honoree's sons. Let's follow that thread: Kiss founder and flamboyant frontman Gene Simmons is on the phone from Los Angeles. "I owe a debt of gratitude to Gen. Thayer," he says. Meeting him is "a humbling experience. You're in the presence of greatness." It's that wretched scene in the forest that makes Simmons talk like this. The two men -- the courtly and soft-spoken Oregonian and the brash and controversial Jewish showman -- are bound together by more than Tommy Thayer's guitar strings. Gene Simmons was born in Israel in 1949 as Chaim Witz. His mother, who reared him by herself after his father left when he was 5, survived a death camp. The story of Flora Klein is worth a book in itself, but she doesn't talk much about it. She did tell Gene that, when she was 14, she watched her mother walk with her grandmother into a gas chamber. Flora's mother didn't want her own mother to die alone, she explained. Flora survived because the wife of the German camp commandant appreciated her skills as a hairstylist and makeup artist and made sure she had scraps of food. Where was the camp? Possibly it was the one that the platoon of U.S. soldiers, led by 2nd Lt. James B. Thayer, stumbled across on that day in early May 1945. The camp was called Gunskirchen and it was one of the hastily built satellite camps in northern Austria, full of Jews from Eastern Europe, especially Hungary. Thayer and his men had no idea it was there. Their job was to hunt for an ammunition dump. They had roamed the countryside with no success, and Thayer's sergeant suggested they check down an empty forest road. They found something unimaginable. The trail was filled with the dead and dying. Emaciated people. Three or four thousand of them. People who had straggled out of the recently abandoned camp, only to collapse within sight of it. A stench filled the air. To this day, James Thayer finds it hard to talk about. "I didn't know what to do," he says quietly. "I got on the radio and said, 'We need all the help we can get, right away.' "It was a real death camp." The Americans had no extra supplies, but gave what they had to the suffering. It was too much. They watched, horrified, as a former prisoner died trying to choke down a ration. Online, you can find reprints of a booklet published by the U.S. Army after that horrid day in the forest. Search for "liberation gunskirchen lager" and you will read firsthand accounts of soldiers who were determined the world remember the atrocity. A sample: "As we entered the camp, the living skeletons still able to walk crowded around us and, though we wanted to drive farther into the place, the milling, pressing crowd wouldn't let us. It is not an exaggeration to say that almost every inmate was insane with hunger. Just the sight of an American brought cheers, groans and shrieks. People crowded around to touch an American, to touch the jeep, to kiss our arms -- perhaps just to make sure that it was true. The people who couldn't walk crawled out toward our jeep. Those who couldn't even crawl propped themselves up on an elbow, and somehow, through all their pain and suffering, revealed through their eyes the gratitude, the joy they felt at the arrival of Americans." Flora Klein survived a place like this. Simmons thinks it might have been Gunskirchen, based on the records he found at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. He pored through the names in the Nazi camp records and found that his mother and father had been put on trains and moved -- somewhere. He doesn't know exactly where or why. Gunskirchen was one of about 50 satellites of the Nazis' Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp in Austria and southern Germany. James Thayer says he once gave Simmons an account of his platoon's work on that day at Gunskirchen. Simmons says he's read it. And it's a big reason why he says he owes a debt of gratitude to the man. The Thayer kids -- Jim Jr., John, Tommy, Michael and Anne -- grew up knowing little of all this. Tommy Thayer, who was born in 1960 and grew up in Beaverton, said it's only been in the past 15 or so years that his father has opened up about his experiences in World War II. "I really kind of wanted to forget everything," Jim Sr. says. In the days before stumbling upon Gunskirchen, his 16-man platoon ran into a larger squad of SS troops. It was a fight for survival. The Americans killed 31 of the Austrians and Germans that day. "It affected me, killing people." But he said his life changed in 1992, when he was on a tour of concentration camps organized by the U.S. Holocaust Council. At the airport in Vienna, a Jewish man named Wolfe Finkelman identified him. He said he was 14 when the Americans arrived at Gunskirchen. He told Thayer he would have been dead if they had come 24 hours later. "That changed my life," Thayer says today. Even without a clear picture of their father's past, lives in the household headed by Jim Sr. and Patricia, married now for 58 years, were full. The kids were busy and "Pat was so great," says Jim Sr. The kids didn't really grow up as military brats because their father had become an officer in the Army Reserves, based in Vancouver. After leaving the Reserves as a full colonel, he was promoted to brigadier general and commander of the Oregon State Defense Force. He was named the civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army. He ran his office supply business, the J. Thayer Co. He served as chairman or board member at the Port of Portland, Knappton Corp., Tuality Healthcare, the World Affairs Council, GTE, Reed College, the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission, the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, the Oregon Graduate Institute, the Boys and Girls Aid Society and a dozen other organizations. He and his family lived a postwar life deeply rooted in the community. Now the Thayer boys -- Anne has died -- are all pitching in to make the May 18 event a success. Tommy, who sits on the board of trustees for Pacific University, is in charge of the program and has assembled the talent and celebrity guests. Mike picked the Oregon Golf Club venue and is in charge of food and beverages. John, who owns J. Thayer Company, is producing a pair of videos that will be shown and is printing some collateral materials. Jim Jr. is helping develop the auction. "We are all involved with the fundraising effort," says John. "My sons are unbelievable," Jim Thayer Sr. says. "It's unbelievable how enthusiastic they are to make this thing work." Many years from now, when a visitor arrives at the Gen. James Thayer Oregon Military Museum on its renovated grounds at Camp Withycombe, the remembering might well begin with the name of the veteran above the door.
Since the Argus reported, Risca camera's man Dai Baker's sneaky shot of US president Barack Obama in the White House last week, many more celebrities have joined the campaign posing for photographs with 'For Luca' written on their hands. Former Kiss frontman Gene Simmons was snapped showing his support, as were Guns and Roses bassist Duff McKagan, Richard Jones from Stereophonics and comedy star, Rhod Gilbert. Luca lost his legs after being struck down with meningococcal septicaemia in January. The young boy underwent a number of treatments to replace fluid and blood lost due to the septicaemia and was put on dialysis to help keep him alive. Doctors waited to see what his body could repair before taking the decision to operate to remove his lower legs.During the operation, Luca lost all of the tissue and skin below his hips, and has also suffered skin, tissue and muscle loss across his arms and shoulders, as well as severe damage to his knees. Last week Luca underwent an operation on his knees and is now starting to move his right knee. He has also had treatment to help a stomach problem he developed. The 'Raise Your Hands For Luca' campaign was started by the three year old's parents Mo Syed and Sian Williams to help raise £1.5million to fund prosthetic legs which will be replaced as he grows, which are not available on the NHS. More than 800 people have now logged on to the campaign's page on the Just Giving website and donations have reached £15,640.11. A supporter has also posted a video about the campaign on video sharing website, YouTube. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/forluca or text 'LUCA80 £5/ £10' to 70070 and for more information visit www.facebook.com/forluca1 or follow @for_luca.
Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below. Check put photos at Paraguay.com. Comprised of musicians from some of the biggest bands in recent rock history, the Rock 'N' Roll Allstars is a live show unlike any before. Bandmembers include: * Gene Simmons (KISS) Promoter Gabe Reed hosted a press conference on March 1 at The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, California to officially announce the Rock 'N' Roll Allstars tour. Also attending the press conference were Simmons, Sorum, McKagan, Clarke, Bach and Hughes, among others. "This is going to be a great time, a time for us to pay tribute to the fans," Simmons said. "This is an important honor to step on sacred holy ground with a project like this, and all of it is for the fans. It harkens back to the old days of rock and roll, the 'Legends Of Rock' when Chuck Berry, Little Richard, all of them got together to put on the best show possible for the fans. . . We're trying to follow a great trend in rock and roll, and we're going to have a great time. So stay tuned." Commented Bach: "For me to be the singer in Gene Simmons' first-EVER side project is amazing to me! Dreams come true, indeed. If you would have told me when I was a boy that some day Gene Simmons, Glenn Hughes and myself would be in a band together, my reply would have been, No, we will not,' and I would have been wrong, haha!! We are gonna rock the best of KISS, DEEP PURPLE, GUNS N' ROSES, SKID ROW and DEF LEPPARD!" Added Hughes: "It's going to be quite a spectacle. For me, this collective of rockers is a fan's dream come true. It's a great lineup with players from a lot of great bands." "We'll play all the biggest hits from each band," Sorum, who is one of the tour's organizers, said. "It's going to be a good time. The hits will keep coming." "If you look at who's been doing something a long time, if you look at who is still around, they're usually the best guys to hang with," McKagan said. "I wasn't the easiest one to get into the camp, but this is going to be great." For more information, visit www.rnrallstars.com. Asunción press conference: 1, 2. Asunción performance footage: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15.
Here, Gene Simmons ponders the wonders of dessert for Food & Wine: “I tolerate food. I love desserts. I’ve never met anybody who’s ever had a dream about a celery.” “I have had repeated dreams of being stuck in a chair with my hands tied behind my back in a cake house, and of course the only way out is to eat.” “I love desserts so much I don’t even have to take them orally. I’m happy to take them right into my small intestines.” “My favorite dessert is the next one. I’m a dessert junkie. I still love Ding Dongs, Ring Dings, Devil Dogs, all those Hostess things. I almost started to cry when I heard that one of the companies was going out of business and then it was saved at the last minute.” “Some people can drink water when they eat cake. I don’t get it. When you eat cake, you drink coffee. God gave you two hands. One is for stuffing your mouth like a Christmas goose full of pastry, and the other is for molten hot coffee.” “Desserts always find me. My dessert fascination precedes me, so local hotels send up treats. I mean, I walk into my room and there are chocolate-covered strawberries and all kinds of stuff always waiting. I guess they’re trying to get me down to the restaurant so they can inform the media. Food used to just be about food. But it’s become art, hasn’t it? And media and pop culture.” “Jelly rolls are my guilty pleasure of all time. A jelly roll is chewy on the outside, and as soon as you bite into it, you get the sugar on top and then you get to the jelly in the middle. I’m a simple guy. I like chocolates, jams and chewy pastries.” “I could write an ode to sweetness— my love is like a beer isn’t as poetic. Your kisses are like a nice bitter ale. I don’t think so.”
Using Ortsbo's proprietary, live subtitling technology on the Live & Global platform, viewers around the world can watch the webcast Q&A in real-time with closed captioning in any of Ortsbo's 53 supported languages. Additionally, fans and media alike will be able to text questions directly to the rock legends and follow along with the answers, all in their native language. The program will last approximately one hour and will also feature Allstars: Duff McKagan (GUNS N' ROSES), Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW), Mike Inez (ALICE IN CHAINS), and Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE). Fans and media can register for the chat in advance or join live to submit their questions for the Rock 'N' Roll Allstars. Full details include: * Ortsbo Live & Global: Rock-N-Roll Allstars * Live from Club Geba Buenos Aires, Argentina * Monday, April 23 * 5 p.m. Eastern (2 p.m. Pacific / 10 p.m. UK / 11 p.m. CEST) * To participate: http://liveandglobal.com/rnrallstars
Eric Singer: I don't know Axl that well, but he should do what he wants. I don't always agree with the choices he makes or how he goes about it. And I think a lot of the guys that are in a band with him, they'll try to justify it or they'll say whatever. Because the bottom line is they don't want to lose their gig. And they'll lose their gig probably if they really say what they feel. But I think that he has a right to do whatever he wants. And in some ways, honestly, I kind of think, 'You know something, that's pretty cool of Axl.' I think it's pretty cool that he's not only thumbing his nose at them, but that he's giving them the middle finger. I think it's cool. It's like, 'Who the fuck are you guys to dictate what should and what shouldn't be?' It's almost, in a lot of ways, if you want to look at it from this point of view, he kind of has a voice for a lot of people who think the whole thing is kind of a joke. "Look, I think the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame — and the idea of one — is a very cool thing. But the process by which they go about it is ridiculous. They should put a ballot out where people can call in and vote. Just like they do for 'American Idol' or just like they do for sports all-star teams. Yeah, some of it's based on popularity, but that's what it's all about. The reason bands are popular is because people like them. "The people on some judging staff, they don't — most of them — never buy music. They go to concerts for free, they go to concerts for free to review it or whatever. I'm not trying to deny that some of them are genuine music fans, but who decides, all of the sudden someone says, 'I'm going to start a club and I'm going to call it the Hall Of Fame and I'm going to decide who will be in my club. And it's going to be based on my own personal bias and opinions.' "It's like Jann Wenner, people like that, they don't like KISS. They don't like Gene [Simmons] and Paul [Stanley] on a personal … they have personal issues with them. So that's gonna be reflected. You're gonna say, 'KISS isn't going to be in the Hall Of Fame' because you don't like some of the members or you don't like the band? So we don't deserve it because a few people on the board don't like it. And that's exactly what's been going on all these years with that thing. And that's exactly wrong, that's not what it should be. "Carol, it's like you, me and a couple of our friends decide to form a club because we're all real wealthy and we're going to call it the Hall Of Fame and we're gonna pick all these cool bands that we really like. And then we go, 'Yeah, I don't like MÖTLEY CRÜE but I like ALICE COOPER, so we'll put him in.' ‘Yeah, MÖTLEY CRÜE … I never liked them either. Okay let's not put them in.' That's basically what it comes down to, that's the attitude. To me it's ridiculous. "Like DEEP PURPLE. 'Smoke On The Water' has one of the most replicated riffs ever. When you were a little kid and you got a guitar, one of the first songs you tried to learn back in the day was 'Smoke On The Water'. And they sold millions of records, they were huge. I mean, there was a time when (they were) one of the biggest bands in the '70s for sure. And they definitely had impact, there's no doubt. "So my point is, like, 'What is your criteria based on?' The reason you have merchandising and all the stuff bands do now — like tee shirts, the name on your guitar picks — that was by KISS. KISS definitely influenced bands. So much of big shows and productions and all the pyro. If KISSdidn't do that, all these bands wouldn't be doing that today. You wouldn't have had a MÖTLEY CRÜE. Like SLIPKNOT, MANSON … "I mean, KISS won the People's Choice award in the late '70s [for 'Beth' in Favorite New Song category], even over bands like LED ZEPPELIN. So now you say they don't deserve it? Tell me one reason why we shouldn't be in the Hall Of Fame? It can only be one reason, because somebody doesn't like them. "Listen, at the end of the day everybody has an ego. And it's like this, when somebody says they don't like you, even if you say you don't care, well, maybe you are indifferent and don't really care much. But deep down I think nobody likes to be disliked. But I think what's ridiculous is when people don't like you for no reason at all. You know, everyone can choose their reason why they like or don't like something, but to just dislike somebody when you never met them and don't even know them … yeah, that makes a lot of sense. But these people think that way."
This year's Special guests are KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer and KISS drummer Eric Singer! This is Tommy's first official appearance as a guest at a KISS Expo, and his only KISS Expo appearance this year! Come meet Tommy and Eric as KISS gets ready to hit the road for "THE TOUR" 2012! Each band member will also do a Q/A and be available for photos an autographs. - Shout it out loud and sing your favorite KISS Klassics at KISS Karaoke! - Come celebrate the 35th Anniversaries of LOVE GUN and Alive II! We will have a trivia contest based on lyrics, history, and everything in between regarding these KISS album! - Enjoy a costume contest for all ages - KISS merchandise and collectibles will be on sale throughout day from vendors from all over the country! - KISSOnline will be attending with Exclusive KISS merchandise! For more details visit: www.Getalifeinc.com. The 2012 INDY KISS Fan Expo is a fan produced event. By the fans, for the fans!
The KISS legend seemed legitimately touched by receiving the show’s annual award for the artist who most embodies the “spirit of hard rock and metal.” In fact, he didn’t even try to sell anything during his earnest and even maybe inspiring speech, which went something like this: “All of us had dreams, all of us were kids at one point. Some of us got lucky, to get up on stage. Something strange happens when you get on the stage, it’s holy ground. This is electric church baby, we do it for you. Without you… all of us, we’re nobody. We’re asking the next guy in line, ‘would you like fries with that?’ So my debt of gratitude to you for making this come true. I hope all your dreams come true!” Nice, right? Simmons received the award from Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue, who himself had just won the Best Bassist honor. During his introductory speech, Sixx revealed he once slept on the streets of Seattle as a youngster in order to see KISS perform. He won’t have to go to such lengths to witness the Demon in action when the two bands embark on perhaps the summer’s most anticipated tour this summer.
Frehley tells Classic Rock magazine that he had lunch with Simmons recently and that the pair spent their time together reminiscing “about old times.” He sent Simmons a copy of ‘No Regrets,’ but hasn’t heard any feedback from the Demon. Describing their relationship, Frehley says that “Gene’s heart is in the right place a lot of times and on a personal level, we get along fine, but he makes business decisions I don’t agree with and that’s when we run into problems.” Frehley continues, “Gene likes to hear himself talk, y’know? He talks about three people: me, myself and I.” The sober lifestyle works well for Frehley, but he admits that he misses some aspects of the old days. “I miss the insanity of it and some of the crazy situations, but I still have fun today, it’s just controlled mayhem.” The alcohol and drugs caused blackouts which made certain areas of the story in ‘No Regrets’ tough for the author recall. Frehley says that the biggest blanks came after his departure from Kiss in the early ’80s, and that he had to rely on friends, family “and the people who were around at the time to jog my memory.” The Space Ace recently recorded a guest spot on the forthcoming solo album from Poison’s Bret Michaels.
The Fan Expo will feature KISS dealers from around the world with pure KISS Collectables with some various Rock 'N Roll thrown in! KISSOnline will also be attending the event with the latest Official KISS merchandise! We look forward to seeing everyone! Come celebrate the forthcoming new KISS CD "MONSTER" with your fellow members of the KISS Army! 2012 will be a year of excitement in the KISS Kamp, and as usual we too are ready to raise the roof with a great expo! Kids 10 and under are 'FREE' with a paying Adult admission. For more details visit: www.kreaturesofthesouth.com. The 2012 Atlanta KISS Fan Expo is a fan produced event. By the fans, for the fans!
Two sentences into explaining why chefs are the new rock stars, a pair of onlookers capture Simmons' eye. He stops the interview, and waves two young women into the sidewalk-adjacent El Segundo beer garden. "I like girls!" he shouts. "Can I take a photo with you?" "Shouldn't," one of them says, "we be asking you that?" It's no real surprise that self-promotion comes naturally to Simmons. After all, the KISS name, he says, is in the hands of 2,900 different licensees, and in a span of 15 minutes at Rock & Brews he pauses to take photos with six different fans, including a local police officer. When a Rock & Brews employee brings over her two daughters for a photo opportunity, Simmons stands in mock amazement: "Your children! I thought this was your sister." It's clear that, as principal and restaurant/hotel entrepreneur Michael Zislis puts it, "It doesn't hurt to have a celebrity partner." Rock & Brews is perhaps the surest sign yet that the craft beer movement has achieved mass acceptance in Los Angeles, as the casual, LAX-area eatery deviates from L.A.'s influx of higher-end, beer-focused gastropubs. Let it be known that the space takes beer seriously, as its 52-beer tap line can pour at two different temperatures. Yet the menu is dedicated to well-known American staples and Rock & Brews, though associated with a fire-breathing rocker, is aimed squarely at families. Kids can make their own pizzas, and Zislis insisted that all the rock 'n' roll art on the walls be rated PG. Simmons, whose band recently struck a partnership with Hello Kitty, went so far as to say that he consulted with wife Shannon Tweed to ensure that waitress outfits weren't too risqué. If there's a dangerous side to rock 'n' roll, it isn't on display at Rock & Brews. "When you have kids, it's expensive to have a babysitter," Zislis said. "You can bring them here and they can play in the playground and they can play on the arcade games. The parents can have a pitcher of beer and a pizza. If you can keep the kids entertained, and make it dog-friendly, people will travel." Soon, they'll have plenty of Rock & Brews options. This fall, Zislis, Simmons and their other partner, former rock promoter Dave Furano, will open a Rock & Brews outpost at LAX's Terminal 5, and the three are already targeting locations in downtown and Redlands, plus franchises in Tokyo and Denver. The idea sprung from Furano, who began the process of securing a music-focused bar at LAX a little more than three years ago, and approached Zislis and Simmons. As a trial run in 2010, Zislis told Furano to see what he could do with the patio space attached to the El Segundo pizza parlor he was then leasing. It worked well enough to persuade Zislis, best known for Manhattan Beach dining spots Rock'n Fish and the Strand House, to buy the property. "I don't like leasing. There were lines at the bathroom. I didn't have the temperatures I wanted on the tap systems. All the stuff you should have, I wouldn't have spent on the original concept," Zislis said. "I'm a businessman first. I spent $200,000 and then I spent $3 million." Zislis has roots in the L.A. beer scene dating back to the late '80s, when he opened Manhattan Beach Brewing Co. "Then I got into traveling for the beer business and was building breweries everywhere," Zislis said, helping launch brewpubs in China, Japan and Croatia. Still, it was lessons learned from live music rather than the recent craft beer expansion that inspired Rock & Brews. "Dave said that money is the merchandise," Zislis added. "The money is in the beer. If you go to Staples Center to see a game, you spend more on beer than you do on merch. If I go see a Rush concert, I'll have four of those $14 Heinekens." Though the walls are covered with rock icons, Zislis didn't want it to feel like Hard Rock. He has a strict no-merch policy when it comes to what is displayed. Simmons has his own visions. "This is the experience of being a rock star," he said, letting his imagination run free. "You will be waited on hand and foot. If we can arrange it — and this is not a bad idea — we'll have the most beautiful girls peeling grapes for you, your highness. It's the idea that you're special and should be treated that way." Rock & Brews Where: 143 Main St., El Segundo When: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily Price: Starters, $5.95 to $9.95; pizza, $9.95 to $19.95; sandwiches, $8.95 to $10.95 Info: (310) 615-9890; www.rockandbrews.com
The Thrills Festival combines welcoming communities, scenic routes, local recreations and a concert series featuring legendary entertainers. It pairs a motorcycle enthusiast’s passion for the open road with a bold commitment to provide riders with exceptional value on products, services and entertainment. The Thrills Festival is held in collaboration with the The Wheels of Thunder, a bike rally to honor the Armed Forces and Veterans of all ages. For more information, click here.
"The loss of Jim Marshall today saddens me greatly. My love of Marshall amps and the iconic company he created will always be a part of my life. I will never forget the clinic tour I did with him back in the early '90s promoting the 900 series amps, which I still use. His charm and grace in the English way made him unique to me. Knowing all the lives he changed with his products, and the artists he worked with through the years, made him a giant in the industry of the music business. I know Jim will never be forgotten, and that the legacy of his amps will carry on for generations to come. RIP, Jim Marshall." Marshall, who originally owned a music shop in London, founded Marshall Amplification 50 years ago. He was 88 years old.
Ryall's long history as a Kiss fan helped form an enthusiastic appreciation for the band that would form the foundation for acquiring the comics license. "Kiss was one of the first bands I ever listened to," Ryall told CBR News. "I had an older brother and we had to share a room, so as the younger brother I had no say over the music we listened to or what comics I was allowed to read. In fact, in that regard, I was only allowed to collect things he didn't buy. He called dibs on 'Spider-Man,' so I was given things he didn't care about like 'Fantastic Four.' It was a total monarchy in that bedroom, and every night we'd listen to Kiss, all [through] growing up, all throughout my childhood. So I got into it early on -- the stuff you listen to every day, the stuff your brother likes you somehow want to like, too. "I was all into it, too, the Kiss magazines he had and the 'Kiss Meets Phantom of the Park' movie that aired on TV, and from there all the action figures, and it all just went on from there." Though Ryall first considered bringing Kiss to IDW several years ago, circumstances got in the way. "It's funny, we first approached Gene about Kiss comics a few years back, and that was when they had made the deal with Platinum -- it was before it was announced, but it was too late for us to get on board," Ryall said. "That's when we partnered with him to do the Simmons comics line, but we always had it in the back of our heads that the thing we wanted to do was Kiss comics, too. And nobody had ever really collected the old Kiss stuff, so those old Marvel magazines were really hard to find, and when they were collected they were only ever put out in that giant 'Kiss Compendium' book, but they've never been out in trade paperback. So over the years, partnering with Gene, we kept talking with him about that, and when Platinum went... the way they went, we started having that conversation with Kiss again." This time, however, there was another potential conflict -- Archie Comics, which had also approached Simmons for the Kiss license. "I actually brought up the idea of a joint co-licenseship (there's probably a more official word for that)," Ryall told CBR. "I'm fine with sharing the license with somebody like Archie, I think they hit a good audience on their side and we hit somewhat of a different audience, and the two of us together are just two ways for Gene and the band to reach the widest comic audience possible." Archie recently published the four-part "Archie Meets Kiss" story in its flagship title. For the IDW version Ryall proposed a return to the roots of Kiss comics. "My whole pitch to him was, I wanted to do Kiss comics the way I remembered them as a kid. I wanted to do them like the old Marvel comics that Stan Lee worked on with John Buscema and then John Romita, Jr. They were just these teenage, young guys who got these talismans that powered them up," Ryall said. "It was like a superhero comic concept, which I always dug. That's my background as a reader. When Kiss did comics in the '90s, hell, it was like everything in the '90s. It was so overblown and big and cosmic, and there was such a strong Todd McFarlane influence on the art. And I could never quite relate to them. Kiss became these cosmic deities that were overseeing... I don't know. They weren't necessarily to my taste. So when we got involved wanting to do them now, we wanted to take it back to a more human level and get more of a superhero-ish feel, but also keeping some of the stuff fans liked in the '90s, too. We're telling stories set in different decades and different centuries, but with the focus being more on human characters who are empowered by Kiss talismans." Ryall developed IDW's approach to "Kiss" with fellow editor Tom Waltz, with whom he will share writing chores on the series. "Tom's an equally big Kiss fan. We worked together on the Gene Simmons stuff and we both talked about what we'd like to do with 'Kiss.' We had this all plotted out before we'd even ever signed the deal with Gene -- probably a year before, even when Platinum was still doing Kiss comics," Ryall said. "We started putting together a 'here's what we'd do if we ever had the chance.' So when we had the chance, we had this pretty fully-formed idea already. It involves me writing two issues, Tom writing two issues, alternating back and forth. But we have the benefit of working in the same office, so we're often working on each other's scripts together, reading each other's and making notes, making sure it's a cohesive thing. "We wanted it so every two issues drew a storyline and imagery from a classic Kiss record but also was a good jumping on point for people. So you don't have to know any mythology, you're not going to have to follow all this lore to know what's going on," he continued. "Every other issue is the start of a brand-new story line, that's telling a bigger story all together." The first arc, "Dressed to Kill," is based loosely on the 1975 album of the same name, and subsequent arcs will follow suit with other classic Kiss albums. "[The cover of 'Dressed to Kill'] is the band just standing there in full suits, but with the makeup on. And I thought, that's kind of a cool image, imagine if they were gangster-era," Ryall said of the album's relationship to the first "Kiss" arc. "So we started thinking maybe we could transport Kiss back to these different times and then use characters and titles and names that have been referred to in a lot of their songs. They've introduced a lot of character names, so we thought, well, why don't we make real characters out of these? Long-time fans will pick up the book and they'll recognize the imagery and they'll recognize the characters and it'll give them all these inside nods, but if you know nothing about Kiss, you're just meeting a lot of different characters. You don't have to know it, but it sort of rewards you on different level, as well." Though the first arc is set in the 1920s and uses gangster imagery, Ryall said the story won't be heading in the direction some fans might think. "It's funny, when our solicits came out, the message board at one of these other comics sites -- a comic rumors site, if you will -- had somebody saying, 'Kiss fighting Al Capone? That's the stupidest thing ever!' And I'm like, where did it say that?" The writer added that, even though the series will feature several different sets of humans getting the Kiss powers, there is a larger story as well, one that draws on godlike entities called the Elder and the Destroyer. "It's sort of like God and the Devil, in broad terms, and they're both sort of fighting it out for Earth. In this two-parter, you find out why, what's going on, how these people are given the Kiss abilities and what that means," Ryall said. "They're discovering these powers for the first time at the same time the reader is, so it moves along and catches everybody up to speed right away. Like I say, it takes place in the '20s, but it also goes into Hell, and they're not just Kiss with tommy guns fighting gangsters. That was imagery that was the basis for the storyline, but it goes in a very different direction from there." The second arc, Ryall said, is based on "Music from The Elder," the band's ninth studio album. "It jumps back to the Dark Ages so you get sort of a sword-and-sorcery version of Kiss," Ryall said of the Waltz-penned arc. "Then we go forward and there will be a female version -- we're taking the concept in ways it hasn't been used in comics before, but just having a lot of fun with it and hopefully doing things that people will enjoy." Like the writers, the artists will also rotate every two issues, with Jamal Igle tackling Ryall's opening arc and Casey Maloney, who also drew Gene Simmons' "Zipper," working with Waltz on the follow-up. "Gene loved his art and wanted him to come back, too," Ryall said of Maloney. "Jamal's been great, he brings a nice superhero aesthetic to the book. He's the guy that's drawn big DC books, he knows how to tell a story, he knows how to move action along, he really knows how to bring this stuff to life," he added of his own artistic collaborator. "He's the perfect person to kick this off, because if we do get this book into the hands of people who like superhero comics, I think they'll really like what they see, and hopefully they'll dig the story as well." When bands, actors, and other celebrities decide to put their brand on comics, the degree to which they are involved with the project can vary greatly. But Kiss's Gene Simmons is a noted comic book fan, and Ryall said the man behind the "Demon" persona takes a special interest in what IDW is doing. "Gene's a huge comic fan, and any chance he gets, whether he's talking publicly about this stuff or you're talking to him one on one, he'll name-drop every comic creator and comic reference he can just to let you know how much he knows, which is a blast," Ryall said. "It's fun talking about old issues of 'Strange Tales' with him, or which inker he liked best on Neal Adams. He really does know this stuff. So it's fun to be able to talk to him on this level. "It's really not just Gene putting out another Kiss product. Comics are something he always cared about," the writer continued. "As he likes to tell everyone, Gene used to do fanzines with Marv Wolfman back before he was ever in Kiss. I know there are a lot of Kiss products out there, but there are some that mean a lot more to him, and I know that having good Kiss comics out there means a lot to him. So he's very involved as far as what we're doing, where the stories are going, how the characters look, and so on. And he's been great, he's been a lot of fun to work with on this stuff. It's sort of fun to remember that I'm sitting there talking about comic books and geeky references with the god of thunder that I grew up watching on TV or seeing in concerts. It just amuses me that he's doing this, because he doesn't have to to the degree that he does, but he digs it." "Kiss" #1 by Ryall and Igle takes the stage in June.
"Every KISS fan knows and loves these images of the Demon, the Starchild, the Spaceman, and the Catman," says KISS co-founder and frontman Paul Stanley. "In honor of this big anniversary, we're giving fans the chance to see these photos in a new way — featuring them in a supporting role." Fan Mosaics has combined the larger-than-life images from the "Alive II" cover into a single picture that will be reproduced as an official collector's item print. "It's more than just an amazing print," says Rob Hixenbaugh, Fan Mosaics' director of fan and brand development. "It's a mosaic that uses fan-submitted photos as its building blocks. The fans' images will actually make up the big picture, letting them get inside a major part of KISStory." The 24-inch by 30-inch prints make great gifts or unique collectibles for everyone who's ever dreamed of getting up close and personal with the band. Fans can unleash their inner rock star and upload their photo for inclusion in the officially licensed "Alive II Fan Mosaic" at this location. Northfield, Ohio-based Fan Mosaics, LLC, is the bridge that connects fans and stars. The company's officially licensed celebrity photo mosaics — made up of fan-submitted images — are a unique and lasting outlet for fans' enthusiasm and loyalty. Entertainers in all industries choose Fan Mosaics to thank fans for their dedication, and charities partner with Fan Mosaics to raise funds for their worthwhile causes.
In this episode , we look at the instant fan reaction to the announcement of KISS touring with Motley Crue. From the press conference to the band’s appearance on the Kimmel show to the message boards, we talk about the KISS Army’s reaction to it all. So sit back and enjoy episode 57 of PodKISSt, the KISS fanzine for your ears. Listen here: podkisst.com
At their March 20, 2012 press conference, KISS guitarist/singer Paul "Starchild" Stanley — as ornamented as ever — brazenly declared that the tour "is not a rock concert. When you put [KISS and Motley Crue] together, it's an event." Stanley continued to boast that the tour will be "bombastic" and that "people are going to come and [say], 'I know why these bands have lasted.' [It's] because we know how to do it." And they sure do. Both KISS and Motley Crue assure that there is nothing "baby-booming" about either band — brandishing their signature pyrotechnics, performance stunts, flamboyant swaggers, and raw attitudes, they show no signs of slowing down. As the legendary and curiously quotable Gene Simmons of KISS explained during the press conference, "What you are going to hear on-stage is live music. All the music is real, all the bombs are real, the guys you see playing instruments onstage are playing their instruments." Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee concurred with Simmons during an interview with MSNBC, promising that audiences will be "totally flipped." The camaraderie and irrefutable chemistry among the band mates is enrapturing, and guaranteed to satisfy their long-time disciples while drafting young blood into both the KISS Army and hard-rock fan base. Stanley told Rolling Stone, "What we're hoping for, and certainly I am, is whatever people's expectations are, we blow them out of the water. I want people to hope for the legend that they've heard about and find out it's greater than that." Perhaps Stanley's statement indicates why exactly the "KISS Kulture" is so effective: It's deliberate. Not only does KISS substantiate the folklore every time they command a stage; the band has successfully managed to bridge the generations by remaining accessible to their fans.
Speaking in the new issue of Classic Rock, Frehley said he has an IQ of 163, which equates to "very superior intelligence". "You might ask why I’ve done so many stupid things," he laughed. "That’s where addiction comes in. Kiss once took an IQ test, and I was on top. I guess my brain was working good that morning – thank God for good genes. "I think Paul got the lowest score. No, that didn’t surprise me. A frontman doesn’t have to be a genius, he just has to have the right moves. "But with an IQ test, there are people who are brilliant that would probably do real shitty on them. I mean, Gene [Simmons] has the best business brain, absolutely. I don’t consider myself a very good businessman. When I start doing numbers I get a headache. I’m ruled by the creative side of my brain, not the analytical side." Frehley also said he empathised with Mayan predictions that the world will end in 2012. "There’s all sorts of things going on. The sun has an 11-year cycle and it’s coming towards an end, so they’re expecting more sun-spot activity, solar winds and solar flares that could affect computers and power grids. Some planets are aligning, from what I understand, so that could cause an earthquake and severe weather. So a lot of crazy of things could happen. "It doesn’t scare me. If I died tomorrow I’d die happy, because I’ve lived 10 lifetimes over what a regular person might have experienced."
As Jason Aldean said when asked about that diversity, “This is a country awards show; it’s our show. But I think great music is great music. As an artist, you have a ton of respect for other artists, no matter what kind of music they play.” Jason won Single of the Year and Vocal Collaboration of the Year with Kelly Clarkson for their duet “Don’t You Wanna Stay.” He continued with his assessment of the awards show as he spoke to reporters backstage in the ACM Awards Press Room. “I met LL at the GRAMMYs this year; he’s a really cool guy. I’d never met KISS and that was interesting. The great thing about music is crossing genres. Look at Kelly and I; she’s not a country act but we did this song together. It’s okay to like different things. You don’t have to like one style of music. I grew up listening to everything. I love coming to these shows and getting to meet people like that and seeing people. It’s a cool thing. I think those meetings lead to collaborations. I think it’s great for the industry and great for music in general.” KISS presented Group of the Year to Lady Antebellum. “KISS was the coolest thing on the red carpet,” said Lady A’s Charles Kelley. “All we could focus on was them coming in because they looked larger than life. They had 12-inch heels on. We didn’t realize they were going to be giving our award to us tonight.” Entertainer of the Year winner, Taylor Swift, shared the details of her busy weekend with the media backstage. “This weekend has been amazing. Yesterday I was at the Kids’ Choice Awards and I had never been there before. The First Lady (Michelle Obama) gave me the award for Charitable Contributions and Giving Back. I had never met her before, and I was so nervous. She’s a role model, and she was so cool and so nice! I met her daughter and it was an amazing time. Then I flew to Vegas and this happens. I’m really happy right now.” Taylor also took time to acknowledge the role her fans had in her becoming Entertainer of the Year. “I am so amazed that they keep doing such incredibly nice things for me. They have done so much for me in the last couple weeks, it has been amazing. I just want to hug them all the time and thank them for everything. It really blows my mind.” Eli Young Band took home Song of the Year for “Crazy Girl,” written by Lee Brice and Liz Rose. Lead singer Mike Eli admitted he wasn’t sure whether to get up when he heard the band’s name called. “I kept waiting for someone to say April Fool,” he said with a laugh. “It is totally surreal for us, starting out as a grass roots band, just four guys making music in college bars. Now here we are.” Lee admitted that receiving the award for Song of the Year was cool, but “it’s even cooler for the Eli Young Band.” The singer/songwriter explains that he and Liz wrote the song in 2002 or 2003. “It had been around awhile and I had wanted to record it myself, but the timing wasn’t right. Then these guys heard it and wanted it and I could see how sincere they were about it. I’m so happy for them.” The win for Lee and the Eli Young Band was a first for both. Toby Keith kept the party going all night, from the red carpet to the press room. He walked backstage to speak with the media, drinking his own brand of spirits, Wild Shot Mezcal – in a red solo cup, of course. “It’s our version of smoked cactus tequila and we’re now the No. 1 premium mezcal in the U.S.,” he said proudly. He was also proud of his Video of the Year award for “Red Solo Cup,” a song he calls “so stupid it’s brilliant.” Toby revealed that when he was shooting the video for the song, writers the Warren Brothers thought it was an episode of Punked. “We were half-way through the video before they finally relaxed and understood that we really were doing a video for their song.” Thompson Square found out they’d won the Vocal Duo of the Year award on Saturday during a show in Las Vegas honoring the military. They confessed to the room of journalists that just before they were signed to their record label, they’d given themselves one more year of trying to make it in the music business. “We got our deal and two months later we found ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,’” said Keifer Thompson. It’s been an amazing last year. It took us 13 years to get our record deal and I really thought at that point that we weren’t gonna make it. But Shawna got me through that and I got her through a few and here we are.” Miranda Lambert was in total shock at taking home a third Album of the Year award — plus Female Vocalist of the Year. “My albums consume my life, they drive my career,” she said. “The thing I live for is making albums. That’s what makes everything else happen in my life. This category this year was the toughest ever. I own them all and I listen to them, and I was like ‘Crap, these are all good.’ I knew it was a hard category.” Miranda said the song she sang on the show, “Over You,” was very personal. Miranda and husband Blake Shelton co-wrote it about the death of his brother, who was killed in a car accident when he was 24 and Blake was 14. Hearing Blake’s loving introduction almost made her lose it. “I was already emotional at having to perform that song,” Miranda said. “Blake and I have been married almost a year now and hearing him introduce me was awesome. I haven’t cried all night, but I think it will hit me later. I’m so thankful we can celebrate these moments.” Blake admitted he hadn’t even thought about winning because he was concentrating on his co-hosting duties. “I was listening to Dierks (Bentley) sing ‘Home’ and thinking how much those lyrics fit where I am right now,” said the Male Vocalist of the Year winner. “It has been a long time for me to get to this point.” Blake left Las Vegas Monday morning to return to Los Angeles, where he will continue with his job as judge on The Voice. As often happens in the ACM press room, a few other items of interest were revealed during the night. For instance, Lee Ann Womack says she is working on a new, stripped-down album. Lee Brice’s album is completed and he promises it will show his musical diversity. Thompson Square has been busy writing for their sophomore album. Dave Haywood is asking both his Lady A bandmates, Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley, for wedding planning advice. Hillary and new hubby Chris Tyrrell are not making baby plans in the immediate future, but she says they definitely want children. Scotty McCreery is going to the University of North Carolina not only because his father went there, but because he doesn’t feel he’s ready to leave home just yet. The American Idol winner will enter classes there this fall. Toby Keith will head out on another USO tour in a few weeks, this time visiting troops in Afghanistan Kuwait and Bahrain.
The band's setlist was as follows: Encore: Putting the festival together in what is proving to be a very challenging year was more difficult than we anticipated and we have spent the last few months fighting hard to keep Sonisphere in the calendar. Unfortunately circumstances have dictated that we would be unable to run the festival to a standard that both the artists and that Sonisphere’s audience would rightly expect. We want to express our deepest regrets to the artists and to thank all the staff, suppliers and contractors who worked so hard with us to try and pull off what has proven to be an impossible task and we know how much they share in our disappointment. We also want to send a huge thanks to the Sonisphere fans who stuck by us and we are so sorry that we can’t fulfill what we set out to do. Ticket holders will automatically receive a full refund direct from their ticket agents. Team Sonisphere.
Commented MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx: "I am very happy for them. We played them nine months ago on 'Sixx Sense' [Nikki's radio show] and fans really loved what they are about. Give them a warm welcome." THE TREATMENT is currently touring the U.K. as the support act for STEEL PANTHER and will next hit the road with legendary rockers THIN LIZZY in May.
Email hiringourheroes@uschamber.com to apply! You can learn more at the following link: TODAY.COM/veterans. KISS needs a roadie — and they want to hire a veteran to help out. The band, who are touring with Motley Crue this summer, have been long-time supporters of our military, donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Wounded Warrior Project. Watch their troop salute here. They're participating in Hiring our Heroes to give a job to a touring set carpenter who will travel with the band from July 14 through Sept. 25. The lucky veteran who gets the gig will be part of the team that assembles the KISS stage set, helps run effects during the show and takes down the set afterwards. Applicants do not need to be a trained carpenter, but will work long hours. Email hiringourheroes@uschamber.com to apply. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbA9lJQ-CQQ
This June, IDW Publishing is bringing back the rock group KISS in comic form. Last year, Archie Comics released a story in which Archie Meets Kiss, this time IDW is giving them marquee status. According to IDW, the series is rooted in KISS fandom, featuring KISS characters like “Wicked” Lester, the Destroyer, She, the Elder, and more, but it will be very accessible to all comic readers. KISS will be written by Chris Ryall (Zombies vs Robots) with art by Jamal Igle (The Ray) and KISS #1-4 come with a special “solo album” covers by artist Michael Gaydos. Variant covers will also be available, including a Michael Gaydos “Demon” cover and a KISS photo cover! Kiss Online spoke to IDW Publishing’s Chief Creative Officer and Editor-in-Chief Tom Waltz and Senior Staff Writer Chris Ryall last July at the San Diego Comic Con. You can find the whole article here. KISS has been the subject of several comic book series with several different publishers. Why did IDW pick the group to work with? Chris Ryall: It pretty much follows the way we choose to pursue any license: we’re fans of the material. Both Tom Waltz and I are lifelong KISS fans; and add to that the fact that we produced a line of Simmons Comic Group releases with Gene Simmons a few years back and it’s just been something we’ve always wanted to do. Some of my earliest comic-reading moments are of enjoying the KISS Super Specials that Marvel produced in the ’70s, and it’s a personal thrill to not only be able to carry on with Kiss comics but to now write them myself, too. Tom Waltz: As Chris states, we tend not to pursue any license at IDW that won’t have an editor behind it who is a fan and willing to champion it through the long process of getting it approved and into print. In the case of KISS, Chris and I are not only champions of the license, we’re uber-fans of the band and their music, not to mention the KISS comics from various other publishers in the past. Like Chris, I ate up those Marvel KISS comics and to now be able to be a part of the ongoing adventures of our hard-rockin’, kabuki-wearin’ heroes is a real highlight of my career as a writer/editor. KISS #1 Chris Ryall (w) • Jamal Igle (a) • Nick Runge, Igle (c) You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best! KISS is back in an all-new comic series that will appeal to longtime fans and new readers alike! Four ordinary humans in 1920s Chicago find themselves caught up in a battle of epic proportions that will reverberate across time and space in “Dressed to Kill,” part 1! FC • 32 pages • $3.99 Also in June, IDW is reprinting the KISS Marvel Super Specials originally released in the 1970’s by Marvel Comics! KISS Greatest Hits, Vol. 1: The Marvel Years Stan Lee, Ralph Macchio (w) • John Buscema, John Romita Jr. (a) • Nick Runge (c) In 1977, Kiss was not only the biggest band in the world, they were the biggest comic-book stars around! For the first time ever, both classic Marvel Super Specials are collected in one in trade paperback, with story and art from Stan Lee, John Buscema, John Romita Jr., and more! Featuring an all-new cover recreation by Kiss: Avatars cover artist Nick Runge! TPB • FC • $19.99 • 144 pages • ISBN 978-1-61377-226-3 · The perfect companion piece to the all-new KISS series launching this month! · Collects the two classic Marvel KISS comics in one edition! · All-new Marvel Super Special cover-recreation by Kiss cover artist Nick Runge! MONTROSE's lineup for the concert will include Sammy Hagar (VAN HALEN, CHICKENFOOT), Denny Carmassi and Bill Church (all of whom were in the band when they recorded their iconic self-titled debut album), with a special guest appearance by Joe Satriani (CHICKENFOOT). GAMMA's lineup will consist of Davey Pattison, Denny Carmassi, Glenn Lesch, Tommy Suczek and Marc Bonilla. In addition, there will be a performance from the RONNIE MONTROSE ALL-STAR BAND featuring the following musicians: * Neal Schon (JOURNEY) Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 30 at 10 a.m. For more information, visit TheRegencyBallroom.com. Ronnie Montrose died on March 3 after a five-year battle with prostate cancer. He was 64 years old. Born in Denver, Colorado, Montrose's first break when he played Van Morrison's classic 1971 album, "Tupelo Honey". He also appeared on recordings by Boz Scaggs and the EDGAR WINTER GROUP (1972's "They Only Come Out At Night") before going solo under the MONTROSE moniker in 1973 (with a very young Sammy Hagar on vocals). The MONTROSE band released two albums, "Montrose" and "Paper Money", before Hagar left to pursue a solo career. Montrose continued to release albums with the MONTROSE band, but focused his attention mostly on his solo career as well as his other band, GAMMA, which released four albums between 1979 and 2000. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2007, Montrose took some time off from playing and performing to focus on his health.
When KISS hit the stage at Nippon Budokan in Japan in 1977 with guitarist Ace Frehley behind a Cherry Sunburst, three-pickup Les Paul Custom, the entire package — band, guitarist, guitar — embodied the height of glam-rock excess and success for the '70s. This was the ultimate marriage of pop and heavy rock, driven to meteoric heights by the record industry marketing machine, and ultimately attaining that otherworldly presence that great stadium rock should achieve: unbridled fantasy and party-hard reality rolled into one glorious explosion. In celebration of Ace Frehley's unquestionable status as a rock icon, and the epitome of glam-rock stardom that KISS represented at this crystalline moment in time in 1977, Gibson Custom proudly announces the release of the Ace Frehley "Budokan" Les Paul Custom, produced in a strictly limited edition of 50 hand-aged guitars signed by the artist, with a further 100 hand-aged guitars, and 150 guitars treated in Gibson Custom's VOS process. Offering everything you've come to expect from Gibson Custom's artist replica guitars, the Ace Frehley "Budokan" Les Paul Custom is a painstaking recreation of Frehley's modified Les Paul Custom, based on intimate examination of the instrument's current condition. The Ace Frehley "Budokan" Les Paul Custom has been created with close cooperation between Gibson Custom, Ace Frehley and the guitar's current owner, Matt Swanson. Digital scanning technology was used to capture every minute detail of the actual guitar. In the image of the original Les Paul Custom, the guitar has a four-piece maple top glued to a mid-'70s "sandwich" body made from a middle and back section of solid mahogany joined by a thin maple veneer, with no chambering. The top is hand-sprayed in nitrocellulose to give it the same Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish as the original, with 150 hand-aged to match the wear of the existing guitar. The three-piece mahogany neck has been made made to match the original's thin profile. Decorative elements include mother-of-pearl block fingerboard inlays, multi-ply body and headstock binding, mother-of-pearl Gibson headstock logo and split-diamond inlay, and a cream pickguard. To match Ace's original guitar, the Ace Frehley "Budokan" Les Paul Custom is loaded with three period-correct double-cream DiMarzio humbucking pickups — two PAF models in the neck and middle positions, and a Super Distortion in the bridge. And just like on Ace's guitar, the traditional 3-way toggle switch has been modified to only allow the use of the bridge pickup, allowing you to be able to accomplish one of Ace's most noted effects. The DiMarzio Super Distortion pickup offers searing lead tones and fat, chunky rhythm for the ultimate hard-rock performance. Hardware includes the classic pairing of chrome ABR-1 bridge and stopbar tailpiece, with Ace's choice of Grover tuners with pearloid "banjo" buttons and Dunlop straplocks to keep the guitar securely strapped on through the wildest on-stage antics. In short, the Ace Frehley "Budokan" Les Paul Custom is the ultimate embodiment of mid-'70s arena-rock balls and bluster, and it's available in strictly limited numbers. Check it out today at your authorized Gibson Custom dealer. All guitars include a Gibson Custom hardshell case silkscreened with Ace's signature. Aged/signed guitars (limited to 50 worldwide) are all played by the artist during final approval, and include a leather-bound Certificate of Authenticity; aged guitars (100) include a leather-bound CoA, and VOS guitars (150) include a standard CoA. For more information, visit Gibson.com. (Video)
For those of you who can’t make it to New Orleans, the concert will be live streaming starting at 8:00pm CT at www.uverse.com/KISS, or for an interactive experience, check it out live on Facebook at http://uverse.us/UVerseKISS.
When a local police officer pulled over to place a ticket on the illegally parked motorcycle of a Rock & Brews employee, a trade was offered. Perhaps the ticket could be skipped, bar employees inferred, if a meet-and-greet with Simmons could be arranged? Moments later, a member of the El Segundo police force was posing for photos with the rock 'n' roll veteran. Please, said the officer, don't photograph the badge, as department rules would then forbid him from placing the image on Facebook. Rock & Brews patrons likely won't be afforded the opportunity to park as they please without repercussions, but when the bar officially opens Friday evening, it will offer more than 50 taps dedicated to craft beer and a menu overseen by Michael Zislis of Rock'n Fish. Ultimately, Simmons has other visions. "I'm such a blessed guy, and for the rest of the people in the world, they may not actually be able to be a rock star, but we can make them feel it," Simmons said. "This is the experience of being a rock star. You will be waited on hand and foot. If we can arrange it -- and this is not a bad idea -- we'll have the most beautiful girls peeling grapes for you, your highness. It's the idea that you're special and should be treated that way." Rock & Brews, a partnership of Simmons, Zislis and former rock promoter Dave Furano, opened in 2010 but has undergone a massive overhaul. Its bar comes complete with the ability to pour beer at two different temperatures and is framed under track lighting to give it the feel of an arena stage. Despite Simmons' desire to have the female wait staff peeling grapes, it's a family-friendly locale. As evidence, Simmons said wife Shannon Tweed prevented him from making the waitress outfits too risque. Expect a fast expansion. Franchises are on target for the Bay Area and Denver, and this fall a Rock & Brews will open in Terminal 5 of LAX. While Zislis has roots in the L.A. beer scene dating back to the late '80s, when he opened Manhattan Beach Brewing Company, it was lessons learned from live music rather than the recent craft beer expansion that inspired Rock & Brews. "Dave said that money is the merchandise," he said. "The money is in the beer. If you go to Staples Center to see a game, you spend more on beer than you do on merch. If I go see a Rush concert, I'll have four of those $14 Heinekens. The money is in the beer." Don't be scared by Zislis' mention of a certain green-bottled supermarket beer. When Rock & Brews has its grand opening on April 3, rare beers from Hangar 24, Jolly Pumpkin and Ballast Point will be among the offerings. Simmons, however, won't be pinned down on whether or not he has a favorite craft beer. His brand allegiance is to his own. "I like big menus," he said. "I don't want you, necessarily, to order the same things that I want. If you love craft beer, you have all the choices in the world. If you're a little kid, you can have your root beer float. The idea is to have everything for the craft beer lovers and for the kids." Although KISS has its brand on everything from coffee shops to Hello Kitty toys, Simmons said he didn't consider making Rock & Brews KISS-specific. "I am a human being outside of Kiss," he said. "There is Jekyll/Hyde and Clark Kent/Superman part of it, and both are legitimate. I didn't want to bring the KISS shadow over this. This is a bigger idea than KISS."
New Jersey's WRAT 95.9 FM spoke with Paul Stanley and Nikki Sixx to discuss the upcoming shows: Click to listen to Paul and Nikki on WRAT! Paul and Nikki also talked to Philadelphia's 93.3 FM WMMR about "The Tour!": Click to listen to Paul and Nikki on WMMR!
This year's induction ceremony includes Guns N' Roses, Beastie Boys and the Red Hot Chili Peppers - and the decision to omit the legendary '70s rockers yet again rankles with the band. Simmons tells Rolling Stone magazine, "It's become a joke. We've been thinking about it and the answer is simply, 'We'll just buy it and fire everybody.' In all seriousness for the fans, for something to be called Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is such an insult to Madonna, Blondie... Who the f**k knows what other disco act is in there? It's an insult to them because they don't get to be in the 'Dance Hall of Fame,' because that's what they do. They're legitimate dance, disco artists. They don't belong in rock and roll." KISS frontman Paul Stanley agrees with his bandmate, adding, "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has reached a point where they're really scrounging and scratching to find someone left that they consider viable. With all due respect, when you get to Patti Smith you're about two steps away from Pete Seeger."
DC101 audio interview with Paul Stanley and Nikki Sixx: Audio. Fuse TV video interview with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Vince Neil and Nikki Sixx: Video. Gater 98.7 audio interview with Paul Stanley and Nikki Sixx: Audio.
Calling it "The Tour" is a bold proclamation. But after more than 60 combined years on the road, both bands feel comfortable with living up to that title. "You will scream your head off until it’s no longer on your shoulder and then you’ll feel great. You’ll be drenched, exhausted, and completely satisfied without ever having anyone touch your schmekel," Gene Simmons told Rolling Stone. KISS' Paul Stanley has loftier goals though, namely surpassing the band's reputation as one of the great live acts. "What we’re hoping for, and certainly I am, is whatever people’s expectations are, we blow them out of the water," Stanley told Rolling Stone. "I want people to hope for the legend that they’ve heard about and find out it’s greater than that. I think that the longer we’re around the more invincible we become." This marks the first time the two acts have shared the same stage since Crüe opened five dates for KISS on 1982, 30 years ago. And while Crüe have since become hard rock icons in their own right, they are still the same KISS fans as back then. In a joint conversation with RS, Crue drummer Tommy Lee turned to KISS drummer Eric Singer and asked, "Are you guys gonna play 'Firehouse'?'" When Singer responded yeah cause Simmons was gonna blow fire, Lee's inner child started air drumming. "I fucking love that song," he said, tapping his hands excitedly. The admiration and respect are mutual. "I'm a big Mötley Crue fan," Singer said. "I've always been a fan of Tommy's and a fan of the band, so I think it's really cool." A double bill of KISS and Mötley Crüe promises to be over the top, "Elvis on steroids," it was called in the press conference. "I want people to leave and go, so this is what rock & roll is," Stanley said. "It’s dangerous, it’s loose, it’s not perfect. So whatever pop artist you see dancing around on a stage lip synching, that’s a con game and that’s not a live concert. If you want karaoke, go to a karaoke bar." Simmons fired shots at pop singers in the press conference, saying, "We're sick and tired of girls getting up there with dancers and karaoke tapes in back of them. No fake bullshit. Leave that to the Rihanna, Smhianna and anyone who ends their name with an 'A.'" Crüe's Nikki Sixx didn't disagree, but took the more positive route, hoping it inspires young fans to see two bands who've persevered in both up and down times. "What I would like to see people take away from it is that if you actually practice your instrument and practice writing songs and put a hundred percent into your show and every aspect of it, from your clothes to your lyrics, if your singers sing, then this is what happens – you have a long career and you get to go out and do the real deal," he told us. "It’s real rock & roll." Lee suggested those youngsters seeing both bands for the first time will be speechless. "They're gonna be tripping, for somebody who hasn't seen either band," he said. "They're gonna be walking out of there flipped out. I would." It was the always quotable Simmons though who summed up what people can expect from a night with Mötley Crüe and KISS. "Come out, we’ll blow shit up, go home and f*ck your girlfriend, that’s it," he said. That's exactly what we'd hope for.
At a press conference Tuesday in Hollywood hyping their highly anticipated coheadlining tour with Mötley Crüe, the KISS showman touted the rock and roll shows his band is known for in comparison with what he called "fake" productions of some today's biggest pop stars. But he caused a stir when he singled out the "S&M" singer as one of the worst offenders. "We're sick and tired of girls getting up there with dancers and karaoke tapes in back of them," Simmons told the gaggle of reporters. "No fake bulls--t. Leave that to the Rihanna, Shmianna and anyone who ends their name with an A." Whether this was a ploy for publicity or a heartfelt plea, the rocker expressed dismay that concert arenas, once the domain of major rock bands like his own, have become the domain of today's pop acts. "No disrespect to Rihanna, she's a great singer, but we're in a slump for some s--t that has some personality and appeal beyond a bunch of pop stuff that's floating around out there," the Crüe's drummer, Tommy Lee, told Billboard.com. "I'm glad he said that actually because I don't think I can bear watching another f--king award show that is just a little bit better than American Idol. It's f--king pathetic to watch people go out and f--king karaoke with a bunch of lights and video." No word what RiRi has to say about that or Simmons' diss. A rep was unavailable for comment. In any case, both bands promised a riveting show that, in KISS singer Paul Stanley's words, will offer up "more bombs and artillery" than the military. Dubbed The Tour, the joint trek kicks off July 20 in Bristow, Virginia, and tickets go on sale via Ticketmaster this Friday.
Speaking to VH1 Radio Network's Dave Basner following yesterday's (Tuesday, March 20) press conference at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, California to officially announce details of KISS' summer co-headlining tour withMÖTLEY CRÜE, KISS vocalist/guitarist Paul Stanley stated about the band's new CD, "'Monster' is really the culmination of everything this band has been in the past and where we're going. When we did [2009's] 'Sonic Boom', it was a big task for us because we were saying, 'How do we define who we are today without losing who we've been?' So, that was a tall order for us, but once we got that under our belts, we wanted to go back in and 'Monster' is far, far beyond anything we've done in terms of 'Sonic Boom' and yet it's right up there with some of the best stuff we've done. It's KISS." So is there a single coming soon? Paul told VH1 Radio Network when to expect it and if it has a name. "It should be right around the time of the tour," he said. "It does have a name but we haven't chosen it yet. I think our problem right now is that we have 13 great songs and any one of them has possibilities." In a 2011 interview with Classic Rock magazine, Stanley stated about the band's decision to return to the studio so soon after releasing "Sonic Boom", "I wasn't interested in making an album unless I was in charge and no one agreed to it half-heartedly. The band's all there, all the time, and we cut the tracks all facing each other in the same room. Chemistry and camaraderie, that's essential. That's what made [2009's] 'Sonic Boom' so great, and this album is thunderously better."
The 40-date North American tour will kick off in Bristow, Va., on July 20 and run through the end of the summer, with the hard rock groups each playing 90-minute sets. "These guys are the baddest band in the f***ing world," Motley Crue's Vince Neil said on stage with both bands at the Roosevelt Hotel on Tuesday. "Our very first tour was with [KISS], 1982. To be able to do it now is amazing." "Seeing them on stage, it was obvious back then that this was the next big thing," KISS' Paul Stanley added. "We talk about bang for buck, this will be the definition of bang for buck on this tour. If you want to see more bombs and artillery, you'll have to check out the military." Whether or not KISS bassist Gene Simmons' A&E reality show, "Gene Simmons Family Jewels," will follow the explosive tour was unclear. "Probably. Maybe… not," he said. But he had a clear answer to for the pop stars now invading stadiums once filled largely by rock acts. "We're sick and tired of girls getting up there with dancers and karaoke tapes in back of them," Simmons said. "No fake bulls**t. Leave that to the Rihanna, Smhianna and anyone who ends their name with an 'A.'" Backstage, Motley Crue's Tommy Lee seconded Simmons' strong opinions. "No disrespect to Rihanna, she's a great singer, but we're in a slump for some s**t that has some personality and appeal beyond a bunch of pop stuff that's floating around out there," he told Billboard.com. "I'm glad he said that actually because I don't think i can bear watching another f***ing award show that is just a little bit better than 'American Idol.' It's f***ing pathetic to watch people go out and f***ing karaoke with a bunch of lights and video. It's all completely watered down." "More guitars? There can't ever be enough," Motley Crue's Mick Mars told Billboard.com, asked if the touring world needed a shot of rock. "I'd have 15,000 guitar players on stage." Looking back, Lee had fond memories of the bands' shared '80s tour, remembering trying to catch the more established KISS members without their makeup backstage. "I remember, I wanted to see what they really looked like," he said. "They had bandanas, wrapped around, so we never really saw what they looked like, the whole tour. That was a big thing for me." "I still wonder that," KISS drummer Eric Singer added, laughing. Singer and Tommy Thayer, both more recent additions to KISS, look forward to touring with Motley Crue for the first time. "I wasn't there, I was in the crowd watching," Thayer said of the previous tour three decades ago. "Both bands are fans of each other," Singer added. "Everyone in KISS is a fan of Motley, big time. I remember when 'Dr. Feelgood' came out, Paul used to play that record all the time." During the press conference, the groups celebrated their own endurance through decades of rock, dubbing themselves, "Elvis on steroids." "You may say it doesn't look like classic rock and roll in the sense of what Elvis did, but all we've ever been, both bands, is Elvis on steroids," Stanley said. "Elvis through a Marshall amplifier. "We never forget, we were once in the audience seeing bands who let us down. This will be The Tour, that's what we're calling it, The Tour. You will be deaf and blinded, you will leave there stumbling out," he added Tickets go on sale on Friday, March 23, via Live Nation and Ticketmaster.
A (Bret Michaels): Really amazing record. I put a lot of hard work into this. And everyone that's on it, I'm not only friends with but fans of. I've got Ace Frehley from Kiss and Michael Anthony from Van Halen. I redid "Nothin' But a Good Time" and played everything on it but the lead guitar and bass. Ace Frehley plays the solo and Michael Anthony plays bass. Then, "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" has Joe Perry from Aerosmith and Hugh McDonald from Bon Jovi. And it's got Loretta Lynn singing it with me. Then, Jimmy Buffett, me and him did "Margaritaville" live.
Rock ‘n Roll doesn’t get any bigger than this! KISS and MÖTLEY CRÜE... On the same stage... On the same night. This spectacle of spectacles announced today, KISS and MÖTLEY CRÜE are uniting to launch THE TOUR of 2012. The summer's biggest, baddest rock tour will level 40+ cities nationwide starting July 20th. The Live Nation promoted tour will go on sale beginning Friday, March 23rd at Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com. The KISS Army Fan Club pre-sales begin Wednesday, March 21st at 10am. With combined album sales of almost 200 million, KISS and MÖTLEY CRÜE are more than just iconic; they remain today as the dominant powerhouses of rock music tallying 30+ chart-topping hits, countless sold out tours and awards and accolades from around the world. Known for their elaborate and spectacular stage shows, each band plans to give fans the ultimate summer concert experience with the most impressive lighting and sound production ever and their signature over-the-top pyrotechnics. This is the first time KISS and MÖTLEY CRÜE will share a stage since 1982. These veterans of the music business are still at the height of their popularity. KISS is the juggernaut of them all, with 3,000 licensed merchandise products, including the KISS golf course in Las Vegas and a new album. KISS has broken box office records set by The Beatles and Elvis. MÖTLEY CRÜE is the first rock band in history to have just completed an epic sold-out Las Vegas residency at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The band is best known for continuing to reinvent not only their live show (with mind blowing elements such as Tommy Lee’s 360 drum roller coaster) and music (brand new song due out this spring), but remain on the cutting edge via social media interaction. MÖTLEY CRÜE’s New York Times bestselling book The Dirt is currently being adapted into a major motion picture. Last month, the band was featured in one of the highest rated Super Bowl ads of all time for the KIA Optima. For tickets & VIP packages, including opportunities to meet KISS and MÖTLEY CRÜE, please visit www.KISSonline.com or www.Motley.com. See all the tour dates below the news section.
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Veteran hard rock group Kiss will kick off "The Big Dance Concert Series" on Friday, March 30. The band last performed in New Orleans during the 2009 Voodoo Experience in City Park. Expect a set heavy on such favorites as “Rock ‘n’ Roll All Night,” “Detroit Rock City” and “Calling Dr. Love.”
View a video of the Paul Stanley Washburn models at UltimateGuitar.TV!
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As previously reported, KISS will also be the musical guests on the Tuesday, March 20 episode of ABC-TV's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" (which will actually air the morning of Wednesday, March 21). Check your local listings for details. KISS has completed recording its new album, "Monster", for a late spring release. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "It's A Long Way Down", "Back To The Stone Age", "Shout Mercy", "Out Of This World", "Wall Of Sound" and "Hell Or Hallelujah". KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley recently admitted that he's never surprised by how deep KISS' fan devotion continues to run worldwide. "It really for me, resoundingly once again, I guess validates for me why this band exists," he told The Pulse Of Radio. "It's not a tepid recreation of the past, it's really an ageless beast that dominates at will. It's timeless."
MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil told Robin Leach of the Las Vegas Sun about the upcoming tour, "It's going to be really cool because KISS is bringing their full stage show, and MÖTLEY will be bringing our full stage show, so you are going to see two huge headliners at the same time. It's going to be one of the biggest tours of the summer, if not the biggest." KISS members declined to reveal any details about the upcoming tour at the "Kiss By Monster Mini Golf" grand opening on Thursday, but the band's guitarist, Tommy Thayer, did tell the Las Vegas Sun that he really enjoyed the CRÜE's performance at the Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel in February, saying, "MÖTLEY CRÜE is one of my favorite bands." He added that KISS would be interested in entertaining such a monthlong residency at some point. "It would have to be way over the top, but we're a band that does things over the top anyway," he said. "We know no boundaries." MÖTLEY CRÜE recently entered drummer Tommy Lee's studio called The Atrium in Calabasas, California to begin recording a new song that will be released to coincide with the band's upcoming tour. KISS has completed recording its new album, "Monster", for a late spring release. Song titles set to appear on the CD include "It's A Long Way Down", "Back To The Stone Age", "Shout Mercy", "Out Of This World", "Wall Of Sound" and "Hell Or Hallelujah".
They rattled off just a few of the highlights of what’s ahead at the grand opening of KISS by Monster Mini Golf on Thursday afternoon: *On April 1, in full makeup, they will be back in Las Vegas arriving on the red carpet in a Monster truck to present Best Vocal Group at the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena. *At the end of March, they’ll perform in New Orleans. *On April 9, they’ll perform two songs on the new season of “Dancing With the Stars” on ABC. (Don’t think Las Vegas resident Gladys Knight will samba to the songs.) *In one month, they start filming a KISS movie with Mark Johnson of the “Narnia” films producing. *In May, Season 9 of Gene’s “Family Jewels” begins and a 10th renewal looks definite for filming this fall for 2013. *Their nearly three-month dual headline tour with Motley Crue starts in July. *This fall, they’ll host yet another of their weeklong KISS-abean cruises in the Bahamas over Halloween with thousands of fans already booked.
The song writing process doesn’t change it’s the song itself that identifies itself as you’re writing a Ballard. I think I knew during the first thirty seconds of writing the song for Streisand 'We’re Not Makin’ Love Anymore' melodically, it goes to a certain place that puts it in to an adult category and it’s a melodic Ballard. But it has a very specific flavour and specific genre that it speaks to and I sent that to Streisand’s producers and they grabbed it straight away. In the case of writing ('Forever') for Kiss, my old lead guitarist that became Kiss’s lead guitarist, Bruce Kulick, told me Paul Stanley wanted to write with me, and when I met Paul he was one of the funniest people I ever met in my life. We had a great time and hit it off, and I said let’s do this and write, and I asked what he was looking for and he said was thinking about a power Ballard, a rock Ballard. So we wrote that at the Sunset Marquee, where I used to stay quite a lot in Los Angeles and I turned my room into a mini recording studio. That was such a specific range because we knew we were writing something for Kiss, we wrote a Rock Ballard and it turned out to be a giant hit for them and I’m grateful. One of the big kicks of doing something like that is that it’s establishing you can write in cross-genre, but also you get to go see all the Kiss fans waving their lighters when they start that song! It’s a thrill, and something I’ll never stop being excited about or getting a kick out of...it’s a surreal experience. As long as you do the best thing for the song itself, it will find a home and the right artist will step up and record it, but you have to pay most respect to the composition and make sure it’s a strong song, and if you’re lucky it will be a hit.
Criss is writing the book with the help of Larry "Ratso" Sloman. When Criss was inducted on January 14 as part of the latest Drum Legend class during the grand finals of Guitar Center's annual Drum-Off at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, California, he told Artisan News about his upcoming book (see video below), "You'll enjoy it. It's about my life. It's not about just… Of course, it's about drugs, sex and rock and roll. But it's about my parents, my growing up, getting through Brooklyn, going through gangs, getting into drugs, getting out of them, getting through cancer. I'm four years free of cancer now, so that's why I've got my pink shoelaces on. I'm doing great." In a press release issued last year, Criss said, "I am so blessed that I am finally going to write my autobiography, and I hope you enjoy the ride. The best of all is I get to share my true feelings of my love for God, family, friends and fame. It's been a wonderful life." While some men feel embarrassed because of "this macho crap," Criss told CNN surviving breast cancer was actually a blessing. He was treated before the tumor could spread and said he was speaking about male breast cancer to raise the profile of this rare disease. Criss, who played drums for KISS and was known as "Catman," offered this advice to men who spot lumps in their breast: "Don't sit around playing Mr. Tough Guy. Don't say 'It's going to go away.' It might not and you might not see life anymore and how beautiful that is." Criss, who is currently working on a new rock album, told Reuters his bout with cancer had affected his songwriting. "My lyrics are not so deep and dismal," he said. One of the tracks on the album, expected next year, is called "Hard Rock Knockers".
But even Thayer is lost as to where to place his ball for the first-ever shot on the glow-in-the-dark, 18-hole KISS By Monster Mini Golf miniature golf course. “I think you put it there, in the middle,” says Jay Beckman, the director of golf at Southern Highlands, who is joining Thayer in a quick three-hole competition on holes 16, 17 and 18. Beckman then points to a pad on the ground reading “16,” inlaid with three ball-sized indentations. He says to Thayer, “Try there, I think.” Neither player knows where the hole is positioned, which is somewhere on the other side of the giant guitar placed a few feet in front of that pad. There is indeed a hole, painted day-glow orange, at the exit of the big instrument. The idea is to putt the ball through the mouth of the guitar … and hope for the best. Thayer strikes the ball firmly. It vanishes in the darkened recesses of the guitar. Everyone looks at each other, then we hear the unmistakable “plunk” of a golf ball dropping into a cup. “Hole in one?” Thayer asks. The astonished group of onlookers nods energetically. “Wow!” Beckman says. Longtime KISS fans will find it appropriate that the first shot at the KISS-themed golf attraction was indeed an ace, recorded by the band’s current Spaceman. Thayer winds up taking Beckman, who oversees the course Thayer usually plays on his visits to Las Vegas, by two strokes over three holes — Beckman needed two shots just to cover the lengthy Gene Simmons tongue on the 18th and closing hole. That’s how it started Thursday afternoon at a crammed-with-VIPs opening event at KISS By Monster Mini golf. “I don’t take my golf as seriously as my music,” Thayer says upon finishing his abbreviated round. “Even the pros know not to take the game too seriously. If you do, you’re in trouble because no one ever masters golf.” The KISS By Monster Mini Golf attraction sits, appropriately, across from the Hard Rock Hotel on Harmon Avenue, just east of Rumor Boutique Hotel. All members of the band were on hand to usher in the opening, as were co-owners Christina and Patrick Vitagliano, but Thayer was the only KISS member to actually swing a club. “I’m the golfer of the band,” he says, “so I’m sure I’ll be asked to play this a lot.” Gene Simmons was at once stoic and tolerant as he posed for photos and answered such questions as, “What is your favorite hole?” His answer: “I have a lot of favorite holes.” Later, Simmons said, “The idea is to see how this will do and maybe take it to other cities. I mean, look around. Isn’t everyone having fun?” Yes. They are. “Any KISS fan from anywhere in the world will have a good time here,” he reasoned. Paul Stanley said the band’s iconic visual qualities — obviously the members’ stage makeup and costuming and the universally recognizable KISS logo — lends itself to nonmusic business ventures. “We’ve had a lot of ideas, and the band is so visual, it was just a matter of taking some of those iconic images and designing something around those,” Stanley said. “It’s a natural fit, whether it’s the boots or the faces, or whatever we’re known for. Most of the ideas that were brought to us were thumbs-up.” “I can’t imagine another band in the world being able to do something like this,” Thayer said. The space is well-utilized, with the orange-and-red hued, glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course set far to one side and laden with giant boots, Simmons’ axe-styled bass, a pair of six-string guitars, an animatronic KISS band (similar to the effect Chuck-E-Cheese uses for its automated music act), and, of course, the Simmons-designed head with the famously long tongue as the closing hole. A uniquely Vegas touch: Painted on a wall facing the course are Las Vegas icons wearing KISS boots, among them Oscar Goodman, Wayne Newton, David Copperfield, even Elvis. Also folded into the attraction: A “Hotter Than Hell” wedding chapel, a fully outfitted KISS-fashioned arcade and a gift shop brimming with KISS-licensed souvenirs. Maybe one of those keepsakes will be the very ball Thayer drained to open the course. Wait. That’s still in my possession … More notes from the opening: • A couple who bid $15,000 on eBay for the right to be the first to be married at the attraction’s wedding chapel were thrilled at the ceremony, which was attended by all band members (Stanley and Simmons were invited to stand with the wedding parties). The joyous occasion was officiated by Las Vegas’ busiest little person, Brian “Lowercase g” Thomas, who is in fact an ordained “mini-ster” presiding over his first nuptials. David Howard and Natasha Oliver (now Howard) met on Match.com (love to see how those profiles matched) and plan to honeymoon on a KISS cruise in the fall. Oliver is a prosecuting attorney who lives in Hollywood and got a kick out of meeting Lady Demon winner and Arizona Superior Court Commissioner Christine Mulleneaux. “There is a litigious theme to today,” Natasha said after she and David swapped their vows, which were laden with KISS lyrics and references, such as, “Do you promise to rock and roll all night?” Great stuff, just great. • A sampling of KISS-licensed products on sale at the attraction’s gift shop: ceramic coffee mugs and bowls, action figures that sing a variety of KISS classics (“Beth” and “Rock and Roll Over” among them), a sculpture of KISS members as Mount Rushmore figures, drum skins from the “Psycho Circus” tour, full stage costumes, clocks, incense burners, wigs for kids and adults and KISS-fashioned Mr. Potato Head toys. Someone mentioned KISS-licensed condoms were for sale, and the fact that I didn’t find any doesn’t mean that is not true. • Performing in the open lot at the attraction’s entrance was Mr. Speed of Cleveland, winners of the KISS-Off band competition held at Hard Rock Hotel’s Body English in January. Remarkably, two members of one of the bands who competed that day, KISS Forever of Budapest, Hungary, showed up to take part in the opening ceremony. • Las Vegas entertainment was well-represented at the VIP party. Performers I actually saw and/or interacted with included all four members of “Jersey Boys,” the casts of “Fantasy,” Thunder From Down Under, Chippendales (including guest star Jake Pavelka), Andrew "Dice" Clay, hypnotist Mark Savard, magician Murray Sawchuck, Penny Pibbets and the Gazillionaire from “Absinthe,” Tara Palsha from “Vegas! the Show” and “Defending the Caveman” star Kevin Burke. • There was no more avid KISS fan than its current drummer, Eric Singer, who saw the band on its first full U.S. tour in 1974, in Cleveland. He also caught them a year later on their “Hotter Than Hell” tour. “I was a KISS fan for a long, long time before I was ever in the band,” Singer said. “I am now part of the spectacle. I love it.” A last piece of KISS trivia: In one of the oddest blends of sensibilities in entertainment history, the band appeared on “The Mike Douglas Show” on April 29, 1974. They played “Firehouse” from their eponymous debut album. And there’s just no way to finish a column about KISS without employing the word “eponymous.”
"Reverend" Lowercase G offers plenty of humor throughout the wedding, pointing out that the couple will get to combine their collections of KISS memorabilia as they vow to be married for "100,000 years." David vows to Natasha, "Tonight, I wanna give it all to you. In the darkness, there's so much I wanna do." Natasha vows, "I see my future when I look in your eyes. It took your love to make my heart come alive." Visit www.theroxyonsunset.com for tickets.
The doting daddy - who is also father to 17-year-old son Evan with ex-wife Pamela Bowen as well as son Colin, 5, and daughter Sarah, nearly 3, with his current wife - pushed his youngest daughter in her stroller as the trio ran some errands together. At one point, Paul bent over to smile and coo at his sweet baby girl. The KISS logo can be found on many things around the nation, and now is can be found on a miniature golf course in Las Vegas, Nevada! The new attraction will feature an 18-hole indoor glow-in-the-dark course, an arcade, themed party rooms and, in true Vegas style, a wedding chapel!
"It's going to be really cool because KISS is bringing their full stage show, and MÖTLEY will be bringing our full stage show, so you are going to see two huge headliners at the same time," Vince said. "It's going to be one of the biggest tours of the summer, if not the biggest." MÖTLEY CRÜE recently entered drummer Tommy Lee's studio called The Atrium in Calabasas, California to begin recording a new song that will be released to coincide with the band's upcoming tour. MÖTLEY CRÜE's latest studio album, "Saints of Los Angeles", sold 99,000 copies in the United States during its first week of release. The CD was CRÜE's first studio album since 2000's "New Tattoo", which has sold over 200,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The band's previous studio effort with all of its original members was 1997's "Generation Swine", which debuted and peaked at No. 4 on The Billboard 200, and has sold more than 300,000 units. KISS has completed recording its new album, "Monster", for a late spring release. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "It's A Long Way Down", "Back To The Stone Age", "Shout Mercy", "Out Of This World", "Wall Of Sound" and "Hell Or Hallelujah". KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley recently admitted that he's never surprised by how deep KISS' fan devotion continues to run worldwide. "It really for me, resoundingly once again, I guess validates for me why this band exists," he told The Pulse Of Radio. "It's not a tepid recreation of the past, it's really an ageless beast that dominates at will. It's timeless."
The couple stopped by Breakfast Television on Thursday to urge Canadians to cut out stress for the sake of their hearts. The two, who star in the reality show Gene Simmons Family Jewels, are in Toronto to attend The Heart Truth celebrity fashion show at the Carlu at Yonge and College — an event benefitting a Heart and Stroke Foundation campaign targeting women. The fashion show coincides with International Women’s Day. Aside from Tweed and Simmons, singer Jully Black, actor Lisa Ray and Olympian Catriona Le May Doan will attend. Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 killer of Canadian women and this campaign is trying to dispel the myth that heart disease is a men’s disease. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, women can reduce their risk by up to 80 per cent through lifestyle changes — something Tweed swears by. “We’re serious about fitness and eating right,” she said. “We run and exercise is important — not being overweight, watching your cholesterol.” Simmons says his recent marriage to Tweed helped ease her stress. “I’ve been the cause of Shannon’s stress for a long time,” he said. “You’ve got to get rid of the stress.” Simmons also claims women are more likely to carry stress and urged ladies to “wake up and stop beating yourself up.” “Your heart and your welfare are much more important,” he said. “Time for you to come first.” Click here for more information on the Heart Truth campaign.
Described as a live show unlike any before, Rock 'N' Roll Allstars will include appearances by the following musicians: * Gene Simmons (KISS) The dates are as follows: According to South American promoter Premier Producciones, the tentative setlist for the May 1 show in Guatemala City, Guatemala will be as follows: Duff McKagan: Sebastian Bach: Glenn Hughes: Ed Roland: Gilby Clarke: Joe Elliott: To be announced: Promoter Gabe Reed hosted a press conference on Thursday, March 1 at The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, California to officially announce the Rock 'N' Roll Allstars tour. Also attending the press conference were Simmons, Sorum, McKagan, Clarke, Bach and Hughes, among others. Commented Bach: "For me to be the singer in Gene Simmons' first-EVER side project is amazing to me! Dreams come true, indeed. If you would have told me when I was a boy that some day Gene Simmons, Glenn Hughes and myself would be in a band together, my reply would have been, No, we will not,' and I would have been wrong, haha!! See you soon Central and South America!! We are gonna rock the best of KISS, DEEP PURPLE, GUNS N' ROSES, SKID ROW and DEF LEPPARD! See you soon on tour!!!" Added Hughes: "It's going to be quite a spectacle. For me, this collective of rockers is a fan's dream come true. It's a great lineup with players from a lot of great bands." Check out video footage of Thursday's press conference here: Video 1, Video 2.
“Our challenge is to continue to find ways to weave KISS into the very fabric of Americana. We'll be there to celebrate the first ever KISS By Monster Mini Golf®grand opening in Las Vegas. This is miniature golf KISS style and another part of our KISS world. We've big plans for this and in this case what happens in Vegas won't stay in Vegas ” said Paul Stanley. Gene Simmons added, “This venue is perfect for Las Vegas. Where else can you go play a round of KISS® By Monster Mini Golf and then renew your wedding vows in an official KISS “Hotter Than Hell” Wedding chapel, only in Vegas.” KISS® By Monster Mini Golf® is the first-of-its-kind indoor glow-in-the-dark custom-designed, rockin’ 18-hole miniature golf course and will also host a state-of-the-art arcade, the largest KISS gift shop in the world, A KISS Gallery, the “Hotter Than Hell” Wedding Chapel, a private VIP Room, FANtastic KISS themed event rooms and the “Rock ‘n Roll All Nite” Café. KISS By Monster Mini Golf is located at 4503 Paradise Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89169 in the Shoppes at Harmon Square across from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. “KISS® By Monster Mini Golf has been in development for more than two years and it is destined to become a must see when anyone comes to visit Las Vegas,” said Christina Vitagliano, Founder of KISS By Monster Mini Golf. " "The Kiss brand just keeps getting bigger and bigger around the world. Kiss Monster Mini Golf will be a favorite for the Kiss Army legion of loyal fans as well as new Kiss fans" said Dell Furano, CEO of Live Nation Merchandise, Kiss' longtime worldwide exclusive licensing and merchandising partner.
April 6-8, Ace “Spaceman” Frehley will appear as The Full Moon Tattoo and Horror Festival’s guest of honor at Nashville Convention Center. And that’s actual Ace Frehley, not current KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer dressed up in Ace’s “Spaceman” get-up and face makeup, FYI. Presented by the recently-relocated-to-East Nashville Lone Wolf Tattoo and its parent company Full Moon, Inc., this 11th annual three-day dork-out on body art and bloody fiction will also feature appearances from Jerry “The King” Lawler, I Spit on Your Grave star Camille Keaton, scream queen Stacey Dixon, The Walking Dead’s Norman Reedus, Robert Carradine (the dude who played Lewis in all four installments of the Revenge of the Nerds franchise), Tony Todd (the dude who played The Candyman in the Candyman films), two dudes who each played Jason Voorhees, two dudes who each played Michael Myers and some dude who was in Saw 3. Check out the fest’s official site for more info. No word yet on whether or Spaceman Frehley’s honorary guesting duties will include performing, simply signing autographs, summoning The Candyman, running from Jason or getting body-slammed by Jerry Lawler. Regardless, expect the Tennessee chapter of the KISS Army to deploy itself in full force.
The "Melvan," one of the first touring vans of Seattle band The Melvins, features a sketch on the side of rock band KISS that was drawn by grunge rocker and Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain. Cobain was an acquaintance of the band. By Monday night, the 1972 Dodge Sportsman Royal had received 38 bids, pushing its price to $10,300 with a week to go in the online auction. The seller described the van as "a very unique piece of Melvins/Nirvana history" and "truly one of a kind." "The KISS mural on the side was hand drawn by Kurt Cobain using sharpie markers shoplifted from the Thriftway grocery store in Montesano, Washington," the listing claims. "Kurt himself was often times known to drive this van to local shows." The seller also said the van was last driven in 1998 on a "short trip around the block." "I would not trust it on any sort of road trip, ironically, the license tabs expired April of 94, how crazy is that?" the seller added. Cobain committed suicide on April 5, 1994, at the age of 27.
And since the movie turned in its application to the Michigan Film Office before last year's Dec. 31 deadline, incentives to locate filming of "Cadillac High" won't be subject to the 2012 cap of $25 million budgeted by the state. "It was a project that we wanted to make sure to do everything possible to keep here in Michigan," says Michigan Film Office Communication Adviser Michelle Begnoche. In 1974, the Cadillac High School Vikings, playing KISS albums in the locker room before and after games, won seven straight games and wound up conference co-champs. Word spread to the glitter-rockers of KISS, who visited Cadillac the next year for the most raucous Homecoming weekend on record. June 27, 1996, Detroit News: "We always planned to turn this planet into Kiss World and Cadillac was the first proof that it was possible," says guitarist Paul Stanley, who will be playing Friday with his original bandmates -- bassist Gene Simmons, guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss. Simmons agrees. "It's one thing getting into a band and making some money," he explains. "It's another seeing that a band can change people's lives; that it can instill a better sense of self-esteem in people; that it can help a football team win games." According to the Michigan Film Office's 2011 Annual Report, "Cadillac High" will film in the cities of Cadillac, Pontiac and Detroit. The movie says it will hire 205 Michigan residents and spend just over $27 million dollars to produce the film in the Mitten State; including almost $5.5 million on equipment and material rentals and purchasing, $700,000 on food and just over $534,000 on lodging. Conditional incentive amounts offered to producer Philip Steuer total $8.2 million, though the Film Office is still waiting on some financial information from the film, says Begnoche. Steuer produced the "Chronicles of Narnia" films and "Oz the Great and Powerful, " which was shot last year at Raleigh Michigan Studios. Begnoche said Steuer approached them after the success of shooting "Oz the Great and Powerful" in Michigan. "We're excited about the film's great Michigan locations and great story," she says.
Now, for those who can’t get enough of their favorite rockers, a KISS-themed miniature golf course and amusement park will open across from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on March 15. “The 18th hole is my tongue,” bass player Gene Simmons said this week. The project is a team effort between KISS and Monster Entertainment, which has franchised Monster Mini Golf locations around the country featuring glow-in-the-dark miniature golf and creepy creatures. Of course, you can expect a few more attractions at this venue, including what’s billed as the world’s largest KISS gift shop, the Hotter than Hell wedding chapel and the Rock 'n' Roll All Nite Cafe. The band is marking its 40th anniversary this year, and Simmons talks with pride on how KISS brought theatricality, showmanship and full-face makeup to the rock genre. Indeed, KISS and Vegas seem like a match made in ... Hades. Just don’t tell Simmons that his band is "going Vegas." He says the band was way over the top before Sin City sprouted pirate ships and volcanoes. "Vegas is just copying KISS," he insists. "Once they saw us, they knew how to do it the right way."
* Gene Simmons (KISS) Promoter Gabe Reed hosted a press conference earlier today (Thursday, March 1) at The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, California to officially announce the Rock 'N' Roll Allstars tour of South and Central America in April/May 2012. Also attending the press conference were Simmons, Sorum, McKagan, Clarke, Bach and Hughes, among others. Commented Bach: "For me to be the singer in Gene Simmons' first-EVER side project is amazing to me! Dreams come true, indeed. If you would have told me when I was a boy that some day Gene Simmons, Glenn Hughes and myself would be in a band together, my reply would have been, No, we will not,' and I would have been wrong, haha!! See you soon Central and South America!! We are gonna rock the best of KISS, DEEP PURPLE, GUNS N' ROSES, SKID ROW and DEF LEPPARD! See you soon on tour!!!" Despite the fact that he was previously announced as one of the musicians taking part in the Rock 'N' Roll Allstars tour, former METALLICA and VOIVOD bassist Jason Newsted will **NOT** be making an appearance at the event.
Ace Frehley's book, "No Regrets: A Rock 'N' Roll Memoir", landed at position No. 10 on the New York Times "Hardcover Nonfiction" best sellers list. The book, which is described as a look back at Ace's "life of sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll," arrived on November 1 via Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. "No Regrets", which was published under Gallery's VH1 Books imprint, was co-written by New York Times journalist Joe Layden who also authored "The Last Great Fight" about what is considered by many to be the biggest upset in the history of boxing: James "Buster" Douglas' tenth-round knockout win over Mike Tyson in 1990. Frehley performed with KISS from its inception in 1973 until his first departure in 1982 before rejoining KISS in 1996 for a very successful reunion tour. Frehley's second stint lasted until 2002 as Ace went back to being a solo artist again, but the stories and memories still remain from touring in one of rock and roll's most successful acts of all time. As previously reported, Brookvale Records, in partnership with Rocket Science, will release the Ace Frehley "Anomaly" album on vinyl. Due on April 10, it will be a double LP set in special gatefold packaging with the vinyl silver in color. Only 1,000 copies hand-numbered copies will be made. The album will also be available at select retailers starting April 10. For more information, go to this location. "Anomaly", sold around 17,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 27 on The Billboard 200 chart. In addition to the standard CD release, unique "Anomaly" packages were made available at Wal-Mart and Best Buy locations. The Wal-Mart version includes an Ace autographed tattoo while the Best Buy edition is printed on silver stock, like the KISS "Double Platinum" album. Released on September 15, 2009 via Ace's own Bronx Born Records, with Rocket Science providing a full label service platform in the U.S., "Anomaly" was produced and recorded in Westchester County, New York between 2007 and 2009 and was mixed in Los Angeles.
Listen at: http://podkisst.com.
The scorecard app will enhance your experience at KISS By Monster Mini Golf and keep your group’s score at the same time. Integrated with the Las Vegas location's par information, the app will keep tally of you and your friends’ score at all times. The 18 holes are "JAMB" packed with KISS-inspired facts and graphics. Included at each hole is a "KISSTORY Lesson", letting users test their knowledge about the band and its members. With nearly 200 facts, users will enjoy a new experience each time they return. Also make sure to share your "hole-in-ones" on Facebook or even tweet your final score! "We are thrilled to be a part of this collaboration," commented Adam Bitterman, CEO of JAMB Innovations. "The mini golf experience has been elevated to a new level." JAMB Innovations worked exclusively with Monster Mini Golf to produce a second golf scoring app. The original app "Monster Mini Golf" helps keep score at over 30 other Monster Mini Golf locations. The app has been featured in the Top 200 Sports Apps in iTunes for 28 consecutive weeks.
"If there is a 'best boss in America' award, Chuck Brennan deserves it," said Shon McKee, senior manager for Dollar Loan Center. "We got to experience an evening we will never forget and truly live like rock stars for the night." Brennan, a long-time rock music lover and former music industry executive, opened the evening with The Doors' Robby Krieger playing "LA Woman," followed by "Roadhouse Blues" with actor Val Kilmer, who famously portrayed Jim Morrison in the 1991 movie about the iconic band. Brennan then introduced comedian-musician Gary Mule Deer, who entertained the audience before they were treated to a musical set that included rock legend Alice Cooper, Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac. The trio was accompanied by rock music legends Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer of the band KISS while Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley cheered in the audience. Brennan is long-time friends with the band and can always count on KISS when it comes to help raising money for great charities. "It was an incredible, star-studded evening and I'm thrilled that everyone had such a good time," said Brennan, "To be able to raise nearly $300,000 in a matter of minutes is very humbling." Over $200,000 of the donations are going directly to Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Foundation. The Phoenix based, non-profit organization provides programs and resources for at-risk teens. "Chuck and his wife Mary are our biggest contributors and this event is absolutely amazing," said Cooper, "They need to televise this event each year so everyone can witness it!" During the evening, Brennan also announced a $20,000 donation to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in the name of Robby Krieger as well as a $10,000 donation to Rupert's Kids, the nonprofit organization founded by Survivor's Rupert Boneham who was also a guest at the event. Throughout the evening, famed "Speed Painter" Rock Demarco showcased his talents with artwork that was created live at the event and auctioned off for more than $100,000. "And of course Dollar Loan Center employees got their own surprises during the evening," said Brennan. "Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer helped me give away four brand new KISS Mini Coopers to our staff" said Brennan. "Everyone walks away happy at our annual celebration. The prizes ranged from $100 in cash to a new car!" The company has posted a 5 minute highlight video on the Dollar Loan Center YouTube page for public viewing. Dollar Loan Center is a premier provider of payday loan alternatives in 50 locations throughout Nevada, South Dakota and Utah. Brennan, the company and its employees gave over half a million dollars last year to charitable organizations across the country. Dollar Loan Center is the largest provider of short term credit services in South Dakota and Nevada. In 2007, Entrepreneur Magazine listed the company among its "Hot 500" Fastest Growing Businesses and Entrepreneurs." For more information, visit www.dontbebroke.com.
Shooting rockets. Blood spitting. Face Paint. Shiny Boots and utterly jaw dropping triumphant live shows: SONISPHERE is proud to announce KISS as Friday's headliner. With a reputation for being perhaps the most flamboyant and entertaining band on the planet, the American Kings will bring their stage extravaganza to SONISPHERE as their only European performance of 2012. While many bands have been chasing the eye liner shock horror dollar and have come and gone without changing the face of music as we know it, KISS have gone from strength to strength garnering praise, success and too many accolades to mention throughout the years, selling over 100 million albums worldwide and counting as the band is poised to unleash new album 'Monster' in June 2012. Says the band: “You wanted the best, you got the best, the hottest band in the world, KISS”. SONISPHERE festival is KISS’ invitation to have the best time of your life with long lost friends such as the anthemic 'Rock N Roll All Night', the jubilant singalong 'I Was Made For Lovin' You' and the rallying cry of 'God Gave Rock N Roll to You'. We would ask you to lock up your daughters, girlfriends and wives, but with Gene Simmons in town, it's pretty clear there's no stopping them. And if you can't fight them, join them at their only European show of 2012. SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH takes place July 6th - 8th at KNEBWORTH HOUSE. The three-day festival also includes performances from Queen, Faith No More, Evanescence, Marilyn Manson, Incubus, and many more. Public tickets will be available at www.sonispherefestivals.com at 9am on Thursday, February 23.
1:00pm ~ The party kick's off in our parking lot with a day of FREE events featuring the WINNER of the World's Best KISS Tribute Band Contest: "Mr. Speed" performing live throughout the day! Live Radio Broadcast from KOMP Vegas Rock Radio where you can win FREE tickets for KISS By Monster Mini Golf throughout the day and lots of great prizes! Face painters, games, food and fun all day! 3:00pm ~ Great opportunity to watch the first Wedding couple and their guests arrive in Rock Star Fashion as they enter KISS by Monster Mini Golf for the 1st ever KISS "Hotter Than Hell" wedding! Then, watch the wedding live from our parking lot via video broadcast! 5:00pm ~ The Red Carpet Walk begins! (actually we have a Black Carpet, as this is a Rockin' establishment!) Yes, we're talking Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and lots of other star studded surprises! 5:00 - 7:00pm ~ VIP Cocktail Party! (For VIP Ticket Holders Only) Chat, eat and drink while you rub shoulders with VIP and stars all inside KISS by Monster Mini Golf with free golfing and swag bags for all VIP's. 7:00pm ~ Doors open to the public! There are two ways to purchase tickets: - Buy tickets for the 7:00pm "doors open to the public" and you will be able to book your own Mini Golf Tee time upon purchase! (meaning, you can come in at 7:00pm, get a chance to see the place and know that you also have a confirmed time to play 18 holes of Mini Golf too!) Ticket price: $14.95 each: ** We will be selling tickets at the door that night but this guarantees your entry and tee time. We will be open till 2am! - OR - Hang with the VIP's and get treated like Royalty! KMMG Grand Opening Day VIP Tickets (Only 100 tickets will be sold for this event!) Ticket includes: Access to our Private Media Only Press Conference with Paul Stanley & Gene Simmons, and Monster Mini Golf Founders! (exact time to be announced, approx 1pm but you will be notified via email) Access to our entire facility for a sneak peek Private Tour following the press conference. (Great time to take photos!) Access to our private outdoor VIP area. (FYI this is the Red Carpet area, catering & more) $50 KISS by Monster Mini Golf Gift Shop Card (Valid for Golf, Games, Snacks Bar, Gift Shop Art Gallery…etc. No expiration date!) Access to our VIP area to watch the Red Carpet walk, then on to the POSH VIP Cocktail Party with VIP’s, stars, and of course... KISS! Special Opening Day KISS by Monster Mini Golf Swag Bag Season Pass to KISS by Monster Mini Golf! (Valid for unlimited KISS Monster Mini Golf for 3 months from date of first round! VIP ticket Price: $500.00 (Only 100 Tickets available for this event) Complete Itinerary will be emailed directly to you. The general public is welcome to come in at 7:00pm and look around and decide then if you would like to buy a round of Mini Golf. (odds are there will be a wait but we are certainly accepting walk ins!) We will be open until 2am and then every day thereafter from 10am till 2am, 7 days a week! BUY GRAND OPENING TICKETS NOW!
A description reads as follows: "'Nothin' To Lose' chronicles for the first time the crucial formative years of the legendary rock band KISS, culminating with the groundbreaking success of their classic 1975 album 'Alive!' and the smash single 'Rock and Roll All Nite', a song that nearly four decades later remains one of the band's most enduring anthems. Drawing on more than 200 interviews, the book offers a captivating and intimate fly-on-the-wall account of their launch, charting the struggles and ultimate victories that led them to the threshold of superstardom. Constructed as an oral history, the book includes original interviews with Paul, Gene, Ace, and Peter, as well as producers, engineers, management, roadies, costume and stage designers, fans, and musical contemporaries from the time, including: original manager Bill Aucoin, Casablanca Records founder Neil Bogart, rock photographer Bob Gruen, promoter Ron Delsner, Ted Nugent, Dick Clark, Alice Cooper, Marshall Crenshaw, and Bob Seger, as well as members of AEROSMITH, BLACK SABBATH, RUSH, STYX, NAZARETH, SLADE, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, URIAH HEEP, MOTT THE HOOPLE, NEW YORK DOLLS, RAMONES, and THE QUATTROS, among others. The end result is an indelible and irresistible portrait of a band on the rise and the music scene they changed forever."
The Golden God Award, given to one special honoree a year who embodies the spirit of hard rock and metal, will go to KISS demon Gene Simmons, whose band will release their highly anticipated 20th studio album, “Monster,” this year. “It's an honor and privilege to accept the Golden God Award,” Simmons said in a statement. “A God is only as powerful as the faithful who worship him. Signed, [THE] GOD OF THUNDER.”
According to website DeuceNews.com, Simmons’ new band will kick off a seven-country Latin American tour at Estadio Monumental in Lima. The 'Titans of Rock' includes Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses), Joe Elliot (Def Leppard), Gilby Clark (Guns N’ Roses), Ed Roland (Collective Soul), Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses), Jason Newsted (Metallica), Sebastian Bach (Skid Row) and Vince Neil (Mötley Crüe). Gene Simmons and his band will visit Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, Costa Rica and Guatemala. In 2009, Simmons and Kiss offered a powerful and energetic concert to some 30,000 people who packed the Estadio Nacional in Lima, Peru.
Bidding for the first “Hotter Than Hell” wedding starts Feb. 10 on eBay! LAS VEGAS, Nev. – KISS by Monster Mini Golf is giving KISS fans the opportunity to be the first couple married at the “Hotter Than Hell” wedding chapel with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley as the guests of honor. The first wedding or vow renewal ceremony will be up for auction on eBay Thursday Feb 9th at noon (PST) and will close Valentine’s Day, at noon (PST.) Partial proceeds will benefit Toys 4 Smiles. For eBay link and a detailed list of ALL items included in the first “Hotter Than Hell” wedding package please visit www.monsterminigolf.com/kiss.
For more information, go to this location.
Mikel's credits include co-writing 'Ain't Quite Right', 'Move On', 'Take Me Away, (Together As One)' from Paul's solo, 'Saint And Sinner' from Creatures Of The Night and 'Down On Your Knees' from Killers. R.I.P. Mikel.
You can now listen to the "Decibel Geek" podcast here: www.dbgeekshow.blogspot.com. Carr was an integral part of KISS for over 11 years. His powerful drumming rocked the music world through the metal Eighties. Carr is still an influence on drummers and rock fans alike. Released on November 8, 2011 through a label imprint set up by Caravello, "Unfinished Business" is a special 20th-year commemorative CD release that features over 17 rare Eric Carr recordings, including previously unreleased music, live performances, interview clips and more. Guests include current and former members of KISS, TWISTED SISTER, SEETHER, ZO2, EUROPE, DANGER DANGER and more. This CD is a testament to a man whose personality and heart were as big as his enormous talent. Eric's spirit is alive in each and every song. For more information, go to this location.
PETER CRISS To Sign Autographs At 'Mad Monster Party'
Peter Criss, legendary founding drummer of KISS, will make a rare autograph-signing appearance at Mad Monster Party in Charlotte, North Carolina on March 22-24, 2013.Reunion With ACE FREHLEY And PETER CRISS 'Would Be The Death Of The Band'
Lisa Berigan of Big 100.3, Washington D.C.'s home for bigger and better classic rock, recently conducted an interview with KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons and drummer Eric Singer. You can now listen to the chat here.
KISS Discuss 'Monster,' Kiss Cruise + Rock Hall at Sirius XM Town Hall Conference
The legends of Kiss graced the Sirius XM studios in New York City last week for a two-hour intimate question and answer session with a few lucky Sirius subscribers. Kiss spoke candidly about their 20th studio record, ‘Monster,’ their Halloween-themed Kiss Cruise and they gave a piece of their mind about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Check out some of the highlights of the Q&A below:PAUL STANLEY TALKS CHARTS, FUTURE PLANS
PAUL STANLEY TALKS CHARTS, FUTURE PLANS: Listen.
HELPING PARENTS TO ROCK
(Video) Did you know that 3 in 5 kids in the US suffer from a parent that does NOT rock? KISS, along with Jimmy Kimmel Live, have joined with other rock stars to fight this silent epidemic that can strike anywhere, anytime.'Monster' Cracks U.S. Top 3
"Monster", the 20th studio album from legendary rockers KISS, sold 60,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 3 on The Billboard 200 chart.Billboard: Monster Review
Early on KISS' 20th studio album, Gene Simmons declares he's "going back to the Stone Age / back where I come from." If that's what the early to mid-70s were, then the dozen tracks on Monster validate that claim -- in a good way. It's a lean, taut and occasionally tawdry reminder that KISS was once a big-riffing hard-rock concern. Everything on the set has a big beat, raw-edged guitars, meaty choruses and plenty of gang vocals.LISTEN TO PAUL AND TOMMY ON ROCKLINE RADIO
CLICK HERE to visit ROCKLINE Radio and listen to Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer from their appearance on the show last Monday.
USA Today: Rock memoirs roll out big revelations
Makeup To Breakup: My Life In and Out of Kiss
By Peter Criss with Larry "Ratso" Sloman
Scribner, 384 pp., $26 (out Oct. 23)KISS: THE BAND, THE FANS, THE MARKETING
(Video) Australia's Yahoo! video recently aired a segment on the hottest band in the world and their amazing fans. Here's the description of their report:PAUL STANLEY Says STEVEN TYLER 'Needs A Reality Check'
KISS frontman Paul Stanley says Steven Tyler is "full of himself" and "needs a reality check" after the AEROSMITH singer called his former tourmates a "comic-book rock band."'Monster' First-Week Chart Positions Revealed
"Monster", the 20th studio album from legendary rockers KISS, has registered the following first-week chart positions:
Sweden: #4
Germany: #6
Australia: #7
Holland: #17
U.K.: #21
The KISS ROOM! 10/12/12
It’s October, so we’re talking about HALLOWEEN! We have KISS KRUSE KOMMENTARY with “Super Fan” Andy Moyen! Discussion about the SIRIUSXM “Town Hall” with KISS and, of course, MONSTER, with a special MONSTER ROUNDTABLE featuring FRANK HAGAN from KISS MASK, KEN MILLS from the PodKISSt, CASSIUS MORRIS from CREATURES OF THE NET, CHRIS GIORDANO from KISSTERIA and some surpise guests! Hosted by Matt Porter. Listen here: www.thekissroom.com.
Interview: Gene Simmons talks Destroyer, Alive, Monster and more
“I’m deliriously happy,” retorts an unnervingly deadpan Gene Simmons around five seconds into our transatlantic chat.KISS To Guest On 'Rockline'
KISS will guest on the nationally syndicated radio show "Rockline" with host Bob Coburn on Monday, October 15 at 8:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. ET. Fans are encouraged to speak with KISS by calling 1-800-344-ROCK (7625). The show will be streamed on the "Rockline" web site for two weeks beginning the afternoon after the live broadcast.PAUL ON ROCKING AND ROLLING... FOR FOUR DECADES
(LAWEEKLY) Talking to Paul Stanley of Kiss on the phone is one thing. Talking to him in person in full Starchild regalia -- as we did the other day in New York -- is something else entirely. For one thing, he's huuuuge. It's not just the eight-inch boots; his hair is giant, too. Perched on a stool with his arms folded and muscles bulging, he looks youthful. (The makeup helps.) But he talks with the sageness you'd expect from a 60-year-old who's been a rock star for almost four decades.GENE STILL ROCKING AND ROARING WITH KISS
Ask Gene Simmons how he’s doing and the response is, “deliriously happy.”KISS on Making Their New Album "Monster"
KISS on Making Their New Album "Monster" and Starting Onstage Puking: Video.
PAUL STANLEY, TOMMY THAYER Interviewed On LONE STAR 92.5
On Wednesday, October 10, Bo and Jim of the Dallas radio station Lone Star 92.5 conducted an interview with KISS singer/guitarist Paul Stanley and lead guitarist Tommy Thayer. You can now listen to the chat here.
DOWNLOAD THE 3D "AUGMENTED REALITY" APP
KISS launch a MONSTER new dimension with 3D Augmented RealityGood Morning America
Here's KISS performing "Hell or Hallelujah" and "Rock and Roll All Nite" on Good Morning America today: video!
KISS Rocks 50th 'Live On Letterman' Concert Webcast; 50-Minute Performance Available
To celebrate the 50th webcast of CBS Interactive's award-winning live webcast concert series "Live On Letterman", KISS brought its spectacular, larger-than-life extravaganza of music to the world famous Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City. The 48-minute concert was webcast live and is now available on demand on CBS.com.
Hell Or Hallelujah
Shout It Out Loud
Calling Dr. Love
I Love It Loud
Detroit Rock City
Got To Choose
Christine Sixteen
Strutter
Lick It Up
Deuce.
STEVEN TYLER Calls KISS 'A Comic-Book Rock Band' (Audio)
On October 10, AEROSMITH singer Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry were interviewed on "The Cowhead Show", the American radio program hosted by Mike "Cowhead" Calta and broadcast live Monday through Friday on 102.5 The Bone (WHPT) in Tampa Bay, Florida.Radio DJ Hangs Up On Paul Stanley And Tommy Thayer
As part of their promotional schedule today, Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer called into Houston-based radio program "Walton & Johnson." After an tension-filled exchange, the "interview " was aborted when the DJ hung up on Stanley and Thayer. Listen here.
'Monster' Projected To Sell 60K-65K First Week
"Monster", the 20th studio album from legendary rockers KISS, is likely to sell between 60,000 and 65,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to industry web site Hits Daily Double. The estimate was based on one-day sales reports compiled after the record arrived in stores on October 9 via Universal Music Enterprises.Kiss - Hell Or Hallelujah - David Letterman 10-10-12
Kiss - Hell Or Hallelujah - David Letterman 10-10-12: Video.
Kulick Reviews Monster
Bruce Kulick Reviews new Kiss album Monster: Read Bruce's take here: www.kulick.net
Stanley And Thayer Talk About The NEW Album
Paul Stanley And Tommy Thayer Of KISS Talk About The NEW Album, MONSTER And The NEW Zeppelin Movie, "Celebration Day." Listen here.
Video: Paul Stanley Attends LED ZEPPELIN Movie Premiere In New York
Video: Paul Stanley Attends LED ZEPPELIN Movie Premiere In New York
KISS Interviewed On Washington D.C.'s DC101
Earlier today, Mike Jones of the Washington D.C. radio station DC101 recently conducted an interview with KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons and drummer Eric Singer. You can now listen to the chat here.
Kiss Wanted Lady Gaga Collaboration
Gene Simmons is the latest rock star to give praise to Lady Gaga - and says they were set to work together.Kiss, 'Monster' - Album Review
(ultimateclassicrock.com) For one glorious sixty-second span near the end of their new album ‘Monster,’ Kiss once again (and finally) earn the title of “the hottest band in the land.” But what about the other 42 minutes?Review: KISS unleashes ferociously fun 'Monster'
(latimes.com) In the same way it's hard to criticize a mutt for eating scraps off the floor, slobbering or getting lusty on a random person's leg, who's to begrudge KISS releasing another record about thunder, sex, lightning, outcasts, hell, rock 'n' roll, thunder and sex? It's what established Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and the two other guys who aren't Ace Frehley or Peter Criss(for the record, Tommy Thayer on guitar and Eric Singer on drums).KISS INVADES NY TO LAUNCH MONSTER
LARGER-THAN-LIFE ‘MONSTER’ INVADES NEW YORK - KISS RETURNS HOME TO KICK OFF THEIR ‘MONSTER’ ALBUM RELEASEPAUL STANLEY ROLLING STONE Q&A
Nearly four decades on, Kiss remain an ongoing and unlikely rock & roll success story, standing high on platform heels and painted in kabuki black-and-white, unloading fireballs and grinding hard-rock hooks around the world. Led by founding members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, Kiss has been back touring arenas and stadiums since the mid-Nineties, but the onetime platinum-selling quartet finally returned to the studio as a fully functioning recording unit with 2009's Sonic Boom.KISS MONSTER: STRONG, CONSISTENT, EXCITING!
Metal Express Rating: 9.5/10KISS MONSTER: A MONUMENTAL ACHIEVEMENT!
I haven’t been this excited about a KISS CD since Psycho Circus back in 1998. Being a KISS fan for over 35 years, I found myself enjoying their 2009 release, Sonic Boom ,but feel Monster is a more unified and stronger sounding effort with the band having found their unique writing style.Music Review: Kiss' 20th studio album 'Monster' is scary good
Nearly 40 years after first slapping on the makeup, donning the costumes and changing forever the way a live concert is performed, Kiss can still bring it.Listen Up: Kiss (USA Today)
Kiss, Monster - Rock * * *PAUL STANLEY Says It Was Very Important For KISS To Not Involve Outside Writers On 'Monster'
Legendary rockers KISS will release their 20th studio album, "Monster", on October 9 through Universal Music Enterprises. Described in a press release as a "12-track, straight-ahead rock 'n' roll album," the CD features collaborations among all four members — including co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer — in an album that shows the band at the top of its game.Casablanca Single Collection Details Revealed
According to Heavy Rock, Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) will release a collection of KISS singles on November 19. The set will consist of 29 singles, 26 of which are picture-sleeve singles, with the solo singles in colored vinyl (red, green, red, blue) and featuring a mask of each member, just as they were released in the U.K. The box set comes in a black case with a fiery KISS logo emblazed on the front.
* Nothin' To Lose / Love Theme From Kiss
* Kissin' Time / Nothin' To Lose
* Strutter / 100,000 Years
* Let Me Go, Rock 'N Roll / Hotter Than Hell
* Rock And Roll All Nite / Getaway
* C'mon And Love Me / Getaway
* Rock And Roll Nite (live) / Rock And Roll All Nite
* Shout It Out Loud / Sweet Pain
* Flaming Youth / God of Thunder
* Detroit Rock City / Beth
* Beth / Detroit Rock City
* Hard Luck Woman / Mr. Speed
* Calling Dr. Love / Take Me
* Christeen Sixteen / Shock Me
* Love Gun / Hooligan
* Shout It Out Loud (live) / Nothin' To Lose (live)
* Rocket Ride / Tomorrow And Tonight (live)
* Strutter '78 / Shock Me
* Hold Me, Touch Me / Goodbye (Paul)
* New York Groove / Snowblind (Ace)
* Radioactive / See You In Your Dreams (Gene)
* Don't You Let Me Down / Hooked On Rock 'N Roll (Peter)
* You Matter To Me / Hooked On Rock 'N Roll (Peter)
* I Was Made For Lovin' You / Hard Times
* Sure Know Something / Dirty Livin'
* Shandi / She's So European
* Tomorrow / Naked City
* A World Without Heroes / Dark Light
* I Love It Loud / Danger
REVIEW: KISS- 'MONSTER'
(live4ever) This is 40 odd minutes of battle cries, of straight-up, hard-assed, flesh-and-bone rock music.Original KISS Drummer PETER CRISS: Another 'Makeup To Breakup' Excerpt Available
An excerpt from original KISS drummer Peter Criss' upcoming memoir, "Makeup To Breakup: My Life In And Out Of Kiss", can be found at RollingStone.com.
BRUCE KULICK: New Video Interview Posted Online
"Tales From The Stage Volume 1" author Michael Toney (web site) recently conducted an interview with former KISS and current GRAND FUNK RAILROAD guitarist Bruce Kulick. They discuss Bruce's tenure with each band, going backstage at KISS shows, and demystifying the role that Mark St. John's hand ailment played in having him being removed from KISS. You can now watch the chat below.'I Was Made For Loving You' Featured In British Coffee Commercial
KISS' hit song "I Was Made For Loving You" is featured in the new commercial for the U.K. coffee brand Costa. In the one-minute spot, which can be seen below, dozens of men and women, including genuine Costa baristas, are seen buried up to their necks in a sea of coffee beans while singing along to the KISS track.Charity album hoping to ride the KISS Army to fundraising success
For nearly 40 years now the rock band KISS has built a rabid, worldwide fan base known affectionately as the KISS Army.SiriusXM TOWN HALL WITH KISS SWEEPSTAKES
SiriusXM wants to give you the opportunity to attend an exclusive "Town Hall" event with KISS at SiriusXM's New York City studios on October 11, to celebrate the release of the band's 20th studio album, Monster, on October 9.Kiss drummer hopes breast cancer fight educates
It took time for drummer Peter Criss to tell the world that he had breast cancer.HEAR A NEW KISS SONG TOMORROW ON TWITTER!
KISS ARMY members entered the TWEET KISS contest for the chance to debut a new KISS song on Twitter. CONGRATULATIONS TO DENVER MCCORD, THE WINNER OF TWEET KISS!KISS MONSTER SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES 3D COVER
(Photo) KISS MONSTER raises the rock-bar even higher with the Special Edition CD format featuring an exclusive collectible 3D-hologram cover. The awe-inspiring MONSTER: Special Edition is strictly limited to the album’s first pressing, and will never be repeated.
KISS MONSTER OUT IN EUROPE TODAY, USA & Canada TUESDAY!
KISS MONSTER was released today throughout Europe! The album will be released next Tuesday, October 9, 2012 in the US. The band's highly anticipated 20th studio album is now available for pre-order from iTunes and Monster!.
GENE SIMMONS TO HOST KISS ARMY NIGHT AND HEADLINE JAM SESSION AT ROCKTOBERFEST AT L.A. LIVE
Promoters of the first annual Rocktoberfest at L.A. LIVE announced that rock icon Gene Simmons will host KISS Army night at the festival on Thursday, October 18, 2012. Simmons plans to hit the stage for a jam session at about 8:30 p.m. Other KISS band members will be in attendance and an all star jam session is planned.Gene Simmons Q&A
Gene Simmons Q&A: On Kiss Empire, New Album and Advice for Lady Gaga. Read the interview here.
MONSTER OFFICIAL TOUR MAG #2: IN 3D!
Following up on FANGORIA’s well-received first installment, we present the second issue of KISS: MONSTER—The Official Album and Tour Magazine, a limited-edition collector’s mag featuring new interviews about the making of the new KISS album, as well as incredible, insightful features on the smash summer tour and other great moments in KISStory, past and present. And…it’s in 3D!KISS TO ROCK "LIVE ON LETTERMAN!"
LEGENDARY MULTI-PLATINUM GROUP KISS ROCKS THE 50TH “LIVE ON LETTERMAN” CONCERT WEBCAST, WEDNESDAY, OCT. 10, PRESENTED BY AT&TKISS MONSTER PROMO CLIP
Check out this TV commercial for KISS' MONSTER album. MONSTER will be released next Tuesday, October 9th in the US. (Video)
KISS MONSTER SNEAK PEEK!
Are you ready for next week's release of the KISS MONSTER album? Well check out two full songs from the album now. ENJOY!ACE FREHLEY Pays Tribute To PAUL STANLEY's Mother
Paul Stanley's mother, Eva Eisen, died on Saturday (September 29) of undisclosed causes at age 88. Eisen was born in Berlin, Germany and was instrumental in Stanley's development as a musician. Stanley, who recently wrapped up his tour dates with KISS and MÖTLEY CRÜE, co-produced KISS' new album "Monster", which will be released on October 9.PAUL STANLEY's Mother Dies
Eva Eisen, the mother of KISS frontman Paul Stanley, died on Saturday, September 29. She was 88 years old.Peter Criss Publishes Autobiography
Original drummer for KISS, Peter Criss, will publish his autobiography titled Makeup to Breakup on October 23.KISS Guitarist TOMMY THAYER Talks 'Monster' In New Interview
Christopher Lee of Crypt Magazine recently conducted an interview with KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.WASHBURN INTRODUCES NEW PAUL GUITAR!
Washburn & Paul Stanley team up for another spectacular, classically inspired guitar - New Paul Stanley PS12 Starfire GuitarKiss and Motley Crue End "The Tour" Donating $450,000 to Charity
The Kiss/Motley Crue co-headlining tour wrapped up September 23 in Hartford, Connecticut after hitting 41 cities and donating more than $450,00 to charity.PodKISSt #63: Resurrecting "Destroyer" (Side 1)
No wonder it took 6 years to do this! “Destroyer” is one heck of a record to talk about!PAUL STANLEY On Musicians And Actors Talking About Politics: 'It's So Embarrassing'
During a recent interview with AOL's Noisecreep, KISS frontman Paul Stanley made it clear that he didn't share his bandmate Gene Simmons' views on voicing their political opinions publicly.'X Factor': Gene Simmons' daughter Sophie Tweed-Simmons makes it through
(Video) "The X Factor" welcomed a famous face to its auditions on the Wednesday (Sept. 26) episode -- Gene Simmons of the rock group KISS. His 19-year-old daughter Sophie Tweed-Simmons auditioned with "To Make You Feel My Love."PETER CRISS Schedules Book-Signing Appearances
Original KISS drummer Peter Criss will has scheduled the following signing events for his memoir, "Makeup To Breakup: My Life In And Out Of Kiss":
Barnes & Noble
555 Fifth Avenue at 46th Street
New York, NY
12:30 p.m.
Bookends
211 E. RIDGEWOOD AVE
RIDGEWOOD, NJ
6:00 p.m.
Barnes & Noble
Monmouth Mall, 180 Route 35
Eatontown, NJ
7:00 p.m.
Changing Hands Bookstore
6428 S. McClintock Dr.
Tempe, AZ
6:00 p.m.
Days Of The Dead Convention
Chicago-Schaumburg-Marriott
50 N. Martingale Road
Schaumburg,IL
12:00 p.m.PAUL STANLEY Says 'Monster' Is The Album KISS Has Never Made
According to The Pulse Of Radio, the buzz is particularly strong for KISS' upcoming studio set, "Monster", due out on October 9. The collection, which is the band's first original studio set since 2009's "Sonic Boom", is the second to feature their latest lineup of Gene Simmons on bass, Paul Stanley on rhythm guitar, Eric Singer on drums, and lead guitarist Tommy Thayer. As with "Sonic Boom", production duties were handled by Stanley and Greg Collins. Collins is best known for his mixing and engineering work for such artists as U2, NO DOUBT and RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, among others.K'NEX Beatles Yellow Submarine & KISS Buildable Figures Available Exclusively at TARGET!
Music fans, young and old alike, can now build and play with characters from two iconic rock bands! K’NEX, the only US Construction toy company focused on Building Worlds Kids Love™, is pleased to introduce buildable figure packs inspired by The Beatles Yellow Submarine and KISS, available exclusively at Target this holiday season!KISS And Motley Crue Extend Tour For Australian Dates
KISS and Motley Crue have extended their co-headlining tour to visit Australia for a few dates, according to the Facebook page of Crue drummer Tommy Lee:New KISS Slot Game To Premiere At Global Gaming Expo
A rock and roll experience like none other is set to take over the gaming industry's largest trade show with the debut of the new KISS slot game from WMS Gaming Inc., a subsidiary of WMS Industries Inc., at the twelfth annual Global Gaming Expo (G2E), October 2-4 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas. In conjunction with the introduction of the new game, legendary original KISS band members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons will be on hand to meet and greet fans in support of this rockin' new game at the WMS booth (#1118) on Tuesday, October 2 from 10:00 a.m. until noon PT.VIDEO CLIPS OF KISS IN HARTFORD
Check out these fantastic fan-filmed videos of "Detroit Rock City," "Firehouse," "Shock Me," and "Lick it Up" from last night's show in Hartford!
VIDEO CLIPS OF KISS LIVE IN CAMDEN
Check out these great fan-filmed clips of "Black Diamond" and "Rock And Roll All Nite" from last night's concert in Camden!
CLASSIC ROCK 177: LIMITED EDITION KISS FOLIO EDITION
On sale 10 October 2012 - This is a Limited Edition Collector’s Folio containing four exclusive copies of Classic Rock issue 177, each issue will have a different member of KISS on the cover and within each issue there will be a feature on the band and the making of the new album Monster.KISS TO HEADLINE MASSIVE CHILEAN FESTIVAL
KISS returns to Chile! KISS will headline the Maquinaria Fest in Santiago, Chile on November 10th! For additional information, visit www.maquinariafestival.cl!
Bruce Kulick Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Crazy Nights
Bruce Kulick Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Crazy Nights. Read what Bruce has to say here: www.kulick.net/crazynights
The KISS ROOM! 09/14/12
The MATT MAN and Frank are back at it with It’s a KISS ”drummer” theme with special guests
* Eric Carr tribute artist ERIC TODDOROCKS CARR!
* SEETHER drummer – JOHN HUMPHREY!
* 10 year old drum prodigy DYLAN HAYECK!
PLUS * “Super Fan” Andy’s KISS KRUISE Kommentary!
*The PodFather Drops by as well.
Enjoy This Kool KISS Party that only the MATT MAN can do!GENE TALKS KISS, FANS, AND #1 ALBUMS
For almost four decades, the iconic circus collectively known as KISS has been thrilling the masses, with their trend-defining, still wildly absurd amalgam of muscular, no-nonsense rock music and dark fantasy theatrics. Now, after an up-and-down history that saw their legacy rise, fall and rise once more, KISS are not only deeply ingrained in the collective popculture fabric, but they are at the top of their creative game.LISTEN TO CLIPS FROM "MONSTER" AT iTUNES NOW
READY FOR YOUR FIRST TASTE OF "MONSTER?"BRUCE KULICK Talks KISS On 'Decibel Geek' Podcast
Former KISS and current GRAND FUNK RAILROAD guitarist Bruce Kulick was interviewed for the latest episode of the "Decibel Geek" podcast. Kulick looks back on his nearly 40-year career in the music industry and offers his thoughts on KISS' upcoming "Monster" book and album, memories of the circumstances that led to the 1996 original-lineup reunion and his take on why the band seems to attempt to avoid any mention of the non-makeup period. You can listen here.
Gene Simmons opens his mouth (but keeps his tongue in)
The first thing to do when speaking to Kiss' Gene Simmons is to get to the truth of the matter. After nearly 40 years of being in the dressy demonic ensemble, the bassist, entrepreneur, and reality television star wouldn't want to be anywhere else.LATEST KISS ACTION FIGURES
Finally!! "You Want It You Got It" "The Hottest Band in the World" "KISS"KISS STORMS CHICAGO ONE MORE TIME
Iconic Shock Rock quarter KISS once again swept through Chicagoland's First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, on their "The Tour" co-headlining tour with fellow rockers Motley Crue and supporting band The Treatment. For those familiar with the KISS show, it was what one would expect from the band: loud, explosive (literally), simple Rock and Roll, and plenty of signature KISS makeup—on stage and in the crowd.KISS THREE-HOUR RADIO SPECIAL THIS SATURDAY
KISS ON THE MOUNTAIN THREE-HOUR RADIO SPECIAL
• More than 30 songs from all eras of the band's career
• Segments of archived Times Leader and Weekender interviews with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and former members of the group
• Ticket giveaways, CD giveaways and backstage meet-and-greet giveawaysKISS RETURNS TO ARGENTINA!
KISS TO ROCK ARGENTINIAN STADIUM ON NOVEMBER 7thERIC SINGER: HEAVY METAL HOMETOWN HERO
With Kiss playing Blossom Music Center this week, we thought it would be a good time to catch up by phone with Euclid hometown hero and heavy-metal drummer Eric Singer. Singer, 54, has lived in Los Angeles for 30 years and has been a drummer for Kiss, on and off, for the last 21 years. He has also played with Alice Cooper, Lita Ford and on solo tours by Kiss' Paul Stanley.GENE IN PARADE MAGAZINE
Q: What does Kiss frontman Gene Simmons, a former sixth-grade teacher, think is the tougher industry: music or education?KISS has long, interesting history with Michigan, including epic Cadillac visit in 1975
(Video) With a history approaching 40 years, the rock band Kiss has fans all over the globe.TOMMY TALKS GUITARS, INFLUENCES & MONSTER
Following a full decade without a studio album, KISS made a spectacular return to form three years ago with Sonic Boom, a no-frills album that recalled the band’s mid to late ‘70s glory years. Incredibly, the group’s forthcoming new album, Monster, is an even greater triumph. Packed with explosive energy and the sort of guitar riffs other bands dream about, Monster seems destined for a prime spot among other KISS classics.ACE FREHLEY Says His Next Book Will Have All The Stories That Didn't Make It Into 'No Regrets'
David "Gus" Griesinger of BackstageAxxess.com recently conducted an interview with original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley. You can now watch the chat here: (Video)Police: Woman Sexually Assaulted At KISS, MÖTLEY CRÜE Concert
According to WWJ-TV, investigators with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office are searching for a man accused of sexually assaulting a woman at last night's KISS and MÖTLEY CRÜE concert at DTE Energy Music Theater in Clarkson, Michigan.Ice Cube, Gene Simmons to perform Raiders pregame Monday Night opener
The Raiders are continuing their recent incentive for fans to arrive early to games this seasons. There are contests and giveaways to fans who arrive at least an hour before kickoff. And on Monday, everyone in attendance wins.Rock 'n' roll fantasy camp beds down in Las Vegas
After traveling the world and giving aspiring musicians a chance to jam with their favorite stars, the Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp announced Thursday it was setting up a permanent home in Las Vegas.ACE FREHLEY: Footage Of Entire Brookhaven Performance Available
Video footage of original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley's entire September 2 performance at Pennysaver Amphitheater in Brookhaven, New York can be seen here.
KISS & CRUE DONATE $50,000 TO OPERATION HOMEFRONT
Rock legends KISS and MÖTLEY CRÜE announced at their concert in Nashville, TN last night that they will donate $50,000 to Operation Homefront, an organization that provides emergency financial and other assistance to families of service members and wounded warriors coping with deployment and injury recovery by providing funds for immediate needs such as food, housing, childcare, moving costs and vehicle expenses.KISS TAKES STOCK OF ITS 40 YEARS OF LUCK, SUCCESS
Gene Simmons, he of the long tongue and lascivious persona, is generally not one to wax nostalgic or sentimental.VET WHO WON KISS JOB REVEALS BEST PERK
Paul Jordan, an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, won a job with KISS as part of TODAY's Hiring our Heroes series. He's writing dispatches about his experience for TODAY.com.MÖTLEY CRÜE, KISS Members Help Raise $5,000 For Make-A-Wish Foundation
On the eve of the August 25 MÖTLEY CRÜE/KISS in Tulsa, Oklahoma as part of "The Tour", Vince Neil (MÖTLEY CRÜE), Gene Simmons (KISS) and Gene's wife, Shannon Tweed, showed their support for Jim Glover Chevrolet's Make-A-Wish Oklahoma benefit by attending the event, which hosted over 400 fans. Because of the combined efforts from all involved, the event raised over $5,000 in a couple hours. Jim Glover Chevrolet matched what was raised to make it a total of $10,000 for Make-A-Wish Oklahoma chapter.'Destroyer: Resurrected' First-Week Sales Revealed
"Destroyer: Resurrected", the newly remixed version of KISS's 1976 multi-platinum, landmark album "Destroyer", sold 7,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 58 on The Billboard 200 chart.
"DETROIT ROCK CITY" FROM INDIANAPOLIS
Here's KISS performing "Detroit Rock City" at the Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville (Indianapolis).
KISS Frontman On 'Monster': 'I Wanted To Make An Album That Has Vitality And Passion'
Marko Syrjala and Petteri Limnell of Metal-Rules.com recently conducted an interview with KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.KISS & ACC NETWORK ROCK 2012 ACC FOOTBALL!
Shout It Out Loud; Legendary Rock Group KISS and ACC Network Will Rock 2012 ACC FootballKISS LIVE CLIPS FROM TULSA
Here's KISS performing "Rock and Roll All Nite" and "Strutter" at Sunday's BOK Center show in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Lydia Criss in the "KISS ROOM" with Matt
THE KISS ROOM” 12-08-24PAUL STANLEY AUCTION FOR HOUSE INSTITUTE
PAUL STANLEY GUITAR / MEET & GREET AUCTION TO BENEFIT THE HOUSE RESEARCH INSTITUTEKISS ON THEIR BEGINNINGS, NEW BOOK & FUTURE
Just one band could pull this off – the biggest book in the land, KISS! The KISS Monster Book, that is.KISS UNVEIL MONSTER BOOK
KISS is celebrating their upcoming 40th anniversary in a big way, with the launch of a massive new photo book. Standing at 3 feet high and 2.5 feet wide, "Monster" follows the journey of the band through 127 rare and never before seen photographs taken from the Kiss archives. The book, which was printed by the same binder used by The Vatican, is limited to 1,000 copies and is hand signed, dated, and numbered by the band. Price tag: $4,250.KISS UNVEIL PHOTO BOOK, NEW SONGS
Kiss is a band that appreciates dramatics – but even for them, things can get out of hand. Minutes before unveiling their massive new 45-pound photography book, Monster, onstage yesterday at the Viper Room in West Hollywood, California, the band gave Rolling Stone a preview backstage. As bassist Gene Simmons and drummer Eric Singer cracked open a copy and slowly began turning the pages, the easel holding it up started to creak. Singer shouted "Whoa!" as the duo struggled to keep the book from falling to the floor. Watching nearby with a grin, singer Paul Stanley joked, "And for comedy relief, ladies and gentlemen: Singer and Simmons!"Rock band Kiss back jailed Russia punks Pussy Riot
Members of veteran rock band Kiss said Tuesday they back Russia's punk rockers Pussy Riot even if they don't think much of their music.Video Footage Of 'Monster Book' Hollywood Press Conference
The biggest rock band in the world, KISS, launched the largest rock book ever to be published, "Kiss Monster Book", standing 3 feet high by 2.5 feet wide and 2 inches thick, with a special appearance earlier today (Tuesday, August 21) at the Viper Room in West Hollywood, California.Cancer Support Community announces sixth annual Celebration of Life
The Cancer Support Community, Eatontown, is hosting its sixth annual Celebration of Life on Oct. 18 at Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club in Farmingdale. The event will feature food, wine and fashions modeled by cancer survivors. This year the Cancer Support Community welcomes its first Celebration of Life ambassador, Peter Criss of KISS, rock star and male breast cancer survivor.KISS AND THE VETERANS
“This,” says Gene Simmons, “is how the big boys do it.” Simmons, a big boy, is talking about his band, KISSSTEPHEN PEARCY's Book To Include 'A Ton Of Sex' And 'Mind-Boggling Amounts Of Drugs'
Famed book editor Jeremie Ruby-Strauss spoke with Thomas Scott McKenzie, author of the recent "Power Chord: One Man's Ear-Splitting Quest To Find His Guitar Heroes" about the history and future of the heavy metal memoir trend, about working with Ace Frehley (KISS), and details about the forthcoming memoir from Stephen Pearcy of RATT.Singer Paul Stanley promises spectacular stage show at amphitheater
KISS has never worried about being upstaged by an opening act.Frehley sober and on stage at CelebrateErie
You can Kiss the past goodbye.KISS convention attracts fans young and old
KISS convention attracts fans young and old: Video.
A&E Cancels 'Gene Simmons Family Jewels'
A&E is pulling the plug on Gene Simmons Family Jewels.The reality effort -- which follows the Kiss bassist, his longtime partner Shannon Tweed and their two children, Nick and Sophie -- premiered in 2006 to strong ratings for the then-little-watched cable network.PETER CRISS To Appear At New Jersey KISS Expo
Original KISS drummer Peter Criss will make his first appearance in almost 20 years at the New Jersey KISS Expo, set to take place on September 8 at the New Jersey Convention And Exposition Center in Edison, New Jersey.Former KISS, AEROSMITH, SLAUGHTER Members To Take Part In 'Are You Smarter Than A Rock Star?'
Brent Muscat (FASTER PUSSYCAT), Frank Dimino (ANGEL), Bruce Kulick (KISS), Jimmy Crespo (AEROSMITH), Paul Shortino (QUIET RIOT, ROUGH CUTT), Blas Elias (SLAUGHTER) and Ron Keel (KEEL) will be part of the rock star lineup for the weekly, free, two-hour rock trivia contest "Are You Smarter Than a Rock Star?", to be held in August and September at Kiss By Monster Mini Golf, the rock and roll-themed amusement attraction based around the band KISS.KISS To Launch 'Monster' Book With Viper Room Appearance
The biggest rock band in the world, KISS, is launching the largest rock book ever to be published, "Kiss Monster Book", standing 3 feet high by 2.5 feet wide and 2 inches thick, with a special appearance at the Viper Room in West Hollywood, California on Tuesday, August 21 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
KISS STILL HOTTER THAN HELL IN PHOENIX
Daytime temperatures were at 114 degrees and had not decreased much by concert time. Those painted up like their idols found their makeup running more than the mascara of a televangelist’s wife. Yes, Hell (aka the greater Phoenix area) was ready for KISS. But was KISS ready for Hell? After seventy five minutes of fire sans brimstone plus a little blood, on Friday, August 10, 2012 KISS showed the near sold out crowd at Ashley Furniture HomeStore Pavilion that they welcome such an environment.KISS, MOTLEY CRUE ARTISAN INTERVIEW
At the tour announcement for Kiss and Motley Crue, Artisan News was granted an exclusive sit-down interview with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Nikki Sixx, and Vince Neil and they talked about what they remember about each other from 1982, their last tour, why this is the ultimate show for the fans, Motley learning the ropes from Kiss, and if Kiss's new songs will be in their set, and more! (Video)
ENDLESS KISS, PAUL IS READY
The Rolling Stones without Mick Jagger and Keith Richards? Unthinkable.KISS GIVES TO COLORADO SHOOTING VICTIMS
Motley Crue and Kiss are donating money to support those affected by the Colorado movie theater shootings.KISS Schedules 'Rockline' Appearance
Legendary rock band KISS will guest on the nationally syndicated radio show "Rockline" with host Bob Coburn on Monday, August 13 at 8:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. ET. Fans are encouraged to speak with KISS by calling 1-800-344-ROCK (7625). The show will be streamed on the "Rockline" web site for two weeks beginning the afternoon after the live broadcast.DEMO OF TOMMY'S SIGNATURE MODEL LES PAUL
Tommy's been working with Epiphone, tweaking the silver-sparkle top and a few other things. The Tubemeister 36 is Hughes & Kettner's latest in their successful Tubemeister series. It's a great sounding and affordable amp that Tommy's going to integrate into his live and studio set-ups along with the TT signature Duotone amps.KISS BEATS THE TEXAS HEAT AT DALLAS SHOW!
You would think that a band of rock veterans with nothing to prove would give themselves a break and coast through their live show in 100+ degree weather. Any other band might, but not KISS. Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Tommy Thayer descended on a platform from the rafters of the Gexa Energy Pavilion blazing on their guitars and never let up for almost two hours. Drummer Eric Singer feverishly pounded away behind them as they opened the show with audience favorite "Detroit Rock City."ACE FREHLEY: Detroit Footage Available
Fan-filmed video footage of original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley's July 27 performance at Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan can be seen here: Video1, Video2.
PodKISSt 62 - 2012 Tour Edition!
Face front, true believers! KISS is on “THE TOUR” and reviews are coming in. We are joined by Darren Wood (our U.K. reporter) who gives us a killer review. Plus Gary, Matt, Ken, and Cassius talk all things KISS! All this, and rocking live rarities, on PodKISSt… the KISS fanzine for your ears!!! Listen here.
KISS & MOTLEY CRUE: EXPLOSIVE SHOW!
What goes with hard rock music? Sweat. Fire. Explosions. Roller-coaster drums. Tattoos. Glittery piano. A demon. A catman. A starchild. A spaceman. Screaming fans. Buxom background singers. Spitting guitar picks."SHOUT IT OUT LOUD" FROM LOUISVILLE
Here's KISS rocking Louisville, Kentucky with "Shout it Out Loud!" on Wednesday, August 1st.
KISS / MOTLEY CRUE CANCEL SHORELINE SHOW
SLEEP TRAIN PAVILION PERFORMANCE ON AUGUST 16th STILL TAKING PLACE AS SCHEDULEDKISS & MOTLEY CRUE ROCK OUT IN LOUISVILLE
Wednesday night's KISS and Motley Crue show at the KFC Yum! Center was so retro that even the opening band, a bunch of 19-year-olds from England, sounded like 1978. There was no escaping the sweet smell of nostalgia although KISS, still dolled up after all these years, embraced the obvious far more readily than the Crue.PAUL STANLEY PROMISES BRAND-NEW KISS SPECTACLE
Kiss has never worried about being upstaged by an opening act.KISS / MOTLEY CRUE: FIREPOWER & ROLLERCOASTERS
Don't expect legendary wild bunch of rock to have mellowed with ageERIC SINGER TELLS DALLAS TO GET READY FOR SHOW!
When it comes to rock 'n roll, nobody does it better than KISS. The band is still going strong 39 years after founding members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons released their first self-titled album. They are presently touring with Motley Crue playing classic songs from their 19 album discography. A new track entitled "Hell or Hallelujah" is also among the tunes on the set list. It's a teaser of what's to come when their upcoming release, "Monster," comes out on October 16, 2012.'Monster' Has More Feeling, Less 'Cocksmanship'
Gene Simmons says fans will hear a slightly different tact from Kiss when its new album, "Monster," is released Oct. 16.'Monster' Track Listing Revealed
"Monster" track listing (iTunes version):
02. Wall Of Sound
03. Freak
04. Back To The Stone Age
05. Shout Mercy
06. Long Way Down
07. Eat Your Heart Out
08. The Devil Is Me
09. Outta This World
10. All For The Love Of Rock & Roll
11. Take Me Down Below
12. Last Chance
13. Right Here Right Now
Kiss concert in Tampa brings out hardcore fans (and hard luck demon)
ABC Action News anchor John Thomas caught all the hot (and super-sweaty) action at Saturday's Motley Crue-Kiss throwdown at 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheatre in Tampa. Hunky meteorologist Bill Logan and camera star(child) Frank Barrera joined the fun -- and joined the mocking of Tampa Bay Times pop music critic Sean Daly, whose once-ferocious Demon makeup sooned turned into a horrific Rorschach test. We're not worthy, Gene Simmons! (Video)
Bruce Kulick in the "KISS ROOM" with Matt
“THE KISS ROOM” 12-07-27: PodKISSt staffer Matt Porter and Frank Hagan from KISS MASK Fanzine are joined by KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick Join them for a cool interview , cool KISS tunes and More fun KISS Talk!'Monster' Cover Artwork Unveiled
KISS has revealed the final piece of the cover for its 20th studio album, "Monster"."ROCK AND ROLL ALL NITE" FROM TAMPA
Here's KISS performing "Rock And Roll All Nite" in Tampa, Florida last Saturday.
Kiss Social Hub: Rock and roll all night in any language
Legendary rock group Kiss might open its shows with the classic Detroit Rock City, but you don't need to be in the Motor City— or even from the USA— to chat with the band in your mother tongue."CHRISTINE SIXTEEN" FROM M&G PRIVATE SET
Here's the guys performing "Christine Sixteen" during yesterday's Meet & Greet private set. The band also performed "Take Me", "C'mon And Love Me", "I Still Love You", "Sure Know Something", and "Goin' Blind", among others.
"DETROIT ROCK CITY" FROM KISS' TAMPA SHOW
Check out this clip of KISS destroying Tampa with "Detroit Rock City!"
KISS Roar Back This Fall With 'Monster'
'If this was a first record by a new band, I'd be floored,' says Gene SimmonsAce Frehley is his own man without Kiss
Later this year will mark 40 years since Paul “Ace” Frehley answered an ad in New York’s Village Voice that would lead to him joining a band called Wicked Lester — which not long afterward became Kiss.KISS ON WHY HELPING VETERANS IS IMPORTANT TO THEM
KISS ON WHY HELPING VETERANS IS IMPORTANT TO THEM: Video.
Decibel Geek Podcast: The Kutting Room Floor
In this episode you will hear demos, unreleased tracks, and alternate takes from the Hottest Band in the Land as well as cases where songs were turned inside out from demos to wind up as officially released songs years (sometimes decades) later. They also take a look as some songs that KISS recorded but didn't officially release and where those songs wound up. Listen here!
KISS ROCKS PRIVATE SET AT MEET & GREET!
On Sunday in Raleigh, the schedule was tight, and KISS' crew needed all available time to set up the massive stage for the evening's show. This left KISS without enough time to do a sound check. So, rather than cancel the sound check part of the KISS Meet & Greet, Paul Stanley came up with the idea of performing an impromptu "private" set in the KISSONLINE Meet & Greet tent!PAUL STANLEY Interviewed By NIKKI SIXX; Audio Available
KISS frontman Paul Stanley was recently interviewed on "Sixx Sense", the national radio program hosted by MÖTLEY CRÜE/SIXX: A.M. bassist Nikki Sixx. You can now listen to the chat here.
KISS & CRUE CHECK PRESENTATION FOR VETERANS
KISS and Motley Crue presented and signed a check for $250,000 to the Hiring Our Heroes foundation on July 19th right before KISS played a free concert for 3,000 Vets and Warriors: Video.
PodKISSt #61: Adam Mitchell Interview
Adam Mitchell has written some very cool KISS Klassics, “Creatures of the Night”, “Crazy Nights”, “Danger”, “Keep Me Comin’”, “I’m a Legend Tonight”, “Partners in Crime”, “I’ll Fight Hell to Hold You”, “Little Caesar”, He has also written for Chicago, Olivia Newton-John, Art Garfunkel, John Waite, Linda Ronstadt and many others. Listen here.
THE MONSTER HUNT BEGINS TOMORROW JULY 24TH
Join the hunt for the MONSTER album art! Each day beginning tomorrow through Monday July 30th a piece of the new KISS album art will be revealed across the internet.FAN-FILMED CLIPS FROM VIRGINIA BEACH SHOW
Check out these fan-filmed clips of "Lick It Up" and "Hell or Hallelujah" from KISS' show in Virginia Beach last night.
KISS Setlist / CLIPS FROM OPENING NIGHT
Check out these fan-filmed clips of "Shout It Out Loud" and " Black Diamond" from KISS' show in Bristow, Virginia last night. The band opened 'THE TOUR' with a powerful set in front of over 20,000 fans! 'THE TOUR' invades Virginia Beach tonight!KISS UNLEASHES WORLD'S FIRST GLOBAL FAN HUB
KISS UNLEASHES WORLD’S FIRST GLOBALLY SOCIAL FAN HUB THROUGH ORTSBOACE FREHLEY: Jackson Fan-Filmed Video Footage Available
Fan-filmed video footage of original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley's July 13 concert at at Jackson County Fairgrounds in Jackson, Michigan can be seen below. The show was part of the Thrills In The Irish Hills bike festival, which also included the Wheels Of Thunder festival in Grass Lake and a two-day festival in Brooklyn. (Deuce, Snowblind )
BOOMER MAGAZINE'S KISS TEASER
(Video) This is a just a teaser of the great night that we had with KISS and the veterans and troops at Jiffy Lube Live! Stay tuned for more great coverage of this fantastic event!
Knee ops. Replacement hips. Now in their 60s, Kiss are... The bionic band
Kiss frontman Paul Stanley has had joint trouble — and not the kind you’d expect in a rock ’n’ roll man. After 40 years teetering around the stage in 8in platform heels, it’s his hips (and knees and shoulders) that have had it.Decibel Geek Podcast: Episode 42 - Episode 42 - Vinnie Vincent Special Part 3 - Robert Fleischman
Decibel Geek Podcast: Episode 42 - Episode 42 - Vinnie Vincent Special Part 3 - Robert Fleischman
Kiss wants to rock and roll all night and honor every vet
Friday night marks the official launch of Kiss‘ summer tour, a mammoth cross-country jaunt in support of the band’s upcoming album, “Monster.”Products approved by Kiss
Kiss isn’t the greatest rock band ever. And its albums don’t top the myriad lists of the best records of all time. • But when it comes to rock ’n’ roll merchandising, no act has put its mark on more things that have nothing to do with the music.'Lullaby Renditions Of Kiss' Due In August
Rockabye Baby! — which transforms timeless rock songs into beautiful instrumental lullabies — will release "Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions Of Kiss" on August 28.
02. Rock and Roll All Nite
03. C'mon and Love Me
04. Calling Dr. Love
05. Deuce
06. Strutter
07. Love Gun
08. Detroit Rock City
09. I Was Made for Lovin' You
10. Sure Know Something
11. Hard Luck Woman
12. BethDecibel Geek Podcast: Episode 40 - Peter Criss Discussion w/Lydia Criss
Decibel Geek Podcast: Episode 40 - Peter Criss Discussion w/Lydia Criss
KISS To Pay Tribute To U.S. Military With Private Concert For Troops And Veterans
On the eve of KISS' massive national tour with MÖTLEY CRÜE, the legendary iconic rock band honors the U.S. military with an intimate concert at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Virginia. On July 19, KISS, longtime supporters of the military, will put on their infamous rock show for over 2,000 service men and women. Presenting sponsor Boomer magazine, Virginia's source of entertainment for baby boomers, coordinated the free ticket distribution through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and various military agencies. troops and veterans attending will receive a special commemorative KISS t-shirt.With a new album, book and DVD, KISS are still on fire
Famed for their distinctive stage make-up and pyrotechnics-fuelled concerts, the cartoonish hard rock band KISS formed in New York City in 1973. The founding members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons are currently promoting Monster, a ridiculously outsized book of glossy KISS concert photos.KISS tour "The Apocalypse!", says Paul Stanley
Get out your makeup and dust off those platform boots, KISS is hitting the road again with one of the summer's biggest concert tours, teaming up with fellow rock band Motley Crue and kicking off "The Tour" on July 20 in Virginia.KISS DESTROYER: RESURRECTED AUGUST 21
KISS’S LANDMARK RELEASE DESTROYER: RESURRECTED NEWLY REMIXED BY ORIGINAL PRODUCER BOB EZRIN
1. Detroit Rock City
2. King Of The Night Time World
3. God Of Thunder
4. Great Expectations
5. Flaming Youth
6. Sweet Pai
7. Shout It Out Loud
8. Beth
9. Do You Love Me?
Bonus Track: Sweet Pain (Original Guitar Solo)
PURCHASE A GENE SIMMONS STAGE-PLAYED AXE
Here's your chance to purchase Gene Simmons' actual, live, stage-played AXE or Punisher bass, given to you right from the stage after the Demon himself bleeds, sweats and spits on it!PURCHASE A PAUL STANLEY STAGE-PLAYED WASHBURN
Meet Paul Stanley on 'THE TOUR' and purchase on of the most collectible KISS guitars of all!
- 'SMASHED' Starfire
- Stage-Played Starfire
- Autographed StarfirePaul Stanley: Gene is not boss of KISS
KISS singer Paul Stanley says fans think Gene Simmons' role in the band is ''far greater than what it actually is.''KISS ARE A ROCK RELIGION
ROCK BAND Kiss, of the heavily made-up faces and extravagant costumes, have unveiled their latest release, a book entitled Monster. It weighs a suitably monstrous 4st and, when opened, measures 5ft wide.KISS MONSTER MAG RELEASE PARTY IN TORONTO
Toronto! Celebrate the release of the KISS: MONSTER mag; party and “DETROIT ROCK CITY” screening.Our Make-Up was 'Warpaint'
Gene Simmons says KISS’s famous black and white make-up was “warpaint.” Speaking to U.K. newspaper The Guardian, Simmons said he used to think The Beatles were a family because they had identical haircuts, and wanted to create a similar effect of unity.ACE FREHLEY Stages FREHLEY'S COMET Near-Reunion In New York City
Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley was joined by his former FREHLEY'S COMET bandmates Richie Scarlet and Anton Fig last night (Wednesday, July 11) at the Best Buy Theater in New York City to perform THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE classic "Foxy Lady". You can watch fan-filmed video footage of the concert here: Video1, Video2, Video3, Video4, Video5.
HITRADIO O3 INTERVIEWS PAUL STANLEY
HITRADIO O3 INTERVIEWS PAUL STANLEY: Video.
Multi-Camera Video Footage Of 'Hell Or Hallelujah' Performance
Rock legends KISS played their new single, "Hell Or Hallelujah", live for the first time on July 4 during an intimate show at London, England's Forum. Multi-camera fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen here.
PAUL STANLEY PREVIEWS UPCOMING KISS TOUR
'A no-fly zone over the amphitheaters'Gene Simmons relaunches comic-book line at Comic-Con
It may come as a surprise to some, but one of Gene Simmons' earliest loves wasn't rock 'n' rolling all night or partying every day.Gene Simmons talks dedication to family, decision to live without drugs, alcohol
KISS frontman Gene Simmons is many things, including bassist, reality star, songwriter and philanthropist.Kiss: still crazy, crazy after all these years
BBC Report: Video.
KISS ON SPANISH TV NEWS
KISS ON SPANISH TV NEWS: Video.
KISS ON ITV DAYBREAK
Here's a clip of Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons on ITV Daybreak - 3rd July 2012. They discuss their upcoming new album 'Monster', the intimate gig for 2000 people only gig in London the night after, and how the proceeds are for Help For Heroes, their new tour and Gene 'mentions' the new Family Jewels series. (Video)
PAUL AND GENE BBC RADIO INTERVIEW
Steve Wright from the BBC's Radio 2 interviewed Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons about the upcoming release of "Monster," the Monster book, playing a concert in London, and the new single, "Hell or Hallelujah." Listen to the clip here!
KISS Plays Intimate Show In London; Video Report Available
Rock legends KISS played an intimate showlast night (Wednesday, July 4) during at London, England's Forum. The concert served as a benefit for the British "Help For Heroes" organization, which raises money for its wounded, sick and injured troops.KISS Performs New Single Live For First Time; Video Available
Rock legends KISS performed their new single, "Hell Or Hallelujah", live for the first time last night (Wednesday, July 4) during an intimate show at London, England's Forum. Fan-filmed video footage can be seen below.
01. Detroit Rock City
02. Hell Or Hallelujah
03. Deuce
04. Shout It Out Loud
05. Makin' Love
06. I Love It Loud
07. Shock Me
08. Calling Dr. Love
09. 100,000 Years
10. Love Gun
11. Black Diamond
12. Crazy Crazy Nights
13. Lick It Up
14. Rock And Roll All NiteLong-Awaited Reissue Of 'Destroyer' Coming In August
The release of the deluxe 35th-anniversary edition of KISS' classic fourth album, "Destroyer", is scheduled for August 21 via Universal Music. The two-disc set, dubbed "Destroyer/Resurrected", will feature remixes of the original LP by producer Bob Ezrin, outtakes from the 1976 album sessions as well as the LP's original cover art.KISS Interviewed By U.K.'s ABSOLUTE RADIO
Absolute Radio's Leona Graham conducted an interview with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS ahead of their London, England concert on Wednesday, July 4. A three-and-a-half-minute excerpt from the chat can be seen here. The full interview will be posted soon.Trump 'All-Stars'
NBC wants Donald Trump to launch an “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice,” sources say. The field of returning players could include past winners Piers Morgan, Joan Rivers and Bret Michaels, as well as Trace Adkins, Omarosa, Gene Simmons, Lennox Lewis, Meat Loaf, Jesse James and Gary Busey. Others being mulled are Marlee Matlin, Sharon Osbourne, Cyndi Lauper, Marilu Henner and Dennis Rodman. “Celebrity Apprentice” wrapped its 12th season, and an “All Star” version would launch in February. Last month’s winner, Arsenio Hall, is making a comeback as a late-night host for CBS. A source close to the show says more stars are clamoring to join its cast for career boosts. NBC had no comment.
PodKISSt #60: All Hell's About to Break Loose!
Sorry to have taken so long! We know it’s been a while, but it’s been busy here at PodKISSt headquarters and we’re glad to be back! Things are starting to heat up in the KISS world as we gear up for all things MONSTER! On this, the 60th PodKISSt (!), we take a look at what’s on the horizon for the KISS Army in 2012 and beyond. Of course, by the time you’re hearing this, some of our speculation will no longer sound relevant as more and more details are revealed by KISS themselves… but we wanna make sure to share that “calm before the storm” excitement with you, our loyal listeners! Big thanks to Brian Coddington for his great contributions to this episode, and a big shout-out to PodKISSt’s very own Matt Porter, whose “KISS Room” radio show can be heard live every month on Montco Radio and through podomatic.com. So sit back and get ready for some rare live KISS and an even rarer 1970's interview with Gene… plus plenty of other goodies… on PodKISSt, the KISS fanzine for your ears! Listen here: http://podkisst.com.
KISS Launches 'Monster' Book In London
Legendary rock band KISS took part in a press conference earlier today (Tuesday, July 3) in London, England to launch its new retrospective book, "KISS Monster". Video footage of the event can be seen below.Official 'Hell Or Hallelujah' Lyric Video Released
The official lyric video for "Hell Or Hallelujah", the new single from rock legends KISS, can be seen here. The song comes off the band's 20th studio album, "Monster", which is scheduled for release in October through Universal Music Enterprises. KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley calls the track, "a battle cry that encapsulates the entire record...one way or another, we're going to do it our way."
KISS bring 'Monster' to UK
American glam rockers KISS are unleashing their "Monster" on the UK public.PAUL STANLEY BLASTS DULL LOOKING ROCK STARS
KISS musician Paul Stanley says rock stars shouldn't look 'like your neighbour'.NEW KISS SINGLE #1 AT AMAZON UK
KISS' "Hell or Hallelujah" single is the #1 rock single on Amazon UK!NORWEGIAN TOMMY THAYER & ERIC SINGER INTERVIEW
KISS' drummer and guitarist in KISS talk concerts, the band's farewell tour, and making the best album in years.KISS Interviewed By Norway's VG TV
Norway's VG TV conducted an interview with KISS prior to the band's performance last night (Saturday, June 30) at the Kollen Sommerfestival in Solo, Norway. You can now watch it here: Video.
KISS Performs At Norway's Kollen Sommerfestival
KISS performed earlier tonight (Saturday, June 30) at the Kollen Sommerfestival in Solo, Norway. Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below.
01. Detroit Rock City
02. Shout It Out Loud
03. Deuce
04. Makin' Love
05. I Love It Loud
06. Crazy Crazy Nights
07. Shock Me
08. Calling Dr. Love
09. 100,000 Years
10. Love Gun
11. Black Diamond
12. Lick It Up
13. I Was Made For Lovin' You
14. Rock And Roll All NitePAUL STANLEY ON EXTRA! TONIGHT (June 29)
Iconic KISS frontman and founder gives EXTRA! exclusive ‘ALL ACCESS’ inside the Stanley residence and talks The Tour & MONSTER! Paul Stanley, the legendary driving force behind the greatest band ever born on American soil, KISS, will take EXTRA! viewers on an exclusive “ALL ACCESS” tour of his home this evening. Paul also sits down with EXTRA! Correspondent Michael Corbett to talk about the much-anticipated concert event of the summer, The Tour with Motley Crue, and the equally-anticipated Paul Stanley-produced album, MONSTER. Check your local listings or go to www.extratv.com for show times in your area.
KISS TO UNLEASH A MONSTER IN OCTOBER!
BIGGEST BAND IN AMERICA – KISS - TO UNLEASH A MONSTER IN OCTOBERLegends Classic returns with Rip City flavor
Featuring legends from the fields of music and sports and calling it a “celebrity combine of Rock City and Rip City,” the sixth annual Pacific University Legends Classic hosted by Tommy Thayer, lead guitarist of the legendary rock group KISS, will take place July 29-30 at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha.Kiss Release Preview Clip of New Single 'Hell or Hallelujah'
(Listen here) Slowly but surely, we’re getting more and more of the new Kiss album, ‘Monster.’ Late last week, the group revealed the artwork for the new single, ‘Hell or Hallelujah,’ and now a snippet of the track has found its way online.'Hell Or Hallelujah' Single Artwork Unveiled
(Photo) The artwork for the new KISS single, "Hell Or Hallelujah", can be seen below. The track, which is expected to be released next week, was previously described by KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley as "uptempo" and "very definitive."KISS ALBUM COVER ARTIST AT KISS MINI GOLF
KISS album cover artist Ken Kelly will hold a Meet & Greet and autograph session at the KISS Monster Mini Golf in Las Vegas on August 11th and 12th. Kelly painted the classic KISS Destroyer and Love Gun album covers!
KISS MONSTER BOOK PROMO VIDEO
KISS MONSTER BOOK PROMO: video.
PRE-ORDER THE KISS MONSTER BOOK NOW
ONLY 1,000 BOOKS IN THIS LIMITED EDITION RUN WILL EVER BE PRINTED!
- Each book individually numbered and signed by the band.
- Limited edition flag designs – choose yours now!
- An essential addition to any KISS fan’s collection.KISS/CRUE ADD SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SHOW
KISS AND MÖTLEY CRÜE have added a San Francisco Bay area show to 'The Tour!' The show will take place on Wednesday, August 15 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. General Public Tickets go on sale this Friday, 06/22/12 at 10:00 AM PDT.
'LOVE GUN' FIRST FIRED 35 YEARS AGO
‘Love Gun, ‘ the sixth studio album from KISS, and the clear pinnacle of the band’s first golden era, was released 35 years ago this week.FANGORIA PRESENTS KISS: MONSTER! PRE-ORDER NOW!
From FANGORIA, the planet's number one cult film, horror and fantasy culture entertainment magazine, KISS: Monster—The Official Album And Tour Magazine will hit newsstands everywhere on June 26th and be sold direct via FANGORIA.com and KISSONLINE.com… just in time for the first week of the new KISS/Motley Crue nationwide tour!Gene Simmons -- Last Minute Father's Day Trip to 'X Factor' Auditions
Gene Simmons spent Father's Day with Simon Cowell and Britney Spears ... but not by choice -- he joined his daughter at the last minute as she tried out for "X-Factor."VINNIE VINCENT Must Forfeit Royalties For Fees
According to Law360.com, former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent has been ordered to hand over royalty payments (PDF file) to KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons (a.k.a. Gene Klein) to cover attorneys' fees Simmons incurred while defending himself in a legal dispute with the axeman.KISS RETURNS TO THE UK!
** The hottest band in the world… are back in the UK! **
** With their new album Monster out in October **
** New single to be released July 2nd **
** Monster Book to be launched July 2nd **
** Special show at The Forum in London for Help for Heroes on Independence Day, Wednesday 4th July **FAMILY GUY AND KISS JOIN FORCES!
FAMILY GUY AND KISS COMBINE FORCES FOR A NEW, ROCKIN’ CONSUMER PRODUCTS LINEKiss' 'Destroyer' Reissue Will Be 'Coming Out Shortly' According to Gene Simmons
Kiss fans have anxiously been awaiting an update on the highly anticipated expanded reissue of the band’s landmark ‘Destroyer’ release, which was tentatively scheduled for release earlier this year, but failed to materialize.PAUL STANLEY TO APPEAR ON CNN THIS THURSDAY
Rock icon to discuss “The Tour” and the summer concert season with anchor Carol CostelloNew Kiss Album 'Monster' Remains Caged With Release Date Delay
‘Monster,’ the long-gestating new studio album from Kiss, will come out slightly later than anticipated, having recently been bumped back to a still unspecified fall release date.KISS gets 'Tanked': Gene Simmons represented by a clown fish
If you've ever wanted to knock a hole in one into Gene Simmons' mouth, stock up on KISS merchandise, check out an animatronic KISS band and get married, all in one day, Las Vegas has the mini-golf for you.Gene Simmons Family Jewels Sneak Peek: Will Sophie Warm Up to Adoption?
Now that Gene Simmons and longtime partner Shannon Tweed are finally man and wife, talk has turned to the possibility of the couple adopting a child on the new season of Gene Simmons Family Jewels.Legendary Mastering Engineer GEORGE MARINO Dies After Battle With Lung Cancer
Legendary mastering engineer George Marino, who has worked on such multi-platinum projects as METALLICA's "Metallica", AC/DC's "Highway To Hell", GUNS N' ROSES' "Appetite For Destruction" and BON JOVI's "Slippery When Wet", has died after a year-long battle with lung cancer. He has also mastered albums from such hard rock and heavy metal artists as OZZY OSBOURNE, IRON MAIDEN, DEEP PURPLE, DIO, DOKKEN, ANTHRAX, SAXON, SEPULTURA, DANZIG, DEATH ANGEL, OVERKILL, W.A.S.P., EXODUS, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, HELLOWEEN and KROKUS.ACE FREHLEY Announces Summer Tour Dates And Appearances
Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley has announced four summer tour dates as well as a three-day appearance at the Days Of The Dead event in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Jul. 07 - Indianapolis, IN - Days Of The Dead (signing)
Jul. 08 - Indianapolis, IN - Days Of The Dead (signing)
Jul. 11 - New York, NY - Best Buy Theater
Jul. 13 - Jackson, MI - Jackson County Fairgrounds, Thrills In The Irish Hills, (w/ TED NUGENT)
Jul. 27 - Detroit, MI - GM Renaissance Center, Rockin' On The Riverfront
Aug. 04 - Greenville, WI - Greenville Lions Park (w/ SAMMY HAGAR)ERIC SINGER TALKS 'MONSTER!"
Here's an excerpt from Mitch Lafon / BraveWords interview with Eric Singer discussing KISS' Monster album.PROMO VIDEO FOR KISS' OSLO SHOW
Here's a new promotional video for KISS' headlining show at the Kollen Summer Festival in Oslo, Norway on Saturday, June 30th, 2012. The clip was directed by Lasse Gretland.
REVENGE retrospective week
REVENGE retrospective week on http://Kulick.net kicks off with a look at "Unholy" and "Take It Off." http://kulick.net/revenge
SMASHING PUMPKINS COVER "BLACK DIAMOND"
Thanks to KISS News Germany for this clip of the Smashing Pumpkins performing "Black Diamond" at "Rock in Rio 2012."
Top of the order
Hollywood producer Peter Guber celebrated his new minority stake in the Dodgers Thursday with a bash at his home that included a quintessential mix of LA notables. At the party were fellow owner Magic Johnson, former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, team broadcasting legend Vin Scully, LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Johnson’s former Lakers teammate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, chef Wolfgang Puck and Kiss rocker Gene Simmons. Also in the mix were controlling owner Mark Walter, Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten, Todd Boehly (also a co-owner) and Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier.
RARE 1974 KISS PROMO POSTER SELLS FOR $1500
When KISS shipped their 1974 debut album out to radio stations, it included a little something extra in the form of a full color poster of the band. Nearly 40 years later, that one-time freebie courtesy of Casablanca Records & Tapes has a collector’s value of at least $1500, based on the one that recently sold on eBay.Gene Simmons gives 'dream job' to vet
Kind-hearted rocker Gene Simmons has offered one lucky U.S. war veteran his dream job of joining Kiss as a road crew member on their upcoming tour.ACE FREHLEY, IRON MAIDEN's JANICK GERS Interviewed On 'Talking Metal Pirate Radio'
"Talking Metal" hosts Mark Strigl and John "Ostronomy" Ostrosky have returned with a new self-produced web series called "Talking Metal Pirate Radio" premiering on May 22 on their YouTube page. The debut episode, which can be seene below, features exclusive interview clips with original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley, IRON MAIDEN guitarist Janick Gers, former IRON MAIDEN vocalist Paul Di'Anno, and current ACE FREHLEY and former DANZIG guitarist Todd Youth. The episode also spotlights two of "Talking Metal"'s signature jams featuring Mark and John performing with musicians including Rob Dukes (EXODUS), Ron Lipnicki (OVERKILL), Dan Lorenzo (NON-FICTION, HADES), Billy May (KISSNATION), and Chandler Mogel (OUTLOUD). The episode also includes the return of masked announcer Bud Friendly: Video.
NEW KISS CANADIAN LOTTERY TICKETS OUT NOW!
(Video) Get Ready to Rock for $50,000 with KISS® Scratch & Win!KISS Guitarist Talks New Album, Upcoming Tour
StarCam's Jennifer Tapiero conducted an interview with KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer at The Heart Foundation Gala at the Hollywood Palladium on May 10 in Los Angeles, California. You can now watch the chat here.
TOMMY HELPS RAISE FUNDS FOR MILITARY MUSEUM
All Star Salute to the Oregon Military...PodKISSt #59 Shut Up & Play "LOVE GUN" Part 2
Our round-table discussion of KISS’ klassic 1977 “Love Gun” album continues with this installment of PodKISSt. Ken, Gary, and a host of hooligans share their memories and insights as we rock out to some rare KISS audio in true PodKISSt style!TOMMY AT MILITARY MUSEUM FUNDRAISER TONIGHT
KISS guitarist to perform at military museum fundraiser5 Content Marketing Lessons From Gene Simmons
With over 100 million albums sold worldwide, KISS is arguably one of the biggest and most successful bands on the planet. Led by the marketing genius that is Gene Simmons, they continue to reach new audiences while engaging lifelong fans. Gene Simmons may be best known as the fire-breathing, bass playing demon in one of the most influential rock bands in history, but he can also teach us a thing or two about content marketing.KISS Guitarist, Drummer Talk 'Monster' Album At Indianapolis Fan Expo; Video Available
KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer were the special guests at the 2012 Indianapolis KISS Fan Expo, which took place this past Saturday, May 12 at the Marriott East hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana. This marked Tommy's first official appearance as a guest at a KISS Expo and his only KISS Expo appearance this year. Both Thayer and Singer took part in a question-and-answer session and each musician was available for autographs throughout the day.ACE FREHLEY Performs KISS Classic With PEARL JAM Guitarist's UFO Cover Band (Video)
Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley joined FLIGHT TO MARS, a UFO cover band featuring PEARL JAM lead guitarist Mike McCready, on stage on May 15 at the Casbah in San Diego, California to perform a cover version of the KISS classic "Black Diamond". Fan-filmed video footage of his appearance can be seen below.GENE SIMMONS, VINCE NEIL, SEBASTIAN BACH To Take Part In 'Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp'
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp has announced the next installment of its highly successful music-magic experience taking place in Sin City this coming fall. Headlining the October camp at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas will be co-founder and bassist for KISS — iconic rock god and media mogul Gene Simmons.BILL AUCOIN AUCTION TO BENEFIT RELAY FOR LIFE
For the Very First Time: Bill Aucoin Auction to benefit Relay for Life / The American Cancer Society.KISS ADDS MINI GOLF TO ITS EMPIRE
KISS ADDS MINI GOLF TO ITS EMPIRE: Video.
STARS CALL "BEATLES OF OUR GENERATION"
(Video) Not only did Kiss sell millions of records, the iconic rockers, with their instantly recognizable logo, painted faces, and straight-ahead party music, influenced the next generation of metal bands, some of those now-famous metal stars Fox411.com.KISS: MONSTER - The Official Album and Tour Magazine
Brought to you by FANGORIA, the planet's number one cult film, horror and fantasy culture entertainment magazine, KISS: MONSTER - The Official Album and Tour Magazine is a KISS magazine made by KISS fans for KISS fans. Celebrating the upcoming release of MONSTER, the band’s 20th album and their upcoming summer tour with Motley Crue, this glossy, 72 page collector’s magazine features dozens of rare, new and never before published photographs as well as new interviews with KISS members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, wherein they muse on the past, reflect on the present and look to what lies in store for “the hottest band in the world…KISS!”TOMMY & ERIC ROCK IN TRIBUTE TO RONNIE MONTROSE
Here's a fan-filmed clip of Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer performing with the Ronnie Montrose All-Star Band at San Francisco's Regency Ballroom on April 27th. The concert was a celebration of Ronnie Montrose, who died a few weeks ago.
KISS, STEVEN TYLER, MATT SORUM Featured In 'Adopt The Arts' PSA
KISS, AEROSMITH's Steven Tyler and former GUNS N' ROSES drummer Matt Sorum are featured in a new public-service announcement for Adopt The Arts, a charity dedicated to preserving the arts in schools and founded by Sorum. You can watch the four-minute PSA here.
PAUL STANLEY On DICK CLARK: 'We Won't Forget Him'
KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley was among the biggest names in TV and radio who joined together at Dick Clark's Malibu, California home yesterday (Thursday, May 3) to pay tribute to the rock 'n' roll icon and TV and radio pioneer who passed away on April 18.ORTSBO Welcomes KISS' PAUL STANLEY As Spokesperson And Business Partner
Ortsbo Inc., the world's leading experiential communications company, a subsidiary of Intertainment Media Inc., has announced that legendary rock icon, entrepreneur and co-founder of KISS, Paul Stanley, has joined Ortsbo as a spokesperson and business partner. Stanley is expected to help bring the world of live entertainment and global sponsorship and merchandising to fans through Ortsbo's unique real-time interactive experiential platform in over 50 languages.Gene Simmons Heads to Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp, Talks KISS Album
Kiss' Gene Simmons is prepping the whip for his role mentoring the next batch of Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp attendees.KISS KEEPS NAME IN POP MUSIC CONVERSATION
Last week, Kiss co-founder and frontman Paul Stanley was busy preparing for an upcoming co-headlining tour with Motley Crue, just after putting the final touches on the group's studio record, "Monster," which is due out this fall and will be inevitably followed by yet another tour.KISS TO ROCK MASSIVE NORWEGIAN FESTIVAL!
KISS CONFIRMS ONLY 2012 SCANDINAVIAN SHOWGene Simmons Family Jewels Returns May 28
SEASON SEVEN PREMIERES MONDAY, MAY 28 AT 9PM ET/PT WITH A SPECIAL ONE-HOUR EPISODEPETER CRISS's Autobiography: Cover Unveiled
According to Amazon.com, original KISS drummer Peter Criss will publish his memoir, "Makeup To Breakup: My Life In And Out Of Kiss", on October 23 via the Simon & Schuster imprint Scribner. A press release promises, "From sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll to multiple brushes with death, 'Makeup To Breakup' will be Peter Criss' unvarnished and eye-opening life story."Tanked Stars Get a Taste of KISS
Wayde King and Brett Raymer have worked on their fair share of impressive fish tanks, but a recent addition to their resume introduced them to some very special collaborators.THE DEVIL VISITS THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE
Gene Simmons visited and half the city showed up.Kiss: The Pagan Beasties of Teenage Rock
(This story is from the April 7th, 1977 issue of Rolling Stone.) "We broke Lawrence Welk's attendance record in Abilene, Texas. I'm very proud of that," says Gene Simmons, the Kiss bassist, notorious for his grotesquely long tongue and for dressing like a pterodactyl. We sit at a backstage dinner table on the first of three nights they are playing Detroit's 12,000-seat Cobo Hall – exceptional dates because they are doing mostly secondary markets this tour. "We're hitting places they've never seen a big band, and they'll remember us forever. The reaction has been amazing. I was watching the local news in Duluth and the announcer said there had been a robbery at the auditorium. I thought, 'That's it for the gate receipts,' but it turned out some kid had gone up to the window and stolen three tickets at gunpoint. I don't understand it. Tickets are so ethereal. One concert and they're gone. Now money, that's real power."'Rock 'N' Roll Allstars': Video Footage Of Lima Press Conference Available
Rock 'N' Roll Allstars, an 11-piece supergroup comprised of Gene Simmons of KISS, three former members of GUNS N' ROSES, Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW) and many other big names in rock history, will play the final date of its short South American tour tonight (Friday, April 27) at Jockey Club in Lima, Peru.GENE SIMMONS Interviewed By NIKKI SIXX; Audio Of Entire Chat Available
KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons was interviewed on the April 13 edition of "Sixx Sense", the national radio program hosted by MÖTLEY CRÜE/SIXX: A.M. bassist Nikki Sixx. You can now listen to the entire chat here.
ALICE COOPER, TOMMY THAYER Golf At 'Rock & Roll Golf Classic' In Arizona (Video)
KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer joined Alice Cooper at the legendary rocker's Rock & Roll Golf Classic, which took place this past Sunday and Monday (April 22-23) at Las Sendas Golf Club, one of the top 10 courses in Arizona.'Rock 'N' Roll Allstars': All Concerts Except Lima Canceled
Rock 'N' Roll Allstars, an 11-piece supergroup comprised of Gene Simmons of KISS, three former members of GUNS N' ROSES, Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW) and many other big names in rock history, has released the following statement:PodKISSt #58 Shut Up and Play "LOVE GUN" Part 1
BANG! It’s PodKISSt time! Here’s part one… no, SIDE ONE… of our long-awaited and much-requested round-table discussion of 1977's “Love Gun” album.Gene Simmons of Kiss and Oregon's Gen. James Thayer united by WWII horror, raise funds for military museum
It's no straight line from the wretched scene in an Austrian forest 67 years ago to a musical gala next month at Oregon Golf Club, but James Thayer has walked it.Rock stars raise their hands for Luca
ROCK star Gene Simmons and comedian Rhod Gilbert are among the latest celebrities to raise their hands for Luca Williams.'Rock 'N' Roll Allstars' Tour Kicks Off In Paraguay; Press-Conference, Performance Footage
The Rock 'N' Roll Allstars tour kicked off its tour of South and Central America this past Thursdya, April 19 at Jockey Club in Asunción, Paraguay. The band played a two-hour show featuring the biggest hits from all the musicians involved, including DEF LEPPARD's "Pure Some Sugar on Me" and "Animal", KISS' "Rock and Roll All Nite", SKID ROW's "I Remember You" along with several GUNS N' ROSES hits such as "Paradise City" and "Sweet Child O Mine", with Sebastian Bach singing.
* Joe Elliott (DEF LEPPARD)
* Matt Sorum (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES)
* Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES)
* Gilby Clarke (GUNS N' ROSES, ROCK STAR SUPERNOVA)
* Glenn Hughes (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH)
* Ed Roland (COLLECTIVE SOUL)
* Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW)
* Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL)
* Mike Inez (ALICE IN CHAINS)
* Billy Duffy (THE CULT)GENE SIMMONS Interviewed By NIKKI SIXX; Audio Available
KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons was interviewed on last Friday's (April 13) edition of "Sixx Sense", the national radio program hosted by MÖTLEY CRÜE/SIXX: A.M. bassist Nikki Sixx. You can now listen to the chat here.
KISS: REMEMBERING OUR FRIEND DICK CLARK
"As a little boy I sat transfixed to our television every afternoon and Saturday night watching American Bandstand. Dick Clark was the face of rock and roll and it's best ambassador. His decades of successes both in and outside of the music industry are unparalleled. He championed KISS when others turned away and was instrumental in breaking us through his show "In Concert". Through the years Dick was always available when I had a question or wanted guidance. Dick Clark was the rare exception who was a bigger person in real life than the public image or legend that was also to be his legacy. I will remember him with great respect and gratitude." - Paul Stanley
Deep Dessert Thoughts By Gene Simmons
Tell Gene Simmons of KISS that he has one of the most famous tongues in the world, and he’ll correct you. “It’s the most famous tongue in the world. Who else? Well, who else?” he says. The rocker must have an especially wide swath reserved for sensing sweetness, because Simmons admittedly obsesses over sugar.PAUL STANLEY DISCUSSES "MONSTER" ON FOX NEWS
Fox News' "Fox 411" segment recently featured an interview with Paul Stanley in the studio discussing "Monster." Here's the clip!
DEF LEPPARD, KISS, Ex-GUNS N' ROSES Members To Take Part In 'Rock 'N' Roll Allstars' Live Chat
On Monday, April 23, from backstage at Club Geba in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Ortsbo, the world's leading real-time experiential communications platform, will present a "Live & Global" question-and-answer session hosted by rock icon Gene Simmons (KISS). The Q&A will serve as an exclusive, all-access event for fans around the world to chat live with their favorite rock stars including: Joe Elliott of DEF LEPPARD, Matt Sorum of GUNS N' ROSES, and more!ZAKK WYLDE Interviews GENE SIMMONS At 'Revolver Golden Gods' Awards
Revolver TV's Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, OZZY OSBOURNE) conducted an interview with various KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons backstage at the fourth annual Revolver Golden Gods awards, which was held on April 11 at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles, California. You can now watch the chat here.
KISS Drummer On ROCK HALL Snub, AXL ROSE's Decision To Skip Induction Ceremony
A day before the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony, Powerline veteran scribe Carol Anne Szel had a chance to ask KISS drummer Eric Singer some serious Rock Hall questions: The long-lasting KISS snub and the controversy surrounding GUNS N' ROSES lead singer Axl Rose's decision not to attend this year's ceremony. Here is what Eric had to say about all of it.Kiss - Ritmo de la Noche 04/09/1994 (HQ)
Kiss - Ritmo de la Noche 04/09/1994 (HQ): Video.
2012 INDIANAPOLIS KISS FAN EXPO
The 2012 INDIANAPOLIS KISS Fan Expo will take place on Saturday, May 12th at the Indianapolis Marriott East 7202 East 21st Street, Indianapolis, Indiana from 1:00PM to 10:00PM (11am for Platinum and VIP ticket holders!).GENE, TOMMY, AND ERIC ROCK FOR VETS
Here's a fan-shot video of Gene, Tommy, and Eric performing "I Love It Loud" with veterans at the Roxy on Tuesday night as part of a "Rock for Vets" benefit!
GENE SIMMONS WINS 'GOLDEN GOD' AWARD
Gene Simmons, whose face is going to freeze like that one of these days if he’s not careful, was presented with the ‘Golden God’ award at the Revolver Golden Gods awards, which aired via webcast.Ace Frehley Says Gene Simmons' Heart is 'In the Right Place a Lot of the Time'
Former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley truly has “no regrets,” to match the title of his recent autobiography, and he revealed in a new interview that he’s still in contact with former bandmate Gene Simmons.Kiss - Lick It Up - DWTS 2012 (Rock Week Results)
Kiss - Lick It Up - DWTS 2012 (Rock Week Results): Video
Kiss- Rock And Roll All Nite - DWTS 2012 (Rock Week)
Kiss- Rock And Roll All Nite - Dancing with the Stars 2012 (Rock Week): Video
2012 ATLANTA KISS FAN EXPO
The Atlanta KISS Fan Expo returns on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at the Atlanta Hilton Northeast in Norcross, Georgia. Guests and entertainment will be announced shortly.Black Spiders 'Kiss Tried To Kill Me' Video
Black Spiders 'Kiss Tried To Kill Me': Video.
Gene Simmons rolling with Rock & Brews
Gene Simmons knows a thing or two about night life, and now he has a new gig: bar owner. The KISS leader is one of three principals behind the recently remodeled, music-focused craft beer spot Rock & Brews, and keeping his attention at one of its outdoor bar stools is no easy task.ACE FREHLEY Confirmed For Michigan's Thrills In The Irish Hills Bike Festival
ACE FREHLEY, PAUL RODGERS, TED NUGENT and LYNYRD SKYNYRD are confirmed for the Thrills In The Irish Hills Bike Festival line-up set for July 12th-14th at Jackson County Fairgrounds in Jackson, Michigan. Nugent and Frehley will perform a double-headliner show on July 13. Paul Rodgers and Lynyrd Skynyrd will perform the following night.Former KISS Guitarist BRUCE KULICK Remembers JIM MARSHALL
Former KISS and current GRAND FUNK RAILROAD guitarist Bruce Kulick has released the following statement regarding the passing of Jim Marshall, the creator of the Marshall amplifier:NEW KISS COMIC LAUNCHES IN JUNE 2012
The hard rock super team of The Demon, Starchild, Spaceman, and Catman are back in a new ongoing series from IDW Publishing, beginning in June. The latest incarnation of "Kiss" in comics will be written in alternating arcs by IDW Chief Creative Officer and Editor-in-Chief Chris Ryall and Tom Waltz, with Jamal Igle and Casey Maloney switching off on art. The series will take a superhero approach to the costumed personas adopted by the original Kiss lineup of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, with humans throughout history accepting the power of the Kiss talismans. The band has made multiple comic book appearances since its formation in 1973, first in a series from Marvel Comics and most recently in a four-issue arc in the pages of "Archie." Comic Book Resources caught up with Ryall, who is writing the first arc of the new "Kiss" series, about IDW's plans for the iconic rockers.KISS TAKES THE STAGE AT KIMMEL
Check out this behind-the-scenes video filmed as KISS headed to the stage to perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
KISS And Fan Mosaics Invite Fans To Celebrate 35 Years Of 'Alive II'
(Video) For 35 years, KISS fans have reveled in the sounds and images of "Alive II". To celebrate the anniversary of this masterful live album, Fan Mosaics and KISS are inviting fans to be part of some of the most recognizable rock images of all time.KISS, MÖTLEY CRÜE Drummers Talk To REVOLVER TV About 'The Tour'
On March 20, Carla Harvey of the BUTCHER BABIES and Revolver TV conducted an interview with MÖTLEY CRÜE's Tommy Lee and KISS' Eric Singer about their upcoming co-headlining tour — dubbed simply "The Tour" — which will kick off on July 20 in Bristow, Virginia. You can watch the chat here.
PodKISSt #57 Candy Corn, Feathers and Crue! Oh My!
Candy Corn, Feathers and Crue!…Oh My!Kiss Call Country the "World's Music"
It's true. The hard rock band Kiss really do love country music. When Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer walked the red carpet at the ACM Awards on Sunday (April 1), they weren't just faking it the way a lot of people from outside the country genre tend to do at events such as this. Their knowledge of our artists seemed downright genuine. Simmons said some of his favorites were Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban and Brad Paisley and that country music comes from -- and I quote -- "the bosom of America." Then Tommy Thayer told me, "I just love the way all the new artists are crossing over. Like what Sugarland did with Bon Jovi, how Little Big Town did that thing with Lionel Richie." And Paul Stanley had a few things to say about this music of ours, too. "We're here to celebrate American music and rock 'n' roll. Country music is really the world's music," he said. "Rock 'n' roll and country are both born in America." He said the best country music has a rock tinge to it, but he added, "We're just here to tip our hats to country stars, And they're gonna tip their hats right back."
Video: KISS ON SHOWBIZ TONIGHT
Here's KISS' appearance on Showbiz Tonight from Monday. The band discusses their recent show in New Orleans and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
WHY THE "KISS KULTURE" IS SO EFFECTIVE
KISS, joined by Motley Crue, has announced their raucous summer run, boldly named "The Tour." Poised to begin igniting audiences on July 20, 2012 in Bristow, Virginia, they are looking to incite mayhem in 40 U.S. venues before their finale in Hartford, Connecticut, on September 23, 2012. The first and last time the legendary bands shared the stage was in 1982, when the newcomers Motley Crue opened five shows for KISS.Ace Frehley: I'm Brainier Than Paul Stanley
Ex-KISS guitarist Ace Frehley has revealed he has a bigger IQ than his old bandmate Paul Stanley. "A frontman [like Stanley] doesn’t have to be a genius," quipped the Spaceman, "he just has to have the right moves."KISS TO APPEAR ON CNN'S SHOWBIZ TONIGHT
In an exclusive interview with Showbiz Tonight, members of the band KISS slam the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. KISS, who performed at the NCAA Big Dance Concert Series this weekend, has been eligible to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 1999, but has never received the honor. Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley critique the organization, saying that the voting process is an insult to artists. Tune into Showbiz Tonight at 11p.m. ET/PT.
Backstage at the ACM Awards: a Melting Pot of Music
Anyone strolling the halls backstage at the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards Sunday night might have thought they were experiencing April Fool’s Day visions. While walking down one hallway, they might have come face to face with the rock group KISS. Heading in another direction, they might have found rapper LL Cool J. Or they might have met actor Ashton Kutcher and singer Marc Anthony within the space of a few minutes. Or maybe they would’ve seen Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw casually chatting in the hallway with Taylor Swift and Martina McBride.KISS Steals Spotlight At 47th Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards
Video: Clip 1, Clip 2.
SENATOR BROWN TALKS KISS ON CNN
Here's a clip of Senator Scott Brown talking about Gene Simmons and KISS during a recent appearance on CNN's Piers Morgan show.
FAN-FILMED CLIP OF KISS ARRIVING AT ACM AWARDS
Check out this great fan-filmed clip of KISS' arrival at the Country Music Awards last night in Las Vegas. How about the country music fans chanting KISS, KISS, KISS!
KISS walks down Hollywood Boulevard
KISS walks down Hollywood Boulevard: Video.
KISS BLEW UP NEW ORLEANS!
Here's KISS performing "Rock and Roll All Nite" like you've never seen it before... from a rooftop! And, in true KISS fashion, the band blew up the city's skyline at the end of the show.
"BLACK DIAMOND" LIVE IN NEW ORLEANS
Here's KISS performing "Black Diamond" on Friday night in New Orleans!
Setlist: KISS Free Concert In New Orleans
KISS played a free concert last night (Friday, March 30) at Woldenberg Park along the Mississippi River in downtown New Orleans is part of a full slate of festivities throughout the college men's basketball championship weekend.
01. Modern Day Delilah
02. Shout It Out Loud
03. Deuce
04. Hotter Than Hell
05. Let Me Go, Rock 'N' Roll
06. Shock Me
07. Calling Dr. Love
08. I Love It Loud
09. 100,000 Years
10. Love Gun
11. Black Diamond
12. Detroit Rock City
13. Lick It Up
14. Rock And Roll All Nite
AT&T PRE-CONCERT KISS INTERVIEWS
AT&T's hosts spoke with all four members of KISS before Friday night's Block Party concert in New Orleans! Click to watch footage of the pre-show here: Video.
KISS' NEW ORLEANS SOUNDCHECK
KISS rocked Woldenberg Park in New Orleans last night, tearing through a short set of KISS classics. Here's a KISSOnline exclusive clip of "Calling Dr. Love", "Shout It Out Loud", and "Hotter Than Hell!"
SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH IS CANCELLED
It is with very heavy hearts and much regret that we announce the cancellation of Sonisphere Knebworth 2012.U.K. Rockers THE TREATMENT To Support KISS And MÖTLEY CRÜE On 'The Tour'
U.K. rockers THE TREATMENT will support KISS and MÖTLEY CRÜE on their upcoming North American co-headlining tour, simply dubbed "The Tour", which will kick off on July 20 in Bristow, Virginia and run through September 23 in Hartford, Connecticut.KISS, MÖTLEY CRÜE Members Talk About 'The Tour'
KISS, MÖTLEY CRÜE Members Talk About 'The Tour' (Video)
HIRING OUR HEROES: VETERAN TO JOIN KISS' CREW!
KISS is teaming up with the TODAY Show and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Hiring Our Heroes! We're looking to hire one outstanding veteran to join our team as a roadie.GENE SIMMONS & TOMMY LEE INTERVIEW ON 92.5
Gene Simmons and Tommy Lee called into Lone Star 92.5 radio to discuss "THE TOUR!" Listen Here.
IDW BRINGS KISS BACK TO COMICS
NEW KISS SERIES FROM IDW IN JUNE!KISS Members To Perform At RONNIE MONTROSE Tribute Concert
Former and current members of KISS, Y&T, JOURNEY and MR. BIG will appear at a Ronnie Montrose tribute concert on Friday, April 27 at The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, California. The show will also include performances by MONTROSE and GAMMA, both of which were founded by Montrose.
* Steve Smith (JOURNEY)
* Ricky Phillips (STYX)
* Eric Martin (MR. BIG)
* Tommy Thayer (KISS)
* Eric Singer (KISS, ALICE COOPER)
* Jimmy DeGrasso (Y&T, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, MEGADETH)
* Members of TESLAACE FREHLEY's 'Budokan' Les Paul Custom Guitar: A Closer Look (Video)
Dr. Will Jones, Professor of Epiphone, talked to Music Store TV at the Musikmesse Frankfurt 2012 fair — which took place March 21-24 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany — about the Ace Frehley "Budokan" Les Paul Custom guitar. Check out the clip below.KISS TO ROCK AT&T BLOCK PARTY AT THE BIG DANCE!
KISS fans can rock out with the band in person at New Orleans’ Woldenberg Park on March 30th for a free performance at the AT&T Block Party! Doors open at 4pm and AT&T will be giving away awesome KISS prizes all night long!KISS, MÖTLEY CRÜE Members Talk To REVOLVER TV About 'The Tour'
On March 20, Carla Harvey of the BUTCHER BABIES and Revolver TV conducted an interview with MÖTLEY CRÜE's Nikki Sixx and Vince Neil and KISS' Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons about their upcoming co-headlining tour — dubbed simply "The Tour" — which will kick off on July 20 in Bristow, Virginia. You can watch the chat below.
Is Kiss' Gene Simmons L.A.'s latest craft beer champion?
When Gene Simmons, leader of KISS Inc., spoke to Pop & Hiss early Friday about the grand re-opening of his El Segundo bar/restaurant Rock & Brews, he bragged that the establishment would allow customers to feel just a little bit like rock stars. Yet it soon became evident that the space couldn't replicate all of the perks Simmons enjoys.MORE KISS & CRUE RADIO INTERVIEWS
The KISS and Motley Crue radio media tour continues! Here are some more interviews that the guys have done to promote "The Tour:"GENE SIMMONS & TOMMY LEE INTERVIEW ON THE BREW
Gene Simmons and Tommy Lee called into The Brew to talk about the upoming show Aug 19th @ the Sleep Country Amphitheater: Listen here.
Simmons slams Rock Hall exclusion
Outspoken KISS rocker Gene Simmons is angry the band has never been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, branding the snub a "joke".KISS, MÖTLEY CRÜE Members Talk About 'The Tour'; More Audio, Video Footage Available
Mike Jones of the Washington D.C. radio station DC101, Andy Preston of the West Palm Beach radio station Gater 98.7 and Fuse TV conducted separate interviews with members of MÖTLEY CRÜE and KISS about their upcoming co-headlining tour — dubbed simply "The Tour" — which will kick off on July 20 in Bristow, Virginia. You can watch and listen to the interviews below.KISS AND MOTLEY CRUE: THE TOUR PROMO CLIP
Check out this new promotional video for KISS and Motley Crue: THE TOUR!
KISS AND MOTLEY CRUE ANNOUCE 'THE TOUR'
KISS and Mötley Crüe gathered today at L.A.'s Roosevelt Hotel to announce "The Tour," a joint summer package that kicks off July 20th in Bristow, Virginia and runs through September 23rd in Hartford, Connecticut. Each band will play about 90 minutes and KISS will close every night.KISS, MÖTLEY CRÜE Members Talk About 'The Tour'
Nikki Sixx: Video
Tommy Thayer: Video
Eric Singer: Video.
KISS Performs On 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' (Video)
KISS performed two songs — "Detroit Rock City" and "Calling Dr. Love" — on last night's (Tuesday, March 20) episode of ABC-TV's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" (which actually aired early this morning).
Feud Alert: Rihanna Slammed by KISS' Gene Simmons-Really?
Gene Simmons just decided to give Rihanna a tongue lashing!KISS Frontman: 'Monster' Is 'Right Up There With Some Of The Best Stuff We've Done'
KISS has completed recording its new album, "Monster", for a summer release. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "It's A Long Way Down", "Back To The Stone Age", "Shout Mercy", "Out Of This World", "Wall Of Sound" and "Hell Or Hallelujah".KISS & CRUE ANNOUNCE SUMMER TOUR
KISS and Motley Crue are hitting the road for a co-headlining tour -- dubbed simply "The Tour" -- this summer, the iconic rock acts announced on Tuesday.Ace plays on Bret Michaels Solo Album
Q: So what can you tell me about the album?WATCH The KISS / Motely Crue TOUR PRESS CONFERENCE Video!
WATCH The KISS / Motely Crue TOUR PRESS CONFERENCE Video!
KISS ANNOUNCES "THE TOUR" WITH MOTLEY CRUE!
THE WORLD’S BIGGEST ROCK BANDS ON ONE STAGE - SUMMER 2012KISS, MÖTLEY CRÜE Tour Poster Revealed
MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil has released what appears to be the official poster for the band's upcoming co-headlining tour with KISS. Check it out here.
PodKISSt #56: One Cool Cat & 1978 Demon!
Hop on-board the PodKISSt time machine for a wild ride through KISStory! On this installment, we take a look ahead at 2012, travel back to the late 1970's for a rare interview (and a killer live klassic!), and then rock out with one very cool Catman; it’s Andrew Sgambati, the drummer for KISS tribute band Mr. Speed! Andrew joins us for an in-depth chat about all things KISS, and shares the triumphant tale of how Mr. Speed were hand-picked as heir apparent to the hottest band in the land! It’s a rockin’ ride you won’t wanna miss, right here on PodKISSt… the KISS fanzine for your ears!KISS TO PERFORM IN NEW ORLEANS MARCH 30
Kiss, the Black Keys and Jimmy Buffett are slated to perform free concerts in Woldenberg Park along the Mississippi River in downtown New Orleans the weekend of the NCAA Men's Final Four. The concerts are part of a full slate of festivities throughout the college men's basketball championship weekend.PAUL STANLEY WASHBURN FEATURE FROM NAMM
To KISS fans desiring a classic KISS sound - Washburn showcased the signature series of Paul Stanley models at this year's NAMM show. With new models like the PS2012 "Starfire," the acoustic V model and cracked mirror V model, these classy and bold signatures are sure to satisfy diehard KISS fanatics.ALL NEW 2012 KISS ARMY FANCLUB KIT
ALL NEW 2012 KISS ARMY Fan Club Membership Kit includes:
- KISS Army Membership Card
- KISS Army Keychain
- KISS Army Bracelet
- 10% ongoing member discount in the Official KISS Online Shop
- KISS Army T-shirt
- KISS Army Membership Card
- KISS Army Keychain
- KISS Army Bracelet
- 10% ongoing member discount in the Official KISS Online ShopKISS To Perform On 'Dancing With The Stars'
According to the Las Vegas Sun, KISS will perform two songs on the April 9 episode of of ABC-TV's "Dancing With The Stars".MÖTLEY CRÜE, KISS Co-Headlining Tour To Be Announced On Tuesday
MÖTLEY CRÜE and KISS are expected to officially announce their "massive" U.S. co-headlining tour on Tuesday, March 20 at 5:00 p.m. EST. The trek will reportedly kick off on July 19 and run for almost three months.KISS: HOTTER THAN HELL & NOT SLOWING DOWN
About to celebrate 40 years in rock and roll, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS are legendary veterans of the music business, and they’re “Hotter Than Hell.” Actually, hotter than ever since forming in 1973 and in no way slowing down.Bolton on Writing Forever
I notice your music routinely crosses generations, how does the song writing process differ when preparing a number one hit for a band like Kiss, to someone like Barbara Streisand?Original KISS Drummer PETER CRISS's Autobiography Due In October
According to Amazon.com, original KISS drummer Peter Criss will publish his memoir, "Makeup To Breakup", on October 23 via the Simon & Schuster imprint Scribner. A press release promises, "From sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll to multiple brushes with death, 'Makeup To Breakup' will be Peter Criss' unvarnished and eye-opening life story."KISS-Themed Miniature Golf Course Opens In Las Vegas; Video Footage
Video 1, Video 2.
TOMMY'S HOLE IN ONE KICKS OFF KISS MINI GOLF
Tommy Thayer is the lone golfer in KISS. He’s an 11 handicap, very good for any amateur player, and excellent for any rock guitarist.VIDEO OF FIRST WEDDING AT KISS CHAPEL
Here's a great fan-filmed video of KISS Army members David Howard and Natasha Fegan getting married yesterday at the "Hotter Than Hell" wedding chapel at KISS by Monster Mini Golf! Watch the bride walk down the aisle to "Heaven's on Fire" and marry her Demon-dressed groom in the presence of rock royalty, as all of the members of KISS stand as their witnesses.ROCK FOR VETS BENEFIT CONCERT
Gene Simmons' Rock For Vets Benefit Concert will take place at the Roxy in Los Angeles on April 12th. Gene will be backed up by members of our Proud Military.Paul Stanley Strolls With His Sweeties
(Photo) KISS vocalist Paul Stanley, 60, was spotted enjoying s sunny stroll with his wife Erin Sutton and the couple's youngest daughter Emily Grace, 7 months, on Tuesday (March 13) in Los Angeles, Calif.MÖTLEY CRÜE, KISS Co-Headlining U.S. Tour To Be Announced Next Week
MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil has revealed to Robin Leach of the Las Vegas Sun that the band will be co-headlining a massive U.S. tour with KISS from July through September. Expect the official announcement from Los Angeles next week.'Kiss By Monster Mini Golf' Video Report From KLAS-TV
KLAS-TV's "8 News Now" has posted a two-minute video report on the opening of Kiss By Monster Mini Golf, a unique rock 'n' roll-themed amusement attraction based around the legendary band KISS. Check it out at this location.
BRUCE KULICK: New Audio Interview Posted Online
RockEyez recently conducted an interview with former KISS and current GRAND FUNK RAILROAD guitarist Bruce Kulick. Kulick spoke about his time with Meat Loaf, Micheal Bolton and THE GOOD RATS; his impressions of recently deceased musicians Davy Jones and Ronnie Montrose as well as the late KISS guitarist Mark St. John; his new solo release and last year's Eric Carr CD, "Unfinished Business". You can now listen to the chat in the YouTube clip here.
Gene Simmons & Shannon Tweed talk heart health
KISS frontman Gene Simmons admits he’s been the cause of his wife Shannon Tweed’s stress for a long time.'Rock 'N' Roll Allstars' Tour: Tentative Setlist Revealed
Comprised of musicians from some of the biggest bands in recent rock history, the Rock 'N' Roll Allstars tour will hit the road in South and Central America in April/May.
* Joe Elliott (DEF LEPPARD)
* Matt Sorum (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES)
* Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES)
* Gilby Clarke (GUNS N' ROSES, ROCK STAR SUPERNOVA)
* Glenn Hughes (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH)
* Ed Roland (COLLECTIVE SOUL)
* Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW)
* Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL)
* Mike Inez (ALICE IN CHAINS)
* Billy Duffy (THE CULT)
Apr. 19 - Asuncion, Paraguay - Jockey Club
Apr. 21 - Sao Luis, Brazil - Metal Open Air Festival
Apr. 23 - Buenos Aires, Argentina - Club Geba
Apr. 25 - Santiago, Chile - Movistar Arena
Apr. 27 - Lima, Peru - Explanada Monumental
Apr. 29 - Quito, Ecuador – [to be announced]
May 01 - Guatemala City, Guatemala - Mundo E
May 03 - San Jose, Costa Rica - Stadium Suprisa
May 04 - Panama City, Panama - Figali Convention Center
May 05 - Bogota, Colombia - Hipodromo De Los Andes
* It's So Easy
* Welcome To The Jungle
* I Remember You
* Youth Gone Wild
* Whole Lotta Love
* Crazy Train
* Highway Star
* Burn
* Smoke On The Water
* Firewoman
* Wildflower
* Shine
* Rebel Yell
* Man In A Box (with Glenn Hughes)
* Knockin’ On Heavens Door
* Animal
* All The Young Dudes
* Sugar
* Tie Your Mother Down
Gene Simmons:
* Deuce
* Doctor Love
* I Love It Loud
* Cold Gin
* Rock And Roll All Nite
* Paradise CityENTIRE BAND TO ATTEND KISS MINI GOLF OPENING
KISS® By Monster Mini Golf, a unique rock ‘n roll-themed amusement attraction based around the legendary band KISS is set to open on Thursday, March 15 with co- founders members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, as well as band members Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer in attendance. As part of the celebration, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons will slash through the ceremonial ribbon with their guitars and walk the “Black Carpet” with other notable guests.Ace Frehley to Shock Nashville at Full Moon Tattoo and Horror Festival April 6-8
NASHVILLE!!! You want the best? You’ve got … Ace Frehley.KURT COBAIN "KISS" VAN FOR SALE ON EBAY
The broken-down brown and cream-colored van that is covered in graffiti and has not been moved since 1998 is attracting the interest of grunge music fans after being listed for sale on eBay.KISS MOVIE "CADILLAC HIGH" IN THE WORKS
"Cadillac High," a feature film based on the KISS's 1975 celebratory tour to the city of Cadillac, has received conditional approval for incentives to shoot the movie in Michigan.TOMMY AT CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
Palm Springs' KESQ News has a video from yesterday's Second Annual Patrick Warburton Golf For Kids Celebrity Golf Tournament, which featured many well-known guests, including Tommy Thayer! Tommy discusses raising money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through this tournament, which paired each celebrity with four local golf enthusiasts: Video.
KISS hopes for new hit in Las Vegas miniature golf course
Few rock bands have marketed themselves like KISS. These guys have taken things way beyond posters and T-shirts. We’re talking KISS wine. A KISS Mr. Potato Head set. Even KISS urns and caskets.GENE SIMMONS Attends 'Rock 'N' Roll Allstars' Press Conference
Comprised of musicians from some of the biggest bands in recent rock history, the Rock 'N' Roll Allstars is a live show unlike any before. Bandmembers include:
* Joe Elliott (DEF LEPPARD)
* Matt Sorum (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES)
* Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES)
* Gilby Clarke (GUNS N' ROSES, ROCK STAR SUPERNOVA)
* Glenn Hughes (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH)
* Ed Roland (COLLECTIVE SOUL)
* Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW)
* Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL)
* Mike Inez (ALICE IN CHAINS)
* Billy Duffy (THE CULT)ACE FREHLEY Working On New Book, Album
During a brand new interview with I Heart Guitar, original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley spoke about his future plans. He said, "I've started working on a new album, I'm writing a new book… there are a lot of good things on the horizon. At this point, I think [the next book is] just going to be an extension of [Ace's 2011 memoir] 'No Regrets'. There's so much I left out because of the deadline, but after talking with so many different people I've got so many stories that have eluded me over the years. And there just wasn't enough room to put them into 'No Regrets', and I was past the deadline as it was. But I think I'm going to come out with something in the effect of like a 'No Regrets II'. But I also have the idea to put out a guitar book with all my guitar effects, tricks, recording techniques… I've learned a lot of tricks from working with a lot of great producers over the years, and I think I should write a book about it."PodKISSt #55: Band of 1000 Faces (Part 2)
Join us for the 2nd half of our roundtable discussion (continued from last month’s installment) as we look at the changing face of KISS throughout the years! Big thanks to our great panel of discussants, and to YOU for listening to PodKISSt… the KISS fanzine for your ears!'KISS By Monster Mini Golf' Scorecard App
JAMB Innovations, in conjunction with Monster Mini Golf, has announce the KISS By Monster Mini Golf scorecard app. The app is now available for pre-sale purchase in the iTunes App Store.Las Vegas Philanthropist Hosts Star-Studded Evening
Dollar Loan Center CEO Chuck Brennan pulled out all the stops at his annual company holiday party recently. Bringing in his famous friends from around the country, the business owner and philanthropist helped raise nearly $300,000 for charity while giving 500 employees and guests a night to remember including $250,000 in cash and prizes.KISS TO ROCK MASSIVE UK FESTIVAL!
KISS will headline the opening night of SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH 2012, England's annual massive music festival! The July 6th show will be KISS' only European show this year.KISS BY MONSTER MINI GOLF GRAND OPENING
General Opening Day Information and Itinerary:'Nothin' To Lose: The Making Of Kiss (1972-1975)' Book Due In August
According to Amazon, Los Angeles-based writer Ken Sharp — the author of KISS' official authorized biography, Kiss: Behind The Mask" (2003) and "Starting Over: The Making Of John Lennon And Yoko Ono's Double Fantasy" (2010) — has teamed up with KISS founding members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley for the new hardcover book called "Nothin' To Lose: The Making Of Kiss (1972-1975)". The 448-page book is due on August 14 via It Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.GENE TO BE HONORED WITH GOLDEN GODS AWARD
America’s only hard-rock and heavy-metal award show is back for 2012! The fourth annual REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARD SHOW presented by Epiphone will take place Wednesday, April 11, at Club Nokia in Downtown Los Angeles. For the first time ever, the event will be broadcast live in its entirety on Xbox LIVE, as well as on the Xbox and Revolver Facebook pages.WALL STREET JOURNAL: PAUL ON MAKING IT BIG
In this WSJ documentary, Lee Hawkins asks Paul Stanley of Kiss and other artists how they plan to stay relevant. These interviews come at a time when the music industry has experienced major changes over the last decade. Music sales now represent just a small part of many artists' income, and the charts are topped with dance music instead of rock and roll. Those who remain relevant will likely rely on building a profitable brand through touring, social media, and merchandising.Ex-KISS Guitarist Ace Frehley on the '70s: 'I Was Sort of the Whole Package'
Ex-KISS Guitarist Ace Frehley on the '70s: 'I Was Sort of the Whole Package': Read the interview here!
Gene Simmons to perform in Peru with 'Titans of Rock'?
(www.andina.com.pe) Gene Simmons, bassist of legendary rock band Kiss, will reportedly perform in Peru on April 19 with his new band called 'Titans of Rock.'"HOTTER THAN HELL" WEDDING AUCTION
KISS By Monster Mini Golf to Auction off Wedding Package Starting February 10 with KISS’ Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons as Guests of Honor.ACE FREHLEY's 'Anomaly' To Be Released On Double Vinyl
Brookvale Records, in partnership with Rocket Science, will release the Ace Frehley "Anomaly" album on vinyl. Due on April 10, it will be a double LP set in special gatefold packaging with the vinyl silver in color. Only 1,000 copies hand-numbered copies will be made. The album will also be available at select retailers starting April 10.REMEMBERING OUR FRIEND MIKEL JAPP
Sadly, we have just been informed that Mikel Japp passed away last week at his home in Wales. Deepest sympathies go out to his friends & family, Mikel was an important part of KISStory and a great guitarist.ERIC CARR's Sister Interviewed On 'Decibel Geek' Podcast
The "Decibel Geek" podcast has released an Eric Carr-themed episode featuring an in-depth discussion of the late KISS drummer's life and career with his sister, Loretta Caravello. Hosts Chris Czynszak and Aaron Camaro speak with Caravello about Eric's time with KISS, his legacy, and her responsibility for the oversight of the drummer's estate in the years since his passing in 1991. Caravello also shares her thoughts on some rumors that have been floating around the Internet over the years, including one about former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent acquiring ownership of Carr's makeup design.Click here to read part 3 of the KISS News Archive
