Friday, August 29, 2008

KISS SHOWS THIS WEEKEND


KISS are performing 3 shows this weekend.
August 29 - Las Vegas, NevadaSOLD OUT
August 30 - Lake Tahoe, Nevada
August 31 - Kelseyville, California
For tickets/ticket information:
NOTE FOR LAS VEGAS:(from KISSONLINE)
If you are in Las Vegas and would like to be filmed for an upcoming project, please go to The Palms hotel at 2pm and be prepared to rock out to a classic KISS song. In costume or not, all members of the KISS Army are welcome!Time: 2pm-3pmPlace: Outside of The Pearl TheatreDirections:Go to the front of the Pearl Theatre. Take the elevators to the right of the front of the theatre to the second floor ballroom.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

KISS "BEST OF" AUDIO SAMPLES AVAILABLE


KISS' long awaited Japanese "Best Of-KISSOLOGY" set for August 27 release- Audio samples of classic re-recordings are available here on line by clicking link below:


Order using the link below:

There are two versions available- (1)Single CD release and (2)CD with bonus DVD KISS Live In Japan 1977 release.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

PAUL STANLEY ATLANTA AREA ART SHOWS


Paul Stanley's Wentworth Gallery appearances:

Friday, September 19, 5-8 p.m. Wentworth Gallery –

Phipps Plaza 3500 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA RSVP 404-233-0903


Saturday, September 20, 5-8 p.m. Wentworth Gallery –

Perimeter Mall 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA RSVP 770-913-0641 or 800-732-6140

Monday, August 25, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEMON

Today celebrates GENE SIMMONS' 59th Birthday. Happy Birthday Demon!!!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

PAUL AND ERIN EXPECTING SECOND CHILD

PAUL STANLEY revealed in an interview on Chicago's WGN-TV yesterday that he is expecting a daughter. Congratulations to PAUL and ERIN STANLEY!

PAUL STANLEY IN CHICAGO

Paul on WGN/Chicago television: Click below to view.
http://wgntv.trb.com/news/local/morningnews/wgn-paulstanley-kiss-html,0,3238287.htmlstory

Thursday, August 21, 2008

PAUL IN CHICAGO THIS WEEKEND!


AUGUST 22 & 23 IN CHICAGO- Special appearance 7-9 p.m. Aug. 22 and 5-8 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Wentworth Gallery in Schaumburg, IL.

Paul's media scheduled appearences in Chicago:

1) WLS-TV Chicago ABC Affiliate - "live" @ 6:23 a.m.

2) WGN-TV CW Network - segment will air during the day

3) WFLD-TV Fox Affiliate - "live" during 9 a.m. hour

KISS "GREATEST" JAPAN RELEASE READY!


The highly anticipated new KISS release of classic hits, re-recorded by the band's current line-up, Gene Simmons, Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer and Paul Stanley is ready to hit the streets of Japan.

Song list:

1. DEUCE2. DETROIT ROCK CITY3. SHOUT IT OUT LOUD4. HOTTER THAN HELL5. CALLING DR.LOVE6. LOVE GUN7. I WAS MADE FOR LOVIN' YOU8. HEAVEN'S ON FIRE9. LICK IT UP10. I LOVE IT LOUD11. FOREVER12. CHRISTINE SIXTEEN13. DO YOU LOVE ME14. BLACK DIAMOND15. ROCK AND ROLL ALL NITE

The compilation will be released in two versions. A single CD release and special added DVD package featuring KISS' Budokan in Tokyo 1977 show. The DVD includes: Detroit Rock City,Let Me Go, Rock 'N' Roll', Ladies Room, Firehouse, I Want You, Cold Gin, Nothin' To Lose, God Of Thunder. Rock And Roll All Nite, Shout It Out Loud and Black Diamond.

The compilation will be released August 27.

You may pre-order at this location: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=DFCP-56

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

KISS MASK ON MYSPACE

KISS MASK is now on MySpace--http://www.myspace.com/kissmask

Monday, August 18, 2008

ROBERT HAZARD RIP


ROBERT HAZARD, my good ole' pal, passed away at age 59 on August 5. Robert who had his band ROBERT HAZARD and the HEROES saw success in 1982 with his hits Escalator of Life, Change Reaction, was responsible for setting the Philadelphia music scene on fire in the 80s with local bands, Bon Jovi, The Hooters, TheA's, Cinderella, Britny Fox, TEEZE, just to name a few who went onto national status.
Hazard wrote Cyndi Lauper's biggest hit "Girls Just Wanna' Have Fun." Funeral services were private and a memorial service was held in Philadelphia on Friday night.
View Robert's "Escalator Of Life" video via YouTube at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WE8D4tHOg7k

Friday, August 15, 2008

ACE FREHLEY ON NEW CHRISTMAS CD


(from BraveWords. com)
ACE FREHLEY and BRUCE KULICK will appear on a Christmas CD, Metal Christmas, due out this fall from Eagle Records.
ACE:
'Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer' Vocal/Guitar: Ace Frehley (ex-KISS) Bass: Billy Sheehan Drums: Greg Bissonette (DAVID LEE ROTH)
BRUCE:
'Rocking Round The Xmas Tree' Vocal: Joe lynn Turner (RAINBOW/Deep Purple) Guitars: Bruce Kulick (KISS/GRAND FUNK) Bass: Rudy Sarzo Drums: Simon Wright

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

TOD HOWARTH INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVE



Where the hell is TOD HOWARTH?
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MARK COOPER.
We got him! Tod, singer/songwriter/guitarist, is currently working on a new solid rock CD due early 2009. Tod has released three solo albums of his own (Silhouette, Colbalt Parlor, West Of Eight) .The man who wrote and toured with ACE FREHLEY (Frehley's Comet, Second Sighting)... Toured with CHEAP TRICK and who just recently played at Budokan for TRICK's 30th Anniversary of LIVE AT BUDOKAN... Played to huge crowds with 707 (50,000 in 1981 with REO SPEEDWAGON)... Toured with TED NUGENT and contributed to Ted's Penetration album. In Tod's off time, he enjoys riding his Quad and Wakeboarding.

I personally have met Tod at KISS Expos and showed him my 707 album which surprised him and he graciously signed. He is one of the nicest guys (besides ERIC CARR) I've ever met in the music business. You can visit Tod at his MySpace and website below. Special Thanks to TOD HOWARTH and MARK COOPER.
(Intro:J. Frank Hagan)



Mark Cooper sat down with Tod recently in this one on one interview.

1) First off, thank you for sitting down with KISS Mask for a while and giving us some of your time as you prepare your new CD. How are things coming along on your new project? What style CD can we expect this time around and who are your major influences during this recording?

ANSWER: You are very welcome! The recording - and writing - is coming along pretty well, slowly, but I'm thrilled with what I'm coming up with. While recording the new tunes I'm writing additional ones to see if I can better the existing songs - this way there should be no 'Fillers' the only toll it's taking is time, because I'm playing all the instruments again - a very lengthy process.

2) How did your gig w/ Cheap Trick go in Budokan? How did that gig come about?

ANSWER:The show in Japan went quickly really. 'Trick had contacted me about three weeks ahead of schedule so I could program my new keyboard (the old one 'cooked' on the last stage with them) and they could get an okay to book my flights, arrange work visas etc. I flew in with them on a Tuesday, the show was Thursday and I came home Friday. Fairly whirl wind.
The 30 year anniversary gig came about because I've played with them off and on since 1985 - and usually when they do an important show or tour they ask me out - with exception to this current tour (it's all about a budget)


3) Do you see or talk to Ace as of late?

ANSWER: Unfortunately no. Our lives at this point (and for quite some time) have traveled in different directions. Everyone knows that he went back to KISS for many years while I had to struggle with starting up new bands to get signed to Gene Simmons' label - then only to have 'us' dropped because 'grunge' came in and cleaned house! This may sound bitter as I write it - and parts of the story I did feel that way at the time - BUT it's just business and the taste of the American musical public (And I like grunge even though it took me out!)
Ace and I haven't seen each other or talked in years. I do hear through some fans that he 'thinks' about me on occasion.

4) What was one of your most memorable times with Ace during the Frehley's Comet days?

ANSWER: The beginning was a blast, Ace was clean and driven again, the touring was fun, you know there isn't one time really that was the best, HOWEVER Ace and I did have a blast going through my song catalog, playing guitars together in his New York Apartment. It's where we got to know each other musically and connected for what would be the Comet. He has a great sense of humor as do I, and we laughed our asses off about many things while working up there in his place. I think now that, perhaps that was the funniest times - weird eh? You have to remember that I had toured extensively before meeting Ace'

5) What was it like performing with Ted Nugent? Any special memories?

ANSWER: Ted was a pretty damn good guitar player although before I met him I didn't think so (I was into Jeff Beck) He was also almost exclusively all business. He had the gift of gab and sometimes never shut the hell up! Once we were on tour in Europe and we had to drive through the night. Well Ted liked to drive and before they discovered that I could 'drive' too I sat and had to listen, all night, as Ted rambled on about anything to keep himself awake during the night ride. Ted seems to easily amuse himself - but I understand this because I can do the very same thing! He had some backstage antics as well. One time he knew that woman interviewer was backstage with us while he went to the bathroom so he comes flying out of there with no pants on, toilet paper stuck in-between his ass cheeks trailing out like a six foot tail, 'sees' her after shouting out 'Are we on yet?!' and hits the floor face first sliding into home plate sort 'o speak. That shit was funny.
He also asked every one after the first night in Europe, 'Okay, who shit in the bidet?' For those of you who don't know what that is, it's the European butt washer that looked like a toilet - NOW they have the heated combo wherein one can deliver....

6) Do you keep in touch with John Regan? Can you share a special memory of your time working with him?

ANSWER: John and I see each other most every time that he comes through on tour with Peter Frampton. He is responsible for getting me into the Comet, and he has a great business sense, a terrific bass player and a great guy. Any time we spent together was memorable. The most fun was, well Hell again, anytime because he just had that wry humor - everything had an amusing point to any given situation. I think what I really liked about John is he loved my song writing and when I had met him when he was playing with John Waite - and I with Cheap Trick, he was very complimenting on what he heard me do on stage for 'Trick. He convinced ace to have me in the band because I could play guitar and keys and sing, write and at the time 'look' the part...I guess. And this also cut down on a five member band so there was more funds to go around to the existing members!

7) What are you listening to these days? What's spinning in your player right now?

ANSWER: Most fans don't like to hear what I'm listening to but I always tell. Evanescence, Velvet Revolver, STP, Alice in Chains, KORN, Chevelle, Kelly Clarkson, yes Kelly - that woman can sing!! Hinder, Van Halen, some Zep, Nirvana, A lot of new heavy bands of which I don't know the names....

8) If you could only bring 10 CD's with you on a deserted island....Which 10 would they be?
ANSWER: Jeff Beck ' Blow by Blow'
Alice in Chains 'Dirt'
Van Halen 'Van Halen'
Joni Mitchell 'Court and Spark'
The sound track to the movie 'Against all Odds'
STP 'Shangra-la-di-da'
Led Zeppelin 'Houses of the Holly'
Nirvana 'Nevermind'
The Babys 'First album'
Me 'Cobalt Parlor'





9) What advise would you share with young aspiring artists trying to make in the music biz these days?

ANSWER: Man, go to medical school! If you absolutely have to do full time music be prepared to put your ass on the line and remember that most don't make it. It's a different world out there than when I 'roamed' the earth looking for the elusive record deal - what the Hell is that nowadays? I don't even really know. Educate yourself on what should be done to get your music out there - it's ever changing. Learn what's available to promote yourself and band - learn where and what to play and stick with it so you form an identity AND keep your responsibilities at the bare minimum as you'll need every fucking dime for yourself to survive. If anyone else has to depend on you then you've made your quest four times as hard to achieve. I personally am exhausted and I'm not sure why I'm still standing.

10 What do you think of the latest KISS lineup and current tour?


ANSWER: In truth? I have no idea nor do I have an opinion other than I think the fans would probably like a different lineup. And as far as the tour goes one might think that if you miss this one...oh, well there might be another one...but that's a good thing right? You as long as they can bring happiness to the ears of the fans that made them then they are right were they should be.
Gene, Paul, nice work!

11) Could you share with some fellow tech-heads out there what kind of gear you're using on the current CD?

ANSWER: I've long since stopped chasing the new, latest, best gear because it really doesn't do any good for songwriting I've learned early on, and it's gets expensive for some budgets depending on your level of involvement. However, I use the following!
Steinberger guitars Headless stock 'M' bodies (2)
Chandler custom made Baritone guitars (2)
Takamine acoustic six (1)
Gibson Artist bass (1)
Waterstone 12 string bass (1)
the wife's Washburn,
a 'P2' whatever the Hell that is.......hah! (1)
KORG Triton extreme keyboard (1)
KORG O1w/ProX (1)
MAPEX 5 piece drum kit (1)
Many Shure sm 57's (?)
Electrovoice re20 (1)
Tascam DA88 (2)
MACKIE 16.8 console (1)
Marshall 100 watt6100Lm Ann series (1)
Marshall 100 that I bought from
Jim Marshall in London (1)
SansAmp tech 21 for Bass
Alesis M230 EQ (2)
Tascam DA 30 dat
Sony portable DAT
dbx1 266 compressor
TC helicon voice tone
Quadaverb
staple gun
duct tape
superglue
Claw hammer
kerosene and a match
running shoes
Helmet
You know where I'm going with this right?

12) What is your overall view of the current state of the music biz?

ANSWER: It seems to be in every which way. There are so many styles, so many managers, artist manufactures, fly by night 'talents', flavors of the week. There is a lot of great music out there but the thing that really pisses me off is that I took years to learn how to write a song, play a song, sing a tune, play different instruments and try to package it up in a presentable fashion. Now it appears that any dicksmoke with an attitude, hat, Gold Tijuana grill and a 2nd grade music listening degree can whip the public up in a artistic frenzy and get paid big (temporary) bucks for it.. Hmmm maybe it's the taste of certain American public.
I like it when an artist or band has real substance and longevity - even in today's realm and has a good solid six year or so run with it - by the way invest your money because it's gonna end. See question number 9.

13) Could you share with us one of your favorite memories of working with Cheap Trick?

ANSWER: I guess would have to be the first time that I played with them. Back in the day they were a favorite band of mine so it was kind of a kick to perform with the band. Also playing "the Flame" to the big crowds was fun. Doing the Jay Leno show, my first trip to Japan with them, and the long bus tours and card games. Hanging with Tom Petersson, we were (and still are) pretty tight.

14) What would you like to say to your loyal fans who have stuck by you though the thick and thin?
ANSWER: You know, truly, if it wasn't for you I would not be doing this new rock CD. I would not have done the last three solo CDs, nor would I have hung in there in the lovely 'business' of music. I love to write and perform - for the fans, not so much for me really because I lived that, now it's fun to watch the fans eyes and ears when they hear a fav tune. Thank you all so very much for being there. I keep thinking that "This will be my last CD effort" because the industry is so very different and there are so many new, younger, great artists who are waiting to take their turns..... and that solo CD efforts (real ones where I'm doing everything) take so damn long to finish!
But again, I really thank you all!
Thank you Tod. I appreciate your time.
Stay tuned to KISSMASKWEBZINE on news of Tod Howarth.
It's Over Now/Frehley's Comet video on YouTube-click link below to view.
Into The Night/Frehley's Comet video on YouTube-click link below to view.

KISS FOTO OF THE WEEK AUG. 11-17

KISS Live in Atlantic City, NJ 2004 ROCK THE NATION TOUR
Photo: J. Frank Hagan

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

PAUL AND ERIN EXPECTING THEIR SECOND CHILD

Congratulations to PAUL STANLEY and his wife ERIN who are expecting their 2nd child in December!

Friday, August 8, 2008

ACE FREHLEY ON JAM PAIN SOCIETY CD

ACE FREHLEY guests on Jam Pain Society's new CD "Black Metal Messiah," on the track The Ride. Check it out at AMAZON.COM here:
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Light-Messiah-Pain-Society/dp/B001B56LI8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1218193947&sr=1-1

PAUL STANLEY GUITAR PICK WINNERS!!



The winners of our PAUL STANLEY Guitar Pick Contest are announced today!
The question was: What is Paul's full name?
Answer:Stanley Harvey Eisen.
But we decided to take it further. So we have three winners instead of two!
And they are:

J. Young
Victoria, Australia

S. Angulo
Pawtucket, Rhode Island

M. Able
Cleveland, TN.

Congratulations to our winners and thank you to all who entered. Winners were picked at random with the correct answer.
Guitar Picks are courtesy of VAMPIRE SALES. Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. Check out VAMPIRE SALES at http://stores.ebay.com/VAMPIRE-SALES

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

NEWS, NEWS & MORE NEWS


Please visit us a couple times a day as our news is always updating. Don't forget to check back to see the winners of the PAUL STANLEY GUITAR PICK GIVEAWAY. Tonight (Aug. 7) at 11:59 pm is the last time you can enter. Winners will be posted tomorrow morning. KISS MASK is your site for all the latest news on KISS, ACE, PETER, ERIC, VINNIE & BRUCE.

VINNIE VINCENT TRIBUTE CD UPDATE

"Kiss My Ankh: A Tribute To Vinnie Vincent" will be released August 27 via Spiltscreen Entertianment. Details today on Vinnie's 56th Birthday.

TRACK LISTING:
01. Killer - DOUBLEVIRGO
02. I Still Love You - GODS OF FIRE
03. Lick It Up - FUTURE 86
04. A Million To One - STEVE BROWN
05. Boyz Are Gonna Rock - MIKE WEEKS (with Andre LaBelle and T.J. Racer)
06. Back on the Streets - JAZAN WILD
07. That Time of Year - SHELDON TARSHA, RYAN ROXIE, MARKO PUKKILA, TROY PATRICK FARRELL
08. Love Kills - VIC RIVERA / KELLI MCCLOUD
09. Unholy - CURSE GOD AND DIE
10. I Just Wanna - THE DEAD ZOO KEEPERS
Visit: http://www.myspace.com/KissMyAnkh

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VINNIE!


KISS MASK would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to VINNIE VINCENT!

KISS LIVE IN STURGIS

The first video footage of KISS live in Sturgis, SD., has surfaced on YouTube. Click the video box to your right to view- KISS' opening song, "DEUCE."
KissOnline is reporting that 40,000 fans turned out for their first US show of their KISS ALIVE/35 tour.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

KISS IN STURGIS LAST NIGHT

KISS receiving their proclomation backstage before the show from South Dakota Govenor, Mike Rounds.
Slideshow photos from last night's KISS show ROCKIN' RALLY, STRUGIS, SD. It is estimated that 50,000 fans were in attendance.
click link below for slideshow of last night's KISS show.
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/pages/slideshows/67/index.html

PETER CRISS FEATURED IN 4074 MAGAZINE

(photos by Mike Sypniewski and Thomas P. Costello)
PETER CRISS is featured on the cover of 4070 magazine. The New Jersey based magazine, part of the Asbury Park Press, features a new interview about life at the beach in Monmouth County (Peter and wife Gigi are residents of Wall Twp.) with the Catman as well as new photos. You can read the story/interview online at: http://www.app.com/4074/august2008/features/petercriss.html

ACE FREHLEY ATTENDS EDDIE TRUNK BASH


ACE FREHLEY attended the 25th Anniversary (in radio broadcasting) bash for Eddie Trunk last night (Aug. 4) at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City. The party included a performance by Judas Priest. Among other celebrities, Heaven and Hell, JJ French, Vito Bratta, Gilby Clark and Carmine Appice.

Monday, August 4, 2008

KISS FOTO OF THE WEEK- AUG.4 - 10

GENE and ACE, KISS' Destroyer Tour, Atlanta, GA., 1976.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

KISS HONORED BY SOUTH DAKOTA GOVENOR

KISS ROCK AND ROLL ALL DAY (from KISSONLINE)
The classic rock band KISS will appear at Glencoe Campground/Rock’n the Rally on August 4 to accept a proclamation from Governor Mike Rounds, presented by Sturgis Mayor Maury LaRue, prior to their concert.WHAT: A proclamation to make August 4 KISS Rock and Roll Day in South Dakota. WHERE: Backstage at Glencoe Campground/Rock’n the Rally – Sturgis, S.D. WHEN: August 4, 2008 WHY: KISS has tirelessly supported the United States military, and has visited numerous American military bases around the world to meet the troops, sign autographs and show their support for the military. This is the band’s 35 year anniversary, and this will be their first time playing the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Friday, August 1, 2008

TOMMY THAYER IN MYRTLE BEACH IN SEPTEMBER

Tommy Thayer will be the Special Guest at the KISS CoffeeHouse 2nd Anniversary Party on Saturday September 6, 2008. Last year's Special Guest was none other than Ace Frehley. A calendar of events will be posted as soon as details become available.
You can visit the KISS CoffeeHouse at http://www.kisscoffeehouse.com/intro.htm