Wednesday, November 30, 2011

'Archie Meets Kiss' Signing tonight in LA

Kissonline.com
Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons will hold a signing session at Golden Apple Comics in Los Angeles to celebrate the release of 'ARCHIE MEETS KISS!' The event takes place tonight, Wednesday, November 30th. Wristbands will be available at 10 AM with the purchase of the comic book. The event is limited to 100 fans and two items per person.

Golden Apple Comics
7018 Melrose Avenue (SE corner of Melrose and La Brea)
Los Angeles, CA 90038

www.goldenapplecomics.com/

Eric Singer: "Ace is a real character"

Video of Q&A with Eric Singer at the Holland Kiss Expo.

More with Eric


Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Eric Singer Signing Session at Holland KISS Expo - Video

Here is a short video of Kiss drummer Eric Singer signing autographs, and photo collage from the Holland KISS Expo November 27, 2011.

Ace Frehley Fractures Wrist; Forced to Cancel Tour

Ace Fractures Wrist, Cancels UK Tour
AceFrehley.com
Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley has been forced to cancel his previously announced U.K. dates due to a fractured left wrist resulting from a fall in his home yesterday (Sunday, November 27). Doctors applied a fiberglass cast to Frehley’s hand and arm, and he has been instructed not to play guitar or use his wrist for a minimum of ten days. Ace would like to convey his deepest heartfelt apologies to all of his U.K. fans and to make it up to them, has already signed on to headline Hard Rock Hell festival in December 2012. He hopes to be able to announce the additional rescheduled dates soon.

Cancelled dates:
Dec. 01 - Cardiff, Wales - Coal Exchange
Dec. 03 - Pontins Prestatyn, North Wales - Hard Rock Hell Festival
Dec. 04 - London, England - Islington Academy

KISSFest 2 Brazil - Video

Our good friends at Kiss Army Brazil has sent us this video of the recent Kiss Fest 2 featuring Bruce Kulick and Lydia Criss. Thanks Marcio!
Subscribe to Kiss Army Brazil's YouTube channel by clicking here http://www.youtube.com/kissarmybrasil

Italian KISS Expo This Friday


YOU WANTED THE BEST YOU'LL GET THE BEST: THE ITALIAN KISS EXPO!!

Following the success of the "One Nite KISS, Waiting for the Boom" in 2009, to celebrate the forthcoming KISS Monster album and related new Tour, DeuceNews proudly presents: "The Italian KISS Expo 2011" featuring the mighty KISS drummer Eric Singer!!

Eric will be the special guest at the 2011 Italian KISS Expo at the Dancing La Montagnola in Campogalliano (MO) on December 2.

Our friend Keith Leroux from KISSOnline will be also attending the event with the greatest Official KISS merchandise!

Tribute bands Live4Win and JulietKiss will perform the hottest KISS songs, KISS dealers and Washburn Guitars booth will be there for you and more...See you all there!!

A special thanks to our partner in crime Enrico Ronzoni

Tickets pre-order and detailed info at www.DeuceNews.com

The 2011 Italian KISS Fan Expo is a fan produced event. By the fans, for the fans!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Bruce Kulick & John Corabi Perform "Unplugged" in Madrid

Bruce Kulick and John Corabi perform at the Madrid, Spain, Kiss Expo, 11/26/11.

BETH

STRUTTER

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Ace Frehley "No Regrets" a NY Times Bestseller in Week Two

After two weeks on the New York Times Bestseller's list and a debut at an impressive #10, NO REGRETS,  charts at #21 this week in Hardcover Non-Fiction.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

ERIC CARR: "Tale of the Fox" Full Length Feature

In honor of the 20th anniversary of our friend Eric Carr's passing, here is the full length feature, TALE OF THE FOX.



The DVD includes unreleased music written and performed by Eric from his pre-Kiss & Kiss days, plus interviews with Bill Aucoin, Bruce Kulick, Carrie Stevens, members of Slaughter, Fred Coury, and more.

Italian KISS Expo Event on December 2, 2011

From our friends at Deuce News comes the Italian Kiss Expo on December 2, 2011
Website: Deuce News Italian KISS Expo
THE ITALIAN KISS EXPO 2011 Feat. ERIC SINGER
Following the success of the "One Nite KISS, Waiting for the Boom" in 2009, to celebrate the forthcoming KISS Monster album and related new Tour, DeuceNews proudly presents: "The Italian KISS Expo 2011" featuring mighty KISS drummer Eric Singer!! Eric will be the special guest at the 2011 Italian KISS Expo at the Dancing La Montagnola in Campogalliano (MO) on December 2. Our friend Keith Leroux from KISSOnline will be also attending the event with the greatest Official KISS merchandise!Tribute bands Live4Win and JulietKiss will perform the hottest KISS songs, KISS dealers and Washburn Guitars booth will be there for you and more...
Date: December 2

Location: "Dancing La Montagnola", Campogalliano, Modena, Italy Via G.Garibaldi 57.
Doors open: 19:00
Admission ticket: €15

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Eric Carr, Love Kiss

Twenty years ago today, our friend Eric Carr passed away after losing his battle with cancer. Over the eleven years Eric spent with KISS, he played over 800 concerts to millions of fans around the world, and he brought joy to and touched the lives of so many people. Here are some thoughts and memories that the band would like to share.



At a time when KISS was in the midst of upheaval and turmoil Eric brought calm, and an optimism that refocused our priorities so we could move forward. I can't overstate his contribution to our rebirth. His dedication to his music was only matched by his dedication to his fans. He was a kind soul who couldn't say an unkind word about anyone and I think of him all the time.

- Paul Stanley


Eric Carr was a beloved member of KISS for 11 years. His drumming was as powerful as his love and devotion for the fans and remains in the hearts of many to this day...

- Eric Singer


Eric Carr was a special person and a friend. He would always go out of his way to be friendly and say something nice. I remember the band was mixing Hot in the Shade back in 1989 at Cherokee Studios in LA. HITS was a miss-mash of sorts and everyone was throwing in their two cents on the mix, you know, 'Turn up the guitars, turn up the bass.." I was listening and remember saying to the engineer, "Where's the drums?" At the end of the night, Eric quietly pulled me aside and said, "Thanks for mentioning the drums.." He appreciated that.. A good guy.

- Tommy Thayer


I never knew anyone more humble in my life.
Eric Carr was a kind soul who never said anything bad about anybody.
He was also a double threat on drums, and vocals.
I miss him.

- Gene Simmons

Eric Carr, My Friend, Twenty Years Have Passed

Today is the 20th Anniversary of the passing of my friend, ERIC CARR, on November 24, 1991. I can not believe it's been twenty years since we've had your laughter, your good heart, good music and most importantly to me, your friendship. Your memory lives inside of all of us with your music and warming smile. Today, on this Thanksgiving Day, I give thanks for having to have gotten to know you. Eric, you've enriched my life with laughter, compassion and song and I am so very grateful to have gotten to know when you were alive.
My glass is raised in honor of your life and how you touched so many. Your warmth, charisma, caring, and occasional dirty joke always made me laugh and smile.  Always have you made me feel good to be in your presence. You my friend!
     -Frank Hagan  Kiss Mask Webzine                  

 ERIC CARR  
July 12, 1950-November 24, 1991


Wednesday, November 23, 2011

The Red Carpet with Gene Simmons at the American Music Awards

MONSTER to Include 15 Songs, Tour to take "Technology to the extreme"

Gene Simmons on the red carpet at the American Music Awards November 20 in Los Angeles says "The new studio album is coming out late spring," 15 songs and "And the tour promises to take technology to the extreme."


Eric Carr 'Through the Years' Installment Video #4

As the 20th anniversary of legendary Kiss drummer Eric Carr's untimely passing approaches, many of his fellow musicians and friends share their most memorable Eric moments. Some are bound to make you laugh while others will show the warmth of man who loved his fans and his music.

The interviews series will include a video segments entitled, 'Eric Carr Through the Years'. Friends and special guests featured here are Eric's former girlfriend Carrie Stevens and friend Eddie Trunk.

The KISS Army Turns 35!

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - To celebrate Sunday's big anniversary some very special guests stopped by 105.5 the River's radio station to voice their support.

Even some famous band members joined in the celebration. News 10 photojournalist Gary Brian and Louisa Moller show you how.

Kiss Army Day Celebration: wthitv.com

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Bruce Kulick & Vince Neil Perform at Rock Camp

Video footage of Bruce Kulick, Vince Neil and Mark Hudson performing with campers on "Smokin' In The Boys Room," "Hello, I Love You" and "School's Out" at Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp in New York.


Monday, November 21, 2011

10 Questions with Bruce Kulick

Bruce Kulick Interview "10 Questions with SIT Strings"

KISS Back in the Studio with 'MONSTER'

KISS are back in the studio recording tracks for "Monster" to be released in the spring of 2012. Photos courtesy of Eric Singer via Kissonline.

Book based on "(Music From) The Elder" to be released Spring 2012

Image


‘Music From The Elder: The Unauthorized Story of the Most Spectacular Failure in the History of Kiss" will be released in the spring of 2012. The book will explore the odd circumstances that led the traditionally hard-rocking band to attempt a classical- and Broadway-influenced concept record about a young boy’s medieval quest to become a warrior (or something), and the effect its commercial failure had on the band.


In honor of the 30th anniversary of the release of "(Music From) The Elder," the most bizarre and unsuccessful album ever released by KISS, comes the first chapter of an upcoming book exploring this strange, misguided and yet oddly lovable record.
You can check out the site and read the first chapter, details here at Kiss Elder Book

Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed at American Music Awards


Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed arrive at last night's 2011 American Music Awards showing off their wedding rings in Los Angeles. Photo (Danny Moloshok / Reuters).

The Elder Movie to become a Reality

Filmaker Seb Hunter is making a film based on KISS' 1981 album, "(Music From) The Elder."
In 1981 the rock band KISS released a concept album entitled (Music From) The Elder. The album was intended to be the soundtrack to a movie - a movie which, due to the relative commercial failure of the album, was never made.
Check out the film's website: elderthemovie.com

KISS Collection is Seether drummer's Pride & Joy

By Chris M. Junior/Goldmine.com
It started innocently enough with KISS trading cards when he was in grade school. Since then, Seether drummer John Humphrey’s collection of KISS memorabilia has grown tremendously in size and value — and it also includes items that Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley no longer have.
Donruss KISS bubble gum cards
TRADING CARDS were the gateway collectible that got Seether drumer John Humphrey started on his KISS collection. This unopened box of Donruss’ KISS Series 1 cards from 1978 containing 36 wax packs sold for $179.25 at a Heritage Auction Galleries sale in 2009.
Intrigued by the band’s look, and without even hearing a note of KISS music, Humphrey started collecting the KISS bubble gum cards manufactured by Donruss in the late 1970s. Luckily for Humphrey, a relative worked at a convenience store, so he had someone who could supply him with a steady stream of the 15-cent card packs.
For his eighth birthday, Humphrey received a copy of the 1978 K-Tel Records collection “Star Power,” which contained the KISS hit “Christine Sixteen.” By the time the band released “Creatures of the Night” in 1982, Humphrey was pretty much immersed in all things KISS. He finally saw his makeup-wearing, costume-clad heroes in person, when the tour supporting that album came to the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Okla.
Humphrey says his KISS memorabilia collection is insured and valued at $60,000 to $75,000. He has various items on display at home, and one of the more prominent pieces is the KISS pinball machine (made by Bally and introduced in 1978) that he purchased for $2,200 around 1999.
“I was smiling from ear to ear when I got that thing,” Humphrey says. “It was broken and needed a little love. It’s still the crown jewel of my collection.”
Humphrey said an auction house has been in touch with him about his KISS collection, but he remains an active collector. He really hasn’t parted with too many items over the years.
“I’m trying to upgrade,” he says. “I’m picky about mint and still-sealed items. Occasionally I’ll eBay something when I’m home, which isn’t too often — I’ll sell some stuff if I’ve upgraded — but I haven’t really let go of anything. All of the important pieces I still hold onto and still have.”
Humphrey has KISS items from all over the world, but he does have standards beyond those related to their condition.
“I don’t really get into all the new stuff — the lava lamps, the teddy bears,” he says. “Some people get everything. With me, it’s the vintage stuff.”
Nixons KISS
John Humphrey (front, arms crossed) was a member of The Nixons, which opened for KISS in the mid-1990s. Photo courtesy John Humphrey.
It would be hard to imagine Humphrey ever parting with two items in particular. One is an autographed outtake poster from the first KISS album. When the original KISS lineup reunited for a tour in 1996, The Nixons, Humphrey’s band at the time, opened for KISS, so he had Simmons, Stanley, Peter Criss and Ace Frehley sign the poster for him.
The other item is the gold record for “Creatures of the Night” that was posthumously awarded to Eric Carr.
KISS autographed photo
This KISS band photo signed by Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, Peter Criss and Gene Simmons sold for $334.60 via a Heritage Auction Galleries sale held Oct. 12, 2007.
“Being a drummer, I loved Eric Carr, and I was right there at that time when he came into the band,” Humphrey says. “I have since met his sister Loretta via the Internet and have talked with her. I told her that ‘Creatures of the Night’ was my favorite album. She gave me his gold plaque for that album. So in my hallway with my gold plaques for Seether, in the middle I have Eric Carr’s gold plaque for ‘Creatures.’”
Humphrey also has some very rare photos of KISS recording its first album in New York that he recently passed along to author Ken Sharp, who is working on a book about the band’s history from 1971 to 1975.
“Gene and Paul had lost their disc with the photos,” Humphrey says. “They had bought the rights, and Ken needed my copies, so I actually contributed the photos I had from my collection, among a few other things, for that book. It was cool to be able to do that.”
When Seether is on tour — the band has done a bunch of shows already in 2011 supporting its new album, “Holding Onto Strings Better Left to Fray,” which contains the hit “Country Song” — Humphrey says he spends his off days seeking out KISS vinyl.
“I love doing that and finding really cool stuff in little stores here and there all around the country and in Europe,” he says. “You can find shops with used records that are stacked up like [you’d expect to see] on the set of ‘Sanford and Son.’”

Sunday, November 20, 2011

'Archies Meet Kiss' Signing Session in LA


Kissonline.com
Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons will hold a signing session at Golden Apple Comics in Los Angeles to celebrate the release of 'ARCHIE MEETS KISS!' The event takes place Wednesday, November 30th. Wristbands will be available at 10 AM with the purchase of the comic book. The event is limited to 100 fans and two items per person.

Golden Apple Comics
7018 Melrose Avenue (SE corner of Melrose and La Brea)
Los Angeles, CA 90038

www.goldenapplecomics.com/

Friday, November 18, 2011

This Day In KISStory: 30th Anniversary Of ‘Music From The Elder’

KISS
“When the Earth was young, they were already old…”
Geeksofdoom.com
30 years ago on this day in KISStory, an album would be issued that would be a turning point, and at the time a low point, for the band and their fans. Music From The Elder, produced by the legendary Bob Ezrin (responsible for the epic Destroyer), was released by KISS on November 16, 1981. The release was a concept album, and a comprehensive departure for the band, which was negatively received by both fans and critics alike.
As time has progressed, however, the album has achieved somewhat of a cult status among both KISS fans and rock/metal fans. For some reason, Music From The Elder has matured well, and while it was perhaps the most obscure and odd of all KISS releases, some now point to the album as their favorite.

This was not always the case, however. After its release, Music From The Elder developed into KISS’ poorest selling album, their first to not even be certified Gold by the RIAA. The business side of things fared so badly for KISS with this release that for the first time ever, the band did not go out on tour to boost the album.
So what went wrong for KISS back in 1981?
Essentially, what turned out to be Music From The Elder was a misguided attempt by the band and producer Bob Ezrin to showcase a more serious and sincere artistic side to the band. While this could have worked for any number of bands, for KISS, it was so distant from their musical identity that the album felt alien to many of their fans. But while it was an effort to make a serious concept album to acclaim a mature side of the band, initially this album was never meant to be that way.
With a look back to the year before, in 1980, KISS’ album Unmasked was not as well received as its 1979 predecessor Dynasty. Although Australian fans made it one of the best-selling albums in their country, causing a Beatles-like welcome for KISS during their down under tour, back home in America it was not a high point for the band. It was clear that the disco influence of producer Vini Poncia was beginning to take its toll for having been a part of KISS for too long. As a result, the band decided that change was crucial.
During their touring period of late 1980, the band announced in several interviews that they were working on a brand new album, and that it would be an authentic form to their hard rock and roll style. It was to be heavier, more aggressive, and more in tune with their earlier releases.
KISS
The promise was welcomed by the fans around the world. While the more commercial sounds of Dynasty and Unmasked may have been a welcome temporary diversion, the longtime fans were hungry for a return to form. Instead of more of “She’s So European,” they wanted more of “Deuce” or “Strutter” or “Cold Gin.”
And at the outset, that is exactly what was happening. KISS began recording demo tracks for their 1981 hard rock album, and some of the tunes can be heard and found to this day. Some of the songs that ended up on the 1982 KISS Killers anthology (“I’m A Legend Tonight,” “Down On Your Knees,” “Nowhere To Run,” and “Partners In Crime”) were written for the original album, as was “Love’s A Deadly Weapon,” which ended up on 1985′s Asylum. “Feel Like Heaven,” composed by Gene Simmons, was later recorded by Peter Criss on his 1982 Let Me Rock You solo album.
But among the demo and rarities bootleg trading circuit, other songs have arisen over the years, revealing a heavier sounding intent for their 1981 album. The Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons co-written “It’s My Life” (later taped for 1998′s Psycho Circus, but released on the 2001 KISS Box Set) first surfaced at this time, as did a very early version of “Rock And Roll Hell” from 1982′s Creatures of the Night.
KISSAce Frehley also contributed a hard rocking demo entitled “Don’t Run,” which would eventually evolve into “Dark Light” on The Elder. Perhaps more importantly would be a significant collaboration between him and new drummer Eric Carr that would become known as “Breakout” — a piece that would become a staple of Frehley’s live show when he toured (and recorded by Frehley’s Comet for their debut album), and the drum solo of which would be later included on KISS’ 1992 Revenge in tribute to and in memory of Carr, who passed away in 1991.
Indeed, as all indications seem, KISS in early 1981 was certainly heading for a new hard rock release. Bob Ezrin was brought in to produce the record, and the forthcoming release was being promoted to the fans (particularly via KISS Army fan club newsletters) as a cross between Love Gun and Destroyer, with a deep-seated dash of their first three albums: KISS, Hotter Than Hell, and Dressed to Kill.
The anticipation among fans was relatively high because of these developments. However, the evolution of “The 1981 Hard Rock Album” into Music From The Elder was not unambiguously promoted to fans during the year, something that most certainly would have contributed to their alienation from the band. Playing The Elder for the first time when expecting something like Destroyer meets Dressed To Kill would undoubtedly have been a shock.

Read on at GEEKSOFDOOM

Licking It Up at Fantasy Camp

AOL/Noisecreep
Story and photo by Chris Epting

In a small rehearsal on the fringes of North Hollywood, a band is working hard. Feeling their way several times through the Bo Diddley staple, 'Road Runner,' they're finally getting comfortable with each other. Then the band's leader decides to crack the whip.

She stops the band and issues a few orders. "You, come in harder after the first verse," she tells one of the two drummers. "And you," she tells the singer, "I want you to start singing up around here," before hitting the note she wants him to tackle.

The singer has a suggestion after that. "Tonight, I'm thinking of ripping my jacket off and kind of throwing it at a certain point." The boss thinks about it. "Okay," she says. "Do that."

Just another band rehearsal? Not really. The two drummers, two guitarists, bass player and vocalist, have just met a few days earlier. And the bandleader? The woman whose playing styles is as distinctive as her blonde hair and striking good looks: Lita Ford.

Welcome to Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp, where average, everyday people can live out their rock and roll dreams in the span of just a few days.

The brainchild of producer David Fishof, this is the camp's 14th year.

With years of experience producing rock tours throughout the world, Fishof first got the idea for the camp as a way to give music fans the opportunity to see their rock dreams become reality by learning from some of the most influential artists in the industry. That dream first crystallized in 1997 and over the years, he has delivered some of the world's top rockers to mentor, teach, perform and just plain hang out with fans.

For this most recent edition, Paul Stanley from KISS served as head counselor and was joined by Ford, Vinny Appice, Nils Lofgren, Rudy Sarzo, Bruce Kulick, and a host of other industry heavyweights.




Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Five Minutes with Ace Frehley

Scott Engel/RotoSports.com

We all have our heroes, the people that drive us to dream and strive for greatness. When I was growing up, it was Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist for KISS. I was a major KISS fan, and today I am still a card-carrying member of the KISS Army. Yes, I actually do have a numbered card in my wallet.
KISS was more than just a band, they were a way of life, a positive beacon for a young man who was searching for answers. They showed their fans that you can always be unique and reach for the highest goals in life. Be your own person and never apologize for it. I always loved all four original members of KISS, for different reasons, and with Ace, it was about him always following his heart and being a survivor.
So when I was presented with the opportunity to interview Ace in early November, it was a great honor and pleasure. I strongly believe my pursuit of a Fantasy Sports career was spurred by the KISS messages of shooting for whatever you want in life, and believing in yourself no matter what the odds were. Of course, this was also an opportunity to give something back to Ace. I had always been a fan of his solo work as well, and was excited to receive a copy of his new memoirs “No Regrets”, a highly compelling new read for any rock and roll fan. So the chance to spread the word about his new book on Sirius XM Fantasy Sports Radio, on the RotoExperts morning show, was an undertaking I enjoyed greatly.
Read more and listen Here!

Rocker Kane Roberts Talks Working with Paul Stanley

LegendaryRockInterviews.com
There are more layers to Kane Roberts than a lot of people would think at first glance. The same guy who was known for his musclebound “Rambo” image in the 80s and over the top hard rock/metal is also a college music major, graphic artist, video game designer and artist in general. While most famous for his work with Alice Cooper he has also released two solo albums and collaborated with hitmakers like Jon Bon Jovi and Paul Stanley. Kane recently made a return to the stage for the long running Firefest shows overseas and is once again fueling some of those creative fires. We talked with him about making those classic Alice albums, working on the REVENGE album with KISS and what it’s like to write a song with Desmond Child. Read on…..

Legendary Rock Interviews: It’s been a while since I’ve talked to you on the press junket for your Geffen album but of course Alice keeps popping up in the news and now you have some new stuff going on too! What’s up man?

Kane Roberts: Yeah…it’s been a while then, that album on Geffen was a great time for me, working with a lot of great musicians and of course Desmond Child is such a prolific writer. Alice, well Alice is, of course, better than ever. I can’t say enough about the guy or Welcome 2 My Nightmare. He’s such an amazing friend and person.

LRI: You said something in an interview that has always stayed with me, you were paraphrasing Bob Ezrin who was saying once you’ve started down an artistic path you can pause or take breaks but that passion to be expressive never really leaves you. It will pop back up in various ways and you will continue to find ways to create or be expressive. Have you find that to be the case in these years since you’ve been out of the spotlight a little?

KR: Yeah, totally. It’s just like yourself as a reporter or writer, even if you don’t do a thing for ten years there’s this part of your brain that doesn’t shut off, you just keep having ideas orbit that part of your brain. If you’re a musician that’s why you can’t walk by a guitar without picking it up and playing some scales, that sort of thing. Whatever you get that creative rush from becomes real difficult not to practice. It might vary based on your individual level of proficiency at whatever you enjoy doing but it’s there in all of us. We all have a creative soul. Maybe you’re someone who likes taking pictures or making movies, you can’t walk by something picturesque without thinking of shooting it. We all have some part of us that is constantly in taking that kind of info and archiving it. Whether we express it or choose to is a different story and sometimes that takes practice and exposure. I had a video game that we premiered at E3, I’ve been in that whole software development world these past years and I ran into Bob Ezrin who’s of course famous for all this rock production with KISS and Alice and Pink Floyd. Bob was there at the E3 convention, he was also there for the software end of things and we talked again and he just said “This gaming thing is just another area of creativity, another level to delve into”. Some guys are really strong at one area and just stick with that area their whole life whether its writing or music or whatever. I’ve always been very visually based, even when I’ve made music I have sort of always had my head in the visual end of art. I love video and art and always have since I was a kid, I have had a passion for that end of things. Right now, we have a film project we’re trying to get off the ground as well as these new music gigs. I just feel like you only live once and you might as well do as much as possible, follow your passions.

Read the rest HERE!

Message from Bruce Kulick

Kulick.net
As you all know, after my journeys to NYC and Brazil it was time to jump right into Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp. Always fun, this one was particularly exciting because of two factors. First, the Playboy Mansion was where the big event night for the final performances would be held. Second, naturally for me to have Paul Stanley as the headline guest has its significance. I always enjoy jamming and seeing him, and my campers were especially excited as we prepared a medley of KISS hits, along with a Van Halen tune.

Click KULICK.NET to read the rest.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Ace Frehley Has No Regrets

Ace Frehley on FOX's Face to Face
Ace appeared on FOX and talked about his new book, sobriety, his relationship with Gene Simmons and why he left Kiss the second time around.

Watch Ace  Here on FOX Face to Face .

KISStory, On this Day, November 15, 1988

Smashes, Thrashes & Hits is released

Kiss released their fourth "Best of" compilation. The album, which was also released in a special picture disc, gate fold edition, highlighted 16 of Kiss' hits. some remixed, including a remake of "Beth" with Eric Carr on vocals. The album pulls from Kiss 80's hits and remixes of Kiss 70's classics.

Two new tracks were recorded including the first single, "Let's Put the X in Sex," which saw Kiss playing a little funky (with video) which peaked at #49 on the Billboard Singles Charts and "(You Make Me) Rock Hard" which also included an accompanying video with Kiss in a circus-like theme. The album peaked on the US Billboard Album 200 at #21 and sold over 2 million copies.

A compilation video of "Rock And Roll All Nite" featuring clips of Kiss live with and without makeup was also released to support the album.

Track Listing:
1. Let's Put the X in Sex
2. Crazy Crazy Nights
3. (You Make Me) Rock Hard
4. Love Gun (remix)
5.  Detroit Rock City (remix)
6. I Love It Loud (remix)
7. Reason To Live
8. Lick It Up
9. Heaven's On Fire
10. Caling Dr. Love
11. Strutter (remix)
12. Beth (Eric Carr vocal)
13. Tears Are Falling
14. I Was Made For Lovin' You
15. Rock And Roll All Nite (remix)
16. Shout It Out Loud (remix)

Monday, November 14, 2011

Gene Simmons: The Rockin' Renaissance Man

By Thomas M. Kostigen
Gene Simmons is in the kitchen of his Beverly Hills mansion sitting on a tall bar chair. He has placed one of the grey suede boots he's wearing on the counter and sort of teeters as he strums a white guitar, playing with chords, and singing a bit here and there. An iPad on the counter blasts out a raspy tune about love, and Simmons, the famous frontman of the rock band KISS, chimes in offering advice on lyrics and music to a man in a blue suit and tie. The man is no music executive, though. He's an insurance executive, one of Simmons' partners in a new business venture. The man's daughter is an aspiring singer and Simmons has agreed to listen to her demo.
"It's like a blueprint for an insurance plan you're doing," Simmons says, referring to the demo. "It has to have all the pieces, but you also have to play with it to make it work, make it your own, make it different."

Few musicians could draw an analogy between insurance planning and songwriting. Simmons, however, prides himself on being a Renaissance man.

He may be known as "The Demon" in Kiss, the hard rock band he co-founded in the early 1970s, with his iconic makeup and serpentine tongue, but Simmons is a dead serious businessman. He is co-founder of Cool Springs Life, an estate and insurance planning firm in Franklin, Tenn., that caters to people worth more than $20 million. He is a principal in Ortsbo, an online language translation company that garners 20 million unique users per month, according to its CEO. He is a partner in Simmons Abramson, a marketing company that among other things promotes the IndyCar races. He has his own record label, a publishing company and an online venture with Sony. There is also his coffeehouse and a new airport restaurant chain, a joint venture with Hello Kitty and he is the star of Family Jewels, the longest-running celebrity reality show.

So what makes Gene Simmons tick? That's what I've come to discover as I pull through the massive gate that leads to his house halfway up one of the more esteemed streets in this ZIP code. The driveway winds around to a carport. And Simmons is there to greet, standing atop the stairs that lead to the front door. He is wearing dark sunglasses, a black suit and a black shirt. No tie.

I had tailed another car on the way in-one of Simmons' business associates. Two other business associates apparently have also just arrived, and Simmons waves to us all and then disappears inside.

The manse is highly organized and attended to. Floral arrangements and framed family pictures greet you. Simmons recently wed his longtime partner Shannon Tweed, the mother of his two children. To the right of the entranceway is a grand piano. The color scheme for the heavy furniture, drapes and rugs atop the dark, wood floors is mustard. Everything is just so: the leather-bound books that line the mezzanine bookshelves, the expensive-looking vases, the tea and coffee set that a uniformed house worker sets down for those gathered. The house could, in fact, be mistaken for your wealthy aunt's Connecticut estate.
 
Read the rest here at Private Wealth Magazine

Lordi Performs "I Love It Loud" - Video

Finnish rockers, Lordi, are seen here performing Kiss' "I Love It Loud" mixed with Motley Crue's "Shout At The Devil."
You may recall Kiss manager Bill Aucoin was managing Lordi at the time of his death in June 2010.

Ace Frehley on KISS and His New Memoir, No Regrets

kiss-ace-frehley.jpg

Jason P. Woodbury Phoenix News Times
No Regrets: A Rock 'n' Roll Memoir is the new book by legendary KISS guitarist Ace Frehley. Assisted by Joe Layden and John Ostrosky, Space Ace pretty much hits it all: his young years in a gang, his audition to be in KISS (there was a job application), the band's rise, his drug abuse, leaving the band, rejoining the band, and then leaving the band again.

KISS fan or not, it's a fun read. Frehley's voice comes through, and his sense of humor shines through.
Frehley will be in town Tuesday, November 15, at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe. I called him in Chicago, to discuss his book, Gene Simmons, and the KISS' unlikely Lou Reed collaboration -- 30 years before Metallica, you dig?
Up on the Sun: Other than the financial benefits of writing a book, why right now? Why did you feel like it was time to put these stories on paper?
Ace Frehley: People have been have been asking me to do a book for years, if for no other reason than to hear another side of the story. Everyone has only heard it from Gene [Simmons] at this juncture. So you know, we started toying around with the idea in 2008, and finally the right offer came a long, [from] Simon and Schuster/VH1 Classic books, [and they] gave me about six months to do it, and then expanded my deadline by several months. It took me about a year to do it, but I'm happy with then end result, and it seems like everyone else is. I just found out that we're on the New York Times best-sellers list.
Yeah, congratulations on that.
Thank you. I'm thrilled.
So when you were initially told you had six months, did you think you would be able to do it in that time?
Well, I tried. I thought I'd be able to do it, but I have Attention Deficient Disorder, I guess from all the drugs and alcohol, or whatever. I was really struggling the last month, and I had to do some major rewrites with John Ostrosky, but, they extended my deadline, which allowed me to get a hold of some people I hadn't reached. I talked to some of my old bodyguards, family members...kind of opened up the floodgates for more stories and clarification on some points [laughs].

Read the rest Phoenix News Times

Ace Frehley's NO REGRETS New York Times Bestseller

Out only a week, Ace Frehley is now a NY Times' Bestselling Author. Ace's autbiography hit the Top 10 at Number 10 under the best selling music harcover.

Gene Simmons Interview from London's Sanctum Hotel 11/11/11

Gene Simmons interview - Sanctum Hotel, London -
Musicnews.com
KISS frontman, entrepreneur, singer-songwriter, actor, bassist and self-confessed sex addict gave Music-News.com the pleasure of his company to let us know what is currently flicking his switch.

In all his time fronting the worlds biggest band (he told us it must be true) he never took drugs, drank or smoked but even Michael Douglas would submit to his appetite for sex. Simmons strives to remains relevant on a daily basis a trait that eludes most of his metal contemporaries.

Having just hosted the Classic Rock Awards, being a key note speaker at the London Business School and having launched over 3000 KISS related products the 62 year old rock icon is constantly looking to conquer new horizons and is never short of something new to talk about.

We caught up with him at the Sanctum Hotel in central London where we quickly pitched up in the first available spot to find out about his love of British music, why politics is overrated and why he believes a good beating for Axl Rose would have solved all Guns and Roses’ problems.

Kiss Early Demo - "SMOKE"

Kiss demo from circa 1970's post "Dressed To Kill" before Bob Ezrin came into to porduce Kiss for "Destroyer." Uploaded onto YouTube by the Metal Den.
Visit the post at TheMetalDen.com

Paul Stanley Rocks Fantasy Camp at Playboy Mansion

Kissonline.com
Paul Stanley returned to Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp last night in an amazing event held at the famous Playboy Mansion! This incredible camp offered fans the opportunity to learn from and jam with their favorite musicians. During the party, Paul joined each of the camp's ten bands on stage. He played guitar with all of the bands, singing no vocals but having a great time rocking.


The atmosphere at the Playboy Mansion was rocking too! There were beautiful girls everywhere -- Playboy bunnies were dancing both on and off the stage all night, swimming in the grotto and mingling with guests. Many celebrities were in attendance too, including Rick Schroeder, Corey Feldman, Crispin Glover, Phil Collen and Ron Jeremy. Each of the fan bands had a celebrity musician as their camp counselor, and any rock fan will be familiar with them: Lita Ford, Kip Winger, Chris Slade, Mark Hudson, Phil Soussan, Billy Sheehan, Rudy Sarzo, Teddy "Zig Zag" Andreadis, and our friend Bruce Kulick.

When Bruce's band "Electric Angel" (that he was the counselor of) took the stage, Paul played an entire set with them, which included "Deuce," "Ain't Talkin 'Bout Love," and "Shout it Out Loud."

At the end of the night, many of the camp counselors jammed in an all-star band! Eric Singer joined them on stage and played drums for "Baby You Can Drive My Car," "School's Out" and "Rock and Roll All Nite." He also had a reunion of sorts with Lita Ford for "Close my Eyes Forever" (Eric's first job as a touring drummer was with Lita's band in 1984!)

Bruce Kulick plans to write a full story about the entire experience, so we'll keep you posted when that goes live.

KISS to Release ‘Destroyer’ Deluxe Edition with Original Cover Art

KISS to Release ‘Destroyer’ Deluxe Edition with Original Cover Art
by: Matthew Wilkening?Ultimate Classic Rock

Kiss bassist Gene Simmons has revealed that producer Bob Ezrin is currently remixing the band’s legendary 1976 album ‘Destroyer’ for re-issue in “Deluxe Edition” form sometime in 2012, re-instating the original label-rejected cover art as displayed above.

There’s no word on what new songs will be included, but Simmons told Planet Rock that the band’s upcoming new album ‘Monster’ harkens back to the classic ‘Destroyer’ sound, and that the new record will be joined in record stores by a 10-hour DVD (possibly taking the place of ‘Kissology IV?’) and a four-foot high, three-foot wide book.

Artist Ken Kelly, who did both the rejected and the eventually used versions of the ‘Destroyer’ art, as well as the band’s ‘Love Gun’ cover, explains below why the record label didn’t want to use his original version of the art.

Apparently, Casablanca felt the destruction in the background made things look too violent, as if the band was just escaping after destroying a city. (Yeah, so?) So Kelly started working on the version we all know and love, only to have to start over a third time when the band got new stage costumes.
Ken Kelly explains why original artwork was rejected by Casablanca Records.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

See You In A Couple Days!

I will be "down" for a couple of days.. I have to go in the hospital for a heart drug that I have to be monitored on for A Fib. So, I won't be posting as much as I do. See you in a couple days.

Gene Simmons Proud of the KISS Empire

The Independent
The veteran musician can't understand why some bands refuse to endorse products and with his own group putting their name to over 3,000 different ventures, he believes they have properly embraced the spirit of the "music business".


Speaking on Absolute Classic Rock, he said: "The KISS empire really has become that, and it's unfortunate that a lot of bands have neglected to take care of it, because what we do is actually call it 'the music business', it's not called 'music', and intrinsically we understood that at the beginning.

"So, the KISS empire stretches over 3,000 licensed products, everything from condoms to caskets; we'll get you coming and we'll get you going. The KISS golf course is debuting in Las Vegas in a month.

"Across the street from the Hard Rock, and the KISS coffee houses are now a new franchise, and you can't imagine, there's a KISS Hello Kitty deal that launched in 90 countries just now, back to school items, bed sheets and all that.

"Now I'll grant you that a lot of bands may have a problem with that, I'm proud to do that, I want the next generation of kids starting at three years old to say, 'Mommy, I want KISS'."

The 'Rock and Roll All Nite' band value their loyal fans so much they got 3,000 of The KISS Army together and took them on a cruise through the Bahamas - and Gene doesn't think a group can ever undervalue their supporters.

Gene Simmons in London & Kiss' Future Plans

Gene appeared on Planet Rock Radio where he discussed remixing, with Bob Ezrin, "Destroyer" with the original "banned" artwork release, outakes, the new album "Monster" with a 10 hour "Monster" DVD, book and 100 city world tour.
Check out Plantet Rock Podcast  HERE.

Gene will speak to the London Business School on November 10. Gene will host the Rock Roll Honour Awards tonight. Check out the website HERE. There will be a live global chat with Gene afterwards.

Paul Stanley At Fantasy Camp This Week


Paul Stanley.com
Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp's 14th Anniversary Celebration at the PLAYBOY MANSION

WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE: This Fantasy Meets Fantasy 14th Anniversary Camp, November 10th-13th featuring the Final Night Concert at the world famous Playboy Mansion where you will perform live on stage with Paul Stanley of KISS. This four-day camp or five-day recording experience in Hollywood, California features our best counselors, the option of a full day of recording and the final concert to be performed in front of a sold-out audience at the famous Playboy Mansion. I am personally inviting you to reconnect with your band, come as a group or treat yourself to this upcoming opportunity. With Father's Day and Graduation arriving in a few short weeks, Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp is the ultimate gift for your Grad, Dad or Other Half!

"It's a great thing, it's a way for me to say thank you to a lot of people, but, nobody should think that this is just a joy for those people,...For me to get up and play with people who have that exuberance and energy, it's really a gift to me as much as to anybody else," said Paul Stanley, the co-founder and frontman of KISS.

Our Playboy Mansion (four day) or Recording Package (five day) camp is ON SALE NOW. Sign up for Father's Day before June 19th and take advantage of our early bird specials. Bands of four or more, enjoy an additional 10% discount on top of your pre-sale price (group must sign-up at the same time). Additional Individual tickets for the final night can be purchased so that you can bring your friends to join this party or just come that night to get a taste of what Rock n Roll Fantasy Camp is all about. Tickets are limited and on sale now for $999 each. The evening features: Playmate Guided Tours of the Grounds, Personal Photos with Playmates, All-Night Long (top shelf) Open Bar, an Elegantly Catered Buffet Style Dinner, Swimming in the Grotto and the option of Renting Private Cabanas. This is a great night to bring your spouses and partners to celebrate the expereince of a lifetime.

Ace Frehley Signing in Philadelphia - Video

Ace Frehley at Barnes & Noble Philadelphia November 7, 2011.
(Note: This video has been mistakenly posted as from the New York signing). I know, I was there, Frank Hagan- "Ace Frehley, Lead Guitar!"
Thanks Ace, it was great seeing you again!.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Peter Criss Bio Coming 2012?

According to the Los Angeles Times, original KISS drummer Peter Criss has signed a deal with the Simon & Schuster imprint Scribner to publish his memoir, "Makeup To Breakup", in the fall of 2012. 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."

Criss will write the book with the help of Larry "Ratso" Sloman.

"I am so blessed that I am finally going to write my autobiography, and I hope you enjoy the ride," Criss said in the release. "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".      

Ace Frehley Allentown, PA., Show Reviewed

by Alan K. Stout/The Weekender.com

by Alan K. Sout/The Weekender.com
ALLENTOWN - When Ace Frehley took the stage at Crocodile Rock in Allentown on Sunday, Nov. 6, there were a few things the crowd was expecting and, during the show, it got.

A driving performance of “Rocket Ride” and an explosive performance of “Shock Me” each came in the set, and “Shock Me” included a scorching solo and Frehley’s trademark “smoking guitar.” During the biographical “Rock Soldiers,” Frehley had the crowd singing along in anthem-like unison, and his fans sang along once again to a rhythmic rendition of “New York Groove,” during which Frehley’s illuminated guitar bounced to the beat.

And while such gripping moments were among the many highlights of the show, it was the surprises that helped make it such a memorable concert. Frehley — after 38 years as one of rock’s most iconic guitarists — still has a few aces up his sleeve.

Dressed in a black leather jacket, black sunglasses and donning his trademark lightning-bolt guitar strap, Frehley dusted off KISS gems such as “Parasite,” “Love Her All I Can” and “She” with care and precision. The hooks and grooves were accentuated and celebrated, and Frehley seemed to enjoy cleverly segueing one gem into another, as was the case with a grinding performance of “Snow Blind,” followed by “I Want You.”

“Sister,” from Frehley’s latest CD, “Anomaly,” kept things in the present and some of his strong contributions to KISS’ 1979 “Dynasty” album were also represented with a torrid performance of “Hard Times” and his fiery version of The Rolling Stones “2000 Man.” Another homage to his heroes came with “New York Groove,” during which Frehley tweaked the arrangement to include a few chords of The Who’s “Baba O’Riley.” Yet another surprise came with a performance of “What’s On Your Mind?” from his 1978 solo album and with the set-ending “Shout It Out Loud.”

Encores included “Flaming Youth,” “Deuce,” “Love Gun” and the closing number, “Cold Gin.”

Though Frehley easily could have filled an entire setlist with songs that he had personally written and sang from his time with KISS and from his solo career, the fact that he opted not to is what made this show so interesting and enjoyable. Nine of the songs he performed were either nuggets or classics from the KISS catalog that he did not originally sing. Sometimes, he sang them. Sometimes, his band did. Either way, they sounded marvelous. And while Frehley made sure to keep all of his trademark numbers in the show, by piecing together such an eye-popping setlist, he clearly earned his “Ace” nickname once again and laid down yet another royal flush.

Ace Frehley "No Regrets" TV Commercial

300 fans turned out last night at the Barnes & Noble in downtown Philadelphia to see and get Ace's book signed.
Here is the TV commercial for Ace Frehley's "No Regrets."

Monday, November 7, 2011

Gene Simmons' New 'Monster' Bass get's Painted

By Gentry Riley Check out this great Monster bass painting!

Eric Carr:Through the Years Parts 2 and 3



Happy Birthday, Tommy Thayer!

Kiss Mask Webzine would like to wish Tommy Thayer a very Happy Birthday!

Here is an interview with Tommy from NAMM 2010:

Gene Simmons Chats with Russ Williams/Absolute Radio

Gene talks with Russ Williams on hosting the Classic Rock Roll Honour Awards in London November 9 and US politics.


ACE FREHLEY ON NEW BOOK: "I SEE IT ON THE BIG SCREEN!"

Ultimate Classic Rock
Legendary original Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley has released his long awaited memoirs, ‘No Regrets,’ which details his time in that band and his own very successful solo career. The book comes partially as the result of five years of sobriety for Frehley, who has very publicly battled addictions to drugs and alcohol in the past.
We talked to Ace about how exactly he went about about cramming four decades of rock and roll tales into one book, what he hopes to accomplish with its publication, and of course, his future musical plans.

Read the restHERE!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Ace Frehley Media Blitz- Interviews

Ace appeared on Elliot in the Morning Radio Show and "the Morning Buzz" on Friday November 4.

Ace on "Elliot in the Morning"


Ace on "the Morning Buzz"

Friday, November 4, 2011

Ace Frehley on 'Opie & Anthony" - 11/02/11

Ace Frehley appeared on the "Opie & Anthony" Show in New York on November 2 to promote NO REGRETS. Parts 1,2 and 3.





Ace Frehley: KISS's Code-Word For Cocaine Was 'Betty White' (VIDEO)


Ace Frehley, aka the Spaceman, landed in the 'Today' (weekdays, 7AM ET on NBC) studios to talk about his life in and out of the glam-rock band, KISS. Matt Lauer got right to the point: "I think anybody who watched KISS over the years, probably the thought crossed their minds that you guys dabbled in drugs." Ace fully copped to embracing the '70s lifestyle.

"You gotta realize, Studio 54 and that whole scene in Manhattan in the '70s, a lot of people were doing cocaine." So much so that the band had a code name for the party-drug. "Well, we called it Betty White," he said, giggling.

Ace hasn't hung out with Betty in a while: he's been sober for five years and just wrote a book, 'Ace Frehley, No Regrets.' In it, he also talks about his relationship with Gene Simmons, which he told Matt is good, even though in the book he accuses Gene of trying to rewrite KISS' history by downplaying Ace's contribution to the band. They had lunch together recently, but Ace didn't bring that up. "I wanted to keep it light. I hadn't seen him since we received the VH1 Rock Honors award," which was in 2006. "I just wanted to wipe the slate clean and look toward the future," he said.

    Ace Frehley on "the Today Show" 11/3/11

    Ace Frehley dropped by "the Today Show" to dicuss his new book, NO REGRETS, with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb.

    Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

    Tuesday, November 1, 2011

    Ace Frehley 'No Regrets': KISS Member Talks Rocker Lifestyle, Gene Simmons' Crabs In New Memoir

    Niki Gostlin/the Huffington Post

    Ace Frehley -- also known as the "Spaceman" from the band KISS -- has penned a tell-all memoir aptly titled "No Regrets." An interesting read chronicling the rocker's time with the band, the 60-year-old Bronx native's book details how he lived a life of rockstar excess complete with rock 'n' roll every night and parties every day.

    Frehley chatted with The Huffington Post, and no, he didn't have kind words for former band mates Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.

    You write that, in the early years of KISS, it was very much a group effort.
    Yeah, it was a collaborative effort. Gene and Paul have tried to minimize my and Peter [Criss'] contributions. It was all for one and one for all. We were all just trying to put on the best show and come up with interesting ideas.

    And then you became disheartened with the whole rockstar lifestyle.
    To me, being a rockstar was getting paid to do something you loved to do, and toward the end it wasn't fun anymore. Part of my disenchantment was probably fed by my addictions
    There were several -- it's just whether or not I followed through with them that was the big question. It took me a while to figure it out. The last one was when my daughter called me on the phone and she did like an intervention with me and after getting off the phone with her, I just said, "Ok, that's it. Time to grow up." I never wanted to grow up. Being in the rock and roll business, nobody grows up. Everybody deflects responsibility.

    You're coddled a bit in the industry.
    You have a cushion. You always have your bodyguard and your manager. You don't have to be responsible for your actions. I'd be driving down the highway doing 100 miles an hour and I'd get pulled over by a state trooper. I'd give him an 8x10 autograph and he'd let me go. You get to feel like you're above the law. You can get away with anything. You're in a safety bubble and then once that bubble's not there anymore, you tumble and fall.

    I love the story about how you met your AA sponsor.
    He was one of my arresting officers. Eventually, when I started going to AA on a regular basis, he became my sponsor. Through the ups and downs, he's always been there for me. We still talk to each other at least a couple of times a week.

    I can't believe you hated playing, "I Was Made for Loving You." I love that song.
    I wasn't a big fan of the song to begin with because it was kind of disco and I felt like we were kind of selling out because I'm a hard rock guitar player. Beyond the fact that I didn't like the song, when we performed it live, I had to make that "chukka, chukka" sound during the majority of the song and I used to get cramps in my wrist, to add insult to injury.

    I think it's hilarious that Gene gave the band crabs.
    (Laughs) It wasn't that funny at the time. Our road manager would pack all our leather outfits together in one crate and of course they jump from one costume to the other, so we all ended up with it. After that went down, we decided to keep our costumes separate.

    Why do you think Gene was so loose with both women and money?
    That's a question you'd have to ask Gene. I've never been able to completely figure out Gene. He always told me he'd do anything for money. He said he'd even dress up in a ballerina outfit if somebody would pay him enough money. I never completely understood that ideology. Gene has his good points too, but he falls short in a lot of categories.

    So you feel like Gene and Paul were money hungry?
    That was where we disagreed. To me, it's more important to make decisions based on what sounded the best and [to them it] was what the quickest way to make money was. We often didn't agree on certain things.

    Do you still speak to Gene?
    I had lunch with him about four weeks ago. On a superficial level, we've always been friends because of all we've been through. We didn't get into anything heavy; we kept it light and reminisced about the past. I actually gave him part of the book about the time he saved my life -- a couple of times -- from drowning. I figured that would soften the blow for some of the negative stuff.

    He saved you from drowning twice?
    Once in a swimming pool at a Holiday Inn and another one in a bathroom in a hotel room that was overflowing. I've often wondered why I'm still alive, because by all rights I shouldn't be here. But I guess God kept me alive for a reason. Maybe the reason is to inspire other kids who are in trouble with alcohol and drugs -- maybe they'll try a different path.

    Also the shows were becoming very rigid, right?
    It felt like a Broadway show. You have to be at a certain place at a certain time or you get your head blown off from a flash pot. It became tedious. It wasn't fun. It became work. The whole reason I went into rock and roll was because I was getting paid to do something that was fun and I enjoyed doing. Towards the end it lost its attraction.

    I do love your nickname for cocaine in the '70s.
    Yeah, Betty White. Everybody loved it and we could use it on the phone and nobody would have a clue what the hell we were talking about. We'd say, "Is Betty White going to be at the party?"

    And now you're sober and engaged.
    It's a lot more enjoyable being with someone sober. It's fun to wake up and remember what you did the night before. There's much more depth in our relationship when you can remember what you did and your feelings are real and not brought about by chemicals.

    Ace Frehley's "No Regrets" In Stores Today


    ACE FREHLEY'S NO REGRETS In Stores Today!

    Ace's NO REGRETS is released today at fine booksellers.


    NO REGRETS is #1 on  three Amazon Sales Charts: Music Book /Biographies & Memoirs/Composers & Musicians. Retail price is $26.00.


    As previously reported here, Ace will appear on the Today Show on Thursday November 3 at 10AM (EST)