HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2009!

PHOTO: Early KISS: 1973
(photo credit: Lydia Criss/SWAK)

I'd like to wish all of my readers a very happy, healthy, safe and rockin' New Year 2009! We have so much to look forward to as KISS fans this coming year. A new KISS album is coming our way along with a tour of USA and Europe in the Spring and Summer. ACE FREHLEY's new album will be hitting our earwaves (and hopefully a tour!) along with new albums from BRUCE KULICK, TOD HOWARTH and a rockin' tour of Europe from the ERIC SINGER PROJECT!


There will be more GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS as well as more paintings and gallery showings from our premire frontman/artist PAUL STANLEY! It's going to be a fantastic year to be a KISS fan.


I'd like to thank everyone for their support over the year as we just started the Webzine back in June (after a 20 year anniversary since the first publication of KISS MASK MAGAZINE in 1988) and have become one of the main sources for KISS news, interviews, features, archives, video and photo. Expect a lot more from KISS MASK WEBZINE as we will not only feature archival interviews but new interviews, rare photos and videos. It's only just begun...

THANK YOUS- I'd like to thank: Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, Peter Criss, Eric Carr & EricCarr.com, Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer, Bruce Kulick, Vinnie Vincent, Bill Aucoin, Tod Howarth, Rafael Moreira, Nate Morton, John Corabi, Chuck Garric, Doc Mcghee, Melissa Madden, Carol Kaye/Kayos Productions, Lydia Criss, Richie Fontana, Gigi Criss, Keith LeRoux & KissOnLine, Matt, Amy & Julia Porter, Anthony Porter & his band Clashing Plaid, Mark Cooper, Fabio "Deuce", Steve Stierwalt/Kiss ArmyWarehouse, Blabbermouth.com, Bravewords.com, MelodicRock.com, Partyman, Kiss777 (Don), Demon (at Kiss USA Message Board),
PaulsSouthernGirl (Linda)& Kiss Fan Site Yuku (Everyone!), Kiss News USA Fan Message Board (Everyone!), Kiss United (Everyone!), George at Kiss Army Australia, Diamant Noir French Kiss Army, Kiss Killers Brazil, French Kiss Journal, Kiss On Fire, Kiss Related Recordings, PollStar, SplitScreen Entertianment, A&E Network, Universal Records and everyone at MySpace!

"ROCK BAND" IGNITES "DETROIT ROCK CITY" DOWNLOAD SALES

Rock bands cashing in on 'Guitar Hero' players
Music video games are selling songs faster than labels
By RYAN NAKASHIMATHE ASSOCIATED PRESS
LOS ANGELES -- "This song is dedicated to Debbie Harry," flinty-eyed Lisa Hsuan purrs into a microphone on the red-lit stage of Hyperion Tavern. It's a cozy dive where patrons drink Coke and beer from bottles and a fading chandelier dangles overhead.

Her tribute is intentionally ludicrous: The 30-year-old veterinarian is about to belt out "Call Me," which Harry -- fronting the group Blondie -- released 28 years ago. Accompanied on fake guitars and drums by three Web programmers who drove in from the refinery-dotted coastal suburb of El Segundo, Hsuan launches in as a smoke machine puffs nearby.

They're playing the video game "Rock Band 2," which along with "Guitar Hero" is rocking bars and living rooms across the country. Many songs' sales have more than doubled after release in one of the games, and well-known bands have started lining up to provide new music direct to the game makers. Now record labels -- noticing what they are missing, and struggling as compact disc sales tumble -- are looking for a bigger piece of the action.
Read the rest at http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/393128_musicgames22.html

KISS, "Detroit Rock City" (1976), Casablanca, released on "Rock Band": 3,400 downloads, up 89 percent.

Guns N' Roses, "Welcome to the Jungle" (1987), Geffen, released on "Guitar Hero III" Oct. 27, 2007: 38,000 downloads, up 153 percent.
Pat Benatar, "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" (1980), Chrysalis, released on "Guitar Hero III": 9,800 downloads, up 180 percent.
Aerosmith, "Dream On" (1973), Columbia, released on "Guitar Hero III": 10,000 downloads, up 15 percent.
Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Suck My Kiss" (1992), Warner Bros., released on "Guitar Hero III": 3,900 downloads, up 200 percent.
Nirvana, "In Bloom" (1992), DGC, released on "Rock Band," Nov. 20, 2007: 9,000 downloads, up 543 percent.

VINTAGE KISS FOTO 1976- STAR STOWE

Playboy Playmate, Star Stowe with Kiss in a 1976 photo shoot. Gene dated Stowe during the 70s and posed

with the band on a number of their

popular photo shoots including this and their motorcycle

chopper shoot.

At the time of her death in 1997, Stowe was a prostitute and was found strangled in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

VANS TO RELEASE DRESSED TO KILL HI-TOP IN 2009

Next year another Kiss x Vans Sk8 Hi will be dropping at a Vans retailer near you. A few months back we reported on the first Kiss x Vans Sk8 Hi drop, but that was only the beginning. Kiss and Vans fans will be able to own a pair of these “Dressed to Kill” Sk8 Hi’s sometime in 2009.

VINTAGE KISS FOTO 1975- ALIVE! TOUR

KISS onstage taking their bows somewhere on tour 1975/ALIVE! Tour

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Here's to the Merriest of Christmases! We will be on Holiday break until December 26.

ERIC CARR BOBBLEHEAD REVEALED FOR JANUARY 2009

ERIC CARR BOBBLEHEAD DUE IN JANUARY 2009-
It's been revealed on the official
website of Eric Carr a limited
run of 250 figures will be
available. Go to EricCarr.com
for details.
The design is based on the 1980
"KISS FANTASY" poster from
Australia.
The figure sells for $34.95 + $18.99 shipping/handling per figure.

ERIC SINGER PROJECT 2009 EUROPEAN TOUR SITE

The ERIC SINGER PROJECT's Official European Tour 2009 Website, featuring ERIC SINGER, BRUCE KULICK, CHUCK GARRIC and JOHN CORABI, is up and running. You can find all the neccessary information and tour dates at-

http://esp-europe2009.us.tc/

ACE FREHLEY NEWS ON NEW CD / FRIDAY NIGHT ROCKS

Ace revealed last night on Eddie Trunk's "Friday Night Rocks" annual Merry KISSmas Special that the artwork and title will be revealed on his website January 5, 2009. His long anticipated CD will be released sometime this Spring.
Ace will appear on That Metal Show tonight at 11pm (EST) on VH1 Classic.
Ace launched his official website this week http://www.acefrehley.com/home/

KISS NEWS-HAPPY BIRTHDAY PETER CRISS

A special Happy Birthday to PETER CRISS!

Peter, born in Brooklyn, NY., on December 20, 1945

celebrates his 63rd birthday!

Video: Peter's drum solo 4/2/77
Peter's website:

http://petercriss.net/homepage/

DISCOGRAPHY-

Chelsea:
Chelsea (1970)
Kiss:
Kiss (February 18, 1974)
Hotter Than Hell (October 22, 1974)
Dressed to Kill (March 19, 1975)
Alive! (September 10, 1975)
Destroyer (March 15, 1976)
Rock and Roll Over (November 11, 1976)
Love Gun (June 30, 1977)
Alive II (November 29, 1977)
Dynasty (May 23, 1979)
Unmasked
Kiss Unplugged (March 12, 1996)
Psycho Circus (September 22, 1998)
Kiss Symphony: Alive IV (July 22, 2003)
Solo:
Peter Criss (September 18, 1978)
Out of Control (September 1980)
Let Me Rock You (May 1982)
Cat #1 (August 16, 1994)
One for All (July 24, 2007)

ACE FREHLEY GUEST TONIGHT ON EDDIE TRUNK'S MERRY KISSMAS SPECIAL

Ace will guest along with guitarist Derrek Hawkins on Eddie Trunk's annual "Merry KISSmas Show" this Friday, December 19 at 11PM-2AM EST live on Q104.3 NYC .Merry KISSmas show this Friday. Listen online at www.q1043.com. On the broadcast, Ace is going to make an announcement about a special holiday gift that he is going to be giving to all the fans that have registered for the mailing list on his website at www.acefrehley.com.

PAUL STANLEY performs "LICK IT UP" with STEEL PANTHER- VIDEO

KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley joined the '80s metal/hard rock tribute band STEEL PANTHER (formerly known as METAL SKOOL) to perform a rendition of the KISS classic "Lick It Up" exclusively on Altitude. Watch video footage of the performance below.STEEL PANTHER's lineup includes guitarist "Satchel" (real name Russ Parrish; ex-FIGHT) and singer "Michael Star" (real name Ralph Saenz; ex-L.A. GUNS).

ACE FREHLEY 'Chop Shop's Top 100' / Eddie Trunk's 'That Metal Show'

ACE FREHLEY listed #58 on Envision Radio Networks® The Chop Shop's Top 100 Most Complete Guitar Players of All Time.

Ace's new website is up and running at ~

http://www.acefrehley.com/home/

Ace appears on Eddie Trunk's "That Metal Show"

on VH1 Classic, Saturday, December 20 at 11pm EST.

(Repeats courtesy of AceFrehley.com)
12/21/2008 10:00 am, Sunday
12/21/2008 08:00 pm, Sunday
12/21/2008 12:00 am, Sunday
12/22/2008 01:00 pm, Monday
12/22/2008 11:00 pm, Monday
12/22/2008 02:30 am, Monday
12/23/2008 09:00 am, Tuesday
12/23/2008 03:00 am, Tuesday
12/24/2008 07:00 am, Wednesday
http://www.vh1classic.com/

Ace will guest on Eddie Trunk's annual "Merry KISSmas Show" this

Friday, December 19 at 11PM-2AM EST live on

Q104.3 NYC . Go to their website to listen via Internet.

http://www.q1043.com/

BRUCE KULICK/ ROCK N' ROLL FANTASY CAMP 2009

BRUCE KULICK TAKING PART IN HOLLYWOOD ROCK N' ROLL FANTASY CAMP 2009-

(from Billboard.com)

Former and present members of Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver, Yes, Kiss, the Stray Cats, Grand Funk Railroad and Alice Cooper's and Paul McCartney's bands will take part in next year's Hollywood edition of Rock'n'Roll Fantasy Camp, which will take place April 29-May 3.

This year's camp "counselor" lineup includes Duff McKagan (ex-Guns N' Roses, Velvet Revolver), Mark Farner (ex-Grand Funk Railroad) Bruce Kulick (ex-Kiss), Slim Jim Phantom (Stray Cats), Alan White (Yes), Rusty Anderson (McCartney), Teddy Andreadis (ex-GNR and Alice Cooper) and songwriter/producer Mark Hudson, who's worked with Ringo Starr, Aerosmith and Ozzy Osbourne.Camp organizer David Fishof promises some "special guests," while celebrity chef Guy Fieri will prepare the opening night meal.As in previous years, the campers will organize into bands and record an original song at Capitol Studios with Eddie Kramer, as well as play as part of a concert at the Whisky A Go Go. This year's camp will also feature a companion package offering music lessons, dinners and access to the camp activities for plus-ones.

Registration has opened at RockCamp.com, with a $500 discount for those signing up before Dec. 22.

BRUCE KULICK & MONSTER CIRCUS - VIDEO

ACE FREHLEY.COM IS LAUNCHED!!

http://www.acefrehley.com/home/

Dear Earthlings,

I'm happy to say that I finally got a good internet connection up here on Jendell and can now present to you my official website- AceFrehley.com! Thanks for your patience and support over the years... it's meant everything to me.Now, let's ROCK!! AceFrehley.com is going to provide a link between us & be something unique & different from the "usual" website. What you will see is exclusive pictures & video clips from my archives, news, tour dates & appearances announced here first, and a chance for you to be a part of this website by sending me your photos & questions. I'll be emailing all my members very cool "extra stuff," so don't forget to sign up! And despite the rumors, you'll be hearing my new cd real soon... Stay Tuned. I hope you have as much fun on AceFrehley.com as I've had putting it together...
Love,
Ace