Monday, January 31, 2011

Five Predictions for the KISS St. Patrick's Day Show at Hard Rock

By Travis Newbill/ Broward Palm Beach Times

KISS us, we're Irish. St. Patrick's Day's creepy little green guy will be overshadowed by larger, possibly more satanic, man-monsters this year when KISS brings its Hottest Show on Earth Tour to the Seminole Hard Rock on March 17 -- one of only two scheduled North American appearances for 2011 so far. This comes as great news for those of us who feel that the old beer-jig-puke routine is getting old, and that the reign of the leprechaun has gone on for long enough.


KISS -- which currently features Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and two other dudes painted like Ace Frehley and Peter Criss -- is currently working on a new album, which means we may be treated to a few new songs. Of course, we're thinking that the songs will not be the big news at this show, which is obviously an attempt by KISS to overthrow the leprechaun. Here's a few predictions for the upcoming, green vs black, battle of St. Patrick.
CLICK HERE to read the rest

Kiss Photo of the Day #3: Paul Stanley 1992 Revenge

Here is a photo I took of Paul Stanley, October 10, 1992 when Kiss played the Spectrum in Philadelphia.

This Day in Music Spotlight: Paul and Gene Kiss Off Wicked Lester

Kiss: The Beginning
Michael Wright/ http://www.gibson.com/
The record was going nowhere.

Wicked Lester had been blessed, in many ways, by the times. Somehow, with almost no live performances under their belt and no management to speak of, the band were able to get signed by a major label on the strength of a demo. Only in the ’70s, right? But blessed as they were, the band were squandering the opportunity.

The first problem to solve was the replacement of guitarist Stephen Coronel, whom Epic had deemed unsuitable. Firing a bandmate, fortunately, wasn’t a problem for the band’s bassist, Gene Klein, and rhythm guitarist, Stanley Eisen. In fact, firing band mates would become a bit of a habit for the duo in subsequent years, better known by their adopted stage names of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.

So, Coronel was out and session musician Ron Leejack (whose chief previous credit was Cactus) was in. Stylistically, Leejack was far enough away from Coronel that the band decided to scrap the master tracks from their demo and re-do everything. But even that was proving to be a bit of a train wreck. For one thing, the group and the label had a spotty recording schedule, ultimately taking a year to get their collective acts together to complete the record. In addition – and this was, indeed, the root of the problem – the record was a mess. It was an unfocused patchwork of pop, folk-rock and rock. And even when the band finally finished the album in late 1972, they didn’t feel too great about it. Certainly, Gene and Paul didn’t think much of the record. Neither did Epic’s A&R director, Don Ellis, who refused to release it. Almost immediately thereafter, Wicked Lester sought and were granted a release from their contract.

At this point, Simmons and Stanley decided that the only way to move forward was to burn everything else down. They parted ways with the rest of the band and set out to find a more stylistically and stylishly cohesive unit. Stylistically, they were looking for a more stripped-down, hard rock sound. Stylishly, they were looking for a unified look… though they hadn’t quite worked that part out yet.

They started their quest by hiring a drummer from the Rolling Stone classifieds, who had advertised, “EXPD. ROCK & roll drummer looking for orig. grp. doing soft & hard music. Peter, Brooklyn.” Peter from Brooklyn was, of course, Peter Criss. The veteran Criss was an immediate upgrade in musicianship from the previous drummer, Tony Zarrella. Now a trio, the updated Wicked Lester worked tirelessly to write music and hone their sound. By November 1972, they were confident enough to approach Ellis for an audition. Ellis granted the audition but, ultimately, turned the group down… perhaps aided in his decision by Criss’ brother, who drunkenly vomited on the record exec as he was leaving.

In December 1972, the group placed an ad in the Village Voice, stating, “LEAD GUITARIST WANTED with Flash and Ability. Album Out Shortly. No time wasters please.” Among the many responses was a guy from the Bronx who showed up to the audition at the Lower East Side’s Live Bait Bar wearing non-matching sneakers. As spacey as he looked, the guy could play. And so, they asked Paul Frehley – who had acquired the nickname “Ace” in high school – to join the band.

With a few weeks of rehearsals under the group’s collective belt, Simmons set out to get the band some bookings, having already parted ways with their new manager, Lew Linet, and having finally jettisoned the name Wicked Lester. In its place was a moniker much simpler, with perhaps a touch of glam-stamped camp to it: KISS. The name was inspired by one of Criss’ previous bands, Lips. Stanley gets the credit for coining the name, while it was Frehley who created the now-familiar logo, with the S’s so eerily reminiscent of Nazi SS regalia.

Simmons put together a press kit for the newly christened group during his day job at the Puerto Rican Interagency Council. Criss got a friend in the printing business to help with the invites. But they still lacked a stage.

Finally, a cold call to a club in Queens called the Popcorn Club and some fast talking by Simmons scored the group a three-night stand (two sets a night) at the venue, from January 30 through February 1, for a flat fee of $150. The first night of the stand gave almost no portent of the massive success to come. The group played to three people during their first set and no more than 10 over the course of the evening. The next two days were hardly better.

During the performances, one other crucial component was lacking (besides an audience). While the music very quickly melded into that now-familiar KISS ’70s sound, the look – specifically, the makeup – was nowhere in sight. It would, however, make its debut five weeks later. Just a few weeks after that, the band would record a five-song demo that would start their meteoric rise to the top of rock stardom. Considering how long it took their previous band to make its half-hearted leap at the brass ring, KISS’s ascent was not unlike the lightning in their logo.

Tommy Thayer in Round Four of Bob Hope Classic - Video

Thayer saves par at No. 17 in Round 4 of Bob Hope
http://www.pgatour.com/
In the fourth round of the 2011 Bob Hope Classic at the Palmer Private Course, Kiss guitarist Tommy Thayer makes a long putt at the par-3 17th to save par.



Gene Simmons Recieves Key to Dallas - Video

WFAA/Dallas
DALLAS - Rocker Gene Simmons received a key to the City of Dallas on Friday.

The singer of the band Kiss was honored for his support of the military.

Next week, Simmons will host the Aces & Angels Salute to the Troops event, which is a party and benefit to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project and the USO.

Simmons invited more than 500 Texas soldiers who have recently returned from Iraq or Afghanistan.




Sunday, January 30, 2011

Eric Carr's Rockheads Are On Their Way

Rocksville site
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK; Rocksville Station® comics is proud to present Eric Carr’s Rockheads™, a multimedia cartoon series created by Eric Carr. Publisher Dyna Meecho, LLC is currently working with Streetgang Productions, Inc. to bring you this cameo appearance of The Rockheads™ in comic book form. The street date for the publication will be April, 2011.

The Rockheads™ were created in the mid 1980’s by Eric Carr, the late drummer of the legendary rock band Kiss. Throughout his years with Kiss, Eric’s characters took shape and matured into an adorable cartoon series, with each one having their own special features and unique personalities. Eric had a vision for The Rockheads™ and attempted to pursue that vision with the aid of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.

In 1987, Hanna Barbera Corporation and Landmark Entertainment showed a sincere interest in marketing The Rockheads™, recognizing that the fun, rock n’ roll theme would be appealing to many different age groups. However, because of Eric’s untimely death in 1991, he was unable to bring his project to fruition.

The Carr Family strongly believes in Eric’s vision of The Rockheads™, and have decided to pick up where Eric left off.

Kiss fans number in the millions and have waited years to see The Rockheads™ surface. Today Eric’s vision is premiered in Dyna Meecho’s second issue of Rocksville Station® titled “Ticket to Rock”.

The Rockheads™ are owned by the Carr Family, Bruce Kulick, guitarist for Kiss (1984 to 1996) and Adam Mitchell, a well respected song writer who’s songs have been performed by Kiss, Chicago, John Waite, Patty Smyth and Scandal, Paul Anka, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Bonnie Tyler, Art Garfunkel, Anne Murray, Nicolette Larson and dozens more.

The comic book will be offered in a true 32 page format and is also available online at http://www.ericcarr.com/  and http://www.kulick.net/

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Paul Stanley Vocal on Pushking Album Posted Online

Kiss Army Russia, creators the first ever Russian Kiss Podcast, has posted the track Paul Stanley ("Cut The Wire") recorded for the Pushking album. The site is in Russian, but will easy to find the track- just click the first link under the 1975 Alive! album photo outtake. Thanks to VLADIMIR/KISS ARMY RUSSIA.
CLICK HERE:
http://www.kissarmyrussia.com/kisspodcast/kisspodcast.htm

First Kiss Album: Review from Rolling Stone, 1978


Kiss
KISS
Casablanca
By Gordon Fletcher
Rolling Stone Magazine
Rating: ***** (two out of five stars)

December 28, 1978


(Kiss Mask notes: Though, it's a pretty positive review, Rolling Stone has never been a fan of Kiss. Refusing to do features on the band and when they did they were less than flattering. Much of this ignorance would have to do with Jann Werner, the publisher, who despised Kiss. There was even a feature story in 1977 where one RS writer (Charles M. Young) compared Kiss' music to buffalo farts. Really? Kiss has never appeared on the cover of the America version of RS and I doubt they ever will. Wenner is also one of the men responsible for who get's inducted in the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. Hopefully, with the amount of pressure from fans and artists alike, they will be nominated and inducted next year. I mean c'mon, Kiss has had such an influence not only on American pop culture, but musicians and bands alike. I found this "review" the first Kiss album from RS Online that was published in 1978.- J. Frank Hagan/Kiss Mask Webzine)

Kiss is an exciting Brooklynbased band with an imaginative stage presentation and a tight new album. The music is all hard-edged — they call it "thunderock" — and throughout their electrical storm solid craftsmanship prevails. Paul Stanley's rhythm guitar is the star of the proceedings, barking out the coarse chord patterns that comprise the foundation of the band's material. Gene Simmons can thus provide an extra dimension to the band's music by playing fluid bass patterns (especially on "Cold Gin") and Peter Criss contributes impressive drumming marked by Keith Moon's power and proficiency.

"Nothing to Lose," "Firehouse" and "Cold Gin" — a Side One trilogy that would make Alice Cooper proud — provides over ten minutes of steady, stompin' rock & roll with an allenveloping forcefulness. The manic "Deuce" makes fine music for crushing skulls and "Strutter" prominently displays the lead guitar talents of Ace Frehley, an unmistakable graduate of the Buck Dharma school of frenetic fretting.
An exceptional album, Kiss could have been even better had the group incorporated more of their concert sound into the recording studio. Onstage they rain a Black Sabbath-like fury, but here they sound more like a cross between Deep Purple and the Doobie Brothers. Though Frehley is an integral component of the stage show, here his guitar is used sparingly, particularly on "Cold Gin," where a solo could've propelled the tune to a higher plateau. A firm commitment to their stage sound (as in "Deuce" and portions of "Black Diamond") could well insure excellence — a course worth pursuing.
Kiss performing on ABC's "IN CONCERT" 1974:

Kiss Photo of the Day #2 - 1977

Vintage Kiss Photo Series


Kiss Photo Number Two 1977

Kiss playing the Omni, Atlanta, GA., December 30, 1977 during the final leg of the LOVE GUN Tour.


Tommy Thayer Interview with KCLB Radio - Palm Springs

Tyler Russell of the 93.7 KCLB Rocks radio station in Palm Springs, California recently conducted an interview with KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer. Click here to listen to Tommy's interview.

Gene Simmons Recieves City Key to Dallas - Video

Dallas City leaders presented Gene with the key to the city of Dallas for his support of the military. Gene was also honored with Gene Simmons Blvd.

Next week, Gene will host the Aces & Angels Salute to the Troops, a party and benefit to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project and the USO.

Over 500 Texas soldiers who have recently returned from Iraq or Afghanistan will attend.

From WFAA-TV Dallas:

Friday, January 28, 2011

New Poll: Kiss' (Music From) The Elder Songs



2011 Marks 30th Anniversary of (Music From) The Elder

2011 marks the 30th Anniversary of Kiss' (Music From) The Elder. The album Kiss would rather forget than remember but loved by fans and (surprise!!) critics alike. So please have fun and take part in our new poll and pick songs that you would like hear Kiss play live. Could they possibly throw in a song from the album on the next tour? Stranger things have indeed happened.

We had to narrow the song choice down to what we thought would be the most popular requests. I personally think it's a killer album filled with great songs, arrangements and musicianship. I would love to hear "The Oath" and "I" live. C'mon Kiss, throw us a bone, and play some songs off The Elder! We've been wanting this for years!!

Kiss performs "The Oath" on ABC's 'Fridays' show that aired 1982.

Kiss' March 17 Hard Rock Live Florida Show On Sale Today At Noon


Kiss' March 17th Hard Rock Live Show On Sale Today at Noon
Tickets for KISS' Hard Rock Live concert on March 17th at The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, go on sale today at 12:00 PM (EST) Ticketmaster.com. You may also purchase tickets by calling 1-800-745-3000.
(Kiss pictured here with Good Morning America's anchor, Kate Snow- October 2009.)

Kiss Photo of the Day #1 - the 1980's

Vintage Kiss Photos Series
Here is the first photo of Kiss Mask' new series of presenting photos of the band, in and out of make-up. The new feature will date photos, obscure and and not so obscure (some you may have seen before but not in years) either on and offstage, publicity and candid shots. The feature will date from early Kiss in the 1970's to the 1980's. If any of our readers have any photos that they'd like to share (Preferably the early days 1970's to the 1980's we will be pleased to publish them on the Kiss Mask. Please include any information about the photo you send- date, where, photo credit is appreciated. Email Kissmask8895@aol.com and write "KISS PHOTO" in the subject matter. You can even copy & paste your photo in the email as well.

Kiss Photo Number One - the 1980's

L-R: Gene Simmons, Cher, Columbia A&R guy John Kalonder and Paul Stanley circa 1980. John has worked with some of the biggest acts in the business including Billy Idol, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Genesis, Iron Maiden and of course, Cher. Check out John's website for more photos.
Photo from http://www.johnkalodner.com/ (C) John Kalonder.

Gene Simmons to recieve Key to the City in Dallas


Kiss' Simmons to receive key to city of Dallas
FOXSportsSouthwest.com


If you heard that one person would be awarded a key to the city of Dallas during Super Bowl week, chances are you wouldn't tab Kiss frontman Gene Simmons as that guy.

But, according to The Dallas Morning News, city officials confirmed that Simmons will receive a key to Dallas on Friday afternoon in honor of his support of U.S. troops and will be the only honoree of that type "during or related to Super Bowl XLV Week in Dallas."

The honor is just part of what promises to be a busy week for Simmons. On Feb. 2, he and longtime partner Shannon Tweed will host Aces & Angels Salute to the Troops, a party and benefit to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project and the USO.

The guests of honor? Simmons and Tweed have invited more than 500 Texas soldiers who have recently returned from Iraq or Afghanistan.

As an added bonus for the reality TV viewers out there, the party will be filmed for an upcoming episode of Simmons' A&E TV show, "Gene Simmons' Family Jewels."

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Kiss Returning to Puerto Rico March 12




KISS Return to Puerto Rico March 12, 2011.
Kiss adds date at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in Hato Rey.


A KISS Army Fan Club Presale will begin this Friday.
*Pre-sale Start: Friday, January 28th, 2011 from 10AM local time.
*Pre-sale End: Saturday, January 29th, 2011 from 9AM local time.
*General public tickets will go on sale Saturday, January 29th, 2011@ 10AM local time.

Kiss will also play RodeoHouston at Reliant Stadium in Texas March 15 and the Seminole Hard Rock Casino & Hotel in Hollywood, Florida on March 17. Tickets are on sale for both dates.

Eric Carr's ROCKHEADS Are (Finally!) Coming

Eric Carr's Rockheads Will See the Light of Day

Kiss Mask Webzine
In a late 1980's conversation I had with Eric Carr, he spoke in depth about the cartoon he created called 'The Rockheads.' At that time in 1988 he was shopping the animated series to giants like Hanna-Barbera, who had expressed interest, he was so happy to report to me that day. Eric was extremely passionate and devoted in getting his animated creations, who he based on a rock band, out to the people. He even mirrored one character after himself complete with Eric's trademarked 'big hair and sunglasses.' Though the character names escape me at the moment, I still have the large piece of artwork of the Rockheads' characters that Eric did for Hanna-Barbera, that he gave to me back then. It's really cool!

It's been announced that a comic book, a joint venture with Streetgang Productions and Dyna Meecho, LLC, will publish the 32 page book and will sell for $2.98. The title, "Ticket to Rockheads," will follow the adventures of Visor Boy and Hollywood, a pair of rock and rollers, searching for tickets to the Rockheads sold-out final appearence.

There have been several attempts in the past to revive the 'Rockheads' and see it through fruitation. He left the 'Rock Heads' to his sister Loretta Caravello, Bruce Kulick and Adam Mitchell.

The publication will be available at http://www.rocksvillestation.com/ , http://www.ericcar.com/ & http://www.brucekulick.net/ .

Eric's production Company, Streetgang Productions, has issued a press release you can view by clicking here http://amplified-radio.com/myPictures/RVS_press_release.pdf

New Kiss Album- Coming Soon


New Kiss Studio Album – Coming Soon

Kiss heading into studio and more shows in March.
Paul Stanley will produce.

By Eric MacKinnon/Rock AAA

Kiss guitarist Tommy Thayer has confirmed that the legendary rockers are heading back into the studio and plan to release a new album before the end of the year. And he reveals it will follow much the same format as 2009’s Sonic Boom which was a massive success on both sides of the Atlantic.

In an interview with BackstageAxxess.com Thayer says: “The great news is that we are going in the studio again in the next month or two. We are starting to work on writing some songs, approach it just like we did with Sonic Boom and keep it all in the band in terms of the writing, with no agenda besides writing great rock n’ roll songs that we love, then rehearsing them before then recording them. It really felt good to us so we’ll go the same way this time.”

The new record will be the bands 20th studio album and Thayer reveals Kiss co-leader Paul Stanley will produce it, after the success he had at the helm on Sonic Boom He adds: “Paul knows more what a Kiss record should sound like than anybody, to be honest with you, so he is going to lead the charge and produce it again and we are all really excited about it.

“I know we are going to start working on it really soon in terms of the writing and rehearsing and we’ll probably be in the studio by March, so sometime this year I’m sure you’ll see a spanking new Kiss album that’s gonna kick some butt!”
http://www.rockaaa.com/

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Tommy Thayer Interview at NAAM Posted - Video

Tommy Thayer Interviwed at NAAM 2011
BackstageAxxess.com
Tommy Thayer was interviewed at the NAAM Show courtesy of Backstageaxxess.com by Gus Griesinger. NAAM was held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California January 13-16, 2011.
Tommy appeared at the Hughes and Kettner booth signing autographs and posing for photos.

Click here to view the video.

Bob Kulick Leads SIN-atra Tribute to Frank

Bob Kulick on Frank Sinatra Tribute Album

Bob Kulick leads off an all-star heavy metal album saluting the great Frank Sinatra set for release March 28, 2011.

Eagle Rock Press Release:
"On 28 March 2011, Eagle Rock 's Armoury Records is delighted release the truly unique SIN-atra album. This is another mind and genre-bending triumph from the team that brought you We Wish You A Metal Xmas and, put simply, is the world of heavy metal 's tribute to the genius of Frank Sinatra. Featuring a great line-up of artists, SIN-atra offers a set of totally original versions of classic Frank Sinatra songs. The album features twelve songs made famous by Ol ' Blue Eyes which are given a radical and individual new treatment from some of the finest voices in rock including members of Anthrax, Twisted Sister, Deep Purple, Queensryche, Mr Big, Warrant and Cheap Trick with the backing of a superb band led by guitarist Bob Kulick (Kiss/Meat Loaf). These classics are re-imagined musically by the SIN-atra house band which features Bob Kulick (guitar); Brett Chassen (drums); Billy Sheehan (bass); Doug Katsaros (keyboards & orchestrations); Richie Kotzen (lead guitar on That's Life). The songs are known to everyone but you 've never heard them quite like this before!"

Track Listing:
1) New York, New York (Devin Townsend) 2) I 've Got You Under My Skin (Glenn Hughes) 3) Summerwind (Geoff Tate) 4) It Was A Very Good Year (Dee Snider) 5) Witchcraft (Tim Ripper Owens) 6) Fly Me To The Moon (Robin Zander) 7) Lady Is A Tramp (Eric Martin) 8) I 've Got The World On A String (Dug Pinnick) 9) Love And Marriage (Elias Soriano) 10) Strangers In The Night (Joey Belladonna) 11) High Hopes (Franky Perez) 12) That 's Life (Jani Lane).

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Kiss Army Pre-Sale for Hard Rock Live Show


A KISS ARMY Members-Only ticket presale for KISS' Hard Rock Live Hollywood, Florida show takes place today at 10.


Premium KISS ARMY Members will have access to Members-Only tickets.
Show Info: March 17 - Hollywood, FL - Hard Rock Live

Presale starts: Tuesday, January 25 @ 10AM (local venue time)
Presale ends: Thursday, January 27 @ 10PM (local venue time)
*Note: You must be a KISS ARMY Member to take advatage of this pre- sale. Go to http://www.kissonline.com/ for information on how to join.

Aces & Angels With Gene Simmons

Kick Off Event Hosted By Gene Simmons & Shannon Tweed
Richie & Greggo / CBSDFW.com

One of the biggest and best events coming to Dallas for the football championship will be Aces & Angels “Salute to the Troops” hosted by legendary rock star Gene Simmons from KISS.

Aces & Angels is getting a jump on the festivities by taking place on Wednesday, February 2nd. The party kicks off at 6pm in the The Centennial Building at Fair Park.

In addition to the national media outlets that will be covering this event, there will also be an A&E production crew filming Gene Simmons’ reality show Family Jewels. Partygoers will enjoy five hours of live music with performances by Five for Fighting, Little Texas, The Grascals, Rival Sons, and 4Troops (a quartet of military veterans).

Aces & Angels supports the Wounded Warrior Project and the USO. Gene Simmons will personally be escorting a group of 1,000 Texas soldiers from Ft. Hood and he’ll take a few injured troops to the Sunday game.

Many famous actors, comedians, rock stars and professional athletes will be playing the Vegas-style casino games and partaking in the gourmet food. Celebrities at past Aces & Angels parties include Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian, Shannon Elizabeth, Dane Cook, and Derek Hough.

There will also be a cigar lounge, VIP cabanas, and silent & live auctions. For the first-time ever, a special-edition Gene Simmons “Salute to the Troops” custom motorcycle will be unveiled at the event. Plus, someone will win a seat in the 2011 World Series of Poker by playing in the Aces & Angels poker tournament.

Tickets are still available, and you can get discounted rates by mentioning “RAGE” for individual tickets and “RAGEVIP” for cabanas. The Richie & Greggo Extravaganza will be broadcasting live from 2-7pm followed by Jagger & Jasmine from 7-11pm. Spread the buzz.

http://www.aces-angels.org/

Monday, January 24, 2011

Kiss Live at Seminole Hard Rock March 17


Kiss Live at Hollywood Florida Hard Rock,
March 17
Browardnetonline.com
Rock and roll icons KISS will bring their “Hottest Show on Earth Tour” to Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fl., on March 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 28 at noon.


Tickets cost $169, $129, $99 and $79*; all seats are available at the Hard Rock Live Box Office, open Tuesday – Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and on Sunday & Monday – only open on event days at noon. Tickets also are available at all Ticketmaster outlets online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/ or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open one-hour prior to show start time. *Additional fees may apply.

For Kiss Army Pre-Sales and VIP Packages go to www.kissonline.com

http://www.hardrocklivehollywoodfl.com/index.php

Bruce Kulick's "School of Rock" in West Hollywood

Check out this clip of Bruce Kulick performing with students of the School of Rock and their tribute to Kiss. Bruce and the kids jammed to "Rock And Roll All Nite" at the Cat Club in West Hollywood, CA., on 1/22/11.

1998 Sean Delany Interview Posted Online

Sean Delaney Interview Unearthed 1998

MichaelBrandvold.com

from Mike Brandvold:
"Digging through my collection of audio clips from KISS Otaku here is a file to enjoy. I will be posting many of the files I have gathered over the last 15 years.
Exact date of this interview is not know, but it would be around mid 1998. I am not even sure this interview was every posted as it occurred just before I stopped work on KISS Otaku and started working on Kissonline.

"Sean Delaney, the fifth KISS member, discusses the book he had just started on. He talks about pre-KISS, the solo albums, how he got involved with Peter Criss’ solo album and more."

Check out this very cool interview!
Check out the audio clip herehttp://michaelbrandvold.com/blog/2011/01/1998-interview-with-the-fifth-member-of-kiss-sean-delaney/

You can buy a copy of HELL BOX from Amazon.com

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Country Single Breathes New Life into "Beth"

"Beth" is a new Country Single

Cdinsight.com


Vince Hatfield, winner of the 2010 New Music Awards for “Country Male Artist of the Year,” has produced a new single: the KISS classic “Beth.” The song was an interesting choice when KISS did it, proving the hard rock, tempo pounding band could produce a slow and intimate song. Naturally this slow rock song lends itself well to the country soundings of Hatfield.

“My wife and I always loved the song, ‘Beth,’” Hatfield explained. “I wanted to try tackling something that would be the exact opposite in content from the heavy lyrics of our previous single ‘Through the Glass.’ I think every musician can connect with this new song and I hope I have done KISS justice.”

I believe he has. The song, now over thirty years old, has simple lyrics that can reach across time and still have the same impact it did then.
For more information go to-http://www.vincehatfield.com/

Listen to Vince Hatfield's "Beth" here:

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Happy Birthday, Paul Stanley!


Happy Birthday Paul!
Kiss Mask Webzine would like to wish Paul Stanley a very Happy Birthday today. Born in Queens, NY., on January 20, 1952, Paul is rock's premire rock and roll frontman.


Paul Stanley solo from "Black Diamond" as Kiss play the Pepesi Center, Albany, NY, November 15, 1998-

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Vinnie Vincent Guitar Premired


Vinnie Vincent Guitar Unveiled at NAAM
The signature Vinnie Vincent guitar was premiered at the NAAM Show in Anahiem, CA., over the weekend.

Vinnie, however, was not in attendance at the NAAM Show. He should, if he's going to sell guitars under his name, make public appearences to promote it. I'm just saying.
Product information from Guitarmageddon:

Custom pickups and configurations are available by special order, and the guitar will be available in various models including a 6/12 string double neck and a 4-string bass. Special cases are also available to protect your chunk of rock power.


The guitar lists for $9,000 to $12,000 US dollars depending on your order. What?! That is quite a chunk of change!! I hope this does not end up like the 1996 Vinnie Vincent box set fiasco where orders were placed, paid and never shipped. For ordering information, pricing and availability, send an e-mail to order1@vinnievincentmodelguitar.com.

Kiss on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert - Video

Today, we learned that rock pioneer Don Kirshner passed away in Florida at age 77. Many of us growing up in the 1970's spent many a late Friday and Saturday nights watching Kiss perform on Rock Concert, In Concert and Burt Sugarman's Midnight Special. These were great one hour shows dedicated to the rock genre of the great bands of the 1970's.

Here is Kiss in three promo clips (shot in 1976 with the revamped Destroyer staging and lighting the band from the front instead of behind) from Rock Concert, dated May 28, 1977, promoting the Rock And Roll Over album.

LOVE EM', LEAVE EM'
I WANT YOU
HARD LUCK WOMAN





From Spinner.com-
Don Kirshner, the businessman and songwriter who helped create the Monkees and launch the careers of several iconic performers, died Monday in Florida. According to a press release, the 76-year-old passed away from heart failure.

Known as "The Man With the Golden Ear," Kirshner was born in 1934 in New York City. He entered the music business in the late '50s as a manager for singer Connie Francis, but soon transitioned into providing what he saw as the industry's most pressing need: connecting performers with songwriters.

In the early '60s Kirshner founded Aldon Music, a publishing company that worked with a number of then-unknown performers, including Bobby Darin, Neil Diamond and Carole King, connecting them with resources including studio musicians, producers and songwriters. Kirshner and his staff also cranked out a series of hit singles for groups ranging from the Drifters to the Ronettes. Aldon Music was the single most dominant force in pop music for several years, eventually being bought out by Columbia.

In 1966, in the wake of the Beatles' emergence, Kirshner switched directions. Combining the Beatles' template with his own knowledge of hit-making, Kirshner created a new model for music marketing that would serve as a reference point for countless musicians and labels in the ensuing decades, ranging from boy bands to image-conscious rock groups.

The project? The Monkees.

Filmmakers Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider, who created the Beatles-inspired group specifically for a television series, asked Kirshner to write the music. He was soon hired on as a full producer and helped pen several hits including 'I'm a Believer.' He also consulted in the Monkees' branding and distribution, and when he stepped away from the group the following year, their sales and popularity dropped significantly.

In the '70s, Kirshner produced the highly successful 'Don Kirshner's Rock Concert' on ABC, a live-performance revue that served as an answer to other shows' reliance on lip-syncing and other staged performances.

Kirshner is survived by his wife, Sheila, to whom he was married for 50 years, as well as two children and four grandchildren.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

"Rock And Roll All Nite" One of Top Road Trips Songs/ ABC News

ABC News' John Berman did a holiday piece on the top road trip songs of all time. Joining Kiss, Bon Jovi ("Wanted Dead or Alive"), Steppenwolf ("Born To Be Wild") and Tom Petty ("Freefalling").
The list was compiled by Pioneer Electronics.

Road Trip for the Holidays: Check out the ABC News video here:Road Trip Music for the Holidays - ABC News

Bruce Kulick News


Bruce Kulick News
Bruce Kulick has posted on his website here http://www.kulick.net/index.shtml?bktabs=2 that he will appear at this year's NAMM event in Anaheim, CA., on January 14 and 15, 2011.

Bruce will appear at the SIT Strings booth at 3PM on both days. NAMM is held at the Anaheim Convention Center. Visit official NAMM website.


Bruce's tourdates with Grand Funk Railroad 2011 Tour:
01/29/2011 - Twin Oaks Amp., Silver Springs, Florida
02/20/2011 - Sam's Town Hotel & Casino, Shreveport, Louisiana
03/19/2011 - Carlin Park, Jupiter, Florida
04/29/2011 - Glema Mahr Ctr for the Arts, Madisonville, Kentucky
07/01/2011 - Wild Rose Casino & Resort, Emmetsburg, Iowa
07/28/2011 - Mountain Fest, Morgantown, West Virginia
07/29/2011 - Rockin' on the Riverfront Fest, Detroit, Michigan
08/12/2011 - Umatilla County Fair, Hermiston, Oregon

Ace Frehley & Peter Criss 'Strange Ways' Live 1995

Check out this multi-cam clip of Ace Frehley and Peter Criss performing "Strange Ways' live in Danbury, CT., 9/11/95 on the BAD BOYS Tour.

Gene Simmons Branding Event This Friday

Tickets still available for Atlantic Brand Confabulation, featuring KISS rocker Gene Simmons

Times & Transcript Staff
Ask any promoter and they'll tell you it's been a long-standing tradition among the ticket-buying public in Metro Moncton to wait until the last minute to purchase a ticket to just about anything.

Well, if you're a businessperson looking to expand your knowledge or network, a music nut just looking for the chance to see Gene Simmons in person or you're someone just curious about the whole event, time is running out to pick up tickets to Friday's Atlantic Brand Confabulation.

The event, which takes place at Casino New Brunswick between 6 and 9 p.m., features KISS rocker Simmons as keynote speaker discussing business and personal branding.

Also on the bill are Nova Scotia folk singer and professional speaker Dave Carroll and local branding expert Gair Maxwell.

The event features a three-course meal, music from four Atlantic Canadian bands and more, but organizers say its true purpose is to serve as a great educational tool for business owners large and small. Also, the event should serve as a networking opportunity as business leaders throughout the community and region are expected to attend.

"Yes, it's an entertaining event, yes it's Gene Simmons, but I can't emphasize enough the benefits of going to this," explained The Momentum Group's Brad LeBlanc yesterday. LeBlanc says the $250 tickets are a smart investment for any businessperson.

Read the rest here http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/front/article/1369623

Kiss to play Houston Rodeo March 15


Kiss Live at RodeoHouston March 15
Kissonline
KISS will perform at the 2011 RodeoHouston on March 15th at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas.RodeoHouston is the world's largest Rodeo event! This year's event kicks off March 1st and runs through March 21st, and last year set an all time attendance record of 2,144,077 visitors! Tickets go on sale this Saturday, Jan. 15 at rodeohouston.com and all Ticketmaster outlets.
Check out www.kissonline.com for Kiss Army pre-sale information.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Paul Stanley on FOX Business News

Paul Stanley appears on the FOX Business
Fox Business
Paul appeared on FOX Thursday, December 30. Paul talks about Kiss' staying power, his art, and the band's charitable givings.


KISS featured on Dutch TV

Kiss is featured backstage during the band's SONIC BOOM OVER EUROPE Tour for Dutch TV Nld3.