Chicago KISS Expo set for October 9

Sunday October 9  11am-6pm
BESTWESTERN, CHICAGO HILLSIDE

4400 FRONTAGE RD.
HILLSIDE, ILLINOIS 60162

CHICAGO KISS EXPO
SPECIAL GUESTS WILL INCLUDE:

Christopher Franchi - Kiss product and packaging designer
Mike Brandvold - former webmaster for Kiss during the reunion tour era
Eddie Balandas - voice of Kiss Alive 2 and Kiss security guard
Kiss Tribute Band “ Dressed To Kill Show” - experience the original kiss with your kids live.

 http://www.chicagohillsidehotel.com/

SPECIAL KISS EXPO ROOM RATES AVAILABLE CALL FOR RESERVATIONS
1(708)544-9300 ASK FOR KISS EXPO RATE

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS;

CONTACT JIM at CHICAGOKISSEXPO2011@LIVE.COM

Sabastian Bach: NJ Home, Kiss Collection Destroyed by Hurricane Irene

Bach said the flooding destroyed "irreplaceable items," such as KISS Gargoyles from a 1979 tour, a KISS pinball machine and Skid Row memorabilia.
by Corinne Heller/OTRC.com
Sebastian Bach, a rock singer who led hair metal band Skid Row in the 1980s, has lost his New Jersey home, which was destroyed by flooding caused by Hurricane Irene.

The 43-year-old said the house, which was featured on the show "MTV Cribs" in 2000, was knocked off its foundation when waters from a overflowing reservoir smashed into a bridge, causing debris to fly into his garage. The disaster has wreaked havoc on the East Coast and reportedly caused 35 deaths before it was downgraded to a tropical storm on Sunday.

Read the rest Here

Ace Frehley Live in Detroit August 27 - Video

Last Saturday night (August 27 ) Ace opened Alice Cooper's show at the DTE Energy Theatre. Check out some clips from that performance.
Set List:Rocket Ride/Parasite/Sister/Snowblind/I Want You/Rock Soldiers/ Love Her All I Can/New York Groove/Detroit Rock City/Shock Me/Ace's Guitar Solo/Shout It Out Loud/Love Gun/Cold Gin

SHOCK ME

NEW YORK GROOVE

SNOWBLIND

Next KISS Will Be A MONSTER!

MONSTER, Kiss' 20th studio album, will arrive Jamuary 2012. There will be 10 songs on the album plus bonus tracks.  Kiss is planning a massive world tour to support the album for 2012-2013.

"We were all blown away by the unanimous raves from critics and fans for Sonic Boom. Anyone who thought that album was a lucky fluke is in for a brutal surprise. This album kills." - Paul Stanley

Gene Simmons has stated that it's a cross between Destroyer and Revenge
Tracks (so far):

Hell or Hallelujah
Born To Be A Sinner
Wall Of Sound
Out Of This World- Sung by Tommy
Are You Ready?

Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed to Marry October 1

News at Bravewords.com  is buzzing of Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed will finally tie the knot on October 1, 2011. Gene and Shannon have been together for 28 years after meeting at a party at the Playboy Mansion in Homby Hills section of Los Angeles. Gene swore he would never marry but propsed to Shannon on the season 6 finale of Gene Simmons Family Jewels. The new season (7) will premire on October 4 at 9pm (EST) on A&E Cable Network

Meet Kiss Tribute Band 'Dressed To Thrill' from Sweden

I am posting video I saw at Kissonline of Sweden's Kiss tribute band "Dressed To Thrill." These guys sound phenomenal! Impressive, they sound and perform like a great tribute band should.  "Paul" sounds very much like a young Paul Stanley. It's apparent these guys have done their homework. Complete with a stage show, these guys impressed me just with this video and one of the best Kiss tributes I've seen and heard. Check out their video of  Love Gun below.

Here is what the KOL Fan Letter said:
KISS IS EVERYWHERE!


Dressed To Thrill at Glasklart in Malmo, Sweden
Hello KISS & the KISS Army!
Yesterday, KISS-tribute Dressed To Thrill performed an awesome show at Glashuset, one of Sweden's coolest VIP-clubs. Hope you enjoy the clip!
Best Regards,
Christopher (Ace) Hansson

New Eric Carr CD on it's way for the Fall

This fall a new Eric Carr CD will be coming out featuring 18 tracks. Guest performers include AJ Pero, Twisted Sister, Seether, Z02, Europe, and Bruce Kulick. The CD will be available digitally and in Best Buy and Walmart retail outlets. A new line of merchandise will also be available including drumsticks and make-up lithograph of Eric.

Vinnie Vincent Launches Website

Vinnie has launched his website where you can buy his guitars. You can visit Vinnie at
http://www.vinnievincentmodelguitar.com/

10 Things You May Not Know About KISS

By Craig Hlavaty

http://www.blogs.houstonpress.com/

This week, KISS mogul Gene Simmons celebrated his 62nd birthday, probably surrounded by dozens of strippers in KISS panties, swinging on KISS sex swings, while pouring wax from KISS candles onto their KISS tramp-stamp tattoos. Damn, that actually sounds kind of hot, come to think of it.

For this weeks batch of creamy rock facts, we took on KISS, one of the most beloved bands on Earth. Houston hasn't seen any shortage of KISS in the past few years, as the band has been here about three times since 2009, with the last appearance coming at this year's RodeoHouston.

Previously, we've been flying solo on these fact sheets, but this time around we enlisted the help of the biggest KISS fan we know, one Jarod Frank. Frank works in the radio industry, including a DJ slot over at the old 107.5 The Buzz from 1995 to 1999, when they were playing the bands we love that now influence all the bands we don't like on the station today. Now he works for CBS Radio Houston.

Frank currently makes time with Sunsett Stripperz, an '80s hair-metal tribute band that will be at House of Blues next Friday, and a newer project, Foo Fakers, which pays tribute to the Foo Fighters. On top of all this, you can usually see him at most every big old-school metal show in town.

We asked Frank to help us with this list, so as not to run too terribly afoul of the super-fans that KISS has amassed. For the record, our favorite KISS album is 1979's Dynasty, because it has a nasty groove you can dance to.

Peter Criss, disgruntled during and after the filming of 1978's KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park, had his voice replaced in the entire movie because he refused to show up for the looping sessions in post-production. The movie was being produced in part by Hanna-Barbera, so it makes sense that they used a voice from their stable to fill in for Criss - Michael Bell, who was doing the voice of Plastic Man as well as Zan and Gleek from the Superfriends' Wonder Twins.



​Bruce Kulick's pre-KISS band, Blackjack, has other connections to KISS besides Bruce being the band's fourth lead guitar player. The group's lead singer, Michael Boloton - later changed to Michael Bolton; yes, that Michael Bolton - co-wrote KISS's most recent Top 10 hit, "Forever," with Paul Stanley in 1989. Blackjack's bassist, Jimmy Haslip, pinch-hit for Gene Simmons when some of the bass lines on 1982's Creatures of the Night proved to be a little tricky.

KISS had 12 albums that came with some sort of goodie for fans. Posters were included in Dynasty and
Unmasked. All four members' 1978 solo albums came with posters that fit together as one big mural. Rock And Roll Over had stickers, Alive II had temporary tattoos, and you got toy cardboard pop gun with Love Gun.

Katey Sagal, Peg Bundy from Married... With Children and the biker mama on Sons of Anarchy, sings back-up on Gene Simmons' 1978 solo album.

Ace Frehley's solo in "She" is ripped off from The Doors' "Five To One." Interestingly enough, Pearl Jam's Mike McCready admitted to ripping off the solo in "Alive" from "She."

Paul Stanley always said he wrote "Hard Luck Woman" for Rod Stewart, but it's never clear if it was ever presented to him for Stewart's own use. Still others say that after the success of "Beth," the band, or their record company, decided to keep it for Criss to sing on the band's next record to capitalize.

KISS was offered the part of the Future Villain Band in the movie Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The band turned down the movie because they were afraid of what it might do to their image. The part eventually went to Aerosmith, who ended up recording a hit version of The Beatles' "Come Together" for the soundtrack to the roundly panned film.

Gene Simmons tried to get any and all of the Beatles to guest on his 1978 solo album, but couldn't. So he got members of tribute band Beatlemania instead to fill in.

KISS was paid $35 for its first show in 1973.

Ace Frehley Plays Detroit Tonight

Alice Cooper with Ace Frehley at DTE Energy Music Theatre: Original shock rocker Alice Cooper and his band (including some new members) will entertain tonight at DTE Energy Music Theatre. Founding guitarist of Kiss, Ace Frehley, will open the show. 8 tonight. $10 lawn, $29-$39 pavilion.

Ace Frehley Tour Dates:
October 25, 2011: New York, NY, B.B. King's

October 26, 2011: New York, NY, B.B. King's
October 29, 2011: Farmingdale, NY, Crazy Donkey

JUST ADDED!
October 28 2011

House of Blues
Atlantic City, NJ (Tickets on sale 8/26)

November 13 2011
Oneida Casino
Green Bay, WI (Tickets on sale 9/16)

'Gene Simmons Family Jewels' Season 7 Premires October 4

UPDATED A&E PREMIERE DATE FOR SEVENTH SEASON OF HIT SERIES


“GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS” RETURNS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4 AT 9PM ET/PT

A&E will premiere new episodes of hit series “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” beginning Tuesday, October 4 at 9PM ET/PT.

Picking up where last season’s cliffhanger left off, viewers will find out Shannon’s answer to Gene’s long awaited marriage proposal in a special one-hour season premiere.

KISS Halloween Contest

Enter for your chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas and Rock and Roll All Nite!


Prizes include:
Airfare, two nights at the Hard Rock, a lifetime KISS Monster Mini Golf membership, guitar autographed by the band, and a life sized KISS Casket by Eternal Image.

Enter the Contest at SPIRITHALLOWEEN

KISSology 4 Delayed?

KISSOLOGY 4 might be delayed until after the new year. Originally the fourth installment had a release (tentative) of November 29. However, Kiss' new album "MONSTER" and tour have taken priority.  We will have to wait and see but it is unusual that the new DVD collection would not be released in time for the Christmas shopping season. Stay tuned...

Ace Frehley Adds Two Show Dates

October 28 2011
House of Blues
Atlantic City, NJ (Tickets on sale 8/26)

November 13 2011
Oneida Casino
Green Bay, WI (Tickets on sale 9/16)

Happy Birthday Gene!

Kiss Mask Webzine would like to wish Gene Simmons a very Happy Birthday!

Three Ikonik KISS Albums

By Evil Argento/ YELL! Magazine
Christian doctrine teaches that God exists in three beings (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), creating a trinity otherwise known as “Godhead.” Basically, all are one and none exist without the other. This is somewhat the basis for Yell! Magazine’s Holy Trinity series. What we present here are three elements from a particular medium and/or genre within a particular medium (be it three albums from a band, a musical genre, a film director, a genre or sub-genre of film, video game franchise or developer/publisher, etc.) that must be owned, heard, viewed, or played in order for a “fan” to achieve completion. For example, if someone is a heavy metal fan, their album collection is incomplete without the eponymous Paranoid, from Black Sabbath. However, owning the latest Justin Bieber album trumps everything, making you a true fan of everything and the messiah.
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, KISS’ influence and bombastic impact on heavy metal and hard rock is irrefutable. Who in the civilized world isn’t familiar with at least one of their songs (most likely “Rock And Roll All Nite”) or can’t name that band based solely on an image? And while, yes, the argument presented thus far is weak, we’ll appease any naysayers, though they already know it’s true, and state that:




KISS has sold more than 100 million albums world wide; while promoting their first album much bigger bands refused to let KISS open for them for fear of being upstaged by their live show; KISS was the first band to find success with a live album (Alive!), setting the bar and ushering in a new era of music consumption; KISS are marketing giants having achieved a level of branding many strive for but few reach; KISS beat the The Beatles at Budakan, selling and performing five sold out shows while The Beatles only managed four; between 1977 and 1979 alone, KISS merchandise sales reached an estimated $100 million (do you know how much money that was in the ‘70s? It’s about $300 million today.); KISS was the first band (and I can’t name any subsequent bands) to have all members release “solo” albums simultaneously on the same day; they’ve released 19 studio albums (12 of which were released in their first decade of existence); in total KISS has received 42 Gold and 16 Platinum Awards in the U.S. alone.

Plus, Dimebag Darrell is buried in a KISS Kasket. RIP.

When it comes to a band with as extensive a history and such a deep discography as KISS’, it’s challenging to settle on one holy trinity. In fact, there are two holy trinities within the KISS discography, but here we’ll focus on the superior of the two. Superior because these three albums are the most driven, hungry, straight-forward, and ambitious (in the sense that they feature some of the band’s hardest-hitting, intense rock and roll, which at the time was classified as heavy metal and/or hard rock; the terms were interchangeable in the ‘70s as the genres hadn’t been divided yet) KISS albums produced.

KISS KISS


The first album we’ll address is the one that started it all, the self-titled KISS. Released on February 18, 1974, this 35-minute opus not only has one of the greatest album covers in music history (featuring all four of their sinister faces against a black background), but it also contains so many great songs, such as “Strutter” and “Deuce,” that they’ve remained staples of KISS’ live performances for more than 35 years.

Yes, there are a couple of tracks that could be considered throw-aways, like “Love Theme From KISS” and the cover “Kissin’ Time,” the latter of which didn’t actually appear on the original release; it was added at the insistence of then Casablanca co-founder, Neil Bogart, in an attempt to boost lackluster album sales. It worked, but KISS didn’t want it on the album. The album was also panned by the critics, who wrote the band off as a joke, but when they performed their first single, “Nothin’ to Loose” (a song about anal sex), on Dick Clark’s In Concert, many were exposed to the phenomenal live KISS experience and then people slowly began to understand.

Unfortunately, as great as this album is, it failed to capture the earth-shattering live essence of KISS. That would have to wait for Alive! Nonetheless, KISS remains a fan favorite, an essential to anyone’s KISS kollection or classic rock collection for that matter. Many of the tracks were written by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley during their pre-KISS days in Wicked Lester, some of which have the rare distinction of having co-writing credit between the two and “Love Theme From KISS” is the only song in the entire KISS catalog to give credit to all four original members.


What makes KISS so great is its ability to straddle ‘50s-era rock and roll with a Beatles style and bring it into the then-modern era of heavy metal, which meant more prominent bass guitar, grittier vocals (though still perfectly harmonized), blistering guitar solos, and a lot more jazz-inspired drum fills. It’s simple. It’s fun. It’s dark. It changed the genre. And it inspired countless musicians and bands to follow.

Stand out tracks outside of “Strutter” and “Deuce” include: “Nothin’ To Lose,” “Firehouse,” “Cold Gin,” “100,000 Years,” and “Black Diamond.” Yes, that’s almost the entire album – that’s how good it is.

Read the rest HERE!

KISSonomics

By: Tony Lisanti/ Global License

"We really understand our customer," Stanley adds. "As long there is no quality or ethical issue, we will put our brand on anything. Most of the other bands are boring, but KISS' entertainment and iconic imagery is unbeatable. We have created super heroes with guitars."


This uncanny blend of music, spectacle and, of course, business acumen from the early days of the band in the mid-1970s (which was atypical during that era) has become the strategic essence of the band and property today.

"KISS is the only band that has adopted a persona with Starchild, Demon and other characters–along with make up and costumes–which they have had since the beginning, and that has really been the foundation of their merchandising and licensing program," explains Furano, who is a friend, neighbor and business partner of Simmons and Stanley for 20 years. "Gene and Paul have remained accessible to their fans and the momentum of the last three years has been enormous," Furano adds. "The KISS artwork and imagery are so easily translated to merchandise and the merchandising program has almost eclipsed the band."
Furano adds that Simmons and Stanley understood the real value of cross-promotional marketing and integrated marketing much more than any other band. According to Furano, they studied other iconic licensed properties, in particular Star Wars and how George Lucas and Lucas Licensing strategically built the property over the years.

"When they approve merchandise, every band thinks about their image and their fans and they all have a role they want their merchandising to play," say Furano. "Many artists want to keep their merchandising a natural extension of their concert tours and don't want to take it beyond that. KISS is just the opposite. Merchandising is an integral part of who they are as a band."

Longtime manager Doc McGhee, who has been with KISS since 1996, recalls how it was a more simple merchandising strategy back then focused on basic quality products and collectibles and how it was difficult to get major companies to partner with the band. But all that changed very quickly as more and more corporate brands joined forces with KISS. The latest deal with Hello Kitty truly exemplifies the global and consumer popularity of the band.

"The brand is bigger than the band," says McGhee. "It's not just about the next record, it's about the experience of KISS."

McGhee admits it has been both a blessing and curse.

"Some people will say they don't know if they are the best band in world, but they are the best marketers."

KISS now has its brand and various logos featuring the costumes, make up and nicknames on just about everything imaginable, boasting almost 3,000 SKUs and counting. And there is no end in sight as the brand and the band will likely garner even more publicity and gain new fans worldwide in 2012 and beyond as KISS approaches its 40th anniversary.

KISS, which just concluded its 2011 "Lost Cities" tour last month, is already working on its 2012-2013 "Monster" world tour which will take the band to numerous countries throughout Europe, South America and Asia. The first new album since 2009's "Sonic Boom," also called "Monster," is scheduled for release in January. The "KISSology IV" DVD is also scheduled for a January release. Furano points out that all new imagery is being developed that will further expand KISS' licensing efforts over the next several years.

Read the entire article here

New KISS Album will be a "MONSTER"

MONSTER to follow-up SONIC BOOM
KISS' follow-up to the critically acclaimed "Sonic Boom" album will be called "Monster." The band is currently working on the album in Los Angeles for a 2012 release. Paul is producing again. All songs, as last time, are written by the band. There are no ballads.


"We were all blown away by the unanimous raves from critics and fans for Sonic Boom. Anyone who thought that album was a lucky fluke is in for a brutal surprise. This album kills." - Paul Stanley

KISS is planning a massive 2012-2013 "Monster" world tour which will take the band around the globe.

Ace Frehley Announces 3 Live Dates on East Coast

Ace has announced  three new dates for October:

October 25, 2011: New York, NY, B.B. King's

October 26, 2011: New York, NY, B.B. King's
October 29, 2011: Farmingdale, NY, Crazy Donkey

Ace will also be signing copies of his autobiography NO REGRETS at  Barnes & Noble in New York City (555 5th Avenue at 46th Street) for a book signing on November 3 at noon.

Lydia Criss' "Sealed With A KISS" Now in E-Book Format

Sealed With A KISS is SOLD OUT in the physical format, but you can now purchase an electronic version of Sealed With A KISS via E-Junkie by visiting www.lydiacriss.com



LydiaCriss.com - Sealed With A KISS available EXCLUSIVELY here at www.lydiacriss.com  

Joey Fatale of Mini-KISS Passes Away

Kissonline.com
KISS was saddened to learn that Joey Fatale has passed away. Joey portrayed Mini-Gene Simmons in the band Mini-KISS, and he also appeared with us in our series of Dr. Pepper Cherry commercials. Joey passed away on August 7th. He was 47.

Classic Rock Interview:KISS On New Album

Story by Dave Everley.

http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/ .

Here's a portion of the interview. Read the rest in the latest CLASSIC ROCK.

"It's Sonic Boom on steroids!"

Exclusive! Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons on KISS's new studio album. And the book. And the golf course...

Nearly 40 years into their career, and the fire is burning stronger than ever for Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. KISS's senior partners are back in the studio with guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer to record their 20th album. Just as 2009's Sonic Boom revitalized them as both a viable recording band and a proper unit, this new album -- recorded, like its immediate predecessor, at L.A.'s Conway Studios -- finds them more focused than ever. "KISS, over the years, has strayed," says Simmons, giving Classic Rock the exclusive low-down on the as-yet-untitled album with Stanley. "We've had bitches who didn't love us, we just liked their asses and we did them for the night. But I will say unequivocally that the new record feels honest."

How far into the album are you?

Paul Stanley: We've recorded eight tracks. Everything's on except the vocals. There'll be 10 on the album, with a couple of tracks as bonuses for different projects.

How does it build on Sonic Boom?

PS: Sonic Boom was a pivotal album in the sense that we were aware of who we were as a performing band, but we had to re-establish who we are as a recording band. That being done, this is much easier and that much more self-assured.

Gene Simmons: This new record feels heavier than Sonic Boom. It feels like there's a connection between Destroyer and Revenge.

Care to throw us a few song titles?

PS: I'd be surprised if the album didn't start with "Hell or Hallelujah." It's up-tempo, a great riff, definitive KISS. There's a track called "Born to be a Sinner," and Tommy has a song called "Out of This World" which is terrific. They're anthemic soncs. That's the nature of how we write. There are no ballads.

GS: "Are You Ready?" is a new track that I worked out, wrote, and brought everyone into the studio and said: "Let's bang this out." Another of the new songs, tentatively titled "Wall of Sound," we just came up with on the spot. The guts of that song were written in 40 minutes.

Vinnie Vincent Official Web-Site to Launch

According to  Vinnie Vincent's YouTube  account Vinnie will launch his own website. Here is his statement:

**8/15/11 update!


Shooting for a premier date of August 25, 2011 for the OFFICIAL VINNIE VINCENT WEBSITE. Stay tuned here for details. Vinnie Vincent

Annual Membership fees for the OFFICIAL VINNIE VINCENT FORUM will be set at $500.00. Details will follow shortly.

New KISS Album Details

There is an interview with Gene and Paul in the new issue of "Classic Rock" magazine. Paul mentioned, that the album will feature 10 tracks. They will record more songs, which will be used as Bonus Tracks for various projects.

Tommy has stated this via his Twitter account:

Tommy Thayer: "At Paul's finishing up some really cool new songs. Start pre-production reheasals w/the band tomorrow."

Song titles include
Hell or Hallelujah,
Born to be a Sinner,
Out of this World (Tommy's song),
Are You Ready 
Wall of sound
 ALSO: KISS will be appearing on the Paul McCartney Tribute album (release date unknown) with their version of Venus/Rockshow.
.

There will also be a book coming out to coincide with the album.

And Gene's Solo Box Set "Alter Ego" will be out sometime when the band makes a break

KISS-themed coffeehouse due in Las Vegas

By Kitty Bean Yancey, USA TODAY
Gene Simmons of the band KISS is still rocking after nearly 40 years. The group also has lent its name to coffeehouses and is due to take a Carnival cruise with fans.

Maybe it's the fact that members need a jolt of java to open their eyes after they "rock and roll all night and party every day," as the lyrics to one of the KISS hits go.

In any case, KISS has already lent its name to a coffeehouse in the East Coast tourist mecca of Myrtle Beach. You can order a $5.75 "Rockuccino" or buy a KISS-themed mug. Check out the menu on the website here.

Now, according to the Las Vegas Sun, the owner of the Myrtle beach venue has announced plans to bring a KISS coffeehouse to the ultimate party capital. Vegas, baby. And not only that, the Sun says. An indoor KISS-themed miniature golf course, called Rock'n Mini Golf is due to swing into town in late fall.

Johnny Rock, owner of the Myrtle Beach KISS coffee shop, did not say where in Vegas he plans to locate the venture. But he's a man on the move. "Locations in New York City, Orlando, Hollywood, they're all on our radar," Rock said, according to the Sun. "Las Vegas was the destination we decided to go with first. It's where the party is."

KISS, which has been entertaining crowds for almost 40 years, doesn't miss many merchandising ops. Here's an excerpt from a press release I got today:

"Shout it out loud … the first-ever KISS Kruise: Wet, Wild & Rockin' is setting sail from October 13-17, 2011 from Miami to Half Moon Cay and Nassau, Bahamas on board the Carnival Destiny. On this outrageous ship, cruisers will see two legendary shows with KISS, along with more electric performances by other artists while they party with fist-pounding hard rock all night and live like a rock star all day." Sounds like a relaxing vacation.

By the way, read more about the sailing, as announced by USA TODAY's Cruise Log blog captain Gene Sloan this spring.

Anyway, if that has you packing your platform boots for a KISS-themed attraction, visit http://www.kissonline.com/.

It's Official! KISS pulled from Michael Jackson Tribute Show

The organizers of the Michael Jackson Tribute Concert have pulled KISS from the show's roster.

Global Live Events pulled KISS after outrage from Jackson's  fans, the media and the estate of Michael Jackson over comments Gene made just days after Jackson drug overdosed death regarding Jackson's pedophile charges which he was cleared of in 2005.

It appears Simmon's mouth has gotten him into trouble (again!) resorting in KISS losing the gig. Maybe Gene should learn how to filter his comments and think before he opens his mouth.

Michael Jackson fans against tribute show due to rock band Kiss

Will KISS play Jackson Tribute Show with Jackon's Fans Opposing the KISS Booking?
Jackson fans are known for their immaturity and denial of Jackson's drug, financial and pedophile problems... KISS is the biggest name on the bill. Will they have a say in getting a cancellation for KISS' appearence? News that was posted earlier today of KISS' participation in the Jackson concert have since been pulled off the band's web-site. Does this mean they've pulled out? Did the promoter cancel KISS? -Kiss Mask Webzine

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Michael Jackson fan clubs are revolting against a tribute show for the late pop star after promoters added the rock band Kiss to the concert lineup
The fan clubs are objecting because during interviews just days after Jackson's death, Kiss member Gene Simmons spoke about his suspicions that Jackson was a pedophile.

Promoters said they were unaware of Simmons' statements when they booked Kiss for the show.

Several fan clubs are now calling for a boycott of "Michael Forever: The Tribute Concert," which is scheduled to take place on Oct.8 in Cardiff, Wales.

KISSology 4 Content Details

KISOOLOGY 4 Content Details
New addition to the KISSology series set for November release.

DISC ONE:

COBO ARENA
DETROIT, MI 5/16/1975
Documentary

THE SUMMIT
HOUSTON, TX 8/13/1976
Detroit Rock City
King Of The Night Time World
Let Me Go, Rock ’n Roll
Strutter
Hotter Than Hell
Shout It Out Loud
Cold Gin
Nothin’ To Lose
Do You Love Me?
God Of Thunder
Rock And Roll All Nite
Deuce
Firehouse
Black Diamond

COBO ARENA
DETROIT, MI 1/29/1977
Detroit Rock City
Take Me
Let Me Go, Rock ’n Roll
Ladies Room
Makin’ Love
I Want You
Cold Gin
Nothin’ To Lose
God Of Thunder
Rock And Roll All Nite
Beth
Black Diamond

DON KIRSCHNER’S ROCK CONERT
6/20/1979
I Was Made For Lovin’ You
Sure Know Something

KIDS ARE PEOPLE TOO
9/21/1980
Excerpt

TOTAL RUN TIME:
2 HOURS, 30 MINUTES

DISC TWO:

I
10/30/1981
unreleased promo clip

AMERICAN FORCES NETWORK
MADRID, SPAIN 11/27/1983
Detroit Rock City
Firehouse
I Love It Loud
Lick It Up

COBO ARENA
DETROIT, MI 12/8/1984
Detroit Rock City
Cold Gin
Creatures Of The Night
Fits Like A Glove
Heaven’s On Fire
Thrills In The Night
Under The Gun
War Machine
Young And Wasted
I Love It Loud
I Still Love You
Love Gun
Lick It Up
Black Diamond
Rock And Roll All Nite

THE SUMMIT
HOUSTON, TX 12/7/1985
Asylum Tour Documentary

CRAZY NIGHTS PROMO CLIPS 1987
Crazy Crazy Nights
Reason To Live
Turn On The Night

DICK CLARK’S NEW YEAR’S ROCKIN’ EVE
PLEASURE ISLAND, FL 12/31/1993
Detroit Rock City
Rock And Roll All Nite
Makin’Love

TOTAL RUN TIME:
2 HOURS, 25 MINUTES

DISC THREE:

PSYCHO CIRCUS PROMO CLIP 1998
Psycho Circus (3D)

TOKYODOME
TOKYO, JAPAN 3/13/2001
Detroit Rock City
Shout It Out Loud
Talk To Me
Heaven’s On Fire
Psycho Circus
Black Diamond
I Was Made For Lovin’You
Rock And Roll All Nite

WINTER OLYMPICS
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 2/24/2002
Rock And Roll All Nite

PALAIS THEATRE
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA 5/15/2004
Deuce
C’mon And Love Me
Makin’ Love
Love Her All I Can
All The Way
War Machine
Shandi
Rock And Roll All Nite

MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER/VH1 ROCK HONORS
LAS VEGAS, NV 5/25/2006
Detroit Rock City
Deuce
Love Gun
Makin’Love

FUJI SPEEDWAY
SHIZUOKA, JAPAN 7/23/2006
Detroit Rock City
King Of The Night Time World
Christine Sixteen
God Of Thunder
Do You Love Me?
Shout It Out Loud
Black Diamond

TOTAL RUN TIME:
2 HOURS, 25 MINUTES

DISC FOUR:

SONIC BOOM PROMO CLIP 2009
Modern Day Delilah

COBO ARENA
DETROIT, MI 9/25/2009
Deuce
Strutter
Got To Choose
Hotter Than Hell
Nothin’ To Lose
C’mon & Love Me
Parasite
She
Watching You
100.000 Years
Cold Gin
Let Me Go, Rock ‘n Roll
Black Diamond
Rock And Roll All Nite
Shout It Out Loud
I Love It Loud
Love Gun
Detroit Rock City

WETTEN DAS
ERFURT, GERMANY 2/27/2010
Say Yeah/I Was Made For Lovin’ You Medley

ROCK AM RING
NURNBURG, GERMANY 6/3/2010
Modern Day Delilah
Crazy Crazy Nights
I’m An Animal
Beth
God Gave Rock And Roll To You II

MOONDANCE JAM
WALKER, MN 7/15/2011
Modern Day Delilah
Deuce
Calling Dr. Love
Shock Me
God Of Thunder
Black Diamond

THE WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT
Documentary

TOTAL RUN TIME:
2 HOURS, 50 MINUTES

**Exclusive bonusdiscs: Anaheim Stadium 1976 (65 minutes) Tokyo 1995 (50 minutes) Buenos Aires 1998 (80 minutes)

KISS to play Michael Jackson Tribute Concert in Wales

Katherine Jackson, Michael's mother. announced on CNN that KISS is the latest act to commit to performing at the planned Michael Jackson Tribute Concert in Cardiff, Wales.

Kiss will join other artists at the October 8, 2011 show at Millennium Stadium.

The announcement has caused controversy after KISS singer Gene Simmons made comments about Jackson regarding accusations of child abuse.

From CNN.com:
The legendary rock band KISS signed up to pay tribute to Michael Jackson in an October concert that will also headline Christina Aguilera, Leona Lewis, Smokey Robinson, Cee Lo Green and JLS, the promoters told CNN Monday.


Other major artists may be announced soon to round out the roster of acts for "Michael Forever: The Tribute Concert" in Cardiff, Wales, according to promoter Global Live Events.

Katherine Jackson, matriarch of the musical family, appeared on CNN Monday to discuss the show, which will also includes performances by her children and grandchildren.

It appeared unlikely the October 8 concert would be the scene for a Jackson 5 reunion, since two of the brothers, Jermaine and Randy, have publicly objected to the show being held at the same time Michael Jackson's doctor is on trial for his death.

"We want to make clear that this does not reflect the position of the entire family," the two brothers said in a joint statement after their mother and four siblings endorsed the show.

"While we wholeheartedly support the spirit of a tribute that honors our brother, we find it impossible to support an event that is due to take place during the criminal trial surrounding Michael's death," Jermaine and Randy Jackson said.

Members of the Jackson family taking the stage October 8 include several of Michael Jackson's brothers, "the next generation of Jacksons," and 3T, which consists of Tito Jackson's three sons, the promoters said.

Alternative rock band Alien Ant Farm and British R&B singer Craig David are also on the bill.

"This concert will unite various generations and musical genres, reminding everyone of just how amazing a talent Michael was," Global Live Events executive Paul Ring said.

Fans can "register their interest for tickets" online at http://www.michaelforevertribute.com/ through Thursday, the promoter said. A lottery will determine which fans will be invited to purchase tickets, it said.

The concert in the Wales Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, which seats 75,000 people, would be at least four hours long, Global Live Events CEO Chris Hunt said.

A spokesman for Michael Jackson's estate said last month that the promoters never sought or obtained permission from the estate's executors to use the late pop singer's name or image.

"The estate has not been contacted and is not involved with Global Live Events in the UK tribute concert announced today," spokesman Jim Bates told CNN at the time.

KISS fans meet two band members in Myrtle Beach

SC now.com
MYRTLE BEACH, SC --

A couple hundred fans of the rock band KISS got to meet some of the guys Saturday at Broadway at the Beach. It was part of the kiss coffeehouse's 5th anniversary of its opening.

Drummer Eric Singer and lead guitarist Tommy Thayer took pictures with fans as well as signed autographs and participated in a question/ answer session with the kiss army.

But the day was about the people who made these two and "kiss" rock legends, the fans.

"The fans always love any opportunity they can get to meet the guys in the band," said Johnny Rock, owner of KISS Coffeehouse. "So that's what it's all about, getting out here with the fans and spending some time. Let them know how we appreciate their continued support and loyalty over all these years."

Staff at the coffeehouse says members of the band have been coming to Myrtle Beach every year for the anniversary. However, they say fans will have to wait until the next big milestone, the 10 year anniversary, to see any one else.

KISS Coffehouse Anniversary Attracts Hundreds of KISS Fans

Las Vegas Kiss CoffeeHouse Location Announced
Kissonline
Fans from over 30 states and Canada (and some from as far away as Switzerland!) came to Myrtle Beach to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the KISS Coffehouse with Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer!


Tommy and Eric signed for over 7 1/2 hours straight, greeting fans and taking photos. After the long autograph session ended, Eric and Tommy went on stage and held a question-and-answer session with the audience. During the Q&A, it was revealed that the KISS Coffeehouse will be opening a new restaurant / coffeehouse location in Las Vegas next year! More details about this exciting development will be posted on KISSonline in the months ahead.

KISSonline wishes to thank Johnny Rock and the entire KISS Coffeehouse crew for putting together this fantastic event. Tommy and Eric extend a special thank-you to the many KISS Army members in attendance as well!

KISStory: August 13, 1999

Kiss' first full feature film, DETROIT ROCK CITY, opened nation-wide on this day in 1999. Released through New Line Cinema, the film centered on four teenagers in their quest of zany adventures to see Kiss at the famed Cobo Hall in Detroit. The film stars Edward Furlong, Sam Huntington, Giuseppe Andrews, James DeBello, Lin Shaye, Melanie Lynskey and Natasha Lyonne and featured KISS performing at the end of the movie. Adam Rifkin directed the film and was produced by 1970's Kiss photgrapher Barry Levine and Gene Simmons.

The film's soundtrack is one of the finest collections of 1970's rock that rivals another period piece, Dazed and Confused, which also featured Kiss. Both films are available on DVD.

KISS Kruise Announces 'Special Guests" to Perform

KISS Kruise has announced the line-up of 'special guests' for the upcoming cruise. McGhee mates, SKID ROW, Gene's band The ENVY, BAD ("Call Paul Stanley") CITY and Comedian Craig Gass will all perform.

For more info go to www.thekisskruise.com

"Lopez Tonight!" Ends Run with a KISS Bang

George Lopez has ended his 2-year run with late night talker, "Lopez Tonight!" with a rendition of "Rock And Roll All Nite." Lopez houseband Michael Bearden & the Ese Vatos along with Slash, Sheila E. and Kevin Cronin (of REO Speedwagon) performed the KISS classic at the end of the show.
Here's the clip:

Tommy Thayer Interviewed: Tommy Talks About KISS CoffeeHouse Celebration

The party will rock and roll all afternoon and night on Saturday.
By Steve Palisin/The Sun News


A fifth anniversary party for the KISS Coffeehouse at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, with events starting at 10 a.m., will center around two special guests from the group: drummer Eric Singer and lead guitarist Tommy Thayer.

Thayer was on hand for the second-year celebration in September 2008, after KISS co-founders bassist Gene Simmons and guitarist Paul Stanley marked the grand opening in June 2006.

Singer and Thayer will take photos, meet fans and answer questions, before a KISS Army concert and after-party to round out the evening.

Thayer, who sports the spaceman makeup, took a few minutes Tuesday afternoon by phone to talk about the group and the coffeehouse.

Question
How does this extra interaction with fans, such as through the party this weekend in Myrtle Beach, remind you how the KISS name, concept, sound and look have remained a cultural touchstone for fans through the decades?
Answer
It just shows you the uniqueness of KISS and what it promotes. … It’s just a opportunity, now that we are off tour, to get together with some of out dearest and nearest fans, at a KISS Coffeehouse. What other bands can say something like that?

Q.
What’s your greatest memory as the guest of honor for the KISS Coffeehouse second anniversary celebration?
A.
There was a kid named Todd who won a contest to sing “Forever” with me on stage. We took submissions from hundreds of fans who emailed their version of them singing our song “Forever.” He won, and he had a great voice. It was a cool, interactive thing to do with fans.

Q.
Did you have a favorite KISS song before you joined the group, and what’s a tune you love performing on stage from almost a decade on stage with the group?
A.
I remember one of my first favorite KISS songs, from the first KISS album, in 1974. That was “Black Diamond.” It’s always been one of my favorite KISS songs. In live performance, I love “God Gave Rock ‘N’ Roll to You.” It’s actually more complex than other KISS songs. It’s a very guitar-driven anthem, which I love.

Q.
What extra publicity have the A&E series “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” and Simmons’ role on Donald Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice” provided for the band’s continuing popularity?
A.
Gene and Paul together have continued the KISS legacy for 40 years. You have to really tip your hat to both of them. …Gene’s TV shows have been very popular, and I think that has brought some awareness, too. … Paul is producing the new KISS studio album. When it comes to … the mission of what KISS is, looks and sounds like, he’s more hands-on in that. Sometimes Paul doesn’t say as much, and he keeps a lower profile, but that shouldn’t conceal the fact that he’s more of the driving force behind KISS.

Q.
With KISS members entertaining frequently for U.S troops around the world, how humbling an experience do you bring home each time?
A.
It’s something we take a lot of pride in. The Wounded Warrior Project was something we got involved in a year ago. … My dad is a retired brigadier general who was in the Army. I’ve been around this stuff a long time. All the troops: They are the real heroes of the country.

Read more: http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/08/11/2326849/kiss-coffeehouse-hits-five-years.html#ixzz1UoZtk54C

KISS CoffeeHouse Anniversary Tomorrow!

KISS Coffeehouse 5th Year Anniversary Party Saturday, August 13th, 2011


KissCoffeeHouse.com

Schedule Of Events*

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Professional Photographs @ KISS Coffeehouse

(Platinum & Double Platinum Packages Only)

12:30 PM – 5:00 PM Meet & Greet w/Eric & Tommy @ KISS Coffeehouse

7:00 PM – 7:30 PM Q&A Session w/Eric & Tommy @ Celebrity Square

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM KISS Army Concert @ Celebrity Square

10:30 PM – ??? After Party w/KISS Army @ KISS Coffeehouse
*Schedule is tentative, and all times are approximate, and subject to change.

ALL Kids 10 & Under Get In FREE With Paid Adult!

Visit http://www.kisscoffeehouse.com/ / for more information.

KISSology IV Contents Revealed

Kissology 4 contents have been revealed. We are jazzed to know that a full DESTROYER show has been included. The fourth installment in this amazing series will be released (November) in time for the Christmas shopping season. Tommy Thayer has been working on the project as he's done with the previous releases.

1976 - Houston full "Destroyer" show

1977 - Cobo Hall
1980 – "Kids Are People Too" segment
1983 – U.S. Armed Forces segment on Lick It Up Tour
2002 - Winter Olympics
2007 - "VH1 Rock Honors"
2009 - Cobo Hall full Alive35 show
2009 - "Modern Day Delilah"
2010 - Wetten Dass Medley
Bonus Disc: Anaheim 1976

Paul Stanley and Erin Sutton Welcome Fourth Child

By Alla Byrne and Sarah Michaud


The KISS Army continues to grow.

The band's lead singer/guitarist Paul Stanley and his wife Erin, an attorney, welcomed daughter Emily Grace Stanley on Tuesday in Los Angeles, he tells PEOPLE.

Emily, who weighed in at 7 lbs., 10 oz., joins elder siblings Sarah Brianna, 2½, Colin Michael, 4½, and Evan Shane, 17, Stanley's son from a previous relationship.

"Erin and I are once again blessed with the addition of Emily Grace to our family," the rocker, 59, says. "I'm not sure she can sing but her first screams let me know she's definitely Daddy's girl."

Stanley – who's also a successful painter – just completed a series of sold-out KISS dates and is currently producing the band's next album.

As for having kids later in life, Stanley says his age doesn't slow him down.

"I may be 59," he told PEOPLE in February, "but the only rocking chair this rocker is getting ready for is the one for my new baby."

KISS Urn Available

FIRST-EVER KISS CREMATION URN READY TO ROCK THE FUNERAL INDUSTRY

Eternal Image, Inc., a public company engaged in the design, manufacturing and marketing of officially licensed, Brand-name memorial products, today announced that the first of its official KISS cremation urns is now available for purchase.

KISS is famous for its explosive live performances and outrageous rock and roll style. In their forty year career, the band has achieved record-breaking tours, album sales in excess of 100 million, a huge "KISS Army" fan base, and the most memorable look in all of rock history.

“We call this particular KISS urn our ‘Monument’ model,” said Donna Shatter, VP of Operations for the Company. “This urn offers fans a unique expression of their passion for the legendary rock band. It features full-color images of the band members and the KISS flame logo—all displayed against a striking black metallic finish.”

The Monument model KISS urn is eight inches tall. The Company plans to release three additional urn models later this year.

http://www.eternalimage.net/product/kiss

KISStory: Kiss Unplugged August 9, 1995

August 9, 1995 saw KISS at Sony Studios, New York to record KISS Unplugged with original members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, along with Gene, Paul, Eric and Bruce. This memorable show sparked the ALIVE/WORLDWIDE tour (and biggest tour of 1996!) with Gene, Ace, Peter and Paul in full make-up which began in June at Tiger Stadium, Detroit.

Gene Simmons Speaking Engagements Australia in November

LIVE FOR HIS FIRST EVER SPEAKING TOUR

GENE SIMMONS
ONE NIGHT ONLY IN EACH CITY.
Kiss Army Australia

This is your chance to listen to Gene and ask questions about his
incredible life and the phenomenon that is KISS.
Gene will be up close and personal. Drawing from his New York Times
bestseller Kiss and Make Up, he will tell it like it is and show an insight
into the awsome juggernaut that has sold more than 75 million albums and
conquered the world.

Tickets are extremely limited. Shows start at 8pm sharp.

ON SALE AUGUST 12

SYDNEY
TUE NOV 5
CONVENTION CENTRE
http://www.ticketek.com/
or PH 9266 4800

MELBOURNE
WED NOV 6
PALAIS THEATRE
Book at the Palais Theatre

Phonecharge 9537 2444
or Ticketmaster7.
Giant Video Screens at all venues. This is not a Live Concert. New footage

will be shown and some material may offend, shock and titillate some
viewers. Bring still cameras but video cameras and audio recorders not
allowed.

Shock N Roll 25 - A KISS Is Still A KISS/Chilling With The Catman

Fearnet.com

by Tim Sullivan



This week, (August 13th to be exact) marks the 12th anniversary of the 1999 release of Detroit Rock City, the first major movie I produced, and the project that introduced me to its director Adam Rifkin. It was on this flick Rif and I first conceived Chillerama, which all these years later is finally seeing the light of day. Of all the projects I have worked on, none have been as magical as Detroit Rock City. It truly was a labor of love, and the culmination, at the time, of many elements in my life coming together, my undying love for the rock group KISS topping the list. The thread which KISS has woven through my life is undeniable. It ties me to so many aspects of my existence. Friendships. Creative collaborations. My career. . I don't think it will ever end. (Hell - just compare Phil Robert's artwork for Detroit Rock City to his artwork for Chillerama!


Recently, I went back to New Jersey to show my segment of Chillerama on a double bill with Detroit Rock City. These two films serve as fine bookends to my professional film career (at least till I make another film). While I was there, I had the extreme honor and pleasure of spending an afternoon with the Catman himself, Mr. Peter Criss.



I've always shared a bond with Peter a bit different then my relationship with the other guys in the band. Maybe it's the strong Catholic upbringing and faith that we share. Maybe it's the fact we both seem to have many lives and incarnations. Maybe it's that, even among the outsiders who have accepted us where the mainstream has not, we still stick out and refuse to march to no other drum beat then our own. One thing's for sure - we share a common love for horror, a connection whose depth I honestly did not realize.



That conversation is the subject of this week's SHOCK N ROLL TV at the end of this column, but beforehand, in honor of Detroit Rock City's 12th birthday, here is my personal tribute to the band which changed my life. For as my time with Peter Criss proved without a doubt, with or without make-up, decades later in an ever changing world., you must remember this...

A KISS IS STILL A KISS

In the archetypal zone between child and adult, many dreamers wish upon a star. I wished upon a KISS. Four of them. A Demon. A Star Child. A Space Ace. And a Cat Man. Endlessly damned by an absentee father and a one note society that I would never amount to anything due to my choices and preferences (monster mags over baseball cards, Rock 'n Roll over Bach, the guy next door over the girl...), I took solace in the hope that, although pimply and overweight, beneath that exterior and the assessment of others, a God of Thunder loomed growing within.

GENE SIMMONS INTERVIEWED FOR FANGORIA BY TIM SULLIVAN 1983: "Everybody at one point is a pudgy little kid. Nobody's interested in a sob story. The difference between dreamers and doers is in the doing. Either go out and do it, or don't."

I first saw KISS in '77. I befriended Gene in '83. Paul in '87. Ace and Peter In 1998, when I produced Detroit Rock City. The journey has been one of non stop rebellion. A rebellion against conformity and the mundane. I learned that attitude from my rock and roll saviors, a message shouted out quite loudly, though Gene will insist there never was one. I beg to disagree. As do others.

PAUL STANLEY INTERVIEWED FOR GO FIGURE! BY TIM SULLIVAN 1997: "The medium that I chose is music, but the message is one not bound by music. It's a call to everybody to break down the barriers, live up to their potential and not listen to the naysayers. The people who say that you "can't" are inevitably the ones who failed."

Empowering words from a purported Knight in Satan's Service, as those sad fringe who never "got it" (and still don't) would make anyone who'd listen believe. I thank fate, and my grease painted Four, that I always could see beyond the norm. Beyond the critical eye of those who judge limply from the audience, rather then dance wildly up on stage.

GENE SIMMONS INTERVIEWED FOR GO FIGURE! BY TIM SULLIVAN 1997: "Critical credibility? Never had it. Fashion? I could give a shit about fashion. I want passion. Passion is forever."

I could never grasp the thought process of those who "grew up" and "moved on" from their teenage empowerments. I'm not talking about outgrowing a fad or a phase. I'm talking about moving on from one's heroes. Abandoning one's God. KISS never abandoned their flock. When the masks fell away in the 80's, and the creatures of the night now walked in the day, all the more was the message pounded home to me that although my surface may have read "Clark Kent", in my heart beat "Superman".

GENE SIMMONS INTERVIEWED FOR FAMOUS MONSTERS BY TIM SULLIVAN 1999: "In creating KISS, everybody in the band went to their childhood impressions. I think we're all a result of our youth. That's clearly what I am."

When the impossible happened in '96, and the sacred originals united both in spirit and persona, it was the resurrection the loyal minions had been waiting for. The prodigal who had "matured" and "strayed" were also welcomed back. Today, 14 years later, the band still plays on, as it has for almost forty years. As it so obviously will forever.

PAUL STANLEY INTERVIEWED FOR SHOCK N ROLL BY TIM SULLIVAN 2005: "My persona as Starchild can live on timelessly, regardless of my age, because that persona is the physical embodiment of everything I stand for. And that is Freedom. Freedom, and the strength to be yourself at all costs."

I attend the ceremony now, the opposite of the portrait my detractors had painted. Far from amounting to a "corrupted nothing", I can say with grateful humility I am a "fulfilled something". My dreams have all come true. I wished on a KISS, and now I am one. We all are, those who hear the call to self adventure. Those who see beyond the critics and the buzz killers and the dream poisoners. Those enlightened dreamers, just like The Demon, Star Child, Space Ace and Cat Man themselves, who refuse to live in a world without heroes...
SHOCK N ROLL -
Tim Sullivan

THIS WEEK ON SNR TV:
Writer/Director Tim Sullivan (2001 MANIACS/ CHILLERAMA) and former KISS member Peter Criss chat about their mutual love of the horror genre that inspired four guys from Brooklyn to put on greasepaint and change the face of rock and roll forever.... (Edited by Brandon Gramling)

KISS's Ace Frehley Tells All (Or Some?) In Advance Of Upcoming Memoir

by Jaan Uhelszki/the Morton Report




While Gene Simmons closed out the season of Family Jewels on bended knee, asking Shannon Tweed, his long-time companion and mother of his two grown children, to marry him, his former bandmate Ace Frehley is getting ready to release his autobiography titled No Regrets: A Rock 'N' Roll Memoir. In stores and available for Kindle on November 1, 2011, it's coming out on Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Shuster.
Although a canny writer, Frehley enlisted the help of New York Times reporter Joe Layden to help him pen the 288-page tome, although what he needed the most help with was making sure he remembered everything accurately - having spent much of those years in an alcoholic haze. "It's hard for me to remember a lot of stuff, so what I've been doing is getting together with people I used to work with and usually they have better memories of situations than I do. You know, old bodyguards."

As a result he has a no-holds-barred book that will rip the mask off all those apocryphal (and not-so-apocryphal) KISS stories. For the record, Frehley performed with KISS from its inception in 1973 until his first departure in 1982. He was persuaded to rejoin KISS in 1996 for their reunion tour. His second stint lasted until 2002.



Frehley talks to us about his years as Space Ace, why he was forced to room with Simmons in the early years, and what it really felt like getting electrocuted, and being sober for the past five years. If he told us all that, imagine what he's held back for the book.

"I had an argument with Gene and Paul who said that because they write most of the material that I was not very bright. So I said, 'You'd be surprised how bright I am.' I bought these IQ tests, and Paul and I took them. There was no fooling around; we timed it and went by the rules. Paul's IQ is 140, which is very good, near genius. Mine is 164, which is genius. I always knew I was brighter than the next kid; I was just bored."

Looking back, how do you think people looked at KISS?
I think a lot of musicians, serious musicians, when they look at KISS, just write us off as clowns. I understand it, you know? The other day I was listening to Alive IV and even Alive II, and I really wasn't happy with the mix. Stuff like that started happening more and more often. Paul and Gene would make decisions without consulting me, and it got really frustrating.

What do you know now about life that you didn't know when you first started with KISS?

Well, I'm a lot more apt about business matters. I was pretty out of the loop back then. And after you get screwed four or five times by different people, you start reading the fine print. I have a much better overview of the business. I look at it as a producer, I look at it as a songwriter, I look at it as a performing artist. And it's nice to be able to do that, and not just look at it as a rock star. Because sometimes a rock star's view is slightly jaded and colored by the people around them who want maybe don't always tell them the truth.

The biggest thing that happened is I got sober. All my creative powers were unleashed. I wasn't sedated. It's funny, my whole life I was saying to myself I need this stuff to create, only to fine out later on in life, I'm more creative without it. There's that sick little voice in your head that tells you you need it to socialize. You need it to do this, you need it to do that. And none of it is true. It's just your insecurities coming out, which everybody has whether they want to admit it or not.

When you were drinking a lot did you still pick up the guitar?

No. But then I never practiced every day. I don't like to practice. I like spontaneity. When I don't play guitar for a week and I pick it up, it's better.

Did you feel your talent was undervalued when you were in KISS?

Well, it seemed like it. Paul and Gene never wanted to give me the credit that was due. It was like in a lot of instances they tried to bury the fact that I did A, B, C, and D. I can't remember Paul or Gene ever saying, "Wow, that was a great solo." On some of my classic guitar solos that were on their songs. But what goes around comes around. They have a new album coming out and I have a new album coming out, and you know what's going to happen. People are going to compare the two. That's all I'm going to say about that.

In 1977 the Gallup poll named KISS the most popular band in America. How did being on top affect your creativity?

I think it gave me false confidence. For a while I believed that we were better than we were. I think we got complacent with our music and the show. It's like when you're on top, where do you go? I told Paul and Gene from the outset that the The Elder album was a huge mistake, and they didn't listen to me. I knew at that point in time we needed to do something heavy and powerful and strong. I was really frustrated doing that project.

Could you be who you are now without having been in KISS?

I knew I was destined to be a rock star. I just knew it, like I've always had the power of foresight. I feel right now exactly the way I felt after I finished mixing my first solo album New York Groove. That was a special record. I feel that same way now and hopefully history's going to repeat itself. I'm in a good place. Like in 2000, after I left the reunion tour or the farewell tour, whichever the fuck it was - the never-ending tour.

I had been abusing a lot of things and I wasn't in good shape and it took a while for me to get my wits back. But I'm probably stronger now than I've ever been in my life, and I need to let everybody know I'm back. I know for a while Paul and Gene weren't saying good things about me, and that's okay. Everything that comes around goes around.
Read the rest HERE!

Happy Birthday, Vinnie Vincent!

Kiss Mask Webzine would like to wish (a belated) Happy Birthday to Vinnie Vincent, born August 6, 1952. Vinnie turns 59. We have been offline the last two days due to maintenance.

KISS COFFEEHOUSE ANNIVERSARY SCHEDULE

KISS Coffeehouse 5th Year Anniversary Party Saturday, August 13th, 2011
KissCoffeeHouse.com


Schedule Of Events*

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Professional Photographs @ KISS Coffeehouse

(Platinum & Double Platinum Packages Only)

12:30 PM – 5:00 PM Meet & Greet w/Eric & Tommy @ KISS Coffeehouse

7:00 PM – 7:30 PM Q&A Session w/Eric & Tommy @ Celebrity Square

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM KISS Army Concert @ Celebrity Square

10:30 PM – ??? After Party w/KISS Army @ KISS Coffeehouse

*Schedule is tentative, and all times are approximate, and subject to change.

ALL Kids 10 & Under Get In FREE With Paid Adult!

Visit http://www.kisscoffeehouse.com/  for more information.

GENE AND PAUL TO COLLOBORATE ON MEMOIR

The Hollywood Reporter

'Nothin’ To Lose' charting the band's rise will be published in Summer 2012.


Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, two of the founders of legendary superband KISS, are collaborating with rock journalist Ken Sharp on Nothin’ To Lose, an oral history of the band’s early years, from its founding in 1973 to the 1975 release of its breakout concert album Alive! The book will include interviews with bandmates Peter Criss and Ace Frehley, other rock stars of the era, and the behind-the-scenes players. The book will feature never-before-published photographs. IT Books, an imprint of Harper Collins is scheduled to publish the book in Summer 2012. Drummer Peter Criss has his own memoir due in 2012.

IT Books Editor Denise Oswald exlusively talked to The Hollywood Reporter about the project. “KISS is one of the most beloved and influential hard rock bands of the last forty years. What is particularly fascinating about this project is about how the band got off the ground, how they came up with the concept of who they were that so defined them and captured the love and imagination of all of their fans.” Oswald says the book is about more than just the band. “Its also an amazing depiction of New York in the early seventies--its Manhattan, its Queens, you have members of the Ramones, members of Blue Oyster Cult, touring with and playing with Kiss. You really get this incredible portrait of a time.”

Simmons and Stanley founded KISS in 1973 after their previous band Wicked Lester broke up. They found drummer Peter Criss and lead guitarist Ace Frehley through advertisements in East Coast rock magazines. The band’s first few albums recorded so-so sales, but KISS gained a reputation as a sensational live act for their makeup and Simmon’s theatrics, which included spitting blood and breathing fire. They also cultivated an airy of mystery by not allowing themselves to be photographed out of makeup. Band members have also talked in interviews about the epic backstage partying that went on during its early years. Kiss’s big breakthrough came in 1975 with the release of ALIVE!, which featured the its first top-40 hit in the live version of "Rock and Roll All Nite."

Eric Singer Bravewords Interview Part 2; New KISS Album due in early 2012

KISSOLOGY IV: "Should be out before Christmas"

Mitch Lafon/Bravewords&Bloody Knuckles
KISS drummer Eric Singer recently sat down with BraveWords.com scribe, Mitch Lafon, for an all-encompassing three-hour chat. Part I of the sit-down can be found here. In Part II, Eric discusses more of KISS' upcoming plans.


On the upcoming KISSology IV DVD Box set: “It should be out before Christmas. It’ll be about twelve hours of stuff. Tommy has been putting it all together, but I can’t tell you exactly what is on it because we still have to get the rights to some of the stuff. The band has to buy the rights even if it’s only one song like on David Letterman or Jay Leno. Even though it’s your performance, it’s their show and they own it. KISSology IV picks up where the last one left off. For the most part it runs chronologically, but there is some old vintage stuff on there that they had been trying to find. It’s all a matter of clearance and them getting permission to use certain stuff. There’s an A list of stuff we want, a B list of stuff we know we can use and C list of stuff we have to wait and see if we can use, but I do know there will be a Cobo Hall (Detroit) concert from 2009.”

On the topic of Paul Stanley: “Paul is the consummate pro. Paul never complains. He’s calm before the show, but when he walks out on stage he flips the switch, goes 100%, gives it all and never ever complains. This is a guy who has had both knees replaced, his hip (on the right side) replaced twice and torn both rotator cuffs (in his shoulders). He might say, ’I’m really sore, so I’ll need a massage or I’m staying in bed today, but still after all he’s had done he never complains.”

KISS maven, Gene Simmons: “Gene is the archivist in KISS. Anytime there’s an article about KISS, Gene tears it out nicely and he puts them in these big coffee table sized books. He used to have them stacked at home under the bed at his mom’s house, but I don’t know where he stores them now. He collects anything and everything KISS."

As for Gene’s love of money, Singer says: “I laugh when people say that all Gene Simmons cares about is money. Nobody really knows who Gene is. Nobody loves KISS more than Gene… NOBODY! Gene eats, breathes, and lives everything KISS. That’s what he does. Gene is a workaholic. We’re on a day off right now and I’m at home, but Gene’s in Vancouver doing demos with local musicians. He’s working on song ideas for the new record. He did it in Toronto last week on his day off too. Gene can’t sit still. He can’t just relax by the pool and get some sun. That’s just the way he is. He’s got work ethic like nobody’s business. There’s nobody more driven and with a better work ethic than Gene. Gene is 24/7 KISS. Everything he does is because of KISS.”

On KISS’ work ethic, Singer states: “These guys don’t fuck around. When we meet at rehearsal, they put on the guitars and gear and we run the set from front to back and it’s see you guys later. Let’s say the set takes two hours to run down, we’re there no more than three hours. Other bands goof around for hours, but these guys come in and ‘bam’ they run this shit down and get it done with. They do their work and leave. Still to this day (38 years or whatever later), they still do the work and whatever it takes that you are supposed to do to be in band. They will talk to Joe Fucks website. Whatever interview list they give us to do… we do it. In other words, we do the work. That’s why, for any of the naysayers out there, we get along and this line-up works. This is why Gene and Paul still want to play and enjoy it. We’re all completely different in our personalities, but when it comes to being in a band everybody treats KISS professionally and with respect. It’s about being respectful to it and being serious. Bottom line is that this band has given everybody a life style that is better than most people and that comes from them doing the due diligence, doing the work, treating it with professionalism, respect, and not running away from the work. It gets done. I’ve learned a lot from Gene and Paul about those things that are taken for granted by most musicians. Much smaller bands will sit there and have an attitude about doing interviews… ‘I don’t want to do this or I don’t want to do that,’ and you know Mitch – you hear it and see it all the time. Then you see a band like KISS, that will do whatever they have to do.”

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At Pacific University's Legends Golf Classic, 'magical jam session' brings sports donors out in droves

By Kelly House, The Oregonian


You know it's going to be a party when the host is a famous guitarist and the guest list includes several of his rock star friends.


Organizers of Pacific University's annual Legends Golf Classic charity tournament, which finished its fifth run Monday at Aloha's The Reserve Vineyards & Golf Club, say its star-studded, rambunctious atmosphere has made it the university's most hyped yearly fundraiser.

"I've had phone calls and emails from people at Division I and Division II schools from all over the country, just asking how to put something like this on," Pacific Athletic Director Ken Schumann said at Monday's tournament.

Not bad for an event that began like many other small schools' charity golf outings: Just a couple of dozen Pacific sports supporters swinging clubs to support the athletic department.

Enter KISS lead guitarist Tommy Thayer, a Beaverton native who serves on Pacific's board of trustees, and the smalltime fundraiser became a place to see, be seen, and party like a rock star.

"It just kind of makes you feel special when you're going to spend money on a cause," said Marshal Burgess, 38, of Portland, who gushed about his dinner with actor Clint Howard the night before.

The backstory goes like this: Schumann invited Thayer, then a new trustee, to participate in that year's the golf outing. Thayer accepted, but on one condition.

"I said of course I would, but I want to make it a really top-notch event," Thayer said as he prepared to tee off Monday.

Luckily, Thayer's address book is filled with other celebrity musicians and pro golfers he's met through the pro-am circuit. He called up a few friends, asked them to join, and soon the small fundraiser earned the title of "celebrity golf outing."

Pacific earned $75,000 in Thayer's first year at the golf outing. This year, Schumann expects the event to net at least $180,000, with 160 people paying top dollar to hit balls with their music and sports idols.

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Kiss final show of tour at Verona, NY 6/28/11

Enjoy the fan filmed video from Kiss' final show of the "Lost Cities" Tour at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY., July 28, 2011.

Kiss performs SHOUT IT OUT LOUD and ROCK AND ROLL ALL NITE: