KISS Reflects on 40 Years: 1973-2013

(Kissonline)
My dream from the start was five years of glory with KISS. Along with Peter and Ace, we kicked doors open that stood in our way, and every band member who has stood with me at some point during these decades has played an essential part in turning that five year dream into a phenomenal 40 year reality. I thank each of you for your contribution to this milestone.

Our journey and victories are a joy I also share with you, our fans who have always given us the freedom to stand and fall on our own terms, and we have done both with a grateful smile. For the past ten years, Tommy and Eric’s pride and dedication have enabled Gene and I to reclaim and celebrate all that we have been, while continuing to move forward in a way that would have been impossible without them. I love playing with the band as it is today, and many of my proudest moments are tied to moments of magic we have created together in the studio and on the stage. I know we’re ready to do it again.

Humble thanks.

---

A special thanx to ALL of the Fans who have been with the band on this roller coaster ride called KISS for 40 years! I am honored to be a part of this machine and pay special respect to all members past & present. I especially want to thank Paul, Gene, Tommy & Doc McGhee for giving me a place to call home. And most importantly the Fans. YOU Fuel this engine!

---

At 40 years strong, I'm proud to be in one of the greatest bands in rock history. KISS is a band that is as full of life and vitality today as it was 10, 20, 30 and 40 years ago. All eras of the band should be celebrated today. Long live KISS.

---

To the Kiss Army - who made it all possible for us.

To Paul, without whom I would never have been able to achieve my dreams.

And to the band - past and present, for continuing to treat the stage as holy ground and the fans as our bosses.

Here's to another 40 years!

KISS at The Coventry: January 1973-The First Shows

KISS @ 40

KISS played their first show's as a new band at the famous Coventry in Queens, New York.

Strutter
January 1973, The Coventry, Queens, New York



100,000 Years



Firehouse



Let Me Go, Rock And Roll



Nothin' To Lose

KISStory: January 30, 1973 - The Coventry

KISS @ 40

(Kissonline)
On this day in KISStory - Forty years ago today, January 30, 1973, KISS performed their very first concert at Popcorn (The Coventry) in Queens, NY. The band performed 2 sets at the club that night for a crowd of under 10 people.

Gene recalls how that show came about:

1973 was the beginning.

Wicked Lester had just finished its album for EPIC RECORDS. There were five members in the band, including Paul and myself. Though we had a real recording contract with a major label, and though we had finished an entire album, we were depressed. It just wasn't what we had envisioned.

So, we started again. We tried firing the other three guys in Wicked Lester, but some wouldn't leave. So, we quit.

We started again with a vision. 'Let's put together the band we never saw on stage.'

We got a manager named LOU LINET, who managed JF MURPHY AND FREE FLOWING SALT and DIANA MARCOVITZ (or something like that)...and when he heard the newborn baby -- KISS. He thought it was the worst crap he had ever heard. Needless to say, he was gone immediately. So, we were managerless.

I put together a bio kit, while I worked at the Puerto Rican Interagency Council, as assistant to the Director. Peter's friend owned a printing press and printed up our invites.

But, where to play? We didn't have a manager. We didn't have an agent. We never had.

I made a phone call cold to a place called Popcorn in Queens, NY and on the phone convinced the guy to hire a band, who would soon be changing their name from WICKED LESTER to KISS.

We got the gig -- three nights -- Wed, Thurs and Fri for the sum total of $150.

That was the beginning.

Creatures of the Net: Why I Love KISS

For their 40th anniversary, COTN host, Cassius Morris, does a 7 minute spoken word piece on why he has such a passion for KISS. This is a raw, commercial free salute to the hottest band in the world.
Follow the show on Twitter and Facebook @COTNPodcast
Follow Cassius on Twitter @ThatReporterKid
Vote Cassius as “Best Podcaster” in the Shorty Awards: http://www.shortyawards.com/thatreporterkid
ThatReporterKid Speaks Podcast: http://www.thatreporterkid.com

Listen at Creatures of the Net

ACE FREHLEY Recording New Album with help of Eddie Trunk?

Eddie Trunk tweeted this out:

Eddie TrunkVerified‏@EddieTrunk27 Jan

“@big_tall_mike: @EddieTrunk do you think Ace Frehley will record another album ? I really like Anomaly.” Yes, helping him with it now

 

Thoughts anyone?

KISS To Headline London's Hard Rock Calling At New Olympic Park?

by Jon Stickler/Stereoboard

Are Live Nation on the verge of announcing one of the world's biggest bands, KISS, for a Hard Rock Calling headline performance at London's Olympic Park this summer?

At the end of last week, Live Nation announced they had secured London's Olympic Park and Stadium for future live music events. The Live Nation move to the Olympic Park marks the end of a 10-year deal with The Royal Parks. Last year, Live Nation had to deal with a number of complaints from local residents about the noise levels surrounding Hyde Park during events. You may recall Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney being "cut-off" after their show over-ran last summer.

With the annual Wireless Festival and Hard Rock Calling - both of which were previously staged at London's Hyde Park - already confirmed for the brand new venue, glam-rock legends KISS are rumoured to be this year's headliners for the Hard Rock Calling event.

Live Nation have already confirmed they plan to announce "some major concerts with world-renowned artists" over the next few weeks, could KISS be one of the first big acts to be announced?

UK fans have been anticipating a new tour announcement from KISS for a while. The band performed an intimate fundraiser gig for the Help for Heroes charity in London last summer, following the cancellation of Sonisphere Festival, a festival they were due to headline. Ever since, the band have set tongues wagging about a return to the UK and the possibility of a full UK tour to support their most recent album 'Monster'.

Kiss have remained tight-lipped about a UK visit and nothing has been officially confirmed by both the band or Live Nation, however, KISS have toured America, live shows have been confirmed for Europe and the UK are still awaiting for that all important announcement.

ACE FREHLEY to Appear at Monsterpalooza

Ace Signing Appearence for April 2013

Ace Frehley has been confirmed to appear at Monsterpalooza in Burbank, CA., April 12, 13 and 14, 2013 signing autographs  The event will be held at the Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in Burbank. Tickets are $20.00 for each day ($25.00 at the door on Saturday only), $50.00 for three day pass. For more information, check out Monsterpalooza's site HERE.

KISS @ 40: KISS Live #2

EXCITER
Essen, Germany 11/11/83



SHE
Cobo Hall, Detroit  1/26/76



Nothin' To Lose/Firehouse/Black Diamond
ABC's "In Concert"  3/26/74

KISS Follow Up to "MONSTER"

Metal Talk
Chris Dale

Chris Dale is a Heavy Metal bassist. He is currently the bass player in TANK whose recent album, WAR NATION is out now. He has previously played with lots of Metal bands and projects, most notably a two year stint in Bruce Dickinson's solo band. Chris fronts the pop-group Sack Trick, DJs on TotalRock radio (Thursdays 3-6pm UK time) and in his spare time works on tour as a roady for anyone going to a hot climate...

My wish for 2013 would be another Kiss album before the end of the year. 'Monster' was great, I'm looking forward to the European tour in the Summer and I'm sure they'll be touring the world well into Autumn but I still want more. They'd probably say they didn't have time to write one by Christmas 2013 with their busy schedule but that's the cunning point - they don't have to write one. It's already done. They just have to record it and that would take them a month at most..

Van Halen got a bit of flak from some fans on their recent album 'A Different Kind of Truth' because songs such as 'Tattoo' and 'She's The Woman' were not newly written songs but re-workings of demos the band had recorded back in the 70s.

Van Halen have particular form in that area. 'House Of Pain' was demoed back in 1976 (with Gene Simmons producing), a full eight years before it was finally recorded and released on their '1984' album.

You can hear all the original demos on YouTube. I don't see anything wrong with that. They're Van Halen songs, they wrote them and most importantly, they're great tracks. The only shame is that we had to wait so long to hear them done properly.

I reckon Kiss have got at least an album's worth of unused material lying around. The thing is as I started to compile this list for fun, I realised it's not just another Kiss album, it's actually one of their best. There's some excellent tracks out there that they demoed but did not make it onto the finished albums for one reason or another.

You should of course bear in mind that the demos you are about to hear are not all of the best sound quality. The very meaning of a demo is a recording of a song to demonstrate the idea of it. They were only ever intended to be heard by the inner circle of the other band members, the producer and possibly a few of the management and record company. They were certainly never supposed to be heard by the fans and the world in general. Thanks to YouTube.

These recordings are mostly third or fourth generation cassette copies of unfinished and roughly mixed songs. Some of them were recorded with what sounds like the cheapest toy drum machine money can buy these days but those things were high-tech state of the art back in the 70s.

Other songs are layered in unflattering keyboard sounds that were all the rage in 80s home recording. Try to ignore these downfalls and appreciate the songs for the potential they undoubtedly have.

I'd like you to imagine these songs with the live drums, big guitars and general attitude that Kiss recently put into the 'Monster' recordings. This is VERY IMPORTANT!

1. WHAT HAPPENS IN THE DARKNESS OK, let's start our dream Kiss album with a stomping Paul and Gene shared vocal song. It's a cover. They've got previous for opening with covers. 'Is That You?' was written by Gerard McMahon, a young British artist yet it still sounds like a great Kiss tune when the boys rock it up.

This one is called 'What Happens In The Darkness'. It was written by Tamy Lester Smith and was originally recorded by Infinity back in 1971. Gene and Paul recorded it in 1972 for their band Wicked Lester long before they met Ace and Peter. A couple of other Wicked Lester songs made it onto later Kiss releases. Both 'She' and 'Love Her All I Can' were recorded by Wicked Lester prior to their appearance on 'Dressed To Kill'. I think they should use this one as well.


2. KEEP YOUR TAIL BETWEEN YOUR LEGS Like so many Kiss albums, I'd like to hear a good Gene song in second place. 'Keep Your Tail Between Your Legs' was written by Gene and Howard Rice (who was also Gene's writing partner on 'Anyway You Slice It'). It was demoed in early 1984 for the 'Animalize' album. It's difficult to imagine why they eventually chose 'Burn Bitch Burn' over this one for the final album. I especially love the very cool double tempo middle section.



Check out the rest of Dale's selections HERE.

TOMMY THAYER Tweets from NAAM

PAUL STANLEY & STEVEN TYLER Meet up on the Red Carpet

Paul Stanley and his wife Erin met up with Steven Tyler, Tom Hamilton and the Who's Roger Daltrey at the Voice Health Institute's Raise Your Voice Benefit. You may recall Tyler's not-so-nice comments on Kiss which led to an verbal exchange between Stanley and Tyler back in October 2012. However, they seemed to make nice on the red carpet at the charity event which took place in Beverly Hills on January 24.




Photo Source: WireImage

Three Sides of the Coin Podcast: The KISS Fans

Visit http://www.ThreeSidesOfTheCoin.com and join the conversation. Three Sides of the Coin is a KISS podcast featuring Michael Brandvold, Mitch Lafon and Tommy Sommers.

In episode #7 we talk about The KISS Fans. What makes someone a better KISS fan? Is your opinion of the band more important than other fans?

PAULSTANLEY: Bid on a Signed PS 150 Washburn and Phone Call from Paul!

CharityBuzz

Own a Washburn Paul Stanley model PS 150 electric guitar that was signed by Paul Stanley, one of rock's most legendary frontmen and rock icon.

 

You will also have the exclusive opportunity to speak with Paul when you receive a 5 minute phone call!5 minute phone call with Paul Stanley to be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time; based on availability. Expires 1 year from the close of the auction. Guitar in condition as donated. Cannot be returned or exchanged. Additional shipping charges may apply based upon the location of the winner.

 

The minimum shipping, handling and applicable insurance for this item is $89.95. Additional shipping charges may apply based upon the location of the winner. Hard copies of tickets, travel certificates and merchandise are shipped via FedEx or professional shipping service. Detailed redemption information for non-tangible items will be emailed to the winning bidder.

Donated By: Paul Stanley

 

Bid here at CharityBuzz (As of today there are 17 days left in the bidding and 7 bids)
NOTE: Bidding ends February 14, 2013 at 1:16PM (EST)

Kiss: 10 Awesome ‘70’s Songs You’ve Never Heard

KISS @ 40

WhatCulture!
American hard rock legends Kiss celebrate their fortieth anniversary this month and have marked the occasion by reminding us of this: Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss auditioned lead guitarist Ace Frehley in a New York City loft way back in 1973 and thus, Kiss was born. Love ‘em or hate ‘em you can’t deny the impact of Kiss and the legendary status that sees them continue to sell out large venues around the globe, even with half their original members replaced. For the purpose of this retrospective you need to know that I fall into the ‘love ‘em’ camp and I’m saying so up front just so we’re clear. What follows is gleaned from nearly 40 years of both loving and, at times, hating the band Kiss.
Like much of the world I didn’t become acquainted with the band until after the release of Kiss Alive in 1975 when the live version of Rock n Roll All Nite was blasting out of A.M. transistor radios everywhere. My American step-dad loved to smoke weed and get mellow to James Taylor and while I can and did appreciate the finer points of that he was not reciprocally open minded about my love for Kiss, an outrageously attired band in make-up who liked to blow stuff up, set things on fire and spit blood. In short he thought that Kiss was disgusting and for a rebellious, long-haired teen with a bad attitude, that was a recipe for unbridled joy.
This then is one writer’s opinion with respect to ten hidden gems that all but the most ardent of Kiss fans may have missed, an opinion formed through decades of being a Kiss fan and observer. I’ve organized these gems by release date in order to avoid a debate about how these songs would appear in a ‘top ten’ format. I have listed them this way as a purposeful construct, the idea being that each tune is worthy in and of itself to be included in the list without regard for how it stacks up against its brethren.
So, let’s proceed…

10. Goin' Blind/Hotter Than Hell, 1974



This Gene Simmons penned tune ranks among my fav’s for several reasons. Musically the track is the darkest, densest and most complex of Kiss’ early work. It features beautifully melodic guitar play between Stanley and Frehley as well as some of the latter’s best lead guitar soloing anywhere.
A mid-tempo heavy chord progression that leans toward the slow side carries the song which, incidentally, features a lyric that exists as a reminder that there was a pre- “G” rated, over-marketed Kiss that enjoyed some fairly twisted ideas. “I’m ninety-three and you’re sixteen” kind of says it all… is that even legal?

09. Strange Ways/Hotter Than Hell, 1974

If we accept the premise that Metal would soon to be birthed from an unholy melding of 60’s psychedelic/acid rock with early ‘70’s glam and hard rock then we need look no further than this track as a great example of proto-metal in the womb. The tune is penned by Frehley who lacked the confidence to do his own singing in the early days of Kiss so Peter Criss is featured on vocals a fact that is not nearly as annoying as it would prove to be later on in the decade. The brief moments of brilliance displayed by Frehley during his post-Kiss solo career are definitely foreshadowed here.

08. Room Service/Dressed To Kill, 1975

This high-energy opener to the album features a great repeating riff (during the chorus) and the walking bass-line style of Gene Simmons that featured so prominently on early Kiss albums. At this point in their career Kiss was a barely noticed NY phenomenon, a fact reflected in poor sales of their first three albums. Had the forthcoming Kiss Alive not catapulted them to fame it is more than likely that they would have been cast into rock’s rotting compost heap of almost made-its. The lyric is a typical Paul Stanley love-in that tells the tale of a rock star getting some, you guessed it… room service. Hilarious.
Check out the rest of the seven selections here.

KISS Live at the Coventry, 1973 - Video

KISS @ 40

Here is early video of KISS playing the Coventry in Queens, 1973. Here the band plays "Firehouse" and "Let Me Know" both from the first album, KISS.

KISS – ‘The Casablanca Singles Collection: A Review

         1974-1982  29 CD or 29 7" Box Set/ Universal ’

 

Now this is a very limited but seriously lavish box set – but then Kiss never did things by halves, especially during the makeup years. This set covers the classic era, considered by many (myself included) the best. There is SO much classic stuff here, and it covers the band’s career from the first album up to when lead guitarist Ace Frehley was replaced by Vinnie Vincent.

The first single Nothin’ To Lose is a little pedestrian by later standards, and Kissin’ Time (which I do rather like) is a tad cheesy but then it’s onto Rock’n’Roll All Nite (both studio and live versions) and Strutter and, well, you know all the period hits.


The Surprise hit Beth and the disco hit I Was Made For Loving You are all a great listen, as are the singles from the four solo albums.

Kiss were never really a solo kind of band, better known for their glam riffs, but Ace Frehley does pull some good solos and a lot of decent guitar work..

Most of the vocals are split between Simmons and Stanley, but there are a handful of tracks sung by Criss and Frehley (not just the solo singles). And if you explore deeper there is the odd track where bass is played by Frehley too.

The full track listing is below but it’s worth noting that the solo singles are as originally released, with mask insert and on coloured vinyl. Most of them come in picture sleeves, some are European variations.

The tracks are:

Nothin’ To Lose / Love Theme From Kiss
Kissin’ Time / Nothin’ To Lose
Strutter / 100,000 Years
Let Me Go Rock’n’Roll / Hotter Than Hell
Rock And Roll All Night / Getaway
C’mon And Love Me / Getaway
Rock And Roll All Night (live) / Rock And Roll All Night
Shout It Out Loud / Sweet Pain
Flaming Youth / God Of Thunder
Detroit Rock City / Beth
Beth / Detroit Rock City
Hard Luck Woman / Mr Speed
Calling Dr Love / Take Me
Christeen Sixteen / Shock Me
Love Gun / Hooligan
Shout It Out Loud (live) / Nothin’ To Lose (live)
Rocket Ride / Tomorrow And Tonight (live)
Strutter ’78 / Shock Me
Hold Me Touch Me / Goodbye (Paul Stanley)
New York Groove / Snow Blind (Ace Frehley)
Radioactive / See You In your Dreams (Gene Simmons)
Don’t You Let Me Down / Hooked On Rock’n’Roll (Peter Criss)
You Matter To Me / Hooked On Rock’n’Roll (Peter Criss)
I Was Made For Lovin’ You / Hard Times
Sure Know Something / Dirty Livin’
Shandi / She’s So European
Tomorrow / Naked City
A World Without Heroes / Dark Light
I Love It Loud / Danger

This is as extravagant as you’d expect from Ki$$ but looks a lovely set. Some fantastic music but so OTT in both packaging and price it’s only for the hardcore.

The music is well exploring by cheaper means if you can. The only omission (this is NOT a complete singles set) are the 2 12”singles issued with the extended 8 minute version of I Was Made For Loving you. 9/10
Joe Geesin/Withguitars.com

The Best of 2012: KISS - MONSTER

KISS - MONSTER

.
By Morley Seaver
Antimusic

I've been a solider in the KISS Army for a long time. Since the very beginning, in fact. I bought the debut record the day after it was released. And as a fan who has supported them at every stage of their career, I think I've got more than a bit of perspective.

With that in mind, it's with complete confidence that I make the following statement. This is not a regular KISS album. With past records, everything was transparent and you knew exactly what was what when dropping the needle or pushing the button.

With Monster, at least for me, its magic was not so instantly apparent. I cracked the plastic on the CD when I received it and sat back waiting and….nothing stood out. Only one cut "Show Mercy" showed promise and Eric's vocal on "All For the Love of Rock & Roll" also caught my ear.

Slightly disappointed, I let it sit for a day or so before trying again. This time it became warmer. The first single "Hell or Hallelujah" shined a bit brighter. It still wasn't there, however. It sat for a few more days and then a strange thing happened. I threw on some headphones and listened to it that way. Suddenly and dynamically, the album came rushing into focus like an old-time Polaroid quickly developing before your eyes. The songs that first struck me became absolute winners and the other tracks quickly followed suit.

It's amazing what a few days and some extra listening will do. Is it the record or is it just me? Guess we'll never know but I think these songs were created with a bit more juice in them than the past cuz I think they'll all have mucho staying power. There is nothing that is as immediate as say "Love Gun" or "Domino" (I'm not even saying "Deuce", "Strutter" or the like because let's face it, they're Klassics) but the songs have all emerged as having legs as long as Lebron James. I don't think my ears will tire of them for quite a while as now I'm fully on board.

In fact, it's strange to say considering my initial reticence but this could quite possibly be the best KISS record of all time. What? Am I crazy? I can just hear the comments that statement would elicit. No, there will never be another Destroyer. That was over 35 years ago. Nothing will strike you the same after a gap of that many years. But while there may not be the grand slam home run like "Black Diamond", "Detroit Rock City" or "Love Gun", this collection of songs hangs together from start to finish perfectly, sort of like Halle Berry's DNA. There are no passengers on this one with every cut pulling its weight and expertly crafted by the headmaster, Paul Stanley.

"Hell or Hallelujah" flexes its muscles and, for me, the magic starts when Paul commands "Sing it" and Gene and co provide backup vocals. There's a real whiff of confidence from this track right from the get-go. It's not the most obvious or captivating hook of Paul's but the more I hear this, the more I like it.

"Wall of Sound" is a stealth-missile that sneaks up on you. I sort of dismissed this Gene-voiced cut at first but it really hooks into you after a few spins. "Freak" is seemingly not a typical Paul Stanley song but it one of his most interesting and also one of the songs that will endure long past when the album has used up its "newness". Gene takes the mic again for "Back to the Stone Age" and on the surface sounds like a typical Gene song but it really hangs in there for the long haul.

"Shout Mercy" is my vote for the outstanding cut of the record and it is once again courtesy of Mr. Paul Stanley. The whole song is so juicy that you'll be singing the whole thing, not just the chorus in short order. Quite simply, this song has all the best elements of the record sewn up in its stitches, with a big part of it being Gene on the background vocals.

"Eat Your Heart Out" starts off with a cool a capella version of the chorus and the song itself sounds like it could be off Rock & Roll Over. "Long Way Down" is a more, dare I say, mature sounding cut that still manages to bench press some serious weight. Great cut, this one.

Gene is fully in his Demon character for "The Devil is Me", sounding confidently dark and nether-worldly. Tommy takes the mic for "Outta This World" and proves himself a capable vocalist. Written squarely in the Spaceman vein, the song fits him to a tee.

If you're listening to "Take Me Down Below" while driving, I suggest you switch to another cut because your foot is going to plummet and thrust you into peril. In Klassic KISS fashion, Gene and Paul alternate verses for maximum effect. One of the more buoyant songs on this record is "All for the Love of Rock & Roll" where Eric Singer takes his turn on vocals. This is an absolute winner!! Ending off the record in a big way is "Last Chance", another Paul Stanley song that keeps the energy going from start to finish.

Much better than Sonic Boom", Monster lives up to its name. If it's possible to make a mature rock record that sounds anything but old, KISS have done it in high style. Hard-hitting but catchy and containing all the best elements of past records, Monster is not only one of the band's best records but one of the best released last year.

"Sealed With A KISS" 40th Anniversary Sale

SEALED WITH A KISS 40TH ANNIVERSARY SALE

In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of KISS' Coventry show, January 30, 1973, Lydia Criss is offering a special sale on her book, SEALED WITH A KISS.

The book will be on sale for $40.00 (plus postage) beginning January 29 at midnight (ET) to January 30 at midnight (ET).

The book can be signed or unsigned, depending on your preference.

Go to www.lydiacriss.com to place your order and all information during this special sale.

Top 10 PAUL STANLEY KISS Songs

Ultimate Classic Rock

The best Paul Stanley Kiss songs show just how important the talent and charisma of the man born Stanley Harvey Eisen are to one of hard rock’s most outrageous and enduring bands.

Think about it, this whole ridiculous circus doesn’t fly without a ringleader who truly believes in the power of rock and roll enough to don warpaint, platform boots, feathers and leather night after night while staring down decades of critical sniping and changing musical trends.

Which is exactly what Stanley has done without falter, even as his bandmates came, went or got caught up in film careers or other outside interests. So here they are, the 10 best songs featuring the true president of Kissnation, Paul Stanley:

10: 'Lick It Up'
From: 'Lick it Up' (1983)
We kick off this list with proof positive that Stanley's ability to write catchy anthems didn't leave him when the band's makeup came off in 1983. Throughout the band's "unmasked" era, it was mostly Stanley-fronted tracks like 'Heaven's on Fire,' 'Tears are Falling' and 'Crazy Nights' that kept the band on the charts. 'Lick It Up' -- a "seize the day" anthem for the bedroom -- has proven to be the most enduring song from this era, and remains a highlight of the group's live shows to this day.

9: 'Sure Know Something'
From: 'Dynasty' (1979)
OK, this might start trouble. But you can't have a list of the top Paul Stanley Kiss songs without acknowledging his ballads, ability to adapt to the times, or most importantly, skills with a pop hook. Here he takes a break from bragging about the rocket in his pocket to deliver a tender account of the first time he got his heart broken. The shift in dynamics between the dreamy, disco-tinged verses and the more traditionally rocking chorus make this one of his most sophisticated singles.

8: 'I Stole Your Love'
From: 'Love Gun' (1977)
The blistering opening track from the last undisputedly great album made by the original Kiss lineup finds Stanley in full, cocky strut. Lyrically, it's a rewrite of 'Under My Thumb' by the Rolling Stones, as a once cheating and domineering lover has apparently been tamed by the Starchild's lovemaking prowess. This song was used quite effectively as a concert-opening number on the following tour.

7: 'Do You Love Me?'
From: 'Destroyer' (1976)
One of Kiss's most universally appealing songs -- this was the one to play your folks if the album covers made them nervous -- 'Do You Love Me?' finds Stanley asking his girl if she loves him for him, and not the "backstage pass and black sunglasses," over an infectious drumbeat. Live, the song gets even better, as the group tacks on a beautifully melodic, vaguely psychedelic coda.

6:'Hotter Than Hell'
From: 'Hotter Than Hell' (1974)
This spare, propulsive song from the second Kiss album finds Stanley in a surprisingly humble mood. Granted, he promises to take his target for the night "All around the whole wide world / Before the evening is through," but he also takes defeat like a champ when she informs him that's she's married. Gotta wonder what she'd say a few years later, right?

5: 'I Want You'
From: 'Rock and Roll Over' (1976)
If subtlety is your thing, than the Top 10 Paul Stanley Songs list is not for you. Other than a pair of brief acoustic interludes, this one's all about buzzing, chugging and screaming guitars as our hero makes his intentions quite plain. Live, this song gave Stanley an extended platform to show off his pipes and tell everyone just how much he "Wa-yya-yaa-yyyanted" them.

4: 'Black Diamond'
From: 'Kiss' (1974)
Drummer Peter Criss (and then Eric Carr and now Eric Singer) typically handled the lead vocals, but it was Stanley who wrote the bombastic number that traditionally closes Kiss' main sets. A rare non-glamorized look at sex, 'Black Diamond' documents the "sorrow and madness" filling the nights of a prostitute in the band's New York City home.

3: 'Detroit Rock City'
From: 'Destroyer' (1976)
After the 1975 concert album 'Alive!' made them superstars, Stanley and his bandmates felt they had to deliver a studio album more sophisticated than its predecessors in order to reach even loftier heights. So they hired producer Bob Ezrin to take them to musical "boot camp," and the result was the improved production, songwriting and interlocking riffs of songs like longtime concert-opener 'Detroit Rock City.'

2: '100,000 Years'
From: 'Kiss' (1974)
The pop smarts take a back seat as Stanley gets serious and unleashes an extended parade of grooving, hard rock riffs. Lyrically, he seems to be apologizing to his date for what must have been (for her, naturally) an agonizingly long wait between make-out sessions. This song became the home of his famous "How many people believe in rock and roll?" crowd interaction segment, but it doesn't need that gimmick to rate as one of Stanley's top Kiss songs.

1: 'Love Gun'
From: 'Love Gun' (1977)
Someday, a vastly superior alien race is going to conquer or planet -- we can all agree on this, yes? Well, suppose they assign us a ranking in this new society based on how directly, purely and unashamedly we were able to deliver a message, a need, a desire to our fellow humans in the old one? Because by that measure, 'Love Gun' is an undeniable masterpiece, and its author, Paul Stanley, is walking right to the front of the line.

PETER CRISS Helps Raise Money for Sandy Relief

PeterCriss.net

It is with great heart that we would like to thank PETER CRISS for donating signed books, drums skins, drumsticks, posters, pictures and more into the celebrity auction to help raise nearly $50,000 for the Hurricane Sandy Relief Benefit Concert that took place at The Emporium on Patchogue Long Island on December 16th, 2012. Proceeds raised were donated to Long Island Cares (The Harry Chapin Fund) The Island Park School Music Program and various charities throughout Long Beach, New York.
Thank you Peter Criss and God Bless, You are truly a star!
The Emporium
Coallier Entertainment

BRUCE KULICK Guest Panelist at NAAM

The Sessions Artist Panel: Knowing the Keys to Success

Day: Sunday, January 27, 2013

Start Time: 11:00 am

Duration: 2 hours

Room: 203 A-B

 

Also appearing in this panelist:

Dom Famularo, Global Drumming Ambassador
Liberty DeVitto, Drummer / Recording Artist
Bruce Kulick, Guitarist, Kiss / Grand Funk Railroad
John DeChristopher, International Artist Relations
Rich Redmond, Drummer, Jason Aldean
Paul Quin, Entertainment Lawyer

The Sessions provides the bridge between dreams and reality by Enriching artists’ lives through Education, focusing on Empowering and sharpening their business skills in the pursuit of excellence. Items addressed include contract negotiations, entertainment law, marketing, self promotion, image maintenance and performance fundamentals.

More information here at NAAM Sessions

ACE FREHLEY Added to Rock And Roll Fantasy Camp

ACE FREHLEY ADDED TO ROCK CAMP



It has been announced that ACE FREHLEY will appear at the Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, February 14-18, 2013. Also appearing ALICE COOPER, drummer Mike Portnoy, Dream theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess and guitarists George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob) and John 5.

For Information click www.rockcamp.com

Happy Birthday, PAUL STANLEY!

KISS MASK WEBZINE would like to wish Rock's Supreme Frontman, PAUL STANLEY, a very Happy Birthday today!

The KISS ROOM Replay/January 18, 2013.

PAUL STANLEY'S BIRTHDAY BASH

Here is the replay of the KISS ROOM from Friday, January 18, 2013.

*Special Guest: RICHIE FONTANA (Drummer on Paul Stanley's 1978 Solo Album, Piper, the Skatt Brothers, Laura Branigan, Solo Artist).

*SCOTT ENGEL from SIRIUSXM's KISS Fantasy Football League.

*PLUS KISS & PAUL STANLEY Music and KISS Talk!

You can purchase RICHIE FONTANA'S Album, "Steady On The Steel" at www.RichieFontana.com

Next episode February 15, 2013.

The KISS ROOM Is Live Today!

Join us in the KISS ROOM today from 3-5PM (ET) for PAUL STANLEY'S BIRTHDAY BASH!

*Special Guest: RICHIE FONTANA (Drummer of Paul Stanley's 1978 Solo Album, Piper, the Skatt Brothers, Laura Branigan, Solo Artist).

*From SiriusXM's KISS Fantasy Football, SCOTT ENGEL.

Plus tons of KISS, PAUL STANLEY Music & KISS Talk.

Tune in live at www.montcoradio.com

TOMMY THAYER Visits Black Star Riders in the Studio

Tommy Thayer visited the Black Star Riders in the studio on Monday. The BSR's include former Thin Lizzy members  Ricky Warwick (vocals), Scott Gorham (guitar), Damon Johnson (guitar), Marco Mendoza (bass) along with Jimmy DeGrasso on drums. The band is in a LA studio with producer Kevin Shirley recording their debut album.

Photo:Black Star Riders/By Robert John

Dick Wagner:"I woke up from a coma after two weeks with a paralyzed left arm."

By SUSAN DONALDSON JAMES | Good Morning America

Dick Wagner had enjoyed a successful life on stage, playing lead guitar for bands like Alice Cooper, Aerosmith and Kiss, when he had a stroke and a heart attack in 2007.

"I woke up from a coma after two weeks with a paralyzed left arm," said Wagner, now 70 and living in Arizona. "My profession as a guitarist, I thought was over."

He and Cooper co-wrote the majority of the band's top-selling songs, including the 1975 hit, "Welcome to My Nightmare."

But Wagner's own personal horror show had just begun. He worked hard at rehabilitation, but new symptoms began to appear: mental fuzziness and an odd gait.

"I couldn't turn to the left as I walked, only to the right, and I would do a spiral and fall," he said. "I fell completely flat on my face in the driveway on the concrete. I didn't know what had happened to me."

Another fall by his swimming pool precipitated a blood clot and surgery. Wagner was convinced his career was over.

But in 2011, Wagner was diagnosed with NPH, or normal pressure hydrocephalus, a condition caused by a build-up of spinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain, which puts pressure on nerves that control the legs, bladder and cognitive function.

Doctors at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix surgically placed a shunt in his head to redirect the fluid through a tube under the skin to his abdominal cavity. A small amount is drained every day for the rest of his life.

Now, Wagner is back on tour with a band in Denmark.

Continue Reading Here.

The KISS ROOM Is Live This Friday, January 18

THE KISS ROOM is LIVE FRIDAY, JANUARY 18 from 3-5PM!

It's our PAUL STANLEY Birthday Bash!

* with RICHIE FONTANA, drummer on Paul's 1978 solo album!

* SiriusXM Radio host SCOTT ENGEL of RotoExperts.com talking about KISS Fantasy Football!

www.thekissroom.com    www.montcoradio.com
* we will be joined in the studio by Doe Reardon, Chris Giordano, and Mike Natalini, talking KISS and playing lots of KISS music!

Join us in THE KISS ROOM!

- Matt Porter & Frank Hagan
hosts of THE KISS ROOM

 

KISS Win Six Categories in Ultimate Classic Rock 2012 Awards

KISS took home six awards out of eleven categories in Ultimate Classic Rock's 2012 Awards taking Album and Artist of the Year. Destroyer:Resurrected won best Reissue/Archival Release.
"Long Way Down" took Song of the Year, Commercial of the Year, Photo of the Year (unveiling of the new costume shots) and taking second along with Motley Crue, Tour of the Year.

Not a bad year for KISS. Not at all!

 

 

The Winners' History of Rock and Roll, Part 2: Kiss

Kiss @ 40:

How four men in face paint made rock real for a nation

By Steven Hyden/Grantland

Casey Burns

We got wars going down in the middle-western states." —The Hold Steady, "Knuckles"

"I am a fan of Middle America. Remember, it was mass culture that created rock 'n' roll. Our tastes happen to coincide with theirs." —Gene Simmons, 1977, in Rolling Stone

The video begins — the 17-minute-and-18-second version that's posted on YouTube, anyway — with a medium close-up of a carnival barker carnival-barking at a group of gawkers outside of a freak show. The tape is blurry but the metaphor is clear to the point of obviousness. And yet Edwin Newman, the unflappable veteran reporter carved out of hickory and tweed who has been dispatched by NBC News to get to the bottom of this evening's investigation, isn't afraid to underline it several times. He alludes to P.T. Barnum and the suckers who are born every 60 seconds. He warns against a "vast machinery of hype" threatening to sucker the suckers of today — which in the video is 1977 — into mindless oblivion. Even by the murderously lax standards of the network-news hatchet job, Edwin Newman has dispensed with all subtleties. He is out to bust balls.


Hype is this newsman's primary concern. Hype is the subject of his special report, helpfully titled Land of Hype & Glory. Suddenly, the setting shifts to a rock concert, and we meet Newman's Exhibit A. "These four men have been performing for four years. In that time they've been responsible for selling records worth $30 million," he intones grimly. "By some accounts, they are the favorite rock group of American teenagers. Their name, for no reason immediately apparent, is Kiss."
Kiss is playing "Black Diamond," the final song on the band's self-titled 1974 debut. "Black Diamond" is sung primarily by drummer Peter Criss, the Catman, but the Catman is the one member who is not in view. Instead, we see Gene Simmons stomp from stage right to stage left like Frankenstein doing the funky-chicken. We whizz by Ace Frehley playing a guitar solo with his Gibson held at a mathematically precise 45-degree angle. We venture to the outskirts of Paul Stanley's black forest of mossy chest hair.

Continue Reading: Here.

I Go To KISS' Third Rehearsal

KISS @ 40

Binky Philips/ The Huffington Post

Anyway, a few months later in the early Spring of 1969, I met Stan Eisen from Queens. He wore a slightly odd Prince Valiant hairdo and was a grade ahead of me. We became fast friends when we passed each other in the hallway carrying guitar cases and discovered that we were two of only three guys in Music & Art who owned a Gibson guitar. Murray Dabby, the third Gibson owner, who we befriended a few weeks later, was a ridiculously better guitarist than either me or Stan, and he's now a shrink in Atlanta! Also the smartest of us three as well, obviously. After we graduated, Stan and I stayed in touch.

A year or so after high school, in the Spring of 1972, I bumped into Stan, who introduced me to this imposing giant of a guy with a huge halo of hair outside a Jeff Beck show at the Academy of Music on East 14th St. --later, the world-famous disco, Palladium, and now, NYU dorms.

"Binky, this is Gene Simmons, the bassist in my band, Wicked Lester. Gene, this is the guy I was telling you about who owns the Hiwatt amp." Gene visibly flinched!

Hiwatts were The Who's amp of choice back then and were also completely and totally unavailable in the USA. I'd lucked into literally the ONLY ONE IN AMERICA when I bought it off of Blodwyn Pig, a British Blues band featuring the original and fabulous guitarist of Jethro Tull, Mick Abrahams. From that moment on, Gene, an extremely cocky guy even then, always treated me with respect simply because of that amp, and later, as we became actual friends, because he liked my guitar playing, too. In fact, I wound up his guitarist-of-choice for several of his demos when KISS had become gods (why Gene has never released "Rotten To The Core", I'll never know!). And I'm very proud to report that, years later, Gene's only directive to Ace, according to their engineer, Corky Stasiak, when Mr. Frehley was about to record the solo for "Doctor Love" was, "Do a Binky solo!" and Ace knew exactly what Gene meant and proceeded to cut one of his wildest and best solos ever.

Back to 1972, several months after I met Gene, I got a call from Stan. He announced that I needed to start calling him Paul, please, ("Oh... Okay, Stan") and asked me to come down to a rehearsal of his and Gene's new still-unnamed band. They'd just found a lead guitarist a month earlier and he wanted me to check the whole thing out. Stan, I mean, er, Paul respected my opinion and seemed to be seeking my lead-guitarist stamp of approval.

So, one Saturday afternoon, I made it over to 10 East 23rd St., a narrow, grimy 6-floor building across from Madison Park, (long gone for a towering apartment building opposite the Flatiron Building), where Paul and Gene's band had a very dingy and very dirty loft/room, crudely soundproofed with blankets and quilts and egg cartons.

When I arrived that day, the new lead guitarist was already over an hour late. The mood in the room was bleak. Still, their pal Binky had shown up, so, after introducing me to Peter Criss, the drummer, Paul, Gene and Peter ran through three songs for my pleasure without the now very late new lead guitar guy. I listened to the trio play "Deuce," "Firehouse", and "Strutter," all three now classics from the debut KISS album. It was interesting and surprising. As a band, they weren't all that good, technically, better than the rock deities of the scene at the time, The New York Dolls, but really, all three players were plain old average. But, that opening riff of "Deuce" was just undeniably cool, and both the other two songs were, well, damn, they were pretty good. With a member missing, the three were in no mood to continue, and took a break.

While we sat around in the gloom, I complimented them on the tunes and arrangements. But, by now, all three of them were just fuming about how late this been-in-the-band-three-weeks new guy was and... Hey... We suddenly heard the elevator door open. We heard some cursing and banging and in came this disheveled and strangely lumpy-faced guy who looked like he'd been awake less than 3 minutes and seemed to be tilting about 20 degrees to the left as he walked.

And this odd guy, introduced to me as Ace, was wearing one red Converse and one orange Converse sneaker. In 1972, five years before Punk, this was actually weird! He barely said hello to me or anyone else in the room, pulled out a beat-up Les Paul Jr. (back then a guitar considered junk; of course, they now go for almost $10,000), plugged into his amp, turned to the other three, and crankily and somewhat groggily demanded "What're we doin'?" as if he'd been waiting on them for over an hour. Gene, very very not happy at all, growled "Let's run through the first three..." and so, I got to hear the same songs with lead guitar.

It was kinda remarkable how much better they sounded. As a lead guitarist, not to sound cocky, I could run circles around Ace. But his sparse, strangled, blues-inspired notes just kicked ass. The perfect complement to the songs.

As soon as the three songs were finished, Stan/Paul quickly took off his guitar and led me out of the dark, dank, 15x15 sweatbox of a room. While we stood in the dingy corridor he said that he was hoping I didn't mind, but he and Gene were gonna have to have a talk with this new guitarist.

"90 minutes late is totally unacceptable and we can't properly rip into him about this with you here, Binky." I said, "Uh, yes, Stan, I mean, Paul, I understand. That would be true. Well, good luck, man... The songs are great and if you can straighten the guy out, I do like your new lead guitarist's playing."

Paul, Gene, Peter, and Ace, soon decided to call themselves KISS and did their first-ever gig out on Long Island on my 20th birthday, January 30, 1973. About six months later, my band, The Planets, were invited by Paul and Gene to open for them and another New York band called The Brats at the Hotel Diplomat's ballroom, an absolute dump on West 43rd St. just off of Times Square (another long-torn-down Rock'n'Roll monument). This was July 13th, 1973. That night, a visionary guy named Bill Aucoin (who, sadly, passed away just last week) came to the show. If you know your KISStory, very soon after, Bill became their manager, got them their record deal as the very first signing with Neil Bogart's Casablanca label, Alice Cooper retired, KISS filled the void, and became wildly, insanely, inter-galactically, famous. Yes, I shared a stage with KISS, the night it all began!

TOMMY THAYER Interview

We recently sat down with Tommy Thayer of KISS to discuss his rise to rock stardom including which guitarists influenced his playing. Tommy also gives us some insider info on his new signature Epiphone Les Paul and the gear he uses onstage.
Americanmusic.com

Coming from your early band Black 'N Blue, could you tell us what it was like the first time you donned the Spaceman outfit and got up on stage as an official member of KISS?
It was a whole new world. Being in KISS onstage is a surreal experience guaranteed to be nothing like any other band. I can attest to that because I've been in other bands. It's a commitment physically in terms of the show, the makeup, the outfits and the boots. Unlike other artists, we start getting ready for our concerts hours beforehand. Being onstage is like being in some kind of apocalyptic, rock & roll fantasy land.. It's definitely different than your average band experience, that's for sure.

Anything going on with your old band Black 'N Blue?
Not a lot. I think they've been doing a few gigs here and there, some of the summer rock festivals.

Now that you have rocked some of the biggest stages in the world, what were some of your early influences as an up and coming musician that directly lead to you being where you are today?
Growing up I was knocked out by guitarists like Ronnie Montrose, Richie Blackmore, Jimmy Page, Peter Frampton, Steve Marriott, Mick Ralphs, Mick Ronson, Alex Lifeson and Davey Johnstone. I've always been drawn toward guitarists that are great songwriters and great riff writers.

During your time with KISS, is there a favorite city you enjoy playing?
It's always a tough question because no matter where you go in the world KISS fans are insane. I'm serious, it can be Moscow, Tokyo, Sao Paulo or Anchorage, they all go nuts. A really cool thing happened recently. We just completed an amazing tour of South America. In Buenos Aires we rocked River Plate Stadium on November 7th, which was on my birthday. When we came out for the encore they brought out a birthday cake and 55,000 KISS fanatics sang "Happy Birthday" to me. I don't know many people that that's happened to recently.

When you're on the road with KISS, do you guys do any writing or recording of new material? If so, do you bring your own portable studio with you
If we're working on a new album and we're in that mode, we'll get together in hotel rooms or backstage on occasion to put new ideas together. I'd say that all four of us are very "low-tech" when it comes to electronics or recording gear. These days we use the voice memo function on our iPhones to collect new ideas.
Continue reading Here.

PETER CRISS Signed "Makeup to Breakup" Available

 

AUTOGRAPHED VERSION SIGNED BY PETER CRISS

From the Publisher:LEGENDARY founding KISS drummer Peter “Catman” Criss has lived an incredible life in music, from the streets of Brooklyn to the social clubs of New York City to the ultimate heights of rock ’n’ roll success and excess.
 

KISS formed in 1973 and broke new ground with their elaborate makeup, live theatrics, and powerful sound. The band emerged as one of the most iconic hard rock acts in music history. Peter Criss, the Catman, was the heartbeat of the group. From an elevated perch on his pyrotechnic drum riser, he had a unique vantage point on the greatest rock show of all time, with the KISS Army looking back at him night after night.
Peter Criscuola had come a long way from the homemade drum set he pounded on nonstop as a kid growing up in Brooklyn in the fifties. He endured lean years, street violence, and the rollercoaster music scene of the sixties, but he always knew he’d make it. Makeup to Breakup is Peter Criss’s eye-opening journey from the pledge to his ma that he’d one day play Madison Square Garden to doing just that. He conquered the rock world—composing and singing his band’s all-time biggest hit, “Beth” (1976)—but he also faced the perils of stardom and his own mortality, including drug abuse, treatment in 1982, near-suicides, two broken marriages, and a hard-won battle with breast cancer.

Order your copy from Kiss Museum

KISS: Behind the Scenes on Stage - Video

Kissonline released a very cool video of the behind the scenes of what happens before KISS hits the stage and what happens when KISS hits the stage, Filmed by Keith Leroux. The footage of almost ten minutes was shot at the PNC Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ., September 22, 2012. The video was filmed in night vision camera. The band play "Detroit Rock City."

Richie Scarlet: Frehley's Comet Reunion Possible

Brian Rademacher recently interviewed Richie "The Emperor of Rock" Scarlet for RockEyez. Richie talks about, among other things, of a possible Frehley's Comet reunion. Check out Brian's interview:

KISS KRUISE III

The band takes to the high seas once again, sailing out of Miami during the Halloween season for four nights of the kind of fun only KISS can deliver.

Pollstar News

Scheduled to depart aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Pearl Oct. 28, the roundtrip voyage to Great Stirrup Cay immediately steps into high gear with a special acoustic “unmasked” concert on the pool deck.
 

Of course, it wouldn’t be KISS without all the theatrics, makeup and special effects the band is famous for. The cruise also includes a full-blown KISS theatre show and opportunities for fans to have their photos taken with the band in full costume. In addition to a Q&A with the band, each KISS member will host their own onboard activity.
 

A new KISS Kruise attraction is a meet-and-greet for new members of the KISS Army. Strictly for the kids, the only fans that need apply must be ages 2-14. What’s more, this particular feature proudly proclaims, “No Parents Allowed!”
 

With pricing beginning at $750 per person based on double occupancy (plus fees and taxes), you get entertainment, meals and all the amenities you’ve come to expect on these ocean-going extravaganzas, including pools, hot tubs, rock climbing, a fitness center and more.

Staterooms go on sale to the public March 15. Grab your water wings and dogpaddle on over to TheKissKruise.com for all the particulars.

--Jay Smith
 

KISS in the Lead in Ultimate Classic Rock Awards

KISS leads the way in six categories- One week left to vote

by Dave Lifton/Ultimate Classic Rock

Sticking their proverbial tongue out at all challengers, and barring an uprising from fans of other bands, it looks as if Kiss is in line to be the biggest winner of the 2012 Ultimate Classic Rock Awards. As of now, with one week left in the voting, the band is ahead in six of the 11 categories.

While it’s never too late for a shakeup as we learned last year, Kiss has the lead in the Artist, Album and Song of the Year categories. But it’s not just the success of ‘Monster’ that is generating votes. They are also winning in the fight for the Commercial, Reissue or Archival Release and Photo of the Year awards.

Elsewhere, Led Zeppelin looks set to also win big, with ‘Celebration Day’ taking the front position in both the Live Album and DVD of the Year categories. Guns N’ Roses are fighting off Kiss and Motley Crue for Tour of the Year (34% to 29%), and the Beatles‘ ‘Stereo Vinyl Box Set’ has 29% of the vote, but is facing challenges from Judas Priest (27%) and Heart (22%) in the Best Box Set award.

Although his only new music in 2012 was a well-received Christmas album, Rod Stewart is likely to win one award. His memoir, ‘Rod: The Autobiography,’ has a solid lead in the Book of the Year category, probably for his revelation that he took cocaine anally.

Voting for the 2012 Ultimate Classic Rock Awards will end on Jan. 15, 2013 at 11:59PM Eastern. There’s still time to help your favorite bands, records and songs move up and maybe even win — make sure to vote!

Vote now- Here: Ultimate Classic Rock Awards

TOMMY THAYER to attend NAAM with New Les Paul

Tommy Thayer will attend NAAM to promote and launch his signature Epiphone Les Paul "Spaceman." The guitar sports an all mahogany body and maple veneer top. The show will take place, as it does every year, in Anaheim, CA., later in the month.

Go to NAAM Show 2013 for more details.

ACE FREHLEY to appear at Atlanta's Day's of the Dead

February 1, 2 & 3, 2013 at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel. Click http://www.daysofthedead.net/atlanta/ for more information

KISS/MOTLEY CRUE Land #41 on Pollstars's Top Tours 2012

KISS/Motley Crue "The Tour" has landed at #48 on Pollstar's Top 200 Tours of 2012

 

Top 200 Tours of 2012

KISS/MOTLEY CRUE

Details:

41 Shows

Average Ticket Price: $69.37

Average Attendance: 6,715

Ticket Sales: 275,335

Tour Gross: $465,854

Casablanca Singles Collection: A Look Inside

YouTube/Joe1978Meh

Dean Snowden Interviewed by Kiss Army Argentina

DEAN SNOWDEN’S BEEN WORKING WITH KISS SINCE A LONG TIME AGO. HE HAS MANY DUTIES WITH THE BAND BUT HE LIKES TO CALL HIMSELF “THE KISS AMBASSADOR”. READ THIS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW AND YOU’LL FIND OUT WHY...

http://www.kissarmyargentina.com/.

KISS Army Argentina: Hello, Dean, thank you for your time for this interview. It is an honor for us.

Dean Snowden: First off thanks for having me in a KISS Army interview.

KISS Army Argentina: KISS has had a very busy year, and as usual, your work has been essential. You do lots of things and your duties are extremely important when it comes to spreading what the band does. Having said this, how would you describe a typical day with KISS on tour?

Dean Snowden: My duties with KISS are important, but we all know that anyone can be replaced so everyday we stride to give the fans what they have come to expect from the Hottest Band in the World.This includes Band and Crew. A typical day for me is to wake up on the bus and go right to work usually about 17 hours, this is probably after we have loaded out in last nights city, slept while traveling to the next city, and prepare to entertain the KISS Army again.

KISS Army Argentina: You have a kind of “double task”: being an “ambassador” for KISS organizing the Meet & Greets, and being the photographer of the band as well, capturing every important moment of the band for KISS On Line. How do you survive all that?

Dean Snowden: This is a great question, my duties with the band have evolved over the years and I am very proud of the work I do for them. Currently I am the KISS Ambassador, my team works to set up and provide a great experience for the fans who have paid to meet KISS. We are great at this and provide undoubtedly the best meet n greet experience in the world. I think any of the fans who have done the meet n greet would agree, especially with KISS’ intimate acoustic show being included on this last tour. With doing photos, video, gathering all the fans, and staying true to the bands expectations, my day is non stop and there are times it seems like 3 days can go by in a blink of an eye.

KISS Army Argentina: How much time do your duties take in a typical day of work for KISS on tour? Do you have free time?

Dean Snowden: There is not much free time for me or most any crew member, this job is not for the faint of heart, most show days are 16-20 hours. Remember KISS puts on a huge show and it takes a lot to put it up and tear it down every day.

KISS Army Argentina: You have also worked with other big artists, such as Pat Benatar, Mötley Crüe and Rage Against the Machine, among others. Which are the differences of working with them and working with KISS?

Dean Snowden: As the KISS Ambassador I must say I enjoy working for Paul and Gene a lot. These guys are very professional and really do care about the fans. Also the diversity of a brand like KISS offers many challenges, as well as great opportunities. This year’s tour allowed me to meet a couple of people whose work I admire, Randy Johnson a great pitcher, and Mike McCready of Pearl Jam. Both rock stars in their own way, talented individuals, and KISS fans.

KISS Army Argentina: How and when did you start working with KISS?
Dean Snowden: I started working with KISS in 1998, the first door that ever opened for me was at a studio called Green Jelly; that is where I met Tommy Thayer who was producing The Second Coming, later KISS came to do the Psycho Circus photo shoot with Barry Levine. Then I had a part in helping with KISStory II.

KISS Army Argentina: It has been a long road, and you have surely lived great moments with the band; which one of those moments would you describe as your favorite, as a truly unforgettable event?

Dean Snowden: I am sure if you ask Paul or Gene they would never be able to have just one moment that exceeds all others, for me the same is true, because of KISS I have been around the world 3 times and seen most of it, a few that were favorites of mine were, VH1 Rock Honors, that was an amazing night with so much talent present and performing. American Idol finale was really cool, and this year being allowed to accompany the guys at 34 Montagu sq in London which is where the Beatles, Hendrix and so many created music was incredibly special.

KISS Army Argentina: As we were commenting before, your duties regarding the Meet & Greets are surely exhausting, as you have to pay attention to every single detail. How do you make it in longer tours, such as The Tour together with Mötley Crüe? Because during approximately three months you live with the band and you are away from home and family… There comes a time, we guess, in which you are longing for the tour to be over, so you can go back home…

Dean Snowden: I have been around for 13 or 14 years and don’t see anything that will stop KISS or the KISS Army.

KISS Army Argentina: As official photographer for KISS, you must have surely lived great moments working in the front row of the shows taking pictures of the band, with other great photographers, such as Ross Halfin. Please tell us about your experience in this context.

Dean Snowden: The other two Photographers I have shot next to the most are Ross Halfin and Neil Zlozower they are amazing and always get great shots. They are always professional and really deliver what the band is looking for. Remember just being on the team is great but not everyone can be Diego Maradona.

KISS Army Argentina: What equipment do you currently use with KISS?
Dean Snowden: My camera, video camera and most of what I use is Canon. Great stuff. The camera I use for the Meet N Greets is a Canon 7D.
KISS Army Argentina: When we met you in Buenos Aires, during the most recent visit of the band(November 2012), we had the chance to witness firsthand how complicated your job is, and how efficient you are in doing it. Everything is like a giant jigsaw puzzle in which all the pieces come together while the anxiety and expectation increase. How do you combine all that with the craziness of the fans and the needs of the band?

Dean Snowden: A great question, Patience is important. The two goals are make the band happy and provide the fans with the best possible experience. Now that we do our meet n greet in two parts my day is even longer and the responsibility doubled. I like your reference to jigsaw puzzles, I think of it as Tetris, but very similar, everything comes together and builds through the day. After the acoustic set, signing all the personal items for everyone then I focus on the pictures which happens just before the Band hits the stage, every night we send them to the stage with an infusion of energy from their most die hard fans who have just gotten their photo with their Idols.

KISS Army Argentina: What is the best of working with KISS?

Dean Snowden: Just being in the presence of Paul and Gene every night is the best ever. Getting the paycheck is good too.

KISS Army Argentina: How are you as a KISS fan? Which are your favorite things about them?

Dean Snowden: My experience with KISS is more of a professional one rather than as a fan. I love what I do, the fans are great and every night is amazing with fans doing their first or sometimes 10th meet n greets, there is always lots of excitement surrounding my gig.

KISS Army Argentina: How is your relationship with them beyond your job?

Dean Snowden: My relationship with the guys beyond work is good. But this is a job and most of my dealings with them revolve around work, which is ok because they are always working.

KISS Army Argentina: What other activities do you have apart from being the official photographer for KISS and the organizer of their Meet & Greets?

Dean Snowden: As a tour group including the Band Manager, Tour Manager, Production Manager, it takes quite a bit to organize the guys schedules, build the show, entertain the fans and do it all again the next day, I suspect none of us would have it any other way.

KISS Army Argentina: Dean, once again, thanks a lot for your time; it has been a pleasure!

Dean Snowden: Thank you to KISS Army Argentina, its nice to talk with you guys. See you in 2013!

Interview: MARCELO GARCIA and DIEGO FERREYRA (Kiss Army Argentina)
Translation: Mariana “MIA” Abello (Kiss Army Argentina) January 2013