By Travis Newbill/ Broward Palm Beach Times
KISS us, we're Irish. St. Patrick's Day's creepy little green guy will be overshadowed by larger, possibly more satanic, man-monsters this year when KISS brings its Hottest Show on Earth Tour to the Seminole Hard Rock on March 17 -- one of only two scheduled North American appearances for 2011 so far. This comes as great news for those of us who feel that the old beer-jig-puke routine is getting old, and that the reign of the leprechaun has gone on for long enough.
KISS -- which currently features Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and two other dudes painted like Ace Frehley and Peter Criss -- is currently working on a new album, which means we may be treated to a few new songs. Of course, we're thinking that the songs will not be the big news at this show, which is obviously an attempt by KISS to overthrow the leprechaun. Here's a few predictions for the upcoming, green vs black, battle of St. Patrick.
CLICK HERE to read the rest
KISS MASK WEBZINE Celebrates 40 Years of KISS. Est. 1987
Monday, January 31, 2011
Kiss Photo of the Day #3: Paul Stanley 1992 Revenge
Here is a photo I took of Paul Stanley, October 10, 1992 when Kiss played the Spectrum in Philadelphia.
This Day in Music Spotlight: Paul and Gene Kiss Off Wicked Lester
Kiss: The Beginning
Michael Wright/ http://www.gibson.com/
The record was going nowhere.
Wicked Lester had been blessed, in many ways, by the times. Somehow, with almost no live performances under their belt and no management to speak of, the band were able to get signed by a major label on the strength of a demo. Only in the ’70s, right? But blessed as they were, the band were squandering the opportunity.
The first problem to solve was the replacement of guitarist Stephen Coronel, whom Epic had deemed unsuitable. Firing a bandmate, fortunately, wasn’t a problem for the band’s bassist, Gene Klein, and rhythm guitarist, Stanley Eisen. In fact, firing band mates would become a bit of a habit for the duo in subsequent years, better known by their adopted stage names of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.
So, Coronel was out and session musician Ron Leejack (whose chief previous credit was Cactus) was in. Stylistically, Leejack was far enough away from Coronel that the band decided to scrap the master tracks from their demo and re-do everything. But even that was proving to be a bit of a train wreck. For one thing, the group and the label had a spotty recording schedule, ultimately taking a year to get their collective acts together to complete the record. In addition – and this was, indeed, the root of the problem – the record was a mess. It was an unfocused patchwork of pop, folk-rock and rock. And even when the band finally finished the album in late 1972, they didn’t feel too great about it. Certainly, Gene and Paul didn’t think much of the record. Neither did Epic’s A&R director, Don Ellis, who refused to release it. Almost immediately thereafter, Wicked Lester sought and were granted a release from their contract.
At this point, Simmons and Stanley decided that the only way to move forward was to burn everything else down. They parted ways with the rest of the band and set out to find a more stylistically and stylishly cohesive unit. Stylistically, they were looking for a more stripped-down, hard rock sound. Stylishly, they were looking for a unified look… though they hadn’t quite worked that part out yet.
They started their quest by hiring a drummer from the Rolling Stone classifieds, who had advertised, “EXPD. ROCK & roll drummer looking for orig. grp. doing soft & hard music. Peter, Brooklyn.” Peter from Brooklyn was, of course, Peter Criss. The veteran Criss was an immediate upgrade in musicianship from the previous drummer, Tony Zarrella. Now a trio, the updated Wicked Lester worked tirelessly to write music and hone their sound. By November 1972, they were confident enough to approach Ellis for an audition. Ellis granted the audition but, ultimately, turned the group down… perhaps aided in his decision by Criss’ brother, who drunkenly vomited on the record exec as he was leaving.
In December 1972, the group placed an ad in the Village Voice, stating, “LEAD GUITARIST WANTED with Flash and Ability. Album Out Shortly. No time wasters please.” Among the many responses was a guy from the Bronx who showed up to the audition at the Lower East Side’s Live Bait Bar wearing non-matching sneakers. As spacey as he looked, the guy could play. And so, they asked Paul Frehley – who had acquired the nickname “Ace” in high school – to join the band.
With a few weeks of rehearsals under the group’s collective belt, Simmons set out to get the band some bookings, having already parted ways with their new manager, Lew Linet, and having finally jettisoned the name Wicked Lester. In its place was a moniker much simpler, with perhaps a touch of glam-stamped camp to it: KISS. The name was inspired by one of Criss’ previous bands, Lips. Stanley gets the credit for coining the name, while it was Frehley who created the now-familiar logo, with the S’s so eerily reminiscent of Nazi SS regalia.
Simmons put together a press kit for the newly christened group during his day job at the Puerto Rican Interagency Council. Criss got a friend in the printing business to help with the invites. But they still lacked a stage.
Finally, a cold call to a club in Queens called the Popcorn Club and some fast talking by Simmons scored the group a three-night stand (two sets a night) at the venue, from January 30 through February 1, for a flat fee of $150. The first night of the stand gave almost no portent of the massive success to come. The group played to three people during their first set and no more than 10 over the course of the evening. The next two days were hardly better.
During the performances, one other crucial component was lacking (besides an audience). While the music very quickly melded into that now-familiar KISS ’70s sound, the look – specifically, the makeup – was nowhere in sight. It would, however, make its debut five weeks later. Just a few weeks after that, the band would record a five-song demo that would start their meteoric rise to the top of rock stardom. Considering how long it took their previous band to make its half-hearted leap at the brass ring, KISS’s ascent was not unlike the lightning in their logo.
The record was going nowhere.
Wicked Lester had been blessed, in many ways, by the times. Somehow, with almost no live performances under their belt and no management to speak of, the band were able to get signed by a major label on the strength of a demo. Only in the ’70s, right? But blessed as they were, the band were squandering the opportunity.
The first problem to solve was the replacement of guitarist Stephen Coronel, whom Epic had deemed unsuitable. Firing a bandmate, fortunately, wasn’t a problem for the band’s bassist, Gene Klein, and rhythm guitarist, Stanley Eisen. In fact, firing band mates would become a bit of a habit for the duo in subsequent years, better known by their adopted stage names of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.
So, Coronel was out and session musician Ron Leejack (whose chief previous credit was Cactus) was in. Stylistically, Leejack was far enough away from Coronel that the band decided to scrap the master tracks from their demo and re-do everything. But even that was proving to be a bit of a train wreck. For one thing, the group and the label had a spotty recording schedule, ultimately taking a year to get their collective acts together to complete the record. In addition – and this was, indeed, the root of the problem – the record was a mess. It was an unfocused patchwork of pop, folk-rock and rock. And even when the band finally finished the album in late 1972, they didn’t feel too great about it. Certainly, Gene and Paul didn’t think much of the record. Neither did Epic’s A&R director, Don Ellis, who refused to release it. Almost immediately thereafter, Wicked Lester sought and were granted a release from their contract.
At this point, Simmons and Stanley decided that the only way to move forward was to burn everything else down. They parted ways with the rest of the band and set out to find a more stylistically and stylishly cohesive unit. Stylistically, they were looking for a more stripped-down, hard rock sound. Stylishly, they were looking for a unified look… though they hadn’t quite worked that part out yet.
They started their quest by hiring a drummer from the Rolling Stone classifieds, who had advertised, “EXPD. ROCK & roll drummer looking for orig. grp. doing soft & hard music. Peter, Brooklyn.” Peter from Brooklyn was, of course, Peter Criss. The veteran Criss was an immediate upgrade in musicianship from the previous drummer, Tony Zarrella. Now a trio, the updated Wicked Lester worked tirelessly to write music and hone their sound. By November 1972, they were confident enough to approach Ellis for an audition. Ellis granted the audition but, ultimately, turned the group down… perhaps aided in his decision by Criss’ brother, who drunkenly vomited on the record exec as he was leaving.
In December 1972, the group placed an ad in the Village Voice, stating, “LEAD GUITARIST WANTED with Flash and Ability. Album Out Shortly. No time wasters please.” Among the many responses was a guy from the Bronx who showed up to the audition at the Lower East Side’s Live Bait Bar wearing non-matching sneakers. As spacey as he looked, the guy could play. And so, they asked Paul Frehley – who had acquired the nickname “Ace” in high school – to join the band.
With a few weeks of rehearsals under the group’s collective belt, Simmons set out to get the band some bookings, having already parted ways with their new manager, Lew Linet, and having finally jettisoned the name Wicked Lester. In its place was a moniker much simpler, with perhaps a touch of glam-stamped camp to it: KISS. The name was inspired by one of Criss’ previous bands, Lips. Stanley gets the credit for coining the name, while it was Frehley who created the now-familiar logo, with the S’s so eerily reminiscent of Nazi SS regalia.
Simmons put together a press kit for the newly christened group during his day job at the Puerto Rican Interagency Council. Criss got a friend in the printing business to help with the invites. But they still lacked a stage.
Finally, a cold call to a club in Queens called the Popcorn Club and some fast talking by Simmons scored the group a three-night stand (two sets a night) at the venue, from January 30 through February 1, for a flat fee of $150. The first night of the stand gave almost no portent of the massive success to come. The group played to three people during their first set and no more than 10 over the course of the evening. The next two days were hardly better.
During the performances, one other crucial component was lacking (besides an audience). While the music very quickly melded into that now-familiar KISS ’70s sound, the look – specifically, the makeup – was nowhere in sight. It would, however, make its debut five weeks later. Just a few weeks after that, the band would record a five-song demo that would start their meteoric rise to the top of rock stardom. Considering how long it took their previous band to make its half-hearted leap at the brass ring, KISS’s ascent was not unlike the lightning in their logo.
Tommy Thayer in Round Four of Bob Hope Classic - Video
Thayer saves par at No. 17 in Round 4 of Bob Hope
http://www.pgatour.com/
In the fourth round of the 2011 Bob Hope Classic at the Palmer Private Course, Kiss guitarist Tommy Thayer makes a long putt at the par-3 17th to save par.
http://www.pgatour.com/
In the fourth round of the 2011 Bob Hope Classic at the Palmer Private Course, Kiss guitarist Tommy Thayer makes a long putt at the par-3 17th to save par.
Gene Simmons Recieves Key to Dallas - Video
WFAA/Dallas
DALLAS - Rocker Gene Simmons received a key to the City of Dallas on Friday.
The singer of the band Kiss was honored for his support of the military.
Next week, Simmons will host the Aces & Angels Salute to the Troops event, which is a party and benefit to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project and the USO.
Simmons invited more than 500 Texas soldiers who have recently returned from Iraq or Afghanistan.
DALLAS - Rocker Gene Simmons received a key to the City of Dallas on Friday.
The singer of the band Kiss was honored for his support of the military.
Next week, Simmons will host the Aces & Angels Salute to the Troops event, which is a party and benefit to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project and the USO.
Simmons invited more than 500 Texas soldiers who have recently returned from Iraq or Afghanistan.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Eric Carr's Rockheads Are On Their Way
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK; Rocksville Station® comics is proud to present Eric Carr’s Rockheads™, a multimedia cartoon series created by Eric Carr. Publisher Dyna Meecho, LLC is currently working with Streetgang Productions, Inc. to bring you this cameo appearance of The Rockheads™ in comic book form. The street date for the publication will be April, 2011.
The Rockheads™ were created in the mid 1980’s by Eric Carr, the late drummer of the legendary rock band Kiss. Throughout his years with Kiss, Eric’s characters took shape and matured into an adorable cartoon series, with each one having their own special features and unique personalities. Eric had a vision for The Rockheads™ and attempted to pursue that vision with the aid of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.
In 1987, Hanna Barbera Corporation and Landmark Entertainment showed a sincere interest in marketing The Rockheads™, recognizing that the fun, rock n’ roll theme would be appealing to many different age groups. However, because of Eric’s untimely death in 1991, he was unable to bring his project to fruition.
The Carr Family strongly believes in Eric’s vision of The Rockheads™, and have decided to pick up where Eric left off.
Kiss fans number in the millions and have waited years to see The Rockheads™ surface. Today Eric’s vision is premiered in Dyna Meecho’s second issue of Rocksville Station® titled “Ticket to Rock”.
The Rockheads™ are owned by the Carr Family, Bruce Kulick, guitarist for Kiss (1984 to 1996) and Adam Mitchell, a well respected song writer who’s songs have been performed by Kiss, Chicago, John Waite, Patty Smyth and Scandal, Paul Anka, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Bonnie Tyler, Art Garfunkel, Anne Murray, Nicolette Larson and dozens more.
The comic book will be offered in a true 32 page format and is also available online at http://www.ericcarr.com/ and http://www.kulick.net/
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Paul Stanley Vocal on Pushking Album Posted Online
Kiss Army Russia, creators the first ever Russian Kiss Podcast, has posted the track Paul Stanley ("Cut The Wire") recorded for the Pushking album. The site is in Russian, but will easy to find the track- just click the first link under the 1975 Alive! album photo outtake. Thanks to VLADIMIR/KISS ARMY RUSSIA.
CLICK HERE:
http://www.kissarmyrussia.com/kisspodcast/kisspodcast.htm
CLICK HERE:
http://www.kissarmyrussia.com/kisspodcast/kisspodcast.htm
First Kiss Album: Review from Rolling Stone, 1978
By Gordon Fletcher
Rolling Stone Magazine
Rating: ***** (two out of five stars)
December 28, 1978
(Kiss Mask notes: Though, it's a pretty positive review, Rolling Stone has never been a fan of Kiss. Refusing to do features on the band and when they did they were less than flattering. Much of this ignorance would have to do with Jann Werner, the publisher, who despised Kiss. There was even a feature story in 1977 where one RS writer (Charles M. Young) compared Kiss' music to buffalo farts. Really? Kiss has never appeared on the cover of the America version of RS and I doubt they ever will. Wenner is also one of the men responsible for who get's inducted in the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. Hopefully, with the amount of pressure from fans and artists alike, they will be nominated and inducted next year. I mean c'mon, Kiss has had such an influence not only on American pop culture, but musicians and bands alike. I found this "review" the first Kiss album from RS Online that was published in 1978.- J. Frank Hagan/Kiss Mask Webzine)
Kiss is an exciting Brooklynbased band with an imaginative stage presentation and a tight new album. The music is all hard-edged — they call it "thunderock" — and throughout their electrical storm solid craftsmanship prevails. Paul Stanley's rhythm guitar is the star of the proceedings, barking out the coarse chord patterns that comprise the foundation of the band's material. Gene Simmons can thus provide an extra dimension to the band's music by playing fluid bass patterns (especially on "Cold Gin") and Peter Criss contributes impressive drumming marked by Keith Moon's power and proficiency.
"Nothing to Lose," "Firehouse" and "Cold Gin" — a Side One trilogy that would make Alice Cooper proud — provides over ten minutes of steady, stompin' rock & roll with an allenveloping forcefulness. The manic "Deuce" makes fine music for crushing skulls and "Strutter" prominently displays the lead guitar talents of Ace Frehley, an unmistakable graduate of the Buck Dharma school of frenetic fretting.
An exceptional album, Kiss could have been even better had the group incorporated more of their concert sound into the recording studio. Onstage they rain a Black Sabbath-like fury, but here they sound more like a cross between Deep Purple and the Doobie Brothers. Though Frehley is an integral component of the stage show, here his guitar is used sparingly, particularly on "Cold Gin," where a solo could've propelled the tune to a higher plateau. A firm commitment to their stage sound (as in "Deuce" and portions of "Black Diamond") could well insure excellence — a course worth pursuing.
"Nothing to Lose," "Firehouse" and "Cold Gin" — a Side One trilogy that would make Alice Cooper proud — provides over ten minutes of steady, stompin' rock & roll with an allenveloping forcefulness. The manic "Deuce" makes fine music for crushing skulls and "Strutter" prominently displays the lead guitar talents of Ace Frehley, an unmistakable graduate of the Buck Dharma school of frenetic fretting.
An exceptional album, Kiss could have been even better had the group incorporated more of their concert sound into the recording studio. Onstage they rain a Black Sabbath-like fury, but here they sound more like a cross between Deep Purple and the Doobie Brothers. Though Frehley is an integral component of the stage show, here his guitar is used sparingly, particularly on "Cold Gin," where a solo could've propelled the tune to a higher plateau. A firm commitment to their stage sound (as in "Deuce" and portions of "Black Diamond") could well insure excellence — a course worth pursuing.
Kiss performing on ABC's "IN CONCERT" 1974:
Kiss Photo of the Day #2 - 1977
Vintage Kiss Photo Series
Kiss Photo Number Two 1977
Kiss playing the Omni, Atlanta, GA., December 30, 1977 during the final leg of the LOVE GUN Tour.
Tommy Thayer Interview with KCLB Radio - Palm Springs
Tyler Russell of the 93.7 KCLB Rocks radio station in Palm Springs, California recently conducted an interview with KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer. Click here to listen to Tommy's interview.
Gene Simmons Recieves City Key to Dallas - Video
Dallas City leaders presented Gene with the key to the city of Dallas for his support of the military. Gene was also honored with Gene Simmons Blvd.
Next week, Gene will host the Aces & Angels Salute to the Troops, a party and benefit to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project and the USO.
Over 500 Texas soldiers who have recently returned from Iraq or Afghanistan will attend.
From WFAA-TV Dallas:
Next week, Gene will host the Aces & Angels Salute to the Troops, a party and benefit to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project and the USO.
Over 500 Texas soldiers who have recently returned from Iraq or Afghanistan will attend.
From WFAA-TV Dallas:
Friday, January 28, 2011
New Poll: Kiss' (Music From) The Elder Songs
2011 Marks 30th Anniversary of (Music From) The Elder
2011 marks the 30th Anniversary of Kiss' (Music From) The Elder. The album Kiss would rather forget than remember but loved by fans and (surprise!!) critics alike. So please have fun and take part in our new poll and pick songs that you would like hear Kiss play live. Could they possibly throw in a song from the album on the next tour? Stranger things have indeed happened.
We had to narrow the song choice down to what we thought would be the most popular requests. I personally think it's a killer album filled with great songs, arrangements and musicianship. I would love to hear "The Oath" and "I" live. C'mon Kiss, throw us a bone, and play some songs off The Elder! We've been wanting this for years!!
Kiss performs "The Oath" on ABC's 'Fridays' show that aired 1982.
Kiss' March 17 Hard Rock Live Florida Show On Sale Today At Noon
Kiss' March 17th Hard Rock Live Show On Sale Today at Noon
Tickets for KISS' Hard Rock Live concert on March 17th at The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, go on sale today at 12:00 PM (EST) Ticketmaster.com. You may also purchase tickets by calling 1-800-745-3000.
(Kiss pictured here with Good Morning America's anchor, Kate Snow- October 2009.)
Kiss Photo of the Day #1 - the 1980's
Vintage Kiss Photos Series
Here is the first photo of Kiss Mask' new series of presenting photos of the band, in and out of make-up. The new feature will date photos, obscure and and not so obscure (some you may have seen before but not in years) either on and offstage, publicity and candid shots. The feature will date from early Kiss in the 1970's to the 1980's. If any of our readers have any photos that they'd like to share (Preferably the early days 1970's to the 1980's we will be pleased to publish them on the Kiss Mask. Please include any information about the photo you send- date, where, photo credit is appreciated. Email Kissmask8895@aol.com and write "KISS PHOTO" in the subject matter. You can even copy & paste your photo in the email as well.
L-R: Gene Simmons, Cher, Columbia A&R guy John Kalonder and Paul Stanley circa 1980. John has worked with some of the biggest acts in the business including Billy Idol, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Genesis, Iron Maiden and of course, Cher. Check out John's website for more photos.
Photo from http://www.johnkalodner.com/ (C) John Kalonder.
Here is the first photo of Kiss Mask' new series of presenting photos of the band, in and out of make-up. The new feature will date photos, obscure and and not so obscure (some you may have seen before but not in years) either on and offstage, publicity and candid shots. The feature will date from early Kiss in the 1970's to the 1980's. If any of our readers have any photos that they'd like to share (Preferably the early days 1970's to the 1980's we will be pleased to publish them on the Kiss Mask. Please include any information about the photo you send- date, where, photo credit is appreciated. Email Kissmask8895@aol.com and write "KISS PHOTO" in the subject matter. You can even copy & paste your photo in the email as well.
Kiss Photo Number One - the 1980's
L-R: Gene Simmons, Cher, Columbia A&R guy John Kalonder and Paul Stanley circa 1980. John has worked with some of the biggest acts in the business including Billy Idol, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Genesis, Iron Maiden and of course, Cher. Check out John's website for more photos.Photo from http://www.johnkalodner.com/ (C) John Kalonder.
Gene Simmons to recieve Key to the City in Dallas
Kiss' Simmons to receive key to city of Dallas
FOXSportsSouthwest.com
If you heard that one person would be awarded a key to the city of Dallas during Super Bowl week, chances are you wouldn't tab Kiss frontman Gene Simmons as that guy.
But, according to The Dallas Morning News, city officials confirmed that Simmons will receive a key to Dallas on Friday afternoon in honor of his support of U.S. troops and will be the only honoree of that type "during or related to Super Bowl XLV Week in Dallas."
The honor is just part of what promises to be a busy week for Simmons. On Feb. 2, he and longtime partner Shannon Tweed will host Aces & Angels Salute to the Troops, a party and benefit to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project and the USO.
The guests of honor? Simmons and Tweed have invited more than 500 Texas soldiers who have recently returned from Iraq or Afghanistan.
As an added bonus for the reality TV viewers out there, the party will be filmed for an upcoming episode of Simmons' A&E TV show, "Gene Simmons' Family Jewels."
But, according to The Dallas Morning News, city officials confirmed that Simmons will receive a key to Dallas on Friday afternoon in honor of his support of U.S. troops and will be the only honoree of that type "during or related to Super Bowl XLV Week in Dallas."
The honor is just part of what promises to be a busy week for Simmons. On Feb. 2, he and longtime partner Shannon Tweed will host Aces & Angels Salute to the Troops, a party and benefit to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project and the USO.
The guests of honor? Simmons and Tweed have invited more than 500 Texas soldiers who have recently returned from Iraq or Afghanistan.
As an added bonus for the reality TV viewers out there, the party will be filmed for an upcoming episode of Simmons' A&E TV show, "Gene Simmons' Family Jewels."
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Kiss Returning to Puerto Rico March 12
KISS Return to Puerto Rico March 12, 2011.
Kiss adds date at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in Hato Rey.
A KISS Army Fan Club Presale will begin this Friday.
*Pre-sale Start: Friday, January 28th, 2011 from 10AM local time.
*Pre-sale End: Saturday, January 29th, 2011 from 9AM local time.
*General public tickets will go on sale Saturday, January 29th, 2011@ 10AM local time.
Kiss will also play RodeoHouston at Reliant Stadium in Texas March 15 and the Seminole Hard Rock Casino & Hotel in Hollywood, Florida on March 17. Tickets are on sale for both dates.
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