Thursday, September 30, 2010

Gene Simmons on Midterm Elections

EXCLUSIVE: Gene Simmons Predicts 'Major Change' in Midterm Elections & Entertianing "Dancing With the Stars" Offer

By Hollie McKay/FoxNews.com

LOS ANGELES – Gene Simmons has never been one to shy away from voicing his political opinions and the KISS frontman tells Pop Tarts he is anticipating some serious power shifts to take place as a result of the midterm elections in November.
"There is going to be major change. The American public is very, very angry. I believed in this administration, and I voted for President Obama, I also voted for President Clinton, and I also voted for President Bush,” Simmons said this week at the launch of Activision’s “Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock” in Los Angeles. “I will vote my conscience, and I'll be damned if anybody is going to point a finger at me and say ‘vote along party lines.’ America is like me – sometimes they vote this way, sometimes they vote that way."
But when it comes to certain issues, Simmons isn’t afraid to admit his allegiances aren’t exactly in keeping with Hollywood’s stereotypes.
“I am fiscally and in terms of foreign policy, very conservative. Like everybody, we want to pay less taxes not more,” he continued.
And on that note, Simmons is taking the Tea Party movement very seriously.
“You have to take any movement that expresses the will of the public seriously. You can't point to any direction and say ‘this is nonsense’ because the people who are involved in any movement, are doing it because they believe,” he explained. “Who am I to say that what they're doing is right or wrong? At the end of the day, no matter what anyone believes in, no matter what side of the aisle you’re on, you have the opportunity to vote, and express your feelings.”
So what’s Simmons’ message to those in power? Zip the lip and just do the work.
“I resent the fact that the Democrats are making fun of the Tea Party, and likewise, I don't like the Republicans making fun of Democrats. Basically, shut up; don't tell me what's wrong with the other party. Tell me what you're going to do for me, then I'll let you know who I'm going to vote for,” he told us. “This is why America is like me – sometimes Republicans get in, sometimes Democrats get in. As soon as one messes up, we throw them out. Watch what's going to happen this election."
And in a different form of competition, Simmons admitted that he has been approached about being a contestant for an upcoming season of the ABC hit “Dancing With the Stars”, and that he is entertaining the possibility.
Stay tuned.

Kiss Rock Monterrey!

Kiss rocked a packed house at Auditorio Banamex September 28th in Monterrey,México. The first of four dates in Mexico.


Modern Day Delilah

Say Yeah


Report on Mexican Television:

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Q&A: Kiss' Gene Simmons on 'Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock'

Q&A: Kiss' Gene Simmons on 'Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock'
USA Today

(Note: Gene appeared at the Paramount Studios in Hollywood last night for the red carpet premire of Guitar Hero:Warriors of Rock)

Ask Gene Simmons of Kiss about voicing the character of the Demi-God of Rock in the new Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock and he is quick to set you straight.


"Character is not the right word. That feels like a Ziegfeld Follies show," he says. "This is a persona."


That persona, the Demi-God, is at the heart of the story in the new Guitar Hero game. The game's developers at Neversoft took as a concept the "Monsters of Rock" and made transforming the game's characters -- Axel Steel, Judy Nails and the gang -- into part of the story line. The player must shred through the game's songs to unlock those character's superhero modes needed to help the Demi-God defeat The Beast that's threatening rock. "And then of course the next logical conclusion was to have the iconic Gene Simmons voice the Demi-God of Rock," says Neversoft project director Brian Bright, "who better to push it way over the top!"


Q: How did you get involved with Guitar Hero?
Gene Simmons: I've always been aware of Guitar Hero, obviously, because it's an iconic brand. I got a phone call from management saying that the people at Activision are interested and so on and so forth. ... Initially when I got the call, I wanted to know a little bit more. Is it going to be the same old, same old? What do you want me to do? Do you want to use a Kiss song? Is it just the general stuff and they said, 'No, no, no. We want to put Guitar Hero on steriods. We want to do the monster of monsters. We want to have the largest collection of rock songs, 90, we want you to be voice of Guitar Hero including becoming the Demi-God. You know, my ego, which is completely insatiable, started to salivate. If egos can. Mine can. I can tell you whatever I imagined the experience to be like, I was completely overwhelmed when I went to the Activision offices. ... I actually got to play a much earlier version, so I tried sitting down figuring this is going to be a demonstration of it. You immediately wind up getting up. It becomes a full body experience. From the visuals to the music, this rocks.


The character, the Demi-God of Rock, from the video game 'Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock'. Gene Simmons of Kiss supplies the voice.

The story seems to be straight out of a concept rock album.
There is a story, but the story is a multi-headed beast with so many different permutations, which is a big word like 'gymnasium'. You are part of the story. It can go in almost any direction. The most important part of this is it has an empowerment kind of thing. You become part of it. It is you. You are it. You may not be able to be the Demi-God but you'll know what it feels like. ... You get to bring out the inner rock star in you. And usually when you say, 'rock star' that means guys. This is for gals, too. Girls can get in there and rock out right along with the guys. In the cave man days, people used to play air guitar because everybody wants that feeling. This takes you in places you never imagined you would be.

link to the rest of storyhttp://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2010/09/qa-kiss-gene-simmons-on-guitar-hero-warriors-of-rock/1

Kiss Earn $500,000 Per Show

KISS Earn A Half-Mil Per Show
Gibson.com
After getting their hands on a variety of artists’ touring contracts, TheSmokingGun.com is reporting that veteran performers KISS make a guaranteed $500,000 every time they “Rock and Roll All Nite.”

However, that amazing sum isn’t quite enough to be #1 on the website’s list. Country music superstars Rascal Flatts top Gene Simmons and Co. by banking $702,500 per show. Rounding out the Top 10 are Keith Urban ($487,500), Brooks & Dunn ($460,000), Sugarland ($325,00), Justin Bieber ($300,000), comedian Jeff Dunham ($200,000), Drake ($155,000), Weezer ($150,000) and Steve Miller Band ($150,000).

The numbers are based on contracts that were used on the acts’ summer tours. Many of the artists actually make more than those fees; they also get a percentage of the box office following the show.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Tommy Thayer & Eric Singer Solo from Fontana

Enjoy this solo of Tommy and Eric from Epicenter Twenty Ten (9/25/10) Fontana, Ca.

Paul Stanley & Bruce Kulick Featured in"Turn It Up!"

Slash (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES), Jerry Cantrell (ALICE IN CHAINS), Paul Stanley (KISS), Bruce Kulick (KISS, GRAND FUNK RAILROAD) and John 5 (ROB ZOMBIE, MARILYN MANSON) are among the musicians who are featured in "Turn It Up!", a feature-length celebration of the electric guitar. Hosted by Kevin Bacon, the film explores mankind's passion for the electric guitar, and its effect on artists, everyday players, pop culture, history, and even politics. "Turn it Up!" is the story of the electric guitar, from the invention in the 1930s to its golden years, right through the phenomenon of the Guitar Hero videogame and the digital guitars of the future. But, it's also a series of guitar stories, where we'll meet all kinds of people from rock stars, to congressmen, CEOs, and teenage virtuosos, to try to understand their emotional connection to their guitars.

Check out the offical website for information and trailer:
http://loudandlouder.com/

Richie Fontana Interviewed: Paul Stanley 1978 Drummer

Richie Fontana is interviewed here by Jason Saulnier http://gtmometal.blogspot.com/ . Richie has played on Paul Stanley's 1978 Solo Album, Skatt Brothers with Sean Delaney, Piper with Billy Squier, Laura Branigan as well as his own succesful solo career. Richie also discusses how he almost became Kiss' next drummer.


Richie Fontana Part One:

Richie Fontana Part Two:

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Kiss Rock 50,000 at California Speedway


KISS PLAY FINAL SHOW OF US SUMMER TOUR


Kiss played their final show of their Hottest Show On Earth US Tour last night in Fontana, Ca., at the KROQ Epicenter Twenty Ten Festival. Headlining the all day event with acts, Eminem, a reunited BUSH, Papa Roach and others, Kiss played a shorter set (90 minutes) due to time constraints.
Tommy Thayer was almost torched in between songs at the beginning of the show. While Paul was at the microphone to the crowd, Tommy was behind to reach for a drink as one of the pyro flame throwers, in an untimely move, went off right in front of him. It was a scary moment as it was happening.
The show was broadcast at Facebook's NightClub City and UStream.

Set List:Modern Day Delilah, Let Me Go Rock N Roll, Firehouse, Say Yeah, Crazy Crazy Nights Calling Dr. Love, Shock Me, Love Gun, I Love It Loud, Detroit Rock City, Lick It Up, I Was Made For Lovin' You, Rock And Roll All Nite.

Below are some videos from US Stream:
Let Me Go, Rock And Roll




I Love It Loud





Rock And Roll All Nite



Saturday, September 25, 2010

Kiss Live Tonight From California Festival


Kiss live tonight from the Epicenter Twenty Ten Festival-

Rock legends KISS will be broadcasting a LIVE webcast of their final stop from the 2010 "Hottest Show on Earth" tour at the KROQ Epicenter Twenty Ten Festival on Saturday, September 25th at 8:30PM PT / 11:30PM ET. Be sure to tune in for a special performance where fans from around the world can experience this event first-hand and interact by posting comments and questions using Ustream's Social Stream or chat. Watch and chat at http://www.ustream.tv/kiss

Thursday, September 23, 2010

"Modern Day Delilah" Soundcheck from Target Center

Check out this soundcheck video of Kiss from the Target Center last fall.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Kiss New Mexico Lottery TV Ad

Nightclub City & Kiss Bring First Of It's Kind Live Concert


NIGHTCLUB CITY AND ICONIC ROCK BAND KISS BRING FANS A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND LIVE CONCERT
Kissonline
(SAN FRANCISCO, CA) Sept. 22, 2010 - In a music event that will mark the first time a band of historic magnitude has streamed a free concert to millions through a social game, KISS will broadcast their final North American date of their hugely-successful 2010
Hottest Show on Earth concert tour live in Booyah's Nightclub
City, a wildly-popular, music-centric social game and marketing platform for musicians on Facebook.

The live concert will bring new and traditional media together by simultaneously airing on sites KROQ.com in Los Angeles and CBS Radio rock station websites nationwide via Ustream on Saturday, September 25, where KISS is headlining the Epicenter Twenty Ten Festival in Fontana, California.

Fans of KISS will be able to watch the iconic band play for FREE by simply logging on to the Nightclub City application in Facebook or by going to the KISS Ustream site. Those who view the concert in Nightclub City will be given exclusive KISS branded virtual goods to use in the game. In addition, Nightclub City players will have access to a dedicated KISS playlist in the game, featuring the top KISS songs of all-time.

Nightclub City is a digital game based around real-world music, and the landmark KISS event represents Booyah's platform as a real-world gaming leader blending interactive entertainment with social apps while blurring the lines between the real and digital worlds.

"We're celebrating the end of a monster tour by giving everyone a chance to relive some of what they heard and saw at the show. Unfortunately, we will not be responsible for computers melting," said KISS co-founder Paul Stanley.

"We have always believed in pushing the boundaries...in giving the fans bang for the buck...in going where no band has gone before," added KISS co-founder Gene Simmons. "This one's gonna rock big time!"

The dynamic world of Nightclub City is powered by Booyah's vision of fusing elements from the real and digital worlds to create new forms of interactive entertainment. Since opening its club doors in April 2010, more than 8.6 million active players have joined the party per month, and experienced new music within the social game setting and created special experiences that go beyond the realm of the digital world.

Those who watch the KISS concert through Nightclub City will be rewarded with special KISS- branded virtual goods. The broadcast starts with the pre-show at 8:30pm, KISS plays at 9:30pm on Saturday, September 25 at http://apps.facebook.com/nightclubcity .

Monday, September 20, 2010

Kiss in Swedish Lotto Tv Ad

Here is the clip of Kiss in a Swedish lottery commercial. The lucky lotto winner spends his fortune on listening to Kiss whenever and wherever he pleases. Very funny stuff!!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Kiss TV/Radio Ad for Frisco, Texas Show

Check out the tv and radio ad running for the Kiss show at Pizza Hut Park for Frisco, Texas:

Radio Ad:

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Q&A With Tommy Thayer




Q&A With Tommy Thayer On Joining His Idols, Playing to Families and Watching Paul Stanley Squeeze Sweat Out of His Socks
By Darryl Smyers/Dallas Observer




Tommy Thayer has played guitar in KISS since 2002, taking over for the departed Ace Frehley.

Thayer was involved in various bands before, even gaining the notice of Gene Simmons when Thayer was playing in a KISS tribute band. Soon after, Simmons offered Thayer a job as his assistant. And, when Frehley decided to leave Kiss, Thayer was the natural replacement.

But stepping directly into the space man character associated with Frehley proved troublesome. Fans who noticed the difference often heckled Thayer. Through it all, though, Thayer just keep playing guitar and playing his role. After time, few even notice the difference.

Now, after nearly a decade with Kiss, Thayer finally feels totally at home. And he took a few moments from a tour stop in California to talk about his integration within the band and a few interesting side notes that go along with being in Kiss.

Read our Q&A in full after the jump.

On this tour, you are the one doing most of the interviews. Are you the sacrificial lamb to the media?
I am doing my share. You know, there are so many interviews that we really have to divide them up. But it does seem like I've done quite a few. Maybe it's because I am relatively new.

You are coming up on your 50th birthday. How old is too old to be dressing up and playing KISS?
You are never too old to be in KISS. The thing has become so multi-generational. The crowds at the shows are so diverse. You see teenagers and then people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. It's parents with their kids. And everyone is dressed up like KISS. It's Halloween every night. It is an experience that we put so much effort into, both in the music and the show itself. Just the pyrotechnics alone are incredible.

How do you think KISS has maintained its popularity over such a long period of time?
Well, there are just certain bands that tap into the popular consciousness. You have to be at the right moment in time. I think when KISS first appeared, there was obviously nothing quite like it and people gravitated towards the band. First, it was because of the danger factor, but now it's turned into a family-friendly thing. Now, it's just such an iconic thing for everyone involved. It's people remembering their youth while getting their children involved in something fun.



Link to read the resthttp://blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/2010/09/qa_tommy_thayer_of_kiss_on_joi.php

Friday, September 17, 2010

Rockers Bad City to Meet Kiss in San Antonio This Weekend

Rockers Bad City will meet Kiss when the band plays San Antonio, Texas this Sunday. The Hottest Show On Earth will play AT&T Center on September 19. Bad City will be special guests of Paul Stanley.

Bad City has a rocking track from their outstanding new album Welcome To The Wasteland "Call Paul Stanley." Available on Atlantic Records.

More information for Bad City can be found at www.myspace.com/badcitymusic , www.atlanticrecords.com/badcity , and their official first video the "Wild Life" can be viewed on YouTube here www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrKgeYUqg2Y .

Peter Criss on Eddie Trunk's Radio Show


Peter Criss will be a special guest on Eddie Trunk's radio program, "Friday Night Rocks," on Oct. 8th. Peter will discuss his upcoming Cancer Walk as well as his upcoming projects. Hopefully, Peter will discuss his rock album which he recorded last summer. Richie Scarlet told the Kiss Mask Webzine in an interview last summer while in Philadelphia for a performance that he layed tracks down for Peter's new album which was described as a return to rock.


Information on the Cancer Walk scheduled for Sunday, October 17 can be found on Peter's website, http://www.petercriss.net/ .
Photo:Peter Criss outside Colony Records, Times Square, 1976.

Bruce Kulick to Return to Australia:AMS, Sydney & Lordi


Bruce Kulick will return to Australia for the Australian International Music Show in Melbourne October 2-3, 2010. Bruce Kulick will be on hand to tell audience members all they need to know about rock guitar.
Standard entrance to the event, which takes place at Melbourne Exhibition Centre, will cost A$20, although a concessionary price of A$15 is available and children can get in for A$10.
You can view more information here http://www.aimshow.com.au/artists

ALSO Bruce in Sydney:
Allans Music and Billy Hyde present an evening with ex-Kiss guitarist, Bruce Kulick. Currently on the road with the legendary Grand Funk Railroad, Bruce will be making a quick detour to Australia this October to play an exclusive show in Sydney to showcases not only his new album BK3, but his amazing moves. You can catch Bruce Kulick at Allans Music in Sydney on Monday, October 4th at 7pm. Tickets are only $20. Get in quick as this event will surely sell out fast!

Bruce Kulick Sydney guitar clinic (One night only!)Allans Music + Billy Hyde 228 Pitt St – CBDMonday 4 October @ 7pmTickets: $20 STRICTLY LIMITED
http://www.allansmusic.com.au/http://www.billyhydemusic.com.au/

ALSO Bruce and Jeremy Rubolino co-write tune for Lordi:
Call of the Wedding is written with Bruce Kulick and Jeremy Rubolino. Their idea was to record a huge American stadium ballad in style of KISS and Alice Cooper. Bruce Kulick plays a guitar solo and Rubolino conducts a string orchestra. This is also the first time in Lordi’s history that we have a string orchestra on our album. More at http://www.lordi.fi/band/
Visit Bruce at www.kulick.net .

Gene Simmons on Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock

Gene Simmons is the Demon in Kiss, but in Guitar Hero: Warriors Of Rock he's the Demigod Of Rock, and Gene talked to Artisan News about the game and if he's any good.
Artisan News Service

KISS still wants to rock 'n' roll all night, and party every day

Kiss Headline Rock In The Park in Texas on Saturday
By Don and Sharon Chance
Times Record News

Rock In The Park Festival
Where: Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas
Date: Saturday, September 18, 2010
Time: Show 1:00pm
KISS
Daughtry

Drowning Pool
The Envy

...And the Academy Is
Pat Green


When one of the most legendary and long-lasting rock bands in music history needs someone to replace an original member, very few musicians can step into such a position without causing obvious changes to the band and its sound.

But when Tommy Thayer was called on to take on the lead guitar chores for the departing Ace Frehley in the KISS lineup, it was as natural to him as playing in his own successful group, the moderately successful KISS-inspired band Black and Blue.

The always flamboyant KISS will headline Rock’N The Park at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas, Saturday. Other groups on the bill are Pat Green, Daughtry and Drowning Pool. The music kicks off at 1 p.m. and is set to run until 11:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at $59.92 and go up to $111.76.

According to Thayer, the KISS show features a new opening, new visual and pyrotechnic effects and even more over-the-top rock antics than ever before.

“We know that money isn’t easy these days, and if the fans pay the money for a concert, we want the value to be there,” Thayer said from his home Thousand Oaks, Calif. “With KISS, you don’t need to worry about that. We don’t stand around looking at our toes. We are out there working.”

Growing up in Oregon, Thayer said he always wanted to be the lead guitarist in a successful band. And he was as surprised as anyone when it actually happened.

“It’s a strange thing where life will take you sometimes,” he said. “In this case, it’s quite spectacular. To grow up and just be a rock ‘n’ roll fan in general, and a band like KISS and all the other great bands of the ‘70s, and then 30 years later, finding yourself playing in the band as the lead guitar player — it’s mind-blowing.”

Link to storyhttp://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2010/sep/17/more-than-lip-service-kiss-still-wants-to-rock-n/

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Kiss Headlines Fextival in California September 25


KISS will be headlining huge concert in Fontana on Sept. 25
Fontana-Herald News
http://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/

Fans of the band can get collectible cups at 7-Eleven

KISS, the legendary American rock band, will be wowing the crowd at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana on Friday, Sept. 25.

But before that, the many devoted fans of the tremendously popular group will be wowed with special collectible cups offered at local 7-Eleven stores.

The Super Big Gulps, courtesy of Dr Pepper, each bears the likeness of one of the KISS band members -- Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer. The cups are available in participating Southern California and U.S. 7-Eleven stores this September through the band's partnership with Dr Pepper.

KISS is currently on tour with the "Hottest Show on Earth," making stops throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico in support of its first album in 11 years, "Sonic Boom."

However, the KISS show on Sept. 25 at the Epicenter 2010 Festival in Fontana will be the band's only Southern California appearance.

KISS is giving back to the United States Armed Forces by donating $1 from each ticket sold to benefit the Wounded Warrior Care Project (www.projectaugusta.org).

"KISS has a huge following, and the legendary rockers' appeal cuts across generations," said 7-Eleven vice president and CMO Rita Bargerhuff. "For 7-Eleven to provide these special cups in September while the band is on its concert tour will be a bonus for baby boomer, Gen X and millennial fans."

Each of the sleek, black cups features an individual close-up of a band member in signature black and white make-up.

Ross von Rosenberg, art director at TPN, part of the FreshWorks consortium of agencies serving 7-Eleven, spoke of the style he used to create the new cups: "I used metallic ink and rock-and-roll style graphics to emphasize the heavy metal aspect of these cups and make KISS appear larger than life. And really, I just wanted them to look as awesome as a face-melting KISS guitar solo sounds."

The availability of collectible KISS' cups at 7-Eleven, Inc. is the latest in a long line of the band's highly successful ventures with Dr Pepper, including the popular Dr Pepper Cherry "Dr Love" and memorable Super Bowl XLIV Dr Pepper Cherry "Dr Love -- Little KISS" television commercial spots.

"KISS, Dr Pepper and 7-Eleven are all icons of American pop culture, so this is a dream team with unlimited power," said Gene Simmons.

Paul Stanley added, "We are fired up to continue our successful relationship with Dr Pepper and partner with 7-Eleven to give their customers and the KISS Army across America a cold drink in a cool collectible."

KISS, which was formed in 1972, is one of the most influential bands in the history of rock. KISS has recorded 37 albums over 36 years and has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide. More than 30 years of record-breaking tours around the globe include high-profile appearances at Super Bowl XXXIII, the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, the 2005 Rockin' The Corps concert dedicated to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and, most recently, the 2009 finale of "American Idol" that boasted 30 million viewers.

For more information about tickets to the Epicenter 2010 Festival, which runs Sept. 25 and 26, visit http://www.epicenterfestival.com/ .


Gene Simmons to Keynote Speak in France at MIPCOM

Gene In France to Keynote Speak on Entertianment Branding
UPI.com

CANNES, France, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- Filmmaker Robert Redford will celebrate the first anniversary of Sundance Channel in Europe at next month's MIPCOM TV market in France, event organizers said.
Redford, the founder of Sundance Channel, is slated to participate in a media question-and-answer session Oct. 6, during which he will discuss the Sundance Channel's international expansion plans, organizers said.
Gene Simmons, front man of KISS and star of the hit unscripted series "Gene Simmons Family Jewels," is scheduled to deliver a keynote address with Bob DeBitetto, president and general manager of A&E Network and BIO Channel, during the "How to Build an Entertainment Brand" MIPCOM conference, designed to help participants understand the inner workings of branded entertainment.
More herehttp://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/Movies/2010/09/14/Redford-to-celebrate-Sundance-at-MIPCOM/UPI-23801284510223/

RetroKISS:Garth Brooks, KISS on Tonight Show 1994

Check out ths HQ video of "Hard Luck Woman" performed by Garth Brooks with Kiss on the Tonight Show, July 13, 1994.

Brooks was one of several artists including the Gin Blossoms, Might Mighty Bosstones and Lenny Kravitz with Stevie Wonder who covered Kiss songs for the 1994 Kiss tribute album, Kiss My Ass.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Bruce Kulick To Appear at the Hollywood Show

Bruce Kulick, former Kiss and current GRAND FUNK RAILROAD guitarist Bruce Kulick will appear at the Hollywood Show on October 10, which will be held at the Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 2500 North Hollywood Way, Burbank, California.

Website: http://www.hollywoodshow.com/

Ace Frehley Autographed Collection Unveiled



New Ace Frehley Autographed Collection

Kissmuseum.com

On August 29, 2010 Ace Frehley conducted a large autograph signing session spreading his famous signature across Posters, MotorCycle Helmets, Costume Boots and even Framed Gold Record Displays of his 1978 solo album. It is rare that Ace would do such a large signing and KISSmuseum.com has the entire collection for sale on our website.

All signatures are in immaculate crisp, clean condition as the Spaceman was able to sit down and take his time to sign everything nice and neatly. All items are signed and numbered limited editions. When they are gone, we will not be able to get more in.

See the Ace Frehley Autograph Collection at KISSmuseum.com

Sunday, September 12, 2010

"Rock And Roll All Nite" from Detroit Rock City

Great video of Kiss playing "Rock And Roll All Nite" from Detroit at DTE Energy Music Center, Clarkston, MI., September 11, 2001.
Kissonline

Wounded Warriors Check/9-11 Message:

Gene Simmons to speak at LA Music Conference

Gene To Speak at Music Conference
UPI.com

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Rocker Gene Simmons has been tapped to serve as the keynote speaker of the inaugural American Music Conference in Los Angeles, organizers said.

Produced by Variety and dick clark productions, the event is to be held Nov. 19 at The Event Deck at L.A. LIVE.

"The conference will be a premiere gathering of the most influential minds in the business -- spanning artists, label chiefs, agents, managers and more," the event's producers said in a news release Thursday.

The conference is to take place the same weekend as the 38th annual American Music Awards ceremony, which is to air Nov. 21 on ABC live from the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE.

"The music industry is now constantly brainstorming new strategies to stay on top and even ahead of their fans' demands," Variety President Neil Stiles said in a statement. "Variety and dick clark productions' American Music Conference is designed to offer the tools that will help to keep this business on the cutting edge. We are also honored to open up the day with a keynote conversation with Gene Simmons."

Orly Adelson, president of dcp, added, "We are excited to launch the AMC with Variety and are proud to feature the supremely talented Gene Simmons at this inaugural event."

Kiss Army Invades Toronto!

Kiss Army Invades Toronto
Tom Pandi/Examiner.com
Toronto
Sept 10, 2010 suddenly looked and felt a lot like Sept 10, 1975 (the release date of the first Kiss live album Kiss Alive) and 35 years to the day, an extraordinary army of painted faces, spandex and aluminum foil outfits marched upon the Molson Amphitheatre to see their Rock N Roll Messiahs orchestrate a concert spectacle that no other band can match.
Supporting their latest album of 2009 Sonic Boom, that “can only be purchased at Walmart” as Paul Stanley cheekily incited the crowd to repeat, Kiss with original founders Stanley and Gene Simmons accompanied by Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer delivered nothing less than what the loyal Kiss Army expected. With a catalogue spanning close to 4 decades, there was no shortage of material for the 2+ hour set.
“This is real Rock n Roll, there’s no musicians below, no hidden microphones, no lip-synching” proclaimed the Star Child Stanley, who at 58 years young, was in top form. Serving as ring master to the circus, he engaged the crowd throughout the night and fans licked it all up singing along to classics including Deuce, Calling Doctor Love and Love Gun.
Link & Rest of Story:http://www.examiner.com/event-photography-in-toronto/kiss-army-invades-toronto

Bob Ezrin on "Music From The Elder"

Sound Shock: Bob Ezrin on “THE ELDER”
Fangoria Magazine


Ah, the concept album, the rock opera…the ambitious extension of every pop artist who tires of his or her trade and dreams of bigger fish. In the 1970s, as music and mass media leaned towards bloat, with bands like Queen, The Who and Pink Floyd conquering the charts and grand-scale cinema like STAR WARS owning the box office, Kiss decided to give the trashy rock-and-roll pulp they made their name with a rest and pursue loftier creative heights.

The result of their semi-delusional dreaming was 1981’s THE ELDER, a baroque, full-blown concept platter charting the story of a Luke Skywalker-esque boy who is called upon to battle the evil Mr. Blackwell and restore order and balance to the land. The album was the work of legendary producer Bob Ezrin (who helped shape the sound of hard rock’s first horror show, Alice Cooper), a Toronto native who had previously reinvented the band with 1976’s classic DESTROYER and had, at that time, just worked on Pink Floyd’s double-disc rock-opera juggernaut THE WALL.

Both Ezrin and the band (well, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, anyway) were convinced that THE ELDER would be the record to forge their new “mature” path, a bounce back after the lightweight pop fluff of 1980’s UNMASKED. Kiss trimmed their hair and donned new, stripped-down costumes, and the cover was the first in the band’s history not to feature the freak four.

It was, of course, a gross miscalculation.

The album tanked, fans recoiled and THE ELDER pretty much drove a stake through the first wave of Kisstory. But time is a great healer, and over the years, many Kiss devotees have come forth and voiced their love for the disc (this writer included). Lush, evocative, frightening, beautiful and very cinematic, THE ELDER is such a breathlessly odd piece of work, so different from anything else in the Kiss lexicon, that it demands respect.

Fango tracked down Ezrin to talk about THE ELDER and share some memories of that pivotal point in the band’s myth…

FANGORIA: To say one loves THE ELDER is—even now—not a popular sentiment.

BOB EZRIN: True. Not even amongst those of us who created it!

FANG: What can you tell us about the genesis of the album?

EZRIN: Well, the boys came to me with a bunch of really heavy demos, initially. They wanted to make a very intense record to combat the criticism of the last couple of albums. I had just made THE WALL, and I convinced them to scrap those demos and do something different. So THE ELDER was a victim of THE WALL and our mutual desire to do something “important,” which really was antithetical to what Kiss was about. Kiss was never pretentious or precious and never took themselves seriously. They were always about fun, sex and power and were always, in effect, horror cartoon characters, so to suddenly do a concept album, something of “consequence,” was an anti-Kiss idea. It was a flawed concept from the beginning.

FANG: Who was the driving force behind the record?

EZRIN: At the time, we were all looking for bigger, better things, and Gene—more so than Paul—jumped on the concept of doing THE ELDER. I’m not really sure if he came in with it or we developed it together, but we both evolved a script for a little film to accompany it. We thought it would be the beginning of multiple projects to go under the ELDER banner. We were wrong, of course. But Paul and Gene were really into it, and they put their all into it. They both had to step out of their personas, and it was really bold of them to do that. They were attracted to the classic rock, almost Beatles-esque, complex structure of the album…they were seduced by that. We were all trying to be artistes. It was a huge mistake.

FANG: It’s well-known that lead guitarist Ace Frehley was not pleased with this direction, failed to show up for sessions and quit the band soon after. But you had similar problems with Ace during the recording of DESTROYER as well, didn’t you?

EZRIN: People dwell on that, but it’s not entirely true. I loved Ace. It’s just that DESTROYER was a big project. It was ambitious and grandiose and had to be delivered on a finite budget in a very finite time frame. Gene and Paul were, as always, totally disciplined, but Ace was a free spirit and, like his persona suggests, a real space cadet. Sometimes we couldn’t find him when we were in studio and had to record, so we had to proceed with Biff Wagner playing his parts. But when he did play on the album, he was fantastic.

FANG: DESTROYER was huge, a landmark album—but it too was met with fan dissent, initially. Do you remember the backlash when THE ELDER was released?

EZRIN: I do. Here was this larger-than-life fantasy/rock record, filled with myth and violence and passion, and I believe some fans liked it. Some critics liked it too, which rarely happened with Kiss. But most fans couldn’t grasp it and they felt left behind, isolated.

FANG: What do you think of THE ELDER now?

EZRIN: There are some great moments in there, for sure, and some classics buried in the mix. But on the whole, it’s way too self-indulgent and way too overproduced. It’s also not fully realized. There’s not enough material, and the story is not fleshed out. It’s an interesting failure, I think.

FANG: And what about the commercial viability of the “concept album”…is it dead?

EZRIN: I don’t believe so. Look at Green Day’s AMERICAN IDIOT. It was a huge album and then a big Broadway show. And listen, I hope it’s not dead, because I just got in the studio with Alice Cooper to do another concept disc, an album with a connecting thematic thread, so I’m hoping it is still very much alive and well!

Link:http://www.fangoria.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1983:sound-shock-bob-ezrin-on-the-elder&catid=36:demo-articles&Itemid=56

Saturday, September 11, 2010

We Shall Never Forget


September 11, 2001
Today marks the 9th Anniversary of the Attacks on the United States of America, at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania where innocent Americans lost their lives. Today and every day, we shall never forget the freedoms this country is built on and continues to be. Please take a moment and remember those who died that day, September 11, 2001, and those brave who continue to fight in our Armed Forces who are responsible for our freedoms that we hold precious today. We shall never forget the 2,800 plus who perished that day.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Kiss Pinball: Understanding How It Plays

In a video series, "Understanding Pinball," Todd Tuckey from TNT Amusements of Southampton, PA., explains how to play the legendary Kiss Pinball Game.
Thanks to Matt Porter!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Paul Stanley and Evan visit Norman's in LA

Paul Stanley and his son Evan recently visited Norman Rare Guitars in Los Angeles to check out a Fender.

Sympathies to the Carravello Family

It's with deep condolenses to the Caravello family, Eric's mom Connie, passed away on September 3.

Condolences:
Caravello Family
P.O. Box 315
Lyndhurst NJ 07071

Memorial contributions:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105-1942

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

"Call Paul Stanley" Bad City CD Giveaway Winners

The winners of the Bad City "Welcome to the Wasteland" CD Giveaway announced!

Congratulations! You've won Welcome to the Wasteland! The new CD from Bad City featuring the track "Call Paul Stanley" from Atlantic Records. Thanks to everyone who entered.
A very special thanks to our friend Adam at Atlantic Records.

Bryan S.
Westmont, IL.

Lisa P.
Marshalltown, IA.

Lauren S.
McDonough, GA.

Hear what the press are saying about the debut of Bad City, "Welcome to the Wasteland."

Bad City play with the fire of early Smashing Pumpkins and somehow have managed to gene splice in 80's hair metal. A superfresh take on the Rock. I really look forward to watching them play. - Billy Corgan, SMASHING PUMPKINS

‎"Welcome to the Wasteland is an absolute knockout and the best album I've heard in ages. A killer, cohesive album of great rock and bombastic production that has been sorely missing. Every track is a winner and Bad City raises the bar out of most band's reach. It's really that good." - Paul Stanley, KISS


A breathe of fresh rock and roll air destined to become classic rock. Bad City has punch, power, catchy songs along with strong, unique vocals and musicianship that is a warm welcome to the rock and roll landscape"-The KISS MASK WEBZINE


Check out this band, they're pretty cool!! : myspace.com/badcitymusic (Twitter) Billy Corgan, SMASHING PUMPKINS


"Newly signed Atlantic Record recording artist BAD CITY is exploding on thescene with their debut release “Welcome To The Wasteland” (RockEyez 5 Stars). Brian Rademacher, RockEyez.com

"To say I am loving the new album would be an understatement! Musically, this is SO smart and SO fun! The stacked harmonies are monstrously gorgeous! The homage to the past 3 decades of ROCK is masterfully wrapped in modern production. The artists you've tipped your hats to should all be honored... some of them never ro...cked this hard or sounded this good! Welcome To The Wasteland is like a Greatest Hits, not just of songs but of eras." Hewitt Huntwork

Bad City f'n killing it tonight in NYC! (Twitter) Billy Corgan, SMASHING PUMPKINS

"Bad City's Welcome to the Wasteland exists in a space between Queen's A Night at the Opera and Fallout 3.There's no shortage of post-apocalyptic imagery to sink your teeth into, and there's also a masterful execution of theatrical hard rock. Wasteland's epic nature originates directly from the album's operatic guitar symphony and larger-than-life choruses. Bad City's Wasteland is just the spot to visit for real rock-n-roll especially when most modern music feels more barren than a Nuclear waste site…" ARTISTdirect.com editor and Dolor auithor Rick Florino
"Hinder Select Smashing Openers Bad City for US Tour"


Impressive Debut Keeps the Fire Burning for Rock, August 26, 2010
"I stumbled across this band by visiting the KISS website and seeing a link for the track "Call Paul Stanley". Upon first listen I was hooked. The searing guitar and interwoven harmonica blended perfectly. Not to mention the hook-laden chorus and gritty blue collar lyrics. Needless to say, I had to hear more and purchased the CD. In my opinion it's all killer and no filler. From the bombastic chorus of the opening "Showdown in Central Park" to the delicate melodies of "Fire in the Pouring Rain" this debut effort throws down the gauntlet. If you're a fan of retro rock, do yourself a favor and give this a listen you'll catch the fever. Trust me.. I'm NOT a doctor!" W. Conway "Rock715"

Monday, September 6, 2010

Kiss Live at the Minnesota State Fair 9/4/10

KISS ALIVE!
Fan filmed video of Kiss live at the Minnesoat State Fair.
Firehouse


Love Gun

Kiss Live: Atlanta, Milwaukee, Chicago

Calling Dr. Love from Atlanta 8/31/10:




Modern Day Delilah from Milwaukee 9/1/10:


Crazy, Crazy Nights from Chicago 9/3/10:

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Peter Criss to Appear at Chiller Theater Expo

Peter Criss At Chiller
Peter Criss will be among the special guests appearing at this year's Chiller Theatre Expo., Oct. 29-31 at the Hilton Parsippany in Parsippany, N.J.
For more information, visit http://www.chillertheatre.com/ .

Peter will also be taking part in the American Cancer Society Walk on October 17 at Point Pleasent Beach, NJ. Click HERE for more information on how to donate, support and walk.
Kiss Mask Webzine will also walk and be on hand for this important event.

Statement from Peter Criss via www.PeterCriss.net:
On October 17th I will be walking for the American Cancer Society, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. I would love for you to join me in this walk to help Save lives and bring awareness to Men and Women about this disease. I am going to join Nurse Betty's Team BosomBuddies/TwinPeaks. She is an awesome woman who dedicates her life to helping Men and Women with this disease. To register and join our team Click Link below, if you can't walk with us please make a donation for support. If you want to support Me as a Walker, after you Click Link below Click My Name. As a Breast Cancer Survivor I THANK YOU!!! So register and walk 3.1 miles with me on Sunday, October 17th. The walk starts at 10:00 am, speeches start at 8:00 am. Hope you will support our team!!!

Ace Frehley to Appear at Spooky Horror Weekend

Ace Frehley AT Spooky Empire Horror Weekend!
AceFrehley.com

Ace Frehley to Appear at Spooky Empire's Ultimate Horror Weekend in Orlando, FL on October 8-10
Ace Frehley will appear at Spooky Empire's Ultimate Horror Weekend on October 8, 9, and 10 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida.
Please click here for additional information.
Photo:Ace Frehley and my niece, Jessica, September 2009 at the Gibson Showroom, New York City. Photo by J. Frank Hagan

BAD CITY: "Call Paul Stanley" -Album Giveaway

BAD CITY WELCOME TO THE WASTELAND ALBUM GIVEAWAY

Atlantic Records and Kiss Mask Webzine are pleased to present Welcome to the Wasteland CD giveaway from rockers BAD CITY featuring the track, "Call Paul Stanley."

-NO RULES, JUST ROCK AND ROLL!

**Deadline for entrie is tomorrow night, September 6 @ 12:00 midnight (EST).

"A breathe of fresh rock and roll air destined to become classic rock. Bad City has punch, power, catchy songs along with strong, unique vocals and musicianship that is a warm welcome to the rock and roll landscape"-The KISS MASK WEBZINE

Do you want to win a copy of the new Bad City CD 'Welcome To The Wasteland' featuring "Call Paul Stanley?" Courtesy of Atlantic Records.

PLEASE READ**NOTE- The entry deadline has been extended to September 6, 2010 @ Midnight!
All you have to do is send an email to Kissmask8895@aol.com with Bad City written in the subject matter and CALL PAUL STANLEY in the email along with your name and address.
Three (3) copies will be given away and winners will be selected at random via lottery drawing. Winners will be selected by September 1, 2010 at midnight and will be announced September 2, 2010 on the Kiss Mask Webzine. ONLY your first name and city, state will published as your last name will only appear as a capital letter to ensure your privacy. Winners will also be notified by email.

Bad City will be touring with Slash and the Smashing Pumpkins.
You can visit http://www.myspace.com/badcitymusic for more information on Bad City including news and tour dates.
MP3: http://www.badcitymusic.com/album/06-callpaulstanley.mp3

"CALL PAUL STANLEY"-The band are all big fans of KISS and wrote the song about a young rock star who somehow stumbles upon Paul Stanley's phone number and calls him up in the middle of the night.


Kiss:Giving It All

Rockers KISS still giving it all

By JANE STEVENSON, QMI Agency
JamCanoe.com

(EDITOR'S NOTE: KISS is averaging 14,058 per show. In a time where bands are struggling on the road this summer, Creed, Maroon 5, to name two are pulling in less than 2/3rd's at some venues. Artists like Jimmy Buffet, Bon Jovi and KISS are doing phenomenal business on the road showing that veteran rock is still at the top of the game and in demand. Here at the KISS MASK Webzine, we see KISS only getting bigger as time will go on. The band has already decided to start a new album in February- tentative- with a tour to surely follow and KISSOLOGY 4 expected on DVD sometime this fall.)
Is veteran hard rock act KISS recession-proof?

Singer-rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley certainly seems to think so.

"For all the talk about bands doing horrific business, we're doing terrific business," says Stanley, 58, down the line from Raleigh, N.C., recently, leading up to the band's only Canadian summer date on Sept. 10 in Toronto.

"We had 14,000-15,000 people last night, and the night before pretty much the same. I think the only thing that's changed is that people don't want to pay a lot of money. You know if you pay for a Rolls Royce and you get a Chevy, then you kind of feel cheated. So if you're paying to see something, you damn well better see something.

"I have nothing against a guy who sits on a stool with an acoustic guitar, but to pay the same amount for that as you pay for a spectacle is insanity. When you come to a KISS concert, you know where you're money just went 'cause it's blinding you, deafening you and pummeling you."

When it comes to spectacle, few acts can measure up to the face-painting, costume and platforms-wearing KISS, who have been major road warriors of late. They staged their Alive/35 tour last year which morphed into their Sonic Boom tour (named for their 2009 studio album), which is being called The Hottest Show on Earth tour in 2010.


Still, Stanley said the platform boots, combined with the physical nature of the KISS show, have definitely taken their toll over the last three and a half decades with him undergoing two hip replacement surgeries.

"It wasn't the platforms, it was years of doing a lot of roundhouse kicks, and basically you just wear out your hip, ultimately you wind up with bone on bone so I continued for years and finally it just reached a point where it needed to be replaced -- but I'm basically good for another 50,000 miles," he joked.

This current leg of the summer tour has also been taxing.

"We played last night in close to 100 per cent humidity," said Stanley. "It's kind of like trying to run a marathon under water. It's taxing; it's not for the weak-hearted."

Speaking of which, Stanley missed his first show in the history of KISS in July 2007 when he was hospitalized with tachycardia, or rapid heartbeat, something he said he's been dealing with since childhood.

"It has nothing to do with not being healthy. It's this odd condition that will never kill you, but yet your heartbeat while your sitting can go from 70 or 80 beats a minute to 200 from one beat to the next and stay there. Finally, they thread a catheter up into your heart to find what's going wrong and they just zap it, they burn it, and the next day you're back in the gym. I had it done. Look, I'm the bionic man. They've gotten me up from a 103 temperature to do a show. The show must go on."

Once The Hottest Show on Earth Tour wraps up in September, Stanley expects the band to hit the studio in February of next year to make a new studio album and he doesn't expect the compilation DVD, Kissology 4, to see the light of day until 2011 despite rumours of a fall release.

"It's really still in the planning stages," he said. "We have so much incredible footage, and we're just trying to make the most cohesive package."

Band liked 'Idol' experience

Paul Stanley of KISS says the band enjoyed themselves when they appeared on American Idol in 2009 performing with that year's runner-up Adam Lambert.

"When we were asked to be on the show, our ground rules were 'We do our whole show as we want to or we don't do anything,' and they gave us carte blanche and we blew the place up so it was great," he said.

But Alice Cooper recently said he didn't think reality shows like American Idol gave rockers enough of a platform and now Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler is rumoured to be one of the new judges.

Ultimately, Stanley, who was never approached to be a new judge ("They probably couldn't afford me!" he joked), thinks changes are a good thing for the new season.

"I think the show could use a bit of an overhaul so I'm curious, now that (producer) Nigel (Lythgoe) is back. I'll be really curious to see where the show goes 'cause I think it was time to breathe some new life into it just overall," he said. "And I think he was the first person to say that. So it should be great."

Behind The Scenes:Modern Day Delilah

Here is the behind the scenes look as Kiss prepare and take the stage at their recent Jones Beach, NY., show.
Kissonline