Monday, February 27, 2012

KISS' "Sonic Boom" Recording Sessions on Video - 2009

Lady Gaga as The Starchild

Famed photographer Terry Richardson shot Lady Gaga as the Starchild- Lady Starchild- recently for a photo shoot.

Rock ‘N’ Roll Allstars Tour Announced

gunshyassassin.com
Chris Harris

You know what would be better than seeing Kiss, Def Leppard, and Skid Row live? Pretty much anything else in the world, if you ask this guy. But what if you could get a little bit of Kiss, Def Lep, and Skid Row all in one show? Wouldn’t that be better?

For me, no. But I’m hard to please.

The Rock N’ Roll Allstars has been announced, and will present a live show “unlike any before,” claims a press release.
The tour will hit South and Central America in April and May, and a press conference is planned for Thursday to announce the trek.
Who will participate in the tour? Kiss’ Gene Simmons, Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum from Velvet Revolver and Guns N’ Roses, Rock Star Supernova’s Gilby Clarke, and the one and only Glenn Hughes.

The tour will also boast Collective Soul’s Ed Roland, Steve Stevens who played with Billy Idol, Billy Duffy from the Cult, and Alice in Chains’ Mike Inez. The shows will also feature Skid Row’s Sebastian Bach, because that dude can’t say ‘No’ to anything.
Ex-Metallica and current Voivod bassist Jason Newsted will not be participating, despite rumors to the contrary.
Undoubtedly, there are tons of people in the Midwest and the South who are bummed this isn’t coming to the states.

Friday, February 24, 2012

KISS' MONSTER Tour to Open in South America Unlikely

Though there has been no official announcement and it seems unlikely, a Brazilian newspaper has said that KISS will open their MONSTER tour in Brazil in July. These rumors have been shot down by the KISS camp as it would prove impossible for Kiss to be on two continents at once. Kiss is booked for a July 6 show at Sonisphere Festival in the UK. It would make more sense that Kiss would tour Europe this summer while they are already there.

KISS Interviewed by Oscar Host Billy Crystal

With Billy Crystal hosting the Academy Awards Sunday night, here is an interview he did with Kiss for the Dinah Shore Show from 1979 from the LA Forum.

Gibson Releases Ace Frehley Budokan Les Paul Custom

Classic Rock Magazine
It doesn’t smoke or fire rockets, but original Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley has told Classic Rock that his new Gibson Budokan Les Paul Custom gets “amazingly close” to the original he rocked in the golden era.

Unveiled at the NAMM trade show in January at four price points (from £9,699 for Gibson’s Custom Aged to £599 for the Epiphone equivalent), the limited run includes 50 high-end models signed by the Spaceman himself.

“It was my favourite guitar in the 70s,” says Frehley, “and my No.1 choice for performing live. It felt good, it played good… just an all-round great guitar. Actually, a friend of mine has the original.”

Alongside the aged treatment and authentic trio of DiMarzio humbucker pickups, Frehley was keen to retain the classic formula.

“A Les Paul in itself is a standout feature,” he says. “It’s the best rock’n'roll guitar on the planet. That’s why me and hundreds of other professional musicians chose it, from Jimmy Page and Keith Richards on down.

“Gibson checked with me several times, I sent back feedback, and they fixed it. I was very surprised with the final result. They get amazingly close. Gibson is the best guitar manufacturer in the world.”


http://www.premierguitar.com PG's Charles Saufley is On Location in Anaheim, CA, for the 2012 NAMM Show where he visits the Epiphone booth. In this segment, we get to see and learn more about Epiphone's new products, including the ES-339 Pro, Les Paul Ultra-III, Ace Frehley Budokan Les Paul Custom, Prophecy Les Paul Custom EX, and Wilshire Phant-o-matic.

Rock Stars Announce Costa Rica Concert for May 3

Members of Kiss, Def Leppard, Guns N’ Roses, Metallica and The Cult will be among the performers.
Gene Simmons, Kiss, concert
KISS legend Gene Simmons will perform at Ricardo Saprissa Stadium next May. Courtesy of Wikicommons
If you ever wanted to see Charlie Sheen, Gene Simmons and former members of Guns N’ Roses perform together – well, apparently it can happen in Costa Rica.
At least 11 “Rock and Roll All-Stars” will play Ricardo Saprissa Stadium, in the northern San José district of Tibás, May 3 at 8 p.m. in a wild and wacky, fantasy camp-style show, Brunka Producciones announced Thursday morning. Notorious TV and movie star Charlie Sheen will be the event’s master of ceremonies.

The show’s glut of glam metal and heavy metal performers is straight off the walls of a male teenager’s room in the mid-1990s – except for Ed Roland of the post-grunge Collective Soul, whose presence only adds to the concert’s oddity.

The lineup, led by tongue-wagging Kiss lead singer Simmons, consists of Joe Elliot (vocalist, Def Leppard), Jason Newsted (bassist, Metallica), Sebastian Bach (vocalist, Skid Row), Roland (vocalist, guitarist, Collective Soul), Duff McKagan (bass, Guns N’ Roses), Matt Sorum (drummer, Guns N’ Roses), Steve Stevens (guitarist, Billy Idol), Billy Duffy (guitarist, The Cult), Gilby Clarke (guitarist, Guns N’ Roses) and Glenn Hughes (bassist, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath).
Read the rest at Tico-Times

Thursday, February 23, 2012

KISS Monster Mini Golf Prop Preview



Kiss fan Jett had a chance to tour the Kiss Monster Mini Gold prop shop where he posed inside the mouth of the Demon. There are a total of 18 Kiss props that will debut at the grand opening of KISS by Monster Mini Golf on March 15, 2012.

KISS at Las Vegas Charity Event - Video

Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) February 22, 2012

Dollar Loan Center CEO Chuck Brennan pulled out all the stops at his annual company holiday party recently. Bringing in his famous friends from around the country, the business owner and philanthropist helped raise nearly $300,000 for charity while giving 500 employees and guests a night to remember including $250,000 in cash and prizes.
“If there is a ‘best boss in America’ award, Chuck Brennan deserves it,” said Shon McKee, senior manager for Dollar Loan Center. “We got to experience an evening we will never forget and truly live like rock stars for the night.”

Brennan, a long-time rock music lover and former music industry executive, opened the evening with The Doors’ Robby Krieger playing “LA Woman,” followed by “Roadhouse Blues” with actor Val Kilmer, who famously portrayed Jim Morrison in the 1991 movie about the iconic band.

Brennan then introduced comedian-musician Gary Mule Deer, who entertained the audience before they were treated to a musical set that included rock legend Alice Cooper, Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac. The trio was accompanied by rock music legends Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer of the band KISS while Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley cheered in the audience. Brennan is long-time friends with the band and can always count on KISS when it comes to help raising money for great charities.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/595573#ixzz1nD3HTlxa

See the video below:

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Gene Simmons goes for a jog in Studio City

MailOnline UK
Photo: Movi Inc/Slash
Kiss Mask Webzine
He wants to rock and roll all nite... and jog every day? Gene Simmons headed out for a run with his wife and children in L.A yesterday

Gene goes for a jog, perhaps getting ready for his Titans of Rock Tour in South America, in Studio City, CA., yesterday. Gene and Shannon caught up with each other shortly.

KISS' "Monster" is in it's Final Mixing Stage

KISS' 20th album, MONSTER, set for a June release, is now in in the final mixing stages.
According to a Tweet from Guitarist Tommy Thayer:

 Listening to final mixes with the guys. - Tommy Thayer

RetroKISS: Live at Roosevelt Stadium "God of Thunder" July 10, 1976

Uploaded by

Kiss's Summer of '76/ Destroyer tour was their first foray into headlining stadiums. Kiss had made it and made it big headlining Braves Stadium in Atlanta and the famous Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, CA.
Kiss played Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City, NJ. Here you can check out "God of Thunder."

Opening Acts: Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band, J. Geils Band, Point Blank
Capacity: 30.000
Attendance: 13.867
Promoter: John Scher Presents.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Prayers to Producer/KISS Co-Writer Kim Fowley

RockCellarMagazine.com
Producer/Musician Kim Fowley, best known as the Svengali for the all-girl rock band The Runaways has entered the hospital today for bladder cancer recall surgery.
Posting at his facebook, Fowley said: “Please pray for me. I need all the help I can get. To my enemies: Be careful, because only the good die young & Kim Fowley is hard to kill, & slow to die.”

Fowley then posted a link to Rock Cellar Magazine’s latest article about him, saying: “This could be my last ever interview…enjoy”. ♥”
LINK: Is This The Last Kim Fowley Interview Ever? Madman Producer Ready For Death. But Is Death Ready?
In the Rock Cellar interview Fowley wry and candid, even in the face of death:
 
“There’s a good chance that I might die. Part of me hopes I do die. I could care less. Man, I’ve had cancer four times in my life, pneumonia nine times and polio twice. I would say that I’m due. If I die, it will be somebody else’s turn to be kicked around and disliked.”
As Fowley has posted: “I have battled and won against prostate cancer/melanoma, skin caner/basal cell ear cancer/bladder cancer. It helps me to be in showbiz – because I can pass on this stress to my unsuspecting enemies. Warriors often win against the Death Machine. Be brave everybody when it becomes your turn to fight for your right to party in your designated lifetime.”

As a producer and songwriter/publisher Fowley has amassed 16 Gold or Platinum records, working with the likes of the Plastic Ono Band, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Blue Oyster Cult, Helen Reddy, Kiss, Guns ‘n. Roses, Poison and Alice Cooper.

Fowley is perhaps best-known for his madman public persona as the manager/publicist for the all-girl band The Runaways who had monster success in the late 1970s and launched the careers of Joan Jett, Cherie Currie, and Lita Ford.

(Editor's Note: Fowley co-wrote "King of the Nightime World," and "Do You Love Me?" from DESTROYER)

KISS to Rock Massive Sonisphere UK Festival


Kissonline.com
(Editor's Note: Special Guests to be announced)
KISS will headline the opening night of SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH 2012, England's annual massive music festival! The July 6th show will be KISS' only European show this year.

Buy tickets in the KISS Army ticket pre-sale now!

Shooting rockets. Blood spitting. Face Paint. Shiny Boots and utterly jaw dropping triumphant live shows: SONISPHERE is proud to announce KISS as Friday's headliner. With a reputation for being perhaps the most flamboyant and entertaining band on the planet, the American Kings will bring their stage extravaganza to SONISPHERE as their only European performance of 2012. While many bands have been chasing the eye liner shock horror dollar and have come and gone without changing the face of music as we know it, KISS have gone from strength to strength garnering praise, success and too many accolades to mention throughout the years, selling over 100 million albums worldwide and counting as the band is poised to unleash new album 'Monster' in June 2012. Says the band:

“You wanted the best, you got the best, the hottest band in the world, KISS”.

SONISPHERE festival is KISS’ invitation to have the best time of your life with long lost friends such as the anthemic 'Rock N Roll All Night', the jubilant singalong 'I Was Made For Lovin' You' and the rallying cry of 'God Gave Rock N Roll to You'. We would ask you to lock up your daughters, girlfriends and wives, but with Gene Simmons in town, it's pretty clear there's no stopping them. And if you can't fight them, join them at their only European show of 2012.

SONISPHERE KNEBWORTH takes place July 6th - 8th at KNEBWORTH HOUSE. The three-day festival also includes performances from Queen, Faith No More, Evanescence, Marilyn Manson, Incubus, and many more.

Public tickets will be available at www.sonispherefestivals.com at 9am on Thursday, February 23.

Monday, February 20, 2012

PodKISSt #55 Band of 1,000 Faces (Part 2) Now Available



Join us for the 2nd half of our roundtable discussion (continued from last month’s installment) as we look at the changing face of KISS throughout the years! Big thanks to our great panel of discussants, and to YOU for listening to PodKISSt… the KISS fanzine for your ears!

Click PodKISSt to listen.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

KISS by Monster Mini Golf Grand Opening Details




Kissonline

Buy Grand Opening Tickets Here

General Opening Day Information and Itinerary:

1:00pm ~ The party kick's off in our parking lot with a day of FREE events featuring the WINNER of the World's Best KISS Tribute Band Contest: "Mr. Speed" performing live throughout the day!

Live Radio Broadcast from KOMP Vegas Rock Radio where you can win FREE tickets for KISS By Monster Mini Golf throughout the day and lots of great prizes!

Face painters, games, food and fun all day!

3:00pm ~ Great opportunity to watch the first Wedding couple and their guests arrive in Rock Star Fashion as they enter KISS by Monster Mini Golf for the 1st ever KISS "Hotter Than Hell" wedding! Then, watch the wedding live from our parking lot via video broadcast!

5:00pm ~ The Red Carpet Walk begins! (actually we have a Black Carpet, as this is a Rockin' establishment!) Yes, we're talking Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and lots of other star studded surprises!

5:00 - 7:00pm ~ VIP Cocktail Party! (For VIP Ticket Holders Only) Chat, eat and drink while you rub shoulders with VIP and stars all inside KISS by Monster Mini Golf with free golfing and swag bags for all VIP's.

7:00pm ~ Doors open to the public!
Read more HERE!

Saturday, February 18, 2012

KISStory: "KISS" Released on this day February 18, 1974

Kiss Mask Webzine
KISS' self-titled debut album is released and hits the stores, 38 years ago, on this day February 18, 1974. The album's cover takes heavily on the Beatles' first album, Meet the Beatles. The sound of the KISS album displays the obvious influences the Beatles had on Kiss, especially Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.

The album was certified Gold (500,000 copies sold) on June 8, 1977. The album took just 13 days to record and mix with production responsibilities to Kenny Kerner and Richie Wise. KISS peaked on the Billboard Top 200 at #87 with "Kissin' Time" single peaking at #83 on the Billboard Pop Singles charts. "Kissin' Time" was not the first pressing but rather made on the second pressing in July 1974 at the advice of Casablanca's President, Neil Bogart, who produced the band's third album, Dressed To Kill in 1975.

1. "Strutter" Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons Stanley 3:12
2. "Nothin' to Lose" Simmons Simmons, Peter Criss 3:26 *Released as a single 2/18/74
3. "Firehouse" Stanley Stanley, Simmons 3:18
4. "Cold Gin" Ace Frehley Simmons 4:22
5. "Let Me Know" Stanley Simmons, Stanley 2:59
6. "Kissin' Time" Kal Mann, Bernie Lowe Simmons, Stanley, Criss 3:53 *Released as a single July 1974
7. "Deuce" Simmons Simmons 3:05
8. "Love Theme from KISS" Frehley, Stanley, Simmons, Criss Instrumental 2:24
9. "100,000 Years" Stanley, Simmons Stanley 3:23
10. "Black Diamond" Stanley Criss 5:13

Two singles were released "Nothin' To Lose/Love Theme From Kiss" and "Kissin' Time/Nothin' To Lose"



Friday, February 17, 2012

"Kiss" Robber Caught!


279272220-16133141
Here is the mask the "Kiss" Evil Clown robber wore


Sam Cohen
FOX40 News
SACRAMENTO—
A man who wore an evil clown mask while robbing convenience stores has been caught.
Sacramento cops arrested 43-year-old Vanna Sisounthone in connection with three robberies last month. The robber was originally called the “KISS” robber because surveillance video made his mask look similar to facepaint worn by the rock band.
Continue reading at FOX 40 Headlines

During the first two robberies, he shot at employees and a witness who was attempting to write down Sisounthone’s car information.
279272220-16133141

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Eddie Trunk Interview with Decibel Geek Podcast

Eddie Trunk Talks Megaforce Records, Metallica and Ace Frehley

http://www.dbgeekshow.blogspot.com/ .

(Editor's Note: Head on over Decibel Geek's site for podcast interview with Henry Rollins-"Henry Rollins Is A Kiss Fan)
The Decibel Geek Podcast has released an in-depth interview with Eddie Trunk for downloading and streaming. This discussion with hosts Aaron Camaro and Chris Czynszak has the famous deejay as well as host of Vh1 Classic’s ‘That Metal Show’ recounting his professional history starting from his early days as a radio intern at WDHA in New Jersey to his time as Vice President of Megaforce Records through his various radio shows and television ventures today.


Subjects touched on in this discussion include Trunk’s early days as a deejay taking chances playing underground hard rock and heavy metal and how it helped give exposure to bands like Metallica and Anthrax. We also hear his memories of tracking down Ace Frehley in the 1980’s and signing him to a deal with Megaforce and the formation of Frehley’s Comet.
To access the Decibel Geek Podcast visit http://www.dbgeekshow.blogspot.com/  .
Direct Link to Post: http://dbgeekshow.blogspot.com/2012/02/episode-21-eddie-trunk.html

"Nothin' To Lose:The Making of KISS (1972-1975) Book Due in August

"Nothin' to Lose" chronicles for the first time the crucial formative years of the legendary rock band Kiss, culminating with the groundbreaking success of their classic 1975 album "Alive!" and the smash single "Rock and Roll All Nite", a song that nearly four decades later remains one of the band's most enduring anthems. Drawing on more than 200 interviews, the book offers a captivating and intimate fly-on-the-wall account of their launch, charting the struggles and ultimate victories that led them to the threshold of superstardom. Constructed as an oral history, the book includes original interviews with Paul, Gene, Ace, and Peter, as well as producers, engineers, management, roadies, costume and stage designers, fans, and musical contemporaries from the time, including: original manager Bill Aucoin, Casablanca Records founder Neil Bogart, rock photographer Bob Gruen, promoter Ron Delsner, Ted Nugent, Dick Clark, Alice Cooper, Marshall Crenshaw, and Bob Seger, as well as members of Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, Rush, Styx, Nazareth, Slade, Blue Oyster Cult, Uriah Heep, Mott the Hoople, the New York Dolls, the Ramones, and the Quattros, among others. The end result is an indelible and irresistible portrait of a band on the rise and the music scene they changed forever.
Authors: Ken Sharp, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons
Product Details:

Hardcover: 448 pages

Publisher: It Books (August 14, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062131729
ISBN-13: 978-0062131720

Release date is August 14, 2012
Pre Order at Amazon.com

Gene Simmons to be Honored with Golden God Award

Revolver Magazine
America’s only hard-rock and heavy-metal award show is back for 2012! The fourth annual REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARD SHOW presented by Epiphone® will take place Wednesday, April 11, at Club Nokia in Downtown Los Angeles. For the first time ever, the event will be broadcast live in its entirety on Xbox LIVE, as well as on the Xbox and Revolver Facebook pages.




The Golden God Award, given to one special honoree a year who embodies the spirit of hard rock and metal, will go to KISS demon Gene Simmons, whose band will release their highly anticipated 20th studio album, “Monster,” this year. “It's an honor and privilege to accept the Golden God Award,” Simmons said in a statement. “A God is only as powerful as the faithful who worship him. Signed, [THE] GOD OF THUNDER

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Gene Simmons: "It's not drug abuse, it's drug use!"

Gene Simmons Talks to FOX NEWS on Whitney Houston's Death 2/15/12
FOX News
Gene spoke candidly about fame, fortune and drug use. Gene's interview begins at 1:46


Gene Simmons Interviewed for CNBC's 'Squawk on the Street'

CBNC's Squawk on the Street interviwed Gene at the New York Stock Exchange on February 14, 2012.

Hotter Than Hell Wedding Sells for $15,300.00

WHATSELLSTHEBEST.COM
WhatSellsBest.com is reporting a Valentine's Day auction for the first-wedding at the KISS (rock band) “Hotter Than Hell” wedding chapel, was sold on eBay for $15,300. The auction may have had a hidden value for the chapel that went far beyond the final sales price.

The Wedding, scheduled for March 15, 2012, (the same day as the wedding chapel's grand opening) was described on eBay as; "the perfect Rock & Roll Wedding". The 'Rock' theme included wedding invitations designed as concert tickets, rose petals replaced by guitar picks, and a personal visit from rock stars Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS as wedding guests. Even the wedding limo was swapped out for a Rock & Roll Tour bus.

According to James Massey, publisher of WSB; "$15,000 may seem like a bargain for a wedding like this, especially when you see what else was included. But, I think someone was smart to recognize the hidden-benefit of auctioning the chapel's first wedding. The publicity it generated among fans worldwide has a considerable value. It's hard to put a price on it, but if you compared the cost of advertising to the same amount of free publicity the chapel received, I think they probably did really well."

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

KISS on Paul McCartney Tribute Album, Coming Next Few Months

Kiss Mask
Have you wondered what became of the Paul McCartney tribute record with Kiss covering Wings' "Venus/Rock Show?" It's still coming! Produced by Ralph Sall who has produced a variety of motion picture soundtracks as well as the 1991 tribute Grateful Dead album, Deadicated, is the mastermind behind the project. The anticipated, fully sanctioned album by Sir Paul himself is said to release "in the next coming months" as soon as the album finds a label and distributor.
Other artists appearing are Alice Cooper, Steve Miller, Heart, Billy Joel, B.B. King and Ronnie Spector among others.Sall's also revealed recently that footage of the recording sessions and artist interviews have been shot for a future TV special.

'Titans of Rock' Tour All Star Lineup, More Dates Announced

Noisecreep.com
Talk about an all-star lineup! Guitarist Steve Stevens (Billy Idol) confirmed via Facebook that he, along with many of his famous friends, will team up for what is being dubbed the Titans of Rock tour in South America.


Joining Stevens will be Gene Simmons (KISS), Duff McKagan (Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver), Joe Elliott (Def Leppard), Gilby Clarke (Guns N' Roses), Ed Roland (Collective Soul), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Matt Sorum (Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver), Jason Newsted (Metallica), Sebastian Bach (Skid Row) and Vince Neil (Motley Crue).

Not surprisingly, Gene Simmons owns the trademark for the actual title "Titans of Rock." The phrase was registered in October of 2011.

While key details about Titans of Rock remain unknown, tour dates were recently announced. The Titans of Rock will perform a two-week swing of South American countries beginning in April.

April 19 - Lima, Peru

April 21 - Sao Luis, Brazil

April 22 - Sao Paulo, Brazil

April 24 - Paraguay

April 26 - Buenos Aires, Argentina

April 28 – Santiago, Chile

April 30 - Guatemala City, Guatemala

May 02 - San Jose, Costa Rica



No ticket information has been released yet. Stay tuned to Noisecreep for more info.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Ex-KISS Guitarist Ace Frehley on the '70s: 'I Was Sort of the Whole Package'

It all goes back to 1977, when KISS hit the stage at Nippon Budokan in Japan.


That night, guitarist Ace Frehley played a Cherry Sunburst, three-pickup Les Paul Custom, creating a sound that would inspire an army of musicians to come. "This was the ultimate marriage of pop and heavy rock, driven to meteoric heights by the record industry marketing machine, and ultimately attaining that otherworldly presence that great stadium rock should achieve: unbridled fantasy and party-hard reality rolled into one glorious explosion," said Gibson Guitars about Frehley and KISS at the time.
NoiseCreep
by Chris Epting

In celebration of Ace, his axe and that magical era in Kisstory, Gibson Custom recently released the Ace Frehley 'Budokan' Les Paul Custom, produced in a strictly Limited Edition of 50 hand-aged guitars signed by the artist, with a further 100 hand-aged guitars, and 150 guitars treated in Gibson Custom's VOS process.

Ace spoke to Noisecreep about his new guitar, KISS, and what he has in store in 2012.

Congratulations on the gorgeous new guitar. You could have played anything back in 1977- why a Les Paul?

Well, I'd already used it for so many years. It was my #1 guitar for a long time. It just always felt right to me in every way. Physically, the Les Paul neck has a 6% grade, that is to say you lay it flat and the neck is arched with that slight angle. So you get a really unique sustain. Plus, I just always loved the look of a Les Paul. Come on, a Les is like the definition of rock 'n' roll. Gibson did an amazing job with the new ones. Their people there are the best. And the feedback has been incredible – we're almost all sold out of the really limited ones.

Back then, you rigged your Les Paul to do some interesting things – smoke bombs, fire – did anyone ever give you any flack for messing with such a classic model guitar?

Nah, not really, no negative feedback. And what was cool was that in a group like KISS, there were no financial problems; we could pretty much do whatever we dreamed up. So we had some fun.
Continue reading at NoiceCreep.com

Paul Stanley on Making It Big in the Music Business

WSJDigitalNetwork/WSJ
by Lee Hawkins


In this WSJ documentary, Lee Hawkins asks Paul Stanley of Kiss, Soulja Boy, Cee-Lo Green, and Far East Movement how they plan to stay relevant. These interviews come at a time when the music industry has experienced major changes over the last decade. Music sales now represent just a small part of many artists' income, and the charts are topped with dance music instead of rock and roll. Those who remain relevant will likely rely on building a profitable brand through touring, social media, and merchandising.
Follow Lee Hawkins on Twitter: @leehawkins




Friday, February 10, 2012

'Carnival of Souls' Producer Toby Wright Interviewed

Interview with Toby Wright

Rockpages.gr

“Carnival of Souls” was an album that divided the KISS fans and caused major controversy in all the forums and the fanzine columns around that time. To tell you the truth, personally I needed a few months to adjust to the new musical direction of KISS. The person behind the console was Toby Wright, a producer responsible also for albums by such artists as Alice in Chains, Korn, Sevendust and many others. I am sure that all the die-hard KISS fans had noticed his name...10 years before “Carnival of Souls”. We talked exclusively with Toby via Skype...

Interview: Sakis Nikas
Rockpages.gr: Toby, you were first involved with KISS as an assistant engineer for “Crazy Nights”. How did this collaboration come up?


Toby Wright: I was working at One on One Studios as the only engineer/assistant engineer at the time and one of my good friends, Ron Nevison, loved that studio and he used to bring all the acts that he was producing back then. One of them happened to be KISS.




Rockpages.gr: The recording sessions took place in One on One Studios under the production guidance of Ron Nevison. Which were exactly your duties and how did it feel for you to be working with Nevison?

Toby Wright: I was engineering for him and generally assisting in the studio…it felt great; Ron’s one of the best producers in the world. I learned a lot from him and all in all it was an amazing experience.

Rockpages.gr: Would you like to describe a typical day in the studio with KISS at that time?

Toby Wright: If I can remember correctly, it started out around noon, had some lunch, then we got around doing the tracking…Eric Carr was alive at that point; he was an amazing drummer! Then after that, we were doing some overdubs…guitars, bass, vocals.


Rockpages.gr: Back then, KISS was heavily based on Paul Stanley with Gene Simmons being tangled up with other projects. Was this evident in the studio?

Toby Wright: Definitely yes! For that record, definitely, yes. It was mostly a “Paul and Ron” record and Gene just stepped in when it was only necessary. I remember him being absent a lot but the sessions kept on going without him.


Rockpages.gr: So, the more commercial direction of “Crazy Nights”...was it something that KISS, Nevison or both of them wanted?

Toby Wright: Probably yes. I wasn’t really involved in that kind of decisions. They have done some pre-production and some stuff before they went into the studio…it was all decided before I was even involved.

Continue reading at Rockpages.gr

"Hotter Than Hell" Wedding Auction

Kissonline

(Editor's Note: As of 8:45 this morning there have been 3 bids)

KISS By Monster Mini Golf to Auction off Wedding Package Starting February 10 with KISS’ Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons as Guests of Honor


Bidding for the first “Hotter Than Hell” wedding is now open on eBay!

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – KISS® by Monster Mini Golf® is giving KISS® fans the opportunity to be the first couple married at the “Hotter Than Hell” wedding chapel with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley as the guests of honor.

The first wedding or vow renewal ceremony will be up for auction on eBay Thursday Feb 9th at noon (PST) and will close Valentine’s Day, at noon (PST.) Partial proceeds will benefit Toys 4 Smiles.

Click here to bid now!
Read more here at Kissonline


Tuesday, February 7, 2012

ACE FREHLEY's "Anomaly" Re-issued in Silver Vinyl Limited Edition

ace_frehley_preview
Kiss Mask
Anomaly will be re-issued on silver vinyl by Brookvale Records in a partnership with Rocket Science. The album will be a 2-record set with a gatefold sleeve. 1,000 copies will be printed and numbered. Release date is April 10, 2012 but you may pre-order yours Here at the record label's web-site.


Gene Simmons heads to South America for "Titans of Rock"

Gene Simmons will head to South America in April to launch his "Titans of Rock" trademark brand for the Gene Simmons Company. The new brand will include guitars, footwear, textiles are among many items.
Meet&Greet Packages with Gene are available, contact contacto@gsaxemexico.com
You may access the website here: http://www.gsaxela.com/
There are also Internet rumored KISS dates for South America for April 30 and May 2.* These dates/shows are only RUMOR and not confirmed by anyone in the Kiss camp.

Dates:
"Titans of Rock" Tour Dates

(Meet & Greet with Gene Simmons)
April 19, 2012 Lima, Perú Explanada Monumental
April 22, 2012 Sao Paolo, Brasil Credit Card Hall
April 24, 2012 Paraguay Jockey Stadium
April 26, 2012 Buenos Aires, Argentina Estadio Malvinas
April 28, 2012 Santiago de Chile, Movistar Arena

KISS 'Angry Birds' Game is No Go



Logo/Kissopolis
Gene Simmons tweeted this regarding the future or lack of  the KISS Angry Birds game:

genesimmons "Apologies to our Angry Birds friends. We spoke too soon. And should not have. We do not have a deal." 2 days ago


Kiss To Star In 'Angry Birds' Spin-Off Game?

Monday, February 6, 2012

Musician and Kiss Songwriter Mike Japp Passes Away

Kiss Mask is sad to report that Musician/Guitarist/Songwriter Mike Japp (59)  passed away January 31, 2012 at his home in Wales. Many of you know his work with The Babys, Paul Stanley (1978) and Creatures of the Night albums. Mike co-wrote 'Ain't Quite Right,' 'Move On,' 'Take Me Away(Together As One) from Paul Stanley, 'Saint And Sinner' from Creatures of the Night and 'Down On Your Knees' from Kiss Killers in 1982.

You can read an interview with Mike from 2005 at KISSFaq

His work can be heard on these albums:

Broken Heart (1977) - The Babys
Head First (1978) - The Babys
Paul Stanley (1978) - Paul Stanley
Killers (1982) - Kiss
Creatures of the Night (1982) - Kiss
Dreamer (2000) - Mike Japp

New KISS Costumes for the MONSTER Tour?


Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer have been talking about it in the press. Now, there is a post on http://www.kissfaq.com/  hinting that Gene's new costume will be different than he's worn before. Gone will be the armor and a new costume will be based on his new "Monster-like" basses and the return of Sam T. Serpent  (so to speak) who graced Gene's side stage on the Love Gun and Alive II tours respectively. No Sam T. is not coming back but his costume will be based on the idea.

It appears the Kiss will be pulling out all the stops with the new album, Monster, the massive world tour with a technologial advanced new stage and show, the BIG book (is it the book Ken Sharp's been working on?), DVD (Kisstory 4?) and new costuming. 2012-2013 is set to be a Kiss fan's year!

The post goes on to say that the serpent like look will wrap around his upper section as part of his costume.
Let's hope the dragon boots will stay! And Internet rumor regarding the return of the Dynasty costumes are just that...rumor.


Photo coourtesy Kiss News: Sam T. Serpent & Gene Simmons 1978

Bruce Kulick Live in Melbourne 1/31/12 - Video

Here is a fan filmed video of Bruce in Melbourne, Australia at his guitar clinic tour on January31, 2012.

Best KISS DESTROYER Song in Ultimate Classic Rock's Poll

Ultimate Classic Rock KISS Reader's Poll
Ultimate Classic Rock conducted an online poll of which songs on KISS' 1976 breakthrough album, DESTROYER.  'Detroit Rock City, God of Thunder' and Shout It Out Loud' rated the highest. Oddly enough 'Beth' scored a mere 4.6% which, at the time, when the B-side of "Detroit Rock City was flipped to "'Beth," record sales jumped and become a platinum selling record.

'Detroit Rock City' 50.07%
'King of the Night Time World' 6.9%
'God of Thunder' 13.65%
'Great Expectations' 1.07%
'Flaming Youth' 4.56%
'Sweet Pain' 1.65%
'Shout it Out Loud' 11.41%
'Beth' 4.67%
'Do You Love Me?' 6.02%

Retro KISS LOVE GUN Action Figures Coming Soon

Gibson.com
Bryan Wawzenek


For those of you who missed out on the original line of KISS action figures introduced in 1977 by the Mego toymakers, this is for you. Figures Toy Company has announced a line of KISS action figures made in the image of those collectibles, according to Blabbermouth.


In addition to recreating the original 12-inch toys that were popular in the late ’70s, Figures will produce the four original KISS members (Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss) in 8-inch versions.

“Our first release will have the retro look from the 1970s, but future releases will cover all time periods in KISS’s almost-40-year musical career from 1973 to 2012,” said Figures CFO Paul Balasco. The next editions in the works will feature the band in the Sonic Boom, Dressed to Kill and debut album eras.

Both editions, which feature the band’s Love Gun-era looks, will be available starting in March. The 8-inch figures each come with a mini Love Gun album cover. The 12-inchers come with one of four mini KISS concert T-shirts.

For those of you who missed out on the original line of KISS action figures introduced in 1977 by the Mego toymakers, this is for you. Figures Toy Company has announced a line of KISS action figures made in the image of those collectibles, according to Blabbermouth.


In addition to recreating the original 12-inch toys that were popular in the late ’70s, Figures will produce the four original KISS members (Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss) in 8-inch versions.

“Our first release will have the retro look from the 1970s, but future releases will cover all time periods in KISS’s almost-40-year musical career from 1973 to 2012,” said Figures CFO Paul Balasco. The next editions in the works will feature the band in the Sonic Boom, Dressed to Kill and debut album eras.

Both editions, which feature the band’s Love Gun-era looks, will be available starting in March. The 8-inch figures each come with a mini Love Gun album cover. The 12-inchers come with one of four mini KISS concert T-shirts.

Van Halen Covers "Rock And Roll All Nite"

Check out Van Halen covering KISS' "Rock And Roll All Nite" live:
YouTube uploaded by Fender51503

John Tesh Talks Paul Stanley in Interview

http://www.cantonrep.com/
Here is a brief excerpt from musician John Tesh's interview where he talks about Paul Stanley:

Q. Is Paul Stanley (of Kiss) really your next-door neighbor?



A. Paul’s not far away. His son Evan is an amazing guitar player and he learned to swim in our pool. I would definitely vote for Paul as dad of the year. Every time we go to the store, we run into him and he’s always with his kid.

Eric Carr's sister Loretta Caravello's interview with Decibel Geek

Decibel Geek Podcast hosts Chris Czynszak and Aaron Camaro speak with Eric's sister Loretta about Eric's time with Kiss and shares an interesting story about Eric's make-up rights involving Vinnie Vincent.

Brooklyn Church Vandalized with 'KISS Masks'

-by Stephanie Ortiz, Staff Writer
ALLMEDIANY.com

Maintenance workers at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Williamsburg discovered a perpetrator wrote “f-ck” on a bible, broke a statue of St. Judge and defaced a statue of the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus with what appears to be KISS masks.

The staff called police at 8 a.m. Wednesday upon seeing the statues’ faces resembling the masks worn by KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. Parishioners are outraged, considering the statues have been a part of the church for over sixty years.

The graffiti writers also knocked over a different statue and scrawled what appears to be the word, “Mykee” on Jesus’ robe.

“There’s been a lot of people willing to pay for the repairs,” Pastor Joseph Calise told the Brooklyn Paper. “We don’t know if it is an act of anger, grief, vandalism or stupidity.”

The police are investigating the incident as a hate crime.

“It is just plain destruction of sacred property that speaks of peace, love, and hope for everyone,” Assemblyman Joseph Lentol said to the Brooklyn Paper. “The thugs may not realize it is a felony, and I know our District Attorney would be anxious to enforce the law.”



KISS did release several popular singles in the late 70s with religious undertones, including “Hotter than Hell,” “God Gave Rock ’n Roll to You,” “God of Thunder” and “Living in Sin.”




Maintenance workers at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Williamsburg discovered a perpetrator wrote “f-ck” on a bible, broke a statue of St. Judge and defaced a statue of the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus with what appears to be KISS masks.

The staff called police at 8 a.m. Wednesday upon seeing the statues’ faces resembling the masks worn by KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. Parishioners are outraged, considering the statues have been a part of the church for over sixty years.

The graffiti writers also knocked over a different statue and scrawled what appears to be the word, “Mykee” on Jesus’ robe.

“There’s been a lot of people willing to pay for the repairs,” Pastor Joseph Calise told the Brooklyn Paper. “We don’t know if it is an act of anger, grief, vandalism or stupidity.”

The police are investigating the incident as a hate crime.

“It is just plain destruction of sacred property that speaks of peace, love, and hope for everyone,” Assemblyman Joseph Lentol said to the Brooklyn Paper. “The thugs may not realize it is a felony, and I know our District Attorney would be anxious to enforce the law.”

KISS did release several popular singles in the late 70s with religious undertones, including “Hotter than Hell,” “God Gave Rock ’n Roll to You,” “God of Thunder” and “Living in Sin.”

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed appear on 20/20's "Hollywed" Special

Here is the segment of Gene and Shannon from ABC-TV's 20/20 which aired Friday night, February 3,2012. The one houre special, "Hollywed," focused on celebrity marriages and divorce.

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Gene Simmons' KISS Room featured on ABC's "20/20"

Here is a clip of Gene in his KISS museum from ABC News 20/20 "Hollywed" edition that aired Friday night, February 3, 2012.

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Saturday, February 4, 2012

Paul Stanley's Segment on ABC-TV's "Nightline"

ABC News New York
Here is Paul's segment from ABC-TV's Nightline. Paul discussess throat surgery which he had two month's prior.

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Friday, February 3, 2012

DECIBEL GEEK PODCAST RELEASES ERIC CARR (KISS) DISCUSSION EPISODE WITH SISTER, LORETTA CARAVELLO

The Decibel Geek Podcast has released an Eric Carr (KISS) themed episode featuring an in-depth discussion of the late drummers life and career with sister, Loretta Caravello. Hosts Chris Czynszak & Aaron Camaro speak freely with Carr’s sibling about his time with KISS, his legacy, and her caretaking of the drummers estate in the years since his passing in 1991.


Caravello also shares her thoughts on some rumors that have been floating around the internet over the years; including one about former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent acquiring ownership of Carr’s makeup design.

This special Eric Carr-themed episode features music from the drummers time in KISS as well as clips from the new album ‘Unfinished Business’ which features many well-known hard rock and metal musicians contributing to round out unfinished demos that Carr had recorded during his career.

The Decibel Geek Podcast was launched in June of 2011 by Chris Czynszak, a former rock journalist and webmaster. With co-host Aaron Camaro, the Decibel Geek Podcast is quickly earning a reputation as one of the go-to music commentary podcasts on the internet. This episode, as well as previous episodes, are available on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, as well as the official Decibel Geek Podcast website.

To access the Decibel Geek Podcast visit http://www.dbgeekshow.blogspot.com/

KISS Frontman Gene Simmons Confirms Angry Birds Game, In Talks with PlayStation

Gene Simmons knows business as well as he knows rock n roll. In addition to selling over 100 million records and DVDs, he’s turned KISS into a licensing behemoth that includes over 3,000 items ranging from condoms to coffins. Now the star of the hit reality TV series, “Gene Simmons Family Jewels”, has entered the technology space with Ortsbo (Ortsbo.com). The rock legend has joined the digital language translation company, in part, because he speaks five languages (English, Hebrew, Hungarian, German, and some Japanese) and is learning Mandarin.


Simmons, who was at the Sundance Film Festival with comic book legend Stan Lee last week, talks about how Ortsbo, and technology, is changing music, and the world, and offers his thoughts on music video games in this exclusive IndustryGamers interview. Note near the end his comments on securing an Angry Birds game deal and that he's in talks with Sony PlayStation as well.

Continue reading at Industrygamers.com

Thursday, February 2, 2012

New Release Date for DESTROYER 35th Anniversary Deluxe Edition

Kiss Mask Webzine

We just recieved word that Universal Music has moved the release date to April 17, 2012. This is a worldwide release date. The two-disc set, was remixed by original producer Bob Ezrin and is expected to include outakes from the recording sessions as well as the original cover art (with Alive! costumes) by Ken Kelly. We can't wait...

Bruce Kulick packing in huge crowds with in his Australian Guitar Clinics

http://www.seymourduncan.com/

 Bruce Kulick, who was the lead guitarist for KISS spanning 12 years, has returned to Australia for a series of clinics celebrating the music of KISS and bringing some great songs from Revenge and other albums that were never played live in Australia.




Upcoming clinics:

Melbourne, Australia – Thursday, February 2, 2012: Concert at The Corner Hotel

Fri February 3, 2012, 7pm, Allans Music + Billy Hyde 130 Pyrmont Bridge Rd Camperdown NSW (Limited tickets available at the door)

Sydney, Australia – Saturday, February 4, 2012: Concert at The Factory Theatre

Crazy Nights, It's 25 Years Strong: Interview W/ Ron Nevison

Ron Nevison: The KissFAQ Interview


By Tim McPhate

Just months after the "Asylum" tour, in summer 1986, Paul Stanley was already mulling the direction of the next KISS album.

Though the in-house produced "Asylum" crept past gold status, Stanley was taking note of bands such as Bon Jovi, Poison, Heart, and Ozzy Osbourne, who were all racing up the charts with hit singles and multi-platinum albums. He wanted KISS to get in on the action. He knew he needed a hot producer to help him toward this goal. He wanted Ron Nevison.

Nevison's discography reads like a who's who of classic rock royalty, including work with the Who, Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, Thin Lizzy, and the Rolling Stones, among others. By the time the calendar turned to 1987, he was fresh from resuscitating the career of Heart, who sold millions on the strength of four hit singles from their 1985 Nevison-produced self-titled album. Nevison was in such high demand throughout late 1986 and early 1987, KISS (read: Paul Stanley) chose to hold their new album until his schedule was clear.

The resulting fruit of Nevison/KISS' labor was "Crazy Nights." True to 1987-style rock, there are big guitars, shout-along choruses, shredding solos, ample keyboards, well-crafted songs, and polished production. The album finds Stanley's powerful voice in fine form, particularly on the singles "Crazy Nights," "Reason To Live" and "Turn On The Night."

Continue reading at KISSFaq

PodKISSt #55: Band of 1,000 Faces Part One

PodKISSt #55: Band of 1,000 Faces Part One is now online. KISS are known worldwide for their distinctive visual presentation, most notably their faces. For nearly 40 years, KISS have made some striking visual changes… some subtle, some less-so… and they’ve ignited passionate responses from fans and detractors. On this edition of PodKISSt, we present part 1 of an in-depth discussion about the men, music, and makeup of KISS. So put on your warpaint and grab your guitar! Special thanks to Thanks to Benn Prybutok and Ben Litman. It’s time for another PodKISSt… the KISS fanzine for your ears!

Check out PodKISSt HERE!

KISS-OFF Contest- FOX 5 Las Vegas Coverage

KVVU FOX 5 Las Vegas- News coverage of the KISS-OFF Kiss tribute band contest.

KISStory: KISS Wraps up ALIVE II Tour 1978

Kiss wrapped up their KISS ALIVE II in Providence, RI., with two sold out shows at the Providence Civic Center, February 2 and 3,1978. KISS headed off to Japan for the final leg with 5 sold-out shows, March 28, 29, 30 and April 1 and 2 breaking an attendance record at Budokan in Tokyo once held by the Beatles.

Paul Stanley Interviewed by Wall Street Journal

Lee Hawkins/The Wall Street Journal
KISS frontman Paul Stanley sits with WSJLive's Lee Hawkins for an exclusive interview on his music, his business decisions, and his thoughts on a thirty-year career. Plus Stanley promises that the next KISS album will be the "best we've ever done."