It's been a great 5 years being part of the KISS internet community, but for awhile anyway, I will be bowing out--at least as a contributor. Sean's Kanadian KISS Konnection will continue to be online as an archive site. Thanks to the visitors for all the kind words, news tips, and patience as the site has grown since May 1997.
Sean
According to Anton Fig's website,
Ace
Frehley appears on his new CD, Figments. Ace plays the guitar
solo on a song called 'Know Where You Go'. The song also features
former Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach on vocals and Richie Scarlett on
bass. Richie and Anton have toured with and played on several of
Ace's records.

Greatest KISS was released today in North America in 1997. The album was the latest "best-of" compilation to capitalize on the band's Alive/Worldwide reunion tour.
KISS has been confirmed to be performing on the TV special American Bandstand's 50th . . . A Celebration, to be hosted by Dick Clark. It will air May 3rd on ABC. Other artists scheduled to perform include Alanis Morissette, Michael Jackson, Cher and Stevie Wonder.
Gene Simmons' Tongue magazine has announced a May 21st on-sale date for the premiere issue. The magazine's website has a subscription page up to take orders. Currently, they plan on running 4 issues per year with a possibilty of going bi-monthly and eventually monthly in the year ahead. The cover price for GST will be $3.99 US, but subscribers get the first 4 issues for a special price of $6.99. Below is a copy of the cover of the first issue.

New details have emerged surrounding the Dark Horse KISS comics. Check out Comicon's website for the full story.
KISS Online recently reported that Paul Stanley will be appearing on an episode of the Vancouver-shot Chris Isaak Show. Paul reportedly plays himself in the show. The story centers on Chris' angst and fears at scheduling his first ever party only to find out that Paul is planning a party the same night. They play two songs together: Rock and Roll All Nite and Chris' song, All I Want Is Your Love.
In Ace
Frehley news, he is planning a benefit birthday party for himself on
April 27th. "It's my birthday...what better way to spend it than
with some of my closest fans!" - Ace Frehley. Be one of only 500
guests to celebrate this special day with Ace. Schedule will include a
meet and greet as well as a Q&A with Ace! Live performance by
Eric
Singer and friends. Plus an all Ace song set performed by Kentucky's
SSG. Saturday April 27th, 2002 3-8PM at the Rothman Center - 100
University Plaza Drive in Hackensack, N.J. Admission is $125.00 which
includes:
. Numbered laminate
. Commemorative hand signed
color 8x10 from Ace
. Your photo with Ace (so bring
your camera)
. Food, soda and of course birthday
cake
. Party favors
. Automatic entry in drawing
for autographed Ace guitar
Make a weekend out of it and
stay for the NY KISS Expo (same venue) the following day. Tickets
for the Expo will be available at the door. To purchase Ace Birthday
Bash tickets visit http://www.kissshop.com/kissexpo/acebash.htm.

The Japanese-only album, The Originals II, was released today in 1978. The collection included KISS' landmark albums Destroyer, Rock And Roll Over and Love Gun. A mint condition copy will cost you over $300 today.
I'm still working on the box set review so keep checking back for it. In the meantime, read my reviews of all of KISS' albums including, Ace's, Peter's Vinnie's and Bruce's solo stuff.
Today in 1976, KISS released their adventurous Destroyer album. Initially criticized by fans for being too experimental, many of the songs became classics that are still featured in the band's live set. Highlights include Detroit Rock City, Shout It Out Loud, Beth, Do You Love Me? and God of Thunder.

KNAC.com is reporting that Ace Frehley had a stunt double "stand in" for him during a recent performance in Jamiaca. Long-time KISS collaborator (and former "Ace" in the KISS cover band Dressed To Kill) Tommy Thayer, "played" Ace for the evening's private performance with The Scorpions and Nazareth. Apparently, Ace was busy putting the finishing touches on his studio album and did not make the trip.
For anyone who missed Much More Music's excellent The Story of...KISS yesterday, it will be rebroadcast at the following times:
Friday, March 15, 11am PT
Saturday, March 16, 4pm PT
Sunday, March 17, 12pm PT

This week, Much
More Music, Canada's answer to VH-1, premieres "The Story Of...KISS"
on their MMMBio program. "The
Story Of...KISS" features a
new exclusive interview with Gene and is hosted by Bill Welychka.
The 1-hour special airs at the following times:
Thursday, March 14, 6pm, 9pm
& 11:30pm PT
Friday, March 15, 11am PT
Saturday, March 16, 4pm PT
Sunday, March 17, 12pm PT
Today, in 1976, "Shout It Out Loud", the first single from the Destroyer album, was released. The single didn't even make the charts!
KISStory, the 9-pound encyclopedia of all things KISS, began shipping today in 1995. The hardcover book cost $160 and was personally autographed and published by the band. Unfortunately, the initial press run was faulty and many of the pages became unglued and fell out once the book was opened. Later pressings were fixed.
