KISS News Archive Part 4

PAUL STANLEY Friday 10/31/08 interviews (all in the A.M.):

8:00 KSLX Phoenix - Mark Mayfield
8:10 WZLX Boston - Karlson & McKenzie
8:20 WGRF Buffalo - Larry, Rob and Chris
8:30 WLVQ Columbus - Wags and Elliott
8:40 WHEB Boston-Portsmouth - Greg, Blacksmith, Roadkill & Laura
8:50 WPLR Hartford-New Haven - Chaz and A.J.
9:00 WAXQ New York City - Jim Kerr
9:10 Mancow National (32 stations) - Mancow Muller
9:20 WNKS Charlotte - Ace and T.J.
9:30 Bob&Tom National (150 stations) - Bob and Tom
9:40 WHQG Milwaukee - Bob and Brian
9:50 KYCH Portland - Dr. Doug and Skippy
10:00 KZPS Dallas-Ft. Worth - Bo and Jim
10:10 WRKR Grand Rapids - Mike, Diane and Kluck
10:20 KISW Seattle - B.J. Shea
10:30 WHMH Minneapolis - Kevin Key
10:40 WRIF Detroit - Mike and Trudi
10:50 Premiere National - Sal Cirrincione

PAUL STANLEY: 'One Live Kiss' DVD First-Week Sales Revealed

KISS: 'IKONS' First-Week Sales Revealed

BRUCE KULICK To Perform With SIN CITY SINNERS

*** Oct. 28 at Divebar - Special guests: Ron Keel (KEEL), Paul Shortino (ROUGH CUTT, QUIET RIOT)

*** Oct. 30 at Wasted Space (Hard Rock Hotel) - Special Guest: Eric Dover (SLASH'S SNAKEPIT, JELLYFISH, ALICE COOPER)

*** Oct. 31 at Diablo's Cantina (Monte Carlo) - Special Guest: Eric Dover (SLASH'S SNAKEPIT, JELLYFISH, ALICE COOPER)

*** Nov. 11 at Divebar - Special guest: Steve Riley (L.A. GUNS, W.A.S.P.)

*** Nov. 13 at Wasted Space (Hard Rock Hotel) - Special guest: George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB)

*** Nov. 20 at Wasted Space (Hard Rock Hotel) - Special guest Bruce Kulick (KISS, GRAND FUNK RAILROAD)

SIN CITY SINNERS is currently working on CD of original music.

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/scsinners.

SLIPKNOT Frontman: 'KISS Really Have Become The DISNEY Of Rock'

On the positive message of the band's music:

"I've always tried to blend the darkness with a big dose of positivity. With our (dark) imagery, it obviously get lost a bit. But for me it's always been about giving people a reason to live rather than a reason to give up."

On the band's stage show:

"There's obviously a genre of theatrical rock, but for us it's just a piece of the puzzle. It's always been about the content and why we wear what we do. There's a lot more art than there is shock. KISS and ALICE COOPER really broke down a lot of barriers, but we're different to them. I've always felt that we were like if PINK FLOYD started a metal band. I doubt you're gonna see SLIPKNOT shoot cereal anytime soon — KISS really have become the Disney of rock."

PODKISST 10 FROM COFFEEHOUSE

Back in August, we were invited to attend the festivities at the Coffeehouse, but neither James nor Ken nor I could make it. Fortunately, our correspondents Geoff and Mike traveled long distances through ominous weather and came through like the champs they are! Surely, they are among the highest-ranking officers in the KISS Army!

Once there, Geoff and Mike were given the V.I.P. treatment, with unfettered access to the sights and sounds of this KISStoric event.

They interviewed fans, chatted with well-known members of the KISS camp, and met the maker of the new KISS ketchup! Best of all, they scored an exclusive interview with none other than current KISS lead guitarist Tommy Thayer!

Tommy could not have been nicer! He took the time to answer our many questions, and provided us with some very unique and exciting insights into the KISS world!

We’re already hard at work on PodKISSts 11 and 12, and we’re so glad you’ve enjoyed what we’ve had to offer. BIG thanks to everyone who downloads the shows, to Ken for his great artwork, to Mike and Geoff for being superfans, and to Tommy Thayer for his time and attention!

So join us down at the KISS Coffeehouse, and get ready for some great surprises. Listen here!

GENE AXE GUITAR FOR GUITAR HERO & ROCK BAND

This guitar controller features all sorts of cool additions like an analog whammy bar and super responsive frets. But most of all, this thing is cool looking and isn’t that the whole point? And I guess it makes fake guitar-playing easier, too.

The Gene Simmons Axe Guitar works with both Guitar Hero and Rock Band, making it the perfect accompaniment for those of you that are equal-opportunity rock-outers. It seems to be an official Simmons product. So, if you love KISS and rock games, this is the perfect accessory.

CLICK HERE to pre-order the Gene Simmons Axe Guitar at Amazon.

Wanted: Creepy Hollywood celebrities for Halloween

Those three topped a list of the 20 creepiest celebrities, released by market research firm e-Poll, which tracks the popularity of actors, musicians and others for Hollywood's major film and TV studios and other companies.

Manson was No. 1 with an overall creep factor of 76 percent and a popularity rating of just nine percent, meaning that more than three-quarters of people responding to e-Poll found him creepy and only nine percent found him appealing.

He was followed by Jackson with 67 percent creepy/14 percent appeal, and third was Simpson who was recently convicted of robbery and kidnapping charges in Las Vegas. He had a 59 percent creepy/three percent appeal rating.

There are two kinds of creepy in Hollywood celebrity, explained e-Poll's chief executive Gerry Philpott.

There are the kind -- like the three above -- from whom some people might run and then there are types like horror novelist Stephen King, whom many people find fascinating precisely because they are spooky.

King made the list at No. 4 with a creep factor of 51 percent but strong fan appeal of 61 percent.

"Who would you rather have a beer with: Stephen King or Andy Dick?," said Philpott to illustrate his point.

He was, of course, referring to comedian Dick who recently pleaded guilty to battery in California for pulling down a teenage girl's top in a sports bar.

Dick, 42, was No. 6 on the list with a creep factor of 44 and an appeal rating of just 17. He was preceded in the No. 5 spot by radio shock jock Howard Stern with a creepiness rating of 45 and popular appeal of just 13.

Some celebrities, such as Manson, make a name for themselves outside mainstream pop culture, so it's okay to be creepy, said Philpott. Then there are others, like director Woody Allen, who would probably prefer people don't think of them as creeps. He made the list at No. 16.

Finally, there is a practical side to being a celebrity creep, Philpott said. When spookiness is required, it is easier to get a job, and in this gloomy economy, that is a good thing.

The complete list is as follows:
Name Creepy Appeal
1 Marilyn Manson 76% 9%
2 Michael Jackson 67% 14%
3 O.J. Simpson 59% 3%
4 Stephen King 51% 61%
5 Howard Stern 45% 13%
6 Andy Dick 44% 17%
7 Ozzy Osbourne 43% 29%
8 Criss Angel 43% 45%
9 Flavor Flav 41% 17%
10 Paul Reubens 41% 22%

11 Courtney Love 40% 7% 12 Carrot Top 39% 17% 13 Don Imus 38% 12% 14 Keith Richards 38% 26% 15 David Blaine 37% 36% 16 Woody Allen 35% 24% 17 Gene Simmons 33% 30% 18 Tom Green 31% 30% 19 Tommy Lee 29% 25% 20 M. Night Shyamalan 27% 53%

PAUL ADDS 3 FLORIDA ART SHOWS

Paul Stanley's Wentworth Gallery Appearances:
Friday – November 14, 2008 6-9 PM – Palm Beach Gardens
Saturday – November 15, 2008 6-9 PM – Boca Raton
Sunday - November 16, 2008 1-4 PM - Orlando

Friday November 14, 2008

Wentworth Gallery – The Gardens Mall
3101 PGA Blvd
Palm Beach Gardens, FL

*call for details on Special VIP Reception with Paul Stanley 561-624-0656 or 800-732-6140

Saturday November 15, 2008

Wentworth Gallery – Town Center Mall
6000 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL

*call for details on Special VIP Reception with Paul Stanley 561-338-0804 or 800-732-6140

Sunday, November 16, 2008

1 – 4 p.m.
Wentworth Gallery - The Mall at Millenia K296
4200 Conroy Road
Orlando, FL

*call for details on Special VIP Reception with Paul Stanley 407-903-9055 or 800-732-6140

'Rock And Roll All Nite: The Music Of Kiss' Book Now Available

The product description reads as follows: "A revamped 'Kiss & Related Recordings Focus', which went out of print earlier this year. Much fat has been trimmed from the second edition with the removal of material too tangential. The work has been extensively rewritten, edited, reorganized and updated. Originally debuting as a feature on the KISSFAQ website, this unofficial and unsanctioned work is a companion book to the 'Kiss Album Focus' trilogy. It delves specifically into the recording history of KISS, and the associated past members, on a song-by-song basis."

Gene Simmons: 60's Fanzine Publisher

Born in 1949, Simmons got into comic books and monster and science fiction magazines upon arriving in the USA as it helped him learn the language. Among some of the fanzines Klein (Simmons) edited and published during the 1960’s were Cosmos, Tinderbox, Adventure, Mantis, Faun and others. His most successful was Cosmos. Cosmos eventually merged with Stilletto fanzine becoming Cosmos-Stilletto with issue #7 and then with issue #13 he changed the title to Faun.

In addition to writing and drawing for his own fanzines, Klein (Simmons) also contributed articles and artwork for a variety of other fanzines including such titles as Bombshell (he had a regular column called ‘Hokum’), Comic Comments, Gore Creature, Dynatron, Ecco, Comic Feature, Splash Page, Men of Mystery, Spectre, Fantasy News, Exile, Iscariot, Ragnarok (I used to order that one!), Ray Gun, RBCC (another favorite of mine), Sanctum, Pulp Era, Web Spinner, One Step Beyond and a number of others.

Klein (Simmons) was most prolific with fanzines, his and others, primarily from 1966-1969.

Simmons commented a couple of times about his days of fanzine publishing on his website: “Yes, these are fanzines (fan-magazines) I published and edited when I was around 14 years old out of my mom’s house. The content was sci-fi/comics — reviews, articles and so on. I published/edited a number of titles: COSMOS, COSMOSTILETTO (a merger with Stiletto fanzine), FAUN, TINDERBOX, ADVENTURE, MANTIS and a few others.”

“I also edited a fanzine called MANTIS. Only about 100 were printed. I also had a column in a New Jersey fanzine called RAY GUN. There are more, but offhand, I can’t recall all of them (Note: See the list compiled above). I do have a box full of my old fanzines.”

“Nothing’s changed much. Back in my school days (around 7th grade through the 12th), I played in a rock band (Long Island Sounds, Lynx, and others). I was in the school choir. I acted in school plays. I published my own fanzines. And still had time for the girls.”

So I guess ‘The Demon’ and I had something in common, we both published fanzines in junior high school (and I owned some that he published and contributed to) and we both played bass guitar (although I gave that up a year or two after starting high school – the only thing I can play now with any ability is a jukebox). I guess that’s where the similarities end although I did dress up like him for Halloween 1976 with interesting results but that’s another story for another time (if the statue of limitations has expired!).

GENE SIMMONS: Arizona Signing Cancelled

Commented Simmons: "Todd McFarlane and I have had a wonderful relationship and the KISS action figures his group made, as we all know, rocked. Todd was kind enough to draw the premier issue of 'Gene Simmons House Of Horrors' (Simmons Comics Group/IDW Publishing). And in return, I offered to go to Arizona and do a signing. But a mishap occurred when his well-intentioned staff were brought into this. Though they meant well, things occurred I never saw, nor okayed. One was a release of a press release without my approval. The other was that people had to buy $35 worth of goods in order to get an autograph. Now, while the above may or may not be an issue in and of themselves, the fact that I was never shown any of the details regarding my name and likeness is.

"When Todd and I work one on one. It works. When inbetweeners come into it, it does not."

WIN A PAUL STANLEY GUITAR at KISS FEST

Every KISS FEST paid attendee will receive a free entry to the raffle at no charge. You must be present to win the guitar!

The 2008 INDY KISS FEST celebrates Paul Stanley and his 'ONE LIVE KISS' concert DVD.

The 2008 Indianapolis KISS FEST info:

October 26th from 12:00PM to 7:00PM
Ramada Indianapolis
7701 East 42nd Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46226
Tel: 317-897-4000

CLICK HERE for more info on the Party.

ERIC SINGER PROJECT: Norwegian Date Announced

Feb. 18 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
Feb. 21 - Jevnaker, Norway - Glassheim

Gene Simmons Chimes In On The Election

Given that the elections are right around the corner, we wanted to get Gene's take on the presidential candidates and who he'll be voting for.

"I would rather vote for me. I have as much qualification as some of the candidates," Gene told Hollyscoop exclusively. "Actually there are people who are out voting for me but the job doesn’t pay enough. We are going to be voting and I don’t think, by the way, celebrities should open their traps about anything except promoting their new stuff.

"Just because you’re in front of people doesn’t mean you’re qualified to do crap. I don’t want my foreign policy to be decided in Malibu…by Sean Penn for fucks sake…I mean that in a good way."

I'd do reality TV from the grave - Gene

The Kiss legend hit the red carpet in Los Angeles for the premiere of new comedy movie Role Models.

Speaking before the screening, the rocker joked that he enjoys making Gene Simmons: Family Jewels a bit too much, saying: "If I can make a deal where I can do it from the grave I would do that to, just put me in the coffin with all the cameras."

Gene added there's no easier way to make money than having your life filmed: "As opposed to working for a living? Come on!"

The rocker also revealed he'd be up for resurrecting his School Of Rock series - which saw him trying to turn a class of school children into a rock band - back on UK shores.

"I loved those kids, it was difficult to leave them because you get so attached and just like I said in the show, Lil Chris became a star didn't he?"

BRUCE KULICK Visits GIBSON Factory In Memphis

"Just back from a trip to Tennessee! I had some free time so I took a short holiday to visit my girlfriend Leslie, who lives there. She was happy to have me in her state, and all my guitar friends are well aware that Memphis is not only a great music city, it is home to a custom Gibson factory for the past 8 years. They specialize in the hollow body style guitars that are so iconic. I met the operations manager David Winters of this Memphis plant, at the NAMM show in L.A. back in January. I kept in touch, as he promised me a tour, and Saturday was the special day we arranged."

Read more at Kulick.net.

ERIC SINGER PROJECT To Tour Europe Early Next Year

BRUCE KULICK Hard At Work On Solo Album

"Will you be surprised he is Gene's son? Not really; you can hear some of the Demon's dark undertones in his voice. But his take on singing comes from a much bluesier place than you could guess from a 19-year-old. Nick loves some serious blues singers like Skip James and artists that came from the Deep South."

Read more at this location.

PAUL STANLEY BEHIND THE PAINT

It’s just after 8 o’clock in Stuttgart, Germany, when there’s a knock on Paul Stanley’s hotel room door. “You know what? Hold on a second,” he says into the phone, cutting into the conversation mid-sentence. There are some muffled sounds, the close of a heavy door, and then he’s back on the line. “The housekeeping people here have a very interesting thing they do,” he explains, half-amused. “At some point, if you have the ‘Do not disturb’ on the door, they turn it around so it says, ‘Make up the room’ and then knock on the door.” The tactic didn’t work: “I’m still not dressed, actually. I just decided to stay in my room today and catch up. I’m kicking back.”

With good reason. On his 30-shows-in-seven-weeks European tour celebrating Kiss’s 35th anniversary, the singer-songwriter and guitarist has been rocking—hard. “It’s been pretty crazy,” he boasts. “You can’t beat 55,000 people screaming your name. The demand has been huge and the crowds have been rabid.” For Stanley, performing Kiss’s grueling lineup and stage act night after night is revitalizing: “There are two or three hours a day that are euphoric, and 21 or so that are necessary.”

In fact, to hear him tell it, the physical challenge of touring is part of the glory—a small price to pay for staying on top of the world. “I train like any athlete,” he says. “There isn’t time to find out you haven’t trained long enough once you get in the ring, so I’m very dedicated to making sure that not only am I physically and mentally capable of doing the show, but that the fans get at least what they expect if not more. There’s a photo of me from a few nights ago jumping four feet in the air with my boots on.”

Pressed further, Stanley, who underwent hip surgery in 2005, acknowledges that he—and the band—have experienced growing pains. “The truth is there are no football players my age,” he concedes. “I’m just thankful that as things wear out they can kind of be tweaked and replaced. At this point, I feel like I had my 50,000-mile checkup and am good for another 50,000. At this point, I have no competition but myself.”

Pushing himself to the limit is nothing new for the star. Born in Queens, New York, in 1952, Stanley worked as a cabbie before forming Kiss in 1974 with Wicked Lester band mate Gene Simmons. Since then, he has performed the title role in the Toronto production of Phantom of the Opera, released solo albums, been inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, and kept one of the biggest bands in the world together, albeit with a rotating roster. Drummer Peter Criss, who first left the band in 1980, and guitarist Ace Frehley, who left in 1982, rejoined Stanley and Simmons for a top-grossing reunion tour in 1996 and 1997, but have since been replaced by Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer.

“One might say I’m lucky,” Stanley writes on Paulstanley.com. “But I tell you, the harder you work the luckier you get. You can either be a victim in life who surrenders to failure and bitch about all your adverse experiences or you can take a deep breath and charge forward."

Uncompromising, yes, but Stanley walks the talk. When his first wife, Pamela Bowen, filed for divorce in 2000, he took a deep breath, picked up some art supplies, and charged forward on an emotional journey that finds him, seven years later, enjoying financial success and critical acclaim as a painter.

Of course, at a time when celebrity is more commercial than ever—eBay had 188,630 items listed as “entertainment memorabilia” on a recent day—rock star-turned-artist is an increasingly popular catch phrase. David Bowie, Grace Slick, Natalie Merchant, Brian Warner (aka Marilyn Manson), Bono, Jewel, and Tony Bennett have all shown work to varying success. Tori Amos sells hand-drawn winter greeting cards on her Web site.

What makes Stanley’s endeavor unique is his motivation. Whereas other artists may revel in expressing “another side” of themselves to adoring fans, marketing their work as virtual encounters, Stanley, perhaps because he approached painting as self-help and without the intention of starting an additional career, paints strictly by and for himself. “I never planned on showing anybody [my art],” he says. “I painted with the idea of doing something therapeutic and exciting for myself. I think if you approach things with too much concern for others you are kind of sabotaging yourself from the get-go.”

This internal focus gave way to the authentically self-conscious riff brightly captured in the reds, greens, yellow, and blues of his works. “I tend to paint a sense or reflection of what’s going on inside me and sometimes that is as much a discovery for me as it is for anybody else,” he says. “I don’t plan my work and I don’t sketch them out. I’d rather purge and see where I am at any given time. I certainly walked into it feeling, you know, not sure how it would turn out, but I have to say at this point it is one of the most rewarding things to walk into a gallery full of things created by me and basically for me.”

That’s not to say his pieces lack mass appeal. In 2007, he raked in about $2 million in painting sales through Wentworth Galleries—ironic for a child who failed art at the Manhattan School of Music and Art. That “had more to do with my own issues with authority figures,” he says. “I’m the hardest-working person in the world when I am doing what I want to do. I’m not great at fulfilling other people’s ambitions.” Early sales estimates for 2008 Stanleys art are double 2007, and his work has been evenly embraced by the art community and fans alike. Simmons even requested a piece for his house.

“Paul clearly works very hard on his art,” says David W. Streets, gallery director of the Celebrity Vault in Beverly Hills. “He really is striving to be a fine artist, and I think he is.”

A fine art advisor, broker, and appraiser for 22 years, Streets points out that garnering—and keeping—critical praise is no small feat for a celebrity artist. “Art critics generally pan actors and musicians because they start out at a different point,” he explains. “They have fame already, they start in major shows at major galleries, and there’s a lot of backlash and jealousy. It puts extra pressure on these stars to justify the art, justify its price. If all you have is crap with your name attached, you might make it big for a moment, but you won’t endure. Paul’s evolving as an artist.”

It’s an evolution Stanley can feel. Painting “has changed my life,” he says. “I define myself by the challenges I take on and I define myself by how well I do by my own assessment, and finding painting has allowed me to express a side that is much more solitary and much more intimate and personal than music.”

Stanley’s sense of accomplishment makes critical acclaim sweet—if unsolicited—icing on the cake. “I’m not schooled and perhaps that is my greatest strength,” he says slowly, as if just now realizing it. “I can certainly arrange music with an orchestra, but I am clueless at how to transcribe it. So I see any kind of critical acceptance of anything I do as a nice addition. What is so much more important to me is what someone who would want to take a piece home with them thinks. My problem with critics can sometimes be that they can intimidate people who wouldn’t find a lot of joy in art into never exposing themselves to it by telling the public your opinion isn’t valid because it isn’t educated. That doesn’t make any sense.”

When I point out he has just expressed Kiss’s anti-authority, against-the-rules, and against-all-odds manifesto, Stanley doesn’t miss a beat. “Well, it got me this far!” he laughs.

He’s right. Except that where he is might surprise fans who know him as Starchild, the hard-living, fire-breathing shock rocker who wrote such hits as “Strutter” and “Detroit Rock City.” Today, Stanley shares the Beverly Hills home he purchased in 1996 with his attorney wife, Erin Sutton, and their 3-year-old son, Colin, who is happiest in the bathtub with his dad. The couple will welcome their second child this winter.

When Stanley mentions his wife, his artistic bluster melts into affection. “We spend virtually all our time together,” he says. “When I hear about people needing breaks from each other then I think they probably married the wrong person. Erin is, for lack of a better term, my partner, my soul mate. There is no one I would rather spend my time with. There’s no one more stimulating or beautiful or fun.”

Theirs is a Beverly Hills love story. Stanley first laid eyes on Sutton when, while dining with a friend at Ago, he saw “this strikingly beautiful woman came walking in and just had an air about her that was totally captivating in a way that I had never quite felt,” he says. “I felt compelled to go talk to her. It was one of those situations where a higher power intervened.”

Since marrying in a “magical” ceremony in front of 175 guests at the Ritz-Carlton Huntington in Pasadena in 2005, the couple has settled in to everyday life in Beverly Hills: dinners out at Spago (“somewhere you can’t go wrong”), entertaining friends at home, and spending quiet nights in with Colin and Evan, Stanley’s 14-year-old son with Bowen.

“Parenting is something that you can’t do purely on reflex or on what’s familiar from what you saw at home,” he says. “You have to find what you believe is the right way to do it. Perhaps even my parents scratched their heads, but I am extremely proud of Evan. He is a terrific young man and it makes me that much more sure that the road ahead for Colin is a great one.”

When I ask if he ever dreamed he would be living this all-American domestic ideal, Stanley sighs. “Maybe when I was younger I wasn’t smart enough to realize how terrific that would be. I think for all the amazing times I had when I was at a different point in my life, there is a depth to my life now that probably wasn’t there, and didn’t need to be there then.”

Stanley’s devotion to his family makes this particular tour bittersweet—especially on days when his only visitor is a misguided housekeeper. “This is the longest I have been from my wife and family,” he says. “I’m coping as well as I can, but a day off is a blessing and a curse. It’s great to rest, but it gives me time to miss my family that much more. Between a [3-year-old] and a 14-year-old and a wife I’m crazy about, it’s hard to be gone.”

Luckily, there’s plenty to look forward to. In just a few short weeks after this interview, Stanley’s parents, Erin, her parents, Colin, and Evan will meet Stanley for a two-week family vacation at a Medici villa in Italy. After that, there’s singing, drawing, and painting with Colin (he uses crayons and colored pencils), renovating and redecorating their home (where the as-yet unsigned painting that first caught the art world’s eye hangs squarely in the living room alongside acoustic guitars and family photos), preparing for the baby, and possibly the development of Kiss II, a reality show the band is currently considering to form its next generation, which Stanley assures me would “in no way ever take the place of Kiss.”

“I’m not going anywhere that I know of,” he says as we wrap our conversation. “The band is rock solid. We have never been better. But life is supposed to continually evolve. Hopefully you are always on the train. Always moving forward. I can’t imagine reaching a point where I think I’ve gotten where I am going.”

The journey, at least, will be colorful.

Former KISS Manager BILL AUCOIN Interviewed: Audio Available

The 60-minute podcast can be downloaded at this location.

KISS DRUMMER WOWS FANS AT EXPO

The KISS Army invaded the Crowne Plaza Hotel (Moncton, Canada) yesterday, and they were armed.

Hundreds of fans of the band KISS, loaded down with posters, records, CDs and other band memorabilia, lined up for a chance to meet Eric Singer, the genial drummer for legendary KISS.

Singer, who arrived fashionably late, proved a good host, spending as much time as he could with each fan and signing just about anything put in front of him, including T-shirts that were still being worn at the time.

"He's a good guy," Monteith said, clutching two ancient vinyl presses from the venerable rockers.

"Here's a guy who plays with two historic rock bands and it never went to his head. He could be out golfing today but no, he's here meeting the fans."

Singer's appearance was engineered by Marty LeBlanc, the brainchild behind yesterday's first-ever KISS Expo, held in conjunction with the twice-yearly record expo put on by LeBlanc's LiveWire Music Emporium, located on Mountain Road.

"I just e-mailed him on his private site," LeBlanc recalled yesterday.

"From there it's history."

That's pretty typical for Singer, LeBlanc said, explaining the drummer is noted for holding fans close to his heart.

Indeed, in an earlier interview, Singer told Canadaeast News Service he doesn't think of himself as anything special.

"I never look at myself as anything more than anybody else. I'm just a regular guy that plays drums," he said.

"But I know I'm in a unique position where I'm very fortunate and blessed that I've been able to have the career I've had, that I've gotten to play with the bands I've gotten to play with."

Casual drummers drool over Singer's career. He's twice been drafted by the KISS Army, joining the group first in 1991 and again a few years ago. Besides the equally legendary Alice Cooper, he's drummed for Black Sabbath, Lita Ford and other big-name acts.

It's a testament to the professionalism and the skill the 50-year-old Singer has exhibited in his lengthy career.

The Bracelets allowing fans to meet Singer were snapped up in advance. Yesterday, the fans were lined up clear around the Fundy Lounge in the basement of the hotel, just waiting for the chance to chat with him.

Since forming in 1972, KISS has sold over 80 million albums, were pioneers in the band merchandising business with everything from KISS toy cars and dolls to their own cartoon show and were the band who popularized the trend of musicians donning wild make-up and costumes during performances.

Thirty-five years later, they remain one of rockdom's most popular, and profitable, acts.

GENE SIMMONS Schedules Arizona Signing Session

For the opportunity to have an item autographed by Simmons, a minimum purchase of $35 at the McFarlane store is required on Thursday, November 6. At the time of purchase, the customer will be given a wristband, required for admittance to the autograph line. (Purchase does NOT guarantee autograph.) The signing event will end at 7:00 p.m. regardless of line length. The McFarlane store will open at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the event, and fans can arrive at Westgate as early as 6:00 a.m. in their best KISS garb.

Enter for your chance to meet Gene Simmons! Five extremely lucky winners will be chosen at random to meet this rock god before the signing. Visit www.mcfarlane.com/meetgene to enter. (Note to out-of-state entries: Prize does not include travel, lodging or any other expenses.)

GENE SIMMONS On 'Los Premios MTV Latinoamérica 2008' Video Available

Commented Simmons: "I was surprised to find out that the actual award of the MTV Latin American event is...MY TONGUE! Yep. The Academy Awards have their Oscar. The People's Choice Awards has their Crystal Award...and MTV Latin America has...my tongue. It was a hoot seeing the various artists receiving my tongue. METALLICA played and were in great form. Jared Leto and his MARS guys sat nearby (You're welcome, Jared!!!).

Video footage of Gene's appearance can be viewed here.

MAGIC TOUCH CLIP FROM 'ONE LIVE KISS'

PAUL ADDS FLORIDA ART SHOWS

KISS Front Man Goes from Concert to Canvas

Wentworth Gallery is pleased to present art exhibitions by artist, rock icon, and charismatic front man of KISS, Paul Stanley. He will make three special appearances at Wentworth Gallery in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Boca Raton, FL and Orlando, FL.

Paul Stanley's Wentworth Gallery Appearances
Friday – November 14, 2007 6-9 PM – Palm Beach Gardens
Saturday – November 15, 2007 6-9 PM – Boca Raton
Sunday - November 16, 2007 1-4 PM - Orlando

Friday November 14, 2007
Wentworth Gallery – The Gardens Mall
3101 PGA Blvd
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
*call for details on Special VIP Reception with Paul Stanley 561-624-0656 or 800-732-6140

Saturday November 15, 2007
Wentworth Gallery – Town Center Mall
6000 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL
*call for details on Special VIP Reception with Paul Stanley 561-338-0804 or 800-732-6140

Sunday, November 16, 2007
1 – 4 p.m.
Wentworth Gallery - The Mall at Millenia K296
4200 Conroy Road Orlando, FL
Call 407-903-9055 for details or to pre-purchase artwork.

PAUL STANLEY Talks Art: Video Interview Available

PAUL STANLEY: 'One Live Kiss' DVD Trailer Available

ACE FREHLEY, RUSH's Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee To Guest On VH1 CLASSIC's 'That Metal Show'

Commented Trunk: "I am so happy with how things are going with this show and have my good friends Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson as co-hosts. The ball-busting that goes on is awesome and many in the audience and crew at the tapings so far say they have never seen a show like this before. Even those not into metal seem to be loving it. I've been working on developing this for almost two years, and now that it's real and we are close to debuting the first show, it's really getting exciting!"

Regarding Lifeson and Lee's upcoming appearance on the program, Trunk said, "I am honored to say that Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of RUSH will be coming in from Canada just to do the show! I've had the privilege of working with the RUSH guys several times, and I can not thank them enough for making the effort to do the show. Needless to say this will be a HUGE one."

"That Metal Show" will premier on November 15 at 11:00 p.m. EST/PST on VH1 Classic and will repeat several times through the week. A new episode will air every week thereafter on Saturday nights at 11:00 p.m.

Paul Stanley Promises Kiss 35th Anniversary Tour, Opens New Painting Exhibit

No stranger to art, Stanley studied at New York’s High School of Art and Music, the inspiration for the film Fame. “My best subject must have been lunch,” he says. “I didn’t get along with authority and it turned me off art.” Failing art class, he dropped painting for music. Years later, while going through a painful divorce in 2000, Stanley found solace in painting and picked up his brushes again. Now, he clearly takes pleasure in knowing his art reaches different crowds — both Kiss fans and art collectors.

“I see people at the gallery who will never go to a Kiss show and people at a Kiss show that will never go to the gallery. And then there are some people in between.” His pieces, mostly four-by-five foot acrylics done in bold colors with intense strokes, brought in $2 million last year. His originals fetch as much as $70,000, with limited-edition prints going to $1,000. Even Kiss co-founder Gene Simmons, known more for his shrewd business practices than for his eye for art, bought one of Stanley’s works titled “Statue of Liberty.” “The monetary aspect validates it that much more for him,” Stanley says.

Meanwhile, Kiss has been gigging consistently for its legions of fans known as the Kiss Army. Fresh off a 30-show Kiss European tour, where the band sometimes played six shows a week, Stanley says the group is fit and finely tuned these days. “The band has never been better, never looked better,” he says, adding that Kiss is planning a 35th anniversary tour this spring.

PAUL'S DC MEDIA SCHEDULE

From Face Paint to Acrylics

Like his band, Stanley’s largely abstract art is big and bold, with bright colors on large canvases. "I love art that’s vibrant and has a lot of color," Stanley said. "I think life is vibrant. On its worst day, life’s always a miracle." This is why, no matter his mood, his palette is never somber, he said. "In a warped way, depression is as vibrant as anything else."

Stanley said he was interested in art from a young age, and he graduated from the High School of Music and Art in Manhattan. "I was originally, according to a lot of people, a young talented artist," he said. However, he added, "I found I wasn’t fond of people telling me what to do or how to do it." So he found an outlet for his artistic knack in the creation of a rock band that is as famous for its visual impact as its music.

STANLEY’S HAND was behind the makeup and costumes that helped make KISS world-famous, as well as some of its set designs, album covers and apparel. "I always had a very clear vision for the band and what I wanted it to be," he said. He created the KISS logo sitting at a table in his parents’ house while he lived there. "That’s why the two S’s are not completely parallel," he said, adding that when the band’s design team offered to straighten them, he declined.

He didn’t start painting again until about eight years ago, when he was going through a divorce and a friend suggested he resume the hobby. "It became a very interesting way of confronting a lot of things that were going on, and it turned out to be a journey I’m still on," he said. Stanley said he’d had no intention of showing his art, but when he hung one of his paintings in his house, visitors wanted to know whose work it was.

So he did a few small shows about four years ago. He has now done 18 shows in the last year and a half, "and it’s been successful beyond anything I could have imagined," he said. "If money is a measure of success, I’m told my art generated $2 million last year, so I guess it’s not too bad." He said he appreciated the commercial success because it meant people connected with his work. "The idea that I might be a starving artist — that wasn’t going to happen."

THE SIMILARITY between his approaches to music and art is that he sets about both "with the idea of no boundaries and pleasing myself," he said. "I think that when you approach something to please yourself, you can’t go wrong. Even if no one else likes it, you’ve got one big fan."

He listed Pablo Picasso, Mark Rothko and Vincent Van Gogh as some of the artists who had influenced his work, adding, "Loads of people have been influences on my art. I think anything you’re exposed to will turn up in your art one way or another."

The art is not a side project to his work with KISS, he said. "I think I give 100 percent to everything I do. I don’t bring paint brushes onstage, and I don’t bring guitars into my studio."

Whatever the art form, Stanley said he was grateful that he had been able to do what he loved and that his work had resonated with others. "I’m on a journey I’m enjoying immensely."

KISS Guitarist THAYER Interviewed At Lion's Heart Invitational Golf Tournament; Video Available

Tommy Thayer performed at a star-studded outdoor concert October 1 at Branson Airport in Branson. He played alongside members of musical groups such as HOOTIE & THE BLOWFISH, LOVERBOY, TRICK PONY and the BEAVER BROWN BAND, plus Samantha Cole, Steve Azar, Bob Anderson, Johnny Lee and Moe Bandy.

Watch here!

OZZY OSBOURNE, KISS Tales Tackled In New Season Of 'Myths And Legends'

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the new season of "Myths and Legends" premiers on October 8 on TV Land.

For more information, click here.

Gene Simmons headed to Nashville

"It was a busy day for CAMP FREDDY yesterday [Saturday, October 4], as the band performed two shows in one day. First of all, the band helped celebrate the opening of the new John Varvatos store in Malibu with an acoustic performance that included Royston Langdon (SPACEHOG), Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL), Corey Taylor (SLIPKNOT) and Perry Farrell (JANE'S ADDICTION). And then later that night at an exclusive, unrelated party in Malibu, the band played an electric set that culminated in Paul Stanley from KISS joining the band for killer versions of 'Whole Lotta Love', 'All Right Now' and the KISS classic 'Strutter'."

Setlist for John Varvatos store opening in Malibu:

01. Just What I Needed
02. I'm Eighteen
03. In The Meantime
04. Suffragette City
05. Rain
06. Maggie May
07. Got Me Wrong
08. People Are Strange
09. Feel Like Makin Love

Guests: Perry Farrell, Steve Stevens, Corey Taylor, Royston Langdon.

Setlist for exclusive, unrelated party in Malibu:

01. Hello There
02. Just What I Needed
03. In The Meantime
04. Suffragette City
05. Rock And Roll Star
06. Rebel Yell
07. Ain't Talkin Bout Love
08. It's So Easy
09. Chinese Rocks
10. EMI
11. Whole Lotta Love
12. All Right Now
13. Strutter

Guests: Paul Stanley, Duff McKagan, Corey Taylor, Steve Jones, Paul Cook, Steve Stevens, Royston Langdon.

CAMP FREDDY recently parted ways with Los Angeles' acclaimed Indie 103.1 radio station, which has aired the band's weekly show every Saturday for nearly five years.

CAMP FREDDY is continuing work on what is expected to eventually be released as the band's debut album. Among the cuts that are set to appear on the effort are "20th Century Boy" (also featuring Steve Jones from THE SEX PISTOLS on lead guitar) and THIN LIZZY's "Jailbreak" (featuring ALICE IN CHAINS guitarist Jerry Cantrell on vocals and Billy Duffy on lead guitar). Other guest musicians include RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS drummer Chad Smith and singer Macy Gray.

Since its formation six years ago when they rocked the opening of The Standard Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles at the invitation of Brent Bolthouse, CAMP FREDDY has performed on both coasts of America and on national television shows ("The Tonight Show with Jay Leno", "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", "Late Late Show With Craig Kilborn", "Last Call with Carson Daly").

KISS Guiitarist TOMMY THAYER Performs At Benefit Concert In Branson; Video Available

Watch fan-filmed video footage of the performance below (clips shot and uploaded by Justin Kuhns).

The concert was part of the Lion's Heart Invitational Golf Tournament and Concert, which was held Tuesday, September 30 through Wednesday, October 1, 2008 on Murder Rock Golf Course at the acclaimed Communities at Branson Creek and featured PGA pro golfer John Daly and dozens of his celebrity friends. The two-day event benefitted the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA and the John Daly Foundation.

"Mustang Sally" featuring Johnny Lee (lead vocals; country legend that started the "Urban Cowboy" movement in the early '80s that spawned the movie "Urban Cowboy"), Tommy Thayer on guitar, Mark Bryan of HOOTIE & THE BLOWFISH on guitar and Steve Azar (country star) singing a verse: Video1

"Looking for Love" featuring Tommy Thayer on vocals backing vocals around the one-minute, 30-second mark; John Daly on backing vocals: Video2

"Knocking on Heaven's Door" featuring John Daly, Tommy Thayer and Mark Bryan of HOOTIE & THE BLOWFISH: Video3

Gene Simmons headed to Nashville

The cruise is open to the public. Tickets: 615-458-3900 or www.generaljackson.com.

PAUL ADDS VIRGINIA ART SHOW

His appearance will be open to the public and free of charge.

Paul Stanley’s Wentworth Gallery Appearance
Saturday -- October 11, 2008, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Wentworth Gallery – Tysons Galleria
1731 M. International Dr.
McLean, VA 22102

703-883-0111 or 800-732-6140

VIP Reception 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Call for details)

GENE SIMMONS MoneyBag To Participate In 4th Annual Phoenix Fashion Week

Dussault Apparel is set to take over the runway for the event's featured show on Saturday, October 4, at 8:30 p.m, at Hayden Ferry Lakeside. All three lines will showcase selections from their Holiday 2008 and Spring 2009 collections, featuring premium, custom designed hoodies, denim, hats, t-shirts and leather goods.

"We are very excited to be a part of Phoenix Fashion Week," said Chris Detert, Dussault's U.S. publicist and president of American Rebel PR. "Phoenix is one of the fastest emerging fashion markets, with a large contingent of young, attractive and affluent consumers. Phoenix Fashion Week is the perfect platform to present our lines to the consumers in this market."

The executive director of Phoenix Fashion Week Brian Hills says, "I am thrilled to have Dussault Apparel on board for this year's event. We feel the quality and uniqueness of their designs will appeal to our audiences and enhance the overall success of our shows."

Dussault Apparel, Inc., is a designer, manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer of high-end quality apparel, its expanding product line includes custom designed hoodies, jeans, jewelry, t-shirts, hats and leather goods.

GENE TALKS AND TALKS AND TALKS

Gene Simmons!

Yep, it was the humorous, self-assured entertainer and entrepreneur whose entertainment business empire has expanded far beyond his KISS rock band. His reality TV shows Family Jewels, Gene Simmons' Rock School and now Jingles have made Gene one of America's most recognizable characters.

Simmons was here just nine weeks ago as the honorary marshal of the Edmonton Indy - for which he handles the marketing. That was a breeze-through-wave-at-the-crowds appearance.

This time, it was Simmons face to face. For his $100,000 speaking fee, what did the younger entrepreneurs get? Multiple tips from the most confident person they'd ever meet, resplendent in his own style.

Simmons is so confident that he has transcended his rock-star persona to be a down-to-earth human being with a great sense of humour, who genuinely likes to talk to others.

It all came from his mom, says Gene. His 82-year-old mother survived the Holocaust, raised her only son in poverty in wartime Israel, separated from Gene's soldier dad, came to America and worked two factory jobs for the sake of her eight-year-old boy who didn't speak a word of English.

Somehow Gene became the hipster that studied, worked and played hard, saved his money, never got drunk or did drugs, then conceived - with KISS partner Paul Stanley - the "band we'd always wanted to see."

ACE FREHLEY Charging Fee For Autographs At CHILLER THEATRE; No Guitars, Pick Guards Allowed

The following musicians are slated to appear, among others:
Ace Frehley (KISS)
David Ellefson (MEGADETH, F5)
Eerie Von (DANZIG, SAMHAIN)
Kip Winger (WINGER)
Lita Ford
Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (GUNS N' ROSES)
Wednesday 13 (MURDERDOLLS)

For more information, go to this location.

'PodKISSt' KISS-Themed Podcast Featuring 'Jigoku-Retsuden' Roundtable Discussion Available

"Jigoku-Retsuden", a new KISS greatest-hits CD featuring all-new recordings of 15 KISS classics, was released late last month in Japan via DefSTAR Records/Sony Music Japan. The tracks were recently recorded and feature Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer. A limited-edition version of the CD includes a bonus "Kissology Special" DVD with live footage from KISS' legendary 1977 performance at Budokan.

"Jigoku-Retsuden" (new recordings CD):

01. Deuce
02. Detroit Rock City
03. Shout It Out Loud
04. Hotter Than Hell
05. Calling Dr. Love
06. Love Gun
07. I Was Made For Lovin' You
08. Heaven's On Fire
09. Lick It Up
10. I Love It Loud
11. Forever
12. Christine Sixteen
13. Do You Love Me
14. Black Diamond
15. Rock And Roll All Nite

"Kissology Special" DVD (limited edition only):

Live At Budokan Tokyo, Japan '77

01. Detroit Rock City
02. Let Me Go, Rock 'n' Roll
03. Ladies Room
04. Firehouse
05. I Want You
06. Cold Gin
07. Nothin' To Lose
08. God Of Thunder
09. Rock And Roll All Nite
10. Shout It Out Loud
11. Black Diamond

Check out audio samples at this location.

BRUCE KULICK To Appear At Sixth Annual 'Rock And Roll Bash' In Baltimore

This year's lineup includes:
Bruce Kulick (KISS, GRAND FUNK RAILROAD)
Mark Rivera (BILLY JOEL)
Hugh McDonald (BON JOVI)
Jeff Carlisi (.38 SPECIAL)
Steve Conte (NEW YORK DOLLS)
Christine Ohlman ("Saturday Night Live")
Anton Fig ("Late Show with David Letterman")
Jeff Kazee (SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY AND THE ASBURY JUKES, BON JOVI)

Tickets are required for admission to the event.

For ticket information, please visit the Casey Cares Foundation or call 443-568-0064.

KISS/ALICE COOPER Drummer ERIC SINGER Schedules Canadian In-Stores

Sep. 27 - Edmonton, AB - Mother's Music Store
Sep. 28 - Lethbridge, AB - Note-Able Music
Oct. 01 - Regina, SK - Long & McQuade
Oct. 06 - Hamilton, ON - Pongetti's Musical Instruments
Oct. 07 - Newmarket, ON - The Arts Music Store
Oct. 08 - Oshawa, ON - Long & McQuade
Oct. 11 - Ottawa, ON - Long & McQuade
Oct. 17 - Halifax, NS - Long & McQuade
Oct. 18 - St. John, NB - Long & McQuade
Oct. 19 - Mocton, NB - Live Wire Record Expo
Oct. 21 - St. John's, NF - Long & McQuade

For more details on these events, please contact the stores directly.

PAUL STANLEY: New Video Interview Available

ONE LIVE KISS WORLD PREMIERE EVENT!

To celebrate the October release of Paul's concert DVD, 'ONE LIVE KISS', the stage has been set for the World Theatrical Premiere of the film! This unique event will be the first time the movie will be exhibited on a massive 50 foot theater screen in stunning High Definition Digital Cinema with full Dolby Digital concert sound! The premiere is the highlight of a day long “KISS PARTY’ which will be held at the historic Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Illinois. (a short distance from Downtown Chicago.) The event will also feature KISS Memorabilia dealers, never before seen videos from Paul Stanley’s 2006 ‘Live To Win’ Tour, trivia prizes, and an after show event at local restaurant, Onesti Dinner Club.

Director Louis Antonelli will introduce the movie and hold an audience Q&A about his experiences working with Paul to create the film before the screening. Antonelli told KOL via a phone interview, “This is the event we have all been waiting for! I approached making this movie with an idea of presenting Paul Stanley both intimately, and also as his true essence is - LARGER THAN LIFE, and LOUDER & MORE POWERFUL THAN A SUPERSONIC JET! This screening will realize that vision fully for an audience!”

As a bonus for celebrating with us, EVERYONE attending the event will receive a 'ONE LIVE KISS' collectible Laminate and other special surprises!! Requires paid admission.

Venue: ARCADA THEATRE - Phone # - 630-587-8400
105 E. Main Street
St. Charles, Illinois
*Free parking available all around the venue.

Tickets will go on sale this Wednesday.

For more info, CLICK HERE to visit the Theatre's website.

Ticket price should be $15.00 per person (children under 5, free.)

11:00 AM - Doors Open. Tons of great KISS/Paul Merch. Available.
1:30 to 2:30 - 'Live To Dream' Featurette with D.P Carlson (incl. Q&A.)
3:00 to 3:45 - Mr. SPEED's Rich Kozak will perform a live acoustic set of Paul Stanley songs.
4:00 - 6:00 - Premiere Showing, "Paul Stanley * One Live KISS' (with Antonelli intro.)

END OF EVENT AT THE MAIN VENUE.

6:30 to ? : After show reception party at nearby restaurant (open to all ticket/laminate holders):

ONESTI DINNER CLUB
18 North 4th Street
St. Charles, Illinois
(short walking distance from the theatre!)

What will you find in Gene Simmons' fridge?

“Sugar-free ice pops are an invention of God,” Gene Simmons said in the Celeb Fridge feature of the October issue of Everyday with Rachael Ray magazine. “They hardly have any calories since they're mostly water. I eat about 15 pops every two days. Instead of smoking or drinking, you should just eat an ice pop.”

Frozen dinners also take up a lot of space in his freezer.

“Shannon (Tweed) and I don't diet because the tendency is to cheat. I keep Lean Cuisines in the house because I don't cook very often. Instead, I just pop a meal in the microwave whenever I get hungry.”

ACE FREHLEY To Appear At CHILLER THEATRE Expo

The following musicians are slated to appear, among others:

Ace Frehley (KISS)
David Ellefson (MEGADETH, F5)
Eerie Von (DANZIG, SAMHAIN)
Kip Winger (WINGER)
Lita Ford
Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (GUNS N' ROSES)
Wednesday 13 (MURDERDOLLS)

For more information, go to this location.

PAUL ADDS VIRGINIA ART SHOW

His appearance will be open to the public and free of charge.

Paul Stanley’s Wentworth Gallery Appearance
Saturday -- October 11, 2008, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Wentworth Gallery – Tysons Galleria
1731 M. International Dr.
McLean, VA 22102

703-883-0111 or 800-732-6140

VIP Reception 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Call for details)

PAUL ON FOX ATLANTA

Gene Simmons, KISS in Portland for benefit

Members of one of rock’s legendary bands visited Portland Thursday night, showing that their hearts are just as big as their reputation.

Several members of the band KISS appeared on behalf of their friend Jeff Young, who has lived with ALS – also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, for nearly 25 years. Young is one of the longest living survivors of the illness.

“This is proof positive that Portland isn't just a nice place to live in, but it actually has nice people,” said Gene Simmons, longtime leader of KISS. “Everybody here has come with big fat wallets full of cash and we're going to relieve them of all that money and actually do some good.”

A support group called "Friends of Jeff" organized the benefit auction, dinner and concert in Lake Oswego.

PAUL STANLEY: More 'One Live Kiss' DVD Details Revealed

The track listing is as follows:

01. Prologue
02. Live To Win
03. Hide Your Heart
04. A Million To One
05. Got To Choose
06. Move On
07. Bulletproof
08. Tonight You Belong To Me
09. Lick It Up
10. Wouldn't You Like To Know Me?
11. Magic Touch
12. I Still Love You
13. Strutter
14. Everytime I See You Around
15. Do You Love Me?
16. I Want You
17. Love Gun
18. Lift
19. Detroit Rock City
20. Goodbye

Paul Stanley's backing band is the house band from the CBS-TV show "Rock Star" — Paul Mirkovich (keyboards), Jim McGorman (guitar), Rafael Moreira (lead guitar), Nate Morton (drums) and Sasha Krivstov (bass). They appeared on the first — and so far only — two seasons of the show: "Rock Star: INXS" and "Rock Star: Supernova".

"Live To Dream!" is an insider's glimpse into the creative process of Paul Stanley and his concert film titled "One Live Kiss", which was directed by filmmaker Louis Antonelli. The cameras shadow Antonelli as he works behind the scenes to capture Stanley's solo performance in Chicago. Stanley's back-up band for the tour is the house band featured on CBS-TV's "Rock Star".

"Live To Dream!" features interviews with Paul Stanley, Louis Antonelli, KISS manager Doc McGhee, band members Jimmy McGorman, Rafael Moreira and Nate Morton, as well as a dozen fans from the Chicago show.

Director D.P. Carlson shares producer, camera and editing credit with longtime collaborator Mike Weber. Brian Kobeluch created the graphics and animations.

ATLANTA MEDIA APPEARANCES

6:30 a.m Zakk Tyler Morning Show / Dave 92.9 FM LIVE in-studio
7:15 a.m 790 The Zone AM / Mayhem in the AM Phone-In Interview
8:00 a.m. Good Day Atlanta WAGA/Fox 5 LIVE in-studio
9:30 a.m. The Regular Guys / Rock 100.5 LIVE in-studio
10:45a.m. Atlanta & Company 11Alive/WXIA LIVE in-studio

Gene Simmons Becomes 'Emperor' of Japan

Simmons flew to Japan last March for five days of shooting after director Toshio Lee tracked the rocker down with the help of Sony Music Japan. "He was a complete professional," Lee tells Spinner with the aid of an English-speaking translator. "He didn't even want to rest. He said, 'I'm here for business.'"

At first, Lee and Simmons communicated through an interpreter, but Lee soon just started showing him physically what to do. "[Gene would say] 'Let me see that one more time so I can really master it,'" Lee says. When Lee screwed up, Simmons responded promptly: "That's not the same thing you did the first time." "He was really watching and very attentive," Lee says.

As for the character's attire, Simmons wears an outlandish horned costume with most of his face hidden under a mask. And yes, even his guitar has spikes. The rocker utters a few English lines, including "Command the beast" and "You're still wet behind the ears."

"It would be weird if he spoke Japanese," Lee says. "He had to speak in English. He's the king."

ROCKER PUTS PAINT ON CANVAS INSTEAD OF FACE

You’ve stated that you began painting to overcome the emotional hardships of going through a divorce. Now that you’re through that period, what does the process do for you now?

I think that got played up quite a bit, but the fact is my background was originally an art background. It could have been at any point that I felt a desire to express myself in some way other than music.

Where did you draw inspiration for the works that will be in this show?

I just paint from my gut. Most of the time, I find a lot of satisfaction in not planning what I’m going to paint. Obviously, there are pieces that are more thought out in terms of theme, though once I start painting, I just let myself go where I’m going to go. I think if you don’t wake up every day inspired, you need to go back to sleep or change your life.

Your stage persona has always had a visual flair. How would you say your creative energies have translated from stage to canvas? Have they progressed since you’ve gotten back into painting?

The work is all connected by my love of color, but how I utilize that seems to go through significant changes because I’m not going to put limitations or boundaries on myself. That’s why I started painting, because I don’t have to work to anybody else’s expectations, only to mine. So I paint for myself. That other people love the work is a bonus.

As a rock star, you’ve attained a seemingly untouchable status. How close will fans be able to get to you at these openings?

Because of the crowds, there’s really no way for me to spend one-on-one time with everybody who is there. The only way there is any real time to be spent individually is with people who are acquiring art. I get some great time with [buyers], and we get to take a photo and I give a personal message to them. Other than the art collectors, there’s a large segment of people who perhaps have never been in a gallery before, and I think that’s great.

THE 411: Paul Stanley at Wentworth Gallery. Free. 6-9 p.m. Sept. 19. Wentworth Gallery, Phipps Plaza. 3500 Peachtree Road N.E., Buckhead. 404-233-0903. And 5-8 p.m. Sept. 20. Wentworth Gallery, Perimeter Mall. 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. 770-913-0641 or 800-732-6140.

FIN COSTELLO ON KISS ALIVE COVER

One of your most famous pictures of all time, is the one that ended up being the album cover for KISS’ breakthrough-album, KISS ALIVE, from 1975. Unlike anything from their three first album covers, it captures the show, the music and their attitude perfectly.

How did you end up working for KISS?

COSTELLO: I went to live in USA in 1973 with Deep Purple, who I was an art director and photographer for, and a graphic designer I knew was working on an album cover for KISS, called Dressed To Kill. He was very unhappy with it, because the picture was funny but not right. He told me to come and see them play, because they were playing at the Beacon Theatre in New York. That day I had been working with the Brecker Brothers, which is a jazz thing. So I went up there, with my camera and everything. And it was like Dante’s Inferno. As I walked in, I realized I had never seen nothing like it in my life. And this was just the first song.

By this time, they were completely broke. They had no money. I stayed in New York that night, processed the film in an overnight lab, and rang their manager Bill Aucoin in the morning. I told him who I was, mentioned some of my work, like Deep Purple’s Made In Japan, and said that I’d like to him show the pictures I took at the show the night before. He said: «Sure».

So I went up there, and their office was about half the size of this studio.

Really? ‘Cause this is a very small studio.

COSTELLO: Yeah, but that was the KISS Empire. Joyce Biawitz (co-manager) and Bill Aucoin had desks standing against each other. Well, I showed them the photos, and I was smart enough to bring with me a projector from the graphic design place. I asked Aucoin where the projection room was, and he just laughed. Lovely man, by the way. He just laughed and said project them against the wall». I got about 4 pictures projected, and then he said: Don’t show me any more. Then he rang Gene (Simmons) and said: Come on down here, I want you to meet this guy.

So the four of them came down to Aucoin’s office. Ace (Frehley) arrived late and didn’t know what he was there for. But Paul (Stanley) and Gene were very sharp, Gene in particularly. The minute he saw how I’d captured the show, he said: Right, we’re doing a live album. It’s a last chance-thing. If it works, we’re in business. If it doesn’t work, we’re dead. Then we went to Detroit and we shot the live album in rehearsal. It’s not a live photograph.

And it wasn’t shot in Cobo Hall in Detroit, even though some of the album was recorded there?

COSTELLO: That’s right. It wasn’t Cobo Hall. It was shot in the Michigan Palace, which is a car park now, sadly. That was where Iggy, MC5 and all those guys got it together. It was a fabulous place, a very nice Victorian music hall.

Gene got really annoyed in the end. Everybody got very tired, so it became the same pose over and over again. We couldn’t think of a new pose. What we were doing was something Gene called The Status Quo-pose. They love Status Quo and that simple, straight-ahead poppy rock. And they did this classic pose, which they had incorporated into their show.

So I said: Do the Status Quo-pose again. And Gene said: For fuck’s sake, enough of this Status Quo-thing. We’re KISS, not Status Quo». We were that tired, we started getting irritable.

The next day we went to Cobo Hall. And they were amazed that so many people showed up. The place was almost full. What they didn’t realize, was that the word had already gone out. They were taking a huge risk by playing there. Agents weren’t booking them into big halls. I don’t know if they had to pay for the hall themselves, and were risking getting deep into debt.

Before I went in and did the photo for ALIVE, Bill Aucoin said: We got no money, we can’t pay you – but we can cover your expenses. But that was no good for me, as I had just moved there, I had two kids and had just bought a house. I needed to work, I needed to get paid. So he said: We’ll give you a deal. I won’t get into details, but it was depending on the success of the album. If the album did well, I did well. It was the only deal of my career that’s been like that.

Judging from the phenomenal sales of the album, it’s safe to assume that the deal turned out pretty good?

COSTELLO: Oh yes, absolutely. Looking back, it was a fabulous deal. But what was interesting, was that they took a chance on me. Because I had just arrived in America, and had never worked on a big project like that.

Were the members of KISS familiar with your work?

COSTELLO: Gene and Peter (Criss) were. The cover is actually influenced by Uriah Heep Live, a cover with a gatefold and a four page booklet of photographs. That was what they wanted – lot of pictures of the live show.

The interesting thing is, if you look at the back cover on ALIVE, on the seats right besides the two guys holding the banner, there are two young teenage guys with long hair. They’re on the right side of the picture as you look at it. One is Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the other one is his brother. I just found out a few years ago.

The feedback I get on that album is phenomenal. Not only because of the cover, but because it’s an iconic album. It turned American music around.

I worked for an American pop band a seven or eight years ago. I can’t remember their name, they had just one big hit. Anyway, the press lady told me to live in a different hotel than the band, but I said: That’s not how it works. I need to meet the band. And the tour manager came down, and told me: We’ll do the photos at the gig. I told him we needed to figure out what to do first. He said: The band doesn’t do it like that. Before he went back up, he asked me what my name was. Within two minutes, the entire band was down in the lobby, shaking my hand and everything. I could have asked them to stand on their heads in the bay, and they would have done it. All because of KISS ALIVE.

Are you happy with the picture in photographic terms?

COSTELLO: Yes. I have always been. Technically, it’s all wrong. It’s out of focus, it’s grainy, rough and ready. There’s all sorts of things wrong with that picture. But in atmosphere terms, it’s absolutely perfect. It’s the same thing with Deep Purple’s «Burn». Everything about that says it’s a bad idea, but it works!

There’s been rumours that the back cover photograph on KISS ALIVE was actually taken at another band’s concert, and that the text and images on the banner held up by the two guys was airbrushed. Any truth to that?

COSTELLO: No. This is a very strange story, that involves Rush and Rainbow, it doesn’t involve KISS at all. And it’s been attributed to Sean Delaney (long term KISS-associate), which is again strange, because I had stopped working with him long time ago by that point. By the way, some KISS-fans are really odd. I once met a fan who was really abusive to me because he didn’t believe my story. He said Sean Delaney said it, it must be true. I said: I don’t care who said it. I was there, I did it. This is the truth.

SIMMONS SEX TAPE GIRL LOSES FAMOUS FRIENDS OVER SCANDAL

And Koval, who reveals she signed away her rights to the sex tape in 2003, has suffered more shame and humiliation than her famous one-night stand.

She tells Hustler magazine, "I'm the victim. I didn't try to capitalise on this situation... I've lost longtime friends like (director) Michael Bay and (actor) Crispin Glover.

"I was at one of (rapper) Ja Rule's houses in Southern California, just chilling with him and his friends, and he freaked out about the Gene Simmons sex tape. He kicked me out of the house." Koval admits she has since renewed her friendship with the rapper.

PAUL STANLEY Confirms KISS Will Tour U.S. Next Summer, Discusses Collection Of Re-Recordings

"Jigoku-Retsuden" was released last month via DefSTAR Records/Sony Music Japan. The tracks on the CD feature Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer. A limited-edition version of the CD includes a bonus "Kissology Special" DVD with live footage from KISS' legendary 1977 performance at Budokan.

Check out audio samples at this location.

BRUCE KULICK Resumes Work On Solo Album; Studio Diary Updated

GENE SIMMONS On 'Criss Angel Mindfreak'; Video Available

Watch the program in two parts: Part 1, Part 2

KISS Guitarist THAYER Performing 'Forever' With Contest Winner; Practice Clip Available

DAYTON FAN EXPO CELEBRATES PAUL STANLEY

And what better way to honor our main man then to show his amazing new concert film, 'ONE LVE KISS'! Paul Stanley has authorized a special preview screening of his new concert movie, ‘PAUL STANLEY* ONE LIVE KISS’ for this Expo event. The feature length movie was shot during Paul’s sold out ‘Live To Win’ solo tour of America in 2006, capturing the power and intensity of Paul’s legendary songwriting and showmanship at full throttle! The movie will be shown in its entirety, in High Definition on a large screen.

Director Louis Antonelli will introduce the screening, and do a Q&A with the audience following the movie. Antonelli recently told KOL, “ These fullscreenings of the movie are very special, they will give fans a chance to see this highly anticipated film in a unique, entertaining way! In the past when we have done previews of scenes from the film it was great because fans felt like they were at the concert right in the front row singing along with Paul, cheering, and doing their all to SHOUT IT OUT LOUD! Seeing the movie like that with a packed house of the great KISS ARMY is a very immediate ‘live’ experience! I’ve had fans tell me many times now that watching the movie that way made everyone feel Paul was right in the room rocking with them!”

As a bonus for celebrating with us, EVERYONE attending the event will receive a 'ONE LIVE KISS' collectible Laminate and other special surprises!! Requires paid admission.

KISS Tribute bands, MR.SPEED and KIDS both will perform, and KISS merchandise dealer, including KISSONLINE, will be on hand selling great KISS collectibles throughout the day. We'll also have a Paul Stanley trivia contest and merchandise giveaways too!

The 2008 Dayton KISS Expo will be held Saturday
October 11th from 12:00PM to 8:00PM
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
2455 Dryden Road
Dayton, OH 45439
Tel: 937-294-1471 (Please do not call the hotel about tickets they will not have that information.)

Ask for the KISS Expo rate!

Visit www.getalifeinc.com for more info on the event.

NEW KISS CD SET

The Set will be released in October 21.

The packaging and artwork for KISS: IKONS is outstanding, featuring a 24 page booklet filled with classic KISS photos! The actual KISS Icons and the IKONS logo on the box cover are printed in silver foil.

Gene Simmons CD:
'God Of Thunder', 'Almost Human', 'Calling Dr. Love', 'Ladies Room', 'Christine Sixteen', 'Deuce', 'Rock And Roll All Nite', 'Cold Gin', 'Parasite', 'Larger Than Life', 'Love 'em And Leave 'Em', 'Plaster Caster', 'Radioactive', 'Charisma'.

Paul Stanley CD:
'Detroit Rock City', 'Love Gun', 'Take Me', 'Strutter', 'C'mon And Love Me', 'Hotter Than Hell', '100,000 Years', 'Rock Bottom', 'Do You Love Me?', 'All American Man', 'Mr. Speed', 'I Stole Your Love', 'Wouldn't You Like To Know Me', 'I Was Made For Lovin' You'.

Ace Frehley CD:
'New York Groove', 'Shock Me', '2,000 Man', 'Rocket Ride', 'Snow Blind', 'Speedin' Back To My Baby', 'Talk To Me', 'What's On Your Mind', 'Rip It Out', 'Save Your Love', 'Hard Times', 'Two Sides Of The Coin', 'Dark Light', 'Into The Void'.

Peter Criss CD:
'Hard Luck Woman', 'Baby Driver', 'Hooligan', 'Beth', 'I Can't Stop The Rain', 'Black Diamond', 'Mainline', 'Don't You Let Me Down'', 'Dirty Livin'', 'Getaway', 'Strange Ways', 'That's The Kind Of Sugar Papa Likes', 'Easy Thing', 'I Finally Found My Way'.

Rock industry leader shares memoir

As a teenage rock fan in 1968, Goldberg lucked his way into the music industry, finding an entry-level clerical job with the music trade magazine Billboard — only realizing after the first day, he claims, that it had nothing to do with roadside advertising. From there, his career advances as he receives one lucky break after another, beginning with a press trip to Woodstock after Billboard's other staffers pass up the assignment.

Over the following decades he proves to be an able publicist and executive, handling public relations for Led Zeppelin at the peak of their fame before moving on to other artists including Kiss, Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt and, late in his career, Nirvana and Warren Zevon. Eventually, he is asked to lead Atlantic Records, later accepting similar roles at Warner Bros. Records and Mercury Records Group.

Goldberg simultaneously occupies the worlds of art and commerce, and he is well aware that the two don't always mix. His book straddles the same line, as he shifts between the roles of rock fan and entrepreneur. Some chapters — including the one on his most legendary client, Led Zeppelin — read more like a business memoir than anything else. But he lavishes attention on Nirvana, offering some choice opinions on conspiracy theories surrounding the suicide of front man Kurt Cobain, and his admiration for Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks borders on worship.

There are at least as many faceless behind-the-scenes people in this book as actual rock stars, and their names will mean little to all but industry insiders and the most die-hard rock nerds. That is perhaps an unfair criticism for a book about rock's business side, but readers looking for lurid tales of rock 'n' roll excess should be forewarned.

And the book is not without entertaining anecdotes about familiar artists. There's this gem, for example: Goldberg was on the receiving end of an impassioned discourse on rock by Gene Simmons — the blood-spitting alpha-male mastermind of Kiss — when Simmons' Jewish mother unexpectedly showed up offering a plate of matzoh and eggs.

There is tragedy, too. Goldberg's recollection of a terminally ill Zevon recording his final album is particularly moving, as is his description of the aftermath of Cobain's suicide.

Goldberg portrays himself as a man of principle, but he is candidly unapologetic about some of the sneaky tricks he deployed with his partners in crime, including lying to the press, fabricating endorsements from local politicians and enticing a Billboard staffer to fudge sales chart figures.

However, he appears to draw the line at suckering his own artists. While he acknowledges that the rock business often leaves musicians with the short end of the stick, if Goldberg was ever less than on the level with his own artists, he doesn't share it here.

Taken as an "Almost Famous"-type rock fable, "Bumping Into Geniuses" is a disappointment. But for readers wanting a look behind the curtain, Goldberg offers valuable personal experience that only the music industry's elite are equipped to share.

BRUCE KULICK Says 'Progress Is Being Made' On His New Solo Album

"Now you might ask, with less GRAND FUNK dates what about my 'BK 3' solo disc? Well, progress is being made and some very exciting news about some guest appearances will be announced soon.

"Nick Simmons [Gene Simmons' son] stopped by the recording studio, so we could chat about his music. Seems like Nick is excited to create some new music and, of course, I was happy to hear his voice and the ideas he is working on. Great kid, but taller than you can imagine! His voice is very strong. Deep and has a quality that makes him stand out.

"By the way...speaking of standing out in the crowd, I am NOT used to looking up to someone, but at 6'7" I have to look up to him!

"He is bright and talented and I know why Gene and Shannon [Tweed] are so proud of him."

Read the entire message at this location.

KISS/ALICE COOPER Drummer ERIC SINGER To Sign Autographs In Moncton

Eric Singer, drummer for Alice Cooper and KISS, as well as a one-time drummer for Black Sabbath, will appear at a KISS expo to be held in conjunction with Marty LeBlanc's record expo in the Fundy Room of the Crowne Plaza hotel on Main Street.

LeBlanc, who runs Live Wire Music Emporium on Mountain Road, holds record expos -- a record and CD sale featuring vendors from across the Maritimes -- a few times a year. When LeBlanc heard about Alice Cooper coming to Moncton, he thought it might be a good chance to hold an expo dedicated to one of his favourite bands -- KISS -- since Singer drums with both bands.

LeBlanc worked for the last six months on getting Singer to appear at the event.

Singer will be signing autographs and taking pictures for fans in the afternoon of the expo.

The drummer originally joined KISS in 1992, replacing the late Eric Carr, who had replaced KISS' original drummer Peter Criss in 1980. Singer had already made a name for himself playing with Black Sabbath and Lita Ford by that point.

The musician played with KISS until Criss rejoined the band in 1996 and he later replaced Criss again a few years ago. Since rejoining KISS a few years back, Singer has been performing with Criss's trademark cat makeup on stage.

Since 2000, Singer has bounced between drum stools for KISS and Alice Cooper.

LeBlanc's record and KISS expos will take place on Sunday, Oct. 19, the same day Alice Cooper and Econoline Crush will perform at the Moncton Coliseum.

Singer is expected to appear at the expo at 1 p.m. and is guaranteed to sign at least 200 autographs, though he may sign up to 300. He may arrive late as he will be performing in Saint John the night before.

LeBlanc says there's always the chance -- though it's doubtful -- that there could be a surprise guest as well.

"We're trying to get Eric to bring Alice Cooper down for an hour or something," he says with a laugh.

Tickets to the record expo are $8 for early bird vinyl fans (from 8-10 a.m.) and $5 for those who show up after 10 a.m. For those wanting to meet Singer, an additional $10 bracelet will be required. The bracelet comes with an 8X10 photo that can be signed. Singer will also pose for one photo per bracelet and he may sign a few items for each person, depending on turnout. The bracelets to meet Singer are on sale now at Live Wire Music Emporium at 183 Mountain Rd. Admission to the fair itself can simply be paid at the door. For more information, call 383-9473.

PAUL STANLEY To Release 'Live To Dream!' DVD In October

"Live To Dream!" is an insider's glimpse into the creative process of Paul Stanley and his concert film titled "One Live Kiss", which was directed by filmmaker Louis Antonelli. The cameras shadow Antonelli as he works behind the scenes to capture Stanley's solo performance in Chicago. Stanley's back-up band for the tour is the house band featured on CBS-TV's "Rock Star".

"Live To Dream!" features interviews with Paul Stanley, Louis Antonelli, KISS manager Doc McGhee, band members Jimmy McGorman, Rafael Moreira and Nate Morton, as well as a dozen fans from the Chicago show.

Director D.P. Carlson shares producer, camera and editing credit with longtime collaborator Mike Weber. Brian Kobeluch created the graphics and animations.

PAUL & TOMMY Featured In REALITY CHECK TV's Episode 400

In this episode, Paul Stanley discusses his line of guitars by Washburn, his 56th birthday, shoulder surgery, and a bit about his artwork. Tommy Thayer recalls his long association with KISS and RCTV, dating back to his days in COLD GIN, and Jason Bonham talks about reforming FOREIGNER with Mick Jones and his stint behind the kit with LED ZEPPELIN.

The episode airs this coming Friday, September 12 at 1:00 a.m. on San Francisco Comcast cable Ch. 29. A FREE screening will happen at the 540 Club, located at 7th Ave. & Clement St. in SF this Thursday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. sharp; 21+ with ID only.

Watch clips from the episode here.

PIRATES & KISS COFFEEHOUSE

KISS COFFEEHOUSE, sponsored “Name that KISS tune” in which contestants were picked during the intermission and challenged to name the KISS tune that was being played. The contest ran for the entire homestand of the Pirates sixteen games played at SportsZone arena in Little River. Winners received a KISS COFFEEHOUSE travel mug and a bag of KISS COFFEE. The manager of the KISS COFFEEHOUSE, Debra, also attended several Pirates games and supported the team in their endeavors. “No doubt, Debra was a huge help with our inaugural season”, Jones continued.

As the team hit the rink for warm-ups, they were accompanied by the recognizable strains of “I Love it Loud” for each and every home game this past season. Gene Simmons also had the team and it’s 2007 – 2008 picture featured on his site under letters to Gene Simmons during the regular season.

The expansion franchise finished the regular season 25 – 5 – 2 good for first place in their division of PIHA (www.thepiha.com) and also eliminated the Raleigh Assault in semi finals and Richmond Robins in the division finals to win their division and be crowned 2008 Southeast Division champions. The Pirates then were eliminated in the East Coast conference finals by the Connecticut Blaze (game one 5 – 4 and game two 3 – 2) who then went on to the league championships with the Arizona Dragons.

Just recently, Debra confirmed the KISS COFFEEHOUSE will be back for a second year as a sponsor with the Pirates professional hockey team. “We are excited and thrilled to have an icon like the KISS COFFEEHOUSE behind us for the 2008 – 2009 season. We hope to repeat the performance of last year and win the whole thing this time”, Jones, added. “If we do, we’ll bring the championship trophy to COFFEEHOUSE for a celebration with everyone!!!”, Jones finished.

Top two favorite KISS COFFEEHOUSE flavors of the 2008 Southeast Division Champion SC Pirates are:

1) Let Me go Rocky Road
2) Blueberry Coffeecake

To learn more about the SC Pirates, you can go to their website at www.scpirateshockey.com or their myspace at www.myspace.com/scpirateshockeyclub the Pirates are always looking to add members of the KISS ARMY to their myspace friends!

"FOREVER" VIDEO CLIP

GENE SIMMONS On NBC's 'Today'; Video Available

KISS ARMY BRAVES HURRICANE

A Conversation with KISS' Gene Simmons

As the fire-spitting front man for the rock band KISS, Gene Simmons has put on his kabuki make-up and donned his platform dragon boots for the past 35 years. But for Simmons, KISS is just, well, his night job. Born Chaim Witz in Haifa, Israel, Simmons came to America as an eight-year-old boy and says he has been living the American Dream ever since. Known for both his music and his business acumen, he's the force behind thousands of licensed KISS products and numerous ventures, including his discontinued magazine Gene Simmons' Tongue, Simmons Records, clothing line Moneybag, and the brand marketing firm Simmons Abramson Marketing, the outfit behind the "I Am Indy" Campaign. He's also continuing to keep his brand in the public spotlight: His reality TV show Gene Simmons Family Jewels is coming back for a fourth season on A&E, he has a new reality show called Jingles on tap, and in July he released his tome on prostitution, Ladies of the Night.

Simmons recently spoke with staff writer Stacy Perman about entrepreneurship, failure, and all things Gene Simmons. Edited excerpts of their conversation follow.

Which do you consider yourself first, a rock star or an entrepreneur?

That's an interesting question and the simple answer is a bit of both. Nobody does just one thing. But the real difference between being an entrepreneur and everyone else in the world is the ability to monetize. I am an entrepreneur in the classic mold. No matter what I do—outside of sticking my tongue out—I tend to make money, and quite a bit in non-KISS stuff.

How did you understand so early that you could leverage KISS into other business ventures?

When the band was starting off, we noticed that T-shirts and non-music items were earning a substantial amount of money. KISS quickly became a multi-headed beast: rock band and rock 'n' roll brand—and the only one to have endured the ages and decades of fads and fashions. Today we have 3,000 licensed products, everything from condoms to caskets. We have you coming and going.

Where would you say got your business education?

The United States of America. The best school is the street, and most successful entrepreneurs did not go to Wharton. Both Google (GOOG) and Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) were created in a garage. The difference between those that become a Buffett success—and I don't mean Jimmy—have an innate inborn connection. Their snouts are close to the ground. If you look at the CEOs of some the most successful companies in the world like IKEA, they never fly first class. They always goes economy. Sam Walton of Wal-Mart (WMT) had a second-hand car and lived in the middle of nowhere.

So are you saying you don't fly first class?

I fly economy. I do often fly first class, but I don't travel with a posse, or bodyguard, or an assistant. I use other people's infrastructure. For instance, I am going to address the AARP convention in Washington, D.C. I will fly first class to New York on AARP's dime, get into a town car, stay not in a grand suite, but a nice hotel room. I don't pretend to be poor, but somewhere in the middle is O.K.

How do you identify a business opportunity?

I trust my gut. I have to have an emotional connection to what I am ultimately selling because it is emotion, whether you are selling religion, politics, even a breath mint. If you study Warren Buffett, he only invests in what he knows—and he knows what he doesn't know. Never throw money at what you don't know. Maybe I'm conservative that way.

Does anything from the experience of being in KISS translate into being an entrepreneur?

Besides the fact that fame is fleeting-except for me-it's also a door opener. Never underestimate the power of being popular in pop culture. You have to be able to do something. You can have a good seat at the restaurant but you still have to pay for the meal. Fame is important, but to be rich is more important.

Most rockers seem content to just make music. What drives you?

Rockers are idiots, come on. If strapping a guitar around their neck hadn't worked out, thanks to the grace of god, they'd be putting on an apron and asking the person next to them if they'd like fries with that.

One of the things that distinguishes most entrepreneurs is their ability to fail and pick themselves up and try again—has that been your experience?

I fail all of the time. It means nothing.

What would you say has been your biggest failure?

I haven't had too many big ones but for the past two years, I've been dancing with Gary Bettman [the NHL commissioner], trying to figure out some way to [get him to] hire Simmons Abramson. It hasn't happened yet.

That's a failure, your inability to seal a deal with Bettman?

I'm used to being in a meeting and grabbing it. Failure is relative to everyone. In the 1929 stock market crash, people jumped out of buildings although they were healthy and could do it again. In the real world, there is no failure because you are alive. My mother survived the Nazis and she taught me an ideal: If you are alive you've won, no matter what.

Who in business do you admire?

The Warren Buffets and the Bill Gateses of the world—they are not interested in putting on big shows, they are real, hard-core capitalists. It's a very romantic ideal. I am an avowed self-made capitalist. I earned every penny I made and I'm proud of it and I'm hungrier than ever.

With your level of success, you're still hungry for more?

There is no such thing as enough. Only small minds put barricades in front of themselves. If you perceive death, it is only a matter of time until you are dead. The guys with the most amount of money don't get caught up in the trappings—it's the lottery winners that buy all the stuff. Money, ironically enough, is beside the point. It's the hunt, not the kill.

At times you've been called more of a marketer than a business, what do you say?

Gee, I don't know what the difference is.

At one point in your varied career you managed Liza Minelli. She doesn't seem to automatically come to mind when one thinks of KISS and Gene Simmons.

All business models are the same: It's coming up with the price of goods and marketing and trying to make a profit. Capitalism is the same unless you are a charity, and even there you are figuring out how to pay yourself first.

What would you consider to be your best business advice?

Be a voracious reader. When I first came to America, I was blown away and blessed the day the founding fathers gave us free libraries. It was the first time since the Gutenberg Bible that all information became available to all levels of society. Everyone has the same access to information, which is access to power.

Conventional wisdom holds that small business is the engine of the American economy—what do you think?

No, it's not. It's big business. Wal-Mart is the largest employer. If Wal-Mart goes out of business, how many millions will be out of work? It is the biggest businesses that run the economy. That is why I say, be nice to rich people. I don't remember the last time a poor person gave you a job.

KISS COFFEEHOUSE ANNIVERSARY

Tommy will be on hand to sign autographs and take photos with the fans, and KISSONLINE will have Tour Merchandise and collectibles!

Where | KISS Coffeehouse, Celebrity Square, Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach, off 29th Avenue North

When | Noon-10 p.m. Saturday

How much | Free admission

Also | Activities include a traveling KISS Museum and KISS face painting for children, both all day, and:

5 p.m., Rock 'n Roll Chorus, a cappella set

6 p.m., Longest Tongue on TV Contest

6:30-8 p.m., KISSin' Time tribute band

8 p.m. "Sing with KISS" performance of "Forever"

8:30-10 p.m., Mr. Speed, KISS tribute band

TRIXTER touring with KISS

Steve Brown: It was a dream come true, for sure. The "Revenge" album and tour was one of their best efforts from the non-makeup era and to be a part of that was historic and cool. Gene Simmons was so much fun to hang out with and Eric Singer is a bro. He's like the fifth TRIXTER! Ha! Just a joke, buddy! Gene once even said to me, in his spooky low voice, "You should have Eric Singer join TRIXTER and give me 10%." Paul Stanley was actually very low key. The first night I met him, he said to me, "Heyyyyyyyyyy... I hear you're a great guitar player." Very, very, very fuckin' cool!

How did you go about arranging your acoustic interpretation of "A Million To One"?

Steve Brown: First of all, "A Million To One" is a great, great song! Great melody, stellar chord progression and most importantly... an emotional, believable vocal. I knew right away where I wanted to go with it... a little modern, a little retro. I hope Stanley Eisen approves! I added everything but the pool and hot tub. The track has absolutely massive production! Mutt Lange would be proud. It's just killer. Everyone I've played the song for asks, "Why isn't this on the radio right now?" They say it sounds current, like DAUGHTRY or NICKELBACK. The best part is when they ask me, "Who wrote this song?" When I tell them it was Paul Stanley and Vinnie Vincent, they're floored! Those two wrote some awesome tunes. Recording "A Million To One" really got my creative juices rocking again! I honestly think it's one of the best songs I've ever recorded.

Seven people arrested at Saturday KISS concert

Arrested on suspicion of trespassing after refusing to leave the property were Tim Raposa, 40, of Davis, Calif.; Cherae Cozzi, 23, of Reno; Samuel Revers, 22, of Marina, Calif.; Phillip Bowman, 23, of Stateline; and Ken Danielson, 35, of San Mateo, Calif.

Glenn Johnston, 33, of Reno, was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a peace officer. Janette Bak, 22, of Stateline, was arrested on suspicion of battery against a casino security officer.

Simmons To Keynote Billboard Touring Conference

Billboard executive director of content and programming for touring and live entertainment Ray Waddell will conduct the Q&A with Simmons on Nov. 20 at the Roosevelt Ballroom. The Q&A will be filmed for an episode of his A&E reality show "Gene Simmons Family Jewels," currently in its third season.

"Gene Simmons' fingerprints are on virtually all segments of the music industry, particularly as it relates to the live music business," Waddell says. "We are thrilled to have him on board for our milestone fifth Touring Conference and we know his insight and the 'Gene Simmons world view' will be a compelling must-see for our attendees. Buckle up."

Born in Haifa, Israel, in 1949 and the only child of a Holocaust survivor, Simmons found global fame as the co-founder and bass player for Kiss, which got its start in 1972. Kiss scored eight top 40 hits in the '70s and was one of the leading hard rock acts of its day.

The band remains a touring, licensing and merchandising powerhouse, with its officially licensed ventures including the Kiss Coffeehouse in Myrtle Beach, S.C., the first in a planned chain of franchises; Kiss comic books, Kiss condoms and Kiss-branded Visa cards.

Simmons also pursues other business interests independent of the band. His Simmons Abramson Marketing is the worldwide marketing/branding entity for the IndyCar Series, and he and co-CEO Rich Abramson's NGTV.com (No Good TV) is a YouTube sensation.

His other businesses include a line of T-shirts and accessories called Gene Simmons Moneybag, the Simmons Comic Group, Simmons Records and his publishing imprint Simmons Books, which published his best-selling "Sex Money Kiss" and "Ladies of the Night."

Now in its fifth year, the Billboard Touring Conference unites today's top touring professionals to discuss the current state of the industry through potent panel topics, provocative discussions, and productive round-tables, as well as networking opportunities with touring industry power players and decision makers.

The conference is capped off by the Billboard Touring Awards on Nov. 20, which honors the concert industry's top artists and professionals based on actual data compiled through the Billboard Boxscore chart.

KISS ROCKS SOLD OUT CROWD

Complete with makeup, 8-inch heels, explosives, pyrotechnics and smashed guitars, Kiss thrilled fans, many of them whom also donned outlandish white, black and bloody garb in the spirit of their heroes.

Simmons, aka “Demon,” Paul “Starchild” Stanley, Tommy “Spaceman” Thayer and Eric “the Cat” Singer played two sets featuring much of their material from the “Alive!” album, before a charged-up crowd on the chilly night of Aug. 30 at Harveys Outdoor Arena.

Simmons, he of the enormous, constantly flicking tongue, performed a bass solo 50 feet atop the stage lights, spit flames and, of course, spit blood.

Stanley, the loquacious voice of Kiss, started off each song introduction by shouting “People!” Often at the end of songs, in a thick New York accent, he would yell, “Thank you Lake Tahoe, and the surrounding ‘Air-eee-ahhs,’ Reno, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.”

He instructed and sometimes browbeat the crowd into chanting and singing louder than the fans did at the previous night’s concert.

“Do you want us to leave thinking about Las Vegas or Lake Tahoe?” Stanley said, revving up an already vociferous, enthusiastic audience.

“It was a real circus,” said John Packer, Harveys and Harrah’s director of entertainment, who confirmed that the Douglas County fire marshal had approved all of the explosive special effects.

Two huge flames, which occasionally flanked the fearsome foursome — comic book characters turned to life — could be felt in the first 100 rows.

While the crowd included many as old as 60, there were plenty of younger fans and even children.

George Kramer’s stepson Ricky, 13, said it was the greatest night of his life, according to Kramer’s friend Robey O’Day, whose back tattoo of Kiss’ “Destroyer” album was on the cover of last week’s Lake Tahoe Action.

“They sure haven’t lost it by any means,” O’Day said. “They are good as they’ve always been, if not better. They are inspiring the kids to just keep it going.” O’Day, who has played guitar in Tahoe metal bands for decades, was impressed with Thayer’s musicianship.

“Thayer played Ace Frehley’s leads note for note, and he had the same poses,” he said. “There couldn’t be a better replacement.”

Singer, who first joined Kiss in 1991, replaced Eric Carr, who died of cancer. Carr replaced original Kiss drummer Peter Criss.

Alexis Criss, the drummer for the Los Angeles-based Kiss tribute KISSES, appreciated the work of Singer, who performed an extensive solo as the drum set elevated and the bomb crew reloaded.

“Singer plays more fills, and sometimes maybe he speeds it up a little bit, but that’s his style,” said Alexis, who performed with KISSES the night before at Whiskey Dick’s Saloon.

Alexis said she enjoyed hearing “I Was Made For Loving You.”

“I love it; it’s a popular song and a big hit for them,” she said. “Everybody around me was singing with it. They loved it too.”

Stanley grabbed his guitar, and soared across a wire onto a platform next to the bleachers. He proceeded to play “Love Gun” before giving the crowd another instruction and singing “Detroit Rock City.”

“Don’t drink and drive,” he said. “We want to see you when we come back next year.”

GENE SIMMONS To Speak At This Weekend's 'Life@50+ National Event & Expo'

More than 25,000 AARP members and their friends from across the country and around the world will gather in Washington, D.C. to connect with others, learn something new, and have fun during Life@50+. In addition to exciting concerts by Paul Simon, Natalie Cole, Chaka Khan and CHICAGO, attendees will also experience extensive lifestyle and education exhibits and speakers featuring such notables as poet Maya Angelou; television icon Regis Philbin; baseball hall-of-famer Cal Ripken, Jr.; music impresario Quincy Jones; fashion consultant Clinton Kelly; legendary folk singer Judy Collins; political pundits Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson; Academy Award winner Shirley MacLaine; TV fitness guru Bob Harper; sex expert Dr. Laura Berman; and "Desperate Housewives" actor Ricardo Chavira, among others.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole.

PAUL STANLEY To 'Fan' At KISS' Nevada Concert: 'I F**ked Your Mother'

Watch fan-filmed video footage of the verbal exchange here: Video 1, Video 2, Video 3.

Gene Simmons sued over IndyCar deal

Allan Brown on Wednesday sued Simmons and two business partners, claiming the group cut him out of a 2006 deal between the Kiss bassist and the racing league.

Brown is seeking unspecified damages and is claiming fraud and slander. His suit alleges he helped broker the deal between Simmons and the IRL, but was cut out of the contract while on a personal vacation.

He also claims Simmons and his business partners mischaracterized him as "lazy" and "rich" to racing league officials.

Simmons promoted IndyCar racing in 2006, and even co-wrote a song, "I Am INDY."

An e-mail message left for Simmons' lawyer was not immediately returned Wednesday.

SING WITH KISS WINNER

Tommy wants to thank the more than 600 fans that called in and gave it a shot. He was speaking with Paul Stanley about the contest last weekend and Paul mentioned that "Forever" is probably the hardest KISS song to sing!

1st runner up was Adrienne Asterita from NYC and 2nd runner up was Patrick Harr from Tennessee.

N.C. MAN TO 'SING WITH KISS'

Brian Galvin, the franchisee of the KISS Coffeehouse at Broadway at the Beach, invites Grand Strand residents to enter its "Sing with KISS" contest. The winner will sing "Forever" with KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer at the KISS Coffeehouse's daylong second-anniversary party Sept. 6.

A North Carolinian will the KISS song "Forever" on Saturday in Myrtle Beach with the group's lead guitarist, Tommy Thayer.

Todd Cage of Huntersville, north of Charlotte, was among more than 600 people who left a sing-along voice mail to enter the "Sing with KISS'" contest, said Brian Galvin, president of the Galvin Group, franchisee of the KISS Coffeehouse at Broadway at the Beach.

The contest winner's performance is part of a slew of activities scheduled for the coffeehouse's second anniversary party, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday. Details at 626-5477 or www.kisscoffeehouse.com.

Galvin said Cage, after learning this morning that Thayer had chosen his name as the best singer of the first verse and chorus to an instrumental recording of "Forever," was shocked and thrilled with the news.

Cage said he had called in his entry from his car last month on a break from work in the service department of a car dealership.

He said he plans to crank a KISS greatest-hits CD to practice "Forever."

"I used to play that song with my band when I was 16 in high school,'' said Gage, 34.

KISS co-founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley were on hand in 2006 when the KISS Cofffeehouse opened, and original KISS lead guitarist Ace Frehley paid a visit there earlier this year.

KISS faithful gather to worship at Konocti

Paul Stanley is enjoying a honeymoon-styled Vegas vacation with his newly pregnant wife, Erin Sutton -- all built around his KISS concert tonight at the Pearl in the Palms. The happy couple checked in first to their very own penthouse condo atop George Maloof's new Palms Place tower.

It's their first weekend in the palatial pad, which has a spectacular 360-degree panorama view all the way from the Red Rock range on the West out to the mountain peaks on the eastern edge of the valley.

I toured it with George while it was in final construction and can tell you it's so amazing you'd never want to leave! Paul is a long-time friend going back 30 years now and we even share the same New York City stock broker! He won't mind me telling you that his platinum multi-million-dollar playpen comes complete with a secret outdoor oversized sunken jacuzzi for two!

Then they headed off to see The Beatles LOVE show by Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage. Before the show started they swiped the credit card for a small shopping spree in the LOVE Boutique. Paul purchased a $180 Outpost brand, studded long-sleeved Beatles T-shirt for his wife but only spent $40 for a junk food-brand hunter-green Beatles logo T-shirt for himself.

After the show, Paul and Erin went backstage too meet the cast and crew of the spectacular musical journey of the Beatles' life. He signed the stars' wall of fame with a special message "All You Need is LOVE and KISS."

KISS faithful gather to worship at Konocti

But it paled in comparison with the foot-long portrait of Gene Simmons on his left calf.

"Other than the Grateful Dead, there is no other fan base like the KISS fan base," he said, waiting along with 4,200 other fans (who paid between between $150 and $214 for tickets) Sunday night for his white-faced icons of stadium rock to take the stage at Konocti Harbor.

It didn't matter that only two of the four founding members -- Simmons and Paul Stanley -- were still around for the 35th anniversary tour. Or that Simmons just turned 59 last Monday.

"KISS is kind of like a loner's band for the kid that really didn't fit in," he said. "We feel an acceptance here."

Outside in the parking lot, die-hard fan Huey Lewis (no relation to the '80s hitmaker) mugged for photos with fans who wanted to pose with him all dressed up in makeup, dragon boots and spandex like Gene Simmons' Demon character.

"I get to be a rock star for a day," he said on his 46th birthday. "Where else am I going to do this?"

Taking the stage in full makeup, KISS kicked off the set with "Deuce," pulling out all the classic props of stadium rock: Fire canons. Simmons snake-like tongue. Guitars that shoot fire. Mouths that breathe fire. A never-ending guitar solo played behind the neck by Tommy Thayer, who has taken over for Ace Frehley. An extended drum solo by Eric Carr, who takes over for Peter Criss. The intro to Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven." And a zip wire for Stanley to fly over the crowd.

"We just got back from playing stadiums all over Europe," said a bare-chested Stanley. "You people are going to prove that size doesn't matter!"

The crowd ate it up, chanting along with every chorus (especially "Rock and Roll All Night" and "Black Diamond"), raising devil horns for the pyrotechnics.

"There's no reason why they can't go on for another 35 years," said fan Shawn Hammond, 39, of Clear Lake. "I just love those guys."

But would he like to be buried in an official KISS coffin sold by the band?

"Without a doubt, man. That would be awesome."

KISS Performs 'Intimate' Show In Las Vegas; Photos, Video Footage Available

The group's setlist was as follows:
01. Deuce
02. Stutter
03. Got To Choose
04. Hotter Than Hell
05. Nothin' To Lose
06. C'Mon And Love Me
07. Parasite
08. She (Tommy's Solo)
09. 100,000 Years (Eric's Drum Solo)
10. Cold Gin
11. Let Me Go Rock 'N' Roll
12. Black Diamond
13. Rock And Roll All Nite

Encore:
14. Shout It Out Loud
15. Lick It Up
16. I Love It Loud
17. I Was Made For Lovin' You
18. Love Gun
19. Detroit Rock City

Check out photos at this location.

Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be viewed below.

Intro + "Deuce"
"Lick It Up"
"Let Me Go Rock 'N' Roll"

ENJOYING LIFE AS KISS DRUMMER

"I always liked the entertainer-type drummers,” said Singer, who first joined Kiss in 1991. “For me, I feel Kiss is the perfect band as a musician, a performer and an entertainer.”

Singer wears the cat-face makeup, which began with original drummer Peter Criss, who came up with idea because he said he has nine lives. The long-tongued bassist Gene Simmons is the Demon with bat wings, guitarist Paul Stanley the Starchild, and former guitarist Ace Frehley was the Spaceman.

Singer enjoys wearing the makeup: “It allows you to let loose and be whoever you want to be,” he said. “It’s almost like when Superman would put on the cape or Batman would put on the mask. In some ways, it gives you the ability to take on a character or a persona of whatever you have inside of you or how you want to perform.”

Risks from sitting on a drum riser include breathing pyrotechnic smoke and being peppered with flames when Simmons spits fire. But that’s the price you pay to be part of the biggest spectacle in the history of rock music.

Simmons explained the philosophy behind Kiss, which has marketed itself skillfully. The singular rock band featuring pop harmonies has sold 100 million albums. Kiss has probably sold more merchandise than any other band, and the Kiss Army fans are the most fanatical in rock ‘n’ roll, Singer said.

“We had our show, we had our levitating platform, we had our bombs, we had our costumes and we had our Kiss logo,” Simmons said in “Kiss, the Early Years” (Three Rivers Press). “Kiss would always perform on time, period, and would always deliver the goods.”

“Gene and Paul are not just musicians — they’re entertainers,” Singer said. “It’s always supposed to be the greatest show on earth and an over-the-top presentation. I get it because I was a fan. Once you saw them, you were hooked because they really gave you a visual presentation, not just the music.”

Singer met Stanley when Stanley was working on his first solo project in 1989. Two years later Kiss asked him to fill in for the ailing Eric Carr, who had replaced Criss. Singer, a watch collector who has marked time for Queen guitarist Brian May and Black Sabbath, first worked with Kiss on a movie soundtrack and later on the album “Revenge.” After Carr died of cancer, Singer joined Kiss full time.

“And the rest is ‘Kisstory,’ ” Singer said. “It was a really awkward time for me. It was mixed emotions. I was really excited, but I also felt really bad.”

Singer left the band in the mid-90s, when Criss and Frehley rejoined the group. They both left again later. Tommy Thayer now plays guitar. Other guitarists have been Bruce Kulick, Vinnie Vincent and Mark St. John.

Singer also plays in Alice Cooper’s band with bassist Chuck Garric, a 1985 South Tahoe High School graduate.

“Kiss, in my opinion, took it to the next level,” Garric said. “When I was a kid, I would run home from school put on ‘Kiss Alive’ and think to myself, ‘One day, one day I’ll rock the world with one of the best drummers in rock ‘n’ roll from one on the hottest bands in the land — Kiss!”

Simmons and Stanley are the constants over band’s 35 years. Replacing either of those two, who do most of the singing and songwriting, might be impossible, Singer said.

“Like in all things in life, never say never, and anything’s possible,” he said. “But I think it would be really hard to replace Gene or Paul. Nobody can forget, nor will we forget the original four guys. It’s because of them that I am talking about Kiss to you today. But bands change and bands evolve.

“I don’t say this to kiss anyone’s ass but to me there’s only one Paul Stanley. You could never find somebody who can do what Paul does. Not only is he the voice of Kiss and as a frontman, Paul’s going to go down in history as one of the best frontmen of all time of rock. He’s one of the few guys whose done it with a guitar strapped around his neck the whole time.”

Stanley’s wife is expecting her third child, which means Kiss’ four shows this month will be the last chance to see them for a while. But don’t worry — Kiss will return.

“I’m sure there will be more Kiss touring in the future,” Singer said. “After the success we had this year, it makes perfect sense to keep going out and do this again.”

Singer also plays with Garric in ESP, an acronym for the Eric Singer Project.

“ESP just a fun side project for me,” Singer said. “It’s a chance for me to play some cool songs with my friends. I played in my father’s band, which was American songbook, like Cole Porter and Gershwin and all those standards, as well as big band and swing. I’d never played in a cover band. We play songs by Deep Purple, Zeppelin, Sabbath, Kiss and Queen. I like having Chuck, because he can sing. He likes to do the Mötorhead. And I don’t have to tell you what a great guy he is. He’s a bandmate and a real friend.”

By playing in three bands together, Singer and Garric have developed into a solid rhythm section, Garric said.

“When we play live, we listen to each other — nobody’s pushing or pulling,” Garric said. “We’ve been playing together for so long and in different bands, I know what he’s thinking. It’s a powerhouse when we get down to business.

Dussault & Simmons Announces Addition of 2 California-Based Sales Representatives

deal calls for LivinTheDream and Jeff2 Sales to represent the entire Gene Simmons eXtreme MoneyBag(TM) lines of products across the entire state of California, gaining access to new retail chains and locations that the Company is not currently associated with. Items represented under this line shall include headwear including hats and beanies (toques), gloves, t-shirts, bandanas and other related merchandise.

Dussault Apparel(TM) Founder Jason Dussault comments, "I personally talked to many California-based reps before choosing LivinTheDream and Jeff2 Sales. I was really impressed by their level of professionalism. They and their companies are committed to the Dussault(TM) and MoneyBag(TM) preference of long-term retailer partnerships, while only working with the cream of the retail marketplace. The ski and snowboard retail arena is a new one for the Company and we always welcome new growth into new markets."

Michael Rosen, Founder of LivinTheDream, will also be brought on as a strategic partner to introduce the Dussault(TM) and Gene Simmons MoneyBag(TM) lines of products to other sales reps within the North American marketplace. Rosen has relationships and an extensive network of sales representative contacts both in the United States and Canada and will help Dussault(TM) procure other reps within the ski and snowboarding community to help sell and bring to market Company product in all states and provinces in the near future.

LivinTheDream, Inc. was founded in 2001. The agency principal Michael Rosen is joined by sales associates John Lyons, Rob Furtney and Jim Linnberg. LivinTheDream covers the territory of Northern California and Northern Nevada and generates over 8 million dollars in annual sales. LivinTheDream's goal has always been to provide their customers with relentless service coupled with the most knowledgeable sales force in the industry. As a testament to this, Michael was awarded the SIA Snow Sports Rep of the Year Award for 2006. This Award was based on retailer nominations and is representative of the entire agency's efforts. LivinTheDream currently represents K2 skis, K2 snowboarding, K2 Skate, Morrow Snowboards, and Yakima Products.

Jeff2 Sales, Inc. was established in 1998. The agency principals are Jeff Anderson and Jeff Darby. Combined, they both have over 17 years of manufacture representative and retail experience. In addition, Tommy Short and Lani Darby are full time sales associates each with over 10 years sales experience. They currently manage over 8 million in annual sales in the Southern California, Arizona, Clark County, Nevada and Hawaii markets. The goal of Jeff2 Sales is to offer their customers the very best in service combined with the most knowledgeable manufacturer representatives in the business. In addition, supplying their retailers with quality and profitable products. Current Lines Represented include, K2 Ski, K2 Skate, Level, Yakima and Obermeyer.

Jeff Darby comments, "I am really excited to be on board with Dussault(TM) and Gene Simmons MoneyBag(TM). I think that this brand is perfect for the action sports market and will directly speak to the Snowboard, Ski, Skate, Motto and Mountain Bike markets."

Dussault Apparel, Inc. is a designer, manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer of high-end quality apparel, its expanding product line includes custom designed hoodies, jeans, jewelry, t-shirts, hats and leather goods. An accelerated growth company, Dussault Apparel, Inc. trades on the Nasdaq OTC: BB as DUSS.

KISS JIGOKU-RETSUDEN

CLICK HERE to visit the site and check out the clips.

KISS JIGOKU-RETSUDEN, a new KISS Greatest Hits CD featuring all new recording of 15 KISS Classics! The tracks were recently recorded and feature Paul, Gene, Eric and Tommy. The CD is scheduled to be released in Japan on August 27. A Limited Edition version of the CD is also being released, and includes a bonus KISSOLOGY Special DVD with live footage from KISS' legendary 1977 performance at BUDOKAN.

ENTRANTS SOUGHT TO 'SING WITH KISS'

Have the chops to sing with a member of KISS?

Brian Galvin, the franchisee of the KISS Coffeehouse at Broadway at the Beach, invites Grand Strand residents to enter its "Sing with KISS" contest.

The winner will sing "Forever" with KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer at the KISS Coffeehouse's daylong second-anniversary party Sept. 6.

Call 312-252-9965 for instructions to record vocals and enter the contest.

Thayer will choose the best vocalist, and the winner will be announced Sept. 2 and join Thayer to perform it at KISS Coffeehouse.

Galvin said Thayer recorded a new instrumental version of "Forever" for the contest. The single was hit for the group in 1990 and written by Michael Bolton and KISS co-founder Paul Stanley.

"We've gotten about 200 entries so far," said Garvin, welcoming area residents to put their best voice forward. "I don't know if we've found a winner yet."

Ten finalists from across the United States and Canada were posted as of today at www.kisscofffeehouse.com.

A longtime fan of KISS who joined the band this decade, Thayer said since starting 35 years ago, the group has spanned different eras, such as the 1970s or 1980s.

"Forever is kind of out of the heart of the '80s," he said by phone today from Los Angeles.

Contest entrants should prepare to sing for about a minute, through the end of the first chorus, in their voice mail.

The lyrics are:

"I gotta tell you what I'm feelin' inside, I could lie to myself, but it's true. There's no denying when I look in your eyes, girl I'm out of my head over you.

"I lived so long believin' all love is blind. But everything about you is tellin' me this time.

"It's forever, this time I know and there's no doubt in my mind. Forever, until my life is through, girl I'll be lovin' you forever.''

PAUL ADDS ATLANTA ART SHOWS

Both appearances are open to the public and free of charge.

Paul Stanley’s Wentworth Gallery Appearances:

Friday, September 19, 5-8 p.m.
Wentworth Gallery – Phipps Plaza
3500 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA
RSVP 404-233-0903

Saturday, September 20, 5-8 p.m.
Wentworth Gallery – Perimeter Mall
4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road
Atlanta, GA
RSVP 770-913-0641 or 800-732-6140

KISS, MÖTLEY CRÜE Tracks Featured In 'Rock Revolution' Video Game

The following tracks are slated to appear in Rock Revolution:

01. All My Life" - FOO FIGHTERS
02. All the Small Things" - BLINK-182
03. Am I Evil?" - METALLICA
04. Are You Gonna Be My Girl" - JET
05. Bad Reputation" - JOAN JETT
06. Blitzkrieg Bop" - RAMONES
07. Chop Suey!" - SYSTEM OF A DOWN
08. Cum on Feel the Noize" - QUIET RIOT
09. Dance, Dance" - FALL OUT BOY
10. Detroit Rock City" - KISS
11. Diary of Jane" - BREAKING BENJAMIN
12. Dirty Little Secret" - ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS
13. Dr. Feelgood" - MÖTLEY CRÜE
14. The End of Heartache" - KILLSWITCH ENGAGE
15. Falling Away from Me" - KORN
16. Given Up" - LINKIN PARK
17. Heading Out to the Highway" - JUDAS PRIEST
18. Highway Star" - DEEP PURPLE
19. Holy Wars… The Punishment Due" - MEGADETH
20. Joker & the Thief" - WOLFMOTHER
21. Kiss Me Deadly" - LITA FORD
22. Last Resort" - PAPA ROACH
23. Magic Man" - HEART
24. No One Like You" - SCORPIONS
25. Our Truth" - LACUNA COIL
26. Pain" - THREE DAYS GRACE
27. Paralyzer" - FINGER ELEVEN
28. Pull Me Under" - DREAM THEATER
29. Round and Round" - RATT
30. Run to the Hills" - IRON MAIDEN
31. Sk8er Boi" - AVRIL LAVIGNE
32. Somebody Told Me" - THE KILLERS
33. Spoonman" - SOUNDGARDEN
34. The Spirit of Radio" - RUSH
35. Still of the Night" - WHITESNAKE
36. Stone Cold Crazy" - QUEEN
37. Walk" - PANTERA
38. We’re Not Gonna Take It" - TWISTED SISTER
39. White Room" - CREAM
40. Won’t Get Fooled Again" - THE WHO
41. Youth Gone Wild" - SKID ROW

ANOTHER KISS COFFEEHOUSE CONTEST

PAUL CLIPS FROM WGN TV

KISS KARAOKE NIGHT IN SYDNEY

Come along and meet you fellow KISS ARMY AUSTRALIA members so we can celebrate the existence of the GREATEST BAND IN THE WORLD!

Grab the microphone and sing a KISS song or 2 !!! There is a bistro at the venue if you would like to grab a bite to eat.

Date: October 11th 2008 6:30 PM

Camperdown Hotel, 138 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown
Corner of Layton St (Across the road from Camperdown Cellars)

FREE ENTRY TO KISS ARMY AUSTRALIA Fans & their friends!

Kids are allowed until 10pm.

CLICK HERE for more info on the party!

Gene Simmons House of Horrors

192 pages, color, trade paperback (W & A: Various)

Order here for just $21.83

Horror anthologies always seem to be the great anomaly of the comic book industry. They're attractive to fans of horror and fans of comic books, but rarely seem capable of successfully pleasing both audiences. The most famous entry in the field is, of course, the great EC Comics from the 1950's. With titles like Vault of Horror and Tales From the Crypt, William Gaines' lone-wolf line of scare books entertained thrill-seeking kids and properly horrified their outraged parents.

Where horror anthologies seem to lose their way on the dark and winding road to the inevitable shock ending are the stories themselves. By design, the short story and morality tale format of the genre don't exactly make it easy for the artists and writers to do anything fresh and inventive. The good news for spook fans is that Gene Simmons House of Horrors manages to deliver creepy cool stories with thoughtful writing and some splendidly dark and diverse art.

Being an anthology, this compilation of the three-issue miniseries contains both hits and misses, but quite a few stories tip in favor of the former. "Circle Seven" concerns a man who takes a job exploring a portal to hell, against the wishes of his wife. His slow descent into isolation and madness as he observes hell and all of its unfortunate occupants is goose bump-inducing. The truth he finds once he reaches his ultimate destination is a nice tip of the hat to conspiracy paranoia and is the stuff of theological nightmares. The grainy, photo-realist artwork perfectly portrays the shadowy turmoil of a man being slowly consumed by darkness. Other highlights include the Desert Storm parable "Crude", the unexpected slasher role-reversal of "The Blacktop Killer", and the bloody eco-thriller "Nymph".

The rest of the pieces, while not quite reaching the quality of the aforementioned titles, still contain concepts and conceits that are more than worth the time spent checking them out. Of particular note are the otherworldly flying beasts of "Wings of the Deep" and back-alley fighters of "Chicken Warrior". The great fun of compilations like this is the experience of enjoying so many artists in quick bursts of energy and color, and the book does not disappoint here.

Each of the three issues are introduced by our favorite neighborhood God of Thunder, scrubbed clean of his demon makeup, who casts himself as a sort of macabre master of ceremonies. Proving that nepotism isn't always necessarily a bad thing, Gene's son Nick Simmons offers up some appropriately sinister prose throughout the book.

A quick glance at the Simmons Comics Group and IDW Publishing sites tells us that future Gene Simmons House of Horror volumes are not in the cards. It's too bad, because the first three issues showed enough promise and forward momentum to turn out increasingly good, quality stories. If you're a fan of horror comics, you won't be disappointed dropping some dough to pick up this collection.

KISS COFFEEHOUSE CONTEST

The KISS Coffeehouse's 2nd Anniversary Party will be held on Saturday, September 6th in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Paul on TV

KISS Teams Up With VANS

Is GENE SIMMONS 'Smarter Than A 5th Grader?'

Model Kathy Ireland will kick off the game show's third season at 8 p.m. Friday, September 5. Also playing this season will be actor Dean Cain, boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, TV personality Star Jones, "Beverly Hills, 90210" alumna Jennie Garth, astronaut Robert "Hoot" Gibson, zookeeper Jack Hanna, astrophysicist George Fitzgerald Smoot III (a Nobel laureate) and "Jeopardy!" all-star Ken Jennings.

According to Pop Tower, "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?", hosted by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, is a typical game show measuring adults' lack of knowledge – as revealed by how much they've forgotten since grammar school. Grownup contestants find themselves in a classroom setting on "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?", revisiting their youth, as they tackle subjects they've already been taught, ranging from art to geography and math to social studies. However, the players are not alone on "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?", and there is a way for contestants to "cheat" in this classroom. The adults have the opportunity to get some help – in the form of elementary advice from real grade-schoolers who have hit the books.

'Gene Simmons Family Jewels' Season 3 DVD Set Coming In November

Pre-order your copy today!

A description of the contents reads as follows: "A Rock God and a Playmate of the Year, 'happily unmarried' for twenty-two years, have given us an all-access backstage pass to their personal lives. They might not be Ozzie and Harriet, but they are witty, warm and great to spend time with.

"Season 3 of 'Gene Simmons Family Jewels' starts with a whimper — the whimper of Gene recovering from his epic reunion concert — and passes quickly through the Big Apple, the hospital, the desert and don't forget the lie detector! In this complete DVD collection you get every one of these outrageous moments and many, many more!

"When the sanest people in the house are teenagers, and with nearly unlimited wealth and ego at their disposal, there's almost no end to the outrageous behavior and hi-jinks this made-for-TV nuclear family gets up to! And the complete Season 3 DVD set puts you right in the front row."

PAUL'S WEEKEND APPEARANCES

His appearances will be open to the public and free of charge.

Paul Stanley's Wentworth Gallery Appearances
Friday – August 22, 2008 7-9 PM
Saturday – August 23, 2008 5-8 PM*

Wentworth Gallery
5 Woodfield Shopping Center
Schaumburg, Illinois 60173
*VIP Reception 4 -5 p.m. (Call for details)
847-995-1190

PAUL SHOWS OFF ARTISTIC SIDE

“Is this the most beautiful sight you’ve ever seen?’’ asks Peter Criss as he takes in the panorama. “And we’ve got it all to ourselves.’’

As the original drummer for the pancake makeup-wearing rockers Kiss, Criss has seen his share of beautiful sights: cheering audiences in the tens of thousands, fine hotels in major cities the world over and – from his vantage on the drum stool at Kiss shows – the best seat in the house for the greatest rock ’n’ roll circus on Earth.

So when Criss extols the beauty of the Spring Lake beach, well, he can be considered something of an authority.

At 62, the Brooklynite has traded the rewards, and rigors, of the road for a quieter life in Monmouth County with his wife, Gigi, a former model and Jersey Shore native. In May, the Crisses celebrated two 10-year anniversaries: that of their wedding and of moving into their Monmouth County home.

Criss wore “cat’’ makeup in the costumed band Kiss, but for him, the experience was sometimes like a rat race. There’s a lot about the rock-star lifestyle that Criss doesn’t miss, and his contentment is apparent.

“People who see me go, ‘God, you look great. You look really at peace with yourself,’ ” he says. “So I guess it shows.’’

FAVORITE LANDMARKS

Strolling through Spring Lake, Criss excitedly points out some favorite landmarks.

One is a house, visible from Ocean Avenue, with a vaguely Gothic look: It has a Hulk-green roof with pointy spires that particularly appeal to Criss. “I call that the ‘Munster’ house,’’ he says. “I would set my drums up on the top floor.’’

Another is St. Catharine’s, a magnificent Catholic church on West Lake Avenue.

Criss, who wore cross symbols on his Kiss costume and has a cross tattoo, attends St. Catharine’s about once a week.

“It’s a beautiful church; it’s been here for eons,’’ says Criss (whose surname as an altar boy at Transfiguration Parish in Brooklyn was Criscuola).

“I’m a Roman Catholic. Raised Irish-Catholic, Italian. I went to Catholic school for nine years. I still follow my religion. I’m not a major by-the-rules guy. But I find it tranquil for me to stop by.’’

Criss – who keeps fit by treadmilling – is a rock ’n’ roll grandfather. His daughter from a previous marriage, Jenilee, has a daughter.

He calls the Jersey Shore “paradise.’’

“For me,’’ Criss says, “I’m finally in a place where I belong now. I feel like I’m a senior rock star.’’

Or an elder statesman? In his 40-year career – a highlight of which was singing Kiss’ biggest hit, “Beth’’ (which went to No. 7 in 1976) – Criss has certainly earned the respect of his peers.

“Late Show with David Letterman’’ bandleader Paul Shaffer played on Criss’ 2007 album, “One for All.’’

Says Shaffer via e-mail: “Peter is a terrific all-around musician, a hit vocalist and more importantly, a hell of a guy.’’

Blondie drummer Clem Burke acknowledges inroads Criss made for fellow drummers. “I think he brought the profile of drummers to the forefront,’’ Burke says. “When I hear a song like ‘Rock and Roll All Nite,’ the drums rock. He knew what he was doing.’'

CARTOONY PERSONAS

Kiss’ original and best-remembered lineup – guitarists Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley, bassist Gene Simmons and Criss – released its self-titled debut album in 1974. For a decade, band members kept their faces hidden behind their Kabuki-inspired makeups. Their cartoony personas skyrocketed Kiss’ appeal beyond the turntable and the stage; toys, lunch boxes, comic books, model kits and even Halloween costumes were marketed.

Around 1980, Criss became the first member to leave the band, followed two years later by Frehley. Stanley and Simmons carried on with replacement musicians, eventually dispensing with the makeup.

Following an introduction by the late rapper Tupac Shakur at the 1996 Grammys, the original Kiss – back in makeup – heralded its reunion tours, which played to sold-out arenas. But by 2003 (by which time Frehley was no longer in the band), Criss felt the writing was on the wall.

“That was it for me,’’ he says. “That was like: Ace ain’t here. This ain’t the original band. I said to Gigi, ‘I can’t do this with these guys. I made this band what it is. I’m one of the founding fathers. No matter who they get to put stuff on their face, it ain’t us. You can take the mask off the Lone Ranger and put it on someone else, but it ain’t the Lone Ranger.'

“We ended it on my 58th birthday, which couldn’t have been more apropos.’’

ROAD TO THE SHORE

Following the 2003 tour, Criss returned to his Monmouth County home, where he built a recording studio and began work on “One for All.’’ (Today, Criss is about 15 songs into his follow-up album, and is at work on his memoirs.)

But how did Criss find his way to the Jersey Shore in the first place? It turns out that, like many New Yorkers, Criss had something of a relationship with the area early on.

“I used to go to Asbury (Park) back in the day, when I was a kid,’’ he says.

Decades later, Criss suddenly found himself yearning to revisit the Shore.

“In ’87, ’89, I was living in Darien, Connecticut,’’ he recalls. “Talk about a WASP-y, snobby place to live. My ex at the time liked it; she was high maintenance. We were living there.

“I got the bug to come to the Jersey Shore. I hadn’t been here in years. I heard about Spring Lake. I heard it was really beautiful. There was this old hotel called The Essex and Sussex, which we stayed at. They closed it the next year. I fell in love with this old hotel and the ambience.

“When we went back home, I couldn’t get it out of my system. I came back again, alone, and stayed here. I thought, ‘This is really beautiful. I could live here.’”

JERSEY GIRL

Every husband and wife gets the “How did you meet?’’ question from time to time, and usually, they’ve long since gotten their stories straight. But about five years ago, as Gigi Criss listened to her husband’s version of events, she felt she had to correct his memory.

“Peter told this one story which was totally not how we met,’’ Gigi, 40, says with a laugh. “I looked at him, like, ‘What are you talking about?’ ” It’s funny how the rock star wants to tell one story, and the girl who meets the rock star wants to tell another.

“His story was: He sees this beautiful girl standing in the audience, and he tells the security guy, ‘I wanna talk to her.’ And I’m totally not that kind of girl. If some guy came up to me and said that, I’d say, ‘Get away from me.’”

Born in Point Pleasant and raised in Wall, Gigi studied theater and worked in modeling for about 15 years. Gigi was transitioning into model scouting when she met Peter.

She recalls: “I was with my friend (drummer) Rob Affuso, who’s in Skid Row. He asked me to go to a Kiss concert (at Madison Square Garden). Long story short, I’m backstage and Peter sees me. I asked him for an autograph for another friend of mine who was a drummer. He checked me out on the way out.’’

Days later, Gigi and Affuso attended another Kiss concert.

“I saw Peter again at the after-party,’’ Gigi says. “He wanted to talk with me. (Kiss manager) Doc McGhee asked me to go up to his room. I said, ‘Absolutely not. He can come down here and talk to me. I’m not going to his room. I don’t know this guy.’ He said, ‘Oh, no, Peter’s not like that. He would never do anything.’ I said, ‘Well, I’m not going to his room.’

“After an hour of them coaxing me – ‘He can’t come down here,’ ‘There’s too many people,’ blah blah blah – I said, ‘OK, but I know a lot of people in this city, and if this guy puts one hand on me ...’

“I went over and talked with Peter. We talked for a really long time. That’s how we met.’’

Peter soon learned that Gigi was a Jersey Shore girl.

He recalls: “When I met Gigi and she said she lived in Jersey, I wasn’t really thinking of the ocean. I was thinking, the ‘Garden State,’ this and that. She said, ‘No, I live near Spring Lake.’ I said, ‘You’re kidding me.’ I said, ‘Oh my God, it’s one of my favorite places. I don’t believe this.’ I didn’t believe this girl lives where I really found a place for me.’’

Later on, an omen sealed the deal for Criss.

“The year before we got married,’’ he says, “I came out here for Christmas. I hadn’t had a Christmas with snow for eons. I really missed it in California. We were dating then. I was taking the garbage down. There were all these deer surrounding the garbage area. They were beautiful, man. I just love deer anyway. Some people can shoot them. I don’t get that.

“Something happened – an epiphany, call it what you want. But I just felt God said, ‘You’re gonna marry this girl, and you’re gonna live here.’

“I said (to Gigi), ‘Go find a house. Buy it. Make sure it’s got a pool, a lot of privacy and land.’ Gigi looked at a bunch of places. I came here. We named the house Harmony. I fell in love with it. I’ve got land, I have privacy, I have my studio downstairs, I have a pool. I have all the great things a kid from Brooklyn – trust me – never had. What more do you really want in life?

“I find here and now is a great place for Peter Criss. I love it here. It’s paradise.’’

PETER CRISS: IN HIS OWN WORDS ON POLITICS, PIZZA & KILLER CLOWNS

I changed my life around. I get up at 7 now. I’m really living the life of a country squire.

I’m a Democrat living in a Republican neighborhood. That’s for sure.

The people here love me. I mean, it’s really so cool. It’s not that rock ’n’ roll, rock star crap. I go to Blockbuster. They say, “Hey, Pete.” I’ll say, “I hate that; call me Peter.’’ And then I’ll go get pizza. If I’m short, they’ll go, “Ah, pay me when you see me.”

My favorite pizzerias are Andy’s, Attilio’s and Vinnie’s (all in Wall).

The cops all know me. I can drive around with my windows down and my music blasting and people go, “There goes Peter.”

I’m near New York City again, which is my home. I love being near the “Apple”; I love being near Broadway. I love the fact that I’m so close to home, in Brooklyn. My family is still there.

I still listen to Sinatra. I still listen to Tony Bennett. I still listen to Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, the Stones and Tom Petty.

My favorite book is “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

My favorite movies are “Being There,” “Ed Wood’’ and “Killer Klowns From Outer Space.”

PAUL SHOWS OFF ARTISTIC SIDE

Stanley will make a special appearance 7-9 p.m. Aug. 22 and 5-8 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Wentworth Gallery in Schaumburg where the gallery will be devoted to an exhibition of some of his colorful artistic creations on canvas.

Some have commented that the model for Stanley's "Mona Lisa" is none other than the artist himself.

Mona Lisa

"Very possibly," said Stanley, 56, in a recent phone interview from his home in California. "It is certainly not conscious, but the painter is in all his works. Van Gogh said at one point to his brother, 'I am no longer content to be the artist, I want to be the paint.' I guess, at some point, we want to be as much a part of our work as possible."

Stanley, the driving force behind such KISS anthems as "Love Gun," "Detroit Rock City" and "Forever," said that his attraction to creating art surfaced early in his life.

"I actually went to the High School of Music and Art in New York, the sister school of the High School Of Performing Arts that the movie 'Fame' was based on," he said. "It was the same format. You had to audition and take tests and show your work. The best 300 kids in the city would get in there and get all their academics plus and one and a half hours of art a day."

Stanley admitted he had the dubious distinction of getting a failing grade in art from this prestigious institution.

"The problem with me was that I am not the most cooperative with authority figures. I always loved art but I just didn't like the idea of doing it according to anybody else's schedule or anybody else's criteria, which is basically the same as I am with music and everything else I do."

Outside of designing some album covers and creating the KISS logo, Stanley pretty much shelved his interest in art until about eight years ago when a friend suggested he take up painting.

"I was going through some tough times and that resonated with me and it very quickly felt like the right way to reconnect with my love for art," he said. "I got some paints and some canvasses without a clue of what I was going to do and went on a journey without a map. And so far I had not only liked every place that I have gone, but so has every one else."

Stanley began exhibiting his work in public in 2005.

"I had hung a piece in my house. I didn't even sign it because I was too self-conscious. Invariably people would come over and ask who did the painting and then they wanted to know where they could get something similar. So I knew that in connecting with myself emotionally I was also making that connection with others."

That piece was entitled "Green Planet" and it hangs on his wall at home still unsigned as a reminder of where he started.

Stanley's work started appearing in the Wentworth Galleries a little over a year ago.

Art for all

"I am a big believer that art is for everyone. When someone says to me, I love this piece but I don't anything about art, I am also reminded of people who say I love that song but I don't know anything about music.

"What do you need to know about art or music to like it? I would like to think that not only does my art bring in collectors, it also brings in people who perhaps have never been in a gallery. I am the first to say, if you live in a van or a villa, your environment will look better with art."

Stanley bristles a bit when asked if it matters if his art is being sold because of his celebrity or if the buyer felt the art speaks to them.

"Of course, they will be people who come because of who I am. But I can kind of doubt that someone will spend a considerable amount of money because they like the way I sing 'Love God,'" he said. "There is nothing wrong with using your fame or recognition to perhaps jump ahead and have a certain advantages over others because ultimately you are still going to have to stand on the merits of what you do."

On Saturday there will be a special VIP reception at the gallery with the artist starting at 4 p.m. for those who have purchased pieces in advance.

"I certainly make it a point to come out and wave and say hi and welcome people into the gallery. But realistically, the only people I can spend time with are the ones that are actually taking something home with them," he said. "Although everyone has a special CD, photograph, T-shirt, hat, that they would like to have signed, this is the wrong place for that. I try to be fair upfront and say this is an art gallery. It is not a rock concert, but you will have fun."

7-9 p.m. Aug. 22 and 5-8 p.m. Aug. 23 at Wentworth Gallery, 5 Woodfield Shopping Center, Schaumburg. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The free show is open to the public. (847) 995-1190, www.wentworthgallery.com.

ARKANSAS KISS FAN EXPO

The first Jonesboro, Arkansas, KISS Fan Expo is scheduled for Friday, August 22, and Saturday, August 23, and will be a two-day fan celebration of KISS’s 35th anniversary. Events planned include a screening of “Detroit Rock City” and a KISS look-alike contest on Friday, and memorabilia, auctions, games, and more on Saturday, ending with a KISS tribute concert on Saturday night.

Tickets are on sale now for the event, and the proceeds will go to the Gary W. Henry, Jr. Scholarship Fund and to the Arkansas Children's Hospital. For ticket and reservation information, please call 870-931-4777.

A little background on Gary W. Henry, Jr.:

Gary W. Henry, Jr. was born on August 18, 1989. At an early age, Gary developed an interest in art, spending time drawing heroes, monsters, and the like. Due to his dad’s love of KISS, Little Gary, as he was affectionately known, became an avid fan as a youngster, able to name most songs and every member of the band. As he grew older, he developed an interest in cartooning. He and two friends even started their own comic book company with their own original characters. He had a serious desire to continue his studies in sequential art (storyboarding and comic book illustration).

On May 6, 2007, at the age of 17, Gary suffered a drowning accident at Lake Norfork in Mountain Home, Arkansas, and spent nine days in the Arkansas Children's Hospital on life support. Unfortunately, his brain damage was too severe, and he was removed from life support on May 15, 2007, leaving behind a loving family, girlfriend, and a great many friends.

KISS Frontman, Wife Expecting Second Child

Erin, 36, an attorney, is due this winter.

"Erin and I are thrilled and can't wait to meet our newest addition," Stanley, 56, said in a statement to PEOPLE. "We've been extremely blessed and we're excited to see what the future holds. I often joke that I've traded the Viper Room for the diaper room, and it looks like my tour's been extended!"

The couple, who married in 2005, live in Beverly Hills with their son Colin, who turns 2 in September, and Paul’s 14-year-old son, Evan, from a previous marriage.

News of the pregnancy comes as Stanley recently completed the European leg of The Kiss Alive/35 World Tour, which encompassed 30 sold-out shows in seven weeks.

KISS DAY PROCLAMATION

Whereas, KISS, who’s classic hit Rock And Roll All Nite became a rock anthem for an entire generation of fans; and,

Whereas, KISS has tirelessly supported the brave men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America with performances, base visits, and video tributes; and,

Whereas, KISS is kicking off the Sturgis Rally with a concert that includes all the incredible pyrotechnics and fireworks display for which the band is famous; and,

Whereas, - The Mount Rushmore State, home of the four great faces carved from rock, welcomes four more great faces who made rock history:

Now, Therefore, I, M. Michael Rounds, Governor of the state of South Dakota, do hereby proclaim August 4, 2008, as KISS ROCK & ROLL DAY in South Dakota, and I join their families, fans and friends in wishing KISS a memorable day.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of South Dakota, in Pierre, the Capital City, this Fourth Day of August in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eight.

Signed by Governor Michael Rounds and Secretary of State Chris Nelson.

ACE FREHLEY Featured On JAM PAIN SOCIETY Album

Self-produced by guitarist/composer Chris Hill (who cites KISS, LED ZEPPELIN, VAN HALEN, and PARLIAMENT/FUNKADELIC as major influences), these 12 tracks bristle with melodic invention, heavy guitar riffs and huge hooks.

The woman behind the mic for this SOCIETY is Leah Kirby. Raised on a steady diet of AC/DC, BLACK SABBATH, JUDAS PRIEST and Motown, Leah cites Aretha Franklin and Ronnie James Dio as vocal influences. She is definitely not your typical rock frontwoman!

Nick Campbell's the man behind the big drum kit, technically gifted, intricate, and raised in the Neil Peart (RUSH) and Danny Carey (TOOL) school of bombast.

The bottom is filled out in its own spectacular JAM PAIN way with two bassists! Matt Frederick (from a band, DRILL 187, that Hill produced) and Greg Putnam (he of the six-string bass) puts the prog into the proceedings. DREAM THEATER enthusiasts both, they combine for one voice…and in so doing, make this JAM totally unique!

"Black Light Messiah" track listing:
01. So Here It Is
02. Wasted
03. You Made Me
04. Secret
05. Monster Mind
06. Second Smile
07. The Ride (feat. Ace Frehley)
08. Erase You
09. Choose Your Machine
10. Wrapped Around
11. Hero
12. Flavor

Check out audio samples at www.myspace.com/jampainsociety.

VINNIE VINCENT Tribute Album: Complete Track Listing, Release Date Revealed

Though Vinnie Vincent himself has not released any new material in over a decade, "Kiss My Ankh" will pay tribute to the undeniable musical legacy of the former KISS guitarist. Vinnie's compositions are widely regarded as a highlight of the KISS catalog and remain a staple of the live KISS set list. Included on the tribute are selections from the three KISS albums to which Vinnie contributed, as well as the two albums he released with the VINNIE VINCENT INVASION.

"Kiss My Ankh: A Tribute To Vinnie Vincent" track listing:

01. Killer - DOUBLEVIRGO
02. I Still Love You - GODS OF FIRE
03. Lick It Up - FUTURE 86
04. A Million To One - STEVE BROWN
05. Boyz Are Gonna Rock - MIKE WEEKS (with Andre LaBelle and T.J. Racer)
06. Back on the Streets - JAZAN WILD
07. That Time of Year - SHELDON TARSHA, RYAN ROXIE, MARKO PUKKILA, TROY PATRICK FARRELL
08. Love Kills - VIC RIVERA / KELLI MCCLOUD
09. Unholy - CURSE GOD AND DIE
10. I Just Wanna - THE DEAD ZOO KEEPERS

Check out audio samples at www.myspace.com/kissmyankh.

PAUL ADDS NEW ART SHOWS

His appearance will be open to the public and free of charge.

Paul Stanley's Wentworth Gallery Appearances
Friday – August 22, 2008 7-9 PM
Saturday – August 23, 2008 5-8 PM*

Wentworth Gallery
5 Woodfield Shopping Center
Schaumburg, Illinois 60173
*VIP Reception 4 -5 p.m. (Call for details)
847-995-1190

SOUTH DAKOTA GOVERNOR HONORS KISS

The classic rock band KISS will appear at Glencoe Campground/Rock’n the Rally on August 4 to accept a proclamation from Governor Mike Rounds, presented by Sturgis Mayor Maury LaRue, prior to their concert.

WHAT: A proclamation to make August 4 KISS Rock and Roll Day in South Dakota.

WHERE: Backstage at Glencoe Campground/Rock’n the Rally – Sturgis, S.D.

WHEN: August 4, 2008

WHY: KISS has tirelessly supported the United States military, and has visited numerous American military bases around the world to meet the troops, sign autographs and show their support for the military.

This is the band’s 35 year anniversary, and this will be their first time playing the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

PAUL FAN MOCUMENTARY

Marc (aka Rock Star) and his twin brother Kris recently filmed a mocumentary video entitled, Rock Star Exposed. It's a long video but worth watching. According to Marc, they took their favorite parts from KISS' Exposed video and incorporated them into their own. "We wanted the chance to show people how infatuated we are with this man." All kidding aside, Kris says that they really saw this as an opportunity to show fellow members of the KISS army how much they admire this man and his work. Indeed, it's this admiration that led Marc and Kris to begin recording their first CD entitled, Putting the "F" Back in Rock & Roll. Explains Kris, "People are going to flip when they find out who we are working with!" "Yeah, don't think for a second we didn't have KISS in mind when we came up with this concept," says Marc. Besides working on the CD, the twins are putting the finishing touches on a book, a reality show about them is the works, and they have just launched a non-profit venture called, We Are One. "It's an effort to give kids in the community the chance to find themselves musically and to keep them away from the vices that have personally kept me down and out for so many years," says Kris. "We are using Paul's career as a template," says Marc. "Drums or drugs, guitars or gangs? I'd say guitars! After all, I'm Rock Star !

Watch the clip.

GENE ON DENNIS MILLER SHOW TODAY

LEGEND'S GOLF CLASSIC ROCKS

Golf and rock n' roll peacefully coexisted at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha July 27 and 28 in an event designed to support Pacific University's 20-sport athletics program.

The second annual Legends Golf Classic, hosted by Pacific Board of Trustees member and lead KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer, started Sunday with an auction, dinner and concert featuring performances by Thayer, rising country star Crystal Shawanda and Eagles lead guitarist Don Felder.

The good times continued on Monday, and by the time the PGA pro Shaun Micheel's golf clinic ended, it was clear that the Classic would live up to its name.

Over 30 groups of golfers, music celebrities and professional athletes took to The Reserve's two courses to compete in the scramble-format tournament. Warrant's Joey Allen encouraged his group to just "get up and rip it," and comedian George Lopez kept his foursome relaxed with some good jokes and his in-cart radio.

And the golf was good, too. When Thayer stopped by the clubhouse to do a live radio interview with 95.5 The Game's (KXGM-FM) Gavin Dawson, his group was 9 under par. But they had a little work to do to catch former Major League pitcher Jaret Wright's group, which boasted an 11 under par score at the same juncture.

In only its second year, the Legends Golf Classic is growing. This year's celebrities included NASCAR driver Jeff Bodine, singers Johnny Lee and Ray Kennedy, "Happy Days" television star Donny Most, former major league baseball players Chili Davis and Scott Erickson and former football all-pro Preston Pearson.

The Classic concluded Monday evening with dinner and awards for the participants.

Pacific Director of Athletics Ken Schuman was pleased with the result.

"This is a very unique event," said Schuman. "I know of no other university that has something like this. This is great for the university and the community."

KISS THE CANVAS

KISS is currently on its 35th anniversary tour, which has seen the beloved band stop in Australia, Russia and all over Europe. But Stanley is taking some time off the road — sans Starchild makeup — to visit St. Louis and show off his paintings.

One might expect the art from a member of a band whose initials were thought to stand for “Knights in Satan’s Service” to be a bit on the twisted side. “Like human sacrifices or something? I never have gone on record or told anybody that my life was dark or heavy or ominous,” Stanley said.

Instead, when he visits West County Center’s Wentworth Art Gallery on Aug. 1 and 2, expect to see colorful, textured images of hearts, peace symbols and moons. It’s the softer side of Stanley.

The busy rocker with two successful careers in the arts took some time for a Q&A.

COREY STULCE: Do you remember what art classes were like when you were in school?

PAUL STANLEY: Funny enough, I probably hold one of the distinctions in that school of having failed art, but that says volumes about my problems with authority figures.

CS: Do you use any reference materials?

PS: None. I’m on a trip and I don’t know where I’m going — but I know when I’m there.

CS: Can you describe the environment in which you’re working?

PS: Clutter. Clutter and loud music.

CS: What kind of music?

PS: I pretty much wore out listening to every R&B tune of the last 40 or 50 years. I’m about to move on and try something else. I’ve gone through everything from the Chi-lites to James Brown to the Spinners to the Temps to Shep and the Limelights — all the way back.

CS: What inspires you most when you’re painting?

PS: Nothing. I don’t want to paint with my head; I want to paint with my heart and my instincts. I just go for it.

CS: How often are you surprised at what ends up on the canvas?

PS: Most of the time. It’s either very much a depiction of what’s going on in me in the moment or something that I’m pulling up from some other point. My track record in terms of my own approval is pretty good.

CS: Was it a process to get to the point where you knew a painting was done?

PS: Yeah, it’s very easy to pass the point. That’s part of the trick, knowing when you’re done. You can go past the point. I tend to look at something for a while and go back the next day, and often it’s better to leave well enough alone.

CS: How did the decision come about to go public with it?

PS: I just saw that the response was very positive. It was more a lark; it just evolved to that. I have to say I was kind of taken. Initially when the pieces were in a gallery, people would be drawn to them or want to know who did them without knowing they were mine. No doubt I’d be kidding myself if I didn’t say my success and who I am truly gets my foot in the door. But there’s no rule against slamming the door on my foot. I get an access that other people might not, but ultimately you stand or fall by what you’re doing. Nobody’s gonna buy my painting because they like my songs.

CS: It might get people in the door, but from there it’s on the quality.

PS: Sure. Sooner or later it really does come down to if someone is willing to part with money. That says everything. The amount of people who have been purchasing the art has been phenomenal, way beyond anything I thought. That’s tremendously validating; really gives me a great satisfaction.

CS: Do you get the looky-loos?

PS: Of course. That’s great. I don’t care why somebody comes to a gallery show. Many people have never been to a gallery or seen art because they’re intimidated. … I’m a big believer that everybody should have art and your likes and dislikes are every bit as valid. Particularly for you, they’re more valid than anybody else’s.

CS: What kind of art did you collect before you started painting?

PS: At one point, I was into a lot of art nouveau. I was collecting a lot of lamps and Tiffany things. Paintings, some of my few regrets are things that I let pass by, like a large Picasso I didn’t buy at one point. Or Andy Warhol offering to do my portrait and I said, “Some other time,” and there’s no more Andy Warhol. For the most part, my taste is pretty eclectic.

CS: How would you compare the powers that be in the art world to the music world?

PS: It’s much more of a direct connection to the people. You don’t need to go through some big corporate conglomerate to get your painting seen. You don’t have everybody having a title and putting in their two cents — not that I listen anyway. It’s much more direct. There’s me, the gallery and the person who collects. What’s great is there are quite a few collectors who really have no connection to KISS. They’re buying art.

For more information about Paul Stanley’s appearance, visit wentworthgallery.com or call (314) 821-8884.

See Tommy at COFFEEHOUSE'S 2ND ANNIVERSARY

Tommy Thayer will be the special guest! A detailed schedule of the day’s events will be released soon.

PAUL STANLEY - ART 'N' ROLL

KISS' main man Paul Stanley is trekking back to St.Louis for what is sure to be another successful, packed-to-the-gills art-show at Wentworth Gallery. Last time he was in town, the line stretched outside the gallery and two rows down the mall corridor. While you won't get bombs, babes and classic tunes, you'll be able to take a look at some of the Starchild's highly sought-after collection of abstracts, painted by the man himself. We had a brief window of time in which to speak, and at the sound of my "Lick It Up" ring tone, Stanley was on the line.

Last time we spoke, you said you were going to be getting into sculptures. Have you started any pieces yet, and how soon will we see them?

The final drawings are done, and we're probably a couple of weeks from taking the next step. They're steel sculptures, and I actually painted over them. The color is baked in, and then they're sealed in a clear coating. So, they're very striking and I'm really excited about it.

KISS just came off their most successful tour of Europe ever. Is there any chance you will be going over there to show your paintings?

It's something that has been mentioned, but between doing KISS and all of the gallery showings here in the States, it just comes down to time and how many hours there are in a day. I just did a great show in Philly, and St. Louis is this weekend. Next is Chicago, Atlanta and Washington DC. It's kind of like a never-ending tour, so to speak.

Painting started out being a personal endeavor for you, and now that you have gallery showings and fans of your art, is it more difficult to get inspired to create new works?

I still paint for the same reasons I always have, to make myself happy. Ultimately, if I'm not pleased with the way a piece turns out, it doesn't see the light of day. Certainly the demand for the paintings has changed, but the criteria for being creative hasn't.

At your last gallery showing, someone commented on how busy you are between your art and music careers. The implication I think was that rock stars just sit around all the time.

Maybe some do, but the idea of just sitting back never appealed to me. Being challenged is what life's all about. Having down time for relaxation is great, but creativity is in my blood.

I know with songwriting you can wake up in the middle of the night and have to record an idea so you don't lose it. Have you found any of that immediate inspiration with painting where you kind of have to drop what you're doing and put it on canvas?

Not really. I tend to think that inspiration is always there, and certainly when I paint, I don't like to premeditate what I'm going to do. So, when I put paint to canvas, I will get something out; it's just a matter of whether I like it or not.

At your last gallery showing here, there was quite a wide variety of people interested in the artwork.

Sure, there are the art collectors who come out who want to collect something valuable. We also get people who haven't necessarily been to an art gallery before. Unfortunately, someone propagated the idea that you had to have an education to appreciate art, and that's absurd. Anyone can appreciate art, and it's all subjective. It's like food; one person can be a vegetarian, another person can like steak. Which is more valid? It all depends on the individual.

Will you be revisiting the idea of doing any theater soon? There was a rumor that you were going to be part of Phantom of the Opera in Las Vegas.

Again, it just comes down to how many hours are in the day, you know? I have a 22-month-old, my older boy, and a wife who need to see me; and I need to see them, as well.

I actually played you in Magic Smoking Monkey's stage version of KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park.

[Laughs] Did you?

Yeah, and people had a really good time with the show, and I wanted to thank you for not suing us.

Well, that movie was certainly an interesting point in my life. I hope everyone had a good time with it.

Last year you recorded the Chicago stop of your solo tour. Do you know when we can expect it to be released?

It's funny you should ask that, because I was just on the phone with my manager asking, "When the hell is this DVD coming out?" Hopefully we can make an announcement soon.

Wentworth Gallery
St. Louis, Mo.
Aug. 1-2, 7-9 p.m.

For more information about Stanley's St. Louis appearance, visit www.wentworthgallery.com.

PAUL TURNS TO A NEW ART FORM

Despite decades of honing his voice and instrumentals, Stanley, born Stanley Harvey Eisen, in Queens, New York, never ignored the art training he received at New York City’s High School of Music and Art. He designed the group’s signature make-up, album covers, several costumes, and numerous stage sets.

Following some personal and physical setbacks late in his career, Stanley craved a new creative outlet. A friend suggested he try painting, which he never really pursued during his school days. He pondered the notion, then bought supplies, established his home studio, and discovered a new love, beginning with a self-portrait. In 2005 he presented his work to the world.

The Wentworth Gallery, 406 Mall Boulevard, brings Stanley’s Abstract Impressionist paintings to its King of Prussia Mall location on Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26, with appearances by Stanley on Friday, 7 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, 5 to 8 p.m. A reservation-required VIP reception occurs on Saturday from 4 to 5 p.m.

Stanley will sign purchased giclee prints and originals, but stated that fans should leave albums and other memorabilia at home. Only those who buy his pieces will receive an autograph on the artwork. He will welcome all comers with a wave and friendly “hello,” but maintained that the gallery venue is not a rock concert or signing event, particularly due to the large crowds his presence commands.

“The great thing about these shows that I do at Wentworth Galleries is that it gives people a chance to meet the person who created the art,” Stanely said. “You know, I’m a big believer that if you’re going to acquire a piece of art you ultimately have to come to your own reality and sense of what it means, but there’s nothing like getting some insight from the person who created it. It gives everybody a chance to have that kind of personal contact.”

Stanley stated that although he began to paint as a solitary, personal endeavor, his exhibitions allow those who might be intimidated by art academicians or have never visited a gallery to come and explore something different. He added that he didn’t start exhibiting to “show off,” but that he enjoys sharing his work, hoping it will connect with people whether they are collectors, buyers, fans, or art aficionados.

The accomplished artisan begins with an acrylic-gessoed canvas, preferring spontaneity as opposed to a preconceived idea or sketch. He uses a bright palette packed with bold reds, greens, blues, yellows, and oranges. He rarely leaves white space, instead filling the canvas with whatever mood strikes him that moment and sometimes works in series, such as a collection of spheres, the symbol of life and eternity.

His “Green Planet” features a multi-colored orb in the canvas’s center surrounded by a spectrum of reds, oranges, and lavender. The circle contains a mix of those same hues with greens and blues blending almost to brown and possesses an iridescence reminiscent of polished labradorite(?). Cracks appear in no particular pattern similar to earth’s mountain ranges viewed from space.

Stanley frequently builds texture with modeling paste and layers of acrylic paint of varying viscosities. His tools consist of brushes, palette knives, and his fingers. He enjoys the intimacy of touching the media and lack of restrictions presented by painting.

He draws from inside himself for subject matter, pouring his emotions on the board before him, but occasionally seeks to recreate life around him like portraits of his bandmates in make-up, the Statue of Liberty, and his version of DaVinci’s Mona Lisa. He views his process as instinctive and cathartic, loving its challenges and rewards.

“It’s almost a snapshot of whatever’s going on at any given time, so rather than try to finesse that or shape it into something other than what it is, I like it to just be organic,” explained Stanley. “It’s so much reflection of who I am but it’s much more pleasurable. Seeing my own art is much more pleasurable than looking in a mirror and yet it does the same thing.”

The musician gains inspiration from all artistic movements from the Old Masters to Photorealism, but gravitates to Abstract Impressionism with its inventive depictions of reality, brilliant colors, and limitless boundaries. His free-flowing style resembles modern artists like Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, Mark Rothko, and Peter Max.

Stanley’s work garners profits in the millions. He believes that his fame got him noticed on the gallery circuit, but that his talent keeps him there. He disdains people who bandy the words, “lucky break,” adding that, “People who fail (would) rather believe that you succeeded because of luck. Luck is seeing the opportunities that someone else doesn’t see.” He insists that his paintings speak for themselves since collectors typically buy them more than fans do.

Stanley recognizes his advantage of being famous, however. When asked if he thought he’d be as far as he is now without them, he pondered for a moment.

“It’s a great question, and after 35 years of being successful at what I do, I couldn’t possibly answer it with any accuracy. I mean, would I be this successful? I don’t know. It would’ve meant that I would’ve had that much more time to concentrate on art.

“I think a strong work ethic is paramount. I think that you’ll find out how much something is worth to you by how hard you’ll work to get it. Just because something is within your reach doesn’t mean it will come easy; it just means that it’s there to be had.”

The creative artist wishes to attempt sculpting next. He feels it’s a natural step and wants to try glass and bronze, learning how to mold and cast. Stanley knows he will succeed, certainly by his own standards, not caring about anyone’s opinion.

“The world is full of people who have failed, and the ones who tell you what’s impossible are the ones who failed. I guess I have issues with authority and I’ve always believed that what I want to do is what I should do. It’s something innate; I’ve always believed it and it’s proven itself to be right time and time again.

“I think that if you break out of any restrictions that others have put on you or that you’ve put on yourself, you’ll amaze yourself with what you’re capable of. There’s so much talent in this world (that’s) stifled firstly by others and then stifled by us. Once you give yourself the freedom to create then the possibilities are endless.”

For more about Paul Stanley and his amazing art, visit his website at www.paulstanley.com.

KISS To Do US Arena Tour?

Light didn't reveal further details about the trek, which will come in support of AC/DC's upcoming Wal-Mart exclusive release. A single is expected to hit radio in August.

In addition to AC/DC, other acts touring in the near future include Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Depeche Mode, Shakira, Green Day, Kid Rock, Usher, Robin Williams, Mylie Cyrus, Slipknot, John Mayer, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw and Daft Punk, according to Light. Also, "We have a great idea for KISS to go out and do big arena tour," Light noted.

Others touring in 2009 include OneRepublic, Plain White T‚s, Jack's Mannequin, Cross Canadian Ragweed, a non-Christmas Trans-Siberian Orchestra tour, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Weezer, the Killers and Journey, according to various booking agents on the panel, which was moderated by Billboard executive director of content and programming for touring and live entertainment Ray Waddell.

ERIC SINGER INTERVIEW

Listen to a small audio-snippet and check out the gallery at here!

PAUL STANLEY: Missouri Art Shows Announced

Please call the gallery for more information at 314-821-8884.

A tear for the troops

In town to marshal the Rexall Edmonton Indy, Gene Simmons took a moment after a press conference yesterday to send out a message to Canadian soldiers.

"Hi guys, it's Gene Simmons. We know you're in Afghanistan, we know it's a tough one, I just want you to know from my heart we love you," Simmons said for the camera just before he had to stop and wipe his eyes.

Sgt. Dan Milburn with Army News was in awe that someone of Simmons' stature would be moved to that extent for soldiers not even from his own country.

"I'm speechless. We had to pause the camera so he could have a moment. He's quite a person," said Milburn.

It was the second time that Simmons recognized the two soldiers filming for the military.

A well-known supporter of the American military, Simmons took time out of the press conference that had been focusing on his time in Edmonton and his association with the IndyCar series to salute the soldiers.

"I like the fact that there's a bit of civility when the Canadian flag goes up and your national anthem is sung everybody quietens down a bit," said Simmons.

"You don't have to salute, no one's forcing you to do anything, but just for a few minutes you shut your mouth and give it the respect it demands. I think that's part of our lives that's been tossed aside.

"Culture has become cynical and we don't even respect what we should.

"The two powerful and attractive gentleman (pointing to the soldiers) back there are wearing your uniform. They're the ones who make your lives possible."

The room began clapping and when the applause wound down, Simmons continued.

"And they deserve your respect because they have earned it. The rest of us just yack, they walk the walk."

Army News was at the Indy races all three days gathering wishes from the drivers to soldiers overseas or at home.

"It's a big push for them to see someone like Gene Simmons or Paul Tracy. That's pretty cool," said Milburn.

A KISS fan himself, Milburn was impressed Simmons gave the soldiers so much recognition.

"I've never had something like that happen when he told everybody to stand up and clap for the guys in the back of the room in uniform. It was unreal. My year has been made."

Milburn ended the session by asking for Simmons's autograph for his wife, to which Simmons, upon hearing her name, replied, "Oh yeah, I remember her."

Simmons sheds a tear for Canuck troops

In Alberta to marshal the Rexall Edmonton Indy, Gene Simmons took a moment after a press conference yesterday to send a message to Canadian soldiers.

"Hi guys, it's Gene Simmons.

"We know you're in Afghanistan, we know it's a tough one, I just want you to know from my heart we love you," Simmons said for the camera just before he had to stop and wipe his eyes.

It was the second time Simmons recognized the two soldiers filming for the military.

"I like the fact that there's a bit of civility when the Canadian flag goes up and your national anthem is sung, everybody quietens down a bit," said Simmons.

"You don't have to salute, no one's forcing you to do anything, but just for a few minutes you shut your mouth and give it the respect it demands.

"I think that's part of our lives that's been tossed aside. Culture has become cynical and we don't even respect what we should."

KISS DVD BOARD GAME

Follow KISS® on tour and travel the world collecting KISS® cash, merchandise, albums, programs,ticket stubs and other items to redeem for your KISS® Army cards.

Along the way, you’ll have the chance to fly to different parts of the world, answer on-screen challenges and steal KISS® cards from your opponents!

Be the first player to collect all 4 KISS® Army cards to win the game and become leader of the KISS® Army!

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Components:

Game Board Playing Pawns DVD Six-Sided Die KISS® Cards KISS® Army Cards KISS® Cash

Playing time:

2 players (40-50 minutes) 3-4 players (60-90 minutes)

Features:

Ages 10+ 2-4 Players

Note: Orders will ship on or around the last week of September. CLICK HERE to pre order the game!

BRUCE KULICK Featured In SAPGIR BAND Video

"A few months ago I told you all about a session I did for a popular Russian artist, SAPGIR BAND. Well, they used footage of my session in the video for the song [see below], and here is it to enjoy. That old Les Paul from 'God Gave Rock N Roll To You II' and various other KISS songs is making the magic... my brother even played that LP on the Paul Stanley solo disc from 1978! Enjoy!"

Founded in 2005 by Dmitry Sapgir, SAPGIR BAND is a classic rock act which lists THE BEATLES, DEEP PURPLE, THE ROLLING STONES, URIAH HEEP and DIRE STRAITS as its influences.

Midnight strikes for Simmons at Toronto fest

Toronto has booked French director Mabrouk El Mechri's action comedy "JCVD," which features Van Damme playing himself in the midst of a post office heist.

Also receiving an international premiere in the festival section is Japanese director Toshio Lee's "Detroit Metal City," which features KISS frontman and reality TV star Gene Simmons as rock icon Jack Il Dark.

Tarantino, Jamie Lee Curtis, Dennis Hopper and Stacy Keach appear in the Mark Hartley documentary "Not Quite Hollywood," which recalls 1970s and '80s Australian exploitation films.

Other titles announced Wednesday include world premieres for J.T. Petty's "The Burrowers," "Deadgirl" by Marcel Sarmiento and Gadi Harel, and Spanish pic "Sexykiller" by Miguel Marti.

Tommy Thayer HOSTS GOLF TOURNAMENT

The second annual celebrity tournament, a fund-raiser for Pacific’s 20-sport athletics program, takes place July 27 and 28 at The Reserve in Aloha.

The tournament field also includes former “Monday Night Football” sideline reporter Lisa Guerrero, legendary NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine, singer/songwriter Ray Kennedy and Doc McGhee, the legendary manager of Bon Jovi and KISS. Rising country star Crystal Shawanda will be the featured artist for the tournament's Sunday concert.

Entry packages for the Pacific University Legends Golf Classic are filling fast. The tournament begins on Sunday, July 27, with a dinner, auction and concert featuring Thayer and other musicians in the tournament field. The golf takes place on Monday, July 28, on The Reserve’s two world-class courses with a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. A clinic featuring PGA professionals and a putting contest will precede the tournament.

For more information on the Pacific University Legends Golf Classic or to reserve a playing spot in the tournament field, please visit the tournament web site at www.pacificlegendsgolf.com or call 503-352-2211.

FRIDAY RADIO & TV APPEARANCES

1) WMMR - FM (Philly's #1 Rock Station) - Friday at 7:10 a.m.
2) WTFX - TV - Friday at 8:23 a.m.
3) WCAU - TV - Friday at 9 a.m.

Fast cars get rocker revved up

As the money-loving, fire-breathing bassist for KISS, he was preoccupied with his ever-expanding music and media empire, including his reality TV show, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, and thousands of licensing deals for products such as a KISS credit card, KISS Canon camera and KISS coffeehouse.

Then, in 2005, Simmons was invited to an Indy race in Dallas-Fort Worth. He compares the experience to meeting his longtime love, Newfoundland native Shannon Tweed.

"It just hit me like a two-by-four on the back of the head," says the 58-year-old rocker and grand marshal of Saturday's Rexall Edmonton Indy.

"When I walked down the racetrack and saw the space-age technology and the astonishing pride and military precision of the teams and their drivers, I went, 'This is NUTS.' I've never seen anything like this in my life."

Simmons liked Indy so much, he decided to get involved.

The musician and his business partner, Rich Abramson, are now in charge of marketing Indy's races, including Saturday's inaugural event at City Centre Airport. As grand marshal, Simmons is responsible for waving the flag and uttering those famous words at the start of the race -- "Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines" -- and showing up at Capital Ex on Friday night. (Check around the ED Fest stage.)

"I'll make sure the people know and come to the event," says Simmons, who also wrote a theme song for the league, I Am Indy. "I'm the sugar-coating, babe."

Which means he doesn't want to talk about his recent venture, Ladies of the Night, a book about the history of prostitution.

"I shouldn't, because obviously everyone wants me to emphasize Indy, but if you go to GeneSimmons.com, you'll get a quick gander," he says.

Fair enough. So what does he think of the merger between the Indy and Champ car leagues?

"It's wonderful. They should never have split. It had to do with egos and politics, like anything. After the fact, you look back and say, 'Remind me what this was all about.' They should never have split. They're back together -- there are more cars, more drivers. It's the Olympics of speed, baby. The drivers are not only good-looking -- they could certainly be rock stars -- they're also literally Olympic-level athletes. Helio Castroneves literally won the Dancing (With the Stars) show on ABC. Athletes of the highest order."

Who's his favourite driver? Or can he reveal such information?

"You really shouldn't because every time you think it's Marco Andretti or Danica (Patrick) or Helio Castroneves or Tony Kanaan, it's the race itself that makes you root for somebody who's really pushing the limit. When you see someone going above and beyond, you just jump to your feet and go 'Wow.' It's the effort."

Has Simmons ever tried to drive an Indy car?

"I am physically too big, I'm proud to say. You have to be compact."

It's probably for the best. If you watch his reality show, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, you'll know he's a road hazard. He was once pulled over for erratic driving and his six-foot-seven son, Nick, 19, bested him at a driving-test challenge.

Mention his children -- Simmons and Tweed also have a 16-year-old daughter, Sophie -- and he is happy to veer off topic. Unlike rocker Ozzy Osbourne's dysfunctional offspring, Nick and Sophie are smart, sober and the real stars of Family Jewels. You'll never see them stumbling outside a club in L.A.

"If they ever did that, they knew they'd find themselves in a work camp in the middle of the desert. Oh yes," he says.

While he won't talk about his prostitution book, his entrepreneurial ego gets the best of him and he starts describing some of his other current ventures, including a 50-storey skyscraper in China and a new reality TV show, Jingles. (Contestants will try to write songs for TV commercials.)

In addition to his grand marshal duties at this week's Indy race, the KISS bassist and relentless entrepreneur will be speaking at a local business conference in Edmonton in September.

But the real news is that KISS is planning to rock Edmonton. They haven't been through these parts since July 20, 2000. (They're only doing four U.S. dates this year -- including one at the foot of Mt. Rushmore, on Aug. 4.)

Simmons has always had a soft spot for our city. Edmonton was the site of his first groupie conquest in 1974, according to his 2002 autobiography, KISS and Make-Up.

She was a girl with a green hair.

"I thanked her on my solo record," he says. "I never bothered to learn her name. It's idyllic and romantic in that way."

PAUL STANLEY On CNBC's 'The Big Idea With Donny Deutsch'; Video Available

In a recent interview with ABC7.com's George Pennacchio, Paul Stanley stated about his art, "What I'm trying to do with my art is connect with people emotionally. I think one of the beauties of abstract art is probably that it appeals to you emotionally, rather than intellectually. I'd rather get a smile or somebody going, 'Whoa!' than somebody going, 'Hmmm.'"

"I love color and somebody was describing my work and said to me, 'You know, you're fearless with color,' and I said, 'What's there to be afraid of?' You know — it's color!"

"You don't need a degree to know what good art is. Good art is what you love. When you go into a restaurant, you don't have to have someone tell you what bad food is. When you spit it out, guess what? It's bad,"

Paul's original works start at about $14,000, but his giclee reproductions begin at about a thousand dollars.

PAUL ON CNBC MONDAY

KISS goodbye to mystery

And now friends and relatives of Robin Douglas Goodwin, who would have turned 47 in February, want to thank the tongue-wagging KISS frontman.

It all started last Nov. 3, when the body of an unknown man was discovered in a wooded area near Vegreville.

Eleven days later, RCMP released several photos in an attempt to identify the man.

The pictures showed a denim jacket with several badges - including several for KISS.

"Once I saw the jacket I knew that was my friend's jacket," said Ken Peterson, who grew up with Goodwin in rural Saskatchewan.

"There (are) not too many people who have that amount of badges all on one denim jacket."

Now with Simmons coming to Edmonton to marshall the Indy race this week, Goodwin's friends and family are hoping to meet up with the rock legend and thank him.

"In some ways it's to thank them and it's to let them know what happened to a big fan of theirs. We know he's a very busy man but maybe he'll show some concern," said Peterson.

Goodwin was last seen Sept. 22, 2006, just after his shift as a heavy-duty mechanic in Nisku. His remains would turn up 13 months later.

Family had spent that time combing newspapers and obituaries looking for any sign of Goodwin.

"We watched bodies and unidentified remains show up in Vancouver," said brother-in-law Garry Boe, who said it was difficult every time family and friends heard of unidentified bodies turning up and not knowing whether it was Goodwin.

When police released photos of the jacket last November, Boe happened to spot the picture in a newspaper at the same moment that his wife happened to be writing an e-mail to the Edmonton Police Service. She added in a line about the photo and that they were positive it was Goodwin's.

DNA tests on June 24 concluded that the remains indeed were Goodwin's.

RCMP are investigating Goodwin's death as suspicious but are not releasing a cause.

Goodwin was a huge KISS fan, said Peterson.

KISS Coffeehouse Second-Anniversary Party Scheduled For September

Gene Simmons to judge CBS's "Jingles"

CBS has tapped Simmons to judge the reality show "Jingles," the latest TV series from Mark Burnett, the executive producer behind hits like "Survivor" and "The Apprentice," the network announced on Wednesday.

The show, slated to premiere later this year, will feature contestants writing and performing jingles for a variety of subjects, ranging from food products to sports teams. The winner takes home $100,000 and an advertising contract.

The show will be hosted by Kimberly Caldwell, a former contestant on the blockbuster Fox hit "American Idol," while advertising executives Linda Kaplan Thaler and Julie Roehm will join Simmons as judges.

"Jingles" is the latest move into reality television by Simmons, who helped form Kiss in the mid-1970s and became known for his wild makeup and wagging tongue. Simmons previously starred on A&E's "Family Jewels" and competed on a celebrity version of Donald Trump's "Apprentice" on NBC.

Simmons also has launched his own marketing company, using his name to promote energy drinks, books and clothing.

PAUL STANLEY'S ROCKIN' ART

After all, one of the most visited art museums in the world is home to many famous works, like Leonardo Da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," something an artist like Stanley likely would appreciate seeing in person.

But Stanley isn't just another artist. He's probably better known for being able to rock and roll all night and party every day as the flamboyant frontman for the legendary rock band KISS.

And despite the fact that KISS completed its most successful tour of Europe ever in the band's long history - playing 29 concerts in seven weeks that concluded in late June - it's Stanley's artwork that takes center stage once he puts down his guitar.

Local KISS fans, as well as art aficionados, will get a chance to view some of that artwork when Stanley makes two special appearances at the Wentworth Gallery in King of Prussia Mall Friday, July 25, from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, July 26, from 5 to 8 p.m.

"I look forward to painting," said Stanley in a telephone interview from Paris a few weeks before KISS wrapped up the European tour. "It's something that I take a certain amount of . . . oh, I don't know . . . there is a calming factor to know that at the end of this tour, I get to go into a room by myself and create from another part of my brain."

After reigning for more than 30 years as one of the most recognizable frontmen in the history of rock and roll, Stanley has embarked on a new career as a painter and has had some considerable initial success selling more than $2 million of his artwork in 2007. His King of Prussia appearance is part of an exhibition of his works touring the U.S. with the Wentworth Galleries.

"There are certainly going to be people who come (to the galleries) because of a connection that is first, and more primary for some, for what you're best known for. You're bound to have that," said Stanley. "I tend to say that my notoriety gets my foot in the door . . . but then you're free to slam the door on my foot.

"But at the end of the day, having spoken to enough of the galleries and their owners, there is a good amount of people initially who are drawn to the work without knowing who did it."

Stanley said that painting has been a road to self-discovery for him and that he initially didn't paint with the idea of showing his work to anybody.

"The first piece that I hung in my house I found very surprising that people were drawn to it," he said. "They would ask me who did and where it was from. But I hung it because I was very pleased with it and the bonus was that it was moving other people.

"When it became obvious that there was a demand for my work, I absolutely had to make sure that the business aspect was taken care of. But business is only necessitated by success. I don't do things initially for the business of it. The business is something that is both a necessary evil and a terrific reward."

His art at this point is very much unscripted, Stanley said. He doesn't do preliminary sketches nor does he sketch on the canvas. He prefers to work "in a stream of consciousness and that way, the piece is as revealing for me as it might be for someone else."

"For me, the beauty of abstract art is that it's really ultimately about what someone finds in it and that goes for me, too," he said. "I can certainly, when asked at a gallery, explain my reality of the piece, but I will then tell someone that ultimately what's more important is their reality of the piece."

This isn't the rocker's first venture outside the KISS perimeters. Stanley also has achieved success and rave reviews on the stage performing for six months in 1999 to standing-room-only crowds as The Phantom in the Toronto stage version of "Phantom of the Opera."

But now that KISS has successfully toured Europe, it's all about the painting.

"To do a gallery show and be surrounded by works that I created that have been met with such acceptance is very gratifying," said Stanley. "I'm blessed in that I have been able to take the intangible and make something tangible out of it, whether it's rock music or theater or fine arts."

He calls it a "road of discovery we all get to go on together."

"Painting is a very solitary and very intimate experience," he said. "Ultimately, it's shared, but the process isn't, so it's tremendously and deeply enjoyable because it's very profound for me.

"I've never done anything except to please myself, whether it's doing theater or doing KISS or doing painting at this point," said Stanley. "They are things I do very much for personal fulfillment and the icing on the cake is the accolades and pleasure that others get from it."

There also is a VIP reception with Stanley planned for Saturday, July 26, from 4 to 5 p.m. For details on that event, call 610-337-8988 or 1-800-732-6140.

For more information on Stanley or to view his artwork, go to www.paulstanley.com. For information on Wentworth Gallery, go to www.wentworthgallery.com.

CBS Delays 'Jingles,' Names Host

We now know who will host and judge CBS' Mark Burnett-produced competition show "Jingles." What we don't know is when the show will air.

CBS made a pair of somewhat contradictory releases on Wednesday (July 16) afternoon.

On one hand, CBS announced that the original Sunday, July 27 premiere date for "Jingles" has been indefinitely delayed. In its place, the network plans to air rebroadcasts of "Flashpoint," a summer drama that had a solid premiere last week in a tough Friday slot.

That would normally look like bad news for "Jingles" -- the release says it "remains in production and will be rescheduled for broadcast at a later date" -- but CBS made sure to include positive information as well.

Kimberly Caldwell, a finalist on the second season of " American Idol" and a TV Guide presenter, will host the show, which asks contestants to write and perform jingles about a wide variety of products.

Amidst this sea of product placements, the next great jingle composer will be crowned by a judging panel led by rock legend and A&E reality buffoon Gene Simmons. In addition to his co-founding role in the KISS empire, Simmons has been central in branding his famous image, even launching the Simmons Abramson Marketing company.

Joining Simmons in presenting the $100,000 grand prize (and an advertising contract) are a pair of advertising legends, Linda Kaplan Thaler and Julie Roehm.

Kaplan Thaler's credits include the "I don't want to grow up, I'm Toys R Us kid" jingle and founding The Kaplan Thaler Group, the ad agency behind the Aflac Duck, among other campains.

A former senior vice president of marketing and communications for Wal-Mart, Roehm is the founder of the Backslash Meta, LLC agency.

KISS THE CANVAS

KISS is currently on its 35th anniversary tour, which has seen the beloved band stop in Australia, Russia and all over Europe. But Stanley is taking some time off the road — sans Starchild makeup — to visit St. Louis and show off his paintings.

One might expect the art from a member of a band whose initials were thought to stand for “Knights in Satan’s Service” to be a bit on the twisted side. “Like human sacrifices or something? I never have gone on record or told anybody that my life was dark or heavy or ominous,” Stanley said.

Instead, when he visits West County Center’s Wentworth Art Gallery on Aug. 1 and 2, expect to see colorful, textured images of hearts, peace symbols and moons. It’s the softer side of Stanley.

The busy rocker with two successful careers in the arts took some time for a Q&A.

COREY STULCE: Do you remember what art classes were like when you were in school?

PAUL STANLEY: Funny enough, I probably hold one of the distinctions in that school of having failed art, but that says volumes about my problems with authority figures.

CS: Do you use any reference materials?

PS: None. I’m on a trip and I don’t know where I’m going — but I know when I’m there.

CS: Can you describe the environment in which you’re working?

PS: Clutter. Clutter and loud music.

CS: What kind of music?

PS: I pretty much wore out listening to every R&B tune of the last 40 or 50 years. I’m about to move on and try something else. I’ve gone through everything from the Chi-lites to James Brown to the Spinners to the Temps to Shep and the Limelights — all the way back.

CS: What inspires you most when you’re painting?

PS: Nothing. I don’t want to paint with my head; I want to paint with my heart and my instincts. I just go for it.

CS: How often are you surprised at what ends up on the canvas?

PS: Most of the time. It’s either very much a depiction of what’s going on in me in the moment or something that I’m pulling up from some other point. My track record in terms of my own approval is pretty good.

CS: Was it a process to get to the point where you knew a painting was done?

PS: Yeah, it’s very easy to pass the point. That’s part of the trick, knowing when you’re done. You can go past the point. I tend to look at something for a while and go back the next day, and often it’s better to leave well enough alone.

CS: How did the decision come about to go public with it?

PS: I just saw that the response was very positive. It was more a lark; it just evolved to that. I have to say I was kind of taken. Initially when the pieces were in a gallery, people would be drawn to them or want to know who did them without knowing they were mine. No doubt I’d be kidding myself if I didn’t say my success and who I am truly gets my foot in the door. But there’s no rule against slamming the door on my foot. I get an access that other people might not, but ultimately you stand or fall by what you’re doing. Nobody’s gonna buy my painting because they like my songs.

CS: It might get people in the door, but from there it’s on the quality.

PS: Sure. Sooner or later it really does come down to if someone is willing to part with money. That says everything. The amount of people who have been purchasing the art has been phenomenal, way beyond anything I thought. That’s tremendously validating; really gives me a great satisfaction.

CS: Do you get the looky-loos?

PS: Of course. That’s great. I don’t care why somebody comes to a gallery show. Many people have never been to a gallery or seen art because they’re intimidated. … I’m a big believer that everybody should have art and your likes and dislikes are every bit as valid. Particularly for you, they’re more valid than anybody else’s.

CS: What kind of art did you collect before you started painting?

PS: At one point, I was into a lot of art nouveau. I was collecting a lot of lamps and Tiffany things. Paintings, some of my few regrets are things that I let pass by, like a large Picasso I didn’t buy at one point. Or Andy Warhol offering to do my portrait and I said, “Some other time,” and there’s no more Andy Warhol. For the most part, my taste is pretty eclectic.

CS: How would you compare the powers that be in the art world to the music world?

PS: It’s much more of a direct connection to the people. You don’t need to go through some big corporate conglomerate to get your painting seen. You don’t have everybody having a title and putting in their two cents — not that I listen anyway. It’s much more direct. There’s me, the gallery and the person who collects. What’s great is there are quite a few collectors who really have no connection to KISS. They’re buying art.

For more information about Paul Stanley’s appearance, visit wentworthgallery.com or call (314) 821-8884.

GENE SIMMONS On FOX NEWS' 'On the Record', MSNBC's 'Morning Joe'

'I'm Gonna Marry Vinnie Vincent' Play Is A Hit In Sweden

When the play starts, 25 years has passed since the girls last met. Now time has taken its toll and Jessica — whose "first love" was one-time KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent — is bitterly divorced from her rich ex-husband Per who left her for a younger woman.

Jessica devises a plan to steal her ex-husband's money and go to the USA to meet her teen love Vinnie Vincent.

"I'm gonna marry Vinnie Vincent," Jessica cries and stretches her arms towards the sky.

For more information on the play (in Swedish), visit the Norrländska Socialdemokraten web site.

KISS Medley Part Of ROBERT WELLS' 'Rhapsody In Rock' Tour

Simmons to fire up his Indy game face

Maybe Simmons just wants to rock and roll all night and race every day of this event. And he'll probably sign a few books while he's at it.

Henrietta Tiefenthaler, editor of Phoenix Books & Audio, confirmed on Friday that the rocker will indeed be in Edmonton in two weeks time. The actor/musician/author/tireless entrepreneur is going to tie in a book signing while he doubles as the grand marshal of the race.

The Rexall Edmonton Indy runs July 24-26.

Last July, motorspots legend Mario Andretti served as the grand poobah at the Champ Car event. This weekend, at the Firestone Indy 200 in Nashville, Predators goaltender Dan Ellis will fill the role. The netminder proclaimed he was jacked about the chance to not only hang out at the track, but that he'd have the chance to grab the mike and roar: "Drivers, start your engines" -- not unlike Simmons.

Back in 2006, Simmons and marketing partner Richard Abramson signed a deal to promote the Indy Racing League. Out of that deal came the circuit's signature song, I Am Indy, co-authored by Simmons and BAG.

Simmons was in New York on Friday to promote his latest publication, Ladies of the Night: A Historical and Personal Perspective on the Oldest Profession in the World.

GENE SIMMONS On 'The Jim Kerr Rock 'N' Roll Morning Show'

PAUL STANLEY IS TAKING BRUSH TO CANVAS

"I don't bring guitars into my painting studio, and I don't bring paintbrushes on stage," he said in a recent phone interview. "You have to be able to close one door when you open another."

Obviously, the KISS frontman still rocks all night -- three and a half decades after his glam metal band formed. In fact, they've been tearing it up on the European leg of the KISS Alive/35 World Tour.

"(It's) the most successful tour ever. … Our fans now more than ever realize in a world of boring bands, there's only one KISS," said Stanley, who speaks softly, carefully considering his words.

"I've always fought to make sure that KISS was everything it can be and should be. The day it falls short of that or I fall short of that, I'll stay home," he said.

Not that he doesn't stay close to his California residence, where he lives with his second wife, Erin Sutton, whom he wed in 2005, and their son, who'll turn 2 this fall.

"We have no greater responsibility than to guide our children. That's why I'm home most of the time," he said. "My philosophy, particularly with my children, is they don't have a voice to vote. … If they did, their voice would be, 'Dad, stay home.' "

Still, Stanley doesn't plan to cease performing any time soon. His band's longevity in an often-fickle industry has been relatively easy, he said, because, "When we do go out, we commit ourselves to being everything that people expect.

"When you've been a band of this stature for over 35 years, you not only have to live up to the reality of what you did in the past but what people think you did in the past," he added, chuckling softly.

Now, the 56-year-old rocker is living a new reality as an artist who sold more than $2 million in artwork last year.

"What's fascinating … is that I'm developing in front of everybody. My success has come so quickly in that I'm evolving, in a manner of speaking, in the public eye," he said.

Stanley graduated from New York City High School of Music and Art as a teen. He began painting after going through a particularly rough divorce from his first wife, Pamela Bowen, with whom he has a 14-year-old son.

"I turned (to painting) as a means of self-expression," he said. "I think the idea that, as with music, it shows for me if you do something to please yourself, nine out of 10 times it'll please someone else."

Stanley's first painting was a self-portrait.

"I guess I was on the right path when people knew it was me," he said.

His work has evolved from "a kind of stream-of-consciousness using color and texture instead of words" to exploration with "limitless color. I never paint with an idea of knowing what to paint. I want it to, in a sense, come from almost purging. At this point, it's still very much coming from a kind of visceral, emotional place. … There's no rules as far as this is concerned."

Stanley's art retails for $1,500 to $50,000. It's available for purchase from Wentworth Gallery, a fine art chain that sells works from relative unknowns as well as renowned masters, such as Chagall, Dali and Picasso.

"This is a journey that I'm enjoying immensely. A lot of people who are getting a lot out of it -- the people at the galleries, the people who acquire the art -- have a very quick and deep connection to the pieces, which I think is great," he said.

But Stanley's art isn't just for aficionados. He's aiming for people who simply like what they see.

"I think the saddest situation is when people don't get to experience something because they've been told their opinions don't count because they're not educated. What possible validity is there in trying to appreciate food or art that someone else likes if you don't like it?"

Bandmate Gene Simmons liked what he saw in Stanley's rendition of the Statue of Liberty, a painting that now hangs in Simmons' home.

"A great icon. The Statue of Liberty -- not Gene, although he would beg to differ," Stanley said. "This truly is the land of opportunity, and I can attest to what's possible here."

Gene Simmons On The Oldest Profession

"Let's call it what it is. The poetic phrase is 'the oldest profession in the world,'" he told Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith. "So it takes a historical point of view from the brothels of Rome to the geishas of Japan."

The book's lengthy title is "Ladies of the Night: A Historical and Personal Perspective on the Oldest Profession in the World," but Simmons said the "personal perspective" doesn't mean he's been a customer.

"My problem with that is they expect me to pay them. They're supposed to pay me," he said with usual bravado. "Not going to happen. Seriously, it's a book that I wanted the style to match the content. It's gold trimmed. It's a beautiful piece. Put it on your coffee table and let the guests in your house find the delicious subject by which to spend an evening talking about."

Simmons said that he's not attempting to romanticize prostitution, but instead wants to open up dialogue about the subject.

"This is something everybody knows exist. But in this puritanical culture, we have terrific family values and that's great," he said. "Other subject matters are swept under the rug."

He said that he wouldn't object to it being legalized because he feels government regulation could be beneficial.

"I'm not in an advocacy group," he said. "I would not object to it being legalized, because anything the government is not involved in - in terms of trade - is the wild west so you've got drugs, you've got criminals."

In addition to promoting his book, Simmons has been busy with music and television.

He and his Kiss bandmates kicked off their 35th Anniversary Tour in Australia in March.

"And they said it wouldn't last. I got your 'wouldn't last right here,'" Simmons quipped, Brooklyn style. "Melbourne, in front of 80,000 people. Whirlwind tour of Europe."

The band is on a break from the tour while Simmons films season 4 of his reality series "Gene Simmons Family Jewels." New episodes of season 3 are currently airing on A&E.

GENE ON JIM KERR SHOW

A Cleaned-Up Ace Frehley Receives Vindication for His Post-Kiss Career

Today, though, having completed a successful tour, currently working on a new album and being feted by a new generation of guitar slingers, Frehley is getting some sweet vindication. The "Space Ace" talked to Spinner about the wild ways of his past, his own guitar heroes and a recently resurfaced memory of being a roadie for Jimi Hendrix.

Why are people still picking up on the music 30 years after you started?

I don't completely understand it, but I know in a lot of those guitar solos and other stuff I did I put my heart and soul into it. So maybe that somehow comes through the speakers.

How old were you when you started playing guitar?

I was 13, and actually my brother and sister both played folk guitar, they were, like, folkies back in the hippie days and they were doing Peter, Paul and Mary songs and folk songs, they both played the piano and I was going, "Get me out of here!" And a friend of mine bought, like, a $25 Japanese electric guitar with a little amp with, like, a six-inch speaker. And I had been fooling around with my brother's acoustic, but acoustic didn't really do it for me. When I plugged in this electric guitar, put the amp on 10 and then just hit a note, it was like love at first sight. I was hooked, and from age 13 on it's been a love affair with me and the electric guitar ever since.

Who were the guitarists that turned you on?

Keith Richards and the Stones were big. Then, of course, you get the whole English invasion with the Beatles and a little later on Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Cream, the Who, huge influence. I never considered Pete Townshend a brilliant lead guitarist per se, but when it comes to chords I learned how to play rhythm guitar from Townshend. I listened to his chord work because it's just brilliant.

What are some of your favorite guitar moments in your own work?

That solo in 'Strange Ways,' 'Fractured Mirror,' I was just listening to that the other day. We were trying to work it up for the show, we were gonna do that and 'Ozone,' but I think we're gonna hold off on that until the next tour cause I don't wanna do it unless it's perfect. I'm not that good at critiquing my own work, I'd rather let other people do it. What do you think?

One song I just fell in love with recently, even though it's not a guitar song, is 'Hard Luck Woman.'

That's a good song. 'Calling Dr. Love' is a good song. I'm trying to remember the guitar solo 'cause I just can't hear it in my head. 'God of Thunder' I did a really cool solo on that. Gene was good with me in the studio. He used to like give me ideas. He'd go, "Ace, do the dinosaur bend here and then do something fast and then do this melodic thing." He'd help pull them out of me, 'cause back in those days I wasn't always present, even though I was there [laughs].

Do you have any stories from when you weren't there and present?

I was lucky enough, I don't know if that is the right word, but I was lucky enough to get drunk with Alice [Cooper] before he got sober [laughs]. It was hysterical 'cause I got invited to this birthday party and Alice was sitting at this table. I was on one side of him and Paul Stanley was on the other side. Paul wasn't drinking at the time, and, of course, I was a complete drunk and so was Alice, so we got along famously, and Paul was completely on a different level than me and Alice. But I think Alice got sober real soon after that.

You got to interact with a lot of people like Alice. Were there any moments that stood out to you as a music fan?

It's funny, I recently recalled a memory where I actually roadied for Jimi Hendrix's last New York appearance when I was, like, 18 or 19 at the Randall's Island concert. I had forgotten about it for years and I'm trying to find footage from that concert because I was on the side of the stage in lemon yellow hot pants and a black T-shirt with a snakeskin scar on it and I had hair down to my waist [laughs]. I ended up sneaking backstage because I looked like a rock star. I'm walking backstage and I was observing, it was like a festival and I was watching the guys in the band coming in and out and in those days they didn't have laminates or anything so I was just looking at the way the rock stars walked in and out to watch the other groups. I just looked at the guy like I was somebody and he just assumed I was in some band. And then I'm backstage mingling, I'm hanging out with Steppenwolf, Jethro Tull, Grand Funk Railroad, and finally somebody said, "Who is that guy?" What band is he in?" Somebody came up to me and said, "Who are you?" I said, "I'm nobody [laughs]." In those days they were different. They said, "Well, can you do anything?" I said, "Yeah." He said, "Can you set up drums? Can you tune guitar?" I said, "Yeah, I can do anything." Next thing I know I'm setting up Mitch Mitchell's drums for Hendrix. It was so surreal.

There's the thing of being the music fan turned into the artist, but you never lose that fandom.

No, you never do. It's just that I know how much I enjoy my privacy, so I never like to impose on other stars. I never go after people cause I know how much I don't like to be bothered when I don't like to be bothered. And a lot of the guys, Hendrix is gone...I never bumped into Clapton, at least not that I remember. I never met Beck. It's just one of those things where our paths never crossed.

Who the producer on the record you're working on now?

Me. It's a good cross-section of Ace Frehley heavy rock. It's more like the first CD I did with 'New York Groove' than maybe some of the more recent albums I put out 'cause I'm singing lead on all the songs and I wrote all the songs. So it's more of an Ace record.

How excited are you to have this record coming out and be on tour?

It's really an exciting time for me because for so many years people I worked with in the past maybe kind of bad-mouthed me and said I was screwed up on drugs and alcohol and couldn't function or this, that and the other thing; I was undependable. And that's just not the case today. So it's a good feeling to be able to come out and take care of business on the road and be clean and sober, show up on time and do interviews and have a great time, which kind of dispels all the negativity that's been laid down before me.

Do you feel vindicated by the album and tour?

I hope so, I hope that happens because for a long time I was missing in action [laughs]. And it's just nice to be back, it's nice to be cognizant of what's going on around me and reclaim my rock 'n' roll throne.

It's interesting you put it that way because I was at the Dimebag Darrell tribute show at House of Blues in L.A. and you could see from the interaction with the younger guitarists the respect they have for you. Are there any guitarists you've gotten that response from or seen your influence in them?

Yeah, John 5 is a good friend of mine. Obviously, Dimebag Darrell was a good friend of mine. I spent a weekend with him and his girlfriend at his place in Atlanta a couple of years before that incident happened. I never really thought about how many people I influenced, but I know it's been a lot. I probably would've practiced more if I knew that today back then [laughs]. But other than that it's something I don't ponder; today I focus on the now and the future. Life's good. I'm just happy to be alive. A couple of times I almost checked out.

Do you talk to the guys in Kiss anymore?

Yeah, Gene called me in November of last year and invited me to do his television show. I was just too busy. I speak to Paul every so often, three or four times a year. And I spoke to Peter in October. So we all keep in touch.

But at this point is the solo stuff what you want to be doing?

I like doing my own stuff simply because I'm in control of my destiny for the most part. Whenever I work with Kiss, Paul and Gene, especially Gene, are such control freaks they push my buttons because they make these stupid decisions without checking with me and it always makes me crazy. They got all that crazy merchandising; next thing I know we're selling caskets.

What was the craziest thing you ever saw your face on?

I don't know -- toilet paper, maybe [laughs]. You're killing me.

Any last words?

I just want to thank all the fans who've supported me over the years. I got the best fans in the world, and you won't be disappointed with the new record, trust me. I need to be vindicated [laughs].

BRUCE KULICK To Attend Baltimore KISS Expo

For additional hotel and ticket information, visit the Baltimore KISS Expo web site.

Gene Simmons and the Whores He Admires

Before you go after him with a cartoon buzzsaw, you should know the man's not exaggerating. He's on fire—and not just because he's usually breathing it onstage. All at once, he's started the fourth season of A&E's hit reality show Gene Simmons Family Jewels; Kiss keeps selling out tours after what he calls "35 years of confounding the critics"; and now he's authored the must-grab book Ladies of the Night, "a personal and historical overview" of the fine art of whoring. Is he a client? "I never have delved, as they say," Simmons swore. But he's apparently researched the subject even more than Eliot Spitzer has. "It's often called the oldest profession in the world," Simmons related, "and it is. At the dawn of man, in what was then known as Eastern Europe in the middle of the Ice Age, one of the first Cro-Magnon females turned to her male counterpart in the cave and said something like, 'Ugh. Why don't you get your hairy ass out there and bring me delicious mastodon meat, and I'll trade you some of mine for some of yours?' "

An exact quote, I'm sure. "The 15-year-old pimply-faced boy next-door," he went on, "wants the sunshine-faced girl next-door, and he'll pay. He always paid and he always will pay. It's not prostitutes as such, but let's be honest—if you take anybody out, you're paying for it. Whether you call it going to dinner or prostitution or even matrimony, you're paying. With marriage, there's traditionally been payment on the way in—a dowry—and on the way out—alimony!" No wonder we gays are fighting for the right to marry: It'll legitimize our whoring!

Anyway, Simmons interviewed tons of 'hos for the book and told me: "They said, 'I love my family and kids, and I'm well-educated. But since I enjoy sex, I thought: Why shouldn't I get paid for it?' And it's on their terms. They decide who they're having sex with and how much they'll charge." And whether to do a skanky music video when their politico client is caught by the big guys.

Can a self-empowering dame make it with Simmons (who's long been married to onetime Miss November, Shannon Tweed) or does he treat them like caca doody? "Any girl can go to the media," he argued, "but you've never heard anything like that." But didn't some of his famous '70s conquests claim he was, uh, arrogant? "Everybody says I'm arrogant."

'Best - Kissology' Track Listing Revealed

01. Deuce
02. Detroit Rock City
03. I Was Made For Lovin' You
04. Love Gun
05. Rock 'n Roll All Nite
06. I Love It Loud
07. Black Diamond
08. Lick It Up
09. Christine Sixteen
10. Do You Love Me
11. Heaven's On Fire
12. Calling Dr. Love
13. Shout It Out Loud
14. Forever
15. Hotter Than Hell

"Kiss Best - Kissology" is scheduled for a release in Japan on August 27, 2008 via DefSTAR Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music Japan. The limited-edition version of the CD — which will feature the re-recorded versions of the band's classics completed with the group's current lineup (including guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer) — will also contain a bonus DVD featuring footage of KISS' April 2, 1977 concert at Budokan (taken from "Kissology Vol. 1") plus a bonus sticker. The DVDs are region-2 encoded (Japan, Europe, and Middle East), and carry no subtitles.

To pre-order this collection, visit CDJapan.co.jp.

Audio Interview, Performance From GRASPOP METAL MEETING Available

POISON Frontman Teams Up With TIME LIFE To Create Look At 'Hard & Heavy'

"Hard & Heavy" will be promoted on television with a half-hour program hosted by Bret Michaels, lead singer for iconic hard rock band POISON and star of VH1's "Rock of Love" hit reality show. The collection also includes an exclusive DVD of Michaels performing acoustic versions of two of POISON's biggest hits plus two of Bret Michaels' original songs.

"Hard & Heavy" features a virtual "who’s who" of hard rock artists:

BAD COMPANY
PAT BENATAR
BLUE ÖYSTER CULT
BOSTON
CHEAP TRICK
CINDERELLA
ALICE COOPER
DAMN YANKEES
DEEP PURPLE
EUROPE
EXTREME
FOREIGNER
SAMMY HAGAR
HEART
HONEYMOON SUITE
BILLY IDOL
KISS
LOVERBOY
MEAT LOAF
MEGADETH
NELSON
NIGHT RANGER
POISON
JUDAS PRIEST
QUIET RIOT
RUSH
STYX
SKID ROW
.38 SPECIAL
GEORGE THOROGOOD
TWISTED SISTER
WHITESNAKE

…and many more.

The collection features 152 hard-rocking hits on nine CDs plus a 2-CD set of power ballads by artists including POISON, WHITESNAKE, CHEAP TRICK, HEART, KISS, WARRANT, KANSAS, SCORPIONS, ALICE COOPER and many more. Fans who buy the CD collection online or via telephone will receive two bonus DVDs: "Hard & Heavy: Confidential" an exclusive four-song acoustic performance by Bret Michaels and "History of Rock 'n Roll", three hours of performance clips and interviews with classic rock legends. Plus, the collection comes in a special metal collector's box, a mini "heavy metal road case" that captures the feel and power of the music.

Michaels recorded four songs on acoustic guitar especially for the "Hard and Heavy: Confidential" DVD, "Every Rose Has Its Thorn", "Something To Believe In", "Driven" and "All I Ever Needed". The DVD is exclusively available as part of the collection.

Michaels joined forces with Time Life to create an essential look at the hard-rocking hits of the '70s and '80s including many high-profile and must-have artists and songs that rarely appear in multi-artist collections. Filmed in the warehouse district of downtown Los Angeles with two hot rockin' co-hosts, the program features over 80 performance clips of music and artists from the '70s and '80s. Michaels talks about how this music affected him growing up, introduces some of his favorite songs and artists, and even talks about writing the classic rock ballad, "Every Rose Has Its Thorn".

"This is the music that I love, live and breathe every day," says Michaels, "'Hard & Heavy' is, hands down, the hardest-rockin' collection I've ever heard. Time Life has put together something that I've always dreamed of. Killer guitar riffs, emotional power ballads and high octane metal."

Time Life's executive producers, Vinny Vero and Mitch Peyser, the creative forces behind the collection, set out to license pivotal hard rock songs to create a complete collection. Said Vero, "Bret wanted to make sure what we were saying in the show was something he felt and believed. He was very involved in the scripting of the show and wanted to feel good about what he was saying." "It's definitely the hardest-rockin' collection we've ever created," said Peyser.

The 30-minute presentation will begin airing nationwide the first week of July.

"Hard & Heavy" is available online

GENE SIMMONS To Launch 'Ladies Of The Night' Book With In-Store Appearance

Simmons will celebrate the release of "Ladies of the Night" with a July 8 appearance at Borders Books (1360 Westwood Blvd.) in Westwood, California beginning at 7:00 p.m.

CHRIS CAFFERY To Appear On VINNIE VINCENT Tribute Album

Guitarist/keyboardist Paul LaPlaca (ZANDELLE, Z02, CHRIS CAFFERY) has been tapped to contribute a dark interpretation of the foreboding KISS track "Unholy". Chris Caffery (SAVATAGE, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA) will perform the guitar solo, with drums provided by Dennis Leeflang (SUN CAGED, EPICA, BUMBLEFOOT). Penned by Vinnie Vincent and Gene Simmons, the song is one of three Vincent co-writes to appear on KISS' "Revenge" album from 1992, nearly a decade after his departure from the band. Also confirmed for the tribute is a new recording of the VINNIE VINCENT INVASION anthem "Boyz Are Gonna Rock" by Mike Weeks, guitarist on the most recent solo album by original INVASION vocalist Robert Fleischman. Joining Weeks on the track are former NITRO bassist T.J. Racer and drummer Andre LaBelle, who appeared alongside Fleischman on the unreleased third Vinnie Vincent album "Guitars from Hell".

ACE FREHLEY With PEARL JAM In NYC; Quality Video Footage Available

IndyCar Top 20 countdown

Rockstar (Nickelback)
Kryptonite (3 Doors Down)
Rock and Roll All Night (KISS)
Behind Blue Eyes (Limp Bizkit)
Photograph (Nickelback)
With or Without You (U2)
Here Without You (3 Doors Down)
Beautiful Day (U2)
Livin' on a Prayer (Bon Jovi)
Mr. Jones (Counting Crows)
Let Me Go (3 Doors Down)
Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For (U2)
Blurry (Puddle of Mudd)
Bawitdaba (Kid Rock)
If Everyone Cared (Nickelback)
Savin Me (Nickelback)
Yellow (Coldplay)
Livin on the Edge (Aerosmith)
Alive (POD)
Sunday Bloody Sunday (U2)

ACE FREHLEY Performs With PEARL JAM In NYC; Video Available

KISS VISITS WITH TROOPS

"We stopped at the Spangdahlem Air Base today on our way to the Luxembourg show to sign autographs and show our support for the men and women there. We landed at the base in our jet and then went onto the show."

Just a few minutes later, KOL received this great letter from Master Sergeant Jamie Cabral.

Hello KISS ARMY!

YES, KISS was here signing autographs at Spangdahlem Air Base Germany at the Brickhouse. There was a good turn out and they had to cut the line off so the group could start getting ready to depart. The four of them were on the stage in front of their posters and big TV’s were on either side of the stage playing their videos. Awesome, would have loved to have them hang around longer but they had to be on the jet by 1645. It was time to head to Luxembourg for their show tonight. I watched their jet taxi to the end of the runway and then set up for departure. It then rolled down the runway at 1700 as the National Anthem played across the base. A fitting departure. I followed the jet as long as I could until it disappeared into the clouds. I really wanted to get my 1979 Ticket Stub autographed, that would have been way too cool but I had to report to work this afternoon, maybe next time.

Thanks guys for showing up it meant a lot to all of us!

Master Sergeant Jamie Cabral
23 FS, F-16 Crew Chief Section Chief
Spangdahlem Air Base Germany

Kiss, Ramones Members Guest With Pearl Jam In NYC

Frehley turned up to play lead guitar on Kiss' "Black Diamond," which was mostly sung by drummer Matt Cameron, with guitarist Mike McCready, an admitted Frehley obsessive, handling the first verse.

As he'd done the night before, Ramone thundered through his former band's "I Believe in Miracles" with Pearl Jam. Frontman Eddie Vedder also saluted his guitar tech, Ricky Ramone, who had long worked for the late Johnny Ramone before joining Pearl Jam.

Frehley and Ramone weren't the only guests during the show. A local vocal trio, secured after a couple of phone calls from Pearl Jam personnel, was enlisted to sing on "All Night," "Who You Are" and "W.M.A.," all of which were either new to Pearl Jam's live set on this short tour or had been absent from the rotation for a decade or more.

During the MSG run, the crowd often reached deafening volume, taking over for Vedder on tracks like "Better Man," "Present Tense" and "Release," which opened last night's show.

The sets went heavy on material from the band's first three albums, with hits like "Alive," "Even Flow," "Daughter," "Corduroy" and "Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town" balanced by deep cuts such as "Leash," "Rats," "Whipping" and "Garden."

A healthy celebrity quotient was also on hand during the run, including the Olsen Twins, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon.

Pearl Jam proceeds to Hartford, Conn., on Friday and will play a private show back in New York next Tuesday to benefit the Robin Hood Foundation.

Gene Simmons' Kiss of Death

Oh, and the fans, too.

"The record industry is dead. It's six feet underground and unfortunately the fans have done this. They've decided to download and file share," said Simmons, according to an AOL Australia report.

"There is no record industry around so we're going to wait until everybody settles down and becomes civilised. As soon as the record industry pops its head up we'll record new material."

Are you happy now, ungrateful fans of music?

Anyway, the death of the music industry has at least gotta be good for the Kiss Kasket, the $4,700 coffin the band used to sell on its website. It could be used as a beer cooler until the lucky fan died and was placed inside. (Remember to remove the brewskis first!)

See, Kiss would never do anything to harm the music industry.

(Note: That is, unless you count the band's execrable 1978 TV movie Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park, in which case they obviously would.)

Gene Simmons Says

But at 58, the Israeli-born Kiss frontman (who spent his early childhood in Haifa as Chaim Witz, the son of a Holocaust-surviving Hungarian mother) becomes as shy as a blushing schoolgirl when the subject is his money.

“I’m not here to dispel anybody’s rumors either up or down about assets I have. Those are sort of private issues,” Simmons demurred in an exclusive interview with Portfolio.com over the phone from Bilbao, Spain, where Kiss was in the midst of an eight-month world tour.

SIMMONS SAYS

On Downloads:

"You're making a living off your music, why would you give it away for free?"

On Touring:

"If you're Kiss, you can take out 75 percent of gross."

On Prostitution:

"They should be paying me."

On Carbon Emissions:

"You're better off getting rid of cows."

Luckily, he had plenty to say about his philosophy of business, life, politics, and art.

Lloyd Grove: How are you?

Gene Simmons: I’m deliriously happy.

L.G.: Excellent. So let's get started. You've been pretty vocal about internet downloading of music, and you've had some critical remarks to make.

G.S.: That's like saying, "You're pretty vocal about a nuclear holocaust."

L.G.: [Laughs] But, Gene, it's happening, there's nothing we can do about it—

G.S.: Oh, you can't? No, you're wrong.

L.G.: Tell me why you're not like some horse-and-buggy guy complaining about the automobile?

G.S.: Oh, no, no, no, I think it's very clearly a matter of worldwide theft. And that what's needed—consortium is not just a big word like gymnasium. [It would include] rights holders, writers, publishers, record companies, or at least the entities that now hold the assets of those companies, which have since gone belly-up and have enormous debts—my sense is a trillion dollars of lost income. Hundreds of thousands of people thrown out of work by music fans who decided, one way or the other, by hook or by crook, to stop paying for content. There's no difference between that and movies or anything else that you own. So you're Norma Kamali and you design an outfit, and your name is your brand and your ownership—and your name is your signature. Nobody else should be free to sign your name and your signature to a check and cash it, not without your permission, and certainly not without you getting paid. What's missing is repercussions for bad behavior. Jail time, taking peoples' homes, cars. I mean legitimate hardcore penalties for theft.

L.G.: Well, if you have millions upon millions of people around the world doing this, particularly—

G.S.: That means that there are possibly trillions of dollars which can be collected.

L.G.: Sure, but what is the enforcement mechanism? Who has the resources to go chase down teenagers in their houses and haul them out in handcuffs?

G.S.: In order to fight a big army, you need a big army. So that means all the writers and the publishers and the people on one side who have been stolen from need to get together and go after the people who have stolen from them. But that also involves carriers—YouTube, everywhere else where content is put out that doesn't pay for it—and it doesn't just involve individuals. They get the stuff delivered through entities that are making a good living. It's a parasitic life form. But by the way, I'm not so much complaining as an individual, because I'm rich and famous—I'm filthy rich-and that's good.

L.G.: Sure.

G.S.: And that's what America is all about-to aspire, to work and then get paid for your work and blah blah blah.

L.G.: Let's agree that artists certainly deserve the fruits of their labors.

G.S.: Let's.

L.G.: And the ancillary people, the producers, technicians, etcetera. But are you suggesting that you put together some private sort of civil-litigation force, or what?

G.S.: Oh, in all areas. I think you tug on the shirtsleeves of the legal system and, at the same time, start class-action suits.

L.G.: I see. So a Team America: World Police for the music and record business.

G.S: Well, there is one for drugs—there didn't used to be.

L.G.: How successful has the one for drugs been, Gene?

G.S.: That question sounds like you're giving up—which is to say, it hasn't been very successful. But what's the alternative? Nothing?

L.G.: Well, the alternative, I suppose, which has been put forward by groups such as Radiohead, is to try and figure out a new business model. [Last year the British rock band released its seventh album, In Rainbows, on the internet, telling downloading fans to pay what they wished.]

G.S.: That's a fallacy. That was a one-time event for them. They're not going to go back to that model because you can't make a living. If you're nobody, you don't have any sort of downside—"Yeah, take my music for free." But if you're somebody, which is to say you're making a living off your music, why would you give it away for free? I mean there's got to be a demarcation between what charity is and a capitalist venture.

L.G.: This is the problem, of course, that's faced by many businesses that have been affected by the internet. I come from the newspaper business, and newspapers are on an inevitable downslide in circulation and advertising because their content is available for free online.

G.S.: I think you're missing my point. Whether newspapers and paper goods become a thing of the past or not, underlying rights is what needs to be protected. If you create something, and you own it, the question is, should other people be able to have access, make copies, and bypass you and not pay you? That's really the issue. It's a legal, moral, and ethical question. I mean, the farmer goes into the henhouse and complains that there are no chickens and no eggs left. Well, moron, you let the foxes in whenever they want, so what do you expect? Of course there aren't any. So this doesn't affect me. Kiss is on a world tour, our 35th anniversary, we're selling out stadiums, and we're about to play to 50,000 people in Bilbao, Spain.

L.G.: Is that where you are now?

G.S.: Yeah, literally.

L.G.: I looked at the pictures on your website. Awesome. Those crowds are amazing.

G.S. And we're thrilled and blessed and all that stuff. But how sad that there's not going to be another Beatles or Kiss or U2 or whoever. There's not going to be a new band like that, because there isn't going to be an infrastructure to support it. And so the next generation is happening right now. There are some really good bands out there that are never going to see the light of day. You always hurt the one you love. Well, the people who love the music the most are the ones that are killing it. Again, I'm not complaining for me. I get paid every time I get up on stage—and [from] 3,000 licensed goods, everything from Kiss condoms to Kiss caskets.

L.G.: Right, it's easier to sort of supervise and enforce your licensed products than it is your music. But can you make sure that your music is protected as well?

G.S.: Well, we simply don't put out new music. We put out DVDs, our Kissology DVD trilogy, volume 1, volume 2, volume 3, is approaching 20 times platinum, 20 times—that's from the R.I.A.A. [Recording Industry Association of America]—each disc! [Street noise] The music you hear in the background is people marching through the streets. I'm out on the terrace.

L.G.: I hope it's not a revolution or a coup!

G.S.: Well, it's happened before in Spain, it's pretty volatile here. So again, this doesn't affect us, but the new bands, forget it. It's a crime. And the reason the film industry began to battle piracy is they saw the death of the record industry. They actually arrest people. They actually see people with video cameras filming the movie, and they arrest them in the movie theaters, and they take them to court.

L.G.: Of course, we could talk about this endlessly. Obviously there are certain countries like China that don't respect even rudimentary copyright laws.

G.S.: So far. But they're coming around, because of capitalism and trade and sanctions and blah blah blah, they're coming around. Because China is going to see that as soon as it enters the underlying rights world, which is to say, the next Chinese person who creates the next Pokémon, Chinese version, is going to want to reap the rewards. So if you're a Chinese filmmaker, or songwriter—you know, right now, China doesn't have any pop culture that anybody gives a shit about. I can't name you a Chinese comedian, or actors or superheroes or anything. But when that first Chinese superhero or cartoon or song or painting becomes a worldwide phenomenon, you bet your ass, they're going to be more vocal about it than Western culture, and they're going to want to get paid. Same thing with India. I can't name you an Indian comic book, cartoon character, comedian, actor, and don't really care.

L.G.: Well, Bollywood, of course.

G.S.: Means nothing outside of India. And over there they collect 50 cents or whatever per ticket. Once they see billions of people willing to go to their movies, what do you think they're going to do? How about if there's an Indian rock band who all of a sudden starts making records that everybody wants to buy? Stranger things have happened. There have been German bands that have sold platinum. So that first Indian band, do you think they're going to let the rest of us have it for free?

L.G.: So we should be propping up the popular culture of India and China and sort of accelerating this process?

G.S.: We should be doing nothing. Capitalism is a wonderful, self-generating sort of entity. Let the cards fall where they may.

L.G.: I just wanted to ask you—you're in the middle of this humongous world tour which you started in March and you're going to the end of August—what's that been like, traversing the globe on this very demanding tour?

G.S.: It's not demanding at all. Anybody who complains just wants sympathy. It's the life of Reilly. You live on Mount Olympus. I don't even have to wipe my ass if I don't want to. People carry your luggage, you travel on your private jet—there's nothing to complain about. And the big guys don't. You never hear Mick Jagger open his mouth. Bono will say nothing. It's lonely at the top? No, it's not. You can have as much flesh as you can digest. It's not lonely—we get paid very well, hideously well—everybody wants to be us, and we have access to any girls we want.

L.G.: How old are you, Gene? 58, 59?

G.S.: Yeah. By the way, only white people talk like that. You never hear a black person say to B.B. King, "Aren't you 80? Isn't it time to stop?" White people are fucked!

L.G.: So you think I'm white, do you?

G.S: Well, the biggest stars in the world are over 60-McCartney and the Stones, those are the bands you want to go see. There isn't a 20-year-old band that can sell out a stadium.

L.G: Now are you really partaking of the full-dress rock star's life at age 58 or 59? Or are you just telling me you're doing that for marketing purposes, since you're a genius marketer?

G.S.: Nobody's a genius. We're all trying to figure out how to make the next buck. Think what you will. I mean, when you lead your life, you live your life. And whether somebody thinks it's a good story or not, who cares? You ask me a question and I answer it, and then you make of it what you will.

L.G.: So tell me a little bit about what you've learned about business. You sort of learned the hard way, did you not?

G.S.: Business has never been easy, and the delusion that musicians and writers and artists and people like that, who aspire to this thing called show, actually never really paid much attention. In the spirit of full disclosure before the fact, and truth in advertising, it is actually called the music business and show business. It's not called music or show—it really isn't. And it isn't called film, it's called the film business. You know? And art, it really is the art business. They call it the art "world," they don't want to use the word business, and words like inspiration and all that stuff is nonsense. The classic musicians and artists of the past, during the Renaissance period, these were commercial artists. These were commercial writers. Chamber music was based on the premise that the lord of the manor walked up to the guy, and said, "I want a three-minute piano concerto, put it in my chamber, there's going to be just a few guests and royalty"—that's why it's called chamber music, by the way. And that's why Mozart sometimes had three-minute piano concertos. You know why? Because that's what he was paid to do. [What] they were all paid for, and that includes the Sistine Chapel. The pope shows up and says, "I don't like that." They're commercial artists.

L.G.: Absolutely, I take your point. But what I wanted to get from you was, in the early part of your career up until perhaps the '90s, you were in a situation where the series of people who were managing Kiss and managing your business affairs and investing your money were doing a wretched job. Was there a point back in the '90s when perhaps you had only $6 million in assets or something like that, and you learned a lot about business the hard way? I wonder if you could talk a little bit about that.

G.S.: Well, sure. But it's fair to say that whatever numbers people think are the real numbers aren't anywhere near that—but I'm not here to dispel anybody's rumors either up or down about assets I have. Those are sort of private issues. I'm responding to the $6 million thing, which is a very funny number. That's okay. My mother eats more for lunch than that amount of money. But the point is that I will always be at the top of my list in terms of priorities. People who work for you, and with you, don't always have you at the top of their lists. Now, if and when they do, and if they have the goods to deliver, then it works. And, like any job, you have to understand that everybody—managers, agents, everybody else—works for you, not the other way around. And if at any point, they don't do what you think they should be doing—you fire them. Nothing personal. It's not called "friends," it's called business. And so people have been let go a number of times, and will continue to be, I'm sure, in the future.

L.G.: Right, but did you have a wake-up call at some point and say "Look, I, Gene Simmons, have got to get my arms around all this and control it myself and not leave it to people who don't have my best interest at heart"? Was there a point when you realized that?

G.S.: That's a really good point, and it's a good caution for anybody about anything. The more you know about the structure, the infrastructure of the process, the dynamics, who's in it, why, the agendas, and so on, the more you'll be able to make cognitive and astute decisions about your life. And every decision you make either increases your assets or decreases them-whether or not you're in mutual funds or whether or not you'd go down a dark alley or go down a well-lit alley. All those decisions have repercussions up or down. You're right. The more you know, the more astute your decisions might be.

L.G.: I was just wondering if there was a certain time when you said "Aha! I have to do this!"

G.S.: Well, it's a learning curve. In real life, nothing happens like switching on a light bulb. Those are sort of poetic notions. In the real business world and the real world—politics, religion, and so on—it's a learning curve. You learn a little bit and you learn some more, learn some more, and you've got to keep in the race. And once you stop, technology and the business model overtakes you and leaves you behind. So I used to be a sixth-grade teacher, and I used to teach kids math and English and literature. It was in Spanish Harlem. I think it was P.S. 75. The year was 1972, I think. So I used to teach math to kids—and my daughter, Sophie, comes up to me and shows me math problems, and, I have to tell you, I don't have a clue what she's talking about.

L.G.: Same here.

G.S.: Yeah. And what that means is, we didn't pay attention to the evolution of mathematics, so it bypassed us. And it's no different in math, it's no different in business, it's no different in anything. You know, if you blinked and you opened your eyes all of the sudden, the world became a digital and virtual world. I mean, it happened right away.

L.G: Talking about learning curves, when you see that the people who are most successful in the financial world, the heads of huge investment banks like Bear Stearns and Merrill Lynch, when you see that they've managed to lose tens and tens of billions of dollars, what do you make of that?

G.S.: Arrogance. Arrogance. Warren Buffett doesn't lose. And that's not because he's Buffett, but because he has a philosophy. He's very conservative. And when you get full of yourself, arrogance kicks in. It's like Tyson, when he was hungry and lean and mean, nobody could stop him. And then he decided to get into the ring in Japan and not train because he thought, "Hey, I'm Mike Tyson." So he got knocked out. It's arrogance.

L.G.: By the way, do you have investments with Berkshire Hathaway?

G.S.: Perhaps.

L.G.: I'm not asking you numbers, Gene. I just wonder if you think it's a good operation, and whether you've put your money there.

G.S.: Well, it's difficult to be quoted. I watch financial guys all the time, especially on the Fox entity, because it just becomes so spirited, and debate goes back and forth. And I also watch CNBC and CNN. I like everybody's point of view, and I've been on those broadcasting entities. I want to make the point about the financial geniuses of the stock market, the ones who have been successful, and there was a study on this. Over the course of the year, they picked 10 places to stick money in and they kept moving it around. And a monkey was given a dart and kept throwing 10 darts at a dartboard, and the monkey beat the best guys in the business. In the short term, that's possible. In the long term, the conservative point of view is what wins.

L.G.: Between a monkey and Warren Buffet, you'd pick Warren Buffet?

G.S.: I would, because, over the long haul, he's been successful. I think his average is 20 percent or more per year through the years. And if you take a look at what he invests in, it's biotech and communications and medicine and so on. It's AT&T, and every once in a while he'll go Disney. But it's not going to be a startup operation, it's going to be an entity that's been around a long time with a lot of assets. So this guy is a good guy to look at. So why does he do over 20 percent average per year, and the street does about half that? You know, people get greedy, arrogance kicks in. "I'm the genius." You get your face on the cover of BusinessWeek, and then it becomes about the celebrity. People start asking you questions, the way you're asking me, "So what do I do with my money?" And you become full of yourself, and then you think your opinion is the only thing that matters. It's not. I'm very conservative. If I have the cash to buy it, I'll buy it. Perhaps not all for cash, but you have to take a look at the downside. If the ship sinks, do you have another boat so you can move on? You can't just get on and go, "Hey, it's not going to sink." Well, maybe it will.

L.G.: Are you and your business partner, Richard Abramson (who together own a branding and marketing company, Simmons Abramson Marketing), still advising ITU Ventures, this venture capital firm in Century City?

G.S.: We talk. We talk the way we talk here, and the talking is what makes people make decisions. You're the President of the United States, you want to go to war, you don't want to go to war, you sit down, and you talk. You talk with people who have their snoots to the ground. In general, it's pop culture, but everything costs money. Venture capital is a good word for life. Because everything costs money. We think there are different rooms in this building—pop culture is over here, and oil is over there, and communications and biotech are over there—but it's really all the same. Everything costs money, and everything needs people to give you money for either that service or for the product. You have to figure out how to get your stuff into their hands and get their money into your hands, and therein lies the big hurdle. How do you do that for the least amount of money, for the most amount of money, and how do I get them to understand they can't live life without my stuff? And I use that word in a Marshall McLuhan-esque sense. My stuff is important and they need it, and I have to convince them they need it, so part of that is branding and marketing and positioning and advertising. Or, if you can bypass that, then your business model works better, because it doesn't cost as much to get your message out there. Viral is best, because it's the most seductive. That's what we sort of do.

I can't tell you why I know the things that I know, but I'm also clear I know what I don't know. And if you're clear about the issues you don't know, then you're getting a pretty good read. So it doesn't matter whether you're a venture capitalist or whether or not you're in pop culture. Because, as you know, we're the branding marketing company of the IndyCar Series, and that includes the Indy 500. I'm the one that came up with "I am Indy"—and the song. But in order to position a message, you have to understand something about what the thing is and where it wants to go. Those are sort of vague language notions, but I know what they mean. And that doesn't mean I know squat about how an Indy car works. I can't tell you a gear from a schmeckle—I have no clue. And it's completely unnecessary, actually, in the world that we live in. That's why you hire engineers. You have to keep your eye on the big picture, otherwise you'll never get there. And so I understand certain things based on a little bit of this, a little bit of that. It's sort of like [Sony chief executive] Howard Stringer. If you sit down and talk with Howard, he'll tell you, "Look, I'm not trained. I don't know a lot about business and stuff like that, but I have a point of view."

L.G.: Now he tells us!

G.S.: Oh, no, he was always very clear, and you want to get a guy like that who isn't concerned with the minutiae. You know, the captain of the ship is not going to be able to fix the ship's engine if it breaks, and can't tell you how it works, but he knows where he's going.

L.G.: Let me ask you about your whole Kiss operation and the licensing. You have 1,000 products that are licensed, as you say, everything from condoms to caskets. Are you licensing new products all the time?

G.S.: All the time. And it's 3,000 products!

L.G.: So not only are you now up to 4,500 sexual encounters-

G.S.: That number is not true.

L.G.: What is the correct number, Gene?

G.S.: 4,800.

L.G.: Do you, like, mark these down? How do you keep track of all that?

G.S.: Well, you have to take photos.

L.G.: [Laughs] So you're licensing new products every day. Was there any point at which you had given over the rights to your music and you had to get it back?

G.S.: Some of the publishing was sold off, because there was a big piece of cash in front of us, and we wanted to use the cash to work on something. But it came back—it all comes back.

L.G.: How hard was that to get it back? What was that process like?

G.S.: Money. If you have money, things are easy. Everybody talks about publishing as being the cash cow. The truth is, if you're lucky and blessed and at the right place at the right time, a lot of variables, live performances are it. It just is.

L.G.: And you control the iconic Kiss costuming and makeup?

G.S.: Right, all of it. It's privately held, there's no debt, never has been. We don't borrow money, and when we go out and do tours, you'll get your live fees, the millions that comes from that every time you get up. But you can also-I mean, as an example—if you are doing $4 per head at a live event on T-shirts, let's say for argument's sake, 50,000 people. And out of those 50,000 people, you average $4 per head per live, they buy a T-shirt. But not everyone has a T-shirt, so it kind of averages out to $4 a pop. That's the gross. We get $4 per head, so that's two hundred grand. But we just played Paris yesterday, day before, and it was $23 a head. As you can see, that's just for T-shirts. They have hall fees and something like 20 to 25 percent hall fees, sort of paying quote "rent" to the entity—and there are price of goods fees. But we make a living.

L.G.: How does that break down? What percentage of the take goes to expenses and hall fees and other things?

G.S.: It's as different as the people who work in it. Even with hall fees, you can negotiate them. As an example, if you're a live entity and you control the concert hall, you're going to be harder on bands that come in and only play once. But if you're the Stones or Kiss or U2, you're going to want to be nice to them, because they can play anywhere and fill up anywhere. So the hall wants the business, because they don't just make money off the band—renting the facility and getting their licensing and merchandising. They make money off of parking and popcorn and peanuts and whatever else they're selling there. And that's where the real money is for the hall.

L.G.: The band doesn't get a piece of those concessions?

G.S.: Popcorn and soda? No. You don't want to get involved in food and beverage, because one person chokes on a popcorn, and you get sued. No, no, no food and beverage for us.

L.G.: Can you give me a ballpark? I'm just curious, I just know nothing about this business that you've been in for four decades—how does it shake out?

G.S.: If you're Kiss, you can take out 75 percent of gross.

L.G.: Wow. How many people do you think in this latest tour...?

G.S.: I think you're mixing different business models. One is licensing, merchandising. The other one is actually putting on a show.

L.G: Okay, were you talking about the licensing business?

G.S.: Yes.

L.G.: Okay, 75 for that. What about the show itself?

G.S.: Well, it costs us around 300 grand a week to pay for expenses. And, again, if a band goes out there with 10, 15 trucks, it's going to cost them that much. Or you can fly everything. As soon as you put everything on jets, it goes 5 to 10 times as much. You keep on the ground and keep the distances between the cities to 500 miles or so, then you do well. But do an average of four to five shows a week, often five, and we can take out as much as a million or more a show.

L.G.: And how large is your road crew? How many people?

G.S.: Well, it's covered in the 300. In the smaller arenas—say 15,000 to 20,000—we can have a crew of about 30. But as you get up to the stadiums, you have to have mercenaries come in. We don't pay for people manning the porta-potties. But you're going to want to have extra sound, extra lights, so you staff up to maybe 50. Now, again, the sad part of all this, in the music world, is that they took their eye off the ball, or someone opened Pandora's box and they can't figure out how to put it back in. It's over, and there's going to have to be a new business model for new bands. McCartney's always going to do well. He'll be able to play any stadium and play Beatles songs, and I'll pay to go see it. And the Stones. But the next Kiss? Is not going to have a chance.

L.G.: Right, right. Tell me, the A&E show, which is quite charming—

G.S.: Gene Simmons Family Jewels. We start shooting the fourth season in July or August.

L.G.: Now do you own the show?

G.S.: Um, I own most of the show—there are partners. It's seen around the world. I don't know, 60 to 70 countries, something like that. I have the German version, and I can speak German well enough, but the voices they used! [Speaks German] I was telling you the other languages that I speak, but the—

L.G.: Hebrew, German, English, what was the fourth?

G.S.: Very little Hungarian. Sorry, no, full Hungarian—very little Japanese. Hungarian curses are the funniest docile-sounding exclamations. You want to hear some? You know, in English, we say holy shit, what the fuck. Ready for Hungarian? [Curses in Hungarian] That's when you slam your thumb with a hammer or something. Here's the direct translation—"Oh, that's Christ's horse!" [Another Hungarian curse] "That's the pain of the dog!" But you can say you're beautiful in any language—you have to learn that first.

L.G.: Absolutely. So, Family Jewels—let me ask—

G.S.: Gene Simmons Family Jewels.

L.G.: Yeah, yeah, I got it. Can you tell me what kind of revenues you're throwing off annually from your company? I'm not asking profits, just sheer cash flow.

G.S.: Well, it's millions and millions, but I don't want to talk about that because A&E is my partner. We also have a cartoon show on Nickelodeon called My Dad the Rock Star, a comic-book company called Simmons Comics—it's all there on GeneSimmons.com

L.G.: I'm just asking, just all together, if you added it all up, how much cash flow is the Gene Simmons, Kiss business, with the music and the licensing and the ancillary shows—how big a business is that? That's what I'm just trying to get—the order of magnitude.

G.S.: I make a living.

L.G: [Laughs] So, you don't want to tell our readers-

G.S.: No, every day I wake up and new opportunities come up and there's just not enough time—the lecture circuit speaking-engagement thing is all over me—I've done a few.

L.G.: As kind of a business guru?

G.S.: Well, I'm not fond of the business gurus, I'm fond of think tanks. I'm fond of talking and listening. I'm not fond of speeches, because the guy is only going to hear his own voice talking. Business and religion and politics and pop culture are a moving target, and because it's a moving target, the only way you're going to learn is you have to engage people in conversation. If it's stationary, then you can talk all you want, because the rules don't change. But people change, tastes change, and just everything changes, so you have to engage people in conversation, and sometimes it'll take an illiterate to walk up to you and say, "How do you know that?" And that's a good question. Even though he's unqualified to ask anything, he's never done anything, what comes out of his mouth may be actually pretty profound.

L.G.: I want to help you plug your book that's coming out, Ladies of The Night, which is about the oldest business in the world. It seems to be just your sort of appreciation of prostitution, right?

G.S.: Well, it's really not. I neither condemn it nor condone it, you know what I mean? It simply is. I have a fascination with it, and you can take a few different points of view about it. One, that it's despicable and so on and you can take a puritanical point of view.

L.G: Not yours, I would think.

G.S.: Or you could take the point of view that it's women empowering themselves.

L.G.: That would be your point of view?

G.S.: It is. And that what goes on behind closed doors between consenting adults is nobody's fucking business is my point of view, and that what everybody else has to say about it is besides the point.

L.G.: Let me ask you, have you been a satisfied customer?

G.S.: Actually I haven't, but that's only because I'm against the business model. I think they should be paying me. Here's how I position it, and I hope you're recording this. This is a pearl of wisdom. Page one, at the dawn of existence, four million years ago, that first human female grunted to a male counterpart, "I'll stay in this nice warm cave, you go out and risk your hairy behind to bring back that delicious mastodon meat. I'll trade you some of mine for yours." After that momentous event, nothing would ever be the same. Before language, before culture, before currency, before even religious questions, before anything. The very first time that male either didn't kill, hunt, or in essence use his physical powers to overcome something, and not share it with somebody, was sex.

L.G.: So this is the spark that ignited the economic engine?

G.S.: All of it, that's precisely the point. Sex ignited, well, obviously the biological imperative, the urge to merge, but also, sex is the very first spark that ignited civilization, civility, nonviolent sort of social harmony. It is sex itself, or from the female, that created the social structure. Otherwise, every guy would be trying to kill every other guy. So there's less food and so on, and you don't want to share it with anybody in the pecking order. Testosterone would rule. It is sex itself that was the spark that ignited all of it.

L.G.: Let me end with this: Obviously we're in the middle of a very heated presidential campaign. Who do you think would be better for the economy, Obama or McCain?

G.S.: Well, I'm neither a Democrat nor a Republican—I mean, both are full of hot air. On the far right, you've got wacky religious anarchists, and then on the far left you've got communists and socialists, and so neither works very well, which is why sometimes Democrats and sometimes Republicans get voted into public office. People tend to vote for ideals more than political parties, and I think that's healthy. I am a social liberal in terms of female rights. I think anybody who wants to get married should be allowed the hell that that brings—so married gay men, good luck, why the hell would you want to get married in the first place? Good luck. You want some of that torture? Go for it. I think the gay community is looking for something else—some kind of validation, and I'm all for it by the way, but marriage is hardly the place. I'd want to just get paid just as much. The hell with anything else, just give me the money. But fiscally, I'm very conservative. I'm against charity—I'm totally for jobs. I can always give you money, but you'll go through it, then you're done. I'd rather give you education and skills so you can go and make your own money. So I'm against welfare. I'm for giving people jobs so they can make their own money so they don't have to say thank you to anybody, including me. When you give charity—it's often awkward to people. But, of course, I'm like you, I want the world to stop living in hunger and blah blah blah. I don't want socialism, I think the idea of a universal health care, and you have a right to be taken care of-actually, you don't. And I don't think it's government's responsibility to pay for your medical bills. That's why businesses are moving offshore, because as an employer, if I hire you, it's not just that I have to pay rent, insurance, the price of goods, your salaries, deal with the unions when they go on strike and torture me. But I also have to make sure that if you're pregnant, you have maternity leave, and pay you for it, and if you have a broken tooth, I have to make sure that's taken care of, and when you retire, I've got to worry that you're paying your taxes and stuff like that. So no wonder it's difficult to make money in this country. By the way, the employer is the last one that gets paid. First one is the person who works for you, then you've got to buy the price of goods, you've got to pay rent, and if there's a profit left, the owner of the company gets paid. And I'm for making it easier. I'm pro-Corporate America. I think that corporations are what makes America possible. I like Wal-Mart.

L.G.: Do you like Exxon Mobil having record profits on rising oil prices?

G.S.: I do. You want to know why?

L.G.: Yes.

G.S.: I would encourage the American oil companies to make as much money as possible so that we put the money in our oil companies instead of the Middle East.

L.G.: Are you for offshore drilling and A.N.W.R. drilling?

G.S.: You know, the druthers. Of course, there are environmental issues, but neither you nor I are qualified to say what's environmentally sound. For all the global-warming issues everybody talks about, we'd be better off killing cows because the methane released from cow farts literally is causing the biggest hole in the ozone.

L.G.: Really? Are those more damaging to the ozone than your G5 or whatever it is you're getting around in?

G.S.: Yeah, yeah, that's a popcorn fart.

L.G.: Can I just say for the record that my carbon footprint is one zillionth of yours, and I feel like a better citizen for it?

G.S.: Probably, but it's not the carbon emissions that's the problem, it's methane. They're telling you the wrong things. That doesn't mean that we shouldn't limit the emissions and the garbage we dump from stuff like that, but it's political. I think you should be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor, but you're better off getting rid of cows, which is not going to happen, because the emissions of the methane causes holes in the ozone which increases the ultraviolet rays, etcetera. But that's a tough one for people to swallow, although it's absolutely true, and you're welcome to do the research.

L.G.: Asking about McCain and Obama . I know you've been kind of a hawk on Iraq, I don't know where you're on it now.

G.S.: I'm a hawk. It's very funny how people use those terms. I think...

L.G.: It's a branding-marketing term.

G.S.: No it's not, I think it's a political positioning for people who don't agree. And the people who want peace more than you or I are the soldiers in the front line... I want the opinions of the people who actually risk their lives voluntarily. I want to know what they think, not what somebody who's having a margarita in the afternoon is thinking.

L.G.: Fair enough. But between Obama and McCain—

G.S.: I'm about to answer. Socially, perhaps environmentally, I like Obama. In terms of foreign policy, I prefer McCain. In terms of the economy, I believe Obama is going to have a damaging effect on our economy.

L.G.: So are you undecided at this point?

G.S.: I think most people are. That's why it's fifty-fifty. That's why even Hillary supporters are thinking of voting for McCain. But that's good. I think this is a terrific time for politics. My gut tells me that Obama's got history on his side, sort of like the black John F. Kennedy, the underdog, and Kennedy was the first Catholic to be president. We're not voting for issues, we're voting for personality. People know nothing about politics or positioning, they vote based on sound bites. Because nobody reads, nobody digests. And once a president is in office—I mean, for eight years, nobody knew the name of the Vice President of the United States. They just don't because they're busy trying to work and survive and have families and stuff like that. Do I think Al Qaeda cares if it's Obama or McCain? Actually, they do. Muslim extremists don't number in the hundreds of thousands, they number in the millions. That's worldwide. I believe we're fools and delusional, and [we] think here's a fantasy, we pack up, go home, and everything is fine. Nobody's going to try to figure out how to get a dirty bomb, strap it on their chest, and walk down your street to take out your city.

L.G.: So it's a scary world.

G.S.: Yeah, and then your choices are what are you going to do about it? Come home, watch TV? Or are you going to go out there, whether everyone agrees with you or not. Remember, America created the League of Nations—tried to get countries to talk-but it failed miserably—two World Wars followed. America tried again with the United Nations-it continues to fail daily at a miserable rate, while Muslims were being killed by Serbs in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the U.N. did shit. Nothing. It took American planes to go over and drop a few bombs for everybody to come to their senses. The just horrific events that are going on across the African continent, including Mugabe and Sudan and just everywhere, Darfur. What do you think U.N. is doing about it? Nothing. Fucking pathetic. America is not the police of the world. Actually, it is. It actually is. If America ceased to exist, who would you count on? France?

Milan Photos Available

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PAUL STANLEY: Pennsylvania Art Shows Announced

The details are as follows:
Friday, July 25, 2008: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 26, 2008: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Wentworth Gallery - The Court at King of Prussia
690 West Dekalb Pike
King of Prussia, PA

For details on the VIP Reception with Paul on Saturday, July 26 4-5 p.m. or to RSVP, call 610-337-8988 or 800-732-6140.

Former MEGADETH Guitarist MARTY FRIEDMAN Featured In Three-Way 'KISS Debate'

SCUZZ TV KISS CLIP

Caught Live: KISS AT BERCY ARENA PARIS

No, not the latest Madonna photoshoot. We're talking rock gods Kiss, who've strapped on their stackheels to return to Europe for the first time in almost 10 years.

Having given up all pretence of ever retiring, the New York quartet are celebrating 35 years of crazy, crazy nights by recreating their Seventies Alive show, right down to the original costumes. Heck, when you're hauling a rig that big around the world, you gotta do your bit for recycling.

Okay, there may be a couple of new faces in the band this time, but who cares when there's plenty of greasepaint to keep the illusion going?

Besides, Kiss has always been about Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, and on a warm night in Paris the main men were back in all their be-wigged splendour.

Stanley, demonstrating exactly why he needed his hip replacing recently, spent the entire two hours wiggling his backside like somebody had slipped itching powder in his strides.

Simmons stalked around in thigh-high monster boots, breathing fire, spitting blood like a man who's overdone the flossing and, of course, unfurling That Tongue at every lady in range.

All their trademark over-the-top trimmings were here - levitating drumkits, exploding guitars and more fireworks than the Rooney wedding.

But pyro alone doesn't make a 35-year career, and while the explosions created plenty of smoke, the real fire came from the music. From the opening wallop of Deuce to the ribcage-rattling Parasite, the band were as tight as Stanley's kecks. And when the band launched into I Was Made For Lovin You, the entire arena partied like it was 1979.

So, do I still wanna rock 'n' roll all nite and party every day? You better believe it.

Kiss release the KISSology DVD boxset throughout Europe at the end of the summer.

The 25 Best Heavy Metal Bands

First, there was the dubious distinction between "hard rock" and "heavy metal," then, of course, "punk" vs. "metal," then we had "crossover" bands who polluted the waters still. Now, with grindcore, screamo and other sub-varieties that make you wonder where are the "Log Cabin Metallists," it's to the point where you could argue that Cher and Ween should qualify somehow.

Well, I didn't have quite as cynical a take. But I did notice that I was favoring the old vs. the new. Maybe because everything is fresher the first time around. And while every single bio I receive on a new metal band tells me how UNLIKE ALL THE OTHER BANDS this one is, somehow, it isn't true. I'm not accusing anyone of lying, I just think that most bands and their supporters have what could be called "Parental Vision." That's where the only person who really believes you're beautiful is your mom or dad. These people want to believe their band doesn't sound like all the others and to highly trained ears--senior metallists, that is--the distinctions are obvious and concrete. To normal folks who are just looking to turn the radio up when they hear something they like, well, let's just say it's become pretty obvious why most metal has become part of a hardcore subgenre and not the mainstream phenomenon it once was.

Now for 25 performing outfits who have made Heavy Metal what it is.

25) Meshuggah: Swedish metal bands prefer to make things difficult for themselves. First off, they're in Sweden, not exactly a prime lift-off point for World Domination, unless you're IKEA. Top that with the fact that these guys refuse to play in standard time signatures, standard key signatures or do anything that could be considered standard. They sometimes don't even make the standard "evil" faces. They try. But it always looks like they're about to laugh. The music really is like shoving your head into an industrial fan. Impressive.

24) Mercyful Fate: A Danish metal band fronted by a guy in slightly wrong Gene Simmons make-up, a screech that sends chills up your spine and a goofy fun-lovin' name like King Diamond. Yet, for all that, the guitar playing, the relentless rhythms and the obsession with Satanic gobblygook make them sureshots in my book. Slightly more entertaining than Venom, who were number 26 and therefore left off this list.

23) Alice In Chains: Some people might choose Soundgarden and I might too, on a different day. But Alice In Chains were heavier and weirder, bluesier and more decadent. They pre-dated grunge and uncomfortably jammed themselves onto the Seattle tugboat as it sailed into the Pearl Jam nation. To anyone who says "Hey, they're not metal," I remind you that heavy metal began with a very strong blues influence and Alice In Chains were far bluesier than many bands who have since come to define metal.

22) Uriah Heep: The roots of Spinal Tap? Albums such as Very ‘Eavy...Very ‘umble, Look at Yourself, The Magician's Birthday and High And Mighty sure seem to have conceptually influenced a strain of "mock metal," yet Uriah Heep with the amazing singing of David Byron, one of the originators of the heavy metal vibrato-laden moan, and the brooding organ of Ken Hensley jammed together as many styles as they could sneak past customs. Sometimes it was peanut butter and jelly, sometimes Rum & Coke and sometimes bananas and bar-b-que sauce. At least they tried.

21) Pantera: Phil Anselmo is one scary dude. And I wouldn't want to meet any of these guys in a dark alley. But on a stage, gainfully employed, Pantera were in their element. While their hard and heavy ways made them heroes to their devoted following, one misguided member of that devoted following took things to the point of indescribable horror when he shot and killed guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell (among others) while Darrell was playing in his post-Pantera group Damageplan. Being in a band has its job hazards; this should NOT be one of them.

20) Thin Lizzy: You'll see that I'm partial to bands who can write songs. Play as many notes as you like. Scream your lungs out. Tell me the world isn't fair. Hail Satan, if you must. Tell me more about how you're going to "rock me." Or tell me all about the people in a faraway galaxy who will one day communicate through the electric guitar. But I'll still take someone who can write: "Jailbreak," "Cold Sweat," "Whiskey In The Jar" and "The Boys Are Back In Town."

19) Kyuss: Who to blame for Stoner Rock? Why not these California desert dudes? These days people know about Queens of the Stone Age, who excel at shifting their line-up on a monthly basis, but once upon a time in the early 90s, Josh Homme and his then buddies stayed together on a fairly consistent basis (well, bass players come and go... and the drummer got switched up in the end, but for these guys that is consistency) and cranked out albums and looked to be going somewhere. Then, of course, before they could really be considered successful, they broke up. Which is what stoners do.

18) Guns N' Roses: With sides of punk and glam, Guns N' Roses coasted into the heavy metal mainstream with catchy tunes and a harder edge than their nerf-metal counterparts. There seem to be two kinds of heavy metal groups: ones that can't stay together and ones that never quit. Funny how everyone but Axl seems to be able to play nice with each other. They say money changes everything, but apparently not everything.

17) Kiss: They may never get the respect they crave. But they've got the sales they always wanted. If any band can be said to be a retail industry, it's Kiss. While so many bemoan the fate of the music business since music is so often distributed free these days, Kiss were already making merchandise a key monetary hub in their organization while others were busy building up their reputations with critics. Now grab your Kiss lunchbox and set it down on your Ace Frehley dinette set with those Peter Criss utensils to nicely cut up that Gene Simmons Bologna and Paul Stanley Liverwurst. I don't even own this paragraph. Gene Simmons does.

16) Dio: Ronnie James Dio is what we call a lifer. A Heavy Metal Zelig, always somewhere in the mix, whether it's with Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Elf or his own self-titled Dio. One of the originators of that vibrato-heavy metallic moan, Dio not only qualifies for a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to furthering the cause of Metal throughout the world but for Medicare in this country. And they credit him with that funny hand gesture!

15) Robin Trower: Ah, who? You know the guy from Procol Harum? Ok, that doesn't help. Well, ask a heavy metal guitarist sometime who's among their favorite players and nearly every time you'll hear people bring up the name Robin Trower, whose solo albums from the early ‘70s are pretty damn staggering in their sludgy-blues heaviness. This is back when the music didn't mind bringing you down. Which just goes to show what a good Quaalude can do. Start with Bridge Of Sighs.

14) Rush: Rush took a severe beating at the hands of critics for being a tad humorless about their high concepts. But they never whimpered and headed home. Nope. They had too many kids waiting for them in the stadiums who liked their high seriousness and looked forward to living in a future they would never actually live to see. 2112 is still a long ways away...They did it with guitars and they did it with synthesizers and they did it with a drummer who owned way too many drums. But to be fair, he uses all those drums. They're not just for show, like with some people.

13) Spinal Tap: Everyone says they weren't real. Yet I will put them on every Heavy Metal list possible, since their material--you know, the songs--are every bit as good as the "real" thing. And even if they never really did record an album called Intravenus DeMilo, they should've. And if the budget had been there, they just might've. And who's to say Shark Sandwich isn't just the victim of a clever two word put-down review? Maybe someone should go back and re-evaluate this band's imaginary oeuvre.

12) Deep Purple: While Sabbath and Zeppelin have gone on to be immortalized, Deep Purple have fallen dangerously behind. Ritchie Blackmore deserves better than to be lumped in with the "Where Were They Then?" pile. "Smoke On The Water" may be obvious, but "Space Truckin'" and the rest of Machine Head should be textbook cases for all aspiring young hard rockers. And they were purple when only hippies were ruining the color and not dinosaurs and Prince.

11) Slayer: Slayer redefined "heavy" back in the 1980s by speeding things up to the point of hardcore punk but with intricate riffs and shout-outs to Satan that made them obvious followers of the Metal church. With such a volatile sound and temperament, who would've thought they'd still be hanging together this many years later?

10) Iron Maiden: Just caught a live concert of theirs from 1985 on--where else?--a sports network. Great, since the music networks can't be bothered. And boy did these guys look kind of funny with all that billowing smoke and weird prancing around--and those spandex tights. In some respects, almost as good as Spinal Tap, and in some ways better since they were serious. "Rime Of The Ancient Mariner" is ponderous, but the hoof-beating gallop of "The Trooper" and just about anything from The Number Of The Beast makes up for their inherent corniness.

9) Motorhead: By never swerving from their ideals, Motorhead managed to win the hearts and souls of metal loyalists everywhere while simultaneously gathering punks and critics (same thing?) for their cause. Playing louder than others proved to be a key strategic move. Writing "Ace Of Spades" proved to be the other.

8) Aerosmith: There are those who will swear they aren't heavy metal. Yeah, I know. They were once considered a Rolling Stones ripoff because Steven Tyler had big lips like Jagger and Joe Perry was the sullen shadow playing the role of Keith Richards. But this bluesy, R&B-based hard rock band wrote stuff like "Toys In The Attic," "Back In The Saddle" and "Draw The Line" before crashing, burning and reforming in the ‘80s to further a more commercialized rock sound that sure sounded like a lot of heavy metal at the time.

7) Judas Priest: Their songs were always pretty catchy for a metal band, but I always preferred singer Rob Halford's between song banter. Very brief and always spoken in the same punctuated strain that he uses for the climax of their best tunes. In other words, he never lets up the intensity or drops the mask. He is the dominator on that stage and with two guys--K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton--on guitars who virtually defined the overused trope "twin-guitar attack"--how much more definitive do you need?

6) Metallica: Whether their new album this Fall brings them back up a few pegs remains to be seen, but before they started a virtual war with their fans over $$ (weird, coming from a band who'd already raked in more than most bands would see in a lifetime) and put out St. Anger, the album that made people think that maybe Load was worse than they originally rationalized, Metallica were once the lords of a new generation. Master Of Puppets remains one of the sacred treaties and the self-titled Black Album is that one metal album that non-metal people own and pull out to prove they "like" heavy metal.

5) Jimi Hendrix Experience: Hendrix was far more than some heavy metal guitarist. Putting his music in any box is useless because it always sneaks out. But from the opening notes of "Purple Haze," it's obvious that Jimi was interested in being louder than the other boys. While it's an obvious shame that he didn't live through the ensuing decades, it's a blessing that he came of age at a time when musicians relied on band chemistry and not Pro-Tools to make their magic. Because as good as Hendrix was, he also knew how to pick the right supporting cast.

4) Van Halen: Some metallists say these guys aren't metal because they like girls and to party and they cover the Kinks, Roy Orbison and Motown. But have you heard Eddie's tone? He re-taught the guitar for an entire decade and while they lose points for employing Sammy Hagar (whose band Montrose, you'll note, is absent from this list), they did once bring us that ultimate, premium, all natural ham of hams, the great David Lee Roth.

3) AC/DC: Chords on top of chords, hooks on top of hooks and two singers--Bon Scott and Brian Johnson--who combined for a serious number of knockout punches. AC/DC knew how to flirt with radio without losing the crunch. And how Angus manages to bang his head and hop around the stage to this day remains one of metal's unsolved mysteries.

2) Led Zeppelin: Zep never stayed in one place too long and while Jimmy Page had an arsenal of riffs for aspiring young guitarists to emulate, the band coasted off into acoustic Hobbit tributes and art-rock when they got bored. But their complete demolition of the blues was damn impressive, whether it was Bonzo's beating the drums into submission or Bob Plant screeching for another inch of his love.

1) Black Sabbath: The lords of darkness who were always trying to find the sunshine but couldn't find the energy to lift the blinds. By keeping it simple and focusing on the most elemental elements, Black Sabbath mastered the art of the powerchord and the downward spiral. Killing themselves to live, never saying die and fighting the war pigs! What a legacy!

BRUCE KULICK On Split With KISS, Memories Of MARK ST. JOHN

Maul Stanley: Even though you officially joined KISS during the "Animalize" tour, you did in fact play some guitar on the album itself. Were you brought in before or after Mark St. John and at the time did you know you were being considered for the band?

Bruce Kulick: No, Mark had already been announced as the guitar player for "Animalize" when I was brought in. I know that he was having some health problems, plus I think Paul didn't like some of the stuff he was playing on one song, maybe a song and a half. That's when they asked me to come in and help out. As everyone knows, Mark then became ill so they asked me to fill in for him on tour. Along the way, they started to think that maybe I was the right man for the job and that's how my time in KISS got its start!

Maul Stanley: Was it weird being on tour with KISS, knowing that the man you replaced was hanging around backstage?

Bruce Kulick: Well, I tried to handle it in a very positive way. Mark was always cool with me and I was always cool with him. I didn't want to make it a competition and I didn't want it to seem like I was his adversary. We actually used to jam backstage. After touring Europe for six weeks in the fall, KISS had returned to tour the U.S. We started in Pennsylvania and I think Mark was on the road with us for about three weeks. He learned the show by watching it every night. When they finally tested him out onstage a couple of times, that's when they realized that it probably wasn't going to work out with him. In the end, I simply had the home court advantage because I'd already been out touring with the band. So at the end of 1984, Gene and Paul asked me to officially join KISS.

Maul Stanley: When was the last time you saw Mark St. John before his untimely demise last year?

Bruce Kulick: It was probably when we did a KISS expo together a few years back. We had a good time hanging out but he seemed a little unsure of himself that day. Somebody would ask him a question and he wouldn't know the answer, so I'd have to answer it for him. It was truly sad to lose him last year and even though Mark wasn't destined to remain in KISS, he left his mark on the band by playing on a great record.

Maul Stanley: What is the status of your long-delayed autobiography "Honorary Discharge"? You've been promising that for about 10 years now. Is it really not finished yet or are you just waiting for Axl Rose to release "Chinese Democracy"?

Bruce Kulick: That would make sense! When Axl finally puts out that record, I'll have no choice but to finish my book! In truth, the book already has about 24 chapters written. However, it's been at least six years since I actually worked on it, mostly because the music itself always takes priority for me. Even though I think I have a fabulous story to tell, somewhere along the way I seemed to lose my passion for writing it all down. Having said that, I know that at some point the time will be right to at last finish it up.

As for the other stuff I have going on, I'm still performing in GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, who will be playing in Atlantic City at The Hilton this summer. I'm also producing some exciting new artists, all of whom can be found on my MySpace page. And of course, I'm also still working on my newest solo album "BK3". In general, I'm still doing everything I love to do, playing guitar and creating music.

Maul Stanley: Will Eraldo Carugati be painting the cover of your new solo album?

Bruce Kulick: I don't think so! Actually, I don't know what I want to do with that yet. Even though a few friends and fans have shown me some designs, I probably won't know what I want until I get closer to releasing the album.

Maul Stanley: Gene Simmons has always maintained that he has never once been drunk or high. If that is true, how did he ever agree to let you sing a lead vocal on "Carnival of Souls"?

Bruce Kulick: Well, I didn't really drug him... although it did take a fair amount of prodding! I think by then, Gene and Paul already knew that the reunion would be happening so they just kind of threw me a bone!

For whatever reason, I just never wanted to let go of that song, "I Walk Alone". First I sang on the demo, so we'd have a point of reference. We tried the song a couple of different ways and even worked on a version with Bob Ezrin. It was nuts! Our producer on "Carnival of Souls" was Toby Wright, who had previously worked with KORN and ALICE IN CHAINS. He was actually the one who thought it would be cool if I sang the song. Even though it might not sound like a typical KISS track, he liked it when everyone in KISS would sing a song on the records. So Toby was the one who really pushed for me to record the vocals. And believe me, I was petrified! Obviously, I've learned to sing a lot better since then but thankfully my voice seemed to work for the track.

I do love that song, by the way. The lyrics are actually very appropriate. Since the reunion happened shortly thereafter, I truly did walk alone! So I suppose it all made sense in the grand scheme of things.

Maul Stanley: Since it was Eric Singer who suggested in 1995 that Peter Criss sit in and jam with the band during the official Kiss Konvention tour, it safe to assume that you blame Eric for getting you both fired from KISS?

Bruce Kulick: Well, I know that Eric's suggestion was innocent enough. If it hadn't been him, it would have been somebody else. In fact, it was MTV who really pushed for the reunion to happen. At the time, they were still on top of the world and exposure on the network still meant a lot.

The official Kiss Konventions were a very unique thing. Imagine going to a KISS expo and having the real KISS there, answering questions and playing live and the whole 9 yards. I don't know if you saw the one at Roseland in New York City, but it was absolutely incredible. It didn't even matter that tickets were $100 each, which at the time seemed exorbitant! The Kiss Konventions were something special and Gene and Paul really wanted MTV to cover them. We had been getting such a great response to performing acoustically that they wanted to do an episode of "Unplugged". MTV liked the idea, but they also wanted to do it as a reunion. So even though you could say it was Eric's fault that things happened the way they did, it was really more of a business decision on the part of the band.

Maul Stanley: How long after the taping of "Kiss: Unplugged" before you realized you should start looking for a job?

Bruce Kulick: Well, at the time we were still moving forward with "Carnival of Souls", so technically that version of the band was still in existence. It wasn't until Eric and I had our meeting with Gene and Paul months later that we were made aware of their reunion plans. They paid us for a year so there really wasn't as much pressure as you'd think. Honestly, I never thought I'd be in KISS for 12 months, let alone 12 years. I knew it wouldn't last forever and I'd always kind of assumed they'd put the makeup back on at some point. In the end, they still took care of Eric and me, so for that I feel very fortunate and grateful. Personally, I was very proud of "Kiss: Unplugged" so at least I went out on a high note!

Photos From ARROW ROCK FESTIVAL Available

Former ADLER'S APPETITE, ALICE COOPER, ALTARIA members Added To VINNIE VINCENT Tribute

Though Vinnie Vincent himself has not released any new material in over a decade, "Kiss My Ankh" will pay tribute to the undeniable musical legacy of the former KISS guitarist. Vinnie's compositions are widely regarded as a highlight of the KISS catalog and remain a staple of the live KISS set list. Included on the tribute will be selections from the three KISS albums to which Vinnie contributed, as well as the two albums he released with the VINNIE VINCENT INVASION. Additional artists and track listings will be announced as they are confirmed.

"Kiss My Ankh: A Tribute To Vinnie Vincent" is scheduled for a summer 2008 release.

RON KEEL To Headline Second Annual MYRTLE BEACH KISS & ROCK FESTIVAL

The second annual Myrtle Beach KISS & Rock Festival will be held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, located just blocks away from the ocean at 2101 N Oak St. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.

This year's event will be held in "Hall A" and is scheduled to run from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Multiple dealer tables will feature KISS collectibles (past and present) as well as rock and roll memorabilia spanning the genre. The editors of "Sweet Pain" (featuring KISS-inspired body art) will also be on hand screening submissions for their new book.

If you have KISS-inspired body art, you're encouraged to visit the publisher's booth and have your tattoo(s) photographed.

For more information, click here.

KISS TO ROCK VEGAS!!

The Palms Casino Resort is pleased to announce legendary rock band KISS will bring their Alive/35 Tour to Las Vegas for one night only at The Pearl Concert Theater on Friday, August 29, 2008 at 8:00 p.m.

KISS is currently celebrating 35 years of rock ‘n roll domination on their record breaking European tour where shows in Helsinki, Finland and Oslo, Norway sold-out less than one hour after tickets went on-sale and fans in Stockholm, Sweden bought all 32,000 tickets in just 20 minutes. KISS have added only a few US summer tour dates, including their stop at The Pearl.

KISS invented stadium rock in the ‘70s with their sci-fi Kabuki costumes and make-up, explosive theatrics and, of course, their trademark platform boots. In their extensive world tours, they’ve attracted the most rabid fans: The KISS Army. Now celebrating thirty-five years of rockin’ the globe, KISS founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, along with longtime band members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer will bring to Las Vegas the time honored KISS spectacular that has made their performances legendary.

Along with the screaming guitars, lights and pyrotechnics that have made KISS “The Greatest Rock ‘n Roll Show On Earth,” the band brings their vast repertoire of classic music. Having sold 85 million records worldwide, KISS have become the soundtrack for a generation. In honor of their 35th anniversary, the band plans to play their Kiss Alive album in its entirety as well as a few surprises and rarely played live KISS classics.

Tickets for KISS are $103.00 and $303.00, plus any additional service fees and go on-sale Saturday, June 21, 2008 at noon. Please visit any Ticketmaster location, call 702-474-4000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com to purchase tickets. The Pearl Box Office is open from noon – 7 p.m. daily. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m. and show time is 8:00 p.m. The Pearl is home to Miller Lite Live, presented by Cricket Wireless; for more information on upcoming concerts, please call 702-942-6888.

PAUL ADDS NEW ART SHOWS

Both appearances are open to the public and free of charge

Friday - July 25, 2008 - -7-9 PM
Saturday - July 26, 2008 -- 5-8 PM

Wentworth Gallery - The Court at King of Prussia
690 West Dekalb Pike - King of Prussia, PA

For details on the VIP Reception with Paul on Saturday - July 26, 2008 4-5 PM or to RSVP call - 610-337-8988 or 800-732-6140

KISS CLOSE OPENING NIGHT OF DOWNLOAD

Kiss concluded the first night (June 13) of the 2008 Download Festival with an eye-popping stage show.

With pyrotechnics, fireworks and Paul Stanley leaving the stage via a zip wire mid-song the finale of the band's set proved phenomenal.

Taking to the stage at 8.45pm (BST), the group appeared from behind a black and silver Kiss banner while a voice announced over the speakers: “Alright Download you want the best, you got the best, the hottest band in the world Kiss.”

Lowered down on platforms to stage level and surrounded by pyrotechnics the four-piece dressed in full costume and make-up launched into the opening track 'Deuce'.

Before launching into ’Strutter’, Paul Stanley told the audience: “Man it seems like tradition every ten years we come to Donnington. We couldn’t have made it this far without you – we salute you Kiss army!”

Playing their classic ’Alive’ album in its entirety, with synchronised dancing, fireworks and frontman Gene Simmons sticking out his tongue in signature style, the band did not disappoint their faithful.

In the early part of the show, they elongated ’She’ with a bluesy solo which saw Tommy Thayer playing his guitar held over his head.

Thayer did not stop there though, and leaving his guitar to feeback in front of an amp while a roadie handed him another one to continue the song.

That guitar's neck then proceeded to let off fireworks before the rest of the band returned to the stage.

Throughout the set the Paul Stanley kept asking the crowd to scream louder and participate.

At one point he said: “I want you to help us, I want you to sing with us.”

When the crowd were not loud enough for Stanley, he goaded them by saying: “We played in Stockholm to half as many people and they were twice as loud!” The crowd then responded with an even louder cheer.

The band then continued with the set which saw Gene Simmons stalking the stage.

Then, during ’Cold Gin’, Paul Stanley teased the crowd again by playing the opening riff of Led Zeppelin’s ’Stairway To Heaven’.

While the crowd squealed in delight while Stanley joked: “Nah. Not tonight…but it’d be great if 50,000 people could sing with us.”

After a few more songs and plenty more pyrotechnics and synchronised dancing, Stanley said: “Things change all over the years, politicians come, politicians go…but no matter how many things are going bad take a little time to rock n roll and have a party.”

The band then launched into ’Rock N Roll All Night’.

Which saw Stanley swirling his guitar round pretending to hit the stage to the sound of fireworks.

He finally relented and on the third firework smashed his guitar much to the crowd’s joy.

The showmanship didn’t end there though.

For the band’s encore, which saw Simmons return to the stage with a bass guitar in the shape of an axe and for one track get lifted up to the stage’s roof by strings while swilling fake blood in his mouth, Stanley travelled through the crowd on a zip wire.

Before launching into the mass of bodies Stanley declared: “I wouldn’t mind coming out all the way to see you.”

He then asked the crowd to chant his name before launching off the main stage down a zip wire all the way to a mini stage in the centre of the crowd to perform ’Love Gun’.

Shaking his hips and holding his guitar over his head Stanley was clearly enjoying himself.

After returning to the stage the foursome, surrounded by more exploding fireworks and pyrotechnics, the band concluded with Detroit Rock City’ before bowing and leaving the stage.

After the band had exited TV screens on either side of stage said: “Kiss thanks you.”

Although the band did not play their iconic hit ’God Gave Rock N Roll To You’ it was blasted over the speakers as roadies cleared up the stage.

Kiss played:
'Deuce'
'Strutter'
'Got To Choose'
'Hotter Than Hell'
'Firehouse'
'Nothing To Loose'
'C’Mon And Love Me'
'Parasite'
'She'
'Watchin' You'
'Rock Bottom'
'100,000 years'
'Cold Gin'
'Let Me Go Rock N Roll'
'Black Diamond'
'Rock N Roll All Nite'
'Shout IT OUT Loud'
'Lick It Up'
'I Love It Loud'
'I Was Made For Loving You'
'Love Gun'
'Detroit Rock City'

PAUL STANLEY On KISS' Longevity: 'We're Like Herpes. Once We Got You, We're Staying With You'

Asked how it feels to be playing Donington again after 10 years, KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley replied, "You know, it's actually like a tradition. This is our third time playing Donington, and no matter what you call it, no matter who takes it over and what they name it, the one thing that remains constant is KISS. So we're back. We're celebrating 35 years. We'll be playing most of 'Kiss Alive!' and a whole lot of other stuff. Trends come, fashion comes, all this stuff happens — we don't go away. We're like the virus that… We're like herpes, I guess. Once we got you, we're staying with you."

On the topic of whether KISS plans to ever record new material, bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons stated, "This is something that's been asked everywhere we go. In all seriousness, it's unfortunate, the record industry is dead, it's six feet underground, and unfortunately, the fans have done this — they've decided to download and file-share, there's no record industry around, and we're gonna wait until everybody settles down and becomes civilized and as soon as the record industry pops its head, we'll record new material." Stanley added, "The truth is we have no plans to record. The reason we don't record is because any classic band that hits the road, the last thing you really wanna hear is their new songs. Everybody says, 'Go out and do a new album,' but if you put on a live DVD of any classic band, turn off the sound and I'll tell you when they're playing a new song — it's when everybody sits down. So everybody says, 'Go do a new album,' but who goes to see the STONES to hear a new song? Who goes to see MCCARTNEY, THE WHO; who goes to see any of the classic bands to hear new songs? If you're playing a new song, that means you can't play a classic song. So, really, what's the point?"

Asked if there is any truth to reports that there is going to a TV show to find new members of KISS, Stanley replied, "That kind of got blown a bit out of proportion. There is a always a chance… Because we're KISS, we define ourselves by all the rules we bring — we're not like other bands. Is there a chance of doing a 'KISS II,' so speak? Sure. But it's not gonna take the place of KISS if we were to do it. We're in the midst of our most successful, biggest tour of Europe ever — this is the most successful tour we've ever done, bar any of the past 35 years. So we have no plans to stop. What we do outside of being a touring band, it's up for grabs. We don't live within the boundaries of other bands. They wish they could be KISS; we don't wish we could be them."

MOTÖRHEAD Guitarist On Playing With KISS At DOWNLOAD: 'We're Not Intimidated At All'

The trio, who are due to appear ahead of their metal heavyweights on the Main Stage this afternoon (June 13), said they don't feel "intimidated" by their peers.

"We're not intimidated at all," said guitarist Phil Campbell. "We're gonna do our best and have a great time. It'll be a lot of fun.

"If it was just a KISS and tour they could have called it 'Kiss My Ass'. No seriously though there's something for everyone at this festival, it's a lot of fun. There are so many bands playing and it's early summer."

The metal veterans also revealed that there will be no new material, and the band will stick to a greatest hits set.

Read more at NME.com.

'Gene Simmons Roast' To Air This Weekend

"Gene Simmons Roast" was taped on November 27, 2007 at the Key Club on Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood, California. The event — which is said to be a benefit for "wounded warriors" — was hosted by comedian Jeffrey Ross and featured "roasts" by the following celebrities and comedians:

Brian Poshen, Carrot Top, Dave Navarro, Craig Gass, Danny Bonaduce, Eddie Griffin, Fred Armisen, Jim Norton, John Heffron, Lisa Lampanelli, Ralphie May, Shannon Tweed, Steve-O

Each "roast" focuses on a particular celebrity as its target. A panel is selected from the celebrity's peers and current, popular comedians to comically point out the foibles of the personal and professional lives of the celebrity in question.

Ross stated before the event: "I'm roasting my childhood hero... Growing up, Gene was my favorite member of my favorite band. But that doesn't mean I'm not gonna take him down hard."

Commented Simmons: "This is real stuff. I had no clue what was going on, who was going to be there, or what they were going to say. Very little of it was edited out (except that stuff A&E just couldn't put on the air). Some of it was very raunchy, and you may get to see that stuff on the web."

KISS To Play Argentina's PEPSI MUSIC Festival?

DOWNLOAD Festival Organizers Attempting To Set Record For 'Most People Made Up As KISS'

"Join us for our world-record attempt for the 'most people made up as KISS' — taking place at Download on Friday! Only you can help make it happen...

"We have joined forces with FACE, the official body of face-painters who are providing at least of 20 professional face-painters in order to achieve our goal! We hope to be able to set a record for over 400 faces painted within three hours.

"Face painting by our accredited painters is FREE; please don't do your own make-up. Remember — in order to break the record, we can only accept faces painted by FACE members. Expert facepaint-makers Mehron are very kindly sponsoring the attempt by providing all the necessary paint...

"The attempt will take place on Friday 13 June with face-painting starting at 13:00 and finishing at 16:00. The face painters stations will be based in and on the edge of 'Kidney Wood' which is the kidney-shaped green area close to the day ticket entrance in the Main Arena.

"The stations will be split into four sections concentrating on each of the faces — The Demon, Star Child, The Cat and The Spaceman.

"Once you've had your face painted, you'll given details of where to congregate to be part of our mass KISS award-winning photograph!"

Both KISS and original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley are scheduled to perform at this year's Download festival, among many other acts.

For more information, visit www.downloadfestival.co.uk.

PAUL STANLEY 'Sets Record Straight'

Rocker believes in goodwill sex

The KISS frontman sees himself as a "Good Samaritan" because he boosts his female fans' confidence by showering them with attention.

He said: "Think of me as a goodwill ambassador. The poor girls spend hours putting on their make-up and their perfume.

"How rude would it be if that got ignored? Otherwise, they'll feel their self-esteem lower. You don't want that happening. I'm a Good Samaritan. It's my good-natured side."

The singer - famed for his outrageous costumes and make-up - also said he is willing to stay in character when he is in the bedroom.

When asked if he keeps his costume on in private, he teased: "It depends what the ladies like."

KISS are set to play at the Download festival in Derby, North England, this month.

Gene claims people are more likely to want sex at outdoor events - and advises fans to stay away from drugs.

He added to NME magazine: "The chances are pretty good that the male of the species will have an urge to merge.

"Don't get high. Save the money. You get high, there's nothing you're going to say that's going to be witty and charming. And your schnackle might not work. Trust me."

ADDITIONAL KISS LIVE CD'S

Concert Live are now creating Limited Edition Live CDs of the following dates:

O2 Arena, Prague 06.06.08
SAP Arena, Mannheim 10.06.08
Arena Oberhausen, Oberhausen 11.06.08

KISS RADIO MARATHON

Rock And Roll all day and all night with 18 hours or KISS music on Thursday June 5th!

Rare tracks, live recordings, interviews and so much more!

To listen live - visit www.wbwc.com .

Manager: We're 'Pretty Close' To Getting Deal Done To Find Four New Members Of KISS

During a familiar rant by Simmons about how KISS could go on forever, Roy Hilmar Svendsen of Norway's NRK asked jokingly if the band would consider looking for replacements for Simmons and Stanley in a TV show, similar to programs like "Rock Star" and "American Idol".

"The answer is yes. The deal has just been signed," Simmons replied. "It's coming soon."

In a separate interview, Stanley was apparently not very happy to hear about his bandmate's statement regarding KISS' future.

"There is no signed deal," Stanley said. "Again, when we are both aked the same question sometimes, you get different answers," Stanley added, "What will happen, we'll see as we go along. But is something going to happen next week? Is something signed? No. But am I opposed to the idea of going out and trying to find new KISS members through the television? Of course not."

In the one-and-a-half-minute clip, which is part of a one-hour-long KISS special which will air on NRK in September, McGhee can be seen stating, "I believe that KISS can go on forever. I believe that there is a way — and we are talking to people and we're pretty close to getting it done — about finding the four new members of KISS."

According to NRK, Stanley said that the members of VELVET REVOLVER were planning a similar stunt to find the replacement for lead singer Scott Weiland, who was fired at the end of the band's European tour earlier this year. However, in the end the band decided not to do it, according to Stanley, because of VELVET REVOLVER guitarist Slash's wish to remain "cool" and credible to his fans.

"I don't have to be that cool," Stanley reportedly told NRK with a smile.

KISS To Give Away CD Of Re-Recorded Classics

In a recent interview with Rockpages.gr, KISS drummer Eric Singer confirmed that KISS had re-recorded some of the band's eariest hits. He stated, "You know that many bands re-record songs so as to have the control over the copyrights. For example, if someone asks for a KISS tune, the band doesn't have to get into a bureaucracy with the record label. It is very convenient."

EXTRA KISS LIVE CD

‘Hot off the press - new show added to the Ltd Edition KISS Alive 2008 tour CD series'

Due to phenomenal demand, a new recording has been added to the exclusive KISS ALIVE 35 tour CD series.

The legendary KISS are taking Europe by storm – KISS fans everywhere are rocking to the classic tunes pumping out and Concert Live want to make the most of this 35 year celebratory tour!

This is why we’ve announced a new recording in the series - ‘KISS Live at Valhall Arena, Oslo’.

The Oslo recording took place over the weekend, 31.05.08, with the remaining CDs available to order NOW!! Make sure you get your hands on this recording as they are all selling out fast!!

You want the best? We’re recording the best…Don’t miss out!!!

HANGING WITH PAUL STANLEY

Stanley, who is in the middle of Kiss's 35th anniversary world tour, is setting aside time for private meetings with anyone who buys one of his acrylic paintings or prints, priced from $1,500 to more than $50,000.

The crowd is a motley crew: a pudgy guy with a Red Sox cap and buzz cut, a blonde who could pass for an aging groupie, an art collector with a turtleneck. The brightly lit gallery is located next to a Sephora skincare shop, which is fitting for the primped and groomed singer known for his black-and-white "Starchild" makeup.

"Does he look good? How's his hair? Oh, god, there he is!" says Lisa Fiorino, a mother of two from Randolph, as she catches a glimpse of the 56-year-old Stanley, who is decked out in a dark vest with red pinstripes, skinny jeans, black boots, and his trademark jet-black mane.

Fiorino wears a guitar-pick necklace, uses a "Calling Dr. Love" cellphone ringtone, and has a tattoo of Stanley's face on her upper back. She's hoping the singer will mingle after he meets the paying customers, who are accorded VIP status with free wine and photo ops. A Kiss soundtrack plays overhead.

"I'm a little flustered and need some wine," Jennifer Jack says after meeting Stanley, who signed her silver Kiss purse. She and her husband, George, who bought 1978's "Double Platinum" when he was 8 years old, purchased a print of Stanley's "Mona Lisa," a riff on da Vinci's famous painting, for their Concord, N.H., home.

Stanley draws closer when George Jack tells him his paintings are reminiscent of LeRoy Neiman, the 80-year-old American artist who got his start as a contributor to Playboy magazine.

"I keep finding that all these people connect with me, not just through music but through art," Stanley says.

The youngest patron is 18-month-old Zakk Robinson, who was named after Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde, according to his father, Michael Robinson of Wrentham. The baby wears a T-shirt featuring the cover of 1976's "Rock and Roll Over" album. On the shirt, made specially for Kiss Army offspring, the title has been altered to "Rock Me and Roll Over."

Robinson, who bought a print of Stanley's tortured, hollow-eyed "Scream," wrote on the entertainment website collider.com: "Next to my wedding day and the birth of my son," Kiss's 1996 reunion tour featuring the original members was a "monumental time in my life."

Stanley, a father of two, pays special attention to the VIPs' kids, giving them high-fives, making googly eyes, and signing miniature electric guitars. He still speaks with a thick New York accent.

"Paul Stanley's a regular guy," said VIP Dean Demagistris of Bedford, N.H. "I like his music, but I didn't think his art would be this good."

Demagistris, who keeps a room filled with rock merchandise, said he's seen Kiss perform 45 times. He paid about $4,000 for two prints, including the abstract "Purple Haze," a tribute to guitarist Jimi Hendrix.

For Stanley, the tour of the Wentworth Gallery chain marks his most recent reincarnation. A graduate of the New York City High School of Music and Art, the setting of television show "Fame," the singer last stepped outside rock music when he starred in a stage production of "Phantom of the Opera" almost a decade ago.

"Art, theater, music - there is no difference," Stanley says. "No one should tell anyone else what's good and what isn't."

After the last of the VIPs head home, Stanley appears from behind a roped-off area to address the non-buyers who are finally given entry to the gallery.

"I want to apologize for not being able to speak to everyone," he says in a raised voice. "I know everyone would want to shake my hand, have me sign something, tell me a story, but there just isn't enough time."

Fiorino, standing in the front row after waiting outside the gallery for two hours, turns around to reveal the Starchild tattoo. Others hold up memorabilia to sign. Stanley throws up his hands.

Just then, the singer notices a boy in a wheelchair off to the side and heads over for a snapshot, breaking his own policy. When he's finished, Stanley smiles and tells the fans, "OK now, don't go out and get a wheelchair and try to come back here."

PAUL STANLEY Is 'Not Opposed' To Idea Of KISS Carrying On With All-New Members

ing a familiar rant by Simmons about how KISS could go on forever, Svendsen asked jokingly if the band would consider looking for replacements for Simmons and Stanley in a TV show, similar to programs like "Rock Star" and "American Idol".

"We have already signed the contract, and it is going to go through in a couple of months," Simmons reportedly replied.

Really?

"Yes, of course!" he confirmed.

In a separate interview, KISS co-founder Paul Stanley was reportedly not very happy to hear about his bandmate's statement regarding KISS' future.

"These things are typical," Stanley said. "Gene says something as if it was a fact, but there is no signed deal. The future has many possibilities. Will it happen next week? No! Am I opposed to the idea? Of course not."

According to NRK, Stanley said that the members of VELVET REVOLVER were planning a similar stunt to find the replacement for lead singer Scott Weiland, who was fired at the end of the band's European tour earlier this year. However, in the end the band decided not to do it, according to Stanley, because of VELVET REVOLVER guitarist Slash's wish to remain "cool" and credible to his fans.

"I don't have to be that cool," Stanley told NRK with a smile.

TRIXTER Guitarist Discusses Upcoming VINNIE VINCENT Tribute Album

Regarding Steve's cover of "A Million To One", which will receive its official release on the upcoming tribute album "Kiss My Ankh: A Tribute To Vinnie Vincent", Brown said, "It's just an amazing concept and that's why I signed on to the project. I mean, who would think to do a Vinnie Vincent tribute album? I just thought that was so funny! But Vinnie was a great guitar player and a great songwriter."

"You can laugh all you want about the fact that there's a Vinnie Vincent tribute album," offered Trunk, "but he was a huge part of the reason why KISS had a career in the '80s. He wrote 'Lick It Up' and all that great stuff. No matter what state the band is in now, Vinnie was a huge contributor to their success."

Trunk further added, "You've got to hear Steve's version of 'A Million To One' because he did such a great job on it. He covered one of my favorite songs from a non-original KISS lineup and he did such a different, cool version of it that I was just blown away. I only play one ballad per show, so I'm going to play it tonight." Ed later ended the program by selecting the song for his closing ballad.

Steve's interpretation of "A Million To One" is an elaborate acoustic rendition of the song, putting a fresh new spin on the 25-year-old classic.

A 30-second sample of the song is available at the SplitScreen Entertainment web site.

ve Brown currently fronts the modern rock act STEREO FALLOUT and is expected to reunite with his TRIXTER bandmates for select live dates in 2008, including the massive Rocklahoma festival in July.

Though Vinnie Vincent himself has not released any new material in over a decade, "Kiss My Ankh" will pay tribute to the undeniable musical legacy of the former KISS guitarist.

nie's compositions are widely regarded as a highlight of the KISS catalog and remain a staple of the live KISS setlist.

luded on the tribute will be selections from the three KISS albums to which Vinnie contributed, as well as the two albums he released with the VINNIE VINCENT INVASION. Additional artists and track listings will be announced as they are confirmed.

"Kiss My Ankh: A Tribute To Vinnie Vincent" is scheduled for a summer 2008 release.

AN EVENING WITH KISS

Best known for their outrageous live performances, wild costumes and theatrical stage antics, KISS has also produced a long list of hits over a career spanning more than 30 years. Their 1975 release Alive! turned the band into super-stars with the world-wide hit, "Rock and Roll All Nite."

Date: Saturday, August 30th, 2008
Venue: Harveys Outdoor Arena
Online Reservations: Tickets on-sale Friday, June 13 at 10 a.m. (PDT)

Tickets go on-sale Friday, June 13, 2008 beginning at 10 a.m. PDT, only through Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com or www.apeconcerts.com.

KISS STAR APPROVED OF WILLIAMS' NAME-DROP

Williams - who sang, "Every morning when I wake up, I look like Kiss, but without the make-up" in his 1999 hit Strong - joins a long list of artists who have mentioned the face-painting rockers in their lyrics, including Lenny Kravitz, Weezer, Jimmy Buffet and Kid Rock.

And singer/guitarist Stanley insists he was impressed with the British pop star's name-drop, despite Williams' fear the metal rockers would hate the lyric.

He says, "I liked it. When I ran into him in Los Angeles, I think he thought I was gonna deck (punch) him. But I liked it.

"But, as big as Robbie Williams is, he's not in one of our songs."

Video Footage From Stockholm In-Store Available

Condoleezza Rice enlists in Kiss Army fan club

Rice was in the Swedish capital Thursday for an international conference on Iraq. Kiss had a sold-out concert to play Friday.

"I was thrilled," Rice said of her late-night encounter with Kiss frontman Gene Simmons and bandmates Paul Stanley, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer in the executive lounge of the Sheraton Hotel where they signed autographs and handed out backstage passes and T-shirts to her staff.

"It was really fun to meet Kiss and Gene Simmons," she told reporters, noting that they seemed well-informed about current events. The band had asked if she could stop by after she finished dinner with the Swedish foreign minister and Rice readily agreed, she said.

Rice, a classically trained pianist, said she has eclectic musical tastes ranging from Beethoven to Bruce Springsteen.

Hard rockers such as Kiss are included in the mix, and Rice said her favorite Kiss tune is "Rock and Roll All Nite."

But, Rice conceded, she has never seen the band in concert.

Condoleezza Rice meets KISS and tells

"I was thrilled," a beaming US secretary of state told reporters Friday after meeting lead singer Gene Simmons and his three band members at the waterfront Sheraton Hotel in the Swedish capital on Thursday night.

"For someone who likes the whole range of music, it was really fun to meet KISS and Gene Simmons," Rice said on the plane taking her from a conference on Iraq in Stockholm to talks with Iceland's leaders in Reykjavik.

The gathering was held in an executive lounge at the hotel after the band, which is on a European concert tour, contacted the US delegation who were in Stockholm for the Iraq Compact Review Conference, US officials said.

Her aides showed reporters digital photographs of Rice smiling and chatting to the long-haired band members who were dressed casually rather than in their flamboyant stage costumes of black leather and painted faces.

They wore slacks, open-necked shirts and jackets. Rice, who had just returned from a dinner with Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, appeared in her usual business attire.

Simmons and the other band members -- Paul Stanley, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer -- autographed for her a glossy concert photograph of them on stage and gave band T-shirts to Rice's aides.

Rice said she had never seen KISS perform but she had been to four rock concerts in her life.

The first was when she was 10 years old and she saw Paul Revere and The Raiders in her native Alabama and the second was when she was 16 years old and went on her first date with an Air Force cadet to see Smokey Robinson.

She later saw Earth Wind and Fire and U2 in concert.

PUCKER UP LAKE TAHOE

Get ready to rock and roll all night Lake Tahoe, KISS is coming to the South Shore.

John Koster, regional president of Harrah's Northern Nevada operations, made the announcement at the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority Board of Directors meeting today.

Koster said with the line-up this year, it definitely could be the best year for the Harveys Outdoor Concert Series.

KISS will be playing August 30 in the Harvey’s Outdoor Arena.

The Artist's Life

A rock star begins his second act.

Picking up a paintbrush wasn’t unprecedented for Paul Stanley. Throughout his career with the rock band KISS, applying face paint was a precursor to an over-the-top performance. But eight years ago, a painful divorce let him to extend his reach. Stanley had kept a sketchbook for years, and a friend who saw his drawings urged him to try his hand at painting as a form of catharsis.

Stanley bought canvases “without a clue of what to do” and began painting. The only ground rules he set for himself were that he “wasn’t going to get bogged down with trying to depict things too realistically at the expense of emotion or immediacy.”

Los Angeles resident Stanley, who describes his early works as a “stream of consciousness using color and texture instead of words,” says an unsigned painting he created and hung in his house repeatedly resonated with visitors. “People would ask me who did it and where it was from,” he says. Their interest was enough to convince him that his paintings might have a broader purpose beyond private catharsis. He was quickly proved right.

Stanley began showing his work in galleries and, contrary to what you might imagine, it wasn’t just the KISS Army snapping up his paintings. Four portraits of the band Stanley created as a tip of the hat to fans have been some of his least popular works. “There are definitely collectors who will never go to a KISS concert,” Stanley says.

His work is rich with bright explosions of color and texture, often touching on themes such as fears. Sometimes he prepares the canvas by texturing it with modeling paste, then layering acrylics of different viscosities over top, using his fingers, brushes, home painting tools or anything else that can apply paint to it. “Someone said I was fearless with color,” Stanley says. “I said, ‘What is there to fear’”

Art allows him to explore, he says. With music, “there are certain restrictions-it’s the nature of the beast-whereas in painting the limit is the edge of the canvas. Whatever goes on within it is up to you. There are no rules.”

The soft-spoken artist insists that, despite his growing commercial success (sales totaled $2 million last year); he is still painting for himself. ‘My art isn’t the only work in progress; I’m changing and developing in front of everyone,” Stanley says. “My growth is happening as my success is blossoming. I’m never scared; it’s only exciting. I always define myself by the challenges I take on and how I rise and fall with them.”

TOMMY'S GUITAR MAGAZINE GERMANY INTERVIEW

Tommy: Going back to Black and Blue in the 80's, for people that don't know, we moved to Los Angeles in early 1983 from Portland, where we started out. Quiet Riot and Motley Crue were starting to do well and we just knew that, since we were writing our own stuff, that LA would be the best place for us to be. Within 6 months, we had a record deal; John Kalodner signed us at Geffen Records and envisioned us as being the American Def Leppard. We put out 4 records for Geffen through the 80's up to 1990 and did moderately well but we never really broke, for whatever reason.

Jeff: And somewhere along the line, you crossed paths with Gene.

Tommy: Exactly. In 1985 we did part of the Asylum tour with KISS, a dream come true at that point as we were always huge KISS fans when we were kids.

Jeff: Who wasn't, back then, right?

Tommy: Ya. I became more associated with Gene to begin with because, after that tour, we asked him to produce our third album “Nasty, Nasty”, which he agreed to do. We kind of developed a relationship and I just got to know him more and more through that and then he did our fourth album, called ”In Heat”. By that time he was asking me if I wanted to write some songs with him for KISS and we wrote a couple of songs that ended up on “Hot in the Shade”.

Jeff: So the writing relationship came before you were asked to be involved in the business end of KISS?

Tommy: Absolutely. First, it was Gene working with Black and Blue and then it was writing with Gene for what ended up being KISS songs. At the same time, they were working on, developing songs for their next album and Gene would have me come in to help out. Then I was playing guitar in the studio with him on all of his demos; he liked the way I played guitar. It just kind of evolved from there and pretty soon, by the early 90's, when Black and Blue ran its course, Paul and Gene asked me to come and work for them part-time. I needed a job and thought “Wow, working for the band KISS?! That's not even a job!!”

Jeff: It is pretty amazing for me to talk to someone who was in the rare group of 80's “metal” musicians who made it out alive, stayed in the music business and was able to transition from the demise of Black and Blue, to being a Kiss co-writer, then to becoming an important part of KISS' business operations for so long and then to, incredibly, being the lead guitarist in KISS.

Tommy: On the one hand I was just in the right place at the right time, but on the other hand, just to give myself a little bit of credit, I'm a very hard-working guy and have a good concept of what people want when they hire someone. I think in anything that you do, and in me getting involved with the guys in Kiss, if people know you will always be on time, be reliable and work hard, then they will give you the respect back. Then they will respect your opinion, and in my case, Paul and Gene both knew that I was knowledgeable about the rock and roll world and had those qualities. But at the same time you're humble and you're not getting too cocky about things. I'm a pretty low-key guy so I usually say less than more in certain situations. They just kind of started to like my vibe and what I did for them and how I did it. So, anyway, Paul (Stanley) called and said they were going to be doing this book called “KISStory”, a coffee-table book and that they were going to put it together and publish it themselves. They had these archives of tons of old photos from the beginning of their career and Paul wanted me to go through them and pick out the best photos to use for the book. From there, it just evolved from part-time work, doing this and that, then evolved to doing whatever needed to be done. By 1995, the KISS Convention idea was new and they hired me to be the key guy, spearheading and literally running the organization; putting together the KISS Museum and even booking hotels. Almost like a tour/road manager. I do have a good business background and my Dad has been a very successful business man for a long time so I am kind of from that environment. This was actually where I was headed in the early to mid 90's; getting involved mostly in the business side of music, producing and management. That's where I was going. I'd even cut my hair short.

Jeff: 1996

Tommy: Ace and Peter, the make-up and the reunion tour comes together. I helped put the reunion tour together and made sure that Ace and Peter were ready to go, musically. I'm sure you've heard the stories that I was asked to come in and work with those guys to make sure they got the original parts down.

Jeff: That, in itself is pretty amazing “job”! So when Ace left, for whatever reason, you were the natural selection to take step in and take over…

Tommy: Yes, but way back in the late 90's, I was doing video editing, putting together and producing and directing KISS DVD's. I did a lot of “ghost” guitar playing on the Psycho Circus album; I did some rehearsing with the band and even sound checking sometimes when Ace wouldn't show up. I was definitely the natural replacement.

Jeff: Did you have to give up a lot of your former KISS-business duties when you became the lead guitarist in 2003 or did you just add that to your extensive list of daily jobs!?

Tommy: I do very little business-related things or KISS now. It is a lot of work and a change of pace but I was busy then and busy now. A different schedule and also a different list of things to do; and some of them you don't want your guitar player doing anyway.

Jeff: Then at this point of the interview, I gather that your advice to serious guitar players who have good songs and are serious about being in a professional band, might be on the business side, rather than the playing side?

Tommy: For sure. Pay attention to the business side. Always work hard. Don't wait around for things to come to you. You need to go out and grasp them yourself and be pro-active. My Dad always said “Just make sure people like you”.

Jeff: Guitar practicing. How often do you pick up a guitar and when you are not on KISS time?

Tommy: To be honest with you, I don't sit around and play as much as I used to in the old days. That said, I feel like I play guitar better now than I ever have, I really believe that. I think it just comes from years of experience and confidence.

Jeff: So you mainly start playing or practicing to get ready for rehearsals, before a tour, in order to get your finger, hand and arm muscle strength back in action?

Tommy: Yes. When we tour, we rehearse for a week or two as a band but I start a week or so before that I like to listen to and play the songs we will do in the set, just to get into the groove a bit. To get loose and also to build the calluses back up so that you don't get out on tour and have painful blisters on your fingers! It's all prep (preparation to get ready). I'll literally put on the KISS live albums and play along.

Jeff: I find that most touring guitarists will tell you that they like to practice guitar standing up. I know that I can play guitar much better when sitting.

Tommy: You know that it's a little more challenging if you've got your guitar slung down below your belt, a la Jimmy Page, than sitting down or with the guitar up around your chest. It's just different and, either way, you've got to get used to it again.

Jeff: On a typical show day, do you play guitar in the daytime? Any jams with any of the band members? Practicing before the show?

Tommy: I like to warm up a little bit backstage before the show, just to get loose. I don't believe in playing 3 hours the day of the show. I think the band actually plays better if you have a day in between shows. If you cram too much rehearsal, too close to shows, I don't think that's as effective either.

Jeff: Time to recharge and refresh.

Tommy: Exactly.

Jeff: What about your nerves before the show.

Tommy: I think that being confident prevents you from being nervous. Anticipation and excitement are how I feel but not nervous as in any worrying. Confidence is important in whatever you do and that comes from years of practicing, knowing that you are good at what you do and working hard; that is what gives you confidence.

Jeff: And having the best crew and gear behind you every night…

Tommy: Yes, also knowing that the whole support thing is happening. Having a great guitar tech means your guitar and sound are going to be sweet, as soon as you play it.

Jeff: Your touring role in KISS obviously demands that you play and be the Ace character, as best you can. In your mind, what aspects of your playing, performance or sound does Tommy Thayer bring to the KISS show? Or are you only striving to be the Ace character as perfectly as you can and that is your only goal? You obviously nail (play perfectly) Ace's solos and do them very consistently each night.

Tommy: We (KISS) talked about this too, that the whole idea for me isn't to just go up and try to mimic Ace completely; that would come across as being real tribute looking. It's a fine line between being faithful to what Ace has done with is playing and looks, and then injecting some Tommy Thayer into it. I don't go out trying to play and sound like Ace. The reason I sound like Ace is because I grew up learning how to play like one of my favorite guitar players since I was 14 years old. So when I play a KISS song, with my style, the way I play, it really sounds a lot like KISS! It just comes out that way because of the influence he and KISS had on my playing. I think that what I bring to the table in the KISS show is a more consistent and solid style of guitar playing. I am not trying to take anything at all away from Ace; Ace is the reason that I am in this band and here at all. To me, Ace was really in his prime back in the 70's and I think that I bring a new version of what he was doing back then, but in a more solid way. Consistent, ballsy and tight is the best way to describe my contribution to the music and show; night after night.

Jeff: You jammed a lot with Ace back in the mid-90's. Did you notice any similarities in your picking style or how you held a pick compared to how Ace?

Tommy: I didn't copy his. In fact, my style of picking is nothing at all like Ace's. My right hand style is holding the pick with my thumb and my middle finger. Way back, I noticed that Eddie Van Halen held his pick the same way but that's not why. I hold a pencil the same way; it is just a natural thing for me.

Jeff: What song contains your favorite KISS guitar solo?

Tommy: 100,000 Years.

Jeff: Why?

Tommy: Classic Ace Frehley licks. I was really more a fan, particularly of the first 3 albums because I think that that was when Ace really shined. People think I'm crazy for saying this but my favorite KISS recordings were all the records up until “Rock N Roll Over” but I think it is just because I am biased. I grew up, I was a teenager in that magical era so that is why it is my favorite Kiss. I'm sure that, if I was born a bit later, I would have been more into the later KISS records; you know what I mean?

Jeff: Same here. Love Gun, Hotter than Hell and Kiss Alive 2 were my favorites however I really did like pieces of all KISS records. So how many guitars do you take on tour with you?

Tommy: Usually about 4 Les Paul's but I have 5 now because I am going to be doing some cool effects for the Europe tour; I can't tell you specifically what effects but it will be great! The shows we did in Australia and New Zealand, I played one guitar for almost the entire set. It was setup so well that it does not even budge out of tune; it is just perfect. It's one of my Sunburst's, #2, I think. Your readers can visit my site (tommythayer.com) to check out my guitars.

Jeff: Do you have any special guitars at home that you will not take on the road?

Tommy: Yes. I have a couple of Les Paul's at home. One has a wine-red finish and it's an old Les Paul Deluxe from 73 or 74 but it was routed out to a Standard. I bought it in the height of the Gibson/Charvel craze around 1987. I bought it at a used guitar shop in Hollywood for $325.00 !!! It's been broken but it has a great neck. I use it for rehearsals and recording; not the prettiest guitar but I love it.

Jeff: Did you fall in love with the Les Paul when the KISS connection happened or?

Tommy: Always Les Paul's for me, ever since I started playing guitar!

Jeff: Strings?

Tommy: Ernie Ball only.

Jeff: Picks?

Tommy: D'Addario picks. Mediums. Custom logos and things on the picks but standard picks.

Jeff: Pickups?

Tommy: Gibson pickups. 498 bridge and forgot the neck one. I think it is listed on my web site.

Jeff: Cables?

Tommy: Technology-wise, I am more of a low-tech guy. I have a great tech that worries about cable-types and things like that; In fact, I don't even know what cables or even wireless unit I use, although I should!

Jeff: So you are more of a plug-into-the-amp-and-just-play type of player?

Tommy: That's it. “Keep it simple, stupid” is my thing. What KISS stands for!

Jeff: I call that the “Angus Young” philosophy! Do you have channel switching on your amps? A clean and dirty setting?

Tommy: A good analogy! I go to a clean setting on one song and there is a little picking arpeggio part in the middle of “God Gave Rock N Roll To You” but for the most part, I just use the one channel.

Jeff: Is there any compression or gating on the dirty channel?

Tommy: No. Nothing at all. No effects either. Gates will mess with your sound when you turn your guitar down and it starts messing with your natural, low-level picking sustain. Again, simplicity is my rule. Most of the rigs I've heard ending up sounding processed and phony. There are a few exceptions but generally they sound like bad Rockman's. I was watching a band a few years ago and the guitarist, who is a well-known and good player, had the full-on Bradshaw, mega-processed rig with all the stuff but it didn't sound big and ballsy. Then they announced a guest was coming onstage for the encore. It was Slash. He's got his Les Paul on and the roadie rolls out this a 100 watt Marshall half-stack rental and Slash plugs in and KILLED the other guitar player's sound! And the other guitar player had this $50,000 rig! It was not just because it was Slash; obviously it is in the fingers, too… but it was the simplicity of it all: A half-stack with a Les Paul and a great player. Nothing beats that.

Jeff: A lot of guitar players have signature series amplifiers. You have a “Tommy Thayer Signature Series” amplifier coming out now; however one of the things that really impressed me about it had nothing to do with the amp itself. You are donating 100% of the royalties from the amp to the Children's Hospital Of Los Angeles.

Tommy: Thanks. It's a charity that I have been involved with for some time, here in town. Helping children and especially sick children is a huge and important thing to me and I just wanted to make these donations to them. It's really important to me in life to be successful but that is also measured by helping other people that need help and I am into that in many different levels.

Jeff: That is unique and commendable. Tell us how the amp deal came about.

Tommy: A friend of mine turned me on to the Hughes and Kettner stuff about a year ago. I saw that Alex Lifeson (Rush) and Davey Johnstone (Elton John) used them; a couple of my favorite all-time guitar players. I figured something was going on here if these guys were using them so I tried a few of the amps. They sounded like a really good Marshall that was modded a bit; not like overdriven but more of a warmer- overall tone. H and K then sent me some amps to use with KISS, I loved them and pretty soon they asked me about doing a signature amp. Hughes and Kettner usually have 3 or channels in their amps but a Duotone for me was just fine. It sounds great. Looks cool and it's great to have my own amp.

Jeff: And even better is what you are doing with the money from them. So this will be the first European tour for Kiss since 1999, Psycho Circus? It looks like you are doing 8 shows, so far, for the great German rock n' roll fans; they will surely appreciate that!

Tommy: Looking forward to it definitely; it's been a long time!

Jeff: I will be at one of the German shows wearing my Love Gun shirt with pride! Tommy, on behalf of the readers, myself and all at Guitar magazine, thanks very much for your time and a very interesting interview! Have a great European Tour!

Tommy: Thanks, Jeff! See you soon!

GENE SIMMONS Offers Parenting Advice On 'Rachael Ray Show'

TOMMY THAYER: I Bring To KISS 'A More Consistent And Solid Style Of Guitar Playing'

Jeff: Your touring role in KISS obviously demands that you play and be the Ace [Frehley] character, as best you can. In your mind, what aspects of your playing, performance or sound does Tommy Thayer bring to the KISS show? Or are you only striving to be the Ace character as perfectly as you can and that is your only goal? You obviously nail (play perfectly) Ace's solos and do them very consistently each night.

Tommy: We (KISS) talked about this too, that the whole idea for me isn't to just go up and try to mimic Ace completely; that would come across as being real tribute looking. It's a fine line between being faithful to what Ace has done with is playing and looks, and then injecting some Tommy Thayer into it. I don't go out trying to play and sound like Ace. The reason I sound like Ace is because I grew up learning how to play like one of my favorite guitar players since I was 14 years old. So when I play a KISS song, with my style, the way I play, it really sounds a lot like KISS! It just comes out that way because of the influence he and KISS had on my playing. I think that what I bring to the table in the KISS show is a more consistent and solid style of guitar playing. I am not trying to take anything at all away from Ace; Ace is the reason that I am in this band and here at all. To me, Ace was really in his prime back in the '70s and I think that I bring a new version of what he was doing back then, but in a more solid way. Consistent, ballsy and tight is the best way to describe my contribution to the music and show; night after night.

ERIC SINGER, TOMMY THAYER Greet Over 1,000 Fans At Helsinki In-Store

Check out a photo from the signing session at this location.

Carroll on Work: Lessons from part-time rocker, full-time salesman Gene Simmons

Some know Simmons best in full costume and makeup as the front man for the rock band KISS. While you might see him as the Gene Simmons found on television’s “Family Jewels” reality series and recently in Donald Trump’s boardroom on “The Apprentice,” there’s more to him than meets the eye. Here are some reflections and sales lessons I took away that day:

Connect: Simmons made it a point early in his presentation to emphasize the value of making a connection person to person. Forming a V with his index and middle finger, he drew an imaginary line between two pairs of eyes, his and the other person’s, to illustrate the connection. He said without such a connection, we often miss a great opportunity to open a dialogue and involve the other person.

In sales, we connect by the same means, a one-on-one bridge. Those who rely too heavily or often on tools such as e-mail and telephone are settling for low-impact, easy-to-dodge efforts to reach people. Why do so many people use e-mail? They see it as no-cost advertising and promotion. In business, we most often get what we pay for. Use the highest-impact form of contact we have, the face-to-face meeting.

Simplify: Simmons stressed how making things simple for others to understand and follow is key to their willingness and ability to buy. Connecting with an audience member, he learned that he was speaking with a former member of the U.S. Navy’s Special Forces known as SEALs. This person wanted to use the SEAL label as part of a product name. Simmons encouraged him to look at how he could simplify for clarity as well as to prevent any confusion, since someone might think the name refers to a cold-water carnivore.

We simplify in sales by making it easy for prospective buyers to understand not only what we’re offering but also the key benefit that provides the reason for purchase in the first place. Unless and until we ask great sales questions, we’re shooting in the dark.

Learn: Simmons related the story of his childhood discovery of the public library, a place where anyone who entered had free access to boundless volumes of information. The son of a Jewish mother who found her way out of Hungary and the concentration camps, Simmons was in training to become a rabbi before he latched onto the idea of becoming a rock star, artist and entertainer.

In sales, we can learn through any number of channels, including listening to our prospects, our customers and our suppliers. To the degree that we are open to new information or reinforcement of existing longtime principles, we put ourselves in a position to win. Look at how much of your time and revenue or income you invest in increasing your learning.

Consider investing 10% or more of your top-line sales or commission figure into yourself and your lifelong education.

Work: Simmons noted that KISS, the rock band now in its 36th year, is truly a rock brand with more than 3,000 different products, services and companies associated with the brand. Both NASCAR and the Indy racing circuit have KISS-branded vehicles, there’s a chain of coffee shops bearing the brand name (the first shop opened in Myrtle Beach), and there’s more on the way. This aging group of rockers now does over a billion dollars in revenue annually, thanks mostly to the drive of Simmons, who still gets up and goes to work each day. He creates, promotes, sells and touts the value of partnering with KISS. His work clearly appears to be paying huge dividends.

In sales, we work when we show up day after day and contact those whom we believe will benefit from the products and services we provide. Unfortunately, many sales professionals do relatively little work where it counts the most. Where exactly does it count? When we put ourselves in as many situations as possible where we get to ask prospects to compare their pain with our value equation and, if nothing else, simply try our solution.

The greatest mentors I’ve had throughout my life and career simply keep offering their solutions and wisdom regardless of their accomplishments, amassed wealth or age. Our lesson here is to continue to get up, show up and work up to the targets we’ve set. If such exemplars can do it long after they need the additional income, we can certainly do the same.

In the second installment of this series, we’ll continue looking at the lessons picked up from this part-time rocker and full-time salesman.

ACE FREHLEY Scraps Fan Meet-And-Greets

Says Ace: "As you know, we've been experimenting, as have other performers, with the idea of meeting and greeting my fans at the end of a concert.

"A few days ago [on May 22], we had such a meet-and-greet at my show in Nashville. While it was a good event, upon reflection, I have ideas which would make such meetings spectacular. I want this to be an incredible experience for my fans.

"Until I have time to perfect these meet-and-greets, I have decided not to have any on this European tour.

"I hope to have this in place by my next European tour. In the meantime, I hope to see all of you at my scheduled tour dates, which remain unchanged."

For a list of upcoming Ace Frehley shows, click here.

BRUCE KULICK Issues Update

"A few weeks ago John Corabi (MÖTLEY CRÜE, RATT, UNION, THE SCREAM) and I were off to Mexico City for a big event that was a large music expo, with vendors and sponsors and artists from around the world all getting together to share everything we all love about music. It was called Expo Rock and, although some of the bands were very varied, John and I represented for sure the rock side of the event... although we were asked to perform with our acoustic guitars!

"The band John and I formed 10 years ago called UNION never played in Mexico, although the KISS and MÖTLEY fans are quite familiar with our careers and, of course, we have had a few very successful concerts with our friend Eric Singer, the current KISS drummer. As the ERIC SINGER PROJECT (ESP), we have been in Mexico twice in three years, and the fans loved those performances. Last time we were there was in December of 2007, so many of those who attended the Expo Rock got a chance to meet John and I at the special meet-and-greets organized at the event. We had two days to play and sign things for the fans, and the reaction we received made us feel very welcome. Mexico has some amazing fans and we loved taking photos and signing for them.

"On the Saturday Expo, we performed on the main stage. We prepared a 40-minute set that included UNION tunes, some BEATLES songs, and two new John Corabi originals that he has been recording. We also played 'Against The Grain', the acoustic song from my CD 'Transformer', live for the first time ever!

"It was great performing with him again acoustically, as we used to do promotional performances quite often in the UNION days on just our acoustic guitars.

"Second day of the event, the meet-and-greet once again was huge. We were asked to play our set this time on the smaller second stage, which actually was much more appropriate dynamically. Problem was, and it was a BIG problem, the band on the main stage about a half a football field away was so loud I couldn't even tune my guitar! So we went off the stage and waited for the band playing on the main stage to quiet down."

Read the entire message at this location.

KISS Performs To 20,000 In Moscow

Check out photos from the concert at Darkside.

Fan-filmed video footage of the "Parasite" performance can be viewed here.

KISS' setlist was as follows:

01. Deuce
02. Strutter
03. Got To Choose
04. Hotter Than Hell
05. Firehouse
06. Nothin' To Lose
07. C'mon & Love Me
08. Parasite
09. She + Tommy Thayer solo
10. Watchin' You
11. Rock Bottom
12. 100.000 Years + Eric Singer solo
13. Cold Gin
14. Let Me Go, Rock & Roll
15. Black Diamond
16. Rock and Roll All Nite
Encore:
17. Shout It Out Loud
18. Lick It Up / Won't Get Fooled Again
19. Gene solo + I Love It Loud
20. I Was Made For Lovin' You
21. Love Gun
22. Detroit Rock City

GENE SIMMONS To Guest On TOMMY LEE's 'Battleground Earth'

Commented Simmons in a posting on his web site, "Here [Photo#1, Photo#2] are a couple of shots from the forthcoming Leslie Greif/Adam Reed produced 'Battleground Earth', which pits rappers against rockers (!!!) in a 'green' challenge. You'll see what I mean when on August 3rd, when the show debuts on [Discovery Networks' eco-centric] Planet Green. Our 'Gene Simmons Family Jewels' [Gene's reality TV show] crew finished filming a Whistler, Canada extreme snowboard-themed episode — and the next day I found myself on the first flight to San Francisco where (in the middle of the night) Luda and Tommy and the 'Battleground Earth' crew were filming in a 'greeng graveyard — no headstones...in fact, if you didn't know it was a cemetery, you'd think you were in a forest setting."

In "Battleground Earth", viewers witness Tommy Lee and Chris "Ludacris" Bridges pushed to the limit as they attempt to keep their high-wattage acts on an eco-friendly course. Enlisting the help of their posses, celebrity guests, and anyone else willing to lend a hand, Ludacris and Tommy Lee dive right into the "Battleground Earth" competition with unexpected and sometimes hilarious results.

In the "Fast Fuel" episode Ludacris and Tommy Lee's bio-diesel tour buses are running on empty in the middle of the Texas Panhandle. They must roll into a fast food restaurant and look for fast food grease to turn into eco- friendly fuel. Throughout the tour they battle to get the word out about the state of the environment. This rap 'n' roll battle culminates in a green carpet benefit concert at Los Angeles' legendary Greek Theater. The concert featuring Luda, Tommy Lee and many of their famous musician friends will support the renewal of Griffith Park, which was devastated by recent wildfires.

"Battleground Earth" is a primetime series produced for Planet Green by the Greif Company. Leslie Greif and Adam Reed are the executive producers for Greif, Steve Jones is co-executive producer and Jonathan McHugh is supervising producer. Howard Lee is vice president of production and executive producer for Planet Green and Lisa Caruso is executive producer.

ACE FREHLEY: New Video Interview Available

CLASSIC ROCK's Limited-Edition KISS Covers Revealed

Four separate covers have been produced exclusively for the U.S. market. Readers can take their pick from individual cover photos of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer or Eric Singer!

Eric Singer
Gene Simmons
Paul Stanley
Tommy Thayer

In the rest of the world, Classic Rock's cover features all the members of KISS in a group shot.

To buy alternative KISS covers, go to www.myfavouritemagazines.com and search for Classic Rock.

KISS ALIVE 35 TOUR CDS!

KISS live performances are renowned across the globe so it’s with great pleasure and excitement that we're announcing the KISS Alive 35 limited edition series of live CDs.

With 10 dates being recorded throughout their European tour this is sure to be an exhilarating few weeks with many a memorable performance captured forever.

With hits such as ‘I Was Made For Lovin' You', ‘Detroit Rock City’ and ‘Rock & Roll All Nite’ echoing above the streets of Europe you will know that KISS are in town so be sure to get your live tour CD to relive the KISS experience over and over again!

This series is strictly limited edition so be sure to bag yours before they go! Don't miss out! The following dates are being recorded so even if you haven't managed to bag a ticket be sure not to miss out on these truly collectable CDs:

27/05/2008 Hartwall Arena, Finland
30/05/2008 Stockholm Stadium, Sweden
01/06/2008 Koengen, Norway
04/06/2008 Color Line Arena, Germany
09/06/2008 Velodrom, Germany
13/06/2008 Download Festival, UK
15/06/2008 Arrow Rock Festival, Netherlands
17/06/2008 Bercy, France
24/06/2008 Datch Forum, Italy
28/06/2008 Graspop Metal Meeting, Belgium

CLICK HERE to order any of the following KISS LIVE CDS.

ERIC & TOMMY IN-STORES

In-store info:

Helsinki, Finland
May 28th Wednesday
Dlx Deluxe Music
12:00 noon to 1:30 pm

Stockholm, Sweden
May 29th Thursday
4 Sound
5:00 pm to 6:30 pm

KISS TO HEADLINE ROCK'N THE RALLY

WORLDWIDE SOLD-OUT 35TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR TO HEADLINE STURGIS ROCK’N THE RALLY LINEUP AT 68th ANNUAL STURGIS BIKE WEEK!

In what is destined to become “the night that rocked Sturgis,” legendary superstars KISS will perform at Glencoe Nation’s Rock’n the Rally on August 4th. Recognized as one of the biggest and best bike rallies in the world, Sturgis Bike Week celebrates its 68th year this August 4-10, 2008. With capacity of 110,000, Glencoe Amphitheater is the largest outdoor music venue in the nation.

Currently in the midst of a sold-out European arena and stadium tour, KISS will make a stateside detour to thrill Sturgis with the one-of-a-kind stage show for which they’re known. Along with the screaming guitars, lights and pyrotechnics that have made KISS “The Greatest Rock n Roll Show On Earth,” the band will play songs from their vast repertoire of classic hits. Having sold 85 million records worldwide, KISS has become the soundtrack of a generation. In honor of their 35th anniversary, the band plans to play their KISS ALIVE album in its entirety as well as a few surprises and rarely played live KISS classic gems.

Tickets to Kiss’ performance on Aug. 4 in Sturgis, S.D. will be available June 1, 2008 at www.startickets.com or 1-800-345-9213. Glencoe camping information and additional line up announcements may be found at Rock’n the Rally’s website: www.rockntherally.com.

TRIXTER Guitarist Added To VINNIE VINCENT Tribute Album

Steve Brown currently fronts the modern rock act STEREO FALLOUT and is expected to reunite with his TRIXTER bandmates for select live dates in 2008, including the massive Rocklahoma festival in July.

Though Vinnie Vincent himself has not released any new material in over a decade, "Kiss My Ankh" will pay tribute to the undeniable musical legacy of the former KISS guitarist. Vinnie's compositions are widely regarded as a highlight of the KISS catalog and remain a staple of the live KISS setlist. Included on the tribute will be selections from the three KISS albums to which Vinnie contributed, as well as the two albums he released with the VINNIE VINCENT INVASION. Additional artists and track listings will be announced as they are confirmed.

"Kiss My Ankh: A Tribute To Vinnie Vincent" is scheduled for a summer 2008 release.

KISS MAN KNOWS WORKING GIRLS

The man claims 4,800 sexual encounters. Not to be picky but, if so, where'd he find time left to make a list? Anyway, with his legendary insight and whatever other bodily parts assisted in the research, he gives us his thinking on Doing It. He rocks from the first cavewoman to bad girls of the Bible, brothels of Europe, geishas of Japan, courtesans of the Victorian Era, two-buck streetwalkers of Eighth Avenue, saloon ladies of the Wild West, slick chicks of Vegas to today's modern madams and high-end (and high-front) call girls.

Page One: "At the dawn of existence 4 million years ago, that first human female grunted to her male counterpart: 'I'll stay in this nice warm cave. You go out and risk your hairy behind to bring back that delicious Mastodon meat. And I'll trade some of mine for yours.' After that momentous event, nothing would ever be the same."

We read the Sung Dynasty (years 960-1279) triggered the phrase "red-light district" because red lights outside places identified them. We read prostitution was a business for lawmakers plus lawbreakers because Pope Clement II (year 1046) ruled anyone engaged in it must leave half their property to the Church. And Chapter 18 is Gene's interview with three current Ladies of the Evening - who'll also do it daytime - in Hollywood.

This Simmons Books job, written with Julie McCarron, has lush velvety binding, is out July 8 and will be laid down - pardon the expression - along with a contest. Log onto genesimmons.com and, 200 words or less, say why the world's oldest profession is good or bad . . . and why. You can win anything from an actual personal greeting from Gene to - if you manage to get a naked photo delivered - maybe an actual personal phone call.

PAUL ADDS PENNSYLVANIA ART DATES

Both appearances are open to the public and free of charge

Friday - July 25, 2008 - -7-9 PM

Saturday - July 26, 2008 -- 5-8 PM

Wentworth Gallery - The Court at King of Prussia
690 West Dekalb Pike - King of Prussia, PA

For details on the VIP Reception with Paul on Saturday - July 26, 2008 4-5 PM or to RSVP call - 610-337-8988 or 800-732-6140

KISS TO ROCK CALIFORNIA

X.S. Labor Day Weekend Grand Finale - Sunday, August 31st...Outdoors, Under the Stars... "Takin' it to the Streets" Motorcycle Road Rally and Poker Run around Clear Lake, followed by a full concert by the legendary KISS! Fireworks after the Show!

Tickets on sale to the General Public Sunday, May 25th at 9am. KISS ARMY members will have access to an exclusive ticket presale this Wednesday on KISSONLINE (details Tuesday).

Call 800-660-LAKE direct to Konocti Harbor for Tickets & Room Reservations or get tickets at any tickets.com locations, or on line at www.tickets.com.

Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa
8727 Soda Bay Road
Kelseyville, California 95451

For more information on the Resort, visit their website at www.konoctiharbor.com.

Top Heavy Metal Musicians Select Favorite Guitarists Of All Time

The results of the poll — published in the new issue of Roadie Crew (#112) — are as follows:

01. Jimi Hendrix
02. Eddie Van Halen
03. Yngwie J. Malmsteen
04. Randy Rhoads
05. Ritchie Blackmore
06. Jimmy Page
07. Tony Iommi
08. Steve Vai
09. Jeff Beck
10. Michael Schenker
11. David Gilmour
12. Dimebag Darrell
13. Allan Holdsworth
14. Uli Jon Roth
15. Angus Young
16. James Hetfield
17. Brian May
18. Marty Friedman
19. Joe Satriani
20. Jason Becker
21. Gary Moore
22. Paul Gilbert
23. Eric Clapton
24. Al Di Meola
25. Zakk Wylde
26. John McLaughlin
27. John Petrucci
28. Adrian Smith
29. Steve Morse
30. Stevie Ray Vaughan
31. Slash
32. Kirk Hammett
33. Robert Fripp
34. Alex Lifeson
35. Chuck Schuldiner
36. Ace Frehley
37. George Lynch
38. Dave Murray
39. Glenn Tipton
40. Neal Schon
41. Eric Johnson
42. Trey Azagthoth
43. K.K. Downing
44. Andy LaRocque
45. Malcolm Young
46. Django Reinhardt
47. Jeff Loomis
48. Steve Lukather
49. John Sykes
50. Denis "Piggy" D'Amour

SOFIA CONCERT REVIEW

The US rock band came for their first ever gig in Bulgaria and filled the hearts of their fans with joy. The concert was announced at 7pm, but KISS waited until the sun set down to step on the scene.

“You wanted the best, you got the best. The hottest band in the world. KISS!” the loud-speakers blared and the show began. As promised, the fireworks were exceptionally beautiful, and loud, of course.

“Bulgaria, beautiful women, loud guys,” were one of the first words of lead singer Paul Stanley on stage.

Amid flames, smoke and lights, KISS performed some of their greatest hits from the past 30 years, including Rock’n’Roll All Night and I Was Made For Lovin’ You, while the excited public was jumping, applauding, singing and yelling back.

Each of the four musicians made a solo performance, which raised the temperature on the stadium. Tommy Thayer even triggered fireworks form the neck of his guitar.

When Stanley brought out a Bulgarian flag and kissed it, the audience erupted in applauses. “You are amazing, Sofia,” Stanley shouted to the audience. “We want to take you with us!”

KISS Interviewed By Dutch Comedy Show; Video Available?

KISS To Perform At This Year's STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY?

Please note that KISS has **NOT** yet officially confirmed its participation in this event.

For the complete schedule, go to www.sturgis.com.

Chicken And Lamb In Bulgaria

According to Novinite.com, the concert stage was 18 meters wide and 11 meters deep. The technical equipment for the show weighed 20 tons and arrived in Bulgaria on 15 trucks.

The four KISS members requested maximum lighting in their dressing room due to the specific make-up they are famous for and wore at tonight's concert.

The musicians' menu while in Bulgaria consisted of meat and vegetarian dishes. The four KISS members prefer chicken and lamb meat as well as different vegetable soups. They have insisted that their dinner is served in china plates and with silverware.

KISS' setlist for the Sofia concert (May 16, 2008):
01. Deuce
02. Strutter
03. Got to Choose
04. Hotter Than Hell
05. Nothin' to Lose
06. C'mon and Love Me
07. Parasite
08. She
09. 100,000 Years
10. Cold Gin
11. Let Me Go, Rock'n'Roll
12. Black Diamond
13. Rock and Roll All Nite

Encore:
14. Shout It Out Loud
15. Lick It Up
16. I Love It Loud
17. I Was Made for Lovin' You
18. Love Gun
19. Detroit Rock City

Kiss guitarist more than just a rock star

After joining KISS in the mid-1970s at its lead guitarist, with the "Spaceman" makeup and silver sprayed hair, Frehley designed the group's logo.

"There was a point in my life when I wanted to become a graphic artist," he said last month in a phone chat from Westchester County, N.Y. "But the music kind of took over."

Frehley will play tonight at House of Blues in North Myrtle Beach.

He said he's shooting for 12 tracks on his next album, his first in 18 years, with a release in early summer. Studio work has spanned more than 6 months, and some of the songs go back 12 years.

Speaking about his avocation, Frehley said, "I always knew I was a good artist. I just finished up designs for a biker shirt for the next tour. I just love playing with art. I've been working on Photoshop forever."

He explained how graphic arts lets him channel creativity he might not have found through his fingers and frets.

"What art does for me," Frehley said, "is it gives me another avenue to express myself. One thing about music, especially live, is it's spontaneous. It's like in the moment."

Art, though, offers him variations.

"You can work on a piece of art for a week," Frehley said, "and wake up the next day and look at it differently, and change it. So, it's mostly an ongoing process.

"With live music, it's so right then and there, and it's over in a couple of hours, so then it's waiting for the next show."

Filming a Dunkin' Donuts ad last year in his KISS warpaint brought back memories of playing with bassist/singer Gene Simmons, rhythm guitarist/singer Paul Stanley and drummer Peter Criss.

Frehley spoke of the order and simplicity on the set for the one day it took, hitting makeup in the morning, shooting after lunch and finishing by 6 p.m.

"Considering the stuff I've done," he said, referring to feature films, "it was a piece of cake."

Especially since leaving KISS in 1980, Frehley has enjoyed hearing from other musicians who say they picked up a guitar because of him.

"It's really flattering," the 57-year-old said.

Frehley said the oddest event happened around a Rapid City, S.D., concert. He had gone to visit Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, and at the Indian Museum of North America, ran into a fellow native New Yorker.

"I don't think I've met anybody who was born at Lebanon Hospital," he said, laughing about this happenstance.

Frehley called his visit last year to the Kiss Coffeehouse at Broadway at the Beach fun, especially when he saw the turnout of fans to see him perform.

"I'm really looking forward to coming back, especially for bike week," he said. "I have a lot of friends who ride. If I wasn't playing, I might have even gone to biker week, just to get away from the studio and see everybody."

ACE FREHLEY Added To ROCKLAHOMA

Rocklahoma will be held July 9-13, 2008 at the Catch The Fever Festival Grounds, four miles north of Pryor, Oklahoma. TRIUMPH and EXTREME are among the bands reuniting with all or most of their original lineups for this year's festival, which will also feature sets from NIGHT RANGER, CINDERELLA, Bret Michaels, TESLA, ARMORED SAINT, L.A. GUNS and many more. More than 85 bands in all will perform on three giant stages throughout the four days with several more big names to be added in the coming weeks.

PAUL STANLEY INTERVIEW

KISS "ALIVE 35" TOUR

Since there's no new album to promote, could you tell a little about the theme for this new KISS ALIVE 35 tour?

Well, I mean, obviously "Kiss Alive 35" is the 35th anniversary of the band and that's really all it is, you know. We're not at a point where every time we go on tour we need an album. Especially since it's really kind of a croc of shit, the idea that when you get down to it people talk about wanting a new album, but at the end of the day they don't really wanna hear a new album. Nobody does, nobody wants to hear The [Rolling] Stones' new album, nobody wants to hear [The] Who's new album. You don't go to a concert to hear new music, you want the band to go and do it, but then you don't wanna listen to it. I understand it, but why go in the studio and do an album when understandably people wanna hear the classics; those are the songs that mean something because they are connected to a time in somebody's life. A new song is fresh but it has no connection, so you listen to it five times and then you say "That's really nice, now play 'Love Gun'."!

So this tour is basically a celebration of your 35 year career?

Yes, plus when we're in Europe, we'll be doing all of "Kiss Alive". So, you know, here we do it a little different because Australia we have a different kind of relationship with, we try to include a broader spectrum of music.

Like you mentioned, you've decided to perform the "Alive" album in its entirety in Europe. How come, since you're not even wearing the ‘Alive’ costumes on this tour but the ones from the "Destroyer" era?

Well because we're not recreating the past, we're celebrating it. It's not about putting on the "Kiss Alive" show, it's not about dressing, it's not about making a statement by recreating that moment, the costumes or what we wanted to wear because we've worn the other, you know. And we don't wanna come up with new costumes. Again, new costumes are almost like a new album. Somebody maybe saying "When are you gonna have new costumes?", but if we showed up in new costumes they'd say "Why aren't you dressed like Kiss?” So at some point we have to do what we think makes the most sense.

Besides the ALIVE album, what other songs can the European fans expect to hear on this upcoming tour?

Oh, you know, really, we'll play all of KISS ALIVE, but then we'll play the classic songs from different periods of the band too. Rather than just give you a list, it's pretty much what people have come to expect, which is always a double-edged sword because someone else is going to say "You're playing the same songs.” Right, because most of the people wanna hear those songs, so the handful of people who get tired of it should probably stay home.

EUROPEAN KISS MANIA

In Australia you usually play some special songs like "Shandi" that were hits over here. In Europe and in the in Nordic countries especially, your biggest albums were probably the ones from the '80s, starting from "Lick it Up" to "Crazy Nights". Taking this into account, perhaps you could play stuff like "Heaven's on Fire" over there, for example?

Good, yeah, absolutely. Good to know.

The upcoming shows sold out almost instantly all over Europe. What was your reaction to the fastness of the ticket sales?

Yeah, it's actually the biggest tour we've done of Europe, bigger than the reunion tour. So, it shows again that people love Kiss; it's that simple, you know. People love what we do and what we represent and again it's always interesting when someone says "Oh, it's not all the original members.", but it's Kiss. And I think anybody's kidding themselves if they think that we should stop because it's not the original members or that we should take into account anything other than the fact that we're Kiss first and foremost. Every time we hit that stage, we live up to everything we've done. I know, I was there.

Are you aware that a new "Kiss story" record was set? First Sweden set a new record, but then a few days later the show in Finland became the fastest selling KISS show ever!

Yes, yeah, Helsinki. You know, it's an honor, it means a lot to me to do something like that and it means that we have to give back as much as we can and we will.

There's practically a whole new generation of Kiss fans, kids under the age of ten even. Have you noticed this phenomenon in your live audiences?

Yeah and it's great. I believe that what we do is timeless and ageless, you know, it's doesn't have a particular time, it's forever.

There are some interesting destinations that you'll be playing at on this tour too, like Russia and Serbia. How does it feel to play in places that you've never been to before?

Very exciting, you know. To be doing this as long as we have and then find something that's new, is as much fun as doing what's familiar. It's great to go back to places we know and know what to expect, and it's also great going to some place where we haven't been.

s' last European tour was for the PSYCHO CIRCUS album, back in 1999. Since the demand, judging by the success of this current tour, has certainly been there, why has it then taken this long for Kiss to return to Europe?

h, we've just been busy. And, you know, I like to spend a lot of time home, I have family. I also wanted to go out and do my [solo thing], I also wanted to do "Phantom of the Opera". There are always many things to be done and only so many hours in the day and at some point, you know, my kids want me home. That's a good reason to be home, I wanna be with them.

er the European leg of the tour, will it get extended to include the USA, Japan or some other areas as well?

on't really know yet. My art has been doing phenomenally well and I have shows booked, gallery shows for that and there's also talk of doing "Phantom of the Opera" again, so there's a lot of things pulling in different directions. And I don't ever wanna do something that I'm not sure I wanna do, you know, so just have to make sure.

more question about the new tour, word has it Eric McKenna is working on new guitars for you?

c's always working on something, he's got this great company "Boogey Street" and they do different kinds of variations of some of my guitars. They're also gonna do, you know, he's working on an acoustic version and some other things. Eric's a good guy.

Do you already know if you're going to use any of those new models on the European tour?

Probably not, I've gone back to some of my older Washburn’s, which we'll re-release again, because they're just great guitars.

UPCOMING RELEASES

Can the fans expect a release, DVD perhaps, from this "Alive 35" tour?

Good question. No plans right now, we're certainly not doing anything in Australia, but Europe is the perfect place to do something.

How about the KISSOLOGY DVDs, were you surprised how well those have done?

I think my biggest surprise is that KISSOLOGY III is the biggest and I thought that KISSOLOGY I would be the biggest because KISSOLOGY one is the beginning. And if you believed the loudest voices, the loudest opinions, you would think that the majority of people wanted the earliest stuff. But as it turns out, the biggest seller by far is KISSOLOGY III, so once again the people who speak the loudest are not necessarily the majority.

You must feel vindicated seeing how well that era is appreciated now, although it may not have quite seemed that way at the time?

ll it's just funny how you have some people who want Kiss to be their private band and to be exactly what they believe Kiss should be. Most of those people are in the minority. You know, fifty, sixty thousand people in Melbourne came to see Kiss, the shows in Helsinki sold out because they're there to see Kiss. The unhappy few will remain few.

you still have more unreleased vintage footage stored away for further releases?

h, we're planning more KISSOLOGIES. You know, KISSOLOGY IV is in... we can see that KISSOLOGY IV is coming very soon.

l it continue from where the third part left off or will it focus on something else?

know, we're not sure yet because we've taken this quite far, but there's so much in there. We have loads of footage.

you have any professionally filmed material from the 1983-1985 years?

Yes, we have, we do have great material from there too.

That material would be great to see someday, there aren't really even any decent quality bootlegs around from that era.

Yeah, we know.

RUMOUR CONTROL

There's a rumor going about presently that you've recently re-recorded some of the old Kiss stuff, is there any truth to that?

Well, it's a good rumor.

That's it?

Yeah. If we did re-record it, it would sound amazing. You know, it would sound as good as it sounded, only more sonically powerful. But IF we did re-record it, they would sound identical, only more fidelity.

But you haven't?<>Like I said, if we did...

After the press conference in Melbourne, what has been on many people's mind is how you said Kiss could carry on without you if necessary. Would you care to elaborate on that statement?

I think Kiss is much more than a band, I think that we define ourselves by the rules we break and I would be flattered if I am right and someone can take my place. Again, someone else's idea of what Kiss is, it doesn't necessarily speak for the majority. So somebody says "Oh, it has to be the four originals." and now they go "Oh, it's gotta be Gene and Paul.", I don't necessarily agree. And it would be, as far as I believe, a tribute to everything that Kiss stands for if the band continues without me. It doesn't mean I won't be there, it doesn't mean I won't control things but I believe what Kiss stands for, the idea of giving a great show and doing your best and entertaining, it goes far beyond the individuals in the band.

In the past you’ve stated that once you’re no longer able to give a hundred percent you will retire from the stage. Do you still feel that way?

I don't know how to put it. I can always give a 100%, is a 100% the same as it once was? Of course not, but as long as I feel good about what I'm doing I can continue. So it's a hard question to answer, you know, but the day will come when that question will get answered.

RELATIONSHIPS

There's always speculation among the fans about how the band members are getting along with each other. How would you describe your relationship with Gene Simmons after all these years?

Probably better than for a long, long time because we just give each other a lot of space. You know, 35 years, actually [for Gene and me] it's longer than that, it's 38 or 39 years. You know, we were different when we started, we're even more different now, so we have to give each other enough space to be who we want to be, you know, and not be in the others way. But when it comes to Kiss, we're very focused and that's all we can expect, we get along fine. You don't have to live with your brother, you love your family, you love your brother, but you don't want to spend all your time with them.

How about the other current band members, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer? They both seem to be cool and easy going guys to work with. It must be less hassle working with them than perhaps some past members of the band?

Oh yeah. It has to be fun and for me, if it stops being fun and I want to continue then someone else has to leave, you know. That's what was wrong with the "Farewell" tour. The "Farewell" tour turned out for me to be about not wanting to end Kiss, but to end playing with a couple of the guys, you know. So, it took me a while to realize that I didn't want to say goodbye to Kiss, I wanted to say goodbye to some of the members. For better or worse, it just wasn't working, it wasn't happy. I didn't think that everybody was thankful for what they had. It stopped being fun because people stopped realizing how lucky they were. I have to say that every day I'm thankful for everything that happened with Kiss. I'm blessed and I work real hard to maintain that. And when people take it for granted or don't respect it, then it's not fun.

Are you any longer in any kind of contact with Ace Frehley and Peter Criss?

Ace I spoke to, but not very recently. I think he's, you know, feeling very good about playing clubs and that's good for him. It's just great that he's making sobriety a priority for him. Whatever else he thinks, I could care less, you know. I'm happy that he's alive, I'm happy that he's healthy, the rest is not important.

At your recent shows Tommy Thayer's has been singing now Ace's signature song, "Shock Me". How do you feel about some people's negative reactions to that?

Who cares! I mean, honestly, it's insane to think that we wouldn't play a Kiss song. From what I hear Ace is playing Kiss songs too. He's doing "Love Gun" and “I Want You” and it's fine, I have no problem with that. Again, fifty thousand people were happy to hear "Shock Me" again, you know, five people hated that, but you can't please everyone.

SOLO CAREER

You put out LIVE TO WIN in 2006 and it was your first solo release in seventeen years. Looking back, how would you now reflect on the whole process; making the album, doing a solo tour and the feedback you got from the fans, etc.?

Well, I did LIVE TO WIN with the specific idea of not making a one man Kiss album or a sound alike to the first solo album, both of those would be very easy. If I want to do a Kiss album by myself, I can do it. I've done things like that before, you know. So, I wanted to push myself in a different direction. Some people understood it, some people didn't, but going out and playing was amazing. You know, playing live is always the greatest and that band was insanely good.

On your solo tour you played shows in the USA and Australia. Since there’s a kind of "Kissteria" going on in Europe right now, is there a chance of seeing Paul Stanley solo tour over there someday?

I wanted to [tour Europe], but again there just wasn't time. I really, really wanted to and the guys, they never wanted to stop. They still wanna continue and I would love to, it's just a matter of finding time.

Is there a chance you might put out more solo records in the future?

You know, sure there's a chance, I just don't know when. If I did another one, it wouldn't sound like the last one. It would probably sound much more guitar driven. You know, after I finished the solo tour I was ready to go back in and do another album, there just wasn't any time. But what I would wanna do, if I did another one, would be making it much more guitar driven. But I had a great time doing the album and I had an amazing time doing the shows.

Incidentally, I met legendary drummer Carmine Appice on last summer and when I asked about his role on your 1978 solo album but he couldn't recall which songs he played on that record… Can you shed some light on this matter?

He played on [Take Me Away] "Together as One", that's all he played on.

In the late '80s you recorded an album's worth of material that never got released. Was it originally supposed to be another Paul Stanley solo album?

No, there was no solo album. I read that, you know. If everything I read was true, I'd be either in a lot of trouble or a lucky guy. There was no solo album. I started doing some writing with the idea of writing for other people and much more for some pop people. It was never going to be my album. I actually did those songs with the idea that these are completely uncharacteristic for me, you know, I mean I never wrote those with any sense of indentifying with them.

That material is quite pop and keyboard oriented, some tracks like "Timetraveller" for example...

Yeah, you know, it was very pop, very melodic and I would never be comfortable doing those songs. "Timetraveller" was one song there, there was also a song called "Two Hearts Collide” and… there was a bunch of them. They were just good songs, it was almost like an exercise to write with the idea that I'm not writing for me.

We seem to be running out of time, with so much left to discuss, but still I must ask what's the status of the LIVE TO DREAM DVD?

I think it's out in June, or July, and it will be released by Universal.

It's going to be a worldwide release then?

Yeah, definitely.

Thanks. We'll be seeing you again soon, in Finland (among other places).

Good, absolutely.

KISS DESTROYED VERONA

KISS put on a marvelous show and rocked from beginning to end. And the crowd … well they were already excited on the square in front of the arena when the gates weren't even open yet. They yelled and chanted KISS songs all the time creating a beautiful atmosphere. Inside the arena, right before the show, the crowd started a ‘wave’ like they were at a football game and during the show at some points the crowd was even louder than the band, standing, clapping and cheering the entire concert. You could tell from their faces KISS themselves loved the sight of it too.

The stagefloor was the floor which is normally being used for opera performances. This gave the band the opportunity to use the sides of the stage too, which they did very often. At one point Paul Stanley even sat down on the ancient stands of stone, right in front of the audience there. Due to this stagefloor they couldn't use the elevators they normally use at the end of Rock And Roll All Nite. And there were some more difficulties which kept them from putting on an entire show with all the effects they normally use. Word got out the trucks with the stage attributes were being held at the border thus arriving at around 2 o’ clock. This may have been the cause of them just walking to the stage instead of coming up from the ceiling on a lightning rig. Also the center stage was missing so Paul didn't fly during Love Gun. But this didn't seem to bother the crowd at all. And it shouldn't. This performance was memorable in many ways!

Click here to see more beautiful shots of KISS in Verona.

KISS Rocks Verona; Video Report Available

KISS chose an unusual setting for its Italian concert, picking the Arena of Verona, a historical building dating back to 30 AD (more than 2,000 years ago!). Arena of Verona usually plays host to classical and lyrical concerts, but on Tuesday it was rocked by 4,000 fans in full makeup.

Photos of the arena (and of the show) can be seen on Musica Metal. More pictures are available at DelRock.it.

New Video Interview Posted Online

KISS Performs In Verona

"Seeing the band in this open-air venue was an incredible experience," reads a posting on the site. "And if the setting wasn't enough, the audience in Verona was easily one of the best ever at a KISS concert.

"From the opening of 'Deuce' through the end of 'Detroit Rock City', the audience stood singing and cheering through the entire show. The crowd was so loud at times, that Paul [Stanley, guitar/vocals]acknowledge them several times with an 'I love it.'

This was truly an electrifying KISS show!

Other notes about the Verona Show:
* Though you couldn't tell from his energetic performance, Paul was suffering from a bad case of bronchitis.
* Eric performed an extended drum solo during '100,000 Years'.
* Entire audience hummed 'Detroit Rock City' guitar solo!
* KISS was presented with a beautiful award celebrating the band's worldwide album sales!"

Check out pictures at this location.

WIN A PERSONALIZED VOICE MAIL GREETING FROM GENE SIMMONS HIMSELF!

IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS WHEN THEY HEAR YOUR VOICEMAIL!

WINNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED ON THE DAY THAT “LADIES OF THE NIGHT” HITS STORES—JULY 8th, 2008!

Answer the following and enter the Gene Simmons “Ladies of the Night” Essay Contest now!

LADIES OF THE NIGHT—the Oldest Profession in the World: Good or bad? Tell us. And, tell us why in 200 words or less.

Then, on July 8th 2008, pick up your own copy of LADIES OF THE NIGHT and find out what GENE SIMMONS has to say about the world’s oldest profession.

Details: Enter to win a personalized voice mail greeting from Gene Simmons and a ton of Gene Simmons swag. In 200 words or less, tell us why Ladies of the Night are good or bad and why. Contest to run from May 6th through June 8th, 2008

First Place:
- A personalized digital voicemail recording from Gene Simmons
- An autographed copy of Gene Simmons new book, "Ladies of the Night"
- An autographed copy of "A&E's Gene Simmons' Family Jewels: The Best of Season 1 & 2"
- A month’s supply of Frank’s Energy Drink
- Loads of Gene Simmons swag

Second and Third Place:
- An autographed copy of Ladies of the Night
- A basket of Gene Simmons swag

How to Enter. No online purchase necessary to enter the Contest, where you can win the prizes outlined above. To enter, send your story together with your first and last name and email address to: phoenix.books@phoenixnm.com. Contest begins May 6, 2008. All on-line entrants must provide a valid e-mail address. First and last name of all on-line entrants establishes the identity of the entrant and ultimately, who the winner is. Any intent by the entrant to misrepresent themselves through the use of aliases and e-mail addresses will be disqualified. Limit one entry per household and/or unique e-mail address. If multiple entries are received from any person or e-mail address, all such subsequent entries will be disqualified. Entries may also be made by mail on a handwritten letter or postcard. Mail-in entries MUST specify the contest being entered and contain all information as requested on the on-line entry form (including e-mail address, if available). Mail entries to PHOENIX BOOKS, INC., 9465 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 840, Los Angeles, CA 90212. No copies, facsimiles or mechanical reproductions will be accepted. By participating, all entrants agree to abide by these Official Rules.

Eligibility. The Contest is open to legal residents of the U.S. You must be 18 years of age or older to enter. This Contest is void wherever prohibited by federal, state, provincial, municipal or local law. Employees and immediate families or household members of Phoenix Books, Inc. or Gene Simmons (hereinafter collectively called “Sponsors”) and their respective parent companies, affiliates and subsidiaries, are ineligible to participate in this Contest.

Prize Deadlines. All on-line entries for the Grand Prize drawing must be received by 11:59 p.m. (PDT) on June 8, 2008. All mail-in entries must be postmarked by 11:59 p.m. on June 8, 2008. All entries, on-line or mail-in, must be received by June 11, 2008.

KISS ON WALK OF STARS!

Famous national and international personalities from sports, music and entertainment have been immortalized or will immortalize themselves with their hand or footprint in concrete and then find their place in the MOWOS in the Olympic Park.

A precondition for being immortalized in the Walk of Stars is that the personalities have been successful in the Olympic stadium, hall, swimming centre or ice sports centre or have done something special for the Olympic Park.

The Secret Lives of Gene Simmons

Your book makes the argument that prostitution gives women access to power that they would otherwise not have. Have you always felt that way?

Surprise! I actually respect women. I've always had that point of view. I look on the issue as one of self-empowerment for women. Women should be the sole judges of how they want to lead their lives. And let's be frank—many ladies have made more money in their line of work than they would have sitting in front of a computer.

How long have you been interested in the subject of prostitution throughout history?

I've always been fascinated by the “forbidden fruit” of America's Puritan culture. The book is meant to be humorous, historical, and to give people an understanding that the exchange of money for sexual relations has been around forever. I actually have no agenda other than engaging people in a conversation about the question: “What does anybody else have to say about consenting adults behind closed doors?” I argue that people should stay out of other people's bedrooms.

What was one of your favorite historical periods to write about?

The Renaissance in Europe, when courtesans enjoyed more power than housewives. These ladies were not common prostitutes. They were part of the culture and the fashion of the times, like Madame de Pompadour, Louis XV's mistress. The wives of the men of the period? They were invisible. They meant nothing.

Your co-writer, Julie McCarron, also worked with you on Shannon Tweed's Kiss and Tell. What does she bring to your work?

Julie was amazing at finding the visual material I wanted, but she also wouldn't let a single piece of information get by that wasn't completely researched. And she's terrific at rewriting. She made sure that I separated my viewpoint from historical facts.

Tell us about your publishing endeavor, Simmons Books.

So far, Simmons Books has mostly been related to me and my interests. But Ladies of the Night is primarily a beautiful and classy art book, and I would like to do others like the big, expensive books Taschen Books has done. The advantage I have of being Gene Simmons and having my name on the imprint is that I get to talk to guys like you. Because if the only thing I ever accomplished was being proofreader at Publishers Weekly and Library Journal—which I did a million years ago—people would say, “So what?” It gives me access, but you have to have the goods, because, let's face it, a lot of people just aren't reading anymore unless a book is featured on Oprah's show.

KISS MUNICH Setlist

SET LIST:
Deuce
Strutter
Got To Choose
Hotter Than Hell
Firehouse
Nothin' To Lose (Eric lead vocals)
C'Mon And Love Me
Parasite
She (Tommy Guitar Solo)
Watchin' You
Rock Bottom
100,000 Years (Eric Drum Solo)
Cold Gin
Let Me Go Rock 'N' Roll
Black Diamond (Eric lead vocals)
Rock And Roll All Nite

Encore:
Shout It Out Loud
Lick It Up
I Love It Loud (Gene split blood and flew to rafters)
I Was Made For Lovin' You
Love Gun (Paul flew to back of arena)
Detroit Rock City

KISS Covers RICK ASTLEY: 'Rare' Footage Posted Online

According to Wikipedia, "Never Gonna Give You Up" is a dance-pop song originally performed by Rick Astley. It was released as a single from Astley's multi-million selling debut album "Whenever You Need Somebody", which was written and produced by Stock Aitken Waterman. The song was a worldwide number one hit, initially in the singer's native United Kingdom in 1987, where it stayed at number one for five weeks and was the best selling single that year.

Frehley is 'too old' for Kiss reunion

The guitarist quit the group in 1983 - citing artistic differences for the split. He rejoined Kiss in 1996 for their reunion tour, but gave up his place again in 2001 to concentrate on his solo career.

And Frehley admits that although the rockers are about to embark on a forthcoming world tour later this year, he is not tempted to join them on the road.

He says, "I don't see it happening. I never say never, but I just turned 57. I don't see myself getting up onstage with tights on and putting on the makeup and jumping around like, you know, a kid again. Because I don't physically think I can do it.

"On the last reunion tour, I saw a couple of videos. I think we looked a little tired, you know? I think it's maybe better to put that segment of Kiss to sleep."

GREEK KISS RADIO SPECIAL

Check out the special on 90.2 Aristera sta FM OR www.902.gr tonight at 22:00 (GMT+2).

KISS Kicks Off European Tour In Oberhausen

The group's setlist was as follows:
01. Deuce
02. Strutter
03. Got To Choose
04. Hotter Than Hell
05. Firehouse
06. Nothin' To Lose
07. C'mon & Love Me
08. Parasite
09. She + Tommy Thayer solo
10. Watchin' You
11. Rock Bottom
12. 100.000 Years + Eric Singer solo
13. Cold Gin
14. Let Me Go, Rock & Roll
15. Black Diamond
16. Rock and Roll All Nite
-------------------
17. Shout It Out Loud
18. Lick It Up / Won't Get Fooled Again
19. Gene solo + I Love It Loud
20. I Was Made For Lovin' You
21. Love Gun
22. Detroit Rock City

KISS' next performance will take place Sunday (May 11) at Olympiahalle in München, Germany.

Paul Stanley: My Family

You've traded the superstar lifestyle of LA's Viper Room for the Diaper Room. What are some of your day-to-day duties?

At 6 A.M. I was up with Colin. I changed, dressed and fed him, then we played together and watched Baby Einstein DVD's. Mornings are my favorite time of day. And as soon as we're off the phone, I'll pick Evan up from school.

Sounds like you're and involved dad.

You have to be hands on. But I'm fortunate: When I'm not on tour I'm here seven days a week, 24 hours a day. I probably take on more of the load than most fathers. And, of course, my wife, Erin, is amazing. She's always there for the kids, making them feel special.

What are your house rules?

Bedtime is an important routine. We try to get Evan to sleep by 9 P.M. Having respect for everyone else in the house is also key, as is maintaining good grades in school.

Do you and Erin help Evan with his homework?

He's an excellent student - especially in science - but we do our part. I quiz him for tests; Erin is the whiz when it comes to math.

Which rule is Evan most likely to break?

He always wants to stay up past his bedtime. If I told him he could stay up until midnight for a special occasion, he'd try for 12:30.

What's the hardest question you've had to answer as a parent?

When Evan was very young he said to me, "Dad, if God is inside everyone, why are there bad people?"

And how did you respond?

I told him, "Because some people don't listen to what he's saying." But I admit it took me a little while to come up with that.

You're a painter as well as a musician. Do you see a lot of creativity in your sons?

Oh, yeah. I finger paint with Colin, and Evan is a phenomenal guitarist - he can outplay me! But he is very much his own person, and I am grateful for that. My wish for him and Colin is that they'll make their own tracks in life without walking in my shadow.

What's your idea of a perfect day with your family?

It doesn't take much to make us happy - going to the mall, playing instruments at Guitar Center, sitting down to dinner together, giving Colin a bath - it's all great. I also like to spend time alone with Erin to recap the day and revel in how lucky we are to have this family.

Most teens think parents are embarrassing. What have you done to mortify Evan? It's a little different when you're a rock star. You're pretty cool no matter how you slice it.

New Video Interview With TOMMY THAYER Available

Watch the seven-minute chat here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Pz8lR6t9NE

A solo Frehley ready for a goodbye KISS

So, let's get the obligatory KISS reunion question out of the way up front.

"Uh, I don't see it happening,” the guitar hero said last week from a tour stop in Cincinnati. "I never say never, but I just turned 57. I don't see myself getting up onstage with tights on and putting on the makeup and jumpin' around like, you know, a kid again. Because I don't physically think I can do it.”

The last time Frehley re-teamed with all three of his original comic-book-character cohorts (Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss) was for the KISS Farewell Tour in 2000, one of the largest concert draws of that year. But old tensions within the band caused drummer Criss to take his leave in early 2001, and caused Frehley to walk out a year later, that time for good.

"On the last reunion tour, I saw a couple of videos,” Frehley said. "I think we looked a little tired, you know? I think it's maybe better to put that segment of KISS to sleep.”

So, while Simmons and Stanley are soldiering on for the diehard KISS Army (with a couple of guys wearing Criss and Frehley's old makeup designs, much to the dismay of many fans), the Ace is concentrating on rekindling his career, preparing to release his first solo album in nearly 20 years this summer as he takes his "Rocket Ride” tour to cities across the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Frehley lands at the Diamond Ballroom on Saturday night. Then he'll circle back to the Sooner State in July for the massive Rocklahoma festival near Pryor.

"The first show I did in over five years was last year, Halloween, New York City,” Frehley said, his raspy voice still heavy with Bronx accent. "Played the Hard Rock Cafe. And I had so much fun doin' that, I booked four more shows on the East Coast at the end of December and then, you know, we put together this real tour.”

Frehley had already begun work on a new studio album with bassist Anthony Esposito in spring 2007, his first since 1989's "Trouble Walkin'.” He's hard put to explain his long silence, except to say, "Every time I was ready to do it, something came up.”

Not that he's been completely idle. Recognized as a talented graphic artist and creator of the famed KISS logo, he recently designed the official T-shirts for the annual Myrtle Beach Bike Week, has worked in computer animation and is contemplating the creation of an animated feature and a musical score to go with it. Frehley has also appeared in a national ad for Dunkin' Donuts, and he played his cards right on VH1's "Rock and Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament.”

"I'm a good poker player,” he said. "I never played Texas Hold 'em before. It's OK. I mean, I'm not crazy about it. I'd rather play seven-card stud. Or just, you know, five-card draw. I don't think it takes as much skill to play Texas Hold 'em as it does seven-card stud, because there's more variables.

Frehley managed to knock four players out of the tourney before he got knocked out, and he says that was only because the officials moved him to a different position at the table.

"You're never supposed to change your seat when you're playin' poker,” he advised. "It's bad luck. It really threw off my equilibrium, man. I just said, I can't do this, you know? I just made a crazy bet, and I lost.”

Now, he's betting that the batch of songs on the as-yet-untitled new album will rake in some winnings.

"There's some current songs, some songs I wrote this past year, some songs I wrote as far back as 10, 12 years ago,” Frehley said. "It's great because I had a lot of different material to choose from. Probably had 20 songs. So I'm gonna pick the best dozen.”

But don't expect to hear the new material in the live show.

"No, no, no, no, not with YouTube, you know? Every time I do a show, it winds up on YouTube. Since this album has been such a long-awaited record, I didn't wanna give it away.”

Frehley said he has plenty of material to choose from in his past catalog, including the songs he penned for KISS and all the material from his four solo albums. "It's hard to figure out what songs not to play, almost,” he said.

Meanwhile, he says he no longer harbors any hard feelings toward Simmons or Stanley, despite some harsh words exchanged in the past. He still speaks on the telephone to all three on occasion, and he wishes every one of them well.

"(KISS) was a big part of my life and, uh, most of the times were good so, you know. I'm just kind of ‘that was then and this is now,' you know? ... The most important thing is, if you're just happy with what you're doin' with your life, that can make things so much better. I'm havin' more fun than I've had in years. I'm doin' it my way.”

Solo and sober, Frehley doesn't miss KISS

That laugh, though, is one of the reasons Ace Frehley always was the coolest member of KISS. The band's original guitarist never seemed to take the band as seriously as his pompous, mouthy bandmates. Of course, Frehley was often too wasted to take much of anything seriously during KISS' heyday.

Clean and sober for 19 months now, Frehley quit KISS once again in 2001 after a five-year "reunion/farewell" outing and said he's having a new kind of fun on his first solo tour in 13 years. He's also releasing a solo album later this year.

These ventures follow recent TV appearances on VH1's "Rock Honors" and "Rock and Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament" as well as -- most surprising/charming of all -- a fireworks-filled Dunkin' Donuts ad directed by "Scrubs" star Zach Braff.

Although he's clearly not making KISS-sized money as a solo artist, Frehley believes he's getting the last laugh over his former bandmates.

Q. It's been well over a decade since you did a solo tour. How are things different now?

A. For me, things are definitely better because I'm clean and sober now. That puts a different twist on everything. It's great to wake up without a hangover and not remembering what you did the night before.

Q. Was it harder to stay sober when you toured with KISS?

A. Not really. If I was having a good time and everybody was doing the right thing, I might've stayed. It just turned into the same nonsense that led to me leaving in'82. It all started happening again.

Q. How do you feel about them touring with (former roadie) Tommy Thayer in your place, with the same makeup?

A. I really don't think about it (laughs), or I'd rather not think about it. I have no control over that. The fans don't seem too happy, though. What KISS is doing right now reminds me of like what some great fighters have done in the past when they come out of retirement . . . It's getting embarrassing.

Q. Every Kiss fan knows your 1978 solo album was the best of the four members'. Did you have something to prove then, and do you have anything similar to prove now?

A. I always felt like I had something to prove when I was a member of KISS because we were all so competitive. Those four solo albums speak for themselves.

Q. Your recent Dunkin' Donuts commercial reinforced how you don't take yourself too seriously, or at least your KISS persona. Was that the point?

A. I've never taken anything I've done too seriously, and when people take it too seriously I just tell them to calm down. Like the Stones said, it's only rock'n' roll.

Like I said earlier, I got involved with rock'n' roll because it's fun. It's not really work to me. When I'm having fun, at the end of the day I say, "Wow, I'm having a great time. I can't believe I'm getting paid to do this." That's the way it should be.

Former KISS guitarist rockin' hard and livin' well

“I’ve been clean and sober for 19 months now,” Frehley said. “It’s nice to wake up in the morning and remember what you did last night.”

Recent photos from Frehly’s new tour shows the guitarist trimmed down with a goatee, longer straight hair and black shades. Wielding his signature Starburst Les Paul, Frehley’s appearance is a far cry from the makeup days or the “unmasked” years of the late ’80s and ’90s. Known for his issues with substance abuse, Frehley sports a new band and a new outlook on performing live.

“I’ve been pretty much on a health kick since I’ve been sober,” Frehley said. “And with all that nonsense out of your system, you think clearer and you make more intelligent decisions about everything, about what you put in your body and your career. Same thing happens when you are abusing stuff, but it just happens in reverse.”

Frehley’s career keeps him busier than ever. Currently on tour with no end in sight, fans have continued to embrace the former KISS guitarist and his music, and seem excited to learn that he will release another solo album, something Freyley hasn’t done in more than 20 years. With the advent of YouTube, fans can see the guitarist and his band on their current tour, something Ace seems to embrace, with only a little reservation concerning his new material.

“I would imagine the YouTube clips have only helped my career because some people who would have normally not been able to see me, can,” Frehley said. “I can’t complain about it but I know some people do.”

Frehley then notes that such exposure does have its downside.

“To be honest with you, if it wasn’t for YouTube, I probably would be playing a couple of the new tunes live,” Frehley said. “But I don’t want to give any of the new stuff away to the mass media. It’s been so long since I came out with a new record, I want this one to be special.”

When not touring, Ace hangs out with his wife and works from his home studio. And if you’re wondering if there will be a Ace Frehley reality show like the one of his former frontman, don’t hold your breath. He’s been approached several times but has turned down offers for a side career on the small screen.

“I think [Gene Simmon’s] show is funny as shit,” Frehley said. “But I gotta keep my private life private. Gene’s a ham, he loves the press, so reality shows are perfect for him. But when I am at home, I feel like part of your life has to be private.”

His current Rocket Ride World Tour has Ace and company playing in America and Europe with a followup tour in the works after release of his album. But for this rock ‘n’ roll icon, keeping busy is a benefit to clean and healthy living.

“It actually feels better now than it has for a long time,” he said. “I have my band and my music and I’m in control of my own destiny. I got the greatest fans in the world and I consider it a privilege to play no matter if it’s an arena or a small club. I have just as much fun either way.”

Ace Frehley plays the Whiskey Roadhouse (at Horseshoe Casino) Friday, May 9. The 8 p.m. show costs $29. Matt’s Rocket Collection opens. Visit whiskeyroadhouse.com.

Video Footage, Photos From German Press Conference Available

AT HOME WITH PAUL STANLEY

Even at home, the KISS frontman rocks a P.A. system. "Honey," Paul Stanley says into an intercom, his voice echoing from speakers throughout his Spanish mansion.

"We're going out to the studio."

Stanley's attractive wife of two and a half years appears and agrees to keep an eye out for the tardy photographer. He gives her a goodbye peck and then, as he leads the way to his painting studio, he says to me out of the corner of his mouth, "Not a model. Not an actress. An attorney."

Stanley and his wife welcomed their first child together 19 months ago, and since then, this rocker's mansion has become part Romper Room. We walk by an avalanche of toys in the center of the room, and there are certainly enough child-proof gates around the home to make the U.S.-Mexico border toddler-safe.

Off stage, Paul Stanley is not a guy you would peg as someone who wants to rock and roll all night and party every day. He's reflective, thoughtful and knowledgeable about art. He looks me in the eye as often as he looks off into the distance while choosing his words, and he is capable of relating his life lessons, such as the importance of being true to oneself.

Following the beat of his own drummer paid off for Stanley. In fact, it paid for this sprawling residence in Beverly Hills. But something other than music will likely pay for the 2,000-square-foot addition he has in the works: visual art.

Last year, he sold about $2 million in paintings — artwork he never expected the public to see. Until 2001, "Star Child’s" painting was limited to applying his signature makeup before every KISS show. But when Stanley divorced his now ex-wife in 2001, he needed a creative outlet. "I spent a lot of time kicking, screaming and banging my head against the wall, and a friend of mine said, 'You should paint.'"

He bought acrylic paint and canvasses, but he didn't know what to do, so he says he just dove in. "I found myself painting without any preconceived idea of what I would paint. It was really just about trying to paint emotion, as opposed to trying to depict reality. Every time I paint, it's like going on a trip without a map. I don't have a clue where I'm going, and when I get there, I know that's where I should be."

The early paintings had plenty of large circles. Stanley felt they were "a source of energy," because they were a continuum with no beginning or end. With one exception: his very first. That circle is incomplete. But don't try too hard to figure out what he's trying to say with such symbolism — the truth is he ran out of paint and decided to let fate leave its mark.

The canvas with the incomplete circle now hangs in his cavernous living room, where, on this warm April day, Stanley sits in leather pants, legs crossed, his long-sleeve, collared shirt unbuttoned just north of his navel. As he gesticulates, the large silver bracelet on his right wrist jangles.

"[The painting is] still unsigned. I didn't sign it because I was so self-conscious that if I signed it, people would judge it because it was mine," he explains. "To this day, the edition is sold out. As a point, and as something for me to remember, I don't sign it, because that's where it all started, with someone who was not so sure."

KISS Manager Buys Music Row Building

McGhee purchased the 8,000-square-foot building at 21 Music Square West from music publisher B. Tom Collins, who bought the building for $250,000 in 1995, according to city records.

Music Row is an area just to the southwest of Downtown Nashville, Tennessee that is home to hundreds of businesses related to the country music, gospel music, and contemporary Christian music industries.

PAUL STANLEY Talks Art: New Video Interview Available

Watch the video at this location.

Rocker kisses old habits goodbye

He returned for a reunion tour in 1996 and continued until 2002.

These days, though, the New York-born singer-guitarist, 57, cites his 19-month stretch of sobriety as his crowning achievement.

"Doing this sober, I remember what I did the night before," said Frehley, whose well-publicized drug and alcohol problems spurred his original split from Kiss.

"It makes things a little easier."

Frehley, at work on his first solo album since 1989, will head to the Newport Music Hall on Saturday to perform with a new band.

The group, he said, won't play anything from the upcoming album -- "I want it to be a surprise when it comes out" -- but it will serve a "good cross section of Kiss songs and my solo stuff."

Frehley offered other observations while taking a recent break from his home studio in Westchester, N.Y.

Q: Although you won't play new songs on your latest tour, how would you describe the sound and vibe of the new disc?

A: I'm trying to recapture analog sound and get away from the digital stuff. I'm getting back to basics -- kind of like the stuff I did on my first solo album with Kiss (Ace Frehley in 1978).

Most people cite that first album as my best album, so I've been trying to revisit that and pick up where it left off.

Q: When did you last hear that album?

A: I very rarely listen to my records, but I've been listening to it in bits and pieces in my car. It's hard, because of my schedule, to listen to any record from beginning to end. I think a lot of people have that problem today; the kids are downloading everything.

Q: So many people picked up a Gibson Les Paul because they saw you with one. Why did you always gravitate to that guitar?

A: If you talk to musicians, most of them will agree it's kind of a no-brainer.

If you play hard rock, you pick up a Les Paul and you plug it into a Marshall amp, and you really don't have to do much more.

Q: When you designed the Kiss logo, did it just come to you one day or did it evolve?

A: I think I was playing around with it one afternoon and came up with it. . . . I was on some Web site the other day, and they were talking about the top 10 logos of rock 'n' roll, and it was, like, the Stones, I forget what the second one was -- and Kiss was third.

It's crazy when you think about it.

Q: What about your makeup?

A: I was always fascinated with the science-fiction stuff -- that whole scene -- and I just started playing around with it. It's bizarre. It just happened.

When I write a song sometimes, it's like I'm not writing it. It's like somebody's beaming the information to my head; as fast I can write the lyrics, it's coming out of me. . . . The makeup was that kind of the same thing. It's almost like somebody up there sent it to me.

Q: Why did Kiss inspire so many people to start bands?

A: Why were we so successful? I don't know. I just accept it.

Q: When you see your face tattooed on an arm, does your jaw drop?

A: I'm just flattered someone would go that far, and I just try to take the time to autograph something or talk to them a little when I have the time.

Q: When will you rejoin Kiss?

A: I don't see that happening. I think we had a great run, and the reunion was a great tour.

I mean, I just don't see myself running around onstage in makeup these days. In my spare time, I have fun riding around on my Harley.

Going back to that whole scene -- it was fun while it lasted, but no thanks.

WHITESNAKE: New DOUG ALDRICH Audio Interview Posted Online

Photos as well as the 60-minute podcast can be downloaded at this location. iTunes users can also subscribe to "Talking Metal" for free at this location.

"Good To Be Bad" was released through SPV/Steamhammer in Germany on April 18, the rest of Europe on April 21 and it came out in North America on April 22. In addition to the regular jewel-case version, a limited-edition two-disc set contains an extra CD in a cardboard sleeve, as well as a poster, photocard and sticker.

Kiss' spaceman is now grounded in solo life

That laugh, though, is one of the reasons Ace Frehley always was the coolest member of Kiss. The band's original guitarist never seemed to take the band as seriously as his pompous, mouthy bandmates. Of course, Frehley was often too wasted to take much of anything seriously during Kiss' heyday, but as he said in a phone interview last week, "For me, rock 'n' roll should always be fun."

Clean and sober for 19 months now, Frehley quit Kiss once again in 2001 after a five-year "reunion/farewell" outing and said he's having a new kind of fun on his first solo tour in 13 years, which brings him to First Avenue on Thursday. He's also releasing a solo album later this year.

These ventures follow recent TV appearances on VH1's "Rock Honors" and "Rock and Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament" as well as -- most surprising/charming of all -- a fireworks-filled Dunkin' Donuts ad directed by "Scrubs" star Zach Braff.

Although he's clearly not making Kiss-sized money as a solo artist, Frehley believes he's getting the last laugh over his former bandmates.

Q Do you think it's a fair tradeoff doing a solo tour? That is, you don't have to put the makeup on, but you also don't get to play as big a venue.

A I don't even think about the makeup. I took the makeup off in 2001, and I really don't plan to put it back on. As far as the smaller audiences, usually the smaller places have better acoustics and you're closer to the people, more intimate. A lot of times that can be a lot more fun. I'm used to playing arenas with a pit and security guards between the band and fans; there's always that distance. The places I play now, people can touch me. As long as they don't get too intimate, you know? [Laughs/cackles.]

Q It's been well over a decade since you did a solo tour. How are things different now?

A For me, things are definitely better because I'm clean and sober now. That puts a different twist on everything. It's great to wake up without a hangover and not remembering what you did the night before. Life just seems to be getting better all the time.

Q Was it harder to stay sober when you toured with Kiss?

A Not really. If I was having a good time and everybody was doing the right thing, I might've stayed. It just turned into the same nonsense that led to me leaving in '82. It all started happening again. For me, rock 'n' roll should always be fun. That's the reason I got into the business. When it's not fun anymore, it's time to move on.

I just had to leave because it wasn't fun anymore and I wanted to move on with my solo career, which I left on the back burner when I rejoined the group in '96. It was time. It was billed as the farewell tour, and then the reunion tour. They're still doing shows in Europe now. That wasn't the whole concept of the way it was presented to me when I jumped on board again.

Q How do you feel about them touring with [former roadie] Tommy Thayer in your place, with the same makeup?

A I really don't think about it [laughs], or I'd rather not think about it. I have no control over that. The fans don't seem too happy, though. What Kiss is doing right now reminds me of like what some great fighters have done in the past when they come out of retirement, when they should have just rolled up the towel. That's the way it seems to me now. It's getting embarrassing.

Q What can we expect to hear on your new album?

A There are some good heavy rockers, some instrumentals, some midtempo stuff. It's the classic Ace Frehley sound and writing. I think everybody is going to ultimately be pleasantly surprised. I can't believe it's been like 15 years since I put out a studio album. Where the hell did time go [laughs]?

Q Every Kiss fan knows your 1978 solo album was the best of the four members'. Did you have something to prove then, and do you have anything similar to prove now?

A I always felt like I had something to prove when I was a member of Kiss because we were all so competitive. Those four solo albums speak for themselves.

I don't think I have anything to prove now, because I'm some kind of legend, I guess. All I need to do now is kind of reinforce that. Positive reinforcement, you know [laughs]? I think my new CD is going to do that.

Q Your most genius song in my mind, and many fans' minds, is "Rocket Ride," with rock's best sexual innuendos outside of AC/DC. What do you remember about recording it?

A I wrote that with our tour manager, Sean Delaney, who passed away a few years ago. We were all whacked out of our minds when we were doing that [laughs]. I actually had a recording setup in my attic at the time, and it was hot as hell, the air-conditioning wasn't working. It was just an entirely crazy recording session. Things aren't crazy like that anymore these days, fortunately.

Q Your recent Dunkin' Donuts commercial reinforced how you don't take yourself too seriously, or at least your Kiss persona. Was that the point?

A I've never taken anything I've done too seriously, and when people take it too seriously I just tell them to calm down. Like the Stones said, it's only rock 'n' roll. This isn't, you know, the Spanish Inquisition [laughs]. That's another thing about Kiss. Sometimes those guys take the whole [expletive] deal too [expletive] seriously.

Like I said earlier, I got involved with rock 'n' roll because it's fun. It's not really work to me. When I'm having fun, at the end of the day I say, "Wow, I'm having a great time. I can't believe I'm getting paid to do this." That's the way it should be. When you're on tour you should be having a great time. That's what it's all about. For some reason with Kiss, it stopped being that.

Ace Frehley gains new perspective on music, life

This time was different. The morning after the show, there was no hangover, no fawning KISS fans partying with him until the dawn's early light, no deleterious carryover from the night before.

"After I woke up the next day, I went to see Mt. Rushmore," he says in advance of his show Sunday at Mr. Small's Theatre in Millvale. "I played that area before and never went to see it, and it just blew me away.

"I'm enjoying that element of my life. I didn't do a lot of sightseeing when I was touring before, and it's great."

Frehley himself is in good shape. He is sober, active and recording a new album he hopes to release in the summer -- although, he admits with a laugh, it probably won't be out until December.

But it is his legacy as the lead guitarist in KISS that still overshadows everything he does, that still brings out soldiers young and old from the KISS Army, when he performs live shows.

When told that many guitarists point to him as an influence, Frehley quickly cracks, "If I knew in my 20s that so many people would emulate what I do, I would have practiced a little bit more.

"But that's something I try not to think about too much. I try to stay in the now and think about the future rather than think about the past and what went down. Somebody just asked me in an interview, 'What do you think about when you hear KISS?' ... I had some great times with KISS. I had a lot of fun. But that was then, this is now. I don't see myself going back. I have fond memories of the band, but I'm looking forward to doing my stuff."

That includes the current tour and the new album, which has everything from heavy rockers to slower instrumentals. Frehley is especially keen on "Genghis Khan," a song he says is in the same style as Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir." Another tune, "A Little Below the Angels," is a mid-tempo song with "a nice hook to it, something you could hear on the radio," he says.

All Frehley needs to do is let the album go.

"My biggest problem is that I'm never happy with what I do," he says. "It's always a trade-off. There's no such thing as perfection, but the closer to perfection, the better it is. Sometimes I'm so close to stuff, I've got to get away from it for a while. Being on the road was good because it put my head in a different place. When I came back, I threw some of the tracks on and they sounded good to me, but I know I can do a little better. That's where I am now."

Until the album comes out -- whether that's the end of May, the end of June or the end of the year -- Frehley plans to continue touring. He's dipping into the KISS catalog during live shows with "Deuce," "Parasite" and a medley that includes "Torpedo Girl" and "Five Card Stud," along with a few tracks from the forthcoming release.

And he is especially pleased that, at 57, he's playing better than he has in years.

"I just keep moving forward, trying to do the right thing," Frehley says. "Getting sober really helped a lot. I just put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward. It seems to be working."

Shock me: KISS' Ace Frehley

Then again, were you to choose any other member of KISS at the same time and tell him that "Space Ace" would even be alive in 30 years, the skepticism would have been just as strong. Yet, here we are nearly midway through 2008, and Frehley has survived it all -- alcoholism, sports car disasters and Dunkin' Donuts commercials. A rock soldier, indeed.

Ace Frehley plays The National on Friday. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, $22.50 the day of the show.

PAUL ON NBC TV LOS ANGELES TONIGHT

FIRST KISS SHOW EVER IN SOFIA!

It’s true that KISS has already been around for 35 years already, but this is the first opportunity for Bulgarian fans to see them live. The masks are back on for the band’s ALIVE 35 Tour, which passes through 17 countries, some of the biggest music festivals and… Sofia.

Unlike other great bands, which came along over the past several years and have obviously capitulated to the merciless passage of time, KISS have no intention of ever disappointing their fans. If you imagined that their concert will be just a little bit of fuss in a calm May evening, you're mistaken! KISS plan anything but a calm gig. How do we know? Well, the simple fact that they arrive with tons of equipment speaks for itself. The main stage will be 18m wide, but two additional wings will extend it to nearly 25m. The lighting equipment alone weighs 12 tons and the show includes unique pyrotechnics. The sound will be provided by six-ton-heavy equipment.

KISS promises something unprecedented for their Sofia show. Hence, part of the ground of the stadium will be detached and the band required 400kg of dry ice for the concert.

KISS must know what they're doing. If they were not what they are, they wouldn't have sold more than 80 million records and wouldn't have had numerous platinum status albums. Fact is, KISS is one of the most influential rock’n’roll bands in the history of music.

The tickets are still available via eventim.bg and their ticket desks across the country. Prices are 50 and 60 leva. At the website of the band kissontour.com real fans can buy special pass packages including meeting the band, assisting at the sound-check before the concert or both. The requirement is that they already have a ticket for the concert.

However, it’s not only devoted KISS fans that will enjoy the Sofia show. The music dilettanti, such as myself, will be surprised to find out how many of the songs they hum under the shower or sing along to on the radio are actually Kiss hits. Still not convinced? Just look for Crazy, Crazy Nights, I Was Made for Lovin’ You, Forever or the cover of God Gave Rock’n’Roll to You in the internet. Oh, yes! It’s KISS who perform them.

If you've ever wondered why these men wear so much make-up, let’s shed some light on this mystery. When the band was founded the original line-up of Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons adopted their make-up and costumes from the personae of comic book-style characters. They represent The Demon (Simmons), Starchild (Stanley), Space Ace (Frehley), and The Catman (Criss). The Demon make-up reflected Gene's cynicism and dark elements. As Stanley was considered a hopeless romantic, he became the “Starchild”. The Space Ace was a reflection of Frehley’s desire to go for a ride in a space ship. The Catman make-up hinted that Criss had nine lives due to his rough childhood in Brooklyn. As Criss and Frehley are no longer part of the band, current members Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer became, respectively, the Spaceman and Cat.

The show starts at 7pm, don’t miss it!

ACE FREHLEY Confirmed For SOUTH TEXAS ROCK FEST

PAUL ADDS PENNSYLVANIA ART DATES

Both appearances are open to the public and free of charge

Friday - July 25, 2008 - -7-9 PM

Saturday - July 26, 2008 -- 5-8 PM

Wentworth Gallery - The Court at King of Prussia
690 West Dekalb Pike - King of Prussia, PA

For details on the VIP Reception with Paul on Saturday - July 26, 2008 4-5 PM or to RSVP call - 610-337-8988 or 800-732-6140

CINDER ROAD To Open For KISS In Europe

CINDER ROAD's debut album, "Superhuman", was released in 2007 via EMI. The CD was produced by Marti Frederiksen (AEROSMITH, DEF LEPPARD, OZZY OSBOURNE) and is described as "a mix of high-octane rockers and heartfelt ballads" that, according to vocalist/guitarist Mike Ruocco, "create an experience running the gamut of emotions." The 11 tracks on "Superhuman" are definitely staggering in their passionate range. Ruocco maintains a simple philosophy when it comes to music. "Each song is an extension of my emotions," he says. "They’re like my children."

For more information on CINDER ROAD, go to this location.

GENE SIMMONS To Appear On British TV Tomorrow

Check out a promotional video for the program in which Gene explains the relationship between his sunglasses and his sexuality at this location.

KISS-ING SPOOF

What's now considered a cult classic, the high-rating effort was troubled by a poor script, sub-par acting from the band and even gaffes like the clear appearance of Ace Frehley's black stunt double in one scene. In other words, this dreck is ripe for the simian handy work of Magic Smoking Monkey Theater.

The offshoot of St. Louis Shakespeare chooses one film or TV train wreck or cult favorite per year to perform live on stage with a low budget and lots of nudges and winks to the audience.

"It's like a rejected Scooby-Doo script," director Donna Northcott said of "Phantom of the Park." "At the end you half-expect to hear, ‘And I would have gotten away with it, too, if it wasn't for you pesky KISS members.'"

The movie aired 30 years ago on NBC, which was clearly trying to capitalize on the mega-success of KISS in the late '70s. While Gene Simmons' acting chops may have improved after stints on reality TV shows like "The Apprentice," it's clear that KISS as a whole was much stronger on the concert stage than in front of the camera.

"It's one of those that you watch with the remote control in hand to keep pausing and say, ‘What the hell did they just do?'" Northcott said.

In the movie, a diabolical amusement park inventor, Abner Devereaux, decides to create human clone robots in an act of revenge, including fake KISS members. The KISS boys, of course, have super powers to match their on-stage personas.

"Demon" Simmons, played here by Wood River's Chris "Mr." Jones, breathes fire and is a tough guy; "Space Ace" Frehley (Collin Preciado) can teleport and shoot lasers from his hands; Peter Criss, the "Catman," (Ben Ritchie) can leap like a feline and "Starchild" Paul Stanley (Jim Ousley), besides sporting intoxicating chest chair, can shoot a mind-controlling eye beam.

Is it any surprise this was produced by Hanna-Barbara?

This being a fast and furious Monkey show - past efforts include "Plan 9 from Outer Space," "The Love Boat" and "Speed Racer" - a major hurdle was the make up involved. Northcott said the four guys playing KISS are doing their own, and as of Wednesday had improved on their initial application time of 45 minutes.

"All the actors who play band members are members of the KISS Army, so they know how to apply the correct make up," she said.

Alas, the songs will not be performed live, but ala Memorex.

"We can't hope to do justice to the original band members," Northcott said. Songs from "Phantom" include hits like "Rock and Roll All Night" and Criss' heartfelt tribute to his then-wife, "Beth."

Northcott said costume designer Lisa Beke had part of her work cut out for her, too. "We always have a lot of '60s and '70s items in our wardrobe warehouse ....... but it's harder to find unitards and stockings in male sizes at second hand stores."

A challenge of re-creating some of these "classic" films of the past is the fact that most of the interesting roles go to men - except for something like "Valley of the Dolls," Northcott said.

Drag casting could have been possible, since the singer for the all-little person KISS tribute band, Mini KISS, is a woman.

"We didn't want it to be about drag; Gene performs in drag essentially anyway and that would have been one too many levels of complexity," Northcott added.

As of this writing, the Monkeys had two more days to work out the kinks in the show, and Northcott said some special effects were in the works. She's particularly pleased with the scenes at KISS' groovy pad.

And it wouldn't be a Monkey show without a tease for the future. A live "commercial" for the infamous "Star Wars Holiday Special" will also be part of the performance.

Northcott said that show is on the short list for future Monkey treatment, and it does contain some juicier roles for women, like Carrie Fisher, Harvey Korman in drag and Bea Arthur - with the latter potentially being available to a female or male actor.

"KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park" will be performed at 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and May 2 and 3 at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar, University City, Mo. Tickets are $15 and available through Metrotix at metrotix.com or by calling (800) 293-5949. Visit stlshakespeare.org/MONKEY/ for more information.

Legendary Rocker Paul Stanley Parties in Lexington

PAUL STANLEY On Boston's 93.7 MIKE-FM

Paul Doing Media In Boston

Paul will appear on the Fox 25 Morning News (Boston) "live" in-studio on Friday at 7:45 EST.

GENE SIMMONS Visits San Diego To Promote Frank's Energy Drink

The rock star and his entourage of models rolled up to six different 7-Elevens for a meet-and-greet with fans.

"This is actually a better product, everybody talks about energy drinks but usually they're just cough medicine," said Simmons. "This is something that’s actually pasteurized. It's Austrian and there are different flavors."

Fans lined up to greet Simmons on the 7-Eleven on College Avenue and tasted the new beverage. Many brought KISS T-shirts and guitars to have autographed.

Read more at NBCSandiego.com.

Simmons Returns To Ugly Betty

The supermodel will appear in the second season finale of ABC's "Ugly Betty," according to actress Becki Newton.

"She's going to be in our last episode, which is exciting," Newton told The Associated Press at the launch party for the new Sunglass Hut store design. "I've personally requested that I don't stand next to her because Amanda would not like to be seen with such a tall, pretty person."

Newtown, who stars as sassy receptionist Amanda Sommers on "Ugly Betty," isn't sure what character Campbell will play or if she'll actually have scenes with the 37-year-old supermodel, who was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of assaulting an officer after police were called to a disturbance at Heathrow Airport in London.

Campbell was originally announced as a guest star last year but didn't appear in the first season or the beginning of the second season, which was cut short because of the writers' strike. Other "Ugly Betty" guest stars have included Victoria Beckham and Gene Simmons, who played himself and was revealed to be Amanda's father. Newton said Simmons will reprise his role in an upcoming episode.

ABC had previously announced the series will return for a third season.

PAUL STANLEY THE PAINTER

"You can't get anywhere until you're ready to find it," he says on the phone, explaining how he took up painting several years ago during a difficult divorce. "I did it purely as a cathartic release, and I did it from the get-go with the ground rules that I was going to concentrate more on trying to depict emotions than trying to depict any image of reality."

The only Kiss content is four portraits of the band's members in costume. "A tip-of-the-hat to the fans," Stanley calls it, but one that's so out of place precisely because of how abstract the other works are. "I have to tell, you it's pretty gratifying to know that they're the least popular pieces in the gallery," he says. "People aren't buying Kiss, they're buying art."

That art ranges from serene to immediate, while touching on themes Kiss never would. You wouldn't know Stanley spends some nights in 9-inch heels, cranking out the riff to "Deuce." It's important to him that his art—both its content and its success—not be seen as some by-product of Kiss. "At the end of the day, if you know you're buying pieces of art because I sing 'Love Gun,' you're probably better off spending the money elsewhere."

But, if it exists, the link to Kiss may not be causal. The paintings, some of which seem to reflect influences like Rothko and Miró, inspire a range of emotional responses, and Stanley sees legitimacy in nearly every reaction. It's a creative open-mindedness that perhaps developed alongside his relationship to Kiss' fans. "I'm sometimes stunned by what some people read into some of my music, but that doesn't negate the truth in what they're saying," he says. "In the same way as with a piece of art or anything else that's subjective, it's ultimately more important what you get out of it than what I set out to do."

While it's strange to hear Paul Stanley talk about the affirmation of "real" art collectors, especially since Kiss made a career out of being reviled by critics and worshipped by fans, they're not the only ones he cares about. "If my appearance brings in people who have never been into a gallery, I've done a double service," he says. "I think that many people don't get a chance to experience or enjoy any of the arts, because the critic's job, unfortunately, seems to be to intimidate a potential viewer by telling them that their opinion isn't valid unless it's educated. That really sells a lot of people short." And, it might be that kind of classic rock populism that finally gives him away.

5 QUESTIONS WITH PAUL

Q: What led you to try your hand at painting?

A: Well, as a teen I attended the High School of Art and Music in New York but I wasn’t painting at that time. About eight years ago, I was going through a hard divorce, and a friend suggested I paint as a type of therapy. I really connected with my emotions and wanted to keep doing it.

Q: How would you describe your artistic style?

A: It’s very personal, stream-of-consciousness, fly by the seat of my pants stuff. I compare it to going on a trip without a map. I like abstract art because it appeals to people on an emotional rather than analytical level.

Q: Are there more KISS tours or a new album on the horizon?

A: We just did some massive shows in Australia and New Zealand, and in three weeks we’re heading to Europe. So, KISS is alive and ready to blind you, deafen you and pummel you into submission (laughs). A new album? We’re asked about it, but we know fans don’t really want new material. I could write the next “Let It Be” and people would say, “That’s great. Play ‘Love Gun.’” And we’re happy to do that.

Q: Why hasn’t KISS been elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

A: Because the people who own it are part of what I call the “East Coast Music Mafia,” and their opinions don’t really reflect rock fans’ in general. Unfortunately, it’s a sham with a very official-sounding name.

Q: Anything you’re looking forward to doing while you’re in Boston?

A: My sister lived in the North End for a time, and you can bet I’ll be heading there for some real Italian soul food.

PAUL STANLEY Interviewed By WBCN's TOUCHER & RICH

FAMILY JEWELS: THE BEST OF SEASONS 1 & 2

The DVD single includes some of the more humorous and heartfelt episodes including: “Happily Unmarried”, “Nest Generation Rock Star”, “The Demon Lives”, “Driving Me Crazy”, “A Bun in the Oven”, “Nice Day for a Facelift”, “Face Off”, “Master Gene Theater” and the bonus episode “Under the Knife.”

GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS: THE BEST OF SEASONS 1 & 2 is available in retail store now.

BRUCE KULICK's KKB: '1974' Samples Available

According to a press release, "the material [on KKB's '1974'] was the work of an unnamed band that Bruce was a member of, along with Mike Katz (bass) and Guy Bois (drums), and is in a 'CREAM-meets-YES' style."

KKB's "1974" track listing:

01. I'll Never Take You Back
02. My Baby
03. You've Got A Hold On Me
04. Tryin' To Find A Way
05. Someday
06. You Won't Be There
07. To Be Free
08. You Won't Be There (alternate jam take)

Check out audio samples at this location.

KISS TV COMMERCIAL FOR GERMAN SHOWS

Theo Lacy Unmasked: Was Ex-Kiss Guitarist Mark St. John a Victim of Brutal Jailhouse Justice?

A month before roughly two dozen inmates at Theo Lacy Jail viciously killed John Chamberlain in an attack that would earn national headlines and lead to a major scandal that continues to unfold, an inmate named Mark Leslie Norton told deputies he feared for his life. He asked to be moved from one part of the jail to another.

Although deputies may not have recognized him, Norton is better known to most of the world by his stage name, Mark St. John; he had briefly been a guitarist for the world-famous rock band Kiss in the mid-’80s until a nasty bout of arthritis forced him into early retirement.

Norton, according to published reports, grew up in Garden Grove and had been living with his parents there while earning a modest income giving guitar lessons. He was booked into Theo Lacy on Sept. 14, 2006 to serve a two-week sentence after pleading guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest and attempted destruction of evidence. For a week, Norton stayed in D Barracks, a medium-security dormitory for nonviolent offenders. But on Sept. 21, according to Norton’s inmate file, which the Weekly recently obtained from the sheriff’s department, he told deputies he wanted to be moved somewhere else because he “stole crackers out of another inmate’s property box” and was “in fear for his safety.”

Deputies moved Norton to F-West Barracks, another medium-security dormitory, where he remained for three days, until being released from jail on Sept. 24. From the file, it appears the transfer worked. There is nothing to suggest Norton was attacked or ever requested medical treatment. But one key witness insists that Norton did, in fact, get his ass kicked.

Jared Petrovich, a former shot-caller at the jail and one of nine inmates charged with murdering Chamberlain (see “‘I Lit the Fire,’” April 3), told the Weekly he personally helped to arrange for Norton to be assaulted and that Deputy Kevin Taylor, the same guard Petrovich alleges authorized the attack against Chamberlain, approved the beating. In a recent interview with the Weekly, the onetime shot-caller for the “Woods” (the white inmates at Theo Lacy) stated that Taylor knew in advance that numerous inmates, including Norton, would be beaten up and not only did nothing to stop the assaults, but also gave sack lunches to him and other inmates in return for carrying them out.

“We went up to Kevin Taylor and said, ‘We’re going to beat this guy [Norton] up,’” Petrovich recalls. “[Taylor] said okay and gave us sack lunches, two each for the four us,” referring to himself, another Woods shot-caller and pair of Latino inmates who needed to be advised of an upcoming beating so they didn’t “trip out.”

According to Petrovich, Norton was being punished for stealing property from another inmate in a different part of the jail. “He got caught stealing something,” he says. “I guess he did that somewhere else in the jail, but we found out about it somehow. . . . The Kiss guy got beat up pretty bad.”

Petrovich says he was included in the meeting because the other shot-caller was scheduled to leave F-West in a few weeks and had chosen him as his replacement. Although Petrovich claims Norton was severely beaten, he says he didn’t personally witness the attack.

Sheriff’s officials have refused to make Taylor, who is currently on paid leave, available for an interview. On Oct. 5, 2006, he allegedly watched Cops on television and used his cell phone to send 22 text messages while dozens of inmates just yards away fatally beat Chamberlain, a Mission Viejo software engineer awaiting trial for possession of child pornography (see “Blind Spot,” March 29, 2007). Following the murder, Taylor refused to speak to sheriff’s homicide investigators and, later, declined to be interviewed by district-attorney investigators or testify before the Orange County grand jury. But two of his partners did talk, and what they say suggests that Petrovich’s claims about Taylor, as outlandish as they sound, are plausible.

Both Special Services Officer Philip Le and Deputy Jason Chapluk testified that Taylor routinely used shot-callers such as Petrovich to enforce jail rules and punish inmates who broke them and that he frequently rewarded the shot-caller with special privileges such as extra time in the day room, new uniforms, or—you guessed it—sack lunches.

Le estimated that Taylor would meet with shot-callers up to 10 times per day and that some of those meetings were to ask the shot-caller to ensure that inmates who had been punished didn’t request medical treatment at the jail. The conversation, Le testified, would go like this: “Hey, this guy is messing up, so get him in line; [tell him], ‘You are not hurt. . . . You are fine.’” If the inmate continued to complain, Le told the grand jury, Taylor knew the result would be another violent attack. “Something is done discreetly in certain areas [of the barracks],” he explained. “The inmates know there are certain areas or blind spots, and they do it there.”

A former Theo Lacy inmate who claims he was a Woods “torpedo,” or enforcer, says he personally beat up, or “taxed,” numerous inmates while incarcerated at the jail. (The Weekly confirmed that the inmate, who asked not to be identified, was in Theo Lacy several months before Chamberlain’s murder—and before Norton’s brief stint in the jail.) “It was my job to go to the blind spot and wait while another Wood got the person who was going to be taxed,” he says. “You put the person getting taxed against the wall, ask them if they are ready, and then go to town for 15 seconds on their body. . . . It never gets brutal; there might be some bruises left after, but never any blood.”

Mark Leslie Norton, unfortunately, is unable to talk about his time in Theo Lacy. As any true Kiss fan already knows, Norton died last year. According to the Orange County Coroner, the cause of death was a brain hemorrhage bought on by an accidental overdose of methamphetamines on April 5, 2007. The Weekly’s attempts to reach Norton’s family for comment were unsuccessful.

ACE FREHLEY: Tilburg Date To Be Rescheduled

ACE FREHLEY Schedules Nashville Meet-And-Greet

"First and foremost, Ace would like to thank all of his fans for their support on his most recent tour. Throughout the course of this Rocket Ride, people have requested ways they could meet Ace. We may have found a way of satisfying that craving, and will be trying it out in Nashville on May 22. If all goes well, we will continue this throughout the rest of the tour. Stay tuned."

KISS To Perform All Of 'Alive!' On Upcoming Tour

KISS Videos Online

Ace To Open For KISS

The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

Friday, June 13:

KISS
JUDAS PRIEST
MOTÖRHEAD
DISTURBED
KID ROCK
SEETHER
SIMPLE PLAN
RISE AGAINST
ACE FREHLEY
FIGHTSTAR
JOB FOR A COWBOY
THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN

Saturday, June 14:

THE OFFSPRING
INCUBUS
BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE
BIFFY CLYRO
ALTER BRIDGE
MADINA LAKE
36 CRAZYFISTS
HIM
ASH
PENDULUM
THE SUBWAYS

Sunday, June 15:

LOSTPROPHETS
JIMMY EAT WORLD
COHEED AND CAMBRIA
IN FLAMES
WITHIN TEMPTATION
APOCALYPTICA
BLACK STONE CHERRY
CAVALERA CONSPIRACY
CHILDREN OF BODOM
ELLIOT MINOR
JONATHAN DAVIS
AIRBOURNE

Tickets for Download are on sale now, priced at: a full weekend ticket £130, standard camping £20, camper van £40, family zone camping £20, lockers £11, parking £10 in advance or £15 on the day.

BRUCE KULICK Issues Kansas City KISS Expo Recap

"I just came back from Kansas City for the first-ever KISS Expo in that city. The fans were excited to share their love of KISS, and I have to admit it was a great day for me as well. I announced my forthcoming CD release, 'KKB 1974', and wanted to debut some tracks from this music from my past for the crowd but the CD player was not hooked up to the PA system properly.... file that under 'WTF?!'

"Anyway, fans can now see all the CD artwork and hear some samples here on my website! I think you all will all be surprised and excited to hear the music I was playing and creating when I was only 19 years old, and to read about the band, how the recording came about, and how I rediscovered it after so many years.

"'KKB 1974' will be for sale at the big NY Expo on May 3rd, and after that I will be taking orders on my website so be sure to stay tuned!

"Of course the Kansas City Expo had me doing a Q&A with the crowd and some great questions were asked — Why am I on the 'Creatures Of The Night' CD cover? — and I was signing and taking pix through most of the day. I really enjoyed the excitement from the crowd and reminded them of an upcoming show with GRAND FUNK in Kansas on June 7th. Quite a few people there actually attended some of the GFR shows in the past and I was pleased to hear that!

"At the end of the Expo, I jammed with the tribute band DRESSED TO KILL. They did a good job entertaining the crowd and they finished the set with me sitting in on 'Lick It Up' and 'Rock and Roll All Nite'. It was a great way to end the evening and I would like to say thanks everyone who worked hard to make the first Kansas City Expo a success, especially all the fans! KISS fans are the best!"

Check out photos at this location.

DEMON GOD OF ROCK AND ROLL

Gene Simmons, the co-founder and lead vocalist of the Kiss rock band, revealed on his website that he shot a cameo for Toshio Li's live-action film adaptation of Kiminori Wakasugi's Detroit Metal City manga. According to the website's April 10 entry, Simmons played the "Demon God of Rock and Roll." Not coincidentally, his real-life onstage persona is nicknamed "The Demon." His band's signature white-and-black face corpse paint and "Detroit Rock City" song inspired the look and name of the fictional Detroit Metal City band in Wakasugi's rock parody manga.

Simmons flew to Japan the morning after his band's March 22 show in New Zealand for his shoot. The film will open in Japan in August, and a camera crew for the Gene Simmons Family Jewels reality television series shot behind-the-scenes footage that will air in the future. In the movie, Ken'ichi Matsuyama (Death Note, NANA, Sexy Voice and Robo) stars as Soichi, a struggling pop singer who finally becomes a hit when he reluctantly leads a metal rock band under the stage name "Johannes Krauser II."

TEXAS KISS FAN CARNIVAL

The KISS Fan Carnival will feature special Guest Bob Kulick, Jason Henderson (writer for Gene Simmons' House of Horrors), KISS Tribute Band DESTROYER and a screening of ATTACK OF THE PHANTOMS.

Bob will do a Q&A and sign autographs throughout the day. Expect a blistering 2 hour set from the hottest KISS tribute band in the Texas area - DESTROYER!

KISSOnline will be in selling official KISS merchandise!

For tickets and more info CLICK HERE.

PAUL VISITS BOB & SHERI SHOW

VINNIE VINCENT Tribute Album Due This Summer

Vinnie's compositions are widely regarded as a highlight of the KISS catalog and remain a staple of the live KISS setlist. Included on the tribute will be selections from the three KISS albums to which Vinnie contributed, as well as the two albums he released with the VINNIE VINCENT INVASION. Participating artists and track listings will be announced as they are confirmed.

"Kiss My Ankh: A Tribute To Vinnie Vincent" is scheduled for a summer 2008 release.

Further details can be found at the SplitScreen Entertainment web site.

KISS Re-Recording Classic Material With Current Lineup

Rockpages.gr: Will you change the set-list for the upcoming tour in Europe?

Eric Singer: I am not sure, yet… but I think that we will do a special set-list for the European audiences, so as to express our gratitude for making this tour so succesful. You will like it… wait and see.

Rockpages.gr: I was talking with Paul [Stanley] a few days ago and he told me that he didn't expect the success of the European tour, at least at such extent. Did you see it coming?

Eric Singer: Well, I have to say that I agree with Paul 100%. Nobody expected that this tour would be bigger than the Reunion tour and especially for Paul and Gene [Simmons] was a big surprise but also a big satisfaction. Tickets are selling out fast everywhere… that's great!

Rockpages.gr: That means that there will come a time when KISS will be a band without any of the original members in the line-up. At least, Paul has said so….but do you think that this is possible?

Eric Singer: Let me tell you this: Never say never with KISS! I won't rule anything out.

Rockpages.gr: Do you see yourself in a few years in KISS and at the same time being the oldest of the line-up?

Eric Singer: I would like that…why not? But, despite what Paul says about KISS carrying on without him, the truth is that I haven't seen anyone that could replace Paul! I have seen many tribute bands and the problem was always the fact that nobody, and I mean nobody, could immitate Paul's voice or moves. There's only one Paul Stanley!

Rockpages.gr: I agree! Tell me something…you were there without make-up and now you are playing with the famous cat make-up. Do you see any differences in the band from all the years that have passed by?

Eric Singer: Well, I think that the band, now, knows exactly what it wants regarding the live shows and its career in general. In the early '90s we were thinking about things like which direction we should follow, what kind of an album we will release, the stage show etc. Now we offer exactly what the people want: A KISS show with full make-up, fireworks, explosions, platform boots and all the other stage acts that will entertain each and everyone! Each KISS fan has grown up in a different phase of KISS career… "Asylum", "Revenge", the 70s records etc. We try to please as many as we can…after all everybody loves the make-up show!

Rockpages.gr: Is there any truth to the rumor that KISS entered the studio recently to re-record some classic songs from the back catalogue?

Eric Singer: Where did you hear that?

Rockpages.gr: I have my sources…well, is it valid information?

Eric Singer: I will tell you, but tell me first who told you?

Rockpages.gr: Jimmy Haslip…he saw you in the studio a while ago and he was quite certain that Paul had told him that KISS re-recorded old tracks…

Eric Singer: OK! Yes, that's true! You know that many bands re-record songs so as to have the control over the copyrights. For example, if someone asks for a KISS tune, the band doesn'' have to get into a bureaucracy with the record label. It is very convenient…

Rockpages.gr: Tommy Thayer sang "Shock Me", causing some turmoil amongst the KISS Army. Would you sing "Beth" if Paul and Gene asked you to?

Eric Singer: Yeah, although I don't really think that Gene would ask me (to do) such thing as he doesn't like ballads at all. But, I wouldn't have any problem. It's not a sign of disrespect…I know that almost everybody has linked this song to Peter Criss. But at the same time, it is a good song and by singing it I only show respect to KISS and Peter.

Read the entire interview at Rockpages.gr.

KISS Issues Statement Regarding Belgrade Concert Cancellation

"We regret that due to security concerns relayed by U.S. government intelligence and the unwillingness of our tour insurance policy to cover our concert, we have been left with no choice but to cancel our show in Belgrade. Because of our excitement at returning to play for our many Serbian fans, we all share in the same disappointment and it is our hope to return soon."

Spend An Evening With PAUL STANLEY

Stanley will exhibit his artwork at the McLean Wentworth Gallery from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST on October 11, 2008.

Paul is currently working on new pieces to add to his exhibit as well as for future purchases. He will even be painting on guitars to describe the emotions that his songs evoke.

Interested parties will have until October 10, 2008 to make their decision on the specific artwork they wish to acquire. Upon arrival, guests will receive a very special welcome gift. There will be a photographer there to capture all the special moments of the evening and there will be a few surprises as well. Six (6) RSVPs have already been made.

For more details, and to secure your reservation, contact Anne Dorman, Tysons Gallery Director, at 703-883-0111.

ACE FREHLEY Hits The UK; Video Available

His setlist was as follows:

01. Rip It Out
02. Hard Times
03. Parasite
04. Snowblind / I Want You
05. Rock Soldiers
06. Breakout
07. Into The Void
08. Strangeways
09. [Medley] Torpedo Girl / Speedin' Back To My Baby / Five Card Stud / Trouble Walkin' / Stranger in a Strange Land
10. New York Groove
11. 2,000 Man
12. Shock Me
13. Rocket Ride
14. Deuce
15. Lover Her All I Can
16. Love Gun
17. Cold Gin

Fan-filmed video footage of the London concert can be viewed here: 1, 2

GENE ON 'THE TONIGHT SHOW'

Billboard single review

Kiss frontman comes to town -- but not for rock

Stanley, who returns to Wentworth Gallery in SouthPark mall Friday and Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m., knows this. Although it might irk Kiss fans, he's there to spend time with art buyers (not fans), but hopes his appearances expose new people to fine art.

"It's a great opportunity for me to meet with people who are acquiring the pieces," he said during a recent phone interview. "Also, maybe it's an incentive for people who have never been in a gallery to come. Because of the size of the crowd I can't spend a lot of time with people unless they're acquiring art, but I often will come out and ask how many people have never been in a gallery before. There are quite a few who haven't.

"Unfortunately (some) people are intimidated by going to a gallery or musical or theater because they think that they're supposed to be educated before they can have an opinion. That's nonsense. Your opinion is valid because it's yours. You'd don't need a degree to know whether you like it or not," adds Stanley, who grew up in Manhattan going to museums and operas with his parents. "To me, the arts are like food. The more you get, the more well-balanced your diet is."

KISS's Gene Simmons Whips Up the Heat

The TPB, which includes six stories that were originally run as individual comics issues, is written by Sean Taylor, who also authored Fishnet Angel, and is illustrated by artists Flavio Hoffe and Esteve Polls (who also illustrated a tale in the debut Simmons Comics Group release, Gene Simmons House of Horrors). Adding to the package is a new introduction from Gene Simmons; a photo collage from a Dominatrix party featuring Gene and some real-life dominatrices; an art gallery with all of the original cover art; and an outro and new Dominatrix prose story by Taylor.

Dominatrix is the story of Dominique Stern. After a client loses his composure during an intense session and blurts out top-secret information, Dominique finds herself a reluctant superhero who must save herself, her friends, the jerk who got her into the mess, and quite possibly her country.

"'Dominatrix' came to me in a flash," says Simmons. "Comic books and pop culture in general have always toyed around with the leather/rubber-bound heroine. It's sexy and kick-ass. [But] they always skirted the sexuality issue. I decided to meet it head-on, so to speak."

Simmons based the character on a semi-real dominatrix he knows socially. "After talking with her about the lifestyle," he says, "[I] combined it with clandestine Manchurian Candidate and Nick Fury's Hydra stuff [a super-spy from Marvel Comics], oh, yes, and pills. Special pills."

To complete the spicy story and package, the comic TPB is graced with a sexy, painted cover by CVO creator Alex Garner.

The Gene Simmons Dominatrix TPB will be in stores April 19, 2008; call 1-888-comic-book (1-888-266-4226) to find a store near you.

KISS Cancels Belgrade Concert

A KISS OF ARTISTIC TALENT

"Interestingly, the galleries will tell you there are people who come in and are drawn to certain pieces without ever even knowing it's me; that's secondary," Stanley says from his California home. "I will also say in the same breath that no doubt my success and my fame gets my foot in the door. But you can still slam the door on my foot. Nobody's going to spend a good sum of money on art because they like it when I sing 'Rock And Roll All Night.' If they do, then they'd be better spending their money elsewhere."

Stanley, who attended the prestigious Manhattan School for Music and Art, was always focused on music. He says he is one of the few to fail art at the school and didn't even pick up a paint brush until 2000. While going through a divorce, a friend of his suggested that he paint to release emotion. "I went to an art supply store and bought canvases and paints and palate knives and brushes and all kinds of things that I was clueless to use and went home and started painting," he says. "What never crossed my mind was to show any of my work. It was a very solitary and very intimate experience. It was really about trying to purge emotions."

The first piece he painted wasn't signed because he didn't want anyone to know he painted it. However, when positive reactions flowed in, the idea of showing his work grew. He notes that one of the most interesting aspects of his artwork is that portraits he did of the members of KISS have been the least popular.

His artwork, using acrylic paints, is often comprised of bright colors. The average original is roughly 4 feet by 5 feet, but prints are often smaller. "I believe art is for everybody, whether you're in a trailer or a villa," he says. "Somebody said I was fearless of color. What's there to fear? I've never been bitten by blue, or attacked by red."

"There's one piece that I have called 'Scream,' which was not done at a very pleasant time in my life," Stanley says. "It was kind of tough for me to look at, at that point. I love the painting more today because it's kind of a snapshot of where I was once and how far I've come."

Stanley, 56, is now remarried and pauses during the interview when his youngest child comes running into the room. He's not the flamboyant front man that you see on stage. He's calm with his answers — a man content with his life or perhaps just resting his vocals.

KISS is still touring, after all. They recently wrapped up a tour of Australia and are preparing to hit Europe. An American tour is not something that's been ruled out.

"The band has never been better," Stanley says of the current lineup with Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer. "The fact is, we did do a farewell tour and by the end of the tour I realized that the only thing I wanted to say farewell to was a couple of members and the band should continue. The only ones who question that are the ones who don't want us to continue, and they're so insignificant in numbers that they do not even warrant an answer. This will continue beyond my tenure in the band."

As for a balance between the music and art, Stanley feels it's easy. "Music and songwriting has much more structure to it," he says. "The only boundary in painting is the edge of the canvas. I made sure that once I started painting that I was going to work without any rules or limitations."

Paul Stanley will be at the Wentworth Gallery at SouthPark Mall on April 11 and 12 from 6 to 9 p.m.

PAUL GUITARS IN AUSTRALIA

GENE SIMMONS HOUSE OF HORRORS ANTHOLOGY- IN STORES APRIL 9TH!

Initially run as a three-issue quarterly, the series has been critically acclaimed by fans and reviewers alike, both for the quality of the stories and the art. The TPB includes the original intros and outros written by the book's host, Gene Simmons, as well as a new collection introduction from Simmons. In addition, Nick Simmons--Gene's son, budding co-star on Gene Simmons Family Jewels, the top-rated A&E reality show, and the creator of the upcoming Platinum Studios comic Skullduggery--has three short prose stories included in the TPB. Top that off with 15 different and terrifying stories by some of the hottest new talent in comics today with a cover by Matt Busch, and you've got all the makings of a deliciously scary treat.

"I had always loved the Twilight Zone. I never missed an episode," says Gene. "I read Amazing Stories and Analog. In short, I loved the anthology horror/sci-fi canvas and wanted to re-introduce the format into comic books. [Gene Simmons House of Horrors] is a chance to showcase the best in professional talent, and to introduce new talent, as well. Each story will be written and drawn independently, with wraparound commentaries by myself. The fact that I'm powerful and attractive will only add to the stunning effect of the stories."

Stories are written by a range of authors, including Chris Ryall (Zombies Vs. Robots); Tom Waltz (Children of the Grave); Dwight MacPherson (Dead Men Tell No Tales); Sean Taylor (Fishnet Angel); Nick Simmons; and two talented progeny, the daughter of comic writer Alan Moore's (Watchmen and V for Vendetta), Leah Moore, and her husband John Reppion (Raise the Dead). Artists include Andy Kuhn (Fire-Breather), Jeff Zornow (American Werewolf), Steph Stamb (Angel: Masks), Matt Busch (Star Wars), Esteve Polls (Dominatrix), Grant Bond (Revere), Jon Alderink (City of Fire), and others.

The Gene Simmons House Of Horrors TPB will be in stores April 9, 2008; call 1-888-comic-book (1-888-266-4226) to find a store near you.

KISS' 1977 Comic Book To Be Released In France

For the original comic book, blood from each KISS bandmember was drawn by a registered nurse, witnessed by a notary public, and poured into the vats of red ink used for printing the comic at Marvel's Borden Ink plant in Depew, New York.

ACE FREHLEY Performing In New York City; Video Available

METALLICA To Receive 'Record Fee' For Bulgarian Concert

KISS CD PART OF "EARTH MONTH"

The eco-friendly package is 100% recyclable and biodegradable. It also includes a blow in card containing seeds for planting and allows you to get three free MP3 downloads from a selection of 30 titles.

ACE FREHLEY On 'Jim Kerr Rock And Roll Morning Show'; Audio Available

In other news, MK Magazine has posted photos of Ace's April 1 concert at the House of Blues in Chicago, Illinois. Check them out at this location.

'Playlist Plus' Three-CD Compilation Due This Month

The track listing for the collection is as follows:

Disc 1:
01. Strutter
02. Deuce
03. Hotter Than Hell
04. C'mon and Love Me
05. Rock and Roll All Nite
06. Detroit Rock City
07. Beth
08. Hard Luck Woman
09. Calling Dr. Love
10. Love Gun
11. Christeen Sixteen
12. I Was Made For Lovin' You

Disc 2:
01. Creatures of the Night
02. I Love It Loud
03. Lick It Up
04. All Hell's Breakin' Loose
05. Heaven's On Fire
06. Thrills In the Night
07. Tears Are Falling
08. Uh! All Night
09. Crazy Crazy Nights
10. Reason To Live
11. Hide Your Heart
12. Forever

Disc 3:
01. God Gave Rock 'N' Roll To You
02. Unholy
03. Domino
04. Hate
05. Childhood's End
06. I Will Be There
07. Comin' Home
08. Got To Choose
09. Psycho Circus
10. Into the Void
11. I Pledge Allegiance To the State of Rock and Roll
12. Nothing Can Keep Me From You

No further details are currently available.

BLACK 'N BLUE's 'Rarities' To Be Reissued

Poland's Metal Mind Productions will re-release BLACK 'N BLUE's album "Rarities", on May 5 in Europe. The limited-edition digipack title (limited to 2,000 copies) will be made available on golden disc, digitally remastered using 24-bit technology.

According to a press release, "Rarities" is "a peep inside the closed doors of the group's history, revealing a unique collection of rare and previously unreleased songs. 'Rarities' remains a true treasure chest for all of BLACK 'N BLUE's fans, with a portion of melodic pop-rock enough to satisfy even the most demanding enthusiasts of the genre. This album will get you on a night train straight to the '80s — so fasten up and enjoy the ride!"

Kiss off: Ace Frehley reminds us of his solo guitar chops

Though many Kiss fans consider the cartoonish, theatrical shocks of the band’s early career to be the pinnacle of the rock experience, others idolize Frehley as an old school guitar hero with rare command of a snarling Gibson Les Paul. The lack of starry-eyed makeup and silver moon boots either onstage or off demonstrated that this show was for the latter batch. These diehards cheered both hard-rocking Kiss chestnuts like “Deuce” and solo tracks like the jagged “Snow Blind,” as Frehley uncorked solos full of melodic bite.

Working toward a second year of sobriety and surrounded by a band of young firebrands, Frehley at age 56 appeared fitter both physically and musically than when this reviewer last saw him (in full costume) during a 1998 reunion show supporting Kiss’ “Psycho Circus” album. Frehley’s stage banter exuded humor and ease, and his reinvigorated playing during crowd pleasers like “Love Gun” and the Rolling Stones’ “2000 Man” brimmed with personality and confidence.

“Parasite” from 1974’s “Hotter Than Hell” album allowed Frehley to salute two of his principal influences, echoing both The Who’s guttural “Boris the Spider” and Led Zeppelin’s pummeling “Immigrant Song.” During the song, even the band's roadie could be seen banging his head behind the towering wall of speaker cabinets.

Although Frehley’s makeup kit was left behind, he did feature his trademarked trick guitars twice. The attempted showmanship backfired after charging through “Shock Me,” however, when Frehley’s smoking guitar failed to ignite. Frehley laughed it off as an April Fool’s joke on himself, but promised to make up for it with something special. The band then played “Fractured Mirror,” a rarely performed instrumental piece.

The only time Frehley’s band itself didn’t spark was unfortunately during his biggest solo hit. “New York Groove” faltered as the group struggled to lock into the song’s “Hand Jive” rhythm and Frehley’s strobe-light guitar experienced tuning problems. Frehley regained momentum by coaxing the crowd with a Chicago-centric version of the song’s chorus. By the time the band ripped through the saucy “Rocket Ride,” the room was back in their pockets.

KISS CELEBRATE 35th ANNIVERSARY

At the time, the New York City music scene only boasted a few places to play original music, including Max’s Kansas City, the Mercer Arts Center and a club located outside of the city in Queens called Coventry. It was at this local hole in the wall that KISS performed its first show on Jan. 30, 1973.

Throughout the year, the band would return to Coventry and also ply its heavy-metal wares at other local dives including The Daisy in Amityville, Long Island, and shows at The Hotel Diplomat and a loft party on Bleecker Street. 2008 marks the 35th anniversary of KISS’s first show ever at Coventry in Queens. In celebration of that KISS-toric event, we spoke to KISS and members of the band’s inner circle, who shared their reminiscences of those pivotal performances and pre-fame days.

In the beginning, Coventry was ground zero for New York City’s glitter-rock scene, as everyone from The New York Dolls to The Ramones to Jayne County played there. KISS wasn’t the main draw at first, but it didn’t take long for the band to build a following.

PAUL SUB (Owner, Coventry): Coventry opened in the early ’70s. It was located on Queens Boulevard and 47th Street in Queens. The club was originally called Popcorn Pub, and I later renamed it Coventry after a town in England.

PAUL STANLEY: When we played Coventry, it was called Popcorn, and they were trying to change their image. It was a perfect relationship in that we brought in a certain New York credibility to the club, so other bands started coming across the water and playing there too.

PAUL SUB (Owner, Coventry): It was a big club, around 5,000 square feet, and it held around 700 people. Everyone from KISS, The New York Dolls, The Ramones, Blondie, Sam & Dave, The Dictators and Elephant’s Memory played there. I’d put on 10 acts a week, both local and national. The only act we turned down, because we didn’t want to spend $300, was Aerosmith (laughs). The New York Dolls were really the ones that kept Coventry going. They played once a month, and whenever they played, 700 people would show up. They had the main following of all the bands who played there. The Dolls really helped pay my rent (laughs). All the other groups who played there, from KISS to The Ramones, didn’t really bring in that many people.

GENE SIMMONS: Coventry was located in Queens, New York, in a downtrodden industrial area. Two stories above the building we played was a subway, so when we played, the trains would be going by, and it was loud. It was owned by the boys (imitates tough guy accent) “Who kind of talked like this.’” We played a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and were paid 30 dollars.

PAUL STANLEY: First time we played there, it was virtually empty.

PETER CRISS: Nobody was there (laughs). It was a nightmare. We killed ourselves for six people.

LYDIA CRISS (Peter’s then-wife): I remember it was a really cold winter night. The only people who showed up at that first Coventry show were me, Jan Walsh, who was Gene’s girlfriend at the time, and her friend, plus the road crew — Eddie Solan; Joey Criscuola, Peter’s brother; and Bobby McAdams — and the people who worked at the club.

BOBBY MCADAMS (KISS roadie): It was really empty. But, they took it in stride. They knew things would turn around. They weren’t gonna give up.

Most bands have to showcase for years before they get noticed. These guys got noticed right away. They were very lucky in that sense.

PETER CRISS: Even though hardly anyone was there at our first gig, when we eventually played there enough times, I remember pulling up one night in the car with the boys and there was a line down the block. We went, “Holy shit! Wow, this is cool!” We had to go through the crowd, and they were all patting us on the back, and we made it to the basement and we said, “F**k!” It was cool.

EDDIE SOLAN (roadie and soundman): We had a small crew, just me, Joey Criscuola, Peter’s brother, and Bobby McAdams. But, everybody helped. Paul used to drive a bread truck with all the band’s gear. It was filled to the ceiling with equipment (laughs).

KEITH WEST (The Brats): When KISS came together, it was a small glitter scene in New York City with about 10 bands that were popular — The Dolls, The Brats, Eric Emerson & The Magic Tramps, Teenage Lust, Harlots of 42nd Street, Ruby & The Rednecks, The Planets, Luger and Street Punk. Every band in the glitter-rock scene in New York City had their own gimmick. KISS wore the kabuki makeup, Jayne County was the transsexual, The Dolls had this gender-bending look, and The Brats were into bands like The Faces. Everybody was into the glam/glitter/pop stuff like Sweet, David Bowie, T-Rex, Mott The Hoople and The Raspberries. But, it was Bowie who led that scene for all of us.

MARK POLOTT (frequent Coventry attendee and member of local bands, Murder Inc. and The Brats): KISS separated themselves from other bands. They had a certain charisma. In a lot of ways they weren’t part of the scene; they were their own entity, and they cultivated this mysterious vibe. So many guys I knew in bands were from Queens. You had Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons from KISS. You had The Ramones, Johnny Thunders from The Dolls, Ricky Byrd from Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Wayne County, The Miami’s, The Brats, Murder Inc., Rags and Street Punk.

GENE SIMMONS: I was always the asshole who decided to pick up the phone and bother people and get us to where we wanted to go. On my way into work in the city I used to pass by this club in Queens. I called the club, got the manager on the phone and started selling, which is what I’ve always done my entire life. I said to him, “We’ve got a band called Wicked Lester, and I’m really excited about it. You should book us, because we’re terrific.” So he agreed to put us on for three nights during the middle of the week when nobody went there. We had yet to name ourselves KISS. That first night we changed the name of the band from Wicked Lester to KISS.

JIMI LALUMIA (Writer, Words & Music/Rock): Coventry was a real nexus for rock and roll ’cause there were no strings attached. Max’s Kansas City had strings attached, because it was associated with the Warhol crowd and the glitter/glam rock scene that was happening with the Dolls and Wayne County. The Mercer Arts Center in downtown Manhattan was also not considered rock and roll; it was considered an art center, which made itself available to rock and roll after all else had failed. Coventry was viewed as a real nuts-and-bolts, rock-and-roll joint. It felt like a real rock-and-roll room. It was a perfect venue for KISS to get their act together because it was very rock and roll.

Early attempts at using makeup were rudimentary at best. But, KISS’ electrifyng stage show was coming together, and it all began that first night at Coventry.

GENE SIMMONS: That night at Coventry, I wore a sailor suit for the first show. It was a holdover from Wicked Lester’s audition for the head of Metromedia Records. I put on whiteface, put my hair up, kind of had that bat-like thing, but no black lipstick. I had the design. Paul put on rouge, and that was it. Ace had his little design but no whiteface. And Peter had only rouge on his cheeks and red lipstick. By our second appearance at Coventry, we had a primitive version of the KISS makeup on and had a real sense of who we were gonna be.

PAUL STANLEY: We wore makeup then, but it was not as sophisticated as it is now. The rest of the band pretty much looked the same, but I didn’t. I just wore eye makeup and rouge. It was the same idea but different makeup.

PAUL STANLEY: Our outfits were predominately black. I was wearing real high heels, skin-tight Lurex pants, black knee socks and a black T-shirt that said “KISS.” The costume cost about $45 for the shoes, $3 for the T-shirt and about $5 worth of Lurex. I made the pants myself, because I couldn’t afford to buy them. Instead, I went out and bought the material, and then, my father said, “Well, nice try, but I’ll buy you the pants… I admire you for wanting to make the pants, but you can’t; you’ve never done it before.” I said, “Oh yeah?” So, I took my best pair of jeans apart, cut the Lurex like the jeans, asked my mother to show me how the sewing machine worked and made myself a pair of pants.

GENE SIMMONS: We must have looked like dinosaurs. By 1973, everybody had stopped wearing high heels. We had these 6-inch boots with studs on them. It looked like an S&M thing, and if you didn’t know what the studs were, they were the strangest things you ever saw. They looked like they weighed a ton. But, the show itself was straight ahead — real raw, real short, real good rock ’n’ roll.

PAUL SUB: Nobody knew KISS at the time; they didn’t have a following.

LYDIA CRISS: Even though there wasn’t anybody there, they weren’t discouraged. They were just happy to play. They played their hearts out like it was the Garden. The band made $30 that night, but all the money went to the road crew.

JOEY CRISCUOLA (Peter Criss’ brother and early KISS roadie): After the first show, word spread about this wild act, and the few more times they played Coventry they’d built a following and began to pack the place.

GENE SIMMONS: We refused to play Top 40. We had brass balls. We said, “We’re not gonna do “Hang On Sloopy” or “Midnight Hour.” We’re gonna go on and do our own tunes. We were taking a really big risk doing that. We did two sets at Coventry for that first show, all originals. We still had the same musical bullets we use today — “She,” “Watchin’ You,” “Deuce,” “Strutter” and “Black Diamond."

The set list for the first show

Set one:
Deuce
Watchin’ You
Love Her All I Can
She
Simple Type (Wicked Lester song)
Keep Me Waiting (Wicked Lester song)
Life In The Woods
Baby, Let Me Go (renamed Let Me Go, Rock & Roll)
Firehouse
Black Diamond

Set two:
Deuce
Love Her All I Can
She
Life In The Woods
Simple Type (Wicked Lester song)
Keep Me Waiting (Wicked Lester song)
Baby, Let Me Go (later renamed Let Me Go, Rock & Roll)
Watchin’ You

(Set list info courtesy of “KISS Alive Forever: The Complete Touring History”)

GENE SIMMONS: Our show had no talking, just bang-bang-bang, song-song-song and off the stage. We didn’t have any real effects at the time.

EDDIE SOLAN: For “Firehouse,” we had this idea to use these red revolving beacon lights. They had a magnetic base so a fireman or cop could just reach out and put it on the roof of his car and plug it into the cigarette lighter. I was working for an electronics company back then, and we sold those kind of lights. I made up a box out of a car battery charger to turn on the red lights. We had three of them on top of the amps. We used to use it at the end of “Firehouse” and at the end of the show, too. That whole thing stuck with them for a long time. Even when they were on the road playing big places, they always had the revolving red lights.

LEW LINET (First KISS manager): After the show, even though only a few people showed up, the band were in high spirits. They were very young and naïve, and they were on the road to success. They had a gig, they were very impressed with themselves and happy with what they were doing. They didn’t second guess themselves or question their journey; they did what they loved to do. They didn’t understand how difficult it would be to achieve success. They didn’t know how high the mountain was to climb. When we’re very young, we’re not frightened of working toward success, because we don’t know that it’s difficult. It’s the same syndrome as children picking up a second language. They don’t know that picking up a second language is hard. They just do it. So, in many ways, KISS were babies in rock and roll, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and ready to take on the world.

STAN MIESES (Writer, New York Daily News): Back in 1973, I was 20 years old. I was a copy boy at the Daily News. Hanging around, I impressed a couple of the editors with my enthusiasm for rock and roll. I’d gotten a couple of assignments to review rock shows. Then this guy Paul (Sub) wrote me from Queens — he must have seen my byline.

He said, “You’re The Daily News. You guys should really cover clubs in Queens.” So, I went out to this guy’s club, The Coventry, sat down, and this group named KISS came on. I looked at them and thought this was like comic book or kabuki, something I’d never seen. They looked great. Musically, it sounded like cement mixing. It was not my style of music — my style leaned more to The Velvet Underground — but I thought their stage show was very impressive. The club was half full but they were enthusiastic. The substance of my review, which ran in The Daily News, was how they looked. I described the band in detail and not so much the sound. They had clearly defined characters, and that’s something I hadn’t seen since The Beatles. Each member of the band was individualized. The makeup made all four guys distinct. The behavior onstage was also very distinct. I thought these guys had a shot at making it, because, at the very least, the next day people would say, “You should see what I saw!”

Signed to Neil Bogart’s fledgling new label, Casablanca Records, in the fall of 1973, before embarking on their first national tour, KISS returned one last time to play two final shows at Coventry on Dec. 21 and 22. The Dec. 22 show was captured on video and is included in “KISSology III: Volume Three 1992-2000.”

BILL AUCOIN (KISS manager 1973-1982): I met with KISS, and they came across as guys that really wanted to make it. I told the group I’d get them a record contract and to give me 30 days to do it. Kenny Kerner and Richie Wise heard the tape and told Neil, “Come on Neil, sign them.”

PAUL STANLEY: When we signed with Casablanca, it felt really good and new. There was the feeling back then that they needed us because KISS was Casablanca. I think a lot of creativity comes from when you want something very badly or when it’s new and there’s a certain amount of excitement. Neil (Bogart) wanted his record company to be great, and he needed to devote everything to whomever he signed to the label. That fit in with all of our plans.

PAUL STANLEY: Things happened quickly after we got signed. It was virtually overnight that were in the studio recording our first album. At the time we did the shows at Coventry in December of ’73 we were getting all new equipment. We knew that we were on the verge of the next step of this world domination that was to come.

GENE SIMMONS: When we played there in December of ’73, there may have been 80 to 100 people. But, there was a special excitement within the band, because we had just signed to Casablanca Records, which was going to be a brand-new label. We were the first artists on the label. For all we knew, we were about to become big stars. In the beginning, you dream big.

BILL AUCOIN (KISS manager 1973-1982): After the Fillmore East closed, no one was using that venue. So, we hired that venue to rehearse the KISS show on a bigger stage. They weren’t used to playing on a big stage; they were used to small clubs. So, after the band recorded the first album, we wanted to play in front of a live audience. We knew we were coming up to their first big live show on New Year’s Eve. That was the reason for playing Coventry in December of ’73.

MARK POLOTT: KISS played two sets a night, and their sets were really strong, especially “Deuce,” “Strutter,” “Firehouse” and “Black Diamond.”

GENE SIMMONS: That would be the last time we’d play a New York club. We had full outfits; we had the candelabra.

MARK POLOTT: At the end of the set, they would have these red emergency lights spinning around on their amplifiers. The theatrics were beginning. KISS were very impressive.

In that era, most of the bands’ material was a little shaky; it was glitter/punk, and these guys were a hard rock band. They were much more polished, and they could play. They weren’t the greatest musicians, but they really played strong. They really had something.

You could tell everything was very thought out and calculated, but in a good way. These guys were smart. They weren’t drugged out. You had to respect them; they knew exactly what they were doing every step of the way. They had stage moves, and they had choreography in certain parts of their songs. You didn’t see that with other local bands. Visually and sonically, they were exciting. Maybe you saw it on TV with Paul Revere and The Raiders years before, but not then.

RICK RIVETS (The Brats): Me and the drummer from The Brats, Sparky Donovan, knew KISS were gonna make it and make it big. They reminded me of a futuristic Beatles. You had four guys who could sing; they all had the same look with the black leather and studs, although they each had their own individual characteristics.

PAUL STANLEY: Coventry was a study in contrasts. The first time we played there, there was nobody there. The last time we played there, you could barely get in the door. It was very cool. It was the first place we played when we got a record deal.

LYDIA CRISS: The all-girl band Isis opened for KISS that night. The Dolls were in the audience. It was a wild show. It was all starting to happen for them, and you could sense the momentum building. Spirits were high.

JOE VALENTINE (Rags): We played on the same bill with KISS at Coventry in December ’73. I didn’t quite understand the correlation between kabuki makeup and rock and roll, but hey, rock and roll has strange bedfellows. But, their music was so good. To be honest, I thought they didn’t even need the makeup. I said to myself, “These guys are gonna be big!” The Dolls were struggling at the time; their asexual look was a tough sell to middle America. KISS were the next New York band in line poised to conquer the world.

KISS Manager Bill Aucoin captures the band at Coventry on video.

GENE SIMMONS: Bill Aucoin had a primitive version of a video camera set up in our rehearsal hall that Sean Delaney arranged.

PAUL STANLEY: We rehearsed down there, and we set up a video camera just so we could see how we moved, and check ourselves out.

BILL AUCOIN (KISS manager, 1973-1982): We filmed it in a little basement that we rented off Canal Street that had roaches the size of cats.

PETER CRISS: That impressed me about Bill Aucoin. Here we are in 1973 in a basement with video cameras on us. He had four videos running on us all of the time getting our moves together, getting our choreography together. After we were done, we’d watch ourselves to see how stupid or how cool we look. Whatever’s cool, keep; whatever’s stupid, lose.

PETER “MOOSE” ORECKINTO (KISS roadie & special effects): Sean (Delaney) gave KISS the personalities that he wanted to see. I can still picture him standing in front of them down in the loft, and he’s got that Charlie Manson look in his eye, that intense f**kin’ look, and he’s going, “Gene, you’re the monster; you’ve gotta act this way!” He solidified their stage personas and wanted them to come across larger than life.

GENE SIMMONS: We actually started filming ourselves so we would learn by watching ourselves. You can’t be in two places at once, of course, but if you can watch what you’re doing, you can hone what you do a little bit easier.

PETER “MOOSE” ORECKINTO: Their manager, Bill Aucoin, was a TV producer who had done the show “Flipside.” He brought in the video equipment that we were using down in the loft.

BILL AUCOIN (KISS manager 1973-1982): I shot the footage that night at Coventry on a half-inch Sony reel-to-reel recorder with a Sony black-and-white video camera. We shot the footage not to preserve a show per se, but more to see if they did anything wrong that we could fix before their big show on New Year’s Eve at the Academy Of Music.

Unfortunately, that same reel of video tape held some wonderful moments in their rehearsals in this dungeon down in the Bowery, but I taped over it when I shot their Coventry show. I always knew I had the footage, and a few years back, I finally had it transferred. I came out to L.A. and showed Gene and Paul the Coventry footage, and they were both quite amazed. I don’t think they remembered they were as good as they were.

Gene said, “Gee, we really were together then.” At that point, they’d rehearsed so much they were really tight. They were thinking of themselves as not being that tight and focused, but the truth of the matter is yes, they were. Watching the video you can sense what I believed from the first moment that I worked with them: KISS were really on a mission. They were driven to make this happen, and a lot of artists aren’t. They expect it to happen, or they dream about the money. But, they don’t necessarily have the drive, but KISS had it. At that time, they were very excited. They had their album coming out. They were doing their first tour. This was a dream for any artist, and you can see it excitement in their performance at Coventry.

GENE SIMMONS: In “KISSology III,” what people are seeing is early videotape of our show at Coventry, December of 1973.The band is pretty well rehearsed, pretty tight and the sound quality is pretty damn good. I always knew the footage existed and went after Bill, and it took me years to convince him to let us put it out. I negotiated the deal with Bill, and eventually, we came to an agreement. He was very kind about it. The fans deserve to see this. I hadn’t seen the tape for over 30 years.

PAUL STANLEY: Seeing the footage of us at Coventry only reaffirmed for me how great this band was just in terms of the commitment we had to what we did, and the sheer balls to be who we were at that time. The footage is great. The songs are great. It was a thrill to see the footage.

You’re seeing a band on the verge of exploding into a world force. And again, it only pointed out to me what I always believed, which was that you could either go with us or we’d roll right over you, but you couldn’t stay in the way. The band live, even in such a raw state as is in that Coventry footage, it’s undeniable the sheer power and force that we were putting out. And the commitment we had to what we were doing.

Commitment is a word that always comes out in terms of referring to KISS. Everything we do and everything we’ve always done has been done with 100 percent commitment. There we are basically with no frills in terms of what people would consider a stage show today.

GENE SIMMONS: The most impressive thing about it was you saw a band. Peter and Ace, especially, were really into it. They were clear-headed, really committed, and their playing was really solid. Both Ace and Peter played in tune and had great live energy. They rocked. Back then, we were a real band. You could see that everybody felt proud of being onstage together. It really was a four-wheel-drive vehicle in the early days.

What was most impressive to me was how tight it was. I thought because the band was playing in a club right before we went off on tour we would be loose. Actually, it wasn’t loose at all; it was pretty tight. Onstage, it was a real band. Offstage, it was a dysfunctional family. Ace and Peter had their own demons that continue to this day, unfortunately. When you watch the video of us at Coventry, you can see Peter is playing his heart out.

Even early on, KISS seemed destined for superstardom, as its brand of performance art and rock captured the imaginations of those around the band. And Coventry served as the launching pad.

EDDIE SOLAN: From the first time they played Coventry to the last time they played there, you could sense a big difference in their performance. KISS constantly took a step forward. Every show they did was a constant build. They had a vision. Every step they would take was a step forward. That made them a little more serious than the other local New York bands. Nobody doubted that they’d make it eventually.

JOEY CRISCUOLA (Peter Criss’ brother and early KISS roadie): KISS had a real ballsy attitude. Even back in their club days they had a sense they were something special. Gene always had that ego, and so did Paul, Ace and my brother. They always felt they were stars, whether they played for one person or 20,000.

PAUL STANLEY: Coventry was important for us, because it was so difficult for a band like us to get any gigs because we didn’t play Top 40, and we weren’t part of the Mercer Arts crowd, which was the crowd that took in the New York Dolls and some of the Andy Warhol, Max’s Kansas City bands. So, we needed a place that could be ours, and Coventry was a place in Queens that was just on the other side of the East River. It gave people in New York access to come see us, and it also set us a little apart from the New York glitter bands. Coventry was a place where we really cut our teeth, and it was the first place we ever played.

GENE SIMMONS: For us, playing at the Coventry was magic. Coventry defined who and what we are. We felt like we belonged together and believed it was us against the world.

Ace Frehley recording new songs, but you won't hear them tonight

Frehley, who recorded the album at his home studio in Westchester, N.Y., is now on a North American concert tour, stopping tonight in Chicago. He says he’ll release the record first through his official Web site, which is currently being revamped, and perhaps also via iTunes.

‘‘Basically, I’m trying to get back into the mindset I was in when I did my first solo record [1978’s ‘Ace Frehley’],’’ Frehley says. ‘‘That record seemed to have all the elements everybody liked — a real cool instrumental, a hit single, some real heavy rockers, a nice variety of different genres of music.’’

Among his favorite new tracks are ‘‘A Little Below the Angels,’’ hard rocking ‘‘Pain in the Neck’’ and an instrumental called ‘‘Fractured Quantum,’’ which is a follow-up to his previous instrumentals ‘‘Fractured Mirror’’ and ‘‘Fractured Too.’’ Another favorite is ‘‘groove song’’ titled ‘‘Genghis Khan,’’ which he likens in tone to Led Zeppelin’s ‘‘Kashmir.’’

Don’t expect to hear any of the new songs at his concerts, however.

‘‘Every show’s on YouTube, every song,’’ explains Frehley, who used 12-step programs and a personal physician and therapist care to clean up after he left Kiss for a second time in 2002. ‘‘I don’t want to play any of the new songs ’cause I don’t want to give away anything. I want that magic and mystique of hearing something for the first time when you’re supposed to, so I don’t think I’m going to play any of [the new songs] until the CD’s released.’’

Instead Frehley will play a set filled with Kiss favorites he wrote, plus material from his previous solo releases. He admits some ambivalence about doing ‘‘Cold Gin,’’ ‘‘’cause I don’t drink anymore and I don’t promote it. But it’s such a kick-ass song ... I think that me talking about the fact I’m clean and sober and I’m not a party animal anymore is plenty. I can still get away with playing it.’’

PAUL IN NEW H MAGAZINE

As I enter Paul Stanley's palatial estate, he opens tiny gates from room to room that were installed that very morning to keep his 17-month-old son Collin from getting into undue trouble. As we journey through the house and out to his guest house / art studio in the backyard, the walls are noticeably void of any KISS memorabilia. Paul smiles, "I know what I've done; I don't need a wall of gold records to remind me." And this seems true. Paul has settled into a very tranquil and happy existence with his wife and new son. But it would seem that painting has also brought Paul peace of mind of late. "Anytime you find a means of expression it's going to make you more aware of who you are and put you more at peace, it's kind of like releasing the pressure on a water pipe."

As Paul shows off several easels of paintings in progress, he offers up a part of his ritual. "I come in here and crank up some music and make a mess. Most of the time I listen to the soul station on XM. I can sing those songs backwards and forwards: Delfonics, Joe Tex, Al Green…The Four Tops."

It is here that Paul begins his tale of brush strokes and madness conquered. "It wasn't until about eight years ago that I really started painting. I was going through a divorce and anybody who's ever been through a bad break up knows you need some sort of outlet besides hitting your head against the wall and screaming. A friend of mine said I should paint, so I went out and bought some canvases and paints. I was clueless as to what I was going to do, I was just kind of shell-shocked and I went on this exploration. But I do what I do by instinct. It makes it that much more exciting. It's like getting in a car and hitting the road without a map. There's no sketches beforehand and there's no sketches under the paint. It's just me going for it. Same thing with music. I'll start blindly writing a song, not knowing what I'm writing and whatever words come out kinda dictate, then it becomes kinda fill in the blanks. Someone might argue with me, but in art there's no boundaries; music is great but it has rules and laws you have to follow. In painting, the boundary is the edge of the canvas. So I just started painting, and I put a piece up in the house, which was Green Planet, which is still unsigned. When I put it up, I was afraid that if people saw my signature, they wouldn't take it seriously. So, to this day, it's not signed. But people used to come over and ask me who did it, who was the artist and where they could get something like that. I started seeing how many people were connecting with what I was doing and it was nice to know that other people liked it, but that was a bonus. I'm not interested in pleasing other people unless I'm pleasing myself. That's a bad place to come from, when you're trying to second guess what other people are going to like. I'd rather please myself and if nobody else likes it, then I've won anyway. So I kept doing it for myself, but ultimately I did a show in New Jersey and went on to do 14 shows last year and the success has been pretty staggering. People seem to want to take this art home."

I ask Paul if he was afraid of art critics out to slaughter a rock god. Paul nods and laughs, motioning to his large estate. "This is the house that bad reviews built. I don't live or die by critics. If you get critical acclaim, that's great, but ultimately what you want is popular acclaim, the masses speak loudly. One person can stand up and tell you what you should like and why you should like it, but it must be very disheartening to him because it's irrelevant. All that matters is what people like. If the two coincide, that's great. More people should go to galleries and art museums but they feel that their opinion is invalid because they've been told that. Your opinion's valid because it's your opinion, if you like something, you don't need to explain to anybody why you like it."

I wonder if Paul feels like his success has had anything to do with his stature as a rock legend. "Sure, my career and my success get my foot in the door, but you can slam the door real hard on my foot if you want to. Ultimately what I'm doing has to stand on its own. Do KISS fans come? Yeah. Some of them have never been in an art gallery. But there's also a large number of collectors and people who come that'll never be at a KISS concert. But the two shall meet, and it's great. But I don't think that anybody is going to buy a painting for a sizable amount of money because they like listening to 'Love Gun.' If they do, they'd probably be better off spending the money on something else. I did a set of four portraits of the guys in KISS as a kind of a tip of a hat to the fans and I thought 'Everybody's going to love these.' But they're not very popular, and that's actually made me really happy. You know, people aren't buying KISS faces on canvas, they're buying something they connect with."

And if you're hungering to obtain a piece of Paul's art for your very own, prints will soon be available online. "It's great because a lot of people can't afford an original. But you're not getting some cheap-ass paper print, it's actually a print that's been embellished with physical brush strokes, so when somebody buys a print, they're getting something that's on par with the original, which is great."

Soon, tentatively in the fall, Paul will be showcasing his paintings at an L.A. art gallery. Will he be there for the opening? "Absolutely, I think that whenever possible, you want to meet the artist. I think it's important, if possible, to kind of understand what the artist's reality is of a piece. However, ultimately, you've got to find your own meaning in it. But to have that one on one time I think is optimal. I didn't become famous to cut myself off from the people that made me famous, I like people."

GENE SIMMONS Says SHARON OSBOURNE Is 'Terrific'

The full interview (plus another one Barton conducted with KISS rhythm guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley) will be published in a future issue of Classic Rock magazine.

An excerpt from the chat follows:

Geoff Barton: While you were in Australia Sharon Osbourne made some disparaging comments about you. [Sharon called Simmons "a silly man in a silly wig."] Would you care to comment?

Gene Simmons: "Oh, she's terrific. Sharon is terrific. Any mother who — whether it's imagined or not — believes that her family is being assailed by outsiders would do the same.

"No, she's great. I've known Sharon and Ozzy for 30 or more years, and some of it… well, you know Sharon. Some of it is bluster. Because it makes great copy.

"Ozzy was touring at the same time as KISS. He was playing the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, and the night before or the night after we played outdoors at the Formula One car-racing grand prix.

"I was quite cool with what Sharon said. I mean, part of it was that there was so much media attention for KISS… I honestly didn't know Ozzy was in town. Until Sharon delivered that soundbite, that is. That was the first I knew about it. 'He's a twat, he wears women's clothing,' whatever it was she said.

"That's cool. It's edgy. I love that."

ACE FREHLEY: Dutch Date Announced

BRUCE KULICK: New Audio Interview Available

Listen to the interview in two parts at this location.

I WAS MADE FOR SLIMING YOU

KISS ON ROADIE CREW COVER

PAUL'S FAVORITE LA WEEKEND

1. Osteria Mozza Melrose

"On Fridays we love dinner at Osteria Mozza, Mario Batali's place. The food is spectacular without being pretentious. They have a pasta orecchiette with sausage that just baffles me, it's so good."

2. Pinkberry Melrose

"We'd probably stop by Pinkberry. I'd get a medium original flavor with mango and blueberries. After that, we'd just go home. I'm at the point now where I've given up the Viper Room for the diaper room."

3. Temescal Canyon Pacific Palisades

"First thing Saturday morning, I'd go out for a hike up in the canyons, anywhere to get my heart going. Then I'd come back and get together with my trainer J.J. in my home gym. He's a triathlete; I'm a try-athlete."

4. International House of Pancakes Westchester

"After the workout, I'd go right to IHOP for breakfast. You can find all kinds of reinventions of the breakfast wheel, but for my money there's no better pancakes, bacon and scrambled eggs."

5. Paradise Cove Beach Cafe Malibu

"After that, we'd go climb on the rocks at Paradise Cove and see what kind of life is lurking around in the shallows."

6. Track 16 Gallery Santa Monica

"Or maybe we'll walk around the art galleries at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica. I look at the other paintings and either get inspired or humbled."

7. Hotel Bel-Air Restaurant Bel-Air

"On Sunday morning, I'd go to the Hotel Bel-Air and have brunch outside. Maybe have an omelet with goat cheese and some chicken sausage."

8. Guitar Center Hollywood

"Then I'd take my older son Evan to Guitar Center, where he'd get a chance to play and we'd check out the latest equipment. They're very friendly there; when I was growing up, music stores didn't let you play the instruments unless you showed them money."

9. Village Pizzeria Larchmont

"Then we'd head to Village Pizzeria in Larchmont. Great pizza, and as a former cabdriver from New York, I can tell you it's the real deal. I like plain cheese, but sometimes I'll get it with anchovies and meatballs."

10. Borders Century City

"After that we'll stop by Borders. I love picking up a book and diving into it that night. "

Ace's New Solo Album Delayed

'And then he kissed me ...'

Solway College pupil Samantha, who paid half of a $250 ticket to see two back-to-back Rock2Wgtn shows in the capital headlined by schmock horror legends Kiss, Alice Cooper and Ozzy Osbourne, had been wandering Manners Mall with her face painted in Kiss black and white, killing time with a friend before the first performance.

She had travelled to Wellington with a group of five ardent rock fans, including her mother Jackie, and stumbled across a pizza-eating contest while the band Kiss relaxed on a nearby bar balcony overseeing the event.

Samantha was plucked from the crowd, who were baying for Simmons to descend among them, and was told, "Gene is already here", before she was seated at the contest table.

A man who told her he was the band manager said Simmons was going to contest the event with an offer of an extra song that night if he was beaten. He also told her to hug him when he arrived. And that's when it happened.

"It was awesome. Gene kissed me. He grabbed my head in his hands and kissed me. He was gentle but it was still a massive surprise.

"Next thing I know there are a million people taking pictures of me and TV crews asking my name. I phoned Mum and told her what happened but she didn't believe me until we got to the concert and people started taking more pictures of me," she said.

"One Goth girl with a mohawk and shaved head even ran up and gave me a hug because she said she wanted to hug the person Gene kissed. And, no, he didn't use his tongue  everybody was asking that."

Samantha is proud to have camera phone pictures of the tender moment and a video of the blood-spitting rocker vomiting the pizza that had been moments before stuffed into his mouth. "He told me he'd just eaten and wasn't hungry. Neither was I. He didn't really say much. It was kinda awkward. But I was kinda blank once I realised who I was sitting next to  and when he kissed me &"

Samantha said she is yet to gauge school feeling on the impulsive pash, and will find out from today.

"It was something I didn't arrange and couldn't stop from happening  even if I wanted."

FAN MEETS ROCK ICONS

"I'm 19 and I've probably been a fan for about 18 years now," he said.

Mr Hutchins, of Tawa, arrived at the airport early on Friday afternoon - only to be told the rockers were not due till later that night. Undeterred, he came back in the evening and finally met his idols at 11.30pm.

"It was pretty cool. They all walked out together and signed a few autographs."

All four current members of the band - including stalwarts Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley - signed his own prized "axe".

The gig that followed on Saturday night at the Rock2Wgtn metal festival was amazing, he said. "It was the first time I've seen them ... It's very original. There's not much else like it around. Not a lot of bands can do what they do."

Headlining the show, KISS, featuring Gene Simmons (bass, vocals) and Paul Stanley (rhythm guitar, vocals) and a better guitarist and drummer wearing the spaceman and cat-man makeup, replacing original members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss.

The KISS stage shows were legendary in the 1970s - and the band, now celebrating 35 years, played a set that had faithful members of "the KISS army" chanting along, arms in the air. Shots of fire and a flashing neon logo in the background all made for a great show.

PAUL IN h MAGAZINE & FAMILY CIRCLE

Family Circle (July Issue): Paul was interviewed and will be featured in the July Issue of Family Circle Magazine. Family Circle has a readership of nearly 4 million.

Sphere of influence

Ace Frehley cites a familiar list of guitarists as his influences — Pete Townshend, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Keith Richards.

In turn, the former Kiss guitarist has inspired a new generation of players — Pearl Jam, the Foo Fighters, Lenny Kravitz and Pantera among them.

But Frehley downplays the notion that he has become an elder statesman of rock.

“It’s really flattering. I probably would have practiced a little more if I knew I was influencing a generation of guitar players,” he said.

With a persistent buzz around his current tour and a new album set for a May release, it seems that Frehley’s influence is waxing once again.

“I’ve tried to get into the mindset of where I was with the first solo album, which had ‘New York Groove,’” he said.

That song, a fan favorite, was the only hit from the solo albums each member of Kiss released in 1978.

“I’m trying to incorporate the elements of that album into this new one,” he said.

The still-untitled new album will be his first new solo music since 1990’s “Trouble Walkin’.”

Inactivity is not to blame for the lag time between new albums. Frehley embarked on a solo career after leaving Kiss in 1982. After four well-received solo albums, he rejoined Kiss in 1996 for a reunion tour, which became the highest-grossing tour of the year. He left the band again in 2002. Being back on the road for six years postponed his solo career.

“I was on tour with Kiss for a while. I was ready to go into the studio before the reunion tour,” he said. “It took me a while to recover from that.”

Since 2002, Frehley has taken his talents in different creative directions, but he never gets far from the iconic Spaceman persona he made famous with Kiss. In fact, he donned the Kiss makeup again for a Dunkin’ Donuts commercial in 2007.

And Kiss music is a notable part of the current tour.

“I’m doing ‘Cold Gin,’ ‘Rocket Ride,’ ‘Love Gun,’ ‘Strange Ways,’ ‘Deuce.’ I’m doing a good cross-section of early stuff, through the years to my early stuff also,” he said.

Despite some turbulent times, he looks back on his tenure with Kiss and recognizes its unique place in rock history.

“The old days were great,” he said, noting that he is still in touch with and on good terms with his former bandmates. “It was a roller coaster ride. By the early ’80s, I started getting tired of the whole thing.”

One element of the Kiss legacy can be frustrating, though. The makeup, costumes and theatricality of the band’s concerts often overshadowed the music.

“We were a very visual band, and sometimes the music almost got lost in the show. I remember reading reviews on the road. A lot of times, they talked about the show more than the music,” Frehley said.

And even though he still uses some of the same pyrotechnics and smoking-guitar effects that he did with Kiss, the music is the main priority.

“I’m a musician first and a performer second. The first and foremost thing for me right now is the music,” he said. “I’m just focused with my new band on this tour and the CD.” As the tour makes its way through Rapid City and beyond to festivals in Europe this summer, Frehley is optimistic about the immediate future and some changes in lifestyle.

“Everything is just falling into place,” he said. “I’m feeling good — clean and sober. I’m healthy. I can remember what I did the next day.”

He said an interviewer recently commented that he must have played everywhere in the world by now.

“I said, ‘Yeah, but I don’t remember a lot of those places.’”

The Spaceman’s inspirations

Ace Frehley’s musical aspirations began after the budding graphic artist saw The Who’s first New York appearance for a “Murray the K” show at the RKO 58th Street Theater. Seeing Led Zeppelin’s first New York appearance at the Fillmore East also proved to be a milestone of his teenage years. But his initial live introduction to The Who still burned in his memory. Knocked out by the band’s power and theatricality and dazzled by Pete Townshend’s showmanship, Frehley knew his future was in rock music.

“I always knew music was the way for me to go,” he said.

The last member to join Kiss, Frehley assumed the Kabuki visage of the Spaceman. An accomplished artist, he also designed the famous Kiss logo, one of the most recognizable in all of music.

Armed with his Cherry sunburst Les Paul, Frehley’s incendiary fretboard theatrics with Kiss became legendary. Frehley’s Kiss compositions — “Cold Gin”, “Shock Me,” “Rocket Ride” and “Parasite” — are routinely cited by fans and critics as among the band’s best.

Since embarking on a solo career in the mid-’80s, Frehley released a string of well-received albums.

If you go

Who: Ace Frehley in concert, with opening act The Trews

Where: Rushmore Plaza Civic Center theater

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, March 29

Tickets: $25.50 to $35.50 at the civic center box office, 1-800-GOTMINE and www.gotmine.com.

KISS Performs At New Zealand's ROCK 2 WELLINGTON Festival

KISS' setlist was as follows:
01. Deuce
02. Shout It Out Loud
03. Lick It Up
04. I Love It Loud
05. Firehouse
06. Calling Dr. Love
07. Shock Me
08. Let Me Go, Rock 'N' Roll
09. 100,000 Years
10. God Of Thunder
11. Black Diamond
12. Love Gun
13. Detroit Rock City
14. Shandi
15. I Was Made For Lovin' You
16. Rock And Roll All Nite

KISS ALIVE IN LATVIA

Tickets for KISS' show at Arena Riga, go on sale March 31.

Gene Simmons attempts to break pizza eating record

Gene Simmons from rock band KISS thought he would have a crack at being the world's fastest pizza eater.

The rock icon may have a legendary mouth but he was not able to set any pizza eating records today.

KISS are in Wellington for a two day rock festival that also features Ozzy Osbourne and Alice Cooper.

Watch video footage here.

GOD MADE ROCK AND ROLL FOR THEM

Diddling the dates to make a tour an "anniversary tour" is one ingenious way to keep a career going - especially one that involves a band doing the stuff they do every time, only bigger, brighter and louder - but you can't argue with the spectacle of a KISS show.

There are fireballs, fireworks and fire-breathing; wires to make everything fly, including the bassist Gene Simmons and his preposterous tongue; and enough blinding lights to power John Butler's next couple of carbon-neutral tours.

The band, of course, are a spectacle in themselves with their black-and-silver outfits and make-up. Singer-guitarist Paul Stanley is the most comfortable when it comes to gyrating and shimmying around in ludicrous platform boots.

Between attempts to engage the crowd with a bad Australian accent and boo-inducing claims about the great audiences in Melbourne and Brisbane, Stanley even operatically bellows some tunes. Deliberately or not, the songs, as the acronym has it, Keep It Simple (and) Stupid with big, dumb, anthemic choruses, ear-bleeding riffs and racing, pulsating rhythms.

And, um, it's all pretty good fun. I'm not sure whether anyone needs to see it ever again but I'm not going to complain. Especially when KISS have probably got another historic anniversary coming up next year.

Leave my girl alone, Gene

But even Singo sent the US rocker "death threats" when he heard his daughter Sally was planning to spend the day getting music tips from the old rockers.

The young singer and the old-enough-to-know-better Simmons filmed an episode of his reality TV series, Family Jewels at Icebergs yesterday - which surely proved a bizarre sideshow for diners at the popular Bondi nosh spot.

Singleton is looking the part of a "dirty pop" rocker, swapping her natural blonde locks for goth black. And dad - a gentleman who prefers blondes - is not happy.

"He's been trying to get me to colour it back. But it's not as bad as his reaction to the nose ring I got the other day. Wait till he sees the tattoo," the 23-year-old joked.

WOWIO RELEASE KISS COMICS

Platinum Studios and the KISS comics group are now offering issues 1 though 5 of the KISS4K comics, and the KISSmas special, for FREE at WOWIO.com.

CLICK HERE to get your free KISS4K comics.

To celebrate the WOWIO release of KISS4K, the Platinum Studios store is having an amazing autographed comic and memorabilia sale. For a limited time, the Platinum Studios store will offer all autographed Destroyer edition books at 40% off their original price. These Destroyer Edition books are signed by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley and are Guinness World Record Certified as the largest comic book ever published, measuring a monstrous 2 ½ feet high by 1 ½ feet wide. This special sale includes all the Destroyer limited edition cover variants, all very rare and of VERY limited quantity.

Saving the BEST for the truly hard core KISS fan, Platinum Studios is offering the biggest deal of all. The “Make Ready” box set which includes Issue #1 of the KISS Comics Group release KISS 4K Legends Never Die! The pages are unfolded, boxed, and supplied untrimmed, exactly as they would be before it is saddle stapled for production. Each page is a piece of artwork in itself and suitable for framing. A very limited printing of 50 sets this is a true collector’s item. The “Make Ready” set also includes all 4 covers of the KISS4K Destroyer Edition and each is signed by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley! Originally priced at $1,000 this set has been brought down to the unbelievable price of $300!

This sale is for a limited time and Platinum Studios has very limited quantities so hurry to get your piece of KISS and comic book history.

CLICK HERE for more details.

KISS BRISBANE REVIEW

A sea of fans stared at the stage waiting for the slightest hint of KISS arriving before them. Many of them, especially the young, had faces made up in black and white KISS masks as fans have done for decades. Up the front of the crowd, a child no older than five rested on his father’s shoulders, his baby face masked in Gene Simmons paint.

KISS took the stage to a crack of fireworks, a phenomenal light array, and a hundred pillars of burning flame shooting out of seemingly-never-ending fire holes. The screams were high and deafening. “Awesome,” is the only word to describe the initial impression. There was much more of this to come!

The audience leapt off their feet in all the seated rows and screamed wildly. (Except in the small section on the edge that I was seated in, assumedly full of other media or industry people who somehow sat and seemed to be more focused on their mobile phones. These dullards, however, were still surrounded by screaming rockers).

KISS belted into Shout It Out Loud and perfectly synchronised flames shot from cannons with every beat. You could feel the heat of the flames along with the perfect sound of the wailing guitar screech. Gene Simmons thrust his tongue out with glee, stomping the stage with 12 inch heels carved into the shape of a dragon’s mouth. The band were as energetic as teenagers and showed no signs of their age at all, busting into Firehouse as sirens wailed and red lights span around the stage. Love Gun was greeted by cannons firing. The difficult high vocals for an old throat were still matched by Paul Stanley with minimal reliance on the vocal-FX so commonly used by aging bands.

In this sea of light, sound, steam and fire, waves of ecstasy cut through as Tommy Thayer (replacing Ace Frehly as the Spaceman) wailed his Gibson strings in the most sweet, resonant and downright impressive guitar solos ever to sweep the halls of the BEC. The guitar sound was perfect and the solos were masterpieces that impressed with every lick. Solos are often impressive but very rarely heavenly and these, scattered through the show, proved that KISS were more than simply excellent showmen but also inspiring musicians.

Black Diamond, Detroit Rock City, I Was Made For Loving You – KISS have a powerful back catalogue. The stage was massive and every song had its own show and own theatrical magic – from Gene Simmons flying on a wire (which for a moment malfunctioned, much to his distress!), to enormous dry ice spills, tons of confetti shot into the air, sparkling fireworks and guns shooting streams of sparks. The show had thirty-five years of dramatic creativity packed into an ultra-expensive stage extravaganza. This was even trumped once and for all during I Wanna Rock And Roll All Night. The drum kit became a giant space-ship and literally blasted into the air above the stage in a great burst of steam from eighteen jets beneath it, while Tommy Thayer and Gene Simmons were also projected into the air by springs.

Having been blown away by a show far greater than could be possibly expected, I can safely say that any rock show that is not a KISS show can only be a cheaper imitation.

BRUCE KULICK To Guest At Kansas City KISS Expo

Former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick is the special guest at the event. Bruce will take part in a question-and-answer session and be available for photos and autographs throughout the day. KISS tribute band DRESSED TO KILL will perform wearing "Alive!"-era costumes. KISS merchandise and collectibles will be on sale throughout the day. There will be giveaways and contests too. Children 12 and under get in free.

For more information and tickets, click here.

HELPS FANS FACE THE MUSIC!

The power of KISS and makeup could see Wellington overrun by glam rock lookalikes.

The first night of the Rock2Wellington heavy metal concert on Saturday is headlined by 1970s United States glam rockers KISS, known as much for their painted faces as for their music.

On the support card is another make-up junkie, mascara-loving Alice Cooper.

Wellington mobile make-up artist Megan Kemplay couldn't afford a concert ticket, so she will be raising cash to buy one by painting the faces of old rockers on their way to Westpac Stadium.

Lip gloss, face paint, hair lacquer and black nail polish will all be in use at her temporary studio outside Hotel Waterloo's Stadium Bar from noon on Saturday.

She thinks the painted face of Kiss bassist Gene Simmons, famed for his long tongue and radio-friendly riffs, will be the most requested among the thousands of metalheads expected in the city.

The running-mascara look of Alice Cooper would be a cinch, the qualified hair and makeup artist said. She is charging $10 for the 20-minute makeup jobs.

TOMMY DEBUTS SIGNATURE AMPLIFIER

Hughes & Kettner has collaborated closely with Tommy Thayer (guitarist with the rock giants KISS), to bring out a signature version of its classic tube amp the DuoTone Head.

The release of the Tommy Thayer Signature Edition DuoTone coincides with the launch of the highly anticipated KISS Alive 35 world tour that kicks off in Melbourne, Australia on March 16th, and extends to sold-out concerts in Europe and the UK throughout May and June this year.

This signature version - the "Tommy Thayer Signature Edition DuoTone" - replaces the current amp and includes very specifically a customized illuminated front plate bearing both Tommy's signature and also his own mask emblem.

Also included with the amp is a certificate of authenticity personally signed and numbered by Tommy, and a Tommy Thayer Signature Duotone poster.

In addition, the amp covering is a very special Hughes & Kettner "signature edition tolex" giving it a very unique look, and with an optional 412 cabinet to match!

Last but not least, the amp is set up and biased exactly how Tommy likes it – and you will never find out what that is until you play one! Needless to say, the gut-wrenching tone you would expect is all there, and much, much more!

There is one more thing.

Tommy has very kindly decided to donate all his royalties earned from sales of the amp to The Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. This is a wonderful gesture from Tommy, which we are very proud and happy to carry out on his behalf.

(Children's Hospital Los Angeles was founded in 1901 and has been treating the most seriously ill and injured children in the Greater Los Angeles area for more than a century. It is acknowledged throughout the United States and around the world for its leadership in pediatric and adolescent health care).

The Tommy Thayer Signature Edition Duotone is launched on the Hughes & Kettner booth in Halle 4.2 during the Frankfurt Messe, and will then be available from selected stores around the world from May 2008 onwards.

For further details of this and all our products, please visit our booth during the Frankfurt Messe, or go on line to www.hughes-and-kettner.com for further information.

Kodak unveils new marketing strategy

Jeff Hayzlett, chief business development officer for the Rochester area’s largest manufacturer, laid out some of Kodak’s changing marketing emphasis and message as he spoke today at a meeting of the American Marketing Association’s Rochester chapter.

“We’re going to make some fundamental changes in the way we go to market and the way we advance and promote our brand,” Hayzlett said.

For example, Kodak decided to drop its century-old Olympics sponsorship after this year in favor of sponsoring a NASCAR race car and the PGA Tour.

“All our marketing activities should activate customers, not build brand, not build buzz,” Hayzlett said. “We’re going out where our customers are.”

Kodak products were the centerpiece of a Jan. 17 episode of NBC’s The Celebrity Apprentice, and sales doubled the following week, Hayzlett said. He declined to say what getting Kodak involved in the show cost, but said that typically such product placement can run anywhere from $500,000 to $2.5 million.

Hayzlett said Kodak would be back on the show for the March 27 season finale, with he and Simmons facing off over Kodak rejecting the marketing campaign the Kiss bassist had created on the January episode.

PAUL ADDS CHARLOTTE ART SHOWS

His appearance will be open to the public and free of charge.

Paul Stanley’s Wentworth Gallery Appearances:

Friday - April 11, 2008 - 6-9 PM
Saturday – April 12, 2008 6-9 PM

Wentworth Gallery
South Park Mall
4400 Sharon Road
Charlotte, NC

VIP Reception – 5 -6 PM - Please call for details
RSVP: 704-365-2733 or 800-732-6140

Preview: Shannon Tweed on Gene Simmons: Family Jewels

TV Guide: Twenty-five years. What's the secret?

Shannon Tweed: It's about being strong enough to have your own life. That doesn't mean be a nasty bitch who's loud or bossy; it just means be strong in your own sense of self. You can still be strong and be feminine.

TV Guide: Some people believe your relationship with Gene is an open one....

Tweed: "Open" has never been a word I've described my relationship as. And he has never described our relationship as "open," nor has it ever been "open." He does not have sex with anyone else while we are together. It's a sore spot for me that people think that. Anything that you've ever seen... happened before 1983.

TV Guide: What one thing about Gene would surprise us the most?

Tweed: How soft he is. He's very sweet, and kind of stupid. [Laughs] He can't make a sandwich — but he can make a lot of money.

TV Guide: Would you ever consider posing for Playboy again?

Tweed: If I had a good enough body, I'd do it tomorrow. [Stuff] falls down, though. And you have to go pick it up. [Laughs]

TV Guide: How do you think Playmates today compare to the past?

Tweed: There seems to be a style of girl that is sort of fashionable. I think the style is about to change. It's been so fake-looking for a long time that I think we're due for a revolution of some kind. Maybe some more natural-looking breasts and some natural hair color. [Laughs]

Toronto Dussault Launches at TNT & Hosts Fashion Show During L'Oréal Fashion Week

Jason Dussault states, "Following up on our success in Vancouver, Los Angeles, and New York, I am very pleased to be at an exclusive and premier retail location in Toronto like TNT, which carries only fashion forward brands."

KISS ROCK BRISBANE

The Alive 35 World Tour is the band's second Down Under tour since the boys' so-called Farewell Tour hit Queensland seven years ago but you can't keep a good shock-rock band down.

And while the trademark fire-breathing, smoking guitars and pyrotechnics have stayed the same, after 3½ decades only two of the founding members remain: Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons.

Last night Kiss played a wide cross-section of their back catalogue dating back as far as Deuce, Come On And Love Me, and Firehouse – complete with Gene Simmons's fire breathing.

All eyes were on lead guitarist Tommy Thayer who had Ace Frehley's considerable space boots to fill and he proved equal to the task, belting out Frehley's signature tune Shock Me, complete with guitar solo.

Starry-eyed front-man Stanley played the Brisbane crowd off against their southern cousins declaring Brisbane the rock'n'roll capital of Australia.

Melbourne Footage Posted Online

SET LIST FROM GRAND PRIX CONCERT

High-octane rock 'n' roll, Thayer singing Shock Me

About 50,000 people saw the rockers' first outdoor show in Melbourne since playing Waverley Park in 1980.

Many race-goers missed Lewis Hamilton's win to get the best seats for the concert, which started at 7pm.

Local singer Vanessa Amorosi warmed up the crowd.

Kiss frontman Paul Stanley said the band chose Melbourne to kick off their 35th anniversary tour because the city had greeted the band with "open arms and open legs".

After a quiet performance on Channel 9's Footy Show, the volume was well and truly turned up at Albert Park.

The show hasn't changed much since 1980 - a few new members and extra kilos but the same feel-good hit-fest.

While the schtick remains the same, there's a legion of new young fans who've never seen Gene Simmons spitting blood for God of Thunder or Stanley flying across the adoring crowd for Love Gun.

Total fire bans don't apply to rock bands, with an arsenal of pyrotechnics adding to the spectacle.

Stanley threw in an acoustic version of Australian-only hit Shandi before a finale that included rock anthem I Was Made for Loving You.

Anyone with a race ticket could watch the concert, but blow-ins paid $200 for a front-section seat.

Watch video footage of KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer singing Shock Me for the first time ever at the Melbourne concert: www.youtube.com

PAUL AT GRAND PRIX BALL

Ace Frehley Interview

Frehley helped start one of the most influential rock bands of the ‘70s in Kiss and played with the group until 1983, when he departed to work on a solo career, only to return in the late ‘90s.

Today, the recently sober Frehley is benefiting from a rejuvenation of creativity, touring the U.S. and Canada and finishing up work on his first solo record in nearly 20 years. The guitarist took the time to speak with TCS Thursday, March 13, 2008 while en route to a gig in Calgary.

Hey, Patrick, Ace Frehley callin.

What’s going on Ace?

What’s up?

How’s life treating you?

Never better (laughs).

So you’re traveling to Calgary today?

Yeah.

I’ve been to Calgary many, many times and I absolutely love it there. I’m a little further south in Montana.

Right.

Let’s talk about that for a second. What do you think about when you look at upcoming tour dates and you see Montana on there?

I think it’s cool. I like going to places that I don’t go that often ‘cause I always get a different perspective. Usually the audiences are great because they don’t get as many shows as some of the major markets get.

Definitely. Do you have any experiences playing gigs to Montana crowds?

None whatsoever (laughs).

Have you even been here recreationally?

I know I haven’t been there recreationally but I’m sure I’ve been there performing.

The place you’re gonna play is great. It’s called the Wilma and is this ancient opera house. Very cozy. Very cool place to see a show. I imagine it’s cool to play there. Plus it’ll be St. Patrick’s Day, man. St. Patrick’s Day show in Missoula.

Oh, that should be hot.

Tell me, so far, how the road’s treating you and how you’re getting along with this group of dudes you have on tour with you right now.

The band’s great. The audiences have been great. The promoters have been great. It’s a whole different ball game doing it clean and sober. I take care of business today and it’s a lot of fun remembering what you did the night before (laughs).

I bet. Tell me a little about where you got this current lineup as far as your band mates.

The bass player, Anthony Esposito, I hooked up with about a year and a half ago through a mutual friend, ‘cause I was looking for sober musicians. We started working on solo material and me and Anton Fig got together in my studio and did some pre-production and we started tracking last year for the new record and the new record’s just about finished. Got some finishing touches and then gotta mix it. Shootin’ for a late May release.

So you’ve got it tracked and you’re waiting to mix it, do you have a nearby studio?

I have my own studio.

How killer is that to have one at your fingertips whenever you get the urge to record something?

It’s great having your own studio. It’s not the first studio I’ve owned. I’m currently fine-tuning the studio. It’s a work in progress. I was the architect. Basically I bought some property with like three houses on it and one of them I renovated into a studio. It’s got 4,000 square feet.

That’s huge.

Yeah. Originally I had a room downstairs with a brick floor and a fireplace, with an 18-foot ceiling that I was using as a recreation, hang out room and I realized that if I put drums down there we’d probably get a huge drum sound and we did that last November and we tracked several new songs in that room now. It’s got a great drum sound. That’s now the drum room instead of the upstairs studio.

As an artist, how exciting is it to think about getting back into that process of making an album? Including everything from, obviously you’ve already written the music, but also coming up with artwork, and having another chapter of your career come out on a CD.

It’s crazy. I’m really getting off on it. This is such a long-awaited CD and I wanna make sure that it’s just right. I think everybody’s gonna like it. It’s got all the elements, or a lot of the elements that my first CD had, ‘New York Groove.’ Most people cite that as being a favorite Ace Frehley record, so I’m trying to get into that mindset.

You were talking about being sober. Is there more of a reward for you from the perspective of writing music and putting together an album that you haven’t had in a long time?

You know, for years I always thought I needed substances to be creative and lo and behold, I realized last year that I actually function a lot better without all that stuff (laughs). It took me 40 years to figure it out, but better late than never right?

Right. When you sit down to write music and you go into your studio to track it, it must be such a release for you, such a welcoming feeling. Describe the transition you go through mentally when you really head into that creative process of writing and recording music.

I mean, I write songs in the weirdest places. Sometimes I write ‘em laying in bed. Sometimes I write ‘em riding my motorcycle. I’ll come up with melodies in my head and lyrics. I don’t have a set formula for writing songs. Some people do. Sometimes I come up with the melody first or a lyric, sometimes I come up with a guitar riff and I add melody and lyrics to it. There’s no set way for me to write a song. Once I get the process going and once I get into the studio, I kind of have tunnel vision because I’m easily distracted. I have to just turn off the phones and lock the door (laughs).

Is there a particular feeling that you get when you think of a killer riff? Like you said, when you’re riding your motorcycle or wherever, and you know it’s gonna end up on a song. Do you get goosebumps or get a certain feeling?

Goosebumps are in order (laughs). It’s cool. It’s the process of doing it that’s special. Once it’s completed, you’re ready. You wanna move on. You’ve taken it as far as you can take it. Although I’m really looking forward to performing several of the new songs off the CD live. Once we get it out.

You’re gonna wait until it’s released to bust those out?

I have to. With YouTube and everything. The Internet and everything. I do a show and it’s on YouTube the next day.

Phone cuts out. Ace calls back.

Yeah, I’m on a cell phone. It just died.

So, you were saying you do a show and it’s on YouTube the next day.

Yeah. Right now, on the Internet I have about 1,400 videos. So, an interviewer told me the other day (laughs).

Someone did their research.

Yeah.

I’ve noticed that you don’t have the online presence that many musicians have gone towards these days in terms of MySpace or the big flashy web site. It’s not like you’re gonna find Ace chatting with ‘friends’ on MySpace any time soon. What do you think of this technology and its ability to put you closer to fans and why do you choose not to participate in it and be out there as much as the next guy?

I like my privacy, number one and number two, I am going to be erecting a web site soon. I’m a stickler for graphics ‘cause I’m a graphics designer plus the web sites, I’m not very impressed with the graphics. I’ve been trying to come up with graphics for home page and all that stuff. I’m doing so many things at once. Designing t-shirts for the tour, trying to come up with CD cover art. Hopefully we can have this web site erected in the next two or three weeks.

Musicians all have a different perspective of the crowd and reasons for climbing up on that stage and performing, what feelings do you have when you’re up there ripping a solo and you look out at all the faces and is it different then it was when you were younger?

It’s different then when I was younger and it’s because I have a huge fan base now and when I was younger I didn’t have that. It’s almost like somebody said to me ‘ah, you’re becoming one of the elder statesman of rock and roll,’ and I don’t know how to take that (laughs). It’s almost like I can go up there and do no wrong as long as I’m playing my ass off. It’s kind of nice. I feel really comfortable onstage and I’m always having a good time. I feel like I’m alive when I’m onstage, you know. It’s a special place. I don’t know why I waited so long to hit the road. It’s been over five years.

But, you’re making up for lost time now, right? You’re out there driving through Canada in the winter.

Yeah, we just finished 16 shows and in another few days we’ll hit the half time of the tour.

A lot lately has been made of the constantly changing recording industry and it’s never been more public than now. It seems to be all over the place with downloading and the Internet. How do you see the changes from the perspective of someone who’s been involved in it for the better part of four decades?

I guess it’s a good change. Music is a lot more accessible now with the Internet. I guess the downside is all the illegal downloading. We may be missing out on revenue but it’s a lot easier to access an artists music with the help of the Internet. It’s kind of a double-edged sword. With the advent of YouTube, you automatically get built-in, free publicity because every show I’m performing there’s kids with camera phones, recording songs in the set and downloading it to YouTube. I think it’s probably good. You’ve gotta make the adjustments.

Obviously more bands can get their names out there. You don’t even have to be able to play. You can essentially fart in a microphone, record it, build a Myspace page and say you’re a band. So you can get your name out there. Do you think it’s more difficult these days for a band to break through and become a mega-band like Kiss then it was back in the day?

Probably. Probably because there’s just so many bands. When we were out touring, there wasn’t as many bands as there are today. It seems like everybody’s in a band. It’s really just the law of averages. Supply and demand. There’s very few groups today that have ever attained the success that Kiss had or has. We were just really lucky. We were in the right place at the right time and the gimmick caught on. We did tour extensively for several years (laughs). We played everywhere, more than once (laughs). There was a lot of blood, sweat and tears that paid off. I get the feeling today that some of the newer groups maybe don’t wanna put as much work into it. They want it almost handed to ‘em. More so than back in the ‘70s when you knew you needed to go out and hit the pavement.

It’s the old instant gratification.

Yeah.

Some bands wanna record an album in their basement, put it out and make millions.

I’m sure it’s happened (laughs).

I do have the one obligatory Kiss question. I know you get plenty of these. I was just reading today where Paul stated that he believes there’ll come a time when the band will continue without him and without all of the original band members. What do you think about if you hear the idea that there’ll be a day when Kiss will be playing and the four original guys won’t even be involved in it?

(long pause) I think it’s kind of shitty, you know. Kiss was the four of us. I think he’s just trying to make light. The fact that it’s only half of the original members now and the other two guys are just dressed up like me and Peter, I think that’s how he’s trying to rationalize what he’s doing today. Saying maybe there maybe won’t be any original members anymore, well, you know, that wouldn’t be Kiss either, you know. It’d be somebody dressed up with the makeup that we all designed back in the ‘70s and it’s all different people. I don’t understand that train of thought. I don’t know where he’s coming from on that. Kiss was Paul, Gene, Peter and Ace. That was Kiss. If they wanna call it Kiss, makeup somebody else wearing the same makeup, I designed that Spaceman cat, I wrote all those guitar solos, they’re dear to my heart and now you’ve got somebody else wearing the makeup I designed and playing my guitar solos and trying to come off like me. I think it’s bullshit (laughs).

I agree, man. I kind of chuckle to think there could be a day where that would happen. It’d be like the Beatles going out on tour with no original members left.

It’s a fuckin’ bullshit concept. If there’s four other guys dressed up in the makeup and none of the original members, it’s a fuckin’ Kiss cover band. Let’s just fuckin’ call a spade a spade. It’s not Kiss (laughs).

This last one might be tricky ‘cause you’ve no doubt played with everyone. If you could set up your ultimate fantasy show and share the stage with any bands past or present, which ones would you choose?

I don’t know. Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and maybe the Who.

I’ll tell you and this will come as no surprise, I’ve interviewed damn near 300 people and asked them all the same question and a ton have responded with Kiss.

Wow.

They’ll specify certain eras, but people throw Kiss out there a lot.

Cool.

Ace, I appreciate the conversation and I know Montana’s looking forward to hosting you.

Thanks, Patrick. It was great talking to you. You have a great day.

You too, man. Take care.

Bye.

ARTIST ON ARTIST FEATURE: Ace Frehley

He has also been something of an enigma. Since leaving the band in the early 80s, and following an aborted solo career that saw the release of three semi-successful records, Ace dropped out of the public eye until resurfacing again in 1995/1996 to team up with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss for the KISS reunion tour, which netted a whopping $43.6 million. A new album, Psycho Circus, and tour followed. At the conclusion of the KISS Farewell Tour, Ace left the band for the final time in 2002. KISS has continued touring with Tommy Thayer in Ace’s spot, even wearing the distinctive Space Man makeup and costume, much to the chagrin of many diehard fans.

A fan favorite, the buzz over “What is Ace going to do next?” must have reached Frehley’s ears at his lair in New York, particularly in the wake of the wildly successful KISSOLOGY DVD series released over the past year by KISS. This series reveals vintage live and interview footage of Ace, and the band, never before seen. As fans have clamored for more from the original Space Man, he has responded with news that a new album of original material is set for a spring ’08 release, and he has launched his first international solo tour since 1995 with a brand new band.

Ace checks in now via telephone from a hotel in Canada. . . .

So Ace, how’s the tour going so far?

Oh, it’s going great, we kicked it off in Baltimore on . . . what was it, February 28th, I think (laughs). Yeah. And the shows have been getting hotter and hotter as we go, you know, ‘cause it’s a new band and we’re still feeling each other out.

How long have you been playing with these guys?

This is maybe . . . uh . . . today is maybe like my 12th show, or something like that.

Oh wow. So why now, Ace? After all these years, why the big tour, what’s got the fire going now that maybe wasn’t there, you know, five years ago?

Uh . . . [pause, laugh] . . . I didn’t have my health for one thing. I mean, you know, this tour’s long overdue.

Oh, absolutely.

I mean, originally I hoped to have the record done for this tour, but, you know, I still need a little work on that; we’re shooting for a May release for the CD. But I really don’t need a record to tour. I’ve been in the marketplace for such a long time and I have so many songs I’ve written over the years, releasing the record shouldn’t be a prerequisite. The tour’s just so long overdue, so, you know, I’m really just having a great time and looking forward to getting back in the studio in April and finishing up the record for May.

Now are you recording that in the studio you built or are you recording that somewhere else?

I’ve been tracking it at my studio, in New York.

Ah, cool. Are you doing any of the new stuff on tour as part of this set?

I’d love to do it, you know, but we do that and it ends up on YouTube or something the next day or two.

Yeah, man, that’s true, and that’s one of the questions I wanted to ask you. Things are so different now, even from just back as far as the Frehley’s Comet days; I mean, what’s the biggest difference you see now versus when you were coming up through the ranks?

Well, the audiences are the same. You know, it’s just the business has changed in how people get music, you know?

Right.

A lot of people get music from the internet now, and a lot of people don’t even buy CDs anymore. So, that’s really the only difference, and of course YouTube and news and stuff.

What about you, are you a guy who still likes to record to tape or have you gone digital in your studio?

Ah, I’ve done both. I like tape.

Yeah? What do you think of the whole vinyl resurgence that seems to be going on? You know, a lot of people are buying vinyl again and a lot of records are coming out on vinyl, I think that’s kinda cool.

Well vinyl has a distinct sound. I’m probably gonna do a, you know, mix this next record to vinyl.

Oh, that’d be awesome.

Yeah, maybe do a picture disc or something.

Ah, yeah, that’s old school!

Yeah.

What about, for example, the Led Zeppelin thing. They just got together again for that show, and they talked about those guys doing a tour; in fact I just read yesterday that Plant turned it down and they were looking to get paid something like $200 million each to do that tour, and he said no. And like The Who, the band that I know got you wanting to play rock n’ roll, and KISS takes flak – I don’t want to talk about KISS a whole lot – but they take flak for continuing on with guys in your spot and on Peter’s drum throne; how do you feel about these bands, whether it’s KISS or Zeppelin or The Who or whomever, kind of keeping on keeping on minus guys who were a critical part of what made them in the first place?

Uh . . . [long pause] . . . I don’t know, I’d love to see a Zeppelin tour. I mean Jimmy was a big influence on me. And, you know, so was The Who.

Sure.

KISS is a different ballgame, you know?

Yeah, Zeppelin isn’t putting anyone in a John Bonham mask to go sit on the drums.

Yeah . . . I don’t know exactly what they’re doing, but it is what it is. . . .

Talking about guys like Jimmy Page, or Clapton, I mean, these are guys that all you have to say is “Page”, or “Clapton”, and people know what you’re talking about, or “Jimi” for Hendrix; these are guys that have influenced millions of players, and influenced thousands of records that people love, and I think when you say “Ace” people think of Ace Frehley . . . I mean, how does that feel? Do you ever sit and think, “Holy shit, I’m one of those guys?”

Ah, I don’t think about all that stuff. You know, people come up to me about how many people I’ve influenced and . . . I don’t think about that kinda stuff. I’m always kinda moving forward, I live in the now, I don’t live in the past, or the future – I live in the now.

Uh huh.

Every day is special, you know, that’s why they call it “the present.” [insert maniacal, patented Ace Frehley laugh]

Who do you see nowadays carrying the torch that you guys established back in the day as far as just a good high octane, let’s-go-out-and-have-fun-for-two-hours rock band, or do you even listen to anybody these days?

I haven’t really been checking out what’s on the scene, I’ve been so focused on trying to recapture the old vibe I had with the very first solo record I did, you know, the one with “New York Groove” on it.

Sure.

Most people always say that’s their favorite Ace Frehley record so I’ve been trying to get back into that mindset, you know, for this CD.

Well I’ve been a fan forever, you were the guy that made me get into music in the first place. The first album I ever bought was Love Gun, and the first favorite song was “Shock Me,” so I’m trying not to come off as a fanboy here, but I like all the stuff you did; you could put a set list together just of Frehley’s Comet stuff and I’d be fired up to see that show. Are you sharing vocals like you did on those other records or is it going to be all Ace?

Oh it’s all me.

That’s cool. You know there’s a rumor I’ve read that back in the day when you’d record your vocals the only way you could do it is if you laid flat on your back, is that true?

It’s true, I did that for “Shock Me.”

For “Shock Me”? That’s the only one, huh?

Yeah, yeah. I was trying to . . . you know, I didn’t think I had a great voice. I still don’t [laughs].

You wrote – there’re a lot of songs from those early records that you wrote that the other guys sang. How much input did you have on the songs the other guys were writing?

Oh, well, you know, I wrote the solos. I’d . . . you know, I’d give input on a few tracks here and there, but I really don’t remember too much about a lot of all that stuff. [laughs]

Sure. Are you a democratic guy in the studio? When your band comes in and records, do you take input or do you just lay it down and tell them how it’s gonna be?

I like input. Two heads are better than one and four heads are better than two.

That’s right.

I don’t believe in being like a dictator. You can always learn something from anybody, even the assistant engineer. I listen to everybody’s input, and I ask ‘em for it. I know sometimes my judgment isn’t always the best way to go.

But the buck stops with you, right? You’re the final decision maker.

Oh yeah.

Somebody has to be in every band, don’t they?

Well, it’s a necessary evil, if you want to call it that. [laughs]

What do you think of all these, like, American Idol and shows like that where they trot these people out to make big stars out of them, and when you think of some of the greatest musical artists we’ve had wouldn’t even make it out of the first round. I mean, do you ever watch any of that stuff?

Not really! [laughs]

How do you think you would fare on American Idol?

I don’t know! [laughing]. You know I don’t live in hypothetical situations, I live in the now.

Well yeah, and I don’t watch that stuff either, but when I think of the people I love the most I know that the way things are now they wouldn’t even make it out of the first round.

Well yeah, when it comes to rock n’ roll you gotta think of a lot of different things than just talent. Besides vocal talent . . . you know, attitude has a lot to do with it, and the way you come across visually. In a rock n’ roll band, you know, I would always take – if I had to choose between two front men you know I’d always go with the one that’s more dynamic and active and had personality, you know, even if his voice maybe isn’t as great as somebody else’s who doesn’t have those attributes. You need the whole package, you know?

Absolutely. You have a minute to talk about your art a little bit?

My who?

Your art? Are you still doing art?

Oh yeah. In fact I’m working on something, I’m designing a t-shirt right now on my laptop.

Oh yeah? You a Mac or a PC guy?

What do you think?

Mac.

Yeah. I’m working on Photoshop right now. I got version 1.0. [laughs]

Never bothered to upgrade and learn all the other stuff, eh?

Yeah, I work in it and I use 3D programs too and eventually I want to put together a DVD of an animation I came up with, you know, and scored.

See, that’s what’s frustrating to me, man, is I wanna see that stuff and you don’t have a website or anything to see what you’re working on. Is that gonna change?

Yeah. The website should be up hopefully in another three or four weeks. Just been like interviewing people to make it happen.

That’s cool, I’m looking forward to that. Now how do you feel about the fact that you designed one of the most recognizable logos ever? I mean, the KISS logo is right up there with the lips thing for the Rolling Stones. Where does that stack up with some of the musical stuff that you’re known for? You’ve got to be pretty proud of that.

Yeah, but like I said, I don’t think about, you know, accolades. Like someone said to me, would you love to be in the rock . . . the rock hall of fame . . . where was I, like in Cleveland or something –

Yeah, that’s where the rock hall of fame is.

Yeah, I mean it’d be nice, but it’s not something I think about or lose sleep over. The awards and the accolades and the praise and stuff is nice, but it’s not something that keeps me going. What keeps me going is performing and the smiles on people’s faces, and, you know, that’s my direction these days.

So what type of animations are you working on, are these like little movies or what?

I’m working with, like, spacescapes . . . and, just cool stuff like that, you know? I’m playing around with different elements . . . I kinda gotta put it on the backburner because a lot of times I get carried away with my graphics and forget to finish up my music.

So you were doing a lot of that over the years that you weren’t doing music, right?

Yeah. I’ll probably be doing an art exhibition next year. It’s like, now that I’m back and I’m healthy and clean and sober, it’s like everything is blowing up at once and I have to prioritize. All that stuff will still come to task.

And what about the health stuff – was that primarily a sobriety issue, or were you having other health problems we have to worry about coming up here?

Yeah, I’m alright – my liver’s okay. It’s my brain that’s broken! [laughs] My mind is broken. [laughs]

Well a lot of these guys that come back and do a tour or whatever talk about how they went to India and got a guru or something, or got into yoga and now they’re a yoga master or something and that changed their life . . . there’s no yoga or anything on your resume now is there?

No, there’s no yoga. It’s just more . . . more spiritual, and trying to get in touch with your higher power, and you know, it’s really about doing the right thing, getting rid of the bondage of self. ‘Cuz it isn’t always about you, sometimes it’s about other people and other things, you know?

Yeah.

Yeah, it’s like, I’m able to be a dad today, you know, and be there for my daughter.

How old is your daughter now?

27.

What does she do, is she a musician or artist at all?

Yeah, she is. We were actually working on a song together a couple weeks ago. You know she’s been toying with different things, career-wise, and of course she can’t make up her mind [chuckles].

Well, I’m forty, I still can’t make up my frickin’ mind.

Yeah, she was doing modeling for a while, then she was thinking about going into the medical field, and maybe thinking about going into publicity, you know – I just have to support her in whatever she does and try and point her in the right direction.

Does she ever get hassled because she’s Ace Frehley’s daughter, or is she able to fly under the radar?

All the time, yeah, all the time. She’s gotta be aware that some people may have ulterior motives, when they, you know. . . .

Yeah. Now you guys were able to pull of the whole mystique thing with the makeup that could never happen nowadays; I mean everyone’s got a camera up everyone’s ass.

Yeah, we were able to – I mean that whole time was a special time. You know it’s kinda . . . it’s over now! [laughs]

Yeah, but it happened. I’m all for living in the present, but you guys did something that affected a lot of people in a real positive way, and I think regardless of what bad things happened and whatever personally maybe you’ve had to work through, I mean, nothing can take that away from you guys, that’s quite a legacy – I hope you feel pride about that?

Yeah, I mean, most of my memories of KISS, you know, are fond. But that was then, this is now, and, you know, today I don’t really see myself putting on tights and running around in makeup and space boots. I was starting to feel that towards the end of that last tour that I did, I just felt that it was maybe better off put aside, and left to the legacy that it should be.

Are you glad you did that reunion tour?

I’m glad I did it, I’m also glad I left! [laughs]

I saw the reunion tour at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, WA. You guys set the roof on fire.

What happened?

Right after the – right before the first encore after the last song the pyro started a little fire up in the rigging. They had to send a roadie up to put it out.

Yeah, I remember that.

Yeah, that was the Tacoma Dome.

Yeah, that’s crazy stuff. I’m still doing the smoking guitar and the light guitar; I can’t shoot any rockets off in most of these places, but maybe next tour.

Are you looking forward to playing Missoula, MT?

Oh yeah. You know some places sometimes that aren’t as mainstream as others, sometimes are the best audiences, you know?

I’ve heard that from a lot of guys. We’re just a little hungrier here because we don’t have somebody coming through town every week.

Exactly. Yeah, I’m looking forward to it, I look forward to it every night. Like tonight I’m in Quebec City in Quebec, you know and –

Is it cold?

Is it cold, yeah it’s cold!

You’re freezing your ass off up there, aren’t you?

Well, I’m in a nice cozy hotel room [laughs] just chillin’. Makin’ phone calls and playin’ with my laptop, life’s good today.

Yeah, it sounds like it. Well, Ace, I’m not going to take any more of your time, I sure appreciate you calling. I’m really looking forward to the show and looking forward to the record, and we’ll see you in Missoula.

Yeah, Chris, it was great talking to you and I’ll see you at the show in Missoula. Take care.

Former Kiss guitarist rocks Missoula on St. Patty's Day

Expect a “really in your face” brand of rock, said Mark Dinerstein, the Missoula representative for promoter Knitting Factory Entertainment. Dinerstein said he expects the three-hour performance to be like a classic 1970s heavy metal rock show.

Although Frehley is in the process of creating a yet-unnamed new album, at the show he will be sticking mostly to old Kiss classics and songs from his solo career.

“Frehley just felt the itch to get back out on the road,” Dinerstein said. “I guess he missed touring.”

Although Frehley hasn’t released a new album since the late 1990s, The Trews will be promoting their new album No Time for Later. Concertgoers should expect to hear mostly new songs from them at the show.

Tickets are $31 in advance and $34 day-of-show, available at Rockin’ Rudy’s, Ear Candy or at http://www.ticketweb.com. The show starts at 8 p.m. at the Wilma Theatre, doors open at 7 p.m.

Kiss guitarist tours on his own to Montana

Frehley helped start one of the most influential rock bands of the '70s in Kiss and played with the group until 1983, when he departed to work on a solo career, only to return in the late '90s.

Today, the recently sober Frehley is benefiting from a rejuvenation of creativity, touring the U.S. and Canada and finishing up work on his first solo record in nearly 20 years.

"The new record's just about finished," Frehley said in an interview with the Tribune en route to Calgary for a show. "Shootin' for a late May release. I'm really getting off on it. This is such a long-awaited CD and I wanna make sure that it's just right. I think everybody's gonna like it.

"It's got all the elements, or a lot of the elements that my first CD had, 'New York Groove.' Most people cite that as being a favorite Ace Frehley record, so I'm trying to get into that mindset," he added.

For Frehley, song ideas aren't harvested consciously and sometimes come at the most inopportune times.

"I write songs in the weirdest places," said the guitarist who influenced such notables as Slash and Pearl Jam's Mike McCready. "Sometimes I write 'em laying in bed. Sometimes I write 'em riding my motorcycle. I'll come up with melodies in my head and lyrics. I don't have a set formula for writing songs. Some people do."

When the creative juices begin flowing, Frehley opts to shut himself off from the rest of the world and get down to business.

"There's no set way for me to write a song," Frehley explained. "Once I get the process going and once I get into the studio, I kind of have tunnel vision because I'm easily distracted. I just have to turn off the phone and lock the doors," he added with a laugh.

Frehley recently purchased property and began turning a 4,000-square-foot house into the studio where he's been recording the new tunes.

"It's great having your own studio," he said. "It's a work in progress. I was the architect. Basically, I bought some property with like three houses on it and one of them I renovated into a studio."

For his latest record, Frehley enlisted the help of bassist Anthony Esposito and "Late Show with David Letterman" drummer Anton Fig, a longtime friend of Frehley's who was a part of Frehley's '80s solo group Frehley's Comet.

"I hooked up with (Esposito) about a year and a half ago through a mutual friend 'cause we were looking for sober musicians," Frehley said of his new bandmates. "Me and Anton Fig got together in my studio and did some pre-production and we started tracking last year for the new record. The band's great."

Being sober has been an eye-opening experience for Frehley, who's finishing up production on the new record and touring North America.

"It's a whole different ball game doing it clean and sober," he said. "I take care of business today and it's a lot of fun remembering what you did the night before. For years, I always thought I needed substances to be creative and lo and behold, I realized last year that I actually function a lot better without all that stuff. It took me 40 years to figure it out, but better late than never, right?"

The current lineup of Kiss is now rolling through Australia sans original drummer Peter Criss and Frehley, and the guitarist who wrote many of the band's most recognizable riffs questions the band's decision to continue with only half of its original members.

"Kiss was Paul, Gene, Peter and Ace," said Frehley, known for the silver stars that adorned his eyes onstage. "That was Kiss. I designed that 'Spaceman' cat, I wrote all those guitar solos, they're dear to my heart and now you've got somebody else wearing the makeup I designed and playing my guitar solos and trying to come off like me?"

Frehley has been replaced by guitarist Tommy Thayer, who wears the same makeup Frehley designed, and drummer Eric Singer has replaced Criss in Kiss.

Scheduled to perform with his solo band at a St. Patrick's Day show this Monday evening in Missoula, Frehley looks forward to standing onstage in places not generally entertained by someone of Frehley's reputation.

"I think it's cool," the guitarist said of performing in smaller cities like Missoula. "I like going to places that I don't go that often 'cause I always get a different perspective. Usually the audiences are great because they don't get as many shows as some of the major markets get."

A Quick Chat With Tommy Thayer

Following the break up of Black And Blue, Tommy did alot of session work and formed the very punk influenced band Shake The Faith. There album America the Violent, is highly recommended by us here at Behind The Amps. It was around this time, that Tommy began working for the Kiss Company in various capacities, and in 2002 he was asked to fill the role of The Spaceman with the group.

Besides his roll in Kiss, Tommy is highly involved with various charities and helping in the education of the youth in his native Oregan.

So on the eve of Kiss' visit to Australia, we bring you our quick chat with Kiss lead guitarists Tommy Thayer.

BEHIND THE AMPS: Could you please tell us about the new Hughes & Kettner amps that will be using on this tour. How did this association come to be, and what specs are your new amps?

TOMMY THAYER: I am happy to announce that Hughes & Kettner is producing the new “Tommy Thayer Signature Edition DuoTone amplifier.” It is customized version of the HK classic amp, the DuoTone. It has an amazing tone; rich, ballsy, but very classic sound. All of my royalties for this amp are going directly to a charity I’m closely associated with, “The Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.”

BEHIND THE AMPS: You have played Les Paul’s throughout your career, and I noticed you used a silver finished Les Paul on the last tour, do you have any new guitars you will be debuting on the Alive/35 tour, and are these guitars modified (different pickups etc) or are they kept stock?

TOMMY THAYER: I will have several new guitars on this tour, I’m working on those right now. I won’t be straying far off the mark with pick-ups etc. though, because what I’ve used in recent years has worked well for me.

BEHIND THE AMPS: The Alive /35 tour is currently hitting Australia and Europe only, is there any other markets the band plans to hit during this tour, is the band rehearsing any rare songs for this tour?

TOMMY THAYER: We’re already rehearsing many KISS gems. The set is going to kick your ass.

BEHIND THE AMPS: A hypothetical question Tommy. Assemble a 4 piece band from your heros growing up, and a 4 piece band from current players today, who would your choices be and why?

TOMMY THAYER: How about Paul McCartney, Jimmy Page and John Bonham. As far as today, I’m not sure.

BEHIND THE AMPS: The new photo’s on the net show the band have gone back to the Destroyer Style costumes, will there be a new stage to go along with it, if so could you give us a little info on it?

TOMMY THAYER: Under our direction, the KISS production team is working on it now. We will always tour with a stage that’s fit for the bombast and enormity of the classic KISS show.

BEHIND THE AMPS: It has been rumoured that Kiss are filming the Australian shows for a special project, is this regarding new volumes of the hugely successful Kissology series or is it for a new project?

TOMMY THAYER: Every show is filmed, we been doing that for the last 10 to 15 years. And there will be crews following us throughout the entire tour catching what happens offstage and behind the scenes.

BEHIND THE AMPS: Thanks so much for your time tommy, any final words for your fans?

TOMMY THAYER: Back at you! Thank you to all KISS fans worldwide. You are an incredible, unique breed of rock & roll animals!

Behind The Amps would like to extend our gratitude to Tommy for sparing some time in his extremely hectic schedule. We urge all fans of music to catch kiss on the Alive/35 tour click the image below to get tour dates. And you can visit Tommys web site here and you can get all of your Kiss news at Kissonline.Com

BRUCE To Perform At Mexico City's EXPO ROCK SHOW

You can get more information about the Expo Rock Show at this location.

Live Review: Ace Frehley in Winnipeg

Former KISS guitarist Frehley -- newly sober, following decades of drug addiction -- turned in a blistering show at the Garrick Centre on Wednesday, proving that pancake makeup and platform boots aren't prerequisites for rockin' & rollin' all night.

Frehley, who'll release his first new solo record in almost 20 years this spring, has been keeping a far lower profile of late than his ex-bandmate Gene Simmons, who's managed to render himself something of a walking punchline, thanks to all those embarrassing reality TV appearances (not to mention that unfortunate leaked sex tape).

But sobriety clearly becomes Ace, as he was in fine form Wednesday night, delivering a nearly two-hour set that sounded every bit as vital as it must have back in his heyday.

Looking none the worse for wear in a black leather jacket and shades, Frehley got the show started with the rocker Rip It Out, from the self-titled solo joint he cut under the KISS umbrella in '78.

That album is the one Frehley feels his fans respond to most, so it wasn't surprising that he also found room for Snowblind and New York Groove in his set list.

Also not a surprise? That Frehley waited a mere two minutes before banging out his first solo, funnelling that trademark fretwork of his through a literal wall of amplifiers.

On Hard Times, Frehley and his bandmates (among them former Lynch Mob bassist Anthony Esposito) indulged in some nice sleaze-rock harmonies, and on Parasite, they churned out a few feedback-heavy power riffs.

Frehley paused to make mention of our warm weather before blasting out the menacing intro to Snowblind (the refrain of which sounds eerily like a semi-truck whizzing by you on a highway) and dedicated Breakout to departed KISS-mate Eric Carr, who died in '91.

He also made reference to his own personal demons after wrapping up Into the Void, noting, "Sometimes there's a darkness all around us -- but somehow we get out of that dark place, no matter where it is."

Other highlights of the show included the fists-in-the-air anthem Rock Soldiers, a medley that incorporated elements of Torpedo Girl, Speedin' Back to My Baby, and Trouble Walkin', and encore versions of Deuce and Cold Gin.

But the apex had to be the climactic guitar solo that found Frehley flailing away on the frets for upwards of five minutes, eventually working himself into such a state that plumes of FX smoke came shooting out of his axe.

As gimmicks go, it's an oldie but a goodie. Just like ol' Space Ace himself.

Rockers Kiss promise a full-length concert at Grand Prix

"There's all this incredible horsepower, incredible noise and speed -- and then there'll also be the car race,'' Paul Stanley says.

"We will bring loudness to a new level. You're going to shiver and quiver in all the places that count. This is bigger than ever.''

"Don't listen to your girlfriends,'' Gene Simmons adds. "Size does matter.''

The band launch their Kiss Alive 35 world tour in Melbourne, celebrating the band's formation in 1973. The setlist borrows heavily from their classic 1975 album Alive!

"We have no intentions of stopping,'' Stanley says. "We gave up doing this for money a long time ago. We do it because we love it. But we still like being paid for it.''

"Rock and roll's in a pathetic state,'' Simmons rants. "The reason we're on stage is because we're goddamn bored and sick and tired of bands getting up on stage and not giving you value for buck. A warning for all low-flying planes -- Kiss are here.''

The band are filming the Australian tour for an hour-long TV special called Kissteria, and the crew for Gene Simmons' Family Jewels are also in town.

"When we played Kiss Symphony in Melbourne (in 2003) we didn't record the behind-the-scenes stuff,'' Simmons says.

"We're going to do it right this time.''

The new series of Family Jewels is being promoted in the US with the catchphrase "One man, 4800 women''.

"And some farm animals,'' Simmons clarifies.

Tickets for Kiss are available from Ticketek.

KISS Schedules Second Italian Concert

KISS Performs On Australian TV; Video Available

"I Was Made For Lovin' You"
"Shout It Out Loud"
Interview

KISS, THE COOLEST PARENTS ON THE PLANET

KISS STILL BIG BUSINESS, 35 YEARS ON

Thirty-five years after their first performance, KISS are back in Australia to kick off another global tour with a concert at the Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne.

And underneath the loud music, the big tongues and the make-up, are some astute business brains.

The US might be suffering an economic slump but KISS' lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley still says he wants to rock 'n' roll all night.

"Good economy or no economy, we gave up doing this for money a long time ago," he said.

"We do it because we love it, but we still like being paid, so you can pay us."

KISS manager Doc McGhee says despite America's financial woes, the market for live entertainment is as strong as ever.

"I think the concert business is pretty much bullet-proof," he said.

"People, they're staying home, they're not travelling abroad because they don't have the money. If anything, it helps our economy. We're kind of recession-proof." Forbes magazine estimated that KISS earned $US48 million from its 1996 reunion tour and while those heady days are now gone, concerts are one part of the group's marketing machine.

Stanley says the KISS logo can now be found on clothes, toys, even condoms and a funeral casket.

"There's not many bands who could do something like that, so we just figured that between that and the condoms we could get you coming or going," he said.

The band has a huge range of merchandise.

"We sell about 2,700 products around the world, so we're the largest and biggest merchandising band of all times and have been for years," he said.

Despite that output, Mr McGhee wants to avoid saturating the market. Some argue an overabundance of products led to a drop in the group's popularity in the 1970s.

He says KISS's focus is now on the top end of the merchandise business.

"Our displays of dolls and things that we do are collectable, they're not on the same rack as Power Rangers. It's just keeping the quality there," he said.

And the deluge of products continues even though KISS's last recording of new songs came out 10 years ago.

KISS co-founder Gene Simmons is an unashamed capitalist, appearing on Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice and running a marketing business.

"Simmons Abrahams Marketing markets for the Indy car series, including the perennial and iconic Indy 500. This is our third year and it's coming to Australia," he said.

Although one suspects it will arrive without the face paint and platform boots.

Footage Of Entire Melbourne Press Conference Available

Kiss-off from Princess of Darkness

"Gene's a prat," Sharon Osbourne said yesterday. "He's just a silly man in a silly wig. He's just a prat. What more is there to say about him? He's his own worst enemy by being in the public eye."

Sharon has publicly slated Simmons for copying her family's reality show, The Osbournes, with his own, Family Jewels.

The outspoken Sharon has joined Ozzy for his first Australian concert tour in 11 years. Their last visit was for the MTV Music Awards in Sydney in 2005.

"Australia has come on immensely," Ozzy said. "The world's getting smaller every day with technology. I got off the plane (in Melbourne) yesterday and within seconds I was on the phone to someone in LA. It's like Star Trek."

He released a new album last year, Black Rain, his first of original material since infamous reality TV hit The Osbournes.

Their children, Jack and Kelly, also flew into Melbourne yesterday for the tour and the Grand Prix.

Jack is producing a documentary on his father, and is filming in Australia. He also plans to study film-making.

"Jack wants to be behind the camera," Ozzy said. "He doesn't enjoy being in spotlight. Some people do, some people don't."

The family are used to Australians, with several ex-Melburnians on their staff, including Sharon's personal assistant, Silvana Arena, sister of singer Tina.

However, Sharon denied persistent rumours of a feud with Dannii Minogue, her fellow judge from British TV hit The X Factor.

Tickets are still available for Ozzy's concert at Rod Laver Arena tomorrow night.

New Ace Dates

KISS TO ROCK FOOTY SHOW

Rock Gods KISS will make their only Australian television appearance tonight on the The Footy Show, performing two of their classic hits live in the studio.

The Footy Show airs tonight, Thursday, March 13 at 9.30pm (local time) on Channel Nine.

Paul Stanley to leave Kiss

The pouty-lipped, make-up clad Starchild confesses his touring days with Kiss may soon be numbered.

"I really, firmly believe there will come a time when the band will continue without me," Stanley says. Shock. And yes, horror.

While this might have some fans shedding silvery-red tears over their vinyl editions of Kiss's iconic Dynasty album, Stanley insists that his departure would not necessarily spell the end for the band. He believes he is entirely replaceable.

"Some people can't imagine it without me, but I'm here to tell you, I can. There is somebody out there with the same amount of passion and the same amount of drive," he says. "Which is not to say I wouldn't want to have creative control."

Certainly, Kiss has changed its line-up over the years. Original members Peter Criss and Ace Frehley have been replaced, variously, by Eric Carr, Vinnie Vincent, Mark St. John and Bruce Kulick.

Currently, the band consists of Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer.

But Stanley and Simmons, who formed the band in 1973, in New York, have always been the constants. Admittedly, Stanley's health has deteriorated over the years. He has had hip surgery and prior to a show in July last year was hospitalised with a rapid heartbeat. It was the first time Kiss had ever performed as a three-piece.

In Stanley's eyes, at least, Kiss is bigger than any one member of the band. Bigger than just a band, Kiss is a philosophy.

"I think Kiss is more about a point of view, about a respect for fans and about a loyalty and a direction much more than it is the people in the band," he explains.

"We don't follow the same rules as other bands. I can't live within the boundaries people set for me. I believe Kiss is founded on something so solid that it will continue to live on, the way a football team continues.

"There have been great players, but there will always be other players."

But for the moment, Stanley is staying put. This definitely isn't any sort of farewell tour, if such a thing really exists.

He is excited to be coming back to Australia only a year after he was here as part of a solo tour for his album, Live To Win.

"At this point in my life I wouldn't do anything that wouldn't excite me," he says.

Stanley first toured with the band here in 1980. And he has had a love affair with the country ever since, an affection extending to Kiss performing with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in Melbourne in 2004.

"There have always been amazing women and friendships and amazing food and some of the best wines in the world," he says.

"Over the years people's expectations have just got higher. So when I go out there I want to make sure we are every bit living up to the legend of Kiss.

"I think our fans understand how important it is for us to live up to what we have done in the past and making sure that nobody is disappointed. But they know we wouldn't be there unless we were going to deliver the goods."

The goods, in this case, happen to be a catalogue of hits including Rock And Roll All Nite, I Was Made For Loving You and Detroit Rock City, which have helped the band sell 90 million records worldwide.

There's no new stuff to speak of, apart from the Kissology DVD. But hey, as with most bands which trade heavily on nostalgia, who needs new material when you have the hits? Of course, the two calling the shots on stage are Stanley and Simmons. The pair have had their differences over the years and, at least from what is presented to the public, seem diametrically opposed personality types.

Stanley prefers the private life away from Kiss and has taken to painting.

Simmons has a burgeoning career outside the band as a reality TV star, having been the mentor on Rock School and the star of his own show, Family Jewels.

"I think we think of ourselves as brothers. Brothers means you can never get rid of each other, even when you want to," Stanley says. "We go about ourselves very differently. What we choose to put at the forefront or publicise is very different.

"Certainly, one of us spends quite a bit of time telling the world that he's the genius behind the band. This didn't happen because of a single person. It is the combustibility and the chemistry of people who don't necessarily view things from the same perspective which makes Kiss."

Stanley says the common ground is definitely the group itself.

"We tend to put our egos aside when it comes to making decisions for the band.".

Kiss perform at Acer Arena on March 20.

Video Footage KISS arriving in Australia

KISS KICKS OFF AUSTRALIAN TOUR WITH PRESS CONFERENCE

CLICK HERE to watch clips from KISS' Press conference.

Modern rock is pathetic, we rule - Kiss

The band, celebrating its 35th year, is playing after the F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday night and is promising value for money.

"Good economy or no economy, we have no intentions of stopping," said frontman Paul Stanley.

"We gave up doing this for money a long time ago, we love it, but we still get paid."

Like the good businessman that he is, Kiss co-founding member Gene Simmons had a shot at the opposition while promising a full-on ear-blasting concert, none of this coming out and strumming a guitar and calling it a show.

"Rock and roll is in a pathetic state," he drawled.

"Bands think they can can get up on stage and strum their guitars and then download it - it's useless and pathetic.

"We're sick and tired of seeing bands getting up on stage and not giving value for your buck."

Stanley and Simmons, who were by guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer, said they have been living out their dreams for the past 35 years.

"We not only want to live up to the legend (of Kiss) but we want to exceed it, and that's why we are here," Stanley said.

But does Kiss ever get worried that they will lose touch with their audience, with influences like rap and rave music at the forefront of the Y generation.

"Kiss music is universal, ageless - we always find a new audience," said Stanley.

"What we sing about is celebrating life, about enjoying yourself.

"We don't need to to look for an audience - the audience finds us."

Gibson Les Paul Guitar Previously Owned By ACE FREHLEY Being Auctioned

Kiss want to give it all to you

Original members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are joined by guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer for what will kick off their Kiss Alive 35 world tour.

Simmons was spotted at Brunetti's in Carlton with fans in between shooting a TV show yesterday afternoon.

The tour will celebrate the band's formation in 1973 and is their first Australian tour in four years.

The band has sold more than 90 million albums and is one of the most in-demand live acts in the world.

During their lay-off, Stanley has launched a solo career while Simmons started a reality show, Family Jewels, featuring his family.

The new series of the program, which airs on the Biography Channel in Australia, boasts the rocker has slept with 4800 women.

In Melbourne, Kiss fans can buy "pole position" tickets for the GP show, providing close access to the front of the stage as well as general admission tickets.

After the Melbourne show, the band will head to Sydney and Brisbane before a New Zealand and European tour.

GENE SIMMONS On 'Rachael Ray Show'; Video Available

The third season of "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" will premiere on the A&E network tonight (Tuesday, March 11) with back-to-back episodes beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Gene Simmons' Daughter Makes Him Cry

LATEST UPDATE ON PAUL'S MEDIA ACTIVITIES

Paul will be featured in the Los Angeles Times' Calendar Section's 'My Favorite Weekend' which profiles celebrities and their ideal weekend activities.

Paul was interviewed and will be featured in an upcoming issue of Family Circle Magazine. Family Circle has a readership of nearly 4 million.

Paul will be the subject of h Magazine's upcoming ICON editorial profile in April. Past ICONS featured include some of the entertainment industry’s greatest performers.

NORWEGIAN BOYS PASS KISS QUIZ!!

They are SO looking forward to it! In the meantime, they have their own concerts at home with “Lick It Up”, “I Was Made For Lovin' You ” and “God of Thunder”. KISS make-up is stolen from mum’s drawer.

KISS is an “everyday task” at our house! – KISSology vol 1, 2 and 3!!!

Regards,
Anita Westby Rygh
http://www.p4.no/story.aspx?id=264665.

KISS AUSTRALIAN COMMERCIAL

BRUCE KULICK Reviews ACE FREHLEY In Michigan

"It is not often that I get to see any shows when I travel for my GRAND FUNK gigs, unless we are on a festival bill with other bands of course. But this past Friday night was very different as I was able to see ACE FREHLEY and THE TUBES in concert at the same showroom in Michigan that GFR would play on Saturday night.

"I thought it would be a great double bill, as I knew THE TUBES from years ago, being on a bill with them in the early '80s with Michael Bolton oddly enough. I caught the last half of the show, and 'White Punks On Dope' is a fun song. Fee Waybill was quite entertaining in his 12 inch heels and crazy glam outfit. It is power pop with a crazy sense of humor. They ended the show with 'Talk To Ya Later'. Another strong hit from the band.

"But truthfully I was really there to see Ace like all the KISS fans in the crowd. I was aware that he was touring with a solid band, and that he was doing all the hits from his solo career and KISS. I had NOT seem him as a solo artist before so I was looking forward to the show. I was aware he wasn't feeling well that night as the sound man, Night Bob, is an old friend of mine. He said Ace was getting over a chest cold, but to be honest Ace didn't let it keep him down.

"As he sang later in the set 'Ace is back, I told you so!' After some high pitch feedback noise from his excellent looking Les Paul Custom signature model, Ace got down to business pleasing the crowd. I didn't take notes with the set list, but of course I enjoyed songs like 'Breakout' (dedicated to Eric Carr), 'Parasite', 'Strange Ways', 'Rip It Out', 'Rock Soldiers', and 'New York Groove'. He even did a bit of 'I Want You' in one of the songs."

Read the rest of Bruce's message at this location.

Rehearsal Photos Posted Online

"Australia and New Zealand... you wanted the best and you're about to get it!

"On Saturday KISS wrapped up an exciting week of rehearsals for the Down Under leg of their KISS Alive 35 World Tour. The band rehearsed a wide range of classics from all periods, including 'KISS Alive!' in its entirety!

"KISS can't wait to rock the Australian and New Zealand KISS Armies again... It's been four years since their last Australian show, and over 12 years since their last New Zealand show."

Check out photos from the rehearsal sessions at this location.

PAUL & GENE ON THE FAIRLY ODDPARENTS

Earlier this week, Paul and Gene lent their voices to next year's special episode of Nickelodeon's highly rated animated show, The Fairly OddParents. Can't release too many details yet, but their appearance in the episode is KISS related!

ACE FREHLEY: Quality Montreal Footage Posted Online

BRUCE KULICK Resumes Work On Solo Album

"Well, after nearly four months of not being able to schedule recording on 'BK3', I finally jumped back in. (Between traveling to Brazil, Mexico, Japan and all over the U.S. was hard to book!) So day one was well... it was like diving in a very deep pool. I didn't really sleep very well the night before. My brain was in over thinking mode! You know when you dream things like your cell phone won't work, or why am I missing my pants!? Frustration dreams. The biggest challenge for me with my solo discs are always vocals. So since almost ALL the guitars and bass are done, it was finally time to take that step."

Read more at this location.

GENE SIMMONS Discusses 'Sex Tape' On CNN

He's taken his painting to a whole new level

What's going on with KISS?

I'm on my way to rehearsal in about an hour. We'll be playing in Australia and New Zealand next month, and then we're doing a really large tour of Europe. Stadiums in Stockholm and Helsinki sold out in 20 minutes.

A band I thought was a cool novelty act way back when has managed to make quite a go of it.

What can I say? Sometimes beauty is in the ear of the beholder.

Tell me about the art? Who knew you even painted?

I actually started about eight years ago. I was getting divorced, and sometimes you reach a point in traumatic situations like that where you can scream and bang your head against the wall or do something else. Someone suggested I should paint. I didn't know what I was going to do, but I knew I wasn't going to depict reality.

Given the personality of the band, I figured your paintings would be full of girls. But they're actually tame.

They're somewhere between abstract and abstract expressionism. As far as I'm concerned, there are no rules in art. The only boundaries are the edge of the canvas.

You've been around the world many times over. Who are some of your favorite artists?

It's humbling how many great artists there are who aren't famous. In the last century, Picasso embodied everything that art is. He saw art in everything. Then there's Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock. Anybody who looks at a Pollock and says they can do that, I say try. The beauty of everything that's done well is that it appears easy.

Do you collect?

I've had pieces from time to time, but I've let a lot of great stuff slip through my hands. Andy Warhol wanted to do my portrait and I always said, 'I'll do it tomorrow.' Then Andy left this world. I had a great Miro, but my house isn't a museum.

With pieces selling for $14,000 and up, I imagine painting has been pretty lucrative for you.

$2 million last year. I guess it's pretty lucrative.

Why are you coming to Boston?

If you're going to spend that kind of money, it's a huge bonus to meet the artist. I've had some great times in Boston. I used to spend summers in Rockport when I was young, and I love the Orpheum. There were all those years we couldn't play Boston because of the fire marshal, but it's a great city. I'm looking forward to it.

KISS 4K MOVES TO WEB

Here's a quote from Dan Forcey, VP of Content Development, regarding the news:

The print book has been selling really well for us here at Platinum and we're very excited about it. There are several reasons why we're doing this.

First and foremost is that Gene, Paul and Scott (Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, CEO of Platinum Studios) are trend-setters and usually at the forefront of what is hot. (KISS was in comics back in the 70's, thirty years before a lot of rock stars like Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance and all the other bands "discovering" the comics medium right now.) Scott and Gene both see the world moving towards the digital distribution, like DD and websites like Wowio (hint, hint), and they want to be on the trailblazers like they always have been.(Remember when everyone said iTunes wouldn't work?)

Secondly, Gene and Paul plain love Adam's work and want HIM to be the vision that guides 4K from here on out. You guys may not know this, but Gene and Paul both insist on their approval over every printed page of KISS 4K, but they let Adam, and only Adam, do what he wants on the title here online. Actually, I'm kind of jealous of the guy sometimes because they give him more free reign than me. :-)

Anyway, it's not the end of the 4K in print, not by any means, (hinting again) it's just a new example of KISS being the guys that everyone else follows behind.

Here's a link to the webcomic: drunkduck.com/KISS_4K_the_webcomic/

ACE FREHLEY: New Concert Footage, Photos Available

Photos of Frehley's March 3, 2008 show at Metropolis in Montreal, Quebec, Canada can be found at MetalUniverse.net.

Kiss and tell with Gene Simmons

When he's not breathing fire, spitting fake blood or flicking his long red tongue about like a horny snake, Kiss band-leader Gene Simmons likes nothing better than to tell jokes.

Unsurprisingly, given Simmons' legendary ego, today's joke is about himself.

"You ready?" he asks from his home in Beverly Hills. "Okay. God is sitting on his throne, and there's a knock on the door. He says `Who is it?' The door opens and there's Gandhi. God asks him what he believes in. Gandhi says `World peace.' God says `OK, fine, c'mon over here and sit on my left hand side.'

"There's another knock at the door. This time it's Mother Teresa. God asks her what she believes in and she says `Feeding the poor.' God says `OK, fine, whatever, come over here and sit on my right hand side.' There's a third knock on the door. Again, God asks who it is and what they believe, to which I reply `I'm Gene Simmons, and I believe you're sitting in my goddam chair'!".

Simmons cracks up at his own punchline but the joke is intended to make a serious point. "Yes, it is. My point is that when it comes to riches and power, I'm jealous of God. I want it all!"

Simmons' voice is deep and oily and his accent a languid New York drawl. He's one of the funniest people I've ever talked to and perhaps the most obnoxious. He doesn't care who he offends.

"Hell, no. I'm too rich to care," he chuckles. "People give me a hard time for being a ruthless businessman but these are the kinds of people who cut my grass and take out my trash. I, meanwhile, am deliriously happy.

"Why? Because I get to be me. People say money can't buy you happiness but I have no time for such loser notions. I am happy and I'm hungrier for money now than I've ever been."

Simmons is smart, witty, driven, articulate and a jerk. He says what he thinks at all times and his pronouncements are unencumbered by wisdom or doubt. He's all for women's rights, so long as he retains the right to shag as many of them as possible.

He grew up poor, the son of a Hungarian concentration camp survivor, but is low on compassion for those less fortunate. He has made millions playing thunderously loud rock'n'roll, an occupation loaded with counter-cultural cache, yet he supports the war in Iraq and voted for George W Bush.

"I'll tell you where I stand politically. In terms of social issues, I'm very liberal. I support gay marriages and I think women should rule the world and get paid as much money as men. But in terms of fiscal issues, I'm very conservative. I'm against the welfare state and I support giving people jobs, not charity. In my view, if you're too lazy to work, you need a bitch slap from God.

"In terms of foreign policy, I'm conservative too. I don't buy the idea that if our troops leave the Middle East, the Taliban and al Qaeda would wake up the next day and say `You know what? I think we should turn over a new leaf and stop trying to blow up the world. Let's just stay here in the desert and read books.' If you think that's gonna happen, you're on crack. These people are nut jobs."

Now 58, Simmons was born Chaim Witz in Haifa, Israel, and moved to New York with his Hungarian mother, Florence Klein, when he was eight. His father had abandoned the family several years earlier and his mother worked two jobs to support herself and her only child. Simmons was "emotionally scarred" by childhood poverty, he says, and this gave him a burning desire to be rich.

In his late teens, while studying for a Bachelor of Education degree, Simmons played bass in a string of bands, ending up in Wicked Lester with Kiss co-founder Paul Stanley in the early 70s. The pair drafted in drummer Peter Criss and lead guitarist "Ace" Frehley soon after, and gave their first performance as Kiss in 1973.

They took to the stage wearing their trademark make-up: Demon (Simmons), Starchild (Stanley), Spaceman (Frehley), and Catman (Criss). In a splendid Spinal Tap moment, Simmons onceset fire to his own hair while attempting to breathe fire.

Over the next 18 months the band kept getting louder, flashier, more visually outrageous and eventually their unique mix of anthemic glam rock, comic book superhero outfits and schlock-horror theatrics paid off. By 1977, a Gallup poll proclaimed them the most popular band in America.

"It felt like we'd waded out into calm water then suddenly a tsunami had hit us," recalls Simmons. "We could kid ourselves that success came because we were so talented and attractive but there's such a thing as being in the right place at the right time, too."

The late 70s was a golden time for Kiss. Their live tours broke attendance records around the world, their Kiss Army fan-base became huge and their merchandising operation netted $US100 million between 1977 and 1979 alone.

But as the 70s faded into the 80s, the novelty began to wear off. Live tour attendances fell, album sales plummeted and tensions within the band became unbearable. Peter Criss left in 1979 and Frehley followed him a few years later. A second wave of popularity followed during the 80s and the band has now sold more than 100 million albums worldwide.

There have been sporadic reunions of the original members over the years, but Simmons and Stanley "own" the band, so other members have been regularly replaced. In 2000, Kiss announced the first in a seemingly endless series of "farewell" tours, yet they're still with us, taking the old jalopy for one more spin around the block.

"Well, you know, people still want to see us, so who are we to disappoint them?" Simmons says. After 35 years together, we're still having the time of our lives, so why stop? I love playing live! When I get up on stage, I feel like the god that I am. Not only powerful but also deeply attractive.

"You know, if you're a rock star, you can wake up each morning next to a girl whose name you never bothered to learn! If you're not a rock star, it's all `what sign are you, let's have dinner, I won't put out on the first date' and other such torture that girls will put you through. But if you're in a big band, you cut to the chase."

Simmons has never been married, but had long-term relationships with Cher and Diana Ross before taking up with his current partner, former Playboy model Shannon Tweed, 25 years ago. They have two children, Nicholas (18) and Sophie (15).

"Yes, I've been with Shannon for 25 years but I refuse to get married because I think it's a sham. For one thing, men are poorly designed for monogamy. We tend to be promiscuous. It's biological. Women manufacture one or two eggs a month, during which time the male of the species manufactures 10 billion sperm!

"This tells you that the Bible is correct and a man was designed to `spread thy seed'. So if I sleep with a lot of woman, just think of me as doing the Lord's work."

In which case, the Lord should be paying Simmons overtime. In his 2001 book Kiss and Make-up, Simmons claims to have had sex with 4600 women and just last week, a secretly filmed Simmons "sex tape" was posted on the net. In it, the long-tongued lothario gets busy with an Austrian model called Elsa while Foreigner's "I Wanna Know What Love Is" plays in the background.

Stifling a strong urge to ask the obvious question (why Foreigner?), I ask if Simmons' partner is happy about him sleeping with other women.

"No. But Shannon and I are not married and I do not answer to her. We care for each other, but I don't ask her permission to do anything. I am my own man, and I'm also delusional enough to think I'm right about everything. In fact, if I was a benevolent dictator, I think I could eradicate most of the world's problems very quickly. For instance, in my world, drug dealers would be put to death on the spot."

Simmons is anti-drugs and says he has never been drunk or high in his life not even smoked a cigarette.

"Murderers would be put to death, too. I'm sick of all this permissive society bullshit! If someone kills somebody, I don't want to hear how that person's father molested him or whatever. I want to hear that he's been shot.

"Death is a wonderful cure for violent lunatics. Please! I don't want to find out what made you violent; I want to kill you! If a mad dog starts biting people, shoot him, for God's sake. Don't waste my time telling me why he's mean."

We should perhaps feel grateful that Simmons is too busy to go into politics. Besides playing music, he's an actor, a publisher, a writer, a TV producer. His projects have included a short-lived men's mag called Gene Simmons' Tongue, a cartoon series, a cable TV dating show and the reality shows Rock School and Gene Simmons Family Jewels. He has made guest appearances in Miami Vice, Third Watch, Ugly Betty and Family Guy.

He is also a merchandising tycoon. Visit his www.genesimmons.com website and you can buy Kiss belt buckles, Kiss coffee tables, Kiss baby bibs, even a Kiss rubber duck for your bath.

"Our licensing and merchandising is a complete juggernaut and secretly the envy of every band. I mean, it's all very well being Radiohead or REM, but we have more imagination. How about 13m Kiss toothbrushes that sing "Rock'n'Roll All Night" inside your mouth when you brush your teeth? People have five senses, and I want Kiss to invade them all. Sure, I want you to come to a Kiss concert and see us and hear us, but then I want you to go home and eat Kiss cereal.

"Ideally, I want the air you breathe to be Kiss air, because then I can charge you for every gulp you take of that air."

Perhaps the most notorious piece of Kiss merchandising was a garish limited-edition coffin called the Kiss Kasket, so popular it has now sold out.

"Well, I think everything in life should be branded, including your coffin. Even so, I have no desire to be buried in a Kiss Kasket myself. Being under the ground has no appeal.

"I prefer flames. I'm a pyro kinda guy. I'd prefer to go up in smoke and afterwards they can put a tombstone somewhere saying `Gene Simmons: Thank You and Good Night'."

*Kiss, Ozzy Osbourne, Poison, Alice Cooper and many more perform at the two-day Rock2WGTN even over Easter weekend at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.

KISS POLE POSITION INFO

KISS Pole Position patrons will receive both a General Admission ticket, and a KISS Pole Position upgrade voucher from Ticketek.

KISS Pole Position patrons are advised to exchange the Pole Position upgrade voucher (with the KISS logo) for a KISS souvenir pass and lanyard as soon as they arrive at the circuit on Sunday, March 16 - in order to avoid any delay accessing the KISS concert, which is scheduled to start at 7pm sharp.

KISS souvenir pass and lanyard collection booths will be operational from 8.30am (as soon as gates open) in the KISS concert area (Circuit Map Grid Reference - R14), on Sunday, March 16, 2007 only.

Fans may enter the concert area any time from 8.30am.

KISSOLOGY 3 8X PLATINUM

GENE SIMMONS Pens Foreword To 'Rock To The Top' Book

Having worked with author Dayna Steele in the past, Simmons was the perfect choice to write the foreword to "Rock to the Top", saying, "Rock stars may know how to live it up, but to get to the level where KISS is, requires sacrifice and business savvy. Dayna has spent years learning and developing business practices that she's just giving away in this book."

A top female rock and roll on-air personality, Steele spent years traveling the globe and interviewing countless bands and rock stars like Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ozzy Osbourne, David Bowie, Steven Tyler, Bruce Springsteen, Sammy Hagar and Bono . . . to name just a few!

The great music and insights bestowed upon Steele by these rock legends were what helped her compose this symphony of lessons about the importance of passion, confidence, organization, networking, knowledge, the need for appreciation and the power of a brand.

Best known as Houston's "First Lady of Radio", Steele — since leaving the airwaves — has gone on to head up a successful marketing and public relations firm, a space-related e-commerce company and an online community for girls destined to be tomorrow's leaders, scientists, mathematicians and engineers.

"Rock to the Top" is as much a business book as it is a romp through backstage anecdotes with the likes of AEROSMITH, VAN HALEN and KISS. An added bonus are the photos peppered throughout the book featuring Jon Bon Jovi, Sting and more . . . all from the author's personal collection.

'Millennium Tribute To Kiss' Due In April

SECOND FINLAND SHOW SELLS OUT IN 9 MINUTES!!!!

Ace Frehley hits the road in search of sober comeback

The recovering alcoholic and drug user - whose days with the legendary rockers exemplified the sex-drugs-and-rock 'n' roll cliche - says he has to keep such temptations at arm's length.

"This time around, I'm real serious about my sobriety," Frehley says in a recent phone interview from the 21st floor of the Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls, N.Y.

"I've surrounded myself with sober people, so it's really not that tough. It's very comfortable for me at this point, I just hope I can maintain it. I believe I can, but one day at a time, right?"

It's clear that keeping clean is top of mind for the genial Frehley, who launches into a description of life on the road by saying how nice it is "remembering what you did the night before," and by referring spontaneously to his "clean date" - Sept. 15, 2006 - and his 17 months of sobriety.

"But who's keeping track?" he cackles with laughter, one of several outbursts that seem to emerge at the slightest provocation.

Still, Frehley, speaking with a slow-paced gravel delivery, says he doesn't regret much from his storied past, crediting those rocky experiences with bringing him to where he is today.

Frehley's battles with addiction are said to have fuelled his split with KISS bandmates Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley in 1983, about three years after the departure of original drummer and party cohort Peter Criss.

While Simmons and Stanley committed to a drug-free lifestyle, Frehley indulged to excess, finding himself getting into trouble on a number of occasions, and dragging others down with him.

"I did some silly things in those days and (there were) a lot of car accidents and missed recording sessions and you know, this that and the other thing. I'm glad that all that mayhem and insanity is behind me," says Frehley, who once led police on a 145-kph car chase in 1982.

"I'm probably happier now than I have been in a long time, I should have done this a lot sooner."

Being on tour can be an especially hard test, and rebounding from a lapse in judgment is not easy. Frehley notes he fell off the wagon at a show with Tommy Lee two years ago and it took him the whole summer to get back on track.

"The road can drive you crazy," says Frehley, who took on the persona of the "Space Ace" while with KISS.

"If you're partying too much, that can wear you down, make silly decisions. I mean, look how many famous rock stars we've lost to drugs and alcohol."

With his addiction in check, Frehley says he's excited by the prospect of a career comeback, noting he's planning to release a solo album in April inspired by his self-titled debut in 1978, which spawned the hit "New York Groove."

The '80s saw Frehley release more pop-oriented solo material under the moniker Frehley's Comet, but it was that first disc that remains a favourite among fans. Frehley says he studied the old album for inspiration in crafting the new one, reportedly working again with friend and drummer Anton Fig, house drummer for "Late Show with David Letterman".

But those expecting a preview at his concerts won't get one, he says.

"It's not that I don't want to play a couple of the new songs but it's like, everytime I do a concert it ends up on YouTube the next day. Everybody's been waiting for this album for so many years, I really wanted it to be a surprise," he says, going on to attempt a description in his heavy Bronx accent.

"Most of my songs are pretty mindless. You know, there's a song called 'Pain in the Neck'...there's another song called 'Sister.' What are they about? I have no idea."

"I can't tell you how many times in the past people have come up to me and said, 'Wow, I really understand what you meant in that song,' and I have no idea what they're talking about."

"Usually, I just agree with them," he says, erupting into another cackle.

The 56-year-old guitar hero says he's all too aware that fans look up to him in more ways than one.

"I think a lot of people maybe partied a little harder than they normally would because they were fans of mine and they knew I was doing that," he says.

"I don't want to get up on a platform and tell people not to drink and use drugs, all I can do is say: 'Hey, you know, maybe by my example, maybe if you're thinking about turning your life around, I did it. Maybe you can do it."'

Frehley kicks of a string of Canadian dates Monday in Montreal, followed by stops in Quebec City and Toronto. Later dates include appearances in Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.

PAUL ADDS CHARLOTTE ART SHOWS

His appearance will be open to the public and free of charge.

Paul Stanley’s Wentworth Gallery Appearances:

Friday - April 11, 2008 - 6-9 PM
Saturday – April 12, 2008 6-9 PM

Wentworth Gallery
South Park Mall
4400 Sharon Road
Charlotte, NC

VIP Reception – 5 -6 PM - Please call for details
RSVP: 704-365-2733 or 800-732-6140

Ace Frehley fans revel in Kiss-heavy show

His iconic image, with a Gibson Les Paul dangling from his shoulders and a look of interstellar ecstasy on his face, adorned the bedroom wall of every self-respecting rocker-in-waiting during that era.

As influential as his work has been, Frehley’s “Rocket Ride” hasn’t been particularly smooth. He battled substance abuse problems, fought with his headstrong bandmates, tried several times to quit Kiss, and finally did in the early ’80s.

Though he was clearly the most centered and consistent musician in Kiss, Frehley’s solo career — his 1978 debut effort released while still a member of Kiss notwithstanding — was hit and miss. He rejoined the group for its 1996 reunion tour, a sketchy “comeback” album, and a “farewell” tour, before calling it a day once again.

Now in his late 50s, Frehley is finally ready to offer a proper follow-up to that 1978 album, and he’s got a hot new band backing him on a tour leading up to the new album’s spring release. Frehley sold out the intimate Bear’s Den in something like three minutes, and a second show’s tickets, placed on sale shortly thereafter, were snatched up equally rapidly.

Frehley and his virile band — rhythm guitarist, bassist and drummer, all of whom could sing well and did, often — avoided any music from the forthcoming record, instead focusing on material from throughout Frehley’s storied career with Kiss, a healthy dose of that nigh-on-flawless debut solo album, and a few of the best songs from his ’80s solo nods “Frehley’s Comet,” “Second Sighting” and “Trouble Walk-in’.”

The crowd, not surprisingly, went completely nuts throughout.

“This is pretty cool,” cackled Frehley in his still-thick Bronx accent, at one point. “I feel like I’m gettin’ to know all of you guys.”

The set list was every Frehley and Kiss fan’s dream. It commenced with “Rip It Out” from the first solo album, segued directly into “Hard Times” from Kiss’ “Dynasty” effort, and proceeded at rapid clip through some absolute classics, among them “Parasite,” “Snowblind,” “Into the Void,” “Torpedo Girl,” “Strangeways” and “Rock Soldiers.”

The highlight, though, was a pair of tunes found in the career- defining 1978 live disc “Kiss Alive II.” The first, “Shock Me,” became Frehley’s signature song and a showcase for his pyrotechnically vibrant guitar solo, replete with smoking guitar, during the band’s concerts.

Hot on the heels of “Shock Me,” “Rocket Ride,” the “Alive II” song that gives this current Frehley tour its name, was simply overwhelming. Heavy arena rock simply gets no better than this. Though the Bear’s Den is small, Frehley and company gave an arena-worthy performance, and they played at an arena-level volume.

Throughout the show, Frehley seemed relaxed, with it, healthy, happy. He’s back and ready to begin again.

ACE FREHLEY: New Audio Interview Available For Download

The interview is now available for download at this location.

GENE SIMMONS Auditions To Be New 'Anderson Cooper 360' Announcer

PAUL ADDS BOSTON AREA ART SHOWS

His appearance will be open to the public and free of charge.

Paul Stanley’s Wentworth Gallery Appearances
Friday – April 25, 2008 6-9 PM
Saturday – April 26, 2008 6-9 PM

Wentworth Gallery
Wentworth Gallery – Mall at Chestnut Hill
199 Boylston St # 44
Chestnut Hill, MA
*VIP Reception – 5 - 6 p.m. (Call for details)
RSVP: 617-630-9134

A few of his favorite things

He's also turned his penchant for promotion, which fueled the band's fire-breathing success in the 1970s, into a second act: marketing. Clients include the Indy Racing League, for which Simmons crafted the slogan "I am Indy."

Then there's the Gene brand: His A&E reality show, "Gene Simmons: Family Jewels," is currently taping its third season. All those commitments keep Simmons on the road for almost half the year, and that's when the band isn't touring. We caught up with the rocker in New York City to talk travel.

Days on the road

About 180. We may tour next year, and that'll take ten months. But I go to all the IndyCar races and travel anywhere that includes the TV show.

Favorite way to fly

Overseas airlines. They treat you like a king. Singapore Airlines is just terrific.

Full service

At LAX, two blocks away from the airport, there's this secret thing. I drive up to a place, a guy gets in, I drive to United or American or wherever, and he takes the car. No parking, no torture. When I land, I make the phone call. Car drives up, I get in and drive off. It's called Airport Valet. It's my favorite thing.

Highs or lows

I like a clean bed and a clean bathroom. The rest of the accouterments I don't really care about. I've stayed at Motel 6, and they do a good job for the price. I used to like the Plaza Hotel in New York, and they seemed to like me because every time I went they gave me a suite and a butler. But I could go to Holiday Inn, and there'd be a party, and you'd have the time of your life. I'm what it's about.

Sweet spot

I still like the Carnegie Deli in New York, showing up at 2 A.M. and doing sinful things like having a hot pastrami sandwich, lean, extra mustard, pickle. Of course, you have nightmares from hell, but that's the price.

Best tool

I don't carry my computer, ever. Every hotel has them. And I refuse to get a CrackBerry. I talk on the phone. People want access to me, and it makes the deals go down faster. I have a two- or three-year-old Razr. Terrific reception.

Celebrity perks

Chicks. And access. Celebrity gets the door open. You can't create business, but celebrity gives you access to people because they're curious about you.

Video: Watch a Clip of Gene here.

Ace Frehley cleans up after KISS

At his lowest point a few years back, Ace Frehley took a good long look at his options: He could either be a living rock icon, or a dead one.

He had flirted with the second one far too long as the lead guitarist for Kiss. It was time to give the other one a try.

Bottoming out after yet another Kiss ‘farewell’ tour in 2001/2002, Frehley decided his life – and legacy – was too good to waste. He’s a founding member of one of the biggest rock bands in history – what more reason do you need to get out of bed?

“By all rights, I shouldn’t even be alive,” says the man who cranked out Kiss classics like “Shock Me” and “Cold Gin.”

“I get up in the morning and thank God I’m alive. I’m just thrilled to be able to have another chance to get up there and play rock and roll at this stage of the game. I’m not a kid, you know. I’m 56-years-old.”

The last piece of the Kiss puzzle in the early ‘70s (Frehley joined after answering an ad in the Village Voice), he’s often embraced by fans as the band’s backbone. While co-founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley had the merchandising and showmanship down cold, and drummer Peter Criss was the quiet anchor, Frehley delivered some of the band’s best songs and blistering solos.

Even rock snobs who hated Kiss in the ‘70s gave Frehley his due.

But as Kiss grew bigger, so did Frehley’s frustration and alcohol/drug abuse. By 1980, Kiss had become a watered-down cartoon, and he bailed after 1982’s “Creatures of the Night.”

A solo band, Frehley’s Comet, kept him busy in the ‘80s and ‘90s until Kiss came calling again in 1996. A reunion tour with all four original members was the biggest road show of the year, leading to another tour in 1998. And another in 2001.

It was too much. By this point, old grudges had resurfaced, Criss had left again, and Frehley closed the Kiss chapter of his life.

Last Halloween, he opened another chapter with a stellar solo show at New York’s Hard Rock Cafe – his first time on stage in five years. It went so well, the Frehley show is back on the road, including two shows at the Seneca Niagara Casino Feb. 29 and March 1.

SKID ROW Bassist On Touring With KISS

ACE FREHLEY: New Solo Album Title Revealed

Of the four, the best-selling album and arguably the most beloved among the Kiss Army was by lead guitarist Ace Frehley.

A few years later, Frehley would leave Kiss to pursue a solo career.

Though albums such as 1987's Frehley's Comet and 1989's Trouble Walkin' were well-received by fans and many critics, Frehley's solo career never seemed to fulfill the promise of his debut.

It's been nearly 20 years since his last solo album and in that time Frehley rejoined Kiss for a successful and lucrative reunion tour that ended on less-than-friendly terms in 2002.

Now, Frehley and his guitar will be heard once again on laser-embedded plastic (or digitally compressed and encoded files, if you prefer) and on stages around the country touring with a new band and a new purpose. The show stops at the House of Blues Cleveland tonight.

''I've been working on the record all summer and I just started getting cabin fever, so I decided to put a band together and we played a show on Halloween at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City for my buddy (longtime NYC radio disc jockey) Eddie Trunk,'' Frehley said from Atlanta, where he was preparing to perform a sold-out show that night. ''And I had so much fun doing that, that I hired a new agent and said, 'book me a tour.'

''It's as simple as that. No master plan, just go out and play.''

As for the Bronx-born-and-bred Frehley's near 20-year break from the studio, ''Wow, I didn't realize it had been that long,'' he said, laughing heartily.

''I was all ready and set up to track a record when I was offered the Kiss reunion. I got back with Kiss and that kind of derailed me from 1996 to 2001 and it took me a while to get my wits back.''

Frehley said he plans to have the album, Pain in the Neck, ready for a spring release but is still putting the finishing touches on it, including some scheduled six-string contributions from buddy/acolyte Slash.

Though most of the tunes were written in the past several years, Frehley also looked to his own past for guidance.

''I've been listening to my first solo album with Kiss, because everybody says that's their favorite record. I was trying to figure out what made it so special, so I'm trying to incorporate a lot of what that record had for this new CD.

''It has a lot of different aspects and shows different musical sides of me and it's something I'm trying to recapture. I don't know if I can do it but I'm gonna take a shot at it.''

Among the sounds fans can look forward to on the album are the title track and Hard for Me, which Frehley said were two of the heavier tunes; the slower Kashmir-like Genghis Khan; and a ''catchy tune that's maybe geared towards commerciality'' called Below the Angels.

But tonight, fans won't hear any of the new songs. Although Frehley doesn't spend much time perusing the Internet, he does know that any new song he performs is likely to wind up on YouTube a few hours later. But he wants the record to be ''a nice surprise for people who have been waiting so long.''

What this means for fans is that the set list is packed with all their favorite Frehley tunes and a few Kiss tunes.

But more importantly for Frehley, the tour is about having fun and dispelling recent Internet rumors of Frehley's drug-related suicide and some of the unkind parting shots delivered by reunited Kiss band mates suggesting he had fallen back into old habits.

''The record to me is secondary to the fact that I needed to come back and let everybody know I'm alive and well,'' he said. ''Some of my old band mates kind of dragged my name through the mud a little, so I figured that it was time for me to re-emerge and let everybody know I'm not dead.''

And while his old band mates will be piling on the makeup and the platforms and touring Europe this summer with guitarist Tommy Thayer in Frehley's classic Space Ace garb and makeup, Frehley remains polite about the current Kiss lineup.

''Tommy Thayer used to be my tour manager. He's a sweet guy and a good guitar player and he used to play in a Kiss cover band years ago,'' Frehley said, pausing for maximum comic effect.

''And today he still does,'' he added with a hearty guffaw.

''I don't really approve of it, I don't really think it's the right thing to do, but you have to call Gene (Simmons, Kiss bass player/singer) about it,'' he said, politely dismissing the subject.

As with many successful rock musicians from the 1970s, Frehley has good but fuzzy memories of Cleveland. ''Yeah! Cleveland's a rock 'n' roll town. I remember getting caught in a blizzard at Swingos . . . it had round beds. How can you forget that. Being stuck in a snowstorm with round beds. That was crazy,'' he said.

Frehley said he won't have time to go to the rock hall, although he said he thinks he's been there. Besides, those kinds of accolades don't mean much to him.

''Someone asked me 'Do you think about the fact that you influenced four generations of guitar players?' And I go 'I didn't know I was that old.' But it's something I don't think about. You know I do what I do and if somebody likes it that's great; it's a plus.

''But I'm the luckiest guy in the world. I'll go out onstage tonight and I'll play. It's what I love to do and I get paid for it.

''Who's got it better than me?''

Gene Grants Wish

Thanks so much to Mr. Simmons, his family and everyone who helped make Barrett’s only dream a reality. It is a memory he will cherish forever.

Be sure to check out the new season of Gene Simmons Family Jewels on A & E TV. It’s a really fun show to watch…but be warned, you’ll get hooked!

If you’d like to check out the video for yourself, please go to: Here!.

You will be able to choose different videos from a list on the right side of the page. Click the one featuring Kids Wish Network. Let us know what you think!

PAUL STANLEY To Star In 'Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular'?

Stanley, 56, is having a penthouse suite built atop Palms Place near suites owned by pop singer Jessica Simpson and pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan.

Stanley has been out front as a fundraiser and supporter for AboutFace, an organization that helps raise awareness for individuals with facial differences. He was born with Microtia, a congenital deformity of the pinna (outer ear).

Audio of Paul Stanley singing in Toronto production of "The Phantom of the Opera": here.

SIMPSON, HOGAN + STANLEY PREPARE FOR PALMS PLACE MOVE

LIVE TO WIN AT INDY KISS EXPO

The Indianapolis KISS Fan Expo will also feature KISS drummer Eric Singer! The Expo will be held Sunday March 2nd from 1:00PM to 8:00PM (12:00PM for VIP holders) at the Holiday Inn Indianapolis East 6990 East 21st St. Indianapolis, IN 46219.

KISSONLINE will be attending the Expo and selling exclusive KOL merchandise!

ACE FREHLEY To Guest On 'The Metal File'; New Concert Footage Available

You can listen to the show live via the Internet at www.chom.com.

In a recent interview with DelmarvaNow.com Ace stated about his current solo tour, "Everyone in my new band is starting to lock in together and we all get along great on and off the stage. Things are good. Sobriety helps. It's much easier for me to tour now that I'm not waking up with a hangover every day.

"There's an old saying, 'The more you do, the more you can do.' I just think it's important that I get out there and show everyone that I'm trying to make a comeback."

Regarding why he's not playing new songs on the current tour, he said, "I'm going to wait until after the album comes out because I don't want everything on YouTube. I don't think we'll really be able to add more than three new songs to the set anyway. Everybody wants to hear certain songs from certain records. It's hard figuring out what to drop."

Fan-filmed video footage of Frehley's February 22, 2008 concert at the Center Stage in Atlanta, georgia can be viewed Here: (courtesy of "DaveJr64") 1, 2 and 3

KISS ZAZZLE WIDGET

Want to see the latest KISS designs? Want to share the latest in KISS with friends and the rest of the Army? Then get the widget and post it on your MySpace, KISS blog, KISS tribute site and more!

Buy merch from Kiss at www.zazzle.com/kissmerch

KISS ADD SECOND OBERHAUSEN SHOW

Gene Simmons Sex Tape Update

Almost all the garbage seems to have diminished or disappeared re a video from my past.

Once again, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your overwhelming show of support for Shannon, Soph and Nick.

You should know for the record, the garbage was recorded without my knowledge and is a page from my past. It happened and there's nothing I can do to repair that. The black and white footage may have been decades old. The entity behind the garbage has repeatedly tried to make money off of this and we have always refused. This is not the first time the entity has tried to blackmail and extort us. We have always refused and we will continue to refuse. I'm told the legal team has been tracking down the parties involved and they will be dealt with appropriately.

Most importantly, the love I have for Shannon, Soph and Nick I hope is evident in our relationship. Yes. We have a tv show, but the people in the show are real and the love you see between us is real.

On his way to Buffalo, Ace Frehley reflects on his Glam Rock career

Simmons and Stanley had big plans, based on their desire to take the whole glam thing to its logical pinnacle – over-the-top theater-rock. They needed a killer guitarist, a picker with both flash and taste, to complete the picture.

Guitarist Bob Kulick, who’d just finished his audition for Simmons and Stanley ahead of Frehley, was still in the room, tearing down his equipment. Frehley, apparently, was noodling away on his axe incessantly, to the point where his two potential employers were ready to toss him out of the joint.

They let him stick around, though, and when Frehley improvised a killer solo on the fledgling Simmons tune “Deuce,” well, weird or not, the guitarist had clinched the deal. He’d stumble out of the loft a member of KISS, the group that would within a few short years become the biggest band on the planet.

Both the spaced-out attitude Frehley exuded that day, and the also-ran guitarist Kulick, would play a big part in the unfolding of Frehley’s career.

Today, Frehley, a founding member of KISS and one of the most influential rock guitarists of the post-Hendrix age, is at the beginning once again.

“I feel like this new album is really the follow-up to my first solo record,” he says, speaking by phone from his publicist’s office, prior to hitting the road for his first full-fledged solo tour in more than a decade. He’ll perfrom two sold-out shows Friday and Saturday in the Bear’s Den at the Seneca Niagara Casino, Niagara Falls.

“The stuff in between” – several solo efforts in the ’80s, beneath the Frehley’s Comet moniker – “that was all overproduced and a little too pop-oriented. I listened to the wrong people, I guess. I have a tendency to do that!”

Here, Frehley erupts in his trademark cackle, something he does often during our conversation. His thick New York accent and self-deprecating wit combine to endearing effect.

It’s a personality that has gotten Frehley into trouble over the years, as much as it has simultaneously made him the most centered member of KISS, musically speaking. When the band first hatched the plan to assume alter egos and don character-specific makeup, Frehley’s choice seemed a no-brainer – he was the “Space Ace,” an ethereal being who stumbled elegantly across the stage, looking like the only thing keeping him tethered to an earthly plain was the Gibson Les Paul hanging off his hips.

Frehley appeared heavy-lidded, vaporous, mildly disinterested and eminently cool. Trouble was, this didn’t happen to be an act. By the time KISS had become a mega-platinum sensation, the Space Ace had developed some serious substance abuse problems, ones that on occasion made him a no-show during recording sessions and a thorn in the others’ side on the road. In fact, when KISS made what has proved to be their most enduring studio album, the 1976 tour de force “Destroyer,” Frehley was so immersed in his alcohol and drug habit that he missed several recording sessions. Enter his former audition competition Kulick, who played several uncredited solos on the album. All of this stung Frehley, and planted the seeds of the band’s dissolution.

Simmons and Stanley, KISS’ self-crowned kings, have always been adamantly anti-drug, clean and sober types. Frehley teamed with drummer Peter Criss to form a sort of kabuki-makeup toxic twins, Mick and Keith in garrish attire. The troubles in the band intensified as it became ever more successful.

“There’s a lot of love there,” sighs Frehley, recalling the group he first left in 1982, rejoined in 1996, and parted ways with once again in 2002. “But it’s a dysfunctional kinda love. It always seems to fall apart after a while. Like a bad marriage.”

Beginning of the end

When KISS took the decision, at the height of its initial popularity in 1978, to simultaneously release four solo albums from its members, the idea was to present a unified front to the public, as if to cover up the fact that the band was crumbling from within. Frehley surprised everyone by making the strongest album of the four, and claiming the only top 40 hit, with his spacey version of funk-inflected “New York Groove.”

“That felt good,” he says today. “I’d always felt pushed to the sidelines by Gene and Paul, because they wrote most of the tunes. But I knew I had it in me, and that record proved the point, I guess.”

With his longtime friend (and now “Late Show with David Letterman” house-band drummer) Anton Fig, Frehley tracked many of the songs he’d failed to place on KISS albums, layering guitars and his Joey Ramone-esque vocal stylings into an otherworldy hard-rock melange. Thirty years later, the album still sounds fresh, exciting and compellingly strange.

“That’s exactly the vibe we’ve gone for on this new record,” Frehley says, referring to the album he and Fig have finished tracking and plan to release in the early spring. “I’d gotten away from the raw thing I do best. I think anyone who liked that first solo album will really like this one too. It’s really the album that should’ve come out right after that one, 30 years later.”

Present-day recording technology is such that Frehley will work on final mixes for his album from his laptop computer while on the road, but he won’t be playing these new songs at the Bear’s Den, or anywhere else, prior to the album’s official release.

“Nah, not with YouTube the way it is now,” he laughs. “I’ll play a new song one night, and it will be all over the Internet the next day. I just don’t want people to hear these songs until I actually release them.”

Kissed off

Fans last saw Frehley on stage when KISS reformed in 1996 for a reunion tour featuring all the original members. On that tour, Frehley’s playing was strong, inspired even. By the time the band hit the road again, to promote its first album with all four original members in nearly 20 years, the flame seemed to be waning a bit.

“It is what it is,” says Frehley when asked about that reunion album, the mixed bag that is “Psycho Circus.”

“That’s really all I can say about it.” Understandable, considering the fact that “Psycho Circus” is a KISS album in name only – much of it is a collection of leftovers from previous non-Frehley albums, and all four members play together on only a few of the songs. All of this, one supposes, contributed to Frehley’s decision to leave the band once and for all, following its 2002 tour dates.

By that point, Frehley had fallen back into old, familiar and destructive habits.

“Yeah, I was making the same mistakes all over again,” he says.

“I’ve been clean and sober for a little over a year now, though. It’s not that it’s easy. Some days I feel like I can take on the world. Some days I wake up and I’m lucky if I can find my own ass with both hands. It’s one day at a time, y’- know. But I’m looking forward to hitting the road and playing music with my friends, with a clear head.”

MICHAEL BOLTON Reissue Featuring BRUCE KULICK Out Tomorrow

Bergen Concert Headed For Quick Sellout

Prague Concert Sold Out

Kiss & Tell With Gene Simmons

"It was a quiet household," Simmons said. "I come from a broken home. My father left us when I was 6 or 7 years old, and my mother worked from sun up until sundown, so there was never any music at home."

Instead, he discovered rock 'n' roll music "naturally" by listening to the radio. Simmons said the early rock he listened to "crawled into my blood."

Born Chaim Witz in Haifa, Israel, in 1949, Simmons was the only child of his mother, Florence Klein, a holocaust survivor. Simmons and his mother immigrated to the United States when he was 8 years old. They settled in Queens, N.Y., and Chaim adopted a more American-sounding name: Eugene.

Simmons attended Richmond College in New York and graduated with a degree in education. After college he had a number of positions: He was a sixth-grade teacher in New York's Spanish Harlem, an assistant to the editor-in-chief of Glamour magazine, and a deli cashier.

In 1973, Simmons settled on his real passion. Along with his friends Peter, Paul and Ace, he formed the band Kiss.

The idea behind the band was that they would "take no prisoners." While Simmons admits that "we didn't quite know what that meant," the group took on a bold bravado onstage that made it famous.

"At the beginning, this was a four-headed beast called 'Kiss' that had the balls to get up onstage and grab the world by the scruff of its neck and proclaim. 'You wanted the best, you got the best, the hottest band in the world,'" Simmons said. "The rally cry, the manifesto, is 'Rock and Roll All Night and Party Every Day' … it's a feel-good manifesto of a party."

Simmons' onstage character is known as "the Demon," which came from the documentary "Man of a Thousand Faces," about Lon Chaney, a silent film legend.

Simmons resides in Beverly Hills, Calif., with his partner of 24 years, Shannon Tweed, and their two children. These days, the Simmons family is featured in its own A&E reality show, "Gene Simmons: Family Jewels," now in its third season.

Watch a Clip of Gene on Nightline Here.

Stockholm Show Sells Out Quick

Simmons' Lawyer Confirms Sex Tape's Authenticity

The letter, sent to Valleywag.com, reads, in part, "The video in question was surreptitiously filmed without Mr. Simmons' knowledge by a woman named Traci Anna Koval.

"To the the extent that Ms. Koval ever claimed to have any interest in the video, which is both disputed and inconceivable, given its surreptitious filming, such rights were acquired by our client Allied Industry in 2003, pursuant to a written assignment and release agreement in which Ms. Koval assigned all of her interest in the video to Allied Industry, including the copyright, represented and warranted that no additional copies would be exploited or distributed and expressly consented to injunctive relief."

The video, which surfaced on Tuesday, shows Simmons in bed with a woman identified as a spokesmodel for Frank's Energy Drink. Simmons reportedly endorses the drink.

Photos on the site promoting the sex video show the couple going at it in several positions, with Simmons keeping his shirt on (and his pants around his ankles) and the woman wearing lingerie.

Simmons and longtime love, former Playboy model Shannon Tweed, have been a couple for over 20 years and have two children, 19-year-old Nicholas and 15-year-old Sophie.

You can read the full cease-and-desist letter here.

Gene Simmons: Alleged Sex Tape Is 'Garbage'

The KISS frontman and a blonde woman reportedly appear together in a grainy sex tape that can be seen on GenesSecret.com, which revealed the video on Thursday, Feb. 20.

Some sources identify the woman as Elsa, an Austrian spokesmodel for an energy drink. In the video, a person who looks like Simmons is seen in various sexual activities with the blonde without ever removing his t-shirt.

Simmons, 58, has a longtime relationship with partner Shannon Tweed, a former Playboy Playmate. They have two children together: Nicolas, 18, and Sophie, 15. The foursome have been featured on the reality series "Gene Simmons' Family Jewels."

The same day the video surfaced, Simmons posted on his personal website the following statement: "Hi everyone, You may have heard or seen garbage that has sprung up from my past. Rest assured the proper legal team is looking at all ramifications and options. And us? Shannon, Nick and Soph are happy and healthy. All is well. And thank you all for the kind words of support."

The video is available to those over 18 (of course) and for the cost of $9.95 for a one-day trial. GenesSecret.com declares, "This isn't Shannon ... This is Gene giving you his best on screen performance yet! Find out all the benefits of being the spokesperson for a the latest energy drink, Frank's Energy."

Simmons last appeared on and was subsequently fired from the celebrity edition of "The Apprentice." The next season of "Gene Simmons' Family Jewels" premieres on A&E on Tuesday, March 11 at 10 p.m. ET.

Simmons' Porn-Star Friend On Sex Tape

RockConfidential.com: What did you think when you first heard about the Gene Simmons sex tape being out on the ‘Net?

Taylor: I was shocked by the news of this sex tape, and was very skeptical about it when you contacted me. I, like many others, Googled it when I got home to find out what this was all about. I was surprised by what I saw.

RockConfidential.com: Do you think Gene knew he was being recorded? In your opinion, would he be so bold to do something like that?

Taylor: When I first heard about it, I did think for a minute that Gene probably had something to do with it, but after viewing the sex tape and taking some things into consideration I now believe that he did not know that he was being filmed. Firstly, I honestly don't think it's Gene's style to let the world see his dick and to see him fuck this horrid slut. (I'm calling her that because it is outrageous to film someone without his or her consent and then try to prosper by the release of such a tape. Hideous!!!) He really does care about his family at home, he loves his kids. As much of a businessman Gene is, I don't think he would go this far to get some hype for the new season of "Family Jewels". The show is one of the top rated shows on TV without the help of such a tape. Secondly, you can see that the recording was done on a low-quality hidden cam. One would think if he set it up that the quality would be a little better, at least on a camcorder, not a web cam.

RockConfidential.com: Does any part of you think this may just be hype to push the new season of "Family Jewels" and Frank's Energy Drink? Would Gene go this far to promote his projects?

Taylor: I don't think Gene would go this far, however, I do think the young lady in question would go this far to get publicity and who is to say she didn't have a deal with Frank's Energy Drink to set this up. In this TMZ world we now live in, anything is possible. In my honest opinion, I really don't think would set this up. He doesn't need to do something so tacky to promote himself. He is in demand everywhere he goes, all the time; he doesn't have to stoop to these levels for publicity.

RockConfidential.com: You've been around Gene a lot the past few years. How much of the womanizing is a put on and how much is real?

Taylor: In the past few years, I would say more than a few. I've been friends with Gene over several years and I have seen him in action. Girls flock to him, throw themselves at him. How far he takes that, well, that is for him to know and for us to wonder.

Read the entire interview at RockConfidential.com.

Gene Comments Sex Video Released

"And us? Shannon, Nick and Soph are happy and healthy. All is well.

"And thank you all for the kind words of support."

ACE FREHLEY Confirmed For SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL

KISS 'Symphony' Producer Interviewed

Rockpages.gr: What was your first reaction when KISS approached you to produce one of the most bizarre musical combinations: rock 'n' roll and classical music?

Mark Opitz: Australian promoter Michael Gudinski recommended me to KISS. My reaction was not one of the bizarre but of the size and scope of the project. The actual audio recording alone required three tracks and a team of 12 engineers plus crew. The video side added at least another 40. The mix of rock and classical is not a new concept so that part didn't concern me as much as making sure we captured every note.

Rockpages.gr: Did you have the chance to spend time with KISS? If yes, what do you remember from them and how you would characterize each one of them?

Mark Opitz: We did spend a lot of time with KISS. After the recording of the event, we spent a week with them reviewing the material and fixing some technical errors. During that time there was a lot of one-on-one and I am sure a mutual respect developed. After that we flew to L.A. for two months to put the whole thing together for the DVD, CD, TV etc. During this time it was Gene [Simmons] and Paul [Stanley] who we would see maybe once a day for lunch and chat at the studio. We did spend time in Paul's home for a quiet dinner with him and his lovely lady. Paul is the main music guy and Gene is the big-picture guy in the relationship. Of course, there is also the manager Doc McGhee. I found Peter [Criss] to be a really nice guy who was just really happy to be there and taking part. Tommy Thayer is the ultimate professional and very easy to work with. Overall there is a much focused feeling about them all.

Read the entire interview at Rockpages.gr.

Report: Alleged GENE SIMMONS Sex Video Released

The site's video still show a man who appears to be Simmons - bassist for the rock band KISS and star of the reality TV show "Gene Simmons' Family Jewels" - having sex with a woman identified as an Austrian babe named "Elsa," a spokesmodel for Frank's Energy Drink. Simmons reportedly endorses the drink.

Photos on the site promoting the sex video show the couple going at it in several positions, with Simmons keeping his shirt on and Elsa wearing lingerie.

The video is available for a $9.95 one-day trial; a monthly subscription costs $29.95.

Additional content on the site, none of which features Simmons, is provided exclusively by Webmaster Central . A Webmaster Central spokesperson said the company was not connected to the sex video and only provided additional content for the site.

GenesSecret.com is an offshore site operated in Panama. The site's owner has not been identified.

Simmons made a name for himself in the flashy, makeup-covered band KISS, not only for his musical talents, but also for his long tongue and sexual conquests. Simmons claims to have slept with more than 4,600 women.

Simmons' popularity soared again with the hit reality TV show "Gene Simmons' Family Jewels," which airs on the cable channel A&E and documents the rocker's business exploits and interactions with his son Nick, daughter Sophie and longtime live-in girlfriend and former Playboy Playmate Shannon Tweed.

Simmons was a presenter at the 2007 AVN Adult Movie Awards in Las Vegas, and also received a special Golden Tongue award for his physical attributes.

KISS ADD AUSTRIAN SHOW

BRUCE KULICK Launches Hollywood Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp Blog

You can check out Bruce's Hollywood '08 Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp blog by clicking here.

Shedding their regular garb, whether it be business suits, scrubs or uniforms, and dawning ripped jeans, rock t-shirts and leather jackets, ordinary people have found the rock star buried deep in each of them at Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camps passed. Taking the Guitar Hero thrill to an entirely new level, Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp creates a rock star experience like no other, making it a reality for those who have only dreamed about it. From the second campers wake up to the second they go to bed, they aren't just dreaming a dream but they're living the life of their rock idols.

"Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp was, as billed, a life-changing experience. To say that it was perfect would be an understatement," said past camper Jonathan Weiswasser. "What drew me the most was the ability to play with Bill Wyman and Jack Bruce, but I left with the fondest memories of jamming with Jon Lord, and getting to know the other counselors so well. Words really do not do it justice. The experience was nothing short of brilliant."

The Hollywood camp was held at a major rock and roll studio, and culminated in a live concert at L.A.'s legendary House of Blues on the Sunset Strip. Highlights include playing and writing an original song, performing live on stage to a sold-out audience, a souvenir DVD for each camper of their own jam at the final night, daily jam sessions with the stars, master classes in drums, bass, guitar, songwriting, etc. and much more.

KISS ANNOUNCE SCANDINAVIAN DATES

May
28 Hartwell Arena - Helsinki, Finland
30 Stockholm Stadium - Stockholm, Sweden
31 Valhall Oslo - Norway

JUNE
1 Koengen - Bergen, Norway
3 Forum - Copenhagen, Denmark

Tickets for these shows go on sale on February 22, except the Helsinki show which goes on sale February 26.

'Family Jewels' Third-Season Promo Trailer Available

Ex-KISS Member On Led Zeppelin Tribute

Eric Bloom (BLUE ÖYSTER CULT)
Brian Robertson (MOTÖRHEAD, THIN LIZZY)
Tony Franklin (THE FIRM)
Doane Perry (JETHRO TULL)
Pat Travers
Joe Lynn Turner (RAINBOW)
Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (THE DOOBIE BROTHERS)
Jack Russell (GREAT WHITE)
Bruce Kulick (KISS)
Manny Charlton (NAZARETH)
Rick Derringer
Steve Lukather (TOTO)
Albert Lee
Dweezil Zappa
Rick Wakeman (YES)
John Wetton (KING CRIMSON)
Geoff Downes (ASIA, YES)
Steve Morse (DEEP PURPLE)
Keith Emerson (ELP)
Billy Sherwood
Tony Kaye
Alan White (Yes)
Paul Di'Anno (IRON MAIDEN)
Taime Downe (FASTER PUSSYCAT)
Jani Lane (WARRANT)
Joe Leste (BANG TANGO, BEAUTIFUL CREATURES)
John Corabi (MÖTLEY CRÜE, UNION)
Marq Torien (BULLETBOYS)
Kelly Hansen (FOREIGNER)

Bruce Kulick plays guitar on "Dazed and Confused". Also his brother Bob Kulick plays guitar on this track, along with Jack Russell from GREAT WHITE on vocals, Tony Franklin from THE FIRM on bass, and Doane Perry from JETHRO TULL on drums. Bob Kulick produced three of the songs on this collection and plays 12-string electric guitar on the song "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You".

"LedBox - The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Tribute" track listing:

Disc 1:
01. Good Times, Bad Times
02. Houses Of The Holy
03. Babe I'm Gonna Leave You
04. When The Levee Breaks
05. Dazed and Confused
06. Whole Lotta Love
07. You Shook Me
08. Immigrant Song
09. Ramble On
10. Rock And Roll
11. D'yer Mak'er
12. Stairway To Heaven

Disc 2:
01. Fool In The Rain
02. Dancing Days
03. Heartbreaker
04. Black Dog
05. All My Love
06. Kashmir
07. Misty Mountain Hop
08. The Ocean
09. Houses Of The Holy
10. The Rover
11. Dancing Days
12. Nobody's Fault But Mine
13. Stairway To Heaven

KISS To Wear 'Destroyer' Costumes On Upcoming Tour

GENE SIMMONS To Appear In Japanese Movie

Guitar icon Ace Frehley won't KISS and make up

Frehley can be seen in a hilarious Dunkin' Donuts television commercial in which he shoots fireworks from his guitar in an office board room full of corporate executives.

"That was a one-time-only thing," said Frehley, who called the Beachcomber from his home in upstate New York. "I'm not promoting KISS these days, I'm promoting Ace Frehley."

He'll perform Wednesday at Rams Head Live in Baltimore. "Everyone in my new band is starting to lock in together and we all get along great on and off the stage. Things are good," Frehley said. "Sobriety helps. It's much easier for me to tour now that I'm not waking up with a hangover every day.

"There's an old saying, 'The more you do, the more you can do.' I just think it's important that I get out there and show everyone that I'm trying to make a comeback."

A forthcoming solo album by Frehley is in the mixing stages and may be released in April or May. Don't expect to hear new songs such as "Fractured Quantum," "Hard For Me" or "Pain In the Neck" in Baltimore, though. "I'm going to wait until after the album comes out because I don't want everything on YouTube," Frehley said. "I don't think we'll really be able to add more than three new songs to the set anyway. Everybody wants to hear certain songs from certain records. It's hard figuring out what to drop."

The album was tracked at Frehley's estate. "I've been recording late at night. The only down side to having a studio at home is that my family is nearby, so it always seems like there's some kind of crisis going on," he said. "When I do record at someone else's studio I can get away from it all and concentrate on the music."

His former home in Connecticut included an underground studio where KISS recorded its 1981 album, "Music From the Elder." "I don't know why I built it underground," Frehley said. "I would always choose the unorthodox way of doing things back then."

Frehley co-founded KISS in 1973 and designed the band's famous lightning bolt logo. Hated by critics but loved by metalheads, the theatrical quartet was named the most popular band in America in a 1977 Gallup poll. Frehley quit KISS as its career went through a rough patch in 1983.

The original KISS lineup reunited and put its makeup back on for a 1996 road outing which was named the No. 1 grossing tour of that year by Billboard. Frehley and drummer Peter Criss eventually left again; this time, however, band leaders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley slapped their makeup on newcomers. Frehley was replaced by Tommy Thayer.

"Tommy's a sweet guy; he used to be my road manager," said Frehley, who laughed and added, "Tommy used to be in a KISS tribute band -- and he still is!

"Tommy is a friend; if someone is going to wear my costume and makeup, I guess I'd prefer that it be him. That's not to say that I agree with it, because I don't. But it is what it is."

Criss has feuded in the press with Simmons and Stanley since the second KISS split, but Frehley said he keeps in touch with all three of his ex-bandmates. Criss' recent solo album features a song called "Space Ace," which is a tribute to Frehley. "Peter said he's going to send me a copy of his album but I haven't heard it yet," Frehley said. "I still get along with everybody. I was always the peace maker, even back in the '70s. If guys in the band were fighting about something, I'd always try to get them to calm down and talk about it."

In 2005, Frehley re-appeared on stage at a Pearl Jam concert where he jammed on an encore version of Neil Young's "Rockin' In the Free World."

"One day my daughter said, 'Pearl Jam is playing in Atlantic City (N.J.) and I want to go.' I remember her blasting their records out of her room in the '90s," Frehley said. "She wanted to bring some girlfriends she hadn't seen in 10 years so I took them to the show. Next thing I know, the band is inviting me on stage."

Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready admitted that his solo in "Alive" copied licks from Frehley's solo in the KISS song "She" ... which is in turn borrowed from guitarist Robbie Krieger's solo in The Doors' "Five to One."

"I steal from someone and then they steal from me and so on," Frehley said. "That's what rock 'n' roll does. It all goes back to the records from the '50s and '60s."

In 2006, Frehley played the KISS tune "God of Thunder" at VH1's inaugural Rock Honors ceremony with an all-star band. "That was a lot of fun. We didn't even rehearse it with Rob Zombie (on vocals). I went to L.A. and rehearsed with Tommy (Lee), Slash, Gilby Clarke and Scott Ian and then we flew a private jet into Vegas," Frehley said. "It came off great. Sometimes spontaneity can give a song a little edge."

Unfortunately, Frehley said he also "fell off the wagon" at that show. He said he's been clean ever since, though. "I'm a lean, mean rock 'n' roll machine," he said. "I was going to the gym for a while, but my schedule is so busy right now that it's a workout in itself."

Frehley designed the Spaceman character because of his interest in science fiction and science fact. He claims he's had more than one UFO sighting. "I saw them a couple of times when I lived in Connecticut. I've seen them go straight and then stop and make a right-angle turn," Frehley said. "You can come to your own conclusion as to whether we have any kind of aircraft that can operate like that. Maybe we do; technology has come a long way in the past 10 years.

"It's all speculation. But what I saw didn't look like it was from this earth."

A computer wizard who designed morphing video images for KISS' stage show during his second tenure in the band, Frehley said he's been experimenting with 3-D models and animation and would like to produce an animated feature with music at some point.

While he'll always be associated with KISS, Frehley said he doesn't spend much time looking back. "I wouldn't mind writing a book at some point, but I don't know if I'd want it to be an autobiography. There are still some confidentiality agreements and contracts that I'm bound to, but I don't like to talk business," he said. "I don't have any interest in another reunion -- but I never say 'never.'"

Win A Pair Of Tickets To 2008 KISS Expo In Cleveland Or Indianapolis

Visit www.yebotv.com to enter.

ESPEN LIND SPEAKS ABOUT PAUL

BRUCE KULICK Issues Post-Japan Update

"Just back from Japan with the ERIC SINGER PROJECT (ESP) and what a great time we had playing and visiting Tokyo. I have always loved Japan as the people are so polite and hard working, and the food and service is impeccable.

"We arrived via NWA on Flight 1 (I thought that was cool) on Friday afternoon, and off to the city. The airport is almost 2 hours away, and our promoter friend Takashi and the band told crazy stories to kill the time. We checked into the hotel, and we were pleased with the size of the rooms which were large considering how small they can be in Japan. We then went off to dinner. We found a cool Chinese place, ironically! But the food was tasty, of course, and we knew we would have sushi the next few days for sure.

"It was great to finally settle in and sleep, but I took a great pix from my hotel window. They love neon in the city, and blue is my fave. Next morning it was time to go sound check, and do the meet and greet and KISS Expo at the ESP school academy club that is in the facility there. It is a very modern beautiful building and there is a room where the KissOnline.com people were using for merchandise sales that had an incredible guitar collection that the owner of the ESP schools has acquired over the years. I nearly fainted!

"Sound check was fun, and then lunch at an amazing sushi place where the food just comes around on a conveyor belt! We stuffed ourselves, and that was perfect Japanese food! After lunch it was time for the signing session for the fans, and like pervious times, they gave us all wonderful gifts. From sake to socks, to candy and hats and shoes and shirts, how cool was that!

"Eric and I did a Q&A for the fans, and then it was break time. We made plans for some shopping in Harajuku which the singer from NO DOUBT, Gwen Stefani, made famous with her take on the Japanese dancers and her clothing line. There was a great jewelry place called Justin Davis that Eric knew made cool stuff. So we had fun picking out gifts. That area of Tokyo is very vibrant, and I really was happy I got to see it. I found great gifts and enjoyed the energy.

"Back to the venue for show number one. We really had a great long show planned and it was very exciting. The fans in Japan are so passionate about watching, although they are a bit more reserved than some other cultures you know they don't miss a note. We were excited to have given them a cool show, and time for some of the band to visit the Hard Rock, or just rest. I chose the quiet of my room!

"After a good nights rest, it was time for the same plans at the venue. Meet-and-greet, Q&A and then our show. I did spend some time with the crew that was helping us going over the guitars that ESP (the guitar company) provided for me to play. Some of the guys went out again to Sushi, but I ate with the crew, as even the easy food bought at a 7-11 type of place in Tokyo is VERY good cuisine!

"I was able to do some local shopping in the Takadanobaba area where the Academy is located. (Say that 10 times fast!) I am a big fan of Japanese products and there is a '100 Yen' shop, which is a take-off of the dollar shops we have here in the States. I found the usual cool items for my home that I love from Japan.

"Back to the venue after my shopping and walk, and the band discussed our set list which we shortened. It was Sunday and that worked better for the club. After the show which was I thought even better than the first night, we took photos with the crew, and we thanked all of the staff and gave them ESP DVDs (the live one from Australia) which they all were very happy about. We gave away the giant bottle of Sake from our friend Kuni, and gave away the Jack Daniel's too! Hope they had a good party with the alcohol!

"Back to the hotel, and I had a nice dinner with some friends from Japan, (thank you!) in a Denny's style place that is, well MUCH better than a Denny's! No matter where you go in Japan, the food is simply perfect. So I want to thank Takeshi and his great staff for looking after us so well. Too many names to get into here, but they all did a great job for us. Our friend Hiro was great hanging with us all the time, and Kuni who we all have known for years was there and made things very rock n roll!

"Thanks to the ESP school crew, Kaz and his staff, and the people from the Shigemori Pedal company who gave us gifts as well made perfectly in Japan! Special thanks to Keith Leroux and his friend Scott from the U.S. for coming and making the two shows a success. Thank you Keith Tarrier for the cool live pix as well.

"I look forward to coming back."

KISS ADDS ATHENS, GREECE SHOW!

KISS ALIVE/35

“YOU WANTED THE BEST. YOU GOT THE BEST. THE HOTTEST BAND IN THE WORLD.” For nearly a decade rock fans across Europe have impatiently waited to hear these famous words that open every concert of legendary rock band KISS.

The wait is finally over!

Today KISS announces their 2008 European KISS Alive/35 Tour set to span seventeen countries, including stops at some of the biggest summer music festivals and first ever KISS concerts in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Verona. This tour marks the first time the band will appear in Europe since their sold-out Psycho Circus Tour in 1999.

KISS invented stadium rock in the 70’s with their sci-fi Kabuki costumes and make-up, explosive theatrics and, of course, their trademark platform boots.. In their extensive world tours, they’ve attracted the most rabid fans: The KISS Army. Now celebrating thirty-five years of rockin’ the globe, KISS founders GENE SIMMONS and PAUL STANLEY along with longtime band members guitarist TOMMY THAYER and drummer ERIC SINGER vow to bring to the European KISS Army the time honored KISS spectacular that has made their performances legendary.

"I've always prided myself in living up to and beyond the legend. I can tell you we are ready to seize the moment and add to that legend. We remain KISS to our souls, and that truth will be deafeningly clear this summer." – Paul Stanley, KISS

Along with the screaming guitars, lights and pyrotechnics that have made KISS “The Greatest Rock n Roll Show On Earth”, the band brings their vast repertoire of classic music. Having sold 85 million records worldwide, KISS has become the soundtrack for a generation. Not only will the KISS faithful hear anthems like “Rock n’ Roll All Night”, “Shout It Out Loud” and “Detroit Rock City”, they can expect a few surprises and rarely played live KISS classics gems as well.

“For 35 Years, we have prided ourselves in our opening: YOU WANTED THE BEST, YOU GOT THE BEST, THE HOTTEST BAND IN THE WORLD. We are throwing down the gauntlet. Let those who are faint of heart, take heed. We will take no prisoners” – Gene Simmons, KISS

For more information about the KISS 2008 European Tour, to join the KISS Army and to purchase Kiss VIP Packages go to KISSonTour.com.

KISS Tour Dates Announced February 12, 2008

May
11 Munich Olympiahalle GERMANY
13 Verona Arena ITALY
15 Belgrade USCE Stadium SERBIA
24 Moscow Olympissky RUSSIA
26 St Petersburg Newarena RUSSIA

June
4 Hamburg Color Line Arena GERMANY
6 Prague Saska Arena CZECH REPUBLIC
9 Berlin Velodrom GERMANY
10 Mannheim SAP Arena GERMANY
11 Oberhausen Arena GERMANY
Download Festival UK
15 Arrow Festival HOLLAND
17 Paris Bercy FRANCE
18 Stuttgart Schleyerhalle GERMANY
21 Bilbao Kobetamendi SPAIN

Check out KISSonTour.com for announcement of additional European tour dates!

KISS VIP PACKAGES

In addition to KISS Army member only presales, www.kissontour.com will be exclusively offering KISS Meet & Greet and KISS Pre-Show Soundcheck packages. Below are all the details on the packages and be sure to keep checking KISSontour.com for when these packages go on sale.

KISS Meet and Greet Package *
- Exclusive Meet and Greet with KISS
- Personal photograph with the band
- 8X10 photoo
- KISS Tour Program
- KISS Europe '08 Shirt
- Official KISS Meet & Greet Laminate
- $50 coupon good for the official KISS on-line store

KISS Pre-show Soundcheck *
- Exclusive Pre-show Soundcheck
- KISS Tour Program
- KISS Europe '08 Shirt
- Official KISS Pre-show Laminate
- $25 coupon good for the official KISS on-line store

KISS Meet and Greet and Pres-show Soundcheck Package *
- Exclusive Meet and Greet with KISS
- Exclusive Pre-show Soundcheck
- Personal photograph with the band
- 8X10 photo
- KISS Tour Program
- KISS Europe '08 Shirt
- Official KISS VIP Laminate
- $50 coupon good for the official KISS on-line store

*All M&G package elements (shirt, laminate, 8X10, tour book) will be distributed by our road coordinator at the meet and greet session. Store vouchers will be emailed to each guest prior to show date. Packages do not include tickets to the event.

KISS TO ROCK BELGRADE!

For the first time ever, KISS will rock Belgrade, Serbia! The band will perform May 15 at Belgrade's USCE Stadium.

Gene Simmons Family Jewels Returning To A&E For A Third Season

In the first episode, Gene Simmons will take a lie detector test to determine if he has been faithful to Shannon Tweed. Shannon has been Gene's companion for twenty-four years and is the mother of his two children, Nick and Sophie.

Shannon will administer the questions for the lie detector test. The test will reveal to fans if the 4,800 women Gene claims to have been with all happened before his and Shannon's relationship began in 1983.

Other episodes during the third season will focus on a Gene Simmons Roast featuring friends and comedians, the first ever KISS concert where the band performs as a trio, behind the scenes of Gene on NBC's The Celebrity Apprentice, Gene and Shannon's official honeymoon in Hawaii, and Nick and Sophie in Mexico.

Gene Simmons Family Jewels premieres on Tuesday, March 11th at 10 PM ET/PT on A&E.

PAUL INTERVIEW FROM WABC TV

Songwriter Discusses Working With GENE SIMMONS On 'War Machine'

Rockpages.gr: You had written with Bryan Adams two tunes ("War Machine", "Rock and Roll Hell") which ended up on KISS' "Creatures of the Night". You had stated in past interviews some details on these two songs. In retrospect, do you think that this was a misjudged move from you two?

Jim Vallance: "Do you mean, was it a mistake to work with KISS? I don't think it was a mistake. Bryan and I were young, we wanted to be successful song writers, and we got a call from KISS, one of the biggest bands in the world. Of course you're not going to say 'no thanks.' I was slightly disappointed that we had to share credit with Gene on 'Rock And Roll Hell', but it was also a good lesson for us. Gene's a smart guy. I respect his intelligence."

Rockpages.gr: Gene Simmons had said in various circumstances that he had written the basic riff structure of "War Machine" and then came you and Bryan and offered some lyrical solutions. Is this the truth behind this or do you have another story?

Jim Vallance: "Believe me ... after 25 years, sometimes you don't remember all the details. I've read the interviews where Gene says he sent us a riff, but I don't remember it happening that way. Plus, I keep EVERYTHING, and I don't have a tape from Gene in my collection. I'm not saying my memory is right, and Gene's is wrong. I'm just telling you what I remember. But here's an interesting clue. Checking my files, I see that Gene only claimed a 10% share of 'Rock And Roll Hell' (for the single verse of lyrics he contributed). On 'War Machine' he claimed a full one-third share, the same share that Bryan and I received (one-third each). That tells me that Gene believed — and perhaps Bryan and I believed — that Gene's contribution to 'War Machine' was more significant than I remember!"

Read the entire interview at www.rockpages.gr.

PAUL INTERVIEW ON JIM KERR SHOW

GENE SIMMONS: 'There's No New KISS Material Because There's No Record Industry'

On having his and partner Shannon Tweed's facelifts filmed for their reality series "Gene Simmons Family Jewels":

"If you want to see me wiping my ass on camera I will. I'll take a s--- on air, I don't care.

"I'm delusional. I thought I was beautiful before and I'm even more stunning now. The male of the species doesn't have to worry about those things, we just have to have a good job, then we'll attract the female.

"The female of the species is unfortunately stuck in that biological thing of stimulating the male of the species. Which is why the beauty industry is so powerful — women."

On being "happily unmarried" to Tweed since 1985:

"Women reluctantly point to our family and say it works. But they don't like the non-married part because no social security is involved: a financial obligation, if you will. I refuse to have a financial obligation to anyone other than the mother who gave me life.

"Women's biology means they make one or two eggs a month and by their middle years stop being able to procreate entirely, so their biological urge is to corner a man so when they can't reproduce they have a man.

"The phrase is 'I'm going to get my claws in him' or 'he's a good catch' — because he's trying to run away. Man's tendency is not to stick around. Which is unfortunate when you look at all the fathers and husbands who've walked out. Women are never surprised when that happens, they're just surprised it's happened to them.

"The reason I'm crazy about Shannon is she's a modern, 21st-century woman and she should be teaching all other women to get a life, get a hobby. Stop torturing the men."

On his arrangement with Tweed:

"I just don't care. That's why you never read about me in those trash mags women are addicted to. If I go to a strip club, and when I'm in Australia I intend to, I'll stand in front of the club and pose with the strippers all you like. You can take my photo and put them in your magazines because I'll be smiling."

On writing a book called "Ladies of the Night" — "a personal and historical perspective of the oldest profession in the world":

"They [prostitutes] make a very good living doing what biology dictates, which is they charge for their companionship.

"What's the difference between that and a 15-year-old kid who eagerly tries to feel up his girlfriend but has to pay for the movie tickets and take her out to dinner? Men will always pay, they have always paid, call it what you will — whether it's marriage, girlfriend or ladies of the night.''

On his two well-adjusted teenagers Nicholas and Sophie:

"They're both extraordinary young people because that's their job. They have no other purpose except to do well in school and be charming. I'll take care of all the rest, I'll risk my life, I'll make all the money.

"The idea of negotiating with kids is lunacy. It's pathetic what's happened to the male of the species. The father disciplinarian has all but disappeared in society. I see all these grown men negotiating with kids who've just learnt to wipe their asses. It's f---ing lunacy.''

On why there is no new KISS album:

"There's no new KISS material because there's no record industry.

"Any band who tries to do new material is trying to climb a slippery mountain. Every day record companies are folding. It'd be nice to have new KISS songs, but what's the business model? Do you just put songs on the Internet for free? Then what?''

On people who download music illegally:

"They're crooks. I would have sued the very first one and the very last one. As soon as you take somebody's property, that's stealing. People say to me 'You're rich, you have enough money'. It's actually not for anyone to decide that. I'll let you know when I'm too rich. The last time I checked, what we do isn't called charity, it's called the music business.

"Here we are today with exactly what I said would happen happening. The very same people that love the music the most have slit its throat and they're surprised it's dying. 'How come my new band can't get a shot?' 'Cos you killed it, bitch.

"Every day college kids who probably love music more than anybody are the same people slashing the record industry's throat by file sharing and downloading. It's the saddest thing for new bands. Doesn't affect me or KISS. We can continue to play stadiums and do very well, and we release DVDs.

"But there isn't a chance for a new band to become the next BEATLES or KISS because there isn't the infrastructure to do it."

PAUL ON SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO TODAY

PAUL'S WEEKEND SCHEDULE

1) Q104-FM - Jim Kerr Show - Friday at 7:30 a.m.
2) Good Day New York (FOX NYC) - Friday at 8:45 a.m.
3) WABC-TV - Saturday at 7:15 a.m.

Paul's Art Show info:

Friday, February 8, 6 to 9 p.m.
Wentworth Gallery – Riverside Square Mall
171 Riverside Square
Hackensack
RSVP: 201.488.7661

Saturday February 9, 4 to 7 p.m.
Wentworth Gallery – Short Hills Mall
1200 Morris Turnpike
Short Hills
RSVP: 973.564.9776

ACE FREHLEY's Mother Passes Away

Fellow ex-KISS member Peter Criss and his wife Gigi have issued the following statement: "We want to send our deepest sympathies to the Frehley family. We love you."

If you would like to offer your condolences, visit the Space Ace Online web site.

Ace Frehley Preps Solo Album

Frehley, who is recording the as-yet-untitled album at his home studio in Westchester, N.Y., aims to have it finished by Feb. 20, when he starts a North American concert tour. He reports he is currently negotiating with "two or three record labels" to put it out but says he'll release it first through his official web site, which is currently being revamped, and perhaps also via iTunes.

"Basically, I'm trying to get back into the mindset I was in when I did my first solo record [1978's 'Ace Frehley']," Frehley says. "That record seemed to have all the elements everybody liked -- a real cool instrumental, a hit single, some real heavy rockers, a nice variety of different genres of music."

Among his favorite new tracks are "A Little Below the Angels," hard rocking "Pain in the Neck," and an instrumental called "Fractured Quantum" which is a follow-up to his previous instrumentals "Fractured Mirror" and "Fractured Too." Another favorite is "groove song" titled "Genghis Khan," which he likens in tone to Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir." Don't expect to hear any of the new songs at his concerts, however.

"Every show's on YouTube, every song," explains Frehley, who used 12-step programs and a personal physician and therapist care to clean up after he left Kiss for a second time in 2002. "I don't want to play any of the new songs 'cause I don't want to give away anything. I want that magic and mystique of hearing something for the first time when you're supposed to, so I don't think I'm going to play any of [the new songs] until the CD's released."

Instead Frehley will play a set filled with Kiss favorites he wrote, plus material from his previous solo releases. He admits some ambivalence about doing "Cold Gin," " 'cause I don't drink anymore and I don't promote it. But it's such a kick-ass song... I think that me talking about the fact I'm clean and sober and I'm not a party animal anymore is plenty. I can still get away with playing it."

KISS Confirmed For Holland's ARROW ROCK FESTIVAL

KISS COMMENT ON RETURN TO UK

“For 35 Years, we have prided ourselves in our opening: YOU WANTED THE BEST, YOU GOT THE BEST, THE HOTTEST BAND IN THE WORLD. We are throwing down the gauntlet. Let those who are faint of heart, take heed. We will take no prisoners” – Gene Simmons

"I've always prided myself in living up to and beyond the legend. I can tell you we are ready to seize the moment and add to that legend. We remain KISS to our souls, and that truth will be deafeningly clear this June." – Paul Stanley

For more info on the Download Festival visit : http://www.downloadfestival.co.uk/info/index.aspx.

KISS Confirmed For UK's DOWNLOAD Festival

KISS (headliner)
LOSTPROPHETS (headliner)
THE OFFSPRING (headliner)
JUDAS PRIEST
MOTÖRHEAD
RISE AGAINST
HIM
MOTÖRHEAD's Lemmy put his glass of Jack Daniel's down long enough to tell Kerrang!, "We killed them last time and we'll kill them again this time as well!"

Illinois punks RISE AGAINST also can't wait to play to a field full of muddy rock fans: "Bring it on!" laughed bassist Joe Principe. "It's going to be a lot of fun. We love playing in England, so Download will be a definite highlight. I think we will never take for granted when people ask us to play festivals like that. I think that it's a great honour. There's a million bands out there and they pick us to play. It means that we're doing something right!"

The 2008 Download festival will take place at Castle Donington, UK the weekend of June 13-15.

Tickets for Download 2008 will go on sale on February 8 at 9:00 a.m. Prices are as follows: a full weekend ticket: £130, standard camping: £20, camper van: £40, family zone camping: £20, lockers: £11, parking £10 in advance or £15 on the day. There will be a variety of ticket packages available to buy, including the RIP packages (a VIP package) from £315.

For Club or VIP Experience packages, please call 020 7009 3484 to discuss your requirements.

Disabled customers can call 0121 767 9729 to discuss accessibility arrangements. Please note, disabled customers will be provided with one free ticket for their helper, where required. Should additional helper tickets be required, please call the disabled access ticket line on 0121 767 9729 or email access@downloadfestival.co.uk

For more details, visit www.downloadfestival.co.uk.

New Ace Dates

Gene's Speaking Engagment Cancelled Do To Tour

NEW JERSEY LIFE MAGAZINE

The Monday Muse: Paul Stanley

Who knew that KISS front man Paul Stanley had such a passion for painting? Certainly not me! Turns out "The Starchild" made his debut as a painter in 2005 and continues to create emotionally charged compositions, citing Kandinsky, Mondrian, Klee, and Rothko as influences. And collectors are gobbling his works up; Stanley's art sales exceeded $2 million for 2007.

Stanley will present his work at two special appearances at the Wentworth Galleries in Hackensack on Friday, February 8 and Short Hills on Saturday, February 9. Both events are free and open to the public, but require an RSVP.

Friday, February 8, 6 to 9 p.m.
Wentworth Gallery – Riverside Square Mall
171 Riverside Square
Hackensack
RSVP: 201.488.7661

Saturday February 9, 4 to 7 p.m.
Wentworth Gallery – Short Hills Mall
1200 Morris Turnpike
Short Hills
RSVP: 973.564.9776

KISS to play UK's DOWNLOAD Festival?

Other bands confirmed for this year's festival include metal gods JUDAS PRIEST and Finnish love metallers HIM.

Tickets for Download 2008 will go on sale on February 8 at 9:00 a.m. Prices are as follows: a full weekend ticket: £130, standard camping: £20, camper van: £40, family zone camping: £20, lockers: £11, parking £10 in advance or £15 on the day. There will be a variety of ticket packages available to buy, including the RIP packages (a VIP package) from £315.

For Club or VIP Experience packages, please call 020 7009 3484 to discuss your requirements.

Disabled customers can call 0121 767 9729 to discuss accessibility arrangements. Please note, disabled customers will be provided with one free ticket for their helper, where required. Should additional helper tickets be required, please call the disabled access ticket line on 0121 767 9729 or email access@downloadfestival.co.uk

For more details, visit www.downloadfestival.co.uk.

TV Commercial For Australian Dates Posted Online

HIT PARADER: KISS #1 LIVE BAND

Video: PAUL STANLEY On Fox Business Network's 'Cavuto'

2008 INDIANAPOLIS KISS FAN EXPO

This year's Special Guest will be announced late next week. KISS tribute band Mr. Speed will perform live at the Expo and KISS merchandise & collectibles will be on sale throughout the day. There will also be a trivia contest and a raffle. Kids 12 and under are admitted free!

KISSONLINE will be attending the expo!

A limited number of VIP Laminates as well as regular tickets are on sale now. For Tickets or more info Click Here:

GENE SIMMONS To Address IEG's 25th Annual Sponsorship Conference

Simmons, musician, marketer and empire builder, who created and maintains the KISS global brand juggernaut, will discuss how marketers can take advantage of the convergence of media, entertainment and consumer power to develop relationships and brands that endure.

IEG offers services that include sponsorship consulting, competitive intelligence and valuation. IEG also publishes IEG Sponsorship Report, the international biweekly newsletter on sponsorship; the IEG Sponsorship Sourcebook, the definitive guide to sponsors, properties and agencies; and other industry publications and resources.

PAUL ON CAVUTO FRIDAY NIGHT

Neil Cavuto, anchor and managing editor at FOX Business Network, is one of the most respected business journalists in America.

KISS To Play Italy and Russia?

Mar. 16 - Melbourne, Australia - Ing F1 Grand Prix
Mar. 18 - Brisbane, Australia - Entertainment Center
Mar. 20 - Sydney, Australia - Acer Arena
Mar. 22 - Wellington, New Zealand - ROCK2WTGN Festival
May 13 - Verona, North-East Italy - Arena Di Verona
May 24 - Moscow, Russia - Olympic stadium
May 26 - St. Petersburg, Russia - Lednikovyj Dvorec

"SECRETLY CRUEL" FAN VIDEO

SARAH BRIGHTMAN ON WORKING WITH PAUL

"With Paul (Stanley), he was amazing. And I had this sort of quite dark song with sort of operatic tendencies in it. And I just thought he would be great for this, and asked him, and he really wanted to do it, so that was it!"

Stanley played "Phantom" in the Canadian version.

"So," Brightman continued, "there was always a connection between that and the rock thing and opera thing, which is great."

Brightman starts a world tour in the U.S. in the fall.

KISS TO TOUR EUROPE & SCANDINAVIA

BRUCE KULICK At NAMM: Video Available

New Ace Dates

12TH DETROIT KISS FAN EXPO

Special Guest and Kiss triute band, to be announced. On display, for the fiirst time since the 1995 Official Kiss Convention Tour, the set of 4 original 77-78 Love Gun costumes. These 4 costumes, which were purchased from the Offical Kiss Auction in 2000, are complete and on the mannequins.

Kiss merchandise and collectables will be on sale throughout the day. There will be a Kiss look-a-like contest. Enter and win $$in Kiss merchandise. KISSONLINE will also attend the Detroit Expo!

To purchase an advanced ticket, you can either use paypal or a credit card over the phone. 734-641-7450 hours between 10:30am-6:00pm. Children 12 and under get in free.

PETER CRISS, BRUCE KULICK To Guest On 'Kiss This' Special

Listen and chat live at www.radiorealitycheck.com.

Billboard CD review

Sarah Brightman is the best-selling soprano of all time because she's not really a soprano, in the operatic sense. She's a transcontinental pop star who can hit high notes (kind of). Like 2003's "Harem," "Symphony" will lend nicely to an ornate touring spectacle, but not of the Arabian hip-swiveling kind: This collection plays Brightman's inherent Goth card. "Fleurs du Mal" rocks out like symphonic Led Zeppelin, with power strings and a full choir backing Brightman's breathy bleating. Andrea Bocelli's commanding tenor saves "Canto Della Terra," and Kiss' Paul Stanley does admirably on the out-of-place "I Will Be With You," which also gets the epic orchestral treatment, despite its folky structure. Apparently if you load the dominant preferences of every country on Earth into the music mashup machine, this is the stuff that pops out.

GENE SIMMONS On Tonight's 'Ugly Betty'; Preview

PAUL STANLEY: METALLICA And SLAYER Are 'Not My Thing'

Lorenzo: Could you and Gene [Simmons] still write songs like the early KISS albums?

Stanley: That's a great question. I think we could write something similar. The thing is, music is more than the notes and the words. Music often becomes the soundtrack to your life. What makes those early songs so meaningful for many people is that they can remember what was going on in their lives when those songs were being played. No matter what I write today, as good as it's going to be, it doesn't have that impact. Arguably, I think "Psycho Circus" as a song is as good as anything I've written, and yet I understand that people would rather hear "Detroit Rock City".

Lorenzo: When was the last time you listened to a KISS CD in your car and which one was it?

Stanley: I have a compilation CD of basically everything. It's fun to listen to. I listen to it kinda like you look at old snapshots.

Lorenzo: What album has the most songs on that compilation?

Stanley: Interesting... umm, probably if you go in terms of songs from one album, probably "Destroyer".

Lorenzo: Were you ever into the heavier bands like METALLICA and SLAYER, or can't you appreciate that kind of music?

Stanley: I can appreciate that other people appreciate it. I don't put METALLICA and SLAYER in the same breath. I think METALLICA has at times really straddled the line of commerciality and what they originally came from whereas a lot of other bands of that genre have stayed pretty narrow in their scope. No, it's not my thing. It's not a value judgment. It's like food is the same as music — whether I like it or not is not the determining factor if it's good or bad.

Read the entire interview at www.so-mag.com.

BRUCE KULICK Issues Post-NAMM Update

"Paul Stanley [KISS] and his son Evan were in attendance [at this year's NAMM show in Anaheim, California] at [the] Washburn [booth], and, of course, when we met I got some birthday cake as it was a day before Paul's big day. Tommy Thayer [KISS] was there, as was Eric Singer [KISS, ALICE COOPER], and my brother Bob who was able to get around on his crutches. Spoke with Nikki Sixx [MÖTLEY CRÜE], who was a bit shy 'cause of the crowd wanting him badly, but it was great to see him looking good and healthy. His book is doing great.

"Speaking of a guitarist with a hit book out, Slash [GUNS N' ROSES, VELVET REVOLVER] had a huge line as well at Marshall, as Paul did at Washburn when he did his signing. I did my autograph session at Music Star, the company that puts out my 'Kiss Forever' DVD. Eric Singer, Eddie Ojeda [TWISTED SISTER] and Rudy Sarzo [DIO, ex-QUIET RIOT] were there as well, and, of course, I kept running into so many other players, too many to mention. Lots of rock stars at this event for sure!

"David Fishof was there from the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp, and we chatted about the big L.A. Camp coming up in February. Also ran into Mickey Dolenz from THE MONKEES who will be a counselor at that camp (I love THE MONKEES). I watched HEART play at the Hilton lounge as they did a special party for Epiphone. 'Wow' is all I can say! Great band and vocals. Saw Billy Gibbons from ZZ TOP at the Fender party on Friday night. He sounds amazing every time he plays."

Read the entire message at this location.

PAUL STANLEY: New Video Interview Available

ACE FREHLEY: 'With Me, Every Day Is A Crapshoot'

"[The] phone interview [I conducted] with Ace Frehley [on Friday, January 18] represented the realisation of another lifetime ambition. I've always been fascinated by the enigmatic former KISS guitarist, who admitted during our conversation: 'On some days I wake up and feel like I can ponder the inner workings of quantum mechanics. On others I'm lucky if I can find my ass with both hands. With me, every day is a crapshoot.' I was hooked up with Frehley to promote his gig at London's Astoria on April 11. Ace was suffering for a 101-degree fever and had a disconcerting habit of braying with laughter at the most serious questions, but was pretty candid in a throughly enjoyable encounter. He casually mentioned the times his well-publicised excesses brought brushes with death, but now claims to be 16 months sober. Even so, I was susprised when he stated that he can no longer be around drunk or drugged-up people. So did Frehley now realise why Gene Simmons has been so scathingly critical of him in the past? 'Sure, to an extent,' he replied, perhaps unexpectedly. Read the rest of the story in the next issue of Classic Rock [magazine]."

Rock Legend Paul Stanley to Appear on New Sarah Brightman Album

Stanley, who in addition to his songwriting and performing responsibilities for KISS, is an accomplished solo artist, painter and stage performer, collaborated with Brightman on the duet "I Will Be with You (Where the Lost Ones Go)" off the forthcoming album “Symphony.” Interestingly, both are "Phantom of the Opera" alums with Brightman having originated the role of Christine Daaé in the Andrew Lloyd Webber production and Stanley who received rave reviews for his portrayal of The Phantom in the Toronto stage version.

“As a fan of Sarah’s stage, recording and concert work, I was immediately intrigued with the potential of what our voices together might create,” said Stanley. “We were both really pleased with how our duet turned out and performing live together is a real possibility.”

Paul Stanley just completed a highly successful 2007, garnering over $2 million in sales for his art work distributed through Wentworth Galleries. Stanley is also slated to tour Australia and New Zealand with KISS in March of 2008 with possible Europe and US dates to follow.

You can order the Album here!

About Paul Stanley

For more than 30 years, Paul Stanley has reigned supreme as one of the single-most recognizable front-men in the history of rock and roll. He’s the principal songwriter, driving force and unwavering voice of KISS. A visionary and trendsetter since the early 1970s, Stanley’s passion for both the musical and visual arts has perhaps been the key to the astonishing ongoing world phenomenon known as KISS. Stanley single-handedly penned such escapist anthems as “Love Gun,” “God of Thunder” and “Black Diamond.” He was the golden throat that throttled “Detroit Rock City,” the charismatic swagger behind “I Was Made For Lovin’ You,” and stripped of makeup, was the unmasked troubadour that breathed vocal life into the ballads “Reason to Live,” “Forever” and “Every Time I Look At You.” His artistic and visual input has been seen in his designs of KISS album covers, stages and apparel.

An accomplished solo performer, Stanley recently released "Live to Win" [New Door Records/ Universal Music Enterprises his first solo album in more than 25 years, and second overall. In "Live to Win," Stanley strips his emotions to the bone and adorns them with a melodic sheen, with songs about the power of the human spirit and commitment to not compromising ideals.

An art major and graduate of the prestigious high school of Music and Art in NYC, Stanley recently returned to his passion for painting, creating portraits and abstracts that are emotionally charged compositions. He aims to maximize the direct, physical impact of his paintings through scale, texture, color and simplicity of images. In a few short years of exhibiting, Stanley’s works have been acquired by numerous art collectors and he has been commissioned to create large works to be displayed by an international corporate entity. Stanley’s tremendous success as a painter has translated in to well over $2 million in art sales for 2007. For additional information on Paul Stanley please go to www.PaulStanley.com.

About Sarah Brightman – Symphony

“Symphony” is the soprano's first new studio album since 2003. Produced by her long-time producer Frank Peterson, the diverse repertoire of Symphony will have a broad appeal to both her original fans from her days in “Phantom of the Opera” and the international smash hit "Time to Say Goodbye" to fans of her more contemporary experiments with classical-rock and electronic-dance styles.

The repertoire ranges from beautiful ballads ("Symphony," "Fleur Du Mal"), epic power rock scores ("I Will Be with You") to interpretations of the work "Jupiter" from Holst's The Planets on "Running" to Faith Hill's "There You'll Be" sung in Italian as "Sarai Qui," and many more, with a colorful variety of male duet partners including Andrea Bocelli on "Canto Della Terra," Fernando Lima (Mexican tenor) on "Pasiòn" (popular telenovella theme song), and Paul Stanley (from KISS) on "I Will Be with You (Where the Lost Ones Go)." The album also showcases her linguistic vocal skills by singing in Spanish, Italian, French, and, for the first time, German.

HANNAH, ALY & AJ PERFORM KISS

GENE SIMMONS Interviewed On CNBC's 'Mad Money'

Cramer, who was acting as a judge on "The Apprentice", admitted he didn't want to fire Simmons, who the "Mad Money" host said was the best marketer and salesperson among the cast. But Simmons admitted that part of him wanted to get the boot after realizing some of the contestants were less interested in the "entrepreneurial spirit" of the show than being on television.

"In the end, a captain must go down with his ship," Simmons said. But, turning from that modesty, he told Cramer: "I was the best thing on that show, and you know it."

Watch Gene Simmons' interview from today's (January 18) edition of "Mad Money" at www.cnbc.com.

KISS FRONTMAN GETS FIRED BY DONALD TRUMP

For the fourth task, the remaining celebrities are challenged with the task to run a one-day Broadway ticket booth under the biggest time crunch thus far, and the celebrities work feverishly, hawking tickets on the street. The teams are given eight Broadway Shows to choose from as they try their best at negotiating which four each team would sell. Two celebrities begin the task on the wrong foot, with a bitter argument. Piers Morgan tries to increase sales by dressing up in a knight's costume to sell tickets to 'Spamalot.' In the end, the team that makes the most money from ticket sales wins, and one celebrity is fired on Thursday, January 24 (9:00 PM ET/PT).

In next week's episode, as the competition gets heated, David Hyde Pierce shows up in support of an old celebrity friend.

Trump's eyes and ears on the task are his daughter Ivanka and Vince McMahon (Chairman of The World Wrestling Entertainment).

Tiffany Fallon, Nadia Comaneci were the first two celebrities fired by Donald Trump. The remaining celebrity "candidates" competing for charity are: Trace Adkins, Carol Alt, Stephen Baldwin, Jennie Finch, Nely Galan, Marilu Henner, Lennox Lewis, Piers Morgan, Omarosa, Tito Ortiz, and Vincent Pastore.

"The Celebrity Apprentice" is produced by Mark Burnett Productions in association with Trump Productions LLC. Mark Burnett, Donald Trump are executive producers, Eden Gaha and Page Feldman are co-executive producers.

Eric AT NAMM SHOW SATURDAY

Friday Jan.18th
Zildjian @ 3PM

Saturday Jan.19th
Musicstar Prod. @ 12:30pm
PEARL drums @ 2pm
Zildjian @ 3pm

PAUL AT NAMM SHOW SATURDAY

Attendance at the NAMM trade show is restricted to companies who make, buy, and/or sell musical instruments and products.

More Ace Dates

2008 CLEVELAND KISS FAN EXPO

Special Guests this year are Bob Kulick and the ultimate KISS tribute band Mr. Speed. Bob will be doing a Q/A and will be available for autographs and photos. KISS merchandise and collectibles will be on sale throughout the day. There will also be a trivia contest and a raffle.

KISSONLINE will be attending the expo!

A limited number of VIP Laminates as well as regular tickets are on sale now. For Tickets or more info Click Here:

Ace Adds Canadian Tour Date

Gene Simmons Shares Secrets of Success with Hawaii Business Owners

Gene Simmons joined a long and distinguished list of former SBH keynoters including Steve Forbes, William Simon, Dr. John Rutledge, John Fund of the Wall Street Journal, Wally "Famous" Amos, Howard Jarvis, Governors, Mayors and Congressmen, among others.

Many business people asked me - before they heard Gene Simmons speak - why would I invite a rock star to address a business conference, sprinkled with many top business and political leaders?

My response prior to the speech was that I had not invited just a music legend - most people (like myself until three years ago) had not the faintest idea of the depth and reach of this imaginative, successful and rich entrepreneur-but I invited him for his marketing genius and many paths to success. (By the way, Gene Simmons doesn't like that word, entrepreneur, because he says, its too hard to pronounce, spell and most people don't know what it really means or even care anyway.

When my second of four sons, Stuart Matthew, now 40, was a teen, he loved Gene Simmons and KISS. I remember once telling him, "turn off that damn noise, and tear down those freakish hippy posters!" Stuart has had the last laugh now.

When I first saw Gene Simmons three years ago on the A&E television hit, "Gene Simmons' Family Jewels," I was hooked. I don't as a rule like "reality" shows, especially those that featured the Osbornes and the family of gangster John Gotti. But Simmons is different. His beautiful partner of 25 years, former Playboy Playmate of the Year Shannon Tweed, their two personable over-achieving and respectful teens, Nick and Sophie, and Shannon’s sister Tracy Tweed, bring something different. The show is about Gene Simmons' business, family and life. And it's a good life.

"Ozzie and Harriet," it's not. But the Simmons' series is about a family that does many things, is wealthy without being ostentatious, and lives by (without being preachy) solid core values.

The kids from an early age learned a work ethic-neither have ever been given an allowance-and they know business. And business is what Gene Simmons is all about. They also know respect and how to negotiate with all kinds of people.

Gene Simmons' background is incredible. Born in Israel, immigrating to New York at age 8 with his Mother who survived the Holocaust-his greatest inspiration and driving force-he spoke no English and was ridiculed for it. (Guess they didn't have enough lawyers and ACLU to file lawsuits for language adaptation in those days).

Today, he only half jokingly says, many of those people now work for him. He celebrates the careful branding of products and services.

Without Gene Simmons, and his marketing acumen, there would not be a KISS band and legend, still going like the Energizer Bunny 35 years later. He has licensed more than 3,000 items under the KISS name, which he and his partner still zealously own and guard, from "condoms to coffins."

He owns a book company, a record company, founded NGTV.com on the Internet, a Simmons Comics group, his clothing line, Moneybag, co-starred in three movies, has written three books, appears on many business and investment television shows as well as hosting his "Gene Simmons: Family Jewels."

He recently did a smash show in Las Vegas, will be the subject of an upcoming celebrity roast and appears weekly on "Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice." (NBC-KHNL, Thursdays, 8 pm).

He and his marketing partner, Simmons/Abramson Marketing, are the worldwide branding entity for the Indycar series, which operates more than 18 major auto races, including the fabled Indianapolis 500.

And, contrary to what I and others erroneously thought in the 1970s, he and KISS never did drugs, and talks of the dangers of all substance abuse to young people, is passionately pro-American (the American Dream is Gene Simmons' reality), and strongly supportive of the U.S. armed forces. (He and Sophie recently made a tour of military facilities in California and visited veterans and the injured from past and present wars. He is a man of many interests and a big heart.

But getting Gene Simmons to Hawaii was no easy task. As you might imagine, he is in demand-and pricey. It took more than four months of letters, emails, phone calls, and begging to get Simmons to take a chance on Hawaii and SBH.

Along the way I became more acquainted with lawyers, television execs, the entertainment pecking order, giant egos, marketing people, airlines, hotels and car rentals.

Without our superstar cosponsors, Jeff Stone's Ko Olina Resort & Marina, Robin Campaniano's AIG Hawaii, The Edwards family's 1 Hot Garage, Joe Nicholai's JN Automotive and others, it could not have happened.

Part of the arrangement is that A&E is filming two half-hour Hawaii episodes to highlight the beauty and the business of our state. (The programs should air at mid-year).

In his keynote speech to SBH, before a packed, sold-out, admittedly curious audience in the Ala Moana Hibiscus Ballroom last week, he spoke not of the "Ten Points to Make You Rich Like Me," but of the many more points and paths to personal success and happiness.

He stuck to the basics, like dependability, standing by your word, showing up, and the importance of a good work ethic. He was very specific and graphic. He stressed the fact that young people should do many different things and learn from each.

Gene Simmons emphasized the importance of business relationships and of the art of listening. He was hard on some people in the audience who asked him questions after his presentation – hard on them as a good mentor should be. He said they talked abstractly of their "ideas," but had not thought out the path to realization of those dreams and ideas.

Simmons, however, has a real soft spot for women (Mothers in particular) and girls who he said should go to organizations like Junior Achievement early. (That made the local JA Hawaii execs in the audience want to shout out loud).

His speech ended with a prolonged standing ovation.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann presented an official proclamation declaring "January 9, Gene Simmons Day in Honolulu."

Simmons was generous with his time afterwards. Yes, he signed autographs and took pictures, but he also listened to and engaged local investors with more than just business ideas.

Simmons is always listening to new business proposals and has a sharp eye and sharper mind-"dress British, think Yiddish" -to stay ahead of trends, preferring to set them himself.

Will there be some business and new Simmons investment in Hawaii? Possibly. For those of us who want a diversified and more self-reliant market-based Hawaii, and one that is taken seriously for its business opportunities, Gene Simmons, Inc. offers an outstanding opportunity. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, after the Simmons speech, akamai business and investors told me, now we know why you brought Gene Simmons to Hawaii as the SBH keynoter. "He was the best ever."

We Hear...

BLACK 'N BLUE To Play UK, No Tommy

Commented festival organizers Z Records: "BLACK 'N BLUE have signed contracts for the event which will be the band's first European appearance since 1983! The band will feature all original members except for Tommy Thayer [guitar, now in KISS].

"Everybody at Z is excited about the band's appearance which will lay to rest much speculation about the band and their forthcoming release which has been banded about by uninformed sections of the press over recent years."

BLACK 'N BLUE frontman Jaime St. James added in a statement: "We have not rocked on any European soil since 1983, so if you weren't at Hammersmith Odeon when we opened for WHITESNAKE then you missed us... Wow, hitch up your panties and get ready for an autoblast, you lovely bastards....I can't wait."

Z Rock 08 festival billing is now shaping up as follows:

BLACK 'N BLUE
BONFIRE
BRITNY FOX
VON GROOVE
SHY
STORMZONE
REDLINE

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/zrockfest.

Sarah Brightman releasing first album in 5 years

Yet that's exactly what mega-selling English soprano Sarah Brightman does on "Symphony," which arrives in stores January 29 via Manhattan Records.

"I just wanted to back away from everything and do something a little different. That, of course, takes a little time," Brightman says of "Symphony," her first collection of new material in five years. "Sometimes you have to step back a little and create something new."

Innovation and reinvention have been trademarks of Brightman's 30-year career. Born in 1960, she began dancing at local festivals when she was only 3. By the time she was 16, she earned a spot in Pan's People, the resident dance troupe on BBC's "Top of the Pops." Her next step was as a member of progressive dance troupe and pop group Hot Gossip.

It was as lead singer for Hot Gossip that Brightman's recording career began with the 1978 hit "I Lost My Heart to a Starship Trouper," which propelled her to pop star status in the United Kingdom. Not content to reign on the pop charts, Brightman went on to forge a successful career in musical theater, most notably originating the role of Christine in ex-husband Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Phantom of the Opera" on the West End and later reprising the role on Broadway.

CROSSOVER PIONEER

As a recording artist, Brightman has covered a wide territory, including pop, dance, opera and classical music.

"She created this genre that we now call 'classical crossover' or 'pop opera,"' Manhattan Records GM Ian Ralfini says. "She opened the door for other artists, including Bocelli, Hayley Westenra and Josh Groban. She was there first.

Indeed, since 1997, Brightman has scored 11 top 10 albums on Billboard's Classical Crossover chart, including two No. 1s and three No. 2s. But she modestly downplays her role in the classical crossover boom, preferring to speak of her love for her art.

"I'm very passionate about my classical music," she says. "I've also had a lot of success in popular music, like pop music and dance music. I've also worked for many, many years in theater. All these styles that I have worked within, especially in music theater, created something very unique to me."

According to her label, Brightman has sold 26 million records worldwide. The best-selling soprano in history, she's earned more than 150 gold and platinum certifications in 34 countries. Among her most successful albums are 1998's "Time to Say Goodbye," which has sold 1.4 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan; the title track is the best-selling single in German music history.

For "Symphony," Brightman headed to Germany to record with longtime producer Frank Peterson. "This album has such a new twist to it," Brightman says. "It has classical qualities in it that I've always enjoyed, but it has a slightly dark quality. Within everything that happens in life, there's a heavenly side to it and then there's a dark side to it. I know it sounds fairly abstract, but when you go through the album, you get this feeling of heaven and hell within it."

MORE INVOLVED

And while five years may be a long time for the industry to wait, Brightman believes that the preparation time served the music well. "I was involved much more in the songs than I normally (am) because I had more time to do so," she says. "For the last four years, I've been going all over the world and doing concerts and I've done a movie recently (the April release "Repo! The Genetic Opera"), which was great fun. So there have been lots of other things going on, but I did have lots more time to be involved in the writing side of it."

Has the turmoil and uncertainty in the world had an impact on her songwriting process? "Yes, of course it has," she says. "I think it has with a lot of people who are artists. It's very natural. All of those things are coming into our creative output because all human beings are touched by what is happening and they are becoming more and more aware."

In Peterson, Brightman has found a creative compatriot, skilled at helping the artist breathe life into the diversity of sounds that her repertoire comprises. "When you find collaborations with people that just work, they just work," she says, noting that she and Peterson have worked together so long they have developed a kind of shorthand between them. "I seem to be working with the same people for many, many years and relationships actually get better and the work becomes more deep because of it."

DIVERSE DUETS

Brightman also enjoys forging new partnerships, such as the duet with Kiss' Stanley on "I Will Be With You (Where the Lost Ones Go)." "It's unlikely and likely," she says of the pairing. "There is obviously the very theatrical side, which we both have. It's interesting with rock music and with classical music -- there is a similarity there in a way. They are both very dramatic."

"Symphony" also marks the first time Brightman has worked with Lima. "His management asked if I'd be interested," says Brightman, who recorded "Passion" with the Spanish vocalist. "I listened to the song and I said, 'This is quite different for me to do, but I just feel it will work.' I went into the studio not knowing what was going to happen and really like what came out of it."

The duet with Bocelli on "Canto Della Terra" followed Brightman's appearance on Bocelli's recent PBS special in Tuscany.

"It's always wonderful working with him because years ago we did that love song called 'Time to Say Goodbye,' which became a hit all over the world. So there are treasured memories and the (new) song is very, very beautiful," she says. "I thought it would be a lovely song for this album. There's a lot of light and a lot of gold in this particular song.

"His voice and mine really blend. It's quite rare. I've sung with different duet partners all over the world -- classical, nonclassical -- and it's not very often where you come across a partner where the voices seem to fit with each other. And ours do."

MACY'S PARADE

To market and promote "Symphony," Manhattan Records is placing Brightman in a variety of high-profile situations to give her mass-market exposure. She sang from a float during Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and will be the featured vocalist on the NBC special "Fashion on Ice," which airs January 20.

Label executive Ralfini says there are plans to work a single to adult-contemporary radio, but the label hasn't yet decided which song. On the TV side, Brightman will shoot her own PBS special, slated to air during the March pledge drive.

Later in the spring, Brightman plans to launch a tour, a prospect that excites her.

"I think the secret to my success is the audiences," she says. "They come to see me and are really, really behind the projects. When I start albums, I can actually see the tours and how I'm going to create them and what I'm going to do. It's a big picture."

You can order Symphony right here.

More Ace Tour Dates Set

LION'S SHARE Working On New Concept Album

"Me, Lars [Chriss, guitar] and Sampo [Axelsson, bass] are currently working our asses off, writing new songs for the upcoming LION'S SHARE album. Almost all the songs are written now and hopefully we can enter the studio in February starting the vocal sessions. This album will be nothing but a Metal Beast! The lyrics on this one will be linked together and in that perspective this CD will be something of a concept album. We'll give you a more detailed studio report when the time is right, so stay tuned!"

Fan-filmed video footage of LION'S SHARE performing the song "Clones of Fate" at last year's Sweden Rock Festival, which took place in June 2007 in Sölvesborg, Sweden, can be viewed below.

LION'S SHARE will release its new album, "Emotional Coma", in the U.S. on January 29 via Locomotive Music. The CD was issued by AFM Records in Europe and Spiritual Beast in Japan/Asia and features guest solos from ex-KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, and MEGADETH guitarist Glen Drover.

Check an an e-card for the album at this location.

KISS Members To Promote ICONS OF ROCK DVDs At NAMM

Eric Singer: Icons of Rock's "All Access to Drumming" DVD and "Kissology - Vol. 3 1992-2000" DVD

Bruce Kulick: Icons of Rock's "Kiss Forever" DVD, "Kissology - Vol. 3 1992-2000" DVD and Rock N' Roll Fantasy Camp

Rudy Sarzo: Icons of Rock's "Bass Essentials" DVD, as well as the tell-all book "Off the Rails" which details Rudy's tenure with OZZY OSBOURNE

Eddie Ojeda: Icons of Rock's "Twisted Method" DVD and solo CD

GENE SIMMONS On 'The Apprentice: Celebrity Edition'; Clips From Second Episode Available

Other celebrities appearing on the show include Nadia Comaneci, Tiffany Fallon, Jennie Finch, Nely Galan, Marilu Henner, Piers Morgan, Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, and Tito Ortiz.

The celebrities will be competing for cash donations to their favorite charities, with the grand prize being a check for $250,000 to the winner's charity.

Gene Simmons is Ruthless: Clip 1, Clip 2, Clip 3

GENE SIMMONS: 'The Notion You Have To Love What You're Doing Is Nonsense'

Simmons added that he understands he's lucky to have a job he loves to do. "This notion that you have to have passion and you have to love what you're doing is the biggest load of crap I've ever heard," he said. "Most of the people on the planet don't have that advantage. They have to go to work at jobs they hate, they'd be lucky to have a job. The rest of us who happened to do what we love doing, that's a privilege and a blessing. But the notion you have to love what you're doing is nonsense. Just work and get paid, that's enough of a value."

Watch the interview at YouTube.

PAUL on Extra

CLICK HERE to see a portion of the interview on EXTRA! 's website.

CLICK HERE to find out where & when the full segment will air in your specific area.

PAUL STANLEY: New Audio Interview Available

KISS Tribute 'Heroes Of The Night' Cover Art Revealed, Sound Clips Available

"Heroes of the Night" is available now for pre-order, and will begin shipping on January 15, 2008. The brainchild of Connecticut-based rock outfit EMERALD MONKEY, the album features guest appearances by members of BONHAM, SHOTGUN MESSIAH, ZAN CLAN, and more. The CD also includes exclusive bonus tracks and computer accessible enhanced CD content.

"Heroes of the Night" is a track-by-track re-creation of KISS' "Creatures of the Night", the 1982 release that returned KISS to the hard rock style that first launched their enormous rise to rock n' roll power, and re-inspired a new generation of musicians. In addition to EMERALD MONKEY's head primate, Jimmy D, "Heroes of the Night" features appearances by Rob Love (ZAN CLAN), Bill Bruce (SHOTGUN MESSIAH), Chris Laney (ZAN CLAN, ANIMAL), Daniel Macmaster (BONHAM), Peter M. Ahern (RED CHINA BLUE).

"Heroes of the Night" bonus material: In addition to the complete "Creatures of the Night" track listing, you will also find a stellar version of "Shout It Out Loud", performed by former BONHAM vocalist Daniel Macmaster, a bonus three-song EP from EMERALD MONKEY, as well as enhanced CD features including music videos, exclusive images, digital liner notes, and more.

For pre-order information and full "Heroes of the Night" details, visit www.TributeAlbums.com.

2 New Paul Stanley Wentworth Gallery Appearances

Both appearances are open to the public and free of charge.

Paul Stanley's Wentworth Gallery Appearances

Friday February 8, 2008 6 - 9 PM
Wentworth Gallery – Riverside Square Mall
171 Riverside Square
Hackensack, NJ
RSVP 201-488-7661
*Call for details on the special VIP Reception with Paul Stanley

Saturday February 9, 2008 4 -7 PM
Wentworth Gallery – Short Hills Mall
1200 Morris Turnpike
Short Hills, NJ
RSVP 973-564-9776
*Call for details on the special VIP Reception with Paul Stanley

CLICK HERE to visit the Wentworth Gallery web site .

Another 'Kiss This' Special To Air This Month

Listen and chat live at www.radiorealitycheck.com.

PAUL STANLEY: 'I'm Really Glad You're All Here, But.'

UGLY BETTY (1/24)

"Ugly Betty" stars America Ferrera as Betty Suarez, Eric Mabius as Daniel Meade, Alan Dale as Bradford Meade, Tony Plana as Ignacio, Ana Ortiz as Hilda, Ashley Jensen as Christina, Becki Newton as Amanda, Mark Indelicato as Justin, Michael Urie as Marc, Judith Light as Claire Meade, Christopher Gorham as Henry, Rebecca Romijn as Alexis and Vanessa Williams as Wilhelmina Slater. Freddy Rodriguez is a recurring guest star as Gio.

Guest starring are Gabrielle Union as Renee, Paul Hipp as Phil Roth and Gene Simmons as himself.

"A Thousand Words by Friday" was written by Henry Alonso Myers & Sheila Lawrence and directed by Matt Shakman.

GENE SIMMONS Says Son Has 'Usurped' His 'Throne' as the Ultimate Alpha-Male

"Nick has usurped my throne, as the alpha-male of all alpha-males," Gene Simmons, who stars in A&E's "Gene Simmons Family Jewels", told an Australian publication called The Advertiser. "So when I'm in public and the girls run over and I'm thinking to myself, 'Simmons, you devil, you've still got it'. And you know when they giggle? [That's when] I'm thinking, 'Yeah babe, I've still got it' and they go: 'Where's Nick?'"

Read more at BuddyTV.com.

KISS: Road Crew Diary Entry From 1996 Reunion Tour Available

"Gene Simmons' blood is on my hands.

"Actually, it's not real blood, and technically, it's on my towel. But never mind. I am a roadie, at least temporarily. When KISS announced this spring that its four founding members (Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss) would reunite for the first time since 1979 for a world tour, I realized there would be no better opportunity to answer a question almost as pressing as the exact length of Simmons' tongue: What exactly do roadies do? The tour promised to re-create the burlesque excess of KISS' '70s stage shows, complete with Kabuki- bondage costumes and rocket-launching guitars. If there was roadie work to be done, this was my chance.

"So here I kneel one July afternoon at Cleveland's Gund Arena, the 15th stop on a tour that has improbably become the summer's must-see nostalgia showcase, with a potential gross of at least $50 million. (Gary Bongiovanni, editor of the industry trade magazine Pollstar, estimates KISS could be the top-grossing — and gross-out — tour of the year.) Every night, before he's hoisted to the rafters by steel wires in one of the show's most crowd-pleasing effects, Simmons, the band's demon-seed bass player, drools blood from his mouth. And each day after, someone on the crew has to clean it up."

Read more at www.ew.com.

Drummer ERIC SINGER Talks About Recording With BLACK SABBATH

Metal-Rules.com: Wasn't this current tour with ALICE COOPER originally supposed to be one to promote a new album, the release of which was delayed for some reason?

Eric: "We were working on new material before the tour started and were originally planning to record a new record so we could tour for it. We did a bunch of demos, they wrote a bunch of songs and the producer that Alice was thinking about using at the time was busy with AEROSMITH, so he kept waiting. And before you know it he had this book coming out called "The Golf Monster" and he had to do the promotion for the book and all of a sudden we had to start rehearsals, so it just never got made. So he's going to do a new record at the beginning of the year."

Metal-Rules.com: Does the new album have a title yet?

Eric: "I'm not sure what he's going to call it because he's got a general concept or an idea that he's talking about, what he'd like to do, but now it's been almost another year, so as we all know, life changes. I'd imagine some of the same ideas he'd liked to do will still be explored, but you never know. It depends on who produces it and what kind of material comes up because now there are different people in the band."

Metal-Rules.com: Right now, however, you've got some gigs lined up with KISS in Australia and New Zealand, right?

Eric: "I'd heard there was supposed to be three Australian shows and one New Zealand show. I hear all kinds of things just like you do, but you've got to remember I'm out on tour. I don't handle any business to do with KISS, I don't do any business or musical decisions. Anything they do decision wise, I don't have any involvement with, so I don't always know what's going on. To be honest, many times I hear it from the fans or read it on the internet myself. That's how I find out what's going on because I'm here in Helsinki, Finland, on the other side of the world, and I don't pick up the phone and go 'What's going on?' I find out when they tell me, its better this way sometimes. I don't always appreciate... I mean honestly I would like to know so I can make plans for my life. Sometimes it's a little difficult, but I don't need to know everything every single day, that's what my point is."

Metal-Rules.com: How was it like to be in the recording studio with BLACK SABBATH for the first time?

Eric: "Well, it was Tony Iommi, you have to remember. It was great, look, Tony writes great guitar riffs for that style that he does heavy D-tuned guitar stuff, there's nobody better. A lot of people write some cool riffs, but I'm sorry, his riffs are the best. Anytime you hear any heavy band, even in the '80s when METALLICA came along and MEGADETH or PANTERA, it's all still copying BLACK SABBATH, in my opinion. BLACK SABBATH, nobody sounded like that before them. I mean I have heard bands that were heavy, but nobody sounded like them. So for me, not only was it a great experience, it was an honor. Anytime you get to play with, to work with someone who's been an influence on you musically, that's a great experience."

Read the entire interview at Metal-Rules.com.

GENE SIMMONS On 'The Apprentice: Celebrity Edition'; New Clip Posted Online

Kiss guitarist Frehley to play solo show at Seneca Niagara

Frehley, whose "Space Ace" persona during his Kiss tenure made him the hero to a few generations of guitarists-in-waiting, will perform inside the Seneca Niagara's intimate Bear's Den. During the performance, the guitarist and his band will debut tunes from a forthcoming album, Frehley's first outside of the confines of Kiss in nearly 20 years.

Tickets for the event -- which, considering the size of both the venue and the Frehley mythos, are sure to vanish quickly -- will go on sale at noon Monday. They're priced $30 and will be available at the Eight Clans Gift Shop in the casino, all Ticketmaster locations, through www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 852-5000.

PAUL STANLEY On 'Fox & Friends'; Video Available

KISS Drummer Schedule NAMM

Adrian Erlandsson (CRADLE OF FILTH, NEMHAIN)
Barry Kerch (SHINEDOWN)
Chad Smith (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS)
Craig Nunenmacher (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY)
Eric Singer (KISS, ALICE COOPER)
Gene Hoglan (STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, DEATH, DARK ANGEL)
Jimmy DeGrasso (MEGADETH, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, Y&T)
Johnny Kelly (TYPE O NEGATIVE)
Matt McDonough (MUDVAYNE)
Mike Mangini (ANNIHILATOR, EXTREME)
Morgan Rose (SEVENDUST)
Vinnie Paul (HELLYEAH, PANTERA)

Important: The NAMM Show is **NOT** open to the public. The only attendees are NAMM member companies and their invited guests.

Just A Minute With: Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley

Stanley, 55, an art major and graduate, returned to painting about seven years ago, finding a strong demand for his work which goes on show at the Wentworth Gallery Garden City in New York on Jan 4.

Stanley spoke to Reuters about his art and music, speaking softly and pausing to think through his answers in stark contrast to his brash, on-stage persona "The Starchild:"

Q: Your art has become quite a business, selling for $2 million last year?

A: "It is incredible. For me the dollar figure is more of an acknowledgment of how people are embracing the art. If I became enamored or taken with the number I think it would take away from the creative spirit or what I am doing. The fact I started this phase of my life in art as a very personal and solitary pursuit has borne success because of its integrity."

Q: Have you been surprising by the reaction to your art?

A: "Totally. I have been humbled and staggered by the acceptance of my art. I started it as something therapeutic and cathartic for me without the intention of ever showing anything but from the first time I hung a piece in my house people were drawn to it."

Q: You said it was therapeutic during your divorce in 2000?

A: "Yes. It is way for me to purge. It is almost a stream of consciousness where you use color and texture as opposed to words. Once a piece is done it is almost a mirror, a time capsule, of me at a certain point."

Q: Is it addictive?

A: "Very much so. Not to minimize the pursuit of art but in the same way as going to the gym makes you feel good, you find yourself craving it. I had my left rotator cuff replaced a few weeks ago and my concern at that point was not if I could play guitar but if I could still paint."

Q: How do balance your art with your music?

A: "I don't bring paint brushes on the stage and I don't bring a guitar into the studio. You can compartmentalize and prioritize and there is time for everything."

Q: Some of your paintings feature the Kiss faces in their well-known make-up. Are those the top sellers?

A: "I did the four portraits of the band as a tip of the hat to our fans and believed they would be extremely popular. I have to say I found it really gratifying that those pieces are probably the least popular. I think it is great. It shows that the people acquiring the art are not acquiring it because of its Kiss content. That kind of blind adulation would be money poorly spent as far as I am concerned."

Q: You had to leave some shows last year due to a rapid heartbeat. Are you OK now?

A: "I am fine. That problem is something I have had my whole life. It won't kill me. It is a condition where my heart will spontaneously speed up but it is really not an issue unless you are about to go on stage. I saw quite a few doctors in my travels around the world and other than it being disruptive it is nothing more than that."

Q: So back on the road next year?

A: "We're heading to Australia and New Zealand in March. They are rumors of a European tour and perhaps a U.S. tour. We are one of those fortunate exceptions because our fan base is always broadening. We have had the advantage of being around for 35 years. We are always gaining new fans and some old fans come along with their kids. It is the young Kiss army."

Q: Has the band's off-stage act cleaned up over the years?

A: "Well, I am certainly not dead. I guess in some ways you might say if you sit at a banquet long enough you may have your fill and this has been one long banquet. You get to value home, family and friends more and more."

Q: You remarried in 2005 and have a second child, a young son. Any chance of a reality show about your family?

A: "I would rather have glass under my finger nails."

Celebrities Risk Getting Trumped on 'Apprentice'

The real-estate mogul's NBC series tests familiar players' business sense in "The Celebrity Apprentice," premiering Thursday, Jan. 3. After an "Apprentice" season in Los Angeles, the show is back in New York for its seventh round, with 14 competitors from different walks of fame.

The rivals for a $250,000 grand prize for charity include actors Stephen Baldwin, Marilu Henner ("Taxi") and Vincent Pastore ("The Sopranos"); music stars Gene Simmons (of KISS fame) and Trace Adkins; and athletes Nadia Comaneci, Jennie Finch, Lennox Lewis and Tito Ortiz.

Also competing are model-actress Carol Alt; Tiffany Fallon, Playboy's 2005 Playmate of the Year; "America's Got Talent" judge Piers Morgan; media mogul Nely Galan; and, returning to the show, the memorably fierce Omarosa.

Pleased to have "Apprentice" back on Thursdays (where he says the unscripted series "used to beat 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation' on a regular basis"), Trump admits the casting of the first celebrity edition "took a while. Some people just didn't want to be fired, but others absolutely wanted to be on the show. We ended up getting a cast we're really happy with."

A self-described "Apprentice" devotee, the lively Henner was thrilled to be one of the first celebrities summoned.

"I was the only one, except for Omarosa, who had probably seen every episode from the very beginning," she says. "After this experience, I am not only an even bigger fan of Donald Trump, but also of his kids."

Henner wasn't unnerved by their critiques while taping the boardroom sequences. "I don't know if it was the actress in me, but I just got a kick out of it. All I could think was, 'This is cool!' Also, we were doing it for charity, so it wasn't like we were vying for the same job."

Previous "Apprentice" wannabes went through their challenges in relative anonymity; not so for the celebrity players. "I actually think that makes it better," Trump says, "and it's easier for the show. You're not building up stars. These people already are stars, so there's a following automatically."

Trump didn't hesitate to put Omarosa back in the contest. "She's very smart, she's very tough, and she can be nasty. She's actually tougher on this show than she was the first time." Henner knew who she was going up against, and she says her view of Omarosa "ended up being completely the opposite of what it was at the beginning."

Going in with prior "Apprentice" knowledge can have "pluses and minuses," Henner says. "You might be too reverential, or you might think, "This is how they did it before. Should I do it another way?' I think the biggest adjustment was that we weren't playing 'The Apprentice'; we were playing 'The Celebrity Apprentice,' and you definitely had to get into a groove with that."

Trump hopes involving celebrities will re-energize "The Apprentice" overall. "NBC put on three [editions] one season," he says. "They were trying to capitalize on it, but it was a big mistake. I said I wouldn't do it anymore, but NBC wanted it. I'd had the idea for a 'Celebrity Apprentice' for a while, but the old group at the network didn't want to change anything. I wanted to, and we're already looking at doing another season of it."

2008 Japan KISS Expos Confirmed

This year's special guests are Eric Singer and Bruce Kulick (GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, ex-KISS). John Corabi (MÖTLEY CRÜE), Chuck Garric (ALICE COOPER) and Richie Scarlet (ACE FREHLEY band) will also perfom.

For info and to purchase tickets, go to this location.

Entertainment highlights during the week of Jan. 6-12

ACE FREHLEY: Norfolk Concert Footage Available

BRUCE KULICK Featured In Guitarhoo! Fave 5

You can check out Bruce's entire Fave 5, as well as read what Kulick had to say about why each song means so much to him, by clicking here.

PAUL STANLEY: Radio/TV Appearances Announced

* Q104.3 "The Jim Kerr Show" in New York City – "Live" segment at 7:30 a.m.
* Fox & Friends - live national television show! Segment to air between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
* CW 11 - Paul will be taping a segment that will air Friday
* ABC News Radio - Segment will be recorded and aired Friday

Paul will appear at the Wentworth Gallery located at the Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, New York on the following days/times:

Friday, January 4, 2008 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 5, 2008 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

PETER CRISS Vows To Practice What He Preaches

Living the quiet life at the Jersey Shore, Criss vows "to practice what I preach [this] year."

"I have a big mouth for a lot of people, but I never take my own advice and do it myself," said Criss, who lives in Wall Township and is best known for the ballad "Beth" and his cat makeup. "Kids will come up to me, young drummers, and ask me for advice, and I tell them, 'Keep playing, keep practicing, it's about the music, not about the money. Hopefully the money will come later,' and not to get stressed about it. I need to do that, too."

GENE SIMMONS Discusses 'The Apprentice: Celebrity Edition'

When Gene says amateurs he's relating to his competition as compared to the marketing empire he built with KISS. He said that he's poised to be "the apprentice."

"I'm wonderfully poised to be the apprentice, but I have also got my guard up because the person that finishes the line isn't always the rabbit," he said. "Sometimes it's the hair...of the dog (laughs)."

"The Apprentice: Celebrity Edition" kicks off January 3 on NBC-TV. Other celebrities appearing on the show include Nadia Comaneci, Tiffany Fallon, Jennie Finch, Nely Galan, Marilu Henner, Piers Morgan, Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, and Tito Ortiz.

Watch Artisan News Service's interview with Gene Simmons on YouTube.

Paul Stanley Gets It On With Sarah Brightman

The Stanley and Brightman duet 'I Will Be With You' will be heard on her forthcoming album 'Symphony'.

The song was originally used as the theme for the 10th Pokemon film 'Dialga Vs Palkia Vs Darkrai'. Sarah sang the Pokemon version with Manfred Mann's Earth band singer Chris Thompson.

Other guests on Sarah's album include Andrea Bocelli, Alessandro Safina and Fernando Lima.

Sarah is the former wife of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. It was in Webber's productions that she first made her name. Her most famous role was that of Christine Daae in The Phantom of the Opera.

She has also played the parts of Jermina in 'Cats', Emma in 'Song and Dance', Rose Vibert in 'Aspects of Love' and Kate in 'The Pirates of Penzance'.

Sarah's last studio album was 'Harem' in 2003. In 2006, Stanley released his second solo album 'Live To Win'.

On March 16, Kiss will perform a one-off show in Australia at the 2008 Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne.

'Kissology - Vol. 3' DVD Box Set Is A Canadian Hit

How Gene Simmons became a TV apprentice

Even so, Simmons joins up for the next installment of "The Apprentice," debuting Jan. 3 on NBC, where celebs try to win $1 million for their charity. How cutthroat was it? Simmons says it wasn't for the faint of heart. "I can't be specific, but the truth is that there was literally more than one doctor that was brought onto the set because of the physical exhaustion."

1 Gene, you've done much more in life than rock the house, so you might be great at all the Apprentice tasks. What else have you done in life?

I started off as a sixth grade teacher in Spanish Harlem. I also worked for Vogue magazine as an assistant. I was a man Friday to the editor in chief years ago and did lots of stuff. I also worked as the assistant to the director of Puerto Rican Interagency Council, a government-funded research and demonstration project. I've done it all.

2 How did Donald Trump lure you into doing "Celebrity Apprentice"?

I went to a restaurant and I saw the powerful, attractive and world-famous Donald Trump there. And on the way out, we exchanged pleasantries and it was sort of a "Hey, you want to do the show?" kind of thing. It was very fast and I went to myself, "Well, I got a lot of stuff, KISS is going back out on tour, I got to tie my shoe and -- wait a minute. That's an interesting idea." ... Of course because I'm delusional, I thought I was going to sit in the judge's seat on "Celebrity Apprentice." I didn't know Donald Trump was going to throw me right into the pits of hell with people like Marilu Henner. She's all smiles and innocent, and little miss goody two-shoes. She's a killer.

3 What makes you want to compete in something like "The Apprentice"?

You know, I'm blessed to be the king of my own domain, ad infinitum, ad nauseum. But the question is if the rug is pulled out from under you and you don't have your support system, your staff, and your infrastructure, how good are you really? I'm also an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs, it seems to me, by and large are self-motivators and self-starters. They'd rather do it themselves and sort of outsource and use somebody else's infrastructure to get to where they want to go -- it's a cheaper business model. So I wanted to see how good I was in another situation. I was curious. I mean, I'm the rat that knew the maze to get to the cheese as a rocker. But how good am I in a brand new maze? The question is -- and this is what any champion in any field will eventually have to ask himself or herself -- once you've got enough money, once you've got enough fame and the glitz, and the glamor and the power, and the accoutrement of the American dream, when all the flashbulbs are gone and the girls stop kissing you, and you put the awards away and the sun comes up the next morning, and you're there by yourself -- will you get up at the crack of dawn and try to beat your own record?

4 What did you learn about Donald Trump from this experience?

I learned that the people who have a problem with Donald Trump and the "You're fired" routine aren't pragmatic. You know, they think you're supposed to say nice things in life and that, you know, nobody can be fired. The truth is in life if people don't like what you do or you don't make sense, it's nothing personal. It's business. This is business and how you feel about it personally is beside the point. So my suggestion for everybody watching this show is to put on your thick skin, 'cause -- buckle up. It's going to be a rough ride.

5 Do you think some of your fans will now see you in a different light as a hard working, hustling Apprentice to Trump doing menial and businesslike tasks? Will this blow our image of you?

The disadvantage I had on the show is that I come from the boogeyman world, which is the rock world. I do some other stuff, but if you're in the rock world you're supposed to be big and bad, and you're supposed to be surrounded by beautiful women all the time. And, you know, people think of the accoutrements, the posse and the guys. People think you flinch and somebody brings you Champagne. I don't drink at all, by the way. So in some ways this Apprentice goes certainly against what I'm supposed to be projecting. But so what?

Billboard DVD review

PAUL STANLEY: 'When I Paint, The Options Are Limitless'

Since exhibiting his work through the Wentworth Gallery chain in February, Stanley has sold roughly $2 million in original paintings and prints, with pieces going for as much as $75,000.

"The amount of sales has been staggering," the soft-spoken rock icon said recently at his house. "That, to me, is a symbol of people embracing the art. But if I look at it purely as dollars, then I move away from what got me into this in the first place."

His subjects range from his father to the Statue of Liberty to abstract shapes - anything, he said, that reflects his emotional state at the time. It's different from songwriting, however.

"When I paint, the options are limitless — there is no framework, except the edge of the canvas, and anything I can do in there is up to me," he said. "In songwriting, there are very set rules."

Read the entire article at www.paulstanley.com.

ACE FREHLEY: Review Of Tour Kick-Off Posted Online

He's 56 years old, clean and sober, but he's still Ace; in other words, he still seems like he has come here from another planet. Take these nuggets of on-stage banter:

"We whipped this one up a few days ago," he said, introducing "Stranger in a Strange Land". "I don't know what album it's from." (It's from his 1987 solo album "Frehley's Comet", if you're keeping score at home.)

After the song: "That was a book, wasn't it, 'Stranger in a Strange Land'? Someone wrote a book called that ... I should write a fuckin' book!"

Later, he addressed current events. "Didn't someone get eaten by a fuckin' tiger a few days ago?" he asked in apparent disbelief. "What the fuck is that about? I saw it in the paper and I died. I almost took a shit."

A couple times he wondered aloud if he had played Jaxx before. He was under the impression he had but was unable to find his picture in the hallway with other performers who have graced the venue's stage. (The Jaxx web site says Ace has played there twice.)

His rambling, which appeared to amuse him as much as the audience, helped create a relaxed atmosphere suitable to the intimate setting. The music, however, was no laughing matter. Frehley and his band — guitarist Derrek Hawkins, bassist Anthony Esposito and drummer Scot Coogan — cannot have been together long and while they weren't flawless, they were a lot tighter than I expected. At this point, Ace seems more interested in playing guitar than singing; he has a habit of getting to the microphone just a hair late for some lines and looking down at his guitar — and moving away from the mic — a little too early, letting his vocals trail off before completing the line. It's been a while since he has played some of these songs, so that might have something to do with it.

Read the entire review at Live-Metal.net.

KISS To Play Sweden In May?

Ace Frehley ready to rock in New Year

"Today, I'm clean and sober. I celebrated a year of sobriety in September. It's nice to be healthy and get more accomplished. Life's good today," he says.

But that doesn't mean he's forgotten how to laugh.

When asked what his New Year's resolution is, Frehley replies in his trademark cackle, "What's my New Year's resolution? You know, I haven't even thought about it, to be honest. Things have actually gone really good. I'm being a good boy these days."

The last time Frehley was in town, Ronald Reagan was president, hair metal ruled the charts and Frehley was busy fronting his own band, Frehley's Comet (the band performed at the Allentown Fairgrounds in 1987).

"I've been all over the world. But I forget where, so you have to remind me," he says jokingly.

On Monday night, Frehley returns to the Lehigh Valley to ring in the New Year with his new backing band (guitarist Derrek Hawkins, bassist Anthony Esposito, and drummer Scot Coogan) at Crocodile Rock Cafe in Allentown.

The appearance is one of several stops that will carry Frehley into the early part of 2008, as he gears for the release of his as-yet-untitled studio album, his first since 1998's "Loaded Deck."

"I'm really looking forward to (the tour). It's been like five years since I toured," Frehley says.

"I did a Halloween show (at Hard Rock Cafe in New York City), and I had such a great time. I just told my agent to book a tour. I said, 'Let's go.'"

Frehley says, "(The new album) is progressing great. The record is more like my first solo album, my first album with KISS. I think everyone is going to dig it. There are some real heavy tracks on it."

Since taking off with KISS in 1973, he has established himself as one of rock's most innovative and prolific guitarists.

His Chuck Berry-meets-Jimmy Page fretwork defined the band's explosive sound; his lightning-fast runs on KISS classics such as "Cold Gin," "Parasite" and "Shock Me" have become required learning for generations of guitarists.

"For me, I like to get back to basics. The biggest difference today is digital editing and working with Pro Tools -- that's a big advantage. But you have to be careful not be caught up because sometimes you can fall into a trap. It's almost too many decisions, so I try to limit myself," Frehley explains.

In 1978, he scored a radio hit of his own with "New York Groove" from his debut solo album. But frustration with the band's musical direction led to his departure in 1982.

He found continued success throughout the '80s fronting his own band, Frehley's Comet, while rediscovering his passion for art (Frehley also designed KISS' famous lightning bolt logo).

"The artwork kind of relaxes me," he says. "I just came up with a new logo of an ace of hearts and a girl on a rocket. That's probably going to be the backdrop (at the shows)."

Frehley and original drummer Peter Criss reunited with bassist Gene Simmons and singer / rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley in 1996 for the hugely successful "Alive! Worldwide Reunion Tour" before parting ways once again in 2002.

"It was real strange doing the reunion tour. Putting on the makeup, it was almost like going back in time. There were times when I felt like I was back in the '70s. But, you know, it was fun while it lasted," Frehley says.

Since leaving the group, the Bronx native has juggled a variety of music- and nonmusic-related projects, including a well-received performance during the 2006 "VH1 Rock Honors" awards ceremony as a guest reviewer for TV Guide. He's even tackled an occasional acting gig.

"I think I'm up for a part in a mob movie -- what else?" Frehley says with a laugh.

Earlier this year, he once again donned his silver starburst face paint and moon boots for a guest spot in a Dunkin' Donuts TV ad. The clip became an instant hit and a favorite on YouTube.com.

"I thought it was funny, man. I got a lot of good response from people. I thought about trying to get (Dunkin' Donuts) to sponsor the tour. You know, free coffee and donuts," Frehley says, followed by another high-pitched laugh.

"It was a gas. I hadn't put the makeup on in like five years. I couldn't remember if it was six points on the star or seven. Actually, I still don't remember."

ACE FREHLEY: Jaxx Setlist Revealed

01. Rip It Out
02. Hard Times
03. Parasite
04. Snowblind
05. I Want You
06. Rock Soldiers
07. Shot Full Of Rock
08. Into The Void
09. Breakout
10. Stranger In A Strange Land
11. Strange Ways
12. New York Groove
13. Shock Me
14. Rocket Ride
15. Medley
16. Love Gun
17. Cold Gin
18. Black Diamond outro
19. Deuce

PAUL STANLEY To Hit Long Island Press Next Week

KISSOLOGY 3 FIRST WEEK SALES

Kissology Vol. 2 1978-1991 and Kissology Vol. 1 1974-1977 also continue to sell extremely well. Last week Volume 1 sold 4378 units, and Volume 2 sold an additional 9073 units!

PAUL STANLEY Pays Tribute To LED ZEPPELIN Guitar Legend JIMMY PAGE

In the article, KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley had the following to say regarding Page's influential guitar-playing style:

"What was interesting about the guitar players in THE YARDBIRDS is how they all took their love of the blues and took it in different directions, particularly when you listen to Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page, who seemed less purist and more adventurous. It's interesting to note that both THE JEFF BECK GROUP, which he formed after his stint in THE YARDBIRDS, and LED ZEPPELIN came about at virtually the same time. LED ZEPPELIN's first show as LED ZEPPELIN was October of 1968, and they were rehearsing before that. The Jeff Beck ['Truth'] album came out in August '68. So both, in a sense, were incubating at the same time.

"It's interesting to see how much broader and wider Jimmy Page's vision was of what was possible. Jimmy understood the complexities and subtleties of producing and arranging and brought that to his band. As brilliant as Jeff Beck was, that's something he couldn't do, whether it was the limitations of the people he played with, which he himself has said he found frustrating, or just the fact that consistently Jimmy Page turned out to be a visionary. Jeff Beck had to use his phenomenal guitar talents to try and compensate for a lack of interesting or original material.

"The great thing about somebody like Jimmy Page is he brought a lot of influences and flavors to the pot. He was able to realize that for something to be heavy didn't mean that it had to be crude; that part of what makes something heavy was the depth and the ontricacy or the lightness. Here's a guy who knew Celtic music, rockabilly, American folk and international music forms, besides the obvious admiration for Robert Johnson and everyone who followed in his footsteps. They [ZEPPELIN] were all fans of Sandy Denny and FAIRPORT CONVENTION. He understood that for something to be truly bombastic, it had to have depth, and depth doesn't come from cranking up an amplifier.

"The idea of being able to paint sonically, to paint with light and dark and to see things cinematically, almost so that your canvas is large and your color choices — you're not afraid to use the whole palette. That's what makes those songs so dramatic. If 'How Many More Times?' was just one guitar cranked, it wouldn't have anywhere near the drama that it has. To a listener sho doesn't really understand what they're listening to, that's what it might sound like. But in fact it's so much more. And that becomes evident when you hear somebody trying to emulate it by just taking a guitar ande cranking it up through an amplifier."

KISS AG RiffMaster Guitar Controllers Coming From ArtGuitar, Peavey

Exclusively available at www.artguitar.com, the RiffMaster Pro features a fully functional PA system powered by Peavey, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instruments and professional sound equipment, along with two limited-edition AG RiffMaster Guitar Controllers.

"Peavey Electronics is the leading designer of professional speaker systems and we’re happy to partner with them to offer a quality unit that amplifies the videogame rock experience for gamers and musicians alike," stated Steve Spurgeon, CEO of ArtGuitar. "The RiffMaster Pro can also be used to plug in real instruments giving bar owners a unique way to attract consumers to their establishment."

The Peavey speaker combination includes four 10" high output power speakers and two tweeter drivers within a 412-stack exterior design. The enclosure also features a "through" connection to allow for additional extension speakers to be added. The head unit, designed to be positioned above the frame, is intended to hold a gaming console and creates a high output quality sound when used with music-based videogames. Also included in the bundle, is a quality Peavey microphone and two AG RiffMaster Guitar Controllers from ArtGuitar to provide the most authentic interaction with music videogame tournaments.

"This complete bar and nightclub tournament speaker system offers a unique alternative to conventional karaoke," stated Jim Beaugez, marketing communications director of Peavey Electronics. "And the quality AG RiffMaster Guitar Controllers are sure to create a gaming experience that bar goers will be lining up to experience."

The limited-edition AG RiffMaster Guitar Controllers included in the bundle are genuine life-size Peavey guitars modified for play with guitar-based music videogames on the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Choose from 17 different designs featuring legendary rock bands MEGADETH, OZZY OSBOURNE, KISS, PANTERA and LYNYRD SKYNYRD.

To order the RiffMaster Pro or to learn more about ArtGuitar, please visit www.artguitar.com.

BRUCE KULICK Issues Year-End Message

"I trust you all are having a great holiday with friends and family and I hope you all can be happy for whatever blessings in life you really have. Perfect example for me to share is my brother (Bob Kulick) breaking his leg doing what he loves to do, playing softball, on Sunday, December 16th and then realizing he was to be in the hospital for four days. He became a bionic man, with a titanium rod and plate in his leg, and will have a lengthy rehabilitation, which is something very new to him. He remembered four years ago when I was injured by a crazed gunman shooting me through the leg, and grazing my temple, that I could help him understand being in the emergency room and what may follow.

"Actually, Bob has a bit more rehab than even I had, although I had knee surgery four months after taking the bullet through my thigh muscle, as I twisted that knee pretty bad. Elective surgery was my situation, but Bob did great two days after he broke both bones in his left leg, and he is doing well all things considered. His doctor expects a full recovery. So once again, be grateful for all you can do, like walk up and down stairs, and all the other simple things we take for granted. And remember to take good care of your health, as my brother will recover more quickly because he is in good shape. Seeing our parents struggle, as fortunate as we are to have them around, has always been tough on our nerves.

"So in overview of my 2007, I wanted to share some highlights: touring Europe with the ERIC SINGER PROJECT in March and seeing some incredible countries (and fans!); performing in Brazil and Argentina; jamming with Jack Bruce of CREAM in London and recording at Abbey Road Studios; sharing the stage with Paul Stanley at two of the Fantasy Camps I appeared at; traveling all over the U.S. and Niagara Falls with GRAND FUNK RAILROAD; seeing the huge success of 'Kissology Vol. 2' and 'Vol. 3' (thank you all), recording, co-writing and performing in L.A. with 'American Pie' actor Thomas Ian Nicholas; receiving a double-platinum award from Kanye West for the 'College Dropout' co-write; receiving a platinum disc for LORDI, the band from Finland for whom I played a wicked guitar solo; making huge progress on my 'BK3' disc; buying quite a few new amazing guitars, and selling a few I didn't need as well; appearing at various KISS expos around the country (returning just recently from Brazil, again!); and ending up the year with a huge show with ESP in Mexico City!

"In conclusion, I did want to just say be grateful for all you have in your life. I have been very blessed with my work, and I am thankful to all the fans and the opportunity they have given me to entertain and share my music with you all. So have a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!"

Ace Frehley blows a kiss to the past and future

He still likes the ''rock 'n' roll all night'' part -- as he will prove at Allentown's Crocodile Rock on New Year's Eve-- but the partying bit has grown stale for the former Kiss guitarist.

''I'm doing well,'' he says in a thick Brooklyn accent from a New York City studio, dividing his attention between answering questions and working with a guitar roadie on modifying one of his trademark special-effects Les Pauls. ''I've been clean and sober for a long time now.''

Clean and sober, maybe, but back in the rocking world for sure. He has assembled a new band -- guitarist Derek Hawkins, bassist Anthony Esposito and drummer Scott Coogan -- and is working on a new CD due for release in March or April.

''It's gonna be a special night,'' Frehley says of the Croc Rock gig, the fourth stop on his latest tour. ''We're all pumped up for it. We'll come in ready to tear the place apart. The new band really kicks [butt]. We're gonna do Kiss classics, Frehley's Comet classics, new stuff. It should be a great night.''

Frehley says the intensity will be jacked up because a group of friends from New York are heading to Allentown for the show.

And what about celebrating New Year's Eve afterward?

''I'll leave it a question mark for now,'' Frehley says. ''If I said I was gonna celebrate at the hotel, they'd probably be mobbed and wouldn't like that.''

Paul Daniel Frehley answered a Village Voice audition ad to become one of the founding members of Kiss in 1972. Kiss' combination of anthemic teen-angst rock, driving rhythms, playful fretwork and spectacular pyrotechnics were as responsible for the band's success as the trademark makeup and Gene Simmons' ever-uncoiling tongue and always-ready Polaroid camera (the equivalent of today's ''Tommy Lee cam'').

The 56-year-old guitarist revived his Spaceman face-paint days in Kiss a few months ago, when he was featured in a Dunkin' Donuts commercial. ''I was trying to get them to sponsor the tour, man,'' he says (and you just know he isn't joking). ''It was a lot of fun to do.''

Coincidentally, Frehley's tour is kicking off just after last week's DVD release of ''Kissology: Volume Three 1992-2000.''

''I didn't even know it was going on,'' Frehley says of the latest Kiss concert release. ''Nobody checked with me. It's a mystery to me. I didn't get a … phone call. They didn't confer with me. Gene always takes the ball and rolls with it.

''It used to [tick] me off, but I've been away from [Kiss] for five years, so it's like water off my back. I'm excited about the new band, the new tour. As long as I get my [royalty] checks [from Kiss record sales] … .''

Frehley says the buzz about his upcoming album is that it harkens back to the days of his first solo effort, ''Ace Frehley,'' the only commercially successful of four solo albums released by the members of Kiss in 1978.

Frehley's hit from that album, ''New York Groove,'' is included in the new Kissology concert DVD set.

He is also responsible for writing ''Cold Gin,'' a song that became an anthem among teen drinkers in the mid-1970s. ''And I didn't even drink gin then,'' he quips.

The new Kiss DVD also features the band performing ''Detroit Rock City'' at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

''We opened up the reunion tour in Detroit,'' Frehley says. ''That was a rush, man. It was sold out. It was insane. Detroit has always been an excellent audience for us. We were headlining larger venues in Detroit when everywhere else around the country, we were still playing smaller venues. People thought we were from Detroit for a while, we were so popular there.

''But that's the past,'' he adds. ''It was all good stuff. Now I'm doing my own thing and I hope everybody enjoys it.''

Ace Frehley, with Broken Frame, 8 p.m. Monday, Crocodile Rock, 520 W. Hamilton St., Allentown, 610-434-4600, http://www.crocodilerockcafe.com . Tickets: $25; $30 day of show.

More ACE Dates Added

Now a seasoned rocker, Ace is no longer so wild

The concert is part of a four-day mini-tour designed to propel his new solo quintet into the recording studio in January. His untitled full-length CD is scheduled for a March 2008 release.

Space Ace is a founding member of KISS, the makeup-wearing glam rock band made famous by their fiery, theatrical stage show and such hits as "Rock and Roll All Nite" and "Calling Dr. Love."

At the height of their popularity, in 1978, Frehley, bassist Gene Simmons, guitarist Paul Stanley and drummer Peter Criss each recorded a solo album. The records were released simultaneously. It gave Frehley a taste of what a musical life without KISS might be like and helped to lead him away from the band four years later.

After the successful "Frehley's Comet" album in 1987, his career spiraled into a black hole of alcoholism, then was rejuvenated when he rejoined KISS from 1996 to 2002.

Today, Ace Frehley is sober and ready to launch into a new recording he says will sound like his first solo album as a member of KISS.

When the members of KISS set out to make solo albums back in 1978, was there a competitive spirit to see whose album would sell best?

Oh, yeah.

Before we all left to do our own records we had a big meeting. I might have read it wrong but the feeling I got from Paul and Gene was... I remember them saying to me, "Hey, if you need any help on your record don't hesitate to call." But I perceived it as a condescending comment, like you're going to need help or something.

Gene had everybody and his brother on his record. I did my whole record on my own with me and Anton Fig on drums. I guess my head was in a good place at that time.

What were the best years of KISS in terms of camaraderie?

In the early days there was a lot of camaraderie. I used to room with Gene. We used to stay at Holiday Inns. Paul and Peter roomed together. There was a lot of insanity, a lot of girls, a lot of parties, a lot of crazy times. I don't regret any of it, you know?

As a musician, how difficult was it to be a character in makeup and costume?

It was a royal pain... especially when we had to make personal appearances. It was one thing to put the makeup on, the costume and do the show, because by the end of the show you sweated off half the makeup. After shows we'd just jump into the shower and get cleaned up. But when you wake up in the morning (to make a publicity appearance) and have to put that stuff on, it was the worst. That started getting to me more and more towards the end.

Where did the smoking guitar idea come from in your KISS days?

I came up with the idea one day when I was up in Canada on the road and bought some smoke bombs. I ended up putting one in the volume control compartment of my Les Paul. I knew there was a canal because the wires had to go to the pickups. I figured if I lit off a smoke bomb in there it would have to seep out from around the pickup, and it worked, but it ended up screwing up the volume and tone control.

I did that a couple of times, and then I ended up getting together with an engineer, and we routed out the back of the guitar and put in a metal box, and the smoke came out of the guitar pickup closest to the neck, which was actually a fake pickup.

At what point did friction surface within KISS and pull you and Peter Criss away?

There was always a little friction. Me and Peter were the party animals of the group. That created friction.

In 1987, when "Frehley's Comet" debuted at No. 43 on the Billboard 200 chart, did you feel vindicated?

From the time I had the success with my (first) solo album I knew that I had to leave the group and make my own way. There was a lot more I needed to express both artistically and musically that I couldn't do in KISS, because everybody wanted to sing lead, everybody wanted the spotlight. It was always a power struggle.

I was just noticing some (KISS) videos recently that had been re-edited where I don't get as much spotlight as I originally had. It's just stupid stuff like that, you know?

My biggest problem was once I got away from them and I got on my own, I was left to my own devices. Being a party animal ended up doing me in for a while.

Drugs and alcohol brought your career down, especially during your solo years. How were those days for you?

It was a struggle. Thank God I'm clean and sober today. It's amazing how much easier things are without all that nonsense. Ironically, back in those days I used to think I needed it to perform. It actually made things a lot harder. But that's the disease of alcoholism.

When KISS reunited for "Psycho Circus" and the Farewell Tour, which ended in 2002, how was it performing with those guys again?

It was kind of strange because doing the old songs and being in the makeup and costume it was like a flashback. It was a lot of fun in the beginning because the fans were great, and whenever I give people pleasure by performing it makes me feel good. But after a while it got played out.

When I walked away after the Japan and Australia tour, I thought the reunion tour had definitely been overdone. I was really surprised the guys went out and dressed somebody else in my makeup.

When did they obtain the copyright to your character's makeup and costume?

It was a negotiation after I left the second time. I get a royalty on merchandising.

After you left the second time, Tommy Thayer, your guitar technician in KISS, was made the new Ace. What was your reaction?

It seemed a little desperate. Gene's all about money. I'm all about music and art. When I make decisions it's not always based on how much money I'm going to make.

I could have released this new record I'm making a year ago because I had enough tracks, but it has been over 10 years since I released a studio album, so it's got to be a really special record.

What was the best KISS album?

It's got to be a tossup between "Destroyer" and "Alive I."

ACE FREHLEY To Play London In April

GENE SIMMONS Talks 'The Celebrity Apprentice'

According to RealityTVWorld.com, Simmons decided to jump onboard despite his reputation as a tongue-wagging, demonic-face-painted rocker and reality patriarch.

"I went to a restaurant and I saw the powerful, attractive and world-famous Donald Trump there," recounted Simmons. "And on the way out, we exchanged pleasantries and it was sort of, 'Hey, you want to do the show?' kind of thing. It was very fast and I went to myself, 'Well I got a lot of stuff, KISS is going back out on tour. I got to, you know, I got to tie my shoe and - wait a minute. That's an interesting idea.'"

After giving it some thought, Simmons said he realized he's "lucky enough — blessed — to be the king of my own domain" and was eager to learn if that would still be the case if he was taken from his comfort zone.

"The question is if the rug is pulled out from under you and you don't have your support system, your staff, your infrastructure, how good are you really?" he wondered aloud to reporters. "The other thing is the entrepreneurs, it seems to me, by and large are self motivators, self starters. They'd rather do it themselves and sort of outsource and use somebody else's infrastructure to get to where they want to go... The question is how's Gene Simmons in a situation where you've got other people? In other words, in a team situation. So it's a totally different model and I was curious how good I was. I'm the rat that knew the maze to get to the cheese. But how good am I in a brand new maze?"

Simmons apparently handled the maze well, according to Trump, who said the "Family Jewels" star was "true to himself" during the competition and "made some tough decisions." While The Donald was proud of most of the mice running through his maze, he said some of them did bump heads.

Read more at RealityTVWorld.com.

ACE FREHLEY: How LED ZEPPELIN Changed My Life

"I was real excited about going to the show. I remember it like it was yesterday. They were using Rickenbacker amps, which you can't find anymore. Back then Page wasn't using a Les Paul, he was using a Telecaster. Between him and Robert Plant they destroyed. They took over the Fillmore East to the point where, after they went off and the headliner was coming on, half the people walked out and didn't come back. I still think about that first time I saw LED ZEPPELIN at the Fillmore from time to time. God, I wish somebody had a video camera back then; it was incredible."

Art world embraces Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley

"I call her 'Mona.' And I figure from my own personal experience, every icon could use some new fresh paint," said Paul Stanley.

So Stanley brought the Mona Lisa into the 21st century. He also pays his respects to the Statue of Liberty, and to both of his parents.

This is the other side of the rock 'n' roll star you're used to seeing. He paints a story of a broken heart in a work called "Scream."

And then turns it down several notches to create a quiet painting called "Alone."

In 2007 his art sales were more than $2 million. But for someone who's already rich, it's about more than making money.

"What I'm trying to do with my art is connect with people emotionally. I think one of the beauties of abstract art is probably that it appeals to you emotionally, rather than intellectually. I'd rather get a smile or somebody going, 'Whoa!' than somebody going, 'Hmmm,'" said Stanley.

Stanley's abstracts include "Green Planet," "Winter Sun" and "Purple Haze."

"I love color and somebody was describing my work and said to me, 'You know, you're fearless with color,' and I said, 'What's there to be afraid of?' You know -- it's color!" said Stanley.

And he's not afraid to use color, or even his fingers, if it achieves the desired effect in a painting.

"You don't need a degree to know what good art is. Good art is what you love. When you go into a restaurant, you don't have to have someone tell you what bad food is. When you spit it out, guess what? It's bad," said Stanley.

But painting has been good for Stanley, who has found it therapeutic and eye-opening.

"I tore my rotator cuff and I had surgery five weeks ago. Ten years ago if that happened, I would have said to the doctor, 'Will I be able to play the guitar?' I said to the doctor, 'Will I be able to paint?'" said Stanley.p>Paul's original works start at about $14,000, but his giclee reproductions begin at about a thousand dollars.

'Celeb Apprentice' Moves Again

Late Thursday, the network decided to move the show's debut back to Thursday, Jan. 3. Earlier this week, NBC had moved the premiere to Jan. 10.

All that, however, was before ABC decided to move its last original episode of "Grey's Anatomy" to Jan. 10. The network is instead going with an all-repeat lineup on the 3rd and holding an original "Ugly Betty" for the next week. ABC also moved the premiere of its drama "Cashmere Mafia" from Jan. 3 to Sunday, Jan. 6, where it will follow the last pre-strike episode of "Desperate Housewives."

The upshot is that "Celeb Apprentice" will go back where it started on Jan. 3, staying out of the way of the highly rated "Grey's." It will still have to face off against FOX's broadcast of the Orange Bowl and may have to contend with interruptions for news reports from the Iowa caucuses. NBC News says it will provide updates on the voting with "special reports throughout primetime."

NBC will sandwich the "Apprentice" premiere between an episode of "Deal or No Deal" and an original "ER."

NBC Delays 'Celebrity Apprentice'

NBC has decided to hold off on the show's premiere a week, pushing it back from Jan. 3 to Jan. 10. Its timeslot -- 9 p.m. ET Thursdays -- and everything else about the show remains the same.

The move will protect the show from a couple of other likely big ratings draws on Jan. 3. FOX broadcasts college football's Orange Bowl that night, and ABC is slated to air the last original "Grey's Anatomy" completed before the writers' strike.

It also extends the "Apprentice" run one more week into the spring, when -- barring a strike settlement -- supplies of original programming will be getting pretty thin.

"The Celebrity Apprentice" will bring together the likes of actress Marilu Henner, rock star Gene Simmons, former heavyweight champ Lennox Lewis and model Carol Alt, among others, to compete in business-related task under the eye of Donald Trump. The winner will earn a $250,000 donation to a charity of his or her choice.

'20 Fathers Of Heavy Metal' Canadian TV Special To Re-Air This Week

According to a program description, "Listed" "counts down the 20 'fathers of heavy metal.' These bands' grandiose lyrics, theatrical performances and ear blasting power made them groundbreakers in their genre. The 'Metal God' himself, JUDAS PRIEST's Rob Halford, stars as one of the special guest commentators."

"Listed: 20 Fathers of Heavy Metal" includes the following artists:

01. BLACK SABBATH
02. LED ZEPPELIN
03. IRON MAIDEN
04. JUDAS PRIEST
05. METALLICA
06. AC/DC
07. MOTÖRHEAD
08. DEEP PURPLE
09. KISS
10. DEF LEPPARD
11. MÖTLEY CRÜE
12. VAN HALEN
13. MEGADETH
14. SLAYER
15. ALICE COOPER
16. SCORPIONS
17. ANTHRAX
18. MINISTRY / NINE INCH NAILS
19. PANTERA
20. SYSTEM OF A DOWN

For more information, click here.

Third 'Kissology Vol. 3' Easter Eggs Revealed

* Disc 1 has an "amazing' five-minute compilation of KISS' recording sessions (between November 1995 and January 1996) for the album that became "Carnival of Souls".

* Disc 2 has the band's soundcheck for their performance under the Brooklyn Bridge for the MTV Video Music Awards back in 1996.

* Disc 3 has a 6:20 second clip from the BC Place Millennium December 31, 1999 concert from Vancouver. Paul Stanley counts down the millennium and at the stroke of midnight and Ace Frehley sings "2000 Man".

ACE FREHLEY Schedules Ohio Date

GENE SIMMONS Talks 'The Celebrity Apprentice'; Video Available

Other celebrity participants include "Sopranos" star Vincent Pastore (he was Sal "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero), Olympic gold medalists Nadia Comeneci and Jennie Finch, "Taxi" star Marilu Henner, Piers Morgan from "America's Got Talent", and former "Apprentice" Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth.

Simmons is hoping his face time with the Donald will leverage some of his other business endeavors. "I'm in the Gene Simmons business," he told the AP of his plan.

The celebrities will be competing for cash donations to their favorite charities, with the grand prize being a check for $250,000 to the winner's charity.

Video footage of Simmons explaining what it takes to win in life and on the show can be viewed below.

According to Zimbio.com, on the series' premiere episode, airing Thursday, January 3 (9:00 PM ET/PT), the celebrities try their hand at one of the most quintessential New York jobs: hot dog vendor. The team that makes the most money wins. However, being famous has its privileges, as candidates try to use their contacts to sell wieners at $5,000 and $10,000 a pop. The stars not only bring out their famous friends (including New York Met David Wright) to help, but they catch the eye of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. For the first time the 14 celebrities are stripped of their managers, personal assistants, agents, and publicists and are thrown out of their comfort zones. They quickly begin to size up each others egos, as they come face to face trying to split into two teams and choose team captains.

Trump's eyes and ears on the task are his daughter Ivanka and eldest son Donald Jr.

"The Celebrity Apprentice" is produced by Mark Burnett Productions in association with Trump Productions LLC. Mark Burnett, Donald Trump are executive producers, Eden Gaha and Page Feldman are co-executive producers.

youtube.com 1 - youtube.com 2

Another 'Kissology - Vol. 3 1992-2000' Preview Clip Available

PAUL STANLEY: New Audio Interview Available

'Kissology - Vol. 3' Second Easter Egg Revealed

Watch the footage on YouTube.

VAN HALEN: 'Visual History: 1978-1984' Book Now Available

At long last, Zlozower has compiled the definitive VAN HALEN hardcover coffee table photo book, "Van Halen - A Visual History: 1978-1984". The 232 page treasure is jam-packed with hundreds of classic and never-before-published photos.

This visual history collects live, session, candid and backstage photos from Zlozower's behind-the-scenes perspective, along with testimony from the rock pantheon paying homage to the band, including members of LED ZEPPELIN, GUNS N' ROSES, ALICE COOPER, DEF LEPPARD, KISS, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Alice Cooper, MÖTLEY CRÜE, along with band insiders such as original manager Marshall Berle, producer Ted Templeman, Pete Angelus, Eddie Anderson, Dean Kramer, and many more. And the foreword has been penned by none other than David Lee Roth!

As part of VAN HALEN's entourage, "Zloz" toured America with the band, becoming their primary photographer. He was their friend who had the intimate access to the band that no one else had. Whether on the stage of a football stadium, poolside at a Holiday Inn or at Dave's dad's house, Neil and his camera were there and in everyone's face. He is also one of rock's most notorious and prolific photographers. His work has appeared in countless magazines and album covers. When you consider that Neil's prints sell for several hundred dollars each, it's pretty amazing that you can now own approximately 260 pictures from his prized collection for the very reasonable price of $34.95.

For more information, visit VanHalenStore.com.

'Kissology - Vol. 3' Easter Egg Revealed

Click here to watch a segment from the September 4, 1996 soundcheck.

PAUL STANLEY Talks About LED ZEPPELIN Reunion

EDDIE KRAMER Retrospective Being Held Today

But the greatness of Kramer doesn't stop at the music — Eddie photographed the moments in-between recording when the artists were listening back to their tracks for the first time. What exists in the Kramer Archives today are incredibly intimate shots of these legends hearing their songs for the first time and reacting to them in the moment- golden moments of creative inspiration.

Today (Friday, December 14), Eddie's contribution to music and pop culture is being celebrated at the Eddie Kramer Retrospect at Von Dutch LA (819 N La Brea, between Melrose and Santa Monica Blvd in Hollywood). Kramer himself will be there to sign prints and share stories. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for true classic rock fans and candid photography fans. There will also be a very special surprise musical guest.

Eddie Kramer Retrospective
Von Dutch Los Angeles
819 N La Brea,
Los Angeles CA 90038

Preview begins at 5:00 p.m.
Event is from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

DEATH's Classic 'Symbolic' Album To Be Reissued With Ultra-Rare Demo Tracks

"Symbolic" has sold just under 50,000 copies in the United States in the 12 years since its release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

ACE FREHLEY: Part One Of New Radio Interview Posted Online

Promoter disputes KISS lawsuit's claims

“We cancelled this concert because of lack of contracts. We could not come to an agreement on the content of the contract,” said Dennis MacDonald, president of Vancouver-based Big Mountain Concert Company (BMCC). “We find it very interesting that someone has accused us of being in breach of a contract that never existed.” MacDonald also clarified that it’s the band’s management and touring agents that are suing Big Mountain and MacDonald himself — not the members of KISS.

A statement of claim filed in B.C. Supreme Court on Nov. 28 by three separate Los Angeles-based companies seeks the $900,000 U.S. they allege was agreed to be paid for the 90-minute performance scheduled for Sept. 15, plus general damages and costs. The suit claims that the concert was cancelled by MacDonald and/or BMCC and the plaintiffs were willing and able to live up to their part of the agreement, including performing at the concert.

As a result of the cancellation, “the plaintiffs have suffered and will continue to suffer losses, injury and damages, including… injury to their respective reputations and loss of goodwill in their respective businesses, trades and professions,” the suit reads.

The suit claims a contract was made partly orally, partly in writing and partly by conduct and “it was understood and agreed by all the parties that the contract was final and binding.”

But MacDonald told The Question on Monday (Dec. 10) that BMCC representatives never signed the contract because they weren’t in agreement with it. “It’s abundantly clear that we disagreed with the contract,” he said.

An original deal was drafted in mid-July but weeks kept slipping by without the details getting nailed down, MacDonald said. The band’s representatives kept changing details such as technical and support requirements for the show, he said.

“There were changes that kept coming in in the last couple of weeks that kept adding to what our expenses would be,” MacDonald said. “It gets to the stage where you say you’re going to lose money on this if we proceed and these people continue to add on costs.”

When the concert was cancelled on Sept. 3, BMCC reps cited “logistical problems” as the reason it was called off. MacDonald said BMCC held out as long as it could without final details and in the end the added costs became “completely prohibitive.” He said thousands of tickets were refunded.

Breton Murphy, manager of corporate communications for Tourism Whistler, said none of the local organizations that worked to facilitate the concert is involved in the lawsuit, and to his knowledge nobody from TW has been contacted about the dispute.

The Art of Rock 'n' Roll

Wentworth Gallery, one of the nation's leading fine art retailers, is proud to present an art exhibition by artist and rock icon Paul Stanley. The KISS front man will present his work at two special appearances at the Wentworth Gallery at Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, Long Island on Friday, January 4 and Saturday, January 5.

Both appearances are open to the public and free of charge.

Paul Stanley's Wentworth Gallery Appearances
Friday - January 4, 2008 6-9 PM
Saturday - January 5, 2008 6-9 PM

Wentworth Gallery
Roosevelt Field Mall
Garden City, NY 11530
RSVP: 516.742.6100
*Call for details on the special VIP Reception with Paul Stanley

ERIC SINGER: New Audio Interview Available

BRUCE KULICK On 'Gene Simmons Roast': 'He Asked For It, And He Got It'

"Got an invite to the 'Gene Simmons Roast' and it was a hilarious evening. It ran so late I couldn't even stay till the end, but some of the jokes about Gene and KISS in general were brutal, but very funny. He asked for it, and he got it. I also had the pleasure of speaking with Nicholas, his son. Imagine a young, spitfire version of Gene, without the knowledge of fame and fortune. A classy offspring, so Gene and Shannon (Tweed) have done great with their unique style of family. He is a family jewel! Sophie [Gene's daughter] was not in attendance as it was a bit blue and, shall I say, inappropriate.

"Also spoke with Geoff Tate from QUEENSRŸCHE, ALICE IN CHAINS' Jerry Cantrell, and Scott Ian from ANTHRAX. METAL SKOOL was the house band, and they are very funny to entertain. I know they will have to edit this event, as it was taped for A&E.

"By the way, I did not roast Gene, that was left for the comedians and his son.

"Can't wait to see the final version.

"Thanks to Gene for the invite. I had a great time!!"

Hollywood.com has posted exclusive photos from the "Gene Simmons Roast". Check them out at this location.

Each "roast" focuses on a particular celebrity as its target. A panel is selected from the celebrity's peers and current, popular comedians to comically point out the foibles of the personal and professional lives of the celebrity in question.

The "Gene Simmons Roast" was hosted by comedian Jeffrey Ross and is scheduled to air on A&E sometime in April 2008.

Ross stated before the event: "I'm roasting my childhood hero... Growing up, Gene was my favorite member of my favorite band. But that doesn't mean I'm not gonna take him down hard."

A poster for the "Gene Simmons Roast" can be found at this location.

A couple of video clips shot outside the Key Club the night of the "Gene Simmons Roast" taping: Clip#1, Clip#2.

Another 'Kissology - Vol. 3 1992-2000' Preview Clip Available

LORDI Pays Tribute To KISS' 'Creatures Of The Night' With New Single Cover

"Beast Loose in Paradise" will be released as a downloadable single via www.zed.fi on December 24 and as a physical CD on January 9. There will be two edits of the song: "Radio Edit" and the "Dark Floors Version". The "Dark Floors" version will include a longer intro.

"Beast Loose in Paradise" — which is one of two new songs the band recently recorded — will appear in LORDI's upcoming feature film "Dark Floors".

In a recent interview with MonsterDiscoHell.com, the group's mainman Mr. Lordi stated about the new material, "These two songs were composed mainly during the Ozzfest tour. As a matter of fact I remember composing the chorus and the main riff of 'Beast Loose in Paradise' in Milwaukee and the chorus and verses of 'Studs and Leather' in St. Augustine."

He continued, "The origin of the main riff of 'Studs and Leather' goes way back. That one was taken from the unreleased LORDI album 'Bend over and Pray the Lord!' (which was supposed to be released as LORDI's debut album in 1999)! Though the tunes were changed, but the rhythm is still the same. The verse of 'Beast Loose in Paradise' is from another therapy band sessions from last Christmas. And the rest of both of the songs was basically made between the Ozzfest and TYPE O NEGATIVE tours... I think that's the first time some part of a song was made like this in the history of this band. The arrangements are done pretty much while the songs are demoed. The rest while rehearsing the songs and the final decisions in studio when recording."

Asked if there was any truth to recent report in the Finnish music magazine Soundi that the new LORDI songs would be "more brutal and raw" than the material on "The Arockalypse", Mr. Lordi said, "Our music is not gonna get any brutal or heavier, but not any lighter [either], that's for sure! I think it's gonna be pretty much the same. But it's so hard to think and say for myself. You'll be the judges then. I'd say these two songs are familiar LORDI. Although 'Beast Loose in Paradise' is more 'movie-esque' and 'horror-ish' on purpose. And some might say it's even heavier, but at the very least the chorus will be familiar and melodic LORDI stuff. And "Studs and Leather" is basically 'Heaven's on Fire' meets 'Balls To The Wall'. But as I said, it's really hard to describe them myself. And like I've said before, it's pointless to start forming opinions based on what I've said as to what the the next album's gonna be like. These songs were made for the movie and do not necessarily represent the future material in any way."

LORDI recently postponed its previously announced December 14 hometown gig at Lappi Areena in Rovaniemi due to ongoing post-production work on "Dark Floors". Tickets already purchased for the December concert will be valid for the new show. Tickets will also be refundable at the point of purchase.

BRUCE KULICK Issues Brazilian Tour Recap

"What an amazing trip I just returned from! For the second time in 2007 I got to visit Brazil. This time I did three shows starting off in Sao Paulo, then Belo Horizonte, and lastly a city called Curitiba. I was backed by a band called MUNDO CAO which is kind of 'World of The Dogs' to my translation!

"Brazilians are wonderful people and you should know they speak Portuguese NOT Spanish. So I always have a bit of a difficult time, as I want to use my knowledge of Spanish whenever I am in South America.

"I arrived on Tuesday, tired but ready for a good lunch, and then, of course, a nap as the flight over was quite long.

"The evening started with me doing some interviews for various magazines that cover rock in Brazil. Then we started our rehearsal. The guys in my band on this trip were Zeca on bass guitar and vocals, Fabio on rhythm guitar and vocals and Marcos on drums and vocals. They were prepared for my arrival although as always there are some nuances to learn to get the material tighter. I was happy to go have a bite afterwards and I must add that the food in Brazil is VERY tasty!"

Read the entire report at this location.

KISS Partners With ZAZZLE For 'Hundreds' Of New Collectibles

Through Zazzle's innovative on-demand technology platform, fans can instantly create and customize one-of-a-kind KISS products that will be shipped within 24 hours. Offering a large library of customizable digital KISS art, Zazzle allows fans to create their own unique KISS collectibles. Fans can mix and match KISS art with tons of great products, and they can even personalize products by adding their names, birth dates, favorite shows, KISS slogans, etc.

Every single KISS product Zazzle ships to customers is made — literally — one at a time, right after you click "Purchase Now." Zazzle also has a 100% percent satisfaction guarantee, if you don't love it, send it back.

Currently there are dozens of KISS designs available on items such as t-shirts, hoodies, posters, stickers, bumper stickers, buttons and postage stamps. New KISS designs and collectibles will be added in the near future.

Visit the KISS section of Zazzle by clicking here.

ACE FREHLEY: Rare 2000 Video Interview Posted Online

Sex, money and washing-up

But there he is, large as life, cleaning up after the cat, washing the dishes and climbing into bed in his bright red pyjama suit.

Ageing rocker Gene Simmons, tongue-wagging KISS frontman and bassist who claims to have slept with over 4,600 women, is about to reveal all for Australian television.

Gene Simmons' Family Jewels is a reality television show that follows the family life of the rockstar, his former Playboy Playmate of the Year partner Shannon Tweed and their two children Nick, 18 and Sophie, 15.

The first series of the show will go to air in Australia from January 9 on Foxtel's Bio Channel.

Simmons says he didn't consult his family before filming started because, well, he's Gene Simmons.

"I have a peculiar lifestyle, I don't really check around to see if it's okay," Simmons told AAP from Beverly Hills.

"I sort of do what I want to do and then people whose lives I make possible trust that my judgments are correct.

"The idea of democracy in a home is highly overrated."

However, the rocker doesn't seem quite as tough on the first episode of the show, as his wife forces him to do the housework on her birthday.

It's a very different insight into the man who fronts one of the world's most successful bands.

KISS recorded 32 albums over 36 years and their record sales exceed 75 million worldwide.

Simmons himself has written two books, Kiss and Makeup in 2001, and Sex, Money, Kiss in 2003, produced the film Detroit Rock City and has his own record company.

And Family Jewels isn't Simmons' first foray into reality television.

He starred in Gene Simmons' School of Rock, where he taught classically-trained music students the art of rock and roll.

Again, Simmons says he is attracted to reality television simply because he is Gene Simmons.

"I'm in the Gene Simmons business and anything I want to do that appeals to me, I do and I don't really question it much," he says.

"I did (Rock School) because I wanted to do it, it's sort of like if you're lucky and blessed in the way I have been and continue to be, life gives you a menu and you have a choice.

"Most of the people on the planet don't have any choices.

"You know, you go to work at jobs you hate, you wind up having to go to your mother-in-law's house, the church forces you to get married.

"I refuse to lead my life that way, I do what I want to do ... I pick what I want from the menu of life."

Simmons says he also refuses pressure to marry his partner of 23 years, model and former Playboy Playmate of the Year Shannon Tweed.

He says the pair are "happily unmarried" rather than "married and miserable".

"As we both know, when the girls get together you always ask the same thing: 'why can't guys commit, why are they after my girlfriend?'," he says.

"Because it's the nature of man and you will forever be tortured by it.

"And you will finally come to the conclusion the only thing wrong with marriage is one of the two getting married tends to be a man."

The show is now in its third season in the US and Simmons' renowned magic touch with women - he claims to have slept with 4,897 women - is being stolen from him by his son.

"Nick has usurped my throne, as the alpha-male of all alpha-males," he says.

"So when I'm in public and the girls run over and I'm thinking to myself, 'Simmons, you devil you've still got it'.

"And you know when they giggle? (That's when) I'm thinking 'Yeah babe, I've still got it' and they go: 'Where's Nick?'."

The show reveals Simmons' children as polite, intelligent and well-behaved.

So how did he manage it? With attitude, of course.

"The old adage of you'll do as I say as long as you live under my roof is a very good rule," he says.

Episodes of Family Jewels include home video footage of Simmons dancing with a younger Sophie at a wedding, sitting with his children as toddlers at the dinner table and spending time with them backstage at a KISS show.

Simmons says just because he is famous, doesn't mean his children could get away with everything and their childhood was relatively normal.

"I think society has become far too permissive, that's why you have 12-year-old crack addicts running around, because there's no repercussion for bad behaviour," he says.

"And that's why both Sophie and Nick are A-list students and are charming and well-behaved, because (they're) not allowed not to be."

Simmons hasn't left his touring days behind, with KISS scheduled to play at the Australian Grand Prix in March next year.

"Of course, to get up on stage and to be an extrovert and make a complete spectacle out of myself, of course, is a privilege," he says.

"And also, it's time to show all the little bands how the big boys do it."

Commercial For New Zealand's ROCK2WGTN Festival Available

Segments of Wellington's Christian community are voicing concern about the festival, saying that it is disappointing the concert is being run over Easter Sunday, which is a very important day for the Christian community.

St Mark's Church warden Keith Newell says the nature of society these days means churches have to accept concerts like these, although he hopes their concerns are recognized. www.youtube.com

BRUCE KULICK In Brazil; Photos, Video Footage Available

Check out the photos at this location.

As previously reported, Kulick attended the Florida KISS Expo on November 4 at the Holiday Inn Main Gate East in Kissimmee, Florida. Bruce took part in a question-and-answer session and was available for photos and autographs. He also performed many of his classic KISS guitar solos live.

Watch fan-filmed video footage of Bruce Kulick performing the KISS song "Unholy" at LapaMultshow on December 6 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil: www.youtube.com

'Kissmass' Promotional Clip Available

TOMMY THAYER To Guest On Portland Radio

"Kenny has been battling cancer for the past year now and unable to work. All of our friends wanted to step up and help raise as much money as possible to help Kenny and his wife Diana with their day-to-day needs," says Thayer. "There will be a raffle and auction of fabulous rock 'n' roll memorabilia including a Paul Stanley signature guitar signed by all members of KISS, a guitar signed by all members of BLACK 'N BLUE, KISS DVDs, vintage T's and other great swag."

Tommy will join many local area musician friends Saturday night at Berbati's Pan nightclub in downtown Portland. All proceeds will go directly to Kenny and his wife Diana. Advance tickets are $18.00 and $20.00 at the door.

KISS Sues Promoter Over Cancelled Vancouver Concert

In docs filed with the Supreme Court of British Columbia, lawyers for KISS contend Big Mountain Concert Company pulled the plug just 12 days before a planned September 2007 concert in Whistler, B.C., resulting in "injury to their respective reputations."

Check out the lawsuit at this location (PDF file).

KISS Guitarist To Perform At BLACK 'N BLUE Reunion Show

Saturday, December 8, 2007
8:30 PM
Berbati's Pan
Portland, Oregon
Advance Tickets $18.00 / At The Door $20.00

In addition, the BLACK 'N BLUE bandmembers (not including Thayer) will meet on December 7 to plan the completion of the long-awaited "Hell Yeah!" release for Z Rock Records.

PAUL STANLEY: New Video Interview Available

More 'Kissology: Vol. 3' Preview Streams Available

"Nothin' to Lose":

Quicktime
Windows Media

"Detroit Rock City":

Quicktime
Windows Media

PAUL STANLEY: New Video Interview Available

HE'S NOT KNOWN FOR WATCHING HIS TONGUE

GENE SIMMONS' 'Family Jewels' Heading Down Under

Filling the weekly Wednesday 21.30 slot, the series will make its Australian premiere on January 9, offering a look into the life of the KISS legend and his family. It originally aired stateside on A&E.

VH1 CLASSIC's 'Kissmass' Special Detailed

Friday, December 7:

09:00 p.m. Dodger Stadium 98 Concert
11:00 p.m. "Kissology Vol. 2" Special

Saturday, December 8:

12:00 a.m. Dodgers Stadium '98
02:00 a.m. "MTV: Unplugged"
03:00 a.m. Sydney 1980
04:00 a.m. "Kissology Vol. 2" Special
05:00 a.m. [to be announced]
06:00 a.m. KISS Video Hour
07:00 a.m. "Kissology Vol. 2" Special
08:00 a.m. Sydney 1980
09:00 a.m. "MTV: Unplugged"
10:00 a.m. Houston 1977
11:00 a.m. "Kissology Vol. 2" Special
12:00 p.m. Dodgers Stadium '98
02:00 p.m. KISS Video Hour
03:00 p.m. Houston 1977
04:00 p.m. "MTV: Unplugged"
05:00 p.m. "Kissology Vol. 2" Special
06:00 p.m. Sydney 1980
07:00 p.m. KISS Video Hour
08:00 p.m. "MTV: Unplugged"
09:00 p.m. "Kissology Vol. 2" Special
10:00 p.m. Dodgers Stadium 98

PAUL STANLEY: Photos From Florida Art Gallery Appearances Posted Online

Palm Beach Gardens (Nov. 30)
Boca Raton (Dec. 1)

Oh Lordi ... Christians take on fiends of rock

Wellington pentecostal church Lifepoint says the lineup of bands - including former bat-biter Ozzy Osbourne and Kiss - are "not appropriate" and will have "negative influences" on the city during the two-day Rock2Wgtn festival on March 22 and 23.

They plan to lobby other church groups and will look at taking their concerns to Wellington City Council.

"It's not appropriate from our angle of things," said pastor Karen Crawshaw.

"I don't think we can force our views on others but at the same time we think it's a very negative influence on our city.

"It'll put a damper on the things the church traditionally focuses on at the Easter season."

The condemnation follows confirmation that another hellish rock act, Finnish heavy metal band Lordi, has been booked to appear at the Wellington event.

The band, whose five members dress in elaborate costumes as monsters and demons, won the Eurovision song contest last year.

The winning song, Hard Rock Hallelujah, includes the lyrics "I got horns on my head, my fangs are sharp and my eyes are red" - and prompted Finland's religious leaders to warn that the band could inspire devil worship. But vocalist Tomi Putaansuu, a former film student who calls himself Lordi, denies any Satanic leanings.

Concert promoter Phil Sprey has said the concert's lineup, expected to draw 80,000 people to Westpac Stadium over two days, would have a broad appeal.

Mr Sprey said the names of three more international bands and "two or three" Kiwi acts would be released over the next three weeks. The music would appeal across the generations - from children, to people in their 60s.

"It's a celebration of a weekend, a day everyone's supposed to be happy and cheerful. All we're doing is adding to that," he said.

But Ms Crawshaw said the music genre "brings together people who have a great deal of pain".

"I guess they find expression in that but it doesn't have a positive answer. The Easter story has a positive answer."

Father David Kennerley, of St Mary of the Angels Catholic Church, said the issue was more a reflection on how society was, rather than a religious matter.

"It's not the sort of thing I'd be going to," he said.

Mr Sprey said tickets would be available through Visa pre-sale on December 17 and to the public on December 20.

Prices would be announced shortly.

PETER CRISS Rare Artwork For Sale

The artwork was reportedly obtained from Criss' ex-wife Lydia Criss through her private auction several years ago via Backstage Auctions. A certificate of authenticity from Lydia Criss and Backstage Auctions is included with each piece.

Click here to view the entire gallery.

'Kissology Vol. 3' Preview Clip Available

GENE SIMMONS: 'The Apprentice' Promo Interview Excerpts Available

PAUL STANLEY Schedules Florida Radio, TV Appearances

To listen to the program live, visit www.paulandyoungron.com and pick a station.

Paul will also be the "in-studio" guest on WPTV-NBC 5 (Palm Beach) tomorrow during the 6 a.m. (EST) hour.

For more information, click here.

GENE SIMMONS: 'Take It Easy on BRITNEY'

ERIC SINGER to Perform With AVANTASIA At Upcoming Festivals

AVANTASIA's "Lost in Space - Part 1" and "Lost in Space - Part 2" EPs recently entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 9. It is the highest single chart entry in the history of Nuclear Blast Records.

An e-card for "Lost in Space - Part 1" and "Lost in Space - Part 2" — can be accessed at this location.

Apart from the identical title track, both releases feature completely different, exclusive songs plus videos, a poster, studio reports, a "making-of," a slideshow, and loads of enhanced bonus material, each for the price of a CD single.

The cover artwork for the upcoming album AVANTASIA, entitled "The Scarecrow", can be found at this location. Due at the end of January via Nuclear Blast Records, the CD is expected to feature guest appearances by the following artists:

Alice Cooper (vocals)
Amanda Somerville (vocals)
Bob Catley (MAGNUM; vocals)
Jorn Lande (ex-MASTERPLAN; vocals)
Kai Hansen (GAMMA RAY; guitar)
Michael Kiske (ex-HELLOWEEN; vocals)
Oliver Hartmann
Roy Khan (KAMELOT; vocals)
Rudolf Schenker (SCORPIONS; guitar)

GENE SIMMONS Royal Crown Revue: Video Available

GENE SIMMONS 'Roast': Photos Available

SIMMONS On MuchMusic's 'Much On Demand'

GENE SIMMONS 'Roast' To Be Taped Tonight

The event — which is said to be a benefit for "wounded warriors" — will be hosted by comedian Jeffrey Ross and will feature "roasts" by the following celebrities and comedians:

Brian Poshen
Carrot Top
Dave Navarro
Craig Gass
Danny Bonaduce
Eddie Griffin
Fred Armisen
Jim Norton
John Heffron
Lisa Lampanelli
Ralphie May
Shannon Tweed
Steve-O

Each "roast" focuses on a particular celebrity as its target. A panel is selected from the celebrity's peers and current, popular comedians to comically point out the foibles of the personal and professional lives of the celebrity in question.

The "Gene Simmons Roast" will be in a similar format as the one for Pamela Anderson, going from 8:00 p.m. to approximately 10:00 p.m. PST and air on A&E sometime in April 2008.

Commented Ross: "I'm roasting my childhood hero... Growing up, Gene was my favorite member of my favorite band. But that doesn't mean I'm not gonna take him down hard. What should i say about him???"

A poster for the event can be found at this location.

SIMMONS: 'The Record Industry Has Been Killed By The Same People That Love It'

THAYER Makes Surprise Visit To Chicago KISS Fan Fest

"Tommy Thayer [KISS guitarist] just made a surprise visit to the Chicago KISS Fan Fest!

"The event opened at noon with the announcement that KissOnline would be raffling off a Tommy Thayer-autographed 'Rock the Nation' tour book at 2pm. When the raffle was held, the winner, 12-year-old Brandon Kisereu, came up on stage to get his prize and asked why it was not signed. We told him we'd take care of that — and then the side door opened and Tommy came onto the stage. The crowd went crazy! You could see the look of shock on people's faces — it was quite a moment!

"After signing Brandon's tour book, Tommy explained that he was in Chicago for Thanksgiving and wanted to stop by and thank the fans for all of their support! He then spent the next 45 minutes answering all kinds of questions from the crowd. Topics included Eric Carr, BLACK 'N BLUE, a salute to the US troops, the recent KISS trio concert, and of course many KISS questions! One fan told Tommy how much they appreciated him taking time out of visiting with relatives to spend some time with the fans — with that, the crowd applauded again!

"Before leaving, Tommy visited with Bruce Kulick backstage and then stopped to sign autographs and take photos for the many KISS fans who figured out which door we were taking him out the building! (KISS fans are smart!!)"

Check out photos from the event at this location.

GENE SIMMONS Promotes Frank's Energy Drink In Toronto

Frank's Energy Drink has engaged the services of Simmons and his firm Simmons Abramson Marketing to generate brand awareness for Frank's, the energy drink known for its lederhosen-clad Energy Girls and its promise to "keep you yodeling all night long."

Hollywood-based Simmons Abramson Marketing is one of North America's leading brand-focused marketing agencies. The firm is managed by Simmons and partner Richard Abramson. Simmons Abramson manages the worldwide marketing, public relations, sponsorship, merchandising and branding efforts for the IndyCar Series, which includes the Indianapolis 500 race, an American sports classic.

Simmons, currently starring in the third season of A&E's hit TV show "Gene Simmons Family Jewels", generated a media stir recently when he joined the Frank's Energy Girls at several 7-Eleven convenience store locations in Vancouver.

SIMMONS On San Francisco's KITS LIVE 105; Audio Available

SIMMONS Guests On Boston's WZLX 100.7 FM; Audio Available

PAUL STANLEY: Garden City Art Exhibitions Announced

The details are as follows:

Wentworth Gallery
Roosevelt Field Mall
Garden City, NY 11530
RSVP: 516.742.6100
Friday, January 4, 2008 6 - 9 p.m.
Saturday, January 5, 2008 6 - 9 p.m.

ACE FREHLEY Schedules New Year's Eve Show In Allentown

Dec. 27 - Jaxx - Springfield, VA
Dec. 28 - Jaxx - Springfield, VA
Dec. 29 - The Norva - Norfolk, VA
Dec. 31 - Crocodile Rock - Allentown, PA

Frehley is aiming for an early 2008 release date for his new solo album. The guitarist — who recently celebrated one year of sobriety after relapsing during the summer of 2006 — has finished recording around 10 new songs for the effort but is looking to lay down two or three more in the next couple of months in order to make the CD "really special," he revealed during an appearance on the "Friday Night Rocks" radio show.

Ace's new album was reportedly recorded with a trio of Ace, Anton Fig on drums and new bassist Anthony Esposito (LYNCH MOB).

Kiss' Gene Simmons comes out of the phone booth

Less known is Gene Simmons, comic book freak. Recently we called upon Simmons, 58, who publishes his own line of comics, to talk about his passionate relationship with Superman.

Q: What's your deal with Superman?

A: Well, Superman caught me as an immigrant. I came to America (from Israel in the 1950s), and I didn't look like everybody else. I didn't talk like everyone else, and yet I didn't actually feel lower than anybody else. I did feel like Superman inside.

I was immediately drawn to the idea of the cape and fancy outfit because we all wanted to show off, but I loved that underneath that was a mild, meek guy.

Q: Did your love of superheroes at all influence the presentation of Kiss?

A: There's a direct correlation. With Kiss, there was a certain stage persona and an offstage persona, an alter ego. For the first 10 years or so we protected our secret identity. People wanted to see what we looked like offstage, and we didn't do that for the longest time.

Q: Do you still have Superman stuff around the house?

A: Sure. I've always wanted to have Superman meet Kiss.

Q: Does DC (Superman's publisher) know about it?

A: I don't know. They're probably not aware that with Kiss and Superman together, their sales would skyrocket because we have more fans than they do.

Q: I'm curious as someone who's getting married ...

A: Who is?

Q: I am, in the next year or so ...

A: Don't do it.

Q: ... I'm wondering how your partner ...

A: No partners. It's just me and Shannon. Women are free now.

Q: I'm wondering what she thinks of Superman.

A: Oh, women don't have a clue. They never did. It's biological. Our aspiration to be heroes, to physical greatness and ruling the world is something totally foreign to them.

Q: How are you able to keep your Superman stuff and other comics from being thrown out?

A: Well, I own everything, you see. It's my house and my stuff. I don't get the you-live-with-a-woman and she can say "we" and "ours." No, that doesn't play in my house. It's my house. I bought it. You bought it. It's your stuff, not our stuff.

Cast unveiled for all-star 'Celebrity Apprentice'

Now the secret can be told, says NBC, which made public Monday the names of the cast members.

Not that they needed any introduction. Not all of them, anyway.

Stephen Baldwin explained his participation by noting he already had "done a bunch of reality . . . I thought it would be fun to play the game.''

Likewise Gene Simmons of Kiss, star of his own reality series and unabashed self-marketer.

"I'm in the Gene Simmons business,'' he said, so doing "The Apprentice'' can only help promote his many other ventures. "Everything helps everything.''

Vincent Pastore (aka "Big Pussy'' from "The Sopranos'') was also instantly recognizable. Other famous faces include country music star Trace Adkins, Olympic gymnastics gold medallist Nadia Comaneci and heavyweight boxing champ Lennox Lewis.

But others on hand did need a bit of introduction.

Like Nely Galan, former entertainment president of the Telemundo network and executive producer (and "life coach'') of "The Swan,'' an extreme makeover program that aired on Fox a few years back.

Or the vaguely familiar-looking woman introduced as Marilu Henner, best-known from the sitcom "Taxi'' a quarter-century ago.

The 14 celebrities will not be vying for a job with Donald Trump, as in the previous six "Apprentice'' seasons, but instead will compete in business-oriented tasks around New York City to raise money for their favourite charities. The official "Celebrity Apprentice'' will win a $250,000 bonus to donate.

Tasks will be judged in the boardroom by executive producer-host Trump and his advisers, including, once again, his children/colleagues Ivanka and Donald Trump Jr.

As they met with the press in mid-October, the gathered rivals were set to face their first challenge the next day, when taping began. The show debuts Jan. 3.

Cast members for this rejigged "Apprentice'' -- which in the past relied on scrappy, ambitious star-wannabes -- were selected from a field of some 125 celebrity applicants, Trump told reporters.

"They were all begging to be on the show,'' he said. "The hardest thing was breaking it down to these 14.''

One deciding factor: Each of the chosen has had experience in business, Trump said. "These people have all done something very dramatic with money.''

Can they do it again, with cameras watching every move?

Actress-model Carol Alt acknowledged some initial nervousness.

"They're going to follow us in real time and that's scary, of course,'' she said. "I think with most all of us, we want control of our image -- it's part of the work that we do.''

Galan echoed Alt's trepidation.

"I've produced reality shows,'' Galan said. "To be on the other side is a little creepy. It's my karmic boomerang.''

Other cast members include Playboy Playmate of the Year Tiffany Fallon, Olympic softball gold medallist Jennie Finch, "America's Got Talent'' judge Piers Morgan, Ultimate Fighting Champion Tito Ortiz and Omarosa, the contestant on the first "Apprentice'' season in 2004. She is perhaps best remembered for making everybody on the show angry.

Why did Omarosa agree to come back?

"I did it for redemption,'' she told reporters.

Kiss Revving Up For Indy Race Concerts

"We'll do 15 dates or so," he adds. "We'll also go to Australia and New Zealand and maybe do four to six shows, but nothing comprehensive until we feel like it."

The first date to be announced is March 16 in Melbourne, in conjunction with the Formula 1 ING Australian Grand Prix. Tickets go on sale Nov. 30.

Meanwhile, it's been nine years since Kiss' last studio album, but Simmons says fans shouldn't hold their breath for another one. "There is nothing in me that wants to go in there and do new music," he says. "How are you going to deliver it? How are you going to get paid for it if people can just get it for free?

However, Simmons is preparing a boxed set of his solo music, "Monster," which he says will feature "150 unreleased songs." And, "Kiss will have another boxed set of unreleased music in the next year."

'Kissology Vol. 3' 'General Market' Bonus Disc Details Revealed

"This bonus disc will be carried by all independent stores (e.g.: Amoeba, Bull Moose, Dimple, Down In The Valley, Electric Fetus, Independent, J&R, Looney Tunes, Newbury, Plan 9, Rolling Stone, Salzers, Silver Platters, Twist & Shout, Vintage Vinyl, Waterloo, Zias, etc.) as well as national accounts (like Amazon, Borders, Circuit City, FYE, Hastings, Target, Virgin, etc)."

KROQ Weenie Roast - Irvine Meadaows Amphitheater Irvine, CA 6/15/96 track listing:

01. Deuce
02. Love Gun
03. Cold Gin
04. Calling Dr. Love
05. Firehouse
06. Shock Me
07. 100,000 Years
08. Detroit Rock City
09. Black Diamond
10. Rock And Roll All Nite

LION'S SHARE: 'Emotional Coma' U.S. Release Date Announced

BRUCE KULICK Talks About New Solo Album

Commando Rock: You're working now on your new solo album, "BK3". What can you tell me about this material?

Bruce: It is still being worked on. I have the 11 songs that will appear, but there are so many things still being worked on regarding a few of the songs, that I take the progress one week at a time. This disc of new Kulick music has to be the next step in my evolution of BK as a solo artists. I also have a few special guests involved. But all the news will come out in time about that.

Commando Rock: What are the main differences between "BK3" and the other two records you released previously ("Audiodog" and "Transformer")?

Bruce: Well, I have a co-writer and producer who is very talented. His name is Jeremy Rubolino. We have been working together for a few years on this new music. He pushes me in ways I can't. So I am very excited about the new music.

Commando Rock: Both you and your brother, Bob, are part of the history of KISS. Together you released last year the DVD "Kiss Forever". Tell me about this project.

Bruce: We were approached at the NAMM show, and I thought it would be great for me to do an "update" on the songs of KISS. My other instructional effort was only from the "Asylum" disc for KISS. I enjoyed explaining the tunes, and Bob did the KISS-related tunes that he was involved in.

Commando Rock: Among all the bands you played in, without a doubt KISS is the most popular. Is being known mostly because of this period in your whole career something that bothers you?

Bruce: Not at all. It is a VERY positive thing, coming from KISS. Of course people ask what make up you wore. Those are the ones that are really aware of the band etc. But how many bands can you be a member of that is known around the world. People's faces really look excited when I say, "I played lead guitar with KISS for 12 years!" Wow that sounds awesome even to me!

Commando Rock: It's been 10 years since your last album with KISS was put out ("Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions"), but you've kept contact with the other members of the band. What is your relationship today with the members of KISS?

Bruce: Well, I have worked with Paul of course on his solo disc, and Gene as well. I did two Fantasy Camps with Paul and that was very cool to jam with him onstage again with him. Gene and I keep in touch often and I am a fan of the A&E show. It was wild to be watching the footage a month ago that will be on "Kissology 3" and hear us all comment on the shows from my era. Very cool. Of course, Eric and I are very close.

Commando Rock: How did you feel when the reunion of the original line-up of KISS was confirmed that result in you leaving the group?

Bruce: Well, the success was not surprising to me. So of course they had to carry on in make-up. But I still think the "Revenge" band was important!

Commando Rock: The reunion lasted till 2000, and after that a lot of other musicians played guitar and drums. Would you say that the relationship with Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons is difficult to keep?

Bruce: They are like brother in a family. They will always disagree to a point but keep the amazing creation called KISS moving forward . Can't say they aren't good at it!

Commando Rock: Did you ever think about going back to KISS? If you were invited back today, what would be your answer?

Bruce: Tommy has done the "Ace" role just fine. If they want to do a "Revenge"-style tour etc, that would make the most sense to ask ME of course. Know a promoter with LOTS of money to make that happen?????

Read the entire interview at this location.

PAUL STANLEY Preacher Guitar Announced

PAUL STANLEY Preacher Guitar Announced

The Paul Stanley Preacher comes in four models, allowing for a wide array of features and designs for musicians to choose from. Each instrument will allow guitarists worldwide to harness the legendary, rock-driven tones of the Star Child himself. All the guitars in the series feature a mahogany-set neck and body, Grover 18:1 tuners, and are the result of intense collaboration between Paul and Washburn.

"What I wanted to do in designing the Preacher was to create a new guitar with an old soul," said Paul Stanley of KISS. "In essence, a historical classic that could have, but never actually existed. The design incorporates all the features, tone and spirit of an old iconic guitar but with better neck access and a unique take on a familiar shape. I was determined to retain all the characteristics that made a legendary guitar the gold standard for the last 50 years and yet create something new, unique and improved. I like to call it 'history with an attitude.'"

Paul Stanley worked intimately with Washburn on the design and construction of each unique guitar in the Preacher Guitar series. By lending his ideas and technical expertise, four exceptionally innovative instruments are now available for guitar enthusiasts everywhere.

"Paul Stanley has mesmerized fans for decades with his distinctive sound and style," said David Karon, Artist Relations Manager at Washburn. "He has contributed that same dedication and attention to detail during every step of the design process. From the shape, feel and tone of the guitars, Paul has had a vision for the Preacher Series and his vision has paved the way for one of the best Washburn guitars available."

The guitars will be offered with various components and features, including two models that are handcrafted in Washburn's custom shop. The Preacher Series includes:

PS9200
* Crafted in Washburn's custom shop
* Art deco headstock inlays
* Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates pickups
* Available in black and white

PS9000
* Crafted in Washburn's custom shop
* Rosewood fingerboard
* Pearl trapezoid inlays
* Available in gold top and honey-burst flame maple

PS7200
* Egnator pickups
* Tune-o-matic bridge
* Ebony fingerboard
* Available in black

PS7000
* Rosewood fingerboard
* Trapezoid inlays
* Gloss finish
* Available in honey-burst flame maple

The Paul Stanley series is available online and at major music retail outlets, including Musician's Friend, Music 123 and more. To locate a Washburn dealer, please visit www.Washburn.com.

KISS To Rock Australia's GRAND PRIX

"The rumors are true. KISS will provide a spectacular conclusion to the 2008 Formula 1 ING Australian Grand Prix by performing their full stage show for race goers in Melbourne on Sunday, March 16th, 2008.

"KISS will be flying to Australia especially for the Grand Prix and are looking forward to being part of what is widely regarded as the best round of the Formula One world championship."

Commented KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley: "Let me see — high-octane, roaring horsepower testing the threshold of sound and speed. And then the Formula One Grand Prix! No way we'd miss this! We'll be firing on all cylinders and the audience will need their seatbelts."

"We miss Australia," added Gene Simmons. "The people. The culture. And the Melbourne Grand Prix. This is gonna rock!"

A limited allocation of tickets named "KISS Pole Position" will be available for a reserved general admission area at the front of the stage. Patrons in this area will receive an exclusive souvenir ticket and lanyard on entry to the "KISS Pole Position" area.

Tickets go on sale on November 30.

Billboard Q&A: Gene Simmons

Simmons is writing his third book -- "Ladies of the Night," a "personal and historical overview" on the profession of prostitution -- coming this spring via his own publishing company, Simmons Books. He also has Simmons Comics, with three comic book series based on characters he's created. The list goes on.

And if that weren't enough, Simmons manages a host of efforts with partner Richard Abramson as part of Simmons Abramson Marketing. Of those is NGTV.com, a popular video Web site featuring uncensored celebrity interviews and music videos in which Simmons is both the chairman and an investor.

Simmons took a few moments to chat with Billboard about NGTV.com, and discuss his thoughts about the overall digital music market.

How did you get involved with NGTV?

I think they wanted to add my name to the roster, possibly to raise funds and attention. I brought over my partner Rich Abramson and told them we'd come on board subject to a few provisos. One was that it would no longer be called NetGroupie. I came up with No Good TV and trademarked it. I found the building where it's based. And it's been a nice steady climb.

What drew you to the company?

Part of it is the uncensored thing. But a ship is only as good as the people who work on it. They have a terrific team of young, talented people who didn't just look at the clock -- and everybody does what they needed to do. That's my style too.

For a young company, it's taken off quickly. To what do you attribute their success?

You can't put your finger on it, but you can recognize pieces of the puzzle. The VIPs of the world in pop culture decide among themselves where they want to go and who they want to be associated with. That's called buzz. It's difficult to create it.

It's like if you open a disco in the middle of Manhattan and it has 20,000 square feet with modern this and modern that, and you expect the stars to go ... good luck. But you can have a little roach-invested bar downtown in the Meatpacking district and the stars will come out knowing full well they'll be photographed.

NGTV is one of the few projects that you're associated with that you didn't create yourself. What makes this different?

I trust my own gut. I like to create my own stuff, but every once and a while something comes across that just looks too good to be true. The day-to-day is still Kourosh (Taj, co-founder and head of programming). All I've done is co-raising the money with Rich, and branding it No Good.

You've got the third series of the Kissology DVD coming out next month. Is there much more we can expect coming?

There'll be 10. No one -- and that includes the Beatles and Elvis -- can touch our (KISS') merchandising and licensing. Nobody. Outside of the music world, it's only Disney and Lucas. But in the music world, they can't shine our shoes.

Any touring plans?

We'll tour a few dates next year. We don't have anything to prove to anybody or do press to convince anybody we're important. We're doing KISS festivals around the Indy car racing series. Simmons Abramson Marketing markets and brands Indy cars. I came up with the I Am Indy brand, by the way. They go on the night before. We'll do 15 dates or so. We'll also go to Australia and New Zealand and maybe to four to six shows -- but nothing comprehensive until we feel like it.

It has been nine years since we've seen a new KISS album. Any plans to get back into the studio?

The record industry is in such a mess. I called for what it was when college kids first started download music for free -- that they were crooks. I told every record label I spoke with that they just lit the fuse to their own bomb that was going to explode from under them and put them on the street.

There is nothing in me that wants to go in there and do new music. How are you going to deliver it? How are you going to get paid for it if people can just get it for free? I will be putting out a Gene Simmons box set called "Monster" -- a collection of 150 unreleased songs. KISS will have another box set of unreleased music in the next year.

The record industry doesn't have a f*cking clue how to make money. It's only their fault for letting foxes get into the henhouse and then wondering why there's no eggs or chickens. Every little college kid, every freshly-scrubbed little kid's face should have been sued off the face of the earth. They should have taken their houses and cars and nipped it right there in the beginning. Those kids are putting 100,000 to a million people out of work. How can you pick on them? They've got freckles. That's a crook. He may as well be wearing a bandit's mask.

Doesn't affect me. But imagine being a new band with dreams of getting on stage and putting out your own record. Forget it.

But some artist like Radiohead and Trent Reznor are trying to find a new business model.

That doesn't count. You can't pick on one person as an exception. And that's not a business model that works. I open a store and say "Come on in and pay whatever you want." Are you on f*cking crack? Do you really believe that's a business model that works?

So what if music just becomes free and artists make their living off of touring and merchandise?

Well therein lies the most stupid mistake anybody can make. The most important part is the music. Without that, why would you care? Even the idea that you're considering giving the music away for free makes it easier to give it away for free. The only reason why gold is expensive is because we all agree that it is. There's no real use for it, except we all agree and abide by the idea that gold costs a certain amount per ounce. As soon as you give people the choice to deviate from it, you have chaos and anarchy. And that's what going on.

For more on NGTV and how its affecting the music industry, look for the feature in Billboard's Nov. 24 issue.

PETER CRISS' Ex-Wife To Guest On 'Maximum Threshold' This Weekend

"Maximum Threshold" is an Internet radio show dedicated to presenting up-and-coming hard rock bands and successful bands as well as interviews, news and music reviews.

To hear the program, go to MaximumThreshold.net beginning at 8:00 p.m. EST. A live video stream will be available on the front page of the web site.

Lydia's book, "Sealed with a Kiss", traces her and Peter's history from when they first met in the mid-'60s, through their marriage and the band's rise to superstardom, to their divorce in 1979 and the years since. Lydia could have just focused on her time in and around KISS, but she told The Pulse of Radio it was important to show the context in which the band formed. "It was a really wild time in New York and, well, in America, you know?" she said. "It was the '60s, and it was Flower Power, and — what was it, 'the Summer Of Love,' and you know, that's an exciting part of my life. And it kind of... it's important to see how it builds up to why Peter is the way he was in KISS, and why I was the way I was, and, you know, even the band."

"Sealed with a Kiss" has a huge amount of rare and unpublished photos Lydia's personal archives, including many from when the band first formed.

The book is available at the official LydiaCriss.com web site, where you can also have her personalize it by signing it almost any way you can imagine.

Former KISS Manager BILL AUCOIN Interviewed; Audio Available

According to Wikipedia, Aucoin is widely credited with having "discovered" KISS, with whom he worked for eight years. He parted ways with the group in 1981 due to "creative and directional differences," with one of the alleged factors being his "vast unruly and expensive business organization which was eating up huge sums of money KISS were not making after the 'Unmasked' / 'Elder' debacles." He has now started to work alongside KISS on new DVD projects related to previously unseen concert video and unpublished photos.

Aucoin is back in the management business and has formed a company with his partner Kosta Kantzoglou called Aucoin Globe Entertainment. As of late 2006, he has two bands he is working with full-time: CROSSBREED and LORDI.

KISS Guitarist's World War II Hero Father Honored On Veterans Day

Thayer gave the order to fire, and his men, armed with carbines and three .50-caliber machine guns, killed 31 enemy troops without a single casualty in his squad. As the men moved through the forest, they encountered a smattering of resistance but captured hundreds of German soldiers along the way.

The next day, while searching for an ammunition dump, the men walked along a gravel road that led to an encampment. The stench of rotting flesh stopped them cold. They had stumbled into a German-run concentration camp. The enemy had fled already but some 17,000 people -- men, women and children -- lay sick and starving. When some of the survivors saw the Americans, they grasped at their boots and combat fatigues.

Thayer looked around. About 4,000 bodies lay around the perimeter. The smell of death mixed with stale cigarette smoke and human excrement. He offered water and some of his meager rations to a few of the survivors. Some choked to death on the spot, not having had food or water for such a long time.

He had the radioman send an urgent message: We need all the help we can get. "They were clinging to us, begging for help," Thayer remembers. "The smell really stuck with me. In my whole life, there's nothing that ever hit me like that."

For decades, thoughts of the concentration camp and gunning down those SS troops stuck with the young lieutenant from rural Carlton. "Shooting people, my God," he says. "For years, I felt guilty about having killed people. Killing is not a natural act."

The stellar military career, though, continued as Thayer earned accolades for his service. Bronze Star. Silver Star. Combat Infantry badge. He retired as a brigadier general, was inducted into the Infantry School Hall of Fame and became an honorary colonel of the 14th Infantry Division. He also was named civilian aide emeritus to the secretary of the Army, a title that required him to travel the world in support of U.S. troops.

Still, something ate at him. Until November 1992.

Thayer, on his way to a 40-site Holocaust memorial tour throughout Europe, was walking in the airport in Vienna when a man approached him.

"Are you Jim Thayer?" the man asked.

"Yes."

"If you hadn't come when you did, I wouldn't be alive today," the man told him. He was 14 at the concentration camp. "You saved my life."

That brought a certain peace to Thayer, the orphan farm boy raised by his grandparents on 28 acres of wheat, oats and barley in the mid-Willamette Valley. An only child, his parents split up when he was 4. His mother left him in the care of her parents while she worked as a teacher in the Northwest and beyond. His dad, always in ill health, was always on the road as a Fuller Brush salesman.

He graduated from the then-Carlton High School in 1940 before heading to the University of Oregon on a journalism scholarship. Several months later, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, and the United States went to war. Thayer signed up for the Army. "It was patriotism," he says. "Pure and simple."

After basic training and officer training school, he shipped out to Europe in January 1945 and remained there for a year after the war was over.

His career spanned 65 years, and it's still going.

Thayer spends a lot of time in his home office in a farmhouse he shares with his wife of 53 years, Pat, on five acres in Beaverton. He recently returned from two weeks with one of his four sons that retraced his steps in World War II.

He compares that war, to today's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. "It's much more difficult nowadays," he says. "We knew who the enemy was when we were fighting. It's hard to tell who is who in Iraq."

If you ask yourself why fight in a war, you can't give a good answer, he says. But you do have to care. The complexities of war aren't as simple as us versus them, he says. As a soldier, if you ask yourself "Why fight in a war?" you won't be able to give a simple answer.

Today, on Veterans Day, Thayer, 85, likely is sitting atop the back seat of a fancy car, participating in a parade that honors those who fought in past wars. After the holiday, as civilian aide to the secretary of the Army, he'll visit Walter Reed Army Medical Center to monitor conditions and improvements in health care after the recent scandal.

When he talks about the soldiers involved in the current conflict, he speaks with the tone of a concerned parent. He thinks a lot about those fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. He worries for their care and safety. "We can have a lot of thoughts about this war, one way or another," he says, looking out the window of his office. "But my job is to help the soldiers. It's what it was when I first enlisted and it's what it is today.

"They're doing a duty and we need to make sure we support them. Hell, war is a terrible thing. We just need to remember that a lot of them are kids."

PAUL STANLEY's 'Live To Dream!' To Be Premiered At Chicago KISS Fan Fest

Lick It Up DVD Now Scheduled For Release In December

The set, which has had its projected release date changed several times, will feature the following tracks:

01. I Love It Loud
02. Rise to It
03. All Hell's Breaking Loose
04. Heaven's On Fire
05. Thrills in The Night
06. Tears are Falling
07. Who Wants to Be Lonley
08. Uh! All Night
09. Reason To Live
10. Turn On The Night
11. Crazy Crazy Nights
12. Let's Put The X in Sex
13. Rock Hard
14. Forever
15. Unholy
16. Domino
17. Every Time I Look At You
18. God Gave Rock & Roll to You

Kiss rocking to Wellington

Kiss, starring Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, are well known for their theatrical make up and stage antics.

The event is being organised by Wellington-based promoter Capital C Concerts, who are already bringing Elton John and Bon Jovi to New Zealand this summer for one-off concerts.

Promoter Phil Sprey says the other acts will be announced shortly, but he is promising a unique 'Rocktacular', with a landmark special effects package.

'Kissology - Vol. 3' Bonus Disc Artwork Revealed

Monsters Of Rock, Sao Paulo, Brazil August 27, 1994 track listing:

01. Creatures Of The Night
02. Deuce
03. Parasite
04. Unholy
05. I Stole Your Love
06. Cold Gin
07. Watchin' You
08. Firehouse
09. Got To Choose
10. Calling Dr. Love
11. Makin' Love
12. War Machine
13. I Was Made For Lovin' You
14. Domino
15. Love Gun
16. Lick It Up
17. God Of Thunder
18. I Love It Loud
19. Detroit Rock City
20. Black Diamond
21. Heaven's On Fire

GENE SIMMONS To Headline Small Business Hawaii's 32nd Annual Conference

The conference, "Small Business 2008: Hawaii's Economic Tipping Point", will be at the Ala Moana Hotel, from 8 am to 2pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2008. Advance registration is required.

Simmons, who appears on many business programs regularly such as the recent Michael Eisner program on MSNBC, will share his entrepreneurial secrets and, "Ten Points to Make You Rich Like Me."

A full crew from A&E will travel with Simmons to film two Hawaii episodes featuring him at the SBH conference, at conference partner, JP Mariott Ihilani Resort in Ko'olina, and other island attractions. Small Business Hawaii is grateful to Jeff Stone of the Resort Company and his staff for arrangements for this very special event.

SIMMONS Joins Gangster Big Band ROYAL CROWN REVUE

The Las Vegas show with Gene Simmons fronting Royal Crown Revue will take place at Beacher's Madhouse, the world's most talked about variety extravaganza, located in The Joint at the famous Hard Rock Casino in LasVegas. Doors open at 9 a.m., with a red carpet entrance, and the entertainment is set to begin at 10 p.m.

Gangster big band Royal Crown Revue was recently announced as the backing band for Gene Simmons, following an earlier press release announcing that Gene Simmons would be fronting a mystery band. Over the past week Gene Simmons and Royal Crown Revue have been rehearsing for the event at undisclosed location in Los Angeles.

The Las Vegas show at the Hard Rock Casino with Gene Simmons will be the final West Coast performance for Royal Crown Revue prior to their sold-out tour of Australia. Royal Crown Revue will be performing two East Coast shows before year's end, one in Boston on December 12 at Sculler's Jazz Club, and one in New York City on December 13 at The Blender Theater at Gramercy.

Royal Crown Revue is currently in the studio recording their version of ELVIS' "Blue Christmas", with the single being released to national radio in early December.

Paul Stanley - Presents His Collection of Paintings

For more than thirty years, Paul Stanley has reigned supreme as one of the single-most recognizable front men in the history of rock and roll. He's the principal songwriter, driving force and unwavering voice of KISS. A VISIONARY AND TREND SETTER SINCE THE EARLY 1970's, Paul Stanley's passion for both the musical and visual arts has perhaps been the key to the astonishing ongoing world phenomenon known as KISS. His artistic and visual input has been seen in his designs of KISS album covers, stages and apparel. As an art major and graduate of the prestigious high school of Music and Art in NYC, Paul has returned to his passion for painting, to share with you the deep emotions his art conveys. Paul Stanley creates portraits and abstracts that are emotionally charged compositions. He aims to maximize the direct, physical impact of his paintings through scale, texture, color and simplicity of images.

BRUCE KULICK To Appear At ROCK 'N ROLL FANTASY CAMP In Vegas

For more information, click here.

Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp matches ordinary people with rock star counselors who teach them the ins and outs of writing and performing music.

Launched in 1997, Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp now has annual camps in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York and London. To help celebrate its 10th anniversary, musicians Slash, Roger Daltrey, Joe Walsh and Jack Bruce, among others, will gather November 7-11 for a special camp at Las Vegas' Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino.

ACE FREHLEY Mixing New Material At NYC's STUDIO 4

A photo of Ace, Jay Messina and Halsey Quemere at Studio 4 can be found at this location.

Frehley is aiming for a January 2008 release date for his new solo album. The guitarist — who recently celebrated one year of sobriety after relapsing during the summer of 2006 — has finished recording around 10 new songs for the effort but is looking to lay down two or three more in the next couple of months in order to make the CD "really special," he revealed during an appearance on "Friday Night Rocks".

ACE FREHLEY: New Photos From Halloween Concert Posted Online

Pinball Machine Sneak Preview Available

"As we previously reported, KISS licensee ICUP is working on a cool new table top KISS pinball machine. Here's an exclusive sneak preview of these new artwork sketches submitted for product approval. After apporoval of these sketches, ICUP will submit colorcomps of the artwork and then pre-production samples. If all goes well in these approval stages, the table top KISS pinball machine will be manufactured for sale to the public next year.

"In the sketch - the top part is the back glass and the bottom part is the playing field."

ACE FREHLEY: 'Friday Night Rocks' Interview Posted Online

Full Track Listing For 'Rock Band' Game Announced

Rock Band comes out on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 platforms on November 20, and PlayStation 2 on December 18.

The complete Rock Band soundtrack is (* indicates cover version):

THE ROLLING STONES - "Gimme Shelter"
AEROSMITH - "Train Kept a Rollin'"*
THE WHO - "Won't Get Fooled Again"
BOSTON - "Foreplay/Long Time"
MOUNTAIN - "Mississippi Queen"*
THE POLICE - "Next to You"
DAVID BOWIE - "Suffragette City"
BLACK SABBATH - "Paranoid"*
BLUE ÖYSTER CULT - "Don't Fear the Reaper"
THE RAMONES - "Blitzkrieg Bop"
DEEP PURPLE - "Highway Star"
KISS - "Detroit Rock City"
MOLLY HATCHET - "Flirtin'With Disaster"
THE OUTLAWS - "Green Grass & High Tides"
SWEET - "Ballroom Blitz"*
RUSH - "Tom Sawyer"*
BON JOVI - "Wanted Dead or Alive"
THE CLASH - "Should I Stay or Should I Go"
PIXIES - "Wave of Mutilation"
FAITH NO MORE - "Epic"
R.E.M. - "Orange Crush"
IRON MAIDEN - "Run to the Hills"*
FOO FIGHTERS - "Learn to Fly"
METALLICA - "Enter Sandman"
NIRVANA - "In Bloom"
STONE TEMPLE PILOTS - "Vasoline"
WEEZER - "Say It Ain't So"
SMASHING PUMPKINS - "Cherub Rock"
RADIOHEAD - "Creep"
BEASTIE BOYS - "Sabotage"
HOLE - "Celebrity Skin"
GARBAGE - "I Think I'm Paranoid"
SOUNDGARDEN - "Black Hole Sun"
THE HIVES - "Main Offender"
QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE - "Go With the Flow"
THE STROKES - "Reptilia"
JET - "Are You Gonna Be My Girl"
OK GO - "Here It Goes Again"
NINE INCH NAILS - "The Hand That Feeds"
YEAH YEAH YEAHS - "Maps"
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS - "Dani California"
COHEED AND CAMBRIA - "Welcome Home"
FALL OUT BOY - "Dead on Arrival"
THE KILLERS - "When You Were Young"
NEW PORNOGRAPHERS - "Electric Version"

ACE FREHLEY At NYC's Hard Rock Café: Review, Photos, Video Footage Available

According to the site, "the place was packed and the line outside the building grew very fast with time. The stage was visible right away and featured walls of amplifiers (Marshalls and Frehley's — yes, they had 'Frehley's' on them!) and the backdrop that showed a witch with Ace's makeup on a 'rocket'...although take a good look on the rocket, though. The image on the backdrop was a typical Ace — spacey and funny.

"The first segment was the costume contest hosted by three comedians and Ed Trunk, won by Metal Sludge's CC Banana dressed as 'Ace Peeley.' And then, after a very, very long wait due to some technical difficulties, Ace and his band came out accompanied by an enormous roar from the crowd. This must've been the loudest reception I've ever heard. Ace immediately started with 'Rip It Out' and didnt stop until the fourth song! The band sounded incredibly tight and Ace looked and played better than ever! According to longtime KISS fans, it was THE best Ace since the early '80s! For 'New York Groove', Ace played his lightning guitar and Anton Fig joined on drums. Incredible show with incredible energy."

Ace Frehley's setlist for last night's performance:

01. Rip It Out
02. Hard Times
03. Parasite
04. Snowblind - I Want You
05. Rock Soldiers
06. Breakout
07. Into The Void
08. Strange Ways
09. Shock Me
10. New York Groove (w/ Anton Fig)
11. Shot Full Of Rock
12. Rocket Ride
13. Medley (My Generation, How Many More Times, Bring It On Home, Highway To Hell)
14. Love Gun
15. Deuce
16. Cold Gin

Check out pictures from last night's concert at Diamant Noir.

Watch fan-filmed video footage from last night's show: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

PETER CRISS' Ex-Wife To Guest On KNAC.COM

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of KISS's "Alive II" LP (October 24, 1977), Lydia will be offering her book, "Sealed with a Kiss", for half price ($30.00 plus shipping) for one day ONLY on Halloween so tune in for details on how you can participate.

ACE FREHLEY Live In Poughkeepsie: Video Footage

PAUL STANLEY's Guitar Tech Talks To Gibson.com

"If Paul goes out of tune, it's not his fault, it's my fault," says Francis Stueber, referring matter-of-factly to one of his many responsibilities as guitar technician for KISS's Paul Stanley, with whom he's worked closely since 2002. "Usually I change his guitar every four to five songs so he doesn't have to worry about going out of tune. It's pretty straightforward with KISS; Paul only plays one tuning and he plays no more than six guitars. Really the only reason I change guitars is for aesthetics."

Stueber's also worked behind the scenes for HEART, THE OFFSPRING, and REO SPEEDWAGON's Kevin Cronin — gigs that have established him as one of the most in-demand guitar techs in the U.S. But it's his work with KISS that's brought him the most recognition. Stueber's relationship with Stanley, which began back in 2002, continues to this day. He's worked on all subsequent tours and one-off shows, on behalf of KISS as well as Stanley's solo efforts. He even took the stage with Gene Simmons and Tommy Thayer during the "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" episode where they performed for the troops, and was on hand when Stanley cut his 2006 solo album "Live to Win". And, of course, he maintains Stanley's personal guitar stash, which includes a number of Les Pauls and SGs.

Read the entire article at KissOnline.com.

Lil' Chris 'disappointed' by Simmons' silence

The 17-year-old found fame on TV series Rock School, which saw the legendary Kiss frontman teach a group of kids how to play instruments and sing.

Chris admits he wants to give Simmons a career update - but concedes the rocker is probably 'too busy' to get in touch.

Speaking at London's Hard Rock Cafe Rocktober event, he says, "I've got his phone number and email address, but I haven't called him. He's a busy man. I think maybe he just wants me to get on with it. He's a clever, clever guy. Whatever his reasons for not getting in touch I know will be valid.

"He was my mentor. He taught me absolutely everything. It would be nice to get in touch with him again and tell him what I've been up to and stuff. Because it's all down to him really, what I've been doing."

'Nothin' To Lose' Performance From MTV's 'Unplugged' Posted Online

Guitar Hero Faceplate Available

Click here to order the KISS Guitar Hero faceplate.

PAUL STANLEY: Florida Wentworth Gallery Appearances

Friday, November 30, 2007
Wentworth Gallery - The Gardens
3101 PGA Blvd
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
561-624-0656

Saturday, December 1, 2007
Wentworth Gallery - Town Center Mall
517 Town Center Mall
Boca Raton, FL 33431
561-338-0804

ACE FREHLEY To Play Unannounced Concert In Poughkeepsie Tonight?

The venue details are as follows:

The Chance
6 Cranell St.
Poughkeepsie, NY
(845) 471-1966
www.thechancetheatre.com

It should be noted that Ace's appearance at The Chance has not been confirmed by an official source and should be treated as a rumor only.

KISS Rocks Las Vegas

The Entrepreneurs' Organization is a global community of business owners, all of whom run companies that exceed $1 million (U.S.) in revenue.

Over 1,500 business owners rocked from the opening of "Deuce" through the ending of "Rock and Roll All Nite" as KISS tore through a 17-song set. The atmosphere was reminiscent of a spring break party with many attendees standing in the pool that surrounded the stage, singing along to each song as beach balls flew through the air.

KISS' setlist was as follows:

01. Deuce
02. Shout It Out Loud
03. Makin' Love
04. Calling Dr. Love
05. Lick It Up
06. I Love It Loud
07. Do You Love Me?
08. Firehouse
09. Heaven's On Fire
10. Christine Sixteen
11. I Was Made For Lovin' You
12. God Of Thunder
13. Let Me Go, Rock & Roll
14. Love Gun
15. Black Diamond
Encore:
16. Detroit Rock City
17. Rock and Roll All Nite

Check out photos at this location.

PAUL STANLEY: Canadian Guitar Launch Detailed

Paul Stanley is a legendary American hard rock guitarist and vocalist for the classic rock band KISS. Paul's persona in KISS is "The Starchild" and this persona is carried through in the design of the products.

Launches at Hudson Bay Corporation (HBC) Zellers and Home Outfitters stores across Canada will take place on November 3, 2007.

"We were thrilled to work with Paul Stanley on this project and are proud to be able to offer Canadian KISS fans a little piece of rock n roll history in the form of an autographed, Paul Stanley-designed guitar," said Todd Taylor, sales manager for Erikson Consumer.

Click here to visit the Zellers and Home Outfitters' Paul Stanley page.

Limited to only 5,000 pieces worldwide, this electric guitar is designed and hand-signed by Paul Stanley of KISS. The guitar package is sure to become a highly sought after collectors item and comes with a certificate of authenticity, Paul Stanley guitar strap, three Paul Stanley guitar picks, and a Paul Stanley collector's poster. The package will retail for $299.99 and is expected to increase exponentially in value.

"To offer such a piece at this price is absolutely unprecedented," said Matt Golden, product manager for Erikson Consumer. "You typically see similar collector's items retailing for thousands, not hundreds of dollars. "Based on the demand, buzz on the streets, and feedback from anxious clients, we and HBC expect a very fast sell-out to very happy fans."

The guitar is a solid hardwood body design featuring nickel silver frets, an adjustable truss rod, four-bolt detachable neck, three-position selector switch, volume and tone knobs, individual adjustable bridge system, humbucker pickups and diecast tuners.

Accessories in the series include Paul Stanley Distortion Pedal, Paul Stanley Guitar Picks, Paul Stanley Pick Folio, and Paul Stanley Black Guitar Strings.

The Paul Stanley Distortion Pedal can be used with any electric or bass guitar connected to an amp. Features include a contour control with "MAX" setting for heavy distortion tones, heavy cast metal construction, and it works with either a 9V battery or A/C adapter (sold separately). It will retail for $74.99.

The Paul Stanley Guitar Picks are available in 12 different full-color designs. One package includes 12 medium gauge picks and will retail for $9.99. They can be stored in the Paul Stanley Pick Folio, $29.99, which holds 144 guitar picks — 6 double-sided sheets, each holds 12 picks per side — and zips closed to keep your collection safe.

Paul Stanley Black Guitar Strings are black coated light gauge strings made of Class 1 nickel. The package includes 009 .0115 .016 .024 .032 and .042 sizes and a spare high E-string included. The string package retails for $14.99.

ERIC SINGER PROJECT To Play Mexico City In December

'Kissology: Volume 2 1978-1992' Certified Sextuple Platinum

Kiss To Play Australian Grand Prix

GENE SIMMONS' NO GOOD TV Rockets Past 100 Million Clip Views On YouTube

Breaking the 100 million clip view mark is the latest in a string of achievements for No Good TV. In the past three months alone, the network has been the subject of a cover story in the Hollywood Reporter and has also enjoyed feature coverage in USA Today, Variety, the Los Angeles Times, the Associated Press, the Boston Herald, TV Week, the Denver Post and the San Francisco Chronicle, among others. Original series "In Bed with Carrie", hosted by No Good TV's own Carrie Keagan, is nominated for Best Web Talk Show in the first annual TV Guide Online Video Awards. Keagan herself was recently inducted into the Broadcast Film Critic's Association. No Good TV also recently signed with the Endeavor talent agency and partnered with 3 Arts Entertainment to launch a late-night television series with Robert Morton ("The Late Show with David Letterman") on board as executive producer.

"We'd like to thank our friends at YouTube for their tremendous support. They have created true digital democracy online by providing an amazing vehicle for new networks to connect with a mass audience," said Kourosh Taj, Co-President and Head of Programming for No Good TV. "Of course, we are especially grateful to all our fans worldwide and our friends in the entertainment industry who get a kick out of being NO GOOD!"

Read the full press release at this location.

BRUCE KULICK To Atend Chicago KISSfest

PAUL STANLEY On 'Good Day Atlanta'; Video Available

GENE SIMMONS Taking Part In Celebrity Edition Of 'The Apprentice'

Simmons and other alleged cast members Carol Alt, Stephen Baldwin, John Cena, Marilu Henner, Lennox Lewis, Tito Ortiz, Vincent Pastore, and former "Apprentice" cast member Omarosa will raise money for various charities throughout the competition.

According to RealityBlurred.com, TMZ.com captured several of the stars it named selling hot dogs in New York City on Friday, October 19. Those people were Lennox Lewis, Gene Simmons, Vincent Pastore, John Cena, and Stephen Baldwin.

The site says "production goons did everything they could to block our shot — which just seemed ridiculous, considering that a huge crowd of people was already gawking."

Check out the video footage at this location.

KISS To Tour Australia In March?

PETER CRISS' Ex-Wife To Guest On SIRIUS SATELLITE

"Sealed with a Kiss" traces Lydia and Peter's history from when they first met in the mid-'60s, through their marriage and the band's rise to superstardom, to their divorce in 1979 and the years since. Lydia could have just focused on her time in and around KISS, but she told The Pulse of Radio it was important to show the context in which the band formed. "It was a really wild time in New York and, well, in America, you know?" she said. "It was the '60s, and it was Flower Power, and — what was it, 'the Summer Of Love,' and you know, that's an exciting part of my life. And it kind of... it's important to see how it builds up to why Peter is the way he was in KISS, and why I was the way I was, and, you know, even the band."

"Sealed with a Kiss" has a huge amount of rare and unpublished photos Lydia's personal archives, including many from when the band first formed.

The book is available at the official LydiaCriss.com website, where you can also have her personalize it by signing it almost any way you can imagine.

PAUL STANLEY: New Audio Interview Available

'The Other Side Of The Coin' Book Available

"The Other Side Of The Coin" is a compilation of previously published interviews and articles from the KissFAQ web site. It also includes additions to material previously published in the "Kiss Album Focus" trilogy and some unpublished material. The unpublished material includes unused magazine articles, sections previously cut from the "Kiss Album Focus" books, the "Rock And Roll Over Tour Focus", and updated "Kiss Family Trees" and the "Kiss Concertology, 2002-7".

'Kissology' Distributor Talks About 'Vol. 3'

Q: Will there be three bonus discs, as there have been on the first two volumes?

Ken: "Yes! Three in total, on initial pressings only. 1) The KROQ Weenie Roast/Irvine, CA 6/15/96 (first reunion performance in make up) [58 minutes]; 2) Madison Square Garden/Reunion Tour 7/27/96 [1 hour, 42 minutes]; 3) Sao Paulo Brazil 8/27/94 ('Revenge/Alive III' tour with Sphinx stage) [1 hour, 34 minutes] Sao Paulo is my fave of the three actually. Intense performance, they look fresh... different and classic tunes. Though the Weenie Roast is a trip to see again. Retailers and complete set lists per show TBA."

Q: Will there be any limited edition bonus goodies (like the back stage pass in "Vol. 1", or the Phantom ticket in "Vol. 2")?

Ken: "Yes, and no. The Coventry show (12/22/73) replaces any bonus goodies this time out, and will be available only on initial pressings, as well. There will be a cool full color booklet with comments again, of course."

Q: Easter eggs?

Ken: "Yes, this may still be in play, but I believe there will be three of them. Besides the amazing/surprising coolness of the 'Carnival Of Souls' studio footage, one other that I know of will be a soundcheck song (without makeup) before the Brooklyn Bridge/MTV awards taping. Not sure which song, but safe to assume it ain't 'The Oath' or 'Always Near You/Nowhere To Hide'... sorry kids!"

Q: Don't we already have The Palace '92 performance on "KISS Konfidential"?

Ken: "Nope. The footage on 'Konfidential', as cool as it may be, was a bit of a mash-up between different shows, put to the 'Alive III' audio only. I was lucky enough to see this footage in the editing studio with Roger and Alex Coletti. It's crystal clear, and I felt I had seen very little of it. It's the pure Detroit audio/video... untouched/affected like 'Konfidential' was. Though they did point out where a mic had cut out here and there, and other vox had to be flown in. It's cool that 'War Machine' made it, obviously. As well as 'Parasite'."

Q: Have we seen the "Behind The Scenes" for "Unplugged"?

Ken: "Very little of it. What I have seen so far was super cool stuff, mostly narrated by Alex Coletti ('Kissology' and 'Unplugged' producer). It's very cool that he is shedding some light on his experiences (especially since he is such a fan and was clearly living a dream)... there's riveting stuff. Ace and Peter almost back out of 'Unplugged' at the last minute... so songs like '2,000 Man' are rehearsed without them on the actual 'Unplugged' stage (If I remember correctly, Paul takes a crack at it!) and THE highlight for me was when Alex sneaks behind the piano during the six-man rehearsal of 'Nothin' To Lose' (at SIR) and plays the piano part. Peter smiles from ear to ear when it happens. Awesome!"

Q: Don't we have Dodger Stadium in bootleg circles?

Ken: "Nope... not this edit. This version is special because Alex and Roger and his crew unearthed the single camera feeds from each member and have constructed their own edit of the entire show. Conspiracy theorists unite, though, as Peter's solo feed did not materialize... so the men (and women) behind the curtains admitted that they had to use dress rehearsal footage to fill in Peter whenever possible. This was not a Gene directive, kids, so relax!"

Q: Commentary?

Ken: "Yes, though I didn't witness any of it, I know that Gene, Paul, Bruce and Tommy worked long and hard one day to get this all done. They did this right after we did our trophy presentation and all were in GREAT spirits. I do believe they all four did some stuff together where it made sense (e.g. convention/unplugged footage). Bruce later told me he heard and participated in some classic stories, as well as some all together new ones, with Gene and Paul. Sadly Eric Singer was on tour and couldn't make it the one day this session was scheduled.

Q: Will there be a "Kissology 3" special on VH1 like there were for the first two?

Ken: Yes, but this is for the band to reveal, I can say it will be very different, definitely bigger (like 'Volume 3' as a whole); some very cool surprises in store... I believe it will air LIVE at least a few weeks before KISSmass! And that's a wrap! (sorry)."

GENE SIMMONS' NO GOOD TV To Launch Late-Night Network Series

"In Bed with Carrie" features uncensored chats with the stars shot in some of the finest hotel suites in the world, with liberal use of the mini-bar.

No Good TV just signed with the Endeavor talent agency to launch a late-night network series.

Third "Kissology" DVD set due in December

The first disc begins with a complete performance recorded at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Detroit from November 1992. It also features the complete August 1995 "MTV Unplugged" set which found the original Kiss lineup of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss perform together on stage for the first time in nearly 16 years.

The second disc chronicles the original lineup's subsequent successful reunion tours of the late '90s, including the Detroit kickoff of the 1996 outing. Five tracks recorded near the Brooklyn Bridge in New York for the same year's MTV Video Music Awards round out the DVD.

Disc three boasts a performance from the August 1999 film premiere party for "Detroit Rock City" and a June 2000 concert at New Jersey's Continental Airlines Arena. The fourth disc eschews the chronological structure to offer a December 1973 set from New York, when Kiss performed the majority of its self-titled debut two months before its release.

Certain versions of "Kissology" will also include a fifth disc, which features the group's June 1996 performance at L.A. radio station KROQ's Weenie Roast.

In 2005, Stanley explained that the Kissology series was inspired by classic film by another renowned rock artist. "That Scorsese/Dylan piece ('No Direction Home: Bob Dylan') was eye opening, at least to me, in terms of how you can be immersed in a time capsule, and not only see the music and be part of the crowd, but also get a sense of who Dylan was then," he said. "That set a really high bar, and I think that is more likely our approach at this point."

PAUL STANLEY: New Audio Interview Available

'Kissology Vol. 3' Details Revealed

"Kissology - Vol. 3 1992-2000" has been super-expanded to four DVDs, featuring over 100 live performances, commentary from Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Bruce Kulick and Tommy Thayer as well as a 20-page full-color booklet.

Five concerts are included:
* Detroit – 1992
* Detroit – 1996
* Los Angeles – 1998
* New Jersey – 2000
* Queens, NY - 1973

One version of the release will feature a fifth bonus disc of KISS' performance at the KROQ Weenie Roast on June 15, 1996. Tracks include: "Deuce", "Love Gun", "Calling Dr. Love", "Firehouse", "Shock Me", "100,000 Years", "Detroit Rock City", "Black Diamond" and "Rock and Roll All Nite".

For the complete track listing, click here.

BRUCE KULICK To Perform In Brazil In December

Words To Forget

PAUL STANLEY, GENE SIMMONS Featured In KISS Toothbrush Commercial

According to the New York Times, the toothbrush doesn't have a speaker. Instead it uses a patented technology that transmits songs and musical vibrations via the bristles and teeth to the inner ear. (It takes pressure, not a brushing movement, to make Tooth Tunes play; kids can trick the brush into playing without actually brushing.)

The song lasts for two minutes, meaning it essentially acts as a timer to keep your kids brushing. And keeping a child brushing longer increases the odds that he or she will hit all the surfaces of the teeth. In one 2005 British study, kids spent about two minutes in the bathroom for tooth brushing, but most of the time the brushes weren't even inside their mouths. They spent 10 seconds brushing the front teeth, 13 seconds on the back teeth…and 30 seconds biting the brush and sucking water out of it.

Sold in drugstores or wherever you buy a regular toothbrush, the Tooth Tunes lasts about six months. Hasbro music entertainment president Dave Capper said it's been easy to sign artists to allow their songs to be used in the brush. According to Capper, KISS bassist Gene Simmons put one of the brushes in his mouth, smiled and said, "We're in."

Now kids in bathrooms everywhere are swaying to the classic "Rock and Roll All Nite". Said Capper, "The song has to be great for brushing."

A Tooth Tunes commercial featuring Stanley and Simmons can be viewed here.

PAUL STANLEY: 'The First Person I Have To Please Is Me'

TheSundayPaper.com: Do you think you've been well received by the art world?

Stanley: "I couldn't care less about the art world. I'm not interested in the snobbery that goes with any field. I'm only interested in people who connect because they love something or they love the work. I'd rather think of people as art lovers and collectors, and those people certainly have come in big numbers, because there are quite a lot of originals that sell, and to be blunt about it, they're not cheap. The sales in the last year are staggering, and I'm thrilled that something I initially did as a very personal means of expression and release has become something that other people relate to."

TheSundayPaper.com: How have you found the crowds at gallery shows to be different from rock audiences?

Stanley: "Interesting question. There certainly is a certain amount of crossover, but they both stand on their own. I'd have to say there are people buying paintings and other art that have never been to a KISS concert, and vice versa. I think it's great for both. The fact that people will initially come into a gallery and be drawn to some of my work without knowing who did it is very satisfying. And also knowing that some people [will come] who've never been to an art gallery, because I think the intimidation that pretty much is initiated by art critics keeps people away. The art critic would like you to believe your opinion isn't valid because it's not educated like his is. The truth of the matter is that it is valid."

TheSundayPaper.com: How is this creative process different from working with KISS?

Stanley: "This is unique in that it's purely my own. There's no collaboration and there's no opinions I have to deal with. That's always the ideal situation for me. I'm not really interested in anyone else's input on opinion when I'm creating a song or a painting. I'm certainly interested in what you think afterward. But the first person I have to please is me, and if I'm not pleased I don't care if anyone else is."

Read more here.

'Kissology' Vol. 3' Artwork Revealed

PAUL STANLEY To Appear On 'Good Day Atlanta'

Friday October 19, 2007 6-9 PM
Wentworth Gallery - Phipps Plaza
3500 Peachtree Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
RSVP: 404-233-0903

Saturday October 20, 2007 6-9 PM
Wentworth Gallery - Perimeter Mall
4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd
Atlanta, GA 30346
RSVP: 770-913-0641

A few of Gene Simmons' favorite things

He's also turned his penchant for promotion, which fueled the band's fire-breathing success in the 1970s, into a second act: marketing. Clients include the Indy Racing League, for which Simmons crafted the slogan "I am Indy."

Then there's the Gene brand: His A&E reality show, "Gene Simmons: Family Jewels," is currently taping its third season. All those commitments keep Simmons on the road for almost half the year, and that's when the band isn't touring. We caught up with the rocker in New York City to talk travel.

Days on the road

About 180. We may tour next year, and that'll take ten months. But I go to all the IndyCar races and travel anywhere that includes the TV show.

Favorite way to fly

Overseas airlines. They treat you like a king. Singapore Airlines is just terrific.

Full service

At LAX, two blocks away from the airport, there's this secret thing. I drive up to a place, a guy gets in, I drive to United or American or wherever, and he takes the car. No parking, no torture. When I land, I make the phone call. Car drives up, I get in and drive off. It's called Airport Valet. It's my favorite thing.

Highs or lows: I like a clean bed and a clean bathroom. The rest of the accouterments I don't really care about. I've stayed at Motel 6, and they do a good job for the price. I used to like the Plaza Hotel in New York, and they seemed to like me because every time I went they gave me a suite and a butler. But I could go to Holiday Inn, and there'd be a party, and you'd have the time of your life. I'm what it's about.

Sweet spot: I still like the Carnegie Deli in New York, showing up at 2 A.M. and doing sinful things like having a hot pastrami sandwich, lean, extra mustard, pickle. Of course, you have nightmares from hell, but that's the price.

Best tool: I don't carry my computer, ever. Every hotel has them. And I refuse to get a CrackBerry. I talk on the phone. People want access to me, and it makes the deals go down faster. I have a two- or three-year-old Razr. Terrific reception.

Celebrity perks: Chicks. And access. Celebrity gets the door open. You can't create business, but celebrity gives you access to people because they're curious about you.

Sky-high Try

BRUCE KULICK Confirmed For Florida KISS EXPO

The 2007 Florida KISS Expo:
Sunday November 4
1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (2:00 p.m. for VIP holders)
Holiday Inn Main Gate East
5711 W. U.S. Hwy 192
Kissimmee, Florida 34746

For hotel rooms, call 1-800-327-1128 and ask for the KISS Expo rate.

Plant gets KISS of approval

At the time, See probably never figured he’d run into Simmons again . . . much less 32 years later at an ethanol plant construction site in Plainview, Texas.

But that’s exactly what happened last week when Simmons, the former lead singer of the 1970s rock band KISS, flew into town for a quick visit at the ethanol plant being built east of the city.

“Gene has a strong passion for helping the environment, and he came here to learn how (ethanol) is made,” explained See, construction project manager at the plant that is about halfway finished and 5-6 months away from completion.

“It was quite interesting to have a chance to sit down and talk to Gene one on one,” added the 49-year-old See, who used to dress up as Simmons’ KISS character for Halloween.

Simmons’ visit last Thursday afternoon came on short notice, and was kept very secret.

“Can you imagine what it would have been like had people known he was coming out here,” asked Mark Richards, maintenance manager for White Energy.

During Simmons’ visit, only plant employees were allowed on the premises. That was too bad for Barry Frye, husband of White Energy administrative assistant Hayley Frye.

“He was extremely jealous. He loves KISS,” Hayley, 20, said of her 26-year-old husband. “I was taught (when) I met my husband that I had to become an ’80s rock fan before I could come into the family.”

Simmons played the long-tongued Demon in KISS, the band whose trademark face painting and stage costumes helped make them wildly popular in the mid-’70s.

KISS’s elaborate live concerts — including numerous stops in Lubbock and Amarillo — featured firebreathing, blood spitting, smoking guitars and pyrotechnics. The band has been awarded 45 gold albums, and their worldwide sales exceed 80 million albums.

In 1983, KISS abandoned their makeup and enjoyed a commercial resurgence throughout the rest of the decade. Buoyed by a wave of KISS nostalgia in the 1990s, the band announced a reunion of the original lineup in 1996 when the KISS Alive/Worldwide Tour was the top-grossing act of the year.

The band continues to perform on occasion today, and Simmons also is the subject of a reality TV show on A&E called Family Jewels. The show revolves around Simmons’ life with former Playmate Shannon Tweed (they’ve been “happily unmarried” for 20-plus years) and their two children, Sophie and Nick.

Besides music and reality TV, another interest for the 57-year-old Simmons is ethanol.

“He’s very into promoting ethanol and supporting us and backing us up,” said Richards, pointing out that Simmons is not an investor in the local plant but asked to take a tour nonetheless.

“He just wanted to come out and see the plant,” Richards added. “More than anything, he really is looking at promoting ethanol.”

Added See: “Gene’s goal is to create more awareness in the American public on how important it is for the U.S. to use more renewable energy like ethanol. He hopes to start an ethanol education program in the public school systems.”

See said Simmons, wearing blue jeans and a pink shirt, flew into Plainview on Thursday on a charter jet with his publicist and a photographer. He arrived around 3 p.m. and spent about 1 1/2 hours touring the plant and meeting with ethanol officials.

“We met in the conference room and he shared his views on ethanol,” Richards said. “He said he’s a big promoter of it and very much into cleaner fuel. He’s a very environmental-minded individual.”

See said another reason for Simmons’ interest in ethanol is to lessen the country’s dependence on foreign oil.

“He’s all about America,” See said of Simmons, who was born in Israel and emigrated when he was 4 years old to the United States, growing up in Brooklyn. “He said he doesn’t care if (ethanol) is more expensive. That is just one part of what the world needs to do.

“He’s out to do good things with his money,” added See, pointing out that Simmons is heavily involved with ethanol in the Indy Racing League.

Richards and See came away very impressed with Simmons, not only because of his interest in ethanol but as him as a person.

“He’s a very intelligent man who has a lot of stake in different things,” Richards said.

See called Simmons “very articulate and well-spoken. He has a lot of passion about doing the right thing. He has a lot of integrity.”

Both men said it’s hard to believe Simmons plays the Demon character in KISS.

“You wouldn’t think he was a bad-boy rock star. You can tell it’s all entertainment, all the rock and roll type stuff,” said See, adding that Simmons, a former school teacher, never drank alcohol and never used drugs.

“He’s a very nice individual, very professional and very genuine,” Richards said. “He’s just a good guy. I truly enjoyed visiting with him.”

Before he left, Simmons signed the gas tank on Richards’ motorcycle.

“I’m going to customize it out (in KISS decor) and keep it as a keepsake-type deal,” he said.

“He’s really a pretty good guy.”

'Gene Simmons Family Jewels - The Complete Season Two' Being Released On DVD

GENE SIMMONS Rehearsing With 'Secret' Band

"This is a photo taken of yours truly rehearsing with a new, secret band for a one of a kind event... which we plan on shooting for our 'Gene Simmons Family Jewels' show.

"When and where 'the event' will take place MIGHT be announced here in the near future. And, if you can, you may want to attend. This is some of the coolest stuff I've ever been involved in. It rocks.

"I have deliberately left out photos of 'the band' for a number of reasons. Stay tuned."

BRUCE KULICK To Guest On New SILENT RAGE Album

Commented SILENT RAGE guitarist/vocalist Jesse Damon: "After we signed with Frontiers Records this summer, and going into this new CD, we started discussing songs and direction. We also wanted to make this a killer CD with some special touches and performances. I called Bruce to see if he could come on board to perform on a song we had just recorded for the new CD called 'Man or Machine', and told him I had written it back around the KISS 'Revenge' era, and the band had re-worked it some. I thought he'd be perfect for including his guitar solo touches on the song. He said yes, and turned out a killer performance.

"It's always a treat and a pleasure to work with Bruce. What a fantastic guitarist and true professional! We had also asked Eric Singer [KISS, ALICE COOPER] to record the drum track for it, and he would have, but his touring schedule conflicted with our recording schedule, and he wasn't available until December. Big bummer. We'll catch him next time around!

"We're looking forward to unleashing this next CD of 11 songs plus a bonus track."

SILENT RAGE formed in 1985 and became immediately well-known in the Californian scene, thanks to the captivating vocals, their style of blending guitar and bass and signature song writing. Their debut album, "Shattered Hearts", was produced by the legendary Paul Sabu in 1987 and gained immediate attention from the hard rock fans all over the world. One year later, Gene Simmons signed them to his own label and in 1989 "Don't Touch Me There" came out. This album reached #1 on European import charts and is still today regarded as one of the top examples of melodic hard rock sound of the late 80's. A third studio album, "Still Alive", was released in 2002.

Ace Frehley To Release New Album in 2008

Frehley said his new website should be up and running before the end of the year and his new album should be out in January 2008.

As for his relationship with Kiss, Frehley said Kiss have to pay him every-time they (Tommy Thayer) use his make-up, and he has to pay them whenever he uses the make-up. He said he is on good terms with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley and also talks to them from time to time.

Listen for a replay of the Eddie Trunk Show show right here on KNAC.COM, Monday morning at 7am (Pacific Time).

PETER CRISS Confirmed As CMJ Panelist

'KISS Loves You' DVD Due In November

Bonus materials include never-before-seen silent Super-8 film of KISS in Stockholm 1976; extended footage from the 1996 KISS press conference on the USS Intrepid; the "Beyond Vaudeville" KISS spectacular program; and 90 minutes of outtakes from the film.

ERIC SINGER: BILL WARD Is 'A Drum God'

"Bill Ward the original and founding drummer of BLACK SABBATH showed up in Fresno, CA for the show this past Monday. It is always good to see Bill! He is one of the nicest and kindest people you will ever meet! And he is a drum God in my book. He helped created heavy metal in its formative years."

Click here to view a photo of Singer with Ward and Vinny Appice.

Eric Singer recently spoke with DrumsWeb's Julio Herrera. Video of the interview is available for viewing in five parts at this location.

KISS Legend Exhibits Diverse Artistic Talents

INsite: Obviously you followed the musical path that you did with KISS but was there an interest in other art forms at an earlier age?

Stanley: Well, I'd always done different forms of art and I was fairly gifted as others told me and that's why I was admitted to the High School of Music and Art as an art major. I think that, you know, KISS is obviously a product of both and KISS allowed me to have an outlet that incorporated both. I got to design stages, I got to design album covers and also to play music but the two also can live very independently of each other.

INsite: Hypothetical question for you. If you never meet and connect with Gene Simmons, is it conceivable that painting or some other art form would have played a bigger part in your life earlier on?

Stanley: It's a hypothetical question and perhaps one of the reasons I succeeded is because, and I have to preface this and say I don't recommend anybody doing it, I didn't allow myself a fall back plan so my survival was dependant upon my success. I didn't think in terms of the "What if," I only thought of "What had to be." You know, I think when you're motivated by a determination to survive you put a whole lot more in to it and again, that being said, I wouldn't want anybody else to try that because the cost of failure incredibly high.

INsite: What encouraged or prompted to you pick up the brushes and begin painting at this stage of your life?

Stanley: About six or seven years ago I was getting divorced and I really, like many people in that position, had a lot going on and a lot that maybe needed to get released. A friend of mine, my best friend, said that I needed to paint and my having never really applied myself to painting, somehow that connected with me and I went out and bought canvasses and paints and brushes and all kinds of other supplies and just decided to throw caution to the wind. The only thing that I was clear on from the get-go was that I wasn't interested in making a flower pot look like a flower pot. I was more interested in painting a reality that didn't necessarily have to be a literal or visual depiction of something so I wanted to approach it more of a stream of consciousness, where perhaps instead of using words I was using colors and textures to put my emotions, or what was going on inside me, on canvas. It was purely a relief and, I guess, cathartic therapy for me that once other people started seeing clearly connected with them.

INsite: With regards to expressing your emotions as it relates to music and painting, do you find it to be any more of a challenge to do that through painting as opposed to song writing?

Stanley: They're very, very different. The framework and structure that you work in with music is much more restricting because you have a melody and then you need to come up with the music that matches it, and then you need to come up with a lyric that rhymes. It's much more structured. With painting I find that the only limitations are the size of the canvas. It's much more, really about putting my reality on canvas and it's almost for me, a journey where I don't know where I'm going but I always know when I'm there.

INsite: When you're on stage with KISS or one of your solo shows, the adrenaline is flowing and you get that immediate feedback from the audience. It's obviously not the same situation with this art form.

Stanley: It's very different. This is a project that comes out of a very solitary work. You know, it's me alone in a room and, in a sense, when I go into a gallery I'm surrounded by myself. I'm surrounded by pieces of myself. It tremendously satisfying and gratifying to then have other people so turned on by it. No doubt, I've said before, my fame and notoriety certainly gets my foot in the door but it doesn't stop anybody from slamming the door. Nobody is going to spend a lot of hard earned money because they like your song. That's not going to be enough of a reason to buy a piece of art.

INsite: This tour of the Wentworth Galleries follows your recent "Live to Win" solo tour. Is there any synergy of the creative forces within you with your solo CD and your paintings?

Stanley: I think we define ourselves by the challenges we take on and what we do with them. I'm always looking for another way to express myself so whether it's painting or a solo album or doing "Phantom of the Opera" or doing KISS, whatever it is, it's part of my need or desire to do as much as I can. The boundaries and limitations or ideas that people have of who I am are purely their own and I don't live by those. I'm not defined by anybody else's ideas of what I should or shouldn't do.

INsite: KISS played four shows this summer. You're busy with everything you're doing and Gene has been busy with his "Family Jewels" television show and everything else he's involved with. Can you comment on the future plans for the band?

Stanley: I think KISS will continue to the level that people expect, in the sense that when we play, we can give our all. For us or for me to commit to a full tour is a huge commitment because we have a lot to live up to, I have a lot to live up to and the only way I can do that is by feeling confident that I can go out there and give it my all. Going out and doing four shows this summer was basically just to grease the gears and get the motor running. There'll be more shows for sure. KISS is a large part of who I am. It's not all I am but, you know, it definitely is a cornerstone.

ACE FREHLEY's Halloween Concert Officially Sold Out

Commented Trunk: "Well, I told you this show would sell out quick and I wasn't hyping you! I knew this would be a big deal and I've heard from people all over the world coming to see it. Really makes me proud that this sold out simply from a few mentions on my radio show one night and, of course, the info here on [my web site]. You guys rule!

Trunk added, "Spent today in NYC with Ace. We had lunch at the Hard Rock Café and I showed Ace the stage and venue for the event. He's totally pumped about getting on stage and I'm already making my song requests for the set! Remember, my radio show on Q104 is the ONLY way to now get into this event! Just listen to the show the next four weeks. Anytime I play a song with Ace on it 25th caller gets free tix to this now-sold-out event.

"Ace will be on with me this Friday night and there is a chance a few more tix might be released through Ticketmaster in the coming days. I will let you know if and when this happens exclusively on this site and on the radio show."

Frehley is very happy to be back playing for the first time since his halcyon days with KISS, the band he co-founded. He's been holed up in the recording studio of late working on his upcoming solo album, due for a 2008 release. "I can't wait to get up on stage and rock 'n' roll," says Ace of the one-off show that already is garnering tremendous response.

Although information on the set and who will play with Frehley is being kept under wraps, Ace says to expect KISS classics and solo originals. The traditional costume contest, complete with prizes, will, of course, be part of the festivities.

Vintage Memorabilia Surfaces On eBay

First Two Prints Released In Album Cover Art Lithographic Series

ACE FREHLEY 'Can't Wait To Get Up' And Jam With Friends On Halloween

Frehley is very happy to be back playing for the first time since his halcyon days with KISS, the band he co-founded. He's been holed up in the recording studio of late working on his upcoming solo album, due for a 2008 release. "I can't wait to get up on stage and rock 'n' roll," says Ace of the one-off show that already is garnering tremendous response.

Although information on the set and who will play with Frehley is being kept under wraps, Ace says to expect KISS classics and solo originals. The traditional costume contest, complete with prizes, will, of course, be part of the festivities.

ACE FREHLEY Confirmed For EDDIE TRUNK's 'Halloween Bash'

According to Trunk, "All the details to be announced this Friday night [September 28] on my radio show! Trust me, this will be special and you will not want to be shut out. There will no doubt be people willing to travel from all over the U.S. and probably the world to see this artist again! This will be a ticketed event sold through Ticketmaster only. Exclusive announcement this Friday night on Q104.3 NYC from 11PM-2AM EST. Remember you can hear the show live anywhere in the U.S. online at www.q1043.com as well. Hold the date and get ready for the biggest Eddie Trunk Halloween Bash yet!"