News Archive September 2010

KISS To Heat Up The Night
From: San Antonio Express-News
by Jim Beal Jr.
Posted: September 19, 2010

The current KISS tour is called The Hottest Show on Earth. And the band has been working across the country in some of the hottest weather going.

Still, guitarist, singer and songwriter Paul Stanley has, without complaint, been donning what he calls "the uniform," pulling up his boots, painting the star over his right eye and hitting the stages.

"It's murder," he said from an Atlanta tour stop. "But I'm in KISS. Every night is my moment of glory. That's what sets us apart. We'll do our shows if it's 40 degrees or 140 degrees. If you can't do what you're supposed to, give the money back."

Sunday, KISS - Stanley, bassist/tongue wielder Gene Simmons, Eric Singer (drums) and Tommy Thayer (guitar) - will take over the AT&T Center. It's a safe bet the KISS Army will be out in force.

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Peter Criss To Appear On Eddie Trunk's Q104 Show
From: EddieTrunk.com
by Eddie Trunk
Posted: September 19, 2010

Peter Criss is doing a walk to raise funds for cancer. For those that don't know he is a survivor of breast cancer. You can support Peter in his walk and help the cause. Just go to www.petercriss.net for details on the event and how you can help. Please note there is an employer info page that does not need to be filled out. Peter is scheduled to be on my Q104 show Oct 8th to discuss the event and what he's up to, which includes a new CD and a book. Always enjoy talking with him, more details soon.

KISS Still Wants To Rock 'N' Roll All Nite And Party Every Day
From: Times Record
by Don and Sharon Chance
Posted: September 18, 2010

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

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

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

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

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Experience KISS On Fremont Street In Vegas
From: Associated Press
Posted: September 18, 2010

If you are planning a trip to Las Vegas you owe it to yourself to check out the Fremont Experience in the Fremont District of Las Vegas (also known as Old Vegas). The Fremont Experience was the highlight of my recent trip to Las Vegas in September of 2010. It was a real extravaganza, easy on the wallet, and a whole lot of fun.

The Fremont Experience takes place on Fremont Street which is located a couple miles north of the Las Vegas Strip. The street runs four long blocks, almost a 1/4 mile, and the entire street is covered by a domed canopy with LED lights that displays regular light shows after 7 PM. While I was there I saw a "Tribute to Queen" light show as well as a "Tribute to KISS" which ran about ten minutes long a piece and mixed music with some pretty cool video and graphics. The LED shows are pretty awesome to see as they run on the entire 1/4 mile length of the Fremont Street roof. KISS was even there for the KISS event... well, not the real KISS but some costumed KISS characters who hammed it up and posed for the crowd. There were scores of other costumed celebrity look-alikes there also: lots of Elvis clones, Michael Jackson, Rick James, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, plus scores more. The celebrity look-a-likes are one of the attractions of the Fremont Experience and you can have your photo taken with them for a small tip. (I gave Gene Simmons a couple bucks for a photo with him.)

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Ex-KISS Drummer Raising Money For Cancer Research
From: The Trentonian
Posted: September 18, 2010

Three years after beating breast cancer - a disease that rarely affects men - former KISS drummer Peter Criss wants guys to know it can happen to them, too. The rock star best known for the ballad "Beth" is participating in a walkathon for the American Cancer Society next month near his home at the Jersey Shore. He wants fans to sponsor him or join the walk themselves.

Criss, who played the Catman with the costumed rockers, asks supporters to register through his website, www.petercriss.net.

The Oct. 17 event in Point Pleasant Beach already has raised more than $108,000 for the fight against breast cancer.

[more]

Gene Simmons Says Record Companies to Blame for Widespread Illegal Music Downloading
From: 1057thex.com/ABC News Radio (photo by Getty Images)
Posted: September 17, 2010

Gene Simmons wants to remind everyone that "stealing music, downloading it for free, is like someone stealing your weekly paycheck." The KISS frontman and bassist makes no bones about what measures should be taken against people who illegally download music, saying the labels should have "taken the people's houses and cars," adding that "if there's no repercussion for bad behavior, everybody would prefer to take something for free."

And that's the problem, says Simmons. He asserts that because record companies "didn't have the stomach" to sue those who stole music, it's resulted in a "generation that's been trained to expect music for free." Ultimately, he says, the people who are most to blame for that perception is "the record business itself."

Guitarist Goes From Fan To Fame
From: Houston Press
by David Glessner
Posted: September 17, 2010

Car crashes cause enough commotion without rubberneckers stopping for autographs. So goes the thinking of KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer, who found himself outrageously overdressed a few years back in the middle of a Mexico intersection.

"A lot of times when we finish a show, we'll get off stage in full makeup and costumes, and jump in a van to go straight to the hotel," he says, calling from a Virginia Beach hotel room.

"On this particular night, we each had our own van and we were either in Monterrey or Mexico City. We were going through this crazy traffic in the downtown area and suddenly, 'Boom!' We hit a car! I told my driver, 'Go! Go!' I mean, what am I gonna do, get out of the car and fill out a police report dressed in my spaceman outfit?"

[more]

KISS' Rock And Roll All Nite Is Now 'Family-Oriented'
From: Deseret News
by Scott Iwasaki
Posted: September 15, 2010

When Eric Singer joined KISS for the first time back in 1991, he knew he would be under scrutiny.

But he didn't feel the pressure.

"I think, in life, you're thrown into situations when you're ready," said Singer, who replaced the late Eric Carr, the man who replaced original drummer Peter Criss. "You're given opportunities. Sometimes you're not ready for it."

However, sometimes you are ready thanks to personal preparation.

[more]

What's New In KISS Collecting
KISS Group Photo House Keys
From: KISSmuseum.com
Posted: September 16, 2010

Just released this week! A brand new house key design featuring the entire group on the front, and the KISS logo on back. Ink has a glitter tint to it and it is all finished off in a clear, gloss lacquered finish. These two styles will fit about 90% of all house locks. You can have these keys made to duplicate your current house keys at any hardware, Wal-Mart or big box store.

$5.95 at KISSmuseum.com

A Conversation With Gene Simmons
From: The Huffington Post
by Mike Ragogna
Posted: September 15, 2010

Mike Ragogna: Hey Gene, how are you?

Gene Simmons: I'm deliriously happy.

MR: Why didn't you let your daughter keep her pony?

GS: There are Beverly Hills ordinances that I wasn't aware of. You aren't allowed to keep farm animals that poop bigger than a certain size. Do you believe that?

MR: (laughs) No, I can't believe that.

GS: It's actually true. Dog poop is a certain size, but once it gets past a certain size, supposedly, there are health hazards. So, we had to move the horse past Malibu.

MR: I'm sorry to hear that. Did the horse live happily ever after?

[more]

Journalist Edwin Newman Dies At 91
From: KISSasylum.com
Posted: September 15, 2010

KISSasylum.com is sad to pass on the news that journalist Edwin Newman died today at age 91. Newman was best known by KISS fans for his candid interview with KISS in the documentary Land of Hype and Glory, which is considered the quintessential television appearance by the band at the height of their career. Every KISS fan, including everyone here at KISSasylum.com, still get chills recounting this amazing and rare appearance by KISS in 1978.

As Mr Newman sums up the band: "Super heroes...super stars...super hype...super income." Thanks for being such a big part of KISStory, Edwin.

Watch Land of Hype and Glory in two parts here.

[part 1]

[part 2]

Forever KISSed
From: Winchester Star
by Monty Tayloe (photo by Scott Mason)
Posted: September 14, 2010

His grandparents say that when 4-year-old Benji Knee came to live with them in 1976, the obsession had already begun.

Born with Down syndrome, he brought his favorite toys to make the move easier: Four long-haired dolls - one each for Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley, and Gene Simmons - the original lineup of the face-painted hard-rock band KISS.

"They're the hottest band in the world," Benji said 34 years later, standing in front of a dresser stuffed with KISS T-shirts.

His dolls are now just a small part of a 896-piece KISS collection that has taken over his grandparents' basement, his bedroom, and now even the family living room.

[more]

Bruce Kulick To Appear At Australian International Music Show
From: 24-7pressrelease.com
Posted: September 14, 2010

Avid rock'n'roll and blues lovers, plus anyone with an interest in playing an instrument, are set to descent on Melbourne next month for the Australian International Music Show.

Billed as an event to make rockers drool, the festival - which takes place between October 2nd and 3rd 2010 - features live performances from big-name musicians, as well as mountains of amps, drums, guitars and more.

Four-time Grammy nominee and blues legend Robben Ford will host a workshop for cheap accommodation Melbourne customers lucky enough to get their hands on tickets.

Meanwhile, former Kiss star Bruce Kulick will be on hand to tell audience members all they need to know about rock guitar, while country giant Redd Volkaert and ex-Tea Party frontman Jeff Martin will be offering tips on a range of subjects.

[more]

Sound Shock: Bob Ezrin On "The Elder"
From: Fangoria.com
Posted: September 14, 2010

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

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

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

[more]

More News On Gene's Keynote Speaking Arrangement
From: TheFoxFM.com
Posted: September 14, 2010

Gene Simmons will make the keynote address at the first-ever American Music Conference, to be held in Los Angeles on Friday, November 19th. The conference will bring together artists, label heads, agents, managers and more to discuss how to improve the music industry.

While it's not known what Simmons will say in his speech, he is a prime example of entrepreneurship in music. Besides being in KISS, he made his wealth through licensing and merchandising and also started his own record label, clothing line and comic book series.

The conference will take place on the same weekend as the 38th annual American Music Awards, which will air live on Sunday, November 21st at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.

Bruce Kulick To Appear At Hollywood Show
From: Blabbermouth.net
Posted: September 13, 2010

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

For more information, including a full list of guests and dealers as well as how to purchase tickets, visit the Hollywood Show web site.

Started in 1979, the Hollywood Show is perhaps the best known autograph show in the Hollywood area. It is legendary among autograph shows, not only for the celebrities who appear, but the crowds each event brings. It's the only celebrity autograph convention held four times per year. Currently taking place in Burbank, California, the Hollywood Show has earned the reputation of being "the place" for celebrities to appear, and known worldwide as the perfect place for fans to get "up close and personal" with their favorite stars.

Bruce Kulick To Appear At Hollywood Show
From: Blabbermouth.net
Posted: September 13, 2010

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

For more information, including a full list of guests and dealers as well as how to purchase tickets, visit the Hollywood Show web site.

Started in 1979, the Hollywood Show is perhaps the best known autograph show in the Hollywood area. It is legendary among autograph shows, not only for the celebrities who appear, but the crowds each event brings. It's the only celebrity autograph convention held four times per year. Currently taking place in Burbank, California, the Hollywood Show has earned the reputation of being "the place" for celebrities to appear, and known worldwide as the perfect place for fans to get "up close and personal" with their favorite stars.

Toronto - KISS Meet And Greet
From: Mike And Marije
Posted: September 13, 2010

We arrived early at the Toronto Molson Amphitheatre to pick up our KISS tickets and waited to pick up the rest of our meet and greet package (backstage laminate, guitar picks and autographed photo of the band). As we did, a van rolls by the security with none other than Gene Simmons in the passenger seat waving at us. Nice start to the day.

A little while after, Marije (the missus), noticed Tommy Thayer casually walking down to the gate with a friend. We quickly grabbed into our bag of stuff we had to be signed and pulled out a framed photo for him (and Eric). Last year we met both Eric and Tommy at Casino Rama, (see article http://kissasylum.com/Archives/News/2009/07/20090725-01Meet.shtml) Tommy loved the picture and we took a few new photos of each of us with him and the photo. We just thought we'd have a little fun and give them an autographed picture of us.

Later, with our KISS Meet and Greet passes in hand, we set off to find where our seats were for the concert. Row D, Seat 13 and 14 sounded great. And why not? Four rows back from the stage would be excellent seats. To our surprise there was no Row "A, B or C." We were in the FIRST row, six feet from the stage and situated directly underneath Gene's roost podium. AMAZING!

[more]

Ace Frehley Autograph Collection
From: KISSmuseum.com
Posted: September 12, 2010

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

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

See the Ace Frehley Autograph Collection at KISSmuseum.com

Q&A With Eric Singer
From: CleveScene.com
by Jeff Niesel
Posted: September 10, 2010

When drummer Eric Singer joined KISS in 1991, the circumstances were far from ideal. The band's popularity had plummeted - the ill-fated decision to drop the make-up probably had something to do with that. Drummer Eric Carr had just died, and Singer, a Cleveland native who had toured with KISS' Paul Stanley on a 1989 solo tour, was brought into the fold. But Singer was in for a big surprise when the veteran rockers embarked on a 1996 reunion tour and replaced him with original drummer Peter Criss. Still, Singer stayed on good terms with group leaders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and returned to the band in 2001. He recently talked to us about KISS' 30-city summer tour, which comes to Blossom Music Center on Sunday

I think you joined the band in 1991. What was it like when you initially came on board?

When I first started, it was a different time. They weren't wearing make-up. The circumstances were awkward. Eric Carr had cancer. Originally my relationship with the band started because I played in Paul [Stanley's] solo band in 1989. I joined the band under a strenuous situation. Playing in place of someone who had passed away was difficult. And getting an opportunity to do something better at someone's expense was very awkward.

But things eventually solidified.

This line-up has been the same for six and a half years now. They did the reunion tour and that was a great success. Some of the same issues that reared their head originally came into play again after that. Fast forward to 2010 and if it weren't for the original band, I wouldn't be talking to you. They created what KISS is and kept it moving forward in this modern era. We have to be on the same page and in the same car driving down the same highway. Chemistry has to be important both on stage and off the stage. We have mutual respect for each other. We understand what we're here to do and how it works. There's an old saying. It's called the music business. And it's a business. People hate hearing it. This tour has been great. It's a really successful summer. There are great things tied into the tour. We're supporting the Wounded Warrior Project [to help out injured servicemen].

Gene Simmons is one of the funniest guys I've ever interviewed. Talk about what it's like working with him.

[more]

Simmons Gives KISS To Conference
From: Variety
Posted: September 10, 2010

Gene Simmons will keynote the American Music Conference presented by Variety and Dick Clark Prods. on Friday, Nov. 19, at L.A. Live's Event Deck.

The one-day conference, which precedes the 38th annual American Music Awards on Nov. 21, will focus on the state of the music label, digital platforms for marketing music to fans and how to align with brands for sponsorship.

Simmons, who co-founded the band KISS 36 years ago, has seen success in licensing and merchandising with a clothing line, record label and comicbook series in addition to his A&E reality series "Gene Simmons: Family Jewels."

[more]

Paul And Evan At Norman's
From: Norman's Rare Guitars
Posted: September 9, 2010

Paul Stanley and his son Evan visits Norman's Rare Guitars. His son Evan has good taste and knows where to go when shopping for a new guitar. We're proud to have the next generation in our shop. Gotta love KISS!

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Years In The Makeup
From: Cleveland Magazine
by Lynne Thompson
Posted: September 9, 2010

Paul Stanley is an old-fashioned guy when it comes to recording.

Sure, people associate KISS with over-the-top spectacle. In fact, the guitarist and co-frontman boasts that the band's current outing is "the most technologically advanced show" KISS has ever taken on the road. But when it came to handling producer duties for KISS' new release, Sonic Boom, Stanley was nothing short of autocratic.

"Democracy is overrated in the studio," the 58-year-old New York City native says. The 11 new songs, he adds, were recorded on analog tape with all of the band members in the same room looking at one another.

[more]

Eric Carr's Mother Connie Caravello Passes Away
From: Bruce Kulick
Posted: September 9, 2010

It is our sad duty to inform you that Eric Carr's mother, Connie Caravello has passed away. She was 81 years old. A loving mother and avid supporter of Eric's musical career, Connie was seen quite often at concerts and KISS Expos and was always friendly and happy to meet with Eric's fans.

Mowequa Pharmacist Has KISS Alter Ego
From: CtPost.com
by Jim Vorel
Posted: September 8, 2010

Most days, Terry Traster shows up to work at Moweaqua Pharmacy looking neat, prim and proper, neck tie firmly in place and ready to help his customers. But not today.

Today, he stands 6'5" in devilish, grinning boots and with eyes the color of blood, face painted black and white, dressed head to foot in armor and leather. Today, the doctor of pharmacy embodies Gene Simmons, bass player for his favorite band, KISS.

Audiences at this year's Decatur Celebration may remember having seen the KISS devotee among the crowd at several Celebration shows. Dressed in costume and towering over nearly everyone, Traster is tough to miss.

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KISS At The Minnesota State Fair
From: CityPages.com
by Danny Sigelman
Posted: September 8, 2010

It's hard to to criticize KISS. They truly have a love for their audience and essentially know how to put together the best show they know how, giving everyone exactly what they came for. They created such a legacy of hits that they've played ad infinitum for so long now. As technology has evolved, the band spares no expense in updating their stage set to pulverize those who flock to each big show with an experience, right between their eyes. At times, sitting high up in the bleachers of the State Fair Grandstand, it was hard to tell where there was more electrical energy, in the Midway or on stage in front of the sold out crowd of KISS Army faithfuls.

But a part of being a KISS fan is understanding them as the artists they really are. As the band pummels through each big hit after another, one holds out hope that the band may throw in a surprise. There are a handful of us that want to hear some long lost gem of sorts; something from the disco era, like "Shandi," or an excerpt from the band's 1981 concept record, Music from the Elder, or anything else from the non-makeup era besides "Crazy Crazy Nights" for that matter. But that would be like going to the biggest McDonald's in the world and only ordering pickles. Truthfully, KISS are no slouches at rock 'n' roll, but spontaneity, even if it's choreographed, should be a part of that equation and it was hard to find on the Grandstand Stage Saturday night.

That's not to say there wasn't an effort to branch out from their formulas. The samples of KISS's latest record "Sonic Boom" were a nice addition, starting the show off with "Modern Day Delilah" and mixing their latest anthems, "Say Yeah" and "I'm An Animal," into their standard set. Allowing room for guitarist Tommy Thayer to show off his guitar tectonics in a solo and a nice duet of sorts with drummer Eric Singer was a nice touch. Classics like "Black Diamond," "Shock Me," and particularly "100,000 Years," with the traditional break down and call and response sing along with Paul Stanley, made the two-hour concert as great as anyone could really expect.

[more]

Ace Frehley Autograph Signing Session
From: KISSasylum.com
Posted: September 7, 2010

KISSasylum.com has reliable information that Ace Frehley was recently involved in a major commercial autograph signing deal that includes limited edition signatures on many new retail items as well as rare, vintage '70's items. We don't have all the details yet, but by the looks of this photo there should be some exciting stuff being released soon! We will supply more details as they become available.

Rockers KISS Still Giving It All
From: Canoe.ca
by Jane Stevenson
Posted: September 4, 2010

Is veteran hard rock act KISS recession-proof?

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

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

[more]

Ace Frehley To Appear At Spooky Empire's Ultimate Horror Weekend In Orlando, FL
From: SpookyEmpire.com
Posted: September 4, 2010

Ace Frehley will be appearing at Spooky Empire's Ultimate Horror Weekend Oct 8-10, 2010

For more information about the event visit http://www.spookyempire.com/

We Always Knew
From: RollingStone.com
Posted: September 3, 2010

Christian Slater and Slash participate in Pokerstars.net's Celebrity Charity Poker Tournament at the Venetian Hotel and Casino Resort on February 19, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Peter Criss To Appear At Chiller Theatre Expo In New Jersey
From: ChillerTheatre.com
Posted: September 2, 2010

Peter Criss will appear at the Chiller Theatre Expo in New Jersey October 29-31, 2010. For information on other guests, ticket information, directions and more visit http://www.chillertheatre.com

KISS And Makeup
From: Chicago Tribune
by Mark Caro (photo Getty Images)
Posted: September 2, 2010

Ten years after kicking off its official Farewell Tour, KISS arrives Friday at Tinley Park's First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre with no signs of mothballing the makeup and armored body suits. True, drummer Eric Singer and guitarist Tommy Thayer have replaced original members Peter Criss and Ace Frehley, respectively, but singer/bassist Gene Simmons and singer/guitarist Paul Stanley are still around, along with the classic KISS bombast.

The serpent-tongued Simmons, now 61 with five seasons of a reality TV show under his studded belt (A&E's "Gene Simmons Family Jewels"), still calls his band "the best, the hottest band in the world," though plenty of tickets remain for Friday's show. In fact, Simmons said a ticketed adult can bring up to four kids 14 and under to the show for free.

Here's more of what he had to say before his band hit the stage Tuesday in Atlanta:

[more]

KISS Super Big Gulp Cups From 7 Eleven
From: Alan Smith
Posted: September 2, 2010

I just got my Official KISS Super Big Gulp Cup and they look AMAZING! (see pic) BIG cups,..hold 44 oz of pure Slurpee KISS Bliss! Only $1.99 each, go out and get yours today!

Tommy Thayer Of KISS Talks Fandom, First Shows, And Rock 'n Roll
From: CityPages.com
by Danny Sigelman
Posted: September 1, 2010

Like most KISS fans, I remember the exact moment they came into my consciousness. That moment is all too vivid. My second-grade classmate, Jim Brown, and I were sitting together with a girl in our class at one of those fake Formica tables listening to storybook records.

Jim waited long enough for the teacher to leave us at the table when he pulled out his own bag of the good stuff, his KISS records. Yanking "Peter and the Wolf" from the turntable, he dropped the needle on the first one. It had a cover with a close-up photo of this demon face, staring at me with black and white make-up and red eyes. It was the Gene Simmons solo record. I couldn't stop staring at the picture of him with blood trickling through his teeth. Watching the label in shock as it spun around, I had never heard anything like that before. I looked across the table at the girl who was sitting with us. She looked terrified. I was hooked.

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Mt. Rushmore, Disneyland...And KISS?
From: IllinoisEntertainer.com
by Penelope Biver
Posted: September 1, 2010

This is no place for modesty. KISS drummer Eric Singer describes the band as a piece of Americana, like Universal Studios or Disneyland. "Whether it's going to Mount Rushmore or Yellowstone Park or the Statue Of Liberty, I say KISS is one of the Wonders Of The World. Maybe I'm biased because I'm in the band, but I really believe that you gotta see KISS at least once in your life. Even if you don't like KISS or don't know anything about them, I guarantee when you walk away from the show you're going to go, 'That was a lot of fun - I'll never see anything like that again.' I always say, 'It's rock 'n' roll meets the circus coming to town!'"

Although old-school KISS Army members may not be a fan of the new "Cat," Singer has actually been in and out of the band since the early '90s, when they started hitting hard rock's radar again. Before and after he has played with folks like Lita Ford, Gary Moore, Black Sabbath, Badlands, Alice Cooper, and Paul Stanley's solo tour back in 1989. The tragic loss of longtime KISS drummer Eric Carr, who died of cancer in 1991, prompted Stanley to recommended they bring in Singer. He played on 1992's Revenge, a record that shot KISS back up the charts via MTV's then-popular "Headbanger's Ball." Singer also played on Alive III, Unplugged, and Carnival Of Souls: The Final Sessions, as well as the home videos X-Treme Close-Up and Konfidential.

The circus has been hitting towns for the past year since the band's first studio album in 11 years, Sonic Boom, came out in October of last year. It rewarded fans with its Destroyer-era beefy tongue-in-cheek riffs and lyrics, encouraging the hordes of KISS concertgoers.

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