January 28

Backyard Babies do not open for KISS in Europe
From: KISS Kollector Online
Only a couple of days ago it was announced that the opening act on the European leg of the Psycho Circus World Tour would be Swedish band Backyard Babies. Now it is reported that KISS has selected another band a the very last minute. Backyard Babies web site WEB 13 reports: "I got a mail from the guys that said that in the very last minute KISS had chosen to have another band opening up for them on the upcoming tour. Bad news for all of us, but the guys are instead gonna concentrate on the American market trying to secure an american record deal. They will also play some festival dates this summer and begin work on their next album."

KISS Chart News
From: Chris
On Billboard's Music Video Top 40, Second Coming is #6 and PC is #13 and both have been certified as platinum. This represents sales in excess of 100,000 units. YWTB holds at #24 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Top 40, but PC drops off after a 21 week run on the chart.

January 27

KISS Live EP Track List News
From: Florian / KISS Asylum News Germany
I just phoned with Mercury Germany, here the news I got:
The Live EP will be released in a special package together with the Psycho Circus album as an two CD Set in Germany on February 22nd. The tracklist is:

Opener For European Leg of Psycho Circus Tour
From: KISS Kollector
What had been rumored lately, has been confirmed the other day: Swedish rockers the Backyard Babies will be the support act on KISS' upcoming European Psycho Circus Tour. It appears that Backyard Babies are to open on the entire European leg of the tour. In Holland posters have been made for the KISS concert at the Prins van Oranjehal that state: '+ support Backyard Babies'.
Click Here For More Info

KISS on Cover of "EQ Magazine"
From: Simon Ali
KISS is on the cover of EQ magazine, along with Bruce Fairburn. It is an interview with Bruce Fairburn, but it deals with the making of Psycho Circus.

Bruce Kulick & Eric Singer in "Shameless" Project
From: Alex Eckert
If you like rock and roll and glam,this is the rock and roll album the 90´s have been waiting for. Check out a new rock project called "Shameless" by Alexx Michael (bass) from Germany. The album will be called "Backstreet Anthems." The album is produced by Gilby Clarke (ex-Guns N´Roses) and will be out May 10th. Some of the songs include2 cover tunes from "KISS" and "The Beatles." With special guests:

January 26

KISS Psycho Circus Fan Photos
From: KISS Asylum
A lot of KISS Asylum viewers have been asking us about live Psycho Circus photos. Because of our limited time and our dedication in trying to provide the KISS Online Community with the widest variety of KISS Fan Reports from the concerts, we had to let some things take a back seat. Now that KISS is not on the road we have had time to catch up on some things and thus we have finally put up all those cool photos that that fans have been sending us. If your photo or link is not there that means that it must have gotten lost during some of our email problems in December. There are a lot of cool photos, with some of them being excellant clear shots of the band live on stage.
Click Here to View All The Pictures.

KISS Sighting In "Star" Magazine
From: Justin Caldwell
Another KISS sighting. This time it's in the STAR magazine FEB 2, 1999 issue now on news stands.The article was a fun little ditty about how Gene and Cher caught up with each other backstage at the American Music Awards.The article titled " KISS and makeup for Cher" went on to say that it seemed that the romantic flame that Gene and Cher had back in 1979 was still burning! They both exchanged "sloppy kisses" and embraced each other. Gene went on to say "Cher looks beautiful, she's classy, she's always been a lady." The article also has a recent photo of Gene and Cher at the awards embracing and also a photo of them together circa 1979 where Gene is hiding behind Cher's head.

KISS' Thoughts On The Grammys & AMA
From: Metal Edge Online
KISS were presenters at the American Music Awards, but they won't be at the Grammy Awards on February 24 even though they'e nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance for "Psycho Circus"--they'll be in Helsinki, Finland in the midst of a European tour. "Though we appreciate it we don't really think that much about it," says GENE SIMMONS, to whom awards bestowed by industryites are "backroom politics" and less important than those voted on by the public. PAUL STANLEY echoes that sentiment. "If we win, it would be great, if we don't it was nice to be nominated. It's more important to us what's going on with the tour and with the fans." As for the AMAs, Simmons was gratified by the standing ovation accorded KISS's appearance following the GARTH BROOKS tribute to BILY JOEL. Producer DICK CLARK "said we were the only guys who could follow that," he explained, noting that during WILL SMITH's acceptance, "he kept fidgeting with my codpiece. I took it to mean his own homage."

ESP Canadian Distribution
From: StandBack Records via Sean Cowie
Here is a press release from Stand Back Entertainment Inc. of Canada announcing that it will be releasing the ESP album in this country. I thought it might be interesting for my fellow Canadian KISS fans.
"Stand Back Entertainment Inc. of Canada is proud to annouce it's latest release, ESP (The Eric Singer Project). ESP features Eric Singer ex-KISS, ex-BLACK SABBATH, ex-LITA FORD) on drums and vocals, Bruce Kulick (Ex-KISS, ex-BLACKJACK and UNION) on guitars, John Corabi (ex-MOTLEY CRUE, ex-THE SCREAM and UNION) on guitar and vocals and Karl Cochran (Ex-ACE FREHLEY's touring band and ex-JOE LYNN TURNER) on bass and vocals. The album features 10 classic tracks remade: 'Set Me Free' (SWEET), 'Four Day Creep' (HUMBLE PIE), 'Free Ride' (EDGAR WINTER), 'Still Alive And Well' (JOHNNY WINTER), 'Never Before' (DEEP PURPLE), 'Goin' Blind' (KISS), 'Teenage Nervous Breakdown' (NAZARETH), 'Changes' (JIMI HENDRIX), 'S.O.S. (Too Bad)' (Aerosmith) and 'Foxy Lady' (JIMI HENDRIX). The latter features Kiss guitarist ACE FREHLEY on lead guitar as special guest."

KISS Hits #1 In Australian Radio Countdown
From: Terry Gozzard
Sydney radio station 2MMM (104.9 FM) recently had a count down for the top 1001 rock songs of all time. This count down was advertised as the biggest rock count down ever staged in the world. Radio station listeners could vote for their favourite song over the phone or via the net. KISS had the following songs in the Top 1001: "Detroit Rock City," "Shout It Out Loud," "Sure Know Somethin'," "Rock And Roll All Night," and "I Was Made For Lovin' You" (which was #1). The top 1001 songs are listed on the web site. The URL is: http://www.mrock.village.com.au/

January 25

KISS on Cover of "Toy Shop" Magazine
From: Eddie Kellar
Just wanted you to know that KISS is on the cover of the new TOY SHOP magazine,well sort of. It's actually a picture of the Peter Criss Psycho Circus Tour Edition action figure! The headline reads "Put KISS on your list!" It features an article on the dolls as well as a contest to win some KISS dolls & models.

UNION News Update
From: The UNION Asylum
We caught up with Bruce again over the weekend and he had some more news and information to share with everyone. Plans for the UNION Live album continue to solidify, with a target release date of the beginning of April. The guys are finalizing the artwork as you read this, and want to thank all the fans who have sent in photos from UNION's gigs in '98. While the band won't be able to individually credit everyone who sent something in, they do want to make sure all their fans know how much they appreciate the love and support. The guys are very proud of the record and feel it is a great representationof the band's on stage sound and feel. So, if you caught them in '98 here's your chance to re-live those memories. If you weren't able to see the guys then here's your own front row ticket to the UNION Live experience! The track listing is: Old Man Wise - Around Again - Heavy D - Jungle - Love (I Don't Need It Anymore) - Man In The Moon - I Walk Alone - Surrender - Pain Behind Your Eyes - Power To The Music - Tangerine - Acoustic bonus tracks: October Morning Wind - Hide Your Love Away. UNION is definately planning a new studio album for 1999, and the album will be released on Talon Records. The guy who UNION initially hooked up with and who brought the band to Mayhem has now brought them with him to his new label at Talon. He's still behind the band 100% and plans for UNION's studio album and tour '99 are currently in the works. The guys are writing individually at this point and the album will contain all new UNION material. The guys hope to hit the studio sometime late spring, with a summer release and tour to follow.
Click Over To Bruce Kulick's Virtual Studio To Read The Full Report!

Petition For Free Album Lyrics
From: KISS Asylum
We very often access http://www.lyrics.ch/ to get song lyrics and it has been shut down by the National Music Publisher's Association. All KISS Asylum readers, please sign this petition to allow lyrics to be published online in charge-free forums. Go here http://www.radiorequests.com/petition/

January 23

Detroit Rock City Magazine Release
From: KISSonline.net
The upcoming Detroit Rock City magazine special will be released April 13th.

Comic Gets Overseas Release
From: KISSonline.net
KISS: Psycho Circus has secured distribution in the following countires: Holland, France, Spain, Brazil and Italy. The first issue will be released between March and May, and then continue with monthly releases.

KISS' Detroit Rock City Clips Bow
At Horror Convention
From: Rocktropolis via Steve Araki
By Don Kaye
Kiss bassist Gene Simmons took time out from the band's schedule to publicly premiere footage from the upcoming movie, Detroit Rock City, at a horror fan/memorabilia convention on Saturday (Jan. 16) in New York City. The event, called the Weekend of Horrors, is sponsored by horror movie magazine Fangoria and held annually at the New Yorker hotel in Manhattan. The show features previews of upcoming movies, celebrity appearances by horror film stars, and dozens of dealers selling everything from videos to posters to toys to fake fangs. Someone involved with the convention thoroughly did their market research and determined that horror fans are also big heavy metal fans in general, and Kiss fans specifically, since the main ballroom was packed for Simmons' surprise mid-afternoon appearance. Simmons, sans makeup and costume, was joined onstage by director Adam Rifkin, associate producer Tim Sullivan, and one of the film's teenage stars, Sam Huntington, for a half-hour question- and- answer session with the audience that included the showing of a featurette on the film's making. The short promo film included several clips from the movie, which is a story about four teens on a quest to get into a Kiss concert in 1978. From the brief clips shown, Detroit Rock City looks like it could be a lower-budget, grittier, more rock and roll version of the usual slick teen coming-of-age comedy.
Click Here To Read The Full Article!

January 22

KISS Merchandise Update
From: David Snowden Promotions

Gene Quote In "US" Magazine
From: Mike Hogan
Gene Simmons quote in "Us" magazine (Feb. '99- Jennifer Love Hewitt cover) pg.68 under the "How was your first kiss?" Gene-"I was 13, at a sweet-16 party. I was dancing with this girl, and she rammed her tongue in my mouth-I thought I was going to throw up."

"You Wanted The Best" Chart News
From: Chris
Here's the latest from the FMQB Top 100. YWTB falls from #19 to #23. There were -131 spins compared to last week for a total of 1478. There were no adds and the number of stations dropped to 113. At least it wasn't the bomb some predicted it would be. PC dropped to #47 with 540 spins. Time to release single number three!

January 21

A World Without Heroes: A Dale Sherman Novel
From: KISS Asylum
The KISS Asylum is proud to bring you an original KISS story by none other than Dale Sherman, author of the great KISS books "Black Diamond" & "Black Diamond 2."
Chapter 16 of Dale Sherman's Online Novel, "A World Without Heroes" is now up! Check it out! Click here to continue your journey to "A World Without Heroes!"

KISS Sighting: Tough Love
From: Peter Sanfacon
Last night (20th) during primetime ABC did a promo for two series (Vengeance Unlimited and Cupid) using the background music of "Tough Love" by KISS. They used just the chorus with the guitars. The audio was actually done by another band but it was faithful to KISS' version. Pretty cool.

January 20

Seagram to Start Overhaul With Layoffs in L.A., N.Y.
From: Entertainment Newswire via tpmor@centuryinter.net
Employees and artists in the two cities expect to learn their fates Thursday. The restructuring plan is the record industry's largest ever. D-Day. That's what everyone inside Seagram Co.'s Universal Music Group is calling Thursday--the day the corporation is expected to unveil the names of employees and artists slated to lose their jobs during the first phase of the biggest restructuring in the history of the record business. On Thursday, nearly 500 employees and 250 artists in Los Angeles and New York are expected to get pink slips as Seagram begins to downsize 15 record labels into four major U.S. music groups, sources said. The entire reorganization, which will take at least until July to complete, is expected to produce savings of $300 million annually by integrating businesses and firing 3,000 employees at Universal and PolyGram, which Seagram bought last year for $10.4 billion. Severance packages for staff and artists could total more than $150 million, sources said. The employees will leave almost immediately; the artists will be shed over several months. In Los Angeles, about 300 workers will lose their jobs as Universal folds the Geffen and A&M labels into Interscope Records to form IGA Group. Only 20 of A&M's 65 acts and just 30 of the label's 200 employees will survive the consolidation, sources said. At Geffen, the roster will be slashed from 70 to 25 acts and the staff cut from 145 to 30 employees, sources said. About 20 artists will be pruned from the 70-act roster at Interscope. MCA Records Group employees and artists will survive the restructuring virtually unscathed.....Mercury will be combined with Island and Def Jam to form Seagram's other major outpost on the East Coast. At Mercury, an estimated 60 of its 150-person staff and about 110 of its 140-act roster will be laid off, sources said. At Island, about 40 of its 100 employees will lose their jobs and at least 25 of its 70 acts will be cut, sources said.

Info On The UNION Asylum
From: The UNION Asylum
Those of you who are having problems connecting to The UNION Asylum website, don't worry. The reason the webpage is down is because we are moving it to another server. It will be back up in a few days. Thanks =)

January 18

The Catman Talketh; Interview with Peter Criss
From: Timmcmahan.com via Sean Cowie
Ask anyone if they know who Peter Criss is and they'll likely respond, "Ain't he the cat guy in?" Criss will forever be known as "the cat guy" to millions of fans ---- who grew up buying KISS albums (80 million sold since 1972), KISS notebooks, KISS action figures, lunch boxes, T-shirts, make-up kits (!), Halloween costumes, and on and on. The band has become an American rock-and-roll icon. Add to that the legendary KISS concerts -- Gene Simmons (the Demon) blowing flames, spitting blood, wiggling his so-called double-jointed tongue. And the Cat Guy, Criss, rising four stories in the air behind a rack of smoking drums. Omahans will get a chance to relive the rock 'n' roll magic Dec. 16 as returns on their Psycho Circus tour with the band's original line-up: Gene, Paul, Peter and Ace. The Reader caught up with the cat guy on his day off, kicking back at Chicago's Ritz-Carlton Hotel -- ground zero for the next 16 days as KISS storms the Midwest on its sold-out tour. It's just like 1977 all over again.
Click Here To Read The Interview

KISS Video Spotlight & Video Poll
From: KISS Asylum
Commentaries, facts, poll questions and analysis on KISS Videos from throughout KISS' career! Issue #11 is up and the KISS Second Coming home vide is reviewed! Check it out and relive this cool video all over again! Also, don't forget to vote in the year ending Video Spotlight poll. All the winners from the past polls over the last year are here and you get to vote for the best of the best! Click here to read The KISS Video Spotlight & Vote!

KISS Animated Feature
From: Jeff Colasacco
An addendum to Gene at the Fangoria Convention, NYC: Just to add to what already was reported. During the Q&A Gene mentioned that the KISS full length animated feature was completed and is awaiting an airdate. It is 90 minutes in length and will be shown on one of the major networks. Gene did not give a date. He said that it was currently in discussion but would be sometime later this year.

Book of Poems / Eric Carr Memorial T-shirt
From: snoopy9@IDT.NET
Eric Carr's Mom Connie Caravello, Has just had her first book published. It is a beatuiful collection of poetry entitled POEMS FROM THE HEART. Many of these heartfelt poems were written and inspired by her son Eric Carr. Within these pages is written, words of love, laughter and courage, in which she hopes will bring comfort and inspiration to others. If you would like a closer at this heartwarming collection of poetry written by Eric Carr's Mom, Please visit 1st Books Website at http://www.1stbooks.com When you are there just type in last name Caravello and receive all the needed info. Thank you.
Eric Carr Memorial T-shirt: Eric's memory is alive and well in the hearts of the fans. You can e-mail snoopy9@mail.idt.net for all Eric Carr Memorial T-shirt orders. This beautiful shirt can be viewed at http://kissasylum.com/photos/EricCarrMemorialShirt.gif

KISS on Entertainment Tonite
From: John Ferrara
On Friday, Jan. 15th, 'Detroit Rock City: The Movie' made another appearance on ET. Edward Furlong (of Terminator 2 fame) was the featured actor. The scene involved Edward, in a classic black & silver KISS shirt, stripping in a club to 'Strutter'. I believe this is one of the adventures he has trying to get his KISS tickets. ET mentioned the movie was due out in April. Like 99% of ET clips, it was very promotional of the movie and KISS. Another nice job from ET!

January 15

Report: Gene At "Fangoria" Convention
From: Charlie Reussner
I went to the Fangoria Convention in NYC today to see Gene and had a great time. Me and some friends got there around 3 hours before Gene was to be there at 3:15. We looked around at all the Horror stuff they had and were bored in around 10min so we went down to the lobby to see if we would catch Gene coming in the front door. Aroung 2:45 we gave up and went to the main ballroom where Gene was to speak, after around a half hour of a reunion of the cast of "The Day Of The Dead" they announced that Gene and Adam Rifken would be coming out for a interview, Q&A and autograph session. Before they came out they showed a short preview of the DRC movie and it was pretty cool, they showed some of what they filmed in Toronto and some of the scenes with the cast. The movie looks like it should be really good. Gene wanted to keep all of the questions to be about the movie. Nothing new was really learned but it was cool to see a preview. After the Q&A it was time for the meet and greet. What I didn't know was there were too leveals of tickets, one for preferd seating(who went up first) and one for general admission. General admission was $15.00 cheaper. The announced that you are not guarenteed a autograph from Gene and that he would be there for a limited amount of time. I was in the front row of the general admission seats and it took about a hour before they called our row up to meet Gene. When I got to the front and met Gene he was in a real good mood and was giving autographs as well as posing for pictures!!! Now all I have left to meet and get a picture with is Paul. After we left we heard that only a few more rows were gonna be let up to meet Gene, that left a few hundred people with out a autoghraph. There was a few FREE promo items for DRC givin out one was a small make-up kit that said "Detroit Rock City 4/16/99" on it, and a cool sticker that said "Detroit Rock City M.A.T.M.O.K. (Mothers Against The Music Of KISS)4/16/99"

Billboard Chart News
From: Chris
YWTB spends its third straight week at #22 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Top 40. PC is at #29 for its second straight week (it's been on this chart for 20 weeks now). KISS also has two top 10 videos on Billboard. Second Coming is #6 for the third straight week and PC is at #9 on the Music Video Top 40. PC is also at #38 on the overall video top 40. I'm not sure how PC makes this chart and Second Coming doesn't when Second Coming is higher than PC on the music video chart. They must tabulate these two charts differently.

KISS Expo Tour Europe 1999
From: KISS Asylum News Germany
Special Guest: Bruce Kulick
Autograph Session - Q & A Session - KISS merchandise -
Every Expo is the same day like the KISS Show, the venue is the the place where KISS is playing. More infos soon. Here are the dates:
2/28 Oslo / 3/3 Stockholm / 3/5 Gothenborg / 3/7. Berlin / 3/8 Cologne / 3/9 Offenbach / 3/12 Bremen / 3/13 Utrecht

More Gene Interview Outtakes
From: KISS Kollector Online
Today we updated the Features section of KISS Kollector Online. More outtakes of a recent interview with Gene Simmons have been added. Here's a little teaser:
Q: How does it feel to be a God for many people?
A: "I appreciate it, but to me this is much more fun. To me it is just a big game. And I appreciate it very much from the bottom of my heart that anybody even cares about me. But the truth is if you have heroes, and if you are a champion, you can't be yesterday's champion, you can't be yesterday's news. For KISS and for me it's always about right here and right now. You live in the moment, even if we have a history in the past it's very important to get up there on stage and to prove it. Just like the champion of the world in boxing. You are only the champion if you are the champion of today. It's okay to be the champion of yesterday but you are yesterday's news. And that is okay too, but it is more exciting to be the champion of today."
For more, please check out the Features section at KISS Kollector Online.

KISS Kollector Guys Gets Married
From: Juern
This is to announce that the publisher of *KISS KOLLECTOR*, Joop van Pelt, got married on January, 11th 1999! He kept the secret, but everyone may know now that his wife Henriette and he had an unforgetable day! Send your congrats to: Joovel@VPro.NL!!!
(KA Note: Congrats Joop, Beth and I will be joining you in wedlock in a few months! LOL!)

Behind The Scenes Report On DRC
From: Terri Bey
Tonight (1/15/99) I was flipping through the channels and I came across the Bravo Channel, which was having a behind the scenes report on the set of Detroit Rock City. There was one interesting quote by Paul Stanley,"... a rockstar, now we have a president that wants to be a rockstar." The report showed the filming of the concert scenes and included questioning the stars if they were KISS fans.

January 14

KISS SuperBowl News
From: KISSonline.net (The Official KISS Website)
KISS is scheduled to appear at 5:55 EST. They will start on time, so don't miss it!

KISS on Cover of "Rock City"
From: Vladimir / KISS Asylum News Russia
I would like to inform you that in Russia released new Rock City magazine with Kiss on cover. Inside of this music magazine you can read 2 page article about Psycho Circus tour, album and new image of the band. Also inside of the magazine you can find review of the new Psycho Circus album which are very good.

"You Wanted The Best" Chart News
From: Chris
The latest from the FMQB Top 100: YWTB moves up one spot to #19. There was one station add bringing the total to 127. Spins were up 70 for a total of 1620. PC dropped one spot to #39 with 656 spins. On Billboard's Mainstream Rock Top 40, YWTB is holding at #22 for the second straight week. PC is down one to #29.

January 13

KISS Playboy Feature
From: Scott Ryfun
There's a nifty little preview of next month's KISS feature in Playboy. The issue is supposed to hit newsstands in early February. The little write up says, "KISS KISS -- Gene Simmons, the scariest tongue in music, has launched his band's new tour with 40 gorgeous women. It's only rock and roll, and you'll like it." You can view the preview at this URL: http://www.playboy.com/magazine/current/english/next-month.html

KISS On VH-1
From: Javier Chavez
Some News From Hard Radio web page
"While we're totally impressed by the VH1, Behind The Music series, the channel will debut "The Rock" in January - a weekly show that melds interview and video segments. The first show is set to feature IRON MAIDEN, HOLE and KISS..."

KISS Psycho Circus Tour Edition Action Figures
From: Spiders Web
You can "pre-order" the KISS Psycho Circus Tour Edition Action Figures from the Spiders Web webpage. They have excellent service and fast delivery. According to Spiders Web, they will be available for shipping on January 15th!
Click Here To Visit Spiders Web & Order Now!

January 12

Gene Simmons Attends the FANGORIA Convention
From: KISSonline.net (The Official KISS Website)
Saturday, January 16th: Detroit Rock City Presentation
Speakers: Gene Simmons (out of makeup) and Adam Rifkin (Director - writer of "Small Soldiers" and "Mousehunt" and director of "The Chase")
Presentation: Gene and Adam will speak about the movie and will be showing a 7 minute promotional reel featuring footage from the film, behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the cast and the band and cool music from the movie. Q&A and autograph signing. Time: 3:15pm
The New Yorker Hotel, 481 8th Avenue, NY 10001

KISS Presents Award On American Music Awards
From: Rhett Lumsden
Last night (Mon. Jan. 11th) KISS presented an American Music Award to artist Will Smith. It was a short presentation, but it was good to see the boys on national television. The band walked out to a standing ovation! They were in full makeup and looked to be having a great time.

KISS AMA Screen Captures
From: Scott
I have 4 captures from last night's American Music Awards with KISS. Click the photo to see a larger image.

KISS Makes An Impact at AMAs
From: Scott Ryfun
I'm the program director for WMOG in Brunswick, GA. During the 1 o'clock newscast, the newsman ran a piece on the Grammy's. Of course, since our musical format is really really old stuff, I figured they wouldn't mention KISS's brief appearance. Boy was I wrong! After wrapping up the story on the AMAs which closed with Garth Brooks saying something along the lines of a gathering of this nature where there was so much love was quite unusual, the newsman segued with, "Speaking of unusual, KISS was onhand as presenters last night. They received a standing ovation when they hit the stage." He went on for about thirty seconds on KISS, mentioning the fact that this was the first time in the history of the AMAs that a presenter had received a standing o. He also stated that backstage was pandemonium for KISS as every celebrity there, including Collio, wanted their autographs.

January 11

KISS Asylum Reader Survey
From: KISS Asylum
KISS Asylum would like to thank everyone who responded to the KISS ASYLUM Reader Survey. We did receive some entries but because of some errors in the survey code not all entries were accepted. All is well now and should accept entries fine. Anyone who has already filled out the survey if you would not mind filling it out again we would very much appreciate it. Those of you who have not filled it out we would be very greatful if you took a few seconds to fill it out. Thanks!
Click Here To Fill Out The KISS ASYLUM Reader Survey

Diamonds In The Rough: "Observations From The Indy Show"
From: KISS Asylum
In Dale Sherman latest edition of his Diamonds In The Rough column, "Observations from the Indy Show," offers his thoughts and observations on his recent trip to see KISS in Indianapolis. Click Here to Read All About It!

January 10

Peter Criss talks to Metal Edge
From: KISS Kollector
The new issue of American magazine Metal Edge (cover date April 1999) has Peter Criss on the cover and a five-page interview with KISS' drummer inside. Peter talks quite candidly about a variety of things, including the recording of the Psycho Circus album. Read some quotes on the more interesting subjects right here:

KISS #1 In RocknWorld Top 100 Poll
From: Keavin, Managing Editor of RocknWorld
Since Kiss Asylum along with its fans takes much of the credit for making this happen, I thought I should let you know that KISS came out on top for our Top 100 albums of all time fan poll. Alive came in at number one ahead of the Beatles Sgt Pepper after five months of heavy voting. Destroyer came in at number 7. Alive II also made the list at number 44. Here are some links for fans to check out the special ( number of votes, fan comments, etc.)
Main page for the Special http://www.rocknworld.com/specials/top100/
Listings for Alive and Destroyer | Listing for Alive II
It is finally nice to see KISS getting the recognition they deserve, Lets hope they win that Grammy!

Detroit Rock City: KISS Rolls Out Their Second Movie
From: KISS Kollector Online
On October 15 last year the second KISS movie went into production, twenty years after the first one, KISS Meets The Phantom Of The Park, premiered on American TV. The new movie will not premiere on television, but be released to cinemas around the U.S., like 'The Phantom' made it to some cinemas in Europe in 1978. The new movie will be called Detroit Rock City, which was also the working title. It will be distributed by New Line Cinema in the U.S. and is expected in April. At this point it is unclear whether it will make it to movie theaters outside the United States. For More Info Click To KISS Kollector Online

Gene In "Maxim"
From: Ray Hunter
Gene Simmons appears ever so briefly on page 80 of the jan/feb 99 issue of Maxim. A facial analyst analizes 6 of Rock & Rolls' ugliest faces and number 3 is Gene Simmons! He says that his facial features mean that Gene is "tough, driven, and locks on to what he wants like a snapping turtle!" Also in the article is Chris Robinson, Steven Tyler, Marylin Manson, Iggy Pop and Kieth Flint!

Psycho Circus Tour Pictures
From: Brian Robinson
I have over 110 Psycho Circus Tour Pictures posted on my site. They were taken in Pittsburgh, PA Dec. 5 and Columbus, OH Dec. 6. I thought that many KISS fans would be interested in them.

More News on a Possible April Tour of Australia
From: KISS Kollector Online
Only two days ago Australian promoter Frontier Touring Company stated that "there is no confirmed KISS tour for this year as yet." While there is indeed still no confirmation, Australian fans will be happy to hear that PolyGram Australia stated the following on a possible Australian tour later this year: "We're still waiting for confirmed dates but it looks like it will be in April. I believe contracts are yet to be signed with the band ‹ hence why no official announcement has been made."

January 8

More News On The Live KISS EP
From: KISSonline.net (The Official KISS Website)
It is a 6 song live EP that will be packaged with the full length album in all territories except North America when the tour hits Europe. It should be available in Europe in late February. There are 3 songs from Psycho Circus and 3 classic Kiss tracks. The full track listing is not available at this time.

"You Wanted The Best" Chart News
From: Chris
Here's the latest from the FMQB Top 100: YWTB makes a move up from #26 to #20 with 1565 spins (+274 over prior week). There were zero adds, so that's still at 128. PC is still hanging around at #38 with 764 spins.

Entertainment Tonight Report On KISS
From: Rhett Lumsden
Last night (Thurs. Dec. 7th) Entertainment Tonight had a nice little report on the Superbowl pre-game show. They confirmed that KISS will play "Rock And Roll All Nite" at the climax of the pre-game show. ET showed some very good KISS footage from the Millinium shoot. It was great! Hats off to ET for an awesome report.

January 7

January 6

Psycho Circus Comic Release Info
From: KISS Asylum
The Expected street dates for the next Psycho Circus KISS Comics are 1/29 for issue #16 and 3/10 for issue 17.

Psycho Circus Midi Files & More
From: Enzo
There are 11 new midi files at The Kiss Midi Emporium including "Within" , "Two Timer", "Love Theme from Kiss", "Into The Void" and more. Stop by and take a listen.

Extra Show in Gothenburg
From: Stefan Cedervall at KISS Sweden
There will be another KISS show in Gothenburg, Sweden, on March the 4th. All seats for the first show sold out in less than two days. Tickets go on sale this monday, January the 11th. Due to a Swedish newspaper and a Danish ticketservice, there will also be a show on March the 1st in Copenhagen. It's not officially annonunced yet, but will be as soon as the paperwork is done. The venue is Forum.

January 5

KISS A Second Movie Good-bye, For Now
From: Philidelphia Inquierer
By Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith
Detroit Rock City -- starring Eddie Furlong as part of a group of Kiss fans who overcome numerous obstacles to get to a concert by the Kabuki monster band -- is now in the can (is finished being filmed). So, what's happening to that other Kiss feature project -- the one detailing the wild history of the group? It's not going forward, reveals Kiss lead man Gene Simmons. "Some movie projects make it, and some don't," he says, and explains that the one he was developing with producer Gene Kirkwood "hasn't made it." At least, not yet. Simmons allows that the screen saga -- which would include his own metamorphosis from Haifa-born Hasidic Jewish boy to fire-breathing rock god -- might be revived at some point. "But right now, we're so swamped it's not going to happen."

KISS Freaks Special Delivery Issue #12
From: Steve Stierwalt

"Detroit Rock City" Film Stills
From: New Line Cinema
Click over to the New Line Cinema page to see a short write up and some stills from the upcoming movie, "Detroit Rock City."

Paul Helps a Three Year Old: The Full Story
From KISS Kollector Online
On December 25, KISS Kollector Online ran the story 'Paul helps a three year old' (see the December 1998 (2)' page in our News Archive). The story was about the concert in Omaha on December 16, where Paul paused the show for a moment to make sure a little kid in the front row would not get hurt. The father of the child got in thouch with KISS Kollector to share his experience with everyone. Surf to KISS Kollector Online to read Michael Zawodny's amazing story!

Florida Tour Date Postponed
From: KISSonline (The Official KISS Website)
The January 29th show in Florida has been postponed (due to the fact that the stage/equipment will be in transit to Europe at the time). It will be rescheduled for when the band returns to the US in the spring. Any questions should be directed to where you purchased your ticket.

January 4

KISS Asylum Reader Survey
From: KISS Asylum
KISS Asylum has a short Reader Survey now available and we would greatly appreciate your input. There's an email address field, but we will not provide your email address to third parties.

KISS Hell Fanzine
From: Joe / KISS Hell Online
KISS HELL #31 is now available for $6 payable to Joe Degraffenreid/KISS HELL, 503 Willis, Noble, OK, 73068. HELL #31 features a color Paul collage cover, KISS HELL Update w. new tour photos, LA & Pittsburgh Concert Reviews, Psycho CD Reviews, Press Releases, a note from Gene Simmons, chapter 4 of the new comic (in color!) & much more. Back issues available; #10, #20, #22, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28. Any 5 issues for $20.

KISS Kollector #27
From: Joop
The new issue of KISS Kollector Magazine (No. 27) includes a handwritten questionnaire by Paul and a few messages from Gene, photos from the Psycho Circus Tour, press releases from KISS and other companies selling KISS merchandise, a review of the Los Angeles show, extensive Gene interview, stuff from Eric Carr's personal collection, an interview with bassist Jimmy Haslip in which he reveals on what KISS album he had to replace Gene, and much more. Check out KISS Kollector Online for more info: www.kisskollector.animalize.com/

Exclusive Interview with Gene Simmons
From KISS Kollector Online
In the Features section on KISS Kollector Online, where we have added a brand new and very exclusive feature: outtakes of an interview with Gene Simmons conducted by Holland's weekly magazine Nieuwe Revu. Although the magazine only printed a short part of the interview, we have managed to get a hold of the entire, unedited and uncensored interview. Here's one of the outtakes:
Q: A lot of people say you're more a businessman than an artist?
A: "Okay. I accept it. Art is all relative. As far as I know everybody charges money for art. So even if you have your paintbrush in your hand and you're painting, sooner or later you're gonna get money for it. Are you businessman or an artist? It depends how you look at it. If you start in the beginning and I'm writing a song: nobody is paying me. At the end of a song or at the end of my painting somebody's gonna give me money. So every artist starts out being an artist and than becomes a businessman. That's life and neither one is good or bad. I also think that being just a businessman, like a commercial artist, is the highest art there is. People forget when Michelangelo when he painted the Sistine Chapel was told what to paint, where to paint, what colours to use, when to show up on time, and how many hours a day."
You may read the rest of this article in the features section at KISS Kollector Online .

KISS' Paul Stanley Talks Playboy, Tour
From: WallofSound.com via Steve Araki
By Gary Graff
As the members if KISS like to say, you wanted the bestŠAnd that's apparently what we're going to get when "The Girls of KISS" are showcased in a Playboy magazine, um, spread that will hit newsstands in February. "You know, Playboy's not known for a homely bunch," says an audibly pleased Paul Stanley, describing the women who posed "only wearing KISS makeup and perfume." "We obviously saw photos‹it was a hard job, and it got harder‹but there were no rejects." By the way, the perfume remark doesn't mean it's a scratch 'n' sniff feature. "No, but if it was, you'd all be smiling," Stanley says. There will be plenty of KISS to see in the coming year, too. The group will be on tour throughout 1999, including a pre-game appearance at the Super Bowl on Jan. 31. The Detroit Rock City movie‹actually filmed in Toronto‹is finished and will be out during the summer. And though the band is contemplating plans for a millennial bash, no details are being divulged. What we won't see, however is the Psycho Circus‹the group of circus performers that appeared at KISS' Halloween show at Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium that was supposed to go on the road with the band in lieu of the standard opening act. "Initially, the idea was to have it in the audience, as part of the audience almost," the guitarist says. "Unfortunately, safety issues and regulations within most halls across America made it impossible. We couldn't pull it off as far as insurance and regulations. So we dropped that and said 'What can we do to compensate? More bombs!'"

Gene Simmons In "New Woman" magazine
From: Shandy & Scarlett
There was a small photo and yet another of Gene's memorable quips in the January '99 issue of NEW WOMAN magazine. in a colum subtly called THUMPS, which features the blatant social blunders & obnoxious comments of celebs. Mr. Simmons, in true form, offers this little nugget, "My mother is stacked, and women with small breasts have never done it for me. You might as well be attracted to a small boy."

"Psycho Circus" Chart News
From: Chris
On the latest Billboard Top 200, "Psycho Circus" only fell two spots from the previous week down to #173. I do not know what sales were for the week. YWTB remains at #27 with a bullet on the Mainstream Rock Top 40. PC, the single, is down to #26 in its 17th week on the charts.

Gene Simmons On The Radio
From: jasontharp@yahoo.com
(12/30/98) I just listened to a radio interview with Gene on WRIF radio in Detroit. Here are some of the things he had to say... The Dick Clark's New Years' Rockin' Eve thing is still being talked about, but not for sure as of yet. Gene mentioned something about a "hookup"...something about getting the right feed. If they can hook it up, it'll happen. This is not a direct quote, but it is pretty much what was said. To me, this means no. You all know that if KISS were supposed to be on there, it would be advertised. If memory serves, they WERE supposed to link up with Dick Clark, but now it isn't advertised. The KISSmobile will be given away at the New Years' Eve show. Quote from Gene: "Some lucky bastard will be given the keys to this thing, and I wish it was me. Tell you what, this car is so COOL that someone as ugly as me could get VERY LUCKY in this car!". WRIF has had the car for the month of December, showing off the car at club appearances and stuff. I haven't seen it personally, but I hear that people have been lining up outside in the cold to see and get a picture of themselves with it. When asked about the future of KISS; Gene said that in the year 2000, KISS is trying to plan a tour called "The Seven Wonders of the World. And, without giving too much of it away so that others could steal our thunder...because there's plenty of time to plan for it, will be the biggest worldwide tour EVER; involving a Concorde Jet."

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