News Archive April 2011

KISS's Biggest Fan In Prince George
From: BCLocalNews.com
Posted: April 30, 2011

Meet the man who made it his mission in life to bring iconic rock band KISS to Prince George.

Kyle Sampson is a huge KISS fan. He can tell you anything you want to know about the iconic rock band, its members and its history. Sampson got to see them up close working backstage with the show Nov. 14, 2009 when the band played Calgary.

"I'd done some technical work for other bands, so I had the experience. Then I got offered the chance to work with the KISS concert. I did the sound, the lighting, pryo (technics) and other technical work for the show. I've been a big KISS fan for years."

In 2009, before the release of KISS' Sonic Boom album, Sampson jumped on board the fan routed tour - Demand KISS to Play Your City - which gave fans an opportunity to show how much they wanted to see their favourite rock band.

"I just kept telling people to vote, vote, vote. We ended up number 11 in over 60,000 cities in North America so I think that's pretty good. The show did play Oshawa, Ont. who I think came out first on that."

Sampson got to meet the members of KISS backstage as they walked out on stage in Calgary.

"It was pretty cool. Right after Buckcherry left the stage, the KISS members started coming out. Drummer Eric (Singer) came out first, then Paul Stanley (rhythm guitar) and they stopped for security checks. Paul said, 'Nice job setting up. It's going to be a good show tonight.' Then my lifetime idol Gene Simmons came out."

For Sampson it was a magical moment.

"I think he's the most intelligent businessman ever. Especially with respect to KISS when it comes to the business aspects of the band. Just seeing him walk out in his demon outfit was awesome - he was totally playing the role. I actually replicated the demon outfit one year for my Halloween costume. Gene gave me a head nod and smiled, and said he hoped I really enjoyed the show."

It was a thrill of a lifetime, he said.

"I got a front-row pass, all access, full KISS experience but my dream was still to bring the show to Prince George. And now they're coming. (CN entertainment and marketing manager) Glen Mikkelsen played a huge part in getting the band here. We met several times to try to figure out how to get KISS to come to the CN Centre and finally it's happened. Glen and his team managed to get them here and so he deserves a lot of credit."

Tickets for KISS and special guests go on sale Saturday, April 30 at 10 a.m. at all Ticketmaster locations. April 30 ticket purchases limited to six tickets. Sampson advises KISS fans to get a Ticketmaster online account to order tickets as the best and fastest way to ensure they get tickets for the major event. Order online at www.ticketmaster.ca.

Doors for the June 29 show open at 7 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m.