KISS ASYLUM: October 2000 News Archive

It was the fall of 1998. The leaves were falling, the air was getting cooler, it was the beginning of a new school year, KISS had a new album on the shelves and .. oh my God it was almost Halloween. Okay, what was I to do? What was I to do? In the fall of 96, when the band was a the height of their popular Reunion Tour I was Paul Stanley for Halloween. Just a bit of make up, a wig and a plywood guitar. Not bad. The year after I pulled off a much better Ace with a full costume and a light-up guitar that impressed even the most averse KISS fans. But in the fall of 98, the year of Psycho Circus, I needed something different. Something that would really stand out. I needed to "shock the people". And that's exactly what I did .. Gene Simmons. Whats odd is that I was never a big Gene fan. I had my years of loving Paul for his vocals and loving Ace for his cool costumes and blazing guitar. There was even that year in Junior High when I went out dressed as Peter. Gene was never my favorite KISS member. At least not until ... I became him. [Read The Whole Story...]

From: KISS ASYLUM & KISSFAQ.COM
Find out the logic behind the releases, what was going on in the band during the recording of albums, what the band was up to in the period leading up to studio time, and lots more information which should be of interest to the diehard fan! Some of the album focus' will use reference material never before available, plus some of the best interviews with the band already available. We are going for accuracy in our attempt to provide a completely clear picture of the status of the band for each release. The "KISS Album Focus" will be your definitive look back on KISS and their albums. Sit back and enjoy your KISStory lesson with KISS ASYLUM & KISSFAQ.COM's "KISS Album Focus."
"By July KISS were back in The Record Plant studios properly working on the follow up to (Music From) The Elder. With Vinnie Cusano still somewhat involved the band cut one of his songs, "Back On The Streets" with Paul on lead vocals, but which did not match the proposed tone of the album. It is also likely that if there was to be a ballad on the album then it would have a KISS member co-writing credit on it due to the changing financial structure of the band. The whole album was a mess in terms of who played what. ..." [Learn Your KISSTORY Lesson!]

From: Phil Elliott
Attention! Calling all KISS fans! Kreatures of the South International is proud to announce the Biggest KISS Expo ever! The 7th Annual Atlanta KISS Expo will be held Sunday, February 18, 2001 at The Atlanta Hilton Northeast. The extended hours of the show will be 11am-9pm. This years Very Special Guests will include: Former KISS Lead Guitarist-"The Animalize Man" himself Mark St. John, Former Ted Nugent Vocalist/Guitarist-"Mr. Stranglehold" Derek St. Holmes, Baltimore, Maryland's "Ultimate" KISS Tribute Band- Love Gun, and The Best KISS Dealers from around the world! Stay tuned for more announcements! Fans and Dealers alike say that Atlanta is The Best KISS Expo around, so if you've only heard about the show, why not come in 2001, and let us give you The Biggest Bang for your KISS Dollar! Soveignier tickets will be $10. (in advance), and $12. (day of show). Advance tickets will be available December 18, 2000 (in time for Christmas stocking stuffers!) Charge by phone tickets @ 770-753-9630, or send a self addressed stamped envelope (.33) to: Atlanta KISS Expo Tickets, 5595 Ashewoode Downs Drive, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005-4396. The Hilton Atlanta Northeast will have limited numbers of discounted rooms set aside for us, so call 1-800-445-8667 and ask for the "Discounted Atlanta KISS Expo" rate of $79. a room (Double or King). For Dealer info send a request to Phil Elliott at the above mentioned address, or call/fax: 770-753-9630, or e-mail me @ KREATURESS@aol.com. See you at the show! [More...]

From: KISS ASYLUM
Emil Ortenmark has graciously provided KISS ASYLUM with a great resource for those KISS fans that can wield an ax! Included on the page already are the guitar and bass tabs to the complete "Rock & Roll Over", "Psycho Circus", "Unmasked", "Lick It Up","Destroyer", Side 4 of "ALIVE II" * "KILLERS" (new material) and "SMASHES THRASHES & HITS" (new material)., "Crazy Nights", "Dynasty", "Paul Stanley" Solo Album, "Revenge", "Dressed To Kill" and "KISS" albums, as well as "Nothing Can Keep Me From You" from the Detroit Rock City soundtrack. While we've got a great start here, we know there are other songs you may be interested in getting a breakdown on so you can drive your neighbors crazy! What songs would you like to see tabulated? Fill out the form on the KISS Guitar Tabs page with your requests and we'll do what we can to get the tabs for your playing pleasure! [View The Guitar Tabs...]

From: KISS ASYLUM

The "Summertime Memories" Kiss Thought Vault finds Ron Albanese waxing nostalgic over summers past, by way of release dates and pinball. A certain starry-eyed little girl also secures her place in Vault history. Also mentioned: The Harlem Globetrotters. [Read The Latest KISS Thought Vault...]

From: Stephen Campbell
The Expo you've been waiting for up coming up fast! Tickets for the Philadelphia KISS Expo have went on sale at Ticketmaster. Tickets will also be available at the door. This year's convention will be another great one with special guests such as Legendary KISS Manager Bill Aucoin and original Alice Cooper guitarist/songwriter Michael Bruce. Detroit's War Machine will perform live. More attractions will be added. The Holiday Inn King Of Prussia is offering KISS Expo rates (610)265-7500. [More...]

From: Stephen Campbell
The Toronto KISS Expo is thrilled to announce that we have added Sean Delaney as a special guest. Many fans do not know just how much of Kisstory Sean was responsible for and they will be treated to the best Q&A session/stories they have ever heard. Come and meet Sean and get some insight into why Sean's upcoming book will be a must for all KISS fans. Detroit's 'War Machine' will perform live along with 'Dr. Love And The Kissettes'. The Expo has a new location this year at the Airport Ramada Inn (416) 621-2121. [More...]

From: Metal Edge Online
Bruce Kulick will be the special guest at kissshop.com's KISS event this Saturday, October 28 in Kissimmee, Florida. The free event will be held at the Ramada Main Gate hotel on Reedy Creek Blvd. from 11 AM-5 PM. Kulick will not, however, appear as previously announced at upcoming KISS Expo events in Toronto and Philadelphia due to family commitments. Kulick's UNION bandmate Brent Fitz will be filling in on drums with Bulletboys at a few upcoming shows, including the band's date with Slaughter on November 1 at the Key Club in Los Angeles.

From: NJO.com via Shawn
Kiss them goodbye. The never-ending Farewell Tour that original KISS members Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss have been extending all summer is finally approaching some sort of conclusion. While there still is no final tour date in the offing, Stanley reports that, while the band has been taking things "one day at a time" some 115 shows into the Long Goodbye, a plan to truly wrap up this 27-year rock 'n' roll circus as a touring and recording act is pretty much in place. [More...]

From: KISS ASYLUM & KISSFAQ.COM
Find out the logic behind the releases, what was going on in the band during the recording of albums, what the band was up to in the period leading up to studio time, and lots more information which should be of interest to the diehard fan! Some of the album focus' will use reference material never before available, plus some of the best interviews with the band already available. We are going for accuracy in our attempt to provide a completely clear picture of the status of the band for each release. The "KISS Album Focus" will be your definitive look back on KISS and their albums. Sit back and enjoy your KISStory lesson with KISS ASYLUM & KISSFAQ.COM's "KISS Album Focus."
"Following the appalling disaster of the Elder misconception, KISS knew that they would have to do what they'd been telling, or at least in some ways promising (or teasing) fans that they were going to do for years - record a kick ass heavy metal album, with no artistic or pop pretensions, an album that would hit the listener between the ears like a sledgehammer..." [Learn Your KISSTORY Lesson!]

From: Joop

As mentioned here before recently, the new issue of KISS Kollector magazine includes a Memorial Tribute special dedicated to Eric "The Fox" Carr. The 10 page special is part of issue 34 of KISS Kollector (so it's not a separate magazine!) and features great Eric anecdotes by Bruce Kulick, Loretta Caravello and Adam Mitchell, there's original artwork made by Eric, letters he received from the KISS management, Eric's sheet music for Odyssey off (Music From) The Elder, a coupon giving you a discount when buying the new Tale Of The Fox DVD at any VanLeest store, great photos and much more. You can now order the special (and of course the rest of issue 34, which is a 40 page, glossy magazine) for $5. Just send payment (cash only please) to: KISS Kollector Fanclub -Eric Carr special- P.O. Box 1159, 1200 BD Hilversum Holland

From: Joop

Issue 34 of the KISS Kollector magazine is being printed right now, so it will be out shortly. The new issue features another article on the Future of KISS, part 1 of a huge interview with Bruce Kulick, an Eric Carr Memorial Tribute special featuring material from Eric's private collection (including a drawing he made during the recording of his first album with KISS, plus management memo's), reviews, and much more. With last issue, by the way, the postal service screwed up big time. For about a week it looked like they lost the entire bunch of magazines, but it was finally delivered to our members - in some cases it took weeks to get delivered, for instance our Canadian members had to wait one and a half month before the postman delivered issue 33.

From: Julie Flynn
I think that we are all aware of a unique kind of magic that is found within the childhood memories of every KISS fan. Be it memories of running home from school everyday to check the mailbox for the latest KISS Army Newsletter or jamming for hours with your buddies trying to nail the perfect sound for your garage band version of "Shout It Out Loud". It all comes down to a common delight that touches everyone who has ever been "KISSED". I plan to try and capture this spirit for a book that I am creating. It will be a compilation of the recollections of many fans, including, if possible, other well-known musicians that consider KISS an inspiration to their work/lives. The stories can be brief or lengthy, as long as they reflect upon some defining moment as a young fan. Once published, I want to give proceeds from the book to a children's charity, yet to be determined. I have already begun soliciting responses from the musicians that I know to be fans. Combined with other fan stories, I believe that this will prove to be a worthwhile and fulfilling endeavor for all who contribute. What better time to create such a tribute - given the farewell status of the band? Please forward whatever first KISS stories you can find the time to offer to: firstkisses@hotmail.com Please make a note if you do not wish to have your real name included.

From: Pepsi.com via Terry Willis
Pepsi.com is running a survey to see what the best Pepsi ad is and KISS is in the lead by 37% of the vote. Lets all get over to Pepsi.com and cast our votes to make sure KISS take 100% of the vote. Just go to Pepsi.com and click on the ad icon and you can cast your vote and watch the commercial. Let's show everyone KISS Rules! [Click To Vote...]

From: Metal Edge Online
If you missed the KISS pay-per-view, don't fret--The Last KISS will be rebroadcast by iNDemand on October 30 at 9:30 PM and 1:00 AM, and satellite providers DirecTV and Echostar have many repeats scheduled throughout the month. Check your listings for exact days and times. [more...]

From: Kathy Labonte
The KAOL video shoot of the Partridge Family version of "Shout It Out Loud" still needs Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley lookalikes. The music video will be shot in Orange County, California near Knott's Berry Farm. These are walk on roles, no equipment or performances will be required. Just makeup and costume. The video will be included with the upcoming release of the final KAOL 3 Tribute CD "The Spirit of '78". The KAOL (KISS Army OnLine) CDs are a 3 part series of KISS Tribute discs for charity, currently benefitting Alzheimer's Disease. Please contact Kathy LaBonte at ILOVE70s@aol.com if you can portray Gene or Paul. Being this is a fundraiser, you'll be donating your time and services and you must cover your own travel expenses. This will be a lot of fun! For more info on the KAOL series of CDs, including details on the Partridge Family cover of "Shout It", please visit www.kissarmyonline.com

From: KISS ASYLUM
This week of October marks KISS ASYLUM's 5 year anniversary. KISS ASYLUM is proud to be the longest running KISS News and Entertainment website on the internet, proud to provide news, entertainment, interactive features, and "asylum" for the members of the KISS Army Online. We would like to take this opportunity to extend our deepest and most sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who visits and supports KISS ASYLUM, either by contributing news, features, views, reviews, photos, "Sound Offs," or other information, or by just visiting and enjoying! This website "belongs" to each and every one of you as much as it does us -- this is the KISS Army Online's webpage! Here's to another 5 years, with all of us continuing to work together as one KISS Army Online! =)

From: Chad

Rockford, Illinois - September 5, 2000 - The Metro Center. Tonight's photos were shot from a few different spots. I definatley got the fill of Paul for a change. He is usually hard to get because he moves so darn much. So I really tried to get alot of him tonight, and it shows! Some come from the front row, some come from right beside Paul's "love gun" stage, some came from the floor, and a few rows up the side. The show was awesome, They had 2 days off before this one, so I think everyone was well rested and ready to give a great show to a small venue full of KISS freaks!! In standard KISS fashion they blew the roof off of the Metro Center and left us all wanting more!! [View The Photos...]

From: www.Kulick.net
Hello everyone. I want to thank first off all of my friends in Europe for a safe and cool trip. And of course to the fans who came out in support to greet me at the KISS Parties and my guitar clinic in Rotterdam. First off, the clinic was a huge success at a great music store called FEEDBACK. They had an amazing poster of me which made me feel really welcome when I arrived. Although I was jetlagged and the trip there was long from Amsterdam, the crowd was very happy to hear me play and answer questions about my career with KISS and beyond. Amsterdam is the city you cant sleep in, so I didn't! Next day I was off to a studio where I played guitar for a producer who does cool stuff with samples and bands... so I may be featured on some very interesting music in the coming year! Thanks to Sidney and Joop for a great time in their very happening city of Amsterdam. Then off to the first expo, which was great... the biggest crowd (as usual). Holland loves to party and this was a KISS party after all. Of course this was the first time to jam with Shameless, but it went off without a hitch so we were all proud. Off early the next day to Germany and from then on it was a blur -- lots of clouds and rain, lots of time together on the bus, lots of McDonalds, and hanging with the KISS dealers from around the world. And of course the jamming with Shameless got tighter and tighter. Steve Rachelle from Tuff did a great job fronting the band. A big hello to him (who I will see in LA anyway). In Frankfurt I had a day off, so got to walk around go to an IMAX show, but mostly needed sleep! After a fun last night in Berlin where we all went out to have some fun, I made the long trip back to the states... what a trip. I had to take a train one day, to Frankfurt, then fly home the next... ouch. Anyway I want to thank Alex from Shameless, Rikk who looked after me with a eye of an eagle, Keith from KISSshop.com for the company and help, Alexander from Switzerland, Phil Elliot from Atlanta, and the bands that played: SHAMELESS, CHIKARA and TOX-SIN... all cool people to hang with. So thanks again for the fans I met. Watch www.Kulick.net for more info and pix coming soon from the trip. Glad to be home, but I had a good time in Europe.

From: KISS ASYLUM
Emil Ortenmark has graciously provided KISS ASYLUM with a great resource for those KISS fans that can wield an ax! Included on the page already are the guitar and bass tabs to the complete "Rock & Roll Over", "Psycho Circus", "Unmasked", "Lick It Up","Destroyer", Side 4 of "ALIVE II" * "KILLERS" (new material) and "SMASHES THRASHES & HITS" (new material)., "Crazy Nights", "Dynasty", "Paul Stanley" Solo Album, "Revenge" and "KISS" albums, as well as "Nothing Can Keep Me From You" from the Detroit Rock City soundtrack. While we've got a great start here, we know there are other songs you may be interested in getting a breakdown on so you can drive your neighbors crazy! What songs would you like to see tabulated? Fill out the form on the KISS Guitar Tabs page with your requests and we'll do what we can to get the tabs for your playing pleasure! [View The Guitar Tabs...]

From: Salaon.com via Tom Slater

From his strangely tasteful Beverly Hills mansion, Kiss frontman Paul Stanley reflects on fear, fatness and fame. -- Behind me a small fountain trickles softly as I sit at a wrought-iron table on a stone patio with ocher frescoed walls. Surrounded by ficus plants, I overlook a pool with a small cabana and a garden full of roses. Beyond the pool is a valley hinged with mountains. What is the frontman of Kiss doing with a pad like this? "A home should be your sanctuary," Paul Stanley says of this place -- which happens to be his Beverly Hills abode. "The purpose of a house is to build something where you don't want to leave. That was the idea of this place." Stanley and his fellow masked musicians -- Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss (plus some minimal personnel changes over time) -- have, after 27 years, decided to call it quits. Time to shed the platforms and revel in the afterglow of nearly three decades of defiance. Kiss, which Stanley calls a marriage of "rock band, superhero and athlete," defied the critics. For years it flouted the hacks who never stopped chiding the band for their over-the-top performances, their musical simplicity, their simple pleas to party and rock 'n' roll -- chiding them, in fact, for embodying exactly what rock 'n' roll types are supposed to embody. Rock 'n' roll notwithstanding, it's hard to ignore the mountains, the roses and the trickling fountain all around me -- and so strange that all this comes from a man with a reputation for earsplitting, in-your-face, screw-the-critics, blood-spewing, spandex-wearing, guitar-screaming, pelvic-thrusting, ass-shaking, pyrotechnic-blazing, heart-thumping performances. Stanley refers to Kiss as a marriage of "rock band, super hero and athlete." [More...]

From: KISS ASYLUM
On the same night of the October 7th show in Charleston, S.C. band members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons took time out to do a brief chat with SHO.com prior to hitting the stage. The chat, which was held in conjunction with the Pay-Per-View special "The Last KISS" which aired the same night, was well attended and the guys fielded questions from those fans in attendance. For those that weren't able to attend the chat, the transcript is now available for reading courtesy of SHO.com.
[Read The Transcript...]

From: Rich Hund
The insatiable appetite of KISS fans for news on their favorite group has never been fed as much as it has been in the last few years. The Alternate Album Focus rips off this veil and exposes KISS for who they really were and are. Rock & Roll Over: The cover of Rock and Roll Over tells the story: four individuals, their heads spinning out of control, caught up in the swirl of an album that was going nowhere. In fact, this four-way partnership seemed destined to crumble almost as quickly as it had formed just 2 years prior. At the behest of Bill Aucoin, the band returned to the studio quickly, although not excitedly, after the "Destroyer" tour. Aucoin had witnessed the band's incredible and quick ascent in 1975-76 and obviously intended, quite bluntly, to churn out more product. Even though the world was now awakening to the band's music and stage presence, and despite the surprise top 10 success of "Beth," band morale was at a low by this point.
Click Here To Read The Entire Rock & Roll Over Album Focus Parody!

From: Curtis Empson
On The Romp.com, a website that has a variety of animated webisodes, there is one series called Booty Call. It's an interactive series in which you help Jake, the main charater, get laid. In the upcoming "Halloween Special", which premieres October 18th, it looks like one of the girls that Jake tries to score with is a KISS fan wearing a reverse version of Paul Stanley's makeup.

From: KISS ASYLUM
Well, if the response to our last poll was any indication quite a few of you (over 75% who voted) ordered the "Last KISS" Pay-Per-View concert special on October 7, 2000. According to recent interviews with band members, the show in Charleston, S.C. was the last scheduled show of the current leg of the U.S. Farewell Tour, with dates in Australia, Japan, and possibly a few more shows in the U.S. being explored for after the new year. With most fans in North America and Europe not in a position to attend any shows in Australia or Japan, and with no further shows for the U.S. yet scheduled, the "Last KISS" Pay-Per-View concert special may very well be the last time most fans see the original members perfrom during this Farewell Tour. So, in KISS ASYLUM's latest Fan Feedback poll we ask the question: "Were You Satisfied With The 'Last KISS' Pay-Per-View Special?" Click over to www.kissasylum.com/poll/ to cast your vote and make your opinion heard. Also, don't forget to post up your comments about "Your satisfaction with the 'Last KISS' PPV" on KISS ASYLUM's KISS Army Online bulletin board at www.kissasylum.com/bbs/

From: KISS ASYLUM
In KISS ASYLUM's last Fan Feedback poll we wanted to know "Are You Going To Order The KISS PPV?" Die-hards until the very end, an overwhelming 76% of those who responded (over 4,000 votes), indicated that they would purchase the "Last KISS" Pay-Per-View concert special. Only 15% (827 votes) responded that they would not purchase the PPV, with the remaining 9% (469) "not sure" whether or not they would purchase the PPV at the time they cast their vote.

From: Joop van Pelt - KISS Kollector Online
Late September former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick spent some days in Holland to catch up with his friends down here, since he already had to be in Europe because of his appearences at the KISS Expos with glam band Shameless. He was the special guest at the KISS Expo in Zaandam (Holland) and travelled through Germany early October were he appeared as the special guest at five KISS Expos there. On Thursday, September 28 Bruce did a guitar clinic at Feedback in Rotterdam. The (usually) one hour trip from Amsterdam to Rotterdam took about two hours thanks to the slow traffic in rush hour (which gave Bruce some time to update us in detail with what has been going on in his career and personal life recently and also for him to read the latest issue of KISS Kollector) but still he arrived at the store in time. Already a few fans had lined up at the store when we arrived, so Bruce quickly went into the dressing room to get ready and then do a soundcheck at the room where the clinic took place. After tuning his guitar one more time, Bruce took the stage. Click Over To www.Kulick.net To Read The Full Report With Photos!

From: Kissnews.de/Gerhard
Bruce Kulick has been Special Guest on a series of Kiss Parties and travelled for a week through Germany and Holland to sign autographs, pose for pictures and answer all kind of questions from the fans. A lot dealers from around the globe were also present to sell all kinds of merchandise. A lot of old merchandise could be found as well, for the appropriate prices.... pretty much everything was available. Three live-bands were playing at each party. Headliners were shooting stars "Shameless", who played the very first time in Germany and Holland. The newcomers who had just released their second CD "Queen 4 a day" came with Tuff-singer Stevie, because their original singer was unfortunately unable to attend the shows. Some Kiss cover songs were of course included in the set (including a surprising "Tomorrow"), but they mainly played their own material. Bruce Kulick joined the band on stage for the encores to play 4 songs with them. Click here for a full report with photos!

From: Charleston.net

The fire-breathing, (fake) blood-spitting, bass player for Kiss will soar like a ghoulish Peter Pan one last time here in Charleston before retiring his reptilian platform heel boots, spiked body armor and colorful makeup. But is this really it? The final farewell tour for Kiss? "It really is," said Gene Simmons. He takes his cue from Michael Jordan, whom he said had the dignity to quit at the top of his game. "We'd rather leave on our own terms instead of having our fans say, 'Why don't they leave?'" Kiss will continue in other ways - comic books, cartoons, toys, games, a movie and the like. But the stage lights will go out for good after this tour, the final one for the veteran stars of the rock concert circuit. Simmons said it wasn't a tough decision. He's an Israeli immigrant, birth name Chaim Witz, who once taught sixth grade in Spanish Harlem. He likened his situation in Kiss to parenting. "You know when it's time for the kids to leave home. It's bittersweet. You're sorry to see your kid leave home. On the other hand, it's time," he said.
Click Here To Read The Full Article!

From: Chad

These photos were all shot from the front row on ace's side in Milwaukee, WI on May 19, 2000. They were all taken with a small Kodak camera, 400 speed film, and I used a flash on every shot. The show was great other than a few problems. the big screen behind them did not work all night, which had to really suck for the people in the lawn. Also Paul's flying machine did not work this night either. He was really upset about it too, I have some good shots of him standing in the loop waiting for it to take off...but no luck. The stage seemed a bit high at this venue, and as you can see, I kept getting the wires, lights, stage, and confetti cannons in the pictures. but you really get an idea of how close I was. Otherwise an excellent KISS show as usual!! Click Here To View The Photos!

From: Bill Francavilla
Last night (October 6) at the Charlotte, NC show while Peter was singing Beth, someone from the front row handed him some blue roses. He was very touched by this, as you know from the "Second Coming" video that blue roses were his mother's favorite and while he was in New York City during the Reunion tour he gave blue roses to the audience and dedicated it to his mother. It was actually kind of funny because he was trying to thank whoever it was and sing at the same time. You could really tell he was very touched which makes me hope he doesn't forget Charlotte. Another interesting little something is that before Rock and Roll All Night someone lifted their artificial leg onto the stage and all the members signed it.

From: Universal Wheels E-Zine
There are two print interviews with former Frehley's Comet member Tod Howarth available online at Universal Wheels E-Zine. The first is a nice "flashback" from the Fall of 1996, while the other was conducted just recently. You can check them both out by clicking here!

From: KISS ASYLUM
VH1.com is taking votes for VH1's "My Music" awards, with the winners to be announced during an awards show November 30th at the Shrine Auditorium. The categories were determined by fan suggestions, and preliminary voting is going on right now in all categories to determine final nominees. Voting in the preliminary round is open until October 20th, and it is very important to VOTE NOW because the finalists will be determined from the preliminary voting results. Why does this matter to the online KISS Army? Well, because KISS has been nominated in several of the categories and need your votes to make it to the finals! And not only does the band need your help in those categories where they were nominated, but we want the KISS Army to stage a massive write-in campaign (100% allowed under the voting system) to add KISS in a couple of categories they were unjustifiably left out of! Click here for all the details!

From: Kathy Labonte
The final KISS Tribute CD from KAOL entitled KAOL 3 - "The Spirit of '78", is full of surprises and one of them is that we are including 3 full length music videos with the CD package. The 3 songs we are highlighting are "What's On Your Mind" by the Japanese band REVERB, "Shout It Out Loud/Radioactive" by the Partridge Family Tribute band, and "Goodbye" from the entire KISS Army OnLine musicians who have performed on KAOL these last 3 years. The Japanese video is already complete and was shot with all the band members in special KAOL face makeup and kimonos! Right now, we are scheduling a shoot in the LA area for a full blown production on the Partridge Family version of "Shout It Out Loud/Radiactive". KAOL needs a very realistic KISS Tribute band for the shoot. No instruments, equipment, pyro, or gear of any kind is needed. You will not be performing. These will be "walk on" acting roles so we just need experienced guys with pro makeup and costume. The 4 KISS lookalikes do not necessarily need to be from the same Tribute band. It will be done sometime in late October or earlyNovember. Please contact KAOL producer Kathy LaBonte at ILOVE70s@aol.com if you are interested. The premise of the storyline will be KISS "crashing the party" at a Partridge Family concert. We are also looking for Sonny and Cher lookalikes for cameo roles. Extras will be called to make up the audience so if you live in the local area, keep an eye out for the announcement.As always, KAOL is 100% for charity. There will be no compensation provided for the participants and if you are from outside the LA area you will have to provide your own transportation. Food will be provided the day of the shoot. The videos will be part of the grand finale release of KAOL 3 coming out later this year. "The Spirit of '78" is a tribute album based entirely on the 4 KISS solo albums of 1978 and is the last in a 3 part series of KAOL releases. All proceeds from our efforts are given to the Alzheimer's Association. To purchase the current release "Creatures of The Net" or "A World Without Heroes" and learn more about this great project, please visit our website at www.kissarmyonline.com

From: Music Video Distributors & Creative Worx Entertainment
Music Video Distributors and Creative Worx Entertainment are pleased to announce the DVD video, Eric Carr Story- Inside the Tale of the Fox, for worldwide distribution.This 110 minute DVD documentary provides insight into the extraordinary life of Eric Carr, former drummer for KISS, who died prematurely in 1991. This DVD includes video footage, photos as well as unreleased music written and performed by Eric Carr from his pre-KISS & KISS days, plus interviews with Bill Aucoin, Bruce Kulick, Carrie Stevens, members of Slaughter, Fred Coury, and more. The director Jack Edward Sawyers gives you an inside look of how Eric discovered his numerous talents as drummer, guitarist and singer in his pet project, the Rockheads, an animated rock group. KISS fans as well as music fans will enjoy this front row seat into a life of a boy that had a dream and as a man, stopped at nothing to make it happen.
Special DVD Features:
This DVD is an all region format DVD which includes 20 minutes of additional footage, unreleased material and tribute songs from Eric's contemporaries in the music world. 8mm Home movie footage of Eric when he was a child as well as a teenager is exclusively featured throughout this documentary. Photographs throughout his life help to tell his story of a Dream and success. Features how Eric discovered his numerous talents as drummer, guitarist and singer in his pet project The Rockheads - an animated rock group that sang their way through life. Both DVD and VHS are completely re-mastered and re-edited.
Click Here To Read More Information

From: EddieTrunk.com
This past Saturday on Saturday night Rocks, Gene Simmons called in for a 20 minute interview with Eddie Trunk. Ed asked all the burning questions that KISS fans have been asking themselves, including questions about Ace and Peter leaving, KISS continuing without Pete and Ace, the postponement of the overseas tour and much more! We have just put up the FULL INTERVIEW in real audio format on www.eddietrunk.com, and I think it's of interest to all KISS fans across the world to hear the interview.

From: Mike Clark
Dear fellow KISS fans. My name is Mike Clark, I'm a KISS fan, and Next Saturday, October 14th, I am participating in the Heart Walk for the American Heart Association. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women in the United States. Each year, more people die or are disabled from heart disease and stroke than from any other cause. If you would like to make a donation to the cause, I would greatly appreciate it. Contributions are used to fund critical research, professional and public education, community service programs and support services. Please make any checks out to the American Heart Association. The business adress that I'm doing the walk with is: Ukrop's Short Pump, c/o Mike Clark, 3460 Pump Rd., Richmond, Va. 23233. Thanks to all!

From: Metal Edge Online
Want another reason to order the Last KISS pay-per-view this Saturday? Two lucky fans who order the concert via DISH-On-Demand will win one of two signed copies of KISSTORY and KISSTORY II. Those who order the October 7 concert through DISH will automatically be entered in the drawing. The 90 minute concert will have several repeat telecasts during the month of October.

From: Pagesix.com via Almost Human

Gene Simmons - the bass player for KISS, who has the longest tongue in rock 'n' roll history - seems to be underendowed in his sense of humor. When KISS played the Monhegan Sun in Connecticut on Tuesday night, Simmons lost his temper at a fan in the front row and refused to go on with the concert until the man, Sal Governale, left. Governale is better known as "Sal the Stockbroker," a frequent guest on the Howard Stern radio show who delights in calling Stern's producer, Gary Dell'Abate, a "horse-toothed jackass." Sal confesses that when Simmons stuck out his anaconda-like tongue, he stuck out his tongue as well, while putting his thumbs in his ears and wiggling his fingers. "I did it to make Gene laugh," said Governale, who works at Millenium Securities. But Simmons wasn't amused. "Gene pointed at me and said, 'You're out of here.'" Sal, confronted by security men and a burly roadie, soon left the arena voluntarily. "I didn't want a riot, which was the next step," said Governale. "It was ugly." But KISS' manager, Doc McGhee, denies Sal was threatened. "They went over and asked him to cut it out, and he said, 'I feel uncomfortable,' and asked to be escorted out," said McGhee. "He did a good job of annoying Gene. He's got to learn how to act in public."

From: KNAC.com
The Last KISS, a Pay Per View KISS Farewell Tour concert presented by Showtime Event Television, is being aired Saturday October 7th. The 90-minute concert was filmed live at the Continental Arena in New Jersey and will air at 8 p.m. ET/PT (The pay per view concert will be distributed by DIRECTV and EchoStar to subscribers in the DBS universe, while iN Demand and TVN Entertainment will distribute the concert to its cable network affiliates and their subscribers). The suggested retail price for this musical event is $19.95 but you can catch a sneak peak here at KNAC.COM 'cause we have a VHS tape of killer clips from the Pay-Per-View and we're gonna give it to one of you!!!! All you gotta do to win this awesome prize is go to the KNAC.COM contest page and enter! The grand prize will be the actual uncut VHS copy of concert clipsl sent to us by Showtime. Runners up will win a movie poster and a KISS t-shirt - so act quick and enter now!!!
Click Over To KNAC.com To Enter The Contest & View The Clips

From: Deno Tofalos
It was never meant to happen - but sadly it has. The UK's premier KISS magazine, CLOWN WHITE will finish soon - without it seems, a final issue! The constant pressure of having to honour commitments plus a lack of financial capital has finally taken it's toll - and although there were plans to produce one final issue (a 'mega' 96 page edition) for the final shows at 'Madison Square' - those plans now seem very unlikely. Subscribers are asked to be patient while we tie-up all the loose ends - but they will all be contacted soon.

From: Kathy Labonte
A very special KISS fan and his sister have come forward to help the KISS Army OnLine raise money and awareness for Alzheimer's Disease by donating $6,000 to MusiCare Online this week. MusiCare is the non-profit record company responsible for putting out the series of KISS Tribute discs entitled KAOL (Kiss Army OnLine). Known for initially raising several thousand dollars for the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin with releases such as "Creatures of The Net", the NEW KAOL focus has recently shifted towards Alzheimer's Disease as we start from ground zero for a brand new cause. It was with great shock and overwhelming joy that we accepted this generous gift from KISS fan Craig Gimbi and his sister Christa Podgers that will now provide the head start in establishing the first KISS Army account at the Massachussetts Alzheimer's Association. All of you who have supported KAOL in the past have reason to celebrate. We really ARE making a difference with music, online communications, and a renewed sense of what is important. To purchase one of the KAOL CDs, please visit www.kissarmyonline.com

From: Chad

These photos were taken in Madison Wisconsin on Tuesday, July 11th, 2000. They were all shot with a Kodak Advanitx camera with 400 speed film, and I used a flash on every single shot. At this particular venue they were allowing cameras, so there wasn't much of a hassle, other than a couple college security guards who didn't know we could photograph at first. They would only allow small cameras though, no proffesional equipment with zoom lenses or anything. Almost all of them were shot between the 3rd and 1st row, I moved around a little here and there. As for the show, the hall was only half sold at best, but KISS gave it their all, as usual. It was a great show; this was my 6th show of the year, and I have yet to be dissapointed. They are leaving on top of the game!! I caught several picks, even got Gene's stage used towel that he used all night!! They were all gladly posing for photos from the crowd, and full of energy. Peter did not solo this night however, a bit of a let down, but still a kick ass show!! If you havent seen them yet this year, get out to a show if you can...it truly is the greatest show on earth!!!!
Click Here To View The Photos!

From: Kevin Coughlin

Just got back from Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton, NJ after photographing KISS for the third, and possibly the final time on their Farewell Tour. It has been discussed that drummer Peter Criss has altered his makeup to include the addition of a tiny green tear under his right eye. Sure enough, the tear is evident in this photo (click photo for larger image) from the Sovereign Bank Arena performance. Is it a protest "power-struggle" move regarding Peter's contract negotiations, or is the Catman just sad to see the end of rock's greatest band?

From: KISS ASYLUM & KISSFAQ.COM
Find out the logic behind the releases, what was going on in the band during the recording of albums, what the band was up to in the period leading up to studio time, and lots more information which should be of interest to the diehard fan! Some of the album focus' will use reference material never before available, plus some of the best interviews with the band already available. We are going for accuracy in our attempt to provide a completely clear picture of the status of the band for each release. The "KISS Album Focus" will be your definitive look back on KISS and their albums. Sit back and enjoy your KISStory lesson with KISS ASYLUM & KISSFAQ.COM's "KISS Album Focus."
"This is probably the most accessible to radio LP that Kiss has ever recorded, with the four masked musicians concentrating with Poncia on delivering short, well structured songs. The concerns here, as in most Kiss LPs, is on the opposite sex in all of its adolescent permutations. But the musicianship shows a new maturity for the band. The old heavy metal style is still suggested, but now the emphasis is on hooks and harmonies. Despite the title though, the makeup is still on. Best cuts: "Is That You," "She's So European," "Two Sides Of The Coin," "Easy As It Seems"" (Billboard, 6/14/80)...Click Here To Learn Your KISSTORY Lesson!

From: KISS ASYLUM
One of the oldest and longest running Features here on KISS ASYLUM has returned as Bob Rodrick has dug up a bunch of more interesting KISS facts for the online fans here at KISS ASYLUM. Click over to the KISS Fact Of The Week page to check out this week's fact.

From: SHO.com via Almost Human
SHO.com, Showtime Networks' website, will host a live chat with KISS bassist Gene Simmons and lead vocalist Paul Stanley on Saturday, October 7 at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. The live chat precedes "THE LAST KISS", a 90-minute exclusive pay per view concert featuring one of the final performances of the legendary rock band KISS, which will air on the same evening, Saturday, October 7 at 8 p.m ET. Stanley and Simmons, two of the original, long-standing members of KISS, will answer fans' questions about the band and its members, the tour and the upcoming pay per view concert. Fans can access the chat by logging on to http://kiss.SHO.com. The website also features exclusive video clips, photography, and more information on "THE LAST KISS." The pay per view special features the band's hits over its 27-year career with classic songs like ``Rock and Roll All Night,'' ``Shout It Out Loud,'' ``Love Gun'' and ``Beth.'' Filmed live at the band's home coming show at the Continental Arena in New Jersey, the concert showcases the four original KISS members -- Simmons, Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss -- together on stage in full make-up with the dazzling pyrotechnics for which the band is world renown. The event is distributed by Showtime Event Television (SET) Pay Per View. The suggested retail price is $19.95.

From: Yahoo.com via Paul Boyd
VH1 has greenlit production on ''Smash,'' a half-hour comedy from KISS rocker-turned-producer Gene Simmons. The music cable network has ordered a pilot for the series, which revolves around a well-educated, late twentysomething black performer/businessman who's never been able to duplicate the success he had as the Hammer-esque teen singer Phat Boy. After giving up on a singing career, Phat (unsuccessfully) tries to launch a record label; his efforts to pull the company out of a financial hole will serve as the main plotline for the series. Simmon will serve as an executive producer of the pilot, with "Walker, Texas Ranger" co-creator Leslie Grief. Jim Hightower and Stan Daniels ('"Roc," "Taxi") wrote the pilot, which will be directed by Grief. Production is expected to begin later this month. The cast has not yet been set, though Simmons is lining up several celeb cameos."Smash" (the title refers to the name of Phat Boy's one-hit wonder) represents the first greenlit television pilot for Simmons and his Gene Simmons Co. The Kiss co-founder/bassist/singer had his first producing credit on last year's "Detroit Rock City" and is producing "The Neil Bogart Story" for Paramount. Simmons said he's working on several other TV projects, and should be ready to announce more pilot commitments in the coming weeks. "The Gene Simmons Co. really came to life as an extension of my will to do anything and everything,'' he said.
Click Here To Read The Full Article

From: PRNewswire via Almost Human
KISS legends Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley will be taking over the new cable music channel VH1 Classic for an exclusive "pre-game" show immediately preceding their pay-per-view special "The Last KISS," on Saturday, October 7 at 6:00-8:00 p.m. (ET/PT). Simmons and Stanley (in KISS character) will host the two-hour VH1 Classic special as well as program the videos, including "My Generation" by The Who, Jimi Hendrix' "Voodoo Child," "Surrender" by Cheap Trick, Led Zeppelin's "The Song Remains the Same," plus a few surprises including songs by N'Sync, Sheryl Crow and Sarah MacLaughlin. "When a couple of seven-foot-tall rock 'n' roll giants tell us they want to take over our channel, they usually get what they want," said Eric Sherman, Vice President, MTV/VH1 Digital Television. "What you see is what you get -- two grown men wearing makeup, platform heels and codpieces, talking about their favorite videos," said Simmons. "When we want to get into America's homes, we don't use the door!" said Stanley. The band's PPV special "The Last KISS" airs Saturday, October 7 at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT).

From: KISS ASYLUM

Dutch KISS cover band Sweet Pain are now finished with the recording and artwork (click on photo links below) for their new album "KISS 'EM ALL", and the CD is ready to rock! This new KISS cover CD includes the tracks: Unholy * Magic Touch * Is That You? * Everytime I Look At You * Larger Than Life * Room Service * The Oath * and, All Hell's Breakin'Loose. These guys are really a dedicated, talented group of KISS fans, so show them your support KISS Army, and treat yourself to some great KISS covers while you're at it! Those who have pre-ordered should be receiving your copies shortly. If you haven't ordered yet, you can pick up both "KISS 'EM ALL" and Sweet Pain's original cover CD, "KISS UNCOVERED", directly from the band:

KISS 'EM ALL -- $12.00 US (30 gulden for Dutch orders).

KISS UNCOVERED -- $9.00 US.

Both CDs for $20.00 US. (shipping included).
Please direct orders (International Money Orders in Dutch funds only please) to: Sweet Pain, Elsgeestpolderpad 7, 2807 KZ Gouda, The Netherlands. Additional info can be found on the band's website www.sweetpainonline.com Any questions about ordering information should be directed to the band at: mich@pain.demon.nl
Front Cover | Back Cover | CD Artwork | Inside 1 | Inside 2

From: Collegian.psu.edu via Simeon Ziff

Kiss dazzled old and new fans Wednesday night at The Bryce Jordan Center with their awesome stage theatrics and fist-pumping sounds. As part of their Farewell tour, Kiss pulled out all the old tricks to delight the 5,500 Kiss Army in attendance. A giant banner hid the stage as the crowd waited to erupt, then as the curtain dropped the Kiss experience began. The stage was just as lively as in their old video footage, with two giant blinking Kiss signs, a screen displaying a closer look at their antics and Kiss Army banners hanging from the rafters. Gene Simmons and the others descended from the roof to the stage on platforms; Simmons fully equipped with his war paint and armor that had made him one of the most unforgettable figures in rock history. His gigantic shoulder pads had four-inch spikes branching out of them as they accessorized well with his thunderous dragon-headed platform boots. When he spread his arms, the leather cape made it look as if he just rose up from hell. When the tongue appeared though, it was clear Kiss was back and hadn't lost a step.
Click Here To Read The Full Article