Time is Running Out for "A World Without Heroes"
From: Kathy Labonte
Late December is upon us and we only have until the end of the month to collect pre-orders for Dale Sherman's newest book, " A World Without Heroes". The book comes with a 25 song KAOL Soundtrack CD in the back cover. Similar to the soundtrack of a motion picture film, the carefully selected KISS songs follow the storyline to each chapter and have been re-created by musicians all over the world. If you order your book/CD package BEFORE DECEMBER 31st, your name will be printed inside of the book in a special section of KISS Army OnLine members. All profits from this project are being donated to The Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in the name of the KISS Army OnLine (KAOL) and in memory of Eric Carr. Not only will you get to be a part of Dale's new book, you'll also own an incredible KISS story and the most unique KISS Tribute CD in the form of a Soundtrack. All this while donating to charity. All who purchase this package will also become an official member of the KISS Army OnLine with private email addresses (yourname@kissarmyonline.net), a Members Only Website, and discounts on the upcoming KAOL 3 disc. Time is running out. Don't miss your opportunity to be a part of history and do some good for a great cause. Order now by credit card over our secure server or by phone. Full details are on the order page at www.kissarmyonline.com It only takes a minute!

Website Update: Happy Holidays!
From: KISS ASYLUM
This is just a quick note for all our ASYLUM visitors to let you know that the KISS ASYLUM webmasters will be away for the Christmas holiday starting today, but will return on Sunday the 26th. Happy Holidays Everyone!

December 16

KISS Alaska Show Near A Sell Out
From: Brian Bateman
I just got off the phone with Carrs Tix here in Anchorage, and the KISS show is a near SELL OUT! There are scattered single seats and very limited numbers of pairs of seats together. The majority of seats available are in the UNDER 21 side of the arena. This upcoming weekend, 106.5 KWHL are having a massive KISS GIVEAWAY! People from all over the world can listen in via the KWHL website (Real Player is needed) at www.kwhl.com. The radio staition bought thousands of dollars worth of tickets to give away during blocks of KISS songs all weekend long. Paul Stanley was live on the radio last Friday and told the listeners that the last time KISS were in Alaska was in 1974. They played the Fireweed Theatre which no longer exists. It was a drive-in movie theatre and Paul got a huge laugh out of telling people in the lower 48 how KISS played an OUTDOOR show in Alaska. It was in the summer, and Paul thought it was so cool that it never got dark!

Atlanta KISS Expo 2000 Details
From: KISS ASYLUM
Here are the latest details for the 6th annual Atlanta KISS Expo. The Expo will take place Sunday, February 20, 2000 from 11am to 8pm at the Hilton Atlanta Northeast (5993 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard), Norcross, Georgia (same location as last year). The very special guest is Eric Singer and special guests also include KISS Author/Head of Security-Andre Augustine, KISS Author-Dale Sherman, 70's KISS Photographer-Chip Rock, and a Top touring KISS Tribute band to be announced later. Hotel rooms can now be booked by calling 1-800-HILTONS and ask for the "KISS Convention" discounted group rate of $79. Please note that when making a reservation: Ask for a room, the hotel has alloted our group "KING SIZE" rooms (for now). Make a reservation for your room now, and if you need a "DOUBLE ROOM", then you can call back the week before the show and change your reservation to a "DOUBLE ROOM." Reasoning is as follows: The hotel has alloted all the "DOUBLE ROOMS" to a massive throng of "CHEERLEADERS" who are invading the hotel that same weekend. Our group will get our fair share of "DOUBLE ROOMS" later, but now, reserve the "KING ROOM" to guarantee yourself of a room a the hotel! The hotel could get booked up if you wait to long. Note: Presidents Day is that next day (MONDAY), so plan a long weekend at the BIGGEST and LONGEST running KISS Expo in the Southeast! Note: The new "Union" CD "Blue Room" will be released that TUESDAY February 22nd, and should be available at the show on the 20th. All Dealer inquires should call Phil Elliott @ 770-753-9630. This number is also a fax. Advance soveignier tickets will be $10. (available starting January 7, 2000.) Tickets at the door will be $12. Children under 10 admitted "FREE" (with paid adult.) E-mail us at KREATURESS@aol.com with short questions.

KISS In Hit Parader Millennium Special
From: Chris Stompanato
The new Hit Parader is a Millennium special that looks back at the last few decades of hard rock/metal with rankings for various categories. For Best Rock Star, all four original members of KISS made the Top 100 with Gene coming in at #11 and Paul #9, I believe. For all-time greatest hard rock album, KISS has several in the Top 100 with Alive! coming in at #4 behind Metallica's 'Black album', Guns 'n Roses Appetite and Led Zeppelin IV.

December 15

DVD Review Interviews Gene Simmons
From: DVDreview.com
I just wanted to let everyone know that we now have a steamin' hot and exclusive interview with Gene Simmons on our website. Together with director Adam Rifkin and associate producer Tim Sullivan, he is talking about "Detroit Rock City", the DVD, "Kiss Meets The Phantom Of The Park", the New Year's Show, Alive IV and much more. Make sure to stop by and check it out! Click Here To Read The Interview!

Merchandise Update: KISS Trucks
From: David Snowden Promotions
The Johnny Lightning KISS trucks are coming. The body and chassis are made of die cast metal with life-like "rubber" tires. Approximately 3" long and decked out with band logos, album titles and colorful artwork. Set of six are $28.00. Preorders now being accepted at the KISS Shop. We are expecting a late February delivery. Click to see the set of six trucks individually packaged in blister cards from Johnny Lightning.

December 13

Kulick.net Now Open!
From: Bruce Kulick's Virtual Studio
Musician Bruce Kulick is one of the most talented guitar players ever to grace the rock world. Whether serving as lead guitarist for rock band KISS, singers Michael Bolton, Meatloaf and Billy Squire, or with his newest band UNION, Bruce always masterfully blends both guitar technique and showmanship. Bruce's official webpage, The Virtual Studio, is your ultimate address for the latest Bruce news, tour dates, photos (most direct from Bruce's personal private collection!) and multi-media. And as of today, the Virtual Studio is now located at its new URL, www.kulick.net, with a new fresh look and even more great content! 2000 will be a big year for Bruce Kulick and his band UNION, with the February release of UNION's "The Blue Room" album and an expected release later in the year of a Bruce Kulick solo album! Kulick.net is the website to keep an eye on for all the Bruce news and extras as we head into the new millennium! Click now to enter the Virtual Studio! http://www.kulick.net/

Happy Birthday Bruce Kulick
From: KISS ASYLUM
As KISS fans are probably aware, yesterday, December 12, was Bruce Kulick's birthday. KISS ASYLUM joins all of Bruce's fans worldwide in wishing him a very happy Birthday.

KISS Army OnLine Free Email Addresses
From: Kathy Labonte
The KISS Army OnLine Free Email accounts are now available! If you are a KISS Army OnLine Member (KAOL) you can immediately get started with your new email account: Example: "yourname@kissarmyonline.net." Anyone who has at one time or another purchased a KAOL KISS Tribute CD or World Without Heroes package is already a member. It's our way of saying "thank you" for your donation to the charity. Your free email address and other special member perks will be available at our new Members Only site at www.kissarmyonline.net To get started, you must contact the administrator by sending an email with your full name to: webmaster@kissarmyonline.net. You will then be given your KAOL Membership Number and Password to access the Members Only site to set up your email. Also available there are brand new message boards and coming soon will be personal home pages for all KAOL members. Join the KISS Army OnLine community now! You've already paid your dues with your purchase so enjoy. If you are not yet currently a KAOL supporter, you can become one by visiting our website at: www.kissarmyonline.com and purchasing any of the KAOL KISS Tribute CDs or World Without Heroes project. You'll then have your own membership number assigned, entitling you to free email and and entry into the brand new KISS Army Online community.

KISS Mention on "The List"
From: Drago Bonacich
I was watching "The List" on VH1 and they were choosing the best comeback for band or artist. Tommy Shaw of Styx chose KISS. Other bands and artists mentioned were Aerosmith, Carlos Santana, Tina Turner, Cher and Fleetwood Mac. As always the final decision was taken by the audience wich gave to KISS an honorable third place. Let me just say that KISS is still alive and kicking!

"Detroit Rock City" Received Well In Melbourne
From: Mark Cuddon
DRC received a positive review in Melbourne's renowned Entertainment Guide in "The Age" newspaper with Jim Schembri reviewing it. " Bumpy, pleasant time killer about four teenage boys who'll do whatever it takes to get tickets to a KISS concert. More a nostalgia film for people approaching 40 than a teen comedy, the recreation of the late 1970s includes such lovely touches as turntables with 78 speeds, disco dudes and a nationwide network of Christian mothers who believe KISS stands for Knights in Satan's Service. Even they must be laughing know, when you consider that the fervent KISS fans of the 1970s and 1980s are now running corporations and playing the stockmarket. Fun stuff, with a great soundtrack not limited to KISS tracks. **1/2.
Also, DRC is in the top ten at the box office in Melbourne, Australia. 1. Toy Story 2. The World is not enough 3. The Bone Collector 4. The Sixth Sense 5. Three to Tango 6. Mickey Blue Eyes 7. Fight Club 8. Brokedown Palace 9. Detroit Rock City 10. Blue Streak

24" KISS Love Gun Figures Review
From: Greg Muse
The new 24" Love Gun Dolls are out! I picked up my sent at Spencers on Saturday. First off they raised the price on them by $30.00 each, so for $180.00 you would think that the dolls would be every bit as good as the Destroyer dolls. Well here is my comparison of each doll starting with what I think is the best one to the worst one.
Peter: I really love this one the best. They did a great job on him. I can't say for sure if they made any adjustments to his makeup or head but he looks slightly different than his Destroyer counterpart. His hair is still just as long but they layered it, nice touch! His body, in fact all of the bodies look better, more muscular. His costume looks really good, except when you get to the boots. It seems saving some time and or money was in order because the laces and the cross that appears on the front of the platform are painted on.
Paul: Once again his facial features look slightly different, he looks more realistic. His hair looks much better, not all poofed out. Instead of just the vest with the arm bands he has the formal jacket. They used a "printed" material for the rhinestones. I thought real rhinestones would have looked better but I think that would have been a major task to do. The lining of the jacket is in silver and looks great. His boots are also a disappointment. There are no white stripes on the platforms and the chains and studs are painted on.
Ace: No real difference on facial features or hair. His doll seemed to have changed the least. His costume looks really good, except once again when you get to his boots. They used the same boots as they did with his Destroyer costume. While I do think those boots look similar they still should have updated them.
Gene: Sorry biggest disappointment of the set. The exact same head, although his hair seemed to be a little thinned out than the Destroyer version. Instead of using the chrome flat squares they used the raised pyramid squares on the main part of his costume with the chains. That part looks fine but his arm bands and shoulder pads have just a "print" design where the squares should be. Now for the boots. The shoe portions themselves look fine and I like how they used the large raised pyramid squares along the sides, but the formed plastic squares for the front of the boots looks really bad. They should have used the same material they used for the main portion of his costume. The packaging is very similar to the Destroyer packaging. Although they could have made the "viewing" window a little bit bigger. I don't really see any hidden messages either. Some might say why did I buy them if I am disappointed with them. Well I am not really disappointed with them it's just that after getting the Destroyer set there was a precedent set that the Love Gun set would have to live up to. With the Love Gun set I like the Peter and Paul dolls better than their Destroyer versions. If they would have used the right boots with Ace I would probably liked him better as well. The only one that really gets the thumbs down is Gene, and that's too bad because the Destroyer Gene is by far one of my most favorite Kiss things I own.

Tod Howarth's "West of Eight" Title Track Now Available on MP3
From: Dwane
Tod Howarth's West Of Eight CD is getting closer to being released, Tod is currently working on the Artwork, the CD is done and will be getting pressed very soon. In the mean time check out www.TodHowarth.com and go to the "Complete MP3" section where you will find a complete MP3 of the Title Track of the new CD "West Of Eight" which is a song about Tod's hometown of San Diego. There is also a wav file sample of the song "Rough And Tumble" which is a tune inspired by Tod's wife Valerie.

Ed Trunk Show Merry KISSMas Special
From: Glenn D.
The Ed Trunk Show on 102.7FM Radio is playing all KISS from 10PM to 2AM on Christmas Day to celebrate a Merry KISSmas on N.Y. Radio. This was the station that had the Ace Frehley interview when he mentioned the farewell tour awhile back.

December 9

UNION's Video-chat & Acoustic Set Reminder
From: Gabriel Ravarini
Just a little reminder for everyone that tomorrow, Dec. 10, Bruce Kulick and John Corabi will be doing a video-chat and a brief acoustic set starting at 4:00 pm Buenos Aires time (that's 11:00 am Los Angeles time). This event will take place at the Compumundo store (Av. Cabildo 2231) and to access the video-chat and the acoustic (both will be broadcasted via Internet) head over to http://quintojinete.sion.com and after you pass the main page by clicking the big graphic, click on "CHAT" or "R & POP VIVO" and you'll be there!! Ready to chat, view, hear, and rock with UNION LIVE!! In other UNION news, the band has just arrived today to Buenos Aires, they're in a very good mood and ready to kick some asses!! Also today, they'll be doing an interview for Much Music Argentina.

A Belated KISSmas Gift - Order Now!
From: Kathy Labonte
What better holiday gift to give your favorite KISS fan than to have his/her name printed inside of Dale Sherman's new book, "A World Without Heroes"? This project being put out by MusiCare Online is 100% for charity with all proceeds being given to the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in the name of the KISS Army Online (and in memory of Eric Carr). Included is the 25 chapter novel by Dale Sherman that centers around KISS and the infamous Talismans. It's the perfect combination of fact and fiction blended into one great story that is required reading for all KISS fans. Located in the back of the book will be a 25 song KAOL Soundtrack CD performed by members of the KISS Army OnLine. Musicians from all over the world have re-created 25 carefully chosen KISS songs to follow the storyline. Also included will be collector's items such as a customized pen, bookmark, and an official KAOL membership number allowing your or your loved one a free email account at the kissarmyonline.com website. Everyone who orders BEFORE DECEMBER 31ST will have their names printed inside of the book as KISS fans, KAOL members, and charity supporters. Immortalize your loved ones name by giving them the best gift ever - something for them, and something for children's charity. This "World Without Heroes" package will NOT be ready in time for Christmas, however it must be purchased before then to have your name or loved ones name printed inside. It's a great gift idea to put a little note in their stocking letting them know their names will forever be in print in Dale's new book. Release date is late January/early Febuary and can be shipped directly to your loved one or yourself. Only 3 weeks left to order! Don't miss this opportunity! Come to www.kissarmyonline.com and order instantly by credit card or by phone. Sound clips from each chapter are also available in wav and MP3 format.

KISS Snubbed By The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
From: Kevin Coughlin
The latest inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were announced on Wednesday December 8, 1999 and for the second year in a row, KISS were snubbed. To be inducted into the Hall, an artist must release their first recording at least 25 years ago. KISS' debut album was released in February, 1974, thus making them eligible for induction. Those being inducted this year include: Eric Clapton, as a solo artist (he was previuosly inducted as a member of the Yardbirds, 1992, and Cream, 1993), James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, the Lovin' Spoonful; Earth, Wind, and Fire; and doo wop group, the Moonglows. The induction ceremony will take place at the Waldorf Astoria in New York on March 6, 2000. KISS is in good company with other eligibles not elected such as: Aerosmith, Steely Dan, and Black Sabbath, whose front man Ozzy Osbourne has urged voters NOT to elect the Sabs to the Hall. In the past, Gene and Paul have told the Hall to take a hike when they requested some KISS memoribilia, so who really knows what sour grapes lies in the hearts of the R&R Hall of Fame foundation?

December 8

KISSTORY II News
From: KISS ASYLUM
Michel Bannen of KISS Chikara Magazine wrote the customer care people for KISSTORY II and customer care agent Ken Anderson wrote back saying: "Thank you for your inquiry. Unfortunately, due to a publishing delay, Kisstory II will not be available until the end of January. Please accept my apologies, and thank you for your continued patience."

NYE KISS Show Openers: Nickleback, Lit & Big Wreck
From: Sean Cowie
Paul Hagensen, a spokesperson for Universal Concerts, just announced that Nickleback will open (local Vancouver band), Lit will be second and Big Wreck will be on before KISS. Lit has a hit song out called My Own Worst Enemey. Big Wreck is Canadian and are a cool rock band with a few singles under their belt from their '97 album. Overall, this is a pretty weak line-up based on what was built up for so long. I mean no disrespect to the bands but it took them a month to sign these?! Outside of western Canada, no one has heard of Nickleback, Big Wreck's audience is solely Canadian and Lit is still unknown for all intensive purposes. I have heard all of the band's CD's and they are all strong releases but this is a BIG letdown after all the hoopla about a HUGE band. According to Hagensen, the problems were situated in the fact that bands either wanted too much money or didn't want to commit to anything for New Year's Eve. The sound modifications were briefly outlined as "BIG." Features of the show will include 100-foot catwalks, a pulley system for Love Gun, 40-foot inflatables of the band beside the stage. Beer and wine only will be sold at the venue. The show has a wrap-up time of 1:30 AM so we won't be booted out at 12:01. Also mentioned was that Alive IV audio and video WILL be recorded on New Year's Eve.

December 7

UNION Thanks To Scandinavia
From: UNION Asylum
UNION would like to thank KISS Army Sweden and KISS Army Norway, for showing us an amazing time in Scandinavia. The fans were warm even in the cold wind and snow, and we loved making new friends in Europe. We hope to return in the spring or summer to do some dates again and play in the other countries as well. We leave in a few days for the weekend shows in Buenos Aires and are looking forward to the fans of South America, and of course some warm sun!! Pictures and lots of news will be coming after the trip to Argentina is over.

Bruce Kulick Signature ESP Guitar For Sale
From: KISS Museum
Just wanted to remind everyone that Bruce Kulick's signature series ESP guitar is available in a very limited edition now at KISS Museum. This model is now out of production and only a dozen or so are left available world-wide! The guitar comes with a signed, numbered letter of authenticity from Bruce Kulick himself, along with an autographed photo of Bruce playing this model. A special hard-shell case is also included. To learn more or order the Bruce Kulick Signature Series ESP Guitar, Click Here.

New Year's Eve Opening Act Update
From: Sean Cowie
Monday morning on CFOX (the radio station sponsoring the New Year's Eve KISS show), it was announced that they had planned on naming the openers for KISS on Friday but the "contracts" could not be signed. Then they expected it to be today and the same thing happened. They did say though that this week "for sure" the announcement will be made. And they also mentioned that it will be a "big name." I've heard rumors of Pearl Jam today but there is no confirmation on that. I don't see it happening just due to the extreme differences in musical genres but who knows?

December 6

KISS Expos & UNION Scandinavian Tour 99
From: Stefan Cedervall / KISS Army Sweden
UNION's first tour outside the U.S. finished on December 4th in Helsingborg, Sweden. The tour, directed by KISS Army Sweden, started in Stockholm on November 25th, and continued for ten days with five shows in Sweden and one in Norway (in cooperation with KISS Army Norway). Each night started with a KISS expo, featuring special guest Andre Augustine, who signed his book and answered questions from the fans. Two or three hours later, opening act Bai Bang entered the stage, followed by UNION, who actually played different sets every night. Highlights include, except all the great UNION-tunes, covers of KISS' classics "Cold Gin", "Deuce", "She", and "Parasite", The Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Woman" and The Beatles' "Oh Darlin'". The last two only performed once, in Gothenburg on December 2nd. Between the gigs, UNION did lots of promotion, including interviews (newspapers and TV), radioshows and an acoustic performance for a Swedish TV-station. All in all it was a great tour, and we have recieved lots of positive reactions both from fans and the media. Looking forward to The Blue Room, which is a great album, and to see the guys again in the future. Huge thanks to John, Bruce, Brent, Jamie, Keith, Andre and everyone else involved.

Oslo KISS Expo & UNION Live Report
From: Kai Roen
It's the first time that UNION played in Norway, and only Bruce Kulick has visited Norway a few times during the last years. Bruce played with KISS in 1988 and KISS visited Norway in 1992 on the European Revenge Promo Tour. Bruce was also here earlier this year; there was a pre-show tour before the KISS concert in February. Anyway, this was not only a UNION gig, but also a small KISS Expo. I'm not sure how many came to see UNION live, but probably between 100-200 people. They opened early to let the fans buy KISS merchandise, and all the dealers seemed to earn good money this night. KISS Army Norway was in charge of this KISS Expo, and I must say that they do a hell of the job. Each time there is a KISS Expo, it's great. They are so professional and I think all the guests over the past years know this!!
Click Here To Read The Full Review!

One New Year's Eve Opening Act Announced
From: Sean Cowie
FINALLY, a band (though not the other "big" band) has been confirmed to open for KISS on New Year's Eve. Vancouver locals Nickleback have been named as the first act to hit the stage at BC Place on New Year's Eve. Nickleback just signed a recording contract in Canada and are making a name for themselves in the States as well. Still, the second act has yet to be named and with only 25 days to go until the big show, I have to wonder what is going on. Rumors have stopped circulating about AC/DC and no other acts have been named as of yet.

December 3

New KAOL Phone # for Ordering "A World Without Heroes"
From: Kathy Labonte
We just changed our KAOL phone number and unfortunately, it happened right after we sent out hundreds of newsletters to customers and fans with the old phone number on them. The new number to call MusiCare Online and order by credit card is: 714-903-CARE. If it's busy keep trying - we have had a lot of orders come thru all at once. Many of you have already ordered the "World Without Heroes" package thru the website which is the most popular place to order from. But for those who have gotten flyers and have tried to call, please take note of the new number. Also, we are in December now and you only have until the end of the month to order the Book/Soundtrack package if you want your name printed inside as a KISS fan, KAOL member, and charity supporter. This is a great KISS based novel by Dale Sherman and the 25 song Soundtrack disc in the back of the book is unique as well. Once you order you automatically become a member of KAOL and that will entitle you to a free email account at our new websites. Example: yourname@kissarmyonline.net So come by the websites or call by phone to order your copy. This is the last big drive to raise money for the Eric Carr plaque at the Children's Hospital. Thanks! www.kissarmyonline.com

December 2

Video Spotlight: Tale Of The Fox Video Review
From: KISS ASYLUM
KISS ASYLUM and Video Spotlight author Byron Fogle have a special treat for Eric Carr fans. As part of KISS ASYLUM's Eric Carr November 2 Remember Celebration, Byron has writen up a special video review of "Tale of the Fox." Byron's comprehensive review of the "Tale of the Fox" video will give online fans a good perspective of the type of material you can expect from this very cool video biography. Click Here To Read The Interview & Video Review

WZZO Rocks With The Fox - December 2nd
From: KISS ASYLUM
Rock & Roll radio station WZZO 95.1 FM from Pennsylvania will be doing a special tribute show for Eric Carr the late KISS drummer. The tribute show in Eric's memory will take place on Dec 2nd starting at 6 AM with morning show host Tori Thomas and lasting throughout the day. Copies of "Tale of the Fox" the brand new video commemorating the life of Eric will be given out in addition to Eric Carr music being played throughout the day. Call 610-434-1742 for more details and you can request your favorite songs such as "Little Caesar" or "Beth 1988" For those of you who can't receive the station's signal which is broadcasted throughout parts of NJ & Pennsylvania you can hear the show on the net at http://www.wzzo.com Make sure to tune in and win your copy of the video & show your support for Eric.