18th Annual NY KISS Expo
From: Keith Leroux
The 18th Annual NY KISS Expo & Hard Rock Convention will be Saturday, May 1st, 2004 ONE DAY ONLY -- Noon to Midnight at the Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel, 2 Meadowlands Plaza, East Rutherford, NJ 07073

Guest include: Richie Scarlet, Jasmin St. Clair, Karl Cochran, Metal Mike of Halford, Eddie Trunk, Bada Bing girls Bobcat and Elektra. Live performances from KISSNATION, Pretty Suicide, Unchained, Slippery when wet and Richie Ranno's All Stars.

Don't forget to come by and say hello to all of us at KISSshop.com/KISS ASYLUM.com. To celebrate the re-launch of KISS ASYLUM.com (May 15th) we are bringing in Bob Kulick and Dale Torborg as guests at our NY KISS Expo booth. Both will be signing autographs and talking to the fans all day. We will have 8 tables with great specials like $10 official KISS t-shirts and many $1 items.

Very Special Guest: Bob Kulick, guitarist on Paul Stanley's solo tour! He's also guitarist on studio songs from KISS Alive II! The brother of Bruce Kulick, Bob Kulick will be appearing at the NY KISS Expo. He is a very interesting person with long-time, close ties to KISS! Don't miss him!


KISS AND POISON TO TOUR U. S.
From: KISS ASYLUM
2.5 tons of greasepaint, 4,362 gallons of fake blood, 3,400 smashed guitars, tons of explosives and lights, and enough platform boots stacked end to end to circle the globe. For more than thirty years, "The Greatest Rock 'N' Rock Show on Earth" has played more than 3,500 concerts in front of 78 million fans around the world. And it's not over yet. 

You wanted the best, you got the best!! VH1 Classic presents KISS - back this summer with a new show, new stage and a set list featuring rarely heard gems from the entire KISS catalog along with more fire, more screaming guitars and more  spectacle than ever with their ROCK THE NATION tour. And if that isn't enough, POISON, the most glam of all the glam-rock bands will be joining KISS for the tour that is sure to put the sweat back into Summer!! It all begins in San Antonio, TX on June 10.

Purveyors of decadence and excess since the Seventies, KISS invented stadium rock with their sci-fi Kabuki costumes, explosive theatrics and, of course, their garish make-up. In their extensive world tours, they've attracted the most rabid fans:  The KISS Army. KISS rocked 800 million viewers at Super Bowl XXXIII (while managing to stay fully clothed), breathed fire into the closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics, and welcomed the New Year with a bang at Times Square for four consecutive years.

None of the pyrotechnics and make-up would matter without the music: Destroyer, Rock and Roll All Over, Love Gun and Alive became the soundtracks for teenage rebellion. They have recorded more gold records than any other American band in history and have sold more than 80 million albums worldwide. Now in their third decade of musical mayhem, KISS is as vital as ever. Their 1997 release, Psycho-Circus, climbed the charts and nabbed a Grammy nomination. They started 2003 by performing live with the prestigious Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (all donned in KISS make-up) before a sold-out crowd of over 40,000 fans at Australia's Telstra Dome.  The performance was recorded and released on the certified gold KISS SYMPHONY - ALIVE IV CD (KISS Records/Sanctuary Music Group) and on the double-platinum DVD, KISS SYMPHONY, which debuted at No.1. The year 2003 culminated for KISS with their co-headline tour with Aerosmith, which stands out as one of the most successful tours of the 21st century.

POISON exploded out of the LA club scene and onto the national stage, and Bret, Bobby, C.C. and Rikki never looked back. With a string of multi-platinum records and Top Ten hits that included "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," "Something To Believe In," "Unskinny Bop," "Nothin' But A Good Time," "Talk Dirty To Me," "Your Mama Don't Dance," etc., Poison went on to sell over 20 million records, and garnered a solid fan base around the world. Throughout the band's many ups and downs, as shown VH1's "Behind The Music" episode, which was seen by over five million viewers the weekend it premiered, fans who flock to their sold-out shows year after year have come to expect an exciting, high energy show in true Poison tradition. Says lead singer Bret Michaels, "Throughout our entire career, we have been headlining, but I look at the opportunity to go on the road with KISS as a complete honor. Poison's set will be nothing but hits, a balls-to-the-wall, all thriller-no filler, stage show."

Tickets for ROCK THE NATION with KISS and POISON go on sale beginning on April 24, 2004.


KISS Return To Australia: 2nd Melbourne Show Announced!
From:
Andrew McManus Presents
You wanted the best... now you've got 'em back! Three years after their last sell-out Australian concerts, KISS will be back for a national tour in May. And they're coming back with a mighty big bang! With very special guests the mighty Grinspoon and opening with Machine Gun Fellatio, the May tour is going to be one giant night of rock'n'roll mayhem! But that's not all. Nearly 40,000 fans experienced the incredible one-off KISS Symphony concert teaming the band with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at Melbourne's Telstra Dome in February 2003. Resulting in a huge selling and acclaimed DVD and live CD, the concert was such an amazing experience, the band is keen to do it all over again.

So KISS has invited 12 members of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to join the tour in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane for a special 30 minute encore performance. The original arrangements scored by US conductor David Campbell, which married the symphony and rock, were extraordinary and fans who missed out last time are in for a treat. After KISS Symphony, the band toured the U.S with Aerosmith in one of the highest grossing rock tours of 2003. Gene and Paul have also been working on solo albums due for release soon. With 32 albums, more than 90 million record sales and every accolade imaginable bestowed upon them, KISS are still rockin' ­ it's that simple. Lineup-wise, Tommy Thayer continues as lead guitarist and Eric Singer who played on the last Australian tour, is back behind the drum kit.

Special guests Grinspoon have sold almost half a million copies of their three albums "Guide To Better Living" (1997), "Easy" (1999) and "The New Detention" (2002) on their way to becoming one of the most hard-working, hottest bands in the country. Their "Panic Attack" tour last year was a complete sellout, while the "Chemical Heart" single was voted in at #2 in last year's Triple J Hottest 100. After a break from touring while they record their new album, seeing the Grinners on huge entertainment centre stages will be awesome!

The outrageous and devilishly entertaining Machine Gun Fellatio will kick the evening off in their usual scintillating fashion. With the brand new single "(You've Ruined All My) Favourite Songs" crashing onto playlists everywhere, Chit Chat, Pinky and the boys are salivating at the thought of joining KISS. Say no more. KISS, Grinspoon and Machine Gun Fellatio.... all in one night. Sounds like mayhem to us. Get in quick!
  • MAY 8 - Perth WACA
  • MAY 11 - Adelaide Entertainment Centre
  • MAY 13 - Melbourne Rod Laver Arena
  • MAY 14 - Melbourne Rod Laver Arena
  • MAY 17 - Sydney Superdome
  • MAY 20 - Brisbane BEC
Click over to Andrew McManus Presents for more info, including how to purchase tickets!

Gene Simmons: Speaking In Tongues DVD
From:
GeneSimmons.com
Yesterday, STAR magazine came by to do a story and layout of my home and how I do business. Story will appear in an issue or two. Then, went down to the edit bay where SPEAKING IN TONGUES dvd (my forthcoming project that entails the three or four public speaking/lectures I gave in Australia about a year and a half ago. It will feature some of my wacky notions about life as we know it, as well as some great fan shots/questions and of course, beautiful girls. Today, the film crew came over to my home to do my own version of CRIBS, so we can include the footage in the dvd without having a discussion with VH1 or anyone else. Also, as a side bar, you should know that SPEAKING IN TONGUES will also be featuring snippets of some never before heard songs I've had in my vaults. Those songs and more will appear next year in my forthcoming GENE SIMMONS BOXSET 100 (as in 100 songs). Visit GeneSimmons.com for all the latest news on Gene!

Message from Peter Criss
From:
PeterCriss.net
Some people love hearing themselves talk, Gene Simmons is one of them. I read online what he said to the Iowa and German press. Now let me tell you what's really important. I have never been so happy in my whole life. I can finally be free to be an Artist again. I surround myself with people who love me and respect me. My endearing and supporting wife Gigi, True friends, and a loving family, and always God. If not for him there would be nothing. These are things that make me a rich man, Mr. Simmons. I sang and drummed my heart out on the Aerosmith tour, FACT. The real fans know that, END OF STORY. And I also missed Ace on the tour.
Click over to PeterCriss.net to read more!

Gene Simmons on "Third Watch"
From:
GeneSimmons.com
"I finished my two episode story arc on NBC's THIRD WATCH crime drama. I play crime boss Donald Mann. It'll be on the air sometime in June. This is a quality show and I'm happy to have been asked to appear in it. The character may be a continuing one. We will see."

Ace Frehley in Film "Remedy"
From:
RemedyTheMovie.com
Ace Frehely will appear in a new film called "Remedy". The official film web site has details about the movie, as well as a trailer. Click here to read more about Ace Frehley and his appearance in this film!

Mastering Finished on Gene Simmons Solo Album
From:
GeneSimmons.com
I finished mastering ASSHOLE (Yes!!! It IS the title of my solo album.) on Sunday the 4th of April. Thank you Roger Lian for mastering with me on a Sunday at Masterdisc in NYC. You could have been home dipping chips and watching the ball game, but you rose to the challenge. No lazy people around here!!!

My forthcoming ASSHOLE album contains 13 songs. I will be listing them shortly. I'll also be including TWO ADDITIONAL songs for the Japanese market only. The Japanese do this so that they can tell the difference between Japanese produced goods and imports, which they prefer not dealing with. DAVID LA CHAPPELLE, the famed fotog, shot the album cover. When you see it, you'll understand how much fun my life is. I was surrounded by beautiful women -- of all sizes and shapes -- all of them beautiful.

My cover version of Prodigy's FIRESTARTER (produced by the Overseer) features the powerful and attractive DAVE NAVARRO on guitar. Firestarter is to be the first single!!! We are shooting the video this coming weekend in LA. We have TWO DIRECTORS working on this one!!! MARK KLASFELD and TONY PEROSSIAN. The concept promises to be lots of fun (and yes, it will include lots of desireable flesh...what else). Click over to GeneSimmons.com to read more!

2004 Cincinnati KISS EXPO/Rock Show
From:
allen@cincinnatikissexpo.com
Calling on the KISS ARMY! Your Presence is Requested! Announcing our 2nd Annual KISS EXPO/ROCK SHOW. Last year we had a great time bringing the KISS EXPO to CINCINNATI. So this year we have to TURN IT UP. We know KISS fans want the best so we got the best! Don't miss out on this fun filled weekend packed with special drawings, contests, and a surprise raffle. Guests just announced, ERIC SINGER, BILL STARKEY, BLACK DIAMOND (the all new all female #1 Tribute to KISS, and THE FREDI HANDSHOE BAND former lead guitarist and singer in SSG). Ex-KISS Drummer Eric Singer will be on hand to sign autographs, do a Q & A, and take photos. We also have some suprises in the works. Bill Starkey, the founder of the KISS ARMY Fan Club will be on hand all day. He will be glad to sign autographs and take photos with the fans. Look for his table, go by and say hello! Bill will also do a special Q&A session for the fans. We are happy to have The Fredi Handshoe Band. Fredi is fronting his own band now, and they will be playing some killer KISS klassics, as well as some new hard rockin originals of their own. Be sure to check these guys out THEY ROCK! And we are also proud to have with us the revamped all female #1 tribute to KISS: BLACK DIAMOND who have added our favorite female Gene The Goddess of Thunder on bass guitars, and Jendell Frehley on lead guitars. This will be their first Live performance with this line-up anywhere. Don't miss this chance to see their debute. MC for the event will be Steve Stierwalt, Jr. of KISSFreaks.com

We will be having a Costume Contest with 3 catagories this year: children, ladies, and maniacs (you know who you are). A Trivia contest, with door prizes and giveaways throughout the day. We have also added a Tattoo Contest for you Krazy KISS Fans. A Special drawing for VIP Holders, and a special raffle (that you must pick up a ticket for when you come in at the door). For the VIP Package, Tickets, and Dealer information send e-mails to: allen@cincinnatikissexpo.com or call Allen or Karen at: 937-289-1605. We will respond to your requests. Keep checking for any updates as we continue to work on more surprises!

The 150 VIP Packages @ $25.00 each are on sale now! Advance tickets are $16.00, or $20.00 day of the show. The VIP Package includes: Cincinnati KISS Expo Collectors Laminate, 1 Hour early admission to event, The solo faces black light poster, and a Special drawing for # VIP holders. Order yours now! Location is the same as last year: HOLIDAY INN CINCINNATI, I-275 NORTH, 3855 HAUCK RD. (I-275 at Rt. 42, Exit 46), CINCINNATI (Sharonville), Ohio 45241. Let's make this year's CINCINNATI KISS EXPO one of the best. Come on out and Rock n Roll All Nite and Party Everyday! WE ARE ONE. And I Pledge allegiance to the state of ROCK AND ROLL! ALLEN AND KAREN

Japanese KISS Expo Confirmed
From: Keith Leroux
The Japanese KISS Expo has been confirmed for February 14th & 15th at Club Phase in Tokyo. Special guest is Eric Singer. Eric will also be bringing Eric Dover and Stefan Adika to perform live shows both nights. A limited number of all day ticket gets you in at 1:00 PM and you can visit with Eric, take photos, get autographs and watch sound check. Eric will also do a Q&A session. Then at 5:30 PM the show starts with Japanese KISS tribute bands Makin' Love & KISS Dolls performing the night of the 14th, and KISS Japan & KISSin' Time performing on the 15th. At 8:00 PM each night Eric and friends will perfom a live set to end the show. Tickets are also available for just the live shows each night.

For more information visit
http://tokyo.cool.ne.jp/spacewalktothecomet/ or call Club Phase 03-5911-2777.
To buy limited All Day Tickets please contact Black Diamond Store 03-3232-3235 or visit http://www.b-dia.co.jp.

KISS Kollector Issue 47
From:
www.kisskollector.com
The February issue of KISS Kollector is being printed right now, and will be out at the end of January. Issue 47 includes indepth reports on the successful 2003 leg of the KISS World Domination Tour, with lots of exclusive photos including the shows at Madison Square Garden and LA Forum. Of course there's also news on the upcoming leg of the tour, which kicks off in Australia with Limp Bizkit in April. Furthermore the issue includes reviews on all the latest KISS (related) releases such as the wonderful photobook by German photographer Didi Zill, the Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy book by Susan Masino and the intriguing Starman - The Right Hand Man Of Rock 'N' Roll biography by former KISS bodyguard Michael Francis. CD reviews include the brandnew Italian tribute album Italians KISS Better, Jesse Damon solo album including a song co-written by Gene Simmons, and the debut album by jazz singer Judith Nijland who covered Sure Know Something. And of course there's the usual, such as all the latest news plus awesome photos, on stage as well as off stage and behind the scenes. For more info, please check out www.kisskollector.com.

KISS To Be Featured On VH1 CLASSIC's 'Headline Act'
From:
VH-1 Classic
VH1 Classic "Headline Act" presents KISS premiering on Monday, January 26 at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. The half-hour block features an interview with KISS frontmen Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley from the VH1 Classic studio, as well as classic KISS videos from their history-making career. Simmons and Stanley talk about how their love for the music held them together all these years despite many changes and they also discuss the goals the band had when they first started and how they arrived ... "There was innocence and a naïveté about us when we started. We were innocent in the same way a baby piranha is. It's gonna get the job done. But it does it with a smile," said Stanley. The second half of "Headline Act" will feature KISS videos including "Rock n' Roll All Nite", "Forever", "Heaven's On Fire", "I Love It Loud", "Tears Are Falling", "Lick It Up" and "Shout It Out Loud". The episode will re-air on Tuesday, January 27 at 3:00 a.m. and Friday, January 30 at 8:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m. and midnight. 

Design the Gene Simmons Alter-Ego: FIRESTARTER!
From:
GeneSimmons.com
Gene Simmons is busy readying his highly anticipated solo record, FIRESTARTER, the debut release on Simmons Records/Sanctuary Music Group and is looking for the best and most creative designer to come up with the image for his alter-ego. We want to leave the creative vision to the individual designer, but as a point of reference we see FIRESTARTER as the Dark Knight to Gene Simmons. Here's your chance to have your image seen around the world.! The winner will receive a choice of a cash prize or a trip to see KISS and meet Gene Simmons! Click over to www.GeneSimmons.com for rules and information on how to submit your design.

Judge Rules In Favor Of Student Who Altered Professor's Photograph To Look Like GENE SIMMONS
From:
The Howling Pig
An online newspaper which carried a photograph of a college professor altered to look like KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons, along with a caption describing him as a former KISS roadie who made a fortune by riding "the tech bubble of the nineties like a $20 whore", is back in business after a federal judge ordered police to return the editor's computer. Professor Junius Peake, an outspoken conservative at the University of Northern Colorado, told the Associated Press that he had not requested that charges be filed or that the computer be seized. He said he merely asked that the authors of The Howling Pig newspaper, whose names are not listed on it, be identified. ''I believe in freedom of speech but this is not a spoof. This is a vicious attack on the university and its staff. And it is baseless,'' he said. On Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Lewis Babcock granted a restraining order requested by the American Civil Liberties Union requiring Greeley police to return the computer to The Howling Pig editor Thomas Mink, a University of Northern Colorado student. He also barred prosecution of Mink for criminal libel.