KISS ASYLUM: May 2002 News Archive

From: Theaustralian.news.com.au via Steven Pratt
THERE are two ways to view Gene Simmons, the tongued one from Kiss. As a mix of Elvis Presley and Colonel Tom Parker - part rock star, and part snake-oil salesman. Or as an amalgam of the Rolling Stones' Bill Wyman and the Beatles' Paul McCartney - a bass player insecure enough to catalogue every groupie he has slept with yet bright enough to turn himself into a nine-figure business. Either way, he is one of the few performers willing to admit that he loves the show and the business equally. "I don't know how to say this, but it helps being Jewish," says Simmons. "It's part of the culture. Basketball is not what I learned. What I learned was due diligence. It seemed to be part of the emphasis when you're growing up. I was always aware it was music 'business'." Simmons, 52, is coming to Australia later this year to plead, once again, "guilty as charged of making a complete spectacle of myself". The promoter of the tour - Ann Peacock's Madison Communications Group - has no previous experience in rock 'n' roll. But there is a method to this seeming mismatch. Simmons will appear unplugged - not as a singer, but as a motivational speaker, his first venture into this territory. This is why Madison and its corporate adviser, JT Campbell and Co - run by Peacock's husband Michael Kroger - became involved. They brought former US president Bill Clinton to Melbourne last year. They figure that Simmons can hold an audience, albeit a different one, in the same way as Clinton. It is a compliment that is sure to tickle the uber-ego of their new client. [More...]

From: KISS ASYLUM
August 25th was Gene Simmons birthday. KISS ASYLUM along with the rest of the KISS Army would like to wish Gene a very Happy Birthday! Visit Gene's website, GeneSimmons.com, to send Gene any birthday messages you may have.

From: Keith Leroux
We have worked out a deal with the Summer Jam promoters to bring another great KISS related event to Indiana. Buy any priced ticket for the SUMMER JAM featuring Grand Funk Railroad and come hang out with Bruce Kulick from 6PM - 8PM, September 6th. Bruce will be available for autographs and photos. After the signing you can see Bruce on lead guitar with Grand Funk! Reserved seats are $15 and $20 or lawn seats for just $10 - (there is no charge for the meet and greet, you just need to buy a ticket to the show!!). Tickets are available from Ticketmaster. Hope we see a lot of KISS fans there!! The event is being held out side in downtown Muncie, IN.

From: Musiciansfriend.com via Eddie Kellar
Part 1: Motivation: Women or Money? For nearly three decades, Kiss has been the scourge of critics and the religious right, and though moralists may be the last to admit it, Kiss, in all its fiery, sanguine glory is rooted in some of the most sacred of American values: democracy and free enterprise. It's the band's unswerving commitment to those values that ultimately put the naysayers in their place. Despite a dearth of positive feedback from media pundits, the people who buy records and concert tickets have given Kiss all the praise it ever really needs. Kiss suffered some fallow years following the removal of its make-up in the early '80s but it eventually heeded the call of its die-hard fans - donning the grease paint once more and embracing the old stage schtick. The '90s have been good for Kiss, and Gene Simmons, the marketing mogul behind its long-lived success, is a repository of pragmatic music business advice.
Musician.com: What's the most rewarding aspect of having been a musician for so many years?
Gene Simmons: Don't let anybody tell you otherwise because any musician that tells you otherwise is lying to you. At the end of the day, the most rewarding thing -- and here's some cold water in your face -- is money. It's the obvious thing that everybody thinks about and dreams about because it buys you freedom. A record company, for example, forces you to do a certain kind of music, and you're thwarted. Once you get money, you can basically flip off everybody and say, "Now I wanna do what I wanna do." You gotta pay your dues, but money gives you the freedom not to pay your dues. [More...]

From: sidb@flatrate.net.au
The first part of a two part interview with Gene Simmons aired this morning on Sunrise (Channel 7 Australian TV), at 8.20am. The second part will be shown this Monday (26th) 8.10am. Gene was shown being interviewed by the beautiful Fiona Horne at his mansion in LA. The appearance gave most Aussie fans their first glimpse of Gene's magnificent home with it's Australian timber flooring and complete with a mannequin butler, which Gene slapped around the head jokingly. Various KISS video was shown including footage from the 1980 Aussie tour and a snippet from the KISS Exposed video where Gene has the girl on his lap and asks "little girl,what do you want for Christmas ?" Fiona kicked off by commenting that at a time when most people would be slowing down, mentioned Gene's book and those KISS condoms and asked what drives him. Gene replied that he doesn't take his success for granted but it's yesterday news and he is all about today and tomorrow. Gene was shown giving Fiona a tour of the house and in the kitchen eating. Fiona asked for, and was given a business tip...if you're a man don't get married...if you are female get married and get 50% pretax when you catch the sonofabitch cheating. Gene said there are things that you can do to immensely increase your wealth that they just don't teach you in business school, and said he 'can't wait' for his upcoming lecture tour of Australia (Speaking in Tongues). Check out http://www.madison.net.au/ and www.kissfanclub.net for details. In another Gene sighting check out todays 'Australian' newspaper for a one page feature. Special thanks to Nik and Keith for these sightings.

From: sidb@flatrate.net.au
Gene's 'Speaking in Tongues' tour is selling well downunder. Particularly Melbourne and Sydney which are doing so well if you are buying tickets it is advised to get in soon or miss out. Thousands of entries have been received by the News Ltd papers that published the "Meet Gene" competition this week. Unfortunately there will be only one winner per state. It is rumored that The KISS Demon will also be interviewed by 60 minutes Australia and this will air sometime in September. A source at Random House has advised Gene's sold out book 'KISS and Make-up' will be reprinted in paperback in time for the tour. Rumor has it the book will include 2 NEW chapters.

From: www.kissaliveforever.com

More than two months before its official release, KISS Alive Forever: The Complete Touring History is already being hailed as "The Holy Grail of KISS books." This unauthorized look at the touring history of the most influential live concert act in rock explores the entire arc of KISS's career, detailing every one of the band's 1,810 performances. Seven years in the making, KISS Alive Forever is the end result of exhaustive research by its authors Curt Gooch and Jeff Suhs, who reveal hundreds of previously unknown stories and facts about KISS herein. Exclusive interviews with over100 former KISS employees, friends, and even band members make KISS Alive Forever a thoroughly addictive, immersive experience. The already rich text is brought to life by the inclusion of over 175 color photographs, most of which have never been published before. For the first time, readers will be able to see the infamous 1974 photo shoot where Ace could apply only half of his KISS makeup, as well as several 1970s-era non-makeup shots. [More...]

From: The Inner Sanctum KISS Fan Club

Promotion for the Speaking in Tongues tour has stepped up with billboards popping up all over Brisbane Qld Australia. Check out www.kissfanclub.net for an exclusive interview with Gene Simmons. Tour information can also be found at http://www.madison.net.au/. Tickets are selling fast for the 'one night only' events and are strictly limited.

From: News.com.au via Caveman
EVERYONE wants a piece of KISS star and legendary, er, love god Gene Simmons. After last week's announcement of Speaking In Tongues, the rocker's Australian book tour in November, phones have been running hot at the offices of event organisers Madison. Fans from as far as Japan are after tickets to the evening talks and a major international company wants to take the 53-year-old Crazy Nights star's tour to other lands. And the media are lapping up the frenzy. "Every media outlet is after a bit of Gene," said an operative close to the madness. "Triple J has dedicated a three-week episodic interview for Friday drive time and girls wearing Gene's make-up were spotted at the footy last week." They were attending a Demons match, naturally.

From: patdemon@videotron.ca
Only 3 weeks before the big day! This year's show will be our biggest and best one yet! Legendary KISS manager Bill Aucoin will appear and will do a Q and A with SHOCKING revelations about KISS.. Bill will also be on hand to sign autographs and pose for photos. Former Ace Frehley associate and author of KISS and Tell books Gordon Gebert will also be a special guest. You want to know something about your favourite spaceman? Gordon is the man to talk to! He will also be selling his two very controversial books KISS AND TELL and KISS AND TELL II at the show! Tribute band extraordinaire PHANTOMS OF THE PARK, from Montreal, will be performing a SOLID TWO-HOUR SET OF CLASSIC KISS + OBSCURE FAVOURITES in full Love Gun regalia! Do not miss them! We will also have the KISS LOOK-A-LIKE CONTEST! Dress up as PAUL, PETER, ACE OR GENE (EVEN VINNIE OR ERIC CARR!!!!) and win some $$$$$$$$$. Hourly door prizes! We will also have the BEST KISS dealers from Canada and the U.S. with the greatest selection of KISS items for sale! The KISS museum will also be another great attraction with many rarely seen KISS collectibles on display such as promo items, super rare toys, autographs, rare concert posters and more! We still have some VIP passes left but order quickly as they are very close to being sold-out! Don't miss out! Remember, the VIP laminates give you the privilege of getting inside at 10:15 am instead of the official opening time at 11:00am. You will be able to purchase from any dealer that will be ready, you will be able to watch the tribute band do sound check and maybe make requests! You might even bump into a special guest or two. They will also become highly collectible! Those passes are only 25.00$ Canadian or 17.00$ U.S. THOSE PASSES WILL NOT BE FOR SALE THE DAY OF THE SHOW!!!!! Regular advanced tickets are 13.50$ Canadian or 9.00$ U.S.. Tickets will also be available at the door for 15.00$ Canadian. Children under 12 WITH PAYING ADULT can get in for FREE! As you can see, this will be the best investment for your KISS dollar! Ever since our very first show in 1999, we've been getting bigger and better and this year will be no exception. Definitely the KISS event you don't want to miss! For regular updates, please visit our website at www.kissexpo.com ! See you all on the 8th! The show will rock!

From: trex@qis.net
VIP passes and tickets are going fast now that October 13th is only a couple of months away. The VIP passes are selling fast and should sell out before the show date of October 13th (Columbus day weekend) .and again this years kiss expo is being held at THE PIKESVILLE HILTON 1726 REISTERSTOWN RD BALTIMORE MD 21208.to book a room CALL 1-800-HILTONS and mention the Baltimore kiss expo. Last year we sold out of rooms and this year should be no different so book early the special guest MARK ST JOHN AND BILL AUCION will be on hand for a Q&A and to sign autograph`s and the tribute bands KISS NATION (creatures era) and the ace tribute band LOADED DECK ( ace fans will love this band) will be there to put on a rockin tribute to kiss and ace. And of course the costume contest and kiss giveaways and the kiss museum and all the other special events should be alot of fun for every kiss fan who attends. At last years Baltimore expo over 500 tickets sold and a great time was had by everyone before and after the show and this years expo should rock like no other.for ticket ,vendor ,more kiss expo info visit the Baltimore expo web page

From: www.SpawnToys.com

McFarlane Toys' KISS Creatures action figures are in stock and ready to ship now! The DEMON is hunched over in his armor-like gear and claw-toed boots. His ax-shaped bass guitar is included in the package. The STARCHILD is rocking out in full pout in his feathery, bare-chested suit. His guitar, microphone, and mic stand are included in the package. The SPACE ACE strums to an intergalactic power in his flowing silver and blue uniform. He includes a guitar. The FOX has a fur-tufted suit with cape and includes a small selection of drums, stool and sticks. This is the first officially licensed Eric Carr figure ever made and it is a great one! You can order the complete set for delivery right to your door at www.SpawnToys.com

From:Byron Fogle
I just got back from the Eddie Trunk Birthday Bash at Don Hill's in NY where Ace played a special concert for�the WNEW�Friday/Saturday Night�Rocks host's�38th birthday. It was a small gathering approx 300 people in the small club located in Lower Manhattan. Doors opened at 9:00 as people periodically filtered in waiting for the Friday Night�Rocks to hit the air and for Ace to play. Ace's band was a bit different for this occasion, Karl Cochran was handling rhythm guitar instead of bass for this show (per Trunk's website www.eddietrunk.com�Richie had a prior commitment with Mountain�and wasn't able to play this show) Steve Werner was still the drummer and on bass was some guy with long�blond hair filling in.�(sorry I�didn't�get his�name). The crowd was really into it and the place was so packed that it was difficult to move at time. Also present at the gig who were interviewed on Trunk's show�were Kissnation (Creatures era tribute band) Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth from Overkill & Frank Bello from Anthrax just hanging out and checking out the show. As for merchandise Ace had T-shirts, autographed pictures, & guitar strings�for sale. No cameras were allowed so only thing I can share is a scan of the event ticket but Trunk's official photographer was on�hand so you can look for photos on his site. All in all a great time & a great show. The set list for the show was as followed for all you fans who missed the show. Rip It Out, Parasite, Strange Ways (Karl on vocals), Into The Void, 3 song medley (Rocket Ride, Snowblind, Hard Times), Love Her All I Can (Karl on vocals), Shock Me, NY Groove, Cold Gin and Deuce.

From: KREATURESS@aol.com
2 weeks and counting till The 1st Annual Charlotte KISS Expo extravaganza weekend! The Expo is being held Sunday, August 25th @ The University Place Hilton (I-85, Exit 45A). Rooms are still available (but going quick!). 181 rooms SOLD already! First, everyones invited to the Gene Simmons Birthday Party (at the Hilton) on Saturday night. Festivities start around 7pm and admission is FREE! Now, onto THE EXPO! This is going to be such a HUGE inaugural KISS Expo that we know will amaze everyone in attendance! The guest list is unstopable! Ex-KISS Lead Axeman (1984-1996) Bruce Kulick will be there all day signing, taking photos, performing a guitar clinic, and meeting and greeting the fans all day long! Then, we have two (2) of The Strongest Metal Vocalists from the 80's: Keel frontman Ron Keel, and Dangerous Toys/SSIK frontman Jason McMaster! Ron and Jason will both be displaying there strong pipes (on our stage), along with signing, taking photos, and meeting and greeting the fans all day long! Next, we have Ace Frehley's cousin John Hecht who'll be meeting and greeting the fans all day long, displaying some never before seen photos of Ace and himself from the early years, and John is even going to be selling a few KISS Guitars that he's acquired over the years! Look alike contests? Oh yeah! We have the best KISS look alikes coming in from all over! Come compete for cash prizes in three (3) category's (Male-Female-Kid)! How about Tribute Bands you say? We'll have not just one (1), but three (3) of the best KISS Tribute bands around! From Lexington, Kentucky "SSG" will be performing a HOT set list of lesser known KISS and Ace Klassics! Next, from Charlotte, North Carolina comes a unique totally original concept to performing as a KISS Tribute band "KLOWN!" These guys are established local musicians, and major KISS fans that promise to impress the masses with their mesmerizing performance! And finally, from Louisville, Kentucky stomps The Headlining KISS Tribute Band "KISS ARMY" featuring the incredible sights and sounds of Paul (Brian Angel), Gene (Terry Theide), Peter (Steve Clark), and introducing Ace (Doug Gery)! Tell you more? Okay, tickets are just $12. (at the door-day of show)! We've already SOLD over 300 tickets, and expect a HUGE show of support from the Worldwide KISS ARMY! This is YOUR SHOW! Okay, Okay, how about Dealers? Is this gonna be one of those KISS functions where there's only a few dealers? HELL NO! When we assemble a KISS Expo, it's a MAJOR EVENT! We'll have well over 100 KISS Dealer tables with a "Jaw dropping" selection of both old and new KISS Collectables! Come let us show you all we have to offer! And there's always a surprise, or two at our Expos! If you need to book a hotel room at the University Place Hilton, call 1-800-HILTONS and ask for "The KISS Expo" special discounted rate. If you need tickets, dealer tables, or if you have any special requests contact Phil @ 678-455-7891, or email Phil @ KREATURESS@aol.com.

From: KULICK.net
Hello everyone, Hope the summer is going good for you all. I of course have been all over the country with Grand Funk, and the dates have been very exciting. I love the reaction we have been getting, and we really have been lucky with great weather and crowds as we play outdoors quite alot. Thanks to my fans who come holding signs or my Audio Dog CD up!! That is so cool. We just finished some dates in the midwest, and I want to apologize to Chicago for a short show. Mother nature got very angry and a huge lightning storm hit the area, so we were told we needed to stop the show after about 50 minutes. At least I got to play my Star Spangled Banner! I am working on new material for the next Kulick solo disc, and I should start recording that this year. Very happy with writing in the hotels and then lyrics on the plane rides. The book is being worked on as well, and I will have some real info coming this summer on the progress. The UNION DVD is still moving along well. [More...]

From: GeneSimmons.com
Gene Simmons Lecture Tour

There has been much speculation about my lecture tour of Australia. The tour is confirmed as of today. I will be taking in five cities for one night only. The tour is called Speaking in Tongues and is being put together by Madison, an Australian company that last year hosted President Bill Clinton for his Melbourne speaking engagement. My speaking engagements will include footage on giant video screens and questions from the audience. There will also be some special girls there. [More...]

From: News.com.au via Caveman
In Gene Simmons' world it helps if you love the sound of your own voice. Really. Yesterday Simmons, 52 � the legendary KISS bass player and one of the world's greatest lovers (his words, not ours) � announced he would be bringing his pearls of wisdom to Australia as part of a book tour based on his autobiography Kiss and Make-up "If you've already bought a copy, please buy another because heaven knows my mother needs another house," he pleaded with Confidential, in the first of several gratuitous plugs for his book. "I never planned to get up there and listen to the sound of my own voice, but I'm delusional � I actually like the sound of my own voice. "The talks came across as semi-motivational and along the way I realised there were things about my life that other people may be able to take with them." [More...]

From: KISS ASYLUM

We've had a sneak peak at the upcoming new book KISS Alive Forever, and authors Curt Gooch & Jeff Suhs are not bragging by subtitling their book "The Complete Touring History". While KISS Alive Forever dutifully compiles every statistical detail you could ever hope to find out about all 1,810 performances in the band's career, this is much more than just a reference book. Beyond the raw facts and figures you would expect to find, KISS Alive Forever is presented in a very reader friendly format with each era/tour of the band broken down and accompanied by stories and anecdotes gathered through painstaking research, which included over 450 hours of interviews with over 100 individuals that have been around and involved with the band at various points throughout their career. A generous 288 pages on over-sized trade paperback stock (8 1/2 x 11), KISS Alive Forever also contains over 175 color photos, most of which have never been published (such as outtakes of the 1974 photo shoot with Norman Seeff where Ace only wore 1/2 of his makeup), and is being released by Billboard Books. KISS Alive Forever's scheduled national release date is October 22, 2002, but you will be able to pre-order autographed copies directly from the authors online soon! We will have more information and some sneak peaks here at KISS ASYLUM directly from the authors in the coming weeks to whet your appetite about what is sure to be a must have part of your KISS library.

From: productions@lochnessmonster.ca
IT'S BACK AND IT'S GOING TO BE BIG! The 5th Annual Cleveland KISS And Rock Collectors Expo is all set for Sunday September 29th 11am - 8pm at the massive Rollerworld Center in Parma, Ohio (5310 Hauserman Road I-480 & Tiedeman). Special guests include ex-KISS guitarist Mark St. John and Legendary KISS Manager Bill Aucoin who will both be doing Q&A sessions, sign autographs and take photos with all fans. Both special guests have a surprise for those who attend that will be announced later! Incredible tribute band Destroyer will perform live. There will be lots of other cool events including a look-a-like contest judged by Bill Aucoin. The first dozen people in the door will receive a special Cleveland KISS Expo t-shirt. The will be lots of other door prizes and giveaways. Tickets for this event are $18.00 in advance or $20.00 at the door. The facility is an arena so the will be no problem getting tickets at the door. You will be available to order online through the new lochnessmonster.ca site (opening August 1st). If you want to mail for tickets you can send $18.50 to Loch Ness Monster Productions, P.O. Box 39253, 235 Dixon Road, Etobicoke, Ontario, M9P 2M5 Canada. There is no Ticketmaster service available/needed. For out of town attendees the Cleveland Airport Ramada Inn is offering a KISS Expo rate of $59.00. This is going to be a great show with fans already flying in from Japan, Europe, Canada and all corners of the US. For updates and additional info check lochnessmonster.ca or email productions@lochnessmonster.ca. See you September 29th!