KISS ASYLUM: September 2000 News Archive

From: www.Kulick.net
Bruce Kulick will be the Special Guest of the KISS Party/You Can't Stop Rock Tour 2000, signing autographs and telling everyone all the latest news about UNION, his upcoming book and solo-album, and a lot more. At the end of the night Bruce will also perform a few songs with SHAMELESS. Below is the current KISS Party/You Can't Stop Rock Tour 2000 schedule:

September 30th -- Zaandam, Holland * Venue: De Kade, Zuiddijk 9-11, 1500 AA Zaandam * Doors open 2 pm * E-mail: info@tivoli.nl * website: www.kade.nl * Phone: 075 6176972

October 1st -- Duesseldorf, Germany * Venue: STAHLWERK, Ronsdorfer Str. 134 * Doors open 3pm * E-mail: info@stahlwerk.de * website: www.stahlwerk.de * Phone 0211/ 730350

October 3rd -- Frankfurt, Germany * Venue: BATCHKAPP, Maybachstr. 24 * Doors open 3pm * Phone 069 / 95218410

October 4th -- Ludwigsburg, Germany * Venue: ROCKFABRIK, Grönerstrase 25 * Doors open 5pm (Bruce will start the Q/A Session 7pm) * E-mail: hasche@rocks.de * website: www.rockfabrik.rocks.de/lubu * Phone 07141 / 47420

October 5th -- Munich, Germany * Venue: METROPOLIS, Grafinger Str. 6 * Doors open 5pm (Bruce will start the Q/A Session 7pm) * Phone 089 / 49042195

October 7th -- Berlin, Germany * Venue: MUSIC HALL, Storkower Str. 135, Berlin (Prenzlauer Berg) * Doors open 2pm * Phone 030-4232909

September 27

From: Trentonian.com via tirouge68@hotmail.com

The KISS mantra of "You wanted the best, you got the best" rang true last night as the band’s rock n’ roll carnival rolled through Sovereign Bank Arena, last night. Between pyro shots, band members flying through the air, and the occasional spewing of blood, the band ran through what amounted to a greatest-hits collection onthis, their farewell tour and first trip to Trenton. From "Detroit Rock City" to "Rock N’ Roll All Nite," the band was tight throughout, despite their ages and their 27 years on the road. And you wouldn’t know it from yesterday’s near sold out show. Thirty years into the business and the pyros still on cue and Ace Frehly’s guitar stills smokes during the solo -- which yesterday included a rendition of the theme to "2001 A Space Odyssey". "Thirty years old and you’d think it wouldn’t smoke like that," Frehly said after the rock gods "lifted his guitar to the heavens". Paul Stanley, the band’s mouthpiece and lead guitarist, spoke often about how the critics were wrong and the band not only made it, but it made to the top -- only the Beatles have sold more albums that KISS. "It’s quite an accomplishment," said Matt Kaylor, 27, who traveled two hours from Harrisburg, Pa. to make it to KISS’ first stop ever in Trenton. "I mean you got bands like Queen, Aerosmith and Madonna, but there’s no band like KISS."
Click Here To Read The Full Review!

From: Trentonian.com via tirouge68@hotmail.com
In case you were wondering what has kept KISS one of the longest running, most listened to bands in American culture --all you had to do was hang out at the Urban Word Cafe yesterday evening and talk to fans who flocked to the Trenton bar to tune up for the band’s first appearance in the capital."We’ve seen every show in a hundred mile radius," said Joe Augustitus, 30, of New Haven Connecticut. "We are the kids that KISS got nervous about playing in front of back in the day. We were the KISS Army back in the ‘70s and now we have money." Augustitus doesn’t label himself as the biggest KISS fan, but the married independent contractor -- who boasts annual earnings of more than $100,000 -- knows that he was there at the beginning. "They will be forever super heroes to us," Augustitus said, speaking for himself and his travel mate Don Luciani, 29, also from New Haven. "I really thought that Paul Stanley had a laser coming from his eye. That’s the nature of the KISS Army. They’ve always been supernatural beings." But yesterday’s pre-KISS party at the Urban Word brought out all kinds of people who wanted to talk up KISS before the doors opened at the Sovereign Bank Arena across the street.
Click Here To Read The Full Article!

September 26

From: Hamiltonspectator.com via Brian Cory

So there they go, off into the wild black yonder of rock 'n' roll history. KISS, the band from New York City that defined glam heavy metal for every second of its 27-year reign, and will for at least 27 more, said goodbye to area fans at Copps Coliseum Saturday night. There they were, and there they go: the Beatles, Michael Jordan, Marilyn Monroe, Wayne Gretzky, Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali, and now KISS. Too lofty a shelf on the legacy bookcase, you say? Well, regardless of personal music taste or individual opinion about what KISS is all about, the fact is this -- nobody, but nobody, does it better. "We're saying goodbye now because we have too much respect for what we do," Gene Simmons said in an interview prior to the concert. "I don't think I could do this five years from now. "The Stones can do it into their 60s. We can't," he continued, alluding to the physical rigours of a KISS performance. "If we were the Barenaked Ladies or whatever, just standing up there with our guitars, it'd be OK. We're not. "When I'm onstage, every step I take is eight inches above the floor. I'm wearing 40 to 50 pounds of gear." The implication in all that is that KISS rocks on a higher plane than the rest, living faster and dying younger.
Click Here To Read The Fulll Article

September 25

From: Rich Calgano
The world famous KISS prowler will be on display at the World Music Theater in Tinley Park Illinois for September 30th concert. 97.9 FM WLUP in Chicago is sponsoring the show and are making this final Chicago KISS appearance quite the event. WLUP is actually going to be doing a live feed from the back of the KISS Music Box Trailer, plus the car will be available for photographs so make sure to bring your cameras. If anyone has any questions please feel free to contact Tom King at WLUP in Chicago at 312-335-2320 or email tking@wlup.com or contact the owner of the KISS prowler Rich Galgano at rich@smartwire.com.
[Note: The World Music Theater has said that cameras will not be allowed for the KISS Saturday September 30th. So therefore pictures of the KISS Prowler will not be allowed.]

From: Joop
For those who're not aware or forgot: Bruce Kulick is spending a few days in Holland this week. In between interviews and such he'll appear in Rotterdam for a guitar clinic at Feedback on September 28, which kicks off at 20.00 hours (8 pm), and in Zaandam at the KISS Expo at De Kade on September 30, kicking off at 14.00 hours (2 pm). Next week Bruce will be touring Germany.

From: RockDaily.com
It's 8 p.m. at the Pantages Theatre in Toronto and Kiss singer-guitarist Paul Stanley is standing just offstage, swathed in a black cape awaiting his cue to emerge from behind a curtain backdrop. A hush falls over the excited crowd and suddenly Stanley, face coated in white makeup, bounds fleet-footed to center stage. Looking out into the audience, the rocker leans back dramatically and lets rip with . . . Andrew Lloyd Weber's "Music of the Night"??!! That's exactly where Stanley stood last year when, instead of entertaining faithful enlistees in the Kiss Army, he held down the lead role in a theatrical run of The Phantom of the Opera. Was that a glimpse into the future of Kiss -- and the end of rock & roll as we know it? The patron saints of '70s rock are hanging up their platform boots, but not before the last note is played on Kiss' Farewell Tour, currently scheduled through Oct. 7 in Charleston, S.C. While it's true new dates seemingly materialize every few weeks -- and some inside sources report the band may be eyeing concerts through January -- blink and the last Kiss concert ever just may pass you by.
Click Here To Read The Full Story!

September 24

From: Aimee Kristi
Gene Simmons will be interviewed on the Electric Ballroom Radio show on Sunday, Sept. 24th at 9:45-11:45 Eastern USA time. New York, New Jersey area can tune in on 95.9 WRAT or hear the interview live via internet at www.electricballroomradio.com. Join hosts Aimee Kristi and Keith Roth this sunday with special guest GENE SIMMONS and every Sunday night for the best of 70's glam, punk and early hard rock music, talk and guest interviews. A presentation of Gene's interview can be heard on demand at a TBA future date. Check www.electricballroomradio.com or www.rocknrollstation.com for details.

September 23

From: Canoe.com via Mike Hogan
You'd think it was 1973 all over again. The Exorcist is re-released in theatres. And a New York band caked in kabuki makeup and platform shoes, playing trashy rawk and roll against a pyrotechnic-heavy backdrop, returned for one more kick in the can. Again. The original KISS -- Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley -- pulled out all the stops last night for a somewhat small crowd of roughly 8,000 at the Corel Centre, on this, their absolutely last farewell tour. And we mean all the stops. Fireworks. Loud explosions. Cranes. Lifts. More fire. Thunder. Blood. And tongue-wagging. While cynics would argue KISS in this day and age represent nothing more than rock and roll theatre of the absurd, there is little debate that few rockers of today can willingly put on a show like KISS do on this tour.
Click Here To Read The Full Review

From: Kevin Coughlin
Once again, Kiss, having released their first full-length recording on Casablanca records in 1974, was snubbed by the nominating committee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Receiving nominations for the first time were: punk singer-song writer Patti Smith and Australian headbangers AC/DC. An artist must have released their first recording at least 25 years ago, something Kiss is certainly eligible for, to be nominated. The final selections to the Hall will be announced in early 2001, followed by an inauguration ceremony at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel in March. Click Here To Read The New York Daily News Article.

From: Brett Bartlett & Donna Basson
Australia's oldest and longest running KISS expo is on again On Saturday October 28 the KISS fans of Brisbane and interstate will converge on Alice's Rock Cafe for a day and night of rock and roll...KISS style. The Brisbane Expo is divided into two parts, at 1.00pm fans can come along and check all the latest in KISS merchandise etc. There will be displays of classic KISS Kollectables as well as actual costume pieces worn by the band. There will be raffles to win KISS prizes. RADIOACTIVE The Australian KISS fanclub will be recruiting new members also. This part of the Expo runs until 4.30pm It is open to all ages and admission is FREE.. At 6.30pm an adults only KISS party kicks off! There will be cool prizes on offer for KISS karaoke and best costume contests. Continual KISS giveaways will be happening throughout the night. Admission to the party is a steal at just $5.00
Where: Alice's Rock Cafe 15 Adelaide St. Brisbane city, Qld Australia
When : Saturday October 28
For more info contact: Brett Bartlett & Donna Basson foxx@powerup.com.au

September 21

From: Udo Artists, Inc via Kazuhisa
I have to tell bad news for Japanese KISS ARMY. Japanese promorter Udo Artists, Inc. has announced KISS has put off the Farewell tour of Japan due to their schedule circumstances. It's a nightmare... but it's true.

September 20

From: Stephen Campbell
The 7th Annual Chicago KISS Expo is back for another great year. Always one of the better expos, this year's event will bring Mark St. John to his first midwest KISS convention. Mark will sign autographs, pose for fan photos and do a lengthy Q&A informing fans about his KISS days and his new album. Also appearing will be original Alice Cooper guitarist/songwriter Michael Bruce who will greet fans, sign autographs and talk about a possible Alice Cooper reunion tour. Detroit's War Machine will perform live. The will be the usual consortium of KISS dealers and vendors for USA, Canada and Europe. The expo is taking place at the Hillside Holiday Inn (4400 Frontage Road, Hillside Illinois - exit 17 off I-290). The Hillside Holiday in is offering KISS Expo rates. Call (708)544-9300. Tickets are not on sale at Ticketmaster this year. Tickets are $17.00 at the door.
Click Here For More KISS Expo News & Information

September 19

From: Chad

These photos were all shot from the front row in Chicago, on May 11, 2000. I shot them all with a small kodak camera, and used a flash on all shots. What an awesome night!! The band was hot as can be, they were all very cool, posing for pictures and throwing tons of picks. Before the show, I had the opportunity to have Gene take some photos and sign my tattoo of him, which I had tattooed on that same night!! Personally, I wish they weren't throwing in the hat, but they are going out at the top of their game!! The show went off as planned, the fire was hot, the blood was red, and the music was loud!! Exactly the way a KISS show should be!! thanx for viewing my photos, and email me if you have any question!!
Click Here To View The Photos!

From: SHO.COM
KISS fans that want to get a "sneak peak" of the upcoming KISS Pay-Per-View, scheduled for broadcast on October 7th, can click over to the www.sho.com/kiss/ page where fans can watch real video sneak peak clips (56K and T1 versions available) from the Pay-Per-View broadcast. Included in the clips are "Highlights", "Promo spot", "Backstage" and "Interview."
Click Here to View The Sneak Peak Clips!

From: Syracuse.com via Chris Stompanato
KISS said goodbye to Syracuse using all its familiar tricks, little and huge. The soldout crowd at the Onondaga County War Memorial returned the.farewell smooches in a big way Saturday night, roaring and stomping for every flash of light and surge of guitar from their rock idols. The pyrotechnics flashed. In fact, one roman-candlelike blast audibly rattled the War Memorial roof. The music crashed right along with the props. If it wasn't loud enough to split an atom, well, a spleen or two might have came apart. And surely a number of eardrums weren't working properly after the raucous show. Gene Simmons spit blood and rode to the ceiling for "God of Thunder." Paul Stanley pulled off his shirt and delivered "Shout It Out Loud," and flew 10 feet over the fans' heads to a middle stage for "Love Gun." Ace Frehley wailed through a literally smoking guitar solo in "Also Spake Zarathustra." Paul Criss pounded a rolling beat for it all, from "Detroit Rock City" to "Calling Dr. Love" to "Cold Gin." The fans didn't seem to care that their heroes are hovering near the 50-year-old mark. They loved the way they looked in their tight suits and full-face makeup.
Click Here To Read The Full Article!

From: O.R.D.A. via David Corliss
Due to sluggish ticket sales, promoters of a KISS concert, scheduled for Sept. 24 at the Lake Placid Olympic Center, have cancelled the show. Skid Row was slated to open for KISS. Magic City Productions contacted the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) over the weekend and opted for the cancellation. Lake Placid concert-goers are asked to bring or mail their tickets to the Olympic Center Box Office for full refunds. The mailing address is: ORDA, Olympic Center Box Office, 218 Main Street, Lake Placid, N.Y. 12946. You may also walk your ticket to the window during normal business hours. Telephone the box office at 518-523-3330. Deadline for refunds is Oct. 20.

From: KISS ASYLUM
To celebrate the new ownership of KissShop.com KISS ASYLUM was proud to host a great contest for all online KISS fans! There were a ton of great prizes up for grabs, and each winner will receive at least two items! The winners of the contest were: Melissa Fuka of Durango, Colorado, Tony Messenger of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, Jamie Townsend of Beacon, New York, Theresa Day of Odessa, Texas, Shawn Wagner of Minot, North Dakota, Chris Kane of Pittsburg, California, Bill Tirey of Fairfield, Ohio, Mark Rottger of Budd Lake, New Jersey, Becky Ludington of Greenbelt, Maryland, Donald Tickle of Grandy, North Carolina, Eliot Lorango of Torrance, California, Jennifer Slocum of Cascade, Montana, Patrick Banting of England, Travis Burgess of Red Cloud, Nebraska, Lisa Knight of Exeter, Rhode Island, Vincent Millward of Alberta, Canada, John Xereas of Washington, D.C., Gary A. Carter of Kokomo, Indiana, Robert A. Chadwick of Columbus, Nebraska, Eric Fossum of Sammamish, Washington, Kathie Avital of Merrimack, New Hampshire, Julie Sweet of Savannah, Georgia, Jonathan L. Firment of Groton, Connecticut, Mike Considine of Brick, New Jersey, Nicole Danner of West Chester, Pennsylvania, and Joni Hardisty of Follansbee, West Virginia. To see what each winner will be receiving, click over to the KissShop.com/KISS ASYLUM Merchandise Giveaway Contest Page. And if you didn't win, you can still buy any of the great items that were up for grabs at KissShop.com, most of them at greatly reduced sale prices.

September 17

From: EddieTrunk.com
Today we put up an interview done by Ed with Paul Stanley in July 2000. The interview is in Real Audio format, and it is a great listen for KISS fans. Check out the interview at www.eddietrunk.com

September 16

From: www.Kulick.net
OMAHA: KISS ARMY ROCKS AND ROLLS -- Sorry for my delay in this report. I had to go to NY to be with my parents for two weeks. But more on that later. My trip to OMAHA was short but sweet, and everyone at KISS ARMY OMAHA and the bands who performed, and the people who attended had a GREAT time. WHY? Well of course the usual merchandise from vendors was available (and at good prices), and of course I made an effort to take pix with all, and of course did an informative Q&A, but the entertainment was really good at this event. Johanthan Bear, who works for Z92 in Omaha, promoted the event and with help of his KAO, and along with HOOTERS (the girls rule!!! And special thanks to Carla for helping me at my booth.) and Sam Goody, etc and McGill Travel (who helped change my flights a zillion times) all worked hard to make the event go off without any problems at all. Jonathan was able to get some very cool local bands to entertain, but best of all of course for the crowd, was three guys who learned many KISS songs and really did them justice. And even though they did not wear make-up, they had pyro (courtesy of Jonathan himself!!) and a special guest .... ME!
Click Over To www.Kulick.net To Read The Full Message From Bruce!

From: KISS ASYLUM & The Spider's Web
The newest line of KISS action figures, based on the infamous KISS Alive! album cover photo, have arrived in stock at The Spider's Web! Those who pre-ordered from The Spider's Web can expect your figures to begin shipping Wednesday, September 20th! The figures should also be finding their way to shelves in toy and comic stores soon, but you can still save yourself the hassle of running all over town trying to find these awesome figures by ordering the entire KISS Alive! set of figures directly from The Spider's Web. Click Over To The Spider's Web To Have The KISS Alive! Figures Delivered To Your Door!

From: Mich Zwartjes
The Sweet Pain CD contest is now officially "closed", with the winners' names posted in the news section at the Sweet Pain website. The band is now finished with the recording and artwork for their new album "KISS 'EM ALL", and the CD will be released on September 25th. If you haven't pre-ordered your copy yet click on over and check it out now! The guys are keeping very busy, and will have their own "Sweet Pain" stand/table at the KISS Convention coming up in DE KADE, Zaandam, Holland. The band won't be playing, but will have their new CD and t shirts available for sale. A good time is sure to be had by all, as special guest Bruce Kulick will be in attendence. 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!

September 15

11/13 Hiroshima Sun Plaza, Hiroshima

11/15 Osaka Castle Hall, Osaka

11/16 Oaaka Castle Hall, Osaka

11/17 Nagoya Rainbow Hall, Nagoya

11/19 Tokyo Dome, Tokyo

11/20 Yokohama, Arena
Click To The KISS ASYLUM Tour Dates Page For The Latest Tour News

From: CDnow.com via Mike Hogan
KISS has firmed up its itinerary for the Farewell Tour in Japan. The band, which has been on the road saying goodbye for some time now, will play six dates, starting Nov. 13 in Hiroshima. The dates are: Nov. 13, Hiroshima, Sun Plaza Hall; Nov. 15-16, Osaka, Osaka Castle Hall; Nov. 17, Nagoya, Rainbow Hall; Nov. 19, Tokyo, Tokyo Dome; and Nov. 20, Yokohama, Arena. Tickets for these shows -- which features Japan's Sex Machineguns as the opening act -- begin on sale dates Sept 30. Meanwhile, the band previously announced plans for a pay-per-view concert titled "The Last Kiss" on Oct. 7 via Showtime Event Television and distributed by DirecTV and EchoStar for satellite subscribers and In Demand and TVN for cable. The 90-minute concert, taped June 26-27 at the Continental Airlines Arena in E. Rutherford, N.J., will cost $19.95.

From: Dayton Daily News
Is this really goodbye? Kiss, the theatrically inclined band that gives new meaning to the phrase "rock the house," has indicated that its current tour, which stopped at Wright State University's Ervin J. Nutter Center on Wednesday night, is its last. At least you would assume that's what the ensemble means in referring to its latest series of concerts as its "Farewell Tour." But it's hard to imagine the group calling it quits for good. Still, that certainly seemed the band's intent Wednesday night as it repeatedly expressed its thanks to the fans who made Kiss' 27-year career possible. And the Kiss army--as the band's fans are known--weren't reticent about showing their allegiance, many showing up "in uniform" for what could well be the band's final Dayton-area concert.
Click Here To Read The Full Review

From: InDemand.com
Get ready to rock your house with the ultimate heavy metal band in one of their final live performances (face painting optional):

Exhibition Date - October 7, 2000

Exhibition Time - 8:00pm - 10:00pm

Countdown Show - None

Replays - 10/07/00: 10:00pm -12:00am (ET); 10/07/00: 12:00am - 2:00am (ET); 10/30/00: 9:30pm - 11:30pm (ET); 10/30/00: 1:00am - 3:00am (ET)

September 13

From: Ron Albanese and KISS ASYLUM
Dear Victims, Earthlings, Lovers, etc: My latest feature is my official written record of the inaugural Live Kiss Thought Vault, a special edition that marks return of the "slavegirl" and serves as a special thanks to those who helped make this event a "Beth" in terms of success. If you weren't at the Live Vault, don't feel left out and pass on reading, because I sTal Ked (well, that's how Peter wrote it in Alive!) it from front to back, and it tested great. This edition also marks the debut of a series of "spare parts" Vaults that will be shorter, and as such will be hopefully completed sooner. As much as I hate to remind everyone of real life here in our world with heroes, this past month I became a father to a baby boy (Nicholas) and as of late I've been more qualified to write Vaults about formula and diapers. But I planned ahead, and started several Vaults over the summer, which will include some fantastic correspondence (Ron Repsonds); The pinball poster exists, and in two versions? The Euro Animalize stage was designed by a professor? Don't forget to step into the Kiss Thought Vault!

From: Pagesix.com via AlmostHuman
Gene Simmons of KISS is writing his autobiography. Crown will distribute. He, himself, will publish under his own imprint. Nice story. Hasidic Jewish kid from Haifa whose every tour nets him $25 million. Says he might call it: "I Don't Have Time For Whiners." Also says: "Everything I do is like trying to sell ice cubes to Eskimos. I don't do essential jobs. And I hate rockers complaining about the hardships of fame. Here's the answer, pal: move to Nome, Alaska, and nobody will care."

From: CDmag.com via Mike Hogan
When someone tells you about an action game based on an aging rock band that today's kids make fun of, you immediately begin to doubt the quality of the game. And when said game is an action title based on a comic book based in turn on an aging rock band that kids make fun of, you have real problems. Fortunately, KISS Psycho Circus defies conventional wisdom and manages to be a pretty solid experience. This relatively simple first-person shooter from fledgling developer Third Law Interactive is much better than the idea behind it might indicate. Great level design, satisfying weapons, and unique enemies make this a title that any shooter fan will definitely want to check out, even if the thought of going to a KISS concert gives you hives.
Click Here To Read The Full Review

September 12

From: KNAC.com

For the past several months, we've been trying to deliver you the finest in exclusive KISS coverage of their amazing swansong tour. You've ranted endlessly with every installment of the KNAC.COM KISS Farewell Journal. And as the band is not quite finished with it's run, neither are we. A couple months ago, the intrepid Rob Jones took to the pit in Chicago with mini-cam in hand and captured the first two songs of the set, "Detroit Rock City" and "Deuce." Last month in Las Vegas, I sat down with Gene Simmons for a lengthy interview, most of which I proudly aired on my weekly radio show, Breath of Fire. We did, however, save a few gems and intercut the soundbites with the live footage for a two-part clip that will hopefully satisfy any true KISS fan. The Napster commentary in part II is especially juicy. Hope ya dig it.
Click Here To Watch The Interview!

From: MTV.com
As their farewell tour marches toward its close next month, the over-the-top arena rockers of Kiss are planning to give their fans one last chance to catch them with a pay-per-view concert. Gene, Paul, Peter, and Ace have lined up "The Last Kiss," a 90-minute pay-per-view concert special that will premiere on October 7. The show will capture one of the last dates on the band's current farewell tour, which so far ranks as the fourth highest-grossing tour of all time. Kiss rolled the cameras on its recent homecoming show at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and captured a set that included the band's signature anthems "Rock And Roll All Nite," "Shout It Out Loud," "Love Gun," and "Beth," all of which will turn up in the pay-per-view show.
Click Here To Read The Full Story

September 11

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."
Chapter 22: "Music From The Elder"- "Art or arrogance? Love it or hate it, Music From "The Elder" has been the most divisive album issued by KISS... uh, that is until their record label got around to releasing "Carnival Of Souls" in October 1997 (however, in some circles Psycho Circus has been extensively "discussed" and is in someways more divisive - more about that later). Whereas "Unmasked" was vilified in most quarters due to it's overly polished production that took whatever little edge the songs had away from them, "The Elder" was simply ignored, doomed to sink into obscurity as the fans either grew up or ran to the arms of certified heavy metal acts like AC/DC, Judas Priest, or the bludgeoning NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal). Perhaps this was simply a result of fan shock at reading some favorable reviews by critics, though let us not mislead ourselves, many did accuse the album of being full of pretentious twaddle, an accusation neither the band or album can really stand against! There was also the small matter of record label support, which with the failing Casablanca had no clue as to handle KISS by 1981. Music From "The Elder", bears the rather sordid distinction of being the only studio album by the band to have not have attained at least Gold certification by the RIAA..." Click Here To Learn Your KISSTORY Lesson!

September 10

From: KISS ASYLUM
Well fellow KISS fans, no matter how much we wish it wasn't the case the Farewell Tour continues to wind its way toward the eventual end. While most people hopefully have been fortunate enough to catch the boys live at least once during the Farewell Tour, it appears as if everyone will have the opportunity to catch them again in your very own living room considering the recently announced PPV event. So, whether you're in the position of already having seen them once (or more) live, or one of those who haven't been fortunate enough to catch them at all yet, there will be at least one "last dance" for anyone who wants it. So, in KISS ASYLUM's latest Fan Feedback poll we ask the question: "Are you going to order the KISS PPV?" 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 the KISS Pay-Per-View 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 "Do you think Alive IV will ever be officially released?" Well, never underestimate the optimism of the KISS Army, who clocked in resoundingly with the opinion that Alive IV will indeed eventually see a normal release. The detailed breakdown is as follows: Yes, Normal release 50.9% (2018 Votes); Included in the Box Set, 23.5% (934 Votes); Leaked as 'Bootleg', 13.7% (543 Votes); No - Stays in the Vault, 11.7% (467 Votes)

From: www.Kulick.net

Great news everyone, Bruce has kicked it into high gear with his new digital camera! Pictures from Bruce's recent adventures in Chicago and New York have already been linked up in his detailed written report about those travels to give you a visual of the story, but now we've also gathered them all together on their own page so you can check them out all at once too! As you will see, the pictures are crystal clear, and more should be coming very soon from Bruce's most recent trip to New York & Omaha so be on the lookout for them!
Click To The Bruce Kulick Photo Album To View The Photos!

From: www.Kulick.net
Own a piece of KISStory (and help The Eric Carr Foundation!). A beautiful Baldwin Piano owned by Bruce Kulick is now up for auction at Ebay! Puchased and owned by legendary KISS guitarist BRUCE KULICK, this original, fruitwood colored Baldwin Howard Spinette was bought in the 1970's while KULICK attended Queens College for his degree in music. It stands 35" tall and is in MINT CONDITION, serial #926329. Click over to the Ebay auction page for more details and to bid on this unique piece of KISStory!

From: Mark Blackall
Syracuse, New York Carrier Dome KISS Show venue changed to the War Memorial at Oncenter. Rescheduled from the Carrier Dome to the War Memorial at Oncenter, the show will begin promptly at 7PM. Ticket holders need to exchange their tickets for pre-assigned comparable tickets in advance at the Convention Center at Oncenter in Exhibit Hall B on Friday, Sept. 15 or Saturday, Sept. 16 between the hours of 11AM-6PM. Free 30-minute parking will be available in the Oncenter parking garage. For more information call (315)-435-8073.

From: Matt of Top Ten Albums UK
Thanks to the many KISS fans who visited our site in August. KISS' debut album was voted the number one debut album in our Top Ten poll for August. Click over to the Top Ten Albums UK website to see the full results and poll breakdown!

From: Tom Waltz
I've written a story called "Love Gun" in which KISS (particularly Ace Frehley) plays a vital role: "You ever notice how Ace Frehley's guitar always sounds sad?" Steve asked, taking another drink from the can. "I mean, I've always thought it was some kind of expression of how he felt about things with KISS." I wasn't sure what he was getting at, but I listened. "I mean," he continued, "Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons always got the credit for their success, mainly because they were the lead singers, I guess. But I still think that Ace's playing had a lot more to do with it then he was ever given credit for." He took another drink. "Yeah," I agreed, ready for him to leave so I could get my Friday night going. "He does play a mean guitar." "But it's more than that, man," he answered.....
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From: Kim
The "Cool Quiz" website has a neat feature that allows visitors to create their own quizes. KISS fan Dennis has created a KISS Quiz that you can click over to and play. It's pretty fun so click over and give it a go!

September 8

From: Alain Bellicha
A Japanese TV Channel, NHK BS2, broadcast part of the New Jersey Show last night (Sept 7). The show was co-hosted by Marty Friedman, who, by the way, spoke fluent Japanese; (He had his KISS lunch box, and explained what influence KISS has had on his life). We were treated with a total of 12 songs (Detroit Rock City, Shout It Out Loud, God of Thunder, Firehouse, 2000 Man, Psycho Circus, Heaven's on Fire, Black Diamond, Love Gun, Let Me Go Rock 'N Roll, Do You Love Me, and Rock & Roll All Nite). Additionally there were short interviews (for Japanese TV only) from the 4 members (although only 2 - guess who - were speaking). Paul announced they were coming to Japan soon. The Japanese subtitles indicated KISS' visit to Japan is scheduled for November 2000.

From: Steve Ponchaud of K-ROCK 93.1 FM
Just wanted to let everyone know that my Gene Simmons Birthday special is now available as a 3 CD set. It is available for $20 plus $2.50 S&H. The entire cue sheet for the show can be viewed on our website at www.uprockcity.com. It's a one of a kind show with an exclusive interview from original KISS manager Bill Aucoin, plus special guests (see cue sheet for details). The music is all Gene Simmons songs, except 3 from our special guests (2 of which mention KISS!). Email us at the site for all the details.

From: Almost Human
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Michael Pressman (The Practice, Doctor Detroit) has signed to direct the Gene Simmons (KISS) produced "November Files". The Timothy Scott Bogart scripted political thriller involves a young lawyer who must prove he didn't kill his family.

From: Bart Pellinkhof
Just 2 days before the KISS-Party tour with special guest Bruce Kulick takes off there will be a Bruce Kulick guitar clinic at Feedback in Rotterdam. This will be Bruce's only guitar-clinic in the Netherlands! Date: Thursday, September 28; Time: 20.00 hours; Place: Feedback Rotterdam, Ceintuurbaan 191; Tickets: f 10,- reservations/info: 010 2757377

September 7

From: KNAC.com

SET (Showtime Event Television) Pay Per View announced today that it will distribute The Last Kiss, a 90-minute exclusive concert featuring one of the final performances of the legendary rock band KISS on Saturday, October 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The suggested retail price for this musical event is $19.95. 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. VH1 will provide promotional support for the pay per view event by running spots for 10 days prior to the event, extensive Kiss-themed programming during VH1 News and VH1.com support. Filmed live at the band's homecoming concert at the Continental Arena in New Jersey, the show features the four original KISS members - Gene Simmons, Paul 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 pay per view special will include the band's hits over its 27-year career featuring classic songs like "Rock and Roll All Night," "Shout It Out Loud," "Love Gun" and "Beth." KISS' Farewell Tour is the fourth-highest grossing tour in history. KISS has sold over 75 million albums in their 27-year career and are second only to the Beatles in the number of gold albums that they have been awarded.

September 6

From: Rrstar.com via Chris Stompanato
For 27 years, the legendary rock group Kiss has rock and rolled virtually every night and partied nearly every day. But the music is about to stop as its original members -- Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss -- have decided to put away the face make-up and hang up the outrageous costumes for good. On Tuesday night Kiss made its final appearance in Rockford, playing before a near capacity crowd at the MetroCentre as part of the group's farewell tour. Judging by the audience's reaction, KISS might be calling it quits too soon. The night belonged to Kiss and its army of fans. The crowd was not your usual collection of rock fans. Instead, there was a vast array of people ranging from a retired banker-type sporting a bad toupee to children youngenough to be at home tucked away in bed listening to their favorite Backstreet Boys CDs. Of course, there were the dozens of Kiss wannabes roaming the crowd like the skinny Simmons look-a-like waiting in a long beer line with a stocky woman dressed like Frehley. The show opened with the public address announcer uttering the words that makes any true fan shriek, "You wanted the best and you got the best. The hottest band in the world, Kiss." And with those magical words, Kiss emerged from behind a black screen bearing their logo and was lowered onto the stage courtesy of a lighting rig.
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From: CourierPress.com via Shane Rembe
In a 1992 interview after the release of the KISS CD "Revenge," Gene Simmons sounded like someone who couldn't foresee a time when playing concerts with KISS wouldn't be a part of his life. "The kind of high you get by getting up on stage and having, you know, 10, 20,000 people call out your name and you take a look at the look on their faces and they're having the time of their lives, you can't get that anywhere," he said then. "On the very last day when somebody's going to me and saying, 'OK Simmons, this is your very last concert,' I'm not going to go peacefully," Simmons said.
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September 3

From: Lizabeth Hall of The Hartford Courant
SUFFIELD - At 2:30 a.m. Saturday, a handcuffed man and police officers gathered by a path off Boston Neck Road and waited, in the rain, for daybreak. In the light, 39-year-old prisoner Gregory McArthur led police to the remains of Annemarie Cusano, solving a puzzle that began when she disappeared 2+ years ago. McArthur, charged with her murder Friday, began his eerie guided tour at Hartford's police station, from which he led law enforcement officials to Boston Neck Road, a side street off Route 159. Cusano's skeleton was found about 20 yards from the road in dense overgrowth abutting a sandy gravel path that leads to an old potato storehouse. Cusano, of Shelton, a 43-year-old single mother of twin teenage daughters, had disappeared on Jan. 3, 1998. To make ends meet, she had been supplementing her income as a secretary by working as an escort, and she disappeared after answering a nighttime call to a Hartford rooming house where McArthur was staying. Police found her bloodstained clothing in the room McArthur rented. They also located her abandoned car. [Note: Cusano is the ex-wife of former KISS guitarist Vinnie (Cusano) Vincent].
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From: The Boston Globe via AThompsen@aol.com
Suffield, Conn - The body of a Shelton woman who disappeared in 1998 was found Saturday, a day after the man last seen with her was charged with her murder, police said. Hartford police said the remains of Annemarie Cusano were found in a wooded area near Boston Neck Road. Police said they were led to the body by Gregory McArthur, who was extradited to Connecticut from a Massachusetts prison Friday to face murder charges in Cusano's death. The chief state medical examiner confirmed the remains were that of Cusano through dental records. Police did not comment on how Cusano was killed. Sgt. Eddie Rivera said he was waiting for the medical examiner to confirm McArthur's version of events. "Right now we just have his word to go on," Rivera said. McArthur was the last person seen with Cusano before she disappeared Jan. 3, 1998, leaving behind twin 16-year-old daughters. [Note: Cusano is the ex-wife of former KISS guitarist Vinnie (Cusano) Vincent].
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From: kiss@animalize.com

Issue 33 of KISS Kollector fanzine came out at the end of last month and features the following: listing of all covers of KISS songs by other artists; report of Farewell Tour shows in Florida; review on Farewell show in New Jersey; handwritten questionnaire from Gene Simmons; review of KISS: Psycho Circus - The Nightmare Child game + contest; review of Maximum KISS biography CD + contest; part 1 of review on DVD/VHS version of Detroit Rock City movie; (continues next issue, along with contest); review of Creatures Of The Dark book; interview with German rockband Bonfire on their KISS connections (they recorded a song written by Paul and Bruce, and co-wrote a song that ended up on a KISS album); exclusive photos from international photographers; and much more. For more details, please check out: kiss.animalize.com

September 2

From: radioactivefanclub@hotmail.com

Issue 7 of Radioactive KISS Magazine is shipping now! Jam packed with KISS! 44 pages, this issue features: Questionairres from Gene and Bruce, Unmasked 20th Anniversary Special. Check out the exclusive Eric 'Unmasked' art and relive the magic of the Aussie 1980 Tour, check out the never before published Eric Carr letter to some fans just weeks after the band returned to the US. Heaps of prizes including a KISS Auction catalogue plus autographed promo items. For joining details check out the Radioactive website at http://www.flatrate.net.au/~sidb/radioact.htm 'Radioactive' is totally non profit produced by fans for fans. Printed 4 times a year and on time, check out for yourself why fans are supporting 'Radioactive' in a big way.

September 1

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" 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! Click Here To View The KISS Guitar Tabs!

From: Omaha.com via Jim
Plymouth-van-driving mother Mary Lichtenwalter kissed her two daughters goodbye for the night Tuesday and then said goodbye to Kiss. Mike Ranson packed it in at the Denison, Neb., packing plant where he works to do the same. And Dale Benson traded his tools at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Mo., where he is an art conservator, to paint his own face as guitarist-singer Gene Simmons, drive to Omaha's Civic Auditorium Arena and bid the band farewell. "It's definitely the end of an era," Benson, 33, said. "I hate to think it's the last time we see them. It's kind of depressing."
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