Quick Note on Spiders Web KISS Action Figures
From: BCR018@aol.com
I talked to Spider's Web today. They said that since the info was posted on The KISS Asylum, they sold 400 (I think that is what he said) sets of KISS figures over the weekend. They will not have anymore until Thursday of Friday. If they get them direct, they will be the same price...if they have to go the market to get them, they will cost more. I figured they wouldn't be open on the weekend, so I didn't call. (I'm an Idiot) If anyone has the figures on the stands they would like to sell, please e-mail me. Thought you might like to know the scoop!!

KISS Action Figure Contest
From: KISSablanca
KISSablanca proudly presents: MARATHON ACTION CONTEST
Win full set of KISS Action Figures
Enjoy forthcoming 10 round contest Beginning October 6, 1997
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Palms/9491/kissablanca.html

London Rock Circus
From: E. Wip
If any of you Kiss fans go to London in the near future,then you must visit the Rock Circus on Picadilly Circus. Altough Kiss do not apear in wax,you can see there hands on the wall with a picture next to it. It was done while they were on the last tour. It was nice to see.

September 27

"Jungle" heard on the radio
From: The KISS Asylum
I have heard some reports now that people are hearing "Jungle", the first single off of the "Carnival of Souls" KISS album, on the radio. So if you are a fan of the "Carnival of Souls" album, now is a good time to call up your local rock radio stations and request this song!

Mike Berk reports:
Hello. I live in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, home of 95.9 the WRAT FM radio station. I haven't visited your site in a while, and I've been down & out regarding KISS news recently, so I might seem "behind-the-times." It's 6:53 right now, and at 6:20 I was in my car listening to the WRAT, and I heard them announce "brand-new KISS." There was a series of commercials, and then their famous "series of 9" songs without interruption. At the end of the list was announced and played "The 'new' KISS's long-unreleased Carnival of Souls song THE JUNGLE, of which we are the first radio station nationwide to play." And they played THE JUNGLE, and I blasted it, and I got a major rush. I mean, everyone's heard the bootlegs. This was the same exact recording, but it sounded so good with no bad copying or distortion! I just wanted to be the first to comment that I'd heard COS on the radio, and that it's on its way out!

September 25

Quick Look at the KISS Action Figures (V.2) new packaging
From: The KISS Asylum
Here is what the KISS Action Figures (version 2) look like via KISS Asylum Scrapbook
Gene Simmons | Paul Stanley | Ace Frehley | Peter Criss

KISSIN' Time Radio on Real Audio
From: Drew Harris
Broadcast Day : Friday September 26/1997
"Forgotten KISS Classics": Show # 111, recorded 8/2/97
As KISS fans, we all have our favorite tunes. Some are well known, while others are not. While the recently completed reunion tour showcased a number of the bands best known tunes, with the KISS catalogue being remastered we thought it was time to take a look at some great songs from the past that for one reason or another have never been given the respect or attention they deserve. Join Joe and Drew as they each select favorite "Forgotten Classics" and see how they compare with your own. It's also an opportunity for new KISS fans to dig deep and see some of the great songs they might have missed. Forgotten KISS Classics coming soon, only on KISSIN' TIME!
Listen to KISSIN' Time Radio on Real Audio

An Unlikely KISStory
From: Variety / Yahoo
After reforming, reapplying makeup and re-establishing themselves as rock's top pyrotechnic touring act, Kiss leaders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are ready to kiss and tell.
Some 25 years after they started out, they're gearing up for a new album and another massive tour in 1998, but they'd like to take an A-list filmmaker along for the ride.
They hatched a project about their formative years with "Rocky" producer Gene Kirkwood and manager Doc McGhee.

September 24

Double Platinum. This is just like a normal CD in a single jewel case. The cover is grey with black outlined KISS logos. The award is reproduced on the inner sleeve. The CD looks great, it's just silver with black text. Quite different than the triple-gatefold I heard so much about on the net!

Dynasty is great. The original center ring from the LP is printed in the booklet, as is the original inner sleeve design. The poster looks Great. The CD has a beign background and a red logo and text. The inner notes state that Peter only appeared on "Dirty livin'" and that the albums direction was a misguided. There's also a print of the KISS Army logo in the front sleeve.

Unmasked also has a reproduction of the original album's center ring in the booklet. The repro-poster also looks very cool! The CD has a black background, with red logo outlined in yellow. The linear notes state that Peter was "dismissed" from the group during the recording sessions....

The Elder. Awsome! This features the revised track listing starting with fanfare. A new listening experience. The CD has a black background with yellow print - I think it looks really neat! The inner reproduces the table picture of the original issue. The linear notes mention a lack of support for the album by PolyGram and the fact that Ace was outvoted on issues 2:1.

Creatures - The one remaster everyone's gonna buy. Restored to it's original form IT LOOKS TOTALLY AND UNBELIEVABLE.. . AMAZING. THe cover is vibrant and the track listing is restored to the original order. The song lyrics are provided on the inner sleeve. One thing the front covers logo lacks the yellow outline that the original issue had - it's black, but it still looks very cool. The CD is black with the pink and yellow KISS logo. The linear notes state that Bob Kulick, Vinnie Cusano (Vincent) and Steve Farris worked with KISS in the studi while Ace left the group. They also mention the lack of success of the tour...

I guess that these are the ones I was waiting for. They look great and seem to be the best of the lot in terms of packaging (with Alive and Alive II), but it's all down to one CD Remaster.... Creatures! Double Platinum is a let down - I was expecting something that looked like the original, not like the "Grey" reissue, but it does sound good. This group of remasters are released in the UK on October 6. COS coming soon.

September 23

KISS Midi
From: Enzo
3 new Kiss Midi files have been created and uploaded at the Kiss Midi Emporium. Comin' Home, Thrills in the Night & C'mon and Love me. The site has also undergone a total new look with More info and Hot graphics.
http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Shores/3461/
[KA Note: Check out this cool Midi page, it was the originator in KISS Midi!]

Free KISS Trading Cards
From: Peter Arquette
FREE '97 KISS TRADING CARDS PROMOTION. To promote the release of the first set of KISS trading cards in almost 20 years, Cornerstone Communications is giving away two free trading cards to anyone who asks, (Sorry, United States addresses only). These are not promo cards, nor are they from the recently released set of preview cards, but are actually two from the new set of 90 that will be released next month. This is not a gimmick and there are no hidden charges, the company is so sure you'll be floored by the high quality of these cards, they're giving them away just as an advertisement. You will not be obligated to buy anything, ever! Promotions like this are great, you only need take advantage of them. This offer won't last long, so send your e-mail address today for instructions!

KISS merchandise newsbit
From: Jason Klecko
Just wanted to inform everyone of a strange item available at Spencer gifts. I work there and we recieved a shipment of the Kiss c.d. wallet, with the solo album images on them, the strange part is they are packaged with "ASYLUM"! It's a special value pack for 29.99 you get the wallet and the c.d. I just thought it was odd they would package an item with the make-up era Kiss and non make-up ere Kiss together.

Pittsburgh's Kiss Tribute Masters
From: Deuce's Pyrotech Chaz Keracher
For anyone in the Pittsburgh area upcoming Deuce shows are October 31st at Gators in Jennette, its about 45 minutes east of Pittsburgh off of Route 130, and on Nov 1st at Brothers Grim, which is about 20 minutes south of Pittsburgh off of Route 60. If you have never seen Deuce you are missing the Burgh's own Kings of the Nighttime World. The band does all of the 70's classics, plus some later tunes like I Love It Loud, Lick It Up, and Domino. Deuce has a stage show that has to be seen; 8 flashpots, 4 flame towers, a New York Groove light guitar, a light up Deuce sign that has more sequnces than any sign that Kiss ever had, NO LIE! Of course there are becons, fire spitting, blood drooling, and sound effects like the car crash at the end of Detriot Rock City.

September 22

KISS Freaks Special Delivery #2
From: Steve Stierwalt of KISS Freaks
Second issue of Special Delivery is done!
Some highlights of the issue:
*Australia Press Conference report & Private party report (fantastic reading!)
*Otaku Offline makes its debut in Special Delivery
*Views On Boots contains a review of the first reunion show video
*Interview with Doug Cataldo of KWWN
*Our first contest! (go to website for details! http://www.kissfreaks.com/special.htm you don't have to be a subscriber to win!
*You have to subscribe to know the rest!

1998 KISS Calendar
From: KLT4725@aol.com
Went to Sam Goody today and got the U.S. 1998 calender. It's wwwaaayyy better than the UK one I had mentioned before. This has two pictures on each page, calender marked with holidays, birthdays, moments in KISStory, plus even more notes on the side. The pics are the coolest and even the background it great! A MUST GET!!!

KISS Remasters -- Comments on the Solos
From: Julian Gill
Got the solos - here's the details:
*Cover prints are not as sharp as on the 1980's CD Issues. But I think that they still look good.
*They've fixed the screw-ups on Gene's and Paul's...
*Here's the misprint on the UK release (it might be the same on the US, someone check?) It's the posters - all of the posters are correct, but the labelling is wrong. Gene -Part 2/4, Peter - Part 3/4, and then both Ace and Pauls are listed as Part 1/4. Repeat, the posters included are correct, just the poster number is wrong.
*There is a print fault on the inner sleeve of Pauls (the reprint of the original albums inner sleeve has a print fault over Gene's picture.
*Ace's linear notes: "Exhumed", gee and I thought that meant to unbury someone..
I think they sound great (yeah, especially Peter's which I've been enjoying all morning!) and they look good.

KISS "Carnival of Souls" Australia news
From: Greg Davies
PolyGram Perth (Western Australia) are still believe that COS will be released in Australia later than most places. The album now has a possible release date for the 4th November 1997.

KISS Cover band in Houston
From: KISSNOT@webtv.net
Just a reminder that "the band not formerly known as kiss" will be performing all the klassics on friday night, sep 26th in houston, tx at AREA 51 713-972-1353 for more info. This is a non-make-up musical tribute

September 20

KISS Internet Charts!
From: Florian Hedwig / KISS Deutschland
Here are the results of the KISS Album /Single Chart poll:

Carnival of Souls Tribute CD
From: Villeret Florent
From the french association of kiss fans "kiss army france":
the right price for the tribute cd "carnival of souls - a tribute to kiss" is: 10 $ u.s.
shipping in europe is 2$ u.s.
for others country 4$ u.s.
send your international money order to:

September 19

KISS Spoof on Casper Animated Series
From: Lynn Armstrong
This morning, my daughter had Casper on, and as I went by I heard the 3 ghosts talking about a treasure hunt. They had to get a personal item from a member of the rock group "HISS" without scaring them. Well, it showed them in concert (re-union tour, no Paul) and Peter was playing guitar. Their lyrics had something about "buying t-shirts on the way out". Backstage after the concert they were in the dressing room. Peter starts to take off his outfit and his big belly flops out. Then Ace takes off his wig and he has no hair, well maybe a couple. He then puts some goop in his hand, rubs it on his bald head and says "How much longer am I going to have to take this Rogaine before it starts to work?". Gene spits his false teeth out into a glass. The fat ghost shows up as a security gaurd and says something about the bus leaving for an all you can eat prune buffet. They all rush out the door and he grabs Gene's teeth for the treasure hunt. Amusing.

KISSIN' Time Radio show on Real Audio 9/19/97
From: Drew Harris
"Album Spotlight: "ALIVE!" -- Show # 110, recorded 7/27/97
Some have called it the greatest live album of all time. Others cite it as the reason they became KISS fans. This week, Joe and Drew examine the album that really started KISS on their journey to becoming "the hottest band in the world". Of course, we're talking about the now-classic double album, ALIVE!
Arguably the most important album in the band's history, ALIVE! looked back at the beginning of the band and set the standard for the albums to come. With wild packaging, special inserts and a retrospective of the band's early work performed in the live setting that best suits KISS, ALIVE! was the first time the world really stood up and took notice of these four boys from New York.
Relive all the memories and the great music. This week, only on KISSIN' TIME!
NEXT WEEK: "FORGOTTEN KISS CLASSICS!"
Tune into KISSin' Time on Real Audio

Planet Jendel: Shout It Out Loud
From: Drew Harris
Announcing: The PLANET JENDEL comic book, from SHOCK COMICS!
It's not the KISS ARMY, it's not the KISSNATION, it's a comic book series for an entire planet, drawing inspiration from the music and legend of the rock group: KISS!
With its kabuki masks, costumes, and secret identities, KISS has always been the ideal rock band for comics. PLANET JENDEL takes that one step further, creating an entirely original setting from ideas inspired by KISS, for an all-new, all-different kind of comic.

KISS MTV Unplugged on MTV next week
From: Andy Samford
MTV is showing KISS unplugged next week as part of their Reunion week. I'm not sure what day...they are also rebroadcasting Page/Plant, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and something else I don't remember what...the commercial for the reunion week is pretty funny with the heads of Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, Plant, Page, etc. are placed on people's bodies who are having a "family reunion" type of picnic....

September 18

Other News (kindof!)
I was also asked to Mercury to do a Carnival Of Souls promotion in the same vein as the Remasters competition. We are looking into what merchandise is going to be available for this - apart from UK issued CDs - we talked about T-Shirts, and posters - BUT, any promotional items released here will be governed by the policies of PolyGram in New York, so we'll have to wait until early October to finalize things. The response to this first competition has been very good (well I'm pleased, and so is my contact at Mercury), so hopefully this bodes well for the future.

Gene's thoughts
From: Linus and Gerri Miller
Q:Gerri- Have you had a chance to read the interview with Gene Simmons that was posted a few days back in the KISS folder? I think the Subject was "Gene Speaks" er somethin' to that effect. Anyway, given that you're pretty active on AOL, I was just curious to know what you thought of his most recent bad-mouthing of internet people. Also thought it would be interesting to know what you thought cause your friends with the man.
A:Linus--Gene maintains that people on the Net have a warped perspective. He thinks that there's too much gossip going on and that Net /online fans spend too much time in front of computers, and that they're not representative of KISS fans as a whole. Yet, interestingly, he recently asked me "What do the warped ones think?" when I asked him about future KISS costumes. Of course I replied, "I thought you didn't care what they think?"

Metal Edge KISS News
From: Gerri Miller of Metal Edge Magazine
Bruce Kulick called today when he returned from the KISS expo he went to (and Paul covered) this weekend in Massachusetts. I asked him about the question posted here about Paul Stanley not playing any guitar on Carnival of Souls and Bruce playing some of the bass. "I played a lot of the guitars but not all of them," he said, adding that Paul played some guitar on "Master & Slave" and "I Will Be There," but not on any of the Gene-written songs. Bruce pointed out that he has played some bass all along on KISS albums, and did so on "Rain," "I Will Be There," and "Never Goes Away." I also talked to Tommy Thayer, who has been writing with Peter Criss on music for the next KISS record.

KISS mention on Adam Sandler CD
From: Steve Vaughan
I was listen to the new Adam Sandler CD and there is a KISS reference on it! On the song "Listenin' to the Radio" there is a line that says "Why can't I hear Beth callin' me?". The song mentions a bunch of songs and this Kiss reference caught me off guard! Just thoght all the KISS fans would like to know!

KISS newsbits
From: KLT4725@aol.com
Here's a couple things I've found that I'd like to share with the ARMY:
*In the Oct. issue of Guitar for the practicing musician, there's a small part called Ex-files and it's a little report of the lawsuits with KISS and than Motley Crue.
*In the latest issue of Maxium Guitar there's about a 3 or 4 page story on KISS about the Elder and a small box on the 'KISS Years' book. All the writing is from 'KISS & Sell' and the photos are from Barry's book.
*I got my 1998 calender and have to say it's pretty damn cool. There's a lot of recent photos and a couple older ones (not much of Peter though). It's the same format as the 1996 calender and is imported from the UK. I'm not sure if it's the only one or if there's also a U.S. one also.
*And one final thing to add: I got my make-up kit the other day at the Spencers Halloween shop and they are really well done- but did anyone notice it says "Ace Frehley- The Space AGE" on the back?

September 17

Formed in New York in 1972, the bandıs first four albums were released in two years: 'Kiss' and 'Hotter Than Hell' in 1974 and 'Dressed to Kill' in 1975; but it was when 'Alive!' (1975), their double live album, hit the streets that they finally made the big time. With the release of 'Alive!', America bowed down to the new gods of Rock. Like all great bands, Kiss attracted moral outrage and critical hostility, but the success story continued, with their voracious fans (the majority of whom were women) lapping up all that Gene Simmons and co. could provide. The band's popularity lasted until 1977, when the arrival of Punk and Kiss's bizarre decision to release four solo albums seemed to bring about a decline. The ensuing years saw a cast re-shuffle with Frehley and Criss replaced by a variety of newcomers. The new music seemed to lack the Kiss spark - until that golden moment of re-union in 1995, when the original four recreated the electric, quintessential Kiss energy, proving that the best never can be bettered.

Sylvie Simmons has been obsessed with both rock and writing since well before the age of consent. One morning in 1975 she woke up to discover that you could put them together, and got a job as pop writer on a teen magazine. Since then she has spent seven years in the States working on Sounds, Kerrang and Creem, among others, as well as co-hosting a radio show. Sylvie now writes for Mojo, Kerrang, Top and the European edition of Rolling Stone.

KISS Modern Icons is packed to the hilt with facts and essential quotations from the idols and those who knew them, loved them, worked with them, envied them and hated them, Virgin Modern Icons are a major celebration of the heroes of twentieth century culture - the good, the great and the idolized. Titles include: Bob Marley, The Clash, Iggy Pop. The Jam, The Kinks, Kiss, Led Zeppelin and Marc Bolan.

This UK import is 93 pages and is generously filled with over 50 color photos. The book has a cool cover of Gene lovingly licking the strings of his bass axe and is hardcover bound 7.5" x 5.125" with a slick sleeve.

The Table of Contents is as follows:

Introduction (by Sylvie Simmons)

Kiss and Make Up

Larger Than Life

No Business Like Show Business

Behind The Mask

The Kiss Army

Musical Moments

Rock and Rolling All Nite

The Music

The History

The Cast

The Books

Eric Singer not in new band "Talk Show"
From: Steve Corral
I was reading the latest issue of "Guitar World" with an interview of Stone Temple Pilots new off-shoot Talk Show. They stated several times throughout the piece that the band is comprised of the DeLeo bros. and Eric Singer on drums. In actuality, it is STP drummer Eric Kretz. Before any rumors begin, I thought I would let everyone know.

Bootleggers Beware!
From: Frank Mezler
This article was on the front page of our local section newspaper in Erie, PA. It was written by Julie Garder of the Morning News Staff.
COUPLE CHARGED WITH HAVING COUNTERFEIT KISS TAPES,CDS
Two Michigan residents can "kiss" goodbye revenue from alleged bootlegged tapes following an investigation Monday by Pennsylvania State Police. Police allegedly found 1,342 counterfeit videos, CDs and audio tapes featuring the rock band "KISS" in a car driven by 22-year-old Vicki Lee Smith of Livonia, Mich. She and a passenger in the car, 27-year-old Joseph Groesbeck of Sterling Heights, Mich., were charged with possession of counterfeit merchandise after troopers pulled them over on Interstate-90 at Exit 10, Harborcreek Township, for allegedly changing lanes without signaling. The CDs and tapes are worth more than $37,000, state police said. District Justice James Dwyer, who arraigned Smith and Groesbeck, posted bail at $5,000 each. Groesbeck remained in Erie County Prison Monday night. Dwyer said Groesbeck and Smith told officers they were on their way to Michigan and had planned to sell the tapes at Kiss expositions. John Langley, a regional director of the Recording Industry Association of America, inspected the tapes and identified them as counterfeit, police said. Possession of counterfeit merchandise is a felony and subject to a maximum of 10 years in prison, Dwyer said.

Update from the KISS New England Expo
From: PDeveau615@aol.com
I went to the kiss expo on sunday, it was awesome as usual. I didn't get to meet anyone from the list [KISS Army Mailing list] but I did happen to find an old friend I haven't seen in about 2 years. I bought a few videos and demo tapes, did anyone ever hear Paul Stanleys lost tune called " Don't Let Go " I think that tune would have given " Forever " a run for the money. Anyway during the Bruce and Eric Q+A I was standing about 10 feet from Bruce near the speaker system. And when he was talking about how he felt about leaveing the band you could see it in his eyes that he was still hurt from it. Eric was talking about getting money from his old group Badlands and why he was fired. And then Eric said to the crowd " if you all send me just one dollar i would be a rich guy," and then Bruce said jokingly " yea, but you'd have to give gene half " the whole place went wild.

When I left that night, I got a better understanding of how the business side of rock and roll is. It's almost like being in the mafia, you never know when your best friend could kill you.

Oh, Bruce also said that the "Carnival of Souls" CD will be a group photo on the cover instead of the face graphic. He said that he has a beard and didn't know that picture was going to be put on the cd. And also he said that the CD may be 1 to 2 weeks late or delayed. so don't expect it oct. 14th.
[KA Note: it is scheduled for release on October 28th.]

Another Update from KISS New England Expo
From: John Ferrara
For someone like myself who did not have the opportunity to attend the 1995 KISS Conventions this was a great event. First of all, Eric and Bruce were completely engaging and true professionals. They began a Question & Answer Session at 2:30 p.m. and were still signing autographs at 9:00 p.m.. The Q&A ended with Eric responding to a question that someone had once said that "Gene was mad at a nickel, because it wasn't a dime." That got big laughs from the audience. In between there was lots of activity. Eric played along to taped guitars with reprise of his 1995 KISS-medley and an awesome Joe Satrini-influence version of the Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby". Bruce played and sang as well, doing "Rain" and "I Walk Alone" from Carnival of Souls and taking requests for solos (Heart of Chrome, God Gave..., Tears are Falling, No, No, No.). Eric and Bruce returned with Karl Cochran (ex-Frehley's Comet) for a semi-rehearsed jam session. Songs included "Strange Ways" (which will be included on the upcoming Return of the Comet), "Dominio" (with Karl nailing all the words, which Eric commented that Gene didn't accomplish the entire tour), "Nothin' To Lose" as well as some Jeff Beck, Led Zeppelin, and a killer version of "Purple Haze" with Eric on vocals.

Destroyer, a tribute band from Maine was scheduled to play, as of 9:00 they hadn't hit the stage, although they did play "Parasite" during their sound check. I, like many others, had a long drive home and had to depart before they played. There were numerous dealers in attendance. For the those that are interested, the dolls were selling for far above suggested retail ($100+ for the set). You could pick up a "Creatures of the Night" tourbook for a mere $225 or a copy of the first KISS Psycho Circus for $7. All in all a day well worth it.

September 15

Recently, as the KISS war machine wound down it's mega-million dollar world tour conquest, Gene Simmons sat down to breath some fiery words. Never one to worry about sticking his dragon-booted foot in his mouth, KISS' resident Lord of the Wasteland spoke of all things pertaining to "The Hottest Band in the World."

Gene Simmons birthday party photos!
KISS Otaku has secured some great photos from Gene's B-day party.
Click here to see these very cool photos!

"Music from The Elder" CD Remaster news
From: KISSfanstv
I got a press release for The Elder remaster.....Everyone has been talking about this big surprise for it..Well, here it is......They put the album in the original order as to the way it was suppose to be released back in 81...Here is the track by track listing.....
1. Fanfare
2. Just A Boy
3. Odyssey
4. Only You
5. Under The Rose
6. Dark Light
7. A World Without Heros
8. The Oath
9. Mr. Blackwell
10. Escape From The Island
11. I

KISS Psycho Circus #2 newsbit
From: Eric Taylor
Hey just wanted to drop you a line and say that the new Kiss Psycho Circus Comic #2 is out on bookstands now. Oh, and by the way the first issue of Kiss Psycho Circus rated very high for a comic of it's sort. It came out as the 27th best selling comic for the month of August. It was the strongest rock comic ever to hit newstands and comic shops. I know the comic shop I buy my comics at had gotten 20 copies of it and they were sold out before it came in. They had to order another 30 issues to keep up.

KISS Australia remasters newsbit
From: Greg Davies
The KISS remasters are starting to filter into Western Australian stores now. It is still rumoured that we won't get COS until November and that the second set of remasters (The solo albums up to Creatures) will be coming around December/January.

KAOL2: Creatures of the Net -- KISS Tribute News
From: Kathy LaBonte
There is a new press release concerning this album in the "What's Hot" column on the right hand side of the page. Click the KAOL News link to check it out.

Colossal Cards
From: Gary G via KISS Otaku
Here's some news for the hardcore KISS Kollector. I went to a comic/card shop here in Chicago and they were selling what are called "Colossal Cards". These cards are just like regular trading cards, except for one thing - they're HUGE! Each one is 6 3/4" X 10". There are different series available, but the coolest series features the artwork of Ken Kelly. And YES - there are cards for the LOVE GUN and DESTROYER cover art!! Each package comes with 5 cards and the Kelly series has 50 in the set. LOVE GUN and DESTROYER are cards #49 and #50 respectively. These cards are excellent quality - on heavy glossy cardboard. Also, there may contain a card that is autographed by Ken Kelly (randomly inserted). I did get an autographed card in one of my packages, although it wasn't the KISS artwork unfortunately. (Can you imagine getting an autographed KISS card? Mo' Money! Mo' Money! : ) Collectors should check with their local comic shops to see if they have them. The name of the company that makes Colossal Cards is called FPG. There isn't a phone number, but the address is 2539 Washington Road, Building 1000, Pittsburgh, PA 15241.

No 12" KISS Action Figures
From: KISS Otaku
The following arrived from McFarlane Toys...
"No there is no plans at this time to do 12" KISS figures."

September 13

Aussie Tribute CD
From: Paul Smith
My page is a first attempt and is to promote the Australian Kiss Tribute c.d. "How to Rock Fans and Influence People" also to advertise the Brisbane Kiss Expo.
.wav samples available at the Australian Tribute Album page at:
http://www.powerup.com.au/~pauls

September 12

KISS Toys #4 / KISS Cartoon Newsbit
From: Philip Baldy / KISS sound page
In Toy Fair (november issue), the KISS toys are the Top 4 in the hottest action figures list. They beat out "Grand Moff Tarkin" Which is the most popular of the "New" Stars Wars Figures.
Also, In a Spawn Comic, There was a toy catalog saying that there would be a Kiss Cartoon in 1998.

New KISS Remasters -- Series III
From: TWStewart
I got my advance set of the next remasters today. here's a quick rundown:
Double Platinum is REALLY cool looking. It folds open like 3 times-first to reveal a repro of the platinum award that came with the original, and the essay, then again to reveal the repro of the gatefold on the lp. all in shiny silver and embossed with raised lettering like the original LP. really NICE!
The solo's ALL sound phenominal!! Ace's is just brutal, start to finish. Paul's always will be my fave, Peter's has some great moments as well (the Lennon-esque Easy Thing) and is underrated IMO. Gene's is VERY underrated and is a fantastic album. The beatlesque Mr. Make Believe and See You Tonight are awesome, as well as Man of 1000 faces. All great stuff (although i don't care for the See You In Your dreams remake). The one thing that's funny is that the sticker on the outside says "folds out to a 12 page poster", but when you open it, it's only 6 pages. Are they counting BOTH sides??? and the essays are hard to read underneath the cd trays. all in all, a fantasic job, especially in the sound dept. You'll hear things you never noticed before.

KISS Albums - Gold / Platinum
From: Puppyo@aol.com
I got the scoop directly from the RIAA.
For Gold albums:
1. The Beatles have 38.
2. The Rolling Stones have 36.
3. KISS has 22.

For Platinum albums:
1. The Beatles have 33.
2. Elvis Presley has 29.
3. Barbra Streisand has 23.

KISS is VERY distant in the Platinum department. Despite what you may have heard, the RIAA says that only 10 KISS albums have sold more than 1 million copies each. I was pretty skeptical and asked again just to be sure, but it's true. Makes me think that the 70 million albums sold must mean that a HECK of a lot of them were sold outside of the U.S., or that the 10 that DID go platinum went platinum many times over.

Info on KISS Gold / Platinum albums
From: Bob Rodrick
A little bit concerning that note you posted about the gold and platinum albums of Kiss. I talked with someone at Billboard Publications a few months back about this very topic. The apparent lesser number of Kiss gold and platinum records can be attributed to Polygram Records, who have not asked for R.I.A.A. recertification of the Kiss catalog for a number of years, well over ten, from what I've been told. It's ridiculous. The R.I.A.A. and Billboard only consider "Alive" to be a gold record, when it is common knowledge that it is indeed quadruple platinum. Another thing to remember is that both the R.I.A.A. and Billboard do not consider the solo albums as Kiss albums, all of which have been certified both gold and platinum. So in essence, Kiss has, according to the R.I.A.A, 26 gold albums and 14 platinum ("Kiss My Ass" is not included in that, as that is also not considered a Kiss album).