Click Above For Info On Andre Augustine's New Book & Tell 'em KISS ASYLUM Sent Ya!
If you've been gently "escorted" from a KISS or an Aerosmith concert in the last several years, it's likely that Andre Augustine was your personal guide to the parking lot. Augustine, a bear of a man and a former defensive lineman for the New York Jets, is probably the top rock 'n' roll security expert, with gigs ranging from Run DMC to the KISS Reunion Tour that began at Detroit's Tiger Stadium in 1996. Now his experiences in the entertainment security business have been compiled by Mark Rodgers in a new book, "Guardian of the Gods." Most fans might think that keeping a band safe is a cakewalk. Not so, according to Augustine. Not only is it difficult with sex and drugs and sycophants running rampant, it's a huge mental strain.
But the job isnžt without its joys. Augustine says he holds fond memories of his employers and most of the fans who love them. Told in a breezy, anecdotal style, the book is broken down into three different sections best described as rap, rock 'n' roll and heavy-metal extravaganza. The rap chapters are intriguing, as Augustine reminisces about the rise and eventual downfall of seminal L.A rap group N.W.A., whom he guarded, and the power struggles that led to its demise. "Why didn't N.W.A. stay together? Power and greed. Who had it, who didn't. It all came from the street ... it's all about machismo. You have to realize, on the streets of South Central, only the strong survive." Augustine also endured watching his former boss, N.W.A.'s Eazy-E, die a slow, painful death from AIDS, another tragic casualty of the high-stakes game that is the music business.
Guardian of the Gods is at its best when talking about personality quirks of rockers such as Aerosmith's Steven Tyler or KISS' Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. Tyler turns out to be a shopping mall addict, and Stanley likes to shop for hair-care products. Give Simmons either a good-looking girl or a movie, and he's a happy man. But sometimes the book turns melancholy, especially when Augustine talks about KISS guitarist Ace Frehley, whose life has become a bit of rock 'n' roll legend. "Ace is the kind of guy who doesn't realize bad things are happening to him. It's like he doesn't know what's going on until the bullet is going into his head."
KISS Army Q&A '99 with Andre Augustine
Once again the worldwide KISS Army came through, sending tons of great questions for Andre. Some were about Andre's time with KISS, some about Andre's book "Guardian of the Gods", and some were general questions about what it's like being the the security director for a major rock band. From all the great submissions Andre has answered the dozen questions below, trying to address those that had either not been asked before or found a new perspective on an "old" question. These questions represent only a brief glimpse at the kind of great, behind the scenes material Andre talks about in "Guardian of the Gods." Roughly 1/3 of the book, including some awesome photos ( wanna see Paul, Eric & Bruce at Disneyland?), is dedicated to Andre's time with KISS, and the other chapters that chronicle his time with bands such as Aerosmith, George Thorogood and Bon Jovi are equally entertaining and informative. This book really is a must read for rock fans, particularly fans of KISS! And remember, the Autographed "Guardian of the Gods" book contest runs until July 25th so send in your entry before it's too late!! The winners will be notified by email and announced on KISS ASYLUM Monday, July 26th.
FAN QUESTION: Have you ever had to perform emergency First-Aid on any one you've worked for, or their fans?
Andre Augustine: Back in the early days of the general admission concert, I had to do it all the time with kids that were passed out from heat fatigue in front of the stage. There was also one time that Steven Tyler got hit in the face with a bottle on stage. I cleaned the cut, put a butterfly bandage on it and sent him back to finish the set. It swelled up like a small walnut, but show must go on.
FQ: Out of all the people you've worked for who has been, or at least seemed to be, the most and least concerned about fan safety?
AA: All of the bands I have been with were very concerned with fan safety. Not one of them ever wanted to see anybody get hurt.
FQ: Have you ever had to "run interference" for an artist (i.e. delay spouses, slow down law enforcement, etc.)?
AA: Once when I was touring with Eazy E & N.W.A. I had to delay police in Birmingham Alabama after a show that wanted to arrest them for using profanity and inciting a riot. I told them that the guys left the building and they were actually in a different dressing room. We had to sneak out of town in vans. The tour bus caught up to us in the next city.
FQ: Was your split from KISS on good or bad terms and do you think you will ever work with them again?
AA: There was never a split. The reason I didn't work on the Psycho Circus tour was a schedule conflict. I was doing something else at the time and didn't want to dishonor my commitment. In this business, you finish what you start.
FQ: We've heard what Gene has to say about the show where Peter was replaced. Peter has even said a few things about it in some interviews. How did Ace react to that situation since he and Peter are good friends?
AA: Ace reacted normally... skeptical at first, then listening to reason.
FQ: Have you ever been with a member of KISS someplace people wouldn't expect to see them (like Six Flags Amusement Park or the grocery store) and if so what are people's reactions?
AA: All the time the reaction is a double take and then a lot of whispering and pointing.
FQ: Do you notice a big difference between working security for rock bands as opposed to rap bands?
AA: The difference is not that big actually, mostly in the number of girls that take their tops off.
FQ: Everyone always says Gene is a tightwad, did you ever see examples of that first hand?
AA: I would like to meet Mr. Everyone and shake his hand.
FQ: Did you ever notice competition between Gene and Paul for things like women or interviews or camera time onstage?
AA: The competition between them is a normal "brother" type thing. Both are handsome and powerful men.
FQ: During the Unplugged and Reunion tour Peter seemed like he was really having a great time and enjoying being back with the band. Was he having as much fun as he seemed to be and was he easy to deal with?
AA: They all had a good time, but Peter seemed to have a renewed sense of pride that the early days for KISS held. He was also very grateful to have another opportunity to give the fans what they wanted.
FQ: We've all heard the "official" denials that Ace was drinking again, but you were there. Did you ever see evidence that Ace was drinking again during the Reunion tour? Did you have to watch him extra careful to make sure he made it on time to things?
AA: I never saw any evidence that Ace drank during the Reunion Tour, but I did have to be the bad guy trying to get him to everything on time. My nickname for Ace on tour was "The Late Show".
FQ: Of all the bands you worked for, if you could get a lifetime contract with any of them which is "the" one band you'd most like to work for full time (all things being equal like $$$, tour schedules, etc.)?
AA: The Artist Formerly Known as KissAeroJovi w/Attitude
See you in Detroit August 1st!
Keep Rockin',
Andre
You can check out Andre's previous KissAsylum.com and KISS Army fan Q&A interviews via the below links.
Autographed "Guardian of the Gods" Winners
Well, the autographed "Guardian of the Gods" contest is over. In addition to entries from every corner of the United States, we received hundreds of entries from all over the world including such places as: Australia, Italy, New Zealand, Germany, Holland, Sweden, Canada, South America, Japan, Russia and even the Czech Republic! The winners have been selected, and the individuals below will be receiving a copy of "Guardian of the Gods" autographed by both Andre Augustine and author Mark Rodgers.
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