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From: The Plain Dealer They want rock 'n' roll all night - and rally Saturday. The KISS Army is deploying a battalion of fans to Cleveland this weekend to make a case for getting their favorite makeup-wearing, fire breathing, hard-rocking band inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They'll gather at noon Saturday for a rally at Voinovich Park, then march to the Rock Hall with signs and banners. "KISS is a long-standing force within the music industry," said Kim Rolfe, one of the event's coordinators. "We want them to get their just desserts." Rolfe, of Kitchener, Ontario, is taking a bus to Cleveland with a dozen other Canadian KISS supporters. She has heard from fans from as far away as California who plan to attend. Organizers got the word out about the rally via the Internet. They're hoping to draw at least 300 supporters for a peaceful demonstration. "We're not going to throw eggs at the Rock Hall," Rolfe said. "This isn't against the Museum." In fact, the Rock Hall has offered discount tickets to the pro-Kiss contingent. The New York City-based Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation oversees the induction process. Artists become elligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first recording. KISS meets that requirement, having released its self-titled debut album in 1974, although the group has yet to be nominated on the Rock Hall ballot. The band has sold 19 million albums in the United States alone, on the strength of such hits as "Rock and Roll All Nite" and "Beth." The group remains a popular touring attraction, known for its over-the-top performances. Rock Hall president and CEO Terry Stewart, who sits on the nominating committee, doesn't need to be convinced of KISS' merits. "They're worthy of induction," Stewart said. "They've influenced many other artists. They've also extended their band into almost a lifestyle, through merchandising." So why hasn't KISS been enshrined? "It's not a slight," Stewart said. "The process is rigorous and methodical." Worthy inductees eventually are honored, just not always quickly enough for fans or the musicians themselves, Stewart said. Rally organizers had planned a concert featuring several KISS tribute bands for Saturday night at Playhouse Square's Allen Theatre, but the show was canceled because of poor ticket sales. Mr. Speed, a local KISS tribute band, has been recruited for a free performance Saturday afternoon during the rally at Voinovich Park. "We really want to be part of this," said singer-guitarist Rich Kosak, who portrays PAUL STANLEY in Mr. Speed. Kiss represents "a huge slice of Americana" Kosak said. "Whether they get in the Rock Hall or not, I'm going to be a KISS fan until I die." |
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