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From: The Express-Times Kiss fans across the Lehigh Valley and as far away as Japan and Brazil will descend Sunday upon the Days Inn & Conference Center in Allentown for the first annual KISS Expo and Convention. "I love having that fan atmosphere where people come together, make friends, talk to other fans and experience the band," promoter and organizer Peter Arquette says. As per any standard KISS gathering, Arquette says fans of all ages are sure to show up decked out in full makeup and homemade costumes. "KISS is like comic book characters. In a way, it's like Halloween. Now that fans are older, they'll dress their kids up in costumes. Some of the kids are into it. They love getting dressed up. Others want to divorce their parents for putting them through that," he says. Sunday's highlights will include a listening party for KISS front man PAUL STANLEY's solo album "Live to Win" and a bevy of vintage KISS merchandise. "They have pretty fanatical fans. The whole event is kind of crazy," Arquette says. Making his first appearance in Allentown in over two decades will be former KISS and current Grand Funk Railroad guitarist BRUCE KULICK. "The KISS fans are great. Some of them are literally crying and shaking while you're shaking their hands. There's something about that kind of one-on-one in a hotel ballroom and getting a chance to meet the fans. It's a win-win for everybody. I enjoy doing it," Kulick says. The last time he was in town, KISS was gearing up for its 1984 Asylum world tour. Kulick had just been hired to fill in for then-guitarist MARK ST. JOHN, who had been sidelined with a crippling hand ailment. "We rehearsed our stage show in Allentown. The arena was gorgeous. That was kind of cool kicking off the tour in Allentown," Kulick recalls. What he thought was a temporary gig blossomed into a string of five successful studio albums, a best-selling greatest hits package, a highly touted appearance on MTV's "Unplugged," numerous world tours and fan adulation. His fiery guitar technique is featured in KISS classics such as "Tears Are Falling," "Forever," "Unholy" and "Domino." "In the beginning, it was kind of hard for me because when you're in the band you tend to be guarded and isolated from the fans. It can be quite crazy," he says. Kulick also has made a name for himself as one of rock's most versatile guitarists. Since 2000, he has toured with original Grand Funk Railroad members Don Brewer and Mel Schacher and has been busy as a producer. "I've realized a few of my own dreams, getting to meet some of my heroes and obviously playing in Grand Funk with Don and Mel. This is my sixth year with Grand Funk. We get along wonderfully," he says. Kulick's resume includes stints with Meatloaf and Union (his side project with former Motley Crue singer John Corabi), plus two successful solo albums, 2001's "Audiodog" and 2003's "Transformer." Kulick also lent his talents as a session guitarist, appearing on Stanley's "Live to Win" and on the upcoming "Butchering the Beatles" -- a heavy-metal tribute album with his brother Bob (who appeared as a session player on KISS' 1978 live album "Alive II" and 1982's "KISS Killers"). "I love everything. I love doing my solo stuff. I get to do sessions from time to time. I'm involved with producing a young singer from Texas. When it all comes together, I've been involved with so many noted bands," Kulick says. But fans may best remember Kulick as KISS' lightning-fingered lead guitarist. That suits him just fine. "I'm still a part of the KISS family even though I'm not a touring member. I'm proud that I've played with so many different bands from Meatloaf to KISS to Grand Funk. I'm very professional about what I do. I've always respected (Kiss bassist/vocalist) Gene (Simmons) and Paul for what they created. I absorbed a hard work ethic to keep myself motivated to open up more doors," Kulick says. |
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