 |  | |||||||
|
 All news should be considered an unconfirmed report unless verified, and all information published at KISS Asylum is attributed to the source from which it was received so that readers may judge the validity of the statements for themselves. All information is confirmed where possible, and all publication is governed by common sense.
From: Atlanta Journal-Constitution When KISS rock star GENE SIMMONS comes to town to sell his fragrance and sign autographs, what other option do you have but to call into work sick and start waiting in line at 9 a.m.? For Kenneth Hathorne, it was no decision at all. For me to meet him in person, I'll be lucky if I don't have a heart attack," said Hathorne, a 44-year-old car mechanic from Suwanee. At the Mall of Georgia in Buford on Thursday, Hathorne was not at all alone amongst KISS devotees who dropped at least $50 for either "KISS Him" or "KISS Her" and the chance to meet their hero. They were not disappointed in coming face to face with Simmons, the co-founder of the 1970's heavy metal group known as much for face paint and costumes as music. When the scheduled three-hour signing began just after 4 p.m., 500 fans were already in line. Belk store manager Lori Brown-Jackson, standing in front of seven empty display tables that had been stocked with KISS fragrance, said the store moved more than 1,000 bottles. "Wow," said Hathorne afterwards after his seven-hour wait and brief audience with Simmons. "Oh, man. This is the best present I ever could have got, or am ever going to get." Simmons and his bandmates have made their band something of an industry. Simmons' Web site sells everything from KISS coasters to lip balm to personal checks. The fragrances met at least one fan's approval. (A news release described the cologne as "modern oriental fusion" and the perfume as "succulent, wild floriental.") "It smells really good," said Cindy Sauer of Social Circle. "It's worth it." Sauer waited in line with her husband, Jim, and 5-year-old daughter Lily, who came dressed in full KISS attire -- make-up, black wig, and costume including a cape. Cindy Sauer guessed that about 200 people had taken pictures of little Lily's get-up. Simmons seemed to be making it worth the wait. He warmly greeted fans and eagerly drew them in for pictures. Erika Keith, well, she was pretty happy, too. While standing in line, she danced and pranced in hopes of catching the eye of the rocker. And when her turn to meet Simmons finally arrived, this lifelong KISS fan bounded into his arms. Simmons' response, according to Keith: "Whoa." Simmons swung the 33-year-old massage therapist around the stage. Several minutes after, she was still glowing. "Aside from having my child, it was the most amazing experience of my life," said Keith, which surely would come as welcome news to her child. |
     | ||||||
|
 KISS Museum
News Archive
Features
Tour Dates
Photos
KISS ASYLUM © 1995-2008, all rights reserved. KISS ASYLUM is an unofficial, fan run KISS web site. KISS ASYLUM is optimized for 800x600 screen resolution or higher using Internet Explorer 6.0 and it is recommended that you have the Flash, Real Player, and Quicktime plug-ins to experience the rich audio and video media. Have KISS News to report? Email us at news@kissasylum.com | | ||||||
| | | ||||||
