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 August 2005 NewsPage updated on August 31, 2005All 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: GeneSimmons.com GENE SIMMONS PRESENTS ROCK STAR POKER...you bet. The first event, simply called Rock Star Poker, at the Palms Hotel, featured myself, DAVE NAVARRO, JERRY CANTRELL AND CHAD KROEGER I sucked and was thrown out early in the game. But, there were many beautiful women to console me and heal my wounds (...my favorite part, by the way). Dave stayed in the game a while longer, but Jerry was up about 30 grand, before he, too was tossed out. The afterparty was a zoo...foamy hot tubs filled with girls (*note: unfortunately, they had to take all their clothes off, so that their clothes wouldn't get wet...I'm sure you understand)....Dave popped into the tub for a quick dip. And all the festivities were filmed.
From: KISS Army Norway KISS Army Norway and Voices Music Entertainment will release 'Gods of Thunder' September 5th, 2005. Chart topping and award winning bands from Norway perform their favorite KISS songs. Ken Kelly, who did the legendary painting for the Destroyer and Love Gun albums, has painted his third KISS cover for this tribute CD.
From: KISSOnline.com Hi, I saw this picture on KISSONLINE and have never seen this costume before. I'm sure there is a great story behind it. Will you share it with you fans? ANSWER: (Gene) This was an early version of an outfit I designed for the '79/'80 tour...It actually had a skeleton type demon on my back...with the claws/fingers holding onto my shoulders. So, in essence, from the front, you'd see claws on my shoulders. But, when I turned around, you'd see something hanging onto my back. Often, the problem between something that looks good on paper and something that is actually workable live, being put through the trials and tribulations of being in KISS, is workability. The outfit proved to be too cumbursome and so, had to be refined and simplified. Simply put, I could barely walk around in the outfit and with the demon on my back, the bass strap had to go UNDER the skeleton body. So, it was all a grand idea, that never quite saw the light of day.
Ego, Guitars, and Drums From: TVSquad.com In case you don't know the premise for VH1's Rock School, it's all about one arrogant rock star and a traditional boarding school. KISS' GENE SIMMONS takes on the British boarding school, Christ's Hospital, to teach the kids there a little more about rock. He plans to create a rock band out of these shy, classical music-loving kids. The final exam will be opening for the band Motorhead. After only one episode, they've managed to get a lead singer from the selection of ten or so kids. The singer will be the off-key, off-beat, off-center, but thoroughly adorable and confident Josh aka The Emperor (each kid made up their own "rock" name). He's totally obsessed with rock now, wandering alone with his headphones on and singing "Bohemian Rhapsody" (complete with falsettos). He's already a bit of a loner but he's happy to be on his way to becoming a rock god. GENE SIMMONS isn't only teaching the kids how to master their rock instruments, but he also teaches them rock history. The kids study a bit about Rolling Stone's frontman Mick Jagger as Josh/The Emperor wanders around for a bit. He seems to have already begun his transformation into rock god, talking about himself in the past tense. He says the old Josh was timid and spoke Elvish... the new Josh, the Emperor, is cool. Is this confidence bordering on arrogance? His already annoyed classmates think so. [more] Second Annual Mexico City KISS Expo with ESP From: KISS-lounge.com KISS ARMY: I'm happy to confirm the second anual Mexico City KISS Expo to be held at the KISS LOUNGE on the 9th and 10th of December 2005, with ESP ( ERIC SINGER Project) live in concert, with Eric on drums, BRUCE KULICK on guitar, John Corabi on vocals and Chuck Garric on bass, please check our websites for more info: www.exporock.net and www.kiss-lounge.com. Thanks and take care, Conrado Zuckermann conradoz@exporock Gene Update From: GeneSimmons.com Proud to announce FOUR ADDITIONAL NEW TELEVISION SHOWS I'm fortunate enough to have created, or co-created, have been sold. NEW LINE TV, and MADISON ROAD are our new partners. And, when paperwork is signed, sealed and delivered, will post new info re our television shows. If you're keeping track: MY DAD THE ROCK STAR - Nickelodeon MR. ROMANCE - Oxygen GENE SIMMONS ROCK SCHOOL - VH1 HIT MEN - Touchstone TV GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS - A&E (next year) plus FOUR NEW SHOWS plus...gulp...TWELVE (12) additional shows waiting in line...
Official KISS Magazine #4 From: KISS Museum The Official KISS Magazine was quite an undertaking from the start. As issue #4 hits the stands this week, we ask: Can a magazine devoted to only one band still fill its pages time after time with all-new content? Or are we just getting the same rehashed blabber inside a new cover? Hold onto your dragon boots - like the preceding three issues, we have 72 pages of solid KISS, cover to cover. Starting off is some exciting new information on the upcoming home DVD concert release, followed by reviews of April's Rock The Corps show honoring U.S. soldiers. Although many pages are devoted to current news, the vast majority of articles, photos and content dig deep into the past, uncovering new information that will surprise even the most knowledgeable of fans. Premier KISS writer Ken Sharp, (KISStory, Spin, Billboard, etc.), delves deep into GENE SIMMONS' past with a brilliantly detailed article exploring the demon's passion for comics, science fiction writing and the fanzines he created as a child. Sharp is then joined by Curt Gooch and Jeff Souhs, both of KISS Alive Forever fame, with an amazing 10-page review of KISS music videos. The article contains some amazing details and outtake photos never before published, and includes an expose on the unreleased "Who Wants To Be Lonely" video. This original version was to have the KISS members dressed in business suits going to board meetings and trudging around in corporate-land. The band wisely thought the video wouldn't excite its fans, so it was re-shot as the concert piece we know today. An array of outtake photos of this video disaster are here to see, should you find this hard to believe. [more] PETER CRISS - Back In The Swing Of Things From: PeterCriss.net The following update has been posted at original KISS drummer PETER CRISS' website (www.petercriss.net): "Peter, Gigi and I were at the Righa Hotel in New York after a session at the studio last Tuesday, and I passed on some of the questions you, the fans, have been asking, and here's what he had to say." Q: What's going on with the new album, when do you think it's going to ship? [more]
From: KISSAsylum.com This is a fun cartoon, at times on the more intellectual side... the artist has rendered the mascot of the strip as one of our favorite characters. http://www.pvponline.com Spin Lists Rock's 'Incredible' Body Parts From: Spin Magazine NEW YORK - Spin magazine has built a veritable rock star Frankenstein, composed of Michael Stipe's skull, Elvis Presley's pelvis and Madonna's bellybutton. Spin charts the 25 "most incredible" rock star body parts in its September issue, now on newsstands. Madonna's navel tops the list. "It's what first marked her as a mainstream provocateur," senior Spin writer Marc Spitz writes. At No. 2 is the liver of Rolling Stones' Keith Richards, which is so durable, Spitz writes, that "when Richards finally passes, they'll line the exterior of the space shuttle with his liver tissue." REM singer Michael Stipe's oft-shaved skull comes in third, due to a hairline that's "not too high like Moby's or too low" like Sinead O'Connor's. Other body parts include Presley's hip-shaking pelvis, GENE SIMMONS' tongue, Tina Turner's legs, 50 Cent's chest, Bruce Springsteen's butt and Tommy Lee's - well, you know, it's that body part below the waist. 
Vintage rock band T-shirts are red-hot!From: Star Magazine Keira Knightley, on the set of her new movie Domino, sports a vintage KISS T-shirt. Sweet journey back to class for the KISS singer In the face-off between new reality shows about aging hard-rockers returning to school, score a victory for KISS's GENE SIMMONS over Motley Crue's Tommy Lee. Also score a victory for cable over broadcast. NBC's cloying "Tommy Lee Goes to College" never establishes why that rocker wants to be there. That leaves the series with a sense of aimlessness. There's a goof going on but we're not really sure who's being goofed. By contrast, VH1's "GENE SIMMONS' Rock School," which premieres tomorrow night, has a clear sense of purpose and narrative development. "Rock School" is also cheerful and even cute, if predictable. (After its premiere, "Rock School" switches to 10:30 on Fridays, following repeats of NBC's "Tommy Lee.") [more]
From: Ed This isn't news, but I found this unbelievably great picture of Ace that I have never seen before. I have a huge KISS fan since 1975 and thought I'd seen them all over and over again, but this one's new to me. So I figured I'd share it with you and fellow KISS fans. Gene Update From: GeneSimmons.com CNN Showbiz Today had me on to talk up my VH1 show...and the (..ahem..) GENE SIMMONS PRESENTS ROCK STAR POKER event in (guess...) Las Vegas. So, here goes. August 25th, at the Palms Hotel, I'll be celebrating my Birthday. Television cameras will be there to capture the madness. August 26th, same place, I'll be joining Dave Navarro and Jerry Cantrell to play ROCK STAR POKER. Thereafter, the party. All of it to be filmed. If you can sneak in and get by our VIP Guest List, come up and say hi.
From: KISSAsylum.com Went to see Eric play with Alice Cooper Saturday at the US Bank Arena in Cincinnati. As usual both Eric and Alice rocked! Alice puts on a great show tearing through the classics like "I'm 18", "School's Out", "Be My Lover" as well as some fun newer songs including "Sunset Babies" and "Between High School and Old School". Alice's band is top notch, though I do miss the presence of Eric Dover! Alice has the great theatrical show again this time around - it's always nice to witness his execution as well as watch his beautiful daughter Calico do back flips! Throw in an ERIC SINGER drum solo and you have a nice evening of entertainment! I know I'm a biased party but what is up with Eric, the older he gets the harder he drums! Cheap Trick opened the show and joined Alice for the final 2 songs ending with "My Generation". The show is a lot of fun and if you get a chance - check it out. The US Tour runs through Halloween - visit www.alicecooper.com for dates. Eric is looking forward to catching up with the KISS Fans at the Chicagoland Expo on Sept 3rd. For tickets for the Chicago expo visit www.kissmuseum.com. He will also be the guest at the Baltimore KISS Expo Oct. 16th http://users.erols.com/stophor/expo.
From: KISSOnline.com KISSONLINE spoke with ERIC SINGER to answer some of YOUR "Ask KISS" fan questions! Question 1 - From John Montury, Shaker Heights, Ohio I grew up in the Cleveland area myself; who was the ONE drummer that influenced you the most when you were first learning to play? Answer (Eric): John, that's kool that you're from my old hood! Great rock-n-roll city to have grown up in I must say. It's hard to single out just one drummer from my formative years, but I would have to say Buddy Rich left the biggest impression on me. WOW! He is the epitome of what a drummer should aspire to be. As far as rock drummers, I would have to say Denny Carmassi from MONTROSE really impacted myself as well as a lot of other Cleveland drummers in a huge way. He is the consummate hard rock drummer of that era in my opinion. [more]
From: KISSAsylum.com Hi, I just wanted to let you know that KISS will Rock Richmond International Raceway Sept. 8th. The Craftsman Truck series 200, under the lights, has Kevin Harvick driving the #47 KISS Army Chevy Silverado. No Chat from Gene From: GeneSimmons.com by GENE SIMMONS Hi, everyone. Listen, this is an important issue. Quite a number of you out there have been chatting with people who claim to be me. So, here's the short of it: I, GENE SIMMONS, NEVER CHAT WITH ANYONE. ANYWHERE. Period. I don't do chat or message boards. Anyone who tells you they're me, is lying. Additionally, and more importantly, kindly forward their emails, addresses, phone numbers and we will deal with them. Legally. If we can, we will send them behind bars, so they can become someone's new girlfriend. KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park From: Alamo Drafthouse Downtown The Sinus Show presents 'KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park' When: 7 and 9:45 p.m. Aug. 26 and 27; Sept. 2, 3, 22, 23, 24 and 30 Where: Alamo Drafthouse Downtown, 409 Colorado St. Tickets: $10.50 at www.drafthouse.com Information: www.drafthouse.com; www.sinusshow.com 
Gene, Paul, Ace and Peter: Whether you think they're great or they grate, the painted purveyors of rockin' and rollin' all night have staying powerFrom: AP Newswire by Chris Garcia In the stinky-bad television movie "KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park," a mad scientist - lab coat, underground lair, sinister cackle, the works - sets out to destroy the world using the rock band KISS as his unwitting agents. That's odd. We thought KISS was doing a pretty good job of that all by themselves. Apparently the scientist hasn't heard GENE SIMMONS' solo album or seen ACE FREHLEY without makeup. KISS rules. KISS reeks. You're either on this side or that side. Being on the fence means you've checked out. It means you listen to Enya. After 32 years festooned in grease paint, chains, platform boots and yards of what might very well be tin foil, KISS remains a great pop-culture polarizer, an easy critical bulls-eye and delicious guilty pleasure, the worst rock band ever and the greatest rock band ever. The Michael Bay and P.T. Barnum of rock 'n' roll showmanship - kabloom, suckers - KISS is just a typo for kitsch. KISS up. KISS off. [more] Back to School with 'Mr. KISS ' From: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel slotted by dchristensenr, immed by ggedan, by Joanne Weintraub The 50ish bad boy of KISS ships out to Horsham, England, to teach theory and practice of rock to a class of classical music students at a posh private school. The students, who - male and female, black and white - all sound like Harry Potter, find him "weird" and say his music "isn't really music, is it?" But Simmons wouldn't be Simmons if he let that sort of thing stop him. He proceeds to put together a student rock band that will open for Motorhead at a future concert. Passing over the students' own choice for best singer, he chooses as lead vocalist Josh, an unpopular boy who annoys everyone by speaking Elvish and has far more attitude than voice. Will Simmons succeed in making Josh a rock god? Will Fiona, Camilla, Dudley, Lucian and the rest discover the metal monsters within themselves? Stay tuned. 
KISSNation at Times SquareFrom: KISSNation On Saturday, August 27, KISSNATION returns home to perform the explosive show in TIMES SQUARE NYC. So come on down and party with KISSNATION on BROADWAY! Only $5 if purchased in advanced,... $10 on day of show. KISSNATION Saturday August 27th, 2005 BB King's Nightclub 237 W. 42 St, NYC 212.997.4144 [more] 
August 17, 1975From: Pitstar.com by Brad Burke and John Sharpe It's one of the most talked-about concerts in local history. Pekin police remember it as a night when they found themselves facing a near riot. Promoters remember it as a cautionary tale. Local rockers recall it as possibly the best night of their life. The Aug. 17, 1975, edition of the Journal Star briefly previewed a concert that was to take place that night out in Pekin's Mineral Springs Park. The local municipal band, the story stated, would feature a saxophone soloist for its symphonic show under the stars. By all accounts, it was going to be a nice, pleasant evening in Pekin. What the paper didn't mention was that just up the road at the Pekin High School football stadium, all hell was about to break loose. That very same day, some of the loudest, rudest, most outrageous acts in music history were warming up for a concert headlined by KISS, the leather-clad, makeup-wearing warriors of rock 'n' roll. [more] 
The Click FiveFrom: Plain Dealer (Cleveland, OH) by Gary Graff How did upstart Boston pop band the Click Five hook up with KISS' PAUL STANLEY on their debut album, "Greetings From Imrie House" (Lava)? Credit their manager, who road-managed KISS during the '80s and flew keyboardist Ben Romans to Los Angeles to co-write "Angel to You (Devil to Me)" for the album. "KISS is actually a big influence on us," says frontman Eric Dill. "Our manager talked to Paul and got him involved and interested in us from the very beginning. We had a chance to meet him, go to some [ KISS ] shows, get to know him on a personal level. He'd talk to me and say 'You look good up there, but try to connect more to the audience.' I had PAUL STANLEY, who's a master at it, willing to help me out and giving me tips. How cool is that?" 
PAUL STANLEY Q&AFrom: KISS Online.com by PAUL STANLEY KISS ONLINE recently caught up with PAUL STANLEY to answer some of YOUR "Ask KISS " fan questions! Question 1 - From Jess Albright, Omaha, Nebraska I love the costumes of the 70's tours that you've brought back and worn since the 'Reunion' tour in 1996. Have you considered designing completely new outfits for an upcoming tour? Paul: Thanks for the question! Obviously, this isn't the first time I've heard this or thought about it. Although it might be fun to design new outfits, at this point I think the impact and history associated with what has come to be known as 'Klassic KISS' really says it all. Does Superman need a new costume? Probably not. [more] 
GENE SIMMONS' Rock SchoolFrom: TheWeekender.com by Alan K. Stout I don't watch reality shows. Never saw "Survivor," or "American Idol," or that one where fat people try to lose weight every week. Actually - though I loved "Ally McBeal" and do watch "Nip Tuck" - I'm not much of a TV person at all. Last week, however, the folks at VH1 sent me a tape that provided a little sneak peek of a new reality-type show that will be premiering this Friday, and this one, I just had to watch. Maybe the people at the network somehow know that I've seen KISS about 30 times, or that I have a PAUL STANLEY-style rose tattoo on my right arm. Or maybe they somehow know that some of my friends and I actually call each other "Gene," and that we refer to things that we think of as cool as being "Gene-like." [more] 
KISS 30 Years AgoFrom: KISSAsylum.com by dswayne 30 years ago this week August 17th, 1975, is a day I'll never forget. KISS played at my high school football stadium and would forever change my life as far as my musical tastes are concerned. By later that summer, KISS Alive! was released and by the time the year ended, I had gone through 2 copies of vinyl. As I listened to Alive!, I would pretend that I was Gene, blowing fire, spitting blood, or Ace, letting loose with some of the greatest guitar solos, or Paul, singing my ass off for the fans, or Peter, keeping a solid beat for the hottest band in the world. Thanks KISS for being who you are and never waivering from that! 
KISSNation August 27thFrom: KISSNation.com by KISSNation Along with Phantom Of The Opera, The Lion King & Rest, will be the brothers of paint. KISSNATION!!! The home town boys come home to the heart of New York City Times Square!! So come show some NYC LUV for your NYC boys when they play at BB King's on Aug 27th Cover is only $5.00 if you order your tickets NOW!!! For more info log on to www.kissnation.com or www.bbkingblues.com KISS on the cover of Autograph Collector From: AutographCollector.com 
Interview with BRUCE KULICKFrom: DeansPlanet.com by Jeremy The Loner In 1984, BRUCE KULICK landed what many young musicians would have considered a dream job--a gig as the lead guitarist of KISS. He came into the fold at a transitional period for the band; the first non-makeup album, Lick It Up , had gone platinum the previous year, but KISS founders GENE SIMMONS and PAUL STANLEY found themselves constantly butting heads with their guitarist at that time, the talented (but self-destructive) VINNIE VINCENT. When it came time to record their next album, Animalize , KISS fired Vincent and brought a new guitarist on board, a guy named MARK ST. JOHN. The single Heaven's On Fire was a surprise hit, both on radio and MTV, and KISS wanted to hit the road. But just as the band was getting ready to head out on a European tour, St. John contracted a rare form of arthritis which hindered his guitar playing and left KISS (once again) without a lead guitarist. At that point, BRUCE KULICK was called in to "temporarily" fill St. John's shoes so the band could honor their touring commitments. But any fan of KISS knows that Bruce was far more than just one of many revolving guitarists - before all was said and done, Bruce spent 12 years in the band. That's longer than ACE FREHLEY. Longer than PETER CRISS. And had KISS not staged a reunion tour with the original band members in 1996, it's likely that BRUCE KULICK would still be playing with them to this very day. The funny thing is, although Kulick didn't officially join the band until 1984, he has ties to KISS that go back to the very beginning. At the dawn of the 70's, KISS was a trio of unknown musicians looking for a guitarist. They had recently acquired PETER CRISS from an ad the drummer had placed in The New York Times, which read "Drummer willing to do anything to make it." PAUL STANLEY also placed an ad in The Village Voice for a lead guitarist, and it said, simply, "Lead guitarist wanted with flash and balls." Of the 50 or so guys that showed up to audition, one of them was a talented played by the name of Bob Kulick - who just happened to be BRUCE KULICK's older brother. Paul and Gene were impressed with Bob, not only by his playing, but by his attitude as well. And if his image wasn't quite right - Bob's head was shaved bald - they definitely were interested enough to sit down and share the KISS philosophy with him. What happened next is the stuff legends are made of. As Gene and Paul were still talking to Bob Kulick, the door to their loft opened up, and in walked a lanky, spaced out guy wearing one red sneaker and one orange sneaker. Without saying a word to anyone, he walked over, plugged his guitar into an amp and just started playing. The other guys were a bit miffed at this flagrant act of rudeness, and almost threw the guy out of the audition. In the end, though, they decided to let him play - and it was good thing, because the man with the mismatched shoes was none other than Paul Frehley, who would later become known to the world by his nickname; Ace. [more] 
Paul to do another art show in Hawaii August 24From: PaulStanleysParadise.com On Wednesday, August 24, KISS frontman PAUL STANLEY will be holding a second art exhibition at the Célebrités Gallery of Celebrity Fine Art on Wailea, Hawaii. On display will be new original paintings from PAUL, who will be appearing there in person from 7-8 p.m. Says gallery owner Gerard Marti, "PAUL has been painting some great new pieces." PAUL's very first public showing of his paintings took place at this same gallery on April 6. STANLEY recently told KISS Kollector Online that he is also planning on art exhibitions throughout the USA soon. 
Mr. Speed LiveFrom: Mr. Speed MR.SPEED Rocks Chicago! When: Saturday, October 29, 2005 Time: 9:00 PM Where: The Arcada Theater 105 East Main Street St.Charles, IL Contact: http://www.onestientertainment.com 
Tribute Band Piece on ESPNFrom: insider.espn.go.com by Scott Engel KISS tribute artist Val Popovic, who recently starred in a full-length Showtime original movie, lives quite a fantasy life. Popovic isn't a well-known celebrity himself, but he certainly likes to replicate one. When he's not portraying his idol, ACE FREHLEY, for die-hard KISS fans all over the country, Popovic spends much of his free time playing fantasy football and watching the NFL. "When I'm playing ACE FREHLEY, I'm doing something special. I'm reproducing the music and image of one of the greatest guitarists ever," Popovic said. "When I'm not onstage as Ace, I'm a total Raiders fan. They make me get out of my seat and yell, much like people do at KISS concerts." Popovic plays in the tribute band Larger Than Life, which was featured in the Showtime original movie, Tribute: A Rockumentary. The film chronicles the ups and downs of Larger than Life and tribute bands for Judas Priest, Queen and the Monkees. Popovic is a main focus of the film, as he expresses his passion for playing his hero onstage and shows off his own smoking Les Paul guitar, the signature stage effect of Frehley during the classic KISS years. When Popovic isn't wearing silver and black Raiders garb, he's wearing silver makeup. [more] from an Interview with Mick Mars' daughter, Stormy From: RatDaddyVince.com And you do have three children? Yeah I have Shandi, my oldest, who is named after the KISS song from the Unmasked album , She is 10, my middle child is named Shayne is 8, and he is my dad made over, plays the drums and won the talent contest at his school, and Chandler is 5, he is an evil spawn of my husband! Looks nothing like me!!! LOL 
KISS in latest issue of Classic Rock MagazineFrom: Classic Rock Magazine by Greg Prato I'm a writer who recently interviewed Anthrax's Charlie Benante for Classic Rock Magazine, and in the Summer 2005 issue (w/ Thin Lizzy on the cover), he recommends KISS: Alive for the 'Every Home Should Have One' column. Here it is as a jpeg. Thanks, Greg Prato "The first time I ever heard KISS' Alive!, I was at a party at a friend's house. The only thing I'd head prior to that as far as KISS was concerned was Dressed To Kill. I was already a fan because of that, but when Alive! came out, it was a totally different thing." [more] 
Chicagoland KISS Expo 2005 UpdateFrom: KISSAsylum.com Saturday September 3rd at the HOLIDAY INN - COUNTRYSIDE 6201 Joliet Road, LaGrange/Countryside, Illinois 60525-3958. 1-(708) 354-4200, featuring KISS Drummer ERIC SINGER, Bill Starkey, All female KISS Tribute Band BLACK DIAMOND, KIngs of the Nighttime World and Angelo Coppola. Eric will be singing autographs, taking photos and answering questions. Special KISS Expo room rates are available, call no later than August 13th for the KISS rate - Event Expo Room code is KIS. Ticket prices are $18 in advance and special VIP passes are $25 each and include a free ERIC SINGER KISS guitar pick. There are limited number of VIP passes still available. Tickets are now on sale at www.kissmuseum.com. 
KISS BIKEFrom: MyKISSarmy.com About a year ago I decided to build my first custom ride. I have a 1994 heritage soft tail which is a Harley Davidson and I did a lot of custom work to it. My build had to be like no other. I watched Jessie James build all kinds of rides but all in the basic format. I wanted the theme to be remembered by everyone, and last but not least it had to be done in good taste and at what better time than during their farewell tour "we all thought that anyway." So I started my build and went on this year long mission, the bike or theme was to be, what else, KISS. In August or September I heard talk of KISS and Aerosmith going on tour, no way, now the mission was a category C. I stayed up many late nights with ideas, many changes, welding, grinding and fabricating then I heard KISS is playing in South Florida. I was really pressed for time and without rushing a really long thought out project I decided it wasn't going to be ready for the South Florida. concert. At this time of the build the bike was complete as far as being up and running before final step after all the bugs are worked out and it goes to paint. Then I hear that December 3rd at the Ice Palace that KISS was coming into concert here in Tampa so needless to say from a category C it now went into an A++++ this must have been late October, and now the build that I had started needed to be taken all apart again so as to get it ready for paint, and I mean down to the frame. Then there was the paint, and how it would be laid out, from faces, to tribal, to colors. I mean to tell you, that was almost just as much work as the build. The paint would take 6 weeks which if I did my math right it left me with approximately two to three weeks before the concert would be in town. The bike was put together in less than a week and ready for the big day, a friend of mine was doing his radio show from a place across the street from the Ice Palace called NUKES and that evening to promote the band KISS he had invited a few bikes over just for a showing and of course the KISS bike being the feature ride. [more] August Q&A with TOMMY THAYER From: TommyThayer.com Question #1 What was the first song you ever heard on tape that you recorded in a studio? What went through your head listening to it? - Eve Placement, San Rafael, California ANSWER: It was back in my early days. I was in one of my first groups in Portland, OR called Movie Star. We had saved up enough money to do a three-song demo at a very small recording studio in Vancouver, WA. It was strange because it was the first time I'd heard my guitar recorded, let alone doing overdubs. We were proud of that tape even though it probably wasn't very good. Question #2 Are there any actresses you think are sexy or ones that cause you to go see every movie they make? - Robert Adams, Chicago, Illinois [more] 
KISS in DVD TotalFrom: Marcio Siqueira The latest issue of the brazilian magazine named DVD TOTAL presents GENE SIMMONS on the cover. DVD TOTAL is monthly issue and is presented like a regular magazine plus DVD. This one is about 48 minutes of documentary (2 previously published interviews with the band). It's a great collector's piece, indeed!! KISS Fan site From: Fort Lauderdale's Repesentation of KISS Please feel free to come and check out my KISS fan site! Lots of pix of me and my buddies who always attend KISS-related events. We're always posting new pix and info - join our membership list- we're always looking for cool KISS friends - Thanks! http://groups.msn.com/fortlauderdalesrepresentation ofkiss/_whatsnew.msnw 
National Museum of Health and MedicineFrom: GeneSimmons.com Hi Gene, We recently visited Washington DC and while we were there we checked out The National Museum of Health and Medicine behind Walter Reed Hospital. Being KISS fans, we were wowed when we found the Venereal Disease Display. Right smack in the middle of the preventative measures was guess who??? Gene, The Man, Simmons was looking right at us next to the SYPHILIS and GONORRHEA ointments. KISS Kondoms appear to be the protection of choice of the curators of this museum. Well, guess it goes to show that you never know where the "Original G" may be found. Your KISS Fan Fam, Teresa Duvall, Barry & Ben too. Shaun Micheel From: MemphisMagazine.com sent in by Tabitha Memphian Shaun Micheel has been a member of the PGA Tour since 1992 and will be playing to a hometown crowd at this month's FedEx St. Jude Classic (May 26-29) at Southwind. The 36-year-old graduate of Christian Brothers High School won the 2003 PGA Championship (and with it a cool $1.08 million). However well he plays in the FESJC, we know one thing for certain. Micheel has great taste in music. We've got to work on your Memphis track record. You've missed the cut the last two years . Last year was very difficult. It was my first year playing in Memphis since being the PGA champion, so I probably put some extra pressure on myself. It's tough for me to play at home. There are a lot of demands on my time. You'd think that would make me work even harder, and maybe I do. Maybe I work too hard. Everybody's pulling for me; maybe I just need to pull a little harder for myself. [more] 
Union in BabenhausenFrom: UnionForChildren.com This will be the slogan for the Show in Babenhausen. Together with Bruce, the Band and the Management we created a website especially for this event. More information will follow so stay tuned... www.unionforchildren.com Rock The Nation Live DVD From: SantuaryRecords.com KISS - "Rock The Nation Live!" 3 DVD set - coming soon!! 
ERIC SINGER and Tag HeuerFrom: TAGHeuer.com Montreux, Switzerland 12th of July The famous hard rock artist Alice Cooper together with the star drummer ERIC SINGER of the legendary Rock n'Roll band KISS gave his only concert in Montreux Switzerland to present his new album "Dirty Diamonds" at the Montreux Jazz Festival. TAG Heuer, in association with Mother Management, met the two rock stars that are both watch collectors and asked to see the latest TAG Heuer products. Alice Cooper said: " I have over 300 watches and the last one I bought was the TAG Heuer golf watch". Alice Cooper has handicap 3 and plays golf tournaments all over the world. Stephane Linder, chief product and product development presented the latest TAG Heuer products to Alice Cooper and ERIC SINGER that both are considering TAG Heuer one of the hottest brands in the world. The stars absolutely want to visit the TAG Heuer factory in La Chaux de Fonds next time they are in Switzerland. [more] Rockin' The Corps DVD/CD From: Image Entertainment Image Entertainment will release the "Rockin' The Corps" DVD and audio CD on September 6, 2005. The DVD will feature performances from the concert, as well as backstage footage and other exclusive content. The CD will feature an exclusive bonus DVD with content from the show and behind the scenes footage. The Week in Weird: KISS play it safe From: RollingStone.com Pundits have long gone around making lists of ways in which rock & roll is hazardous to the health, but, at long last, a respected institution has gone on the record giving credit where credit is due - by honoring KISS for their efforts in battling sexually transmitted diseases. The National Museum of Health has given two thumbs - or some body parts - up to the band's "members" by featuring a logo-emblazoned KISS condom in a newly added display about venereal disease. Oddly enough, GENE SIMMONS' official tally of women bedded - with or without footnotes about what illnesses they might've borne - didn't make the exhibit's final cut . . . GENE SIMMONS is Ready to Rock From: TVFodder.com by Rachel Cericola I am not a fan of KISS = especially of GENE SIMMONS in particular. I don't own a KISS toilet and have no plans to be buried in a KISS coffin. One thing I do plan to do is watch VH-1's new show GENE SIMMONS' Rock School. Love him or leave him, the guy is sort of a legend, and not just because of the countless babes he claims to have bedded, even with all of that sweaty, scary makeup. Of course, he might have dropped a few bars in the credibility department after last year's special guest appearance on "American Idol." Gene judging kids on hitting the high notes on Alicia Keys songs? Not buying it. Gene teaching classically trained kiddies how to rock and roll all night, and possibly party every day? Save me a seat. Part of me wants to pooh-pooh the show simply for piggybacking on the success of the Jack Black family comedy School of Rock and more recently, the compelling Richard Linklater documentary Rock School. However, Gene doesn't seem like a really deep individual, but he sure looks like an interesting one. [more] Author claims there's a reason pop stars are spaced-out From: BostonHerald.com by Sean L. McCarthy Poor Bob Geldof. His view that musicians can persuade politicians to end world poverty seems so shortsighted compared to Michael Luckman's belief - namely, that rock 'n' roll has an innate connection with extraterrestrials that can help heal the galaxy. Luckman's new book, "Alien Rock" (VH1/Pocket Books), which hits stores this week, attempts to find every - and any - connection between aliens and rock music. [more] Exciting New GENE SIMMONS Website From: 'Originals' - Moderator If you want to learn more about the multitude of factors that led a young child from Israel born to a survivor of the Nazi Holocaust to emerge as one of the most compelling and complex entertainers of our time.....you have found a home at "Almost Human", located at: http://p097.ezboard.com/balmosthuman This unique web site is devoted to closely examining the Holocaust and its affect on the life and art of GENE SIMMONS. Please join us and be prepared to LOOK BEHIND THE MASK............. 
The Photography of Bob GruenFrom: bobgruen.com The Photography of Bob Gruen is on display at The Morrison Hotel Gallery, located at 1230 Prospect Street La Jolla, CA 858.551.0835 Daily 11am - 7pm Friday & Saturday 11am - 9pm Bob Gruen is one of the most well known and respected photographers in Rock 'n Roll. The Morrison Hotel Gallery in La Jolla is proud to present, for the first time, hand-signed, limited edition photographs, taken by Gruen, of John Lennon, The Clash, Led Zeppelin, The Ramones, Sid Vicious, Bob Marley, KISS and others. Bob's first gallery show just ended, but his photos will continue on display in La Jolla and their New York Gallery. 
VH1 Goes Back to School Each Friday Night Beginning August 19From: biz.yahoo.com GENE SIMMONS Teaches Kids How to Rock in the New VH1 Series "GENE SIMMONS' Rock School" Premiering Friday, August 19th at 11p.m. GENE SIMMONS invades England to teach a bunch of prim and proper boarding school students how to rock in the new VH1 series, "GENE SIMMONS' Rock School," premiering Friday, August 19 at 11PM.* The infamous "Demon" of KISS faces a monumental task: turning a group of classical music mini-scholars into a killer rock band. Following the premiere, each episode will air Friday nights at 10:30 PM. "GENE SIMMONS' Rock School" has Master Simmons setting up court at one of the UK's top independent boarding schools, Christ's Hospital in the small town of Horsham, south of London. The children who attend the 450-year-old school wear Tudor-style uniforms, march into the lunch hall accompanied by a full brass band and know nothing about rock music. So, in just six weeks Gene must transform a class of classically trained 13 and 14-year-old musicians into little rock gods. [more] 
Rock Star Poker Returns to VegasFrom: vegasrockstarpoker.com Sweepstakes Winners Can Go "All In" for a Chance at $10,000 with GENE SIMMONS, Dave Navarro, Jerry Cantrell and Chad Kroeger! Clear Channel Entertainment Properties Teams with Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority to Deliver Highly-Anticipated Poker Experience. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and Clear Channel Entertainment Properties today announced the second annual Vegas Rock Star Poker Tournament and Sweepstakes. Set for August 25th to 27th at the Palms Casino Resort, the tournament will be a one-of-a-kind; exclusive event headlined by rock greats GENE SIMMONS, Dave Navarro and Alice in Chain's Jerry Cantrell. [more] Chad Kroeger To Play Poker From: undercover.com.au by Paul Cashmere Nickelback's Chad Kroeger is the latest star to join the Las Vegas Rock Star Poker Tournament. Kroeger will join KISS's GENE SIMMONS, Janes Addictions Dave Navarro and Alice In Chains Jerry Cantrell for the second annual tournament between August 25th and 27th. "We're excited to be performing in Vegas and be able to reward lucky fans to play at this rockin' Poker event!" said Chad Kroeger, lead singer for Nickelback. "We can't wait to feel the energy and excitement of playing for our Vegas fans." [more] CCE, Las Vegas Partner For Rock Star Poker Tournament From: billboardradiomonitor.com by Jill Kipnis, Billboard.biz The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and Clear Channel Entertainment Properties are partnering for the second annual Vegas Rock Star Poker Tournament and Sweepstakes. The tournament, taking place Aug. 25-27 at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, will feature musical guests GENE SIMMONS, Dave Navarro and Jerry Cantrell from Alice in Chains. The three artists will play in the tournament alongside 24 contest winners, who will earn their spot through radio promotions in New York, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Los Angeles and San Francisco, by entering their name at vegasrockstarpoker.com or by winning contests through event sponsors Albertson's and Michelob Amber Bock. Footage from the event is expected to be featured in Simmons' fall A&E special "Family Jewels." [more] 
What's New in KISS CollectiblesFrom: KISSMuseum.com KISS 1976 Empire State Poster Reprint. The most famous KISS poster of all time is arguably the image of KISS straddling the edge of New York City's Empire State building. Photographer Barry Levine captured the band with apparently nothing between them and the ground, nearly a quarter-mile below. The secret behind the shot, though, is that the band was posed one floor above the observation deck on a four foot wide walkway - giving the illusion of hanging off the edge but with a deck just one story down; still a nasty, but not catastrophic, fall. With the poster being in hot demand from diehard fans an official reprint has just been released, much to the delight of collectors worldwide. There are a few minor differences to note: the silver-gray logo of the original print, (top), has been replaced by a bolder red version, (bottom). The new poster is also borderless, with the image running all the way to the edge of the paper. And that's not all - other recent official poster releases include an airbrushed image of the Dressed to Kill album and a five-foot tall KISS Door poster. KISS Empire State poster $9.95 |
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