 |  | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
 August 2006 NewsPage updated on August 31, 2006All 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: KISSOnline For the KISS fan who has it all: t-shirts, posters, CDs, a morning coffee mug … What’s next? Would you guess a Hallmark greeting card featuring the music of KISS? That’s right! Hallmark has a new line of sound cards that include original recordings by KISS! This new collection, available exclusively at Hallmark Gold Crown stores, features CD-quality original recordings by more than 100 original music artists including the legendary KISS! Their song, Rock and Roll All Night, is featured inside one of these innovative cards. Pictured is the front of the Hallmark card that features Rock and Roll All Night.
From: KISSOnline QUESTION: Hi Gene, I just watched a video with KISS performing a lip synch version of She's So European on a German TV Show called RockPop in 1980. As far as I know the song was neither was released as a single nor you ever played it live. So what was the reason that you (or whoever it was) chose that particular song for a TV performance? Thank you very much for an answer. --- Oliver ANSWER (GENE): We all make decisions which at the time make perfect sense and which, in hindsight, seem bizarre at best. We went to Europe and we thought (duh...) let's do "She's So European"... QUESTION: Hi Gene!! Family Jewels is great. Everyone I know is very surprised how you act on the show, much different then some of your interviews over the years. Seems the Demon has a heart. My question is why did you decide now to show the world the world the true GENE SIMMONS? --- Jordan Steirwalt Fargo, ND [more]
From: Kulick.net During the recent Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp which was held in NYC August 13th through 17th, both the NBC Today show and ABC's World News Tonight stopped by to do pieces on the Fantasy Camp experience. The ABC World News piece, which was filmed by Heather Nauert, will air sometime during the week of August 28th, so be on the lookout for it. The NBC Today Show piece will air on Monday, September 4th, which is Labor Day. Be sure to watch it or set your VCR/TiVo!
From: KISS Kollector GENE SIMMONS and his business partner Richard Abramson represented Simmons Abramson Marketing last Sunday at the Indy Racing in Sonoma, California. Also present was KISS Kollector‘s local reporter/photographer Bret Moiseff who took these photos and got Gene to sign an I’m Indy cap. The last photo, below, is of Richard Abramson who was wearing a shirt with "Simmons Abramson Marketing" on it.
From: KISSOnline Congratulations Gene! The premiere episode of Gene's new reality show for the A&E network, "GENE SIMMONS Family Jewels", was the most-watched series premiere of any A&E show since the launch of "Dog the Bounty Hunter" in August of 2004. There have been 12 new prime-time series since that date. The show continues to climb in the ratings. Last Monday night's showing was even bigger then the premiere episode! For a clip of this week's new episode (premiering Monday August 28 at 10PM ET - check your local listings) and other information on the show, visit the show's official web site at the link below. www.aetv.com/genesimmonsfamilyjewels/index.jsp.
From: Fox News The flamboyant, Israeli-born rocker GENE SIMMONS has sent a televised message of support to am Israeli soldier seriously wounded in fighting in Lebanon, calling him his 'hero.' Simmons, 57, founded the heavy metal band KISS in the 1970s and became famous for wearing white and black face makeup, spitting fire and sticking his tongue out at sold-out elaborate performances. Simmons, the band's bass player, was born Chaim Witz in the northern Israeli city of Haifa before emigrating to New York as a child. [more]
From: KISSOnline KISSONLINE continues to bring you new KISS Fragrance product photos as we count down the release of the entire KISS Fragrance line! Pictured here are the HIM and HER KISS Fragrance gift packs. The HER gift pack features Eau de Parfum and a Lovin’ Body Lotion, while the HIM gift pack contains Cologne Spray and an All Nite Deodorant Stick. Only 16 days left until KISS Fragrances are rockin' the following retailers: BELK, BOSCOVS, DILLARDS, GOTTCHALKS, PARISIANS, ULTA and VIRGIN MEGA STORES (Selective Sizes).
From: The Motley Fool If you're familiar with the glam-rock band KISS -- and who isn't? -- then you probably know the man behind the demon make-up, GENE SIMMONS. He's the bassist with the long tongue and a penchant for breathing fire. Did you know he's a big Fool, too? Trust me, he is -- at least if his book Sex, Money, KISS is any indication. In it, Simmons divulges some interesting factoids on the business behind KISS, as well as a bit of autobiography. He also talks about his feelings on sex and marriage -- he's adamantly in favor of the former and unabashedly against the latter. Throw in some controversial views about religion, and you've got one hell of a read. [more]
From: PaulStanley.com PAULSTANLEY.com, is the Official PAUL STANLEY web site and went live on Thursday with a temporary static page. The page allows fans to sign up to receive updates and news while the site is being built. This temporary design will remain up over the next month or so, until the site is complete and formally launched. Visit www.PAULSTANLEY.com and sign up today
From: Blabbermouth A four-minute promotional teaser for the upcoming ESP (ERIC SINGER PROJECT) DVD, "Live at the Marquee", has been posted online at YouTube.com. "Live at the Marquee" was recorded in Australia in April 2006 and features the ESP lineup of BRUCE KULICK (KISS, GRAND FUNK RAILROAD) on guitar, ERIC SINGER (KISS, ALICE COOPER) on drums, John Corabi (MÖTLEY CRÜE, RATT) on guitar/vocals and Chuck Garric (ALICE COOPER, DIO) on bass. ESP's setlist consists mainly of KISS hits and obscure KISS songs that have never before been played live, along with selections from MöTLEY CRüE, GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, ALICE COOPER and other classic rock bands.
From: Rockeyez July 12th would have been Eric's 56th birthday, and Rockeyez had a chance to sit down with his sister Loretta for a conversation about the memory that will never be forgotten. Hello Loretta, and thank you for inviting us into your home. No problem, Brian. I've known you along time and always had a good relationship with you and my brother always liked you. [more]
From: Ed Roman Guitars VINNIE VINCENT Invades Ed Roman's In Las Vegas!!! VINNIE VINCENT will Tentatively be Appearing Informally to Shred The Walls Down !!! He will be jamming & previewing some new tracks, & promoting the new Ed Roman, VINNIE VINCENT Guitar. Dates are tentative. Please don't call Ed Roman's until we set a date.
From: KISSAsylum KISS Asylum wishes GENE SIMMONS a happy birthday today.
From: KISSOnline The 2006 Cincinnati KISS EXPO will be held Sunday October 1st from 12:00PM to 10:00PM (11:00AM for VIP holders) at the Holiday Inn Cincinnati Eastgate 4501 Eastgate. Blvd. Cincinnati, OH. 45245. Special guests include Bob Kulick, Rock band SSG, Author Colette Shaw, Drumming sensation Angelo Coppola and Tribute bands Black Diamond and MR.SPEED. Dealers will be selling official KISS merchandise, including the KISS Fragrances, throughout the day! KISSONLINE will be on hand to celebrate the upcoming release of PAUL STANLEY's new LIVE TO WIN CD as well as the new KISS DVD Series. KOL will have items to giveaway and will host an official LIVE TO WIN listening session. More details to follow soon. Tickets go on sale Friday. To buy tickets or for more information on the event visit www.cincinnatikissexpo.com . For rooms call 513-752-4400 or 1-800-HOLIDAY. Room rate for KISS EXPO is 89.00 a night plus tax.
From: KISSOnline Over the next few weeks KISSONLINE will bring you new KISS Fragrance product photos and info on various promotions that will celebrate the release of the KISS Fragrance line! Pictured here are the women's and men's KISS fragrance bottles. The countdown begins! Only 20 days left until KISS Fragrances are rockin' the following retailers: BELK, BOSCOVS, DILLARDS, GOTTCHALKS, PARISIANS, ULTA and VIRGIN MEGA STORES (Selective Sizes). Visit each store for different promotional events and public appearances by GENE SIMMONS!
From: Blabbermouth KISS bassist/vocalist GENE SIMMONS has posted the following message on his official web site: "Happy to report this week's 'GENE SIMMONS Family Jewels' outperformed our debut episodes. We thank you for the kind words you have sent us... Soph, Nick and Miss Tweed. And, if and when you ever meet them, you will be as enchanted by them, as I have always been. They make me a better man. "And, just got back from Indianapolis with my partner Rich Abramson re a new business venture for the Indycar folks. And, we will be attending the Sonoma Indy race on Sunday, August the 27th, and the Chicago Indy race on Sunday, September the 10th....Hope to see you all there." [more]
From: CinemaBlend After a string of reunion tours, KISS members are ready for something new. Billboard reports that singer/guitar player PAUL STANLEY is looking to shake it up this Oct 24th with Live To Win via Universal’s New Door. This is his first shot at a solo product since his self-titled album in 1978, and he will promote it with a club tour this fall. Stanley assures us that "It's not 1978 anymore". Sharing the differences between then and now, he says: "It's certainly the same mentality, and certainly I'm a better singer today. My perspective and where I'm at in my life at this point, and what I've experienced and seen, brings something else to the table that wasn't there then. But I still look back on that album as a really great snapshot of who I was and what I was doing then". Proving there’s really no such thing as a solo album, Stanley has acquired some help from other talents. Joining the Live To Win effort are former Marilyn Manson guitarist John 5, former KISS guitarist BRUCE KULICK (who plays bass on a couple of songs), noted string arranger David Campbell, drummer Victor Indrizzo, and guitarist Corky James. What we can expect from this CD is uncertain, but sadly we do know a very famous tongue will not be involved.
From: Forbes Magazine Last week, Michael Fiszer was just a Los Angeles tax attorney. Brian Rodgers was helping run the family uniform business in Bethlehem, Pa. Now they are rock stars. For one night, at least. Fiszer is on lead vocals, backed by Rodgers on guitar. They and the three other members of World War Six are playing AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long" to a packed house at BB King's Blues Club in Times Square, New York. The road to stardom is supposed to be long and difficult. But all Fiszer and Rodgers had to do to get a spot under the lights at one of New York's most venerated music venues was spend a week's vacation time and $8,500. [more]
From: Kulick.net Hello everyone. Writing this one from my home in Los Angeles as the event at B.B. King's ended so late, and then of course it was celebration time with all the participants and a long flight on Jet Blue (great airline) back to the West coast. Did some mounds of laundry and got my home in order, all the boring stuff in life as in what can compare with 5 days at FANTASY CAMP!!! When I last wrote it was the night before the big day when we all compete on stage at a real club with our friends and family and public and press in attendance. Started Thursday early with press from NBC's Today show, as they watched and filmed me rehearsing my band and interviewed everyone. Hope some of my band "Hells Kitchen" makes it in the report. Our eclectic singer Seth nearly blew out his voice he was so excited performing for them. He spent the rest of the afternoon with hot tea and throat remedies as the big night was approaching. Of course we still had a visit with Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers as he was going to riff with us on stage for the Bryan Adams song, "Summer of 69." He walked in so cool, lit a cigarette (the star guitarist in my band is Charles, a pulmonary doctor... as in lung doctor) and watched us go through the song. He was pleased with the band and he took pix and actually grabbed Charles' guitar and did some riffs on it over his shoulder! I made sure my campers had their guitars ready with new strings, well stretched out, etc., and I want to thank Glenn from Gibson who was always there to help me with any instrument set up. We talked guitars all the time and of course the entire team at the Gibson facility is excellent. Well, we got our two songs together and even had some time to jam on some Allman Bros. songs, but only had time for Dickey to hear the Bryan Adams number. Mark Farner also stopped by to see us rehearse and he was pleased with the sound of my band. After pix and autographs, we were ready to get to B.B. King's for the big event. I have been to the club with the same name here at LA's Universal Studios, but the N.Y. B.B.'s seems more New York for sure. Dinner was served and of course the excitement from everyone getting there was electric. All the campers' instruments were lined up backstage in order and it was quite amazing to see. I was whisked away for another interview for Australia (I think they are fascinated with the concept of the Fantasy Camp), and then took some pix for the "Mail on Sunday", which my band camper Jonathan writes for. It is a publication with huge circulation in the UK, and it was funny to see him come to my band knowing a few guitar chords and now ready to rock out with my band. Strange of course to have a camper writing little notes all the time in his notepad like a good writer should I guess. I was as hard on him as anyone, and I really wonder how that article will be. But we all bonded in a great way. [more]
From: Blender So, tell us a secret: How did you get Shannon Tweed to not marry you but still stay around? Guys have become such wimps, it just shocks me. My God, what happened to the alpha male? I believe in total honesty. I believe in full disclosure before the fact, before you get with a girl. If you wanna marry her, say, "OK, I wanna marry, but let's talk about if we get divorced," because statistics say you will. So you must ask her the most important question, which is: If you want money, let me know how much. Let me make an educated decision. You've said, "Women are great housekeepers: They get to keep the house." [more]
From: 9 & 10 News The legendary group of high school students that brought a legendary rock group to Cadillac is back in town… and 30 years older. On Friday, 9&10 News Reporter Ben Kwan and Photojournalist Greg Miller caught up with the cool crew from 1976 that made music history with the band KISS. See the video report online at
From: Web-Spinner Fanzine This is from a Fanzine called 'The Web-Spinner' (Issue #2, August 1965), in which a 16 year old Gene Klein rips Stan Lee a new one for not giving Marvel Fans enough bang for their buck (literally) for the Fan Club Package. Enjoy! "I know there are many people who are quite loyal to Stan Lee and think he can do no wrong. Sure, Lee is a fascinating person. He's a great editor. He's also a great writer, as you no doubt know by now. But where does he think he's getting off by charging $1.00 for who knows what??? What do you get for your hard-earned buck? There's a record in the deal, first and foremost. And if you're really hard up to hear what Lee and Kirby and the rest of the bullpen sound like, I suppose that buck is going to go a long way for that record. [more]
From: KISSOnline The Beatles had Paul McCartney. Led Zeppelin had Robert Plant. KISS have PAUL STANLEY. For more than thirty years, PAUL STANLEY has reigned supreme as one of the single-most recognizable frontmen in the history of rock and roll. He’s the principal songwriter, driving force and the unwavering voice of KISS, one of the most successful and influential bands ever born on American soil. Employing equal parts hip-grinding rhythm, full-tilt glam and guitar-driven slam, Stanley single-handedly penned such escapist anthems as "Love Gun," "God of Thunder" and "Black Diamond." He was the golden throat that throttled "Detroit Rock City," the charismatic swagger behind "I Was Made For Lovin’ You," and stripped of makeup, was the unmasked troubadour that breathed vocal life into the ballads "Reason to Live," "Forever" and "Every Time I Look At You." For his highly anticipated solo Live to Win Stanley chose to sidestep the glitz and glamour that has epitomized much of his career, Stanley strips his emotions to the bone and adorns them with a melodic sheen on Live to Win. In doing away with the legendary bombast, what becomes starkly clear is that these songs about the power of the human spirit and commitment to not compromising ideals can rattle not only the walls, but also the heart and soul of the listener. "What I wanted to do on this album was sing about my life, and my life is not that different than anybody else’s," he continues. "The truth is, what we all deal with in life is pretty similar, change the names and the story’s the same." [more]
From: Reuters/Billboard Kiss vocalist/guitarist PAUL STANLEY is preparing to release his first solo album since his self-titled 1978 debut. "Live To Win" is due October 24 from Universal's New Door imprint. Stanley will support the release with a club tour this fall. "It's not 1978 anymore," Stanley told Billboard.com of the album last November. "It's certainly the same mentality, and certainly I'm a better singer today. My perspective and where I'm at in my life at this point, and what I've experienced and seen, brings something else to the table that wasn't there then. But I still look back on that album as a really great snapshot of who I was and what I was doing then." [more]
From: Underground Online These days, rock gods and reality shows seem to go hand in hand, and there's none bigger than the legendary GENE SIMMONS, bassist and co-founder of the world-renowned band KISS. Not only did Gene and his famous bandmates turn KISS into one of the most influential rock bands in history, Simmons also helped turn the band into a marketing powerhouse and global merchandising force to be reckoned with. Add to that, his most recent venture into the world of IndyCar, his many projects in music, TV and the literary world, and GENE SIMMONS continues to be a living model for success. His most recent foray into television with his "happily unmarried" partner Shannon Tweed and their children Nick and Sophie, GENE SIMMONS' Family Jewels recently became the most-watched series premiere on A&E since Dog The Bounty Hunter. Airing Mondays on A&E, GENE SIMMONS' Family Jewels is yet another great offering in the land of cable. If there's one fact that's abundantly clear after chatting with the legendary rock god, it's that GENE SIMMONS is truly "the man." UGO: I heard you were recently in Kentucky for the IndyCar race. How was the experience? GENE SIMMONS: Fantastic. This has been like a sleeping giant and the biggest kept secret in America. Indy used to be #1 and they fell asleep at the wheel. NASCAR became #1, but NASCARs are much slower cars. They go at about 150mph and Indy cars go at about 220 to 230mph, like nothing you've ever seen. [more]
From: KISSOnline QUESTION: Tommy, I'm a big fan of yours. I've seen you play in concert three times now with my dad. I am planning on taking up guitar when school starts and was wondering if you can give me any tips on choosing my first guitar? What should I be looking for when deciding on one? --- Mike Jones, Wabash, Indiana ANSWER (TOMMY): Make sure you buy one of PAUL STANLEY's new Washburn models... I'd say that most of the guitars I've seen on the market are good. Depending on the price range you're looking at - economical, mid-range or high-range/professional, there are good products in all ranges. Find a guitar that feels comfortable to you, because there are no rules. I personally prefer thinner necks, some people like fatter wider necks, it just depends on what feels good. Same with the sound of a guitar, it's all subjective, it just depends on what kind of sound you like. Obviously, the more accomplished you are on guitar, the better it will sound too. QUESTION: Hi Tommy, I went to the Friday show at Chumash. Great show - you really rocked! I can't say enough about that venue, it was so cool. It was small but with a big stage. What did you think about playing their in such an intimate atmosphere with the fans? --- Amanda Pyle, San Diego, CA [more]
From: Kulick.net Another day down at the Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp, and another great blog from Bruce: "What an amazing day at the camp! Just finished rehearsing for the Sirius radio performance with Mark Farner for tomorrow morning's Howard Stern show. I am a big fan of Howard to meeting him again after all these years is gonna be cool... except for the early 7 AM lobby call!!! BTW it is almost midnight already and I am still at Gibson here in midtown. So that is my crazy schedule but that is Rock N Roll. As David Fishof the promoter says, you sleep when you're dead! First let me start off with last night's late jam I had with Peter Tork of the Monkees. So cool to jam "Last Train to Clarksville" and "I'm A Believer". I was on cloud nine doing that. I am a huge Monkees fan, so you can imagine how floored I was to be jamming with him. After not enough sleep it was off to the camp today to rehearse the second song with my band "Hell's Kitchen". We chose The Romantics song "What I Like About You". Really fun to play, although I am getting tired playing the bass. But I do love playing bass as you all know. We then had a visit from the David Letterman's horn section. They found their parts and away it went, really lifting the performance for sure. Looking forward them joining us at BB KING's on Thursday night. [more]
From: KISSOnline KISS licensee SIDESHOW Collectibles sent KISSONLINE some more great detailed images of their new KISS Figures, which will be released over the next eight months. Each premium format figure is 20" tall and weighs around 18 pounds. Each figure is limited to only 200 pieces. First up is the ACE FREHLEY Spaceman figure, which is due to ship in November, followed by the GENE SIMMONS Demon figure (due to ship in January '07), the PETER CRISS Catman figure (due to ship in March '07) and completing with the PAUL STANLEY Starchild figure, which is due to ship in April '07. . The premium format figure is 20" tall and weighs around 18 lbs. This figure is limited to only 200 pieces. Side Show also wanted KISS fans to know that they can visit their web site - www.sideshowcollectibles.com, and pre-order, as their products tend to sell out long before they ship. SIDESHOW does not charge customers until the product actually ships.
From: KISSOnline PAUL STANLEY LIVE TO WIN 1. LIVE TO WIN 3:07 2. LIFT 4:01 3. WAKE UP SCREAMING 3:00 4. EVERYTIME I SEE YOU AROUND 3:28 5. BULLETPROOF 3:01 6. ALL ABOUT YOU 3:16 7. SECOND TO NONE 3:35 8. IT’S NOT ME 3:19 9. LOVING YOU WITHOUT YOU NOW 3:16 10.WHERE ANGELS DARE 3:22 Produced by PAUL STANLEY Engineered and recorded by Alex Gibson Assisted by Tom Syrowski, Matt Serrecchio, Glenn Pittman, Jon Berkowitz and Kevin Mills Additional Engineers – Mark Valentine, assisted by Keith Gretlein. Kevin Mills, assisted by Phil Martin Additional Recording – Greg Collins Mixed by Greg Collins Recorded and mixed at Hensen Recording Studios Mastered by Steve Marcussen/Marcussen Mastering [more]
From: KISSmuseum.com 32 pages featuring all the new KISS merchandise for the Summer/Fall 2006 season! Over 300 items including autographs and even stage-worn costume pieces! Since 1997 the KISS Museum Catalog has kept fans up to date on all the newest releases as well as vintage merchandise finds. All-color 8.5" x 11" glossy pages - A quality collectible in itself! Get your FREE copy here.
From: Washington Post KISS frontman and co-founder GENE SIMMONS was online Wednesday, Aug. 16, at 3:30 p.m. ET for a pre-taped Audio Live Online to discuss the long career of the "tongue wagging demon" and his group and his new A&E reality TV show, "GENE SIMMONS Family Jewels". Listen to:GENE SIMMONS Live Online Q&A
From: Radio Reality Check On Thursday August 17th at 8 PM to 12 AM (Pacific) We will dedicate "4 hours" to the hottest band in the land, KISS and, the KISS Army March on the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame! We will have a special segment on the late ERIC CARR And very special guest Loretta Caravello! (sister of the late ERIC CARR). We will open the phone lines to hear your thoughts on Eric! On the show to "Rock and Roll all Nite" Will be callers from, KISS Army Russia, Japan, Sweden, Mediterranean, Chili, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Greece, England and more! Strap on some "Dragon Boots" and represent the KISS Army in your Country! [more]
From: KISSOnline New Door Records/Universal Musical Enterprises are proud to announce the October 24, 2006 release of Live to Win, the solo release from iconic KISS frontman PAUL STANLEY. The voice and songwriting force behind such KISS classics as "Detroit Rock City," "Black Diamond," Hard Luck Woman" and "Tears Are Fallin'," Stanley's career with KISS spans more than three decades and in excess of 100 million records sold worldwide. Stripping all the legendary bombast away, what becomes starkly clear is that besides rocking relentlessly, the power of human emotion and conviction on Live to Win can rattle not only the walls, but also touch the heart and soul of the listener. "What I wanted to do on this album was sing about my life because my life is not that different than anybody else's," he continues. "The truth is, what we all deal with in life is pretty similar. You change the names and the story's the same." "This album is purely a labor of love," says Stanley. "It is a labor of passion, and something where I was concerned with turning out the album I heard in my head, without regard for having glitz and star power from other sources. It was purely about making the album I wanted to make." While the heartfelt "Loving You Without You Now" was written without any outside collaboration, the remainder of the album reunites him with former KISS songwriting partners Desmond Child [Aerosmith, LeeAnn Rimes] and Holly Knight [Tina Turner, Pat Benatar], and introduces new collaborators including Andreas Carlsson [Bon Jovi, Britney Spears], John 5 [Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson] and Marti Frederiksen [Aerosmith, Faith Hill]. Seven of the ten tracks were co-written with Child and/or Carlsson, with Stanley and Child joined by John 5 on "Where Angels Dare" and Frederiksen on "Lift," and Knight teaming with the frontman on "It's Not Me." [more]
From: KISSOnline KISSONLINE.com supporter Jamie Russell sent us in these great photos and the note below on KISS items at the Football Hall of Fame: I attended the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend for the Induction Ceremony and found the music display of the acts that played the Super Bowl and found PAUL STANLEY's guitar and a picture in the display of KISS. I had no idea that I would see my favorite band (the display) of all time with my favorite QB of all time, Troy Aikman of the Dallas Cowboys all in one day. Sincerely, Jamie S. Russell
From: Kulick.net Once again Bruce is serving as a Camp Counselor for the Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp, but this time for the New York location. The camp runs from August 13th through August 17th, and throughout the week Bruce will be doing a blog for Gibson.com to document his experiences: "Hello everyone. BRUCE KULICK here, third time returning counselor for the Rock n Roll Fantasy Camp. Excited to do it this camp in NYC this time, as that is where I was born, and of course started my 12 years playing guitar for KISS! Living in Los Angeles for the past 20 years, but being in NY for this Camp will bring back many music memories for sure. Not only 48th street with all the famous music stores, but all the great bands I saw at the Garden and the Village and everywhere around the great city of New York. This camp coming up will be great. The past two I have done were amazing and of course they each have a life of their own. Most important is to see the campers who are so blown away by hanging out with the counselors and meeting the artists that come visit, learn so much and in many ways that they transform themselves as people." - August 14, 2006 [Click here to read the rest of Bruce's Blog] [more]
From: Kyle I had the opportunity of a lifetime this weekend. I am one of the infield Security supervisors at Kentucky Speedway &, I was put in a peculiar situation this weekend at the track. I was to handle the security detail with GENE SIMMONS & the Simmons-Abramson marketing group. Whoa..... wait a minute, I am a HUGE Fan of KISS, Gene & racing, how was I to convey & maintain a professional image while assisting the Simmons Abramsons marketing entourage through their travels at the speedway? Well, it was tough, but I managed. (LOL) It was a true pleasure for me & my son Brandon who also works at the speedway to finally meet GENE SIMMONS. I appreciate Gene, Rich, & Lucky for the opportunity to assist them in their travels at the speedway. I hope they enjoyed their visit to Kentucky Speedway. It was a day my son & I will never forget. I AM INDY !
From: RadioTangra.com Radio Tangra recently interviewed Twisted Sister guitarist J.J. French, and asked him about his early involvement with KISS Varbanov Supermarket: You know what, the rumor on the Internet [goes] that you played together with GENE SIMMONS and PAUL STANLEY in a band in the early '70s called RAINBOW that has nothing to do with [Ritchie Blackmore's] RAINBOW. French: "I read that, and that is the most ridiculous mistaken fact that is really untrue. I can say this: I was one of many guitar players who auditioned for KISS, and I spent a couple of weeks practicing with those guys. They didn't have a name yet — they were not KISS, they weren't WICKED LESTER — and I was one of many but somehow, someway, that statement I just gave you has been misinterpreted, misprinted, miswritten — everything from 'I was a member of KISS' to whatever, and I never, ever said it. I auditioned for the band in June of 1972, and in September of 1972, they picked up Ace [Frehley] out of maybe 25 or 30 people, and when they picked Ace, I called them around that time just to say, 'Hey, how are you doing? What is going on?' They told me they hired Ace, and I went down to rehearsal and watched them when they first rehearsed with Ace, and he was perfect for this band." Read the entire interview at www.radiotangra.com
From: Miami Hearld GENE SIMMONS and his fellow KISS bandmates once fretted that their image had become too cartoonish. Too much merchandising and a move toward pop and disco in the late '70s and a silly NBC movie, KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park, had the hard rock quintet morphing into the realm of family entertainment. Imagine what that late '70s GENE SIMMONS would make of this GENE SIMMONS, now on display in A&E's new warm-'n'-fuzzy reality series, GENE SIMMONS Family Jewels. This Gene doesn't spit blood. He cleans the kitty-litter box. He doesn't take Polaroid pics of his naked groupies -- at least, not in the first few episodes -- but chuckles in bemusement after farting in bed and grossing out his longtime partner, Shannon Tweed, who handles this new and (?) improved bad boy with good humor. [more]
From: KISSOnline Gene called into the "Dawn Patrol" morning show on 102.7 WEBN in Cincinnati last Friday morning to discuss "GENE SIMMONS Family Jewels", the KISS Coffeehouse, his new book, the Indy Racing League, and the upcoming KISS six-hour DVD box set. Gene mentioned the six hour KISS DVD box set will feature footage from as far back as 1972! To hear the full interview visit: www.myspace.com/webndawnpatrol
From: Newsweek How does one identify a great rock band? If it rocks, duh! So says KISS's "Army" of fans, who earlier this month invaded Cleveland to protest the costumed megagroup's exclusion from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since becoming eligible in the late '90s. With more than 70 million records sold, the band isn't losing sleep. "I don't need to hand out my résumé," KISS cofounder PAUL STANLEY told NEWSWEEK. But were the face-painted rockers great, or just gimmicky? With the hall's nominating committee set to meet next month, fans, experts and the metal "gods" themselves weighed in. YES GENE SIMMONS (COFOUNDER OF KISS) "I'm too rich to care. Eventually we'll get in, and that's when I'll care. Our fans number in the millions, and we've survived the test of time. I support the fans because they feel robbed ... That's why the people should decide." [more]
From: 99xnewyork.com On New Years Eve 1978, ACE FREHLEY joined 99X personalities Sue O'Neal and Bobby Rich, where he discussed his solo album, took phone calls, played tracks from several KISS albums (including all four solo albums) and more. This interview can be heard online here.
From: E! Online Fans of KISS are mobilizing over a perceived diss. Some 500 aficionados of the makeup-happy, blood-spewing metal gods descended upon the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland on Saturday to protest KISS' exclusion from the shrine. Members of the KISS Army caravanned from all over the U.S. and Canada for the rally, turning up at Voinovich Park in full band regalia, chanting "We Want KISS!" and carrying signs bearing the message "Though Shalt Not Delay the Induction of KISS." [more]
From: MSNBC MSNBC's Rita Cosby recently interviewed GENE SIMMONS and Shannon Tweed. You can view the video online at http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?g=62054492-8cc8-44e7-adc9-322ef0a104ec&f=&fg=copy
From: Night & Day Which of these musical artists doesn't belong with the rest: Dion, Hank Ballard, Traffic, KISS, Gene Pitney and The Moonglows. Kiss wouldn't seem to fit, but why? Because they're the most famous in the bunch? Perhaps. [more]
From: KISSKollector Universal Music has informed KISS Kollector Online that, according to Universal's International and UK release schedules, the Lick It Up – The Definitive DVD has been postponed until next year. The info on the release lists states TBC 2007. As previously reported, the DVD will feature the following tracks: 'I Love It Loud', 'Rise To It', 'All Hells Breaking Loose', 'Heavens On Fire', 'Thrills In The Night', 'Tears Are Falling', 'Who Wants To Be Lonely', 'Uh! All Night', 'Reason To Live', 'Turn On The Night', 'Crazy Crazy Nights', 'Lets Put The X In Sex', 'Rock Hard', 'Forever', 'Unholy', 'Domino', 'Every Time I Look At You', 'God Gave Rock & Roll To You'.
From: Radio Reality Check Calling KISS Army around the world! Thursday August 17th at 8 PM (Pacific) Radio Reality Check Will be bringing the US Rock Hall KISS Army March to you! Via Radio and Internet. We are currently looking for KISS fans outside of the US that would like to be heard live on this show! What does KISS mean to you? Call in and represent the KISS Army in your Country! If you would be interested in calling us live the night of this show Please Email John Turner (or) David Moore at: realitycheck@adelphia.net Be a part of Kisstory, call us and shout it out loud! [more]
From: Washburn PAUL STANLEY returns to Washburn with a whole series of electric and acoustic guitars designed by Paul himself. The PAUL STANLEY collection will include everything from entry level to U.S.A. built solid body and acoustic guitars along with a variety of music instrument accessories. Visit the PAUL STANLEY Guitars section of Washburn's Website at www.washburn.com/products/electrics/ps/index.aspx
From: KISSAsylum.com KISS Asylum thought that fans might like to see the Press Kit that A&E sent out for GENE SIMMONS' Family Jewels debut. It's a "scrap album" that features an embossed cover with a velcro "lock", a DVD containing three episodes of the show, many family photos of Gene, Shannon, Nick and Sophie, and several documents. There's a two page bio on Gene, a one page bio on Shannon, and a one page bio on Nick and Sophie. Also included is the press release for the show, a two page credit listing, and a sheet that contains one paragraph summaries of the first 5 episodes. A very cool collectors item. You can see more photos of it by clicking the link below. [more]
From: Boston Herald Another rock idol falls. Nothing obliterates a legend’s image faster than the sight of him scooping out the cat’s litter box. In the tradition of OZZY OSBOURNE, Hulk Hogan and the Reverend Run, KISS frontman GENE SIMMONS welcomes cameras into his home for GENE SIMMONS' Family Jewels (tonight at 10 PM on A&E; an additional episode follows). [more]
From: NY Post SO GENE SIMMONS of KISS, with more gold records than any other Ameri can band ever, is burbling about his 16,500-square-foot house and recent $8 million check he showed his mother. So I'm asking him, so, then, why's he doing a schlockola B-TV reality show for A&E? Said Gene: "It's not about money. Bill Gates still gets up and goes to work. It's always, 'Now what are we going to do?' I have books like 'KISS and Tell' and 'Sex, Money KISS' out with Phoenix. I have a pile of businesses. All tie-ins. I have to water those plants and remind the younger generation to spend on me. I use the show to shill. "I'm a partner in this show's production but, basically, I'm too rich to care. Watch it if you like, and if you don't, don't." For whatever reason, we got onto his mom Florence, 81, who lives here, whom he just visited and about whom he says, "Her English sounds like Zsa Zsa's." So a few minutes later Florence is telling me: [more]
From: McClatchy-Tribune News Service Who would've thought a former Playmate of the Year and scorching blonde from TV soaps would end up president of the PTA? Shannon Tweed, statuesque costar on such shows as Frasier, Married... With Children, and Wings, probably is better known as the longtime partner of GENE SIMMONS, lead guru of the band KISS. "We're not married," she says right off. "We've been together for 23 years in August." [more]
From: Gilroy Dispatch There are a bevy of curious television outings this week, but none of them looks more quirky than KISS rocker GENE SIMMONS' homage to, well, himself, in "GENE SIMMONS Family Jewels." The show debuts with back-to-back episodes at 10pm Aug. 7 on A&E. The lowdown? It's another celebreality-type series - with a twist, of course. Here, we can expect to find the iconic tongue-wagging crooner moving through his own colorful life. Along for the ride are his children, Nick and Sophie, who, at least at first glance, appear to be the "normal" ones in the Simmons household. It's easy to see why. Even without the makeup, Simmons tends to be a scene-stealing machine. [more]
From: Blabbermouth KISS bassist/vocalist GENE SIMMONS is a secret "doodler," who likes to furiously scribble down his creative ideas on little pieces of paper, says Steve Petersen, head of Big Machine Design (BMD), a Hollywood company that produced the main title graphics for Simmons' new TV show "GENE SIMMONS Family Jewels", which debuts on the A&E network on August 7. Says Petersen, "Gene is incredibly creative. In meetings, he would literally take the pen from my hand and frantically sketch out design ideas he saw in his head on the back of whatever little piece of paper was lying around. We'd bring those pieces of paper back to our shop and use those scribbles as the basis of our animated designs while creating the show's opener." In the new show's main title sequence produced by BMD, an animated GENE SIMMONS — in his full KISS makeup and costume — rises out from the pages of an old book, with the tagline "Lord of Rock" appearing beneath him. GENE SIMMONS himself says, "Big Machine is as cool as cool gets.
From: Yahoo News About 200 KISS fans protested Saturday in front of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum to demand that the band be inducted into the hall. Fans, some from as far away as California, carried signs and had painted their faces in black-and-white to resemble KISS band members. Those participating in the half-hour demonstration were upset that the band, formed more than 30 years ago, has not been admitted, even though it has been eligible since the late 1990s. [more]
From: Santa Barbara Independent Towering in silver platform boots and sporting a black lycra bodysuit that strategically exposed a bare chest, PAUL STANLEY clasped the microphone stand and observed, "Sometimes the cheap seats suck, but not tonight." Rather than inferring the conspicuous absence of cheap seats for the night’s performance, Stanley was instead presumably making reference to KISS’s usually intimate setting. For two nights, the musical veterans squeezed their lavish stadium antics into the "confines" of the Chumash Casino. While the ballroom setting afforded KISS fans a chance to get close and personal with their idols, it didn’t seem to affect the band’s trademark explosive theatrics. As the stage erupted into a blazing alter-reality, Stanley stood center stage and bellowed out the lines "Get up / Everybody’s gonna move their feet / Get down / Everybody’s gonna leave their seat" from KISS’s anthem "Detroit City Rock." Not that the KISS army needed any encouragement in rising to their feet, for fists were already punching the air, heads were shaking, and voices were screaming out each and every lyric in belligerent unison with Stanley. There’s nothing subtle about KISS. Instruments became phallic symbols and songs were hammered from pounding rhythms and teased through a volume-laden sonic assault to their celebrated death. In something of a collision between ’70s glam and ’60s sci-fi, each of the members perfectly projected their distinctive personas. Adorned in their trademark pasty white makeup and black and silver costumes, the menacing GENE SIMMONS lurched and growled as he spat out fire, blood, and lyrics. As Stanley pranced and teased in seductive torment, both TOMMY THAYER and ERIC SINGER were a picture of concentrated vigor. [more]
From: Blabbermouth Deadline/Cleopatra Records has just released "'80s Metal Tribute To Van Halen", a collection of VAN HALEN covers performed by some of the biggest hard rock stars of the '80s metal scene. The complete track listing for the effort is as follows: 01. Paul Di'Anno (IRON MAIDEN) – "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" 02. Jack Russell (GREAT WHITE) & Dweezil Zappa - "Unchained" 03. Mark Slaughter (SLAUGHTER) & Doug Aldrich (WHITESNAKE, DIO) - "I'm The One" 04. Jani Lane (WARRANT) & George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB) - "Panama" 05. Gilby Clarke (GUNS N' ROSES), Fred Coury (CINDERELLA), Frankie Wilsey (SEA HAGS) & Colby (HOLLYWOOD ROSES) - "Ice Cream Man" 06. Fee Waybill (THE TUBES) & Brad Gillis (NIGHT RANGER) - "Atomic Punk" 07. John Corabi (UNION, MÖTLEY CRÜE) & BRUCE KULICK (KISS) - "Hot For Teacher" 08. Stephen Pearcy (RATT) & Jake E. Lee (OZZY OSBOURNE) - "Running With The Devil" 09. Joe Lynn Turner (DEEP PURPLE, RAINBOW) & Reb Beach (WHITESNAKE) - "Dance The Night Away" 10. ENUFF Z'NUFF - "Yankee Rose" 11. Jeff Scott Soto & Blues Saraceno (ex-POISON) – "So This Is Love?" 12. Doug Pinnick (KING'S X), Yngwie Malmsteen & Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG) - "Light Up The Sky" (Thanks: Metal Nation Serbia)
From: AllYourTV.com Following the success of shows like "The Osbournes" and "Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica," every singer looking to hawk their new CD or get a little extra press seems to have signed on to do a reality series. And for the most part, they've been total wastes of time. As a kid growing up in the Midwest in the 1970's, I certainly spent a lot of time listening to KISS albums. And while I've always admired the business abilities of GENE SIMMONS, the thought of watching a show about his family life didn't excite me. In fact, I nearly had to be tied to a chair to watch the initial episode of "GENE SIMMONS Family Jewels." Boy, was I an idiot. [more]
From: Kulick.net Hello everyone! I hope your summer has been cool and not as terribly hot as in Los Angeles... actually everywhere I have traveled has been too warm. Well, stay out of the heat, and turn up some music from your fave bands and don't leave the pets or kids in the car! GFR has been keeping me busy as usual as it is the season for the band to get out touring every week. This summer we have had great shows in Detroit, Denver, Traverse City which was the Cherry Festival and was so picture perfect. Played a new ESP Snapper guitar I got to replace the one that was "lost". We went to Fresno and it was Hotter Than Hell, and outside San Francisco the Marin County Fair was actually comfy. The show outside of Hartford was nice, as it rained there the week before so we seem to bring some good weather. This past weekend all hell broke loose as in "Thunder and Lightening" in St Louis and that city didn't need any more problems. A week earlier they got hit with terrible storms and the city was in darkness. We played under the famous Arch and I brought my new (1981) Gibson Explorer to jam with the band. Everyone loved it. As you KISS fans know, the guitar on the cover of ALIVE III is an ESP Explorer and that stays locked away, and this Gibson is very similar. [more]
From: A&E GENE SIMMONS' Family Jewels debuts August 7th on A&E, but you can see exclusive video online at www.aetv.com/ genesimmonsfamilyjewels/ gsfj_video.jsp
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. [more]
From: You Tube You can see video of The Simmons' appearance on The View earlier this week at www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LB_IgX7D6k
From: Christine Sixteen Due to the success of the CHRISTINE SIXTEEN: A High-School Tribute To KISS tribute album, there will be another KISS tribute album from the kids at École Secondaire La Frontaliére in Coaticook, Québec. Titled Christine Sixteen: Another High-School Tribute To KISS, the album is due in April of next year with the following track listing: Black Diamond, Hard Luck Woman, Dirty Livin', Charisma, War Machine, Baby Driver, Larger Than Life, Into The Night (ACE FREHLEY), Creatures Of The Night, Watchin' You, Got Love For Sale, Nowhere To Run, 100,000 Years, Master And Slave and Jungle. Just like the initial high school tribute album, the new CD will be pressed at 500 copies too. But this time they won’t be taking pre-orders. For more information check out the Christine Sixteen website, which is under construction to reflect the new project.
From: Kim Bowers On Friday, July 21 at San Diego's world-renowned Comic Con, former catalog consultant Robert V. Conte announced his upcoming book detailing his days working with the rock band KISS. Conte, who assisted in repackaging more than 20 of KISS' remastered CDs, details what it was like to collaborate with childhood idols GENE SIMMONS, ACE FREHLEY, PETER CRISS, and PAUL STANLEY. "I am forever grateful for the opportunity to work with the group that, as a teenager, regularly inspired me to become successful" says Conte. "To this day, seeing my name inside most of the albums I dearly treasured throughout high school feels wonderfully surreal." The book, whose title will be announced in the coming months, will include never-before-released information about some of KISS' top- selling albums during the remastering of classics including Hotter than Hell and Destroyer. [more]
From: The Howard Stern Show GENE SIMMONS and his longtime girlfriend, Shannon Tweed, came into the studio for their first appearance together on the show. After Howard mentioned Gene and Shannon had a new reality series, 'GENE SIMMONS Family Jewels,' set to debut next week, he wondered why they decided to share their lives, and Gene responded he felt it was time for them to reveal more about themselves to their fans. Howard went on to reveal that Gene was worth $250 million, so he asked how the business of KISS worked. Gene explained he and PAUL STANLEY were co-owners of the band, and that they're constantly making money through concerts and other business opportunities. Gene went on to admit KISS was guilty of playing a number of farewell tours throughout the years, while also calling himself 'a whore' when it came to money. Gene noted he lived with Cher when they were young, which led Shannon to recall she recently had to write Cher a letter asking her to stop contacting him. Gene then said he thought Cher was 'a great woman,' even though he noted he didn't know why she still contacted him 23 years after their relationship. This led Howard to wonder if Shannon ever had sex with Hugh Hefner, which she acknowledged she did when she used to appear in Playboy. Shannon also remembered she had sex with other men and women while she was with Hef, although she claimed she no longer engaged in such behavior. [more]
From: You Tube You can see video of Gene And Shannon's appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live earlier this week at www.youtube.com/watch?v=isjecz_MAao&NR
From: Contact Music KISS bassist GENE SIMMONS still refuses to have an official marriage ceremony with longtime partner SHANNON TWEED, even though the pair have signed a legal agreement together. The couple, along with their children, NICK and SOPHIE, are starring in the new reality series GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS on the US A&E network and say they have been "happily unmarried" for 23 years. They have a co-habitation agreement outlining the legal parameters of their bond including health insurance, pensions and benefits. The family appeared on US talk show THE VIEW on Tuesday (01AUG06) to discuss their unconventional relationship. When Tweed was asked why she never demanded Simmons marry her she said, "I never gave him an ultimatum because I don't play games and I wouldn't mean it. "I'm not going to leave him if he's not going to marry me. I don't think you should say that unless you mean it." The rocker has a notorious bad boy image and claims to have slept with over 4,600 women, but Tweed insists her husband's womanising image is exaggerated. She adds, "I don't mind if he flirts. Who wants a guy who nobody else wants? If he did more than flirt, he'd be missing a limb."
From: KISSnews.de 1) Do you know, why Paul has changed his costume in 1980, but the others did not? Paul often had ideas about changing his clothing after a photo shoot. The other members of the band were happy with their clothes and didn't want to change. Paul always had an idea what he wanted to do and demanded changes. 2) Do you know what happened to the first print of the "Dynasty" tourbook with the "Return of KISS" cover (Kiss in front of the NY skyline in Dynasty outfits). It listed the incorrect tourdates on the inner back sleeve. But not just the tourdateas, the whole cover has been changed. Why did that happen and on how many shows was the "The Return of KISS" tourbook available at the concerts? [more]
From: You Tube A video of Robot GENE SIMMONS vs. a tracked robot is online at www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ue9bKnGly8&search=gene%20simmons
KISS Flying Disc From: KISSmuseum.com One of the hottest KISS items flying off the shelves this season! Standard 9.5" size plastic frisbee-sized flying disc. Also makes a great indoor wall display. $5.95 at KISSmuseum.com |
     | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
 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 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
