April 2008 News

From: KISSmuseum.com
Posted: April 11, 2008

This 6" JUMBO ashtray is a huge, major chunk of glass; almost twice as wide as a standard ashtray. Large enough to be used as a candy dish or key holder - you don't have to be an addict to enjoy it!

$13.95 at KISSmuseum.com

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KISS's GENE SIMMONS Whips Up the Heat with Sexy Comic, Dominatrix
From: Comics Bulletin
by Kevin Powers
Posted: April 11, 2008

Rock legend GENE SIMMONS' Dominatrix, his leather-clad heroine with an attitude, promises not only compelling action but also to raise thermometers a degree or two when she hits store shelves this April as a trade paperback from IDW Publishing (www.idwpublishing.com) and Simmons Comics Group (www.Simmons-Comics.com). This is definitely not your father's comic book. The ground-breaking first arc tells the story of a professional dominatrix, Dominique Stern, who becomes ensnared in a world of government cover-ups and international conspiracies. Simmons describes the story as "T&A meets CIA."

The TPB, which includes six stories that were originally run as individual comics issues, is written by Sean Taylor, who also authored Fishnet Angel, and is illustrated by artists Flavio Hoffe and Esteve Polls (who also illustrated a tale in the debut Simmons Comics Group release, GENE SIMMONS House of Horrors). Adding to the package is a new introduction from GENE SIMMONS; a photo collage from a Dominatrix party featuring Gene and some real-life dominatrices; an art gallery with all of the original cover art; and an outro and new Dominatrix prose story by Taylor.

Dominatrix is the story of Dominique Stern. After a client loses his composure during an intense session and blurts out top-secret information, Dominique finds herself a reluctant superhero who must save herself, her friends, the jerk who got her into the mess, and quite possibly her country.
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What's New In KISS Collecting
KISS Dice Game
From: KISSmuseum.com
Posted: April 10, 2008

Drinking-style KISS-themed dice game. Includes four 3/4"dice. Grab 2 to 4 of your KISS Army buddies and choose a player to go first. On your turn, roll all four dice together. Then arrange the dice: Red, Purple, Green and Blue and do what it says! For example: EVERYONE - TAKE A DRINK - RAPIDLY -THEN PLAY AIR GUITAR. If you get one of the KISS faces on the die, you get to, or rather GOT to choose any side of the corresponding dice you wish. Hours of adult fun.

INCLUDES FREE CLOTH STICKER, ONLY WHEN YOU BUY FROM KISSmuseum.com!

$6.50 at KISSMuseum.com

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GENE SIMMONS In Japanese Movie DMC
From: GeneSimmons.com
by GENE SIMMONS
Posted: April 10, 2008

The famous Japanese Manga comic book "DMC" is being made into a movie by TOHO/SONY. Toho Productions are the fine people who brought you GODZILLA and THE MYSTERIANS...as well as countless other Japanese movies.

I was thrilled to be asked to play the Demon God of Rock and Roll -- what else? Shooting was from dawn till late at night. The shoot took place right after the NEW ZEALAND KISS SHOW. I got to sleep at 2:00 am and got up 4:30 am to catch the 7:00 am flight to Tokyo.

Hectic.

Once there, I not only had to shoot the Japanese movie (which is being released in August -- only in Japan), our GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS tv crew were also there to record some of the fun and games.

Here is yours truly in a real Geisha House. And, here is what I look like in one of my get ups in the movie. You'll see the results in a future GSFJ episode.
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ACE FREHLEY Netherlands Date
From: www.013web.nl
by Gertjan Vandenblink
Posted: April 9, 2008

Great news for all rockfans in Europe: ACE FREHLEY will perform at 013 popcentrum Tilburg on June 11th. Pre-sale starts Saturday April 16th via www.ticketservice.nl

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A KISS Of Artistic Talent
From: Creative Loafing
by Jeff Hahne
Posted: April 8, 2008

Many people know PAUL STANLEY the musician. He's the "Starchild" who's been the frontman of the band KISS for 35 years. Most people aren't aware, however, that he's also a painter. Not only the kind of painter who sits at home and paints as a creative outlet, but the kind of painter who sold roughly $2 million worth of work in 2007.

"Interestingly, the galleries will tell you there are people who come in and are drawn to certain pieces without ever even knowing it's me; that's secondary," Stanley says from his California home. "I will also say in the same breath that no doubt my success and my fame gets my foot in the door. But you can still slam the door on my foot. Nobody's going to spend a good sum of money on art because they like it when I sing 'Rock And Roll All Night.' If they do, then they'd be better spending their money elsewhere."

Stanley, who attended the prestigious Manhattan School for Music and Art, was always focused on music. He says he is one of the few to fail art at the school and didn't even pick up a paint brush until 2000. While going through a divorce, a friend of his suggested that he paint to release emotion. "I went to an art supply store and bought canvases and paints and palate knives and brushes and all kinds of things that I was clueless to use and went home and started painting," he says. "What never crossed my mind was to show any of my work. It was a very solitary and very intimate experience. It was really about trying to purge emotions."
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GENE SIMMONS House Of Horrors Anthology In Stores April 9th
From: ComicBookResources.com
by CBR News Team, Editor
Posted: April 8, 2008

Rock legend GENE SIMMONS has taken the stage in an all-new capacity -- as the mysterious master of ceremonies for his own horror anthology, GENE SIMMONS House Of Horrors. Released by IDW Publishing (www.idwpublishing) and Simmons Comic Group (www.Simmons-Comics.com), the anthology brings readers the best in horror, fantasy and science fiction. "The stories range from gore to psychological thrillers to everything in between," says Tom Waltz, editor at IDW Publishing.

Initially run as a three-issue quarterly, the series has been critically acclaimed by fans and reviewers alike, both for the quality of the stories and the art. The TPB includes the original intros and outros written by the book's host, GENE SIMMONS, as well as a new collection introduction from Simmons. In addition, Nick Simmons--Gene's son, budding co-star on GENE SIMMONS Family Jewels, the top-rated A&E reality show, and the creator of the upcoming Platinum Studios comic Skullduggery--has three short prose stories included in the TPB. Top that off with 15 different and terrifying stories by some of the hottest new talent in comics today with a cover by Matt Busch, and you've got all the makings of a deliciously scary treat.

"I had always loved the Twilight Zone. I never missed an episode," says Gene. "I read Amazing Stories and Analog. In short, I loved the anthology horror/sci-fi canvas and wanted to re-introduce the format into comic books. [GENE SIMMONS House of Horrors] is a chance to showcase the best in professional talent, and to introduce new talent, as well. Each story will be written and drawn independently, with wraparound commentaries by myself. The fact that I'm powerful and attractive will only add to the stunning effect of the stories."
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Gene At The St. Petersburg Grand Prix
From: Dan Russo
Posted: April 7, 2008

"Surprise GENE SIMMONS is gonna be here!" That was all I had to hear.

Gene was promoting Cirrus Airplanes. He interviewed the owners and patrons of the company it was awesome to meet him again it had been 15 years.

He also gave my little man a hat and gave him a hi-five when he said to Gene "you're GENE SIMMONS!" I was in my pride and glory!
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PAUL Guitars In Australia
From: PaulStanley.com
Posted: April 7, 2008

WASHBURN Guitars recently released a PAUL STANLEY Autographed Edition Guitar, exclusively at TARGET Stores across Australia. The production run was limited to only 2000 Guitars. Get them while you can!

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KISS CD Part Of Earth Month
From: KISSOnline
Posted: April 6, 2008

As part of Wal-Mart’s "Earth Month" campaign for April, the company is promoting more than 120 CDs and DVDs, including The Very Best of KISS.

The eco-friendly package is 100% recyclable and biodegradable. It also includes a blow in card containing seeds for planting and allows you to get three free MP3 downloads from a selection of 30 titles.

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Back In The Day: PETER CRISS
From: Rockeyez.com
Posted: April 6, 2008

Back in the day when you could pick up your favorite candy such as flying saucers, candy cigarettes and everyone’s favorite Bazooka bubble gum at your local penny store, you could always catch your favorite street corner doo-wop singers singing away.

One of those groups was called THE STARS and had a member at the age of thirteen named George Peter John Criscuola.

George’s parents owned an antique shop in Brooklyn, NY, as they lived on Paerdegat 14th street in Brooklyn. George was an avid art student and a jazz aficionado. While playing with bandleader Joey Greco, George ended up studying under his idol, Gene Krupa, at the Metropole Club in New York. This blossomed into an active musical career as he went on to play jazz and rock with a number of bands in New York and New Jersey throughout the 1960s.
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First Ever Kansas KISS Fan Expo
From: KISSOnline
Posted: April 6, 2008

The 2008 Kansas City KISS Expo will be held Sunday April 13th from 1:00PM to 8:00PM (12:00PM for VIP holders) at the Marriott Kansas City Overland Park 10800 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas.

Former KISS guitarist BRUCE KULICK is the special guest! Bruce will do a Q/A and be available for photos and autographs throughout the day. KISS Tribute band Dressed To Kill will perform wearing Alive! era costumes. KISS merchandise and collectibles will be on sale throughout the day. There will be giveaways and contests too. Children 12 and under get in free!

KISSONLINE will attend the expo!

CLICK HERE for Tickets or more info

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Marketing Is Everything! From Real Estate To GENE SIMMONS of KISS.
From: geraldromine.com
by Gerald Romine
Posted: April 5, 2008

Marketing is everything! Right now I’m in Nashville Tennessee attending a marketing super conference with some of the brightest minds in marketing. The key note speaker was KISS Superstar GENE SIMMONS! Gene is known as the Wildman with the famous long tongue who has been rocking out worldwide for over 30 years!

Gene is an international marketing machine fluent in many languages and I took a huge amount of notes. But, the single most important thing I took from Gene’s keynote talk was "I have a virtual office. There are no buildings. Those days are gone!"

The next thing that happened is GENE SIMMONS called a guy out of the audience and had him read Gene’s busy schedule. Then Gene said that’s his office, no staff, no secretary, just Gene. An important lesson!
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Charlotte Art Shows Next Weekend
From: PaulStanley.com
Posted: April 5, 2008

Wentworth Gallery, one of the nation’s leading fine art retailers, is proud to present an art exhibition by artist and rock icon PAUL STANLEY. The KISS front man will present his work at two special appearances at the Wentworth Gallery in the South Park Mall in Charlotte on Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12.

His appearance will be open to the public and free of charge.

PAUL STANLEY’s Wentworth Gallery Appearances:
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What's New In KISS Collecting
New KISS Alive II T-Shirt Design
From: KISSmuseum.com
Posted: April 3, 2008

New re-design of the Alive II T-Shirt. Just released today! In-stock and ready to ship. 100% cotton.

$19.95 at KISSmuseum.com

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PAUL's Favorite LA Weekend
From: The LA Times
Posted: April 3, 2008

PAUL STANLEY has been painting his face as a member of KISS for most of his life, but in recent years he's been working on canvas too. "Painting has been cathartic for me, an ongoing reflection of my moods," he says. Stanley, 56, lives in Beverly Hills with his wife, Erin, and two sons, Evan (13) and Colin (18 months).

1. Osteria Mozza Melrose

"On Fridays we love dinner at Osteria Mozza, Mario Batali's place. The food is spectacular without being pretentious. They have a pasta orecchiette with sausage that just baffles me, it's so good."
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KISS Alive/35 In Luxembourg
From: KISSOnline
Posted: April 3, 2008

KISS just added a Luxembourg concert date to their huge KISS ALIVE / 35 World Tour! The band will perform at ROCKHAL on Thursday, June 26 .

Tickets for KISS' Luxembourg show are on sale now.

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What's New In KISS Collecting
New Line Of KISS Jewelry
From: KISSmuseum.com
Posted: April 3, 2008

A new line of KISS Jewelry has been made available just this week - Three chokers, a pair of earrings and a keychain. All made of metal with baked-enamel colored highlights. Click image for size specifications.

New KISS Jewelry available at KISSmuseum.com

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Lydia Criss to be Making Appearance at Chiller
From: KISSasylum.com
Posted: April 2, 2008

The one, the only , the lovely Lydia Criss will be making an appearance at next month's Chiller Convention in Parsippany New Jersey May 2-4. Meet Lydia in person and pick up a copy of here incredible book, Sealed with a KISS, which chronicles KISS's early career during her marriage to drummer PETER CRISS. Lydia is always fun, friendly, informative and very approachable; stop by and say hi!

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KISS Goldmine Cover Story
From: Goldmine Magazine
by Ken Sharp
Posted: April 2, 2008

By December, 1972, with the addition of lead guitarist, ACE FREHLEY, KISS was born. KISS’ mission was simple: They wanted to conquer the world. But, the job wouldn’t be easy.

At the time, the New York City music scene only boasted a few places to play original music, including Max’s Kansas City, the Mercer Arts Center and a club located outside of the city in Queens called Coventry. It was at this local hole in the wall that KISS performed its first show on Jan. 30, 1973.

Throughout the year, the band would return to Coventry and also ply its heavy-metal wares at other local dives including The Daisy in Amityville, Long Island, and shows at The Hotel Diplomat and a loft party on Bleecker Street. 2008 marks the 35th anniversary of KISS’s first show ever at Coventry in Queens. In celebration of that KISS-toric event, we spoke to KISS and members of the band’s inner circle, who shared their reminiscences of those pivotal performances and pre-fame days.
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ACE FREHLEY Reminds Us Of His Solo Guitar Chops
From: The Sun Times
by Jeff Elbel
Posted: April 2, 008

Midway through a generous set at Chicago's House of Blues for his own private faction of the "KISS Army," ACE FREHLEY lashed into "Rock Soldiers" from 1987’s "Frehley’s Comet" LP. After departing KISS in 1982, the song was the guitarist’s comeback statement. "Ace is back, and he told ya so," he sang, and the anthem served the same purpose on Tuesday. The erstwhile Spaceman’s troops celebrated as if their general had just announced they were getting double rations.

Though many KISS fans consider the cartoonish, theatrical shocks of the band’s early career to be the pinnacle of the rock experience, others idolize Frehley as an old school guitar hero with rare command of a snarling Gibson Les Paul. The lack of starry-eyed makeup and silver moon boots either onstage or off demonstrated that this show was for the latter batch. These diehards cheered both hard-rocking KISS chestnuts like "Deuce" and solo tracks like the jagged "Snow Blind," as Frehley uncorked solos full of melodic bite.

Working toward a second year of sobriety and surrounded by a band of young firebrands, Frehley at age 56 appeared fitter both physically and musically than when this reviewer last saw him (in full costume) during a 1998 reunion show supporting KISS’ "Psycho Circus" album. Frehley’s stage banter exuded humor and ease, and his reinvigorated playing during crowd pleasers like "Love Gun" and the Rolling Stones’ "2000 Man" brimmed with personality and confidence.
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PAUL In New H Magazine
From: H Magazine
Posted: April 1, 2008

As rock legends KISS ready to mark their 35th anniversary with tours in Australia and Europe, their frontman, the Star Child PAUL STANLEY, marks the beginning of a brand new journey as a highly touted painter in the world-wide art scene. Art aficionados and KISS fans alike have descended upon galleries to study these surprising introspective offerings from the man who boldly beckons us to "Rock N' Roll All Night and Party Every Day."

As I enter PAUL STANLEY's palatial estate, he opens tiny gates from room to room that were installed that very morning to keep his 17-month-old son Collin from getting into undue trouble. As we journey through the house and out to his guest house / art studio in the backyard, the walls are noticeably void of any KISS memorabilia. Paul smiles, "I know what I've done; I don't need a wall of gold records to remind me." And this seems true. Paul has settled into a very tranquil and happy existence with his wife and new son. But it would seem that painting has also brought Paul peace of mind of late. "Anytime you find a means of expression it's going to make you more aware of who you are and put you more at peace, it's kind of like releasing the pressure on a water pipe."

As Paul shows off several easels of paintings in progress, he offers up a part of his ritual. "I come in here and crank up some music and make a mess. Most of the time I listen to the soul station on XM. I can sing those songs backwards and forwards: Delfonics, Joe Tex, Al Green…The Four Tops."
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Year Long KISS Special Article
From: Rockpages.gr
Posted: April 1, 2008

We continue our year-long KISS special article with the seventh interview with a KISS-related figure.

This week we publish an interview with Jay Messina, engineer of Destroyer, Dynasty and Unmasked. Mr. Messina remembers those recordings. Here’s an excerpt where he talks about Destroyer:

Rockpages.gr: You have been linked with KISS during their heyday and you were the engineer on (arguably) their best studio record ("Destroyer"). What do you remember from that recording experience and do you have any unpublished or funny story from that period?

Jay Messina: When I first met the band, to record Destroyer, they seemed like just a bunch of regular guys. They hadn’t enjoyed most of the success that was to follow. Of course they were big stars already, but it seemed to me, for them it didn’t really sink in yet. They were very accommodating in the studio and listened to Bob Ezrin’s suggestions with open ears. In the back of one of Record Plants’ studios was a hallway that was great for drum sounds. So we set up the drums back there, along with Gene, so they could have eye contact. However, we could not see them from the control room. This hallway was a common place for the rest of the building, so occasionally someone would exit the service elevator and walk past this area. During a take, that was sounding really good, suddenly Peter and Gene stopped playing and all we heard in the control room was several seconds of silence (from them), then they both started laughing uncontrollably. When they walked back into the studio, everybody was curious what they were laughing about. What had happened was, as Gene and Peter were playing, some sanitation people came to pick up some garbage from the hallway. When they walked in, they heard the music and just stopped and starred at Gene and Peter. So, after what seemed like a long time, Gene couldn’t keep from laughing any longer, so he stopped playing and after 10 seconds of silence he and Peter both got hysterical, laughing. They came back in the studio and told us the story. The rest of the album was fun and I knew it was going to be a good one for them before we even finished mixing it. The "Beth" session was lots of fun. Bob thought it would be a good idea for everybody that was working on the session (himself, me, my assistant, all the people at A&R) to be wearing "tails" (tuxedos). Also, when the orchestra and boys choir showed up, they all put on tux T shirts. The band showed up in full make up. It was quite a sight and sounded great!

You read the entire interview at http://www.rockpages.gr/kissspecial2008/7-JayMessina-en.htm

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Looking for more KISS News? Here's a link to last month's News Archive