December 2008 News

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PAUL Art Shows In NJ
From: PaulStanley.com
Posted: December 11, 2008

Wentworth Gallery is pleased to present two art exhibitions by artist, rock icon, and legendary KISS frontman PAUL STANLEY. Paul will make two special appearances at the following Wentworth Gallery locations in February.

Friday - February 27, 2009 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wentworth Gallery
The Shops at Riverside
171 Riverside Square
Hackensack, NJ

For details on the VIP Reception with PAUL STANLEY
or to RSVP please call 201-488-7661 or 800-732-6140.
[more]

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KISS To Make First Album In 10 Years
From: GuideLive.com
(Photo by Michael Mulvey/DMN)
Posted: December 11, 2008

Billboard.com says: KISS has reversed course and decided to hit the studio next year to record their first new album since 1998's "Psycho Circus." Guitarist PAUL STANLEY will produce.

In recent years, bassist GENE SIMMONS has been vocal about his lack of enthusiasm about making a new album, which he attributes to the state of the business.

"The record industry is in such a mess," he said in November 2007. "There is nothing in me that wants to go in there and do new music. How are you going to deliver it? How are you going to get paid for it if people can just get it for free?"
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Tarsha, Farrell, Poley, More: Final Comments on VINNIE VINCENT Tribute
From: SplitScreen Entertainment
Posted: December 10, 2008

Returning Adler's Appetite vocalist Sheldon Tarsha, White Lion drummer Troy Patrick Farrell and Danger Danger frontman Ted Poley are amongst those commenting on their involvement in the newly released tribute album "KISS MY ANKH: A Tribute To VINNIE VINCENT." All contributing artists have provided their thoughts on the project, ranging from their personal memories of VINNIE VINCENT to commentaries on their respective tracks (samples of which are available at the official "KISS MY ANKH" MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/KissMyAnkh). A few representative comments follow:

Sheldon Tarsha ("That Time of Year"): "I think I was 10 years old when I got the first VINNIE VINCENT Invasion album so I'm excited and honored to be a part of this tribute. For our version of 'That Time of Year,' we performed the song basically the way it was written, each of us embellishing it with our own unique style. The original is a great song with fantastic production, so I listened to it very closely and chose to sing the lead vocals in a harder, raspier tone."

Troy Patrick Farrell ("That Time of Year"): "Since it was difficult to experiment with Marko Pukkila being in Finland and Ryan Roxie in Sweden, our best bet was to stick with the original formula that worked so well in 1988. Tarsha hit every note and not many people can pull off Mark Slaughter! We didn't tune down for this song, either. Personally, I really dig the VVI albums and I think Vinnie was a freak on guitar. Hey Vinnie, I hope our version of 'That Time Of Year' doesn't keep you in hiding longer!"
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GENE SIMMONS Q&A
From: Billboard.com
Posted: December 10, 2008

A video Q&A interview with GENE SIMMONS is online at http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/
video/index.jsp?bctid=4053963001

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ERIC SINGER - Playing drums was always a good way to express my energy
From: FuryRocks.com
Posted: December 10, 2008

It’s the last show in Germany tonight. How was the tour?

Eric: ‘Oh very good. We are playing in Berlin tonight and tomorrow in Brno, Czech Republic and that’s the last show of the year and the whole tour. I am actually very glad, because it has been a long year. I worked a lot, I was working between KISS and Alice Cooper and I did both tours. I am not complaining, because the world economy is going way down and for me I had a very good year personally. But I am also glad to have a break. The German crowd is very good, I have been to Europe three times this year already. Once with KISS and the shows with Alice Cooper and Whitesnake have been very good as well.’

You grew up during the beat generation. In that time the drums were recorded with only two microphones and the sound was, let’s say, slight. Nowadays drummers have much more possibilities. Where do you see further capabilities?
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PAUL STANLEY Interview
From: KUSI
Posted: December 10, 2008

PAUL STANLEY is known as the frontman of the legendary group KISS, but he's also making a name for himself as an artist. He joined us in studio to talk about his upcoming art exhibit in La Jolla.

View the interview at http://www.kusi.com/news/goodmorning/35654524.html

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Aussie Fan's KISSmas Party
From: KISSonline.com
Posted: December 10, 2008

It's the season to Rock 'N' Roll All Nite with fellow members of the KISS ARMY!

The KISS ARMY Australia will hold a Sydney KISSMAS Party at 8PM on Saturday, December 20 at the Forest Inn 4467 Forest Rd, Bexley , NSW. The fan run event features an unplugged set from KISS Tribute band, KISSTERIA, trivia & prizes and official KISS merchandise!

For more information click on link - http://www.kissarmyaustralia.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6662.

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Brothers Rock Star And Super Star Do Their Homework
From: Super And Rock Star
photos by Al Soluri
Posted: December 9, 2008

Well, here we are again. Rock Star and Super Star, faced with having to meet again with the great PAUL STANLEY at the Wentworth Gallery in La Jolla, CA. This time, however, our meeting was a bit different. Sure, every time we get a chance to see him, we go buy a piece of his art. His work is beautiful; we cannot deny this. So, we buy it. But we also go with an agenda. Over the years, in countless interviews, he has taught his fans that if you want something, go out and get it! We are opportunists, and our desire to work with such a fine and accomplished musician can only come to fruition if we are willing to work hard enough for it. We are sure that after last night's meeting with him, he sees this now more than ever. The last time we had an opportunity to see him was during the dinner we were able to attend with him in Washington. (See here for story) There he jokingly gave us a homework assignment, which I don't think he thought we would take so seriously. However, we did. More on that in a bit…

Throughout the years Paul has unknowingly given Rock Star and me a sense of street smarts. He has also given us a keen sense of marketing and because of this we are able to apply what he has instilled in us into our own ventures. (see http://www.rockandsuperstar.com) For this, we owe a great deal of gratitude to Paul and what better way to thank him than to have a custom guitar made for him! Rock and I knew this Washburn PAUL STANLEY KISS PS8500 LTD Preacher Guitar that we had professionally covered with Swarovski crystals would be a hit, but I had no idea how much so until he bent down, opened up that guitar case, and I saw his eyes light up. I knew right then and there that we had taken the right initiative and done something so magical for him that we made our mark in Kisstory and gave him the thank you he deserves. We did this on behalf of not only ourselves, but for all the KISS fans out there that might not have the means to do so. We could tell this meant something to him. Little did he know how much it meant to us. He immediately picked it up and told us he'd be playing it on stage soon and with that we knew we'd given him the perfect thank you gift. So again, Paul, thank you for giving us the confidence to believe in ourselves. Thank you.

With this trip to La Jolla, we had also planned a surprise for someone else special in our lives. This special person would be Rock Star's fiancé. It was her birthday and what better gift to give her than a self-portrait, painted by none other than PAUL STANLEY himself. Paul is a very genuine and sincere man. His love for his music, art, and his fans go way above and beyond what I have seen in working with some other musicians in this business. This passion is also reflective in his paintings; this is why we knew he would be the perfect man to commission for this job. Like everything else we do, we approached the right people, took the right steps, and made what seems an almost impossible request come to life and to reality. I have to admit, I was not fully sure what to expect when Paul unveiled the portrait he painted to her last night at the gallery. Sure, I knew it would be great, just like his other works. But I did not expect it to be so magnificent, so well thought out, filled with spectacular colors and painted obviously with such emotion that it was able to make even me a bit teary-eyed. Rock's fiancé loved the piece and she is looking forward to hanging it over the fireplace, Paul. Thank you again. Just like her, it is beautiful.
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KISS Blankets For The Christmas Season
From: KISSmuseum.com
Posted: December 8, 2008

KISS has released a plethora of official KISS Blankets in all shapes and sizes for the cold winter season. The perfect gifts for Christmas; we have fleece throws, bedspreads, knit blankets and even queen-sized luxury plush blankets - seven different styles in all to choose from. All will keep you warm this Christmas and through the winter.

Available at KISSmuseum.com

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GENE SIMMONS The Dictator
From: The Edmonton Sun
by Fish Griwkowsky
Posted: December 8, 2008

GENE SIMMONS, ever the promotional multitasker. Paid and flown in to E-town to cut the ribbon on a new Future Shop while simultaneously promoting his new Guitar Hero axe, he's also in the city to scout new talent for his record label.

Simmons sees himself as an early prospector of our country's untapped, future musical gold mine, internationally.

Working with Universal, he wants to find bands who posses both that undefinable "it" but also the egoless willingness to let an experienced rocker like him call not just some, but all the important shots.
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Iconic Players: GENE SIMMONS
From: AskMen.com
by The Player
Posted: December 8, 2008

Your mom and dad rocked out to them in the '70s, your grandparents held sheer contempt for their heathen souls, you’ve seen them on retrospective TV documentaries, and you’ve heard their music on classical radio. KISS has been breathing fire, spitting blood, rock 'n' rollin’ all night and partying every day since the early '70s, and every woman on your side of the family was probably invited backstage, courtesy of GENE SIMMONS.

The demonized bad boy of rock is legendary with the opposite sex. A quick look around pop culture websites will show you that this man is the Wilt Chamberlain of music -- he’s been glorified for sleeping with over 5,000 women. Whatever your opinion is, the man has been seducing women for almost 40 years. Here are a few tips from iconic Player GENE SIMMONS.

Read the tips at http://www.askmen.com/dating/player_250/251_love_games.html

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BRUCE KULICK Schedules Phoenix In-Store
From: Blabbermouth.net
Posted: December 8, 2008

Former KISS and current GRAND FUNK RAILROAD guitarist BRUCE KULICK will make an in-store appearance at Raptor Guitars in Phoenix, Arizona on December 26. The store, which is located at 7227 S. Central Avenue, Suite 1005, will host Bruce from 6 to 8 p.m. More information can be obtained directly from Raptor Guitars by calling 602-243-8579 or 602-510-6461.

BRUCE KULICK is currently working on a new solo album, tentatively titled "BK3". The CD will feature guest appearances by John Corabi (MÖTLEY CRÜE, UNION, RATT, ESP) GENE SIMMONS (KISS), Nick Simmons (Gene's son) and Tobias Sammet (EDGUY, AVANTASIA).

ESP (ERIC SINGER PROJECT), the band featuring Kulick, Corabi, ERIC SINGER (KISS, ALICE COOPER), and Chuck Garric (ALICE COOPER, DIO), will embark on a European tour in early 2009.

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BRUCE KULICK On Northern Light Orchestra CD
From: Mick's Headbangers Ball
Posted: December 7, 2008

NORTHERN LIGHT ORCHESTRA highlights majestic, orchestrated rock music featuring soaring vocals, incredible guitar solos worthy of true "guitar hero" status, and pounding rhythms sure to impress and invigorate the baby boomer generation that grew up on what is today classic rock! Combined with the talents of executive producer and longtime record mogul Russ Regan, (responsible for over 800 million record sales with such artists as NEIL DIAMOND, ELTON JOHN, and BARRY WHITE as well as soundtracks such as "Flashdance" and "Jesus Christ Superstar"), NLO is slated to become a seasonal live performance and recording entity that provides the very best in entertainment!

The brainchild of re-mix keyboardist/ writer Brian Stewart (BACKSTREET BOYS, ROBERT PLANT, HALL & OATES, POE) and produced by industry veteran Ken Mary (HOUSE OF LORDS, TRIK TURNER, ALICE COOPER, BEACH BOYS), NLO is designed to create a total musical experience combining the powerful drama of Webber and Rice's "Jesus Christ Superstar" with the emotionally moving musical styles of ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA, YES, and KANSAS. Vocalists and musicians appearing on NLO have been responsible for the sale of over 200 million albums worldwide and include members and former members of household names such as the BEACH BOYS, SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE, ALICE COOPER, SURVIVOR, STEELY DAN, FIREHOUSE, MEGADETH, SISTER SLEDGE, QUIET RIOT, VANILLA FUDGE, WINGER, BOB CARLISLE, GUNS N' ROSES, GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, KISS, HOUSE OF LORDS, and WHITESNAKE, just to name a few. Live performances will highlight a spectacular light and video presentation, theatrical movements, as well as incredible musicianship all assembled to tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ over two thousand years ago.

The new nine-track release of NORTHERN LIGHT ORCHESTRA, "The Spirit of Christmas", provides merely a hint of what is to come, with nine additional tracks already in production for next year!
[more]

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GENE and Sofie To Perform National Anthem At LA Derby Dolls Roller Derby Bout
From: DerbyDolls.com
Posted: December 6, 2008

All-Girl, Quad Skating, Unscripted and Completely REAL Banked Track Roller Derby Action!

What: L.A. Derby Dolls Banked Track All-Star Exhibition Roller Derby Bout:

L.A. Ri-Ettes V. Santa's Little Helpers When: Saturday, December 13th, 2008
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BRUCE KULICK Performing In Las Vegas December 9th
From: Kulick.net
Posted: December 4, 2008

Monster Circus (featuring BRUCE KULICK, Rudy Sarzo, John Corabi, Tony Montana and Bobby Rock, with special guest Dee Snider), will be appearing Tuesday, December 9, 2008, at The Las Vegas Hilton.

Doors open at 5:00 pm and the show starts at 6:30 pm. Admission is free, but everyone is encouraged to please bring a new, unwrapped toy to be collected by the National Guard as part of the Toys For Tots campaign. If you would like to bring canned goods those will also be donated to families in need with the support of the National Guard.

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Bruce Foster: "Gene was one of the wittiest people I've ever known"
From: RockPages.gr
Posted: December 2, 2008

We continue our year-long KISS special feature with the 19th interview of a KISS-related figure. This week, Bruce Foster, the pianist behind the excellent middle section of "Nothin’ To Lose" remembers that session in 1973! Here’s an excerpt:

Rockpages.gr: You played piano on the now KISS classic tune "Nothin' To Lose". What do you remember from the recordings of that song?

Bruce Foster: Adding piano to "Nothin' to Lose" was an after thought of Richie Wise, the producer. I had finished playing on some Gladys Knight tracks and other artists. Richie was then producing, so he had a chance to hear my range of playing styles, one of which was like classic Jerry Lee Lewis. That may have inspired him to combine that element with "Nothin’ To Lose". I performed that piece as an overdub several days after the initial recording date. I think it was a good call because it really moved the track to a place that everyone seemed to like! I got so carried away on getting the right approach on the barrel house glissandos that my fingers started to bleed. I recall GENE SIMMONS coming into the room & being impressed that there was blood on the piano keys. Whenever I saw him for years after that he would kiddingly inspect my hands to see if I ever figured out how to get the right effect without maiming myself!

You can check the rest of the interview at: http://www.rockpages.gr/standard.aspx?type=13&sub=K&lang=EN

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Paul's La Jolla Art Show
From: PaulStanley.com
Posted: December 1, 2008

Wentworth Gallery is pleased to present two art exhibitions by artist, rock icon, and legendary KISS frontman PAUL STANLEY. Paul will make two special appearances at the Wentworth Gallery in La Jolla, CA.

Wentworth Gallery - Prospect Square - 1025 Prospect Street - La Jolla, CA

Friday, December 5, 2008 -- 7-9 PM

Saturday, December 6, 2008 -- 6-9 PM

For details on the VIP Reception with PAUL STANLEY or to RSVP please call 858-551-7071 or 800-732-6140.

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14 Questions With PAUL STANLEY
From: AskMen.com
by Shawn Loeffler
Posted: November 30, 2008

Q1:First off, congratulations on the future new addition to your family. Do you have any fatherly advice you’d like to offer to our readers who are first-time dads?

Yeah, I’m expecting a daughter in January. If you’re not prepared to surrender the center of the universe, don’t do it.

Q2: Can fans look forward to new KISS material in the near future?
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Looking for more KISS news? Here's a link to last month's News Archive:

http://kissasylum.com/cgi-bin/newsArchive.cgi?archive=200811