Trailer for up-coming KISS meets Scooby-Doo movie

Brian Truitt | Courier-Post

They’ll be selling Scooby Snacks soon in Detroit Rock City.

The super-sleuthing canine and “the hottest band in the world” are teaming up in the animated film Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery, available July 10 on digital HD platforms and July 21 on Blu-ray/DVD from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

Kiss members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer voice their own characters in the movie, which centers on a Halloween concert at the group’s amusement park Kiss World. Scooby, Shaggy and the rest of the Mystery Inc. gang drop by to hear some tunes but wind up partnering with the musicians to take on the Crimson Witch, a spooky lady with a nefarious plan to summon the evil and powerful Destroyer from the alternate dimension of Kissteria.

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The cartoon Mystery features six classic Kiss numbers plus a new song by the band just for the film, which features guest voice stars Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, Darius Rucker, Garry Marshall, Penny Marshall, Jennifer Carpenter and Pauley Perrette.

This isn’t the first time Kiss and Scooby have shared screen time: The band also appeared on a 2003 Halloween episode of What’s New, Scooby-Doo?

Decibel Geek – Conversation w/ Mark Slaughter on KISS, Vinnie Vincent

Chris Czynszak | Decibel Geek

This week Aaron and Chris celebrate the 4 year anniversary of Decibel Geek with an in-depth conversation with Mark Slaughter. Currently promoting his new solo album produced by Michael Wagener, ‘Reflections in a Rearview Mirror‘ Mark was kind enough to sit down in-person with Aaron, Chris, and Decibel Geek writer Billy Hardaway for a long-form talk on the new album, the history of Slaughter, and A LOT of discussion about his days working with Vinnie Vincent in the Invasion.

Vince Neil’s Outlaws easily dispatch rival LA KISS

Nick DeRiso | Ultimate Classic Rock

testimageHyped by ESPN2 as a Battle of the Bands, the AFL matchup between Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley‘s LA Kiss vs. Vince Neil‘s Las Vegas Outlaws instead was no contest. The now 2-1 Outlaws blew past the Kiss 61-48 in Los Angeles on Saturday (April 11), keeping LA winless on the season.

In fact, the Kiss are on an eight-game losing streak dating back to last year. But that hasn’t stopped fans from flocking to their games. (Los Angeles averaged just under 11,000 fans a night in their 2014 inaugural season, while the Outlaws played before just over 4,000 last week at home.) It also hasn’t stopped this new matchup from becoming an instant grudge match.

First-year Las Vegas owner Neil, for instance, snagged former Kiss quarterback Aaron Garcia as head coach. Outlaws fullback Joe Mortenson also played in L.A. last year. “There’s rivalries all across the league,” Outlaws quarterback J.J. Raterink told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “This one seems like a natural because of the proximity of the teams and given who the owners are.”

Neil posted a celebratory tweet after his Outlaws used a 27-point fourth quarter to defeat the Kiss. The two teams will meet for a second time on May 4 back in Las Vegas.

 

And make no mistake, these rockers-turned-sports moguls are taking all of this very seriously. Both Simmons and Stanley have been fixtures at the LA games. They even started a team-based reality show.

Neil, meanwhile, reportedly told the in-house disc jockey at the Outlaws’ Thomas & Mack Center not to play Kiss music over the facility’s PA system, only to hear “Rock and Roll All Night” during the fourth quarter of a March 30 loss to the AFL’s San Jose SaberCats. There was a new DJ at the arena last week, according to the Review-Journal.

Bruce Kulick ‘waves flag’ for KISS’s non-makeup years

Blabbermouth

Natalia Britt of California Rock News conducted an interview with former KISS and current GRAND FUNK RAILROAD guitarist Bruce Kulick prior to his ESP guitar master class clinic for 6-string.com. You can now watch the chat below.

Speaking about his time in KISSKulick said: “KISS is one of those bands that the whole world knows, and usually, people that aren’t really a fan will only think of makeup as KISS, because that’s what, of course, made them famous and they’ve been back in that for so many years. But a real fan knows there’s a whole wealth of material — over a decade of years that are non-makeup, which is… I kind of wave the flag for all of that.”

He continued: “If you, for example, didn’t know there was a makeup KISS, and there wouldn’t have been a version for me to join if it wasn’t for the makeup KISS, but the truth is… When I was in the band, we kept it going, we had hits, we had gold, platinum records, toured the world — arenas, the whole thing… But I find, even with them continuing, and they turn on new generations of fans. So they… For instance, they were in Japan not that long ago, and now they’re going to South America, and now I’m seeing a lot of people following me on Twitter and Facebook [from] South America. In Japan, I picked up all these fans that started following me, ’cause [KISS recently] went to Japan. And they did something very smart in Japan, where they kind of were doing gigs with a very popular pop group of little Japanese women. And that was really interesting, even though it looks odd. But it exposed KISS, and what KISS represents, and everything about KISS‘ music and the vibe of KISS to a whole another generation.”

Kulick added: “I noticed I’m getting all these tweets from fans over there… It’s written in Japanese letters; I don’t know what it is. I go, ‘Why would a 15-year-old know about me?’ But, again, it’s because [KISS is] out there. KISS is one of those bands that you just keep sharing, the same way, I’m sure… Now AC/DC is coming out with a new record and everything, and they’re gonna be touring, so there’ll be new 15-year-olds that will [go], ‘Oh my God! AC/DC. This is amazing.’ And that’s what’s great about the kind of music that I grew up with.”

In 1984, Bruce joined KISS, where he remained as their lead guitarist for twelve years, accompanying the band on the “Animalize” tour and continuing with the band until the 1996 reunion tour. Bruce is heavily featured on “Kissology – Vol. 2” and “Vol. 3”, the band’s DVDs spanning their historic 35-year career.

Kulick‘s third solo album, “BK3”, was released in Europe in January 2010 via Frontiers Records and in North America in February 2010 through Twenty 4 Records/Rocket Science Ventures. The first single from the album, “Hand Of The King”, featuring Nick Simmons (son of KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons), was a digital-only release available at all online music stores, including iTunes.
Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/bruce-kulick-waves-flag-for-kisss-non-makeup-years/#fRxFV5fAjdOHKoFC.99

Ace Frehley Working on Covers Album that May Feature Songs by The Rolling Stones, The Who and…KISS

Cameron | Hays Post

ace-frehley-2-billboard-april-11-2014-4001Ace Frehley’s most recent solo album, Space Invader, was released only about six months ago, but the ex-KISS guitarist already has started work a new record.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer tells Billboard that he’s recording a covers project that will feature songs by bands that inspired his own music.

“The album’s going to be about my influences,” explains Frehley.

“I’m probably going to do a Rolling Stones song, a Who song, possibly a Led Zeppelin song, maybe a Beatles song.  Stuff from bands that I grew up on and greatly influenced me.”

The 63-year-old rocker also says he’s recording new renditions of some vintage KISS material, as well as a track by his solo group Frehley’s Comet.

Ace has asked some famous fellow rockers to contribute their talents to the record, including Slash, Lita Ford and Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready, although it’s not clear if they’ve accepted the invitation.

Frehley also tells Billboard that he’s considering calling on his former KISS band mate Gene Simmons “to play bass on a track and sing with me.”

With regard to the KISS tunes he’s thinking about remaking for the album, Ace reports that he’s “probably going to redo both ‘Cold Gin’ and ‘Parasite,’” which are songs that he wrote but that Simmons originally sang.

As for the project’s status, Frehley tells Billboard he plans to record six to eight more songs, then choose the 12 tracks he likes the best.

Frehley will be heading Down Under soon for a tour in support of Space Invader that kicks off April 24 in Wellington, New Zealand, and runs through a May 7 show in Mount Lawley, Australia.  He also has a European trek lined up in June.

 

Q+A: Gene Simmons book reveals behind-the-scenes secrets, sex of KISS rocker

Robin Leach | Las Vegas Sun

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L.E. Baskow

A local author has penned an intriguing parody book and behind-the-scenes look at rock legend Gene Simmons. Packed with interesting facts, the tome “Gene Simmons Is a Powerful & Attractive Man — and Other Irrefutable Facts” is published by Plume Books from the Penguin Group and also is available as an eBook. Gene authorized the book and also wrote its foreword.

With tongue firmly planted in his cheek, Gene himself sets the tone of the book: “I have known Gene Simmons for a very long time. Over the years, I have witnessed astounding feats, met incredible people and seen amazing places, but none so astounding, incredible or amazing as Gene Simmons himself.

“I look at Gene Simmons, a 60-plus-year-old man with the energy and vitality of a teenager, and think he is exactly the living legend he always knew he would be. To this day, I am still Gene’s closest friend, ally, admirer and confidante. I am his biggest fan. So I can say with complete confidence that even now, Gene’s best is still yet to come. The best thing about Gene Simmons is that there will only ever be one. It’s been the honor of a lifetime knowing him.”

He admits in the book to sleeping with 5,000 women because he wanted “to get all the girls.” “There was only one reason why I made the decision to become a rock god: Girls!”

 Continue reading….

Strange Ways podcast, episode 45 – Leather and Sweat

Terry X

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Episode 45 finds us joined by KEN MILLS from The PODKISST, to discuss what made KISS so phenomenal in the early days, before Alive! We take a loving look at the young and hungry band that was soon to be the biggest band in the world! We had a blast crossing over with The PODKISST, and hope you enjoy the show!

ASCAP Pop Music Awards to honor KISS

Seth Kelley | Variety

 

Larry Busacca

Larry Busacca

KISS will receive the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Founders Award at the org’s annual Pop Music Awards in Los Angeles on April 29.

The invitation-only event will also honor the Doobie Brothers with the Voice of Music Award, and indie darling St. Vincent with the Vanguard Award.

The rock band KISS, formed in the early ’70s, has sold over 100 million albums with hits like “Strutter,” “Shout It Out Loud,” “Detroit Rock City,” “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Christine Sixteen,” “I Was Made for Lovin’ You” and “Beth.” Over its 40-year career, the band has released 28 gold albums — the most of any American rock band — and in 2014 KISS was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

KISS joins past Founders Award recipients including Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello, Billy Joel, Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Smokey Robinson, Carly Simon, Stevie Wonder and Neil Young.

The Pop Music Awards will precede the annual ASCAP “I Create Music” expo, a three-day songwriting and composing conference at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles.

 

Gene Simmons is a Powerful and Attractive Man

Jim Kerr | Rock & Roll Morning Show

“Gene Simmons planned on being a success the moment he launched himself out of his mother’s womb.” —Gene Simmons

We are all privileged to share a planet with Gene Simmons. Not only has he sold more than one hundred million albums with KISS, and made love to a countless number of women, he has also sold roughly one billion dollars’ worth of merchandise, including his bestselling books, KISS and Make-Up and Me, Inc. Now, in the spirit of Chuck Norris Facts, Christina Vitaglianopays homage to rock’s living legend in the authorized parody GENE SIMMONS IS A POWERFUL AND ATTRACTIVE MAN: AND OTHER IRREFUTABLE FACTS.

Did you know?

·        Gene Simmons can get to the center of a Tootsie Pop in one lick
·        Most rock stars travel by tour bus, Gene Simmons travels in the Death Star
·        Gene Simmons has never seen a red light
·        Gene Simmons does not need a toaster; bread gladly sets itself on fire for him
·        When Gene Simmons walks into a strip club, the girls pay him
·        Gene Simmons is the reason Mick Jagger “can’t get no satisfaction”
·        Gene Simmons doesn’t need an umbrella because rain knows better
·        Stan Lee was going to make Gene Simmons a Superhero, but decided to stick to fiction.

Ace Frehley talks creative process, guitar style + cover songs

Full Metal Jackie | Loudwire

483906477-1-630x420Ace Frehley‘s career is thriving once again. After releasing the well-received Space Invader album in 2014, Frehley has been working on a covers disc and touring around the world. Frehley recently took some time out of his schedule to speak with Loudwire Nights host Full Metal Jackie about his creative process, doing cover songs and his influential playing style. Check out the interview below.

What changes about the creative process as you mature musically and what stays exactly the same?

Well the creative process hasn’t changed that much for me. I mean, like, the way I recorded my 1978 solo album was pretty much me and a drummer we went in the studio with Eddie Kramer and we cut basic tracks and then I started layering guitars and bass and vocals. And that’s pretty much the way I’m doing it today. It’s just that today I’m a little more aware of what the hell’s going on. [laughs]

You’ve recorded cover songs throughout your career as a solo artist and with KISS. How much do you revert to feeling like a kid whenever you play songs by bands that influenced you?

Oh it’s always fun to do covers, you know? I mean sometimes it’s really refreshing to do someone else’s material. And that’s why I’m so excited for this new CD I’m doing for eOne because it’s exclusively covers and remakes. So it’s going to happen a lot faster because I don’t have to write lyrics or write arrangements because they’re already written. I just kinda have to go through the motions and give it my interpretation. So it’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m tracking at least six songs this week. But the creative process is pretty much the same.

The style and sound of your playing is distinct. It’s influenced so many different guitarists. Why do you think your playing has resonated with so many people?

Well I wasn’t classically trained. I don’t know how to read sheet music and I never took a guitar lesson. So I think my style is slightly unorthodox compared to some other musicians out there. And maybe because of that a lot of guitar players who just play by ear, like, the way I started out. They gravitate to my style of playing because it’s not necessarily the way a schooled musician would play something. I don’t know … that might be one of the reason. The other reason is I’m a pretty flamboyant guitar player. I invented all these special effects over the years: smoke and guitar, light guitar, rocket guitar. So, that may have something to do with it too.

Musically, you’ve done so much. What’s changed most about your goals whenever you’re making new music?

Well, the goals haven’t changed that much. You try to write a good, catchy song with a hook. I mean if a song doesn’t have a hook, pretty much, you know, I put it aside. You want something with a good hook and a good verse and a catchy bridge. Once you got the format down it’s pretty much putting the icing on the cake, you know? And usually the guitar solos come last.

Ace, so much drama always seems to surround KISS and the relationship with the band. Those headlines aside, what do you cherish the most about Peter, Gene and Paul?

Well I mean I think it’s just terrific what we created back in the early ’70s and it’s still alive and it’s still going on even though I’m not in the band, it’s still going on. But the songs will be made forever and I’m proud of my body of work, and I think it has stood the test of time. And, my last album was received really well and I’m thrilled about that. And you keep going forward, you know?

When you were younger you were famously quoted as saying that rock and roll saved your life. Today, years later, clean and sober, what does rock and roll do for you now?

Well, rock and roll initially saved my life, then it almost killed me [laughs] between all the partying and the drugs over the years, but only by the grace of God did I get sober eight years ago. And, you know, when I think back it’s been a crazy roller coaster ride but somehow I landed on my feet. It may have something to do with the fact that I grew up on the streets of the Bronx and was involved with gangs at an early age, so I’ve always been kind of a survivor. I’m just happy to be alive and being able to create great music and having it received well. Everyday above ground is a great day.

Thanks to Ace Frehley for the interview. Space Invader is currently available at Amazon and iTunes. To see where he’s playing, check here. Tune in to ‘Loudwire Nights With Full Metal Jackie and Tony LaBrie’ Monday through Friday 7PM through midnight online or on the radio. To see which stations and websites air ‘Loudwire Nights,’ click here.

KISS’s Gene Simmons reveals plan to produce horror movies

Chad Childers | Loudwire

Gene-Simmons-630x420SlashSlipknotRob Zombie — you have some company! KISS‘ Gene Simmons is the latest rocker to dip his toes into the world of horror movies. The legendary musician revealed during an appearance on the Talk Is Jericho podcast with Chris Jericho that his latest venture includes a series of horror films.

“I have a film fund and we’re starting the first of four right away,” says Simmons. “The first one is Devil’s Triangle and it starts shooting [in] May.”

Simmons went on to tell Jericho, “I don’t like slasher things. It’s too easy to take a knife and open up a body and see guts. So what? I much prefer if it’s a psychological horror, then it’s like Psycho. If you ever see Psycho, you never actually see a knife entering a body and there are no monsters, but it’s all psychological horror cause you’re always scared to death.” Simmons also cited Insidious as one of his favorite psychological thrillers.

The rocker says he also prefers fantasy, adding his fondness for a book called Stranger in a Strange Land and the film Death Takes a Holiday about the intricacies of humanity and mortality

And speaking about the nature of humanity and mortality, Simmons discussed his own. When he dies, Simmons doesn’t see his passing as a somber occasion. “Why shouldn’t people celebrate your life than mourn your death,” says Simmons. “If you had a good life, have a party. That’s what I’ve got in my will. Forget about the tears and stuff. I’m paying for a party. Whoopee! I had a great ride.”

The rocker says he likely wouldn’t get buried in a KISS Kasket, but would probably have his ashes scattered somewhere. “I had my turn. It’s not about me. Like people had the pyramids for the pharaohs. Even after I’m gone, I want you to know that I was here,” says Simmons. “If I do have a tombstone, it’ll probably say, ‘Thank you and good night.’”

To hear more of Simmons in-depth talk with Chris Jericho, check out the Talk Is Jericho podcast from Podcast One below.

KISS’s Pul Stanley: ‘No way I was going to play with Ace Frehley + Peter Criss at Rock Hall

Chad Childers | Loudwire

2255676-630x420KISS are now members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but the night did not include a performance onstage featuring original members Paul StanleyGene SimmonsPeter Criss and Ace Frehley as some might have hoped. According to Stanley, that’s something that was never going to happen.

In a new interview with News.com.au, Stanley says, “I enjoyed the Hall of Fame in a twisted way. It was a terrific night but there was no way I was going to play with them. Frankly I have too much pride in what I do than to create a moment of nostalgia for someone else. To get onstage with Ace and Peter [during the induction speech] was an interesting, surreal moment but nothing I wanted to prolong. It’s like if you ever went back to an old girlfriend because you doubted your choice to leave, it only takes five minutes before you want to get back in your car and leave.”

Though the past and current members of KISS made nice on the big night, there’s still a bit of snipping on occasion about the original lineup’s reunion. But Stanley says that ship has sailed. He explains, “It was a sin to be given this amazing opportunity to pick up where we left off and go forward. Instead we picked up and just dropped it again. People can point fingers all they want, but in the end what you accomplish is the only thing that can be your alibi. I’m here today, and someone else isn’t.”

He adds, “It’s funny when a former member says, ‘Can you imagine the former tour manager [Tommy Thayer] is in the band?’ And I’d say, ‘Can you imagine a guy who made millions of dollars twice and lost it all?’ You pick the story you prefer.”

While Stanley has issues with the Rock Hall’s voting, he was happy that Tom Morello was chosen to induct the group. He recalls, “Tom went to bat like a crusader. That was his mission to get KISS in the Hall of Fame. Because they respect Tom they kind of went along with it. He plays with Bruce [Springsteen], he’s in Rage Against the Machine and he’s political so he must know something. The more Tom Morellos and Dave Grohls, the better.”