Joey Cassata
The premier KISS tribute band, KISS Nation will be appearing at the New Jersey KISS Expo playing multiple sets, masked and unmasked, plugged and unplugged, on September 13th. Go to NJKISSExpo.com for more details!
Category Archives: KISS News
Rock solid! KISS’ signature heavy make-up remains intact as they get drenched while taking part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
Ryan Smith | Mailonline
In their decades on the rock scene, the members of KISS have remained as famous for their black-and-white make-up as they have their music.
So when the legendary rockers became the latest stars to take part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge while performing in Indiana on Friday, all eyes were understandably on their faces.
While on-stage at Noblesville’s Klipsch Music Center as part of their 40th anniversary tour, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer halted proceedings to do their bit for charity.
Wearing their signature embellished leather bodysuits, the stars were cheered on by the capacity crowd as a crew stepped onto the stage to tip red buckets of ice water over their heads.
And, much to the delight of those watching, the rockers’ make-up remained completely unaffected as the chilly water softened their teased hairstyles and ran down their bodies.
Strange Ways podcast 33 – Monday Night Minisode
Strange Ways
We were on skype waiting to do an episode of ROCK ‘N’ ROLL RADIO, that ended up falling through, so we just had a mini KISS discussion instead..enjoy, KISS FREAKS!!!
KISS’ Simmons, Stanley visit Toronto hospital
Dave Abel | Toronto Sun
TORONTO – KISS rock stars Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley visited Mount Sinai Hospital’s Mothers and Babies unit Wednesday in support of the hospital’s fundraising event Rock N’ Stroll, which is taking place this fall.
The fundraising initiative supports high-risk births at the hospital. Two-thirds of the 7,000 babies born at Mount Sinai are considered high risk, more than any other GTA hospital.
Kiss drummer Peter Criss visits the FoodBank
Chris Jordan | Asbury Park Press
Sammy Steinlight
NEPTUNE – When Peter Criss, founding drummer of the band Kiss, visited the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties in Neptune Monday, his world was rocked.
“I never knew anything like this existed in America,” Criss said. “You’re always thinking hunger is a Third World problem. We’re Americans; we’re fat; everyone looks pretty heavy to me.”
Criss, along with Q104.3-FM radio host Shelli Sonstein, visited the food bank in their roles as chairpersons of the WindMill restaurant’s summerlong 10,000 Hot Dogs anti-hunger campaign.
“These people are doing amazing stuff and my brain hurts from seeing so much of the good things going on, and I can’t believe so many people are not eating and have no food,” said Criss, a longtime Wall resident who recently was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with his fellow Kiss members. “It’s ludicrous and it’s sad. After today I’ve realized how much I’ve taken things for granted.”
The food bank annually distributes more than 9 million pounds of food to more than 260 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and more. Other roles include a culinary training program, senior food programs and a mobile food pantry.
Kiss Guitarist Ace Frehley on Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons: “Maybe You Should Focus on Your Records a Little More”
Christa Titus | The Hollywood Reporter
Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley has released his first solo album in five years, and by the sound of Space Invader the axeman seems to have had as much fun playing on it as — gasp — his early years in Kiss. From the opening title track to the instrumental closer, “Starship,” where Frehley signs off with his famous cackle, Space Invader offers a classic journey through Space Ace territory: lots of groove, cheerful rock’n’roll ’tude and fiery licks.
Among the surprises on his new album: a cover of Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker,” which, Frehley says, he’s “real happy” with. “I heavied it up and threw in the guitar solo and gave it a ‘New York Groove’ kind of swing in the rhythm track.”Could it be a preamble to more covers? Indeed, eOne Music suggested a covers project, which may include a rerecording of “New York Groove,” the cover of the Hello song he did for his 1978 solo album.
Read on for Frehley’s thoughts on Space Invader, his former bandmates Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley and what could have been an unforgettable meeting with the late late Robin Williams — if only he could remember it.
The feedback on Space Invader: “Some of the reviews have been so over the top, some think that I paid people to write the music. [Laughs] But you know, the jury’s out. As far as I’m concerned, none of that means anything until the fans tell me what they think, because it’s for the fans. I try to make records that my fans want to hear. My last album, Anomaly, most of my fans like that record, but some of the complaints was it wasn’t heavy enough, I should have played more guitar, so when it came time to do Space Invader I kept that in mind.”
The album’s energetic vibe: “I was in a really good place [when I made it], and I’m glad that comes through with the music. A couple of the reviews have said that it sounds like I’m having a lot of fun, and the truth is, I was. I had 10 months to do it. I was working in a friend of mine’s studio up in Turlock, Calif., inside a farming community. This guy’s like a billionaire, he’s got his private studio that he rents out from time to time but he gave me carte blanche, and we had a ball working there without any pressure, without having to look at the clock.”
Talking Metal Episode 486 – Ace Frehley Special
Listen here: Talking Metal #486
On this episode of the podcast Mark Strigl interviews Ace Frehley. Topics include his new album ‘Space Invader’, the lineup of his current band, the upcoming tour, Gibson guitars, his recent conversation with Gene Simmons, jamming with the Tonight Show band and Four by Fate.
The interview with Ace starts about 11 mins into the episode.
During the interview, when asked if he has spoken to any of the original members of Kiss since the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame induction early this year Ace says “I spoke with Gene. I called him up and we were reminiscing about old times. The press makes it out like we all hate each other and that is utter nonsense. We all get along and we all have respect for each other. We all take cheap shots at each other in the press because that is what the press want to hear but when push comes to shove we are brothers in Rock n Roll and we have achieved something very few people do.”
Other non-interview topics discussed by Strigl and Ostronomy include Michael Butler, Eddie Trunk, Exodus, VH1’s That Metal Show, Heavy Montreal, Ozzy Osbourne and Ace’s current press tour.
Buy Ace Frehley’s “Space Invader” on Amazon now featuring the song “Gimmie A Feelin” which was co-written by Talking Metal’s own John “Ostronomy” Ostrosky.
Support Talking Metal!!!! Buy a TM t-shirt in the Merch section, use the Paypal tab to make a donation, OR use this link to make a purchase on Amazon.
One on One podcast episode 39 – Bruce Kulick
Mitch Lafon
In episode 39 of One On One with Mitch Lafon. Mitch talks to former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick about the Rock For Ruben benefit taking place in Los Angeles on August 20th. Bruce also reflects on the late Eric Carr and the recent passing of guitarist Dick Wagner. Follow Bruce Kulick on Twitter: @brucekulick
Podcast Rock City – Does Gene talk too much?
Four by Fate with John Regan and Todd Howarth of Frehley’s Comet – Live video from Belgium
Four By Fate, featuring Frehley’s Comet vocalist/guitarist Tod Howarth, bassist John Regan (Frehley’s Comet, Peter Frampton), drummer Stet Howland (W.A.S.P., Lita Ford) and guitarist Sean Kelly (Crash Kelly, Helix) performed at the Alcatrazz Festival in Belgium on August 9th. Fan-filmed video, courtesy of LadyLexje, of the songs “Into The Night” and “Time Ain’t Running Out” can be seen below.
In other news, FxF are “Happy to announce that studio time has been confirmed for September 16th…whereby Four By Fate will confer, converse, and otherwise hobnob for about a week, whilst creating mirth, mayhem, and some serious new music! Thanks to everyone for your patience, and support… like a great meal, great music takes time! We’re gonna rock like a big dog!”
GTV: Gene Simmons of KISS
Gene Simmons is a tough signer — hardly signs at all, really — but that doesn’t stop Gio from breaking him down on the streets of NYC while Gene is live in the flesh on GTV! Persistence pays off!
Rig Rundown: KISS
John Bohlinger | Premier Guitar
Not many bands can claim as much influence on today’s hard rock and metal scene as the makeup-wearing, blood-spitting, pyro-shooting foursome. PG caught up with current guitarist Tommy Thayer, along with Francis and Michael Berger, to dig into all the axes (in some cases, literally), effects, and amps that the band brought out on their 2014 tour with Def Leppard.
Gibson had just delivered a new white Les Paul Custom that could see some
considerable onstage time.
Visit PremierGuitar.com to see the entire amazing in-depth article!
Gene Simmons makeup tutorial for Cosmopolitan
Strange Ways podcast 31, A conversation with Mike Brandvold
Terry X | Strange Ways
Episode 31 finds your KISS Army bro joined by Mike Brandvold from Three Sides of the Coin to discuss the hottest band in the land..KISS!!! We delve into Mike’s own personal KISSTORY, plus plenty of KISS related topics, and even a mini what-if?!! Enjoy, KISS Army!!!
One on One with Mitch Lafon, episode 36 – Binky Philips talks KISS
Mitch Lafon
ACE FREHLEY: Commercial For ‘Space Invader’ Album
Blabbermouth
A short commercial for “Space Invader”, the first new solo album from original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley in five years, can be seen below. The CD will be released in North America on August 19 via Entertainment
One Music (eOne Music). The effort, which will be made available in Europe on August 18 (three days earlier in Germany and Scandinavia) through SPV/Steamhammer, will include 11 brand new original songs as well as a cover of Steve Miller‘s “The Joker”.
“Space Invader” European track listings:
Limited digipack CD including 2 bonus tracks and poster
01. Space Invader
02. Gimme A Feelin’ (radio edit)
03. I Wanna Hold You
04. Change
05. Toys
06. Immortal Pleasures
07. Inside The Vortex
08. What Every Girl Wants
09. Past The Milky Way
10. Reckless
11. The Joker
12. Starship
Bonus tracks:
13. The Joker (extended version)
14. Reckless (different remix version)
Kiss’ Gene Simmons not so mean, after all
Chris Riemenschneider | Star Tribune
No surprise: Gene Simmons ate up a lot of our interview time singing the praise of his biggest fan. Yep, Gene Simmons.
More surprising, Kiss’ tongue-wagging, demon-faced co-founder also had nice — or at least not entirely antagonistic — things to say about two of his least favorite subjects of late, Kiss’ ex-members and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Also a bit of a shocker, he actually had a memory of the band’s very first Minnesota show 40 years ago, a reminder of his status as one of rock’s greatest teetotalers. (Most rock legends can’t remember last week’s gigs.)
The 65-year-old bassist, singer, reality-TV star and man of 5,000 groupies called two weeks ago from Los Angeles minutes before hopping on a jet to make weekend gigs in New Jersey. As the group has done for the past several summers, Kiss paired up for the summer with one of the ’80s bands it influenced, Def Leppard, a tour that lands Sunday at Target Center.
Simmons’ usually feisty demeanor was tempered by news that morning of the death of Dick Wagner, an Alice Cooper and Lou Reed sideman who played “ghost guitar” on Kiss’ most revered album, “Destroyer.”
Broadway’s Aladdin Gets KISSed by Rock Star Paul Stanley
David Gordon | Theater Mania
KISS front man Paul Stanley and his family took in the Broadway production of Disney’s Aladdin at theNew Amsterdam Theatre on Thursday, August 7. Following the performance, Stanley visited stars Adam Jacobs and Courtney Reed backstage to pose for some fun photos.
david gordon
Watch Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley Pitch L.A. Kiss (Exclusive Video)
Mike Ayers | Speakeasy
Earlier this week, Gene Simmons told Speakeasy that his new AMC AMCX +1.53%reality show, “4th and Loud,” was an up-close, personal look at guys trying to make it in the world of Arena League Football – specifically, with his new franchise, the L.A. Kiss. Surprisingly, Simmons wasn’t all that concerned with bringing loyal KISS fans into the sports world. “We want new fans,” he said. “Sports fans will take care of themselves.”
As you’d expect, one can’t launch a football team without getting the rest of the league on board. In this exclusive clip from “4th and Loud,” see how Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons presented themselves to the league owners – and bring that on-stage confidence they’ve cultivated for over 40 years into a stuffy board room. The meeting appears to get tense for a moment, but in the owners’ defense, it’s probably pretty surreal to have two founding KISS members tell you that they want to be successful football owners.
“4th and Loud” premieres on AMC on Tuesday, August 12 at 9 p.m. Watch the clip.
‘4th and Loud’ review: Arena football, sealed with Kiss
Verne Gay | Newsday
THE SHOW “4th and Loud”
WHEN | WHERE Tuesdays at 9 p.m., AMC
WHAT IT’S ABOUT Almost exactly a year ago, Kiss frontmen Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons — along with manager Doc McGhee and Arena Football League executive Bret Bouchy — bought a Los Angeles Arena Football League expansion team, and quickly named it — what else? — the LA Kiss. Coaches and players were hired — tonight the 24-man roster is put together — and a future begins to take shape, which this doc-series will track. And what a future: Simmons and Stanley decided to impose Kiss style and energy on the team, which was smart, perhaps, from a marketing standpoint, but perhaps not from a winning one. The Kiss had a very rough first season — three wins, 15 losses. As such, this series may not have a happy ending, at least for the first season.
MY SAY Deep, deep in the shadow of the NFL is the AFL — arena football, well hidden to most except dedicated fans who like its pace (fast) and scoring (high). Games are played in pocket-size stadiums (arenas, if you will) by talented players who, nonetheless, were not quite talented enough to play in the NFL.