Erik Ofgang | CT Post

For the members of Kiss Alive, every day is like Halloween.

The band members get decked out in the iconic Kiss white-face paint and gear, faithfully recreating the music and wild stage antics of the hard-rock super group.

Kiss Alive will perform at the Ridgefield Playhouse on Friday, Dec. 6, a fundraiser to benefit Breath From An Angel, a memorial fund in honor of Tommy Chisholm, who died at age 2 in 2011.

Since 1999, Kiss Alive has been faithfully recreating the look, feel and sound of a Kiss show. We recently caught up with Tom Pressano, who sings and plays bass with the group, and who — when he applies the white Kiss war paint — takes on the alter ego of The Demon, aka Gene Simmons.

Q: What can fans of Kiss expect at your show in Ridgefield?

A: They can expect the closest approximation to the real Kiss from the late ’70s, with some popular and more current songs thrown into the mix. Add to this, blood-spitting, fire-breathing and smoking guitars and any Kiss fan will feel like they have seen the real deal.

Q: How did you guys form? Did you always wear full Kiss costumes?

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njkissexpo.com

The promoters of the New Jersey KISS Expo once again bring you KISS Mart, back for 1 day only.

Get your Christmas shopping done and see the new KISS Dressed to Kill Figures at this special KISS merchandise store!

– Saturday, December 7, 2013
– Raritan Center, 97 Sunfield Ave, Edison NJ 08837
(same venue as the NJ KISS Expo)
– 11 am to 5 pm
– FREE admission!
– FREE parking!

What is KISS-Mart?
– A one day KISS memorabilia collector’s meet where KISS fans gather to buy, sell and trade official items spanning all eras, 1974 to 2013. 
– THE BEST PLACE on the planet to find great deals on overstock and private collection items.
– A place to socialize with fellow hard-core KISS Collectors and make new friends.

All types and genres of KISS collecting will be present – magazines, promo items, toys, T-shirts, books concert items, picks, posters, paper items, official CDs and DVDs, tour books, vinyl, signed items, out of print and vintage items, and all the latest releases as well. 

Have KISS items you want to sell or trade? Bring it on over, we pay CASH on the spot!

Have an entire collection you want to sell? Small, medium or large, it does not matter! Cash paid on the spot, (contact Ross Koondel for appointment – 267 566 2046). 

For more info and directions, visit the web page HERE

Mitch Lafon | Brave Words and Bloody Knuckles

In a new interview with Mitch Lafon, drummer Allan Schwartzberg discusses his work on the KISS albums The Elder and Animalize.

In conjunction with KissFAQ’s month-long NovElder retrospective back in December 2012, key Music From The Elder contributor Tony Powers went on record for the first time about his “odyssey” with KISS. Check out an excerpt from the interview below:

KF: How did you become involved on the Music From The Elder project?

TP: “There was a bar/restaurant in New York called the Cafe Central. It was on 74th and Amsterdam in Manhattan. A lot of showbiz people used to hang out there: writers, actors, producers, director — names you would know. And we met there. Paul was aware I had recorded ‘Odyssey’. I’m not sure if I had done the video by then, but he knew the song and he really liked it. And he asked me if they could use it on the album and of course I said yes. I was quite flattered. And then he wanted me to come to Toronto with him to help finish this other song. I did that and I played piano for them on ‘Odyssey’. 

KF: While acknowledging he likes the song, Paul has criticized his vocal performance on ‘Odyssey’. Do you remember any hesitation on his part, and do you recall any talk of Gene singing the song?

TP: “I’m sorry, that I don’t remember. I do remember Paul, even then he struggled with the lead. But I thought he did a great job. No, I don’t remember anything about Gene being considered to do the lead vocal. He quite well might have been.”

KF: The song is very sophisticated musically — there are interesting chord changes and musical twists. The lyrics also have a cinematic quality. Tony, I’ve always wanted to ask you: What was your inspiration for writing this song?

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Mitch Lafon | Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles

In October 1975, Cadillac High School (in Cadillac, Michigan) had KISS play at their homecoming.

In the interview below, Mitch Lafon chats with Jim Neff – the person responsible for making it all happen.

Glen Smith | The Post and Courier

John Downs wasn’t the fastest runner in Thursday’s annual Turkey Trot road race in Charleston. But to be fair, it’s not easy to make good time in a pair of metal-scaled demon boots with 6-inch platform heels.

It’s become a tradition for Downs to run the race each year slathered in makeup and sporting the spiked armor of his favorite musician, Gene Simmons, bassist for the rock band Kiss. His brother gets in on the act as well, taking on the starry-eyed persona of guitarist Paul Stanley.

These are middle-aged men, mind you. John Downs runs a successful auto glass company in Charleston. His brother, Jamie, is a regional medical examiner for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

They’re both in the early 50s. But just mention Kiss, and they suddenly revert to the same fist-pumping teens who borrowed dad’s car to cheer on the flamboyant band from a pair of nosebleed seats in Columbia in 1977

It was the brothers’ first concert, and they’ve been loyal members of the Kiss Army ever since, attending the group’s shows, fan conventions and cruises whenever they get a chance. There’s just something about that hard rock sound, the flash pots, fire-breathing and blood-spitting. They were hooked from the start.

“Everyone has hobbies,” John Downs said. “Mine just happens to be Kiss.”

Like a lot of Kiss fans, the Downs brothers bristle at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s failure to induct the costume-clad band into its ranks — an unforgivable snub to some. But this year, John Downs happened on an idea to get his hero some recognition from an even more distinguished forum — the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum.

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Lydia Criss

Michelle Da Silva | Straight

Shannon Tweed-Simmons and Sophie Tweed-Simmons, wife and daughter of KISS frontman Gene Simmons, respectively, will star in a new reality show filmed in Vancouver.

According to a news release from Force Four Entertainment—a Vancouver-based television production company responsible forThe Cupcake Girls, Border Security, and The Bachelor Canada—production on the unnamed eight-episode series will begin in B.C. in December.

“We are thrilled to be working with W Network and Shannon and Sophie on this series,” John Ritchie, an executive producer at Force Four Entertainment stated November 12.  “They’re a true dynamic duo—outgoing, savvy, enterprising and smart as hell. Their legions of fans will be highly entertained as they rock into the next exciting chapter in their lives.”

The show will reportedly centre on the mother-daughter duo’s close relationship. Shannon, a Canadian, is a former Playboy model and film actor. Sophie, the younger of two Tweed-Simmons children, helps run Sophie’s Place, a children’s advocacy centre in Surrey. The family owns a home in Whistler and spends time in the Lower Mainland.

“It’s amazing the friendship my mom and I have. She’s my rock, my best friend, and even though we are very different, ultimately we agree on the important things in life,” Sophie stated in the news release. “I’m excited to start shooting and give viewers a glimpse into our world.”

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Hayspot

KISS’ Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are set to bring their Rock & Brews restaurant chain to Hawaii.

The hard-rock legends will celebrate the opening of a new franchise of their rock-themed eatery and club in Paia, on the island of Maui, with a two-day event scheduled for January 25 and 26, 2014.

Simmons and Stanley will attend the opening festivities, which will include a January 26 luncheon honoring wounded military personnel and veterans, as well as a bash that same evening that will raise money for the Paia Youth Center.

The new restaurant will include many aspects of other Rock & Brews venues while also saluting Hawaiian culture and history.  Visitors will have the option to dine indoors or in an outdoor area.

The family-friendly eatery will feature murals of rock groups, album art and tour posters, as well as flat-screen TVs and a high-fidelity sound system on which various classic live performances will be played.  Local artists also will be showcased at the venue.

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Examiner

“Rock and Roll Over” is the 5th studio album by American hard rock band, Kiss. It was released in 1976 on Casablanca Records and produced by Eddie Kramer. The line-up for the album was Paul Stanley (vocals/guitar), Ace Frehley (guitar), Gene Simmons (bass/vocals) and Peter Criss (drums/vocals).

Introduction

This is one of the best albums Kiss has put out. While it doesn’t have the impact “Destroyer” had, it packs a rock and roll punch. It isn’t overproduced, giving it more of a raw, 70s feel, when bands were playing for the love of music feel than slick, overproduced albums have. This one is a straight up rock and roll jam.

I Want You

This starts off with a short ballad opener before thundering into rock. The chorus is a bit camp but fun, and somehow works well with the song. Ace’s solo just soars and blows the mind, making it the highlight of the song.

Take Me

This features great vocals on a song that keeps the album rocking. Overall it is a solid song, making it easy to overlook the few cheesy vocals that are included. The guitar work by all just comes together perfectly.

Calling Dr. Love

This is an innuendo-filled classic. The opening power chords let you know you are in for a rocker of a song. With Gene Simmons on lead vocals and female backing vocals, it seems to fit the image of Gene as the ladies’ man. Brilliant drumming by Peter Criss, along with another astounding solo by Ace are what truly make the song work. While some people may not instantly recognise them for what they are, cowbells are used in the song.

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Chris Medek

I hope everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving with family and friends. Sharing their company, eating all their traditional favorites. A special thank you to our members of our armed forces who aren’t able to spend Thanksgiving at home.

Peace,

Chris Medek

Business Wire

Charity Buzz

PROCEEDS BENEFIT: Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire

Please note: This lot will close at 12 noon EDT December 5 to be part of a live auction that evening. Please be sure to utilize the Max Bid feature so a Charitybuzz representative may continue to bid on your behalf at the live auction. Should no Max Bid be in place, we will bid your current bid at the live auction. Please contact info@charitybuzz.com or 212-243-3900 for more details or with any questions.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity with Gene Simmons!

Includes:

• On a mutually agreed upon date, you and a guest will fly to Los Angeles and stat at the Beverly Hills Hotel with the flights and hotel stay paid for.
• You will be transported, blindfolded and via Private Security to the Home of Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed-Simmons. You will get at tour of his famous office from his hit television show which is a literal KISS Museum.
• Take photos with Gene while he shows you the coolest KISS collection on the planet.
• After your tour, Gene will join you for dinner in Beverly Hills at a restaurant of Gene’s choosing.
• Winner receives an autographed BASS guitar that will be played by Gene.

This package also includes 2 coveted seats to THE Fundraiser– an epic event being held on December 5, 2013 at The Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Those attending the event will meet Gene Simmons at the event where he will present you with your autographed BASS and get a photo with Gene.

Donated By: Gene Simmons of KISS

KrazyKnights1

Eric Yates

Here’s 4 recent pictures of my KISS car. I’ve added a hood scoop, spolier, and ground effects. Thanks, Eric Yates

Something Else!

On those particular dates, Gene Simmons says in this Kiss Kruise Q&A, the two bands were sharing a bill at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco with the Tubes — a band managed by venue owner Bill Graham. To perhaps no one’s surprise, the Tubes had a huge array of snacks, while Rush (then just breaking into the national scene on their Fly By Night tour) were roundly ignored.

The headliners stepped in: “You’re going to feed these guys,” Simmons told the promoter, “or we’re not getting up on stage.” Everybody, he adds, got fed.

“They were nobody,” Simmons says, in the clip above. “Nobody knew them, and they were from Canada, too. In those days, Canada meant: ‘We don’t care.’ We liked them. ‘Working Man,’ you know that song?”

Simmons goes on to do a dead-on impression — not just of Lee’s distinctive sky-high voice, but also the classic Rush track’s distinctive rhythmic signature — to huge laughs. Kiss bandmate Paul Stanley interupts then to say: “Hold on, Geddy’s on the phone,” to still bigger laughs.

Anonymous

Found this poster on a bulletin board at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa the other day. It’s an advertisement for a play that was being held at their campus theater. The 7th president, Andrew Jackson, must have been a KISS fan… 🙂

Cassius Morris | Creatures of the Net

Ara Ajizian | Musician’s Friend

During his tenure in KISS, Paul Stanley has played more guitars than any of us can imagine, and gleaned from each what makes an instrument truly exceptional. Combine that with his keen sense of visual design and you get the Paul Stanley Signature Series from Washburn. We sat down with this knight in Santa’s service to discuss these stellar instruments, and how gear has evolved over 40 years of being in the hottest band in the world.

Musician’s Friend: Tell us about your longstanding relationship with Washburn, and how the line of Paul Stanley Signature guitars came to be.

Paul Stanley: The idea of being able to create my own guitar has always been a dream. I think it’s everybody’s dream, especially when you’re growing up and you draw the ultimate guitar. Unfortunately, when you’re a kid and you draw a guitar, it looks like a ray gun. Given the opportunity to really design something, I found myself leaning on the past. The past is what got us here. Tradition is at the core of everything I try to design. I went through a couple of different companies, but ultimately I found my way to Washburn. The thing I love there is that they’re really great craftsmen, but you don’t have the red tape of a company where someone has to call someone else who has to clear what you did, and five months later you get a prototype that’s completely wrong. I went through that. When I started working with Washburn, I sketched something out and within six weeks I had a finished guitar to look at. We’ve had a great relationship.

I’m really proud of the guitars we do because they hearken back to the golden age. There’s a reason why people have always wanted vintage guitars. They were well crafted, the combination of woods and pickups was right, and that’s at the core of what I try to do. I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel, just put my own spin on it.

MF: You’re a visual artist as well as a musician. How does your sense of visual style find its way into your guitar designs?

PS: The idea with this guitar was to create something classic, something that echoes things that were here before, but improves on them. Whatever guitars this may remind you of, quite honestly, this kills ‘em. It’s better balanced, the tone is tremendous, the neck, the radius, the action, the playability, everything about it. It’s great because you can have it around your neck and let go, and it stays horizontal, whereas other guitars, because of heavy tuning pegs and other things, just dip and hit the ground. The abalone and mother-of-pearl inlays are something that I’ve done over the years. Classic big frets. This is the guitar I always wanted, that never was.

MF: Some of the models in the series are equipped with mini humbuckers. What is it about the tone of the minis that earned them a spot on these guitars?

PS: Mini humbuckers are something tried-and-true, and I try to keep that in the equation when I’m designing a guitar. Something that’s been around for a while has been around because it works. The great thing about my relationship with Washburn is that they pretty much give me the freedom to run amok, and I hold their hand to the fire to make sure that we stay true to tradition. I’m a big believer that the greatest guitars were made already, and all we can do now is emulate them. There’s no secret to making a great guitar; anyone can do it. All you need is great components and great woods, and the rest is just about craftsmanship.

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David Konow | TG Daily

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, in this writer’s humble opinion Kiss absolutely deserve to be in the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame. You can’t compare them to Nirvana in a million years, it’s like comparing apples and oranges, but both groups, on completely opposite ends of the spectrum, have made major rock history, and deserve their place in the hall.

Now as Blabbermouth.net tells us, Kiss has actually come out in the lead to be inducted in the rock hall. Kiss fan votes are at 15.2%, Nirvana is right behind at 14.87%, third is Deep Purple at 11.89%, and Yes are at 10.52%.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony will be held next April, and we’re willing to bet that Nirvana will be inducted for sure. We also have the feeling that the bourgeois snobs and critics may not be able to hold Kiss back from being inducted as well.