From: Coin43@aol.com
Paul was in New York City today for the Sam Ash Music store guitar expo. He was gracious enough to sign anything people brought him and was super cool. The line was practically out the door to meet him. I waited in line for about 3 1/2 hours and was lucky enough to meet Paul. For all of you who saw Paul in the starring role of the Phantom of the Opera, you know how awesome he sounded. Well, he told me that he is looking into reprising that role on Broadway after the Kiss tour scheduled for later this year. He said has no plans to star in the Broadway production of Jeckyll and Hyde.

From: Bob Rodrick
Here's a report on what happened at The Sam Ash Custom guitar show at the Manhattan Center in New York. It was a cool setting with all of the major guitar companies showing off their instruments at their respected booths. Gibson, Washburn, Fender, Martin, Marshall, ESP, and all of the others were there. You were able to play anything that was out and you were able to buy anything that was out. Everything was reasonably priced as well. Some of the owners of the companies were there, such as Paul Reed Smith and Seymour Duncan. Some known musicians were there representing some of the companies. Leslie West from Mountain was there for Gibson. Nick Bowcott, formerly of Grim Reaper was there for Marshall amps. The show started at 12 noon. Paul arrived a little after 1:00. He immediately set out for the VH-1 booth that was set up in the middle of the ballroom. A lot of the media was there. Besides VH-1, Rolling Stone magazine was there, and a few big radio stations. Joining Paul for the interview was Tom Petersson from Cheap Trick, which was a big surprise. He wasn't announced to show up. I got the chance to meet him and get a picture with him. He's very approachable. He signed autographs and took pictures with every fan that came up to him. Richie Scarlett from Ace's band was also at the show. Paul got to the Washburn booth around 1:30. His signature guitars were there for sale, as well as his custom Randall amplifiers. If you bought a Paul Stanley guitar, Paul himself would have signed it specifically to the buyer and you got to take a picture with Paul and the guitar. Only a handful of people did this. Paul, by the way, showed up without makeup and wig. He looked good. He signed autographs for 3 and a half hours!! He was not allowed to sign guitars other than Washburn, since he's endorsed by them. He signed everything else that was put in front of him and he posed for pictures as well. I was actually one of the last to meet him, and he looked tired. I told him I appreciated him staying for that long and he seemed grateful that I told him that. I had him sign my promotional copy of the first Kiss album. As for Ace, he was scheduled to sign at the Gibson booth around the same time that Paul was signing. But in typical Ace fashion, it was announced that he missed his plane!! As of 4:45, when I got Paul's autograph, he hadn't arrived yet. He was planned to start signing at 5:00, but I didn't want to wait on another line, which was just as long as the line for Paul. It took me three and a half hours to get Paul's autograph. With the show stopping at 7:00, I never would have gotten Ace's as well. I don't even know if he showed up at all. All in all, it was worth it. I met Paul again, got his autograph and a picture, plus I got to meet some other people I didn't expect to meet. Being a huge Cheap Trick fan, it was great to meet Tom Petersson, and I met Leslie West as well, who was really cool.

From: Kevin P. Coughlin
I just returned minutes ago from the New York Custom Guitar Show, held at Manhattan Center today, January 9th. The crowd was overwhelming there for Ace & Paul who both sat down and signed and signed and signed! Paul was at the Washburn Guitar booth from about 2:30 to 4:30pm. Ace arrived later at 5:00 and began signing around 5:30 pm after being interviewed at the vintage guitar booth by VH-1. I think all in attendance will agree that Gibson and/or Manhattan Center did not hire the brightest lightbulbs for security detail. Scores of KISS fans, well over a thousand, were constantly being pushed around by security personnel who often let their friends cut the lines. Most fans, the REAL KISS fans, waited patiently (some up to 6 hours!) to get Paul or Ace's autograph. (I was only lucky enough to get Ace's - the thoughtless security cut the line off after many had waited more than an hour on the Paul line). Ace was very fun to meet - cracking jokes and occasionally making a cackle. Although there was a one item limit for autographs, Ace signed most everything and personalized them too - complete with his Ace of Spades trademark on each item! I'm told Paul took the time to talk with the fans, as did Ace, and not just rush them by. KISS is truly a band that cares for their fans and today was no exception. I would recommend that Paul and Ace question the organizers of this event (Sam Ash) on how fans would be treated at future Expos as the fans (i.e. their potential "Customers") certainly took a back seat here!

From: Chris Cook
I went to the custom guitar show yesterday in New York at the Manhattan Center. Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley came as special guests. The ballroom that the event was held in was very small. Tons of Kiss fans showed up to meet Paul and Ace. Paul showed up at around 2 o clock, ready to sign autographs and to take photos with the fans. The line to meet Paul was huge. It wrapped around the entire room and out the door. I was in the middle of the line and it took me 2 1/2 hours to get up to him. Paul was great, he signed what ever you had for him to sign and posed for photos with every one that wanted to get a photo. Enclosed is a photo I took of Paul and my friend from that day. Ace showed up 3 hours late, they say he missed his flight! he also had an enormous line of fans. Ace was signing autographs and that was it. He would not allow photos, or video cameras. Of course when his friend Richie Scarlet came over he had no problem taking a photo with him. When I got up there he didn't even say one word to me. He barely looked at me, signed my autograph and I was told by security to move on. I was totally disappointed by Ace. I now have a great respect for Paul Stanley. I have met Ace several times and every time ----- No Photos. Is this guy afraid of Cameras or what? I mean for real, what is the story? If anyone knows why Ace doesn't like to have pictures taken, can they please email me and let me know cause it is irritating. A very funny note of the day was that, after my friends waited in that line to meet Paul- they were sick of waiting and decided not to wait for Ace to arrive and left the building to go get some lunch. They ate at TGI Fridays right down the street from the Manhattan Center and low and behold who walked in........ While every one is waiting for him back at the Manhattan Center........ Ace Frehley. Ace walked in, got a beer, chugged it down in three big gulps, leaves a 20 dollar bill on the bar.... As he is about to leave a kiss fan approaches him for an autograph and he was going to sign it until he saw about three other people get up for autographs... Then Ace told him sorry and left. I will tell you one thing.. If I had missed my flight and was due to appear at an event and was already 3 hours late. The last thing I would do would be to stop off for a beer, while tons of fans were waiting for me.

From: Lori Birnbaum
I trekked into Manhattan to see the G-ds of thunder yesterday. Arriving around 210p, I waited outside for maybe a half-hour just to get in and wait on line to see Paul. The line was already SOOoo long- I can't imagine how many people were there. I spoke with some fans standing around me who were very cool. The clock was ticking. I moved up by maybe 20 feet, if even that, in over 2 hours. It was announced that Paul would only be signing till about 5p. I said to those around me that we would not get to see him, and with that, I went up to him to at least try to get some photos of him as a new friend held my place in line. Paul looked good- a bit tired. This was around 430p or so. His hair is short, and he's brushing it back- kinda reminds me of his "Elder" do without the scarf around his head! He wore I think a deep eggplant color velour-type shirt atop what was probably leather pants. ;-) I took some pix of him, but some I had to take when he was taking with fans. I don't know how those will come out. So of course, I never got to personally see Paul this time. I moseyed back in line remarking- well, maybe we'll get to see Ace- because the Gibson booth was much closer to us. Security was extremely poor all afternoon. One guard later told me they were unprepared for such a crowd, and they were also scattered about, instead of concentrating on the autograph line. They pushed us all back so that Ace would have room when he arrives. I was then maybe 10 feet further than when I had first arrived! So- Ace walked in and ran upstairs first- this was around 5-ish. He made his way across the floor from where he would eventually be, stopping for a pretty lengthy interview. I ran over there and caught a few good pix of him! Ace finally gets to the Gibson booth around 530p. We're all standing somewhat patiently to meet him. I myself was starting to think this wasn't worth it, and maybe I should go... of course I didn't! Well- the line hadn't budged whatsoever in I don't know how much time! I asked security if the line was moving, and he said it was (yeah, right!). I think it had gotten to 630p and I had barely moved. I took a bathroom and coffee break and was quite surprised that I couldn't find who I was standing near because the line had actually moved! I found them, and at 645p, Ace needed to take a break- poor baby! Try standing on your feet for 4 ‡ hours straight! he came back after about 10 minutes. Oh yeah- the people who were left up front in line for Paul cut in the line for Ace, so this is what really held us up in the back for so long, and security didn't do a thing about it. I finally got up to Ace, and I showed him the pic I took of him at MSG '96 that made it into the '99 calender (small Nov. pic, brag, brag!). I told him I told told him about it when he was up at WNEW-FM in June "You did? You mean you called in?" yeah I said. He signed my calender "To Lori, Love Ace Frehley 2000" and he wrote "Good Photo" with an arrow pointing to my shot! I asked him how New Year's Eve was and he said good. I then thanksed him and left. Only to get back in line with a friend- I waited long enuf- I could get another! Well- his manager recognized me the 2nd time. I showed him another pic I took at MSG 96- the intro to Black Diamond when he used the double-neck guitar, and Paul is next him. He said that guitar is the only one in the world. He then said that he could guess my age- I said he couldn't- and he did get it wrong (in a very good way ;-)) I asked if he'd like to try again- he said no, he didn't want to screw up twice! He had then lost his train of thought, and asked what he was doing right then... we laughed. (He had already signed the pic "To Lori") I said "from... love..." He said how about "Love & Kisses?" So he did. I thanked him again, and he said Take Care, Lori! He was also asking his manager how people were left- there was maybe 25 left after all that! It was a very long day, and I really feel we were poorly handled. There was *no* reason why we couldn't all get to meet Paul and/or Ace. I feel ripped off- especially when I hear that some cut in line to see Paul, or someone they knew was able to get them up front, or whatever. Was it worth it? I don't know. I'm really glad that I got to show Ace my calender pic and he signed it- that was a great feeling! And I think he and his manager were impressed with my pix, so that was nice! I'd think twice before attending something like this again, I;ll tell ya that!

From: Terri Bey
I attended the Sam Ash Guitar Show on Jan 9th and let me tell you , I had a pretty good time. I got on line at about 10: 15am and chatted with the other fans about how many times we had met various KISS members etc. There I was with my jacket and a new outfit, waiting for my chance to meet ACE. As you all know, I had met Paul in Vancouver , but just missed out on meeting Ace, and I was a little nervous , but hopeful.

At noon, we were let in and I got to speak with my buddy, Richie Scarlet and his wife, Joann and we had a nice chat. I came back to RIchie's table later as he was not finished setting up to have a pic taken with him and have him sign his new cd, "Out of my past" (Note: go get it. IT is great!!!!).

Well, I also walked around but as you guessed,, I made a beeline for the GIBSON table, at around 12:30 or 1pm and waited for THE MAN to show. I had a little help by a friend of a friend of mine to keep me informed on Ace's arrival time. Of course, we had been informed that Ace had missed his flight and would be at the show at about 5 or so.

Well, I wasn't too upset at THAT, as I was about the organization or LACK of organization on the part of the security for the gibson table. It was a zoo!!!!! A whole bunch of us were right in front of Ace's table since the virtual beginning and this lady with a cell phone was going bonkers!!! Well, she wanted us to move, I explained to her that we had been there since 12pm and had driven from Ky , and Mass ( some people I met were from Mass). The lady said that we were going to be the first people with some little boy being the first one. They FINALLY rope off the line, something they SHOULD HAVE done hours ago since they KNEW Ace was going to be late!!!!!!! This was about 4:30pm!!!!!

The line ended up wrapping around the table and INTO the Gibson booth. The people who I was with and I were saying, " Ace is gonna freak." The security FINALLY turned the line around to go in one direction , or so I thought. The line started to CROWD UP, and people were CUTTING the line and it was a mess!!!!.

The security then had to get everyone back, because he said, "Ace will cancel the signing if you all don't move back." ( I personally could not blame Ace, even though I would have be disappointed. It was so crowded and disorganized. I mean, I live in Lexington , Ky, and about 90 miles west, in Louisville, we run a race called the Kentucky Derby where over 100,000 people attend every year and that race is more organized than this signing, or the whole guitar show for that matter. The Paul line was wrapped around the place and out the door, from what I understand. It was so crowded that it was hard for people who were there to look at guitars to move around.)

Anyway, it is around 5pm, and the announcement is made that ACE is in the building!!!!!!!! My adreniline is rushing. I am very excited. Well, around 5:30 or so, the MAN ARRIVED, and I shot some pix. I was so happy to see my HERO!!!!

Well, I was anxiously waiting for my turn and they stopped the line with this guy RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!!!! I wondered what the hel is going on. Well, guess what? ANOTHER LINE was formed somehow. I was like, what the fuck is this?? SO there, were the fans in this other line that was formed having their stuff signed. Now, Ace , for those gals reading this review who like me, have a huge crush on him, was just adorable. I thought he was anyway. He was bantering with the fans, and was very cool!!!! Now, at first , he was allowing pictures being taken of him, however, he did have it stopped. Anyway, he did look tired , and slightly pale to ME. I would be exhausted too if I just got off a plane and fighting jet lag. ( Yeah,yeah he missed the original flight , but what is done is done.)

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝAnyway, when, my line was FINALLY allowed to go through, you can imagine my excitement. I was getting ready. Even though I was exhausted from the waiting, I KNEW it was going to be worth it!!!!!!!! When the security guard told me it was MY TURN, I felt SO GOOD. Ý I was going to meet ACE FREHLEY, my idol for 23 years, FINALLY. Carol Kaye, asked me what I wanted signed and I had Ace sign a pictured of my friend, Paul Helms, who plays him in KISS ARMY, which was already signed by Richie Scarlet and Karl Cochran ( I like having unique things autographed like my beagle picture).

I asked ace how he was, he said, " Fine". I had told him, that I was hanging out with Karl Cochran two days prior. He said, "Cool". I showed him my beagle picture and told him the beagle was named after HIM, and he said, "FAR OUT" I nodded in agreement. He gave me another look and here is the best part of the encounter: he looked at me again and said, "You look familiar." I sheepishly said, " From the shows." ( It was announced before hand that he did not want hear how many times you saw KISS, etc, etc. Ý I can't blame him either.) I shook his hand and told him what my name was and that was it. He was A VERY NICE and VERY SWEET PERSON.

After meeting my hero, I went over to my buddy, Richie Scarlet, and told him what had happened, he told someone, "Look, she's beaming." Well, he was right, and I will be for quite a long time. Hey , I did not get my picture taken with him, but hey, I got to meet him and chat with him and I will be happy with that.

I have read the "TGIF story" and I have a very difficult time believing it!!!! ( I would say this even if I were a diehard GENE fan.) He would not have had time. Sorry. Ý Story sounds too far fetched.

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