Ron Albanese revealed! Sorry to have taken so long; computer crashes, a trip to Italy and a new job put the Vault on hiatus - but while it was away it has grown. Stay tuned for a major Kiss Thought Vault announcement in March of 2000!

February 9, 2000 will not only go down in history for being February 9, 2000, but the day (night) that Union turned CBGB in New York City's lower East Village into a "blue room," a custom launching pad for their latest album, The Blue Room, and (hopefully) supporting tour.

Standing on the very stage that has showcased such CBGB luminaries as the Ramones, Blondie and the Plasmatics (W.O.W.), Union performed before an impressively-sized crowd comprised mostly of jaded industry members and seen-it-all-before village residents, with a few soldiers of the New Jersey Kiss Army (suburban branch) thrown in.

How did it go? It was a strong outing for the band. Not in the spit-fire (get it?), run-and-jump sense, but in a good band with stronger-songs-than-before, chops-heavy sort of way. Union has some polar opposite characteristics; they are musically tighter than Kiss or any related spin-off I've ever seen, but live they're sometimes about as exciting as watching studio musicians lay down tracks. Based on their perceived potential, I've always tried to cut the band some slack, and waited patiently for them to at least crack a smile here and there. I am happy to report that based on what I've seen and heard of their CB's set, it's clear that Union is beginning to loosen up and do their "own thing," as opposed to letting the weight of the "ex-members of" curse smother the development of their own personality.

But don't just take my word for it, take my photos for the truth! Presenting the Union (Shooting) Gallery, presented in full Kiss/Union Thought Vault Technicolor:

This feature conclusively proves that Union will not be wearing new costumes for their latest tour -- or perhaps won't even incorporate blue into their stage attire! But wait -- there just may be a theme: Perhaps influenced by Paul's 1975 or '80 legs, three-fourths of Union has stars on their clothes! What the.... Maybe it's a tie-in to Kiss' aborted Psycho Delirious circus theme -- it's the (Union) shooting gallery! What a touring gimmick....

"Okay, here's how it works," explains vocalist/guitarist John Corabi. "Ever been to a carnival where you have to shoot a star to win a prize? Any cops out there? If you can the shoot the stars on our bodies three times, you'll win a prize... My tattoos don't count."

Bruce Kulick. The guitarist is shown with his now-stolen red ESP guitar. Bruce put in a strong showing throughout the concert. Actually, the sound for the whole band was great, with only John's guitar getting lost in the mix at times. Note that Bruce's star was partially blocked, thereby making him a harder target. In short, he's the upper-row duck of the Union (shooting) gallery.

Here's the Union bassist guy (what the heck is his name?).... Jamie Hunting, who is star less. Note the 12-string bass. Live, this kinda Steven Tyler-looking Union worker adds a lot of depth to the group's sound. I'm a huge Cheap Trick fan, and it's always a kick to see someone playing bassist Tom Petersson's invention. There's a major difference in playing style between the two, and it's mostly due to Hunting's (note that name when thinking of shooting) playing with his fingers as opposed to a pick. In fact, with those '70s glasses, and (partially visible) boots, he is remotely evocative of 1979 Petersson. In these photos, Hunting is shown dodging a shot and singing his head off.

Speaking of guys with names I forget, here's the Union drummer, Brent Fitz. How is he as a Union member? He "Fitz" like a glove.... Anyway, if you're still reading this, I have to say that Fitz is a competent drummer, and plays a cool kit to boot. Seems like a nice guy, too -- and smart. Instead of wearing one big target, he has many little ones on his arm. He gets the first prize award for smiling, followed closely by Corabi.

Another Bruce shot (get it?). Note that when the guitarist flares his left cheek that means he's really getting into a riff or solo. At his feet were an array of pedals, which Bruce operated with the aplomb of Geddy Lee. Speaking of Cheap Trick (see last caption), Union's set staple "Surrender" would make the Rockford foursome proud -- Corabi even sings the original "old maids, dykes and whores" lyric! Along with the band's own "Who Do You Think You Are?" and "Old Man Wise," "Surrender" drew the loudest response of the night.

It had to happen. Toward the end of the set, someone hit John Corabi's target as his was playing a D chord (see left). The singer doubled over in pain (see middle), but then took to the mike in true carnival huckster fashion. Pulling a pure Maxwell Smart, he said "missed it by that much." Before anyone could answer, Union began another song, and the crowd went nuts. The shooter was said to have been wearing a Vinnie Vincent Invasion T-shirt.

You have to hand it to Union to for playing CBGB -- and taking pot shots like these! If there are any message to any of this, it is: 1) Buy the new Union album The Blue Room, and 2) read the Kiss Thought Vault.