"Live KISS Thought Vault" To Debut at NJ Kiss Expo
From: KISS ASYLUM
[April 3, 2000] - "Live Kiss Thought Vault" to debut at NJ Kiss Expo on April 30; described as Kiss Version of 'Politically Incorrect' - The 14th Annual NJ Kiss Expo and Hard Rock Convention has added another special event to its Sunday, April 30 schedule: The Live Kiss Thought Vault. The Live Vault is a spin-off (like Frehley's Comet was from Kiss) of the popular Kiss Thought Vault column found at the KISS ASYLUM Web site (www.kissasylum.com), which is dedicated to tackling all things Kiss in excruciating -- and often hilarious -- detail. "It's best described as a 'Politically Incorrect' for Kiss fans, but more lighthearted, as the band has a high kitsch factor," says Thought Vault creator Ron Albanese about the Live Vault, adding that "all discussions will be done in good fun, and take place between a panel of five people (Kiss fans and convention guests) with participants changing for each topic." Besides his 20-plus years of service in the Kiss Army and related writings, Albanese reveals that inspiration for the Live Vault has come from attending Kiss conventions themselves. "The Kiss conventions are cool, but I always thought that they represented a missed opportunity; With so many fans under one roof, the potential for great, organized discussion is enormous. I mean, we the fans go to these things because wežre rabid Kiss fans. We memorize crazy bits of obscura, like how many times Peter Criss sang laugh sounds in the studio version of 'Nothing to Lose' (three), rank stage shows (the tank one is my favorite), costumes, songs and solos -- now let's talk about it together!" With Kiss, therežs more than enough discussion material. "Kiss are in a league of their own when it comes to nitpicking," says Albanese. " There's the music; makeup and no-makeup eras; their having been both on top of the world and right at rock bottom; merchandising galore; Gene's Asylum tour outfits... The list is almost infinite." Apparently so are the possibilities for the Kiss Thought Vault. "Hopefully, this will be just the first in a series of Live Vaults. The Internet column continues, and a Thought Vault book is in the works," states Albanese. Gene Simmons would be proud. "Kiss are true originals," Albanese concludes, adding "they're the greatest rock 'n' roll band of all time and a pop culture institution, fun for all ages. In the finest Kiss tradition, the Live Kiss Thought Vault is about entertaining and breaking new ground." Read the Kiss Thought Vault at www.kissasylum.com (located in the features section). Get further details on the NJ Kiss Expo at www.erols.com/starzcentral/kissexpo