Monthly Archives: June 2012
Vintage KISS Magazine Collection up for sale
We recently bought a HUGE KISS Magazine collection and it is now up for sale. We spent the past two weeks posting over 200 magazines on our site and photographing each inside and out. All are priced by condition, age and content. Most are singles, so grab them while you can.
Creatures of the net episode 43- Top 5 Gene Simmons Bass Lines
Gene Shannon and Sophie at the Ted movie premier
Gene Simmons, Shannon Tweed and daughter Sophie Simmons attending the “Ted” Los Angeles premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday, June 23, 2012.
Izumi Hasegawa
ChildFund Partners with ‘Gene Simmons Family Jewels’
KISS rock star travels to Zambia to meet several children he sponsors through ChildFund
RICHMOND, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Gene Simmons, star of “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” and leader of the rock band KISS, recently traveled to Zambia to meet several of the more than 140 children he sponsors through ChildFund.
“I will waste less, spend less and appreciate more.”
The visit became the premise for an episode of the TV series that airsJune 25 on A&E. Plot synopsis: Gene thinks he’s traveling to Africa to go on safari with his wife Shannon; however, she has other ideas in mind. Shannon has arranged for Gene to meet 12 of his sponsored children.
“We originally planned to go to Africa on a Safari, but Shannon had bigger plans, which ended up being a better experience than I ever imagined,” Gene said upon finishing the trip.
“Even though we came here with a TV show, none of that seemed to matter anymore after we got to Zambia,” said Gene.
Shannon added, “Poverty and starvation… once you see it in person, you can’t walk away.”
And they didn’t. Gene and Shannon brought school supplies, soccer balls, backpacks and clothing. Shannon even gave one young woman the shoes off her feet.
KISS Monster Book – $4299.00
….or only $3499.00 for the first 75 books ordered before July 3rd!
The Man who created the KISS Army logo
Nils Brekke Svensson | KISSFanzine.com
As I wrote in the intro for the the Dennis Woloch interview I have always been fascinated by all the design done for Kiss in the 70′s and 80′s. A time that everything Kiss related seemed to be real quality stuff when It came to design. I have always thought everything was done by Dennis Woloch. But I was wrong. So I must admit I have been wrong all the times I have been asked who made the Kiss Army logo. It wasn’t Dennis Woloch, It was Vincent DiGerlando.
It’s really cool to be able to present a new person in Kisstory. At least for me. The first time I heard about him was when Dennis Woloch mentioned him in the interview I did with him earlier this year. So It’s a pleasure to present Vincent DeGarlando who worked for Howard Marks Advertising as and Art Director.
Q. Please tell us a little about your background before you started working at Howard Marks Advertising.
Donʼt know how far back youʼd like me to go, but in retrospect, art and music have always been a part of my life. I was inspired by an artistic uncle, had an Italian mother that would sing to me, and my brother, and sister, also had an aunt that became a well known opera singer.
I grew up in a neighbourhood where doo wop groups such as the Plurals, and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons were discovered. Did a lot of drawing, and painting during my early childhood while being encouraged by my grade school art teacher, who suggested that I attend Arts High School of Music and Art. After high school/college I had jobs in small studios, creating ads, working on magazine designs, creating some logos/letterheads, and doing a few illustrations.
Q. Did you know Dennis Woloch before you started at Howard Marks?
I first met and befriended Dennis Woloch in grade school. We both were fairly good artist, accomplished enough to pass the tests to be accepted in to Arts High School in Newark NJ, as well as have exceptional portfolios to get into Pratt Institute, in Brooklyn NY.
We went our separate ways, after college, me getting a job in a graphics studio in NYC. and Dennis working at Howard Marks agency. After the studio I worked for folded, Dennis hired me to work with him as a freelance designer, and I was soon after hired for a position as art director. When Howard was offering me the job, he explained his point of view to me, as having a dream team with “two star quarterbacks”. Although Dennis was a little hesitant about me working on staff for fear it would have a negative affect on our friendship, I did not feel that way myself, and think it turned out well, considering we worked together for over 14 years.
Q. How was a day at the office for you at Howard Marks Advertising? From what I heard It was a pretty special place to work?
Gene Simmons Family Jewels Season 7 Episode 6 & 7 Recap 6/18/12
Simply Uneak | Celeb Dirty Laundry
Gene Simmons is back tonight with new episodes of Gene Simmons Family Jewels. Tonight is a double episode – episode 5 is called ‘Pregnant Pause’ and episode 6 is called ‘The Demon Must Be Crazy.’ Stand by as we live blog both episodes with all the up-to-the-minute details.
On last week’s show Shannon approached her daughter Sophie about the adoption. Sophie wouldn’t answer texts or calls from Shannon because she clearly upset about the adoption. Meanwhile, Gene was talking to a friend who advised him that when Sophie and Shannon meet, he should be there, so he joined them.
Gene walked in on Nick and brings an inflatable KISS chair with cup holders and was surprised to see that Nick had guests; four girls. Nick told Gene that the four girls were just his room mates and although he wasn’t dating any of them, Gene was extremely proud. Typical Dad! If you missed last week’s episode you can read our full and detailed recap HERE.
On tonight’s show to distract Shannon from adopting, Gene suggest they go on an overdue honeymoon. Shannon surprises Gene by picking a shocking location, Africa, meanwhile Tracy has baby plans of her own. Shannon uses the African trip to get Gene’s mind back where she wants it, adoption!
I can see Simmons’ ego from my house
Martin Kielty | Classic Rock
Paul Stanley admits Kiss bandmate Gene Simmons lets his ego run away with him – and talks as if their achievements as a partnership are all his own work.
And the frontman is amazed that anyone would pay attention to a musician’s opinions on other matters, which is why he keeps his thoughts to himself.
Stanley tells CNN: “Gene lives about five minutes from me -– I can see his ego from my house!
“Gene enjoys being out there saying ‘me, me, me’ when it’s actually ‘we, we, we.’ We’re partners, and part of the dynamic of a successful partnership is knowing its limitations.
“Friends come and go; we’re family, which is more important.”
While Simmons is happy to answer any political question he’s asked, Stanley prefers not to do the same. “I certainly have my own opinions,” he says. “But to stand up and think I have some sort of transfusion of knowledge on subjects I’m not that familiar with?
“It’s embarrassing and astonishing to see people given media coverage who don’t deserve it. There’s nothing more embarrassing than seeing people who’ve become famous in film or music suddenly feeling they’re in a position to have qualified opinions about anything other than music.
“I’m stunned when people actually take them seriously. That’s not a sleight to anybody who’s close to me – that’s my astonishment at what I see on television.
“Does it really matter what somebody who has a hit record things of the political scene? It’s absurd to me.”
Mike Tyson at KISS Monster Mini Golf in Las Vegas
Paul Stanley CNN interview
CNN taking your questions for Gene Simmons
Getty Images
Gene Simmons, star of “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” is sitting down soon with CNN.com and he wants your questions!
The KISS frontman is one of the most recognized names in rock and roll, and one of the most intriguing, outspoken celebrities in the world.
Here is your chance to interview Simmons. Post your video question here (please keep it under 15 seconds), and you could see his response on CNN.com.
Upload your video by Monday, June 18 at noon ET.
Kiss to rock London for UK veterans
US rock legends Kiss have confirmed that they are playing a special charity show in London this summer to benefit Help for Heroes.
The band play the Forum on the fourth of July.
The iconic rockers, who have been one of the biggest acts in the world since the 1970s, have previously supported US troops over the years. This year they’re playing on US Independence Day in London to support wounded, sick and injured British service personnel.
Paul Stanley said: “The greatest national treasure of any free country is the army that defends it at all cost. Bringing attention to the obligation we all share to those returning heroes has been our mission in the US and now the UK.
“We pay tribute to those brave men and women and urge everyone to show their thanks with donations”.
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley formed the band in the early 1970s, and with albums like Destroyer and Alive! defining an era in American rock music.
While their reputation for spectacular live shows established a huge and loyal audience and their make up made them instantly recognisable, it was their portfolio of classic rock songs like Rock and Roll All Nite, Detroit Rock City and I Was Made for Lovin’ You that led to their longevity.
Their influence led to a generation of melodic rock acts dominating the American music scene in the 1980s. Kiss themselves went through line-up changes, came out from behind their instantly-recognisable masks, and re-established their reputation.
‘Family Guy,’ KISS Team Up to Launch Product Line
Alex Ben Block | The Hollywood Reporter
Fox’s animated TV show Family Guy, as part of a expansion of its licensing, has entered a venture with the rock band KISS for a co-branded product line expected to hit store shelves in the fall.
This is the first in a series of co-branded merchandise that 20th Century Fox Consumer Products plans to license aroundFamily Guy inspired by other prominent guests on the show.
KISS has appeared on the show three times and has become part of a running storyline. The character Peter Griffin talks about his love for the band KISS and his wife, Lois, says she once dated KISS bass player Gene Simmons before he became famous.
Simmons, in turn, says with tongue in cheek: “Lois, our night together is a memory I will cherish.”
KISS, which has been around since 1972, performs in face paint and costumes. It has been touring and doing licensing and merchandising to its fan base for years. Lead singer Paul Stanley says they have already racked up more than a billion dollars in sales, and this latest deal comes as “we are focusing more and more on the upper-tier, blue-chip opportunities for prestige partnerships. Family Guy’s track record and consistent success with its demographic makes this match-up ideal.”
“KISS and Family Guy coming together for a line of products is a great mash-up of two iconic brands that speaks directly to fans who will be able to enjoy something a little different and special with what we have in store,” said Jeffrey Godsick, president of Fox Consumer Products.
The deal was announced Thursday. No licenses have been set as of yet.
Fox will work with Live Nation Merchandise, KISS’ licensing agent, to find partners to create vinyl figures, bobble heads, apparel, plush, novelty, barware, social expressions and fine art. The deal was brokered by Doc McGhee, KISS’ longtime manager.
KISS rocker GENE SIMMONS checked into ENVISION RADIO NETWORKS®’ Guest Services to reveal how he opened up about his reckless past sexcapades to wife SHANNON TWEED. The interview, on the ARCH & ELLIOTT Morning Show on WLVQ/COLUMBUS, OH, also allowed SIMMONS to promote the new season of A&E’s “GENE SIMMONS Family Jewels,” which airs Mondays at 9p ET/PT.
Click HERE to listen to the entire interview.
KISS Destroyer reissue will be “coming out shortly” according to Gene Simmons
Matt Wardlaw | Ultimate Classic Rock
Ken Kelly
Kiss fans have anxiously been awaiting an update on the highly anticipated expanded reissue of the band’s landmark ‘Destroyer’ release, which was tentatively scheduled for release earlier this year, but failed to materialize.
According to Gene Simmons, we’ll be able to get our hands on the 35th anniversary edition ‘Destroyer’ reissue very soon. He says that it will be “coming out shortly, this summer.”
36 years after the release of ‘Destroyer,’ it’s easy to understand why Simmons considers the album “a very pivotal record for us.” It marked an important point in “Kisstory,” with the band learning a new process of making music. Producer Bob Ezrin wanted to take the band back to their roots and have them really focus on the formatics of being a band, telling them “we’re going to learn how to tune our guitars and talk about song structure.”
As Simmons told Ultimate Classic Rock, it was a different path than the one they had taken on their first three studio albums. “When we first started out, you know, we basically dove into the deep end of the pool and [said] ‘let’s see if we can swim?’ And then once you stay in the water long enough, you want to start to get some style and do the breaststroke and the backstroke and all of that stuff, because you become a better swimmer. It’s not just enough to not sink. So the sink or swim thing became ‘hey, let’s be really good swimmers.’”
It was a stormy time for the group. “There was a lot of turmoil in the band at that point. That was the first record where the future troubles with Ace (Frehley) and Peter (Criss) surfaced. Peter started screaming at Bob Ezrin, ‘Don’t tell me how to play drums!’ Ezrin (was) kind of going, ‘Well, first you have to learn how to play drums then you can say don’t tell me how to play drums. You’re playing it wrong, here’s what you gotta be doing right.’”
Gene Simmons And Shannon Tweed Have Adoption Drama
KISSmember Gene Simmons and his wife, formerPlayboy model Shannon Tweed are attempting to adopt a child, despite resistance from Gene’s two grown children Sophie and Nick. The entire drama has unfolded on the family’s A&E reality television series, Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels.
This past week’s show saw 23-year-old Nick sabotaging his mother’s plans to adopt by telling the social worker that was interviewing him that his mother’s desire to adopt a baby was “an impulse that will not last.”
Nineteen-year-old Sophie, on the other hand, refused to even conduct the interview, despite the pleading of her mother and father to do so.
The adoption drama seems likely to be a main theme for the seventh season the reality show. The next episode will air Monday at 9pm (EST).
Gene Simmons helps put charity in the black
Malcolm Parry | Vancouver Sun
ANGELS AND DEVIL: With Kiss singer Gene Simmons there, the 22nd annual Face The World gala might have been a crazy, crazy night. Moneywise, it was. Temporarily relocated from founder Jacqui Cohen’s renovating Point Grey spread to her University District childhood home, it reportedly raised the usual seven figures.
Seafood-specializing C restaurateur Harry Kambolis served sablefish-and-shimeji-mushroom custard and crab-stuffed veal loin on a tented tennis court. U.S. Consul-General Anne Callaghan and wine merchant Darryl Weinbren kept Château Ste. Michelle’s much-lauded Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardon-nay flowing. And Simmons’s and (now-wife) Shannon Tweed’s children, Sophie and Nick Simmons, entertained, albeit without dad’s Devil-face makeup. Cohen’s “angels,” including her own clan, contributed at least $170,000.
KISS Him Cologne Father’s Day Special
We have a wide range of KISS Him Cologne products DRASTICALLY reduced for Father’s day. Our prices are next-to-nothing compared to what these high-end department store items originally sold for. All products are new and unused.
We guarantee deliver before Father’s Day if you order by WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13 BEFORE 12 NOON. Sale prices end Sunday, June 17, 2012.
We’re also offering a FREE KISS Him Scratch ‘n Sniff Promo Sticker with every order. Just go to the website and add it to your cart at no charge!
Orlando KISS Expo coming up August 5, 2012
*** Orlando “BIG 3” Expo – KISS, The Beatles, Elvis ***
Sunday August 5, 2012, 11 am – 9 pm (VIPs enter at 10 am)
We are very excited to announce the rebranding of the Orlando Expo, brought to you by Kreatures of the South!
… The new format “THE BIG 3” combines the best of KISS, The Beatles, and Elvis Expos into ONE thrilling extravaganza!
Our Orlando Expo is confirmed for Sunday, August 5 – you don’t want to miss it!
Book your hotel rooms & order your tickets / VIP passes / dealer tables NOW on the Kreatures of the South web site!
More updates to follow (all of the special guests, bands, etc.)!
We hope to see you there!
The “BIG 3” Expo is put on by the fans… for the fans!