Marko Syrjala | Metal Rules

THE MONSTER IS HERE

First of all, the MONSTER is finished and it’s ready to roll, it’s ready to go. How do you like the results at this point?

PAUL STANLEY: I think it’s terrific. I mean I have said it so many time already, you know, the idea wasn’t to make an album that sounded like we once sounded. It was to make an album that sound like we have never sounded. The idea of making of an album that is a retro album… I wasn’t interested of that. I wanted to make an album that has vitality and passion and that’s a great rock album. I don’t want to make a great KISS album. I don’t want to be judged by other KISS albums. It’s ok to judge KISS by KISS but it’s also nice to open up the gates and say not how good is this compared to KISS albums but how good is this comparing to the albums that I love.

Actually, I got an advance copy of the album a while ago and now after several listens I would say that it really is all fresh, it’s all new, it rocks, it’s energetic and kicks major ass.

PAUL STANLEY: I think it’s all we wanted it to be. It’s not a great KISS album, its great rock album. I think this is a great album. I didn’t want us to make an album, some bands remember saying, “Oh, they are making an album that sounds like they did”. I wanted to do an album that sounds like we never did. Something that’s new.

I totally agree with you but I disagree with Gene who said that MONSTER is like “meat and potatoes” type of album because I think that this is the most versatile album you have ever done…

PAUL STANLEY: I don’t know. Everybody has an opinion about it. I just know it’s a very, I would say a cohesive album. It feels like an album, it feels like every song that’s on there, belongs on there. It got a focus and a point of view. That’s what I wanted the album… I didn’t want it to be a scattered… I wanted something that felt like a work, a body of work

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NJKissExpo.com

Founding KISS member Peter Criss will be the celebrity judge for the KISS Costume contest at the New Jersey KISS Expo coming up Saturday, September 8, 2012!

Every KISS fan has done it at one time or another – dressed up to emulate their long-time heroes….and how much cooler would it be to have one of your heroes, a founding member of the band KISS, be on stage with you as you vie for the title of Best KISS Costume? Well, you can have a chance to make this once in a life-time dream come true September 8th at the New Jersey KISS Expo!

Two different contests for Kids and Adults! This event will take place in the main room of the Expo hall and will be open for all KISS Expo ticket holders to watch. Never in your life will you have an opportunity like this again!

Visit the the link HERE for all rules and details for the costume contest!

Tim McPhate | KISSFAQ

When KISS fans think of Vinnie Vincent, menacing heavy-handed riffs in songs such as “Not For The Innocent,” “Young And Wasted,” “Killer,” and “Fits Like A Glove” are likely to come to mind. Or over-the-top shredding solos on Invasion songs “Animal,” “Boyz Are Gonna Rock,” “Ashes To Ashes,” and “I Wanna Be Your Victim.” Or even his twisted (no pun intended) take on the solo for KISS’ classic “Calling Dr. Love” from Rio 1983.

It’s no secret that Vinnie’s guitar work with KISS and the Invasion is as subtle as the deep growl emanating from Gene Simmons’ Punisher. However, in digging deep within Vinnie’s personal discography, 1977’s eponymous “Treasure” offers a beautiful contrasting overview of his six-string sensibilities, showcasing a youthful Vinnie Cusano in a musically mature, melodic light.

A project formed by Rascals’ alumnus Felix Cavaliere, “Treasure” is steeped richly in elements of ’70s melodic AOR rock, lying somewhere close to the musical ballpark of bands such as Foreigner, Boston and Kansas. Cavaliere’s “blue-eyed soul”-laced vocals add a unique element to Treasure’s sound, which is rounded out by ex-Fabulous Rhinestones drummer Jack Scarangella and journeyman bassist Rick Laird.

Matching the veteran Cavaliere’s impressive vocals and keyboard stylings, Vinnie’s guitar playing is a high point throughout this lost album, both in terms of his rhythm guitar work and solos. With regard to the latter, on “Treasure” we find tangible evidence of Vinnie’s self-professed love for Jeff Beck and a smattering of techniques that would become hallmarks in the style of Vinnie’s shredding alter-ego.

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NJKissExpo.com

A couple of changes have been made to the “One-on-One With the Catman” VIP meet-and-greet package – First, you will be allowed 2 autographs on any 2 items of your choice, (previously it had been one autograph on a photo supplied by Peter and the second on an item of your choice). Second, the personal photo of you and Peter Criss will be taken on YOUR camera that you bring, (previously it had been a polaroid photo). This is a great enhancement to this already incredible package!

The early entrance Gold, Platinum and Double Platinum packages have been selling well and are expected to sell out before the event so pick yours up now! Regardless, they will not be available the day of the show. The standard adult ticket is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Teen ticket is $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

With both Peter Criss, Bruce Kulick and the host of other special guests, this is gearing up to be one of, if not THE biggest KISS Expo of all time! Ticket sales and dealer table rental has been PHENOMENAL – much more than last year! Make your plans to come to this legendary event, you will be sorry if you missed it!

What more you can expect from this year’s NJ KISS Expo:
– Larger Facility to accomodate more KISS fans
– More delers and dealer tables and more KISS merchandise
– More special guests
– More special events
– More fun, more chance to meet up with a greater number of fellow KISS fans!

Tickets and all info at: www.NJKissExpo.com

Gulf News

Musicians in today’s rock bands look like “garbage collectors” and the only true new star is Lady Gaga, members of the legendary heavy metal group KISS said.

NJKissExpo.com

If you’ve ever wanted to own a beautiful, working KISS pinball machine, here is your chance – This lightly-used 1978 Bally KISS Pinball machine will be for sale and on display at the New Jersey KISS Expo, Saturday, September 8, 2012.

Come take it for a test run and if you like what you see, make sure to bring your own truck to carry it home in!

EVERYTHING works on this machine. Every light bulb, bumper, gate and scoring device. Back-glass is NEAR MINT. No flaking, peeling or discoloration that is often a problem with this particular item. No mildew or smell of must at all – has been properly stored in a dry, temperate environment these past decades.

The main problems with a major KISS collectible, particularly this item, is the damage and expense of shipping and not knowing what you see until you get it. Both problems are solved here! If you’re not a buyer, bring plenty of quarters to play!

More info and pictures CLICK HERE

Lee Zimmerman | New Times

You can’t miss Kiss. There are Kiss comics, Kiss coffins, Kiss movies, Kiss condoms, Kiss trading cards, Kiss radios, Kiss record players… Well, just about anything you can put the word Kiss on has the word Kiss on it. The responsibility for this marketing strategy mostly lies with Gene Simmons, the band’s singer, bassist, entrepreneur, reality TV star, shameless self-promoter, and co-commander of the mighty Kiss army. Born in Haifa, Israel, on August 25, 1949, Simmons has spent his entire adult life eagerly expanding the band’s imprint and making a mint in the process.

Indeed, from the time the band was formed in 1974 (following the first band he and musical partner Paul Stanley played in, Wicked Lester), the Kiss shtick has played as important a part as their music. Stanley’s role as the fire-breathing, platform-booted Demon has given him a successful alter-ego, he’s also quite a character in real life. This fact became all the more obvious when the band temporarily shed their makeup in the early ’80s. Of course, abandoning their trademark personas sort of undermined the whole Kiss concept to begin with, because really, what’s Kiss without the kitsch?

As a result, Simmons turned himself into rock’s version of P.T. Barnum, unabashedly hawking himself as much as he does the Kiss grab-bag. That’s made him a very public persona, especially due to the series of reality shows that boast his name. The most successful of those, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, took its cue from The Osbornes, showing that when they’re home, a heavy metal rocker is pretty much just like the rest of us — harried, humble and wealthy beyond belief. Okay, maybe that last part creates a divide. Still, the ability to see Simmons putting his private life on display for seven seasons proved irresistible to more than a million viewers a week and helped make him a regular presence on cable TV.

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Something Else

In the run up to releasing the new Kiss album Monster, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons oversaw the release of a massive retrospective book covering the band’s lengthy history — a process that led to some conversations about former members.

The duo was originally paired, of course, with drummer Peter Criss and guitarist Ace Frehley — finding their widest fame during a period from 1973-80. By 1982, however, Spaceman (Frehley) and Catman (Criss) were out, replaced by drummer Eric Carr (Fox) and guitarist Vinnie Vincent (the Wiz).

Mark St. John also briefly served as guitarist, before Bruce Kulick took over for a 12-year stint, the longest of any member save for Simmons and Stanley — but also a period in which Kiss did not wear its iconic makeup.

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Phyllis Pollac | The Examiner

Kiss debuted their new Monster Book in Los Angeles today at the Viper Room for members of the media. The band arrived without their make-up on.

Over three feet high, it is the largest rock and roll book ever printed, and the priciest, at $4250.00 per book. “It’s not for everyone,” saidKiss bassist Gene Simmons, noting the price.

The band contended that it weighs about 40 pounds.

Simmons explained that it wouldn’t be fair to the people who paid so much money for the book to do a less expensive, smaller version of it later.

Quipped Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley, “Someone should have gotten my joke about Kiss midgets.”

Jamie Stangroom | BBC

KISS are appointed ‘Games Masters’ for the BBC’s alternative Olympics!

The ‘Rock Games’ is a musical version of the Olympics where music stars go head to head at ‘silly’ versions of Olympic sports devised by host Jamie Stangroom.

In their role of ‘Games Masters’ Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley of KISS appear in every episode by delivering the rules of the games to stars such as Slash, Sir Christopher Lee, Alice Cooper, Jessie J and The Kaiser Chiefs.

See Paul & Gene become ‘Games Masters’ in a sketch from 1.00 here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00wrq7m

The full series can be viewed here, Paul & Gene appear at various points in all 12 episodes:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00wrqrk

Las Vegas Informer

Bruce with Joe

Mini-golf with the former KISS member on Tuesday, Aug. 28 to benefit The Pet Adoption Fund and Heaven Can Wait Animal Society

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – KISS® By Monster Mini Golf®, the unique rock ‘n roll-themed amusement attraction based around the legendary band KISS®, is holding a fundraiser with Bruce Kulick, former KISS band member, Tuesday, Aug. 28.  Guests who donate $100 or more will have an opportunity to play mini-golf with Kulick from 5 – 7 p.m. To donate and reserve your time with Kulick go to www.monsterminigolf.com/kiss. Funds will go to help support two animal charities, The Pet Adoption Fund and Heaven Can Wait Animal Society.

“I recently lost my dog Joe, a great friend, who I adopted from The Pet Adoption Fund.  He was a very important part of my life and since his passing I have been looking for a way to give back to the shelter.  Chasing a ball with me at KISS® By Monster Mini Golf® seemed liked a great way to raise money,” said Bruce Kulick, former member of KISS.

“When Bruce suggested this fundraiser we were eager to help. KISS fans are wonderful and we are sure many will come out to support him and the animals,” stated Christina Vitagliano, founder of KISS® By Monster Mini Golf®.

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Rock Star Weekly

Fashion model and 2009 German Playmate of The Year Mia Gray had a little fun this month and posted some photos of herself dressed as former KISS guitarist Vinnie Vincent, using a TJ Monster version of the Vincent double V guitar and Vinnie’s original KISS belt. The photos can be seen below.

In her post, featured on her Facebook page, the German beauty dedicated the photos to the KISS army, saying “if you love your guitar… then KISS!”

The photo shoot marks the first time the Vinnie Vincent makeup has been applied in an semi-authentic manor since the band toured in 1982. Since his departure from KISS and the abandonment of his own Vinnie Vincent Invasion in the late 80s, the guitar slinger hasn’t released any new music, with the exception of a couple mail order CDs. His new guitar line was a feature at the 2011 and 2012 Namm convention. Rumours are circulating the internet that Vincent is planning to release a newly recorded version of his 80s album All Systems Go without lead vocals from Mark Slaughter.

Mia Gray currently performs with the band Candy Six, which has two singles available: Boys and Life Is Rich.

Mia Gray’s Facebook – TJ Monster Facebook

David Robbins | Boomer Magazine

“This,” says Gene Simmons, “is how the big boys do it.” Simmons, a big boy, is talking about his band, KISS

Nearing 63, he exudes disdain for the modern brand of rocker, the sloppy kids he claims look no different from their own roadies. Metaphorically, he sticks his famous elongated tongue out at them.
“When I’m up there, I’m wearing 40 pounds of armor and studs, in 10-inch heels. I’m like a Marine on a 26-mile trek in a loaded backpack.” Guitarist Tommy Thayer, only a 10-year veteran of the 39-yearold rock band, concurs with the military analogy. “When we’re getting into our outfits and makeup before a performance, we say we’re climbing into our battle gear. Putting on war paint.” Worldwide, the band has legions of fans, called The KISS Army.  The likenesses to fighting men go on and on for the members of this ageless group.  The similarities go even deeper, and they are not haphazard.

AMERICA – A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH
Gene’s mother, Flora, was a survivor of a Nazi concentration camp. The girl, then only 14, watched her mother accompany her grandmother into a gas chamber so the older woman would not die alone. That camp was eventually liberated by the U.S. Army, and Flora was rescued. Gene is adamant – and probably right – that without America’s troops, he wouldn’t be here.  Tommy’s father, James Thayer, was a young Army officer fighting in the Continue reading →

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — The A&E Network is kissing Gene Simmons and his family goodbye.

The network and the KISS guitarist said that the “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” reality show is ending after seven seasons. Once one of the network’s top-rated shows, it has faded over time.

Simmons said that with KISS on tour and his other business commitments, he and his family have decided to move on from the show. It depicted his out-of-makeup life with his colorful family.

A&E said it thanked Simmons and his family for opening up their lives, warts and all.

Dave Lifton | Ultimate Classic Rock

Michael Ochs

Few bands in rock history have had critical appeal in disproportionate amounts to their commercial success as Kiss. However, two writers, J.M. Blaine and Chuck Klosterman, have long treated the band with genuine love and seriousness, and recently got together to talk about their face-painted heroes.

The fun and lively discussion, which ran over three parts at the Nervous Breakdown, had its origins after Blaine had finished writing a book and was obsessing over old metal videos. Wanting to talk with someone who felt the same way, he contacted Klosterman, who once wrote a book called ‘Fargo Rock City,’ about growing up a metal fan in North Dakota in the ’80s.

One of the most vivid memories both men had of Kiss was seeing the band profiled on ABC’s ’20/20′ program in 1979. “I remember hearing Gene [Simmons] say, ‘You can be whoever you want to be.  Don’t let anyone tell you who you are or what you can’t do,’” Blaine said. “For a kid with a young single mother, living in a one-horse town — where the best you could hope for was a high school diploma and a job at the paper mill — that message combined with the music and the look, was incredibly empowering.”

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Robin Leach | Las Vegas Weekly

Erik Kabik

To celebrate its 15th anniversary, the Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp has set its next event at MGM Grand from Oct. 10-14. KISS founder and singer Gene Simmons is headlining the event, and touring co-star and Las Vegas resident Vince Neil of Motley Crue will be a guest alongside Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde and Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach.

Camp founder David Fishof said: “I can’t think of a better way to follow up our highly successful May camp than to kick off our next installment in Las Vegas with none other than rock god Gene Simmons. Said Gene: “Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp is a grueling, military-style musical training process, and I’m just the guy to be your sergeant! Now, drop and give me 20. I can’t wait to reveal the secrets of becoming a rock star.”

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Ryan White | Oregon Live

Each week we’ll pick an artist of the week. Throughout that week, we’ll dig up a little info on the artist, link to a song, embed a video, something. This week: Motley Crue and KISS, who play the Sleep Country Amphitheater on Sunday night.

Gene Simmons Playing Golf - Photo credit: Ross William Hamilton

Something Else

Paul Stanley has learned, over the years, much about the craft of songwriting. And he’s tried to forget most of it, in service of making better records for his fun-loving band Kiss.

Stanley and Co. are set to release the new album Monster next month. It’s is the group’s initial release since Sonic Boom three years ago, and will again be produced by fellow Kiss co-founder Gene Simmons.

They have promised a lean, hard-rocking affair, in keeping with Kiss’ earliest, career-making efforts — something that grows ever more difficult to do with age, Stanley admits.

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