Brian | RockEyez

On Sept 8, 2012 New Jersey was again, for the 2nd year, home for the KISS Expo as it was held at the Raritan Convention Center in Edison, NJ. Ross Koondel and Peter Arquette are the men behind the Expo and they both did a hell of a job. With a fantastic upgraded location from last year’s Expo it suited the show much better. This year’s guests were none other than Peter Criss himself along with other notables such as Bruce & Bob Kulick, Ken Kelly, Len Delessio, JR Smalling and a few others.

The running schedule for this year’s show was as follows:

9am – DOUBLE Platinum VIP ticket holders enter
11am – Gold and Platinum VIP ticket holders enter
12pm – 2012 KISS EXPO begins …ALL ticket holders enter
12:30pm – Peter Criss Starts VIP signing
2pm – Dylan, the 9 year old Peter Criss impersonator performs
3pm – Panel with JR Smalling, Ken Kelly and Len Delessio
4pm – Costume contest with Peter Criss judging!
4:45pm – Raffle ticket numbers drawn for 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes!
5pm – Bruce Kulick and Bob Kulick question and answer session

Some things that I liked about going to the KISS Expo were not only do I see many KISS collectibles I’ve never seen before but meeting friends again that I have not seen in years. I went to the Expo with long-time friend Bill DeMild and met up with another long time friend Bill Hriczko, who attended the convention with his dad, George. The Expo Center was more spacious than last year and the two rooms were much more comfortable with access to anywhere you wanted to walk and stretch out. The attendance this year, I would say, had expanded from last year’s debut New Jersey KISS Expo and I’m not surprised in the least that the manners of Kiss collectors were impeccable. People I’ve never met in person like Bill May (KISSNATION) coming over shaking hands made this day a special one for me. I’m not sure the total number of tables at this year’s event but there were plenty of great collectibles to be had with reasonable prices and dealers that were willing to work with you for that KISS item you just had to have. On another note Ross Koondel (as I said earlier, one of the gentlemen running the show) went to every dealer table making sure that everyone was happy with their location and at the end of the Expo again went to dealers asking were they happy with the turnout. That’s a class act and I look forward to working with him again at future Expos. For myself, as a dealer, I was extremely happy with the way everything turned out and just about selling out of everything I brought to sell wasn’t a bad thing!

This year was also really exciting as I met up with Jon Ruben (KISS Rocks), another long-time friend who was there with his six year old son Jesse. Jon was teaching his son the value of money by letting him buy KISS collectibles with his own money. I had a chance to meet up with Vince Albano (of the NJ band CASHMIER) and many other long-time friends and I

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Alexandra Cheney | Speakeasy

The music has always been central to the success of rock’n’roll band KISS, but now more than ever it’s about the business.

The band, made up of original members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley and newer additions Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer, have sold more than 90 millions albums worldwide. Now they’re looking to increase their merchandising sales, tapping their in-stadium audience as well as their global fanbase.

Launching Thursday for the final five shows of their KISS Motley Crüe The Tour 2012, audience members will be able to purchase KISS merchandise directly from their seats. No more hazardous and frustrating lines around the merchandise tents but instead, a pay-to-play move that will result in a personalized purchasing experience — not to mention a VIP-style pickup.

Deemed KISS X-Press program, the in-seat purchasing program is in conjunction withLive Nation LYV +3.52% Merchandise, whose CEO Dell Furano said that KISS has sold more than a half a billion dollars in merchandise in the last 15 years.

This new program emphasizes the “hassle-free” nature shoppers have come to expect in the digital landscape of tablets and smart phones, according to David Lucatch, the CEO of Continue reading →

Chris Czynszak | Decibel Geek

The Decibel Geek Podcast has released an in-depth discussion with former KISS and current Grand Funk Railroad guitarist Bruce Kulick for downloading and streaming.  In this long form discussion, the veteran musician reflects on nearly 40 years in the music industry.

Kulick’s history in pop culture stretches back to the mid 70’s with his work as touring guitar player for the Andrea True Connection. True, a famous porn star, had stretched into disco music and scored a #4 Billboard hit with 1976’s ‘More More More.’ Kulick shares his stories about touring with True as well as memories of touring the “chitlin circuit” with soul singer George McCrae and backing Meat Loaf during his Bat Out of Hell tour.

Bruce Kulick landed on the hard rock map in 1984 as he transitioned into the full-time lead guitarist for KISS. In this discussion he shares his memories of the awkward period of traveling with then-ill guitarist Mark St. John and reflects on gigs that they would play a game of proverbial musical chairs depending on St. John’s medical condition.

Also in this discussion are Kulick’s thoughts about KISS’ upcoming Monster book and album, memories of the circumstances that led to the 1996 original-lineup reunion, and his take on why the band seems to attempt to avoid any mention of the non-makeup period.

Bruce Kulick is now the lead guitarist in iconic 70’s rock band Grand Funk Railroad, of which he’s been a member almost as long as KISS. In this conversation, Kulick describes the stark contrasts between being a member of KISS and Grand Funk Railroad including the method of touring, what’s expected performance-wise, and the possibility, or lack thereof, of new Grand Funk music.

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Mars Attacks!

This episode kicks off a two part interview which Mitch Lafon, who earlier this year did a five part interview regarding the 20th anniversary of the Kiss album Revenge. If you have not read all five parts you can read interviews Mitch conducted with Eric Singer, Bruce Kulick, Dick Wagner,Kevin Valentine, and Tommy Thayer. Bruce Kulick also remembers the album on site as well, you can read those comments here.

In this episode Mitch discusses things that stood out to him regarding his five part interview. Part two will feature things that stood out to me after reading his interviews. The show also features select tracks from the album.

Would like to thank Decibel Geek podcast once again for posting my 9/11 story, if you haven’t read it, you can find it here.

The episode can be streamed or downloaded from HERE.

John Liberty | Michigan Live

ALLEGAN, MI —
The longtime members of the Kiss Army — and Kiss Navy — had prime spots at Tuesday’s Kiss performance at the Allegan County Fair. They also paid for backstage access to meet Paul Stanley and receive a signed guitar.

Angel and Jeff Justice also agreed to share their thoughts and photos from last night’s concert and meet-and-greet with Stanley.

Here is what Angel Justice had to say via email this afternoon:
“We literally had the time of our lives. Everyone had a blast. About halfway through the MC set, I got the phone call from Paul’s guitar tech and he scheduled the meeting for 9pm.

When the time came, his tech, Fran, brought back to the KISS tent where other members of their staff was there to meet us. We immediately noticed the beautiful Paul Stanley Starfire Washburn – adorned with guitar picks, all set up for the show. As we eagerly waited for Paul to come over to the tent, we were pleasantly surprised when Eric Singer decided to come out to see us. The first thing Eric said was “Hey I know you guys from the show a while ago” (meaning the KISS expo in Indianapolis back in April of this Continue reading →

Gus Griesinger | Backstage Axxess

The British invasion, including The Beatles first appearance on Ed Sullivan here in the US, influenced more kids to pick up instruments than ever before. Since that time, I believe former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley can be considered a close second. When talking to any guitarist since KISS made their mark in the mid 1970s, most will say that the original Spaceman was a major influence when it came to taking up the six string.

Ace has come a long way in the last handful of years. He is now celebrating over six years of sobriety. Ace is enjoying life at his own pace and not the rigorous touring schedule that other bands, including his former band, continue to enjoy.

While playing in Erie, Pennsylvania, last month, we had the rare opportunity for a one-on-one interview with Ace, right before he took the stage that night. We set up our equipment Continue reading →

Corrado Mazzuca

Hello KISS Asylum, I wanted to share a story about my daughter Corina’s experience at this year’s NJ KISS Expo….

My daughter is 3 years old and loves music!..She became “hooked” on KISS when her brother “CJ” played some of thier videos for her!…So obviously when we told her she would be dressing up like “Gene Simmons” for the costume contest..she was so excited!

We arrived at the Expo and had a great time meeting Bob,Bruce Kulick and the rest of the guests at the event!….Then it was time for the contest!….After touching up her makeup…Corina and her brother “CJ” (lil’ Paul) were ready for business!….She made her way up to the stage…posing for photos on the way…The stage was occupied by at least a dozen mini-“kissers”…Gene,Paul,Ace and Peter look-a-likes!….

But the highlight is when Peter Criss and Gigi came walking out from the side of the stage!….The crowd went crazy!…..Peter made his way behind the stage….The “MC” took a crowd vote for each of the contestants…..but it came down to Corina (lil’ Gene) and Dylan Hayek…(lil’ Peter). With Peter behind both of them … little Corina was posing and flaunting her little tongue … when the crowd response made it clear .. CORINA WAS THE WINNER!!!!

Peter then came over and took a few photos with Corina…and told her she looked GREAT!…but…she did not want to leave the stage!…..LOL…the crowd loved it!…Peter just smiled and laughed…and he began to judge the Adult contest…with Corina still on the stage……..They picked another “Gene” as the winner…the contestants walked off the

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Alan Stout | 102 The Mountain

THREE-HOUR KISS RADIO SPECIAL AND WEBCAST

102.3-FM, The Mountain, a rock radio station in Northeastern Pennsylvania, will present a three-hour “KISS ON THE MOUNTAIN” radio special and webcast on Saturday, September 15 from 8-11 p.m. (EST). For the international audience, the program will also be streamed on the station’s website at www.102themountain.com

The show will be hosted by Alan K. Stout, an award-winning music journalist, DJ and life-long KISS fan. Stout has seen KISS live in concert 31 times and has interviewed members of the group on 12 occasions. He names KISS as his favorite band. The show will feature:

1. An all-new exclusive interview with Gene Simmons
2. More than 30 songs from all eras of the band’s career
3. Excerpts from archived interviews with Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, as well as former members of the band.
4. Chances to win tickets and backstage meet-and greet passes to KISS’ show at the Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain in Scranton, plus copies of “Destroyer Resurrected.”

“KISS ON THE MOUNTAIN.” Saturday, September 15 from 8-11 p.m. (EST) at www.102themountain.com

Chad Childrens

Kevin Winters

A fully made-up Gene Simmons would look right at home in the Oakland Raiders “black hole,” but come Monday (Sept. 10), the Kiss bassist will be out on the field singing the National Anthem instead.

Simmons appearance is part of the pre-game festivities before the season opening game with the San Diego Chargers. Rapper Ice Cube is also getting part of the pre-game spotlight, playing his own anthem he wrote for the Raiders as part of the Pepsi NFL Anthems promotion. If that’s not enough to get you out to the game early, it should be noted that those who turn up at least an hour prior to the game will be entered to win field passes, locker room tours, and autographed memorabilia from Raider legends and current players. Check out the team website for further details on the “Early In and You May Win” program.

In other Kiss news, the band just announced that their ‘Monster‘ album has been pushed up a week. The disc, which had been scheduled for Oct. 16, will now arrive Oct. 9. Fans have spent the summer taking in the lead single ‘Hell Or Hallelujah.’

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News 12 New Jersey

Mike Mariacher

The New Jersey KISS expo was back with a vengeance Saturday! KISS fans from around the world descended on the NJ Convention and Exposition Center to revel in all things KISS. Dedicated fans were treated to a first rate KISS celebration with great guests, fun activities and TONS of merchandise from the dozens of vendors from all over the globe.

The collection of guests was impressive to say the least. Bruce and Bob Kulick were on hand for autographs and photos. Destroyer and Love Gun artist Ken Kelly had a massive table with drawings, paintings and prints listed for all price ranges. JR Smalling met with fans throughout the day spinning classic stories from the 70’s. Len Delessio shared his EXCLUSIVE photos of the band that many of the diehard fans (myself included) had never seen before.

The biggest attraction of the day was without a doubt the meet and greet with original drummer Peter Criss! Peter chatted with fans late into the evening. He was earlier on hand to judge the KISS costume contest as well!!! He was fantastic with the fans and his interaction one on one will be remembered by all who had the opportunity to spend time with the Catman.

It was a truly awesome event…  A full day of fans and fun celebrating the Hottest Band in the Land!!!

I for one can’t wait to see what is in store for 2013!!!

NJKissExpo.com

Eric Lacy | M Live

KISSonline

DETROIT, MI – Tonight’s KISS/Motley Crue show at DTE Energy Music Theater has been postponed to Thursday because of a truck rollover accident that reportedly took place this morning in northwest Ohio.

Tour officials said in a press release that a tour pyrotechnic truck flipped on its way to Detroit and “spilled our gear all over the freeway.”

Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx expressed gratitude on his Twitter page for the tour crews’ safety and shared several photos of the accident.

KISSonline

John Liberty | M Live

The band turns 40 in January and announced in late August the release of a massive — not to mention massively expensive — book to commemorate four decades of rocking and rolling all night. The 3-foot-by-2.5-foot book priced at $4,250 features rare photographs and is signed by the band. There are only 1,000 copies of the book, which suitably will be called, “Monster,” the same name as the band’s forthcoming new album due out Oct. 16.

The 12-track album, the 20th of the band’s career, is said to be all original material.

We weren’t interested in making just a great KISS album, but a great rock album that lived up to the bands we loved growing up,” Paul Stanley said in a press release. “The ones who got us to play music in the first place.”

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1057 The X

The much anticipated Kiss Monster CD is now due out in October, five months after the initially announced release date, and guitarist Paul Stanley says the delay was caused by negotiating a new contract with Universal Music.

“We wanted to have a different type of set up in terms of a distribution,” Stanley tells Metal-Rules.com.  “We wanted to go with a label this time.”  The band’s previous album, 2009’sSonic Boom, was sold exclusively through Walmart stores.  “You know, doing the Walmart deal was great in one way, but in another way, if you didn’t have a Walmart near you, or if you didn’t have iTunes,  if you couldn’t get it from iTunes, so it was very limited how you could get the album,” Stanley explains.

The label Kiss wound up with was former label Universal.  “[T]hey were very ‘come home,’ very committed to the album,” Stanley says.  “So had we wanted to do it a different way, we would have had it out in May.  But this made more sense and will make more sense.”

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NJKissexpo.com

We’ve just booked a really special attraction to the 2012 New Jersey KISS Expo, coming up this Saturday September 8. We have a 9 year old Peter Criss look-alike who can play drums as well as any seasoned musical many times his age! Dylan will perform in the early afternoon in full Cat makeup and costume – Prepare to be amazed! But don’t take our word for it, check out the video below!

The 2012 New Jersey KISS Expo is this Saturday September 8th. Tickets are still available and can be purchased HERE at a discount. We still also have a few Peter Criss meet and greet VIP packages left and they will be gone before the expo.

The New Jersey KISS Expo is going to be such a blast this year! Come on down and hang out with all your KISS friends or make some new ones. Browse the ENDLESS dealer merchandise tables with KISS Collectibles from the ’70s to the present! Meet Bruce Kulick and his brother Bob. See Peter Criss judge the KISS Costume contest – stay the day! Plenty to eat, drink and do.

Scott Mervis | Post Gazette