Help rescue a fellow 1970s icon

Ralph Asbury | Lunar Moth Entertainment

In 1974 the world was introduced to two things that changed the world in their respective fields: KISS and JAWS. As KISS went on to become the Hottest Band in the World, JAWS went from a worldwide best selling novel to the the very first summer blockbuster film directed by Steven Spielberg. One very important element to the success of JAWS was the painting, originally created by Roger Kastel for the paperback release of the book and later for the movie poster. What many do not know is that this painting is missing!

KISS notables Ralph Asbury and Chris Kiszka have joined forces to produce a documentary retracing the steps of the JAWS painting, from creation to disappearance, as well as an effort to locate and recover this lost Hollywood treasure! In order to do so, the duo are calling on the popular crowdfunding website Kickstarter to make this project a reality. A budget goal of $50,000 has been set, and are asking JAWS fans and KISS fans alike to make a pledge to this project. In doing so, contributors will be rewarded with their names appearing in the credits of the film, limited edition DVDs and merchandise, as well as opportunities to appear on screen in the production.

Visit the Kickstarter page to contribute:

The Lost Shark: Searching for the Art of JAWS

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lunarmoth/the-lost-shark-searching-for-the-art-of-jaws

“Much like images of KISS, the JAWS painting is instantly recognized by people around the world.” says Asbury, who KISS fans are familiar with from his design work on Eric Carr: Unfinished Business and as the designer of founding KISS drummer Peter Criss’ website, PeterCriss.net. “Everyone is familiar with the story of JAWS from the book and the movie, but the original painting has an incredible story of its own that needs to be told.”

Kiszka, also known in KISS circles as “Chris the Bodyguard” for his protective services to Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, is the owner and curator of the largest collection of screen used JAWS props and memorabilia in the world. As a producer his experience and relationship with the JAWS production brings an inside track to bringing this documentary to life.

The Kiss High School Homecoming Movie

WBAB | Donna Donna


If you were in high school in the 70s could you ever have imagined Kiss showing up at your school to perform? Well that’s what happened in 1975, at Cadillac High School in Michigan.

Here’s how the story goes, the school’s football team was struggling until they started cranking up Kiss in the locker room before games. After winning seven games in a row to become conference co-champs the team credited their success to Kiss. The band heard about the team and in 1975, visited the school and performed there during homecoming weekend.

Now the story is in the process of being tuned into a film. Vh1 Radio caught up with Gene Simmons last week at the opening of his new Rock & Brews restaurant in California and gave them an update on the status of the film: “There’s a gentleman named Mark Johnson who’s a producer, who’s produced the Narnia movies as well as other things.  There have been some meetings.  You know, they don’t call it development hell for nothing. It’s hell to launch anything and he’s almost there, the financing is almost there.” Gene went on to say, “I mean there’s a script, I read some of it.  It’s about Cadillac.  Kiss is part of the culture, the inspirational story about how a nowhere, nobody football team scaled to heights by infusing their blood with Kiss blood.” Gene added, “We are not producing this movie, by the way, this happened naturally out of Hollywood.”

Chris Cornell would like Gene Simmons to induct Soundgarden into the RnR Hall of Fame

Ultimate Guitar

Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell is hoping that it’s only a matter of time before the Seattle four-piece gets inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and once they do, he would like none-other that Kiss bassist Gene Simmons to be the group’s presenter.

During a recent HBO Q&A session, Cornell was asked to name who would he like to see as the band’s presenter if Soundgarden ever gets inducted. “I would hope it is a when, as opposed to an if,”frontman replied. “How about Gene Simmons?”

Another fan asked Cornell yet another Hall of Fame related question, this time around regarding the artists he would like to induct, apart from those he already did. The singer opted for songwriter Daniel Johnston, whose records he even considers as enjoyable as the work of rock giants Pink Floyd.

“I would induct Daniel Johnston,” Cornell said. “He is a songwriter who recorded a lot of music on a boom box and produced records where the budget was ultimately the price of a cassette tape. It occurred to me at one point that I got no less enjoyment out of listening to his records than I did from a Pink Floyd record, for example. That thought spoke to me as an absolute definition of what rock ‘n’ roll is really about.”

Finally, the frontman reflected on inducting Heart into the Hall of Fame at this year’s ceremony, calling it an “eye opening experience.”

“Inducting Heart into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame was an eye-opening experience. I was certainly honored, but had always had a cynical attitude about an institution like this as it pertains to Rock ‘n’ Roll in general. The fan support of all the bands inducted and their emotional enthusiasm changed everything for me.”

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Peter Criss at Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp Campalooza 2013

Rock Camp

Get ready, NYC! Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp is bringing the rock to the city that never sleeps for Campalooza! Don’t miss out on this special east coast edition of Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp!

Ever daydreamed at work about shredding next to guitar legends Yngwie Malmsteen and Johnny Winter? Maybe bangin’ on the drums with legendary drummer and Co-Founding Member of KISS Peter Criss? Or how about getting funky with American blues, jazz and rock guitarist Robben Ford? Or do you want to jam with Leslie West of Mountain?

Campers will get the opportunity to jam and perform next to Grammy winners and epic guitar legends, as well as record with one of the most significant producers to work with the unforgettable John Lennon. You will take the stage at the legendary BB King’s in Times Square, in front of screaming fans and your family! You will perform your original songs on the stage that Yardbirds, and BB King himself have performed on!

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Mark St John in David Hasselhoff video

In his post-KISS days, Mark St John performed with none other than David Hasselhoff on in his 1989 video, “Is Everybody Happy”. Mark belts out an amazing Animalize-style guitar solo in the middle of this otherwise poppy song, but still is unable to save it from sinking….

KISS promise new stage show featuring fireball-shooting spider

103.7 The Loon

Jim Dyson

You can never accuse Kiss of not putting on an over-the-top rock show. But for the upcoming European leg of their ‘Monster’ tour, the band are unveiling a new stage setup that they promise is a step beyond even their previous stadium spectaculars.

“It’s really great,” Paul Stanley tells VH1 Radio Network’s Dave Basner (quote via Blabbermouth). “You know, for so many years, we’ve talked about a new stage show and basically what we’ve been doing has been an extension of the old stage show. So people would sometimes come and, obviously, the band does a great show and it’s great to be there, but some people would say, ‘Gee, it doesn’t look that different.’ This is a completely different stage, it follows a really great theme, the lights are like nothing you’ve ever seen before.”

Gene Simmons recently shared some details about the upcoming shows in a Q&A session with a group of fans, revealing that the new stage includes a giant spider that shoots fireballs out of its tentacles.

 
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Funny KISS Photo

From: Mike

 

 

Hey KISSasylum,

Not really “news” per se, but thought you’d like to see it or possibly post it for other KISS fans to enjoy. It made me laugh!

Mike

Rock & Brews ready to rock ‘n roll

Easy Reader

Rachel Reeves

Rock & Brews is ready to rock ‘n roll.

Hubbub emanated from the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Palos Verdes Boulevard – it’s technically in Torrance but has a Redondo Beach address – as Kiss co-founders and franchise partners Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley visited for the restaurant’s Wednesday opening and put on a surprise gig.

For months locals have been waxing enthusiastic about Rock & Brews, which they envision will bring some new energy to the Riviera Village.

The Rock & Brews team - Dell and Dave Furano, Paul Stanley, Jon Mesko, Gene Simmons, and Michael Zislis. Photo by Rachel ReevesThe Rock & Brews team – Dell and Dave Furano, Paul Stanley, Jon Mesko, Gene Simmons, and Michael Zislis. Photo by Rachel Reeves

Rock & Brews is 5,400 open and airy square feet that feel like a cross between a beer garden, a concert venue, and a sports bar. Outfitted with TV screens, a lofted stage, fire pits, and a kids’ play area, the restaurant offers casual American cuisine, a full bar serving

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KISS performs unmasked set at restaurant opening

Billy Dukes | Ultimate Classic Rock

Diners at the new Rock & Brews in Torrance, Calif. might not have recognized the famous owners of the eatery as they took the stage. Kiss played with out makeup and costumes for about 20 minutes during the grand opening on Wednesday (May 8).

Only Eric Singer was missing as, according to Blabbermouth, they worked through ‘Rock and Roll All Night,’ ‘Lick It Up’ and ‘Hotter Than Hell.’ In contrast to their usual stage show, last night’s set couldn’t have been more scaled back unless they went acoustic. Gene SimmonsPaul Stanley and Tommy Thayer are wearing jeans and t-shirts as they sing and jam on their guitars. A navy blue sheet serves as the only sort of staging.

Simmons and Stanley own the Rock & Brews franchise, which has three locations currently. The first Rock & Brews opened in El Segundo, Calif. in April 2012, and a Los

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KISS Rocks The PBR!

PR Newswire

PUEBLO, Colo., May 7, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ — GIVE US YOUR BEST KISS!  That is what legendary rock band KISS and the fast-growing PBR will be asking millions of fans at Professional Bull Riders events across the country beginning this weekend at the nationally televised Last Cowboy Standing event from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Today, PBR and KISS announce a partnership that brings together two powerful and iconic brands in a fan-focused alliance that will delight and entertain.

PBR and KISS have teamed up to create the 8-Second KISS Kam, an innovative twist on the long-standing tradition in many sports venues where couples in the audience are highlighted on the large, in-venue video screens and encouraged to engage in a public display of affection. In typical PBR and KISS fashion, the innovative KISS Kam has a twist. Just like a successful bull ride, our participants are timed with a digital clock and must kiss for 8 seconds or face the ridicule of tens of thousands of PBR fans.

Band members Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer, Eric Singer and Gene Simmons cheer fans on and provide constructive criticism via video during the promotion. Videos from the 8-second kissing couples will be recorded and posted online at www.pbr.com/KISS where visitors can vote for the best (or worst) kiss and register to win valuable PBR and KISS prizes.

Is there a MONSTER in the house?  In support of KISS’s new MONSTER album and other great albums from the past 40 years, there are half-a-dozen new MONSTERs in PBR Continue reading