Cher reflects on her romance with Gene Simmons and then reveals the moment he said, ‘I love you’

Cher is opening up about her whirlwind romance with KISS bassist Gene Simmons in her new memoir, “Cher: The Memoir, Part One.” The 78-year-old star reveals fresh insights into their relationship, which spanned from 1977 to 1979, describing their unique bond despite its unconventional nature.

The pair first crossed paths at a reception for President Gerald Ford, hosted by Neil Bogart, head of Cher’s record label. When introduced to Simmons, Cher humorously mistook him for British actress Jean Simmons. Yet, by the night’s end, she was captivated by his charm.

Their relationship started with memorable gestures. After Simmons drove Cher home, he returned the next day with KISS merchandise for her son, Chaz Bono. The couple’s first official date was at a Tubes concert, but Simmons, known for his larger-than-life persona, flirted with both Cher and her friend. The next day, he called to apologize—a move that might have ended the connection, but fate had other plans.

Even while traveling in Japan, Simmons couldn’t keep away, racking up an extravagant $2,800 phone bill to speak with Cher. During one of these calls, he surprised her by professing his love. “That’s when he blurted out that he loved me,” the iconic singer and actress writes. “We hadn’t even kissed. We’d only been out once before he left. What is it with these men?”

Read more!

The Spaceman Is Coming! Ace Frehley of KISS Fame To Land at Shooting Star Casino

MAHNOMEN, Minn. (KVRR) — The original lead guitarist and a founding member of KISS is getting ready to rock Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen.

Ace Frehley, the Spaceman himself, will touch down on Friday, February 7.

Expect to hear songs from his solo work and songs from his time in KISS.

Tickets are priced at $30 and $60.

They go on sale Monday, December 9 at 9 a.m. online at starcasino.com.

KISS Cancer Goodbye Raises Funds for Breast Cancer Research

Local KISS fans won’t want to miss KISS Cancer Goodbye III, a three-day KISS-themed music festival held December 6-8 at Harvest House in Sarasota. Organized by Neil McCurry, a local banking executive and bassist for the KISS tribute band KISS America, the event aims to raise funds for breast cancer research. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer in U.S. women, responsible for one-third of all new female cancer cases. In 2024, the ACS projects 42,250 breast cancer deaths.

McCurry was an 11 year old impressionable boy when he first became interested in the music, makeup and props that go along with KISS. A few years later, he started his own KISS band. Almost 20 years later, he’s still rockin’ and rollin’ KISS style. “Some things we outgrow as time goes on, some things we should outgrow and some things we never outgrow.” he says.

KISS Cancer Goodbye III will feature rock legends Eric Singer (KISS drummer 1991-2023) and Bruce Kulick (KISS guitarist 1984-1996) as co-headliners. McCurry’s previous events raised over $100,000 for the ACS, with last year’s Men Wear Pink campaign raising $63,000 locally. McCurry’s aim is to raise funds while increasing awareness about cancer risks and early detection. “This year, we are challenging ourselves to find ways to not only continue to raise funds in the fight against cancer but also to provide more education about cancer risks and create a stronger message about the importance of getting checked for early signs of cancer,” he says. A lifelong resident of the area, McCurry enjoys giving back to his community. He expects a larger local turnout this year, noting, “I wanted to create something that adds to the enjoyment of living in Sarasota.”

McCurry, who performs as “Gene Simmons” with full costume and stage antics–which involves hours of preparation–has organized several events over the years. Harvest House, the presenting partner, features a state-of-the-art community center with an elevated stage, advanced sound and lighting, and a 16-ft video wall, creating a rock concert experience with an intimate feel.

Tickets for the event are $59 for all three days or $24.95 per day. For more information and tickets, visit kisscg.com.

Pictured: Neil McCurry as Gene Simmons raises breast cancer awareness with KISS Cancer Goodby III. Provided photos/Creatures Fest.

Read more!

Ace Frehley Teases New Project, ‘Should I Launch Ace Coin?’

Ace Frehley recently went on Instagram and shared an AI-generated image of a coin featuring a guitar icon and the words ‘ACE V.’ He teased in the caption, “This crypto stuff is wild…should I launch ‘Ace Coin’?”

It’s unclear whether Frehley is serious about launching his own cryptocurrency, but many fans in the comments agree that it’s a bad idea if he does. Some believe making a physical version of the coin is better.

Read more!

Ace Frehley Shares What’s Left of His Relationship with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley

In a new interview with Fox 5 Las Vegas, Ace Frehley opened up about his relationship with former bandmates Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.

When asked if he was still in touch with Simmons and Stanley, the guitarist briefly responded, “Occasionally.”

He added, “I’m doing great solo. Doing a lot of shows and the response, the album’s doing fantastic, ‘10,000 Volts.’”

Frehley had previously shared his ‘revenge’ plan against the two members.

“They would stifle my creativity,” the guitarist told Guitar Tales with Dave Cohen. “If I did a great guitar solo in the studio, they would never acknowledge it. ‘All right. We got that done. Let’s move on.’ I never got the adulation that I would have given other people. I never felt like they appreciated me and that’s not a good feeling.”

Read more!

 

The Illustrated Guide to Magazines’ KISS POSTERS First Edition Book at KISSArmyWarehouse.com!

670 vintage posters from 24 countries!

​Every KISS poster* of magazines from all over the world from 1974 to September 1983

All listed, inventoried, catalogued (issue / year, size, description) in 160 glorious color pages

​By the fans for the fans

A stunning Collector’s Guide or just eye candy for any KISS fan!

Amazing Book!

Order now at KISSArmyWarehouse.com!

Former Kiss Guitarist Ace Frehley To Play Stage On Long Island

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer remembered for iconic alter ego, “The Spaceman,” in the 70s and 80s, will make the stop on his solo tour.

PATCHOGUE, NY — Ace Frehley, the Grammy Award-nominated former guitarist for the glam metal band, Kiss, is set to perform at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on May 1.

Most notably remembered in the 70s and 80s as his Kiss alter ego, “The Spaceman,” Frehley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

Guitar World named him in the Top 15 of its 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time.

He penned the New York Times best-selling memoir, “No Regrets,” in 2011, according to Wikipedia.

Tickets will run $56 to $106.

Read more!

Eric Carr 1950-1991

Carr’s last public appearance with Kiss was at the MTV Video Music Awards in September 1991. Not long afterwards, he suffered an aneurysm and was rushed to the hospital. Several days later, he suffered a brain hemorrhage and never regained consciousness. He died on November 24, 1991, at the age of 41.  We celebrate the life of Eric Carr.

 

Back in the Hammerjacks groove with Ace Frehley of KISS in 1990

In 1990 Ace Frehley discussed his new band, featuring Sandy Slavin on drums and Richie Scarlett replacing Todd Howard. The new album was heavier, focusing on guitars. Frehley mentioned performing classic Kiss songs and covers like ELO’s “Don’t Bring Me Down.” He reflected on Kiss’s merchandising over-commercialization and his past substance abuse issues. Frehley expressed openness to a Kiss reunion if given equal production control. He highlighted collaborations with Skid Row and the success of his new album and tour. Frehley also shared his health improvement and commitment to making music for enjoyment, not necessity.

Read more!

Secret Facts Most Fans Don’t Know About KISS? Yeah, Pretty Much No.

Episode 597. Idolator recently shared a new story titled, KISS Finally Admits The Truth About Their Band Name + Other Secret Facts Most Fans Don’t Know. We went through this list so see if there were any secret facts we didn’t know. Sorry, but most of this article is filled with “duh!” moments. But join us and let us know if you learned anything new, any secrets you didn’t know.

KISS Frontman Paul Stanley Celebrates 19 Years of Marriage to Erin Sutton: ‘One Lifetime Will Never Be Enough’

The pair wed in 2005, four years after they first started dating, and are parents to three children

Paul Stanley and Erin Sutton have nearly two decades down and “forever” to go!

The KISS frontman, 72, shared a special message to his wife on X (formerly known as Twitter) alongside a throwback photo from their wedding, as they celebrated their 19-year marriage anniversary.

In the snap he shared, the pair could be seen smiling widely as they posed for the camera after saying “I do.” Stanley’s arm could be seen wrapped around Sutton’s — with his new wedding band in focus — as she held her wedding bouquet.

“HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BABY!,” he captioned a photo. “Married 19 years today and I know one lifetime will never be enough.”

The pair wed in November 2005, four years after they first started dating. Since then, they have welcomed three children: Colin Michael, Sarah Brianna and Emily Grace. Sutton is also stepmom to Stanley’s adult son, musician Evan Shane, from the singer’s previous marriage to Pamela Bowen. Stanley and Bowen wed in 1992 and divorced in 2001.

Over the years, the “Detroit Rock City” singer has penned tributes to her whenever they celebrate a new milestone in their relationship. For their tenth wedding anniversary he explained how he viewed their marriage, saying, “Some people say marriage is confining like jail. Mine was my ticket to freedom.”

For their 14-year anniversary, he wrote a sentimental tribute noting how far the pair have come in their relationship. “… I married Erin and found my key to a life filled with gifts I never imagined,” he wrote on Facebook. “My love for her only grows deeper. Find that person you love and who loves you regardless of anyone else’s concept, intolerance or prejudice. Nothing is more meaningful.”

Read more!