EXCLUSIVE: McG (Way of the Warrior Kid) is in final negotiations to direct Shout It Out Loud, a biopic about Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and their superstar rock band KISS, which will be produced by STX Entertainment, sources tell Deadline.
STX declined to comment, but we hear the studio is in discussions with Lionsgate to distribute the film worldwide and co-finance. The project previously had been set up at Netflix, following a bidding war, with Joachim Rønning attached to direct, as we first reported in 2021.
No word on the framing the film will take in looking at KISS’s decades-long musical journey. Financed by Polygram Entertainment, the most recent draft of the script is written by Darren Lemke (Shazam!, Gemini Man). The project is based on a prior script by Ole Sanders, who was involved with Rønning’s incarnation. William Herron was the first writer on the project.When the deal makes, McG will produce alongside his Wonderland producing partner Mary Viola. Other producers and executive producers for the project include Mark Canton, Leigh Ann Burton, Doc McGhee, Polygram Entertainment’s Jody Gerson and David Blackman, David Hopwood, Courtney Solomon, and Dorothy Canton, along with Simmons and Stanley. Christa Campbell and Annie Herndon are overseeing for STX.
What makes a guitar solo truly great? Is it sheer speed, jaw-dropping technicality or the kind of melody that lingers in your head long after the song is over? According to John 5, when it comes to crafting a solo you can sing along to, no one does it better than Ace Frehley.
In a new interview with Ultimate Guitar, the former Rob Zombie guitarist and current Mötley Crüe shredder explains why the original Kiss lead guitarist remains his favourite. For him, it all comes down to the power of early inspiration.
“It’s just when you’re little and you see something, it could be a sports figure, it could be a race car driver or a hockey player, baseball or basketball. But mine was Kiss, and that’s what inspired me to do what I’m doing today,” says John 5.
“And I’m glad because I think inspiration is one of the most important things in the world. Because it stays with you forever, and it can change your life forever, as well.”
He adds that Frehley’s melodic style – featuring those solos you could sing along to – is something younger guitar players would do well to learn from.
“I was inspired by… I always liked things ‘to the limit.’ To the pinnacle, to the absolute most,” says the guitarist. “Like, the fastest race car driver, the best this, the best that. And with guitar, I wanted to take it to the absolute top, top, top. And that’s why I like all the crazy shredding.”
“But I love Ace and I love all that stuff. You know, like, with the melodic solos. No one does it better than him. I’m just so happy I got to be inspired by all these great players.”
Rock out to your tunes with included mini wireless speaker!
The stage features adjustable rising platforms and a KISS light up logo.
What’s the next best thing to seeing KISS live in concert? It’s having their official action figures rock out on a replica stage to your custom playlist of course! That dream is now a reality thanks to the KISS Alive II Stage with 1:20 Scale Action Figures – Deluxe Box Set #1 – Convention Exclusive from Bif Bang Pow!.
This one-of-a-kind set features each of the KISS band members in 1:20 scale form. Each action figure has 9 points of articulation and they are wearing their character-specific outfits. The Demon even comes with a fabric cape! The Demon, Starchild, and Spaceman each come with a guitar while The Catman comes ready with a pair of drumsticks and a premium paper-craft drum set!
Like any great concert, the centerpiece of this incredible set is the stage itself that measures approximately 13 x 11 wide x 9.5 inches and includes manually adjustable platforms on each of the lower corner stage panels. In addition, the center stage platform is removable to allow for placement of the included mini wireless speaker so you can stream the classics to the stage (music not included)! Also, the stage’s backdrop feature graphics inspired by the band’s Alive II album and if that wasn’t enough, the prominent KISS logo is animated and lights-up for the ultimate mini-concert experience!
Every set includes a full sheet of reproduction of KISS themed temporary tattoos, similar to the ones that came with the original KISS Alive II album. Last but certainly not least, the set comes packaged in a deluxe box with Alive II album artwork with a 4-color wrap with distressed artwork. This is a limited edition of 1,500 pieces and each set is individually numbered with a holographic sticker. Fans and loyal supporters of the KISS Army alike will want to Shout it Out Loud with this incredible collectible inspired by one of the world’s most renowned rock groups! Prototyping by 3D Systems and Gentle Giant. Ages 14 and up.
This collector’s set contains all of the following items:
1x The Demon action figure (variant with horned cape and blood spattered mouth!)
1x The Catman action figure
1x The Spaceman action figure
1x The Starchild action figure
1x KISS Alive II inspired stage
1x Mini wireless speaker
1x Full sheet of reproduction KISS themed temporary tattoos
Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider voiced strong criticism about KISS’s newly announced Las Vegas reunion show on X (formerly Twitter). The announcement emerged 14 months after KISS completed their farewell tour.
“So I was told today that a KISS reunion in Vegas has been announced. 14 months since their last farewell,” Snider said. “That may be a new record for them.”
“I can’t believe people still put up with their sh*t,” he continued. “To me it’s insulting.”
KISS recently announced a special performance featuring former guitarist Bruce Kulick in Las Vegas to mark the band’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Snider’s criticism draws attention to KISS’s pattern of farewell performances and subsequent stage returns. This history raises questions about the finality of such announcements.
