Author Archives: Steve Stierwalt
KISS Destroyer… “This sure ain’t the scuzzy Kiss we all came to love.” Creem Magazine July 1976
Ex-Megadeth Guitarist Says KISS Rejected Him for His Height: ‘I Was So Bummed’
“I get why they did it. KISS is meticulous about their image,” Marty Friedman said.
Marty Friedman, the former lead guitarist of Megadeth, recently shared a surprising story about how he missed out on a chance to join KISS because he was “too short”.
In an interview with Sam Ash Music, Friedman, best known for his decade-long tenure with Megadeth from 1990 to 2000, was asked if there was any KISS song he would have liked to play guitar on.
His response revealed a fascinating piece of rock history: “I would’ve wanted to be on any KISS song. I’ll give you a quick story about that – when they were changing guitar players a long time ago, I got a call from KISS’ people.”
The conversation quickly took an unexpected turn when KISS’s management started asking Friedman a series of questions, seemingly unrelated to his guitar skills.
“They say like, ‘Do you think you’d be interested in auditioning for KISS?’ I’m like, ‘Tell me when and where.’ They came back and were like, ‘We’ve got a couple of questions for you. You don’t have any facial hair, do you?’ No. ‘You got long hair right?’ Right. ‘You’re skinny right?’ Right. ‘And you’re over 6 feet tall?’ and I’m like, ‘What? I’m 5’7 but I’ll have an operation, I’ll do something.’”
Unfortunately for Friedman, his height proved to be a deal-breaker. “They were like, ‘I’m sorry, it’s not going to work out.’ I was so bummed.”
Despite the disappointment, Friedman acknowledged the importance of image for a group like KISS. “I get why they did it. KISS is meticulous about their image, and having a height difference wouldn’t fit the band’s aesthetic.”
This attention to their image was crucial for KISS, one of rock’s most theatrical and elaborate bands. Formed in 1973 in New York City, KISS quickly became known for their blood-spurting, fire-spitting, face-painted performances. The group have delivered numerous hits to the Billboard Hot 100, including classics like “Rock and Roll All Nite” (1975).
This year, the band made headlines again when Pophouse, a Swedish company known for its work with ABBA’s Voyage show, acquired KISS’s publishing, recording royalties, and trademarks. This includes the band’s iconic logo and makeup design.
“We have a lot of plans for KISS,” Pophouse CEO Per Sundin told Billboard in April. Although Sundin says the company bought out the rights owned by frontmen Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, they will work with the company to develop the show, which is expected to open in 2027 in a U.S. city that Sundin declined to name.
KISS – Monsters Of Rock (Sao Paulo,Aug.27.1994)
KISS Cancer Goodbye Event 2024
Philipsburg Osceola H.S. Marching Band to feature KISS halftime show
PHILIPSBURG — The Philipsburg-Osceola Senior High Marching Band’s halftime show will feature music from the band KISS. The songs included are “Shout it Out Loud,” “Beth,” and “Rock and Roll All Night.”
The marching Mounties will debut this halftime show tonight at the away game in Huntington, and they will perform at all of the football games throughout the season.
The drumline coach, John Surkovic, came up with the idea for the show last year, and the students were able to vote on the theme. KISS won the vote, said Director Amanda Woods, who has been with the band for 12 years.
The show will feature the band’s five seniors during the second song, “Beth,” and a few students will be portraying the KISS band on the field during the show.
There are 46 students in the band in grades 8 through 12.
“This summer we spilt into separate junior and senior high marching bands for the first time in over a decade. The junior high band consisted of grades 7-8, and the senior high marching band consisted of grades 9-12.” Woods said.
The younger members from the summer will be joining the marching band for one of the home games, she said.
The drum majors this year are senior Finn Parish and junior Lucas Emigh, and the band front director is Holly Henry, who is assisted by Payton Daly.
The band had a busy spring and summer as well.
They marched in the Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day parade where they debuted their new uniforms, and received a parade committee awards for the Best Band from outside Allegheny County.
“The senior high marching band marched at Curwensville Days in June, both marching bands participated in the Osceola Mills 4th of July parade, Philipsburg Heritage Days, Clearfield County Fair, Houtzdale Days, Sandy Ridge Mountaintop Festival, and Kennywood Park’s Fall Foliage Festival,” Woods said.
The band is also getting ready to attend the Clarion Tournament of Leaves Parade in the fall.
Happy Birthday Gene Simmons!
75 years young!
“Ace came in and noodled some solo takes… Gilby and I looked at each other slack-jawed”: The Go-Go’s Kathy Valentine recalls recruiting Ace Frehley and Gilby Clarke for her solo album
Valentine approached Frehley to play on her record at her birthday party – not expecting him to actually show up at the studio
Kathy Valentine is best known as the Go-Go’s bassist, but her 2005 solo release, Light Years, showcased her versatility as a multi-instrumentalist with a strong songwriting-first mindset.
That album was bolstered by appearances from esteemed musicians like KISS guitarist Ace Frehley and Guns N’ Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke – and in a new interview with Guitar World, Valentine has revealed how they got involved.
“Gilby is a friend since my early days in LA and is just a sweetheart. I adore him and his family. It felt safe to work with him, mutual respect and genuine friendship,” Valentine says.
“Ace was gentle and kind. I met him at a birthday party of mine he came to. He offered to play on my solo record, and I thought, ‘Sure, he’ll never show up.’
“But he did, and he was amazing. We recorded at Gilby’s studio. He came in and noodled some solo takes on Bad Choice, and after a few, Gilby and I looked at each other slack-jawed and said, ‘That’s it.’ He wanted to do more, so I said, ‘No, this is the one. Thank you.’”
Peter Criss Explains Why He Got Fired From KISS by Paul Stanley in 2004
Bryan Adams Unveils Video For New Single War Machine
Bryan Adams has unveiled a video for his new song, War Machine.
Driven by a prominent bass riff, the rock stomper follows on from Rock And Roll Hell, which the Canadian musician released earlier in August.
Penned by Adams, long-time collaborator Jim Vallance, and KISS’ Gene Simmons originally for the glam-rock icons’ 1982 album ‘Creatures Of The Night’, the song’s anchoring groove formed from a bassline played to Adams by Simmons. Adams explained:
“Here are two songs I co-wrote when I was a 22-year-old struggling songwriter. I got a call out of the blue from producer Michael James Jackson to see if I would like to write for KISS, which I was thrilled to do, and these are a couple of the songs that were the result, written with both Gene Simmons and Jim Vallance.
“While sitting with the band, Gene played me this fantastic bass riff, which ended up being the backbone of War Machine. I was trying to think of a theme that could possibly match the riff and came up with the title. Seeing as the other song we’d written was about hell, War was the obvious theme to coincide with it.
“Rock And Roll Hell was actually Jim’s song that had been released a few years earlier with Bachman Turner Overdrive, and I suggested, that we re-write it for KISS. It’s incredible to think these themes are unfortunately still playing out for real in the world today, but I’m very grateful to the KISS guys for giving me the chance back then.”
On the accompanying War Machine video, he said: “I aimed to create something monumental for the War Machine video, and I’d been collaborating with CGI director Ben Ib on a peace-themed video entitled What If There Were No Sides At All. To contrast the peace message of that video, I proposed to Ben that we develop the War Machine video showcasing chaos and destruction. In the video, the tyrant that is leading the war ultimately faces consequences for his actions.”
Both tracks will feature on a 7″ double a-side single, released exclusively through the singer-songwriter’s webstore via his new independent label, Bad Records, on August 30, when War Machine will also be available on streaming platforms.
Adams released his most recent studio album, ‘So Happy It Hurts’, in 2022. In 2023, he put out a box set ‘Live At The Royal Albert Hall’, which captured his 2022 performances of classic albums ‘Cuts Like A Knife’, ‘Into The Fire’ and ‘Waking Up The Neighbours’ at the London venue.
He has a series of European dates in the diary for the autumn. Head here for details.
KISS ARMY SPAIN FAN CLUB PACKAGE WITH THE EXCLUSIVE BOOK KISS DESTROYS MADISON SQUARE GARDEN 1977-2019
Only 200 of these were made. This book is amazing! Awesome never before seen photos!
As you all know, Madison Square Garden is a worldwide legendary arena and a real sanctuary in New York City, which is also KISS’ hometown, where they played 16 times. “KISS DESTROYS MADISON SQUARE GARDEN 1977-2019” is the complete journey beginning with that first concert back in February 1977 until their last show in 2019, a little more than two years ago, on their farewell END OF THE ROAD tour.
It is an A4 size book that features more than 250 full-color pages and more than 1,000 pictures (many of them never before seen), as well as exclusive interviews, anecdotes, chronicles from fans who had the privilege to attend some of those concerts, tickets, concert posters, clippings from newspapers, articles from magazines, backstage passes, ALL facts that you can imagine about these 16 shows at New York City’s temple. All in all, a real jewel that all KISS fans will love.
Click here to order at KISSArmyWarehouse.com!
Bryan Adams dropping “War Machine” video Friday
Bryan Adams is getting ready to drop a new video on Friday.
The rocker shared a tease of the clip on social media with the caption, “You better watch out…23rd August #warmachine,” revealing it’s a video for “War Machine,” his take on one of two songs he co-wrote in the ’80s with Jim Vallance and Gene Simmons for KISS.
The black-and-white tease shows Adams walking through a field holding a white flag with a peace sign, then cuts to scenes of a war-torn city. It ends with the words “War Machine” on the screen, followed by “Launching Soon 23.08.2024.”
Earlier in August, Adams dropped his version of the other song he co-wrote for KISS, “Rock and Roll Hell.” Both tracks appeared on KISS’ 1982 album, Creatures of the Night.
Adams’ versions will be released as a limited-edition double A-side 7-inch single on Aug. 30 and are available for preorder now at bryanadams.com.
Paul Stanley at Rock & Brews Casino Braman
You wanted the best, you got the best! KISS legend and Rock & Brews co-founder Paul Stanley will be joining us for the Grand Opening of the NEW Rock & Rollers Slot Room Rock and Brews Casino Braman, Oklahoma on September 8.
Earth, Kiss, and Fire – “I Was Made for Boogie Wonderland”
KISS’ GENE SIMMONS Performs “Deuce”, MOTÖRHEAD’s “Ace Of Spades” In North Tonawanda; Fan-Filmed Video Available
KISS legend Gene Simmons and band performed a fundraising concert at the West Herr Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda, NY on August 19.
Check out fan-filmed video below of KISS classic “Deuce” and a cover of the iconic Motörhead song “Ace Of Spades”:
Setlist:
“Deuce”
“War Machine”
“Are You Ready”
“I Love It Loud”
“Ace Of Spades”
“House Of Pain”
“Shout It Out Loud”
“Parasite”
“Cold Gin”
“Calling Dr. Love”
“Rock And Roll All Nite”
In a special ceremony held in front of City Hall on Sunday, August 18, Mayor Restaino of Niagara Falls and Mayor Austin Tylec of North Tonawanda presented Simmons with a “Key To The City” for both municipalities.
Additionally, Mayor Restaino announced that a downtown street in Niagara Falls will be named “Gene Simmons Boulevard” to acknowledge Simmons’ significant investment in the local business community.
Ace Frehley Says Kiss Fell Apart ‘Once We Became Rich’ Read More: Ace Frehley Says Kiss Fell Apart ‘Once We Became Rich’
Ace Frehley believes the original Kiss lineup was a victim of its own success.
As the band’s first guitarist, Frehley’s initial tenure lasted from 1973 to 1982. That run included Kiss’ rise to international fame and featured many of their most commercially successful releases. Still, Frehley’s exit in 1982 was the result of growing tensions within the band, both due to creative differences and personality clashes.
During an appearance on the Guitar Tales podcast, the guitarist reflected upon his history with the band.
We created something that will endure way after we’re all dead and buried,” Frehley declared. “I try to let the negative stuff go and focus on the positive memories. We had a lot of fun. We used to really be very closely knit. And we’d have weekly band meetings and get the stuff off our chest that was bothering us.”
The guitarist then noted that things changed when the band tasted success.
“Once we became rich, we all became millionaires, everybody started going their own way,” he confessed. “Everybody had their own limo. Everybody had their own bodyguard. So, you know, nothing can last forever.”
Ace Frehley Says Getting Rich Was the ‘Beginning of the End’
In a separate part of the interview, Frehley reflected upon Kiss’ early years, when the band’s members had to hold down day jobs to help pay the bills.
“Paul [Stanley] worked in a sandwich shop. I delivered liquor. I was a postman for six months. We did all sorts of jobs before we started making the big bucks,” Frehley noted. “In the early days, me and Gene [Simmons] used to room together in a Holiday Inn. And then after ‘Alive’ hit we each had our own suites. That’s when the band started, you know, everybody was going in their own direction. And it was kind of the beginning of the end.”
Frehley did return to Kiss for a second tenure, lasting from 1996 to 2002. Despite fan speculation that he may make a guest appearance, the guitarist didn’t take part in any of the band’s concerts during their 2023 farewell tour.
Which KISS Album Divides Fandom the Most?
Episode 586. We want you to play along with us this week… KISS Albums Either You Love It or Hate It, Greatest Album of All Time, Overlooked Masterpiece, Mental Breakdown, Which Divides Fandom. Let’s hear from you!
How Kiss Launched Their Final Chapter With ‘Modern Day Delilah’
On Aug. 19, 2009, Paul Stanley proved he was done playing games with “Modern Day Delilah,” the first new Kiss song in 11 years.
The band’s founding frontman only agreed to end the decade-plus studio hiatus that followed the release of 1998’s in-name-only original lineup “reunion” album Pyscho Circus after setting some important ground rules: no more disco, concept album or grunge trend-chasing, no ballads and no outside songwriters or producers.
“I was through second-guessing or being second-guessed,” Stanley declared in his 2014 biography Face the Music: A Life Exposed. “At least if we did something I loved, there would be one big fan regardless of what happened.”
The resulting album, 2009’s Sonic Boom, was the first to feature Kiss’ final lineup, which would eventually go on to become its longest-lasting lineup: Stanley, co-founding bassist Gene Simmons, drummer Eric Singer, who joined for the third and final time in 2004, and lead guitarist Tommy Thayer, who had been performing with the group since 2002.
The band’s never been better,” Stanley declared to Noisecreep in 2009. “It really seems like a time where we could actually – if we put our minds to it – put something together that would be definitive and that we could be proud of.”
They hit that mark squarely with the lead single, “Modern Day Delilah,” an infectious stadium-rattler with an oversized Led Zeppelin-styled riff and a scorching hot solo from Thayer. After showing Godzilla-sized versions of the band stomping around New York City a la the Rolling Stones‘ “Love is Strong,” the song’s video packed all of the explosions and stunts of Kiss’ two-hour stage show into four frenzied minutes. The single just missed the Top 10 of Billboard’s rock airplay chart, peaking at No. 11, but that success helped propel Sonic Boom to the No. 2 spot on the Billboard albums chart, a career high for Kiss.
Kiss’ return to the studio was rather short-lived. Although they kept touring until 2023, three years after Sonic Boom, they released their final album, 2012’s Monster. “[It] just became a bit frustrating, in terms of working hard to do a great album and having it kind of glossed over because somebody, understandably, wants to hear ‘Love Gun,'” Stanley told UCR in 2024. “I get it. But judging some of the newer material on its own merits, it was and is as good. The great stuff from the last two albums, I’d say, is as good as anything we’d done. At that point, it just became clear that if it’s not fun, it’s not worth doing.”
‘Kiss’ band member receives ‘Key to the City’ of Niagara Falls, boulevard named in his honor
Gene Simmons was recognized by city and other local and state officials in Niagara Falls for his contributions to the local business community.
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer, and co-founder of the iconic hard rock band “Kiss” was awarded a “Key to the City” of Niagara Falls, along with a downstreet named in his honor.
Gene Simmons, co-lead singer and bassist of “Kiss”, was recognized by Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino and other local and state officials Sunday for his contributions to the local business community through his partnership with Rock Steady Sodas.
“The business community in Upstate New York is alive and thriving, and I am honored to be a part of it,” said Simmons.
“This is the ideal picture of a homegrown family business exemplifying strong values and commitment to quality. The people and their work ethic make Niagara Falls a wonderful place to do business.”
Rock Steady Sodas is a family-owned soda manufacturing company based in Niagara Falls, with operations dating back as early as 1935.
In 2017, Simmons and Rock Steady Sodas launched MoneyBag Sodas, a premium soda line made with pure cane sugar that comes in six different flavors, including cola, diet cola, root beer, ginger ale, cream soda, and blood orange.
The products are sold regionally at Tops Markets, Wegmans, and select Walmart stores, but also at the national level with plans to continue expansion throughout the U.S.
“Gene’s depth of business knowledge and consumer branding expertise has been an invaluable asset to our company,” said John Janik,” Vice President of Rock Steady Sodas.
“We couldn’t be happier to celebrate Gene’s return to the area and look forward to keeping this momentum going here in the heart of the Falls. Gene’s public display of admiration for Niagara Falls truly demonstrates the unlimited potential of the city as a destination not just for tourists, but aspiring business owners and investors alike.”
MoneyBag Sodas recently surpassed the milestone of one million bottles sold since its creation approximately eight years ago.
As one of the first retailers to offer the soda line, Tops Friendly Markets was recognized for selling the one-millionth bottle produced by the business.
“As a company that was also founded in Niagara Falls over 60 years ago, Tops Friendly Markets is pleased to play a role in the tremendous success of MoneyBag Sodas,” said John Persons, CEO of Northeast Grocery, Inc., parent company of Tops.