“I glared at him and stuck out my tongue, lowered my head so we were face-to-face with each other and said, ‘Aaahhhh!’”: Gene Simmons recalls the rivalry between Kiss and Black Sabbath in the ’70s

Kiss star Gene Simmons says it very simply: “I’ve always loved and admired Black Sabbath. And can proudly say the early days of touring together will be a lifelong memory.”

But as he admits, there was a fierce rivalry between Sabbath and Kiss during their brief time together on a US tour in 1974.

Gene recalls: “The Sabbath of 1974 had all the adrenaline of a new band in a strange land doing what they believe in. There was no question Sabbath was going to do things their own way. Love them or hate them, this would be a band that would mark its own territory like an animal.

“Kiss was touring on its first album. We got an opening slot, thankfully, on the Sabbath tour… but only for three or four shows.

It was at the Boston Theater in 1974, if memory serves me correctly…

“I was backstage fully made-up and ready to go out on stage with the band. Standing next to me was the great Geezer Butler. All five feet six inches of him! In my platform heels, I stood at about six feet nine inches tall.

“It’s in my DNA – once the war paint was on, I became The Demon. And Geezer didn’t quite know what to make of me.

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The Stylistics announce new album featuring Shania Twain, Gene Simmons, Ronnie Wood, and more

The Stylistics have released a new single, ‘Yes, I Will’, featuring Shania Twain ahead of their upcoming album, Falling In Love With My Girl.

Legendary Philadelphia R&B group The Stylistics have released a Valentine’s Day single with the iconic Shania Twain.

Yes, I Will’ was written by Twain, and is the lead single from The Stylistics’ first album in nearly twenty years – Falling In Love With My Girl. The album is set to release on February 21.

“I’m not known for making soul records but soul has always been a big influence for me musically,” said Twain. “I’m so in awe of The Stylistics for their natural talent and effortless delivery.”

“I fell in love with Shania Twain the first time I heard ‘You’re Still the One’ – a great song that I still love,” said Airrion Love, one of three Stylistics members. “When we heard there might be a chance to do something with her we said “Hell yeah!””

Falling In Love With My Girl is set to feature a range of high-profile musicians, including Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones, Bill Champlin of Chicago, Gene Simmons of Kiss, Billy F Gibbons of ZZ Top, Justin Hawkins of The Darkness, The Real Thing, and Tower of Power

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KISS lead singer debunks disturbing rumor about meaning behind band’s name

KISS is a legendary rock band whose black-and-white painted face and their dramatic gothic-punk aesthetic are recognizable anywhere around the world.

Most can name at least one KISS song, or at minimal describe what they look like as their band image has remained the same since the 1970s. However, many don’t know what the band’s name means, and even if they think they do, they’re probably wrong. For years, there was a longstanding rumor that the band’s name was an acronym for the Knights in Satan’s Service. KISS’ live performances over the years, which included fire-breathing pyrotechnics, smoking guitars, blood-spitting, rockets, and levitating drums could’ve contributed to the idea that the band embraced dark forces.

But KISS’ co-lead vocalist Paul Stanley revealed on the Howard Stern Show that the belief was untrue, shutting down the rumor once and for all.

In actuality, the band’s name originated from another band’s name. The name KISS came to Paul when he and his bandmates, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss were driving around New York. During their car ride, Peter had mentioned he’d been in a band called Lips.

According to the American Songwriter website, Paul suggested something like, “What about Kiss?” Shortly after that, fellow group member Ace Frehley designed the iconic logo, making the ending “SS” appear like lightning bolts.

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“Bizarre”: Ace Frehley’s strange backstage encounter with The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Music is just one part of the experience—it always has been and always will be. A band’s sound is crucial, but so is the way they present themselves. Take Kiss, for example. When you listen to them, you hear heavy, electrifying, guitar-driven rock. But when you see them, it’s a whole different story—they look almost possessed, covered in makeup, surrounded by flames, and commanding every inch of the stage.

When Gene Simmons discussed the decision to wear makeup as they did, he said The Beatles initially inspired them because of their look and sound. He liked the idea that no matter what music they made or where in the world they went, there would be no doubt that Kiss was a musical collective, borderline joined at the hip.

We also took pride in having the same freedom The Beatles had,” said Gene Simmons. “ Their philosophy was, ‘No matter what kind of music we do, it’s still The Beatles’. That’s what was amazing about them… The Beatles were not trapped in that way. They could do music hall, psychedelia – anything – and they did. Yet somehow, it always sounded like The Beatles.”

While Simmons might be adamant that The Beatles were one of the biggest influences on Kiss, Ace Frehley would probably disagree. Like so many guitarists at the time, Frehley found himself in awe at Jimi Hendrix the first time he heard his music, blown away by his guitar-playing ability and the poetic nature of his lyrics. The first album that he listened to by Jimi Hendrix was Are You Experienced?, which completely took over his life.

“I was about 16 when I first heard it. I remember walking around with it all the time. I brought it to school with me and showed it to everyone,” he recalled. “I brought it to band rehearsals. I lived with that album until someone ripped it off at a party. Of course, I went right out and bought another one. My guitar style was modelled after a lot of musicians, and Hendrix was definitely one of them.”

Of course, Frehley was drawn to more than just Hendrix’s sound; it was his whole performance. Jimi Hendrix wasn’t just renowned for playing the guitar, but he was well respected as one of the most flamboyant and entertaining performers out there. He would play the guitar behind the back of his head with his teeth and set it on fire. A lot of the pyrotechnics and stage presence that Frehley went on to champion in his career can be directly linked to Hendrix. As a fan, it wasn’t long before Frehley went to see Hendrix live, but he became more integral to the gig than he originally thought.

“I got a chance to meet him when I was 18. I snuck backstage at his last New York appearance at Randall’s Island, and they ended up putting me to work with the road crew,” he remembered. “Back then, they didn’t have laminates or heads of security, and if you looked like you belonged with the band, they let you go backstage. I had hair down to my waist, lemon-yellow hot pants and a black T-shirt with a snakeskin star on it, so they let me in.”

He concluded, “But after a while, they were like, ‘Who is this fuckin’ guy?’ But before they kicked me out, they said, ‘Can you do anything?’ And they put me to work setting up Mitch Mitchell’s drums and working on the stage when Jimi was playing. It was bizarre.”

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Shout it out loud! Stark County man lives dream as drummer for Kiss tribute band Mr. Speed

LEXINGTON TWP. − Rich Hattery morphs into a rock ‘n’ roll superhero when he dresses up in a costume and makeup as the drummer for a Kiss tribute band, Mr. Speed.

It’s a dream come true, the culminating prize for a Stark County man who has been a Kiss fan since he was an 8-year-old boy mesmerized by the “Alive II” album and its colorful imagery of fire, blood and flash.

Taking the stage, bashing snare drums and striking cymbals atop a riser, Hattery gazes out into the crowd of Kiss devotees. Many of them wear makeup and Kiss T-shirts. Most of them sing along and pump or raise their fists, reveling in the euphoria of their favorite Kiss anthems.

“We’re all connected,” Hattery said. “If you’re coming to a Mr. Speed show, you’re a big Kiss fan. They know the words, they know the music. They’re singing along and we’re having a great time.”

The Canton South High School graduate will experience that thrill again Feb. 22 when he performs with Mr. Speed at Goodyear Theater in Akron. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.goodyeartheater.com/.

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Ace Frehley interrupted the band when he auditioned for Kiss – and Gene Simmons was ready to throw fists

It would be fair to assume that, if a guitarist is successful in their audition to join a band, things must have gone rather well – but although Ace Frehley ultimately passed his try-out for Kiss in 1973, his relationship with Gene Simmons got off to a rather rocky start.

The blood-gargling bass player recently relayed the tale of Frehley’s fiery audition during an appearance on Billy Corgan’s new YouTube series, The Magnificent Others.

Naturally, throughout the chat, much ground is covered. But it’s Simmons’ words on Frehley’s playing – and what it meant for the success of the band – that especially stands out, along with the story of an audition that almost became a physical altercation.

“He immediately tore open the doors of what could be, and what should be,” Simmons says of Frehley’s impact on the band. “We were in a rat-infested loft with egg crates on the wall that still had cracked eggs inside. At night, huge dinosaur cockroaches came out, but we didn’t care. We were doing this thing and we auditioned players.”

Simmons, Paul Stanley, and drummer Peter Criss had already formed an allegiance by this point. A second guitarist was to be the last piece of their face-paint-wearing puzzle.

“This guy comes in, plugs in, and starts playing, while we’re talking to another guy,” Simmons exclaims. “I walked up to him and said, ‘Buddy, you better sit down before I knock you out! What are you doing?’ He was oblivious that there was another meeting going on, and that he would have to sit there and wait for his turn.”

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Canadiens to host KISS-themed game on March 3

MONTREAL – The Canadiens announced on Wednesday a special “KISS Night” for their upcoming game against the Buffalo Sabres on Monday, March 3. The evening will feature a host of initiatives to celebrate one of the most popular rock bands of all time. And while KISS formally retired from touring in December 2023, their music and legacy looms large with more than 100 million albums sold and an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Marking a first-of-its-kind event for the team, this will be only the second time KISS has formally collaborated with an NHL franchise after partnering with the New York Rangers during their farewell tour. KISS Night will launch several special limited-edition, officially-licensed KISS x Canadiens merchandise pieces including a T-Shirt, hoodie, and commemorative puck. The design work was commissioned to local artist Jonathan Bergeron, AKA Johnny Crap, who has previously produced art for bands including Guns N’ Roses, Slayer and Anthrax.

Both intermissions will feature live, in-arena performances from Quebec-based tribute band KISSED, who have toured throughout the northeast since 2008. Special concessions will be offered throughout the arena for the occasion, including a “Rock and Roll All Nite” cocktail and a “Hotter than Hell” chicken wing pop-up stand with locally-produced hot sauces by La Pimenterie. For the 50th anniversary of the release of the Dressed to Kill album, fans will be invited to come “dressed to kill” in full KISS regalia, with official prize packages provided by the band awarded to the best outfits. A makeup station will be set up on the main concourse level to provide free KISS-inspired face paint for those who are interested.

Given that the game falls on a Monday, fan-favorite retired mascot METAL! will also be on hand and ready to rock everyone in his presence. METAL!, like KISS, retired in 2023 (before returning and retiring again in 2024) and will once again have his special guest DFA Tattoos offering free, authentic tattoos in-arena throughout the game, adding the KISS logo to their repertoire of offered designs for the evening.

Over the course of a legendary career that spanned six decades, KISS performed in Montreal a total of 16 times. Their first performance was on April 21, 1976 at the Forum and their last was on November 18, 2023 at the Bell Centre – a sold-out show in the final weeks of the “End of the Road” world tour. On March 3, fans will once more have the chance to celebrate one of the most iconic bands and rock catalogs in history – for more information on ticket packages, click here.

Rock and Roll Over Neon Clock at KISSArmyWarehouse.com!

You will have plenty of time to rock and roll all night long and party everyday with this new NEON clock! Great for bar, bed or dorm room wall. Also free standing for desk or table tops. Perfect for any fan of this legendary glam rock act. 12″ Diameter (AA battery not included. DC transformer include for neon light). Brand new still sealed.

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Former KISS, QUIET RIOT, SLASH Members To Participate in Las Vegas Charity Miniature Golf Tournament

The Musical Beginning Foundation (501c3) is a newly created organization for which Grammy Award-winning musician Micki Free and fashion designer Heather Roberts are the Founders/Directors. The foundation aims to provide musical instruments to children in underserved communities, helping them develop skills that foster creativity, social connection, and emotional well-being.

Free and Roberts have announced the foundation’s first celebrity fundraising event, “The Shirts Against The Blouses”® Mini Golf Tournament, at KISS World Mini Golf inside the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. It’s set for February 25, from 4-9 PM.

Artists who’ve already confirmed include guitarist Bruce Kulick (KISS), guitarist Alex Grossi (Quiet Riot), and Todd Kerns, the bassist/backing vocalist for Slash’s band, with many more to be added. The event is sponsored by KISS World Mini Golf, Food & Beverage Magazine, Need Merch, Mysterium Music, The Palms Casino Resort, Guitar Center, and San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. A small number of general admission viewing tickets are available. The event will also include an auction with autographed items, concert tickets, and more.

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Gene Simmons Declined The Green Goblin Role In Spider-Man Broadway Show

Gene Simmons could play Green Goblin in the ‘Spider-Man’ Broadway show but he declined.

“Yes. It’s true. I was offered the role of the Green Goblin in the Broadway Spider-Man show,” the KISS bassist wrote on X, reposting Hollywood Horror Museum’s tweet about the musical. “I politely declined.”

 

Simmons also shared on Twitter back in 2013 that he was offered the Green Goblin role in ‘Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.’ The role was first played by Patrick Page and performed by Robert Cuccioli at the time.

Simmons didn’t say if he would take the offer but thanked the show’s producer, Michael Cohl. He wrote, “Thank you, [producer] Michael Cohl for offering me the role of the Green Goblin on the Broadway production of ‪Spider-Man.”

Simmons is a fan of science fiction and comics and has published several science-fiction fanzines. KISS has been in comic books almost as long as they’ve made music, starting with Marvel’s ‘Howard the Duck’ in 1977.

They’ve been in comics from Image, Dark Horse, IDW, and Archie. A new series called ‘KISS’ came in 2016. Simmons said at the time, “KISS has never been just a band. I fly through the air at eight feet per second. Yes, I spit fire. And yes, I wear bat wings and dragon boots. Don’t be jealous.”

“When you think about it, superheroes are really modern-day versions of the great Greek gods of mythology: Mercury had wings and could fly. Vulcan was the god of fire,” the musician added.

“Clearly everybody wants to be a superhero, but people don’t really understand the Greek mythological nature, the depth that superheroes conceptually are,” he also previously said of his love for comics. “Even though they’re fictional and sci-fi and all that stuff, there’s a great humanism that runs rampant throughout it.”

KISS stories have been published by Marvel, Image, Dark Horse, Platinum Studios, Archie, and IDW. Unlicensed stories were also published by Revolutionary Comics and others.

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