KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park is a 1978 TV film about a rock band made up of superheroes who battle an evil inventor with plans for destruction at a California amusement park.

The movie was directed by Gordon Hessler (The Oblong Box, Cry of the Banshee, Scream and Scream Again) from a screenplay by Jan Michael Sherman and Don Buday. Also known as KISS in the Attack of the Phantoms

The film was aired by NBC at the height of the band’s popularity in the United States. However, poor acting and a semi-comedic script caused it to be regarded poorly even by most KISS fans. Despite or perhaps because of this, it has attained a degree of kitschy cult status. The film is hated by the band members themselves for the buffoonish way it made them appear. For years after its airing, no one who worked for the group was permitted to mention the film in their presence.

Filming for KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park began in May 1978, and it was produced by Hanna-Barbera (better known as the animation studio behind Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?, Most of the movie was filmed at Magic Mountain in California, with additional filming taking place in the Hollywood Hills. Much of the production was rushed, and the script underwent numerous rewrites. All four members of KISS were given crash courses on acting.

Before completing the script, screenwriters Jan Michael Sherman and Don Buday spent time with each KISS member, to get a feel for how they each acted and spoke. Ace Frehley, known for his eccentric behaviour, said little to the pair but “Ack!” As a result, Frehley was not originally given any lines, except to interject “Ack!” at various points. In the first draft of the script, Frehley was described as “monosyllabic and super-friendly. Communicating largely through gestures and sounds, Ace might be best described as an other-galactic Harpo Marx. Upon learning of his lack of dialogue, Frehley threatened to leave the project — soon after, lines were written for him.

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Peacock’s new Satanic Panic series Hysteria! tells the story of a small town gripped by fears that Satanists are running amuck doing evil deeds all seemingly stemming from a few kids’ love of heavy metal music. Speaking at last weekend’s 2024 New York Comic Con, the co-creator and executive producer of the show explained how important the soundtrack is and revealed the one song they couldn’t use.

Hysteria! is currently streaming all eight episodes on Peacock, and anyone who has seen the first episode will know just how important metal is, not just to the characters, but to taking viewers back to the 1980s when bands like Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath captured the imagination of teens and scared the hell out of adults. Despite the show skewering the time period’s Satanic Panic and the irrational fear that gripped several communities throughout the world, co-creator, showrunner and executive producer Matthew Scott Kane said one very unexpected band was really not on board with the message and refused to license any of its music upon request for the pilot.

“You saw the scene earlier, Dylan and Judith are at their locker and they’re having a sweet exchange,” he told the crowd at NYCC after a screening of the pilot. “We thought it’d be great to play KISS’s ‘Beth’ over that scene, but apparently the Knights in Satan’s Service have a very strict policy about who they’re loaning their songs to and they found our Satanic comedy to be a little too immoral for their tastes.”

He added: “So we do not have any KISS songs in this series, but we do have a couple of good KISS jokes in this series.”

Fortunately, despite not having any KISS songs in the show, Hysteria! still finds its sound through the music as well as a cover here and there by the functional band, Dethkrunch. While KISS’s “Beth” was rejected, Kane noted that he’s pleased with the impact the music they were able to get has on the show, and promises some pretty sweet tunes for those who catch all eight episodes.

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On Sale!

Signed by Ace Frehley in January 2022 at a private signing in Jersey City, NJ.  Signed in black Sharpie pen.  Includes our Certificate of Authenticity. See photos of Ace signing this actual guitar.

L@@K!! ACE FREHLEY SIGNATURE EPIPHONE HC BURST LES PAUL W/ HARD CASE NICE SHAPE!. 1997

This is a 1997 Epiphone Les Paul Ace Frehley signature model. This guitar comes with an Epiphone branded hard case. It is an overall excellent condition with a few scratches on the back and very minor dings otherwise. The biggest ding is on the back along the binding which actually chipped off a small piece of the finish. That is shown in the pictures. Other than that, this guitar is has obviously been cared for. There is very little playing wear and the guitar comes with a fresh set up ready to rock and roll all night and party everyday, as they say

This model is long discontinued and is a sought-after piece in the market. They rarely come up for sale in this nice condition, so scoop it up while you can.

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Last one!

The KISS costumes had a long evolution and this band’s signature look comes to a peak with their Rock the Nation tour in 2004. This officially licensed Gene Simmons Costume is an excellent collector piece and represents their look on the 2004 tour. Gene Simmons, also known as “The Demon” transforms into a dark cynical character during his performances and you can get his look with our costume. This costume is made of quality material and has very elaborate detail. The base of this outfit starts with the bodysuit. The stretch material of this bodysuit is comprised of 83% nylon and 17% spandex and has pleather and large metal silver stud detail. Step into this stretch bodysuit that has a deep v cut in the chest, black elastic stirrups attached to the ankles fit around your feet, and there is a conveniently located zipper for when nature calls. The sides of the legs have a large triangular openings trimmed with black leather and large silver studs that is also repeated in the inner thighs. The elaborate vest has attached wings and fits over your head while you slip your arms through the comfortable elastic on the underside of the wings. The top of the arms and the shoulders are lined with silver realistic spikes made of soft shiny fabric topping off the bat shaped wings with inner and outer stud detail. The front cod piece with stud detail is attached to the vest with plastic fasteners and to the back cod piece with Velcro and silver rings. This cod piece is adjustable in the length and width. This great outfit also includes the choker with silver square faceted studs. and the black stretch fingerless gloves with shiny silver fabric spikes at the top of the knuckles. Six additional silver metal studs are also included. Check out our KISS accessories such as the Rock the Nation Boots and the Gene Simmons Demon KISS Makeup to complete your rock star makeover. If you are a true KISS fan you will be satisfied with this quality costume.

Includes:  Vest with attached wings  Bodysuit  Studded choker  Gloves with spikes  Studded front and back cod pieces

Order now at kissarmywarehouse.com!

NEWS ALERT – Launch of KISS Hotter Than Hell Ultra Premium Rum 50th Anniversary Edition

KISS Rum Kollection and Drink It Up by KISS release the final product of the rum portfolio with the last of the exclusive barrel aged blend.

Celebrating 50 years of rock legacy, the 2024 anniversary of the 1974 fan revered album ‘Hotter Than Hell’ marks a significant moment in KISStory, highly anticipated by KISS fans worldwide.

The unique new blend of 14 year old rums hold a high sophistication courtesy of aging in ex-bourbon and Batavia arrack leggers from Guyana and Jamaica. Bold, brilliant and befitting of the anniversary celebration.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Sophisticated notes of butterscotch, dates and dark chocolate

Palate: Smooth yet complex, leading with distinct tones of arrack and crème caramel. Clear oak character follows, rounded off with hints of almond, vanilla and fudge

Finish: Full bodied and well-balanced, highlighting the character developed through extended aging

Serving recommendation: Enjoy it neat to allow the full representation of flavours and character to shine centre stage.

Pre-order is available exclusively from 22nd October at brandsforfans.com for Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and United Kingdom.

Click here to order!

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the U.S. (except for skin cancers), accounting for one-third of all new female cancers each year. In 2024, the ACS estimates that about 42,250 women will die from breast cancer.

To support the ACS’s efforts to save more lives from breast cancer, prominent community member Neil McCurry is putting together a major fundraising event in December: KISS Cancer Goodbye III is a three-day KISS-themed music festival and fan fest that will feature numerous world-class rock musicians, including former KISS guitarist (1984-1996) Bruce Kulick, who will appear and play all three days.

The event takes place December 6-8, 2024 on the Harvest House campus (3650 17th St., Sarasota). Times and programming vary each day; visit kisscg.com for detailed information.

Some of the musical highlights will include: the performance of select songs from KISS albums “Dynasty” and “Unmasked,” featuring legendary drummer Anton Fig; The Handsome Devils performing the “Creatures of the Night” album in its entirety; a salute to the four original KISS members’ solo albums, performed by various guest artists; the performance of the “Hotter Than Hell” album on its 50th anniversary; Chris Jericho’s band Kuarantine, featuring special guest Kulick; the performance of the “KISS Alive II” album by the all-star band and special guests; the music of Frehley’s Comet, presented by legendary guitarist/keyboard player – and former Frehley’s Comet member – Tod Howarth; and much, much more.

There will also be a Fan Expo, open all three days, that will include some of the biggest names in KISS memorabilia – including KISS Army Warehouse, KISS Replicas, KISS Army Spain and more – as well as opportunities to meet and get autographs from and pictures with many of the visiting musical artists, including Kulick.

The weekend will be interlaced with charitable raffles and other philanthropic activities. In order to maximize fundraising, the event will include both in-person viewing and livestreaming during portions of the event.

McCurry is hoping to have more of an impact this year than just raising money, though.

“This year, we are also 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.

When McCurry – former President & CEO of Sabal Palm Bank (now Seacoast Bank) and current Market Executive for Seacoast – was asked to be a part of the American Cancer Society (ACS) fundraiser “Men Wear Pink” a few years ago, he noticed that the most successful participants seemed to be the ones who created events that matched their interests. That observation led McCurry to an obvious plan of action: to parlay his passion for rock ‘n’ roll – particularly for the legendary rock band KISS – into a means of raising money for the ACS.

While it may seem like a non-traditional hobby for a bank executive, McCurry – who goes by Neil Davis for his musical pursuits – plays bass in KISS tribute band, KISS America. As “Gene Simmons,” McCurry goes all out: full costume and makeup, spitting (not real) blood, and working the stage in Simmons-style platform boots. He has organized numerous music events and gotten to know many rock stars over the years, including the original and replacement members of KISS.

Coordinated under the organizational moniker “Creatures Fest,” McCurry’s KISS Cancer Goodbye I and II events raised over $100,000 to support the American Cancer Society in its battle to cure breast cancer. In 2023, McCurry was the top local Men Wear Pink fundraiser – and the seventh highest fundraiser in the U.S. – bringing in over $63,000 for the cause.

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Just wow! Very hard to find item, shows up about once a decade. This was the wooden case that JC Penny put some KISS stickers on and made it a cassette case back in 1979. Take a look at the photos and see the awesome condition this one is in. You have to be the real deal collector to have this one.

Only 1 Available!  Check it out!

During a recent interview on VRP Rocks, Bruce Kulick said he is ‘disappointed but not surprised’ that Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley left him out of the KISS farewell.

“I was disappointed that I wasn’t involved but I didn’t expect to be involved,” the guitarist revealed. “I never got the vibe. I didn’t know about the avatars, okay? That was a very last minute where I only heard a little peep about something unusual happening on the last night.”

Kulick added, “And then there it was, the beginning of ‘God Gave Rock and Roll’ with my guitar blasting through the Madison Square Garden and that’s the future. So I know they missed an opportunity not celebrating in a bigger way, the KISS history, all the years.”

“I really wish they would have mentioned all the other players, all the other very important influential people in their career but it was their show, their choice. Not mine,” the rocker reflected on Gene and Paul’s decision.

He continued, “I know the fans were as well. I got so much feedback that they didn’t understand that but it was truly the last show and they are concentrating in a very big way in this next era of KISS which would be this avatar.”

“And that with technology and what’s could be being created and coming in three years from now or whatever, who knows how incredible that could be,” Bruce said of the avatars.

This isn’t the first time Kulick talked about being invited to the farewell show. “I’ve made peace with not being included in KISS’ ‘End of the Road.’ That said, no, they never called me,” he told Guitar World.

He also noted, “I’ve always missed being in KISS, but if being in KISS meant being the Spaceman like Tommy, I wouldn’t want to do it. And if being a part of the final shows meant I had to ask to be there, I’d rather stay home. I guess that’s why Ace respects me and has always been kind to me.”

“I’m not disappointed they didn’t ask me to be in KISS again. To be in KISS again, I would have had to be the Spaceman, right? If I had done that, I would have negated my entire non-makeup era,” Kulick further shared.

Even though he left the band in 1996, Kulick performed with his KISS bandmates for a few shows over the years.

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Spooky Empire has been postponed to November 1-3, 2024 due to Hurricane Milton! Your tickets will transfer to the new date.

Order tickets here!

Genesis Publications has announced “Rock Visions: Rock ‘N’ Roll Graphics From The Print Age”, a stunning collection of memorabilia from 12 of the most legendary bands and artists of our times. Published in a highly collectable limited edition of only 500 numbered sets, each copy is individually signed by Sir Elton John and curator Rob Roth, with Artluxe copies also including a fine art print signed by Alice Cooper.

“Rock Visions” chronicles the art of 12 titans of rock: Alice Cooper, BAD COMPANY, David Bowie, Elton John, JOURNEY, KISS, LED ZEPPELIN, PINK FLOYD, QUEEN, THE ROLLING STONES, STEVE MILLER BAND and THE WHO. From original tour programs to backstage passes, concert tickets, t-shirts, posters, and record sleeves, “Rock Visions” documents the graphic legacy imprinted on modern culture by the biggest names in rock — an astounding showcase of over 1,700 rare, vintage treasures.

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If you want to know who played which instruments on a Kiss album, the liner notes will probably not tell you the complete story.

“A lot of the Kiss records, they way things are done is that sometimes the instruments that you think are members of the band are not members of the band at all, or the member of the band you think is playing the instrument,” Gene Simmons explains in the band’s 2005 book Kiss: Behind the Mask.

Below you will find a list of 17 musicians who secretly performed on one or more of the band’s studio albums, including four members who would later wind up officially joining Kiss.

Of course, to maintain the band’s mysterious image, none of these guest musicians were listed on the original credits for the albums on which they performed. “They wanted to make it seem like the group is playing everything,” Lou Reed and Alice Cooper guitarist Dick Wagner (who played on two Kiss albums) explained in Behind the Mask. “So at that particular point in their career they didn’t really want to give credits. I’m sure today they’d feel differently. There’s always a feeling of ‘It would be nice if they gave me credit.’ But to say that it made me crazy, no. I had a lot of fun with them. They’re great guys, it was fun to hang out with them.”

Dick Wagner
Destroyer (1976), Revenge (1992)

Dick Wagner, who had worked with Bob Ezrin on classic albums by Lou Reed and Alice Cooper, was recruited by the producer for some secret contributions on Kiss’ 1976 album Destroyer. He can be heard on “Beth,” “Flaming Youth,” “Great Expectations” and to Ace Frehley‘s extreme displeasure, performing the solo on “Sweet Pain.” “I had done a solo on ‘Sweet Pain’ and it was okay,” Frehley recalled in Behind the Mask. “I said, ‘Maybe I’ll come in tomorrow and take another shot at it.’ Instead… When I first played the record back, I go, ‘That’s not my fucking solo! What the fuck is this shit?’ I called Gene and tore him a new asshole. He gave me some bullshit saying, ‘We tried to call you but we couldn’t find you.’ one of many bullshit stories, lies, lies, lies.” (Frehley’s solo was restored for 2012’s Destroyer: Resurrected reissue.) When Erzin teamed up with Kiss for a third time on 1992’s Revenge, he called in Wagner once again for the solo on the ballad “Every Time I Look at You.”

Jimmy Maelen
Love Gun (1977)

Jimmy Maelen was a highly popular studio musician, playing percussion for everybody from Roxy Music, Peter Gabriel, Dire Straits, Madonna, Duran Duran and David Bowie. His conga playing added an exotic dimension to “Almost Human” from 1977’s Love Gun.

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