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KISS News Today

Updated May 15, 2008
All news should be considered an unconfirmed report unless verified, and all information published at KISS Asylum is attributed to the source from which it was received so that readers may judge the validity of the statements for themselves. All information is confirmed where possible, and all publication is governed by common sense.

Have KISS news to report? Email us at news@kissasylum.com.

From: KISSOnline
Posted: May 15, 2008

Here ths latest issue of the German Guitar Magazine featuring Tommy on the cover!!

From: Fury Magazine
Posted: May 15, 2008

FURY! attended the KISS concert in the Arena di Verona in Italy and this was probably the most beautiful place they performed in their entire career. Being an ancient roman coloseum the Arena is still in use, mostly for opera performances. For this performance though the place was packed with 20000 crazy KISS fans.

KISS put on a marvelous show and rocked from beginning to end. And the crowd … well they were already excited on the square in front of the arena when the gates weren’t even open yet. They yelled and chanted KISS songs all the time creating a beautiful atmosphere. Inside the arena, right before the show, the crowd started a ‘wave’ like they were at a football game and during the show at some points the crowd was even louder than the band, standing, clapping and cheering the entire concert. You could tell from their faces KISS themselves loved the sight of it too.

The stagefloor was the floor which is normally being used for opera performances. This gave the band the opportunity to use the sides of the stage too, which they did very often. At one point PAUL STANLEY even sat down on the ancient stands of stone, right in front of the audience there. Due to this stagefloor they couldn’t use the elevators they normally use at the end of Rock And Roll All Nite. And there were some more difficulties which kept them from putting on an entire show with all the effects they normally use. Word got out the trucks with the stage attributes were being held at the border thus arriving at around 2 o’ clock. This may have been the cause of them just walking to the stage instead of coming up from the ceiling on a lightning rig. Also the center stage was missing so Paul didn’t fly during Love Gun. But this didn’t seem to bother the crowd at all. And it shouldn’t. This performance was memorable in many ways!

Click here to see more beautiful shots of KISS in Verona.

From: Blabbermouth.net
Posted: May 15, 2008

P3tv on NRK, Norwegain Broadcasting Corporation, has posted a three-minute interview with KISS conducted on May 8 in Oberhausen, Germany — one day before the opening show of the band's European tour, which kicked off in the same city.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid376819422?bctid=1544597813

From: KISSOnline
Posted: May 14, 2008

KISS performed at the Verona Arena (Arena di Verona), a Roman amphitheatre in Verona, Italy, which was built about 2000 years ago! Seeing the band in this open air venue was an incredible experience...And if the setting wasn't enough, the audience in Verona was easily one of the best ever at a KISS concert. From the opening of "Deuce" through the end of "Detroit Rock City", the audience stood singing and cheering through the entire show. The crowd was so loud at times, that Paul acknowledge them several times with an "I love it".

This was truly an electrifying KISS show!

Other notes about the Verona Show:
[more]

From: John P.
Posted: May 14, 2008

I traveled from the Detroit area to attend the KISS Expo in New York City earlier this month. It was an awesome show. As others have noted, the bands were very good. Frank Dimino from Angel did an outstanding set and the band Starz was incredible...as usual. I was lucky enough to run into the family of the late ERIC CARR. Eric's parents were visiting a booth which had a large number of Eric items. I was able to get a photo with me and Eric's dad. It was very kind of him to take the time to take this photo. Thanks to Richie Ranno of Starz and everyone who made the weekend AWESOME.

From: Kulick.net
Posted: May 14, 2008

Before BRUCE KULICK became a fixture on the speed dial of legendary rockers like KISS (who proudly called him their lead guitarist for 12 years), Meat Loaf (Kulick was a member of Meat's Bat Out Of Hell touring troupe), or Grand Funk Railroad (with whom he has toured the country for most of the last decade)…Before he became one of the most soughtafter guest musicians in the world…Before he garnered praise from press the world over as a Rock And Roll Fantasy Camp counselor to be both respected and feared…Before all of that, BRUCE KULICK was a fan of great rock music... Cream, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Led Zepplin, Yes, The Who...you name it, Kulick knew it.

"I always tell people, when they ask me how to get better at their instrument, that the best way to do that is find other players in your neighborhood," says Kulick. "To that end, after I'd been playing a while, I found a guy who lived in the next building over from me, in the Jackson Heights area of Queens, New York. His name was Mike Katz, and he was a bass player who loved all of the same bands I did. We started jamming, and, because we already spoke the same language musically, it was just magical. We found a drummer named Guy Bois who rounded out the picture, and we formed a group that we envisioned as a cross between Cream and Yes."

After months of rehearsal in the Bois family basement, the band (which, although called "KKB" today never really had an official name) entered New York's Sudden Rush recording studio in September of 1974 armed with a handful of songs. As with many young upstart bands, things didn't progress from there as the three members had hoped, and eventually Kulick, Katz, and Bois went their separate ways. The reel-to-reel tape of those sessions sat gathering dust, until a garage sale find in 2006 (a TEAC reel-to-reel player in great condition, and a steal at $35.00) lead to its rediscovery...
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From: KISS Asylum
by Joe Penn
Posted: May 14, 2008

This is Joe Penn reporting about the NY/NJ KISS Expo - Sorry for my late post, but I have been extremely busy lately. Of course, everyone knows how great the Expo always is, so I am just reporting about my awesome experience.

This was a special day because I met BRUCE KULICK, again, but with a twist. I walked up to Bruce while he was signing and handed him his yearbook. His eyes lit up as he went running to his girlfriend, showing her his pictures and reminiscing. Bruce went on telling myself and the group (my girlfriend Samantha, and mother Karen) about the yearbook, and even showed us the other pages with his pictures on them. It was so great seeing Bruce react to the yearbook, of course making the day even better, especially seeing the reactions of other KISS Army members.

That's all for now, I thought you guys would love to hear that tid-bit, and see the great pictures we have with Bruce and the yearbook, as well as Myself with Samantha and Bruce, my Mom with Bruce, and Russ
[more]

From: KISSAsylum
by Joe Degraffenreid
Posted: May 13, 2008

The Spaceman last landed in the OKC area in the year 2000, on his last tour with KISS, beofre that his last solo show was in 1994 at a club called Alcatraz, so, it's safe to say many area KISS/Ace fans were rejoicing at the mere news of the Jendell native’s return to the area. A merchandsie table was set up with 2 different shirts (one with an Ace card, one with the Rocket ride-backdrop art ($35 each), as well as a (fake) backstage pass ($20).

After a few local openers, (the last being 36 Inches, who closed with "You Shook Me All Night Long"), the drum riser & back-line of stacks was un-covered. The backdrop wasn't used, as the venue was likely too small for it.

After a brief intro, the band (consisting of Ace, guitarist-Derrek Hawkins, Bassist-Anthony Esposito & drummer Scott Coogan), took the stage & began with "Rip It Out". Frehley’s guitar volume was too low & he motioned someone to turn it up a few times during the song. Dynasty’ classic "Hard Times" came next. Derrek handled the rhythms on the verses letting Ace focus on singing, a line or 2 was missed but he at least didn’t repeat the same verse twice like on some recent youtube clips. By the end of 'Hard Times' the kinks seemed ironed out & during "Parasite" the sound was finally mixed right.
[more]

From: Dream House Magazine
by Renu Singh
Posted: May 13, 2008

They stood outside Leone for hours in downtown Vancouver wearing KISS t-shirts or hardly anything, some in full-on KISS makeup and all of them chanting "Gene, Gene, Gene." They had waited for hours, just to catch a glimpse of "the Demon."

He sat before me without his trademark rock-star makeup, but it didn't matter. He waved to the fans, whose screams magnified as the crowd pressed forward for a better look.

I watched them in fascination then turned to the rock icon and asked, "People really love you, don't they Gene?"
[more]

From: Publishers Weekly
by Jeff Makos
Posted: May 13, 2008

In Ladies of the Night, the KISS member discusses the world's oldest profession.

Your book makes the argument that prostitution gives women access to power that they would otherwise not have. Have you always felt that way?

Surprise! I actually respect women. I've always had that point of view. I look on the issue as one of self-empowerment for women. Women should be the sole judges of how they want to lead their lives. And let's be frank—many ladies have made more money in their line of work than they would have sitting in front of a computer.
[more]

From: Dion
Posted: May 12, 2008

Great tip from the Norwegian KISS Army tour blog. KISS played at the Olympiahalle in Munich recently and the great thing is that the venue has a webcam inside the arena. At this moment you can see the KISS crew build the Alive 35 stage.

After the stage was setup, Paulcrab made a fastmotion video of each picture taken every minute

Check out the High Quality video thanks Ratatouille and Paulcrab at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO260X8eQVM

From: KISSOnline
Posted: May 12, 2008

KISS put their hands and autographs in cement last night before the Munich show to be included on the Munich Olympic Walk of Stars!

Famous national and international personalities from sports, music and entertainment have been immortalized or will immortalize themselves with their hand or footprint in concrete and then find their place in the MOWOS in the Olympic Park.

A precondition for being immortalized in the Walk of Stars is that the personalities have been successful in the Olympic stadium, hall, swimming centre or ice sports centre or have done something special for the Olympic Park.
[more]

From: KISSAsylum
Posted: May 12, 2008

The staff at KISS Asylum wishes ERIC SINGER a very happy birthday today.

From: KISSOnline
Posted: May 12, 2008

KISS continued their European invasion tonight with a scorching performance at the SOLD OUT Olympiahalle in Munich, Germany. Once again the band performed a 22 song, 2 hour plus set!

SET LIST:

Deuce
Strutter
Got To Choose
Hotter Than Hell
Firehouse
Nothin' To Lose (Eric lead vocals)
C'Mon And Love Me
Parasite
She (Tommy Guitar Solo)
Watchin' You
Rock Bottom
100,000 Years (Eric Drum Solo)
Cold Gin
Let Me Go Rock 'N' Roll
Black Diamond (Eric lead vocals)
Rock And Roll All Nite
[more]

From: Fury Magazine
Posted: May 11, 2008

Everybody must have had an experience sometimes when somebody walks into the room and everybody who’s there feels their personality. That surely was the case when KISS walked in on their only European press conference in Oberhausen last Thursday, just before the start of the European leg of their Alive/35 World Tour.

About 120 people of the press from all over Europe attended the conference, amongst them about 15 TV camera teams.

When asked why it took so long to come over to Europe again and if it was because of the interest from promoters because of the low dollar rate, businessman of KISS GENE SIMMONS started to laugh. PAUL STANLEY was more serious and asked why it always had to be about politics and economics every time they come over. KISS has no political agenda and just wanted to make sure they were welcomed. Stating that the European leg of their fan club, the KISS army, is larger than the armies of all countries in Europe together, they sure are.
[more]

From: Family Circle Magazine
by Patty A. Martinez
Posted: May 11, 2008

You've traded the superstar lifestyle of LA's Viper Room for the Diaper Room. What are some of your day-to-day duties?

At 6 A.M. I was up with Colin. I changed, dressed and fed him, then we played together and watched Baby Einstein DVD's. Mornings are my favorite time of day. And as soon as we're off the phone, I'll pick Evan up from school.

Sounds like you're and involved dad.
[more]

From: KISSOnline
Posted: May 10, 2008

WOW! What a way to open their Alive 35 European Tour! KISS just destroyed Oberhausen Arena with a blistering 2 hour and 17 minute set that featured the complete ALIVE album and a six song encore! From the opening of "Deuce" to the ending of "Detroit Rock City", KISS grabbed the audience by the throat and never let go.

The band's performance was a true team effort and everyone was on top of their game! Paul danced, pranced and belted out vocals like it was 1975. Gene was, to put it simply, the DEMON - menacing on both bass and vocals. Eric pounded the drums, sang lead on "Nothin' To Lose" & "Black Diamond" and also sang along with Gene on several other songs. Tommy blazed his way through lead after lead, as well as an awesome solo complete with rocket shooting special effects.

KISS is always powerful and energetic, but tonight they some how turned it up a notch! And to think, this was just the first show...can't wait for Munich!
[more]

From: KISSAsylum.com
by Rich
Posted: May 9, 2008

OK - it's the moment you've all been waiting for....your first glimpse at the KISS bathroom. I know, I know...try to contain yourself. The tile guy just completed the tile work today. Still no toilet, lights, or running water....but my tiles are lookin' good and that's all that matters!!!

As soon as the house is finished, you're all welcome to come over and have a beer, and then properly dispose of it in my KISS bathroom!!! (well...everyone except Brianna...she can have a Pepsi)

KISS Ceramic Tiles available here.
[more]

From: YouTube
Posted: May 9, 2008

Guitar amp company Hughes & Kettner conducted an interview with KISS guitarist TOMMY THAYER earlier this week while the band was in Cologne, Germany rehearsing for its current European tour.

Watch the seven-minute chat at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Pz8lR6t9NE

From: TheReader.com
by Wayne Brekke
Posted: May 9, 2008

Contrary to last year’s rumors, ACE FREHLEY is alive. He didn’t commit suicide via a drug overdose, a rumor that swept the internet last year. In fact, the legendary guitarist who helped make KISS one of the biggest rock bands in history seems to be in better shape now than he recent years.

"I’ve been clean and sober for 19 months now," Frehley said. "It’s nice to wake up in the morning and remember what you did last night."

Recent photos from Frehly’s new tour shows the guitarist trimmed down with a goatee, longer straight hair and black shades. Wielding his signature Starburst Les Paul, Frehley’s appearance is a far cry from the makeup days or the "unmasked" years of the late ’80s and ’90s. Known for his issues with substance abuse, Frehley sports a new band and a new outlook on performing live.
[more]

From: KISSpodcast.com
Posted: May 9, 2008

The KISS Podcast show number 9 was just released.

Dion is back with a new KISS Podcast show. This is the show where we focus on the start of the Alive 35 world tour, which started in Melbourne, Australia on March 16 and continues with a European leg in Oberhausen, Germany on May 9th, 2008.
[more]

From: Rockpages.gr
Posted: May 8, 2008

We continue our year-long KISS special article with the 10th interview with a KISS-related figure.

This week we publish an interview with the last singer of CRISS, Jason Ebs. Here’s an excerpt where Jason talks about the unreleased CRISS songs:

Rockpages.gr: During your presence in Criss, the band moved towards an even more modern (almost grunge) direction with such songs as: "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah", "Take Time", "Burning Desire" and others that unfortunately never saw the light of day, at least officially. Were these songs considered for a second Criss album? Are there many leftover songs?
[more]

From: KISSAsylum
by Matt (photos from various contributors)
Posted: May 8, 2008

I was at the NY KISS EXPO this weekend and it kicked ass!

Hundreds of fans packed the Crowne Plaza Hotel and there was much love for the hottest band in the world.

The day included amazing performances from ANGEL, STARZ, JADED,SHOOT THE MOON, ADRENILIZEand was caped off by the HOTTEST KISS tribute band in the world....KISSTERIA!

Maul Stanley did a fun interview with BRUCE KULICK, whojoined the members of STARZ on stage for a few songs. Other special guests included Ginger from the Wildhearts, Joey Belladonna of Anthrax, model Cathy St. George, and radio personality Eddie Trunk.

There are many photos from the event on myspace.com/kissarmypa
[more]

From: Norway’s NRK
Posted: May 8, 2008

[more]

From: Maul Stanley
Posted: May 8, 2008

On Saturday, May 3rd, the mysterious Maul Stanley made his very first appearance at any KISS event when he descended upon the 22nd annual NY/NJ KISS Expo. While there, the shadowy Sithchild mingled with fans, scared lots of kids and hit on plenty of women. He also rubbed elbows with event celebrities and gave away hundreds of his colorful new promo cards. Perhaps the highlight of Maul Stanley's debut was his much-anticipated onstage interview with former KISS guitarist BRUCE KULICK, which proved to be an audience favorite. Photos of Maul Stanley's adventures at the NY/NJ KISS Expo have been added to his official MySpace profile, where fans can request him as a friend and keep up on his unearthly endeavors.

Maul Stanley is the unlikely new anti-hero who combines the spirit of the Starchild with the essence of the Sith, spiked with a dash of irreverence. Drawing inspiration from both the Star Wars movies and the rock band KISS, the so-called Sithchild mixes the dark side of rock & roll with the dark side of the Force. Maul Stanley has appeared on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and in the Triumph the Insult Comic Dog DVD. He can also be seen in the VH1 special "When Star Wars Ruled the World." In honor of the 30th anniversary of the Star Wars saga, Maul Stanley issued a series of interviews with members of Twisted Sister, Poison, Cinderella and Quiet Riot regarding their own unique Star Wars experiences. Maul Stanley is about to descend upon the KISS Army in a big way, heralded by the ominous whisper...

You've got Maul! http://www.myspace.com/MaulStanley

From: GeneSimmons.com
Posted: May 7, 2008

GENE SIMMONS is set for a return episode on ABC's "Ugly Betty". The Episode will air on Thursday, May 15th at 8pm ET.

About: Ugly Betty: "The Kids Are Alright"
Betty, still missing Henry, fights her attraction to Gio, but later finds herself stuck with him when both volunteer to chaperone Justin's middle school dance. Meanwhile, Hilda tries to get Coach Diaz (guest star Eddie Cibrian) to notice her; Amanda agrees to do a reality show with her dad, KISS rock legend GENE SIMMONS; and Daniel feels the heat when Wilhelmina makes her triumphant return to Mode amid a media frenzy. Guest starring are GENE SIMMONS as himself, Eddie Cibrian as Coach Diaz, Larry King as himself, Alec Mapa as Suzuki St. Pierre and Jasmine Anthony as Antonella.

From: Radio Reality Check
Posted: May 7, 2008

Another "KISS THIS" Show on Radio Reality Check show is scheduled for Thursday, May 8th at 8PM (PT) 11PM (ET)! 2 HOURS OF NOTHING BUT KISS! Fans can chat live with other KISS fans around the world! Don't forget to send in your KISS requests and look out for giveaways throughout the show!

Listen and Chat live at: www.radiorealitycheck.com or CALL US LIVE ON THE AIR WITH YOUR KISS REQUEST! DURING THE SHOW ONLY: 707-895-2448 OR 800-499-7117

Toddler's Sweatshirt
From: KISSmuseum.com
Posted: May 6, 2008

An adorable, mini hooded sweatshirt for your little KISS fan. Front zipper. 100% cotton.

$29.95 at KISSmuseum.com

From: 944 Magazine
Posted: May 6, 2008

Even at home, the KISS frontman rocks a P.A. system. "Honey," PAUL STANLEY says into an intercom, his voice echoing from speakers throughout his Spanish mansion.

"We're going out to the studio."

Stanley's attractive wife of two and a half years appears and agrees to keep an eye out for the tardy photographer. He gives her a goodbye peck and then, as he leads the way to his painting studio, he says to me out of the corner of his mouth, "Not a model. Not an actress. An attorney."
[more]

From: Talking Metal
Posted: May 6, 2008

The latest episode of "Talking Metal" contains an interview John Ostronomy conducted with WHITESNAKE guitarist Doug Aldrich. Topics include the band's new album, "Good to Be Bad", David Coverdale, LION, Kal Swan, Tiffany, GENE SIMMONS, and Aldrich's 1982 audition with KISS. The podcast also contains an interview Mark Strigl and Ostronomy conducted with Ron Scalzo of RETURN TO EARTH.

Photos as well as the 60-minute podcast can be downloaded at http://www.striglsmusicnews.com/podcasts/talkingmetal/index.htm.
iTunes users can also subscribe to "Talking Metal" for free at http://www.apple.com/itunes.

From: The Tribune
by Jim Rydbom
Posted: May 6, 2008

Saying that Jason Roth is just your everyday KISS fan might be like saying Michael Jordan was just an average basketball player.

For Roth, 29, of Windsor, the rock 'n' roll band has became an obsession -- he's turned his passion for music into a very profitable collection.

It all began when he walked into his older brother's room and saw the poster of the band KISS on his wall when he was just 10 years old.
[more]

From: GeneSimmons.com
Posted: May 5, 2008

We just got our sweaty hands around the TELLY AWARD, which was awarded to our GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS tv show.

"GENE SIMMONS Family Jewels" was honored by the 29th annual Telly Awards with a bronze award. Founded in 1978, The Telly is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional and cable TV programs, as well as the finest video and film productions.

"GENE SIMMONS Family Jewels" was chosen from more than 14,000 entries from around the world.

From: KNBC
Posted: May 4, 2008

KNBC's Cary Berglund reports on the artwork of Rock and Roll legend PAUL STANLEY.

http://video.knbc.com/player/?id=247728

From: KISSOnline
Posted: May 3, 2008

KISS just wrapped up an exciting week of rehearsals for their ALIVE / 35 European Tour.

It begins Friday May 9th in Oberhausen, Germany!

The band is in great spirits and really looking forward to returning to Europe for the first time in over 9 years!
[more]

Matching Pin And Keychain Sets
From: KISSmuseum.com
Posted: May 2, 2008

Just released today! Five sets of matching KISS Keychains and Lapel pins. All metal construction finished off with chrome and colored enamel details.

$7.95 each at KISSmuseum.com

New York KISS Expo Is Tomorrow
From: KISSasylum.com
Posted: May 2, 2008

Tomorrow, Saturday May 3rd is the 22nd New York KISS Expo. If you're a KISS fan in the North Eastern United States then there is no reason you should not be there! Enjoy the festivities, meet BRUCE KULICK, browse the endless tables of KISS merchandise and enjoy one or more of the many bands playing that day. Most of all, just come to meet and hang out with fellow KISS fans from around the world!

KISS Expo Info and directions here

What's New In KISS Collecting
KISS Reunion Group Poster
From: KISSmuseum.com
Posted: May 1, 2008

New official poster released today! Photo of original band from 1996. 22" x 34" poster rolled and sealed in plastic.

8.95 at KISSmuseum.com

First KISS Show In Sofia
From: The Sofia Echo
Posted: May 1, 2008

Only a few days before Kylie Minogue’s show and just in time to augur the hot emotional musical summer to follow, US rock band KISS will shake Sofia’s Akademik Stadium down to its foundations on May 16.

It’s true that KISS has already been around for 35 years already, but this is the first opportunity for Bulgarian fans to see them live. The masks are back on for the band’s ALIVE 35 Tour, which passes through 17 countries, some of the biggest music festivals and… Sofia.

Unlike other great bands, which came along over the past several years and have obviously capitulated to the merciless passage of time, KISS have no intention of ever disappointing their fans. If you imagined that their concert will be just a little bit of fuss in a calm May evening, you're mistaken! KISS plan anything but a calm gig. How do we know? Well, the simple fact that they arrive with tons of equipment speaks for itself. The main stage will be 18m wide, but two additional wings will extend it to nearly 25m. The lighting equipment alone weighs 12 tons and the show includes unique pyrotechnics. The sound will be provided by six-ton-heavy equipment.
[more]

KISS' Spaceman Is Now Grounded In Solo Life
From: Star Tribune
by Chris Riemenschneider
Posted: May 1, 2008

He has the most uncool laugh you'll ever hear. It's a bit like a high-pitched hyena cackle, but with a New Yorker's nasal accent mixed in. Every KISS fan shuddered the first time they heard it.

That laugh, though, is one of the reasons ACE FREHLEY always was the coolest member of KISS. The band's original guitarist never seemed to take the band as seriously as his pompous, mouthy bandmates. Of course, Frehley was often too wasted to take much of anything seriously during KISS' heyday, but as he said in a phone interview last week, "For me, rock 'n' roll should always be fun."

Clean and sober for 19 months now, Frehley quit KISS once again in 2001 after a five-year "reunion/farewell" outing and said he's having a new kind of fun on his first solo tour in 13 years, which brings him to First Avenue on Thursday. He's also releasing a solo album later this year.
[more]

Looking for more KISS News? Here's a link to last month's News Archive

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