Touring the country with The Motley Crue, Gene Simmons of KISS talks to Richard Stubbs about the business behind the rock.
Monthly Archives: February 2013
KISS rocks Perth with Monster show
Perth Now
FOUR decades after their original formation, KISS certainly still knows how to put on a Monster of a show.
In the first performance of their milestone 40th anniversary year, the rock ‘n’ roll superstars kicked off their Australian tour with metal band Motley Crue at Perth Arena last night.
It was a larger-than-life spectacle featuring all the KISS concert staples fans have come to know and love over the years including make-up, high heels, pyrotechnics, blood spitting, fire-breathing, guitar licking, sparking guitars and a levitating drum kit for the band’s first live show on Perth soil since 2004.
And age proved to be nothing but a number to co-frontmen Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, who strutted around on stage oozing every ounce of the confident rock star persona they’ve always embodied.
Justin Benson-Cooper
The loyal KISS Army battalions were out in force, packing Perth Arena to the roof, rocking face-paint or official merchandise and screaming the words to every song.
It was a hit-packed two-hour set featuring the likes of Detroit Rock City, Shout It Out Loud, I Love It Loud, Psycho Circus, War Machine, an acoustic version of Shandi and Black Diamond.
There were a handful of newer hits from their latest album Monster, which was released Continue reading
KISS Performs at Monster Tour – Photo Gallery
Three Sides of the Coin – Paul Stanley’s Stage Raps
Michael Brandvold
Bruce Kulick to appear at Movie Days in Dortmund
Bruce Kulick in Marvel’s Hawkeye #7
Marvel Comics
KISS guitarist of 9 years Bruce Kulick is mentioned in the Marvel Comic’s Hawkeye issue #7 that deals with the Sandy relieve effort.
Bob Kulick interview: Legendary guitarist, producer talks Kiss, Meat Loaf, more
Rustyn Rose | Examiner
Julie Bergonz
Bob Kulick may forever be a man connected to the legacy of KISS, but his own legacy is far more intriguing and impressive. As a young boy Kulick found that he had a natural gift for the guitar and it paved the way for a lifetime of making incredible music and memorable performances starting at 17 with his first notable band, The Observation Balloon. This week the quiet and humble rock hero shared some of his career experiences with The Examiner, talking about the infamous KISS audition, the first Meat Loaftour, playing with Alice Cooper, along with his various bands and tribute projects.
On January 17, 1973, the day after his 23rd birthday, Kulick unknowingly placed in the rock and roll history books when he answered an ad in New York’s Village Voice looking for a guitarist in a “Led Zeppelin” style band. That band was KISS and the audition was interrupted by Ace Frehley who narrowly beat Kulick out for the gig. Paul Stanley was so impressed with Bob’s playing that the two remained in touch and in 1977 Kulick was tasked with playing lead guitar on three of the studio tracks from “Alive II“.
A year later Stanley again turned to Kulick as his principal guitarist on his first solo album. In 1982, Bob would once more lend his talents to four new studio tracks on the “Killers” album. The following year he would perform a few solos for “Creatures of the Night” but according to Kulick none of them ended up on the album. In 1984 Bob would recommend his younger brother Bruce as KISS’ new guitarist, a gig he’d eventually get. In 1989, Stanley would tab Bob to be his guitarist for his first ever solo tour. For all these reasons and more his history remains forever entwined with KISS, but that is only one part of Bob’s history.
In 1976, Kulick would perform on Lou Reed‘s “Coney Island Baby” album. The following Continue reading
Decibel Geek Episode 73 – GPS: KISS Landmarks
Chris Czynszak | Decibel Geek
2013 marks the 40th year of existence for Hottest Band in the Land. So, it makes perfect sense for us to use episode 73 (as in, 1973) as a chance to time travel to numerous destinations that played a part in the overall history of KISS.
Joining on this global KISS trek is author Chris Epting. Chris is the perfect guest for this conversation as he’s written a number of travel-related books on different eras of pop culture as well as his recently-released e-book, ‘All I Need to Know I Learned from KISS: Life Lessons from the Hottest Band in the Land.’ This book is filled with stories of how being a KISS fan shaped Chris’ life and affects him even today. If you are a hardcore KISS fan, this book is definitely for you as it will certainly elicit some familiar emotions.
1. 10 E. 23rd Street – The Loft
The birthplace of KISS. This location is the spot where Paul, Gene, & Peter first auditioned Ace Frehley and the band took shape. The location is now next door to a comic book store that has an inventory that includes KISS comic books. Go figure.
2. 108 116 W. 43rd St. – Hotel Diplomat
The location that allowed KISS to secure management as Bill Aucoin, Sean Delaney, & Eddie Kramer all witnessed this hungry, young band that wore lots of makeup and electrified the audience in this downtrodden ballroom. A great history of the Hotel Diplomat can be found HERE.
3. 47-03 Queens Blvd. – Coventry
Site of some of the earliest KISS shows before they became a touring act. Coventry changed their name from ‘Popcorn’ just as KISS began their run playing the location. Footage of one of their Coventry performances is on the KISSOLOGY series of DVDs. A fantastic in-depth history can be found HERE
4. 4 Pennsylvania Plaza – Madison Square Garden
The site where KISS’ dream was realized. During the band’s earliest years, while performing at dive bars all over the country to sparse crowds, the band would psyche themselves up by imagining that that night’s venue was “the Garden.” This is also the site of this week’s guest Chris Epting’s first concert in 1977.
KISS Guitarist Gene Simmons Charges up to $1500 to speak to fans
Cameron Adams | News.com.au
KISS rocker Gene Simmons is charging fans up to $1500 to hear him talk about himself.
The 63-year Simmons has added a speaking engagement in Melbourne during Kiss’ tour next month.
Tickets to hear Gene Simmons range from $1500 for platinum seats to $285 for gold seats and $108 for the cheap seats.The speaking tickets are more expensive than those to see Kiss perform live with support acts Motley Crue and Thin Lizzy.
Only one hundred of the $1500 tickets will be sold, which include a lunch package with Simmons in attendance for two hours, a photograph with Simmons and one item signed as long as it is not a guitar.
Cashed up Kiss fans also get a t-shirt which reads “I had lunch with Gene Simmons” for their $1500.
The speaking engagement takes place at Etihad Stadium on March 5 from 10.45am, requiring many fans to take the day off work.
Fans have already been stung for Kiss Australian concert tickets which include a $600 VIP dinner package, $250 for the “Monster zone” and $125 for the cheapest seats.
The band sold a $1500 VIP ticket which includes a personal meet and greet with Simmons and bandmate Paul Stanley, as well as priority seating at the concerts.
Three Sides of the Coin – Did Gene lose the Demon character?
Michael Brandvold
Duck Dynasty Artwork
Chris Medek
Hi KISSasylum. Thank you for posting my KISSmas card and New Years Art. I created this piece drawing from my love for KISS and Duck Dynasty TV show on A&E. I hope you are able to use this one. Thank Again There is a larger printable version at:
http://medek1.deviantart.com/art/DUCK-DYNASTY-3-355370798
Chris Medek
KFIX Rock News: KISS’ Paul Stanley Talks Autobiography
Cameron | KFIX
Paul Stanley of KISS is working on his autobiography.
Stanley recently shared an update on the progress of the book while at an event in Los Angeles.
“My book is about three-quarters done. It should be pretty terrific,” he said, adding, “The first draft is almost done. I give it about four or five months.”
“I think there’s a lot to be said for self-empowerment for what you can accomplish, when you believe in yourself, and go against all the odds and adversity,”
“So hopefully, it will be a book that is more than just a lot of smut, and a tell-all, or braggadocio.”
Despite noting that ”the road really isn’t that easy,” Stanley doesn’t seem overly open to sharing too many personal hardships, saying, ”I’m an entertainer. I’m a performer.”
“People pay me to entertain. People pay me to forget about their problems. You don’t want to hear my problems.You don’t want to hear about mine.”
While his life hasn’t always included KISS, Stanley promises that fans wanting to read about the band won’t feel left out. “It’s my life story. It’s not just about Kiss,” he said, “although Kiss has been a big part of my life. So I’d be cheating everybody if I didn’t talk about that.”
Read the full interview here.
Paul Stanley on Alice Cooper’s ‘Nights with Alice Cooper’ radio show
The Paul Stanley interview does not start until around the 3:08:00 mark – just slide forward to hear the interview, it’s quite amazing!
KISS Tribute CD to benefit cancer care hospice
Mitch Lafon
A World With Heroes (40th Anniversary KISS tribute) with all profits going to benefit a cancer care hospice (my father-in-law passed away there peacefully on Jan 4th 2013). KISS songs from every era will be represented. All basic tracks will be recorded by Eric Brittingham (bass – Cinderella) , Jeff LaBar (guitars – Cinderella) and Troy Lucketta (drums – Tesla). Vocalists and other artists that will contribute to the CD include: Terry Ilious (Great White), Bumblefoot (GNR), Russ Dwarf (The Killer Dwarfs), Ron Young (Little Caesar), Doug Alrich (Whitesnake), Rex Brown (Pantera, Kill Devil Hill), Dery Grehan (Honeymoon Suite), Bill Leverty (Firehouse), Derek Sherinian ( BCC, Dream Theater), Phil Lewis (LA GUNS), Doro, Mark Zavon (Kill Devil Hill), Slaves On Dope, Chris Van Dahl (Ex- L.A. Guns), Tommy Denander, Johnny Dee (Doro band), Jeff Paris, Phil Naro, Willie Basse and Sean Kelly (Nelly Furtado’s band & Helix). With more to be announced shortly.
Please support this great cause: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/kiss40thtribute
Creatures of the Net Podcast reviews Lick it Up
Cassius Morris | COTN
What’s New in KISS Collecting – KISS Shirt and Mug for 2013
A new retro-style KISS T-Shirt and a KISS Coffee Mug that promises to keep your coffee Hotter Than Hell, are two new items out for 2013.
KISS Road Crew 1977 Reto Shirt – $19.95 at KISSmuseum.com
KISS Hotter Than Hell Coffee Mug – $9.95 at KISSmuseum.com
Paul Stanley at LA Lakers Game
Paul Stanley with one of his two sons, Colin, and Eric Singer with one of his many watches, attend last night’s Laker’s Game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Three Sides of the Coin – The KISS Setlist
Michael Brandvold
Talking Metal #402 – Tommy Thayer Kiss special
Listen here: Talking Metal #402
On this episode of the Talking Metal podcast Mark and John celebrate 40 years of Kiss. Also, Mark talks to Tommy Thayer of Kiss about his limited edition Epiphone signature model Les Paul, Black N Blue, Hunter S Thompson, Vinnie Vincent, Judas Priest, Stars, Angel, the first Metal Massacre album and various Kiss albums including Monster, Sonic Boom, Hot In the Shade and Revenge.
For info on Tommy’s guitar check out: http://www.tommythayerguitar.com
The interview starts approximately 14 mins into the podcast.
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley Writing New Kiss Memoir
Jeff Giles | Ultimate Classic Rock
Jason Merritt
Hey, Kiss fans! Have the memoirs from Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley (not to mention the band’s official biography) left you kraving more Kisstory? Good news: Simmons and Paul Stanley are writing yet another book.
The new tome, titled ‘Nothin’ to Lose: The Making of Kiss (1972-75),’ is due out on August 20, and will find the duo working with co-author Ken Sharp to compile an oral history of the band’s early years. According to the press releaseannouncing the book, “the 544-page hardcover draws on more than 200 interviews, offering a captivating and intimate fly-on-the-wall account of their launch, charting the struggles and ultimate victories that led them to the threshold of superstardom.”
The release, which goes on to promise “an indelible and irresistible portrait of a band on the rise and the music scene they changed forever,” also includes an undeniably impressive list of interviewees such as Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper,Bob Seger, and members of Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, and Rush.