Something Else!

As Kiss celebrates its 40th anniversary, Paul Stanley is set to release an autobiography — making him the last of the group’s original quartet to do so, following Peter Criss, Ace Frehley and Gene Simmons — whose 2001 book was memorably titled Kiss and Make-up.

“They talk about sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll,” Stanley says in the attached video. “Well, from the beginning, I said: ‘You can keep the drugs, just give me the sex and the rock ‘n’ roll’ — so I remember quite a bit. I was really reluctant to do an autobiography. George Orwell said that the autobiography is the most outrageous form of fiction. When you write about yourself, you tend to be at the epicenter of everything. But I’m trying to be realistic.”

Kiss, which now includes Stanley, Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, just completed a well-received tour of Australia. Next up, beginning in June, are a series of European stops — beginning in Sweden and continuing into Germany, Italy and elsewhere.

In many ways, Stanley says, he can’t believe Kiss has made it this far — having sold more than 40 million albums and revolutionized band marketing since its humble beginnings back in 1973.

“There was no precedent for this back then,” Stanley says. “No band had ever lasted that long, so I was hoping for five years. At this point, I get to grow old in front of everybody. But I’m enjoying every minute of it, every year. It’s really something spectacular. I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Hart Baur | Miami Herald

Paul Stanley doesn’t do anything half speed. The KISS frontman is now getting into the restaurant biz. He and bandmate Gene Simmons will co-host this weekend’s opening of Rock & Brews in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. There are plans for 50-plus locations in North America, possibly Miami.

So taking on the restaurant business now?

Absolutely, man. Obviously for me to get involved in something worthwhile is important. I’m not out there selling liquid, soap or detergents. The idea when I got involved was that I was never going to be in the back seat. I have a pizza oven at home, I grow my own produce, so I know a lot about what we are doing.

Is KISS ever going to show up and play?

There is no live music. You can see the lyrics on the screens so you can pick up the words you’ve never heard before [laughs].

Want to talk a little bit about the latest ‘Monster’ album?

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Amy Galante | Examiner

In a press release issued today, IDW Publishing revealed a sneak peek of their all-ages comic book ‘KISS Kids.’ This fall, young and old alike will get to experience the world of Starchild, Li’l Demon, Spacey, and Catkid.

‘KISS’ series writers Chris Ryall and Tom Waltz will be penning the series with art byJose Holder (‘Mars Attacks,’ ‘The Real Ghostbusters’).

“KISS is used to rocking and rolling all night and partying every day, but back when they were little ’uns, those things only happened around nap time,” said Ryall, also IDW’s Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief. “This series will appeal to kids and Kiss fans of all ages, as we see the school-age band engage robots, evil teachers, other students, and much more, all filtered through the KISS lens. Beth, the school’s Doctor Love, the snooty Torpedo Girls, the bratty “Wicked” Lester, nefarious Principal Elder… they’re all here for this accessible, funny, and appealing new series.”

“Rock and Roll All Nite … and Potty Every Day,” added the L’il Demon himself, Kiss founding member, Gene Simmons.

If you can’t wait until the fall, ‘KISS Kids’ one-page strips will be featured on the back cover of the ‘KISS Solo’ series. The first of the ‘KISS Solo’ series, ‘KISS Solo #1: The Demon,’ will be in comic book shops on April 10.

In other IDW news, the award-winning publisher will be at booth 709 at WonderCon, March 29 – March 31. The sister convention of the massive San Diego Comic-Con is being held for a second time at the Anaheim Convention Center. IDW will be taking part in three Continue reading →

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