KISS ASYLUM: June 2001 News Archive

From: RockOnTv.com
KISS: Beyond the Makeup - Takes fans from the band's early days in their New York loft, through three decades in the spotlight to the present day. In addition to interviews with band members past and present, the anthology contains new and rare interviews with producers Bob Ezrin and Eddie Kramer, former managers Bill Aucoin and Joyce Bogart, and early supporter Dick Clark. The documentary also gives viewers a real insight into the band members through interviews with their families. The two-hour documentary has been assembled from thousands of hours of footage from Kiss' vast private archive, and will provide fans with the most comprehensive look at the band ever assembled on film. "KISS: Beyond The Makeup" will be broadcast on VH1 on Sunday, July 1st at 9pm-11pm eastern. The show will be rebroadcast on VH1 on 7/2 at 12am ET, 7/3 at 7pm ET, 7/4 at 11am ET, and 7/7 at 1pm ET. [Post Your Comments]

From: RockonTv.com
In addition to KISS' VH1 Behind The Music show mentioned above, KISS will also be on TV a number of other times in the month of July. KISS' VH1 "Fan Club" special will be on July 1st at 2pm ET and July 2nd at 2am ET. The repeat of Gene Simmons on ABC's Politically Incorrect show will be broadcast on July 4th at 12am ET. The KISS movie, "Detroit Rock City" will appear on the Encore channel July 18th at 10pm ET in addition to July 23rd at 2am ET and July 30th at 8pm ET. [Post Your Comments]

From: PageSix.com
Gene Simmons of KISS is the next to kiss and get approximately 100 grand to tell. Whether he's exactly precisely writing every word himself, this even his publisher doesn't know. That it will carry Gene's byline - by himself and by nobody else - this they definitely know. Since he'll earn less than he pockets from two rows attending his concert, why's a basically nice Jewish boy from The Bronx doing this? I mean, aside from the fact his sex life could make Clinton seem celibate. Says Bantam's Stuart Applebaum: "He wanted to do this years ago when he was on the BMG label. He called about it repeatedly. Everyone's spoken about him yet he's much more interesting than he's been reported about." It's a win-win for the publisher since KISS has millions of fans. Since the Judith Regan imprint made a best seller out of even Marilyn Manson. Since this guy is itchy to tell. Since he's into bragging now that heterosexuality is almost fashionable again. It's out next year. Which means that Gene Simmons of KISS who's made more farewell tours than Barbra Streisand, will probably stage yet another farewell tour around pub date. If he finally does pack it in, I'd like to bid for his makeup case. [Post Your Comments]

From: Metal Edge Online
The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles launched its spectacular Cars & Guitars of Rock 'n' Roll show with a gala benefit on Thursday night (June 14th) attended by many of the rock stars who've lent instruments and vehicles to the exhibit. Eric Singer, whose 442 muscle car will be added to the museum's collection in August, also expects to be off for the summer but allowed, "I have no idea what's going on" where KISS' tour plans are concerned, though more shows are likely in the fall "if they can get it together and make it work. I hope they do a lot more because I had a great time." He's keeping his hair dark to avoid any re-dye jobs, but admits it was "trippy" seeing himself in dark hair, makeup and costume at first, and in pictures. "Sometimes I didn't recognize myself." He felt that the Australia/Japan tour went "better than expected, different in a good way" from his '90s tours with KISS, but concedes that "the first couple of shows were a little weird for me because I'd never worn makeup or costume. I did it on the fly. I was nervous as shit, totally scared. I hadn't been that nervous in years," he said, explaining that they'd rehearsed but not with production effects like the rising drum riser. What does Singer think of the latest merchandise item, the KISS Kasket? "It doesn't affect me because I plan to be cremated," he said diplomatically. [Post Your Comments]

From: KISS ASYLUM & KISSFAQ.COM
Find out the logic behind the releases, what was going on in the band during the recording of albums, what the band was up to in the period leading up to studio time, and lots more information which should be of interest to the diehard fan! Some of the album focus' will use reference material never before available, plus some of the best interviews with the band already available. We are going for accuracy in our attempt to provide a completely clear picture of the status of the band for each release. The "KISS Album Focus" will be your definitive look back on KISS and their albums. Sit back and enjoy your KISStory lesson with KISS ASYLUM & KISSFAQ.COM's "KISS Album Focus."
"The promotional events that the band had made in support of the KISS My Ass tribute album in 1994 essentially led the band directly into what would become the 'unplugged' era, following the conclusion South American Monsters of Rock tour in August 1994. The state that the band was in at the time, sonically, is widely available with two excellent soundboard radio broadcasts of "Heaven's On Fire" and "I Was Made For Lovin' You" being available to collectors apart from full bootlegged shows. While unplugged acoustic performances or sessions had first emerged, for the band, during radio promotional broadcasts or special visits in early 1990..." [Learn Your KISSTORY Lesson!] [Post Your Comments]

From: CDnow.com
Kiss Kola, one of the products that Kiss is introducing this year, won't be the only thing Paul Stanley will be drinking. Now the rocker is looking to get his face associated with coffee as well. According to the band's management company, Doc McGhee Entertainment, the feisty frontman will be chugging Folger's coffee on your TV screen. Stanley has filmed a commercial for the beverage company that is due to run in theaters and on television next month. In other news, Stanley is the new spokesperson for AboutFace International, a support group for people with facial differences. Stanley, who was born with a facial deformity, recently recorded an educational video for the organization. [Post Your Comments]

From: E Online via Jeff Sacchetillo
Just wanted to let all the KISS fans know that Gene Simmons will be on the Howard Stern Show on E! TV this week. It will air Wednesday, June 27th at 11PM Est. [More...] [Post Your Comments]

From: Metal Edge Online
Ace Frehley will appar on VH1's Cover Wars, which will air on July 28, August 4, August 11, and September 1, all at 9:30 PM ET/PT. Paul Stanley's commercial for Folger's coffee will begin running next month. [Post Your Comments]

From: vancouversun.com via sna12@home.com

By day, he's a mild-mannered CEO but about 20 nights a year (it once was 200, but the day job, you know . . .) Benny Doro transforms into The Starchild, the stage persona of Kiss guitarist Paul Stanley. On this day, Doro's just back from a weekend gig spewing fire in Seattle with his Kiss tribute band, Black Diamond.Far from a conflict, Doro credits his rock-and-roll lifestyle for getting him some breaks with his Internet venture, Nextlevel.com Inc [KA Note: Nextlevel provides KISS ASYLUM with it's internet hosting]. Nextlevel is in the business of creating and managing celebrity Web sites, a fast-growing and surprisingly lucrative vehicle for recording artists, record companies and marketers alike. "That's where I got all the contacts, in the music industry," Doro says. "[Kiss band leader] Gene Simmons helped us secure our contract with Sony USA's Signature Network." A similar arrangement with Warner Music gives Nextlevel access to that company's stable of artists under contract. In all, Nextlevel represents the online presence for 124 different musical acts including Madonna, Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Van Halen and (natch) Kiss. [More...] [Post Your Comments]

From: NationalPost.com
Demon Wrestler

Dale (The Demon) Torborg, a professional wrestler who found himself between jobs when the WCW folded, has been hired as an assistant by his father, Montreal Expos manager Jeff Torborg. Last weekend, Dale -- who stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 275 pounds -- spoke with National Post reporter Chris Jones about his baseball and wrestling incarnations. NP: Don't take this the wrong way, but you stand out in a baseball clubhouse. How long ago were you a wrestler?
DT: I'm still with the WCW. I'm going to have to see what's going to happen over the next couple of weeks. There are some other organizations looking to start up, and the WCW should come back soon, but being run by the WWF. Anyway, I'm still an active wrestler.
NP: But you also played baseball growing up. DT: Yeah, I played all the way from the time I was little, all the way through high school and college, and I had a few years in pro ball, in the Mets and Yankees organizations [Florida State League]. [More...] [Post Your Comments]

From: Joop
You've read about the official KISS Kasket on several web sites by now, but did you know there will finally be an official DVD release by the band again as well? Universal Pictures Video releases the videos Konfidential ( officially released on VHS tape in 1993) and X-treme Close-up (released in '92) on a so called "2 on 1" DVD on August 20th. [More...]. Order The DVD On Amazon.co.uk. Note, this DVD is in "Region 2 encoding" which means it only works for Europe, Middle East & Japan. The U.S. is "Region 1." No word on whether this title will be available in "Region 1 encoding." [Post Your Comments]

From: George V DeCampo
October 14th at the Columbia Hilton Columbia MD. Special room rates available call to reserve now(410-997-1060) or (1-800-hiltons) special guest will be Bruce Kulick.and The Demon and performances by Tod Howarth from Frehleys Comet and the tribute band Love Gun. Tons of KISS memorabila and a KISS museum for ticket information and dealer info please visit the Baltimore Expo web page. [Post Your Comments]

From: Byron Fogle

Well once again the people at Creative Worx have got Kiss fans chattering this time it's about the new DVD called The Vintage. Following in the footsteps of its sister DVD's Unauthorized & Inside The Tale of the Fox, this DVD is also filled with a ton of never before seen footage. Here's a glimpse of what you the Kiss fan can expect.Thanks to quick eyes & E-Bay the producer of this DVD Jack Sawyers was able to obtain two unreleased pieces of super 8mm footage, though they are both silent, one piece from 1974 & one from 1977 so the rarity of it makes it worthwhile.The cool thing about the 74 footage is Ace still has the silver in his hair & Gene still gets down on one knee to breathe fire. If you watch carefully you can even tell what songs are being played by choreography or stage effects, same can be said for the 77 footage.It's not often a fan gets rare footage like this especially in the pristine quality it is in which is the main selling tool of this DVD. [More...] [Post Your Comments]

From: Rich Hund
The insatiable appetite of KISS fans for news on their favorite group has never been fed as much as it has been in the last few years. The Alternate Album Focus rips off this veil and exposes KISS for who they really were and are. Love Gun: The break-up of KISS seemed imminent by the end of the "Rock and Roll Over" tour. Although some would chalk this up to the constant pressure put on the band to continue the tour-write-record-tour cycle, those who worked closest with the band knew the truth: the members themselves simply could not live with their own competitiveness, jealousies and inner rivalries. Indeed, by the time the band had convened to begin recording "Love Gun," the band had deteriorated to the point of talking to each other only when necessary, which would lead to the inevitable "Gene vs. Paul/Peter" showdowns. This was the situation that returning producer Eddie Kramer faced at the beginning of the recording sessions. Click Here To Read The Entire Love Gun Album Focus Parody! [Post Your Comments]

From: KULICK.net
Good news Kulick fans! KULICK.net has just added two awesome new MP3 audio clips -- "Please Don't Wait" & "Dogs of Morrison" -- from Bruce's brand "Audio Dog" album. Click over to KULICK.net Multimedia to listen to the clips! And don't forget to order the "Audio Dog" album by clicking over to http://www.kulick.net/audiodog [Post Your Comments]

From: Metal Edge Online
A two hour KISS documentary called KISS: Behind the Makeup, will premiere on VH1 on Sunday, July 1 at 9 PM ET/PT. The two hour program will include interviews, photos, and previously unseen footage from the band's archive. As for the status of the ongoing Farewell Tour, there's talk of a European jaunt in the fall (including Russia) with Eric Singer, though Peter Criss may be enticed to return for a final U.S. show. A boxed set is due in November that will feature such rarities as "God of Thunder" with Paul Stanley on vocals, "Don't Ya Hesitate," and "Mad Dog." [Post Your Comments]

From: Yahoo.com
NEW YORK (Variety) - Few bands have as devoted a fan base as Kiss. But Kiss bassist and mouthpiece Gene Simmons is now asking fans to take their loyalty to a new place: the grave. Ensconced in a private room at Gotham's Jacob Javits Center for the recent Licensing 2001 confab, Simmons showed off what he considers to be the ultimate piece of music memorabilia -- a life-size, fully functional "Kiss Forever" coffin. Retailing for around $4,000, the coffin sports the band's logo, a panoramic graphic of the crowd at a Kiss show and, of course, the faces of the four founding members in full "Destroyer"-era face makeup. Simmons foresees strong demand from hardcore fans for the Kiss casket, and not just those headed to rock 'n' roll heaven. Indeed, the prototype set up in the rocker's suite doubled as a cooler, full of chilled soda and Budweiser. "We figured, why not use it while you're alive?" he says. "For a guy that's home watching the game in his living room, he could just reach over and grab a cold one." The "Kiss Forever" coffin is only the latest offering from a merchandising empire that Simmons values at north of $500 million. The band's imprint appears on products ranging from wine and bubblegum to mobile phones. But the entrepreneurial rocker sees no reason to stop at the hereafter. "Why not invent our own religion?" Simmons volunteers. "We could call it 'Kiss-tianity.'" [Post Your Comments]

From: Jimmy Rhoden
Just wanted to drop you a line to tell you the KISS' "Forever" was number 13 on VH1's "What's My 20: Power Ballads." [Post Your Comments]

From: Kathy Labonte
If you want the McFarlane Action Figures and Johnny Lightning cars for free, you've got two weeks left to get them. All you have to do is visit kissarmyonline.com and purchase the KISS Tribute package "The Spirit of '78" before July 1st. For the price of this double CD set that covers the material from the four 1978 solo albums, you could own a set of the KISS action figures and cars. This tribute package put out by the Kiss Army OnLine (KAOL) includes new arrangements of 23 of the solo album songs from musicians worldwide and a bonus CD Rom of 11 music videos to go with it. Plus, all proceeds go specifically to the Massachusetts Alzheimer's Association."The Spirit of '78" speaks for itself in terms of sound quality and packaging. The first pressing sold out quickly and reviews and feedback are posted at the website so you can read before you order. We are now re-stocked with pressing #2 and nearing the $10,000 mark for donations towards Alzheimer's. Getting a KISS tribute CD has never made more sense than now. For a few bucks you'll get a collector's package with a 16 page full color booklet and 2 rare inserts while donating to charity at the same time. If you want the McFarlane Figures, order now. AND.....for the rest of this month, you either love "The Spirit of '78" or it's free. Yes, we'll return your money if it's not the best KISS Tribute you've ever bought. Do it now at www.kissarmyonline.com [Post Your Comments]

From: Dale Sherman
In moving stuff into my new office, I've realized that some of my KISS collection has to go. To do so, I'll be auctioning off three items (some in sets, some as single items) each week on eBay. Starting Sunday night, the following items have gone up for bid. All three were featured and pictured in my book, BLACK DIAMOND 2:
GIMME KISS rare 1990 Polygram/Universal promotional cassette
KISS KONFIDENTIAL: THE RADIO TAPES Original CD of rare radio interview
FIRST KISS...LAST LICKS rare 1989 promotional album.
[Post Your Comments]

From: KISS ASYLUM
KISS ASYLUM has a new poll up asking fans "What do you think about KISS selling the 'KISS Kasket' coffin?" Click Here to cast your vote! And don't forget to post your opinions about the KISS Kasket on the KISS ASYLUM Message Boards. [Post Your Comments]

From: VH1.com
It's been suggested that Kiss bass strangler Gene Simmons would do in his own family if enough hard cash was in it for him. If so, now he'll have something in which to bury them. As a farewell gesture to well-off fans, Simmons and bandmates will sell 2,500 Kiss Kaskets at $5,000 a pop on the band's Web site and, Simmons insisted, at funeral homes across the country. The entrepreneurial rocker attended Licensing 2001 International at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center to push the new product, which comes emblazoned with the Kiss logo and current bandmembers' images. Dearly departed members of the Kiss family including guitarists Bruce Kulick, Mark St. John, Vinnie Vincent and the late drummer Eric Carr are not depicted, however. Perhaps there wasn't room enough for them, since the slogan "Kiss Forever" appears on the coffin's side. Simmons stressed that a variety of items, apart from loved ones, could be stored in the coffins. "The idea was a little bit morbid," agreed Simmons Wednesday at the trade show. "Obviously, caskets are all about death, and they're not reusable. It's a no-deposit, no-return policy. So I came up with the bright notion that if death was so awful, why not celebrate life? In other words, why not have a daily use for the caskets? Why not watch your favorite ball game on TV, invite your friends over and open the Kasket to get a drink?" The consummate salesman slipped a scripted dirty joke into his pitch. "When I was growing up, I wanted to put frogs up girls' skirts. And I wanted to drive a hearse because then everybody would squeal and say, 'Look at that!' It's all about being alive and having fun, sometimes at the price of making your friends squeal � especially girls. But that's fun." With the latest, and reportedly final, Kiss reunion tour coming to a close, Simmons continues to brainstorm ways to generate revenue. He is slated to produce a film version of the life of music-industry mogul and Casablanca Records owner Neil Bogart. And he has a VH1 series called "Hit Men" coming up along with two MTV programs: the original movie "Groupies" and a horror-anthology series titled "Gene Simmons' Chill-O-Rama." "Shill-O-Rama" might be a more appropriate title considering the products the fire-breathing demon hopes to market. His proposed line includes Kiss cola, video games, party cruises and, of course, intimate apparel. "There's going to be butt-floss underwear with 'Kiss It' and 'Kiss This' on the front," said Simmons, launching into another well-rehearsed spiel. He turned to three scantily clad models (wearing the face paint of guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley, guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss), who nodded suggestively. "Oh, you like it," coaxed Simmons. "See, they're shaking their heads, saying, 'Yeah, I'd wear that.' Because when your boyfriends unwrap the package, what do you get? It's like sucking on a Tootsie Pop. It's nice to have the candy, but it's good to get a surprise on the inside. Fuggedaboutit!" Simmons, Stanley, Frehley and drummer Eric Singer plan to tour Europe and Russia this fall, beginning in Red Square for a crowd of 500,000, according to Simmons. It will mark the first time Kiss has played the former Soviet Union. "They didn't pay in American currency, and I really wasn't interested in going there unless it was real," he said. "No reason to rush into a burning building, I figured. Better to let the fire die down." After Kiss return from Europe and Russia, the band will likely play their final American farewell show before sealing the lid on their own Kiss Kasket. Simmons hopes original drummer Peter Criss, who left the tour in January for unstated reasons, will rejoin the band for its final gig. "I have always wanted Peter in the band," Simmons said. "Does Peter want to come back? I think so. We have always been about each other." Simmons insisted the U.S. show really will mark Kiss' final encore. New records are still on the way, however, including the long-promised Live IV and a box set due in November that will include rare tracks such as "Mad Dog," "Don't Ya Hesitate" and the original "God of Thunder" with Stanley singing. "Kiss Forever," indeed. [Post Your Comments]

From: Almost Human
I thought I'd report on Gene's Tuesday (June 12) appearance on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. It was a short interview, as all of them are on the Daily Show. Gene was wearing his usual sport jacket but this time with a black shirt instead of the white one. Gene came out with a 70's KISS Doll, which he explained to Jon, was given to him by 2 members of Jon's staff who are also members of the KISS tribute band MISS (Mermaids in Satan's Service). Jon said "Really?" and Gene said "they also gave me other stuff." (with a big smile on his face.) Gene thought he was too shiny on camera & Stewart blamed cable TV. Gene talked about how he doesn't believe in marriage which was really funny and how he met Shannon Tweed. Jon Stewart said he couldn't explain marriage to a man with a 12 inch tongue and Gene replied "I have to make up for the fact I'm hung like a second grader." At the end he mentioned his autobiography from Crown books was coming out in November. [Post Your Comments]

From: Lisa

Yesterday was "The Greatest Day Of My Life." I've been in love with Gene since I was 7 years old, and meeting him yesterday was the AMAZING! He was so awsome! He signed EVERYTHING and ANYTHING - including my ASS! He even mooned me, unfortunately the camera wasn't rolling for that! After he posed with me for a bunch of pictures, signed all of our stuff (and my ASS) he let me in the room to take pictures with him IN THE CASKET! I couldn't believe it. If I didn't have the whole thing on video I wouldn't believe it really happen! That was a day for my KISStory book! [Post Your Comments]

From: Patrick Demontigny
The Montreal KISS Expo is STILL going to take place on September 9th but the location has been changed. It will now take place at the Delta Hotel at 475 President Kennedy Avenue in Downtown Montreal. This new location is better suited, has more room and looks much nicer. Dealers and fans alike should be aware that the event is NO LONGER at Maritime Hotel Plaza. You can book rooms by calling 1(800)268-1133. Another good news is that we have now a second guest at our show: The Demon Wrestler! That's right, Dale Torborg will be appearing in full make-up and will be available to sign autographs! Bruce Kulick and Toronto's KISS tribute band Dressed to Kill, are still scheduled to appear as well. The webste, www.kissexpo.com will be updated in the next few days with the new info. You can also call the KISS expo hotline at (450)349-5140. Please make sure you check the website regularly for further updates. [Post Your Comments]

From: Phoneman68@aol.com
Hello. This article was printed in the New York Daily News, on Wednesday, June 13th. Page 52 in the Business News section. (Biz News) KISS INC. Call him Gene Simmons, mogul. The blood-spitting, fire-breathing bass player of the legendary rock band KISS is adding another product to his ever-growing merchandising universe: the KISS Kasket, which is decorated with a big photo of the band, the KISS logo and the words "KISS Forever." "If you want to take that final trip with KISS, you can," said Simmons, who was trying to drum up interest in the casket at the Licensing Trade Show at the Javits Center yesterday. The waterproof vessel- which Simmons said can also be used as a beer cooler-costs about $5,000, and can be ordered through kissonline.com or select funeral homes, Simmons said. "I'm deadly serious," he insisted. Simmons is serious about building his empire, which since 1995 has sold $45 million worth of products the past six years, such as KISS T-shirts, medallions, thong panties, comic books and action figures, according to Dell Furano, CEO of Signature Network, KISS' licensing agent. Up next for Simmons, who turns 52 in August: a KISS CD box set due in stores in November and the rock 'n' roll icon's autobiography, "KISS and make-up," from publisher Crown, which will debut in January. **Note: a picture of Gene in reunion make-up, live o stage, was attached to this article, and the caption read: KISS member Gene Simmons is adding casket to growing list of products tied to band. [Post Your Comments]

From: MC & Marty Downes
MC: I just got home a few minutes ago and I'm still reeling for the excitement of the day. We went to the Javitis Center on a whim hoping that it truly wasn�t closed to the public. To our surprise it wasn't! We had to pay a $55 registration fee but in the end it was well worth it. We arrived early to scope out the main convention floor and find Gene's booth. We couldn�t find the Kasket anywhere, after searching for about 1/2 hour we asked the people at the Signatures Booth where Gene was? Turns out he was downstairs in a small meeting room. We went downstairs and in a room that was about 15 x 15 with the kasket which appeared to be closed to the public. Needless to say moral was a an all-time low. Now after paying the $55, we weren't really sure if we were going to get an autograph. The salespeople in the room said he was booked all day long and couldn't promise and told us to come about in early afternoon. So we decided to take a break. On better judgment we came back around 11:00am. Wont you know it, when we returned he was already inside, we missed him by 5 minute. We hung in there around 12:30, they called a few of the fans in to the hall and Gene came out and signed for about 10 people. He signed anything and everything we wanted!!!! It was a very intimate setting and Gene was in great spirits! He talked to us and joked around with us. He posed with us for photos. You name it he was more than happy to do it! I was floored. He was incredibly gracious! Shortly after he want back in the room and did some business later to emerge and sign AGAIN. We got even more thing signed and more photos taken. I couldn�t believe it! I felt like I spent the afternoon with Gene. He posed with the Kiss Girls, signed one girls ass, he answered people's cell phones and spoke to the people on the other end. All I can say is WOW!!!! I though my Ace experience was fantastic, this blew me out of the water!
Marty Downes: I attended the Jacobs Javits Center today, as I found my way downstairs, here comes Gene and three girls with make up, Ace ,Peter, and Paul. As I followed them in, I handed Gene the March 99� Girls of KISS Playboy, It was very appropriate. After signing it, I asked if they mind if I follow them. We wound up in a small pressroom, the one in the photos posted yesterday. Meet with a New York Times reporter. I was able to stay for about 10 minutes during the interview. Gene had his typical responses to the questions and was comical. The girl dress as Peter Criss picked up the Playboy and showed me an advertisement for The KISS and Tell book that she did, and signed it for me. I then found out she was Stacy E. Walker. We were all asked to step outside the room at that point where KISS�s business manager, lawyer, and the Manufacturer of the KISS Kasket were standing. We all took photos of the girls and ourselves. Someone came out of the pressroom and said that Gene wanted to borrow the Playboy, he was doing a photo shoot. After getting it back I was then asked to wait further out in the hall and was unable to get pics of Gene. They said he would be available in a few hours for pictures. It was a great experience and everyone was very cool. From what I could see of the casket it look very outrageous! What�s next? [Post Your Comments]

From: wireimage.com
On the Howard Stern show today, June 12th, Gene Simmons officially announced that KISS would be putting out, "KISS Kaskets." Gene will be at the Jacob Javits Convention Center tomorrow, June 13th, from 10am to 3pm promoting it. "It's a full sized actual casket that will cost you about $4500. It's waterproof so it can also be used as a cooler in your house. So you can enjoy it while you're alive and dead. Of course it has KISS stuff all over it." The Wireimage.com website has some exclusive photos of Gene and the brand new KISS Kasket. Click over now to the Wireimage.com website to see 10 great photos of Gene and the KISS Kasket! [View The Photos] [Post Your Comments]

From: KNAC.com
As if the KISS merchandising machine hasn't generated enough money for Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley for this lifetime and many over, now KISS will be taking your money even in death!!! Yes, KISS masterminds have come up with their most diabolical scheme ever to suck the cash out of hardcore fans: the KISS Kasket. "This is the ultimate KISS collectible, " said Simmons. "I love livin�, but this makes the alternative look pretty damn good." Simmons appeared on The Howard Stern Radio Show this morning to pitch the product, saying, "Most caskets go for $3,000 but ours will sell for $4,500," prompting Stern to chastise him for not giving fans a deal even in death. KISS is offering the item in conjunction with Signatures Network, Inc. and WhiteLight and it will be available only through the band's official website and through your local funeral homes. The KISS Kasket is completely covered with a specially laminated photomural that features the KISS logo and the images of the band members. The words "KISS Forever" are imprinted on the side of the casket. KISS is the music industry�s all time merchandising and licensing leader, with over half a billion dollars in revenue and 2,500 licensed products around the world, and apparently has no plans to stop the raping and pillaging of it's fans. Despite the band being on the last legs of their endless reunion tour, Simmons and his mates will clearly be milking the band's legacy well into the next millennium. And when they pass away (in a KISS coffin, I'm sure), their kids will be passed the torch and another half century of fans will be financially molested. Commenting on this latest venture, Signatures Network President and CEO Dell Furano said, "By virtue of their incredible success for almost 30 years, KISS has established itself as THE quintessential Rock and Roll brand. KISS represents the rebelliousness, outrageousness, authenticity and non-stop partying which are synonymous with rock and roll." [More...] [Post Your Comments]

From: Steve Harwell
I just wanted to add that to my surprise this morning (6/12) at around 6am PDT Gene was on CNNfn, the financial network. He did say The Box Set is coming and that the record company is exited. He talked about how lucky KISS was and showed the KISS cell phone cover, credit card and spoke about the KISS Casket. He said it was water proof and you could use it as a large ice chest prior to needing it permanently! He spoke of a licensing expo in NY tomorrow. Very interesting to see Gene there, he went back and forth with the host, who treated him well. Last place I thought I'd see KISS! [Post Your Comments]

From: Marksfriggin.com via Greg P
Comedian Craig Gass was sitting in this morning doing his Gene Simmons impression. The real Gene Simmons came in to promote a few things so we had a battle of the Genes going on. Gene came in saying that he's gotten tons of phone calls from people about Craig doing his voice. He mentioned how ''Gene'' told Suzanne Somers that he was going to give her a KISS lunch pail when she was on talking about her breast cancer. He jokingly called Craig a ''son of a bitch'' a few times. Gene noticed that Howard had the bust of him sitting next to the picture of OJ in the studio. He's sent it to Howard recently. Of course Craig was doing his ''Gene'' and saying a bunch of funny stuff. The real Gene said that he doesn't sound anything like him but he really does. Gene thinks it's a more high pitched voice that Craig does. Gene did an impression of Craig doing an impression of Gene which was pretty funny also. Of course Craig made jokes about how KISS takes their fans money and how they invented just about everything. Real Gene took it well and laughed hysterically at a few of the jokes. Gene also explained that every band, no matter who they are, are in this game to make money. They're all corporate entities that are there to make money and KISS has made close to half a billion dollars with their merchandising. The fact that Gene has slept with over 3000 women also came up. Gene explained how he doesn't mess around with the B.S. of trying to sweet talk a woman. He just talks to her honestly and if he finds one attractive, he'll tell her that right off. Howard thought of the relationships as one night stands but Gene doesn't see it that way. Gene was in to promote a few things including his autobiography which will be out in the fall and a KISS box set that will cost about $250. The main thing he was promoting was a new KISS casket! He said he'll be at the Jacob Javits Convention Center tomorrow from 10am to 3pm promoting this thing. It's a full sized actual casket that will cost you about $4500. It's waterproof so it can also be used as a cooler in your house. So you can enjoy it while you're alive and dead. Of course it has KISS stuff all over it. [More...] [Post Your Comments]

From: redvianna@aol.com / KISS ASYLUM BB
The real Gene and the fake Gene were on this morning (6/12). Here's a quick rundown on Gene: The Box Set is coming in November, no details. KISS Casket, yes a casket, runs from $4,500 to $5,000. A real life size coffin. He will be showing it off at a licensing expo here in NY tomorrow. It's not open to the public. And he plugged his book. Other than that, the same old, "who did you sleep with.." type interview. [Post Your Comments]

From: KISS ASYLUM & KISSFAQ.COM
Find out the logic behind the releases, what was going on in the band during the recording of albums, what the band was up to in the period leading up to studio time, and lots more information which should be of interest to the diehard fan! Some of the album focus' will use reference material never before available, plus some of the best interviews with the band already available. We are going for accuracy in our attempt to provide a completely clear picture of the status of the band for each release. The "KISS Album Focus" will be your definitive look back on KISS and their albums. Sit back and enjoy your KISStory lesson with KISS ASYLUM & KISSFAQ.COM's "KISS Album Focus."
"Half way through the Revenge Tour the band deemed themselves suitably warmed up to start recording material for KISS Alive III, which would be the band's first live album in 16 years, and first live release since the Animalize Live Uncensored video in 1986. On November 27th the first of three shows are recorded by Eddie Kramer for the album with "I Was Made For Lovin' You", a song the band had only performed on the Club Tour earlier in the year was recorded during sound checks because it was not a part of the set on the proper arena tour. Other shows recorded for the album included those at The Palace, Detroit, MI (27), Cleveland, OH (28), and at Indianapolis, IN, on the 29th, in essence making the recording of the album a three night event. Bruce recalled, "we recorded it over the Thanksgiving '92 weekend in Indianapolis, Detroit, and Cleveland. Most of the material on the album comes from the Indy gig, which is funny because I didn't think I sounded good that night..." [Learn Your KISSTORY Lesson!] [Post Your Comments]

From: Kansas City Star
It may not come as big news, but the music business is full of graft. At least that's what Gene Simmons, the bass player of the famous masqueraded Kiss, says. And Simmons ought to know. He and his band have managed to persevere for 28 years. "The music industry is very bizarre," Simmons says. "About the only thing I can liken it to is the Wild West because this brand new music that was created -- in a sort of quintessential American fashion, of the people, for the people and by the people -- was really created by a shady element of society. They were guys that were involved in jukeboxes and so on." Bringing some light into this shady area will be "The Secret History of Rock 'n' Roll," a documentary airing Monday on Court TV. Simmons will serve as host. Early on, the music industry was tainted, says the musician. "Along the way, you've got a lot of people strumming guitars who can barely spell their name right, much less read or write music. And I'm one of them." Not likely. Simmons is one of the more articulate participants in the industry who has diversified into acting as well as several other ventures. He actually started as a school teacher. "School teaching was an attempt by me to satiate my guilt complex about not being too much of a hedonist in life, that is to say, not going out and enjoying life -- pleasure for pleasure's sake. I quickly found out at the end of a day of teaching that nobody clapped, nobody called me back for an encore," he says. "So I confronted myself and realized that it wasn't humanitarian forces that made me want to teach, I wanted to be up in front of people. I wanted them to look at me and tell me I'm wonderful. I just had to figure what that stage would be." [More...] [Post Your Comments]

From: FX
KISS' Gene Simmons is scheduled to be a guest on the FX show, "The Test," this Wednesday, June 13th. Gene will be on a panel with other celebrities including Sascha Knopf, Cynthia Garrett, and Alexis Arquette and will be talking about "Fashion." "The Test" is scheduled to run this Wednesday, June 13th at 11:00pm eastern time with a repeat on Thursday, June 14th at 2pm eastern. Visit the FX website for more information! [Post Your Comments]

From: Launch.com via Terri Diane Bey
It's been two months since KISS played the last show on its Farewell Tour in Australia, but since then no new dates have been announced. Singer-bassist Gene Simmons said the band would hit Europe before wrapping up in New York, but nothing has been confirmed yet, and members of the Kiss Army are anxious for news. Lead guitarist and singer Ace Frehley told LAUNCH that he's not sure where or when the next show will take place, but he's pretty confident about where Kiss will make its final stand: "I'm sure the last show will be probably in New York. Whether we do a group of shows at the Garden or one big one at a stadium hasn't been decided yet. But we, you know, we're a New York band--we began here, we should end it here." Long-circulated rumors have had Kiss wrapping it up with either a four-night run at New York City's Madison Square Garden, or a massive outdoor show at Shea Stadium, the home of baseball's New York Mets, just outside Manhattan in Queens. [Post Your Comments]

From: John Ostrosky
Ace Frehley taped more episodes of VH1's Cover Wars on Friday, June 8 in New York City. I saw the second show where joining Ace as judges were Sebastian Bach and Edwin McCain. Ace looked and sounded great! He even cracked a few jokes and set a great tone for the entire episode! At the end of the show, the audience received a very special surprise when Ace, Sebastian, Edwin, host Paul Shaffer and Anton Fig took the stage with cover band King Friday and played "Wild Thing" and "Cold Gin." Sebastian sang the first verse of "Cold Gin" and Ace sang the second! Ace really stole the show! After "Cold Gin," the entire audience was chanting "Ace, Ace, Ace, Ace." [Post Your Comments]

From: Amazon.com via Brad M Saenz
The lights flash and the crowd roars with enthusiasm as KISS plays their final date in Pittsburgh. Within a matter of minutes they find themselves transported to a surreal world where music is outlawed and the law of the land is upheld by Domino, a feisty redhead who shoots first and asks questions later. Use your keyboard to control the plot twists. With dozens of plot paths and multiple endings to choose from, you decide how the story will unfold. Join KISS in their sci-fi rock-n-roll adventure as they scour the underbelly of this bizarre world in a bid to get back home. [More...]. [Post Your Comments]

From: Dale Sherman
Just bought Bruce Campbell's autobiography, IF CHINS COULD KILL, and it's a great book. For those of you who don't know, Campbell played Ash in the EVIL DEAD movies and played Brisco County Jr. in the FOX television series of the same name. Great actor and it's always fun listening or reading his tales of being a b-movie actor. KISS is mentioned in the book. Campbell is discussing his days in high school and being on the radio committee that played music over the loudspeakers between classes and in study-hall. Here's what he has to say: "Another sideline of being a Radio Speech student was providing music for the lunchroom study-hall. Acid-rock lovers patronized the place and KISS was always high on the request list. With influences more along the lines of the Carpenters, I wasn't about to play ear-bleed music, so I'd play a KISS song, then place a thumb on the turntable and drag it to a slow death." [Post Your Comments]

From: Metal Edge Online
The "real" Gene Simmons will be shock jock Howard Stern's guest next Tuesday, June 12--should make for interesting conversation. Paul Stanley, meanwhile, shot a commercial for Folgers Coffee that will begin airing on TV in July. [Post Your Comments]

From: USA Today
KISS star Gene Simmons & actress wife Shannon Tweed were on hand at the Los Angeles premiere of Swordfish. [Post Your Comments]

From: RockRage.com
For those of you who loved the late '80s style of rock, this should be right up your alley. KOCH Records has announced that they will reissue the 1989 self-titled debut by Badlands. The band consisted of the late and great vocalist Ray Gillen, former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee, drummer Eric Singer of KISS and Alice Cooper, and bassist Greg Chaisson. The album peaked at #57 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and scored two hits with "Winter's Call" and "Dreams In the Dark." Badlands spilt up after releasing only two albums. Sadly, vocalist Ray Gillen died in 1994. The album reissue will become available on June 26th. [Post Your Comments]

From: Shannon Moore
The 8th annual Detroit KISS Expo will take place Sunday, July 8th 2001 at the Double Tree Hotel at Detroit's Metro Airport. The tickets are $12 through Ticketmaster and the special guests include Bill Aucoin and The Demon with War Machine as the featured Tribute Band For more information click here. [Post Your Comments]

From: The KISS Army OnLine (KAOL)
The first pressing sold out and the second batch of this double disc tribute package is now in stock! All back orders have been filled and shipped. If you've been waiting for the supply to be replenished, now is the time to order. Order this month and your name is put into the drawing to win the KISS McFarlane action figures being given away on July 1st AND an autographed Ace Frehley 1978 solo album PICTURE disc to be given away August 1st. "The Spirit of '78" is the only KISS Tribute CD based entirely on the material of the four 1978 solo albums. The audio disc is packed with high quality professional remakes of Gene, Paul, Peter, and Ace's solo songs from bands as far away as Sweden and Japan and all over the U.S. The included video disc holds 11 music videos and behind the scenes peeks at some rare KISS artifacts that can be viewed on your computer. Hear Ace's "What's On Your Mind" sung in Japanese and see the video performed by the Tokyo band in makeup and kimonos! Hear a 54 track production of Paul's "Goodbye" done by international KAOL artists in a "We Are The World" stye finale and see the video that captures them all plus exclusive Eric Carr footage. There's also 2 KISS collectible inserts and a 16 page full color booklet for a complete tribute package that has never before been available AND all proceeds are being donated to the Alzheimer's Association ($7,000 given so far). Visit the website for full details and ordering. www.kissarmyonline.com. [Post Your Comments]

From: Alain Bellicha
BitCash and Omega Project are broadcasting a pay-per-view concert of Kiss Live in Japan - Farewell show in Tokyo Dome from Friday June 1 to Sunday June 3. www.BitCash.co.jp The price is 500 yens (approx. $4) and you can see the show as many times as you can for 5 hours. The total running time is 120 minutes. The show is complete, except Paul's raps. And of course, it as beautiful pro-shot concert. It also includes personal messages from the band backstage, where Gene tells us to believe in ourselves, Eric thanks the fans, Ace makes some wise comments about Sushi and Paul give us hope... My favorite part part is the intro, because I am featured for half a second in front of the Tokyo Dome during the introduction segment. I hope this show is released on DVD or video so the whole Kissnation can share what a Rock And Roll party in Tokyo, Kiss offered to the Kiss Army Nippon, that March 13. [More...] [Post Your Comments]

From: musiciansfriend.com via Eddie Kellar
[By Kenny Kerner]: I remember my thoughts when I first took a look at the original KISS publicity photo that I found with their demo tape back in the 70s. The word "gimmick" never entered my mind--I swear. I thought it looked so cool. Really. I said, "fans are gonna love this. It's totally different. It's controversial. It's new." And it was. I was right. So while the fans and a handful of people "got it" immediately and turned KISS into international superstars, the rest of the industry and the world argued about the dilemma of art vs. image. An argument, I might add, that still exists and that will go unresolved for eternity. There are basically two camps: The Purists, who believe that artists should rely on their artistry, their craft, their talents, to achieve notoriety and success. And the Mavericks--independent thinkers who do not necessarily conform to rules of the game. That's me, by the way! Mavericks believe you should achieve success however you can. Period. KISS knew all along that they were in the music business, which is part of the Entertainment Industry, and that their job was to provide music and enjoyment to their fans as best they could. We're now well into the New Millennium and the argument continues: Backstreet Boys and 'N Sync suck. They're posers. They have no talent. These comments echo loudly through the country from people who believe that adding image as a marketing tool is an excuse for a lack of talent and poor material. [More...] [Post Your Comments]