Steve Sils Photography
It’s been 40 years since KISS put on paint and changed the face of rock and roll
Ethan Sacks | New York Daily News
Back before they could afford to party all day, they were already rock ’n’ rolling all night.
Forty years ago this month, Kiss bassist Gene Simmons, guitarists Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss dabbed on some black and white facepaint bought in a Manhattan hobby store and forever left their mark on music history.
“We were just four kids off the streets of New York that dreamed big,” Simmons, who was born Chaim Witz, told the Daily News this week.
There’s no historical plaque in front of the six-story, cast-iron building at 10 E. 23rd St., where Kiss first formed and practiced their three-chord riffs in a dingy fourth floor loft with yolk-encrusted egg crates nailed to the walls to muffle the noise.
COURTESY OF KISS
First promo in their makeup in 1973.
But maybe there should be one: Kiss has gone on to sell more than 100 million records and perform live in front of an estimated 22 million fans.
What’s new in KISS collecting – Love Gun and Destroyer posters
New modern prints of the classic KISS albums have been released here in the U.S. just this week! New, mint condition sealed and rolled in plastic from the factory.
Upgrade your prints with these brilliant new printings.
‘There was no precedent for this’: Paul Stanley celebrates KISS’s 40th year with autobiography
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.”
KISS rocker Paul Stanley partners up for restaurant
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?
‘KISS Kids’ comic book to debut this fall
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
COTN Podcast Episode: KISS Album Covers Part 1
Vintage KISS poster collection for sale
We have purchased several large KISS poster collections of UNBELIEVABLE gems from the ’70s, up to the present! Most are singles so make sure you check them out before they are all gone. Each has been painstakingly photographed and graded. You will not believe the amazing items we have!
1st KISS Monster Mini Golf Anniversary Bash
Saturday, March 23 is the first year anniversary of the KISS Monster Mini Golf course in Las Vegas Nevada. Guests include Eric Singer, Ken Kelly and Bob Kulick plus more! Click the link below for a complete list of all the events happening all day long!
Click HERE for info on the KISS Mini Golf Anniversary party!
Ken Kelly on opening day last year
Three Sides of the Coin – Hit & Run Q&A
Michael Brandvold
KISS Rock Legends Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons To Co-Host Opening Of Rock & Brews Los Cabos
New KISS Monster Figures now in stock!
We have a present for you – The new KISS Monster figurs that were originally to be released in early April were released….TODAY! They just got over to us on the boat from Asia way faster than anyone had anticipated.
Order today, we ship tomorrow! All pre-orders are shipping tomorrow morning. And remember – on certain select sets, you get a FREE Gene “bloody variant’ figure if you order before April 30th or when supplies run out, whichever comes first.
Music From The FAQ VI”: Free Digital Album Available Now
Tim McPhate | KissFAQ
The latest installment of the KissFAQ member community’s tribute album series, “Music For The FAQ VI,” is now available for free digital download. KissFAQ members have put their musical stamps on 20 tracks that span KISStory, including KISS klassics, non makeup-era gems, deep album cuts, and even a rare demo.
“Music From The FAQ VI” official track listing:
1. Rico – “Just A Boy”
2. Polka Dot Ron and His Polka Dot Pals – “Detroit Rock City”
3. Shandi777 – “Love Gun”
4. Kameron Duty / Christian Fugate – “Strutter”
5. Lespaul – “Exciter”
6. OneFinger1691 / Sammy Calderone – “Not For The Innocent”
7. Yahoo & The Beaters – “Rocket Ride”
8. Jay Jerz / Allen Tate – “Little Caesar”
9. Dullard – “Who Wants To Be Lonely”
10. Kreatures – “Rock And Roll Hell”
Continue reading
Petition For Kiss to Play More Songs From Monster
I have made a petition for Kiss to play more songs from Monster live. So, fellow members of Kiss Army, sign this petition and spread the word around the internet and by mouth, and maybe we can get Kiss to realize that we want to hear their new music live too!
https://www.change.org/petitions/kiss-play-more-songs-from-monster-especially-take-me-down-below
Best regards,
Daniel Pettersson”
100 KISS KOLLECTIONS OF THE KISS ARMY!
everythingkiss.com
everythingkiss.com has hit their 100th Kollection and we want to share it with you. Go here top see the revamped Kollections page!
John Storyk Recalls Designing Ace Frehley’s Ace In The Hole Studio
Tim McPhate | KissFAQ
KissFAQ has conducted an interview with legendary studio architect/acoustician John Storyk. Storyk, who designed the famed Electric Lady Studios, discussed the design and construction of Ace Frehley’s Ace in the Hole Studio in Wilton, Conn., a project that began in 1979 and ultimately took approximately one year. Storyk recalled his initial consultation with Frehley, the challenges of this particular studio design, the budget, and more.
The following are excerpts from Storyk’s interview with KissFAQ’s Tim McPhate:
KissFAQ: John, how did you come to be contracted to design Ace Frehley’s studio? Was it 
through Eddie Kramer?
John Storyk: Yes. I’m 99.9 percent sure this is correct. At the time Eddie was very involved with KISS as you know. He did a number of their albums and I think he was pretty close with Ace. Ace had, more or less, just gotten his new home in Connecticut, right on the Connecticut-New York border, and wanted his own studio. And Eddie and I, of course, had been friends since 1969. He’s my daughter’s godfather. Basically, Eddie said to Ace, “This is the only guy to do it.” And Ace said, “Great. Let’s do it.” And I remember he sent a limousine to pick me up and I went up to his house up in Wilton, he had already moved into the house. And he basically outlined that he wanted a private home studio.
KF: According to “KISS & Sell,” a book authored by KISS’ former business manager Christopher Lendt, “Ace’s dream was to have a recording studio in his home.” Was this how you recall the project being described to you?
JS: 100 percent. You know, it’s kind of funny because artists having their own studios at home now is like buying a loaf of bread. It’s an every day occurrence. It’s not a big deal. Then it was a slightly new idea for an artist to have a “commercial-grade” studio. When I Continue reading
What’s New in KISS Collecting – KISS Rock and Roll Over Tapestry
HUGE fabric tapestry. A full seven feet wide by five feet tall! Made of thin cotton material, (slightly thicker material than a bed sheet). Sturdy, vibrant and colorful! Big enough to cover a twin or double size bed.
Supergroup KISS pays tribute to murdered woman Shandee during Mackay concert
Kate Kyriacou, John O’Brien | Herald Sun
MURDERED Mackay woman Shandee Blackburn would have been front and centre when international rock superstars KISS – the band that gave her her name – took to the stage in her hometown.
Instead, her family watched in delight as lead singer Paul Stanley last night did an acoustic version of the band’s song Shandi for Shandee.
Ms Blackburn was stabbed to death early last month as she walked home from work.
She was less than a block from home when her attacker struck.
“I think everyone knows about a girl called Shandee Blackburn,” Stanley told the Mackay crowd last night.
“We lost her and we wish she could be here with us, so why don’t we sing a song for her, all of us.”
Shandee’s mother Vicki said she had no idea the band had agreed to their request to play the song she’d named her daughter for.
“I wasn’t looking forward to it (the concert),” she said.
“It was just another one of those days where Shandee should have been there. I was quite angry that she couldn’t be there.”
Mrs Blackburn bought the KISS tickets as an early birthday present for Shandee.
NJ KISS Store 2013 – One day only, April 20
The New Jersey KISS STORE is back 1 day only — Saturday APRIL 20th 2013 — 11am to 5pm at the NJ Convention and Exposition Center, (at the Raritan Center)
FREE ADMISSION TO EVERYONE…Adults FREE….Children FREE….Parking FREE
Same Promoters and Same Venue as the NJ KISS EXPO….
The Kiss Store will be selling official items spanning 1974 to 2013….Types of Items available for sale at the KISS Store….Magazines, Promo Items, Toys, T-Shirts, Hats, Books, Concert Items, Picks, Posters, Paper Items, Kiss Army Items, Foreign Items, official CDs, official Cassette Tapes, Records, Picture Discs, 45s, official DVDs, Signed Items, Out Of Print Items, Non Makeup Items, Original Lineup Items, newly released items, Tour Books, Cards, Cars, and THE OFFICIAL MONSTER COFFEE TABLE BOOK will be on sale…..1,000s of items will be available !!!
Have items you want to sell us? bring everything on over…we pay cash
Have items you want to trade for store shopping credit? Bring everything
Have a small, medium size, or large collection to sell? We pay CASH on the spot….contact Ross Koondel for an appointment 267-566-2046
Want to participate as a DEALER?….limited table space available — contact Ross Koondel 267-566-2046
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center (at the Raritan Center)
97 Sunfield Ave.
Edison, NJ 08837
Located off Exit 10 on the New Jersey Turnpike
Need DIRECTIONS go to www.njexpocenter.com/directions/
Don’t have a Car but want to come to the KISS Store? Here is the info for PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION www.njexpocenter.com/public-transportation/
Visit the website for more info: NJKISSexpo.com
Lighting hits two at KISS concert
Alexandra Pleffer | Nine News
Fans were lucky to escape injury when glam rockers KISS literally brought down the house during their Brisbane show last night.
Two people were struck when part of the lighting rig fell from the ceiling after fireworks were set off during the performance, Nine News reported.
One fan managed to film the moment the equipment came crashing down, smashing into a security guard.
“I saw the lighting tower come down off the roof and hit a cameraman on the head and then it bounced over onto the security guard,” he told Nine News.
“I thought they sort of could have come and checked on him and made sure he was Continue reading