AIPACPC | solveisraelsproblems.com
In this short video Gene Simmons talks about his memories and how proud he is of Israel.
KISS Hiball Glasses
What’s new in KISS Collecting
Just released – a new set of KISS Hiball glasses. Each set comes in an attractive display box and are 6 inches tall.
$24.95 at KISSmuseum.com
Charleston cobbler has KISS-tory
Zach Harold | Daily Mail
Jina Jordan has held several jobs in her life.
She owned a cleaning business and then worked as a pizza dough maker at Gino’s Pizza in Sissonville. She drives cars for the St. Albans Auction and repairs purses and leather jackets at the Fife Street Shoe Shop in downtown Charleston.
But over a decade ago, Jordan, 53, held her coolest gig of all. For one day, she was KISS bassist Gene Simmons’ cobbler.
The storied rock band played Charleston on May 2, 2000, on the first leg of their “Farewell Tour.”
KISS didn’t actually retire after that tour – they’ve embarked on seven more since then – but the Charleston date was one of the last times the band’s original lineup took the stage together.
Chris Dickerson, the Daily Mail’s city editor at the time, was eagerly anticipating that concert.
“I’m a huge KISS fan and over the years I became friends with KISS’s tour manager,” Dickerson said.
‘Cadillac High’ KISS movie to be shot in Michigan
“Cadillac High,” a feature film based on the KISS’s 1975 celebratory tour to the city of Cadillac, has received conditional approval for incentives to shoot the movie in Michigan.
And since the movie turned in its application to the Michigan Film Office before last year’s Dec. 31 deadline, incentives to locate filming of “Cadillac High” won’t be subject to the 2012 cap of $25 million budgeted by the state.
“It was a project that we wanted to make sure to do everything possible to keep here in Michigan,” says Michigan Film Office Communication Adviser Michelle Begnoche.
In 1974, the Cadillac High School Vikings, playing KISS albums in the locker room before and after games, won seven straight games and wound up conference co-champs. Word spread to the glitter-rockers of KISS, who visited Cadillac the next year for the most raucous Homecoming weekend on record.
June 27, 1996, Detroit News: “We always planned to turn this planet into Kiss World and Cadillac was the first proof that it was possible,” says guitarist Paul Stanley, who will be playing Friday with his original bandmates — bassist Gene Simmons, guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss. Simmons agrees. “It’s one thing getting into a band and making some money,” he explains. “It’s another seeing that a band can change people’s lives; that it can instill a better sense of self-esteem in people; that it can help a football team win games.”
According to the Michigan Film Office’s 2011 Annual Report, “Cadillac High” will film in the cities of Cadillac, Pontiac and Detroit. The movie says it will hire 205 Michigan residents and spend just over $27 million dollars to produce the film in the Mitten State; including almost $5.5 million on equipment and material rentals and purchasing, $700,000 on food and just over $534,000 on lodging.
Conditional incentive amounts offered to producer Philip Steuer total $8.2 million, though the Film Office is still waiting on some financial information from the film, says Begnoche. Steuer produced the “Chronicles of Narnia” films and “Oz the Great and Powerful, ” which was shot last year at Raleigh Michigan Studios.
1989 KISS Convention video footage
Bill Baker
Take a trip back through time to the 1989 KISS Convention in Secaucus New Jersey. Bill Baker of the Ace Frehley Archives gives us a video tour of all the mayhem of the day. It’s unbelievable what was for sale at these events decades ago.
Gene Simmons and Rock & Brews
Gene Simmons has partnered with the Rock and Roll themed restaurant and beer garden Rock & Brews in El Sugundo California. Gene was on site recently to inspect the on-going remodeling. Rumor has it the Demon himself will be making an appearance at the grand opening April 3, 2012. Visit the Rock & Brews website for this and all future info!
Paul Stanley at Lakers game
Paul and Erin Stanley were both seen looking good at yesterday’s 02/04/12 Lakers game at the Los Angeles Staples Center against the Miami Heat.
Glenn Hughes, Matt Sorum, Gene Simmons Talk Rock And Roll All Stars In New Video Interview
Argentinean rock journalist Lucas H. Gordon recently conducted an interview with Glenn Hughes (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, ex-DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH), Matt Sorum (VELVET REVOLVER, ex-GUNS N’ ROSES), and Gene Simmons (KISS) talk about the upcoming tour in Latin America, with Rock And Roll All Stars Band. Watch the interview below:
This past Thursday in Los Angeles, a press conference was held by promoter Gabe Reed who announced that major concerts that will be happening in South America in April and May under the moniker Rock and Roll All Star Band featuring the following:
– Gene Simmons (KISS)
– Joe Elliott (DEF LEPPARD)
– Matt Sorum (VELVET REVOLVER, ex-GUNS N’ ROSES)
– Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N’ ROSES)
– Gilby Clarke (ex-GUNS N’ ROSES, ROCK STAR SUPERNOVA)
– Glenn Hughes (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, ex-DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH)
– Ed Roland (COLLECTIVE SOUL)
– Sebastian Bach (ex-SKID ROW)
– Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL)
– Mike Inez (ALICE IN CHAINS)
– Billy Duffy (THE CULT)
KISS in extended French TV video interview 1990
Gene, Paul, Bruce and Eric Carr in an extended 1990 video interview outtake from the Hot in the Shade Tour. First Gene, then Eric and finally Paul take turns on the acoustic guitar playing some awesome Beatles tunes. Later Bruce comes in and shows them how it’s really done.
KISS hopes for new hit in Las Vegas miniature golf course
John Corrigan | LA Times
Few rock bands have marketed themselves like KISS. These guys have taken things way beyond posters and T-shirts. We’re talking KISS wine. A KISS Mr. Potato Head set. Even KISS urns and caskets.
Now, for those who can’t get enough of their favorite rockers, a KISS-themed miniature golf course and amusement park will open across from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on March 15.
“The 18th hole is my tongue,” bass player Gene Simmons said this week.
The project is a team effort between KISS and Monster Entertainment, which has franchised Monster Mini Golf locations around the country featuring glow-in-the-dark miniature golf and creepy creatures.
Former KISS star Frehley to headline Prestatyn festival
A TRUE legend of rock will grace the stage at one of the fastest growing events in North Wales.
Former KISS axesmith Ace Frehley will headline Hard rock Hell 6, which will be held at Pontins in Prestatyn from November 29-December 3.
Frehley’s set will be a treat for metalheads, who missed out last year after he pulled out of the event with a broken wrist.
The already fantastic line up includes Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot, Skinny Molly, The Dogs D’Amour, LA Guns featuring Phil Lewis and Steve Riley and Aussie rockers Electric Mary.
Gene Simmons at the Rock and Roll All-Stars press conference
Gene Simmons along with Matt Sorum and Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver), Gilby Clarke (Guns N’ Roses), Sebastian Bach (Skid Row) and Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath) at a press conference at the Roxy in Los Angeles for the upcoming Rock and Roll All-stars tour.
The Rock-n-Roll All Stars Press conference Part 1 by emmmedia
The Rock-n-Roll All Stars Press conference Part 2 by emmmedia
The Rock-n-Roll All Stars Press conference Part 3 by emmmedia
Ace Frehley discusses new album, book
It’s the Les Paul that launched a million guitarists: the 1974 Cherry Sunburst three-pickup Gibson Les Paul used by Ace Frehley during KISS’s breakthrough era. The guitar, known as the Budokan Les Paul in honour of the historic Japanese venue where it was given one of its best-known public showings, left Ace’s stewardship a few years ago, and it was long since retired from the road. But now it’s back, in spirit at least, in the form of Gibson Custom’s new Ace Frehley “Budokan” Les Paul Custom. This limited edition instrument will be available in four versions: fifty signed guitars aged by Tom Murphy in the Gibson Custom Shop; one hundred aged (but not signed) pieces; a further 150 finished with Gibson’s VOS (Vintage Original Spec) process; and 1000 pieces of an Epiphone version which retains most of the design features of its Gibson big brother. Ace took some time to talk with I Heart Guitar about the new guitar, the 30+ year old classic it’s based on, and his future plans.
“It was my favourite guitar that I used pretty much exclusively through the 70s and 80s, I guess,” Frehley says of the original instrument. “I continued to use it even with Frehley’s Comet. I don’t even remember when I got it! It was some time around 1975, 76. I had three or four backups, but the particular one that they just released, which is called the Budokan guitar, it was always my favourite guitar, my number one. It just felt the best and played the best.”
Paul Stanley at Elton John’s 2012 Oscars party
Jeff Giles | Ultimate Classic Rock
Larry Busacca, Getty Images
We tend to think of awards shows as excuses for famous people to get together in their finest duds and pat themselves on the back — and the same goes for the countless pre- and post-parties that go along with them. But while that may be true most of the time, Elton John‘s Oscar party is different — to the tune of more than $225 million raised for HIV/AIDS research over the last couple of decades.
John’s Oscar party turned 20 in typically stylish fashion last night (Feb. 26), drawing an eclectic crowd of celebrities while raising more funds for prevention and research. Where else could you find Paul Stanley of Kiss and Aerosmith‘s Steven Tyler rubbing shoulders with Gwen Stefani, or Katy Perry carrying on a conversation with Hollywood legend Cloris Leachman? Only Sir Elton packs ‘em in like that.
Gene Simmons to be feature on up-coming Rock n Roll All-Stars tour
Chris Harris | Gun Shy Assasin
You know what would be better than seeing Kiss, Def Leppard, and Skid Row live? Pretty much anything else in the world, if you ask this guy. But what if you could get a little bit of Kiss, Def Lep, and Skid Row all in one show? Wouldn’t that be better?
For me, no. But I’m hard to please.
The Rock ‘N’ Roll Allstars has been announced, and will present a live show “unlike any before,” claims a press release.
The tour will hit South and Central America in April and May, and a press conference is planned for Thursday to announce the trek.
Who will participate in the tour? Kiss’ Gene Simmons, Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum from Velvet Revolver and Guns N’ Roses, Rock Star Supernova’s Gilby Clarke, and the one and only Glenn Hughes.
10 GENE SIMMONS songs you need to hear
David Ashdown | Rock & Roll Ginsu
As a 2012 precaution, KISS Nation should demand the boyz seal these ten Gene master strokes up immediately in a time-capsule. I cannot put them in any order of import; no mere mortal could possibly extrapolate such calculations, not safely anayway.
WAR MACHINE – Creatures of The Night – This may have in fact have been recorded “On The 8th Day” because it is freakin’ god-like rock. The intro guitar riff is a couple of light years ahead of its time; hard to believe songsmith Bryan Adams could have had anything to do with the song, but he did. Gene’s growl says get the bleep out of my way or get run over by the biggest drums on earth, ever (thanks Eric Carr) and stands as a testament to Gene’s mastering of the ‘monster plod’. When he sings “draw the battle lines” it’s so evil, so infectious, that I literally wish to rule the world briefly. Terrifying. The gut-check guitars in the verse and the sheer space allowed for the drums to resonate ’till the next A chord bruises another rib is downright primal. If “War Machine” doesn’t get your blood boiling you probably have never ‘rocked’ anyway. While we’re at it, it bears mentioning that there isn’t a bad Simmons track on Creatures; get it.
Creatures of the Net Podcast – Episode 35 – KISS: The Beginners Guide
Creatures of the Net
Our young friend Cassius releases yet another one of his amazingly well-produced KISS Podcasts. Great stuff and a great listen. We particularly liked his inclusion of the only know live recording of KISS playing Rock and Roll Hell in Rockford Illinois on the ’83 Creatures tour. Click the audio player below to listen:
Las Vegas Philanthropist Hosts Star-Studded Evening with KISS
Dollar Loan Center CEO Chuck Brennan pulled out all the stops at his annual company holiday party recently. Bringing in his famous friends from around the country, the business owner and philanthropist helped raise nearly $300,000 for charity while giving 500 employees and guests a night to remember including $250,000 in cash and prizes.
“If there is a ‘best boss in America’ award, Chuck Brennan deserves it,” said Shon McKee, senior manager for Dollar Loan Center. “We got to experience an evening we will never forget and truly live like rock stars for the night.”
Brennan, a long-time rock music lover and former music industry executive, opened the evening with The Doors’ Robby Krieger playing “LA Woman,” followed by “Roadhouse Blues” with actor Val Kilmer, who famously portrayed Jim Morrison in the 1991 movie about the iconic band.
Brennan then introduced comedian-musician Gary Mule Deer, who entertained the audience before they were treated to a musical set that included rock legend Alice Cooper, Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac. The trio was accompanied by rock music legends Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer of the band KISS while Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley cheered in the audience. Brennan is long-time friends with the band and can always count on KISS when it comes to help raising money for great charities.
KISS: How They Were Made
Sal Cirrincione | Star 103
Wikimedia Commons
KISS has set August 14th as the publication date for Nothin’ to Lose: the Making of KISS (1972-1975). Written by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, along with author Ken Sharp, the 448-page book features more than 200 interviews, including some with the other two founding members, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss.
Also sitting down for interviews were producers, engineers, management, record company personnel, roadies, costume and stage designers, photographers, promoters and such artists as Bob Seger, Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper, members of Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, Rush, Styx, Blue Oyster Cult, Journey, REO Speedwagon, Mott the Hoople and many others.
KISS by Monster Mini Golf grand opening schedule
March 15, 2012 General Opening Day Information and Itinerary:
1:00pm ~ The party kick’s off in our parking lot with a day of FREE events featuring the WINNER of the World’s Best KISS Tribute Band Contest: “Mr. Speed” performing live throughout the day!
Live Radio Broadcast from KOMP Vegas Rock Radio where you can win FREE tickets for KISS By Monster Mini Golf throughout the day and lots of great prizes!
Face painters, games, food and fun all day!
3:00pm ~ Great opportunity to watch the first Wedding couple and their guests arrive in Rock Star Fashion as they enter KISS by Monster Mini Golf for the 1st ever KISS “Hotter Than Hell” wedding! Then, watch the wedding live from our parking lot via video broadcast!
5:00pm ~ The Red Carpet Walk begins! (actually we have a Black Carpet, as this is a Rockin’ establishment!) Yes, we’re talking Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and lots of other star studded surprises!