The KISS Thread

[Sakib]

KISS IS GREAT. I'VE SEEN THEM 3 TIMES IN CONCERT AN WAS NEVER DISAPPOINTED! They are really getting old, been around since the 70's. Still great though!

U NO wot they say. Old is Gold

[Malcolm]

 The movie "Remedy", starring former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley, will receive a DVD release on March 29. The movie, which features Frehley in the role of "Johnny," will have national video distribution via MTI Home Video in Blockbuster as well as other stores, according to a previous e-mail received by BLABBERMOUTH.NET from the film's lead writer, Nicholas Reiner

[Malcolm]

KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons has posted the following message on his officiall web site:

"We have been shooting a reality television show for our good friends at A&E TV. The show follows me around the world in my comings and going and includes my two midgets, Soph and Nick, as well as the ever-beautiful and forever charming Shannon (to whom I have been happily unmarried for almost 22 years!!!).

"A&E is the same place we did our Gene Simmons bio 24/7 special last year. I'm sure they will rebroadcast the special soon, in case you missed it.

"My partner, Leslie Greif and his group, especially the powerful and attractive Adam (who actually babysits the entire project), have been working their tails off. I saw a rough of the show and it's sweet (sweet as in cool).

"We're all having a great time doing this show together. They followed me to Las Vegas, where I attended the Computer Show at the Convention Center and the AVN Awards, where I was lucky to find myself escorting the beautiful Taylor Wayne. And, they also came with me to New Orleans for the Mardi Gras ? covering the madness of the city and climbing up with me on my float, which paraded throughout the city.

"No air date yet. Stay tuned.

"Early summer will also see the VH1 broadcast of my U.K. Ch. 4 series, 'Rock School', wherein I try to teach 13 year old Edwardian schooled young people how to (you guessed it) rock!!!. The first six episodes of the series will be broadcast first, followed by another 6 episodes in early fall.

"So, if you're all keeping track:

'My Dad The Rock Star' - Nickleodeon TV
'Mr. Romance' - Oxygen TV
'Rock School' - VH1
'Gene Simmons Family Jewels' - A&E
on. Stay
"And yes, all is well in the band I'm proud to be in. KISS is happier and more together than I've seen it in decades. We WILL do a proper tour sotuned to KissOnline.com for details.

Whats a proper tour? Touring under a new album, Touring other then America?

[Malcolm]

 Former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick recently spoke to RockConfidential.com about the UNION DVD, touring with Eric Singer, working on Paul Stanley's upcoming solo CD, and his thoughts on Gene Simmons' "Asshole" solo album, among other topics. An excerpt from the interview follows:

RockConfidential.com: You've been staying busy and I know you're working with Paul Stanley on his solo album. How is that coming along?

Bruce Kulick: "I played bass on four tunes so far. He's asked me to play some guitar stuff. I'm just waiting on a phone call from him. The stuff is terrific. It's definitely what Paul really gets off on. The other half of the record I haven't heard yet, but it's very melodic. I'm happy that he's following his vision. He's not trying to write a KISS record, although every KISS fan is going to love it."

RockConfidential.com: Do the songs you've worked on compare to any previous KISS style?

Bruce Kulick: "Some of there are closer to cool things like 'Every Time I Look At You' from 'Revenge'. He's got some more up-tempo kinda things that I haven't heard. He's working with people like Desmond Child. I'm looking forward to doing some more work with him."

RockConfidential.com: Is he recovering well from his surgery?

Bruce Kulick: "He did the hip thing twice! How many hips do you have? You've gotta get it right. Last time I talked to him he said he was feeling really good.

RockConfidential.com: Just because I've got you here I wanna put you on the spot a little. What did you think about Gene's solo album?

Bruce Kulick: "I like it and I think it's all over the map. There's so many styles on there and some I couldn't even imagine him wanting to record. He had an interesting take on them all. The whole concept of calling a record 'Asshole'...the way he comes off as a pimp, I just don't get it. Gene wants to be outrageous and present himself in a certain way. 'Asshole' is a song he got from a band in Norway and I understand him being attracted to the song. It's a very catchy tune. I wouldn't want to call an album that or make it the featured first single. The 'Firestarter' thing ? I don't get what PRODIGY has to do with KISS but if that turns on Gene, ya know? In some ways I think he had some strong moments and the rest of the time I just didn't get it. That's what solo records are about, though. I'm more scared about his box set! What is he talking about? That sounds scary to me!"

RockConfidential.com: 100 songs! I'm sure he has stuff you probably played on, right?

Bruce Kulick: "Sure, he could. I don't know. I haven't heard from him. Go ahead! I'd love to hear 'em get out there. Gene is a piece of work. He's very driven. It's kinda like Donald Trump was a rock star. It's a scary thought, but that's Gene Simmons. I know Paul is looking forward to getting his solo album out and proving that he's the musical driving force of KISS. They both contribute in very big ways but I think Paul's will be more defined and more in the area of KISS."

RockConfidential.com: What's your opinion of KISS? Not your opinion of the members individually, but the idea of the band continuing in makeup without Peter and Ace.

Bruce Kulick: "KISS is bigger than whatever is happening at any particular moment. It doesn't matter if they're going on their fourth farewell tour. KISS has made its mark and the KISS name represents a lot of very important things in rock 'n roll. Right now it seems they're in this period of 'What's next'? Paul's solo record is coming up but other than that I don't know. I don't know if they are that ambitious to say 'Let's do a record like 'Revenge' with Tommy Thayer and Eric.' They certainly could. I don't know why they don't have the drive to do things like that. Let's just get Paul's solo record out and then maybe they'll decide to define KISS for 2006."

[Malcolm]

Kiss performs at the Rockin' The Corps concert held at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in San Diego Friday, April 1, 2005. The free concert was organized as a thank you for the Marines who have served in Iraq and their families stationed at the base.



KISS start their set with pyrotechnics at the Rockin' the Corps concert at US Marine Corps Camp Pendelton in Oceanside, California April 1, 2005. More than 40,000 marines and their families attended the concert which was held as a thank you to US Marines who served in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

KISS Rocks the Corps

Set List:

Detroit Rock City
Deuce
Love Gun
God Gave Rock ?N? Roll to You
Rock ?N? Roll All Night

Camp Pendleton is just outside of San Diego right on the beach. I couldn?t think of a better place to see KISS. Think of an amphitheater right on the beach, complete with sand rather than grass seating and you?ll have a good idea of the venue. More than 30,000 people showed up for this, the majority of them marines who had either recently returned from Iraq or who are leaving for Iraq in the coming weeks. The show started with Ted Nugent performing a rousing rendition of The ?Star Spangled Banner,? From there God Smack took over and played a number of songs. Ted Nugent returned to help them end out their set as God Smack backed him up on ?Cat Scratch Fever? and Stranglehold.? Other performers who warmed up the audience for KISS included Richie Sambora, who played and sang a number of Bon Jovi songs, Hootie and the Blowfish, and Destiny?s Child. By the time KISS took the stage the audience was pumped. KISS opened with Detroit Rock City and an arsenal of pyrotechnics and smoke Bombs. Despite the recent hip operation Paul seemed to be in top. KISS pulled all the stops in this performance using almost as much Pyro as they would have for full length show, though Gene did not breath fire or spit blood, Paul however, did smash a guitar. The final barrage of confetti was truly amazing and seemed to shock many of the people in the audience especially those who were experiencing KISS for the first time. After the last fire works exploded and the smoke had cleared there was no question but that KISS had rocked the Corps and given their all for the troops.

[Malcolm]

"Kiss: Behind the Mask: The Official Authorized Biography" has been released in paperback, with a new cover.

Now everything is finally revealed about one of rock music's most outrageous and enduring phenomena. In this definitive, official authorized biography, authors David Leaf and Ken Sharp were given full, unprecedented access to KISS and their inner circle.

Hear the true, uncensored stories from Gene Simmons, the fire-breathing Demon; Paul Stanley, the acrobatic Starchild; Ace Frehley, the axe-slinging Spaceman; and Peter Criss, the levitating Catman drummer. Chronicling the group's amazing story, this one-of-a-kind book also offers interviews with some of the biggest stars in rock music, including Pete Townshend, Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent, Ozzy Osbourne, and many others.

The only book that truly captures the inimitable and exuberant spirit of the fiery foursome who gave America its second national anthem, "Rock and Roll All Nite", "Kiss: Behind The Mask" is a must-have for the band's legion of KISS Army acolytes.

* Dozens of never-before-seen photos
* The band's story, told in their own words
* Exclusive album-by-album, song-by-song commentary
* In unique interviews, today's rock superstars tell why they love KISS

[Malcolm]

 On May 19, 2005, KISS fan site The Kiss Underground Archives conducted an interview with KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons. Several excerpts from the interview follow:

The Kiss Underground Archives: What's going on in the world of KISS?

Gene Simmons: "What's going on is that obviously the best way for anyway to find out the latest, is to get online to KissOnline.com. Because when there's news and we're ready to talk about it, it gets posted. My site is a little different because I don't have to check with anybody, and do whatever the hell I wanna do. So there's all kinds of activity, all the time. Almost every day. Paul's [Stanley] working on his solo record. I know he's very, very excited by that. And I bet it's gonna kick ass. We were going to go overseas and tour, and I think wisely decided not to do it at this time. Between Paul doing a solo record, and all kinds of other stuff being worked on at the same time, there's just not enough time. Because before we can go out on tour, there's all the set-ups, rehearsals, we gotta build a stage ? it takes a lot of work. So there will be a tour at some point, but right now, Paul wants to concentrate on the solo record, and who knows, maybe he'll wanna go out and tour in back of it. Which I think would rock. I remember the last time I saw him in 1989, and it was a real treat to be able to sit in the audience and watch, if not THE best frontman in the business, certainly one of the best."

The Kiss Underground Archives: The major thing that most KISS fans have been asking for is NEW KISS music. From what I've read, you seem to be pretty gung-ho about doing a record with the current lineup, where Paul seems to be more on the fence about doing another KISS album.

Gene Simmons: "Well, when you're in the middle of a party and somebody says, 'Hey, let's go to a party,' it's not the same discussion if you're not at a party. Whereas if you're not at a party, and somebody says, 'Let's go to a party,' (and then you would say) 'Great idea.' In essence, what I'm saying is that right now, Paul is in the middle of writing and recording his solo record, so the idea of recording MORE music with KISS isn't as appealing. Also, we all know the market place is completely different. It's different for us, it's different for the STONES. It's different for any band that has been around for an awful long time. As we all know, the new STONES record is gonna come out, but it's not going to get the attention that it would have got like when they first came out. But it doesn't dilute the fact that it's a very important group that you wanna go see, because they're legends. So, to be honest with you, it is less appealing to go and try to do new music because the market place is certainly different. I mean, Elton John came out a few years ago and said, 'I'm through making new music. I'm happy to just get up on stage and play songs that I love playing.'"

The Kiss Underground Archives: What do you have to say to the fans who complain about all of the compilation CDs?

Gene Simmons: "There are two points to make, once and for all. One, the compilations DO NOT come from us. They come from record companies who own the rights to do those compilations. Two, and this is a really important one, just because YOU have those songs, doesn't mean that new fans do. So every once in awhile I'll go out and buy a greatest hits album by THE SWEET. And when I look at the greatest hits section by THE SWEET, or SLADE, or any other of my favorite bands, there are TONS of compilation records. But hey, I didn't buy every SWEET or SLADE record. So when I buy one of those records, I buy a compilation. And there's going to be even more new (KISS) compilations. You're going to hear 'Detroit Rock City' and a million other songs A HUNDRED TIMES, and they (the compilations) may not be for you. It may be for a brand new fan who doesn't wanna buy 40 albums, who may just wanna buy a taste of KISS. So those compilations WILL continue, and if you don't like it, there's a simple rule in capitalism: don't buy it. But complaining about compilations and other issues about the band means nothing. You're not in control."

The Kiss Underground Archives: Do you think there will ever be a day when KISS would once again perform without makeup or do you think KISS should remain a makeup entity until the band stops performing.

Gene Simmons: "I've said this before, that we'd never put the makeup back on again, but there we are. We did put it on. I said that we would never play with Ace [Frehley] and Peter [Criss] and then we did. As I stand here now, I would NEVER get on the stage with Ace and Peter again. Put on the makeup, don't put on the makeup, but who the hell knows?! You never know. You live and you learn."

The Kiss Underground Archives: If KISS does decide to ultimately record a new CD, would you keep it to only the current lineup playing on it, or would you be open to bringing in former members to participate as well?

Gene Simmons: "I tell what is great is that you never know. But I will tell you from the bottom of my heart that it's a real treat to play with Tommy [Thayer] and Eric [Singer] because they're positive people. There are no dark clouds hanging over their heads. There's no agony, there's no chemicals. It's a pleasure to play with guys who really love being onstage. And nobody wants to hear this about their Mom and Dad. You don't wanna hear your Mom say bad stuff about your Dad, even if it's true. But I wanna tell you that the fans get really pissed off at me for telling the truth. It's been torture with Ace and Peter. Forget about the drugs and the alchohol and all that, it's just been sometimes beyond miserable. Trying to get along with guys who have a problem with life itself. They're just difficult human beings. That doesn't mean I don't wish the best for them, I do. I love 'em, but for years and decades, they couldn't even figure out a way to help themselves. You can only go so far, and we went so far OVER AND OVER again. And it's been miserable. It's been a REAL FUCKIN' TORTURE!"

[Queen of Everything]

I like Kiss Alot! and soon there is this awesome kiss tribure show coming to my town (coz i couldnt go to see REAL kiss - lol) so Im hoping i can go, coz i've heard that they are really good! (the tribute band)

[Malcolm]

Rockeyes.com recently conducted an interview with former KISS and current GRAND FUNK RAILROAD guitarist Bruce Kulick. An excerpt from the interview follows:

RockEyes.com: Did you think that Gene [Simmons] and Paul [Stanley] would ask you back after Ace [Frehley] left again?

Bruce Kulick: "You have to remember Ace left in a very strange way. I'm real clear about it. It's as if Tommy Thayer has been Ace's understudy since the reunion tour teaching him the riffs. Tommy did a great Ace in the band COLD GIN years ago. Not all the KISS fans are aware that KISS had situations where they had to do some things with Tommy. They did not really announce it during a tour. A TV thing here? a private gig there. There was every intention for Ace to do it and Ace just didn't come. With Ace being such a part of the dysfunctional family being KISS, I think it really put the pressure on Gene and Paul to move ahead and figure out what to do. They usually took the path of less resistance.

"I never looked at me not having the opportunity to be Ace in KISS as a bad thing. It made sense to have Tommy do this. Like I said, Tommy was the understudy and obviously at one point it would happen. I know it is hard for KISS fans to understand. I know having the original members has more value for the promoters or at least it has been recently.

"The AEROSMITH tour was really important and when Ace wouldn't commit to that (which is crazy) and they had to move on. That would have been such a blast to play and hear AEROSMITH every night. But that is why Peter ended back in the band. Ace wouldn't commit. So Tommy is on guitar and Peter's on drums. That is a whole other thing then say, having Eric Singer playing the drums (who was earlier playing drums in KISS just prior to that tour down in Japan and Australia.) But by the time they were going to Australia to do the symphony tour, Peter didn't show up so Eric was now the drummer.

"So this past year they just gave up. Peter was useless and not interested and Ace was lost. So Eric and Tommy replaced Ace and Peter. It has nothing to do with musical talent or personality thing. It made more sense for Tommy to do that thing with KISS. Plus I have a really great gig now playing in GRAND FUNK. It's a terrific band, I love the guys and they pay me well. What if I was suddenly in KISS and there is no guarantee and Ace wants to come back next month? What am I supposed to do? I don't want to lose a good gig with GRAND FUNK. What happens during a month Ace needs some money and says, 'Hey, Gene, what's up this month?' You know they will take him back right away."

[Malcolm]

 According to KissKollector.com, KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons will co-host Couzin Ed's Babefest 2005 on Friday, June 24 at The Electric Factory in Philadelphia, PA. Playing live at Babefest will be Canadian rock trio DANKO JONES and Philadelphia's own OCTANE.

Besides being the hardest rocking man in rock 'n' roll, DANKO JONES' frontman/namesake is a big KISS fan and had a great KISS special on his radio show "The Magical World of Rock with Danko Jones" last year.

If you would like to be one of the girls featured in Couzin Ed's Babefest 2005, you will have to come down to 94 WYSP studios at 5th & Market during business hours and get photographed for their web site (voting will begin soon). And if you would like to get free tickets to Couzin Ed's Babefest you will have to listen to 94 WYSP, Philadelphia's #1 rock station.

[Commander]

I like Kiss a lot.

Best albums are:
-Creatures Of The Night
-The Elder
-Kiss

Paul Stanley, best frontman after Axl.

[Malcolm]

KISS are currently looking at an October release for their "Rock the Nation" live DVD, which was finished earlier this year. In a recent interview, Gene Simmons stated that the disc has "been done for a while. We're just waiting for the right time." Originally, there was also talk ? or rumor ? of a DVD from the Australian (theater) tour "KISS In Your Face", but according to guitarist Tommy Thayer, "there is no Australian DVD. Somebody made that up."

In other KISS DVD news, there is a (presumably bogus) report going around on the Internet that KISS, Sanctuary Visual Entertainment, Universal Music and VH1 have teamed up to deliver the ultimate KISS DVD package: "KISS: Beyond the Make-Up". According to the (fake?) press release currently making the rounds, this two-DVD set is scheduled to be released on August 16 and is set to include the VH1 KISS special "Beyond the Make-Up" along with three hours of extra footage culled from the KISS vaults.

[Malcolm]

Paul Stanley gave KISSONLINE a small update on the progress of his solo album... "I'm in the studio weekly working on my solo album. Mixing has started and the tracks sound tremendous. I couldn't be happier with the way it's turning out!"

[Malcolm]

KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer recently answered a few questions from fans via his official web site. A few excerpts from the Q&A session follow:

Q: With all your expertise in many different areas of entertainment, are there any projects outside of KISS you'd like to do?

Tommy Thayer: "KISS is my 100 percent focus and it has been now for almost 15 years. Everything else pales in comparison. We just finished the KISS 'Rock the Nation Live!' DVD and it's spectacular and I feel proud to be a part of it. Doc (McGhee, manager) told me it will be coming out this fall, probably in October."

Q: Where do you plan to move to when you retire? I know it is years away but what is the plan?

Tommy Thayer: "That's very funny, retire? I'm just getting started!"

Q: Tommy, during the 'Rock The Nation' tour KISS played your hometown of Portland, Oregon. Because it was your mother's birthday were you able to work the schedule so you could be there for her or was it just by luck that you would be there? What was it like for you to be on stage as a member of KISS playing in your hometown in front of family? What did your mom think?

Tommy Thayer: "Well, first off, it was coincidence that we played Portland exactly on my mom's 80th. Playing in Portland with KISS was really like a dream come true. I was the 15-year-old kid packed in line outside the Portland Memorial Coliseum in the February 1976 chill waiting to see my favorite all-time band, which was a mind-blowing experience in itself. So fast forward almost 30 years and it's me up there instead; that's a bit heady if you think about it. My mom said it was one of the greatest things that's ever happen to her, especially when Paul [Stanley] announced her 80th birthday to 15,000 KISS party animals."

Q: Hey Tommy, just emailing to ask you, how does a music fan like me, get into the music management and music promotions?

Tommy Thayer: "Hey, Ben, you should get involved with bands or artists on the local level first and then build from there."

[D]

Has anyone heard the follow up to Kiss "Revenge" called "Carnival of Souls" it was the last sessions of the Eric Singer,Bruce Kulick Kiss.

If so how is it?

they have it at Walmart for 5.88 and Im gonna get it.

[Timothy]

Has anyone heard the follow up to Kiss "Revenge" called "Carnival of Souls" it was the last sessions of the Eric Singer,Bruce Kulick Kiss.

If so how is it?

they have it at Walmart for 5.88 and Im gonna get it.

It's not great but their are some cool track on it.

[MikeB]

"YOU WANTED THE BEST, WELL YOU GOT THE BEST,THE HOTTEST THREAD ON THE BOARD... KISS!"
Since there's not one for Kiss , I think they deserve an official thread because they kick ass.
My old guitar teacher jammed with Paul Stanley in the late 70's . For now let's just call this ol' teacher of mine , Harry. Paul Stanley heard Harry's music from a friend they knew before they met each other . Paul wanted to met him so eventually he did and they taped themselves jamming with each other . Harry knows how to make guitars  , so he made Paul a black custom Les Paul exactly like Gibson's but without the gibson logo on the headstock , just a completley black one . Before Peter Criss left , Kiss made solo albums. Paul Stanley played that guitar recording the music on his solo album. Awesome huh? Also my cousin is friends with a relative of Ace Frehley. That would be awesome to meet  him .
Well I hope all you die-hard Kiss fans will enjoy this thread .

[Hammy]

"YOU WANTED THE BEST, WELL YOU GOT THE BEST,THE HOTTEST THREAD ON THE BOARD... KISS!"
Since there's not one for Kiss , I think they deserve an official thread because they kick ass.

So true they do deserve one and surprise surprise there already is one dude http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/board/index.php?topic=18988.0 the search function exists for a reason

[MikeB]

So true they do deserve one and surprise surprise there already is one dude http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/board/index.php?topic=18988.0 the search function exists for a reason

Shut up , Smart-Ass  ... just playing 

[Gunna_girl01]

NO OFFENCE BUT I THINK THEY ARE FREAKS MAN....
NOT THE KIND OF BAND I GET INTO HEY..
BUT EVERYONE HAS DIFFERENT TASTE'S
I PREFER GNR OR METALLICA, ACDC BUT HEY WAT EVER TICKLES YOUR FANCY.

I RECON THEY ARE A COUPLE SANDWICHES SHORT OF THIER PICNIC!!

ROCK ON