The KISS Thread

[RichardNixon]

KISS frontman Paul Stanley recently spoke to The Plain Dealer about the group's just-released "Kiss Rock the Nation Live!" (Image Entertainment), a two-DVD set shot in Washington, D.C., on the group's 2004 tour.

"It really, for me, resoundingly validates why this band exists," says singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, who's looking for a label home for a solo album he recently finished. "It's not a tepid re-creation of the past. It's really an ageless beast that dominates at will. It's timeless."

Stanley says the current lineup, which includes co-founder Gene Simmons plus drummer Eric Singer and guitarist Tommy Thayer, has the musical dexterity to incorporate more songs, something KISS' original lineup lacked.

"Unfortunately, after the [1996] reunion tour, old problems and old limitations and old roadblocks began to pop up again," Stanley says. "We were pretty much limited to the same set list for all subsequent tours, and that was not fun, challenging or what I wanted us to be doing.

"It took some regrouping and changing to keep marching forward, but this [lineup] allows us to maintain the best of what we are and what we have been. There was no desire to change, just to sharpen the blade. The band has never been better."

Would it have been that hard for Ace and Peter to play "Lick it up" and "Heavens on Fire?"

[Gunner80]

KISS frontman Paul Stanley recently spoke to The Plain Dealer about the group's just-released "Kiss Rock the Nation Live!" (Image Entertainment), a two-DVD set shot in Washington, D.C., on the group's 2004 tour.

"It really, for me, resoundingly validates why this band exists," says singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, who's looking for a label home for a solo album he recently finished. "It's not a tepid re-creation of the past. It's really an ageless beast that dominates at will. It's timeless."

Stanley says the current lineup, which includes co-founder Gene Simmons plus drummer Eric Singer and guitarist Tommy Thayer, has the musical dexterity to incorporate more songs, something KISS' original lineup lacked.

"Unfortunately, after the [1996] reunion tour, old problems and old limitations and old roadblocks began to pop up again," Stanley says. "We were pretty much limited to the same set list for all subsequent tours, and that was not fun, challenging or what I wanted us to be doing.

"It took some regrouping and changing to keep marching forward, but this [lineup] allows us to maintain the best of what we are and what we have been. There was no desire to change, just to sharpen the blade. The band has never been better."

Would it have been that hard for Ace and Peter to play "Lick it up" and "Heavens on Fire?"

They did play those songs on the Farewell tour in 2000. I should know, I was at the Nampa, ID show in July of that year.

[Malcolm]

Launch Radio Networks reports: The KISS Army might have to be satisfied with the group's new concert DVD for a while. Singer-guitarist Paul Stanley told Launch that the group is currently on hiatus, with the individual members focusing on their own endeavors. "Right now we're sitting back and taking some time to decide when we go back out," he said. "I've spent quite a bit of the last year off and on working on my album, so that's really been my focus ? although KISS is always my focus, always has been and it's well documented. You know, everything will pretty much be on hold until I see this through."

Stanley said he's completed recording the solo album and is now looking for a label to release it.

Former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, now a member of GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, played bass on Stanley's album.

The "Rock the Nation Live!" DVD was filmed last year in Washington DC. Besides the concert footage, the DVD features behind-the-scenes features and interviews with the band members.

[RichardNixon]

I'm really looking forward to hearing Stanley's album. If he just went into the studio without a lot of extra songwriters, I think he could put out something really great.

[Malcolm]

 Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley is currently working on a solo album for a tentative spring release, he revealed during a guest appearance last night (Dec. 23) on the "Merry KISSmass Special" with Eddie Trunk on New York's Q104.3 FM. Around 15 songs are being recorded for the effort (with about 10 expected to make the final cut), which will be made available through Ace's soon-to-be-relaunched web site, AceFrehley.com, as well as via proper label channels (Frehley is "talking" to several different record companies at the moment). Although he offered no details, Frehley indicated that he would definitely be back on the road sometime in the spring, "either in a small club or Madison Square Garden ? hopefully Madison Square Garden," Ace said. Frehley ? who says he has been sober for two and a half years now ? will be accompanied by a brand-new band once he hits the road, but he offered no specifics as to who will make up his backing group for any of the upcoming shows. Asked if there was a scenario under which he could envision himself ever returning to the stage as part of KISS (alongside Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley), Ace said, "I think it could be fun, if it was the right situation." During his appearance on the "Merry KISSmass Special", Frehley also premiered a recent rough-mix recording of a semi-acoustic version of the ROLLING STONES classic "2,000 Man", which originally appeared on KISS' "Dynasty" album (1979).

As previously reported, Frehley's former record label, Megaforce Records, will be issuing a compilation titled album, entitled "Greatest Hits Live", on January 24, 2006. According to a press release, this CD "represents some of the best work from legendary KISS guitarist Ace Frehley during the period after his highly publicized departure from one of the greatest rock bands of all time." As with the previous Megaforce Ace Frehley releases "12 Picks" (1996) and "Loaded Deck" (1997), Ace himself had nothing to do with putting this package together.

[Malcolm]

KissArmykotka.com a new KISS Army branch based in Kotka, Finland, recently conducted a short interview with KISS drummer Eric Singer. The question-and-answer session follows:

Q: The "Rock The Nation" DVD is now out. It clearly shows the great chemistry between you four guys live. Do you think that there still might be a chance to capture that chemistry in studio? Do you have any plans to release yet another studio album? Do you feel it might be possible?

Eric: "We do have a great chemistry playing-wise and off stage as well. I think this is because we all are very professional as people and take what we do seriously and with a lot of pride. I would love to see a recording of some kind in the future if it is meant to be."

Q: There's been a debate on our forum about whether you play the drums on "God Gave Rock 'n' Roll to You II" or Eric Carr? I know he's in the video, but I remember Paul [Stanley] revealing in an interview that it's actually you on the track. How did it feel to step into Eric Carr's shoes?

Eric: "Yes, I did indeed play drums in the studio on 'God gave Rock 'n' Roll to You II'. This was, of course, produced by Bob Ezrin! This was his return to KISS and it was such a good chemistry that he did 'Revenge' as well. At the time, Paul called me to record the track for the movie soundtrack since Eric was ill and I lived in L.A. I was very honored to be asked & had no idea at that time how sick Eric really was. He was a really great drummer and sadly left us way too early..."

Q: Paul Stanley is planning to release a solo album next year. Have you heard it? What is your opinion about it?

Eric: "I have heard four tracks only. Very good stuff and modern-sounding in a very classic Paul Stanley way :-) I know ALL the fans are gonna dig this record. I hope Paul does some shows this year. I know I will be there!!"

Q: You have been in KISS for some time now. What is your dearest memory from that time?

Eric: "I have many ups and downs from KISS (and life in general ), don't we all? I would have to say I really look back on 'MTV Unplugged' with a lot of pride. It was very cool to show the world that KISS is much more than smoke and mirrors! Also the first time in make-up with Paul, Ace [Frehley] and Gene [Simmons] was surreal, to say the least!!!"

[Malcolm]

 On Thursday night (Feb. 2), KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons attended the opening party for Hooters Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. As per usual these days, his "Gene Simmons' Family Jewels" A&E TV crew was following him around and filming everything. Kiss Kollector Online was informed that when asked by a fan who was there too if the two "rumored" KISS concerts for July of this year (an outdoor casino gig in Michigan plus a RockFest appearance in Wisconsin) are a go, Gene replied by saying "That's what they tell me." Other celebrities at the Hooters opening party in Vegas included Cindy Margolis, Carrot Top and Brooke Burke.

[Malcolm]

KISS, POISON and WARRANT are among the bands that have reportedly signed on to play at Rock Fest 2006, set to take place July 20-23 in Cadott, Wisconsin. The lineup is shaping up as follows:

KISS
POISON
WARRANT
SAVOY BROWN
GEORGE THOROGOOD
PUDDLE OF MUDD
GREGG ROLIE
JOHN WAITE
SEVEN MARY THREE
GRAND FUNK RAILROAD

More acts will be announced soon.

[Carlos_f_Rose]

I thought this was a thread about kissing hehe... anyway KISS was my first favorite band of all times...  KISS rules!!!
on the other hand do you know when they are going to release something new?

[Malcolm]

I thought this was a thread about kissing hehe... anyway KISS was my first favorite band of all times...  KISS rules!!!
on the other hand do you know when they are going to release something new?

I dont think there are any plans for that right now..There was talk before another tour but nothing is for sure

[Malcolm]

 Britain's Uncut magazine recently conducted an interview with KISS mainmen Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow:

Simmons: "What was the first sign that we'd made it? Simply, the girls. As soon as we'd started KISS, girls were turning up backstage and wanting to get into bed with us. The girls got prettier and prettier. There was more and more of them. By the time we started touring Europe in '76, everyone wanted to fuck us. The supply of women was endless. Roomfuls of girls. It was like heaven turned on its tap and said, 'Take whatever you need.' And you have to remember, I was an ugly son of a bitch. At my best, I looked like a dog at birth. But, now that I was in this famous band, I was in a position where I could mount anybody's girlfriend and mother, often at the same time. That's the magic of rock 'n' roll right there. It means that even Meat Loaf can get some puss."

Stanley: "Through '76, you could gauge our success by the parties we were throwing. As we got bigger, the parties got more and more debauched, and everyone was welcome so long as they were female. All requests were considered and honored. Those parties were as insane as you can imagine. Every conceivable excess. And then some. It certainly went beyond anything I could fathom. This was a time when the worst consequence of casual sex was a shot of penicillin. So the possibilities were limitless. There were no boundaries. We did whatever the fuck we wanted. We were like Vikings roaring into town, but the difference was that everyone was left smiling. It's okay to pillage so long as everyone is left satisfied."

Simmons: "We had different tastes in women. Paul was fussier than me. Basically, he's into classic beauties. If she's carrying a few extra pounds, forget about it. Peter [Criss] tended to take it slow with girls ? the romantic type. Ace [Frehley] only liked women who were buts. I was your basic male slut. But I preferred them big, fat and sweaty."

Stanley: "I was during 1976 that we awoke to the possibilities of KISS merchandising. That came out of listening to our fans rather than any marketing genius on our part. It was our fans who decided what would be cool, and we were happy to give it to them. It probably started with KISS belt buckles and KISS dolls. Then it took off from there? lunch-boxes, transistor radios, jeans, jackets, garbage pails, bubblegum cards, our own Marvel comic?"

Simmons: "There were problems with drink and drugs, but I was completely oblivious to it then. I've never been drunk or high in my life. If you're talking about Peter and Ace, you're talking about the kind of personalities that are so peculiar you wouldn't know if they were high or not. Even when he was straight, Ace was unable to walk in a straight line. Also, he naturally talks in a slurred way. He was no different when he was high. He had a strange sense of humor, too. He'd be coming out with stuff like, 'Hey, I fucked an alien last night.' He is, without doubt, the laziest, most self-destructive person I've ever met."

[Malcolm]

 According to KissKollector.com, KISS have cancelled their previously announced dates that were scheduled to take place this summer. The Chippewa Valley Music Festivals organization ? which puts on the annual Rock Fest event ? stated in a press release, "We received an e-mail from the agency that represents KISS informing us that KISS has decided to cancel our confirmed tour date, as well as another confirmed date in Michigan. It is our understanding that the band has decided to cancel these confirmed dates to tour overseas. We have requested a confirmed date from KISS for 2007." The organization is now working on securing a new headlining act for the July 22 day of their four-day festival in Wisconsin.

[Malcolm]

KISS will tour Japan this summer with a select string of dates just officially announced:

Jul. 18 ? Nagoya, JPN @ Rainbow Hall
Jul. 20 - Fukuoka, JPN @ Kokusai Center
Jul. 22 - Tokyo, JPN @ Udo Festival
Jul. 23 - Osaka, JPN @ Udo Festival

Commented KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley, "The invitation to headline these festivals and add a couple of additional shows was an invitation we wouldn't miss. KISS will be there with an arsenal of pride, power and pyro!"

[Malcolm]

KISS have confirmed two additional shows as part of their upcoming Japanese tour: July 18 at Rainbow Hall in Nagoya and July 20 at the Kokusia Center in Fukuoka. Tickets for the Nagoya show go on sale May 27. No details have been released yet about the on sale date for Fukuoka.

KISS' Japanese tour dates:

Jul. 18 - Nagoya, JPN @ Rainbow Hall
Jul. 20 - Fukuoka, JPN @ Kokusia Center
Jul. 22 - Osaka, JPN @ Udo Festival
Jul. 23 - Tokyo, JPN @ Udo Festival

[oldgunsfan]

If they were to win a Lifetime Acheivement Award, it would be for:

Having the Longest Career with the Least Talent

[Carlos_f_Rose]

he he you are mean pal...  but I dont know why I feel the same... they have great songs though..

[Gunner80]

If they were to win a Lifetime Acheivement Award, it would be for:

Having the Longest Career with the Least Talent

Shut up asshole! Go spam some other board. Let's hear what you have to offer musically.

[princess_slash]

Does anybody know what KISS CD to find Pshyco Circus on? I just cant find it anywhere, and its really confusing me!? ?

[Gunner80]

Does anybody know what KISS CD to find Pshyco Circus on? I just cant find it anywhere, and its really confusing me!   

The song is on the album of the same name Psycho Circus.

[Malcolm]

An all-star band consisting of Rob Zombie (vocals), Slash (guitar; VELVET REVOLVER, ex-GUNS N' ROSES), Tommy Lee (drums; M?TLEY CR?E), and Scott Ian (bass ? yes, bass; ANTHRAX) ? plus a "special-surprise" second guitarist ? will be performing the song "God of Thunder" as a tribute to KISS at the first annual "VH1 Rock Honors".

"VH1 Rock Honors" is the first-ever show to pay homage to the legends who influenced the sound of hard rock. This year's celebration will honor the music and influence of JUDAS PRIEST, KISS, QUEEN and DEF LEPPARD. Premiering on Wednesday, May 31 at 9:00 p.m., "VH1 Rock Honors" will be taped at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on Thursday, May 25 and will include performances by all of the honorees as well as tribute performances by GODSMACK (who will be paying tribute to JUDAS PRIEST), FOO FIGHTERS (QUEEN) and THE ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS (DEF LEPPARD). Riki Rachtman will serve as backstage announcer.