December 31, 2007
WHATS UP IN 2008?
2007 brought us Kissology 2 & 3, a new Peter Criss album and a handful of Kiss shows in the USA.

Let's have a look on what to expect in the new year....
Kiss will play at the Melbourne Grand Prix, a festival in New Zealand and maybe a few more shows in Australia. There is even talk about a European tour in May/June. As already mentioned before, Stockholms Olympic Stadium is already reserved on May 30th for a possible Kiss concert. According to rumors there is even a date in Greece on May 18th reserved. UKs Download-festival in June is also heavily rumoured as a possibility.
In fact the extremely low value of the US-Dollar makes a European Kiss tour now more likely than ever before.

Ace is also to begin an extended tour early next year, which will bring him to Europe as well as it seems at the moment.
A new Ace Solo album is also now more likely than ever.

Let's hope Paul will finally find a distributer for his Live DVD. The Kissology series is also likely to continue next year. Maybe a new Peter Solo Album, maybe a new Kiss Box Set and maybe the Gene Simmons 150 song "Monster" Box Set will finally get released as well. Oh yeah, and let's not forget the 100 Kiss Coffe houses worldwide, which Gene mentioned some time ago...
[Comments]

December 30, 2007
VOTE FOR PAUL STANLEY
Starting January 7th, 2008 you can vote for the best rock singer at http://votenumber1.com/nominatebestrocksinger.html. You can vote for Paul Stanley.
[Comments]

December 30, 2007
ACE TOUR IN US
(from Dave Rogers)
Greetings, friends of mine in a band called JAM PAIN SOCIETY are the opening band for ACE FREHLEY on his US tour this week. The band crew started a
tour diary that can be seen on my website: http://www.away-team.com. Hope you enjoy!
[Comments]

December 29, 2007
KISS TO PLAY STOCKHOLM STADIUM ON MAY 30?
Swedish promoter EMA Telstar has reserved May 30th, 2008 as an option for KISS to play at the Olympic Stadium in Stockholm in Sweden. So far it is just an option and nothing has been confirmed. This story was just put online on the website of a big Swedish daily newspaper (DN). Click here to read the original story on their website.
[Comments]

December 28, 2007
ERIC SINGER DRUM SOLO
(from eric-singer.com)
Brian May Tour - Ressurrection - Drum Solo
http://youtube.com/watch?v=lZh81fISdsU  
[Comments]

December 28, 2007
ACE FREHLEY SET LIST
Here is the set list from last nights Ace solo concert:
01. Rip It Out
02. Hard Times
03. Parasite
04. Snowblind
05. I Want You
06. Rock Soldiers
07. Shot Full Of Rock
08. Into The Void
09. Breakout
10. Stranger In A Strange Land
11. Strange Ways
12. New York Groove
13. Shock Me
14. Rocket Ride
15. Medley
16. Love Gun
17. Cold Gin
18. Black Diamond outro
19. Deuce
[Comments]

December 27, 2007
NOW A SEASONED ROCKER, ACE IS NO LONGER SO WILD
(from hamptonroads.com)
The Virginian-Pilot
© December 27, 2007

By Jeff Maisey
Correspondent

Guitarist Ace Frehley will land on The NorVa stage Saturday night for a performance of KISS classics, Frehley's Comet nuggets and solo musical explorations.

The concert is part of a four-day mini-tour designed to propel his new solo quintet into the recording studio in January. His untitled full-length CD is scheduled for a March 2008 release.

Space Ace is a founding member of KISS, the makeup-wearing glam rock band made famous by their fiery, theatrical stage show and such hits as "Rock and Roll All Nite" and "Calling Dr. Love."

At the height of their popularity, in 1978, Frehley, bassist Gene Simmons, guitarist Paul Stanley and drummer Peter Criss each recorded a solo album. The records were released simultaneously. It gave Frehley a taste of what a musical life without KISS might be like and helped to lead him away from the band four years later.

After the successful "Frehley's Comet" album in 1987, his career spiraled into a black hole of alcoholism, then was rejuvenated when he rejoined KISS from 1996 to 2002.

Today, Ace Frehley is sober and ready to launch into a new recording he says will sound like his first solo album as a member of KISS.

When the members of KISS set out to make solo albums back in 1978, was there a competitive spirit to see whose album would sell best?

Oh, yeah.

Before we all left to do our own records we had a big meeting. I might have read it wrong but the feeling I got from Paul and Gene was... I remember them saying to me, "Hey, if you need any help on your record don't hesitate to call." But I perceived it as a condescending comment, like you're going to need help or something.

Gene had everybody and his brother on his record. I did my whole record on my own with me and Anton Fig on drums. I guess my head was in a good place at that time.

What were the best years of KISS in terms of camaraderie?

In the early days there was a lot of camaraderie. I used to room with Gene. We used to stay at Holiday Inns. Paul and Peter roomed together. There was a lot of insanity, a lot of girls, a lot of parties, a lot of crazy times. I don't regret any of it, you know?

As a musician, how difficult was it to be a character in makeup and costume?

It was a royal pain... especially when we had to make personal appearances. It was one thing to put the makeup on, the costume and do the show, because by the end of the show you sweated off half the makeup. After shows we'd just jump into the shower and get cleaned up. But when you wake up in the morning (to make a publicity appearance) and have to put that stuff on, it was the worst. That started getting to me more and more towards the end.

Where did the smoking guitar idea come from in your KISS days?

I came up with the idea one day when I was up in Canada on the road and bought some smoke bombs. I ended up putting one in the volume control compartment of my Les Paul. I knew there was a canal because the wires had to go to the pickups. I figured if I lit off a smoke bomb in there it would have to seep out from around the pickup, and it worked, but it ended up screwing up the volume and tone control.

I did that a couple of times, and then I ended up getting together with an engineer, and we routed out the back of the guitar and put in a metal box, and the smoke came out of the guitar pickup closest to the neck, which was actually a fake pickup.

At what point did friction surface within KISS and pull you and Peter Criss away?

There was always a little friction. Me and Peter were the party animals of the group. That created friction.

In 1987, when "Frehley's Comet" debuted at No. 43 on the Billboard 200 chart, did you feel vindicated?

From the time I had the success with my (first) solo album I knew that I had to leave the group and make my own way. There was a lot more I needed to express both artistically and musically that I couldn't do in KISS, because everybody wanted to sing lead, everybody wanted the spotlight. It was always a power struggle.

I was just noticing some (KISS) videos recently that had been re-edited where I don't get as much spotlight as I originally had. It's just stupid stuff like that, you know?

My biggest problem was once I got away from them and I got on my own, I was left to my own devices. Being a party animal ended up doing me in for a while.

Drugs and alcohol brought your career down, especially during your solo years. How were those days for you?

It was a struggle. Thank God I'm clean and sober today. It's amazing how much easier things are without all that nonsense. Ironically, back in those days I used to think I needed it to perform. It actually made things a lot harder. But that's the disease of alcoholism.

When KISS reunited for "Psycho Circus" and the Farewell Tour, which ended in 2002, how was it performing with those guys again?

It was kind of strange because doing the old songs and being in the makeup and costume it was like a flashback. It was a lot of fun in the beginning because the fans were great, and whenever I give people pleasure by performing it makes me feel good. But after a while it got played out.

When I walked away after the Japan and Australia tour, I thought the reunion tour had definitely been overdone. I was really surprised the guys went out and dressed somebody else in my makeup.

When did they obtain the copyright to your character's makeup and costume?

It was a negotiation after I left the second time. I get a royalty on merchandising.

After you left the second time, Tommy Thayer, your guitar technician in KISS, was made the new Ace. What was your reaction?

It seemed a little desperate. Gene's all about money. I'm all about music and art. When I make decisions it's not always based on how much money I'm going to make.

I could have released this new record I'm making a year ago because I had enough tracks, but it has been over 10 years since I released a studio album, so it's got to be a really special record.

What was the best KISS album?

It's got to be a tossup between "Destroyer" and "Alive I."
[Comments]

December 27, 2007
PAUL STANLEY ON NEW SARAH BRIGHTMAN ALBUM
Sarah Brightman collaborated with Paul Stanley on the song "I will be with you" from her album "Symphony", which is coming out on January 29th, 2008 in the USA.
[Comments]

December 27, 2007
KISSOLOGY 3 FIRST WEEK SALES
(from Kissonline)
Kissology Vol. 3 1992-2000 sold 54,048 units in the first week - the highest first week sales of all three volumes!!!

Kissology Vol. 2 1978-1991 and Kissology Vol. 1 1974-1977 also continue to sell extremely well. Last week Volume 1 sold 4378 units, and Volume 2 sold an additional 9073 units!

Thanks for making the KISSOLOGY Series a huge success!!
[Comments]

December 25, 2007
AVANTASIA ALBUM FEATURING ERIC SINGER
Avantasias new album "The Scarecrow" featuring Eric Singer on the drums will be released on 25.1.2008 in Germany (in the uSA the release date is  5.2.2008). Eric Singer played on the drums and can be seen also in the clip for "Carry me over". Click here to see the clip.
[Comments]

December 24, 2007
ACE PLAYING UK IN APRIL!
Ace Frehley seems to be heading towards Europe next year. April 11th is already booked for Londons Astoria Theater! Tickets are £24.60 incl. booking fee. More details here.
Ace is playing a few selected shows in the USA before the end of the year as well as a few more in February.
[Comments]

December 24, 2007
ERIC SINGER INTERVIEW
Click here to hear a new interview with Eric Singer from Metal Express Radio, which was done recently during the Alice Cooper tour.
[Comments]

December 21, 2007
GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS SEASON 2 REVIEW
Click here for an extended and very detailed review from the "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" Season 2 DVD-Box.
[Comments]

December 21, 2007
INTERVIEW WITH PAUL
Click here to see an interview with Paul from ABC about his paintings (you need to click on the second image of Paul to see the interview).
[Comments]

December 19, 2007
A VERY MERRY KISSMAS
(from 1029thehog.com)
Gather around the KISSmas tree starting at 7am on Christmas Day and enjoy 12 straight hours of nuthin' but KISS. How do you like your KISS? With or without makeup? Drippin' blood or spittin' fire? Young and hairy or old and hairy?

Head to THE HOG's Champagne Room now to vote for your 10 favorite KISS songs (if you pick more than 10 songs, the entire Internet may crash, ATM's will empty in the streets and you'll be disqualified). We've arranged the songs alphabetically.

Remember, Bob Onan will take you thru A Very Merry KISS-mas Kountdown...12 hours of Merry KISSmas madness. Don't worry, he's a trained professional (in Cream Puff Eating).

More infos here.
[Comments]

December 19, 2007
PETER'S STAND-IN REVEALED?
Lancaster online runs a story about Jeff Thomas, who claimes was a stand-in drummer for Peter Criss. Click here to read the full story.
[Comments]

December 19, 2007
KISS WORLD TOUR 2008?
Just like every year, Gene announces another (possible) world tour for next year....
[Comments]

December 18, 2007
PAUL INTERVIEW ONLINE
(from paulstanley.com)
A link to Paul's entire interview with Southern California Radio below is available at www.scpr.org/programs/offramp/   or by CLICKING HERE - (Then click on "Listen to the entire program"). Paul's interview begins about 4 minutes into the show.
[Comments]

December 14, 2007
PAUL ON LED ZEPPELIN REUNION
(from paulstanley.com)
Click the link below to hear a snippet of Paul’s interview with Southern California Public Radio (89.3 KPPC), the entirety of which will air this Saturday, December 15 at noon Pacific. In the clip Paul speaks of the Led Zeppelin reunion and Saturday’s full interview is about his art.
CLICK HERE to hear the clip.
[Comments]

December 14, 2007
NEW ACE INTERVIEW
Click here to hear a new radio-interview with Ace. He ays his new solo album will be out in the spring...
[Comments]

December 12, 2007
LORDI PAYS TRIBUTE TO KISS
(from Blabbermouth.net)
The cover artwork for LORDI's new single, "Beast Loose in Paradise" — which is a tribute to KISS' classic "Creatures of the Night" cover — can be viewed at MonsterDiscoHell.com.

"Beast Loose in Paradise" will be released as a downloadable single via www.zed.fi on December 24 and as a physical CD on January 9. There will be two edits of the song: "Radio Edit" and the "Dark Floors Version". The "Dark Floors" version will include a longer intro.

"Beast Loose in Paradise" — which is one of two new songs the band recently recorded — will appear in LORDI's upcoming feature film "Dark Floors".

[Comments]

December 11, 2007
A REVIEW OF KISSOLOGY VOL. 3
(from eddietrunk.com)
Had a chance to check out an advance copy of the third and final instalment in the KISSology DVD series. Vol. 3 includes 4 DVDs (5 if you count the bonus disc), and like the others, is packaged and produced extremely well. This set covers the years 1992-2000, so much of the stuff in it is very familiar to even younger Kiss fans, simply because it didn't happen all that long ago and is still somewhat fresh in our minds. There is a full Revenge show, Reunion show, Psycho Circus show, and Farewell show. All stuff that you may have seen on the bootleg circuit, but this is the cleanest and best looking and sounding version by far. The greatest thing about all the concerts on all the DVDs is that they are real! I am so tired of DVDs with re-recorded sound and vocals, as many of the new ones are. All of this stuff is what Kiss really sounds like if you were at the shows, and that's what you want, to feel like your at the concert in your living room. As the Brits say "warts and all". Cool to see the Revenge show on here, even though in my opinion Hot In The Shade was by far the best non original, non makeup tour the band ever did. But this really is the video of the Alive 3 shows, so it's great to have. Eric Singer plays his ass off on this show as the newest member of the band, and everyone sounds great on this and it's shot well (some of the shows appear to be from video board feeds and have all close ups). Another really cool thing on this set is the unedited Unplugged show. I was lucky enough to have been at this taping and it's finally great to have all the songs as well as the between song raps from the band members that show the loose, fun vibe of this moment in KISStory. You also get the entire Psycho Circus show that Fox showed only a bit of, as well as the one time PPV The Last Kiss from the Meadowlands. Many of these shows I attended so it's cool to have documents on DVD. I really enjoyed the complete VMA set from '96, never saw that. The set wraps up by coming full circle and including the complete Coventry show from '73. It's amamzing to actually have some document of this, but clearly it's something to have for historic purposes, not to crank up like some of the other better shot and produced shows. Great addition however. For me, the entire KISSology DVD series could have been subtitled; "Gene and Paul come clean". My favorite part of this entire series is hearing the commentary track through most of the material (although it's hard to find all the spots where they come in outside of the start of each segment). Never have I heard Gene or Paul by so honest and candid with the fans about what was REALLY happening behind the scenes of most of this stuff. Hearing them address the Eric Carr situation on Vol. 2 was incredible. Many of these stories I have heard for years through my friendship with many of the members of the band at any given time, but to hear them acknowledge and discuss it really finally puts it out there. It's almost as if they feel we've all grown up enough that we can finally get the truth. All the credit in the world to them for giving it to the fans straight on many issues really for the first time. Among the highlights (or lowlights if you will) on Vol.3:

* The reunion for Unplugged almost didn't happen because of contract issues with Ace and Peter. There was major tension behind the scenes.

* Psycho Circus was made largely with replacement players.

* Gene was against the reunion because he feared problems.

* Eric Carr knew Eric Singer would replace him even before it happened.

* Peter and Ace wanted an equal share after the reunion.

Many more interesting stories, and for me, the best part of the DVDs, hearing them tell it like it was. As for "Easter Eggs" there is a look inside the studio at the making of Carnival Of Souls. A different, but underated Kiss album in my opinion. Disc 2 has rehersal footage from the VMA Brooklyn Bridge show. My bonus DVD is the true first show of the reunion at the KROQ Weenie Roast. Always bothered me that Kiss would give that honor to a radio station in LA that would never, and has never, supported their music. Strange decision to say the least. All in all every one of these DVD sets is a must for any Kiss fan, even if you have most of the stuff from bootleg. It's a great addition to any collection. My one complaint would really be the total lack of any material from Asylum or Animalize. Hugely important periods for Kiss as they made their way back in the 80's. I'm sure we will see a Vol. 4 down the line with all the stuff missing (Intrepid press conference, full Tom Snyder also please)!
It's also in a way kind of sad watching Vol. 3 because you can not believe or comprehend how a band so massive could get a shot a second time at superstardom, and blow it in the same ways and for the same reasons. Not pointing fingers at anyone for that, but it is mind blowing when you think about it. I still say ONE last show with the original band to end things the right way while were all still alive! I know Ace would do it, and Peter said on a recent TV interview I did with him he would if it was "fair business all the way around". I've loved many periods and lineups of Kiss over the years, and have supported them all, but I know I speak for many fans that just ONE last show with the original band would be massive and draw from all over the globe. And more importantly put a positive ending to this bands great lagacy with that lineup. Wishful thinking I fear....

I'll have copies of this DVD for giveaway soon, and of course the Original Merry KISSmass radio special is coming 12/21. More details soon in the radio section of this site and of course all Kiss members past and present will be invited to be a part of it. Buy all 3 volumes of these DVDs for yourself or any real rock fan on your holiday list. I'm going to send a set over to the R&R Hall Of Shame, maybe it will give them an education and they just might get a clue!
[Comments]

December 10, 2007
RARE ACE BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW FROM 2000
Click here to see a nice backstage interview with Ace at the end of the Farewell Tour.
[Comments]

December 9, 2007
ROCK 2 WELLINGTON TV AD
Click here to see a TV ad for "Rock 2 Wellington" from New Zealand.
[Comments]

December 9, 2007
THE ACE FREHLEY ARCHIVE UPDATE
(from Bill Baker)
Bill Baker is back with a final update for 2007 to his Ace Frehley Archives site - http://www.theacefrehleyarchive.com

We have just added 2 new clips to the Ace media page. First up we have Rock Soldiers (with Ace's solo) live from the 'Rock Horse' in Asbury Park, NJ 1992, along with She from "L'Amour' in Brooklyn NY 1994.

Has everyone checked out my youtube page? Well I've added 3 more youtube only exclusive clips. Cold Gin, 2 Young 2 Die and New York Groove. Make sure you check them out at http://www.youtube.com/AceFrehleyArchive .

With Christmas just around the corner what better way to celebrate than with some Ace Frehley prints or maybe even a replica Lightning Bolt guitar strap. Please check my sale items page out for all things Ace.

Just like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. Thanks very much for everyone that has come by and visited the site, and a big thanks to all the websites out there that support The Ace Frehley Archive!
[Comments]

December 8, 2007
THE KISSMAS SPECIAL WEB COMIC
(from Kissonline)
By Adam Black
I've mentioned this a couple of times already, but it bears repeating so I don't confuse anyone this month:
This month's KISS Web comic story has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with KISS 4K.
Instead, this month's story is about KISS themselves. It takes place in a (before now unrealized) great moment in Kisstory: December of 1977.
Kiss had just put out ALIVE II and Love Gun. The year after, they'd each record a solo record and film the infamous (yet entertaining) "Kiss Meets The Phantom Of The Park". A little later (in 1979) they would release "Dynasty"--which my friend Troy calls "The Disco Album". I kind of like it, myself.
If you can't tell by page one's art, it's gonna be a little cartoony. It's gonna be a little silly.
Most of all, it'll be fun!
CLICK HERE to view the KISSmas Special Web Comic.
[Comments]

December 7, 2007
BRUCE KULICK IN BRAZIL
(from Harrley Rodriguez)
Pictures Bruce Kulick in Brazil, Sao Paulo on 5 December (Hangar 110) and Belo Horizonte, 6 December (LapaMultshow). Pictures go to the link http://kisskillers.oficial.sites.uol.com.br/kulickbrasil.html
Click here to see a video of Bruce in Brazil.
[Comments]

December 7, 2007
KISS CLIPS ONLINE
Click here to see video clips from Dodger Stadium 1998 amongst others, which were shown on VH-1 Classic.
[Comments]

December 7, 2007
TOMMY THAYER
Tommy Thayer will be performing with his old band "Black'n' Blue" on Dec. 8, 2007 at 9:30 pm at Berbati's Pan in Oregon, USA to raise funds for a friend, who is battling cancer.
[Comments]

December 7, 2007
VH-1 MERRY KISSMAS PROMO CLIP
Click here to see a Promo Clip for the Kiss day on VH-1 Classic.
[Comments]

December 6, 2007
VANCOUVER PROMOTER SUED BY KISS
(from the Vancouver Sun)
Band's management company suing for almost $1 million over cancelled WHistler concert.

VANCOUVER - The management company handling the glam rock band KISS is suing a Vancouver concert promoter for almost $1 million for cancelling a concert scheduled for Whistler last Sept. 15.

In a statement of claim filed in B.C. Supreme Court, McGhee Entertainment of Los Angeles claims the promoter, Big Mountain Concert Co. Inc, and its president Dennis MacDonald, agreed to pay $900,000 US for the band to perform a 90-minute concert in Whistler.

The plaintiff claims it was ready, willing and able to discharge its obligations but the concert was cancelled Sept. 3 by BMCC and/or MacDonald in breach of the contract, which was partly oral and partly in writing.

The management company is seeking damages of $900,000 US, plus interest and court costs.
[Comments]

December 5, 2007
PAUL STANLEY REPORT
Click here to see a video-report from Paul's Art Show.
[Comments]

December 4, 2007
PAUL STANLEY & BILL AUCOIN
(from paulstanley.com)
Even a broken shoulder couldn't stop former KISS manager Bill Aucoin from attending Paul's Art Show Saturday! As you can see in the photo, both Bill and Paul were wearing slings. Bill broke his shoulder in a fall on Friday, and Paul finally had surgery to repair a rotator cuff he tore years ago. He wore the sling for support and as a safety cushion from the large crowd.

[Comments]

December 4, 2007
GENE SIMMONS: "TAKE IT EASY ON BRITNEY"
(from extra tv)
Gene Simmons and his famous family want everyone to give Britney Spears a break. But first, they're giving "Extra" a few pointers on how she can get her life on track! Click here to see the video.
[Comments]

December 4, 2007
VH-1 CLASSIC'S KISSMANIA SCHEDULE
(from Kissonline)
Below if the full schedule for VH1 Classic's "KISSmas" special, airing December 7 & 8.

December 7:

9:00 PM Dodger Stadium 98 Concert
11:00 PM KISSology II Special

December 8:

12:00 AM Dodger Stadium 98
2:00 AM Unplugged
3:00 AM Sydney 1980
4:00 AM KISSology II Special
5:00 AM To be announced
6:00 AM KISS Video Hour
7:00 AM KISSology II Special
8:00 AM Sydney 1980
9:00 AM Unplugged
10:00 AM Houston 1977
11:00 AM KISSology II Special
12:00 PM Dodger Stadium 98
2:00 PM KISS Video Hour
3:00 PM Houston 1977
4:00 PM Unplugged
5:00 PM KISSology II Special
6:00 PM Sydney 1980
7:00 PM KISS Video Hour
8:00 PM Unplugged
9:00 PM KISSology II Special
10:00 PM Dodger Stadium 98
[Comments]

December 1, 2007
KISSOLOGY ADVANCE CLIP
Click here to see "Shout it out loud" live from Dodger Stadium 1998 from Kissology 3.
[Comments]

December 1, 2007
PETER CRISS INTERVIEWED
(from Wildwoodkiss75/Kiss Forum)
Hello everyone! In August 2007, I sat down with Peter Criss for am in-depth interview with the original Cat-Man, who was promoting his fifth solo effort, ONE FOR ALL. This interview was originally supposed to be in the September edition of KISS KOLLECTOR. Recently, KISS KOLLECTOR has decided that it will no longer be updating it's site and is now going to two issues a year and myself not knowing when this interview would actually appear, I decided that my sit down with Peter should be read as recent as possible. My Christmas gift to you all is this -- Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Peter Criss.
Click here to read the interview.
[Comments]

December 1, 2007
PAUL STANLEY AT ROCK & ROLL FANTASY CAMP REPORT
Click here to see a report from Paul at the Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp from September.
[Comments]

December 1, 2007
KISSOLOGY VOL. 3
Pictures have been posted on the internet from actual photos from the Kissology Vol. 3 DVD box set:
http://s112.photobucket.com/albums/n176/byfo/Kissology%203/
[Comments]