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January 31, 2007
INTERVIEW WITH GENE & PAUL
(from www.comicbookresources.com)
News broke this morning of the creation of the KISS Comics Group and
its inaugural title, "KISS 4K." A joint venture between Platinum Studios and the hugely
popular, multi-platinum American rock band KISS, the new title will be the first KISS
comic ever produced in concert (heh) with the band themselves. Platinum will debut the
"KISS 4K" with an oversized $50 Destroyer Edition at the Wizard World Los
Angeles Convention in March, with an ongoing series to follow in May by writer Rcky
Sprague and artist Kevin Crossley. Additionally, an online KISS comic will
run concurrently to “KISS 4K,” expanding on the continuity and story of the
print version. As Platinum put it to CBR News, “Think ‘Civil War,' without
having to spend a ton of money and without having huge continuity problems.”
CBR News spoke this afternoon with KISS members Gene
Simmons and Paul Stanley as well as Platinum Studios founder/chairman Scott Rosenberg
about the band's affinity for comics and their involvement with “KISS 4K.”
Click here to
read the interview
[Comments]
January 31, 2007
NEW WORLDWIDE KISS COMIC BOOK
(from kissonline.com)
KISS AND PLATINUM STUDIOS CREATE NEW WORLDWIDE COMIC BOOK ENTERTAINMENT JOINT
VENTURE: KISS COMICS GROUP
FIRST KISS COMIC RELEASED WILL BE THE WORLD'S LARGEST COMIC BOOK
LOS ANGELES, CA, January 30, 2007 - Platinum Studios, Inc., www.PlatinumStudios.com, an
entertainment company that controls the world's largest independent library of comic book
characters, and KISS Catalog Ltd., the billion-dollar merchandising empire created and
managed by original members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, announced the creation of a new
worldwide comic book entertainment company, the KISS Comics Group - www.KissComicsGroup.com . This
is the first time KISS will be producing its own comic book-based characters; this co-run
venture will enable KISS and Platinum Studios to publish and expand the comic book
characters' images onto numerous multi-media platforms including print, mobile, online,
film, television and licensed merchandise products.
KISS 4K, the story of the transformation of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and the other KISS
band members from rock stars to world-protecting warrior spirits, is the first branded
property released by KISS Comics Group. KISS 4K will debut as the world's largest comic
book priced at $50. Limited edition preview book, character merchandise and mobile comic
art are available now online at www.KissComicsGroup.com
. This is the first comic book-based property to simultaneously launch all of its
merchandise in the United States, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
"We have been talking with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley about doing something
together for years and when Gene approached me with the idea of creating the KISS Comics
Group co-venture, we knew we could build something massive," said Scott Mitchell
Rosenberg, Platinum Studios' founder and chairman. "Platinum Studios has been working
with independent comic book creators for years creating record breaking box office numbers
and comic book sales. With more than 4,000 KISS fan sites worldwide supported by cross
generations of fans, we have a built-in global audience for the KISS Comics Group."
"We've had licensed KISS comic books before but never our own imprint and never with
the wide reach across so many multi-media platforms," said Gene Simmons, a founding
member of KISS. "Paul Stanley and I are personally involved in all day-to-day
decisions and we are looking forward to extending the KISS legacy, images and sound to our
fans around the world."
"As the iconic KISS characters have continued to evolve far beyond our beginning in
rock music, we have always looked for the ideal situation for a KISS comic book outlet
that was as far reaching as we originally conceived and intended. Platinum fills that slot
perfectly," said KISS co-founder Paul Stanley.
Signatures Network and Dell Furano will be handling worldwide licensing for KISS Comics
Group and for KISS 4K on behalf of the co-venture. Characters from Platinum Studios
library of more than 3,800 will appear in the KISS books.
[Comments]
January 29, 2007
MYRTLE BEACH KISS FAN EXPO
(from kissonline.com)
The 2007 MYRTLE BEACH KISS Fan Expo is Saturday, February 24th from 12pm-6pm and
will take place at the CLUB BOCA (Broadway at the Beach) directly next door to the KISS
Coffee House. CLUB BOCA is located at 1325 Celebrity Cir Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.
Special guest Bruce Kulick will hold Q+A and autograph sessions, Lydia Criss will be
signing her new book and KISS Coffeehouse owner Brian Galvin will also do a Q+A!
Additionally, there will be trivia, costume contests and door prizes/raffles, throughout
the day. Dealers from around the country will be on hand selling official KISS
merchandise.
To order tickets or for more information call 1-800-567-5561.
KISSONLINE.com will be on hand to meet fans and sell exclusive KOL merchandise!
[Comments]
January 29, 2007
PAUL STANLEY WITH SON EVAN
(from modernguitars.com)
Like father like son: Kiss frontman Paul Stanley and his son Evan Stanley showed
that they both love rock 'n' roll at the Gibson Guitar booth at NAMM 2007. Photo by Vaughn
Youtz.
[Comments]
January 28, 2007
KISS FRONTMAN PAUL STANLEY SET
TO TOUR
(from accessallareas.net.au)
Iconic KISS frontman Paul Stanley will embark on his first solo tour outside
America when he heads Down Under in April.
Stanley recently released his second solo album "Live To Win" (coming 28 years
after his self-titled 1978 solo debut) and backed it up with a hugely acclaimed US club
tour late last year. Stanley has only done one previous solo tour in 1989, so the buzz
amongst fans about the shows was huge.
And he had the backing band to make it very special, the band everyone has wanted to see
live - the fantastic musicians who formed the house band in the hit CBS TV series
"Rock Star: INXS" and "Rock Star: Supernova".
Stanley put together a crowd-pleasing set list with tracks from "Live To Win",
from his 1978 solo debut, and the remainder, some surprising selections from his bursting
KISS catalogue - hits, rarities and songs that have never been played in concert before.
The charismatic frontman whose career with KISS spans three decades and in excess of 100
million records, says he had an absolute ball playing the US club shows.
"The US shows were incredible and reconnected me to the reasons I loved live music
growing up," he says. "Between all the KISS classics, songs we've never played
and songs from my two solo albums, it's an ultimate night that's as good or better than
anything else around. I want to continue this sweat fest as long as I can and my first
questions was "Can I get to Australia?". Night after night the fans across the
US were blown away. I can't wait."
With Australia one of THE most diehard of KISS territories around the globe, news of
Stanley's visit has already got the KISS army on heat! Stanley's tour takes in seven
cities, including Newcastle and Wollongong where KISS have never previously performed, and
is set to be a great night of no-fuss rock'n'roll.
Tour dates are:
Wednesday 11: GOLD COAST Twin Towns
Tickets from: Box Office 1800 014 014
Friday 13: WOLLONGONG Entertainment Centre
Tickets from: Ticketek.com and 132 849
Saturday 14: NEWCASTLE Entertainment Centre
Tickets from: Ticketek.com and 4929 1977
Monday 16: SYDNEY Enmore Theatre
Tickets from: Ticketek.com and 132 849
Friday 20: MELBOURNE Palais Theatre
Tickets from: Ticketmaster.com 136 100 and Box office 9537 2444
Tuesday 24: PERTH Burswood Theatre
Tickets from: Ticketek.com and 132 849
Thursday 26: ADELAIDE Thebarton Theatre
Tickets from: Venuetix 8225 8888
TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY FEBRUARY 12
[Comments]
January 27, 2007
JAN DELAY
(from Birgit/Mrs Blackwell)
The new video from Jan Delay to the song "Feuer", in which Andy Paul from KISSED
has a guest appearance, is already shown on several music channels in Germany (MTV, Viva
etc.). The CD will be released in early February. You can see the video here: http://www.myvideo.de/watch/672932 .
[Comments]
January 26, 2007
PAUL STANLEY DVD
(from reelchicago.com)
Antonelli produces KISS guitarist “Paul Stanley—Live To
Win Live!” feature-length concert film
Louis Antonelli was 12 years old and an amateur photographer when he first met KISS
guitarist Paul Stanley. It was 1974 and KISS was appearing at a Mt. Prospect record store.
“Paul gave me a lot of encouragement,” recalled Antonelli. “He looked at me and said ‘promise me that you’re going to be the best that you can be.’”
Antonelli drew inspiraton from his encounter with the musician, and as KISS grew into international icons, Antonelli became a professional filmmaker, directing features, commercials and music videos for artists including the Ramones and Metallica.
Thirty-two years later Antonelli has come full circle with the production of “Paul Stanley – Live To Win Live!”, a feature-length concert film documenting Stanley’s second solo tour that culminated in a November performance at House of Blues Chicago.
Over the years Antonelli had become friends with KISS drummer Eric Singer, who introduced him to Keith Leroux, who runs KISS Online and Signatures Network, and who helped set up the project through Stanley’s management company Doc McGhee Entertainment.
“It’s been one of my dreams to direct a KISS concert in IMAX,” Antonelli said. “KISS management said ‘see what you can do with this, and we’ll go from there.’”
The 12-camera DV-cam shoot of the House of Blues show is the heart of “Live to Win Live!”, book-ended by black and white film that Antonelli shot in New York telling Stanley’s life story.
Antonelli is director, producer and editor of “Live to Win Live!” His company is Quadrama Films.
Chris Sheppard of Chicago Recording Company engineered the concert on a mobile 48-track recorder. McGhee is executive producer. Scott Wanner and co-editor Lester Cohn are co-producers.
DP Carlson of Foetus Films, who was a camera operator at the concert, is also directing a behind-the-scenes documentary on the production of the concert film.
Antonelli is presenting a cut of the film to Stanley and McGhee in mid-January to discuss plans for a prospective DVD release. Stanley’s solo album “Live to Win” was released by Universal Music.
Among various projects, Antonelli is also developing a documentary called “Lost in Brooklyn,” “a history of the 20th century told through the eyes of a little boy who died on Ellis Island in 1920, and how his family refound him 80 years later,” he said.
Email quadrama@aol.com. —Ed M. Koziarski
Ed M. Koziarski is the co-writer/director/producer of the untitled feature film “Okinawa Project,” now in post-production. Email: Ed M. Koziarski
Answer: Thanks for the question Jay. The most important element for a guitar solo is that it's memorable, and feels real good. Beyond that, I would say the guitar solos on a new KISS album will sound like me.
Question 2: Hello Tommy. I was just
wondering who your favorite guitar players are? I play guitar too. I grew up listening to
Eddie, Randy, Ace, Angus and of course Jimi.
- Mario, Chicago, Illinois
Answer: My favorite guitar players are Pete Townshend, Jimmy Page and Brian May. I grew up and was influenced by Ronnie Montrose, Richie Blackmore, Ted Nugent, Davey Johnstone, Peter Frampton, Pat Travers, Robin Trower and Ace Frehley.
Question 3: Hi Tommy, I am in a band called
"Ace." Suprisingly, it didn't evolve from Ace Frehley's name! Anyway, we are
planning to play an instrumental rendition of "Love Gun" in a few of our shows.
I realized that on the "Love Gun" record and on other songs, it seems as if you
guys are not tuned in standard tune. Am I correct? If so, could you kindly tell me how you
guys tune your guitars? I would love to hear form you. Thanks for your time.
- Kameron, Grundy, Virginia
Answer: Good question. KISS has generally always tuned down 1/2 step from standard pitch. What that means, is starting with the low E string, the low E string is tuned to E flat, the A string to A flat and so on. This is done mainly to add a bit ballsier sound to the guitars. It also helps the singers because it brings the pitch of the song down a 1/2 step. It's not uncommon these days for bands, particularly metal and hardcore bands, to tune down one full step or even a step and a half below standard pitch.
Question 4: Hey Tommy, I was just wondering
what kind of guitar and equipment I would need for getting my third guitar? Is there any
kind of foot pedals you would also recommend for me?
- Tommy White, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
Answer: I don't know what your first and
second guitars are, but your local guitar shop has people that can help you find something
that feels right and is in your budget, since you can buy guitars today from $100 to
$5,000. I think it's always a good idea to have an acoustic guitar as well as electrics. I
have never been big on pedals or effects, because I've seen so many guitar players
completely overdo effects. It always seems to take the "pureness" of the sound
away, but that still doesn't mean an occasional effect isn't a bad idea.
[Comments]
January 10, 2007
PAUL AT WENTWORTH GALLERY
(from paulstanley.com)
WENTWORTH GALLERY cordially invites you to meet acclaimed artist, rock legend, and lead
singer of KISS - PAUL STANLEY - at an exhibition featuring his newest works.
Friday, February 9th 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at The Shops at Riverside Hackensack, NJ
(201)488-7661.
Saturday, February 10th 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Mall at Short Hills Short Hills, NJ
(973)564-9776.
For a Special Private V.I.P. Reception with Paul -call the Gallery for details.
[Comments]
January 10, 2007
BEST BUY BONUS TRACKS
(from Kissonline)
In order to get the missing Best Buy bonus tracks to KISS fans quickly, Universal Music
has set up this alternative, free download site. If any KISS fans can’t get the
replacement discs from Best Buy, they can use the code below from January 8th through the
14th ONLY to get the two tracks: "God Of Thunder" [Live 2000] and KISS
"2000 Man" [Live 2000].
The following Code is valid January 8th through the 14th: P3Hw6qV6. Visit the link below
and enter the code to down the songs now.
URL: http://www.gotdownloads.com/kiss
.
[note: the download only works, if you are located in the US, otherwise you will
get an error]
[Comments]
January 6, 2007
KISS BASS TRANSCRIPTIONS VOLUME
1 COMING IN JANUARY 2007
(from basslinepublishing.com)
Coming in January 2007 will be the first of a series of bass transcription books
covering the work of bassist Gene Simmons with the rock group KISS. This first volume
covers the earliest days of the band and features complete transcriptions of every song
from the band's first two albums, KISS and Hotter Than Hell. All transcriptions are in
standard notation and tablature and include chord symbols. Includes information on Gene's
basses and amps, and detailed notes for each song. Featuring 'Strutter', 'Firehouse',
'Cold Gin', 'Let Me Know', 'Deuce', 'Black Diamond', 'Got To Choose', 'Parasite', 'Goin'
Blind', 'Watchin' You', 'Comin' Home' and more.
[Comments]
January 5, 2007
ERIC SINGER ON NEW AVANTASIA
ALBUM
(from Blabbermouth.net)
EDGUY frontman Tobias Sammet has tapped KISS/ALICE COOPER
drummer Eric Singer to play on the upcoming third installment of his solo project AVANTASIA.
"We've recorded the drums in Hamburg at Vox Klangstudio, where we recorded the
drums of EDGUY's 'Hellfire Club' too," says Sammet. "Great
room, great equipment!
"Eric is a killer drummer and a cool guy to work with. It is really exciting
to hear his interpretation of European-style metal. It definitely adds something fresh and
unique to the sound, mainly because he's got a different approach to that kind of music.
And although he doesn't do it with ALICE COOPER, KISS and SPONGEBOB
SQUAREPANTS' solo band: There IS fast double-bass shit on AVANTASIA, and Eric
did a great job!!! You'll hear it, it's fantastic.
"Anyway, listening to the material so far I can really say that even though the new AVANTASIA
will be a different conceptual story, the ambition remains the same: To create something
epic and big! Or how Eric put it, 'Let's make some kewl music!' No doubt, the
spirit of AVANTASIA is there — in every note."
Check out a picture of Singer and Sammet in the recording studio at this
location.
AVANTASIA's last release was the two-part epic called "The Metal
Opera" (issued in 2001 and 2002), which featured an impressive array of guest
vocalists playing the various characters of the opera, including Michael Kiske (ex-HELLOWEEN),
David DeFeis (VIRGIN STEELE), Sharon Den Adel (WITHIN TEMPTATION),
Kai Hansen (GAMMA RAY), André Matos (ANGRA, SHAAMAN), Timo
Tolkki (STRATOVARIUS), Rob Rock (WARRIOR), and others.
For more information on AVANTASIA, visit www.avantasia.net.
EDGUY filmed a live DVD on November 3 at the Credicard Hall in São Paulo, Brazil.
The band has spent most of the past year touring in support of its latest album, "Rocket
Ride", which entered the German national album chart at position No. 8 upon its
release in late January 2006. The CD also came in at No. 8 in Sweden, No. 25 in Finland,
No. 32 in Hungary, No. 48 in Japan, No. 50 in Switzerland, No. 50 in Austria, No. 79 in
Norway and No. 81 in Italy.
[Comments]
January 5, 2007
GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS ON UK
TV
Gene Simmons Family Jewels will be on the "Biography
Channel" in the UK from January 22nd, 10pm.
[Comments]
January 5, 2007
ESP AT NAMM
(from Blabbermouth.net)
ESP has just finalized its schedule of artist meet-and-greet sessions at the
NAMM show (National Association of Music Merchants), which is scheduled to
be held January 18-21, 2007 the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. The details are
as follows:
Friday, January 19 (12:30 - 2:00 p.m.):
Bruce Kulick (KISS, GRAND FUNK RAILROAD)
George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB)
Page Hamilton (HELMET)
Friday, January 19 (2:30 - 4:00 p.m.):
Dan Jacobs (ATREYU)
Travis Miguel (ATREYU)
Stephen Carpenter (DEFTONES)
Saturday, January 20 (Noon - 1:30 p.m.):
Will Adler (LAMB OF GOD)
Gus G. (FIREWIND)
Michael Wilton (QUEENSRŸCHE)
Saturday, January 20 (2:00 - 3:30 p.m.):
Alexi Laiho (CHILDREN OF BODOM)
Michael Amott (ARCH ENEMY)
Wayne Static (STATIC-X)
ESP is in the same booth they've had for a long time (4368, Hall C) at NAMM.
[Comments]
January 5, 2007
CLEVELAND KISS FAN EXPO
(from kissonline.com)
The 2007 Cleveland KISS Expo is Saturday February 10th from 1pm-8pm (12 noon for
VIP Ticket Holders) and will take place at the Holiday Inn Hotel Cleveland Airport. The
Hotel is located at 4181 West 150th Street, Cleveland, OH 44135. For hotel rooms - call
1-216-252-7700 and ask for the special KISS Expo rate.
Special Guests are Eric Singer and the ultimate KISS tribute band Mr. Speed. Eric will be
doing a Q/A and will be available for autographs and photos. KISS merchandise and
collectibles will be on sale throughout the day. KISSONLINE is also attending the expo.
A limited number of VIP Laminates as well as regular tickets are on sale now. For Tickets or more info Click Here:
[Comments]
January 5, 2007
KISS
CREDIT CARD
(from chase.com)
The KISS Visa Card with Chase Flexible Rewards. Let everyone know you're a
real KISS fan and enjoy the ability to choose real rewards. You'll earn 1 point for every
$1 in eligible purchases that you make on your card. Best of all, you can start redeeming
at 1,000 points. All with no annual fee! More infos here.
[Comments]
January 4, 2007
KISSOLOGY
Kissology fell from # 5 to # 9 this week in the DVD
charts, but is in its 9th week still in the Top 10. Kissology is the most successfull
Kiss DVD ever and has reached already quadruple platinum status. So far it has only been
released in USA & Canada.
[Comments]