May 30, 2006
ASK BILL AUCOIN
Bill Aucoin will be answering some of your questions for Kiss News. If you do have an interesting question for Bill Aucoin, you can post it here until the day after tomorrow. Bill Aucoin will be Special Guest at a Kiss Expo in Belgium on June 3rd as previously reported.
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May 28, 2006
ARCHIVE MATERIAL FROM ERIC CARR
(from melodicrock.com)
An interesting release for Kiss fans is now available online. Former drummer Eric Carr's (RIP) Kiss 1980 audition tapes have been mastered to CD from his sister Loretta.
The Cd features 8 tracks / 26 minutes of the following tunes:
1) Kiss - Torpedo Girl (unmasked album) -- Anton Fig's drum track is replaced by Eric's drum track....,
2) Kiss - Torpedo Girl - Eric's drum track (isolated) -- no other music.... just drums,
3) Kiss - Shandi (Unmasked album) - Eric sings the lead vocals,
4) Kiss - Shandi - Eric's vocal track (isolated) -- no other music....,
5) Van Halen - You Really Got Me - Alex Van Halen's drum track removed -- Eric drums along to it,
6) Van Halen - You Really Got Me - Eric's drum track (isolated) -- no other music.... just drums,
7) Van Halen - And The Craddle Will Rock - Alex Van Halen's drum track removed -- Eric drums along to it,
8) Van Halen - And The Craddle Will Rock - Eric's drum track (isolated) -- no other music....
More information at: www.ericcarr.com .
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May 28, 2006
NEW PAUL STANLEY INTERVIEW
Kissonline interviewed Paul Stanley recently and posted the interview online. Paul says, that a new Kiss studio album is not out of question. He is looking for a September-release for his solo album and he will also do a solo-tour although he still has problems with his hip after his hip sergery. You can read the full interview here.
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May 26, 2006
KISS & ACE FREHLEY AT "VH-1 ROCK HONORS"
"VH-1 Rock Honors" was taped yesterday in Las Vegas. Kiss played in total 4 songs: Detroit Rock city, Deuce, Love Gun and Makin' Love. The All Star Band including Ace Frehley played "God of thunder". You can find more infos and photos from Kiss and Ace Frehley from the event in the Forum and in the Photo Album or also at Kissonline.
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May 25, 2006
VH-1 ROCK HONORS
Today Kiss will be honored at "VH-1 Rock Honors". Kiss will also perform at the show in the line-up Simmons/Stanley/Thayer/Singer (see photo from the rehearsals without the make-up from Kissonline). Interviews were also recorded with Ace Frehley and Peter Criss. Peter Criss thanked VH-1 on his website for honoring the original Kiss..

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May 24, 2006
NEW ACE FREHLEY PHOTOS
Click here to see some new photos from Ace Frehley.
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May 24, 2006
KISS COFFEE HOUSE OPENS JUNE27th
(from www.kisscoffeehouse.com)
Myrtle Beach, SC - If you want rock and roll all night, KISS Coffeehouse will be the place to be. On Tuesday, June 27th, legendary KISS band members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons will be on hand at Myrtle Beach South Carolina's Broadway at the Beach to cut the ribbon on the most outrageous coffee and dessert shop ever constructed.

Through a deal brokered by Signatures Network, Inc., KISS's exclusive merchandising company, the KISS Coffeehouse in Myrtle Beach, SC is the first licensed coffeehouse by the band known for their incredible stage show, face paint and full throttle rock and roll.

"The idea was to take the energy and excitement of the live KISS show and bring it into a retail setting," explains long- time KISS fan and storeowner Brian Galvin. "KISS fans will not be disappointed!" pledged Galvin, who knows firsthand the high expectations loyal KISS fans will have for this concept. The coffeehouse will also serve as an official KISS Army recruiting office, exposing new fans and reminding die-hard supporters why KISS continues to be one of the most exciting bands in history.

With over twenty foot tall smoking KISS boots flanking the storefront and rare KISS memorabilia and costume pieces on display, the KISS Coffeehouse raises the bar for retail design. "This will become a major tourist attraction," states Galvin confidently. "This is truly the most exciting coffee shop on the planet!"

The KISS Coffeehouse menu will feature Signature KISS Coffee, including Demon Dark Roast and French KISS Vanilla, eight flavors of the KISS Frozen Rockuccino™, the most caffeinated and refreshing coffee beverage on the market, as well as full array of cookies, brownies and cupcakes. For more info and a complete menu list, please log on to http://www.kisscoffeehouse.com/menu.htm

According to Paul Stanley, "The KISS Coffeehouse is our way of providing everyone with the buzz of great, quality treats and coffee filled with enough sugar and caffeine to get the party started, and keep it going!"

Gene Simmons adds, "Every army needs food and drink and the KISS Army is no exception! Even the non-enlisted will find our treats and java rockin' good!"

To add to the Grand Opening festivities, KISS tribute band, KISS Army, will be performing on the Celebrity Square Stage at Broadway at the Beach from 8:00- 10:00 p.m., when a KISS- style fireworks display will light up the sky in front of the shop. Myrtle Beach's classic rock station, Wave 104.1, will promote the event and will be on site broadcasting live.

In conjunction with the opening, 1,000 bags of the KISS Army Blend will be shipped to the US Armed Forces serving in Iraq. "Anything we can do that lets our brave armed forces personnel know that they are always in our hearts and on our minds is a small token of our deep appreciation for the sacrifices they make every day for us. We pray for their safe return," said Stanley.
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May 24, 2006
FIRST JOB: GENE SIMMONS
(from www.forbes.com)
What was your first job?

I delivered the Long Island Star Journal in Jackson Heights, Queens, known as the Long Island Press on Sundays. Later, I picked up a second route, since I could put those papers in the same shopping cart. I had discovered you could make almost twice the money without putting in twice the time.

How old were you?

13

How much did you make?

$37.50 a week for the first route, $28 a week for the second.

What did you learn on your first job?

If someone likes you, they'll buy what you're selling, whether or not they need it. No one needs Forbes or KISS, but they buy it anyway. Farmers and teachers provide what people need, but don't get paid a lot. I also learned that I love making money. Anyone who is not afraid of work will be happy with the money they make. Think about, if you work every weekend to make overtime, you'll make almost as much as you did during the week. What do you need time off for? You can come home in the evenings and watch the ballgame or go chase girls. There's no reason to be home in the daytime because everyone else is working. Are you going to sit around watching I Love Lucy?

Who was your best, or worst, boss, and why?

The best boss is me. The worst is me. I crave ideas, and when an idea hits me, it grips me and it tortures me until I master it. I know nothing about racing, but it's a positive that I go and learn it. I'm my own hardest task master. I've had nine-to-five jobs and gotten promoted because the bosses notices I wasn't watching the clock.

What was your big break?

Being born. The rest was easy. As long as you're in the game, you've got a chance; after that it's just hard work. I don't care how many misses I get, I'll keep swinging.

What has been your biggest failure?

There are always things--the girl you didn’t get, the deal that didn't happen. Who cares how many singles you miss when those occasional home runs bring in three or four other guys? You can't fail in America. There's Chapter 11, they can't take your home in Florida, every step you take there's a net. There's a socialist net of safety called the welfare state. Everything I do makes money. Your stamp collection can be a source of joy, but it also can be a source of money. I'm lucky because I like what I do, but it all makes money.

How many hours do you work in an average week now?

I don't consider any of it to be work. For example, I got up at 5:40 this morning to go through my emails. I have Simmons-Abramson marketing, where we promote for the Indy 500 and other races. We also have investments and television--we got an A&E show coming up in August, with 13 episodes. I have never taken a vacation in my life. Vacations are for wimps.

What is the worst thing about work?

God has given you a thumb as a tool, it's up to you to use it or stick it up your butt and sit on it.

What is the best thing about work?

It's that you get paid. The poorest person in the world will always tell you that. The fat, bloated American will always tell you it's about doing work they love. People who are the salt of the earth get up and go to a job that they hate. I love money; that's why I've owned the Money Bag logo for 28 years.

Gene Simmons co-founded the rock band Kiss in 1973. He runs a marketing and promotion partnership that concentrates on auto racing events.
[Comments]

May 23, 2006
ACE FREHLEY JOINS RICHIE SCARLET LIVE ON STAGE
(from www.richiescarlet.com)
Musical history was made just the other day when Richie Scarlet was playing at a benefit concert with "The Scrubs". To everyone's surprise, Richie was joined onstage by none other than Ace Frehley! The place went wild as Richie and Ace jammed out on "Jumping Jack Flash" and "Road House Blues". The fans were ecstatic to see Richie and the Ace together again onstage. The chemistry between them and their guitar style simply works! It was pretty obvious that the fans want more!
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May 23, 2006
KISS FRIENDS PROJECT
(from Diego Arnaldo Garcia)
We are two brothers, Miguel and Diego from Spain. We are amateurs musicians, bass and guitar, and this CD has been recorded and mixed by ourselves, and we have got friends colaboration in others instruments.
You can see what are the songs we have tried to make this CD. And theme number 9 Legends of Rock and Roll is a tribute song writte for us and dedicated for Kiss.

Best regards. Rock on.

Song list:

1 Deuce
2 C´mon and love me
3 Mr. Speed
4 I stole your love
5 I was made for lovin´you
6 I love it loud
7 Thrills in the night
8 Domino
9 Legend of rock and roll ( kiss inspired song)
10 God gave rock and roll to you
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May 20, 2006
SENSATIONAL VICTORY FOR KISS FANS LORDI AT SONG CONTEST!
Hundrets of millions of viewers around the world could not believe what they just saw live on TV. Sensational victory for the Finish Hard Rock band Lordi with the song "Hard Rock Hallelujah". Some might have died a heart attack, the rest voted for Lordi. At the end Lordi were in the lead by over 40 points and brought the victory to Finland for the first time ever. Mr Lordi, the lead singer, a die-hard Kiss fan and collector, and the rest of the band rocked and shocked like Kiss in their early days with batwings, smoke, bombs and lots of firework. Everybody was wondering, who the guys are behind the masks, but that was kept a secret...

Right after the first 12 point-voting for the band, a fake "Gene Simmons" held a sign into the camera thanking the Kiss Army saying "Kiss Army rules!". After the victory, the band could perform their song again, this time with the fake "Gene Simmons" on stage as well (watch it here)! On Monday their single "Hard Rock Hallelujah" will be released in Europe, their latest album (where Bruce Kulick plays on one track as well) has been released a few weeks ago and received already Gold status in Finland... you can watch the winning appearance of Lordi at the Eurovision song contest right here. Heavy Metal is back!

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May 20, 2006
VH-1 ROCK HONORS
(from www.Blabbermouth.net)
An all-star band consisting of Rob Zombie (vocals), Slash (guitar; VELVET REVOLVER, ex-GUNS N' ROSES), Tommy Lee (drums; MÖTLEY CRÜE), and Scott Ian (bass — yes, bass; ANTHRAX) — plus a "special-surprise" second guitarist — will be paying 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.

The two-hour tribute will salute the groundbreaking bands of rock, the once-in-a-lifetime events and the influential people who made a lasting mark on the history of hard rock. The influence of these honorees will be felt through spoken tributes, filmed packages and performances by some of today's hottest rock acts as well as the legends themselves.
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May 20, 2006
NEW KISS MERCHANDISE
There is some new official merchandise available such as a puzzle and a "Rock and Roll over" lollipop. Price for a lollipop: US $ 2,95 (!)
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May 19, 2006
VH-1 HONORS KISS
Vh1 debuts the first ever show to pay homage to the legends who influenced the sound of hard rock with the first annual "VH1 Rock Honors" in Las Vegas. This years celebration will honor the music and influence of Kiss, Judas Priest, Def Leppard, and Queen. There will be tribute performances by Foo fighters, The All American
Rejects, and Godsmack.  VH1 Rock Honors will take place on Thursday, May 25th at 8:00pm at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. Get tickets NOW at http://www.mandalaybay.com/entertainment/vh1_rock_honors.aspx
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May 17, 2006
KISS IN THE PRESS
Kiss are on the cover of the June 2006 issue of "Classic Rock" to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Destroyer. The cover shot features a picture of Kiss in 1976 and inside there is a 5-page article.
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May 16, 2006
LORDI FOR FINLAND
Lordi will be representing Finland this year at the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Hard Rock Hallelujah". Lots of pyro included...   In Finland they are superstars and sell a lot more recods than Kiss. Heavy Metal seems to become more and more popular at the Song Contest over the years. Abba, Cliff Richard, Celine Dion and Udo Jürgens are just some of the artists who took part at the song contest in the past and who sold already over 100 million records.

In Finland they already almost burnt down the studio once at a TV appearance. Their latest CD "Arockalypse" features also Bruce Kulick on guitar on one track. Lead singer Tomi Putaansuu mentions in almost every interview, that he is a huge Kiss fan. There was an interview on Finnish TV where you can see his Kiss museum at his house as well (click here to see the video).

You can see Lordi in the Semifinal on Thursday already and if they have not blown up the stage and they make it into the final, you can see them again on Saturday at the Eurovision song contest. 

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May 16, 2006
NEW PAUL STANLEY PAINTING
(from Paulstanleysparadise.com)
Just got this in email this morning from Gerard Marti (Celebrites Gallery).  Here is what it said:

After " Love Gun " and " God Of Thunder", we are please to introduce " Shock Me " the new released Ace Frehley's portrait by Paul Stanley .
With this painting, Paul amazingly capture the tender sadness in Ace's eyes . KISS lead guitar player joined the band in 1973, and wrote a hand full of classic hit including " Cold Gin" and "Strange Ways ". He waited until 1977 and the Album "Love Gun" , to perform his signature song "Shock Me" .
Today Paul paid tribute to KISS's " Space Man" with this vibrant portrait of his band mate .
The limited edition print, will be available in three weeks .

For more of Paul's art and a bigger version of this, please click on pic to go to our pages for Paul's art.
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May 16, 2006
PETER CRISS
Also from Peter Criss you can see new photos on his website when he was visiting a circus... i
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May 13, 2006
NEW PHOTO SESSION
Kiss did a photo session recently at the taping of "VH-1 Rock Honors". A photo from the session should also be the cover-shot for the next issue of "Burrn" magazine in Japan. Click here to see some photos from the photo-session.
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May 11, 2006
ROCK THE NATION JAPAN DVD-REVIEW
(from Roman Schwarz)
Kiss live DVD “Rock the Nation”, Japan, the first edition comes with bonus CD and an A1 Promo poster.
You don’t need to spend 150 Dollars in order to get the poster (ebay). I've just paid 40 Euros incl. shipping and everything arrived complete....(Dealer "CD Japan")

Short summary:
The announced DTS sound is missing (DTS needs big space on a DVD and this is already occupied by power vision). The 5.1 Dolby Digital sound is relatively low and not the absolute reference sound. With Dolby Digital 2.0 you can’t make much wrong. The Image quality is identically with the other pressings, not understandable why the bit rate partly goes under 3.5 and therefor with fast movements or stroboscope - lighting easy background pixels arises. Also unclear why using as label the video canvas, which looks so streaky.....????
The bonus CD is a 3.15’ CD in a separate cover. Two Booklets and the big Promo poster makes it a nice collectible item.

Result:
All in all not a reference DVD in picture and sound, (between this DVD and the 2005 reference Mötley Crüe "Carnival of Sins" DVD it's like day and night) - it yet depends on whether an established video director like Hamish Hamilton is employed or if money was saved), but those nearly 40 Euros incl. shipping for this limited edition is reasonable.

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May 9, 2006
GENE SIMMONS AND PAUL STANLEY & FAMILY
Click here to see recent photos of Gene Simmons and his family and here to see a picture of Paul Stanley and his wife.
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May 5, 2006
LORDI
There was a report on the Finish Rock Monsters "Lordi" on "RTL Nachtjournal". It was also mentioned, that Lordi are big Kiss-fans.
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May 3, 2006
KISS COFFEEHOUSE
The Kiss coffee house will be opening soon. But now already you can check out the website at www.kisscoffehouse.com.
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