June 30, 2012
Oslo Tshirt
16 Years Ago Today
Monster In October
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Legendary Band’s 20th Studio Album, first single “Hell or Hallelujah” available July 3
“The music is all hard-edged — they call it "thunderock" — and throughout their electrical storm solid craftsmanship prevails.” – Rolling Stone, 1978
“Nice to hear some things never change.” Spin, 2009
“We’re a real, flesh-and-blood rock and roll band with people who’ve spent 40 years doing what we believe in.” – Paul Stanley, 2012
Rock legends KISS return with Monster, the 20th studio album in their historic career, set for release in October through Universal Music Enterprises. The 12-track, straight-ahead rock ‘n’ roll album features collaborations among all four members—including co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer—in an album that shows the band at the top of its game. And that’s saying something, considering their illustrious, 40-plus year history—28 U.S. gold albums, the most gold records for any American rock band, 40 million sales in the U.S., and a total exceeding 100 million worldwide.
BIGGEST BAND IN AMERICA – KISS - TO UNLEASH A MONSTER IN OCTOBER
Legendary Band’s 20th Studio Album, first single "Hell or Hallelujah" available July 2 Internationally and July 3 in North America
"The music is all hard-edged — they call it "thunderock" — and throughout their electrical storm solid craftsmanship prevails." – Rolling Stone, 1978
"Nice to hear some things never change." Spin, 2009
"We’re a real, flesh-and-blood rock and roll band with people who’ve spent 40 years doing what we believe in." – Paul Stanley, 2012
Rock legends KISS return with Monster, the 20th studio album in their historic career, set for release in October through Universal Music Enterprises. The 12-track, straight-ahead rock 'n' roll album features collaborations among all four members—including co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer—in an album that shows the band at the top of its game. And that’s saying something, considering their illustrious, 40-plus year history—28 U.S. gold albums, the most gold records for any American rock band, 40 million sales in the U.S., and a total exceeding 100 million worldwide.
Monster is the group’s first studio album since the band’s 2009 smash success, Sonic Boom, and was also produced by Paul Stanley with Greg Collins at Conway Studios in Hollywood, CA, and The Nook in Studio City, CA.
The band's first single, the full-throttle, autobiographical rocker "Hell or Hallelujah," will be available digitally on Monday, July 2, internationally, and on Tuesday, July 3, in North America. Stanley calls the album’s lead track, "a battle cry that encapsulates the entire record...one way or another, we’re going to do it our way."
Monster represents KISS’ nod to the music that first inspired them to pick up their guitars and flame-throwers and don makeup to entertain millions. The group goes back to their own beginnings with the Who-like “Freak,” while Gene lives up to the title track’s declaration on the raucous rock of “Back to the Stone Age” and the bludgeoning “The Devil is Me.” Even guitarist Thayer takes a turn on his own with “Outta This World,” a tribute to his KISS “spaceman” character, while drummer Singer provides the vocals (and the back story) for the arena anthem “All for the Love of Rock & Roll.”
“There are no symphony orchestras, boy choirs, keyboards, outside producers or songwriters on this album,” promises Gene Simmons. “The best thing we did was to turn inwards to ourselves. Tommy and Eric have revitalized this band, with a work ethic and the talent to back it up. This is a real band effort. KISS has become a behemoth. We’re going where no bands have gone before.”
On July 4, the day after "Hell or Hallelujah" hits digital retail in North America, KISS crosses the ocean for its very own Tea Party, performing an Independence Day show at The Forum in London, a holiday most certainly not celebrated in the U.K., though this show might just offer some reparation for that bitter defeat in 1776. The concert will serve as a benefit for the British "Help for Heroes" organization, which raises money for its wounded, sick and injured troops. The band owes its own debt of gratitude to the English, admitting that Monster is influenced by the country’s great, legendary rock groups who influenced and inspired them to pick up their instruments in the first place.
“We’re all Anglophiles in this band,” says Simmons. “America may have invented rock and roll, but England knew what to do with it. They gave us the Beatles, the Stones, Led Zeppelin and the Who.”
Timed to coincide with the release of the Monster album is the deluxe coffee table, limited edition KISS MONSTER, a collection of artworks, 126 photos from the band’s 40-year career, including never-before-seen images from the world’s greatest rock photographers. The three-foot high, two and a half feet wide and two-inch thick Monster will be available in copies signed by all four band members and limited to only 1,000 copies worldwide. More info at www.kissmonsterbook.com.
Funworld Magazine
SEALED WITH A KISS
Yes, opening a miniature-golf course with the rock band KISS may seem like an unconventional move. But then again, owner Christina Vitagliano has never preferred going the traditional route. Take for example when she opened her first Monster Mini-Golf in Connecticut in 2004. The black-light course was indoors, which in and of itself made the facility stand out from the competition. In addition, she picked Memorial Day weekend for the grand opening.
“In most people’s heads, that’s a day you want to be outside,” she says. “My landlord said, ‘You’ll probably get eight people.’”
Vitagliano surpassed the landlord’s expectations many times over. In fact, that first insanely busy summer nearly 10 years ago culminated in regular conversations with the multiplatinum music act KISS, creation of a 14-foot-tall head of the group’s iconic singer/bassist Gene Simmons as a course obstacle, and the eventual completion of KISS by Monster Mini-Golf. Featuring the largest KISS gift shop in the world, a wedding chapel, and a VIP room, the Las Vegas facility debuted in March with a glitzy party (see sidebar). Just one month after opening, 10,000 guests had entered the front door, above which hangs a sign that reads, “We’ve put a whole lot of rock in our roll.” “It has not been a dull ride,” Vitagliano laughs.
Job Hopping and a Brainstorm
The 47-year-old took a long, roundabout career path to end up owner of Monster Mini-Golf and schmoozing with KISS, an internationally recognized rock band with a 30-year history of hit albums. She was a district manager for a retail chain and then spent 10 years managing and marketing restaurants and nightclubs. This eventually became tiresome.
“One day I woke up and said, ‘I don’t want to see another drunk person at 2:30 a.m. again,’” she recalls. “I needed to get out of that business.”
Her next move led to opening an antique auction house where she traveled the world looking for valuables, which would then be sold on site at her auction, housed in an old mill building in Connecticut. Although the constant stress and greed she encountered also made for a temporary career stop, it did provide her with something crucial: a venue. The only problem was what to put inside this large space “in the middle of nowhere.” After some soul searching and brainstorming, Vitagliano had her moment of clarity. She wanted to open an indoor, glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course, an idea readily panned by her friends and family. In spite of their misgivings, she was resolute: “I just wanted to see happy people.”
As good as her intentions were, the money to bring the idea to fruition remained elusive. Vitagliano picked up a part-time job to squirrel away cash; at the end of each week the goal was to create something that could be used as a mini-golf prop. Through pure creativity and a bit of old sculpting talent, she created monsters. She admits these first props were a little rough around the edges, but by creating abstract creatures for obstacles, she could get away with it. Who would question what a monster
really looked like?
After months of saving and building, she finally opened on that fateful Memorial Day weekend in 2004. As business began to boom, Vitagliano started to plan her next step. “People kept telling me, ‘This is a gold mine,’” she remembers. “I got concerned. Someone was going to run in with a lot of money and steal my idea. I first thought to open a second location, but before we signed the lease, I said, ‘This is wrong.’”
Vitagliano did not want to spread herself too thin. She began to research franchising as a better option, a decision that led to a game-changing meeting. She and her husband, Patrick, flew out to Chicago to meet with a company that guides mom-and-pop operations through the franchising process of legalities, necessary paperwork, marketing, etc. Vitagliano gave her pitch: an 18-hole indoor, black-light mini-golf course, with party rooms for birthdays and corporate events. Each facility would feature special effects, pumping music, and video and redemption games. Both adults and kids would love the funky glow-in-the-dark atmosphere, and the same goes for the humorous monsters that adorn each hole, she proposed. “They’re ageless.”
The company’s response? "You’re not leaving here without franchising this business,” the owner told her. “We haven’t seen anything like this, and an original idea doesn’t happen that often.”
The only hitch was the company’s requirement of $150,000, which Vitagliano did not have. Fortunately, the two sides were able to work out a loan and signed the deal, but it did take some sacrifice. Patrick sold his production company to join Monster Mini-Golf full time, and the couple sold their apartment and lived in their course’s office with their dog for nine months while they worked to pay off the loan.
“We risked everything to get where we are now,” she says proudly. “Not a lot of people would do that.”
The Inspiration for KISS
Monster Mini-Golf—now headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island—grew substantially over the next few years. There are currently more than 30 locations across the United States and Canada.
As part of the build-out package fee, her team provides the props, animatronics, sound equipment, artwork, displays, and games. Vitagliano also teaches new owners how to be successful with marketing, public relations services, training, and product development. “I look at them like they’re my kids,” she says of the franchisees.
No two courses are the same, leading to a lot of fun and variety in the prop creation. In fact, one particular monster prompted the genesis of the KISS course in Las Vegas. For the last hole at one location, she created a giant clown head where guests putted up the giant tongue into its mouth.
Everyone started to kid her that it should be Gene Simmons’ head. (The rocker is known for having a particularly long tongue, which he shows off during concerts.) Obvious trademark issues prevented that prop from becoming reality at the time, but the topic did become a running joke—and eventual aspiration—during meetings. Partnering with a major rock band could move her already bustling business up the charts. “I would always ask people if they had Gene’s cell phone number,” Vitagliano explains. “One person finally said, ‘Oddly enough, I do have his attorney’s contact info,’ and I took it.”
So one day in 2010 she e-mailed the lawyer. Within a mere 15 minutes he called back. In the hour-long conversation, she described the company’s history, how it had grown in such a short period of time, and why it might be beneficial for the band to work with her. Realizing Vitagliano and her mini-golf concept could help KISS reach the next generation of fans, the attorney gave his blessing, and conversations with the group began. “They have so much passion for what they do,” she says. “I have never questioned if I picked the right band.”
She’s with the Band
The band has shown similar support for Vitagliano. “People come to us all the time with ideas,” says Paul Stanley, KISS cofounder and singer/guitarist. “But you need resources to implement it. You need a vision. We thought it would be a great marriage.”
While liberal about licensing the KISS name (there is a KISS burial casket, for instance), the band must have final say in the branding and use of their image. As such, every single design piece for the par-39 course—from Paul’s towering boot to Gene’s aforementioned head and tongue—had to go
past the band for approval.
“They’re four complete individuals,” Vitagliano says. “You had a lot of ‘love this, don’t like that,’ but that’s what makes it that one-of-a-kind place. I like them because they’re challenging, and they’re challenging because they’re passionate.”
Other facility highlights include:
- The KISS gift shop, the biggest of its kind, featuring a wide assortment of officially licensed products, such as T-shirts, golf balls, clocks, animal crackers, sculptures, fragrance, and hats.
- KISS products line the redemption area: magnets, bandanas,
and toy cars.
- The “Hotter Than Hell Wedding Chapel” (classic Vegas!), with theatrical lights, sound, and a fog machine. The stage is fashioned after the KISS album cover for “Love Gun.”
- Myriad band photos cover the walls, and televisions show KISS concert footage.
- And, of course, the official KISS scorecard mobile app.
The day after the opening party, both Paul and Gene sent personal notes to Vitagliano thanking her for “doing exactly what you said you would do.”
“It’s nice when you earn their respect as well,” she beams. She and the band already have begun preliminary talks about taking the KISS mini-golf concept international. In some countries, the band has an equally rabid following to that of the United States.
“Now that we realize it’s going to work,” Vitagliano says, “we have to work hard.”
June 29, 2012
KISS In Oslo
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KISS' ONLY 2012 SCANDINAVIAN SHOW
KISS will headline the 2nd night of the Kollen Summer Festival in Oslo, Norway tomorrow! The concert will take place at the Holmenkollen National Arena - the roof of Oslo - made world famous by its iconic ski jump that can be seen from all over the capital.
”KISS Saturday on the big stage at Kollen is a dream come true. To really experience a band like KISS you need a stage that justifies the greatness of the band, and Kollen is the only festival in Norway that can provide just that. It’s flat out extremely cool to be able to give Oslo an exclusive concert with the worlds largest rock ’n’ roll circus as the grand finale on the first edition of Kollen ever.” – Pål Jakobsen, head of booking Kollen.
Visit www.kollenfest.no/ for more information on the show, or www.billettservice.no/ to purchase tickets.
June 26, 2012
The KISS Room
Originally broadcast on MONTCO RADIO, streaming live and worldwide from Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell, PA on Friday, June 22, 2012.
Boomer Magazine
Instructions for BOOMER's Hiring Our Heroes Voting
Read the following individual "Notes" below. Each Note represents a US Veteran who is a finalist to meet and interview rock band, KISS, in July for BOOMER Magazine.
We had an overwhelming amount of entries and need YOUR help to determine our hire. Share your favorite Notes with your friends and family on Facebook, and encourage them to "like" their favorite entry. The US Veteran's note that has the most Facebook "Likes" on this page will be selected by BOOMER Magazine for the job.
http://www.facebook.com/BoomerMag/notes?ref=ts
KISS Finalist F: William R - Indianapolis, IN
I have been a huge KISS fan since I was in High School some 35 years ago. When I served in The Marine Corps in the 1980's, I had to rebuy all of my KISS music because I was unable to take my albums with me. So I had to get cassette tapes to listen to in my squad bay, and then in my two-man rooms when they were finished.
In the past 3 years, I have seen KISS at the Indiana State fair, on 8/9/10, and at Springfield, Ill, on 7/18/2011 and I have tickets for their concert on 9/1/2012 in Noblesville. I have been to the last 2 KISS expos here In Indianapolis, and gotten my picture taken with Eric Singer twice and with Tommy Thayer once this year, and I was able to talk with Tommy because I am originally from the state of Oregon and found out that Tommy has relatives from my hometown.
I am a disabled vet and in the past 3 years I have undergone surgery 4 times and 2 of these surgeries have been in the past 6 weeks. I was going to purchase a meet-and-greet package to meet the band on this tour, but because of the cost and my limited income I was unable to do this and I would enjoy to meet all of the band members and thank them for always honoring the troops that have served and who are serving today so that we may enjoy the freedom we have today.
KISS Finalist E: Michael R - Roanoke, VA
Thanks for the chance of a lifetime … I am a 100% disabled Iraq War Veteran (Baghdad 2004-2005), with 15 years of service in the Active Duty Army prior to my medical discharge in 2006. I am a former Regional Director (SW Virginia) for the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program. I have a proven track record of pushing for Veterans to be hired within Virginia and have found countless jobs for Veterans.
I have been a fan of KISS for over 30 years; my parents are huge fans and insured we grew up listening to KISS. I know everything about KISS and I am fully aware of their support in hiring Veterans and their support of National Veterans' Programs such as the Wounded Warrior Project. I have tickets to the Bristow, VA, show and I will be attending with my 17- and 12-year-old sons, and insure I pass the honor of being a true KISS ARMY member to my sons. My family has suffered as much and if not more from my injuries suffered from my deployment, thus they are truly my biggest supporter through everything … Much like KISS, the KISS ARMY is a family within itself and support comes from family, and KISS has created this larger-than-life following that supports everything KISS …
There is no doubt their efforts to push for hiring Veterans translates to each member of the KISS Army, and members own businesses and have positions to hire Veterans and we follow suite with KISS and insure that happens … I have seen KISS on every major tour since 1984 and look forward to attending the Bristow concert … It would be a dream of a lifetime to be selected to conduct the interview (maybe sneak my boys in). I have more than enough backing to relate all things Veteran-related and a bonus, a KISS ARMY member … Please feel free to Google my name and read about my efforts on behalf of Veterans within Virginia … Also I didn't win the Hire a Vet for a KISS Roadie.
KISS Finalist D: Will R - Des Moines, IA
Message: Dear BOOMER magazine and staff,
I would love to have the opportunity to meet with KISS and interview the band members for BOOMER magazine. If chosen, I believe I could do a great job of representing veterans and your publication.
Since I was a child, I have been a huge fan of KISS. My very first record I ever owned was Rock & Roll Over that my mother let me pick out for my seventh birthday. From then on I was in the KISS Army. I own every KISS album and have seen them in concert three times. I am also a fan of “Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels.”
Being Jewish myself, knowing that KISS was a bunch of Jewish kids from New York, just made them that much cooler. As an adult, I have been active in my synagogue and serve on the Greater Des Moines Jewish Federation Board and Jewish Community Relations Committee.
In 1989, I joined the U.S. Army and served as an M-1 Tank Crewmember. In the fall of 1990, I was deployed to the Persian Gulf and was in combat as a part of Desert Storm. After my enlistment in the U.S. Army, I became an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (Post #9127) and have served in several leadership roles, including Post Commander from 1998-1999 and Club Commander from 1998-2001.
In addition, for the past six months I have been working on developing a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization with the goal of assisting low-income and impoverished veterans and their families with the costs associated [with] funeral and burial expenses. I hope to launch this new organization on Veteran’s Day of this upcoming fall.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions or need any additional information in helping you make your determination.
And thank you for the opportunity to interview KISS.
KISS Finalist C: Robert C - El Paso, TX
I surely meet three requirements, I'm a war veteran, I'm a crazy KISS fan and I will be available on that date. I'm living proof of the American dream because my dreams came true when I met KISS for the first time. I was born and raised in Bolivia, South America. And I knew I was never going to see KISS in my country, so when the opportunity came up to move to the U.S., I did!!! Based only on the idea that I had more chances to see KISS in the US than in South America. And once I moved to New York when I was 18 years old, guess what? Six months later I joined the US ARMY. June 14, 2001, was the date I joined. Guess what I did with my first paychecks? I bought KISS goodies.
Couple of years later I got deployed to Iraq and served in that combat zone for a year. But once again, KISS comes on my way ... while I was in Iraq I managed to get their latest CD/DVD at the time, KISS ALIVE Symphony. Can you imagine me listening to KISS in Iraq??? Imagine how scratched that CD was because of the times I played it. KISS was the motivation to keep going. And once my time was up in Iraq, I went back to the US and celebrated my safe return going to a KISS concert on their Rock The Nation Tour 2004. I always linked the military with KISS because you need something to push you and motivate you. My way of saying thanks to this country (US) for letting me come in was to join the military. I'm a proud US Veteran.
So that short story is one reason why you should hire me to interview KISS, my heroes, plus I have interesting military-related questions I would like to ask them in a kind of "military environment" as we used to do it in military boards. And finally, I would like to thank them personally for their support to our troops. I might be a hero to them ... but they're my heroes.
KISS Finalist B: Joe D - San Antonio, TX
I have been a KISS super-fan forever. I have been to 67 KISS shows worldwide with several in the Northern Virginia area. My career had me assigned there for 10 consecutive years, and I lived in Woodbridge, VA, from 1994 to 2004.
I am originally from Newark, DE. Last year when I retired, I had a KISS-themed retirement party and was blessed to have it featured on KISSonline.com. Currently, I have remained retired but have become extremely involved musically. Specifically, San Antonio's own KISSit tribute band has hired me to be their summer tour coordinator throughout South Texas. [The] tour ending on July 14th. I'm having a blast because it is my passion to live my life with KISS by my side and in my house ... [I] got the KISS room to prove it! Try moving a KISS pinball machine your whole career, although [it’s] a lot more fun than what the Air Force makes you carry.
I am also coordinating the 1st ever San Antonio KISS fan expo in 2013! Everyone who knows me, automatically thinks KISS! I could not have gone through my 21 years of active duty without them. KISS truly alleviated all the stress that comes with serving. I am truly proud of KISS' current focus and charity causes with the Wounded Warriors. Gene, Paul, Eric and Tommy get it. They clearly are not performing for money anymore. If that were the case they would have retired a long time ago. We have always had the KISS Army and now we also have the KISS Navy. It's only a matter of time before all the branches are uniquely identified. Their commitment and attention to detail easily translates to the military lifestyle. I only wish I could have tested for promotion with all KISS-related questions. I would have made all the ranks.
The honor would be all mine to represent BOOMER magazine, interview KISS and once again serve as a military role model to my family, my son, daughter, friends and the community. KISS is relevant and their name screams quality. No tapes – just live music that must be seen and heard. It's their planet we are just living on it.
KISS Finalist A: Chris R - Annapolis, MD
Greetings to the KISS Army!
I am hoping to realize the dream that all of us share, to sit down with KISS and discuss their music, experiences, legacy, future, and relevance to our military community. In my interview, I will explore areas with the band with questions that have built up over the 36+ years I've been a dedicated fan, examining issues that have been largely ignored by the media, and give you information that will provide new insights and respect for these icons that have been rocking our world for decades.
My military experience, including service in the Marine Corps for 20 years, and now as a Department of Defense attorney, gives me a unique perspective on the impact that KISS has had on military members individually the Armed Forces collectively. For virtually all of my life, I’ve been known as “that Kiss freak”, and as a baby-boomer myself, this reputation has had an array of amazing consequences. From my first live KISS concert in Buffalo, New York, in 1977 (I still have the ticket at home), to listening to the band through college, law school, playing Destroyer as I was preparing for courts-martial in the Marines, and rocking out to “Alive!” while deployed with the Marines in support of Desert Shield/Desert Storm, my connection and commitment to the band has been and remains rock steady through today. My love of the band even resulted in me picking up the guitar myself, and I’ve learned to play some of the catalogue.
Like all of you, I have a legion of questions that need to be put to the band regarding their music (and not just the lyrics, but also how their approach to song-writing and guitar playing has changed over time) their past, the band’s amazing trajectory and where it all will lead, their connection to the U.S. Armed Forces, plus there is one seminal question for Gene Simmons that has NEVER been asked – and I can’t understand why. This is the singular opportunity to have an interview conducted by someone who has grown up with KISS, through every lineup and genre, and can ask meaningful and penetrating questions that will do justice to the band and the KISS Army.
I am a true fan that has remained loyal and faithful to our rock gods for my whole life. If given this amazing opportunity of a lifetime, I promise to represent the actual military component of the KISS Army with integrity and zeal. Thanks for your consideration.
KISS Comics
June 24, 2012
The New Single
KISS are set to debut their brand-new single from "Monster" on July 2. According to a listing on Spotify, it appears the single will be "Hell Or Hallelujah."
You can listen to a 30 seconds preview of the new KISS single "Hell or Hallelujah" at Amazon!
KISS To Rock Norway
KISS' ONLY 2012 SCANDINAVIAN SHOW
KISS will headline the 2nd night of the Kollen Summer Festival in Oslo, Norway next Saturday, June 30th, 2012. The concert will take place at the Holmenkollen National Arena - the roof of Oslo - made world famous by its iconic ski jump that can be seen from all over the capital. This new two day festival will feature 26 artists on three stages!
”KISS Saturday on the big stage at Kollen is a dream come true. To really experience a band like KISS you need a stage that justifies the greatness of the band, and Kollen is the only festival in Norway that can provide just that. It’s flat out extremely cool to be able to give Oslo an exclusive concert with the worlds largest rock ’n’ roll circus as the grand finale on the first edition of Kollen ever.” – Pål Jakobsen, head of booking Kollen.
Visit www.kollenfest.no/ for more information on the show, or www.billettservice.no/ to purchase tickets.
June 23, 2012
Pre-Order Now
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ONLY 1,000 BOOKS IN THIS LIMITED EDITION RUN WILL EVER BE PRINTED!
The KISS Monster book features all the different eras of KISS live, from the early years to the present day.
- Three feet tall and two and half feet wide! As tall as a guitar!
- Each book is carefully handmade in Italy, choose from one of 10 country flags, the sleek and stylish KISS Monster logo edition or the classic KISS Army cover.
- Every signature page is signed by Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer.
- Signature page has a personal message from KISS to their fans.
Includes photographs that have never been seen before.
Put on your favorite KISS songs, turn up the volume and prepare yourself for the ultimate rock book experience. Page after page of glorious, unseen, giant photographs, stunningly reproduced and hand-bound into the largest rock book ever published.
Prepare for a larger-than-life journey through 40 years of KISS, the greatest rock band in history!
The latest photographic reproduction techniques and high density printing has enabled us to faithfully reproduce the ultimate KISS experience for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
This book is like nothing you have ever experienced!
- KISS have limited the number of books to just 1,000 copies.
- Each book individually numbered and signed by the band.
- Limited edition flag designs – choose yours now!
- An essential addition to any KISS fan’s collection.
Be one of the lucky few to own one, but order quickly before they sell out!
AMAZING PHOTOS
Every single image in this book is beautiful and unique, and each one has been carefully chosen by the band to give you the full ‘KISS live’ experience.
COLLECTORS ITEM
You have to see this book to believe it! Don’t miss out on your chance to own this amazing collector’s item. It’s an investment. It’s a fan’s dream. It’s KISS close-up and personal. Buy it today because tomorrow it may be too late!
YOU MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO PICK IT UP! BUT IF YOU CAN, YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!
Anyone who has experienced a KISS performance knows the bigger, louder and heavier, the better!! And just like the performance, the epic scale of KISS Monster really has to be seen to be believed. The sheer size of the images the book contains means that the level of detail, vibrancy and intimacy is incredible, bringing the KISS experience alive! Some of the close-up photographs are, quite literally, larger than life! this is the closest any fan could ever get to their heroes without an access-all-areas pass.
June 21, 2012
18 Years Ago Today
KISS MY ASS TRIBUTE ALBUM RELEASED
KISS My Ass: Classic KISS Regrooved was released on June 21, 1994. The tribute album, features a variety of artists covering KISS classics. The album spent 13 weeks on the Billboard chart, and was certified gold by the RIAA.
ARTIST & TRACK LISTING:
1. Lenny Kravitz/Stevie Wonder - Deuce 2. Garth Brooks/KISS - Hard Luck Woman 3. Anthrax - She 4. Gin Blossoms - Christine Sixteen 5. Toad The Wet Sprocket - Rock And Roll All Nite 6. Shandi's Addiction - Calling Dr. Love 7. Dinosaur Jr. - Goin' Blind 8. Extreme - Strutter 9. The Lemonheads - Plaster Caster 10. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones - Detroit Rock City 11. Yoshiki - Black Diamond 12. Die Artze - Unholy (Track included on US Vinyl / International Release only)
'Hard Luck Woman' was performed by KISS themselves with award-winning country singer Garth Brooks on lead vocals.
'Calling Dr. Love' was performed by one-off band Shandi's Addiction, featuring members of Tool, Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave and Faith No More.
Canadian, Japanese and Australian copies of the album have their respective flags in place of the American Flag of the U.S. version.
June 20, 2012
Ken Kelly At KISS Mini Golf
June 19, 2012
KISS Comic
"KISS" #1 has the benefit of being the first KISS comic book I have ever read. The band members (referred to as a "band" in a gathering sense rather than musical) appear in their famous stage make-up and modified versions of their costumes, but are not equipped to rock the house. Instead, they are dropped into the lives of "ordinary" people and become super-powered avatars of the Elder.
Admittedly, I picked this book up mostly for Jamal Igle's artwork. His clean lines, powerful figures and detailed backgrounds are an instant draw for me. This issue is absolutely no exception. Igle really delivers some great art in this issue. Putting the Demon, the Starchild, the Celestial and the Catman on the streets of Depression-era Chicago opens up a world of visual non-conformities that make for compelling comic book images. Gene Simmons in full Demon regalia waggling his tongue at passersby on the streets of Chicago comes just pages after a gangster fires a gun that is loaded with savage, demonic spidery things. Igle is unleashed here and shows that whatever any story calls for, he can certainly handle it.
Chris Ryall's story has a deceptively simple premise: KISS in 1920s Chicago running afoul of a gangster named Wicked Lester. Yes, it's odd and contrived and heavy-handed, but Ryall farms some iconic KISS concepts with that premise. In doing so, he certainly wins favor with members of the KISS Army. Playing more along the fantastic and absurd, Ryall imbues a quartet of artifacts with the ability to transform four people into avatars of the Elder. Those four people become the black-and-white (and silver) faced characters, resplendent with powers to help them in their battle against Wicked Lester and his Destroyer-powered forces. Recognizable as the beloved band, but empowered as superheroic beings, KISS is set into conflict against a menacing foe.
Ryall coats the story concept in thick -- sometimes too thick -- explanation, giving the most uninformed comic book reader equal ground to stand on as those most devoted members of the aforementioned Army. There's a lot of information in this comic, a decent story with an intriguing cliffhanger, some great art and a nice hook for a neophyte like me. For more informed fans of the band, this book is littered with subtle and not-so-subtle winks, nods and homages. Taken as a comic book, this is a story unlike anything else that's going to be on the stands this week. Taken as a "KISS" comic, this is exactly what fans of the band have been waiting for: KISS fighting the good fight and looking stellar in doing so.
Pre-Order Now
From FANGORIA, the planet's number one cult film, horror and fantasy culture entertainment magazine, KISS: Monster—The Official Album And Tour Magazine will hit newsstands everywhere on June 26th and be sold direct via FANGORIA.com and KISSONLINE.com… just in time for the first week of the new KISS/Motley Crue nationwide tour!
A KISS magazine made by KISS fans for KISS fans, this glossy, 72 page collector’s magazine features dozens of rare, new and never before published photographs as well as brand new interviews with KISS members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, wherein they muse on the past, reflect on the present and look to what lies in store for “the hottest band in the world” on the cusp of the release of MONSTER, the band’s 20th studio album.
Filled with blood, spectacle, fire, passion, insight and affection, KISS: MONSTER – THE OFFICIAL ALBUM AND TOUR MAGAZINE is a souvenir no KISS fan will want to be without.
June 18, 2012
29 Years Ago Today
On June 18th, 1983, KISS performed before 137,000 fans at Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janerio, Brazil. This was the largest crowd of the band's career and the second show of three KISS shows on this mini Brazil tour. Portions of this show were recorded and broadcast on TV and radio by Globo TV. The three dates were the first South American shows for KISS ever and were also the last that KISS performed in makeup until 1996!
Set List:
Creatures Of The Night / Detroit Rock City / Cold Gin / Calling Dr. Love / Firehouse / I Want You / I Love It Loud / War Machine / Love Gun / God Of Thunder / I Still Love You / Black Diamond / Strutter / Rock And Roll All Nite
Latest Merchandise
Here are some of the latest proposed KISS merchandise items from various licensees. They were presented to the band for approval, and may be released into the market place. Stay tuned to KOL for release updates.
Items Pictured:
KISS Faces / Logo Flask
KISS Army / Lick It Up Shot Glass
KISS Album Art Motorcycle Helmet (For Japanese Market)
KISS Faces / Logo Board Shorts
KISS Group Photo / German Logo Lighter (For German Market)
Archie Meets KISS Lunch Box
KISS Classic Photo Cup
KISS Rock And Roll Over Cup
KISS Group Photo Christmas Ornament
June 17, 2012
17 Years Ago Today
KISS began the North American leg of the first Official Worldwide KISS Convention Tour on June 17th, 1995 in Burbank, California. Peter Criss makes a surprise appearance at the Convention and joins Gene, Paul, Bruce and Eric on stage, singing two KISS classics -"Hard Luck Woman" and "Nothin' To Lose".
The unique and revolutionary KISS Convention tour featured a traveling KISS Museum displaying vintage KISS stage outfits, instruments, and memorabilia. Performances by KISS tribute bands, KISS collectors/dealers buying, selling and trading KISS merchandise, precedes an evening appearance by KISS themselves, appearing live and in person, conducting a question and answer session, autograph signing, and a two-hour plus unplugged set comprised mostly of spontaneous fan requests. Both Eric Singer and Bruce Kulick also performed clinics at the events.
Official KISS Conventions were held in Australia, Canada and the United Sates.
Songs performed at the KISS Conventions:
Comin' Home / Plaster Caster / Goin' Blind / Domino / Nothin' To Lose / Sure Know Something / Calling Dr. Love / C'mon and Love Me / Spit / I Still Love You / God Of Thunder (Country version) / See You Tonite / Do You Love Me / A World Without Heroes / Every time I Look At You / Rock Bottom / Shandi / Strutter / Hide Your Heart / Black Diamond / Heaven's On Fire / Rock And Roll All Nite
KISS also played (at least portions of) Strange Ways / Love Her All I Can / Love Gun / Take Me / Love Theme From KISS / Just A Boy and many more!
Animal Planet
The mini-golf course is finally open and the band KISS wants to see their tank! Will it live up to their expectations?
KISS Coffeehouse
The KISS Coffeehouse has added Beer, Wine, Firehouse Chili and New York Groove Cheesecake to it's menu! There's also new KISS Coffeehouse merchandise for 2012.
Merchandise Pictured:
KISS Coffeehouse "The Tour" shirt. Available from youth sizes to adult 3X.
KISS Coffeehouse "The Tour" Cup Sleeve.
KISS Coffeehouse Love Gun Guitar Sipper. Plays music, lights up and holds up to a 100 oz. cold drink.
Visit www.KISSCOFFEEHOUSE.com for all kinds of great KISS Coffeehouse items.
June 16, 2012
Happy Father's Day
Sold Out
Gene, Paul, Tommy and Eric will be performing to their KISS Army of fans at the celebrated London venue for one night only as a fundraiser for the Help for Heroes charity. The rock legends have always supported the US troops at their gigs over the years but this year, on Independence Day, the US rockers will be backing our wounded, sick and injured servicemen and women by raising money with this unique concert.
All proceeds from the concert will go to the charity.
June 15, 2012
Mike And Gene
Paul On CNN
Paul Stanley, the iconic lead singer and founder of KISS, cautioned about the need for a “No Fly Zone” over KISS concerts this summer. In an interview on CNN’s Newsroom with Carol Costello this morning, Stanley said the forthcoming “The Tour” will be “spectacular and the biggest thing KISS has ever done” with “incredible pyro, incredible lights” necessitating the need for a ‘No Fly Zone’ over the arenas and amphitheaters where KISS and Motley Crue will be performing.
“When fans come to see us (on ‘The Tour’) they will leave pummeled.”
Paul Stanley on CNN’s Newsroom with Carol Costello:
The heavily-anticipated “The Tour” with Motley Crue kicks-off July 20 in Bristow, Virginia.
KISS Returns To The UK
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** With their new album Monster out in October **
** New single to be released July 2nd **
** Monster Book to be launched July 2nd **
** Special show at The Forum in London for Help for Heroes on Independence Day, Wednesday 4th July **
Rock Legends KISS are rolling out into London in July and taking over the UK with not just a single release, but also a book release and an intimate show at London’s Forum on July 4th.
Gene, Paul, Tommy and Eric will be performing to their KISS Army of fans at the celebrated London venue for one night only as a fundraiser for the Help for Heroes charity. The band has always supported the US troops at their gigs over the years but this year, on Independence Day, the US rockers will be backing our wounded, sick and injured servicemen and women by raising money with this unique concert. All proceeds from the concert will go to the charity.
Ahead of the new KISS album ‘Monster’ (due out in the Autumn), the band will also be releasing a single on 2nd July. Also, KISS are happy to announce that they will further be raising funds for our wounded, sick and injured troops as all proceeds from the single will be donated to Help for Heroes.
Paul Stanley states "The greatest national treasure of any free country is the army that defends it at all cost. Bringing attention to the obligation we all share to those returning heroes has been our mission in the US and now the UK. We pay tribute to those brave men and women and urge everyone to show their thanks with donations".
Bryn Parry CEO and Co-founder of Help for Heroes, “We are absolutely delighted to have the support from KISS and are certain the concert will be a huge success! The money raised will be used to provide direct, practical support to those wounded in the service of our country. We have already spent or allocated £millions and we have a shopping list of future projects that will ensure they get the very best. We may not be able to prevent them from being hurt but we can certainly do our bit to help them get better.”
When the world’s most visual band release anything, EVERYONE notices. And the launch of their latest book is no different! KISS MONSTER is a collection of artworks, 126 photos from the band’s 40-year career including never-before-seen images from the world’s greatest rock photographers.
Not known to do things by halves, KISS MONSTER really is a beast of a book at approximately 3ft high, by 2.5 ft wide and 2 inches thick. HUGE in fact! It weighs approximately 4 stone. A must for fans of the band, KISS MONSTER will be available fully signed by all 4 band members and limited to only 1,000 copies worldwide.
Experience KISS in their natural environment, up close and alive on stage with KISS at The Forum, performing the single from their upcoming album “Monster” and get the KISS Monster Book.
ABOUT HELP FOR HEROES
• Thanks to the fantastic British public, Help for Heroes (H4H) has raised over £130m since its launch in October 2007. All funds raised to date are either allocated or spent on the direct, practical support of those Servicemen and women who are wounded, injured or become sick while serving our country.
• H4H has funded a variety of projects including the £8.5m Rehabilitation Complex at Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court, a new £3.5m treatment centre for Combat Stress, adaptive adventure training through the Battle Back programme and the creation of a £6m Quick Reaction Fund to support individuals in need.
Comic Review
Writer Chris Ryall has done what no other writer before him has done: turned out one hell of an entertaining KISS book with a story that is fresh and a completely original concept. He’s really captured the personas of what the members of KISS are on stage. There’s a fantastic narrative that runs through out the book, that’s really amazing. More importantly, this is a story that MAKES SENSE. It’s not just “KISS trying to get to the concert venue before it’s too late” (which would be a GREAT idea for a KISS kid’s comic), it’s a story of good vs evil. Well, kinda-good vs evil. OK, it’s a story of KISS vs. evil.
Whether or not you’re KISS fan, you’re going to enjoy this book. IF you are a KISS fan, you will spend at LEAST a good hour looking for all the inside KISS jokes. I’ve found many, but I’m sure that they are more. A great story, well written, fantastic art, this book has everything. As far as this comic goes, YOU WANTED THE BEST, YOU GOT THE BEST!!!!! (Sorry, couldn’t help it. – Editor’s Note: KISS rules.)
New KISS Comic
Pictured are the 6 different covers that will be available for the #1 Issue. KISS #1 will officially be in stores on June 13. Order the KISSOnline exclusive first issue in our KISS Shop now.
Question For Gene
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The star of “Gene Simmons Family Jewels” is one of the most recognized names in rock and roll, and one of the most intriguing, outspoken celebrities in the world.
Here is your chance to interview Simmons. Post your video question here (please keep it under 15 seconds), and you could see his response on CNN.com.
Upload your video by Monday, June 18 at noon ET at ireport.cnn.com
16 Years Ago Today
Paul remembers the show...
"This was the very first time I stood on stage, guitar in hand, full paint, 8 inch leather heels and saw Ace, Peter and Gene with me for this test run of our second global takeover. Once again, we were ready and unstoppable. The rest is KISStory!"
16 Years Ago Today
Other acts at the show included: The Red Hot Chili Peppers, No Doubt, KORN, Everclear, Garbage and the Fugees. All of the acts, except KISS, were broadcast on the radio.
The set list for the show:
Deuce / Love Gun / Cold Gin / Calling Dr. Love / Firehouse / Shock Me / 100,000 Years / Detroit Rock City / Black Diamond / Rock and Roll All Nite
June 13, 2012
Monster
Kiss mastermind Gene Simmons told Ultimate Classic Rock the news today (June 11), revealing the band’s 20th studio album will come out “in probably September or October.”
‘Monster’ was produced by Paul Stanley, a move that happened partially because, as Simmons says, “I don’t have the ability and the attention span anymore to do that.” Stanley, Simmons explains, has a “clear mind and time to think in those terms.”
The ‘Demon’ bassist gives high marks to the production work executed by his trusted associate and says that ‘Monster’ “could be one of our top two or three records ever.” He emphasizes that the material was all written by the band collaboratively. “We sat together in the same room for the first time in decades and came up with some pretty classic stuff. You’ll hear everybody in the band singing lead.”
“Everybody co-wrote the songs – that includes Eric [Singer], our drummer. It really is a band record.” Simmons says that they “may stick in a tune or two” from ‘Monster’ into the setlist for their shows this summer with Motley Crue.
‘The Tour’ will launch at the Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Va. on July 20, and both bands are promising an equally spectacular show, void of any elements of compromise, to fully satisfy both Kiss and Motley fans. We’ll have more from our conversation with Simmons in the coming days.
Rock Of Ages
Rock Of Ages, set in Hollywood in 1987, is a movie adaption of the hit Broadway musical, and sees the likes of Tom Cruise and Alec Baldwin as you've never seen them before! Especially Tom... he plays rock icon and sex god Stacee Jaxx and we have to admit, we love the rockier side of la Cruise! Even with the long hair.
He's no match for Gene Simmons though...
The KISS Monster Book
The KISS Monster book is a retrospective featuring all the different eras of KISS in makeup, starting in the early years and continuing on to present day. "We selected photos that captured the absolute essence of being in and around a KISS concert," says Tommy.
"Ten different editions will be dedicated personally to the KISS Army of the biggest countries we've toured throughout the World," Tommy continues, "each edition will feature a different cover featuring the flag of that nation and inside each book there will be a personally signed, dated and numbered dedication page from the band."
The book is presently being custom printed in Italy at EBS Editoriale Bortolazzi Stei, one of the finest book manufacturers in the world. Each individual copy will be handmade with no machines involved in the finishing and binding of the book. Each book will have a character and feel of its own, at the same time retaining explicit high production standards.
KISS will officially unveil the KISS Monster book in July. Stay Tuned!
Paul To Appear On CNN
Paul Stanley, the founder and driving force behind the greatest band ever born on American soil, KISS, will appear live on CNN this Thursday, June 14 at 7:40 a.m. PST (10:40 a.m. EST).
Stanley, one of rock’s most preeminent and iconic frontmen, will be interviewed by award-winning CNN anchor Carol Costello regarding the summer concert season and the much-anticipated “The Tour” with Motley Crue which kicks-off July 20 in Bristow, Virginia.
Check your local listings for station and air times in your area
Destroyer
According to Gene Simmons, we’ll be able to get our hands on the 35th anniversary edition ‘Destroyer’ reissue very soon. He says that it will be “coming out shortly, this summer.”
36 years after the release of ‘Destroyer,’ it’s easy to understand why Simmons considers the album “a very pivotal record for us.” It marked an important point in “Kisstory,” with the band learning a new process of making music. Producer Bob Ezrin wanted to take the band back to their roots and have them really focus on the formatics of being a band, telling them “we’re going to learn how to tune our guitars and talk about song structure.”
As Simmons told Ultimate Classic Rock, it was a different path than the one they had taken on their first three studio albums. “When we first started out, you know, we basically dove into the deep end of the pool and [said] ‘let’s see if we can swim?’ And then once you stay in the water long enough, you want to start to get some style and do the breaststroke and the backstroke and all of that stuff, because you become a better swimmer. It’s not just enough to not sink. So the sink or swim thing became ‘hey, let’s be really good swimmers.’”
It was a stormy time for the group. “There was a lot of turmoil in the band at that point. That was the first record where the future troubles with Ace (Frehley) and Peter (Criss) surfaced. Peter started screaming at Bob Ezrin, ‘Don’t tell me how to play drums!’ Ezrin (was) kind of going, ‘Well, first you have to learn how to play drums then you can say don’t tell me how to play drums. You’re playing it wrong, here’s what you gotta be doing right.’”
Simmons also remembers that there were times where Ace didn’t even make it to the studio. “Ace literally wouldn’t show up because he’d be in a drunken stupor at his home. It got so bad we used outside players to play solos. So when you hear ‘Destroyer’ today, not all of the lead guitars are Ace Frehley’s — some are Dick Wagner.”
The deluxe edition of ‘Destroyer’ will tell the entire story of the album, according to Simmons: “You’ll hear the DNA of what it’s all about, [with] a big booklet that shows the making of [the album] and what everybody was going through.”
In addition to the ‘Destroyer’ reissue, Kiss will also have new music this year, with their 20th studio album ‘Monster’ tentatively scheduled for release sometime this fall.
June 12, 2012
39 Years Ago Today
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"Eddie Kramer, to us, epitomized the whole British sound, which was what we were looking for. He was the production king of the world" says Gene. The session was quick but the tape radiated with enough energy to light a city and pulsated like a heart about to explode. "It was full of attitude," says Paul. "Nothing compares to being vehement and vicious in what you do, and when we were recording that demo, we knew nothing could stand in our way. When the four of us were together, it was like a tank - you could fall in behind us and follow, but you couldn't get in front of us. If you did you got flattened. That "take no prisoners" attitude was right there from the beginning and no one was going to change us".
June 10, 2012
8 Years Ago Today
Instant Live CDs were also available at many of the US shows. Fans could purchase a live CD recording of the actual show they just attended!!
During the West Palm Beach show, Paul becomes ill and dehydrated, forcing KISS to cancel the next two shows in Florida.
Set list most nights includes:
Love Gun / Deuce / Makin' Love / Lick It Up / Got To Choose / War Machine / Christine Sixteen / I Want You / I Love It Loud / 100,000 Years / Unholy / Shout It Out Loud /I Was Made For Lovin' You / Detroit Rock City / God Gave Rock And Roll To You II / Rock And Roll All Nite
KISS also performed the following songs at some US shows on the tour:
Tears Are Falling / Creatures of the Night / Dr. Love / She / Strutter / C'mon and Love Me / Parasite / Love Her All I Can / All the Way / Hotter Than Hell / Cold Gin / I Stole Your Love / Psycho Circus / King of the Night time World
Here's "Tears Are Falling" from the Bristow, Virginia stop of the Rock The Nation Tour:
June 2, 2012
Gene Simmons On CNN
Here you can see an interview with Gene on CNN's "OutFront". He promotes "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" ans talks politics
KISS Fan Mosaics
Check out this video clip of the Alive II Fan Mosaics being printed on May 30.
KISS' Oslo Show
Summer Tour
July 11th: New York, NY, Best Buy Theater
July 13th: Jackson, MI, Jackson County Fairgrounds
July 27th: Detroit, MI, GM Renaissance Center
August 4th: Greenville, WI, Greenville Lions Park
On Demand
Available on U-verse:
· Chl 1800/Showcase (on weekends)
· U-verse On Demand under “Featured” category
· uverse.com/KISS
· U-verse App for smartphone: U-verse Specials
The concert will be available through 8/30/12.
Monster
Eric Singer Interview
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Eric, I appreciate you taking time to talk to me today. I thought it would be cool to not only look at the past but into the future as well. First, let's go back to 1992....the year of Revenge. This was undoubtedly an exciting time to be a KISS fan: A heavier album and even a darker choice of wardrobe. The 1980's were clearly a thing of the past. My first question is what was it like entering the studio to work with Bob Ezrin? Being a fan of Alice Cooper and KISS in your teenage years plus working with these two bands had to make it very exciting for you?
ES: Getting to record and work with Bob Ezrin was a high water mark for me. He is really great and fun as well as a genius or sorts. It was a very exciting time for me as I was influenced by KISS & Alice Cooper in my formative years for sure.
I've read stories from both Ace Frehley and Bruce Kulick that Ezrin could really crack the whip and take on the role of head coach when it came to working in the recording studio. Do you recall any of those experiences during the recording of Revenge?
ES: I worked with my Father in his band as a kid, so I was used to this type personality and taskmaster ! I just remember Bob was very intense and made you dig inside for things you may not know you were able to produce. A true master.
What do you remember about recording the music video for Unholy, your first video as a member of KISS? I imagine there was some excitement among the members of the band due to the strength of the material on that album. You guys were clearly firing on all cylinders at this point in Kisstory.
ES: It was all new to me working with Gene & Paul in KISS. Remember I had worked with Paul on his solo tour in 1989. But this was not the same now. More was expected and in KISS you have to work yourself into their world and vibe. Something that was established many years before. These guys are masters at what they do and know how to get it done. The video was great and set a "tone" for REVENGE that I think many fans loved and still cherish today.
What is your favorite song on the album and why?
ES: I guess Unholy or Heart of Chrome. Love the heavy side of KISS !
Eric, not only are you known as one of rock's best drummers, but you are a great vocalist. Was there any talk of giving you a song to sing on Revenge, or were you solely focused on the drums? Also, did you contribute any background vocals to the album?
ES: Thank You ! It was not known to the guys that I even sang at all during Revenge sessions. But, I did contribute song gang vocals on a few tracks I remember.
After 20 years, how does Revenge hold up for you today?
ES: I think Bruce put it best in a recent interview, I wouldn't change a thing about it. All the songs hold up today and the production brought across a heaviness and power. No remix needed here!
How do you feel about the Revenge tour and the recording of KISS Alive III? I've heard that the band wasn't happy with the final mix of the album, how do you feel about that? What could have been better in your opinion?
ES: The band played really great "live" but that was not captured in the recording process due to technical issues that reared their head after the fact in the mixing process. Bottom line, we just were not recorded very well. Everyone did their best to make the best out of it and ALIVE III still ended up ok.
Now let's look at 2009's Sonic Boom, the first KISS album in 11 years. Was there a renewed excitement by the band when you entered the recording studio? I imagine there were many ideas and concepts being thrown around by everyone.
ES: Yes! For sure, we all were excited and inspired after great tours in the U.S. & Europe. I think I was very surprised that KISS would ever make "new" music again. It just goes to show that when you have good chemistry and all get along in a band the creative juices begin to flow again and that led to Sonic Boom.
What's it like working with Paul Stanley as a producer? How does he differ from a producer like Bob Ezrin?
ES: KISS has made records both ways. Paul Stanley has been there for every single KISS record from day one.
I think he knows what KISS music should sound like better than anyone. At this point in the band there probably isn't a reason for an outside producer. And I have to mention that Paul has really learned to be very patient and deliberate in his aproach to dealing with all of us band members during the recording process. His "people skills" have grown to a place that makes him the best Captain for this ship.
Now, let's talk about Monster! This is an album that is highly anticipated by KISS fans around the world. What can we expect from this album? I've heard Gene mention that is sounds like a cross between "Revenge" and "Destroyer". Paul has also mentioned that the album is "Sonic Boom on steroids".
ES: Everyone wants to make reference to past records or sounds. I will just say that MONSTER stands on it's own.The fans decide what they like anyways...and I think you will all have very big smiles on your faces after hearing it!
Did everyone have a hand in writing the new material for the album? Also, did the band look at some of their previous demos and song ideas in preparation for writing the songs to be included on Monster? I know that Gene has done this in the past.
ES: All new riffs and music for MONSTER. No old demos or retreads here. It was a total band effort .
ell us a little about The Tour with Motley Crue. How are preparations coming for the show? Also, are there any talks of debuting a new song from Monster during the tour? That's something us KISS fans would love to hear!
ES: All of this is in the works at the time of this writing. Go see "THE TOUR" for yourselves and you will not be disappointed !
Eric, thanks for taking the time to talk KISS with us. I'll let you have the last word.
ES: As always, The KISS Fans are fantastic and the reason why we continue to make music and perform all over the World. See you all on tour! Peace!
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