August 31, 2006
"JUMPIN'" GENE SIMMONS DEAD
First of all, it's not Kiss' Gene Simmons, but the "Jumpin' Gene Simmons", who sang "My ring dang doo". That song was heard on several early Kiss Bootlegs believing it was an early Kiss' Gene Simmons solo-recording from the late '60s:

Jumpin' Gene of Haunted House fame dies of cancer.
Volcalist with Bill Black. Songwriter.

Gene Simmons

TUPELO - Morris E. "Gene" Simmons, 69, legendary rockabilly musician, died Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2006, at the North Mississippi Medical Center after a six-month illness. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Holland-Harris Funeral Directors Tupelo Chapel. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday.
[Comments]

August 30, 2006
KISS TOUR 2007 WITH QUEEN ?
Gene mentioned in a recent radio-interview, that Kiss will be touring with Queen next year.
[Comments]

August 30, 2006
PAUL STANLEY LIVE
According to rumours, Paul Stanley plans a Gig at Hollywoods House of Blues on November 14th, 2006 as part of his upcoming Solo Tour.
[Comments]

August 30, 2006
PAUL STANLEY "LIVE TO WIN"
Paul Stanleys new Solo Album "Live to win" will be released in Europe on October 20th, 2006.
[Comments]

August 30, 2006
ASK GENE
(from Kissonline)
QUESTION: Hi Gene, I just watched a video with Kiss performing a lip synch version of She's So European on a German TV Show called RockPop in 1980. As far as I know the song was neither was released as a single nor you ever played it live. So what was the reason that you (or whoever it was) chose that particular song for a TV performance?
Thank you very much for an answer. --- Oliver

ANSWER (GENE): We all make decisions which at the time make perfect sense and which, in hindsight, seem bizarre at best. We went to Europe and we thought (duh...) let's do "She's So European"...

QUESTION: Hi Gene!! Family Jewels is great. Everyone I know is very surprised how you act on the show, much different then some of your interviews over the years. Seems the Demon has a heart. My question is why did you decide now to show the world the world the true Gene Simmons? --- Jordan Steirwalt Fargo, ND

ANSWER (GENE): Regarding the 'true' Gene Simmons. Well, how do I put this...it's all true. And, we all act slightly differently depending on who we're surrounded with. The King of Beasts will allow its cubs to run all over it and bite its tail. And then, it will go out and kill something. Both, incidentally are real. Neither is 'put on'.

QUESTION: Gene, Can you tell me any more about the KISS DVD Series you keep mentioning? When is it coming out? What's on it? ANYTHING would be cool to know! ---Tony Lynn, Winnipeg, Canada

ANSWER (GENE): Can't talk about the new KISS DVD series, except to say it will be a MONSTER. News soon.

QUESTION: Gene, The Chumash shows were just incredible. Probably the best KISS shows I have ever seen! Have you ever thought about KISS doing an intimate tour in Theaters for the diehards? You could do songs you don't usually play and it would just be such a treat for us fans to see you so up close again!! --- Mike Penny, Burbank, CA

ANSWER (GENE): Quite honestly, I don't get off as much playing in theaters. It's a nice change of pace, but I prefer larger venues.

QUESTION: Gene, I am a huge fan of comic books like your self. Do you still read them? Do you have any favorites? Most importantly - will we ever see another KISS comic book or series? Thanks Gene! --- Al Lawrence, Providence, RI

ANSWER (GENE): Yep. Read em and yes: A new KISS COMIC BOOK SERIES about to be announced. A big one!!!
[Comments]

August 27, 2006
KISS IN THE PRESS
Gene Simmons and his family are on the cover of "The Hollywood Reporter" dated August 24, 2006.

[Comments]

August 25, 2006
ERIC CARR
In Memory of the Late Great Eric Carr and his recent Birthday July 12th Rockeyez had a chance to sit down with his sister Loretta for a conversation. Read what she has to say about her brother and Kiss on www.rockeyez.com
[Comments]

August 25, 2006
KISS AUCTIONS
Sometimes you can have a big laugh about the outcome on some auctions on eBay. Sometimes valuable stuff is selling for just a few Dollars, and sometimes rather uninteresting items sell for unbelievable amounts as you can see in our weekly feature of "interesting auctions". This auction is a worth a mention in the news: a Gene Simmons Family Jewels press kit (nothing vintage, actually not even a Kiss item) sold for 510 US Dollars. Click on the photo for details.

[Comments]

August 25, 2006
NEW BOOK
A new book called "The Golden Age of Advertising - the 70s" has been published.It includes advertisments from the '70s, including also a full page Kiss advert for DiMarzio.

[Comments]

August 25, 2006
PAUL STANLEY WEBSITE
Paul Stanley finally has his own website. Check out www.paulstanley.com. There is not much to see yet, the website is in the making.
[Comments]

August 25, 2006
GENE SIMMONS INTERVIEW
Click here for a recent interview with Gene Simmons on Blender.com.
[Comments]

August 24, 2006
2006 CINCINNATI KISS EXPO 2006
The 2006 Cincinnati KISS Expo will be held Sunday October 1st from 12:00PM to 10:00PM(11:00AM for VIP holders) at the Holiday Inn Cincinnati Eastgate 4501 Eastgate. Blvd. Cincinnati, OH. 45245.

Special guests include Bob Kulick, Rock band SSG, Author Colette Shaw, Drumming sensation Angelo Coppola and Tribute bands Black Diamond and MR.SPEED.

KISSONLINE will be on hand to celebrate the upcoming release of Paul Stanley's new LIVE TO WIN CD as well as the new KISS DVD Series. KOL will have items to giveaway i and will host an official LIVE TO WIN listening session. More details to follow soon.

For rooms call 513-752-4400 or 1-800-HOLIDAY. Room rate for KISS EXPO is 89.00 a nite plus tax.

150 VIP Laminates will be sold at $30.00 each plus shipping/handling. VIPS get in 1 hour early and will receive a collectible KISS ALIVE 3D Poster (Given at the Door)

Click here to order tickets!

For more info keep checking www.kissarmywarehouse.com for details.
[Comments]

August 24, 2006
SEALED WITH A KISS BY LYDIA CRISS
Press Release -   Sealed With A KISS
by Lydia Criss
In the 1970s, KISS conquered the world of rock, redefined it, owned it.  But there were no looks behind the curtain, no glimpses behind the masks of makeup, blood and hype.  Until now.   This October, Sealed With A KISS brings us an uncompromising frontline look at KISS’s legendary glory years and their storybook rise to unprecedented rock and roll fame.

Told from Lydia Criss’s unique firsthand perspective as Peter Criss’s wife (1970-79), Sealed With A KISS is the book KISS fans have been craving for decades.  The hardcover book is an imposing chronicle of images and words; measuring 10” X 12” and weighing in at four-and-a-half pounds, its 368 pages are overflowing with more than 1,500 photos and graphics that have never been published anywhere else. 

The book will cover three distinct eras:  Peter and Lydia’s life prior to KISS, from their initial meeting to their marriage and Peter’s early struggles through over 500 grueling club gigs; Peter’s entry into KISS and their skyrocket into superstardom; and finally, Lydia’s separation and eventual divorce from Peter, and her life in the decades that followed as a successful entertainment photographer (Van Halen, Cheap Trick, Rod Stewart, and The Who are among the many acts she has lensed). Accompanying the 125,000-word manuscript, Sealed With A KISS is permeated with live photos of KISS, from their early club days to sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden not to mention hundreds of behind the scenes photos and obscure mementos which Lydia collected along the way.

Sealed With A KISS will be available for pre-order exclusively through the author’s official Web site: www.lydiacriss.com beginning the week of September 18.  All pre-orders are by money order only.  Copies of the book will be available for shipping by mid-October.  Once copies are available for shipping, payment via PayPal (among other options) will be accepted.

For more information, please visit www.lydiacriss.com  And, beginning in September, be sure to catch a previously unpublished “Photo of the Week” from the Sealed With A KISS.
August, 2006
[Comments]

August 23, 2006
GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS
(from Wishmaster1967/Kiss Forum)
I think this series is cool, just watched episode 5. Gene doing "Aerobic"... fantastic. Click here to see it
[Comments]

August 23, 2006
GENE SIMMONS ROCK SCHOOL
(from channel4.com)
Last time, Gene Simmons had it easy with a group of well behaved children in a top private school. But this time, the Kiss legend is at a comprehensive school in the sleepy town of Lowestoft. View video clips...

[Comments]

August 22, 2006
KISS FREGRANCES
(from Kissonline)

Over the next few weeks KISSONLINE will bring you new KISS Fragrance product photos and info on various promotions that will celebrate the release of the KISS Fragrance line! Pictured here are the women's and men's KISS fragrance bottles.

The countdown begins! Only 20 days left until KISS Fragrances are rockin' the following retailers: BELK, BOSCOVS, DILLARDS, GOTTCHALKS, PARISIANS, ULTA and VIRGIN MEGA STORES (Selective Sizes).
Visit each store for different promotional events and public appearances by GENE SIMMONS!
[Comments]

August 21, 2006
GENE SIMMONS ON CNN
Gene Simmons will be on CNN Europe on August 26th at 21.00 CET on "The Quest". You can see teasers for the show every then and now on CNN Europe.
[Comments]

August 19, 2006
KISS 2007 CALENDAR
There is an inofficial Kiss calendar 2007 from England available. No photos from Tommy Thayer or Eric Singer, instead you'll find pictures from Eric Carr and Peter Criss...
[Comments]

August 18, 2006
KISS #9 GREATEST METAL BAND
According to MTV, Kiss are at # 9 on the list of the Greatest Metal Bands. See the list.
[Comments]

August 18, 2006
NEW KISS DVD OUT IN THE FALL?
In a recent Question & Answer session on Kissonline, Tommy Thayer mentioned, that he "has been helping out with a fabulous new Kiss DVD coming out this fall". Supposedly he was talking about the old club show, which Gene calls a "6 hour Box set" without willing to tell a release date yet. According to Bill Aucoin the DVD should be out by X-mas.
[Comments]

August 17, 2006
GENE SIMMONS INTERVIEW
The Washington Post has aked Gene Simmons some of the questions that Kiss fans sent in. Click here to hear the interview, which is 20 minutes long.
[Comments]

August 16, 2006
KISS DVD CLIP COLLECTION DELAYED
The release-date for the DVD Clip-Collection "Lick it up" has been pushed pack. The DVD should have been released these days in Europe, Japan and USA. The record company says now it will be released later in the year (TBA 2006).
Delays are quite common, in fact almost all Kiss albums and videos in the past have been delayed (some even several times) before they got finally released. The first "Alive IV" CD even never came out after it has been advertised already in magazines. 
[Comments]

August 16, 2006
PAUL STANLEY LIVE TO WIN ALBUM DETAILS
(from Kissonline.com)

ALBUM OUT LATE OCTOBER, PAUL SOLO TOUR IN THE WORKS!

New Door Records/Universal Musical Enterprises are proud to announce the October 24, 2006 release of Live to Win, the solo release from iconic KISS frontman Paul Stanley. The voice and songwriting force behind such KISS classics as “Detroit Rock City,” “Black Diamond,” Hard Luck Woman” and “Tears Are Fallin’,” Stanley’s career with KISS spans more than three decades and in excess of 100 million records sold worldwide.

Stripping all the legendary bombast away, what becomes starkly clear is that besides rocking relentlessly, the power of human emotion and conviction on Live to Win can rattle not only the walls, but also touch the heart and soul of the listener. “What I wanted to do on this album was sing about my life because my life is not that different than anybody else’s,” he continues. “The truth is, what we all deal with in life is pretty similar. You change the names and the story’s the same.”

“This album is purely a labor of love,” says Stanley. “It is a labor of passion, and something where I was concerned with turning out the album I heard in my head, without regard for having glitz and star power from other sources. It was purely about making the album I wanted to make.” While the heartfelt “Loving You Without You Now” was written without any outside collaboration, the remainder of the album reunites him with former KISS songwriting partners Desmond Child [Aerosmith, LeeAnn Rimes] and Holly Knight [Tina Turner, Pat Benatar], and introduces new collaborators including Andreas Carlsson [Bon Jovi, Britney Spears], John 5 [Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson] and Marti Frederiksen [Aerosmith, Faith Hill]. Seven of the ten tracks were co-written with Child and/or Carlsson, with Stanley and Child joined by John 5 on “Where Angels Dare” and Frederiksen on “Lift,” and Knight teaming with the frontman on “It’s Not Me.”

Live to Win is self-produced by Stanley, who provides lead vocals, guitar and percussion alongside a studio core of guitarist Corky James [Avril Lavigne, The Matrix], drummer Victor Indrizzo [Beck, Macy Gray] and keyboardist Harry Sommerdahl [Carrie Underwood, Lindsay Lohan]. Also performing on the album are former KISS bandmate Bruce Kulick and guitarist John 5.

“I’ve always believed that when you give somebody an album, it should be like a fresh newspaper, where you get ink on your fingers and it’s today’s news,” says Stanley, who wrote and co-wrote the ten tracks on Live to Win specifically for the new release. “For me, this album is where I’m at now — This is where things are in my life, and my perspective on my music.

Stanley is planning a North American club tour to coincide with the release of the album.

For more info on Paul Stanleys Solo Album click here.
[Comments]

August 16, 2006
ASK GENE SIMMONS
(from washingtonpost.com)
The Tongue Wagging Demon of KISS

Gene Simmons
KISS Frontman and Dad in Gene Simmons Family Jewels
Wednesday, August 16, 2006; 3:30 PM

KISS frontman and co-founder Gene Simmons will be online Wednesday, Aug. 16, at 3:30 p.m. ET for a pre-taped Audio Live Online to discuss the long career of the "tongue wagging demon" and his group and his new A and E reality TV show, "Gene Simmons Family Jewels".

Programming Note: The interview will be taped beginning at 3:30 and an Audio Link will be provided by approximately 4:30.

Submit your questions and comments before the discussion.
[Comments]

August 15, 2006
INTERESTING AUCTIONS

[Comments]

August 15, 2006
GENE SIMMONS INTERVIEW
Gene has always had a tendency to exaggerations. In a recent interview Gene talked about the new Kiss coffeehouse (which he said makes $ 60.000 per day), which was only the first in line of 100 (!) new Kiss coffeehouses around the world within the next two years. He has also counted 500.000 fans at the Kiss shows in Japan recently. He also talked about a 6 hour DVD "Box Set" including footage from 1972...  
click here to listen to the interview
[Comments]

August 13, 2006
KISS CREDIT CARD FROM THE GERMAN POSTBANK
(from deuss/Kiss Forum)
I don't have it yet, but soon... a KISS credit card from the Postbank.


The Postbank is now offering a special service, where you can get your own credit card with a picture of your choice on it. You can do experiments with the layout online, where you can upload your own picture and see how the credit card could look like: Postbank VISA card
[Comments]

August 12, 2006
OLD LETTERS FROM GENE SIMMONS AUCTION OFF ON EBAY
Check out this auction with a nice story on how letters from Gene Klein surfaced about 40 years later and were auctioned off on eBay...

[Comments]

August 12, 2006
GENE SIMMONS ON MSNBC
Gene Simmons has done tons of interviews lately to promote his new TV series "Family Jewels". The first two episodes have already aired on A&E and according to Gene it is the most watched TV series on A&E in two years. On August 9th 2006, Gene and Shannon Tweed were interviewed on MSNBC, which you can watch here.
[Comments]

August 11, 2006
MIKE DOUGLAS DIED
Famous TV talk show host Mike Douglas died at age of 81. More infos here. Kiss performed on his show on March 21, 1974 for the first time doing "Firehouse". Gene was also interviewed on the show.


Watch the performance of Firehouse


Watch the interview
[Comments]

August 11, 2006
NEW KISS CALENDAR 2007 AVAILABLE SOON
The official Kiss calendar 2007 is already listed at Amazon with a release date in August 2006...

[Comments]

August 11, 2006
VINNIE VINCENT ALBUM RE-RELEASE
The Vinnie Vincent Invasion debut album is going to be re-released in the UK in September.

[Comments]

August 10, 2006
KISS ARMY NEEDED GLOBALLY
(from Radio Reality Check)

Calling Kiss Army around the world!

Thursday August 17^th at 8 PM (Pacific) Radio Reality Check Will be bringing the US Rock Hall Kiss Army March to you!

Via Radio and Internet.

We are currently looking for Kiss fans outside of the US that would like to be heard live on this show! What does Kiss mean to you? Call in and represent the Kiss Army in your Country! If you would be interested in calling us live the night of this show. Please Email John Turner (or) David Moore at: realitycheck@adelphia.net

Be a part of Kisstory, call us and shout it out loud! To get your exact show time please visit www.timeanddate.com

More information on this show, coming soon! Please contact us as soon as possible!
Radio reality Check “The Voice of The Kiss Army
[Comments]

August 9, 2006
NEW PAUL STANLEY GUITARS
(from Andreas Balzer)
The new Paul Stanley Washburn Signature Models are coming out at the end of the year.
Actually they all look really good.
Check them out at:
www.washburn.com/products/electrics/ps/index.aspx
and
www.washburn.com/products/acoustics/ps/index.aspx






[Comments]

August 8, 2006
SOLO ALBUM REISSUES
(from Kissfaq.com)
I'd initially thought that these were not legitimate, due to their being released via the obscure Russian Lilith label, but KISSONLINE has since confirmed that they are legitimately licensed items. Here’s what they look like:

180gram vinyl reissues in die-cut sleeves...


CD picture discs. "Each disc has the original artwork reproduced on it & is housed in a die-cut sleeve to replicate the original release, all 4 sleeves fit into a fold-out PVC wallet that in turn slots into a printed clear plastic box with Russian text on the reverse & a booklet containing the track listing information" (EIL). Images from EIL
[Comments]



August 8, 2006
GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS
(from Kiss777/Kiss Forum)
OK guys just got done watching show 1&2 Family Jewels, in a word GREAT
IF you love the demon from Kiss I think your gonna love this show, think the Osbourns but cool, and don't misunderstand I love Ozzy and Sabbath but I think we all know it didn't make him look good (sorry)
But Gene stays true to form, sure you can tell there are things that try to warm up the big bad demon to everyday house wife's but for the most part he stay's cool.
His son Nick may well be the one that gains the most from this show as he is almost a natural for all this TV, you'll see what I mean If you thought Rock School was good believe me this is better.
I don't want to give anything away as I was pissed off knowing about Gene being setup for that birthday party, kinda killed it for me.
[Comments]

August 7, 2006
GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS

[Comments]

August 5, 2006
KISS FAN RALLY & MARCH
(from Kissonline)
KISSONLINE attended the KISS Fan March and Rally earlier today in Cleveland. Hats off to the promoters Craig Thompson, Tom Hale, Paul Carpenter, Kim Rolfe and Kristine Connell. They did a wonderful job with today's event! The location, the weather and the fans were absolutely perfect!

The KISS Fan March on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame turned out to be a very special event for all who attended! Over 500 KISS fanatics from around the US and Canada were present to let the Hall know exactly how they feel about KISS not being inducted.

The day began in Voinovich Park, a beautiful park right on Lake Erie, just down from the Hall of Fame.The tribute bands set up the stage as dealers displayed KISS merchandise while fans made signs and began to gather for the march. Others played frisbee (with a KISS frisbee) on the lawn as friends, old and new talked everything KISS!

After introductions from the promoters and some inspiration from a few fans, the crowd peacefully walked from the park up the street to the Hall. It was a great sight, fans of all ages walking together side by side for something they obviously believed in so much! Once there fans took turns making comments on the steps of the Hall as the crowd cheered! Much to the fan's surprise and delight, the Hall started playing KISS "Rock And Roll All Nite" over the speakers. This was a kind of surreal moment and actually seemed like the Hall was waiving a white flag to surrender!! The protest lasted about a half hour and then fans marched back to the park for the rest of the day's planned events.

For mor infos, reports and photos check out Kissonline
[Comments]

August 4, 2006
KISS MUSIC BOX BIOGRAPHICAL
Check out the new Kiss Biography, available at Amazon...

[Comments]

August 4, 2006
KISS BOX SET NOW AVAILABLE
The new Solo Album Box Set is now available at Amazon. The Solo Albums also have been re-released on vinyl...

[Comments]

August 1, 2006
CONCERT STATISTICS
Interesting concert statistics from 2003 - 2006 have just been published at Kissfaq.com. It tells you not just the set-lists but also the attendance and gross income for most of the shows. Click here for details.
[Comments]

August 1, 2006
BILL AUCOIN ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS
A few weeks ago questions for Bill Aucoin have been collected in the Forum. Finally the answers arrived. Bill is answering in total 18 questions about the upcoming Coventry club show on DVD, the probably most rare Kiss collectible piece - the playing cards from the '70s - and much more. Thanks to Bill Aucoin and Alain Vansassenbroeck for making this interview possible.


Bill Aucoin with Belgian Tribute Band Kisstory

1) Do you know, why Paul has changed his costume in 1980, but the others did not?

Paul often had ideas about changing his clothing after a photo shoot. The other members of the band were happy with their clothes and didn't want to change. Paul always had an idea what he wanted to do and demanded changes.

2) Do you know what happened to the first print of the "Dynasty" tourbook with the "Return of Kiss" cover (Kiss in front of the NY skyline in Dynasty outfits). It listed the incorrect tourdates on the inner back sleeve. But not just the tourdateas, the whole cover has been changed. Why did that happen and on how many shows was the "The Return of Kiss" tourbook available at the concerts?

Tour books were printed in advance of the tour and sometimes tour dates were changed after the printing. We sold the tour books at the first couple of shows and then changed the book according to the correct dates and subsequently also changed some pictures including the cover.

3) How come, that on some occations some members of the band (sometimes Ace, but also Paul or Gene) wore the costumes mixed up? For example the Alive! outfit with the 1974 boots, or Destroyer costume with the Alive! boots, or one member wearing the 1975 costume but the rest the Destroyer costumes. (see here: http://www.kissforum.de/phpbb2/album_showpage.php?pic_id=5878)

To read the rest of the Q&A click here.
[Comments]