December 31, 2010
GENE SIMMONS JOINS DAUGHTER ON STAGE
(from celebuzz)
Kiss frontman Gene Simmons surprises daughter Sophie by joining her onstage (see photo) at an open mic session at Blacks Pub in Whistler, Canada! The legendary bassist stunned the crowd when he hopped up onto the stage to accompany his 18-year-old daughter after she had entertained them with a couple of songs.

After the event, a stunned Sophie Tweeted, "Open Mic w/surprise apperance (sic) from my Dad! Best gift ever! We rocked it." Proud mom Shannon Tweed was spotted taking photos in the audience. The Simmons own a property in the Whistler ski resort and are visiting for the holidays.
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December 30, 2010
PAUL STANLEY ON FOX BUSINESS NETWORK
Here you can see Paul Stanley on the success of the band, his art work and the band’s charitable giving on Fox Business Network earlier oday.
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December 30, 2010
PAUL STANLEY ABOUT THE NEW LOTUS
Paul Stanley was present at the last LA Auto Show to present the new Lotus car.
Here you can see a video from the presentation including an interview with Paul about the new Lotus car (after about 2 minutes into the video).
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December 27, 2010
NEW VINNIE VINCENT GUITAR MODEL DEBUTS AT NAMM 2011
A new Vinnie Vincent guitar model is supposed to debut at the NAMM show, which takes place in Anaheim from January 13 - 16, 2011. There is no information available, if Mr. Vincent will show up in person as well, it would be his first appearance in public since 1996. The last photo from Vinnie Vincent was published from Kissworld in 2003.
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December 25, 2010
KISS' ROCK RADIO TAKEOVER
(from Rock Radio)
Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer of KISS take control of Rock Radio on Christmas Day from 6pm to 8pm.
They’ll be playing Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath and KISS. They’ll also be playing the songs that have helped shape them as a band.
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December 25, 2010
KISS TRIBUTE SONG "FRIENDS WITH PAINTED FACES" TO BENEFIT CHILDREN'S CHARITY
(from Sleaze Roxx)
Bob Brunson, The Ultimate KISS Fan as seen on A&E's Gene Simmons Family Jewels, has launched a fan-based songwriting project called "Friends With Painted Faces," with downloads of the demo benefitting AmeriFace, a national non-profit organization.

"For just about any time in my life there was always a KISS tune I could turn to," says Brunson, a successful marketing and public relations executive who is currently the director for TechAmerica/AEA in Orange County, California. "That's why I wanted to write the first ever, fan-based tribute song." Brunson is currently shopping around the FWPF demo, available at www.bobbrunson.com/fwpfthesong, in hopes of re-recording it with a mainstream contemporary artist on vocals. In the meantime, he is focused on supporting the charity that caught his attention when it first published a photograph captioned "The Big Finish."

Click here to read the rest.
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December 23, 2010
SIMMONS' SPEECH TO HIGHLIGHT BRANDING
(from Times & Transcript)
Amid all the pomp and circumstance that surrounds legendary rock star Gene Simmons, one could be forgiven for forgetting that he is, at the end of the day, a businessman.

Underneath the face-painted demon playing bass in rock band KISS is a man who came from next to nothing and turned himself into a successful, world-renowned business mogul.

One could draw a comparison between Simmons' alter egos and the Atlantic Brand Confabulation, the event the rocker will be appearing at on Friday, Jan. 14 in Moncton at Casino New Brunswick.
Click here to read the rest.
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December 22, 2010
KISS INVADE GUITAR HERO
(from destructoid.com)
Elvis Presley's "Blue Christmas" is so depressing. Wouldn't you rather be listening to KISS and Linkin Park? Great! Activision is releasing KISS and Linkin Park track packs for Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock and DJ Hero 2 respectively, just in time for Christmas.

The KISS track pack will include three of the band's biggest hits: "Rock and Roll All Nite," "Detroit Rock City," and "Calling Dr. Love." It'll run you 440 MS Points/$5.49/550 Wii Points for the full pack, or a 160 MS Points/$1.99/200 Wii Points per song. (Editors note: Why does Kiss spell "night" like that?!)
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December 22, 2010
GENE ON "LOPEZ TONIGHT"
(from Lopez Tonight)
Gene talks about the undying love he has for his wife, and co-KISS founder Paul Stanley. Plus, Gene relates wild stories from the road, including sleeping with a nun-to-be, and signing a human leg that a fan threw onto the stage!
Click here to see Gene's appearance on the show yesterday.
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December 20, 2010
GENE STRIPPING IN THE GOLF FIELD
(from sakke73/Kiss Forum)
The Finnish news paper Iltalehti published some pics and the news about stripping Gene who lost his bet and he had to strip in the golf field. Of course everything was filmed for his TV series Family Jewels.
http://www.iltalehti.fi/viihde/2010122012897747_vi.shtml
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December 20, 2010
ACE ON THE NEW GIBSON GUITAR
(from YouTube)
On Thursday, October 28, 2010, Gibson unveiled it's tenth version of the Firebird guitar at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City. Dubbed Firebird X, Gibson calls the instrument revolutionary. Compared to former versions, it's actually evolutionary in terms of the technology that went into it. Multiple processors, on-board effects, and a wireless interface are just a few of the features found on Firebird X. Electronic Design Components editor Mat Dirjish takes a glimpse of the instrument while getting some insights about it from legendary Kiss guitarist and solo artist Ace Frehley.
Here you can see Ace talking about the new Gibson Firebird X guitar.
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December 17, 2010
ERIC CARR BOOK DISCOUNT
(from Greg Prato)
I just found out that people can get 10% off the purchase of either 'the eric carr story' and/or 'mtv ruled the world' from now until 12/31/10, by entering in the code "PEARTREE" at checkout, after adding a book to your cart via my storefront, which is http://stores.lulu.com/gregprato
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December 17, 2010
GENE SIMMONS/BRUCE KULICK "AIN'T GONNA DIE" REMIX FOR YOUR HOLIDAY PARTIES
(from Bruce Kulick/kulick.net)
I would like thank all my friends and fans for an amazing year! The reaction and support for my solo disc BK3 has been wonderful. SO... I would like to share with you all something very cool. I have worked with many producers through the years, but a very talented friend of mine in Holland has created a unique collaboration of a track from BK3, producer Chew Fu.

I did some session work for Chew Fu years ago, and of course we have kept in touch. Chew Fu is known for his work with mega artists such as Lady Gaga, and in 2009 had a huge hit with her song "Love Game" feat. Marilyn Manson. Pretty cool! He has also worked with Grammy winners Rihanna, Kayne West, Kings of Leon, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake and Black Eyed Peas. And he is a huge KISS fan as well!

Well, once he got his hands on BK3 he asked me for the original files for the recording of "Ain't Gonna Die" (the track that features Gene on vocals) so he could do a remix. So as my KISSMAS gift to you all, I am very happy to share this song for you to listen and, if you dare, dance along to Gene Simmons and BK in this unique Chew Fu collaboration.
Click here to read the rest.
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December 17, 2010
PAUL STANLEY
(from wikimapia)
The hard rock guitarist and vocalist for the rock band "KISS" lives here (see his house from the birdview next to John Travoltas house). The 9,000 sq ft Tuscan-style gated villa was built for him in 1996 and purchased through his long-time attorney (which is the same as bandmate Gene Simmons). It has outdoor fountains, a swimming pool and a column-lined loggia that looks west toward the Pacific. After the birth of his son, his art studio got moved to the 2,000 sq ft guest/pool house.
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December 16, 2010
INTERVIEW WITH PAUL
(from KNBC-TV)
Paul Stanley is an Artist on Stage and On Canvas.
When you think about legionary rock bands, only a few come to mind.And if you mention makeup, leather and outrageous, you're only talking KISS.Starchild is moonlighting these days with a second career, that of artist.
Click here to watch the interview.
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December 16, 2010
INTERVIEW WITH GENE & PAUL
Blabbermouth posted an interview with Gene & Paul from MSN/Rock Metal TV. This interview is from 2008, but hasn't been seen before.
Click here to watch the interview.
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December 15, 2010
TOMMY FEATURED IN "GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS"
(from tommythayer.com)
Sunday, December 19, A&E’s critically acclaimed reality TV series Gene Simmons Family Jewels will feature the 2010 Pacific University Legends Golf Classic, hosted by Tommy Thayer. The event was held this past August at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha, Oregon.
Click here to read the rest.
Click here to watch the clip.
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December 15, 2010
BEHAR CHEWS OUT SIMMONS
(from New York Post)
There's a whodunit, or who gummed it, on the set of "The Joy Behar Show." KISS frontman Gene Simmons was on Behar's HLN talk show Dec. 2 promoting his A&E reality show, "Gene Simmons' Family Jewels." Behar told Page Six, "We found a wad of chewed gum under the desk when the guest left. I think it was Gene Simmons, and I think he put it there with his tongue."
Click here to read the rest.
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December 12, 2010
"CRAZY, CRAZY NIGHTS" ON X-FACTOR FINALE
Click here to check out Atle Pettersens version of "Crazy, crazy nights" on Norwegians finale of "X-Factor". It starts as a ballad and turns into a heavy metal version.
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December 11, 2010
GENE SIMMONS ON "IDOL"
(from OK!)
Gene Simmons has something to share. He thinks he would be a great American Idol judge.
OK! NEWS: THE “R” LIST — CELEBRITY APPRENTICE: ALL A BIG SET-UP?

Gene told OK! exclusively, “In terms of qualifications I’m the governor. I’ve written songs, been in a band for 37 years, toured the world, blah blah, discovered Van Halen, and managed Liza Minnelli, Simmons Records. Done it, been there, 3,000 licensed products. Who else has that qualification?”

One person who he thinks will do a good job on the upcoming season of Idol is chosen judge Steven Tyler. “Steven is going to be great. He is going to be the only interesting one there because obviously he’s going to be qualified to know what he is talking about.”
Click here to read the rest.
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December 10, 2010
TOMMY TO PLAY GOLF IN BOB HOPE CLASSIC
(from mydesert.com)
Wayne Gretzky and Sugar Ray Leonard plan to make their inaugural appearances at next month's Bob Hope Classic golf tournament.
Joining the athletes and the actor as expected celebrity participants at the annual affair, a desert tradition since 1960, will be actor Kurt Russell, musicians Alice Cooper, Tommy Thayer of KISS and fellow guitarist Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles.
Click here to read the rest.
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December 7, 2010
MESSAGE FROM BRUCE
Bruce Kulick has spent his holidays in Hawaii. Check out his website to find out how his holiday was.
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December 7, 2010
GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS IS EMMY WORTHY
(from Rockstar weekly by Dan Savoie)
I’ve never taken the time to review or even comment about the content of any reality television show because the content of these reality shows is, more often than not, prefabricated rubbish for the sake of entertainment. Tonight’s episode of Gene Simmons Family Jewels, called Face Your Demons, was an exception to the rule and quite frankly one of the most important episodes of any documentary or reality program ever aired on television – it’s the only Emmy worthy reality show moment in history.
Click here to read the rest.
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December 5, 2010
SIMMONS, TWEED AND PARKER COMPARE TONGUES
KISS frontman Gene Simmons and partner Shannon Tweed talk about family, love, and public life in this hilarious behind the scenes look at "Parker Spitzer." Click here to see the clip.
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December 5, 2010
PAUL STANLEY SPEAKS OUT
Paul Stanley, lead singer of KISS, stopped by the NOH8 Campaign studios to use his voice to show his support for Equality for ALL!
Click here to hear his message.
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December 4, 2010
GENE AND SHANNON TALK ABOUT "GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS"
Click here to see Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed talk about the upcoming 6th season of their hit reality show Family Jewels on FOX News.
Here is another interview with Gene & Shannon from Fox News.
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December 3, 2010
GENE SIMMONS EXPLORES HIS JEWISH ROOTS
Click here to see HLN's Joy Behar talk with Gene Simmons about his mother surviving the Nazis and his visit to the Anne Frank House.
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December 3, 2010
NEW BOOK ABOUT ERIC CARR RELEASED
(from lulu.com)
'The Eric Carr Story' is the first-ever book to tell the life story of Kiss drummer Eric Carr. Comprised of all-new interviews, the book also doubles as a study of 1980's era Kiss. You'll find insight into all of Kiss' albums that featured Carr (from producers Bob Ezrin, Michael James Jackson, and Ron Nevison), as well as those closest to him (sister Loretta Caravello, girlfriend Carrie Stevens, Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick), and music-related friends (Eddie Trunk, Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy, Anthrax's Charlie Benante). Also included is one of the last-ever interviews conducted with Kiss' original manager, Bill Aucoin, and for the first time ever, Kiss fans will be able to learn what the real story line to Kiss' controversial release '(Music From) The Elder' was all about (thanks to an explanation from Ezrin). Get ready to learn the true story about Eric's life, and a behind-the-scenes view of Kiss!

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December 3, 2010
INTERVIEW WITH GREG PRATO (AUTHOR OF "THE ERIC CARR STORY")
First off, how can people order your new book, 'The Eric Carr Story'?

By going to http://stores.lulu.com/gregprato - and if you click on the book's title, you'll be able to read 2 sample chapters ("Kiss: A  History Lesson 1973-1976" and "1982") before purchasing. The book is priced at $19.99, is 256 pages long, and contains quite a few photos that have never been seen anywhere before.

Why did you do a book about Eric Carr?

I'm a long-time fan of Kiss. I started listening to them as a young lad (believe I was 6 - back in '78!), and was lucky enough to see them on the 'Dynasty' tour in '79 (thanks to a very kind father who was willing to take me to the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island). Despite Kiss' dwindling popularity in my school shortly thereafter, I continued to wave the Kiss flag during '80 and '81, and was quite interested in their new drummer, Eric Carr. I took a break from Kiss during '82, but when I woke up from my hibernation and got back into Kiss in '83, I went back and bought 'Creatures,' which remains one of my all-time favorite Kiss albums (and certainly their most underrated). From what I understood from reading articles/interviews over the years, Eric's story was a very interesting one, but was never really told in detail. Nowadays, I'm a writer for several sites/mags (All Music Guide, Rolling Stone.com, etc.), and the author of several books. Earlier this year, I started wondering why no one had ever done a book on Eric's life, which led to me getting in touch with Eric's sister, Loretta, who gave me her blessing to do the book (and was a great help, as well). I was able to get a lot of cool info not only about Eric, but about the "non-make-up era" of Kiss, which seems to be a forgotten era nowadays.

What do you think Eric brought to the band?

Well, 'The Elder' was a bit of a fumble. But as I said before, 'Creatures' was an amazing - and probably Kiss' heaviest - album from beginning to end. And I think a main reason for the album turning out the way it did was Eric's amazing, John Bonham-esque drumming. He just never got the credit he deserved, which is sad. And I felt the same way that I'm sure a lot of other fans felt - that Eric should have been allowed to sing and write more songs on Kiss records, as the songs he did write (or sing), "Escape from the Island," "All Hell's Breaking Loose," and "Little Caesar" were all standouts on their respective album. But getting back to the original question, Eric brought a much needed sense of energy back to the band. Too bad 'Creatures' wasn't released in '81 in place of 'The Elder.'

What is your favorite album that Eric played on?

Without a doubt, 'Creatures.' I put that album up there with 'Kiss,' 'Alive,' 'Destroyer,' and 'Rock and Roll Over' as the top 5 Kiss albums of all time. It's such a shame that 'Creatures' didn't fare as well on the charts as it should have. Although "I Love It Loud" has certainly become an arena rock anthem (and rightfully so).

How was it putting the book together?

As people who have read my earlier books have discovered by now, I am a huge fan of books that are in the "oral history format," meaning that each chapter is solely comprised of quotes from people that I interviewed. So you're getting the story straight from the source (no need for someone who wasn't there to give you their "revisionist history" on what they think happened). I like to think that my books come off as documentaries...but in book form!

Who were some cool interviews?

I was lucky enough to interview Bill Aucoin just a short while before his passing, and he was full of cool stories and such a nice person. Interviewing the producers of Kiss albums from this period, Bob Ezrin, Michael James Jackson, and Ron Nevison, were really great. And I was able to get Ezrin to explain what the heck the storyline to 'The Elder' was all about for once and for all! To the best of my knowledge, it's the first time that's ever been explained by someone close to the project. Eric's sister, Loretta, had great stories to tell, as well as Eric's girlfriend, Carrie Stevens, and Bob and Bruce Kulick, too. Also, it was cool to interview members of other bands and hear their stories about crossing paths with Eric - The Ramones' Marky Ramone, Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy, Anthrax's Charlie Benante, Carmine Appice, etc.

You also have another new book out, about MTV.

Yes, in addition to 'The Eric Carr Story,' I just released another book, called 'MTV Ruled the World: The Early Years of Music Video.' As the title states, it focuses on the years from 1981-1987, and I was able to do nearly 100 interviews with all cool people that were part of (or played on) the station at the time. I interviewed a lot of hard rock/heavy metal musicians as well, including Judas Priest's Rob Halford, Rush's Geddy Lee, Def Leppard's Joe Elliott and Phil Collen, Triumph's Rik Emmett, Quiet Riot's Rudy Sarzo, and many others. And this book will also be of interest to Kiss fans too, as I interviewed Bruce Kulick for it (there are quotes from Bruce throughout the book, on a variety of MTV-related topics), and there is a chapter in the book titled "Kiss Unmasks on MTV," which is...you guessed it, about when Kiss appeared without make-up on the channel in '83. This book is a hefty one, 427 pages long, and is priced at $24.99. Like the Eric Carr book, you can read samples and find ordering info by going to http://stores.lulu.com/gregprato   and clicking on the title of the MTV book.

What are some of your other books?

My other books include 'Grunge is Dead: The Oral History of Seattle Rock Music,' 'A Devil on One Shoulder and an Angel on the Other: The Story of Shannon Hoon and Blind Melon,' 'Touched By Magic: The Tommy Bolin Story,' and 'No Schlock...Just Rock!' (the latter of which is a compilation of most of my articles for magazines). Once again, you can check out sample chapters and find ordering info for most of my books by going to http://stores.lulu.com/gregprato. Thanks for the interview, and long live Eric Carr!
[Comments]

December 3, 2010
FORMER KISS GUITARIST VINNIE VINCENT GETS 1977 RE-ISSUE AND LIVE CONCERT RECORDINGS
(from Rockstar weekly)
KISS and Vinnie Vincent fans can dive into a bit of Vinnie Vincent history with a new re-release of the classic Treasure LP from 1977 issued by Wounded Bird Records of New York and an Internet broadcast of three 1977 Treasure concerts via the website Wolfgang’s Vault. The new CD release also features a previously unreleased bonus cut. The CD is available at Amazon.

Treasure was a four-piece hard rock band Felix Cavaliere of the Rascals formed after his second solo LP, Destiny. Treasure (which only made one LP), featured Vinnie Vincent, who then used his real name Vinnie Cusano. The LP did get a Japanese releases early in the new millennium.
Click here to read the rest and to see rare pictures from Treasure featuring Vinnie Vincent.
[Comments]

December 3, 2010
PAUL STANLEY FEATURED IN NOH8 PSA
(from paulstanley.com/NOH8)
CNN)
Crusade garnering national prominence for efforts to curtail bullying, teen suicide and achieve equality for all

Paul Stanley recently lent his support to The NOH8 Campaign, a photographic silent protest created by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska and partner Jeff Parshley in direct response to the passage of Proposition 8.

Photos feature subjects with duct tape over their mouths, symbolizing their voices being silenced by Prop 8 and similar legislation around the world, with "NOH8" painted on one cheek in protest.

According to co-founder Jeff Parshley, NOH8 was thrilled about "Paul Stanley lending his iconic face to the campaign."

Paul Stanley also recorded a number of Public Service Announcements which will begin airing nationally over the next few weeks.

For more information on The NOH8 Campaign or to pledge your support, visit www.noh8campaign.com.

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December 3, 2010
ROCK STAR WANTS HIS VOICE FOR OBAMA BACK
(from CNN)
Rock star Gene Simmons, a founding member of the band Kiss, explains why he wants his 2008 vote for President Obama back. 
"If you take a look at (Obama's) resume, you couldn’t find somebody, in retrospect, more unqualified," Simmons told "Parker Spitzer."
Click here to see the interview.
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December 1, 2010
LIMITED EDITION MEMORIAL PRODUCT
(from Kissonline)
Agreement Covers a Wide Range of Limited Edition Memorial Product

Eternal Image, Inc.(OTCBB:ETNL), a public company engaged in the design, manufacturing and marketing of officially licensed memorial products such as caskets, urns, monuments and vaults, today announced it has executed an agreement to design, manufacture and market a limited edition line of official KISS branded memorial products. The line will include caskets, cremation urns, bronze memorials, memorial prayer cards, registry books, memorial candles, and pet cremation urns - all designed after the famous rock band's iconic images. This license is worldwide in scope and has an initial term of two years.

"While our contract with KISS is basically a private label arrangement, it also allows Eternal Image to sell some of these products through our normal funeral home and distributor channels," said Nick Popravsky, VP Sales and Distribution for the Company. "These unique products are geared specifically for KISS fans worldwide to purchase directly from the band via their mega website KISSonline.com which receives approximately a million hits each month."

(photo: Kissonline)
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