The KISSFAQ - January '04 News

This "News" page generally only relates to matters of interest to the KISSFAQ. There's no need to replicate news that can be seen on other KISS websites. If you use information appearing on this or any other KISSFAQ page, in print (fanzines) or online (directly quoted or rewritten), please have the courtesy to say where it came from. If printing in fanzines, I'd love a copy sent to the KISSFAQ PO Box. Should you want official announcements please visit the band's official website at: KISSONLINE.COM.

Wednesday, January 28, 2004 7:00:29 AM - Bruce On Swedish "Sweet" Tribute

Released Feb 9, 2004, Bruce is included on "Sweet FA" on the Swedish Tribute "THE SWEET ACCORDING TO SWEDEN" released by Rivel Records (RRCD014). You can download the unedited and unmastered track, here. JK´S Allstar Experience, who are credited to the track include: Mats Leven - lead vox (Ex. Malmsteen´s Rising Force), Lars Chriss – Guitars, Johan Kihlberg – Drums, John Leven – Bass, Tommy Denander & Mats Leven – Keyboards, Bruce Kulick - Lead Guitar, Thomas Vikstrom & Mats Leven - Backing vox. Produced and engineered by Lars Chriss at Canvas Studio. Looks like this may be a reissue of a 2002 Swedist Tribute... «Post A Comment»

Monday, January 26, 2004 5:23:33 AM - Latest KISSFAQ Auctions
Been doing a lot of Ebay auctions lately, here's the latest:
KISS Album Focus 2nd Ed Signed By KISS + Ticket Stubs + Platinum Pass

KISS & Related Recordings Focus 170p Uncorrected Draft

"O ROCK DE KISS" Rare Brazilian Double-LP Compilation

Promo LP's, albums, and CD's going up next... «Post A Comment»

Monday, January 26, 2004 5:23:33 AM - Gene's "Firestarter" due late-April
(From genesimmons.com) In his letters section Gene responded to a question about his new record label, "Glad you asked. Yes. The first artist is GENE SIMMONS. The solo album is due in late April"... «Post A Comment»

Monday, January 26, 2004 5:23:33 AM - Japanese KISS Expo News
(From Blabbermouth) Former KISS drummer Eric Singer will be the special guest at the Japanese KISS Expo, which has been confirmed for February 14-15 at Club Phase in Tokyo. Eric will also be bringing Eric Dover and Stefan Adika to perform live shows both nights. A limited number of all-day tickets get the ticket-holders in at 1:00 p.m. so they can visit with Eric, take photos, get autographs and watch the soundcheck. Eric will also be doing a Q&A session. Then at 5:30 p.m. show starts with Japanese KISS tribute bands MAKIN' LOVE and KISS DOLLS performing the night of the 14th and KISS JAPAN and KISSIN' TIME performing on the 15th. At 8:00 p.m. each night, Eric and friends will perform a live set to end the show. Tickets are also available for just the live shows each night.

For more information, click here or call Club Phase 03-5911-2777. To buy limited all-day tickets, please contact Black Diamond Store 03-3232-3235 or click here... «Post A Comment»

Monday, January 26, 2004 5:23:33 AM - GUITAR WORLD's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists Of All Time
(From Blabbermouth) Editted down to a few whose talents mean something to me:
01. Tony Iommi (BLACK SABBATH)
02. Kirk Hammett & James Hetfield (METALLICA)
03. Angus & Malcolm Young (AC/DC)
04. Randy Rhoads (OZZY OSBOURNE)
05. Eddie Van Halen (VAN HALEN)
06. Jimmy Page (LED ZEPPELIN)
07. Dimebag Darrell (PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN)
08. Zakk Wylde (OZZY OSBOURNE, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY)
09. Adam Jones (TOOL)
10. Kerry King & Jeff Hanneman (SLAYER)
11. Dave Murray & Adrian Smith (IRON MAIDEN)
12. Jimi Hendrix
13. Glen Tipton & K.K. Downing (JUDAS PRIEST)
14. Ace Frehley & Paul Stanley (KISS)
15. Slash (GUNS N' ROSES)
16. Ritchie Blackmore (DEEP PURPLE, RAINBOW)
17. Yngwie Malmsteen
18. Joe Perry & Brad Whitford (AEROSMITH)
19. Dave Mustaine & Marty Friedman (MEGADETH)
21. Brian May (QUEEN)
23. Nigel Tufnel (SPINAL TAP)
24. Jeff Beck
36. Alex Lifeson (RUSH)
41. Phil Collen & Steve Clark (DEF LEPPARD)
45. Warren DeMartini (RATT)
46. Mick Mars (MÖTLEY CRÜE)
47. George Lynch (DOKKEN)
48. Ted Nugent
49. Jake E. Lee (OZZY OSBOURNE, BADLANDS)
53. Steve Vai (DAVE LEE ROTH)
58. Richie Sambora (BON JOVI)
69. Glen Buxton & Michael Bruce (ALICE COOPER)
77. Joe Satriani... «Post A Comment»

Wednesday, January 21, 2004 5:48:41 AM - Gordon G. G. Gebert, BACK FOR MORE!
ROCK AND ROLL WAR STORIES Book - ISBN# 0-9658794-2-9
Pitbull Publishing LLC announces the long awaited, anticipated release of ROCK AND ROLL WAR STORIES.
Advanced Copies Release Date: December 15th, 2003. In all major book stores and online stores January 2004.

From the critically acclaimed, and sometime damned Author, Gordon G. G. Gebert, comes his third book, "ROCK & ROLL WAR STORIES". You will never listen to your favorite band again without thinking of these twisted stories.

Musician "slash" Author, Gordon G. G. Gebert, has done it again. He will take us past the "velvet rope" at warp speed, pinned with a plethora of all-access passes (that would make Wayne and Garth envious), into the utter chaos and mayhem of rock and roll with an uproarious collection of TRUE stories on the road, in the studio, and everywhere else in between. No one will stop you as you will be dragged through the bowels of hell and back whether you like it or not. Gordon, along with Philadelphia's premiere rock journalist, Lynn Ramage', takes you on an insane rock and roll trip that will keep you reading as if you've just seen a train wreck.

Gebert's previous smash hit books, KISS & Tell and KISS & Tell MORE!, sent the actual members of KISS and die-hard KISS fans reeling when Gebert revealed "the man behind the curtain" in his candid expose' of Ace Frehley and KISS. One thing critics and fans all agree upon is that KISS & Tell and KISS & Tell MORE! are ENTERTAINING MUST-READS!

One way or another, by the end of this tour you'll know what it takes to be a REAL rock and roll war veteran. It's as close as you'll ever get to being part of the entourage.

Read it! Live it! Rock on!

Advanced Copies shipping date: December 15th.
Order Direct Online (Signed copies): www.GordonGebert.com (All credit cards, PayPal accepted)

Rock & Roll War Stories (ISBN# 0-9658794-2-9)
7" x 9"
240 pages (includes 96 pages of photos)
Retail: $19.95
Features the Girls of Rock & Roll War Stories

Make check or money order payable to: Pitbull Publishing LLC
RRWS
Pitbull Publishing LLC
P.O. Box 350
Fleetwood NY 10552-0350

Add $4.00 for Priority Shipping... «Post A Comment»

Tuesday, January 20, 2004 - Paul Stanley @ 52
The KISSFAQ wishes Paul Stanley a very happy birthday... «Post A Comment»

Wednesday, January 14, 2004 8:54:04 AM - "Asshole"
Since Gene is apparently going to do something with this song, you can hear the original Shirley's Temple recording of "Asshole", HERE (5Mb - MP3

The song was originally released as the title-track of the Norwegian band's 2002 EP on Capitol/EMI. The original lyrics:
[Verse]
You think that you're so cool
That you're nobody's fool
But you got a personality
Just like a bucket of pee

[Chorus]
How does it feel
To be a real
Asshole
You're such a creep
Dumb as a sheep
Asshole

[Verse]
You've really got no shame
You disrespect my name
Does lying make you feel alright?
Then tell me, how do you sleep at night?

[Verse]
Your humor value reaks
I'll bet your self-esteem is weak
One day you'll get it in your life
'Cause you're the cream of the crop

[Chorus]

[Break]
You make me feel like an idiot
But I've got news for you
If you're the queen of all happiness
Then maybe I'm an asshole too
Maybe I'm an asshole too
Just like you

[Guitar Solo]

[Chorus X2]

Maybe I'm an asshole too
Maybe I'm an asshole too
It'll be interesting to hear what Gene does with the track... «Post A Comment»

Wednesday, January 14, 2004 8:26:49 AM - KISS & Limp Bizkit for Aussie Tour?

Looks like KISS has indeed hooked up with Limp Bizkit, according to Australian Tour promoter Andrew McManus' website. As neither a fan of Limp Bizkit or their front-man, one can only hope that this is only for the Aussies (no offense, my Antipodean mates! We could discuss rugby =)... «Post A Comment»

Wednesday, January 14, 2004 5:39:00 AM - Gene Simmons "Firestarter"...
(From Blabbermouth) "KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons is busy readying his highly anticipated solo record, "Firestarter", the debut release on Simmons Records/Sanctuary Music Group, and is looking for the best and most creative designer to come up with the image for his alter-ego. "We want to leave the creative vision to the individual designer, but as a point of reference we see 'Firestarter' as the Dark Knight to Gene Simmons," reads a post on Gene's web site. If you think you have what it takes to create the "Firestarter", submit your ideas to genesimmonsfirestartercontest@sanctuarygroup.com. The winner will receive a choice of a cash prize or a trip to see KISS and meet Gene Simmons.

Rules & Regulations: *ALL ENTRIES SUBMITTED WILL BECOME THE PROPERTY OF GENE SIMMONS AND SANCTUARY MUSIC GROUP. *Please do not send a larger file than .72 dpi jpeg when submitting your entry.

As previously reported, Simmons' first solo record in 25 years will feature songs co-written by Bob Dylan and the late Frank Zappa. Among the tracks set to be included on the effort are the following:
01. Waiting for the Morning Light
02. Black Tongue
03. Dog
04. Looking Out The Window
05. Asshole

No release date has yet been announced for "Firestarter".

The FAQ can tell you something about the tracks mentioned: While Gene Simmons' second solo album has yet to be released he has mentioned some details about the material which he intended on including on the release. Eric Singer and Bruce Kulick have already recorded two tracks with Gene for the album, though it's not clear which. "Waiting For The Morning Light was once been known as "Laughing When You Want To Cry," which Gene co-wrote with the legendary Bob Dylan; Black Tongue is a track based on an unused Frank Zappa riff and vocal which Gene has mentioned that he wanted Dweezil and Ahmet Zappa to appear on. Regardless of whether the track is developed Gene would be the first licensee for Frank material from Extraordinary Teamwork which manages the licensing of Frank's unreleased music. By the terms of the license Zappa will have to be given a co-writing credit on the song; Asshole is a song by the Norwegian band Shirley's Temple which Gene will customize (personalize, probably the same way he treated "War Machine" and "Rock And Roll Hell") somewhat... «Post A Comment»

Wednesday, January 14, 2004 5:39:00 AM - DESIGN THE GENE SIMMONS ALTER-EGO - FIRESTARTER!!
(From GeneSimmons.com) "Gene Simmons is busy readying his highly anticipated solo record , FIRESTARTER, the debut release on Simmons Records/Sanctuary Music Group and is looking for the best and most creative designer to come up with the image for his alter-ego. We want to leave the creative vision to the individual designer, but as a point of reference we see FIRESTARTER as the Dark Knight to Gene Simmons. If you think you have what it takes to create the FIRESTARTER we invite you to submit your ideas to genesimmonsfirestartercontest@sanctuarygroup.com

Here's your chance to have your image seen around the world.! The winner will receive a choice of a cash prize or a trip to see KISS and meet Gene Simmons!

RULES & REGULATIONS
*ALL ENTRIES SUBMITTED WILL BECOME THE PROPERTY OF GENE SIMMONS AND SANCTUARY MUSIC GROUP.
*Please do not send a larger file than .72 dpi jpeg when submitting your entry"... «Post A Comment»

Monday, January 12, 2004 9:09:30 AM - "KISS & Related Recordings Focus: Music! The Songs, The Demos, The Lyrics, And Stories!" Update...
Work on finishing the new KISSFAQ book has slowed due to the holiday period, but I am now continuing to try and finish the work of editing prior to publication. February's looking good for it to be done, but with a real job and no deadline, we'll see. Feedback from the proof-readers of the first section has been positive - hope to be able to post their "overall" comments about the book soon. As for the third edition of the "KISS Album Focus" - it's essentially done, but I'm not rushing to re- publish it since I still want to rewrite some material and publish it hardbound. I may also offer a couple of more volunteers the opportunity to proof it since it has changed quite a bit from the first two printings... «Post A Comment»

Thursday, January 08, 2004 7:31:43 AM - Aerosmith snags Cheap Trick...
Aerosmith, who recently completed a successful tour with KISS, have apparently hooked up with Cheap Trick for their next tour which will apparently start in April. That's a shame since KISS/Cheap Trick would have made a great bill... «Post A Comment»

Thursday, January 08, 2004 7:22:10 AM - Death of Francesco Scavullo...
Francesco Scavullo, the famed photographer who was responsible for the cover photos used on KISS' "Dynasty" album, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, aged 82... «Post A Comment»

Wednesday, December 31, 2003 9:09:32 PM - Help Needed...
I need a full 128K bitrate MP3 rips of the following:
Extended "mumble" mix of "Paralyzed"
Dial Q2 recordings of "Strutter" & "Rock Bottom"
"Your Turn To Cry" (Acoustic Demo 1967)
Gerard McMahon - "Is That You?" original recording
"Crazy Crazy Nights" demo
"Easier Said Than Done/Sooner Said Than Done" Gene Demo
Only looking for excellent SoundQuality. If you can help, I'll happily send ya some MP3s from my collection in return for each! «Post A Comment»

Wednesday, December 31, 2003 5:06:01 AM - Happy New Year...
Happy New Year, the "Song Of The Moment" makes a brief return! «Post A Comment»

Sunday, December 28, 2003 6:46:38 AM - This is the year that was...
This is the year that was. Fans have their own opinions concerning what KISS did and didn’t do in 2003, so I’m going to concentrate on the more historical and musical things to come to light in 2003. Song descriptions come from the unpublished "KISS & Related Recordings Focus: Music! The Songs, The Demos, The Lyrics, And Stories!" due to be published in early-2004.

January – Mark St. John releases his first full-length instrumental CD, "The Magic Bullet Theory." The recordings feature his brother, and former White Tiger and Silent Rage bassist, Mark Norton. The album is tough to get a hold of until March.

February – early Vinnie Vincent recording "Happy Birthday USA" from 1976 surfaces:
31.08. Happy Birthday U.S.A. (Cashmir/LeCoux, 1976)
31.09. The Exorcism Of Kazcnyz (Cashmir/LeCoux, 1976)
On what may be Vinnie’s first professional recordings, Vinnie would team with David Wolff to write a novelty song in honor of the American bicentenial celebration of 1976. David would later be the manager and partner of Cyndi Lauper. The song, released as the A-side of a Phantom Records single (HB-10579), would be written by Wolff and Cusano though was creditted to their psyudonyms of Kid Cashmir (David) and Winnie LeCoux (Vinnie). According to Vinnie, "in 1975 I had a record deal. One shot single on Windfall Records. One shot. It was called ‘Happy Birthday U.S.A.’ It was a rock ‘n roll Bicentennial song. And his manager Bud Prager heard the song I did and said, ‘Ah man, I’ve got to put this out.’ And you know I was real... I had no experience. And Mick Jones was the second guitarist for Leslie West at the time" (REH ProTalk w/ Steve Rosen, 1988). While Vinnie would play lead guitar and share vocals on the A-Side, he would not be involved in the writing of the B-side, "The Exorcism of Kazcnyz." That song would be written by Ed Sprigg, the producer of the tracks, and "Kid Cashmir." The song is performed as if it were a live recording.

February – KISS’ cover recording of the Ramones’ "Do You Remember Rock And Roll Radio" is released on "We're A Happy Family - A Tribute To The Ramones".
56.03. Do You Remember Rock And Roll Radio (KISS, 2002)
KISS’ contribution to their first tribute project which was being organized by Rob Zombie. According to Paul, "I frequently run into Johnny Ramone and about a month ago he told me about The Ramones tribute album and asked if we would participate. I can remember our club days and seeing Joey Ramone standing a head above everyone else! Having come after us, we certainly can’t say we were influenced by them, but they were from New York and this seemed like a fun project. Gene, Eric and I recorded a track called ‘Rock N Roll Radio.’ We used a big saxophone section done by Scott Paige who tours with Pink Floyd and Derek Sherinian on piano, you may remember him from playing keys on the Revenge tour. Gene and I trade off vocals, and I have to say this is as cool and kick ass as it gets!" (KISS Online "Paul Speaks"). This song features Gene and Paul trading off lead vocals and with the sax and keyboards presents a KISS sound unlike any yet heard. The band would be a late addition to the tribute album. The Ramones tribute album "We’re A Happy Family" would be released February 2003. Additionally, the track would be included on the single-CD version of "KISS Symphony: Alive IV" released in September 2003.

February – KISS record "Symphony: Alive IV" with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. A promotional televison appearance on the Rove show features the band performing "Sure Know Something" with the MSO ensemble. This recording quickly starts circulating...

March – Bruce Kulick releases his second solo album, "Transformer," featuring a mix of instrumentals and songs with Bruce singing.

April – 10 perfect sound-quality Gene Simmons produced Van Halen demos surface.

June - Gene publishes his "Sex Money KISS" book and includes to "Revenge" era demos on the audio CD lunchbox edition.
44.17. Your My Reason For Livin' (Gene Simmons, 1992)
An unused track dating from the "Revenge" era, this song would finally be released in demo format as part of Gene's audio CD lunch-box for "Sex Money KISS" in 2003. According to Jesse, the song demo was "recorded sometime between 1991-93. Around 10 years ago. I absolutely thought it was a smash hit, not our demo, I mean the song itself, the chorus 'You're My Reason For Livin,' say's it all" (JG). Whatever the case the song is stylistically similar to material Gene would later record, notably "Journey Of 1,000 Years" for the "Psycho Circus" album and can be seen as being a laterday "Great Expectations." Running to 4:23 this very atmospheric piece is keyboard laden before becoming acoustic. While the piece does become a full blown electric piece it includes some great lyric lines: "Can't feel the pain / And that's a start / But the first time I saw your face / Was the last time I saw my heart."

June - Capitol reissues "Vinnie Vincent Invasion" and "All Systems Go" for the first time in the United States. Both albums had previously been reissued in the UK on Zoom Club records.

October - KISS "The Lost Concert '76" DVD is released featuring parts of a 1976 concert in Jersey City, which includes a rare US performance of "Flaming Youth". Also included on the DVD is the band's 1974 appearance on "The Mike Douglas Show" with the performance of "Firehouse".

September - Alice Cooper releases a new studio album, "The Eyes Of Alice Cooper," with Eric Singer on drums. This back-to- basics album was essentially recorded live in the studio with minimal overdubs.

November - Italian rock artist Catena releases "Freak Out" which includes two KISS related performances. "The Stronger You Are The Harder You Fall" features Bruce on guitar and Eric Singer on drums. Chuck Wright provides bass. Bruce also plays a solo on "Freak Out Tonight" a duet by Glenn Hughes and Chris Catena...

December - 2 fully produced Creation (Eric Carr's pre-KISS band) recordings, "I'm So Lonely" and "Something Tellin' Me" surface... «Post A Comment»

Saturday, December 27, 2003 4:23:43 PM - New KISS Related Find