The KISSFAQ - March '06 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 every other KISS website. Should you want official announcements please visit the band's official website at: KISSONLINE.COM. 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.

Tracking the forthcoming solo releases:
Paul Stanley | Peter Criss

Friday, March 31, 2006 7:40:23 AM - The lost "20th Century Masters Collection Vol 2" DVD...
Last year word circulated that a second KISS "20th Century Masters Collection" DVD package (UPC: 602498817957) was going to be released on August 30. The date came and went and nothing ever materialized. The item remains of interest simply because the first volume currently stands as KISS last RIAA certification, having attained Gold on 09/21/04. All that has surfaced about the release is the following PR: "The outrageous antics of Kiss have entered the heavy-metal history books, and their high hair and heavily made-up faces--not to mention their hard-rocking tunes--have enchanted music fans for three decades. This second volume of Kiss hits in the 20TH CENTURY MASTERS SERIES offers viewers the opportunity to see the band in all their glory across five music videos." What those five videos were to be remains something of a mystery and it seems likely that this release, like the reissue of "MTV Unplugged" isn't about to happen. Too bad, or not... «Post A Comment»

Friday, March 31, 2006 7:40:23 AM - Another publication date for Gene's "Ladies of the Night" book...
Gene Simmons' examination of the history of prostitution, "Ladies of the Night: A Historical and Personal Perspective of the First and Oldest Profession" (ISBN 1597775010), from Phoenix Books, is currently being noted as having a publication date of April 2006. Last year the book had been scheduled for publication November 30th. However, there was one small problem: Gene hadn't written the book yet. According to a post on his website in September, "While it IS true I had planned for the book to be written by now, there just aren't enough hours in the day or night to do so. The book will, hopefully, see the light of day sometime in the summer." This raises the question that the book has still not been written and the release date is yet another phantom since it sure isn't summer and Gene has been doing quite alot of other things, few of which concern KISS... «Post A Comment»

Tuesday, March 28, 2006 9:37:54 AM - New Eric Singer Release w/ Alice Cooper...
Alice Cooper is releasing "Live In Montreux 2005" which was filmed/recorded during last year's July 12th show in Switzerland. The DVD package will include a DVD and CD:
DVD:
01. Department of Youth
02. No More Mr. Nice Guy
03. Dirty Diamonds
04. Billion Dollar Babies
05. Be My Lover
06. Lost in America
07. I Never Cry
08. Woman of Mass Destruction
09. I'm Eighteen
10. Between High School and The Old School
11. What Do You Want From Me?
12. Is it My Body?
13. Go to Hell
14. The Black Widow
15. Gimme
16. Feed My Frankenstein
17. Welcome To My Nightmare
18. The Awakening
19. Steven
20. Only Women Bleed
21. Ballad of Dwight Fry
22. Killer
23. I Love the Dead
24. School's Out
25. Poison
26. Wish I Were Born in Beverly Hills
27. Under My Wheels

CD:
01. Department of Youth
02. No More Mr. Nice Guy
03. Dirty Diamonds
04. Billion Dollar Babies
05. Be My Lover
06. Lost in America
07. I Never Cry
08. Woman of Mass Destruction
09. I'm Eighteen
10. Between High School and The Old School
11. What Do You Want From Me?
12. Is it My Body?
13. Gimme
14. Feed My Frankenstein
15. Welcome To My Nightmare
16. School's Out
17. Poison
18. Wish I Were Born in Beverly Hills
19. Under My Wheels

Currently expected release date is May 29 (Europe) and May 30 (N. America) via Eagle Rock... «Post A Comment»

Saturday, March 25, 2006 6:45:27 AM - Gene is Indy...

(AP Photo/Paul Kizzle)
Gene in Homestead, FL., Friday, March 24, 2006. Simmons will have a car racing in the Toyota Indy 300 auto race at the Homestead-Miami speedway, though apparently the race will only feature 20 drivers, the second fewest "in the season opener since the series' inaugural event Jan. 27, 1996" (Miami Herald). He will also be grand-marshall at the Grand Prix in St. Petersburg on Sunday April 2... «Post A Comment»

Friday, March 24, 2006 11:00:06 AM - Japanese 2006 Tour Dates Confirmed
The following tour dates for Japan have been confirmed:

July 18 - Rainbow Hall, Nagoya
July 20 - Kokusai Center, Fukuoka
July 22 - Udo Festival, Tokyo
July 23 - Udo Festival, Osaka

These shows will mark KISS' first live appearances since their HondaFest show in Columbus, OH in September 2005. Additionally, they mark KISS' return to Japan for their first shows there since June 3, 2004 (Kanazawa) and their 4th visit to the country this decade. Hopefully the band will have a surprise in the setlist for the Japanese fans... «Post A Comment»

Tuesday, March 21, 2006 5:51:06 PM - Japanese "Rock The Nation Live!" DVD News
The Japanese domestic version of the "Rock The Nation Live!" DVD (IEJR-0030) is due for release on April 19. As is usual with the high-priced domestic releases the package will contain a bonus item in the form of a special CD-single featuring live recordings of "King Of The Night Time World," "All The Way," and "Psycho Circus" from the "Rock The Nation" tour... «Post A Comment»

Tuesday, March 21, 2006 12:43:54 PM - KISS Soundscan Update (3/06)
Thanks to kglee for the 10/03 figures (from the KO BBS) and heh from the Sludge boards for the 3/06 figures. Math errors by me. Note, the first figure is the soundscan figure 1991-10/2003, or other date indicated within the first set of brackets. The second number is the accumulated soundscan figure 1991-03/2006, thus for albums that had the majority of their sales prior to 1991 those figures are not reflected.

KISS - 163,593 (10/03); 172,000 (3/06)
HOTTER THAN HELL - 145,680 (10/03); 152,000 (3/06)
DRESSED TO KILL - 156,410 (10/03); 164,000 (3/06)
ALIVE! - 235,643 (10/03); 254,000 (3/06)
DESTROYER - 530,886 (10/03); 568,000 (3/06)
ROCK AND ROLL OVER - 172,373 (10/03); 181,000 (3/06)
LOVE GUN - 182,359 (10/03); 191,000 (3/06)
ALIVE II - 281,796 (10/03); 292,000 (3/06)
DOUBLE PLATINUM - 481,613 (10/03); 506,000 (3/06)
GENE SIMMONS - 28,160 (10/03); no data (03/06)
ACE FREHLEY - 37,542 (10/03); no data (03/06)
PETER CRISS - 19,863 (10/03); no data (03/06)
PAUL STANLEY - 27,163 (10/03); no data (03/06)
DYNASTY - 148,487 (10/03); 156,000 (3/06)
UNMASKED - 166,836 (10/03); 170,000 (3/06)
THE ELDER - 105,836 (10/03); 109,000 (3/06)
KILLERS - 10,000 (3/06)
CREATURES OF THE NIGHT - 140,452 (10/03); 147,000
LICK IT UP - 85,856 (10/03); 90,000 (3/06)
ANIMALIZE - 85,999 (10/03); 92,000 (3/06)
ASYLUM - 75,845 (10/03); 80,000 (3/06)
CRAZY NIGHTS - 87,433 (10/03); 93,000 (3/06)
SMASHES, THRASHES & HITS - 778,134 (10/03); 804,000 (3/06)
HOT IN THE SHADE - 108,915 (10/03); 111,000 (3/06)
REVENGE - 591,586 (10/03); 596,000 (3/06)
ALIVE III - 538,180 (10/03); 550,000 (3/06)
UNPLUGGED - 296,625 (10/03); 299,000 (3/06)
YOU WANTED THE BEST - 328,197 (10/03); 329,000 (3/06)
GREATEST KISS - 388,512 (10/03); 392,000 (3/06)
CARNIVAL OF SOULS - 165,384 (10/03); 172,000 (3/06)
PSYCHO CIRCUS - 475,141 (10/03); 479,000 (3/06)
DETROIT ROCK CITY OST - 74,691 (09/99)
BOX SET - 121,383 (10/03); 139,000 (3/06)
VERY BEST OF KISS - 208,179 (10/03); 394,000 (3/06)
ALIVE IV - 102,819 (12/03); 133,000 (3/06)
BEST OF KISS: MILLENNIUM SERIES - 22,694 (10/03); 193,000 (3/06)
ALIVE IV SDE - 17,000 (3/06)
BEST OF KISS VOL 2: MILLENIUM SERIES - 64,000 (3/06)
KISS GOLD (1974-82) - 66,000 (3/06)

OK, What does this mean? More KISS compilations as they're obviously still selling with the "Very Best Of KISS" having sold a respectible 394,000 copies. KISS albums have sold approximately 793,000 albums between late 2003 and 3/06... COS was re-released in 2005...

Best selling "Originals" album, 2003-6 = Destroyer (37,000)
Best selling non-makeup album, 2003-6 = KISS ALive III (12,000)

Thus between 10/03 and 3/06 the albums sold roughly:
KISS - 9,000
HOTTER THAN HELL - 6,000
DRESSED TO KILL - 8,000
ALIVE! - 19,000
DESTROYER - 37,000
ROCK AND ROLL OVER - 9,000
LOVE GUN - 9,000
ALIVE II - 8,000
DOUBLE PLATINUM - 24,000
DYNASTY - 8,000
UNMASKED - 3,000
THE ELDER - 3,000
KILLERS - 10,000
CREATURES OF THE NIGHT - 7,000
LICK IT UP - 4,000
ANIMALIZE - 6,000
ASYLUM - 4,000
CRAZY NIGHTS - 6,000
SMASHES, THRASHES & HITS - 26,000
HOT IN THE SHADE - 2,000
REVENGE - 4,000
ALIVE III - 12,000
UNPLUGGED - 2,000
YOU WANTED THE BEST - 1,000
GREATEST KISS - 3,000
CARNIVAL OF SOULS - 7,000
PSYCHO CIRCUS - 4,000
BOX SET - 18,000
VERY BEST OF KISS - 186,000
ALIVE IV - 30,000
BEST OF KISS: MILLENNIUM SERIES - 170,000
ALIVE IV SDE - 17,000
BEST OF KISS VOL 2: MILLENIUM SERIES - 64,000
KISS GOLD (1974-82) - 66,000... «Post A Comment»

Monday, March 13, 2006 3:49:48 PM - New Eric Carr EP coming...
According to Ericcarr.com a new Eric Carr EP is planned which may feature some interesting new previously unreleased recordings: "This Exclusive EP will feature songs written and preformed by Eric Carr, & friends. Many are newly discovered. One song which, Eric wrote the lyrics for in 1991, has recently been completed and recorded, called "Elephant Man" The was the last song Eric wrote for Kiss, which he was go to present, to them, for consideration on the next album. Eric's lyrics were carefully combined with a heart warming heavy metal ballad melody, Music written by Nick Clemente & Bob GilMartin. Eric himself, would have loved the results if he were here today. There will also be a 1984 song written by Eric, which was presented to Kiss for Animalize, called Called "Midnight Stranger" Written, by Carr and entirely preformed by Carr.

Plus! one of Eric's favorite songs, which he co-wrote with Gene Simmons and Adam Mitchell called "DIAL L FOR LOVE" . Eric Carr would often refer to this song in interviews as one of his favorites. There will also be a never released "Tiara" demo. Want more? CD will also feature a complete song written and preformed by Eric Carr and Mitch Weissman, (Mitch wrote many KISS album songs. The song is called "The Troubles inside You" featuring Eric Carr on drums, guitars, & background vocals. Weissman on bass and lead vocals. There are many more surprises including Eric Carr singing an original 1967 song, acoustically (never released) and a 1973 TV interview, released in it's entirety. Watch Ericcarr.com."

KISSFAQ Says: "Elephant Man" may prove interesting if it includes the original lyrics that seem almost autobiographical concerning Eric's illness: "Just like the elephant man / Nothing's changed inside / People don't seem the same / They smile with fear in their eyes // ... Banished from the kingdom / By the evil king / And his not so secret queen / He sees the truth in the mirror / And feels the strength in his heart / Friends are there to hold him up / But only he can stop his fall / Just like the elephant man." Hmmmm. "Dial L For Love" was never fully recorded during the "Crazy Nights" era. Eric has commented that the song was not good enough (at that point) to make it onto the album, and that it was a song which was being worked on. As the primary writer of the song, Eric had taken it to Gene and Adam for polishing, something which he had done several times. Apparently this release would be the rough demo of the song which does not include any completed vocals. Like other material released on "Rockology," which included modern over-dubs by Bruce Kulick, hopefully the demo of "Tiara" would be as originally recorded by Eric... «Post A Comment»

Monday, March 13, 2006 3:49:48 PM - KISS to tour Japan?
Gene Simmons appeared on The Adam Carolla Show and suggested that KISS will be touring in Japan in July. Interestingly, in a recent interview with Rockpages Magazine, Eric Singer suggested that he knew of nothing currently going on with KISS. Additionally, it should be noted that it sometimes takes some time for reality to catch up with Gene's mouth and wishes, if it ever does, so don't book those flights to Japan just yet... «Post A Comment»

Friday, March 10, 2006 6:37:46 AM - ESP Return To Oz...
(From Blabbermouth) "ESP (ERIC SINGER PROJECT), the band featuring Bruce Kulick (KISS, GRAND FUNK RAILROAD), Eric Singer (KISS, ALICE COOPER), John Corabi (M�TLEY CR�E, RATT) and Chuck Garric (ALICE COOPER, DIO), will be undertaking a short tour of Australia in April. Confirmed dates are as follows:
Apr. 19 - The Prince of Wales � Melbourne, AUS
Apr. 21 - The Marquee � Sydney, AUS
Apr. 22 - The Marquee - Sydney, AUS (date on hold)

ESP's setlist consists mainly of KISS hits and obscure KISS songs that have never before been played live, along with selections from M�TLEY CR�E, GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, ALICE COOPER and other classic rock bands... «Post A Comment»

Thursday, March 09, 2006 3:11:29 PM - KISS Cancel July Shows...
(From Rock-Fest) "Chippewa Valley Music Festivals regretfully announces the cancellation of KISS for Rock Fest '06. We received an email from the agency that represents KISS informing us that KISS has decided to cancel our confirmed tour date, as well as another confirmed date in Michigan. It is our understanding that the band has decided to cancel these confirmed dates to tour overseas. We have requested a confirmed date from KISS for 2007. Chippewa Valley Music Festivals is diligently working to secure a headliner to fill this spot and it's our hope to have a complete lineup announced shortly."

KISSFAQ Says: KISS were "supposed" to play the Kewadin Casino on July 21 in addition to the Rock Fest headlining appearance on the 20th. However, it was odd that these shows were never "announced" on KISS Online... «Post A Comment»

Wednesday, March 01, 2006 5:08:21 AM - "Rock The Nation Live!" Goes Gold...
...In Australia.

The "Rock The Nation Live!" DVD, which has been recently charting near the top of the Australian music video charts has been certified "Gold" by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Gold certification of DVDs in Australia recognizes the sale of 7,500 (Platinum = 15,000) copies of the title. This is KISS' first certification in Australia in nearly two years since "The Second Coming" attained 2x Platinum in 2004... «Post A Comment»

Wednesday, March 01, 2006 5:08:21 AM - 2006 Indianapolis KISS Expo Update...
2006 Indianapolis KISS Expo March 11th! Special Guests Eric Singer, John Corabi and John Harte! Tribute Band Mr. Speed Will Also Be Performing!

Get A Life Inc presents the 2006 INDY KISS Expo. Get ready for another great KISS Weekend! The KISS Expo will take place at the Holiday Inn Indianapolis East, 6990 East 21st St. For hotel rooms - call 317-359-5341 and ask for the special KISS Expo rate. KISS merchandise and collectibles will be on sale throughout the day. If you plan on staying at this hotel get your room soon, they are selling out quickly. There are a couple of hotels accross the street from this one that still have rooms. See below for other hotels that are near the Holiday Inn.

Special guests include:
Bill Aucoin has had to cancel his apprearance at March 11th Indy KISS Expo due to a scheduling conflict with another project. ERIC SINGER to the rescue!! Eric will apprear at the Expo along with former KISS Security man John Harte! We really appreciate Eric helping us out of a bind by agreeing to come in on short notice! (Eric you're a great friend!! Thanks!!) John Corabi has also been added as a guest!!

Appearing for the first time at any KISS Expo is KISS former Director of Security John Harte. He was immortalized in People magazine as he held out his hand to cover Paul Stanley's face as he was leaving a limo. John definitely was in involved in a lot of aspects of KISS and their most popular time in pop culture. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to meet one of members of true KISStory!

Doors open at 11AM for VIP ticket holders (TWO Hours earlier than regular ticket holders!), 1PM for regular tickets. Some of the day's events include raffles, trivia and a costume contest. Bill Aucoin and John Harte will be available for photos and autographs in the afternoon.A newly revamped MR. SPEED will also perform. See why they are the one of the best KISS tribute bands ever!

VIP tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. VIP ticket holders also will receive FREE an officially licensed KISS Army Lanyard! Regular admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Kids 12 under get in free.

If you are a dealer interested in tables for the event please email us at info@kissarmywarehouse.com. Tables are selling very fast due to the success from the last few years. Reserve your table soon, before they are gone. Click the ticket images below to order. For more info keep checking www.kissarmywarehouse.com for details... «Post A Comment»

Wednesday, March 01, 2006 5:08:21 AM - New York KISS Expo Update...
It's that time of the year again - the 20th Annual NY Kiss Expo & Hard Rock Convention!! Hard to believe that it's been 20 years! Saturday, May 6th, noon to midnight at the beautiful Crowne Plaza Hotel in Secaucus, NJ, located off Meadowlands Parkway. For directions call 201-348-6900 or go to the Kiss Expo website: www.starzcentral.com/kissexpo.

Call 201-348-6900 for room reservations and mention the NY Kiss Expo for a discounted room rate!

This year's guests include: Bruce Kulick (former Kiss guitarist and currently with Grand Funk Railroad), Joe Lynn Turner (former Rainbow & Deep Purple vocalist) now with a solo career. Eddie Ojeda, guitarist of Twisted Sister, releasing new solo CD. Karl Cochran, formerly with Ace Frehley's Band - now with Joe Lynn Turner. Ron Keel (lead vocalist of with Keel), with more guests to be added.

This year's bands are: Kiss tribute band - Kissteria! Queen tribute band, Almost Queen! All-original NY band Z02 - opened for the Kiss/Poison tour! All-original, all-girl band from Boston - JADED! Plus Bruce Kulick will perform a 45 minute set. Ron Keel will perform a 30 minute acoustic set.

Bill Davidson's KISS HARLEY Motorcycle will be on display, have your picture taken with it.

Tickets are the same price as last year - $18 in advance - $20 at the door. Advance ticketholders enter first. To charge by phone with Visa/MC, call: 201-398-0150... «Post A Comment»

Friday, February 24, 2006 5:36:23 AM - Mardi Gras: Little band has a big job...
(From STLtoday - Diane Toroian Keaggy) "Mardi Gras revelers have seen it all. A bicycle tricked out like Elvis? Check. Dogs dressed like SpongeBob? Check. Women fondling men with fake plastic breasts? Check. But no one - at least no one who was not hallucinating after one too many hurricane cocktails - has ever witnessed four little people dressed in full makeup sing Kiss covers.

That changes Saturday when tribute band MiniKiss performs at 6:30 p.m. in Pontiac Square Park. Little River Band and local bluesman Jimmy Lee Kennett also are on the bill. Founded by Joey Fatale, a.k.a. Mini-Gene, MiniKiss has toured the country and appeared on national television. We caught up with Fatale at home in New York where he was resting after a weekend on the road. We wanted to know how he found three other little people who loved Kiss as much as he does and whether the real Gene Simmons has seen MiniKiss.

Q: You started MiniKiss about six years ago. How did you find a Mini-Ace, Mini-Paul and Mini-Peter?
A: It's hard to find little people, you know? Throughout the years, I've been Gene, Ace and Paul. We actually just counted and we have had 24 different members over the years. They're from all over. When you're looking for little people, you have to spread out your search. Our singer is actually a female and she is fantastic. I'm still trying to get a real drummer. Little by little, the puzzle is getting there.

Q: So what does the real Gene Simmons think about Mini-Gene?
A: There was a party for Gene's magazine Tongue at Studio 54 a couple of years ago, and we were asked to play. When we came out, he had a huge smile from ear to ear. Being in front of the god of rock 'n' roll - it was a dream to me. He invited us to his VIP area and he was so nice. I will never step on those guys' feet. If he said to stop tomorrow, I would.

Q: How are you like the real Gene Simmons?
A: People can't believe how long my tongue is. It's not crazy long like Gene's, but my tongue does stick out pretty good. I do the blood. I do the fire.

Q: You also have had a successful acting career. Anything we would have seen in St. Louis?
A: I've done some TV. For a year straight I was Little Jay Leno on Conan O'Brien. I was on "Saturday Night Live." Acting is OK, but it's always the same character when you're a little person. They always want the little person to do something corny. Some people make it, and that's great, like the guy from "Fantasy Island" (Herve Villechaize) or Mini-Me (Verne Troyer) or that guy from "The Station Agent" (Peter Dinklage).

Q: So music matters most for you?
A: Music has always been my life. When I'm on stage and seeing the fans sing with us, that is the closest thing to being a rock star. I'm not just - and I hate this word - a midget.

Q: What does the little person community think about MiniKiss?
A: When I started MiniKiss I went to some people I know, and they turned me down. They said, 'No way, it's a freak show.' But now that we have had all of this success, I don't hear any negativity.

Q: So is it hard to stage a show for little people - you know, find costumes and instruments that are the right size?
A: I have an excellent costume designer, and he loves doing this. I could play a regular neck guitar but I have a mini- Washburn.

Q: So does MiniKiss have groupies?
A: We definitely have some groupies, but I keep those stories under the sheets"... «Post A Comment»

Wednesday, February 22, 2006 3:58:57 AM - "One Of A Kind" bio hints at Peter Criss solo album...
Peter Criss announced in his February 2005 Q&A that he was working with Mark Montague and Mike "Angel" McLaughlin on his new CD, an autobiographical love-song/ballad album being recorded at Nutmeg Studios with Tom Perkins and Charles Kipps. Other hints about Peter's album can be found in the "One Of A Kind" band bio. ONE OF A KIND is the band project comprised of former CRISS members Mike Mclaughlin and Mark Montague with drummer Ryan Brown. Their recently released CD includes additional CRISS-related appearances by Eddie Kanon (Peter's drum tech) and three Peter Criss co-written songs.

The band's bio states, "Peter is currently working on his next solo record and we co-wrote one song together and I play bass on several others." This would suggest that the Criss/Montague composition "Space Ace" (ASCAP Title Code: 492945614) was at least written for the Peter Criss album (whether or not it will be released is another matter). This song is similar in title to one that Peter wrote prior to the "Psycho Circus" recording fiasco, called "Space Fever," which he thought would be a good song for Ace, at the time. Whether the two songs are related is currently unknown.

The band bio also states: "Mike [McLaughlin] has co-written several songs on ONE OF A KIND as well as co-writing many songs on the new Peter Criss record." Many of these songs were published in October 2005 by Peter Criss Publishing and include "Whisper," "Bohemia," "Cat Nap," "Reason For Living," "Last Night," "Crossroads," "Fallin' All Over Again," "Faces In The Crowd," "Hope," and "What Does It Take" written by Peter and Mike. Aditionally, "Doesn't Get Better (Than This)" written by Charlie Kipps, Peter and Mike. It should be noted that "Hope" was also the title of a song written by Peter Criss for the KISS reunion album in 1998. Peter considered the song to be an excellent piece of work, naturally a ballad, about Peter facing the numerous challenges in his life in a positive manner. While the song wasn't used on "Psycho Circus," it's not clear whether this new song is the same as that presented to Bruce Fairbairn in 1998.

From the little hints currently available, it would seem that a new Peter Criss album is at least taking shape... «Post A Comment»

Wednesday, January 25, 2006 4:59:35 AM - New KISSFAQ books now available from Amazon.com...
The KISS Album Focus (3rd Edition) Volume II:
Hell or High Water, 1983-96 (Hardcover)
Hell or High Water, 1983-96 (Softcover)

The Kiss & Related Recordings Focus (2nd Edition)
The Kiss & Related Recordings Focus (Hardcover)
The Kiss & Related Recordings Focus (Softcover) «Post A Comment»