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.
Songs Mentioned For The New Setlist
Who knows how many will actually be performed, but apparently, the following songs have been rehearsed for the tour:
All The Way
Creatures Of The Night
Parasite
Love Her All I Can
God Gave Rock 'N Roll To You II
Unholy
I Pledge Allegience To The State Of Rock 'N Roll... «Post A Comment»
Wednesday, April 28, 2004 8:08:34 PM - Another Asshole Samples
Hear a sample from Gene's cover of the classic Prodigy track, FIRESTARTER. Don't know if this is the release mix since I don't really "hear" Dave Navarro on the track
Also a bit more of BLACK TONGUE... «Post A Comment»
Tuesday, April 27, 2004 12:00:00 AM - Happy Birthday Ace!
The KISSFAQ wishes Ace Frehley a very happy and healthy birthday... «Post A Comment»
Friday, April 23, 2004 10:22:09 AM - Quick Review Of "20th Century Masters - The Best of Kiss: The DVD Collection"...
CLICK IMAGE TO PURCHASE DVD ONLINE
There really isn't a tremendous amount that can be said about this new DVD from Universal - that's why the DVD has been sitting around my house with no rush for me to write this paragraph (nearly couldn't find it!). The DVD features 5 KISS videos from the 1980s and has very basic packaging. One plus is that Eric Carr is featured on the cover. Bravo! As for the content, it's best to measure it against the price of the package, with copies easily being found for around $6-8, and perhaps less. While 4 of the 5 videos have been released on DVD before (US), on the "Exposed" release it is important to note two minor things: 1) The "I Love It Loud" video features the full beginning to the song's "story" outside of the family house; and 2) the ending of "Lick It Up" goes on slightly longer. No big deal, but the clarity of the videos is excellent. "Crazy Crazy Nights" is the first of the three videos from that album to get an US release on DVD (that also excludes the now defunct video CD releases in the late-1980s). I'm not sure that's a buying point for most fans, who like me probably cringe every time they hear the introduction to the song! The DVD is rounded out with "Heaven's On Fire" and "Tears Are Falling". For the money, it's not a rip off. Amusingly, the individual video selection menu uses the Rio (Live) version of "I Love It Loud" for the graphic, though plays the regular video. Purchase the DVD from AMAZON.com, HERE... «Post A Comment»
Wednesday, April 21, 2004 9:28:46 PM - Official KISS Quarterly Magazine...
A new officially authorized KISS magazine is due for publication in June. According to the publishers, "You wanted the best, you've got the best - the hottest magazine in the world - KISS: The Official Authorized Quarterly Magazine! In-depth interviews, tons of great photos, lots of behind-the-scenes info, and much more! Subscribe now and receive the premiere issue which will ship in June", HERE... «Post A Comment»
Wednesday, April 21, 2004 8:15:40 AM - Gene's Asshole Cover...
Gene's "Asshole" album details & notes added to the KISSFAQ discography, HERE... «Post A Comment»
Saturday, April 17, 2004 1:10:14 PM - More Samples From Gene's Asshole...
Thanks to a Swedish site, here are some more samples from Gene's "Asshole":
Sweet & Dirty Love
Carnival Of Souls
Black Tongue
Waiting For The Morning Light
And the previously available: Asshole... «Post A Comment»
Thursday, April 15, 2004 11:27:11 AM - KISS' US Tour Dates Announced
Sunday, April 11, 2004 10:40:40 AM - KISS Add New Date to Japan Tour?
Sunday, April 11, 2004 10:40:40 AM - KISSFAQ fanzine issues for individual purchase...
Wednesday, April 07, 2004 3:21:16 AM - Peter Criss comments on Gene & Updates On Projects...
(From PeterCriss.net)Peter Criss has responded to comments attributed to Gene that he is back on drugs:
"Some people love hearing themselves talk, Gene Simmons is one of them. I read online what he said to the Iowa and German press. Now let me tell you what's really important. I have never been so happy in my whole life. I can finally be free to be an Artist again.
I surround myself with people who love me and respect me. My endearing and supporting wife Gigi, True friends, and a loving family, and always God. If not for him there would be nothing. These are things that make me a rich man, Mr. Simmons.
I sang and drummed my heart out on the Aerosmith tour, FACT. The real fans know that, END OF STORY. And I also missed Ace on the tour.
I am in excellent health, wealthy and working on being wiser. I just wanted you fans to know that. I won't even comment on what Mr. Simmons had to say, because it's NOT TRUE, and I don't need to justify his lies.
The original band is over. And as a founding member I am not shocked at Gene and Paul turning a legendary band into a cover act for just plain profit, How very sad.
But the crazy thing is? The fans will still follow because they are the real heart of KISS. I was proud to be a part of something that was once great.
God Bless and Good-bye to that part of my life.
Peter Criss"
Peter has also updated news on a couple of projects: "My music has taken a turn. I have been going thru my music archives and found some great rock stuff, also writing new songs. So the Jazz is on hold, but not for long. Great Surprises coming? Also doing my acting and art."
"My book is on extension till next year. You won't be sorry for the time, I want to give you the real truth as always"... «Post A Comment»
Wednesday, April 07, 2004 3:21:16 AM - Gene Announces Track Order For A$$hole...
(From GeneSimmons.com)"The song order for ASSHOLE, my solo album is:
SWEET AND DIRTY LOVE (Simmons)
FIRESTARTER (Prodigy)
WEAPONS (Simmons)
WAITING FOR THE MORNING LIGHT (Simmons/Dylan)
BEAUTIFUL (Singh/Addison)
ASSHOLE (Tolstrup)
NOW THAT YOU'RE GONE (Simmons/Kulick)
WHATEVER TURNS YOU ON (Williams/Simmons)
DOG (Bag/Simmons)
BLACK TONGUE (Simmons/Zappa)
CARNIVAL OF SOULS (Simmons/Van Zen)
IF I HAD A GUN (Bag/Simmons)
I DREAM 1,000 DREAMS (Simmons)
The Japanese version will include two other songs:
EVERYBODY KNOWS (Simmons)
YOU'RE MY REASON FOR LIVING (Simmons)"
It's likely that the two Japanese bonus tracks are the same versions as released by Gene on his "Sex Money KISS" audio CD lunchbox last year... «Post A Comment»
Sunday, April 04, 2004 6:25:46 PM - Spin The Bottle: A Tribute To KISS...
Over the years, the Kulick blood lineage has run deep within the KISS organization with both brothers Bob and Bruce leaving their respective stamps on KISStory. Bob toured with Paul Stanley on the star man's 1989 solo club tour while brother Bruce Kulick became a permanent fixture in the group from 1984-1995. Rounding out the album's line-up is an impressive assortment of members from Styx, King's X, HELMET, Melvins, Motorhead, Dokken, Motorhead, Whitesnake, Twisted Sister, Poison, Journey, Ozzy's band and much more.
The initial run of the CD will be packaged with a limited edition bonus DVD featuring a 40-minute documentary of the making of the record. It contains performances, session footage and interviews with Chris Jericho, Doug Aldrich, Tommy Shaw, Steve Lukather, Tim Bogart, Bruce Kulick, Carmine Appice, Jeff Pilson, Bobby Rock, Robin McAuley, C.C. DeVille, Tony Franklin, Aynsley Dunbar, Page Hamilton, Mike Porcaro, Greg Bissonette, Kip Winger, Paul Gilbert, Mark Slaughter, Robben Ford, Fred Coury, Lemmy Kilmeister, Jennifer Batten, Samantha Maloney, and Bob Kulick."
1. "Detroit Rock City" (Featuring Dee Snider of Twisted Sister on vocals)
2. "Love Gun" (Featuring Tommy Shaw of Styx on vocals and Stevie Lukather on guitar)
3. "Cold Gin" (Feat. Mark Slaughter of Slaughter on vocals and Robben Ford on guitar)
4. "King Of The Night Time World" (Featuring Chris Jericho WWE Wrestler/Fozzy)
5. "I Want You" (Featuring Kip Winger of Winger vocals and bass)
6. "God of Thunder" (Featuring Buzz Osborne of The Melvins on vocals & Bruce Kulick on lead guitar)
7. "Calling Doctor Love" (Featuring Page Hamilton of HELMET on vocals and guitar)
8. "Shout It Out Loud" (Featuring Lemmy Kilmeister of Motorhead on vocals/bass, Vivian Campbell on guitar, and Eric Singer on drums)
9. "Parasite" (Featuring Doug Pinnick of King’s X on vocals and Bob Kulick on lead guitar)
10. "Strutter" (Featuring Phil Lewis of L.A. Guns on vocals)
11. "I Stole Your Love" (Featuring Robin McAuley of the McAuley-Shencker Group)... «Post A Comment»
Saturday, April 03, 2004 6:49:30 AM - New Date added to Australian Tour...
Thursday, April 1, 2004 7:19:50 AM - Gene Simmons' Gets The "KISS & Related Recordings Focus" book...
While I'd been planning on sending Gene a copy of the "KISS & Related Recordings Focus: Music! The Songs, The Demos, The Lyrics, And Stories!" book, it seems he's managed to pick up a copy himself. Being interviewed by a German Magazine yesterday, one I'd sent a copy to, the interviewer was referring to the book (and what little I'd published about Gene's solo album) when asking him questions. Gene was apparently interested in how the interviewer knew what he was asking and offered to buy the book. The interviewer declined, since he hadn't finished his review for the magazine, but Gene was apparently very KEEN to get the book. So, in the end he ended up with the book (and I probably lose a review in the German mag)... «Post A Comment»
Monday, March 29, 2004 3:55:37 PM - Gene Simmons' Asshole UPDATE
The KISS Army Sweden has a Windows Media video of Gene's appearance in Sweden which contains samples of "Black Tongue," "I Dream A Thousand Dreams," and "Sweet & Dirty Love" HERE.
Additionally, you can hear a sample of one of Gene's versions of "Asshole," HERE - he did make some changes to the original Shirley's Temple version. There's also a "sheep" edit for all you SHEEP out there! Gene's version:
[Verse]
You think that you're so cool
That you're nobody's fool
But you've got a personality (yeah)
Just like a bucket full of pee
[Chorus]
How does it feel
To be a real... Asshole
You're such a creep
You look like a sheep (ba-baah)... Asshole
[Verse]
You know you've got no shame
And you've got such a stupid name
And one day you'll finally shut your trap
'Cause you are the cream of the crap
[Chorus]
Asshole...
Asshole...
You're such an asshole...
[Break]
You always look like an idiot
This may be news for you
You are the king of all stupidness
Maybe I'm an asshole too
Maybe I'm an asshole too
Just like you
[Guitar Solo]
You're such an asshole...
[Chorus X2]
You're such an asshole...
Maybe I'm an asshole too
Maybe I'm an asshole too
Track listing is as follows (order subject to change):
01. Asshole
02. Carnival Of Souls
03. If I Had A Gun
04. Weapons
05. Waiting For The Morning Light
06. Whatever Turns You On
07. Sweet & Dirty Love
08. Beautiful
09. Dog
10. Now That You're Gone
11. Black Tongue
12. I Dream A Thousand Dreams
13. Firestarter
The FAQ can tell you something about the tracks mentioned: Some details about the material which he intends on including on the release are known:
- Eric Singer and Bruce Kulick have already recorded two tracks with Gene for the album, though it's not clear which tracks.
- "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. 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, and the title track of their 2001 EP, 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. Hear the original version, HERE...
- "Carnival Of Souls" may have been an offshoot of the earlier demo "Island Of Lost Souls" and was written by Gene and Scott Van Zen. It is an angry atmospheric piece which was demoed during both the "COS" and "Psycho Circus" recording sessions. It very much follows a similar vein to the sort of material Gene was writing in 1993. The song, in the following form, would be written around November 1993. One version seems to go: "Television, inquisition, circumcision / Advocation, flagellation, excommunication / Too alone, misery constantly / Well at least the God damn air is free // Condemnation, masturbation, united nation / Round and round it goes / This carnival of souls // Evolution, revolution, mass illusion / Racism, exorcism, creationism / Well I don't know and I don't care / Amnesty, sterility, infinity // Round and round it goes / Carnival of souls." According to Gene, the song "talks about fascism, terrorism, and racism." Another lyric snip goes: "Get down on all fours / Join the carnival of souls / And the rain began to fall / On the carnival of souls / Walking on hot coals / in the island of lost souls / And so round and round it goes / On the carnival of souls." How it has changed for Gene's album isn't known yet.
- "Sweet & Dirty Love" is the "Sweet & Dirty" which dated from "Psycho Circus" (and before): "Sweet & Dirty" was the result of Gene recycling an older demo, in this case, the core riff and some lyrics from the 1976 demo "Jelly Roll," for use on a then current song. Gene has kept part of the first verse but changed the perspective: "Well alright... / As I'm walkin' around the Watts St. corner / I turned to see her comin' my way... (Lookin' so good) / You look up, I see your eyes are burning / They're burning right through my head (so good) // If I'm built for speed, /You're built for love... / Too much of a good thing, / Honey's, much too good / Sweet and dirty love..." You can hear a sample of this on the audio page, though Gene has cut a new recording (or embelished the demo) for the album.
- "Weapons" has a title which immediately makes me think of one og Gene's songs from "Psycho Circus" which wasn't used: "Psycho Circus (Weapons Of Mass Destruction)" - As had been the case where Gene Simmons had once suggested a song-title for "Black Diamond," which Paul then borrowed to write, and Paul had suggested "Christine Sixteen" which Gene proceeded to write, with the pre-conceived 'concept' for the KISS reunion album both Gene and Paul would write title tracks for the album. Only Paul's song would be used. "Psycho Circus (Weapons Of Mass Destruction)" was Gene's version of the title track which was a very much darker piece than Paul's song. It would see Gene dealing with lyrics concerning, as the title suggests, weapons of mass destruction. Bruce apparently played bass on the demo. We'll see if that song is the song on Gene's album
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