The KISSFAQ - April '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 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.

Tracking the forthcoming solo releases:
Paul Stanley | Peter Criss

Thursday, April 27, 2006 - Happy Birthday ACE!

The KISSFAQ wishes Ace Frehley a very happy and healthy birthday! «Post A Comment»

Thursday, April 27, 2006 9:28:53 AM - Gene Attends Fashion Event...

(Fashion Wire Daily/Grant Lamos IV)

Photogenic Gene and Shannon attended the A&E Network Up-Fronts event in New York April 18, 2006... «Post A Comment»

Thursday, April 27, 2006 9:28:53 AM - Gene Attends INDY event...
Gene attended the INDY JAPAN 300mile Opening Ceremony at Twin Ring Motegi, Japan on April 22. The race was won by Helio Castroneves... «Post A Comment»

Sunday, April 23, 2006 6:44:10 AM - Paul Stanley Solo Album Song-Writing Info Update...
The current title-track, "Live To Win," for Paul's new solo album was co-written by Paul, Desmond Child, and Andreas Carlsson. Desmond first wrote with Paul in 1979 and co-wrote many of KISS' most popular songs during the 1980s as well as working with other major acts, notably Bon Jovi. Swede Andreas Carlsson has worked with numerous bands outside of the "rock" genre. He and Paul have written other material together, including "Impossible," "Ready To Rock Your World," and "Bloodtype R." "Bloodtype R" was recorded by the German band Silbermond as "Mach's Dir Selbst" on their 2004 self-titled album. It's not known what is planned for the other mentioned songs (if anything). It's already been suggested that Tommy Denander played some guitar on this track in early 2005... «Post A Comment»

Friday, April 21, 2006 1:22:12 PM - More "VH1 Rock Honors" Information...
(From Melodicrock.com) Press Release / VH1 debuts the first ever show to pay homage to the legends who influenced the sound of hard rock with the first annual VH1 Rock Honors. Hosted by Jaime Pressly of the hit sitcom "My Name Is Earl," this year s celebration will honor the music and influence of KISS, Queen, Def Leppard and Judas Priest. Premiering on Wednesday, May 31 at 9pm, VH1 Rock Honors, will be taped at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on Thursday, May 25 and will include tribute performances by Foo Fighters and The All-American Rejects. Additional performers, presenters, and special guests will be announced as they are confirmed. The 2 hour tribute will salute the groundbreaking bands of rock, the once in a lifetime events and the influential people who made a lasting mark on the history of hard rock. The influence of these honorees will be felt through spoken tributes, filmed packages and performances by some of today's hottest rock acts as well as the legends themselves.

Tickets priced at $60, $125 and $175, not including applicable service charges, will go on sale Saturday, April 22nd via www.ticketmaster.com and at all Ticketmaster outlets or in Las Vegas by going directly to the Mandalay Bay Box Office or by calling 877-632-7400 or 702-632-7580. For VIP Tickets Contact VH1 Save The Music at 212-846-7882 or rsvp@vh1.com.

For more information go to www.vh1.com and check soon for interactive honoree profiles, exclusive programming, show information and more.

VH1 Rock Honors is executive produced by Lee Rolontz and Rick Krim for VH1 and Greg Sills and Paul Flattery for Choe Productions... «Post A Comment»

Tuesday, April 18, 2006 1:46:57 PM - Follow-up: Mike "Angel" McLaughlin Interview...
Thanks for the interest in the Mike McLaughlin interview. Mike's been kind enough to share a late-night jam he recorded recently. Many of you may have heard Mike play with CRISS, other's not. So here's a taste of Mike McLaughlin: "I was just having a drink in my studio and jaming some blues... It's been a while since anyone's heard from me (my guitar playing that is). So here's a little late night jam, just a little taste of what my upcoming solo CD will have." Mike's late night blues jam. Enjoy!... «Post A Comment»

Tuesday, April 18, 2006 1:46:57 PM - Japanese "Rock The Nation Live!" Packaging...
Released today in Japan.

... «Post A Comment»

Sunday, April 16, 2006 9:01:20 PM - New "Peter Criss" CD Update...
It's still early days, but Peter's new CD is currently being mixed in New York and is expected later this year (fingers- crossed). Some new and old info:
Includes "Hope," as song submitted (and rejected) for KISS' "Psycho Circus" album...
Includes former Criss members Mike McLaughlin and Mark Montague...
Album apparently recorded at Nutmeg Studios with Tom Perkins and Charles Kipps.
Also has Paul Schaffer on keyboards and Will Lee on bass on some tracks...
May also include songs: "Whisper," "Bohemia," "Cat Nap," "Reason For Living," "Last Night," "Crossroads," "Fallin' All Over Again," "Faces In The Crowd," and "What Does It Take" written by Peter and Mike. Aditionally, "Doesn't Get Better (Than This)" written by Charlie Kipps, Peter and Mike. And "Space Ace" written by Peter and Mark... «Post A Comment»

Sunday, April 16, 2006 9:01:20 PM - Interview: Mike "Angel" McLaughlin (Criss)...
Check out the new interview with former Criss guitarist Mike "Angel" McLaughlin, HERE... «Post A Comment»

Tuesday, April 11, 2006 06:51:44 PM - Japanese DVD Reissues...
Both "KISS My Ass" (UMI UIBO-9055) and "X-treme Close-Up/Konfidential" (UMI UIBO-9056) DVDs are being reissued in Japan on June 7, 2006 as budget lower-priced packages... «Post A Comment»

Saturday, April 08, 2006 10:34:27 AM - You Wanted The Rarest...
KISSFAQ is currently holding several Ebay auctions of rare KISS & Related 7" singles:

Eric Carr Creation 7" Single (1973)
Eric Carr Cellarmen 7" Single (1968)
Peter Criss Barracudas 7" Single (1967)
2nd rarest US KISS 7" single 45 (1974) Strutter/100,000

Check 'em out... «Post A Comment»

Friday, April 07, 2006 5:41:24 AM - Sideshow Collectibles' KISS 18" figure preview...

Sideshow Collectibles' KISS 18" figure preview - they will be available for Pre-Order next week... «Post A Comment»

Friday, April 07, 2006 2:42:16 AM - KISS on VH1's "Rock Honors"...
(From: Journal Gazette/AP) "NEW YORK – The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame looks to be getting some competition. VH1 announced Thursday that it will debut the 'VH1 Rock Honors' next month to pay homage to the gods of hard rock. The inaugural honorees are KISS (fronted by Gene Simmons), Queen, Def Leppard and Judas Priest. The ceremony, to take place May 25 in Las Vegas, will pay tribute to hard-rock legends with 'spoken tributes, filmed packages and performances by some of today's hottest rock acts as well as the legends themselves.'

VH1 has aired the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies the past few years. 'VH1 Rock Honors' will air May 31. Last week VH1 announced plans for its third annual 'Hip-Hop Honors,' which will air in October"... «Post A Comment»

Friday, April 07, 2006 2:42:16 AM - Shannon Tweed's "KISS And Tell" Book...

CLICK COVER TO ORDER

"Two decades and two children after their first meeting at the Playboy Mansion, Shannon Tweed and Gene Simmons are still happily together--with never a fight or even cross words. 'Kiss and Tell' is the surprising other side of the story from one of the world's most beautiful women" (PR). Due for publication in May 2006 through Phoenix Books the book is 192 pages and has had several "publication" dates over the past few years even being sub-titled "The Care and Feeding of a Rock Star" at one point (2004).

To order the book, click the image above, or HERE... «Post A Comment»

Friday, April 07, 2006 2:42:16 AM - Ace Frehley on Celebrity Poker...
(From: Lee Barrett Public Relations) "CelebrityPokerPlayer.net (CPP) is qualifying two players to play side-by-side against Ace Frehley of KISS, Jane Wiedlin of the GoGo's, Sully Erna of Godsmack, Vinnie Paul from Pantera and Big Vin Records and, if shooting schedule permits, singer/actor Steven Van Zandt, playing for their favorite charities in the first VH1 Rock 'n' Roll Celebrity Poker Player Tournament airing this fall on VH1 Classic.

The charity event, presented by CelebrityPokerPlayer.net and produced by Tenner and Associates Inc., will be taped Thursday, June 8, 2006 in the Second City Theatre at Harrah's Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Two lucky visitors to http://www.celebritypokerplayer.net will get the chance to participate with the rock 'n' roll stars. "Free roll" tournaments will be held at the site during the next two months. Harrah's Flamingo will also qualify one player to sit at the table with the rock 'n' roll celebrities.

"CelebrityPokerPlayer.net is the one online poker room where you really can play alongside the 'stars,'" Lance A. Perry, Executive Producer and CEO of New Poker Corporation, says. "We are looking forward to a great show, watching the celebrities play for their favorite charity and giving a couple of our players the chance to be a part of a big tournament on VH1 Classic." The VH1 Classic Rock 'n' Roll Celebrity Poker Player Tournament will air on VH1 Classic in addition to DirectTV programming on Jet Blue and Frontier Airlines. Pro player and fan favorite Phil Laak will host the show. Matt Savage will serve as tournament director.

The celebrities will donate all winnings their favorite charity. The celebrity and guest left standing will take over VH1 Classic for an entire day, programming music videos and serving as on-air hosts"... «Post A Comment»

Friday, April 07, 2006 2:42:16 AM - Two other Gene Simmons projects getting serious?
Note, that in the development of ideas for media outlets (Film, TV, print, etc) many things are said and few projects make it to fruition. On that caveat, Gene's "mother and baby" TV show "Baby 101" was announced ages ago with Gene partnering with Madison Road Entertainment, "a Los Angeles-based branded entertainment studio serving the broadcast television and advertising industries." Little else has been heard since the initial announcement. Gene has registed for the copyright for "Trophy Wife"(New Line TV), "Wild One," "Oh Baby" (9/05). These are probably among the four shows that Gene suggested he had sold in August '05. We'll have to see how many of these actually happen... «Post A Comment»

Friday, April 07, 2006 2:42:16 AM - Gene on American Sex Star

Gene made an appearance on an episode of porn star Jenna Jameson's Playboy TV show "American Sex Star" in January, which I totally missed at the time. See above image. Woof! «Post A Comment»

Monday, April 03, 2006 5:26:01 PM - Gene Simmons promises to get his licks in...
(From: Hearld Tribune - ROD HARMON) "Gene Simmons has been called many things during his 30-plus career as the tongue-wagging, fire- breathing bass player for the rock band KISS. 'Modest' has never been one of them. With KISS, Simmons has carved out a multimedia empire by marketing the band's brand on everything from comic books to caskets. (Not to mention holding the record for the most gold records by a group.) For the past several years, he's been branching out with numerous solo ventures, including TV shows, a magazine, and, recently, even a postage stamp. His latest venture: Simmons Abramson Marketing, which promotes the Indy Racing League. Gene Simmons wants the world, and he wants it now.

"My mother, in her wisdom, a long time ago said, 'Life isn't going to hand you anything. You're only going to get the respect you demand,' " Simmons recounted in a recent phone interview, which was supposedly taped for his upcoming reality series on A&E, "Gene Simmons Family Jewels." Simmons may be filming an episode for the series today, when he attends the opening-night festivities of the Sarasota Film Festival. (But don't ask him questions about it. If you do, a producer is likely to interrupt with a cease-and-desist order. Trust me, I know.) Here's some of what Simmons had to say about the festival, and about his favorite subject: Himself, of course.

Q: Why are you coming to the festival, and what are you going to be doing once you get here?
A: Well, first of all, "Funny Money" (the opening-night film) is a nice little movie, and sometimes big surprises come in very little packages ... but the reason I'm flying down to Florida is, coincidently with my relationship with Simmons Abramson Marketing -- uh, I'm the Simmons part of it -- we've taken over the worldwide branding marketing for Indy Racing. Part of my job is to bring celebrity attention ... and to make matters better, instead of worse, I am now the grand marshal of the St. Pete Indy races, which is going to be a real hoot. (The Honda Grand Prix will be held today through April 2 in downtown St. Petersburg.) (The film festival) is just 40 minutes outside of Tampa. The ("Funny Money") director, Leslie Greif, really deserves to get this film in front of people's eyes. And I intend to be there, because I think he's a powerful and attractive man.

Q: So you're going to be here to show support for the director of the film?
A: Yeah! And also, there'll be cameras, and girls, and what's wrong with that?

Q: Penelope Ann Miller is going to be here as well. Are you going to hit on her?
A: Well, that's the job of the male species. That's what we do ... that's why nature, in her wisdom, made sure the blueprint of the male of (the) species makes us manufacture billions of sperm every single day. If that's not a description of our, shall we say, urge to merge, I don't know what is.

Q: There is a new Gene Simmons stamp. Do you have to lick it, or is it self-adhesive?
A: It's a legitimate U.S. postage stamp. It costs 39 cents. I decided to do it partly for ego; you know, I wanted to be able to turn to Mom and say, "Hey, look what I did." But it's also actually doing some good. The proceeds, a lot of it, are going to the Humane Society, and I think that's a good thing. And it features my beautiful lips imprinted on it. It's not a KISS product, it's just a Gene Simmons thing.

Q: But do you have to lick it?
A: You know, I haven't licked one yet, but I don't think you do. I think it's self-adhesive.

Q: Really? Oh, that's kind of a bummer. You can't lick Gene Simmons.
A: I suppose you could, but don't tell anybody. You know what Charlie Rich says ...

Q: What did Charlie Rich say?
A: What goes on behind closed doors ... that's a good record, by the way.

Q: Yes, I know. But you have told what goes on behind closed doors, to a certain extent. (In his autobiography, "KISS and Makeup," Simmons claimed to have slept with more than 4,000 women.)
A: Oh yeah, my life is an open book. You know, all these poor unhappily married guys who say, "If my wife ever finds out, she'll kill me," they're just whipped. Just stand up, grab life by the scruff of its neck and say, "This is me, this is who I am, you don't have to like it, but this is me." Period... Which is why (when) mothers and wives and everybody else ask, "Where are you going?", we guys should stand up and say, "Who wants to know?" It's time for men to come back, don't you think? ... Last time I checked, the only one who owns me is the mother who gave me birth. In return for life, she is allowed to torture me. No other woman is allowed to do that. They haven't earned the right!

Q: So when your mother asks you where you're going, do you tell her?
A: Well, I set my mother straight a long time ago. When the band first started going, I called her and I said, "Go anywhere and buy any house." And she did. And thereafter, I said, "From now on, you have to recognize that I am a man. You kicked me out of the nest, I walk on my own, therefore your privileges have stopped. You know the phrase 'While you're living under my roof?' Guess what, I'm not living under your roof. And here's another point: Your roof? I bought it for you."

Q: Getting back to the film festival, are you going to be singing, or giving a talk, or what exactly will be going on?
A: I'll be going around and by request, giving lap dances. I'm really good, you know. But no, I'm an only child, and I'm not from America, so I like attention. I'll walk down the red carpet and probably make an ass out of myself.

Q: Do you have any advice for guys who are hoping to get some female attention at the Sarasota Film Festival?
A: Yes. Bring lots of money. Because ultimately, guys may say, "Do you love me?" But girls will always say, "How much?" If you pull up in a Volkswagen, you're not getting any tail. Pull up in a Rolls-Royce, and see what happens"... «Post A Comment»

Monday, April 03, 2006 5:26:01 PM - Gene at Indy...

Gene attended yesterday's IRL Indy 300 race... «Post A Comment»

Monday, April 03, 2006 5:26:01 PM - Gene Simmons: Why racing is cool
(From: SPTimes - Gene Simmons) "I'm that weird looking guy who sticks his tongue out all the time. I've been there and done that. And, I have to tell you from the bottom of my heart, I believe! I believe in Indy!

It happened almost a year ago. I was invited to an IndyCar Series race at Texas Motor Speedway. What I saw blew me away. It hit me the way very few things in life hit me. It hit me emotionally. I saw amazing pride and craftsmanship in the pit crew guys and their cars. I saw our drivers from all the corners of the planet competing against and with each other to see who's the best, who's the fastest. I saw the crowd having the time of their lives. I saw dads with their kids, having a hot dog on a sunny afternoon. I saw people standing at attention and saluting a flag that makes it all possible.

And ever since then, I have to say I am a convert. I am Indy!"... «Post A Comment»

Monday, April 03, 2006 10:14:44 AM - "Lost" Ace Frehley co-written song...
OK, well not really "lost," but KISSFAQ sure accidentally over-looked it! "You Make It Hard For Me" has long been known as a title of a song that Ace wrote with Sebastian Bach prior to the start of the KISS "Psycho Circus" sessions. The song was demoed by Ace, Bas, Richie Scarlett, and Anton Fig. At the time it was apparently close to making the album, but was eventually cut. According to Sebastian, "I talked to Gene Simmons and I asked him what happened and he said he didn't want any songs about sex on the new record because he had done so many songs like that" (ballbustermusic). As the title would suggest, there is some sexual innuendo reminiscent to KISS' own "(You Make Me) Rock Hard" from the "Smashes, Thrashes, and Hits" album released in 1988, though the lyrics (see below) are a bit more direct. It is also ironic to hear the suggestion that Gene didn't want the song on the album for sexual reasons (especially when fans were being sold the line that producer Bruce Fairbairn was in ultimate control of what was recorded for the ablum, but that's another aside)...

At the time it was easy to accept Sebastian's comment blaming Gene for the lack of the song's inclusion on the album. It was known that a lot of music had been written and had not made the album, not just Ace's material. Unfortunately, when I was researching the "KISS & Related Recordings Focus" book I came across a copyright registration for a song with this title credited to Ace and Marty Kupersmith. Marty had been a member of Jay & The Americans (a band with ties to Paul Stanley's Uncle Joe band) and had written "We Got Your Rock" in 1983 - it soon found itself to Ace and turned up on his first post-KISS solo album.

From the Frehley/Kupersmith copyright it was noted that the song was written in 1985. Marty had copy-written the song (PAu-1-829-029) in early 1994 - correctly noting Ace's co-writing contribution. So, it would seem that the 1998 song borrowed at least the title from the 1985 composition. Additionally, Marty had released his version of the song on his 1997 album, "It'll Come To You" (and that was what I missed at the time, duh that it was an album title). This release of the song could go some way to explaining the song's absence from "Psycho Circus" and further Ace interest. So after that long discourse, what does it all mean?

Not much. There's another Ace song out there, though he doesn't perform on it. It's pretty "Ace" in its tongue-in-cheek humor. Maybe the 1998 version will suface for a comparrison with this song...

Check out a sample of Marty Joe Kupersmith's recording, HERE. Produced by Thomas Jeffereson Kaye. Bass by Armando Campean; Rhythm guitar & vocals by Marty Joe Kupersmith; Lead guitar by Jumpin' Jack Sherman; Drums by Rick Shlosser.

[Verse]
You look so good, you get me hot
I would if I could, take everything you got
You got a funky butt, long legs too
You kinda look like a slut
You make me come too soon
Lovin' you is easy, easy as can be
But when we're alone girl...

[Chorus]
You make it hard for me
You make it hard for me
You make it hard for me
You make it hard for me

Don't know which way to go
You make it hard for me

[Verse]
A little bit nasty, a little bit nice
Like leather and satin, fire and ice
One thing for certain; I'll be your slave
You've got what it takes, baby
To raise the dead from the grave
Lovin' you is easy, easy as can be
But when we're alone girl... (Whoa)

[Chorus]

Don't know which way to go
You make it hard for me

[Guitar Break]

Let's go!

[Guitar Solo]

Lovin' you is easy, easy as can be
But when we're alone girl... (Whoa)

[Chorus]

So hard...

You're such a good little girl
To this bad little guy

Now just imagine some Ace guitar on the track... «Post A Comment»

Saturday, April 01, 2006 7:38:37 PM - Official comment on Destroyer 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition press release...
(From the authors of "KISS Alive Forever, Curt Gooch and Jeff Suhs) "In the past 24 hours a press release has been circulating on several of the more popular KISS Web sites regarding the forthcoming release of something called the Destroyer 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition CD set.

We are named in the press release along with Ken Sharp as contributors to this set, despite the fact that none of the three of us has heard anything about the project. While it's not our intent to squash interest in such releases, we must categorically state that neither Ken Sharp nor we have any involvement in this CD set and the entire press release is nothing more than an elaborate hoax. Curt and Jeff"

KISSFAQ Says: Humor is an intersting thing. But this joke went perhaps a step or six too far. Considering how starved the remaining fans are for some relevant KISS material (music, not tampons, candles, IRL, or other junk), it would be too easy to fall for the extremely well done ruse. However, the biggest joke is how it draws attention to what KISS has ignored (the scores of possibilities) - and they're the one's who profess to HEAR AND OBEY. Unfortunately, the false rumors, something that Gene and anyone else should despise, raise false expectations, usually resulting in others (the band) ending up looking bad... «Post A Comment»

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»

Friday, March 31, 2006 7:40:23 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)

The KISS Album Focus (3rd Edition) Volume I:
Kings Of The Night Time World, 1972-82 (Hardcover)
Kings Of The Night Time World, 1972-82 (Softcover)

«Post A Comment»