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.
Sunday, May 18, 2003 7:48:13 AM - Picture from Wango Tango performance 5/17
Photo from REUTERS/Robert Galbraith... «Post A Comment»
Saturday, May 17, 2003 6:29:23 AM - Vote For KISS @ Rolling Stone Magazine
Rolling Stone may hate KISS and vice-versa, but they've included KISS in their "Best Live Band" survey which may be used in a future issue of the magazine. That probably means it'll only be used if the winning band is one which Rolling Stone accepts. So, throw a wrench in the works, vote for KISS, HERE... «Post A Comment»
Friday, May 16, 2003 6:28:21 PM - Capitol Records Reissues Vinnie Vincent Invasion
(From: EMI Catalog Marketing) (May 16, 2003 - Hollywood, CA), It can be said that the sound and the vision of Vinnie Vincent Invasion and Slaughter have always been connected by the strum of a guitar-- that's Dana Strum's bass guitar. Strum is one of hard rock's ultimate journeymen. Throughout his career, from the heavy heydays of mid-80s metal to hard rock in the early 90s, he has possessed the talent to create bands that can produce hits in the studio and make magic on the concert stage. On June 24, 2003, Capitol Records will reissue 4 albums that feature the work of Dana Strum: Vinnie Vincent Invasion (1986), Vinnie Vincent Invasion: All Systems Go (1988), double platinum Slaughter: Stick It To Ya (1989), and the platinum The Wild Life (1992). Each album has been remastered and the Slaughter releases will feature rare bonus tracks and new liner notes by Strum and lead singer, Mark Slaughter.
Vinnie Vincent was a former guitarist with KISS, who donned the Ankh on his face make-up and gave the band a thick, grizzly guitar for the first non make-up release, for which he also co-wrote 8 of the album's 10 tracks (Including their first post make-up hit "Lick It Up").
Vincent was the master of the shredding guitar solo. These displays were excessive and outlandish but he balanced his high-speed mastery through fluid fingertips, like a tightrope walker, bringing control to chaos. This guitar work solicited much attention, causing some to question the necessity of a heavy metal vocalist. After KISS, Vincent had enough guitar and songwriting credibility to front his own band. Vincent reached out to Strum, to be his partner in the creation of the Invasion. Strum developed a reputation for finding hot new axe slingers, claiming responsibility for bringing Randy Rhoads to Ozzy Osbourne's band. The band assembled to record the debut album was comprised of the weightlifting drummer Bobby Rock and Robert Fleischman, former Journey vocalist. The debut was a slashing buzzsaw of guitars shredding speakers, and overwhelming the vocals. However, Fleischman soon left. Consequently, Strum tracked down a vocalist that he had heard on demos that had no contact information. His name was Mark Slaughter. Soon after, Slaughter assumed his role as the voice of the Invasion.
In 1988, the Invasion released All Systems Go. A bit more subdued than the antics on Invasion, All Systems Go moved to a more accessible hard rock sound while retaining and showcasing Vincent's guitar prowess. Unavailable for many years, these two classic VVI titles are now remastered and will be in stores.
In 1987, metal took on a new street look, led by Guns n' Roses and co-opted by Motley Crue. After the final date of the VVI tour, Strum and Slaughter decided to move on with a new look and sound. They retreated to Las Vegas as Strum says, "to take a gamble and connect all of the musical dots ourselves". Tim Kelly was hired as the new guitarist and Blas Elias on drums for this unnamed band. The record, Stick It To Ya, was finished but the band still didn't have a name. A last minute decision christened the band Slaughter, even against Mark's own will. Slaughter's relationship to KISS came full circle when they were the opening act on their "Hot In The Shade" tour. The door and radio airplay sent the record above the million mark. The five singles including "Up All Night" and "Fly To The Angels" made Stick It To Ya a double platinum release. This reissue of Stick It To Ya features 4 rare bonus tracks, the demo versions of "Mad About You" "She Wants More" "Up All Night" and "Fly To The Angels".
The fear of a sophomore jinx loomed, but was laid to rest when The Wild Life followed in the platinum footsteps of Stick It To Ya. It debuted at #8 on the Billboard Top 200 in 1992. With the release of the hit singles "The Wild Life" and "Days Gone By", Slaughter went on more tours, this time supporting Ozzy and then Damn Yankees. Featured on the reissue are two unreleased bonus tracks, the "Real Love" demo and "Perfect World".
Invasion is a must for all heavy metal guitar fans. What Vinnie Vincent Invasion started carries on even today as Slaughter tours America this summer. Slaughter will begin their tour supporting Whitesnake in July. The band is currently comprised of Strum, Slaughter, Elias and Jeff Blando who stepped in after the untimely passing of Tim Kelly... «Post A Comment»
Monday, May 12, 2003 5:36:57 AM - Happy Birthday Eric Singer
The KISSFAQ wishes Eric Singer a very happy birthday... «Post A Comment»
Monday, May 05, 2003 11:32:16 AM - KISS, Sanctuary Seal Deal For Label
(From Billboard.com) Hardly unexpected considering $immons reborn record label's ties with Sanctuary:
Kiss is launching an imprint with Sanctuary Records, Billboard Bulletin reports. Kiss Records, to be announced today (May 5), will kick off with a new, two-disc live set, "The Kiss Symphony: Alive IV," which captures the band's Feb. 28 performance with the Melbourne Orchestra. A DVD and a pay-per-view television special chronicling the show are also expected.
The deal marks the end of Kiss' long association with Mercury/Universal, the final release of which was last August's "The Very Best of Kiss." As previously reported, vocalist/bassist Gene Simmons recently resurrected his Simmons Records label in partnership with Sanctuary.
Kiss kicks off a North American tour with Aerosmith Aug. 2 in Hartford, Conn., with longtime guitarist Ace Frehley replaced by Tommy Thayer. The group is offering a three-tiered ticketing package for select shows, including a $1,000 extravaganza that includes a ticket in the first four rows and a chance to meet the band afterward. For more information, visit Kiss' official Web site.
Before the Aerosmith tour, Kiss will perform May 17 at Los Angeles radio station KIIS-FM's annual Wango Tango at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. Other confirmed acts include Nelly, Christina Aguilera, Sugar Ray, and Craig David with Sting" ... «Post A Comment»
Thursday, May 01, 2003 12:50:35 PM - Live '80 DVD Release?
A KISS DVD titled "Live at the Sydney Showgrounds (1980)" is available for preorder from Amazon.com, HERE. This region 1 DVD will apparently be released on June 17, 2003... «Post A Comment»
Sunday, April 27, 2003 6:51:17 AM - Happy Birthday Ace Frehley!
The KISSFAQ wishes Ace Frehley a very happy birthday... «Post A Comment»
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