The KISSFAQ - July '03 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, July 30, 2003 6:14:25 PM - Jesse Damon Q&A...
KISS co-writer Jesse Damon, whose band also plays on the recently released Gene Simmons demo "You're My Reason For Living" (Click for sample, or buy the Audio Lunch Box for the bonus CD), was kind enough to do a Q&A with the KISSFAQ. Jesse was a member of the band Silent Rage who were signed to $immons Records in the early 1990's and whose lineup included ex-White Tiger drummer Brian Fox. Read the Q&A, HERE... «Post A Comment»

Friday, July 25, 2003 8:12:39 AM - New Online Chapter of the "KISS Album Focus"...
Chapter 56, KISS Symphony - Alive IV "The Real Deal" has been added, in very rough and incomplete form to the online version of the "KISS Album Focus". This latest chapter of the feature, which as usual changes drastically in the print version of the book brings the history of the band up-to-date from where the second edition book left off. You can read all of Paul's cut raps from the "Symphony" performance in the feature... «Post A Comment»

Friday, July 25, 2003 8:12:39 AM - Symphony DVD...

Here's the cover for the "Symphony" DVD (Sanctuary Digital Entertainment SVE3035) due to be released in September. The DVD will apparently be in 16:9 Wide Screen format and include interviews, backstage footage and more... «Post A Comment»

Wednesday, July 23, 2003 4:44:57 PM - KISSFAQ'S "Symphony" Review...
In the case of KISSFAQ versus "KISS Symphony - Alive IV" I really think that I should be classed as something of a hostile witness. I strongly believed that "Alive IV" should have been a commemorative album celebrating the Reunion era of the band. That meant Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley. I should also add that I found the proposed cover for the original "Alive IV" really cool. However, having listened to numerous bootlegs recorded during the "Alive/Worldwide 96/7", "Psycho Circus 98/9", and "Farewell 2000-1" tours, including the original Vancouver New Year's Eve show slated to become "Alive IV", I'm glad that the recordings weren't used. I suppose there are mixed feelings. It would have been nice to have a final live album with Ace, though he's obviously made he choice about where he does or doesn't want to be. C ya. The problem with the numerous shows I've heard from the reunited lineup is that in most cases they are a complete let down from the quality of performance in the 1970's. Frankly, they're sloppy, ponderously slow, and essentially substandard. That's not how I want to have a commemorative of the reunion sound. I also wonder how much clean-up work would be possible to get the recordings in a state suitable for release. Perhaps similar to "Alive!" keep the audience track and replace everything else.

Buy "KISS Symphony", HERE

With "Symphony" I must admit that I was somewhat cool to the whole idea. It didn't excite, and once the performance had taken place I wasn't impressed with the set list. It's obvious that I'm one of those fans who are just impossible to please. But, c'mon, how tough would it have been to chuck in "The Odyssey". Would have been perfect for the show. Oh well, since they edited out the "Elder" discussion out of the "Symphony" for release perhaps KISS are wondering too. Probably not. Regardless, I don't have a problem with Tommy being in the band. He brings a fresh professionalism to the lead guitar duties and probably does "Ace Frehley" better than Ace himself is capable of, judging many of his performances (I'll exclude the shows with Ace and Eric Singer where he seemed to be having fun from that humble judgment). I will admit that I'm not very comfortable with Tommy wearing Ace's makeup, but whatever, it's just another chapter in KISStory and he's the best person to fill the space-boots.

Buy "KISS Symphony", HERE

I ordered the digipak from Amazon, but then couldn't be bothered to wait for it so picked up a standard CD version to listen to. I am impressed. Firstly, the packaging is the highest quality I've seen on a KISS release since 1981. The booklet is well put together, and the cover which I originally thought was tacky and bland, is actually pretty decent in the overall context of the album. Spiro's CD prints are cool. The digipack looks simply awesome, but the "poster" is garbage. But it's the music that counts? Right? I'd listened to the bootleg recordings of the show and the Pay Per View, and it seems that there was not a tremendous amount of work done to the audio. If there was then it has been done perfectly to be transparent. I can't figure out the purpose of swapping the song order for "Great Expectations", but whatever. The main work done on the album seems to be the removal of a ton of Paul's raps. In most cases it made sense to get rid of them, as they would have been a waste of space and in some cases were embarrassing (see Chapter 58 of the online version of the "KISS Album Focus" coming soon for a full analysis of the "Symphony" - coming soon!).

Buy "KISS Symphony", HERE

Act one is pretty much what I expected from electric KISS. The only major surprise was Peter. His drumming no longer sounded lethargic and ponderous, but quite energetic and on time. I don't know whether he's become the Six Million Dollar man and had his arms reconstructed, or whether his training has been beneficial to his coping with the inevitable slow-down age causes. He may simply have a better-triggered setup. It doesn't matter, he sounded fantastic throughout the whole performance. His performance of "Beth" backed by the ensemble was poignant, and no matter what he now does, I'm glad he's had that opportunity. The ensemble section was mostly blah, though I'm pleased "Forever" and "Goin' Blind" were done. The latter of these songs is a definite high point on the album even though it was previously released acoustically on MTV Unplugged. I guess with the show being recorded in Australia there was no way "Shandi" was going to be left off the album, though decades on it still does nothing for me. Regardless, the ensemble adds a subtle underlying ambience to the KISS acoustic sound and is very complimentary to the overall feel of the music. I think it worked out nicely.

Buy "KISS Symphony", HERE

For the main orchestral part of the show my criteria for success was simply a matter of whether the orchestra melded with KISS made me cringe. It didn't. While I grew up listening to a tremendous amount of classical music and played the French horn, I found the arrangements somewhat simplistic. However, I don't think that matters too much as the material KISS performed isn't exactly complex. Combining the two one gets an enhanced sense of the music which neither part takes precedence or becomes over-bearing. As expected "Great Expectations" is the stand out track here. But I am left wondering why "Sweet Pain" and "Flaming Youth" (the only Ace co-write on that album) were not performed when the rest of the "Destroyer" album was. Regardless, the only song which really didn't work too well for me was "Love Gun". I find it odd that only 6 and a half-tracks are full Gene vocals, and the rest, with the exception of "Beth", are Paul's. Both Paul and Gene sang tremendously well, and Paul's range seems to get better and better as he ages. Me thinks he's primed for the other stage! How do I rate the album? I don't really. It's another compilation of sorts, though it does add new spice to an old recipe. I did enjoy listening to it, and will probably listen to it for a while. Would I advise someone to get it? Sure, it's not a disaster, and I think KISS did a better job of it than Metallica's S&M did - perhaps their music was simply better geared to be backed by a symphony... «Post A Comment»

Friday, July 18, 2003 8:37:23 PM - US VVI Remaster Reviews...
Far better than the Zoom Club reissues, IMO, the US Chrysalis remasters of "Vinnie Vincent Invasion" and "All Systems Go" sound absolutely fantastic. They look pretty good too, though it really would have been nice if some linear notes had been done for them. Regardless, it's the music which counts. The packaging is pretty basic. Both albums now come with a clear CD tray and the background images are nothing special. Both covers are proper booklets which include the lyrics. While the CD prints are pretty lame, simply pink and black, they're better than the black and white used on the original Zoom reissues. The main benefit of these new reissues is that the "All Systems Go" CD features the original CD bonus tracks, "The Meltdown" and "Ya Know - I'm Pretty Shot", which were excluded from the Zoom releases. Apart from that, there's not a whole lot to be shred (said). Invasion still melts holes through the speakers, while the remastering of "All Systems Go" really leaves me with a new appreciation for the material. "Invasion" and "Burn" still remain favorite tracks for me. The price was right at $9.99 each where I got them. Now, were I able to purchase "Guitars From Hell" with this sort of audio fidelity I'd be a totally happy freak! Vinnie, listening? Puh-leeze!
BUY 'EM ONLINE

Invasion | All Systems Go
From Amazon.com for $10.99 each... «Post A Comment»

Friday, July 18, 2003 8:50:16 AM - German "Symphony" Release...

"KISS Symphony" will be released in Germany, with altered KISS-logo through Zomba Records on July 28th. Just for fun I've included the last album's altered logo above also... «Post A Comment»

Thursday, July 17, 2003 3:30:54 AM - BLACK 'N BLUE Reunite For California Dates And New Album...
{From Blabbermouth) 80's hard rockers BLACK 'N BLUE have reunited for upcoming California dates and a new album. The band, which is comprised of original members Jaime St. James, Jef "Woop" Warner, Patrick Young, and Pete Holmes, are now joined by guitarist Shawn Sonnenschein. Sonnenchein replaces original guitarist Tommy Thayer, who is unavailable to participate due to his commitments to KISS. The band have scheduled a series of dates which will see them performing in California for the first time in over a decade. Confirmed dates are as follows:
Aug. 21- Hollywood, CA @ Club Vodka/Pink Pussycat
Aug. 22- Anaheim, CA @ The Press Box
Aug. 23- Sacramento, CA @ The Roadhouse
Aug. 24- San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick

As previously reported, the band are currently in the studio working on a new album, entitled "Hell Yeah!", which will see a fall release in Europe through Z Records, and in South America through Frontline Rock. North American and Japanese agreements are currently being sought... «Post A Comment»

Thursday, July 17, 2003 3:30:54 AM - VINNIE VINCENT INVASION Near-Reunion On ROCK NEVER STOPS Tour...
{From Blabbermouth) After rejecting Mark Slaughter's attempt for years to play together once again, Bobby Rock is curently drumming for SLAUGHTER as a "guest" during the Rock Never Stops Tour 2003. This comes as a particular treat for VINNIE VINCENT INVASION fans as it completes three-quarters of the original lineup during the "All Systems Go" tour, which consisted of Bobby Rock, Dana Strum, Mark Slaughter, and Vinnie Vincent (ex-KISS). Vincent is currently rumored to be putting together a new band to tour with in support of a new studio album, tentatively due out in late 2003/early 2004... «Post A Comment»

Monday, July 14, 2003 9:46:27 AM - Ex-CRISS vocalist...
Interesting tangent from the "Where Are They Now" file: Ex-CRISS vocalist Mike Stone is currently the touring guitarist with Queensryche. Mike was with CRISS, the band's second (or third if you count Naro) vocalist, for three years and played on the EP and Album released by the band. He left in late 1995 and was replaced by Jason Ebs... «Post A Comment»

Sunday, July 13, 2003 5:10:05 PM - KISS Album Focus New Chapter online...
Well I had promised that a new chapter of the "KISS Album Focus" was coming, and it is, but to lay the ground-work for what will be that new chapter, you can read another new one, HERE. This will become Chapter 55 in the Third Edition, "From cover band to the hottest band in the land, Tommy Thayer". Enjoy, or not... «Post A Comment»

Saturday, July 12, 2003 7:34:51 AM - Eric Carr Birthday...
Today would have been Eric Carr's 53rd birthday. Spare a moment of thought for Eric, and all of those taken before their time, as you listen to Eric's awesome drumming... «Post A Comment»

Thursday, July 10, 2003 10:07:18 PM - Bruce/Eric on Gene solo disc...
According to Bruce Kulick's website, he and Eric Singer recently recorded two tracks with Gene Simmons for his solo album. Cool reunion, should make for an interesting listen whenever Gene's solo disc appears... «Post A Comment»

Thursday, July 10, 2003 7:31:28 PM - Quickie KISSFAQ review of "Sex Money KISS"...
I'm not sure where to file this book, or even where a librarian might categorize it. Music? Autobiography? Business? Philosophy? Sociology? Any of the preceeding broad categories could apply to Gene Simmons' latest book "Sex Money KISS", published through the $immons Books imprint of New Millenium books. I must admit that I hadn't any intention of picking the book up after reading Gene's "KISS & Make-up". It wasn't that K&M was terrible, it just didn't do much for me with all of the sexual conquest tangents seemingly being Gene's measure of his life's successes. "Sex Money KISS", however, was a surprise not only in the quality of the writing but the content. While Gene is certainly not a mysoganist (woman hater), one does wonder if he views them solely as his personal dick warmers. Many of his views are diametrically opposed to my own, yet reading SMK one starts to understand, and respect, the philosophy that drives Gene. He doesn't back away from any of his opinions and is willing to state them bluntly in the face of political correctness. That I applaud.

Click Link to buy!

More importantly, he has created a work that is simply entertaining to read. It has plenty of tangents, unexpected and otherwise, and while parts of his philosophy may seem stilted to some there is much that is simply common sense. There is seriousness, humor, and what seems to be a need to express the "Genome Theory of Life". The book is candid, packed full of excellent pictures, has a wonderful tribute to Paul, and is not preachy or kitsch. Simply put, hands down it's a damn good evenings read

In addition, for those considering the Audio Book lunchbox version, simply for the demos, I've heard them and they're pretty damn good even if the production is somewhat lacking. "Everybody Knows" was a track on Ezrin's "B" list during the recording of Psycho Circus, while "You're My Reason For Livin'" is simply exotic... «Post A Comment»

Thursday, July 10, 2003 5:33:21 AM - Audiobooks Gene Interview...
There's a new interview with Gene, which follows similar lines to his famed NPR appearance, HERE. Here's a bite: "Gene: Hello, hello, it sounds like my phone is not working. See, that�s one of the reasons why we want to go away. If you weren�t on the phone I�d finish that tape by saying, women won�t shut the fuck up. But I mean that in the nicest, most respectful way. Here�s your argument: An alien lands in Harlem in New York City. Then, when the alien goes back to its planet, it reports that, based on its observations, which are true, the entire planet is made up of black people. That�s untrue, although the observations are true. Your observations mean fuck all. Where do you live, in Wombatville?"... «Post A Comment»

Wednesday, July 09, 2003 2:46:48 PM - New compilation cover...

Gee, that's rather pretty... «Post A Comment»

Wednesday, July 09, 2003 2:46:48 PM - KISS on another compilation...
The song "Lick It Up" will be included in another Universal Compilation, this time 20th Century Masters, The Millenium Collection: "The Best of 80's Rock". Full tracklisting is: