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, August 29, 2007 6:56:58 AM - On-Again, Off-Again... "Lick It Up" DVD back on track? |
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With KISS nothing is ever as clear cut as fans might hope. It's business, simple as that, and we're seldom (rightly) privy to the facts. And it is often business that moulds releases, holds 'em up, and sometimes cancels them. However, one prospective release has been eyed with keen interest for years: A collection of KISS' promo videos. While the band used promotional clips as early as 1975, the format didn't really take off until MTV brought them to the masses (OK, that's a very broad statement, there were other venues for viewing promos prior to MTV, but you get the point). As such, the promo clips for "Rock And Roll All Nite" and "C'mon And Love Me" (both 1975) plus "Hard Luck Woman," "Love 'Em And Leave 'Em," and "I Want You" from Don Kirshner's Rock Concert (1977) were released on KISSology Volume 1. "Shandi," the two Rockpop videos from 1980, and the ever poignant "God Gave Rock 'N' Roll To You II" were released on KISSology Volume 2. With the exception of "Shandi" it seems understandable why these clips have been included in the KISSology series, but it is more interesting that all of the band's 1979, 81-90, 92-3, and 98 promos have been ignored thus far. There was an opportunity to release "I Was Made For Lovin' You" and "Sure Know Something" on KISSology Volume 2. They'd been featured on the "Tom Snyder" broadcast, and would have fit nicely on disc 1. For whatever reason they were excluded. The same is the case for "A World Without Heroes" and unseen (perhaps unfinished, if it even exists) "I" which would have fit perfectly along with the Friday's material. From the rest of the set the full promo clip catalog 1981-9 is missing. While "Who Wants To Be Lonely," "Uh! All Night," "Tears Are Falling," "Lick It Up," "All Hell's Breakin' Loose," "I Love It Loud," "Heaven's On Fire," were released on "Exposed," and varying excerpts from "Sure Know Something," "I Was Made For Lovin' You," "A World Without Heroes," "Lick It Up," "Let's Put The X In Sex," "Rise To It," "Hide Your Heart," and "Forever," were released on "X-treme Close-Up," duplication has seldom been an issue in KISSland. "I Love It Loud," "Lick It Up," "Heaven's On Fire," "Tears Are Falling," and "Crazy Crazy Nights" were also released on the Gold DVD "The Best Of KISS, The DVD Collection" in 2004. The "Lick It Up - The Definitive Collection" would have addressed some of the issues for a single promo clip collection.  This release was initially scheduled for August 2006 but was then cancelled, rescheduled in Japan for early 2007, cancelled again, and now showing up as a possible release in November 2007 (a Region 2 release appearing scheduled for October 16). The contents list for the 2006 version included: 01. I Love It Loud 02. Lick It Up 03. All Hell's Breakin' Loose 04. Heaven's On Fire 05. Thrills In The Night 06. Tears Are Falling 07. Who Wants To Be Lonely 08. Uh! All Night 09. Reason To Live 10. Turn On The Night 11. Crazy Crazy Nights 12. Hide Your Heart 13. (You Make Me) Rock Hard 14. Forever 15. I Just Wanna 16. Domino 17. Every Time I Look At You 18. God Gave Rock And Roll To You II Whether this DVD actually shows up is an entirely different matter. With KISSology Volume III and Paul Stanley's "Live To Win Live" on the radar, I'd guess not... |
| Wednesday, August 29, 2007 6:54:58 AM - "Cat Tales" DVD coming? |
 What appears to be a very much unofficial public-domain material DVD release titled "KISS - Cat Tales" (MVDV-4646) is scheduled for 10/09/07, though we'll have to see if it really makes it to market. According to PR, the 85 minute DVD is where "The Catman delivers behind the scenes tales and unveils secrets about his infamous days with Kiss! Shot live from captivity, the Catman will have your tongue as he relates behind the scenes tales with the band, and unveils secrets about his infamous days with Kiss!! The silver-nosed tomcat also sheds light on many long time rumors and questions surrounding the band. Also see Kiss in the dressing room, preparing for a show, as well as ultra rare “Beneath The Stage” footage shot during Beth and Encores! Consisting of all high quality, master archive tapes, you’ll experience a cat’s-eye view into the legend of this iconic percussionist! Featured Footage includes: Promotional Interviews and Plugs, and Philadelphia Meet and Greet 2003." With a price of around $10, this unsanctioned release appears no worse than those of a similar ilk, though in this genre it contains no music or musical performances from Peter or KISS. Caveat emptor? |
| Wednesday, August 29, 2007 5:38:00 AM - Japanese Compilation Round-up |
![[comp covers]](japcomp07.jpg) This summer sees KISS included on 4 compilations in Japan... "Hard & Heavy" (UMG Nippon UICY-4397) released on July 11 included "Love Gun" along with tracks from Dio, Thin Lizzy, Diamond Head, Night Ranger, Rainbow and others. KISS will also be included on the "Hard & Heavy" DVD (UIBV-1015) released on September 26. "Ocean Tribe - Real Classics" (UMG Nippon UICY-4403) included the standard "I Was Made For Lovin' You" when released on August 1. Other artists on this double-CD collection include Dan Hartman, Level 42, Abba, and Peter Frampton. "Detroit Rock City" was featured on "HERO: Anthems For Challengers" (TOCP-70282) released on August 8. Other acts on this compilation include Survivor, Queen, and Duran Duran. Finally, a limited release of "Disco Champion Limited Best" (VICP-63932) is scheduled for August 22. This release includes the obvious KISS so-called "disco" song, "I Was Made For Lovin' You," along with plenty of other 70s classic disco. These new releases join the six compilations KISS were included on in Japan earlier this year... |
| Saturday, August 25, 2007 12:00:00 AM - Birthday Demon |
| The KISSFAQ wishes Gene Simmons a very happy birthday... |
| Friday, August 24, 2007 10:41:14 AM - New Interview with the producers of KISSology! |
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KISS guru Ken Sharp recently conducted an interview, "New KISS DVDs boldly breach the band's vaults," with the producers of the KISSology DVD series that is available on Goldmine Magazine's website. "KISS fans are an impatient bunch. For the past two decades, KISS’ legion of followers have hounded the band to crack open up the dusty latches of its vaults and unleash a flood of KISS footage on the marketplace. Through the years, rumors abounded that an impending multi-volume KISS archival release was on the horizon, and just as quickly, those plans fell by the wayside. Finally, last fall saw the release of "KISSology: Volume One 1974-1977," a 3-DVD collection crammed with vintage TV performances, concerts, promo clips and two historic Easter eggs (including the earliest known footage of KISS performing at Coventry circa December 1973, plus KISS performing sans makeup at Ace Frehley’s wedding). "KISSology: Volume Two 1978-1991" is the latest archival release and is yet another winner, including the European theatrical print of KISS’ feature film, "Attack Of The Phantoms;" live shows from Australia (1980); Rio De Janeiro, Brazil (1983); Philadelphia (1987) and Detroit (1990); vintage TV appearances ("Fridays," "The Land Of Hype And Glory," "The Tom Snyder Show") and more. While much of the archival KISS footage has circulated for years on the KISS underground collector’s circuit in fuzzy, sub-par quality, never before has it been presented in such improved quality than on the "KISSology" series. The project, a partnership between KISS and VH1 Classic, is overseen by producers and avid KISS fans, Alex and Roger Coletti. Here are their thoughts on the making of "KISSology: Volume One 1974-1977" and "KISSology Volume Two 1978-1991..." Read the full interview, HERE... |
| Friday, August 24, 2007 10:41:14 AM - New Interview recaps Hit 'N' Run tour with Eric and Tommy... |
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KISS Underground has a feature about this summer's Hit 'N' Run series of shows with some comments from Eric and Tommy. "When the dates were announced for the "Hit N Run" tour, the KISS Underground was determined to cover every show, which previously wasn't feasible, for any of their prior full length runs. Considering the 'tour' was comprised of only four dates, we figured that it wouldn't be too difficult to accomplish our goal. So the way that it worked out was that my co-horts, John Jeffrey and Diana MacDonald, went to the Rockfest show in Cadott, WI as I attended the other three concerts (including the private show) to review. And to make this more than just your average 'concert review,' Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer have granted the KISS Underground exclusive interviews, where they have shared their personal insight on the 2007 "Hit N Run" tour." Read the full feature, HERE... |
| Friday, August 24, 2007 4:38:32 AM - KISS to play another 2007 Gig |
 The Vancouver Sun is reporting: "The Glam superstars are coming to breath fire and rock'n'roll all night long at Whistler. Big Mountain Concerts announced Wednesday that they will be bring the Demonic Gene Simmons, the aerobic Paul Stanley and the rest of the multi-platinum selling band to Coca-Cola Tube Park on Sept. 15. Ticket and opening act information to follow." Whistler's website mirrors the news: "Whistler is primed to 'Rock & Roll All Nite' with "The World's Hottest Band" - KISS, September 15. Catch this legendary band under the stars in North America's number one resort destination." Whistler is located in beautiful British Columbia. |
| Thursday, August 16, 2007 8:27:07 AM - Another "KISS My Ass" exclusion included on Mega box... |
![[Warchest Cover]](warchest.jpg) Megadeth's cover of "Strange Ways" will be released on that band's "Warchest" 4-CD+DVD Box Set on October 2. Megadeth were considered for inclusion on the 1994 "KISS My Ass" tribute, but like others ended up being excluded for one reason or another. "Warchest" compiles numerous demos, album cuts, live recordings, and demos, along with a full 75-minute "Clash of the Titans" 1990 tour show and DVD highlights from a 1992 "Countdown To Extinction" concert. Pre-order this collection, HERE... The track has previously been released as a bonus track on some copies of "The System Has Failed". |
| Tuesday, August 14, 2007 5:42:21 AM - MEGALOAD OF KISSFAQ EBAY Auctions! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A bunch of KISSFAQ Ebay Auctions start today:
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| Tuesday, August 14, 2007 4:30:33 AM - KISSOLOGY VOL. 2... Today! |
| KISSOLOGY VOL. 2 is released today! |
| Tuesday, August 14, 2007 4:30:33 AM - ESP's "Live In Japan" CD Reissued! |
![[ESP New Japan Cover]](esp_newjapcover.jpg) ESP's "Live In Japan" CD has been reissued with new cover art. This live CD features: Watchin' You Love (I Don't Need It Anymore) Unholy Do Your Own Thing Domino Black Diamond Oh Darlin' War Machine School's Out I Love It Loud Power To The Music Featured on the album are Eric Singer (KISS/Alice Cooper), Bruce Kulick (Grand Funk Railroad/Union/KISS), John Corabi (Ratt/Union/Motley Crue), and Chuck Garric (Alice Cooper). Recorded live at the Tokyo Takadanobaba ESP Musical Academy, February 25 & 26, 2006. Click on the cover image to order. |
| Monday, August 06, 2007 8:59:02 AM - Message Board Currently Offline |
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The message board is currently offline due to an unspecified problem (apparently affecting other customers than just me) that the webhost is working to resolve. It's outta my hands... UPDATE: As of 11:15am PST the board appears back online. Thank you for your patience. |
| Monday, August 06, 2007 12:00:00 AM - Vinnie Vincent's Birthday |
| The KISSFAQ wishes Vinnie Vincent a very happy birthday! |
| Sunday, August 05, 2007 11:39:36 AM - VH-1 KISS Special Available "On Demand" |
| Check your local cable provider, but VH-1 Classic "On Demand" is currently already broadcasting the 52 minute "KISS Live from Sydney, Australia - 11/22/1980" specials. According to my local Comcast setup, this is available until 8/16. Now, that makes a nice Sunday afternoon viewing experience. Having only seen the crap VHS version of Sydney, I'm enjoying the improvement to this version, though the audio is quite tinny. Also available on SF Comcast's VH-1 Classic "On Demand" were Ace's videos for "Rock Soldiers," Into The Night," and "Do Ya!" |
| Thursday, August 02, 2007 11:16:20 AM - VH-1 KISS Special Coming |
| VH-1 classic will be broadcasting a Kissology 2 special, "Kissology: The Best of Volume 2," followed by "KISS Live from Sydney, Australia - 11/22/1980" on Friday, August 10, at 9pm. Get a taste! The two separate hour-long features will be repeated starting at 11pm. |
| Thursday, August 02, 2007 4:13:07 AM - More KISSFAQ Ebay Auctions |
 KISSFAQ has added more stuff on ebay including singles, tour books, and more. Check out KISSFAQ's Ebay auctions, HERE. |
| Wednesday, August 01, 2007 7:56:21 PM - Another KISSOLOGY VOL. II Clip |
 KISSONLINE has recently shared another clip from the forthcoming KISSOLOGY VOL. II DVD set, this time "Strutter" from the legendary 1980 Australian tour. KISSFAQ has converted the video to MPEG, though you can view the original on YouTube, HERE. Pre-order KISSOLOGY VOL. II from Amazon, HERE. |
| Monday, July 30, 2007 7:22:03 PM - KISSFAQ Ebay Auctions: Videos, Tribute albums, + More! |
| KISSFAQ Ebay Auctions this week include videos, tribute albums, + more! Check 'em out, HERE |
| Monday, July 30, 2007 4:59:21 PM - Paul Fine... |
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Paul Stanley has posted the following message on his website: "To All My Friends And Fans, I wanted to let all of you know that I AM ABSOLUTELY FINE! I'm going to the gym as usual, painting as usual and will be going into the recording studio this week. Like many, I have had a rapid heart beat condition most of my life and I never have had any type of restrictions. When I've had an episode, although momentarily disrupting and taxing, it has no residual effect. This is nothing new and my doctors have known about it. In short, It doesn't change, hasn't changed and won't change my life. To make it clear... I WILL BE AT ROCK & ROLL FANTASY CAMP IN NY.. I WILL BE AT THE WENTWORTH ART GALLERY SHOW in Des Peres, MO. and anything else that's on schedule. I'm stoked and looking forward to it all. Thanks for the literally thousands of calls and e-mails from all of you. You all mean the world to me. Now ONWARD! Paul" |
| Monday, July 30, 2007 2:59:00 PM - Countdown To KISSology II (Part 4) |
 Counting down the release of KISSology Vol. II on August 14, the KISSFAQ will be detailing some of contents currently expected to be included on the set (including the bonus discs). Part 4, which was planned before news came of his passing, is the stunning and hilarious "Tomorrow Show with Tom Snyder" which was originally broadcast as a Halloween special on October 31, 1979. This broadcast saw a totally out of control Peter Criss and particularly Ace Frehley steal the show from the business-like Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. They could only glare are the two Bad Boys as the interview went steadily downhill into legend. The full interview runs some 25 minutes, but it is not clear how much will be included on KISSOLOGY. The segement is described as "The Tomorrow Show With Tom Snyder (Excerpt, 10/31/79)." The introduction, and a brief part of the interview with the band, is featured in the above clip (which is from an "unofficial" VHS, not the actual KISSology disc) - enough to give you a taste of the atmosphere of the show and pay tribute to Tom. Of interest to fans also is the Tom hosted an unmasked Peter Criss the following year making one of his first appearances out of make-up after departing the band. Tom truely has a chapter in KISStory! Click to order KISSology Vol. II from Amazon, HERE. |
| Monday, July 30, 2007 5:14:28 AM - KISSOLOGY II Packaging |
  Pictures of the packaging of "KISSOLOGY VOL. II" via byfo. |
| Monday, July 30, 2007 5:14:28 AM - Tom Snyder RIP |
| Tom Snyder "passed away Sunday in San Francisco from complications of leukemia" (AP) aged 71. Tom hosted the late-night television show "Tomorrow with Tom Snyder" throughout the 1970s and 80s. KISS famously appeared on this show, parts to be featured on KISSOLOGY VOL. II in 1979 with an out of control Ace and Peter. |
N E W S A R C H I V E S
The "Way Back" Machine...
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Pre-2001: February '99 | January '99 | December '98 | November '98 | October '98 | January '98 | December '97 | November '97 | October '97 | September '97 | August '97 | October '96 - August '97