The KISSFAQ - September '07 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.

Friday, September 28, 2007 1:29:06 PM - Ace Frehley Back in the New York Groove... Kinda

(From Ticketmaster) Ace Frehley is apparently scheduled to appear at Eddie Trunk's Halloween Bash '08 on 10/31/07 at the Times Square Hard Rock Cafe in New York City. The "official" announcement is expected tonight on Q104.3 NYC from 11PM-2AM EST. Tickets go on sale Monday...

Thursday, September 27, 2007 4:46:55 AM - "Rock And Roll Over" Tour Focus...

A taste of the "Rock And Roll Over" Tour Focus

Note: This article comes from the now abandoned third KISSFAQ "Focus" book, but is presented here in completed and modified form for your reading pleasure (or torture). The KISSFAQ "Live Focus" aimed, as the title suggests, to focus on the band from a live perspective, as a result there's not much about the albums or song histories in this feature. The full version of this article, warts 'n all, will be published in "The Other Side Of The Coin" (ISBN #0-9722253-6-6). "The Other Side Of The Coin" is a compilation of previously published interviews and articles from the KISSFAQ website. It also includes additions to material previously published in the "KISS Album Focus" trilogy and some unpublished material. The unpublished material includes unused magazine articles, sections previously cut from the "KISS Album Focus" books, the "Rock And Roll Over" Tour Focus, and updated "KISS Family Trees" and the "KISS Concertology, 2002-7.

It's pretty obvious that "KISS Alive!" was the album that saved KISS, and to no small extent Casablanca Records also. It's also obvious that "Destroyer" nearly killed the band's success before they'd really had more than a taste of fame (no fortune quite yet) prior to a certain "throw-away" ballad becoming something of a savior. The KISS of 1975 into early 1976 was a band whose studio sonic dynamic had changed. An analogy of a caterpillar metamorphosing into a butterfly might be apt, were one writing flowery prose. Discarded was the ethos of trying to capture the band "live" in the studio. Instead, the band had agreed to Bob Ezrin's all-out sonic experimentation and refinement which resulted in "Destroyer." It also resulted in the alienation of a sector of the original 73-5 fans as the band's studio sound became ultra-polished rather than raw and somewhat rushed.

It might also be fair to suggest that KISS' success turned some of the original fans off - they now had to share "their" band with apparent bandwagon-hopping newbies (some of those fans are still bitter in 2007). Even the band's members and support personnel weren't absolutely sure about the path they'd taken with "Destroyer," but in the end they probably picked up more new fans than they lost. The humorous point to the overall uncertainty about the product they'd created was obvious by the last minute invitation to Jack Douglas, then Bob Ezrin's assistant, to remix the album and try and salvage something from a perceived mistake.

"Rock And Roll Over" reunited the band with Eddie Kramer, with whom they'd done their first studio recordings in March 1973 (Gooch/Suhs) and their breakthrough "Alive!" (and Anaheim '76). His studio work with them provided a taste of what could, and probably should have been, the sound of the first two albums. That cynical voice also suggests that he did exactly that with the band when he re-recorded material that became "Alive!" Eddie had turned down live albums with Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones to work with KISS (in the studio) at this juncture, but it was probably the right time for him to do so. Yet, Ezrin's imprint was still very much present. However tough the recording experience had been, the band had discovered that more variety in the music could be beneficial.

Recording officially commenced at "closed" Nanuet Star Theater in Nanuet, NY on Monday, September 20 and was scheduled to be there completed by October 11. The theatre was closed in late-1975 (reopening in May 1978), but rented out for one-off or other events. It was also very conveniently located near New York City, thus not requiring any major relocation for the band and their staff. The weekend of September 18-19 saw the crew and band arriving and acoustic tests being done on the environment and equipment. Recording in a theatre was supposed to help capture the live dynamic that proved so popular with the fans. The album was completed at the Record Plant, back in New York City between October 12-17. Final overdubs and mixing took place between the October 18-24, while the band was in Los Angeles. With Kramer at the helm recording took weeks instead of the months the previous album had taken - though to be fair, there were breaks in the recording schedule.

There was no shortage of ideas or material, and the resulting album was released on November 1, which seems completely insane for an album that had only been completed a week earlier! But it seems likely that the material was very spontaneous and specifically lacking in the refinement that Ezrin brought to the sessions. For the first time in their history KISS was not on tour at the time the album was released. In the meantime there were rehearsals to complete and promotional material to produce. KISS and their core entourage flew to Los Angeles on various days to tape the Paul Lynde Halloween special in mid-October. Most of the band arrived on the October 18 (an advance "guard" had arrived on October 12). KISS rehearsed in Hall #5 at ABC Studios in Los Angeles, CA the following day and taped the show on October 20-21.

KISS' part of the show included minor dialogue bits and the lip-synched performances of "Detroit Rock City" (taped on 10/20), "Beth," and "King Of The Night Time World" (both taped on 10/21). The band returned to New York the following day. For promotional purposes to support the album band also appeared on the Burns Media radio show "Rock And Roll Over With KISS." It featured interview segments and sound-bites from members of the band and tour personnel, plus clips of various KISS recordings, not only those from the new album.

Tour rehearsals were booked at Studio B at Studio Instrument Rentals (S.I.R.) in New York City between November 7 and 13. These were followed by the full production rehearsals held at the Camp Curtis Guild Armory (which became the American Civic Center) in Redding, MA between November 14 and 21, though staff were onsite from the 11/12 for setup and equipment unloading. Eddie Balandas and Joe Gusti drove up from Boston in a truck carrying the costumes and Peter's stage cats on November 13. For the tour there were only minor revisions made to Gene, Ace, and Peter's "Destroyer" costumes. For the early part of the tour Paul continued to use older costumes, before getting his new one. The new costume was essentially a sleeveless version of the "Destroyer" unitard. During their stay the band and entourage took over the Lord Wakefield Motor Hotel on the shores of Lake Quannapowitt. Tour manager and "Artist Representative," a term which could also be read as "babysitter," was Frank Scinlaro. Billy Miller would shortly take over from Frank.

Fans are lucky that a couple of recordings of those rehearsals, not just the singular "Take Me" that was included on the "KISS My Ass" video. First is a half-hour tripod shot black and white video that features the band running through "Cold Gin," "God Of Thunder" (including Peter's solo), "Rock And Roll All Nite," "Deuce," "Black Diamond," and "Love 'Em And Leave 'Em." None of that material is particularly staggering, since the band trying to arrange an electric version of "Beth" isn't present, but KISS are without their make-up and costumes. "Love 'Em And Leave 'Em," which was probably filmed separately, wasn't even a performance as such. It's the band working on lip-synching the performance that they'd film for television during the rehearsals. That song, "I Want You," and "Hard Luck Woman" were properly filmed for use on Don Kirshner's "New" Rock Concert during the rehearsals.

The audio only version of the tour rehearsals include: "Detroit Rock City" (incomplete), "Take Me," "Let Me Go, Rock N Roll," "Strutter," "Ladies Room," "Firehouse," "Hard Luck Woman" (incomplete), "Do You Love Me?" (incomplete), "Cold Gin" (several attempts), "Makin' Love," "I Want You," and a more complete and fast-tempo 2:34 arrangement of "Hard Luck Woman." This audio version is usually found in very reasonable sound-quality, though there is some fluctuation. The last song, while complete, is more "muddy" than the rest of the recordings. However, cleaned-up with a bit of audience over-dub, presto, that's what "Hard Luck Woman" sounded like live in concert in 1976!

The "Winter Tour 1976/77" (that's the official title of the tour, rather than oft mentioned "Spirit of '76 Part II" and other variants) kicked-off in Savannah, Georgia on November 24. The originally intended opening city of Fayetteville, NC was inexplicably changed, though it was rescheduled for later in the tour. The band essentially used the same stage that had been used on the previous tour though it was refined with some stage props not being used. There has been the suggestion that KISS performed "Love 'Em And Leave 'Em" during the early part of the tour. That would have meant during the first five shows of the tour. Even though Gene has asserted that it was performed, it seems unlikely. The one appearance of the song is during a lip-synch rehearsal, and nothing else about the song in concert has ever come to light. It seems more plausible that Gene is misremembering the video rehearsal, but as with all things KISS that statement (opinion) should not be interpreted as "fact."

What is clear is that plenty of new material was introduced for the tour. Initially, "Rock And Roll Over" was represented with "Take Me," "Ladies Room," "Hard Luck Woman," "I Want You," and "Makin' Love," which during the early stages of the tour appeared as an encore! These five new tracks add to likelihood that "Love 'Em And Leave 'Em" was not included, simply by representing 50% of the new album ("Calling Dr. Love" joined the set during the "Love Gun" tour). An additional song from the album may have been over-kill for the set which was designed to be around 75 minutes in duration.

More importantly was the introduction of "Beth" into the set. By that time the band had no choice but to incorporate the song into the set due to its hit status. Bringing Peter out from behind the drum kit, to sit on a case and sing along to the canned orchestral track, allowed him to connect with the audience in a very personal and somewhat tender way, again changing the overall dynamic of the band's live show. The band was moving on from their early years, not necessarily maturing, but at least evolving.

Early standards such as "100,000 Years" and "Deuce" were dropped from the set in order to limit the length of the shows and focus the material on the most popular albums at that point. The band and their advisors were very aware and concerned with the product they were selling. There was also less experimentation with the set, though obviously there were changes, but things became very much stream-lined, or perhaps more scripted than ever before.
What is generally considered to be the first available recording of the "Rock And Roll Over" tour is from the January 1, 1977 show at Providence's Civic Center in Rhode Island. During December kinks were ironed out of the set and it somewhat stabilized featuring: "Detroit Rock City," "Take Me," "Let Me Go, Rock 'N Roll," "Ladies Room," "Firehouse," "Makin' Love," "I Want You," "Cold Gin" (w/ Ace's solo) , "Do You Love Me? ," "Nothin' To Lose," "God Of Thunder" (w/ Peter's solo), "Rock And Roll All Nite," "Shout It Out Loud," "Beth," and "Black Diamond." That's not a particularly grueling set list, and nine of the songs are post-"Alive!" Considering that the tour concluded at Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, VA on March 7 that's a substantial part of the tour not archived! In fact, according to Curt Gooch and Jeff Suhs' "KISS Alive Forever: The Complete Touring History," some 22 shows out of a tour of 70 equates to around 32% of the tour to remain pretty much shrouded in mystery. Furthermore, the show on March 7 probably had the same set list as the show on January 1 indicating that the set was very much static during this major part of the tour. The last know audio recording from March 5 also has the same set, so it is unlikely that it changed for the final two shows. In fact, from the audience recordings (ROIO) that do circulate most indicate similar sets, though invariably encores and/or other parts of the show may be missing. Hartford, from February 16, is particularly butchered, missing "Firehouse," "Do You Love Me?," "Nothin' To Lose," "Shout It Out Loud," and "Beth," but at least sounds better than the few other audience attempts.

Opening act for most of December through mid-February was the Uriah Heep. When their stint ended New York punk band and contemporaries of KISS, The Dictators, lead by "Handsome" Dick Manitoba joined to tour. Like KISS, the Dictators had played the Coventry in New York City in their early years and even played on a bill with the Stooges and Blue Oyster Cult months before KISS' Academy Of Music industry debut! However, the bill was very much mismatched. It is interesting to point out that the band had a song, "The Minnesota Strip," on their "Bloodbrothers" album 1978 that has more than a few similarities with KISS' later version of Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance's "War Machine." An interesting coincidence, in addition to the band's other shared histories. Other acts to open for KISS during this tour were Southern Rock band Blackfoot and Sammy Hagar.

One particularly interesting show from this period, Johnson City, TN, from February 26, has Paul singing many of Peter's vocal parts. Peter had been involved in a car crash, after the band's show at Nassau Coliseum on February 21. This incident resulted in the cancellation of the tour's next scheduled show in Hampton, VA on February 23. At the Nassau show, which had been an extra date scheduled due to MSG selling out and being unable for further booking, Peter's levitating drum had malfunctioned and nearly tipped him and his kit off while descending unevenly - Peter should have been used to that after what he'd gone through during 1973-4! When the tour reconvened in Johnson City, Peter didn't perform "Beth," though he did complete his drum solo. Apart from this show we pretty much hear and see the "same old, same old."
The few other audio and video recordings from the tour provide fans with a fascinating look at the tour. Memphis, TN is the earliest recording currently known to exist from the tour, and one of only two shows from 1976 (the other being New Orleans, LA from 12/4 which doesn't circulate either) - three if you count the silent 8mm footage from Jackson, MS. The show was the sixth of the tour, so its early date makes it a particularly important artifact. What makes either of these recordings fascinating is the inclusion of "Hard Luck Woman" in an electrical format. With the single having been released around the time the tour kicked off, backed with "Take Me," it wasn't particularly surprising that the band initially included either song in the set. "Hard Luck Woman" gave Peter another opportunity to shine. The 12/2 show also provides a listen to what is currently the earliest performance of "Beth."

No full set list from this early part of the tour has previously been known, though we can now present at least what it looked like in early December 1976. The 12/2 show featured the following set: "Detroit Rock City," "Take Me," "Let Me Go, Rock 'N Roll..." [Read the rest of the article in "The Other Side Of The Coin"]

More publication details as they become available...

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 6:00:14 PM - Jumpin' Gene Simmons on the radio '79...

A second piece of multimedia for the day: Jumpin' Gene Simmons on BJ105 lunch-time radio from June 14, 1979. Gene attempts to get people who call in to talk, discusses the cancellation of that day's show, and more. Give it a listen, HERE (7Mb MP3, 17 minutes)...

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 8:32:10 AM - KISS Loves You...

What appears to be a very much unofficial public-domain material DVD titled "KISS Loves You," a "wistful documentary about worldwide KISS nostalgia" by Jim Heneghan (MVD4648) is scheduled for release on 11/20/07. Like any unofficial release we'll have to see if it really makes it to market. According to PR, the 168 minute DVD is: "Ten years in the making, KISS Loves You is a film that began back in 1994 when the band KISS was at a career low and KISS fans around the world were starting tribute bands, uniting at unofficial KISS Conventions and growing increasingly more nostalgic for the 70's era classic KISS line-up. The zeitgeist exhibited at these conventions was not lost on the band and in 1996 they responded, rising up like a grease painted phoenix into a new era of success. On the surface, KISS fans got exactly what they longed for, but for some the return of their idols brought unexpected consequences. KISS Loves You follows a few KISS fans along the way." (PR). Bonus material includes silent Super8 film of KISS in Stockholm 1976, "extended" footage from the 1996 KISS Press Conference on the USS Intrepid, a "Beyond Vaudville KISS Spectacular Program," and 90 minutes of "out-takes" from the film... Caveat emptor?

Tuesday, September 25, 2007 4:49:57 AM - "Hard Luck Woman" Live '76...

"Hard Luck Woman" was only performed electrically by KISS during the early part of the "Winter Tour 1976/77" before being dropped from the set. Listen to a short clip of the song, HERE (200Kb MP3, 14 seconds)...

Tuesday, September 18, 2007 5:13:26 AM - New Japanese Photo Book

A new 192 page Japanese photo book has just been published (ISBN-13: 978-4401622641) by Rockjet that covers the 1977 and 1978 tours...

Sunday, September 16, 2007 6:33:03 PM - Even more KISSFAQ EBAY Auctions!

Even more KISSFAQ Ebay Auctions start today:

190153303431	US $5.99	WASP - The Sting Limited Edition Live CD
190153303441	US $5.99	KISS/Vinnie Vincent - Sneak Peek 45 7" single
190153303452	US $5.99	KISS/Vinnie Vincent - Animal pink 45 7" single
190153303457	US $5.99	KISS/Donnas Clear Vinyl "Strutter" split 7" single 45
190153303460	US $5.99	KISS/Bruce Kulick: Stevie 7" Single
190153303465	US $5.99	KISS/Bruce Kulick/Blackjack: Love Me Tonight 7" single
190153303473	US $5.99	KISS/Bosstones Green Vinyl "DRC" split 7" single 45
190153303479	US $5.99	KISS/Ace Frehley: Russian 7" Flexi-Single
190153303487	US $5.99	KISS Tribute on Foundations Musicfest '97 Sampler
190153303501	US $5.99	KISS Chronicles 3CD Box Set
190153303511	US $5.99	KISS 1973 Demo/Black Sabbath/Dio Foundation "F" #1 CD
190153303517	US $5.99	Dokken - s/t Japanese special edition CD 1994
190153519864	US $7.99	KISS/Paul Stanley: Phantom Of The Opera Program Lot
190153711389	US $7.99	KISS: The Originals (2nd Edition) Incomplete
190153711402	US $7.99	KISS: Forever 12" gatefold with 1973 demos
190153711411	US $7.99	KISS/Peter Criss: German "Out Of Control" LP
190153711417	US $7.99	KISS/Bruce Kulick/Stevie: Sailor 12" Single
190153711422	US $9.99	KISS/Bruce Kulick/Stevie: Gypsy LP
190153711426	US $9.99	KISS/Bruce Kulick/Rozetta LP
190153711435	US $9.99	KISS/Bruce Kulick/Meat Loaf Live '77 LP
190153711443	US $7.99	KISS/Bruce Kulick/Blackjack WLP LP
190153711451	US $9.99	Bruce Kulick: Wendroff KISS the World Goodbye 1978 LP

Check 'em out, and other auctions to be listed soon, HERE...

Saturday, September 15, 2007 8:28:07 AM - Another bunch of KISSFAQ EBAY Auctions!

A bunch of KISSFAQ Ebay Auctions start today:

190153228806	US $9.99	Rozetta/Bruce Kulick Pre-KISS 7" Single 45 (1980)
190153228814	US $9.99	Rare Vinnie Vincent Pre-KISS 7" Single 45
190153228822	US $9.99	Pre-KISS/Eric Carr 1979 Lightning Album LP
190153228833	US $9.99	Pre-KISS/Eric Carr 1979 Lightning 12" Single
190153228838	US $7.99	Ozzy Osbourne - Ultimate Sin/No Rest... Australian CD
190153228845	US $7.99	Metallica - Load/Reload Double CD Pack
190153228855	US $9.99	Leon Redbone - Budweiser Radio Commercial Reel
190153228867	US $9.99	KISS/Eric Carr/Cellarmen Lot
190153228875	US $2.99	KISS Carnival Of Souls US CD
190153228883	US $9.99	KISS Book - Roar of Greasepaint, 1997-2006 (Paperback)
190153228895	US $9.99	KISS Book - Roar of Greasepaint, 1997-2006 (Paperback)
190153228901	US $9.99	KISS Book - Roar of Greasepaint, 1997-2006 (Paperback)
190153228908	US $19.99	KISS Book - Roar of Greasepaint, 1997-2006 (Hardcover)
190153228913	US $19.99	KISS Book - Roar of Greasepaint, 1997-2006 (Hardcover)
190153228920	US $19.99	KISS Book - KISS & Related Recordings Focus (Hardcover)
190153228925	US $9.99	KISS Book - Kings Of The Night Time World, 1972-82 (SC)
190153228933	US $3.99	KISS 1970s Road Crew Expense Reports
190153228938	US $9.98	KISS - World Domination Tour Book
190153228952	US $9.98	KISS - US Farewell Tour Book
190153228955	US $7.99	KISS - Unholy CD Single w/ bonus tracks
190153228964	US $9.98	KISS - Reunion 1996 Tour Book
190153228976	US $9.98	KISS - Reunion 1996 Japanese Tour Book
190153228983	US $9.98	KISS - Reunion "Lost Cities" Tour Book
190153228991	US $9.98	KISS - Love Gun/Alive II Tour Book
190153228993	US $9.98	KISS - Japanese Farewell Tour Book
190153229001	US $7.99	KISS - God Gave Rock And Roll CD Single
190153229004	US $9.98	KISS - Crazy Nights Tour Book
190153229008	US $5.99	KISS - Animalize PR LP
190153229012	US $9.98	KISS - Alive Worldwide 1995 Tour Book
190153229017	US $5.99	KISS - "Who Wants To Be Lonely" Video VHS (1985)
190153229022	US $7.99	KISS - "The Lost Concert" DVD Sealed
190153229026	US $9.99	KISS - "Rock The Nation" Japanese DVD w/ CD!
190153229032	US $5.99	KISS - "Psycho Circus" 3D Video
190153229040	US $9.98	KISS - "Psycho Circus" 1998 Tour Book
190153229043	US $9.99	KISS - "Detroit Rock City" Movie original trailer VHS
190153229049	US $9.99	Blackjack/Bruce Kulick Pre-KISS 7" Single 45 (1979)
190153229055	US $9.98	Aerosmith - 1987 Permanent Vacation US Tour Book

Check 'em out, and other auctions to be listed soon, HERE...

Thursday, September 13, 2007 8:39:50 AM - The Second Coming of "The Second Coming"

Image Entertainment reissued "The Second Coming" DVD (ID9078MHDVD) 06/19/07 as part of their low-priced series with a MSRP of $14.99...

"For over a quarter century, Kiss has shaped the face of popular music and rock culture. The "Kiss Alive Worldwide" tour saw the rebirth of rock's most incredible band. Who are these masked men and where did they come from? What did it take to reclaim their title as "The Hottest Band in the World?" After 18 years apart, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, Peter Criss and Gene Simmons overcame their past differences, finally reuniting the powerhouse original Kiss lineup that wrote rock and roll legend. This is Kiss and this is their story" (PR).

Thursday, September 13, 2007 8:39:50 AM - "Detroit Rock City" on Metal Compilation

"Detroit Rock City" will be included on the 4-CD Metal Compilation "Heavy Metal" being issued via Rhino/WEA on Oct 02, 2007. The collection spans early innovators such as Iron Butterfly and Blue Cheer right through more modern acts such as Pantera and Sepultura...

Thursday, September 13, 2007 5:25:57 AM - "Greatest KISS" Reissue

"Greatest KISS" (UICY-90709) is scheduled for reissue in Japan on December 5. Oddly, 2007 has been quiet for reissues of the KISS catalog, even though many of the titles released in December/January are already unavailable from online retail catalogs. On fascinating release this year has been the 200g premium vinyl reissue of "Destroyer" which was released on August 8 as a part of a Universal campaign honoring classic/popular releases:

All pictures by naokiss. Domo Arigato!

With such a light reissue schedule in 2007, and the lack of an Japanese tour dates, I'd expect to see some further reissues of the catalogue in early 2008.

Tuesday, September 04, 2007 09:11:34 AM - Whistler Show Cancelled

According to the ticket vendor: "Big Mountain Concerts have informed us that due to logistical problems at the mountain concert site, the KISS concert, due to be held on 15th September 2007 has been cancelled. If you have already purchased tickets for this concert, secureTicket will be processing the refunds during the next 48hours."

Saturday, September 01, 2007 9:02:18 PM - Dayton, OH coming 9/15

Get A Life Inc presents the first ever Dayton, OH KISS Expo. Get ready for another great KISS Expo!

The 2007 Dayton KISS Expo will be held Saturday, September 15th from 1:00PM to 8:00PM (11:00AM for VIP holders) at:
Dayton Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites
2455 Dryden Road
Dayton, OH 45439

Call for hotel reservations at: 937-294-1471

Special guest includes Nate Morton, drummer from Paul Stanley's Live To Win Tour and part of Rock Star House Band from the show Rock Star INXS and Rock Star Supernova. Also the ultimate KISS tribute band Mr. Speed will perform. The same band that Ace Frehley jumped up on stage with at the first anniversary of the KISS Coffee House and performed Shock Me in June. Just added to the Dayton Expo is KISS kid drummer Angelo Coppola. The eleven year old from Detroit Rock City will be opening the entertainment with a set of KISS classics and rarities. Angelo played drum tracks on the recent KISS tribute CD titled Christine Sixteen 2 (Another High School Tribute to KISS) and was a winner on TV�s America�s Most Talented Kids.

Children 12 and under get in free! Merchandise and collectibles will be on sale throughout the day. There will be giveaways and contests too. Let�s make this first ever Dayton KISS Expo a huge success! VIP ticket holders will be able to get in two hours early 11am) and get a FREE collectible. VIP tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Regular admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. There will be very limited tickets available at the door, so please order now so you don't miss out!

For vendor information contact sstierwalt@getalifeinc.com and check www.kissarmywarehouse.com for further details. To order tickets click here!

Wednesday, August 29, 2007 6:56:58 AM - On-Again, Off-Again... "Lick It Up" DVD back on track?

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?