The KISSFAQ - December '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.

Quick Links:
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2006-12-30 17:22:14 - Additional Japanese reissues...

01/17/07 - Japanese “The Very Best Of KISS” Reissue CD.
Same as previous (Universal UICY-6659).

03/09/07 - Japanese “Greatest KISS” Reissue.
Just an annual reissue with the same UICY-6011 release code.

03/09/07 - Several of these releases were due 12/20/06, but only “Alive,” “Alive II,” and “Dynasty” were released at the time. The rest are scheduled for release in March: KISS (Universal UICY-6637); Hotter Than Hell (Universal UICY-6638); Dressed To Kill (Universal UICY-6639); Destroyer (Universal UICY-6642); Rock And Roll Over (Universal UICY-6643); Love Gun (Universal UICY-6644); These are standard jewel-case editions... «Post A Comment»

2006-12-27 08:58:05 - Another High School Tribute To KISS...

"Christine Sixteen 2: Another High School Tribute To KISS," the follow-up to "Christine Sixteen: A High Tribute To KISS" produced by École Secondaire La Frontalière located in Coaticook, Québec Canada. The first tribute CD was released in April 2006 and sold out immediately. That project brought a fun outlook to the rather over-done world of KISS tributes making it a project done with the involvement of students.

This second volume picks up where the first left off, though young drumming sensation Angelo Coppola, who was featured on America's Most Talented Kids, is expected to perform drums on several tracks on the album. The album is expected to feature:

Creatures Of The Night (Cassandra Goudreau)
Baby Driver (Jessica Scalabrini)
Charisma (Jessica Dionne)
Master & Slave (Jessika Groleau)
Got Love For Sale (Cassandra Markey)
War Machine (Jessica Scalabrini)(Featuring Angelo Coppola on drums)
Shock Me (Carolyne Bédard)(Featuring Angelo Coppola on drums)
Deuce (Nadia Goudreau)(Featuring Angelo Coppola on drums)
God Of Thunder (J. Scalabrini and C. Goudreau)
Watchin’ You (Jessica Dionne)
Jungle (Cassandra Goudreau)
Larger Than Life (Carolyne Bédard and Nadia Goudreau)
100,000 Years (Cassandra Markey)
Dirty Livin’ (Jessica Scalabrini)
Into The Night (Nicolas Maurais)
Black Diamond (Cassandra Goudreau)
Kissin' Time (With special guests KISS ARMY)

The album will be exclusively available from http://www.kissmuseum.com. Check out the project's website http://www.highschooltributes.com/... «Post A Comment»

2006-12-23 14:58:44 - Best Buy Rant...

Well, my third visit to Best Buy for the replacement disc I was entitled to for each of the copies of “KISS Alive 1975-2000? I’d purchased. I have been given the following excuses:

1) We don’t know what you’re talking about (12/12)
2) 10 copies are on back order, which might arrive in 2-10 days (12/15)
3) No copies are available or on back-order (12/23).

So, that’s it. According to the Colma, CA store, there isn’t going to be any resolution for any customer there. Nice. It may only be two songs, and isn’t important in the bigger picture, but it’s the principle of the matter. If Universal and Best Buy team up to do an exclusive promotion then they are bound to get it right or make it right. E&OE doesn’t cover the misinformation that has been spread during this fiasco. Neither is the inequality in the solution, which ultimately makes Best Buy, Universal, and the artist look bad.

With the amount of discs showing up independently on Ebay, it’s clear that some are benefitting from this joke, especially those who are given the discs without proof of purchase or go to numerous stores to get copies without their receipts being marked as having been given a replacement. Rant over. Next step? Get over it... «Post A Comment»

2006-12-21 07:29:33 - Mass-market version of "Roar of Greasepaint" now available...

The mass-market version of the final volume of the KISS Album Focus, “Roar of Greasepaint, 1997-2006? (ISBN-10: 0-9722253-5-8), is now available with the hardback option (ISBN-10: 0-9722253-6-6) expected in early 2007. The book was initially produced in a very limited privately published edition (ISBN 0-9722253-4-X) in October 2006 to facilitate availability for the 2006 holiday season. All copies of that 8.5×5.5? format work were distributed to online vendors or were quickly sold direct. That volume has the smallest print run on any of the privately published KISSFAQ books.

The mass-market edition has been reformatted in 9×6" to meet the requirements of the printer and includes the graphical title page that had to be omitted from the privately published version. Also added is a taste of “The KISS Video C hronicles: Part One: Official KISS Videos.” That sample is an non-proofed and non-final format excerpt from the forthcoming book, “The KISS Video Chronicles,” by Sasha Karn (AKA Sagafoo) with contributions by/with other collectors. Information on the progress of this book can be found at http://www.sagafoo.com/, a KISS fan site with no affiliation with the band.

The collectible privately published version is available from KISS Museum or KISS4SALE.com

Currently, the mass-market version of the book is only available on Amazon.

Seldom do bands come along that leave such an indelible mark on popular culture. During the 1970s KISS redefined what it meant for bands to “entertain” people with their bombastic live performances and larger than life images. And the merchandising… During the 1980s the band fought for survival as internal strife and external competition forced an attempt to reinvent themselves. The early 1990s had seen KISS make one final gesture to be a relevant musical force, but this did not translate into the demanded success. Instead the band started looking to the past and played their final “Ace” card. Volume 3, “Roar of Greasepaint” picks up the history as the band attempted to record a “Reunion” studio album, and the disjointed soap-opera that followed and continues. The “KISS Album Focus” is an unofficial and unsanctioned look at the history of “the hottest band in the world” that destroys some KISS urban legends and confirms others... «Post A Comment»

2006-12-20 05:47:54 - Happy Birthday Peter...

The KISSFAQ wishes Peter Criss a very happy birthday... «Post A Comment»

2006-12-19 13:14:42 - Eddie Trunks Merry KISSmas Special (Dec. 22)!

(From http://www.eddietrunk.com/) “The Original Merry KISSmass Special! You wait for it all year and Kiss fans it’s finally here! Nothing but the music of Kiss, Kiss giveaways, requests and maybe some surprise guests. Airing live 12/22 from 11PM-2AM EST on Q104.3 NYC and live online at www.q1043.com More news and updates in the Radio section of this site. Merry KISSmass and happy holidays to all!”

KISSFAQ Says: Eddies’ KISSmas Specials have rocked in the past, and he’s been a staunch supporter of the band who has often spoken his mind, so check it out... «Post A Comment»

2006-12-19 08:49:18 - More on the Best Buy Bonus Tracks Soap-Opera...

It's still not the end of the world, but some fans are reporting picking up their supposed bonus track CD replacements at Best Buy and receiving the same 15-track version that was erronously included in the first place. Fans can check the CD, since the release code is printed on the CD. The 17 track version with bonus tracks is B0007986 while the standard 15 track version is B0007586. Bring your reading glasses as the print is small!

However, many stores do still not have the replacements or knowledge (and why would most associates, there's a lot of product to keep track of in any modern store). The SKU on the back of the cardboard sleeve that contains the replacement disc is 8186189. An associate should be able to look that up in their system to see if they have any in stock and the item should scan for $0.00.

KISSFAQ says: I still don't have my replacements as the Best Buys I've been to in the Bay Area haven't had them. Am I annoyed? Yes, slightly it wastes my time which is valuable to me, but it's still not the end of the world. It's just a sign of how bad corporations can be communicating with their groundstaff and getting stock out. Surely they know exactly how many CDs were sold at each location, JIT ordering systems have been in place for decades. Furthermore, there should be internal methods for associates to be made aware of these sorts of issues, as this isn't an unique event. Associates don't seem to be empowered with basic training. Of course, we could also say that these promotions are unfair, but they do work - I only went to Best Buy because of the bonus tracks, and the KISS boxes certainly weren't the only products I purchased there that day... «Post A Comment»

2006-12-16 12:48:48 - Gene Simmons' "Family Jewels" DVD offers audio treat...

People receiving the deluxe editon of season one of Gene Simmons "Family Jewels" are receiving an audio treat. The package includes a bonus CD with two songs expected to be featured on Gene's "MONSTER: THE GENE SIMMONS BOX SET." The version of "You're My Reason For Living" varies slightly from that released in 2003 on Gene's "Sex Money KISS" audio book lunch box and Japanese version of "Asshole." While it has more prominent drums, it lacks some of the electric guitar over-dubs and is 17 seconds longer, though most of that is the result of a longer fade-out.

The second song is previously unreleased. "Rain Keeps Fallin'" is previously known as a song Gene demoed with members of Silent Rage around 1991. Several different lyrical versions of the song exist. Most interesting, perhaps, the riff at the start of this song can also be heard in a studio jam session with Dutch rockers Sleeze Beeze from around 1990/1 where Gene was working with the band on using his "Daily Planet" riff. They'd come up with the song "Jealous Woman" from the efforts, though the band didn't use it. This is a great example of Gene and his creativity. "Rain Keeps Fallin'" was being developed during the COS sessions, with one September 1993 re-write being known with interesting lyrics such as "Burning crosses in my own back yard" and "My name's on a cool headstone with a pretty rose."

... «Post A Comment»

2006-12-16 08:55:35 - ACE FREHLEY To Participate In 'Six-String Masterpieces' DIMEBAG Art Tribute

(From Blabbermouth) “Ozzy Osbourne (BLACK SABBATH) and Ace Frehley (KISS) are among the latest artists who have signed on to participate in the “Six-String Masterpieces: The Dimebag Darrell Art Tribute” — the art exhibit of guitars that have been hand-painted, illustrated and sculpted by top rockers and modern artists in tribute to one of the most influential metal guitarists of all-time, “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott of DAMAGEPLAN and PANTERA. Over the next two months, look for new Dean ML guitars painted by:

Ozzy Osbourne
Ace Frehley (KISS)
Al Jourgensen (MINISTRY)
Dean Karr (award-winning video director, photographer)
Paul Raven (MINISTRY, KILLING JOKE, PRONG)
Jim Root (SLIPKNOT, STONE SOUR)
Cristina Scabbia (LACUNA COIL)
Alex Grey (legendary psychedelic artist)
Billy Gibbons (ZZ TOP)
Leslie West (MOUNTAIN)
Jamie Jasta (HATEBREED)
Aaron Lewis (STAIND)

There will be a small collection of the art guitars going to winter NAMM and then to Guitar Center Hollywood in January. More details will be made available soon. “Six-String Masterpieces: The Dimebag Darrell Art Tribute” was on display at most of the recent Ozzfest dates. This phenomenal exhibit features original artwork, painted on a guitar, by Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, METALLICA, MUDVAYNE, Zakk Wylde, Kerry King, Paul Booth, GODSMACK, DEFTONES, OTEP and many other leading musicians and artists. All guitars will be auctioned off to support a music and art education foundation in the name of Dimebag Darrell Abbott... «Post A Comment»

2006-12-14 16:03:08 - Best Buy replacement disc still missing in many areas...

It would have paid to have purchased the “KISS Alive 1975-2000? box set online. Even though Best Buy’s website wasn’t exactly explicit about the online purchase including the bonus tracks, you would probably have received your replacement disc by now. For those people who have purchased the product in stores, the customer service as a completely different matter and you are probablty not being treated equally with online customers. Many KISSFAQ users are reporting frustration at the lack of discs in their local Best Buy stores. Worse still is the lack of information at the stores for staff to refer to. There is an instore notification that lists the SKU of the replacement disc, and the details of the replacement offer, but many staff appear unaware of this. Not that it would matter as many stores don’t have any of the discs.

At a Best Buy in Colma today I was told that it could be anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks for the discs to show up, though 10 were on back order. That is certainly a far-cry from the suggested December 9th arrival date for “most stores.” So, good luck, you’ll probably get your replacement disc eventually, depending on how much time you’re willing to waste stopping by the store to run the gauntlet of customer service (who really can’t be expected to know everything about every product, but should know about internal Best Buy tools to find out). Sure, it’s only two songs, but c’mon a “Millenium” concert without “2,000 Man!” Bet it gets released as a stand-alone product in 2007... «Post A Comment»

2006-12-12 06:02:36 - Happy Birthday Bruce...

The KISSFAQ wishes Bruce Kulick a very happy birthday! ... «Post A Comment»

2006-12-06 08:36:05 - "Lick It Up: The Definitive DVD" CANCELLED again...

Perhaps someone jumped the gun listing this video compilation package (Universal UIBO-1120) for sale on various Japanese music sites, but Universal Japan has again cancelled the package that was scheduled for release on January 31, 2007. With the numerous KISS releases currently hitting the market, and the band’s plans for KISSology Volume II next year, I guess it isn’t too surprising. However, I’d still like to see a full proper compilation of all of KISS’ promo videos, akin to the format AC/DC did with their excellent “Family Jewels” product. That was far more comprehensive than what appeared to be included in the “Lick It Up” DVD... «Post A Comment»

2006-12-05 07:16:15 - Chicago KISS Expo Reminder

(From: KISSONLINE.com) "KISSONLINE will be attending the Chicagoland KISS Expo next Sunday - so please stop by our booth and say hello! We will also have merchandise on sale. See you there! The Chicagoland KISS expo will take place next Sunday, December 1 ... «Post A Comment»

2006-12-05 07:14:07 - Best Buy "Missing Bonus Tracks" Resolution

(From: KISSONLINE.com) “Universal Music has manufactured replacement discs for Best Buy customers that purchased the set without the bonus tracks - “2000 Man” and “God Of Thunder”. The discs will begin shipping direct to Best Buy stores on 12/6. Depending on transit times, most Best Buy stores should have the discs by December 9.

To receive the free replacement disc, bring your receipt into a Best Buy store on or after December 9. If your purchase was made on Bestbuy.com, there will be instructions there as well, next week. Best Buy will have plenty of replacement discs after the holidays too, for fans that receive the CD for Christmas. Thank you for your patience while this solution was being worked out and implemented.” «Post A Comment»

2006-12-01 10:07:59 - KISS Online updates Best Buy situation

From the letters section of KO:
Subject: Best Buy
From: TYKB on 11/30/2006
Just wondering when we can receive some information on the Best Buy mistake. I have been a fan since 1975, the box set is great, the packaging is terrific. Kissology is wonderful. A true KISS fan’s dream come true on both releases!!

KOL RESPONSE:
Universal Music and Best Buy have the solution. Implementing now and we should be able to post by the weekend. Thanks for keeping the faith! «Post A Comment»

2006-12-01 10:02:07 - Congratulation's Gene Simmons & family

A&E has ordered 20 half-hour episodes of “Family Jewels” for broadcast 2007. Congratulations to Gene and his family... «Post A Comment»

2006-12-01 10:00:19 - Live Daily Paul Stanley interview...

Live Daily’s Paul Gargano has conducted a recent interview with Paul Stanley. “Well, KISS is a facet of who I am, but it’s not all of it. There is undoubtedly more freedom in doing something under my name and without either the politics or the dynamics and personalities of a band.”

http://www.livedaily.com/interviews/LiveDaily_Interview_Paul_Stanley-11116.html?t=98 «Post A Comment»

2006-12-01 09:57:03 - Hit Parader's list of "Heavy Metal's All-Time Top 100 Vocalists"

Both Gene and Paul were rated in Hit Parader magazine’s list of “Heavy Metal’s All-Time Top 100 Vocalists” (November 2006 issue). Here’s some of the list:

01. Robert Plant
02. Rob Halford
03. Steven Tyler
04. Chris Cornell
05. Bon Scott
06. Freddie Mercury
07. Bruce Dickinson
08. Ozzy Osbourne
09. Paul Rodgers
10. Ronnie James Dio
11. Axl Rose
12. Sammy Hagar
13. Geddy Lee
14. Geoff Tate
15. Mick Jagger
16. Jonathan Davis
17. Roger Daltrey
18. Paul Stanley
19. David Lee Roth
20. Kurt Cobain
21. Maynard James Keenan
22. Klaus Meine
23. Eddie Vedder
24. James Hetfield
25. Trent Reznor
26. Serj Tankian
27. Layne Staley
28. Steve Perry
29. Gene Simmons
30. Joe Elliott
31. Jon Bon Jovi
32. Alice Cooper
33. Vince Neil
34. Steve Marriott... «Post A Comment»