KISS Sales and News Center - December 2005 News

News Archive For the Month of December, 2005

Ace Thinks "It Could Be Fun" Onstage With KISS Again!

From: Blabbermouth.net

Ace Frehley Eddie Trunk Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley is currently working on a solo album for a tentative spring release, he revealed during a guest appearance last night (Dec. 23) on the "Merry KISSmass Special" with Eddie Trunk on New York's Q104.3 FM. Around 15 songs are being recorded for the effort (with about 10 expected to make the final cut), which will be made available through Ace's soon-to-be-relaunched web site, AceFrehley.com, as well as via proper label channels (Frehley is "talking" to several different record companies at the moment). Although he offered no details, Frehley indicated that he would definitely be back on the road sometime in the spring, "either in a small club or Madison Square Garden — hopefully Madison Square Garden," Ace said. Frehley — who says he has been sober for two and a half years now — will be accompanied by a brand-new band once he hits the road, but he offered no specifics as to who will make up his backing group for any of the upcoming shows. Asked if there was a scenario under which he could envision himself ever returning to the stage as part of KISS (alongside Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley), Ace said, "I think it could be fun, if it was the right situation." During his appearance on the "Merry KISSmass Special", Frehley also premiered a recent rough-mix recording of a semi-acoustic version of the ROLLING STONES classic "2,000 Man", which originally appeared on KISS' "Dynasty" album (1979).

As previously reported, Frehley's former record label, Megaforce Records, will be issuing a compilation titled album, entitled "Greatest Hits Live", on January 24, 2006. According to a press release, this CD "represents some of the best work from legendary KISS guitarist Ace Frehley during the period after his highly publicized departure from one of the greatest rock bands of all time." As with the previous Megaforce Ace Frehley releases "12 Picks" (1996) and "Loaded Deck" (1997), Ace himself had nothing to do with putting this package together.

KISS On Christmas Day

From: KISSOnline.com

KISS Radio Have you heard? 12 hours of KISS on Christmas Day!

On The Hog 102.9 FM in Milwaukee, WI

Click here to vote for your Top 5 KISS songs...someone's winning KISS stuff!

[Vote And Win]

Ace Frehley's New Release

From: KISSAsylum.com

Ace Frehley Release The cover art for the "Greatest Hits Live" CD being released by Megaforce on Jan. 24, 2006. The Track listing:

1. Rip It Out (Live)
2. Breakout (Live)
3. Cold Gin (Live)
4. Shock Me (Live)
5. Rocket Ride (Live)
6. Deuce (Live)
7. Strangers In A Strange Land (Live)
8. Separate (Live)
9. New York Groove (Live)
10. Rock Soldiers (Live)
11. One Plus One
12. Give It To Me Anyway

Bruce Tells All

From: Kulick.net

Bruce Kulick News Happy Holidays to you all! I had a very exciting November and December, so here goes with a report on my travels to Europe with UNION and Mexico with Eric Singer. We started in a town called Sion, Switzerland which is in a valley of the Swiss Alps where my friend and tour manager Nicolas lives. First time for John Corabi, Fred Coury (Cinderella) on drums and Chuck Garric (Alice Cooper) and they were quite impressed. I have been there so many times it was great to show the guys around.

We rehearsed courtesy of ourng act Crystal Dusk. It was very cool to get to hang out in the town, and the guys from Crystal Dusk helped show the guys around. After Sion, off on a regular touring schedule which is very hectic. Off to Zurich for our show at Alpenrock, and we really had a great first show. I love that venue as it is quite unique with its "in the Alps look." Next day off to Germany for our two shows.

[Read The Rest]

PAUL GUITAR DOLL

From: KISSOnline.com

Not KISS Mego Paul Stanley Doll & Mini Guitar in Guitar World. The new issue of Guitar World features an article about Ibanez Guitars. Along with the article is a photo of a promotional Paul Stanley doll that comes with an exact miniature replica of his Ibanez PS10 guitar. The tiny guitar even has working pickups and an 1/8-inch output jack! Yet another great KISS collectible…

PAUL'S SOLO ALBUM

From: KISSOnline.com By: Keith Leroux

Paul Solo Last Tuesday I received one of the best KISSmas gifts ever! Paul Stanley himself played me his new CD! Wow, just typing that line makes me laugh. If you had told me back in '78 when I was listening to his first solo record, that Paul would personally play me his next solo record before it was released, even at 11 years old I would have thought you were crazy. I also would have been more interested in hearing Gene's next solo release. Not that I did not like Paul, but I was a Gene fanatic and back in '78 I would have probably liked "Asshole" too. Funny how things happen in life, how you change when you grow up and realize that not all things that were important to you as a kid are so important anymore! I still smile at the fire and blood but now 38 years old I need a little more to impress me. Not much more, I just want to know you put a little effort into the project, a little substance beneath the smoke and mirrors. You do that and I'll cut you some slack.

Twenty seconds into the first track of Paul's new CD and it was obvious that no slack cutting was needed here. Paul put a lot of effort into this one. A whole lot of effort, a whole lot of heart & soul and a whole lot of pride! I was listening to an unmastered CD on an ok stereo system and it rocked! The sound hits you instantly! This is a top notch recording sonically but not too polished or over produced. All the musicians are on top of their game. The first two tracks caught me off guard. Dare I say, a modern Paul Stanley sound. I don't know how else to describe it.

The first track in particular reminds me of a movie sound track song with a big powerful chorus that just makes you want to get up and save the world. Mid way through the CD it's obvious that Paul came to play, that he took this project very seriously. A few songs do remind me of his '78 release and there are a couple in the "Forever" vein with a beautiful lush sound. Vocally, Paul sounds more like his early days to me. From beginning to end, I kept waiting for a filler track that never appeared.

When the CD finished I congratulated Paul on a great effort. An effort, which yes, impressed me! This had nothing to do with the fact that the legend was standing maybe a foot away from me the entire time I listened intently to the CD and everything to do with the fact that Paul Stanley was focused and intent on delivering a product that he was proud of. Imagine that, don't worry about the money, don't worry about the critics, just be true to yourself! What a concept!

Eric Singer Says Merry Christmas!!!

From: Eric-Singer.com

Eric Singer Christmas I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas ! It has been a long year touring wise for me & I want to say thanx for all for the support I recieved out there on the road.

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Bruce Is Back

From: Kulick.net

Bruce Kulick Home Bruce is back from UNION's European Tour and will have a new Message From Bruce recapping his travels in the near future. In the meantime, several web sites have posted photos from the various shows UNION performed, including the UNION For Children show at Stadthalle in Babenhausen, Germany; the show in Zürich, Switzerland at Alpenrock House; and, the show at Burnout in Witten, Germany. The photo used here is one of the beautiful shots taken by H.U. Zingg at the Alpenrock House show. Be sure to click over and check out all the great photos!

[Visit Bruce's Site]

ACE FREHLEY to Co-host Eddie Trunk's Original Merry KISSmas Special 12/23

From: EddieTrunk.com

After years of silence, original KISS guitarist ACE FREHLEY will be joining Eddie Trunk live on air to co-host this years Original Merry KISSmass Special. The show will air on Q104.3 FM in NYC (serving NJ, NY, Long Island & CT) December 23rd from 11PM-2AM EST. The show can also be heard live online that night on www.q1043.com. The program will then be aired the following week on affiliate radio stations on tape delay (complete list of outlets under "Syndication" section of www.eddietrunk.com).

Trunk and Frehley have a long history and friendship together and Ace has made several memorable appearances on his programs over the years. It was Eddie that helped sign Ace to a solo contract in 1986 and served as co-executive producer/A&R on several of his releases. Ace performed at the NY Steel benefit that Trunk organized in 2001 and also performed at Eddie's Birthday party in NYC a couple years later. This will be Ace's first music related appearance on radio and TV in several years.

Eddie Trunk began doing all KISS radio shows around Christmas over 15 years ago as a tribute to one of his all time favorite bands, and a band that's music is largely ignored in mainstream radio with the exception of a few songs. Ace has been a part of the program in previous years, as has fellow original members GENE SIMMONS, PAUL STANLEY and PETER CRISS. The show features music from the bands 30 plus years history, and includes all eras and lineups. Ace will be providing commentary and stories about much of the music played. The Original Merry KISSmass Special is consistently one of Trunk's most anticipated shows each year. For more info on this very special show and updates, please visit the Trunk Report section of EddieTrunk.com.

Peter Criss Is Coming To Town

From: PeterCriss.net

Peter Christmas 6th Annual Children's Christmas Parade. Santa Claus is coming to town! Presented By: The North Hudson Firefighters and Fire Officers Of the North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue in conjunction with the towns of North Bergen, Union City, West New York, Weehawken and Guttenberg. Sponsored By P and L Grill, 590 32nd Street, Union City. Wednesday, December 14, 2005 From 6:30PM to 9:30PM. Parade will start at 7:30 PM from 85th Street and Bergenline Avenue to 32nd Street and Bergenline Avenue and End at P and L Grill.

[Go To Peter's Site]

Paul Solo Record

From: Bravewords.com Special Report By Martin Popoff

Paul Stanley Solo Project He is, of course referring to his new solo album, the legendary KISS guitarist adding that, “I’m just looking and talking with various labels to see where it will wind up. I mean, it’s done, mixed and ready to go, and according to everybody who’s heard it, it’s damn good.”

“Modern is a scary word,” opines Stanley, when asked for a characterization of the record. “I would certainly say that it is very much in keeping with my personality and keeps a very consistent viewpoint, but it sounds really big and the songs are great. The singing is great and the songs are great and the playing is great. You know, so far so good.”

Quite diverse like Gene’s album, or is it a fairly unified sound? “Well, it certainly… you know, not to be smart, but it’s consistent in its diversity. There’s enough divergence in terms of the songs, and yet they all sound like they belong on the same album. There’s nothing that’s experimental and there’s nothing that is out of character, but after doing this as long as I have, I’ve covered enough bases that I think I’ve just brought them all home on this album.”

Stanley is also celebrating the release of KISS’ new DVD – Rock The Nation Live!, a gorgeous concert package shot in the DC area last year, stuffed with rarities like ‘Love Her All I Can’, ‘Tears Are Falling’ and ‘Makin’ Love’. Paul offers comment on the advantages of the two disc package. “Well, you know, the fact that it is high def makes a huge difference. And that we have this KISS Powervision, as we’re calling it, where you can choose who you want to watch. And of course if you have your sanity and your good taste, you’ll be watching me. It’s a great concert and a great time capsule of the last tour. Again, what it does is that it very much says that this band really is justified in terms of the longevity and how people view the band, good or bad. I could care less. We are exactly who we aspire to be, and who we work our asses off to be. This isn’t a shadow of a bygone era. When we hit the stage, as in the last tour, you see a stage set up and show that is signature KISS. The band looks and sounds like it was… you pick a year.”

Paul Stanley On Rock The Nation

From: United Press International

Paul Stanley Interview KISS Releases New Live DVD

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- KISS hopes to rock the nation again with the release of a new concert DVD this week."KISS Rock the Nation Live!" debuts Tuesday, featuring a 20-song show filmed last year in Washington D.C., as well as behind-the-scenes features and interviews with the band. Singer-guitarist Paul Stanley says the new DVD shows the veteran rock band in the best possible light.

"This really validates for me why this band exists," says Stanley, who co-founded KISS in the early '70s with bassist Gene Simmons. "The band has never been better. It's not a tepid recreation of the past. It's really an ageless beast that dominates at will. It's timeless. There is no heyday to this. It just goes on forever."

The DVD features several songs KISS has not often performed live, including "Makin' Love," "Got To Choose," "Love Her All I Can," "I Want You," and "Parasite." KISS has no plans for the foreseeable future. Stanley is currently looking for a deal for a solo album he recently finished.

Bruce Celebrates His Birthday In Mexico City

From: Eric-Singer.com

Bruce Kulick Birthday While In Mexico for the KISS Expo last weekend, Bruce took time out to celebrate his birthday along with Band Mate, Eric Singer, and friends. Check out the photos on Eric's site to see how Bruce eats his cake!!!

[Check It Out]

KISS ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF ‘KISS ROCK THE NATION LIVE!’ OUT DECEMBER 13

From: Image Entertainment

Legendary rock group KISS will release the two-disc concert DVD set KISS ROCK THE NATION LIVE! December 13 via *Image Entertainment, Inc.

Filmed in high-definition during KISS’ mind-blowing 2004 Rock The Nation tour, KISS ROCK THE NATION LIVE! features a vast collection of KISS gems, many performed live for the first time in years. Over two hours in length, the DVD set is teeming with 20 live performances of KISS classics including “Rock And Roll All Nite,” “Detroit Rock City,” “Lick It Up,” “Shout It Out Loud,” “Love Gun,” “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” “Deuce” and many more songs that have defined rock ‘n roll. In addition, live versions of songs such as “Makin’ Love,” “Christine Sixteen,” “She,” “Tears Are Falling,” “Got To Choose,” Love Her All I Can,” “I Want You,” and “Parasite,” are seen here for the first time.

An unprecedented look at KISS onstage and off, KISS ROCK THE NATION LIVE! is loaded with behind-the-scenes footage of the band, who’ve sold over 80 million albums worldwide. It includes soundchecks, photo sessions, life on the road and even a rare glimpse inside the famed KISS dressing room. An added bonus for die-hard fans is “KISS Powervision,” an interactive feature that includes “Select-A-KISS,” which allows viewers access to separate channels for each of the four band members. At any given moment, the viewer can watch the main concert program or switch to different cameras focusing on PAUL STANLEY, TOMMY THAYER, ERIC SINGER or GENE SIMMONS.

From their formative years in the early 70s to the present day, KISS--one of the most influential rock bands of all-time, inspiring many key rock, alternative and punk musicians--continue to make rock and roll history. After over 30 years of exhaustive touring around the globe, including high-profile appearances at Super Bowl XXXIII, the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and the 2004 Rockin’ The Corps concert at Camp Pendleton where the group performed for U.S. troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The KISS legacy continues to grow, generation after generation, transcending age, race and creed. The unparalleled devotion and loyalty of the KISS Army is a striking testament to the band’s unbreakable bond with their fans.

KISS ROCK THE NATION LIVE! gives KISS fans everywhere an exclusive fly-on-the-wall perspective that’s the next best thing to being in the band. KISS are stronger and more vital than ever, commanding massive audiences in stadiums and areas around the world. The DVD captures the group at their best, offering a re-energized show infused with a blistering new level of performance, theatricality and musicality that KISS is known and loved for worldwide.

Check out the song track listings for KISS ROCK THE NATION LIVE!:
KISS ROCK THE NATION LIVE! DVD-Disc1:
1. Love Gun
2. Deuce
3. Makin’ Love
4. Lick It Up
5. Christine Sixteen
6. She
7. Tears Are Falling
8. Got To Choose
9. I Love It Loud
10. Love Her All I Can
11. I Want You
12. Parasite
KISS ROCK THE NATION LIVE! DVD Disc 2:
1. War Machine
2. 100,000 Years
3. Unholy
4. Shout It Out Loud
5. I Was Made For Lovin’ You
6. Detroit Rock City
7. God Gave Rock & Roll To You II
8. Rock & Roll All Nite

[Go to www.KISSOnline.com for up-to-date information on KISS]

YNGWIE MALMSTEEN And RICHIE SAMBORA Asked To Audition For KISS In 1981

From: BraveWords.com

According to Kisskollector.com, both RICHIE SAMBORA (BON JOVI) and YNGWIE MALMSTEEN recently stated in interviews that they were asked to audition for KISS. Both must have been contacted by KISS circa 1981, so they obviously were considered as a new KISS guitarist when Ace Frehley was too drugged out to play with KISS any longer. Another guitarist who was unknown then, Adam Bomb, has also made it clear he was asked to audition for KISS back in ’81, as we already quickly mentioned on November 15. In his biography it says that in 1981 “At age 16, Adam was asked to audition for KISS. He flew to Los Angeles and played three songs with KISS.” A year later, he’d hook up with future GUNS N’ ROSES guitarist Izzy Stradlin and also became friends with Tommy Thayer (who back then was still the guitarist in BLACK N’ BLUE)

. As for Richie Sambora, he says in an interview in the December/January issue of Germany’s Metal Heart magazine that Gene Simmons had invited him down to LA to audition for KISS, even before he had joined Bon Jovi… “Gene Simmons called me and invited me to come to LA, to do audition for KISS. KISS absolutely wasn’t my favorite band, but obviously it was a big honor and a big opportunity for me. In the end, nothing came out of it but at least I had a couple of great weeks in Los Angeles.” Upon returning home, Richie’s then bass player told him he should hook up with a certain Johnny Bongiovi. They hit it off, and a few weeks later they started writing songs together. Long story short, John Bongiovi changed his name into Jon Bon Jovi, and Richie and Jon would become very famous with their band Bon Jovi after releasing their debut album in 1984 andng up for KISS that year.

Whereas Yngie Malmsteen states in a September interview on GlamMetal.com: “I remember once, when I was living in Sweden and I got a phone call from KISS. It was so funny because it was like ‘Yeah we hear that you are really, really hot’ and I’m like ‘I don’t know... it’s quite cold here.’ (Laughs) Stuff like that, I didn’t fucking get it at all. Then they asked if I was at least 6ft tall and I’m like ‘I don’t know, I’m 1 meter and 83 cm.’ I had no fucking idea what they meant at the time. There was a real communication problem there.” Yngwie was discovered in 1982 by Shrapel Music founder Mike Varney (also a writer for Guitar Player magazine) and asked to fly in from Sweden to LA to play on the debut album by STEELER (Yngwie was replaced by Adam Bomb at two live gigs from Steeler – and in more “it’s a small world, isn’t it?” side notes, the band was fronted by Ron Keel, who later worked with Gene Simmons while in Keel). After Steeler, Yngwie joined ALCATRAZZ and in ‘84 he released his first solo album under the name Yngwie J. Malmsteen’s Rising Force.

Interesting side-note: KISS asked all these young, unknown guitar players (who would be famous years later) to audition – while Gene Simmons claims that in the early ‘80s Dutch guitar legend Eddie Van Halen was also considered for the role of KISS’ lead guitarist.

The Rat City Roller Girls

From: The Void By: Ted E. Brown II

In a recent issue of ESPN The Magazine (December 2005), Lindsay Berra reported on Seattle's Rat City Rollergirl League, In particular The Sockit Wenches, in the article there are various pictures of the team in "War Paint", three of these ladies decided to use KISS makeup. If You get a chance to grab the Magazine, pick it up and give it a glance, Interesting to see just how far the influence of KISS will go. For more information and Photos for both the Rat City Rollergirls League & The Sockit Wenches visit their sites by clicking the link below.

[Check It Out]

F5 Bassist Dave Ellefson - "KISS Was The Soundtrack To My Life"

From: BraveWords.com

Former Megadeth/present F5 bassist Dave Ellefson recently talked about KISS in an interview for Garage Radio: “I'm a huge rock fan myself. I think that's why most people get into this business whether you're a musician or a journalist or whatever — because we're fans. I'm a huge KISS fan and I can go back and listen to a KISS song and feel like I'm 12 years old, but the reality is I don't sit around and listen to my KISS records all day long like I did when I was 12. I'm not there any more, I've moved on to new things. As much as KISS was a soundtrack to my teenage life, I'm not a teenager any more and I've got other songs as my soundtrack.”

Interview with Dennis Woloch, KISS Designer

From: RockPages.gr

Dennis Woloch Artist Question:
Rockpages.gr: Would you like to characterize the following people?

Answer:
Gene Simmons: A larger than life figure. I didn’t like him most of the times due to his big ego. He thinks he is the best person around and makes you feel like you are nothing. It is hard to get along with him, but I think that you already know this, Sakis! (laughs) It was at a meeting that I almost broke a chair in his head! I was so pissed at him! But, generally I admire the guy…he succeeded and that is the most important thing.
Paul Stanley: Paul is an O.K. guy. I didn’t have the chance to get to meet him so much like I did with Gene. But, in general he is a very funny person.
Ace Frehley: Ace was a spaced out, crazy guy who drunk a lot and did lots of drugs. He always referred to me and everyone else as “curly”! Typical Ace! The truth is that I could relate with him better because we came both from the same background (working class).
Peter Criss: Peter was the guy that I knew the least of all for no particular reason. After all I designed his two solo records after Kiss. What I remember from him was that he seemed to be always pissed of about something! (laughs)
Eric Carr: The nicest person on earth! Seriously, he was such a nice guy that nobody had to say anything bad about him. He died really young….
Sean Delaney: Another larger than life figure! He was so creative that choreographed all the trademark stage moves for the Kiss show! And let me tell you that Kiss and especially Gene didn’t want to do all that stuff because he didn’t think much of them. We were so close and he was a special person. I was really glad to see him five years ago, in a Kiss convention. I haven’t seen him in ages and we talked about the old times. It’s so sad that he died, too…
Neil Bogart: Neil was also a great person. I met him for the first time in Fillmore before the release of their first album. He had a huge house in Bell Air and I knew his wife of course, Joyce who worked in our offices.
Dennis Woloch: An unbelievable person! (laughs) I was the small kid who went to a catholic school and after mother superior saw a drawing of mine, it was all the way downhill from there! (laughs).

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