Featured
Article For the Month of August, 2005
Thomas Anderson, The Original KISS Fan ! ! !
By: Kat's Eyes
Are you a true KISS fan? In this writer's opinion, a
KISS fan should measure his devotion against that of
Thomas Anderson of State Center, Iowa. Anderson builds
his collection continuously like other fans but his
real contribution to the world of KISS is his artwork.
His full line of KISS Fourever art can be seen at KISS
events, expos, conventions, and sci-fi shows. Anderson
attends more than half a dozen events yearly peddling
his works. Since 1998 he has been a special guest at
many of the big comic book conventions in US. He spends
a share of his sales revenue to keep his KISS collection
growing. He has so many pieces of art to choose from.
Each piece is hand-drawn by Anderson and colored on
poster board. He laminates each which produces a unique
KISS poster and a desired KISS collectible for fans
around the world.
Anderson will turn 45 this August of 2005 and has been
producing his work since the arrival of KISS on the
music scene in the 1970's. As an art student from West
Marshall and Central Iowa Art Association in Marshalltown,
of the time, he caught his first KISS concert. He was
blown away like the rest of us when we first saw the
boys rockin down the house. It is like your first real
kiss, you never forget the way it made you feel in your
gut. Addicted to the sound, shocked by the sight, and
hooked by the charisma of The "Band of Our Generation!!!"
Tom spends much time making sure that each has accurate
detail to the period and costume for each member. This
is to say that he has a whole series of works that are
broken down into each costume / tour that KISS has ever
done. There are group posters and individuals too. The
can be black on white or brilliantly colored with blues,
reds, greens, and of course the signature black and
white used to create the makeup. These are quite affordable
too.
The artwork and Tom have been featured on the top KISS
sites on the web, KISSFREAKAS.com and KISSASYLUM.com.
Around home, Anderson has been featured in newspapers
and on television for his work. So, like many of us,
he is the sentinel of KISS remaining faithful and stands
strong for the band throughout the ups and downs of
their career. People of Anderson's community recognize
him as a KISS fan. Many of his neighbors own an original
KISS Fourever Artwork.
Members
of KISS have also met Anderson and are aware of his
contribution to the KISS world. Check out his work,
get a piece for your own, or just drop an E-mail to
Tom and thank him for his wonderful devotion and work
throughout the years. I own a personal KISS Fourever
work and it is one of my prize possessions among my
collection. Lots of people claim to be a KISS fan. Thomas
Anderson, in my opinion, is "THE ORIGINAL KISS FAN!!!"
[Visit
The KISS Fourever Site]
Featured
Article For the Month of July, 2005
Eric Carr, A Birthday Celebration ! ! !
By: References taken from EricCarr.com, DrummerWorld.com,
and Others
Why SEO Services are Important for Your Online Business. The SEO services have been always in search of new techniques to beat the search engine algorithms and the search engines have been developing more and more complex algorithms to obtain relevant search results for the users.
|
|
Eric
Carr, what more can I say? Soon it will be his birthday. Since
ascending to heaven, the angles are surely rockin'. So many
interviews, news articles, and facts about the fox have been
written. With this piece, we salute the legacy of this most
talented individual, Paul Caravello, a.k.a. Eric Carr.
Not an original member of Kiss, Eric Carr was automatically
accepted and held in high regard by KISS fans across the world.
I can just see him standing high above his kit at the end
of his solo. At less than 5 feet 8 inches and 145 pounds,
Eric looked 7 feet tall at the end of his super-human drum
solo. Eric was born Paul Caravello in Brooklyn, New York on
July 15, 1950, and has two sisters, Loretta and Sissy. Loretta
is involved with the official Eric Carr website. Occasionally
a fan can purchase a personal piece that belonged to Eric
by visiting that site. As a boy, Eric hoped to become a scientist,
astronaut, or artist. Then it happened... He discovered rock
n' roll the way so many others did in the early '60s, due
to the arrival of the Beatles and the British Invasion. Ringo
Starr was the inspiration that moved Eric to take up the drums
by age 14. Eric began drumming on magazines until his parents
bought him his first proper drum set shortly thereafter. Left
handed in everything he did, except play drums. As so many
young aspirating musicians, Eric had a long road ahead and
his share of dues to pay on his journey to the top.
In the meantime, Eric was of age to fight, our nation was
at war in Vietnam. Eric avoided the military draft by purposely
failing the mental and physical examinations. He did the just
opposite of everything he was supposed to. Further proof that
not only Eric was talented, he was smart. I can imagine this
as a comical episode of Eric's at his review. Although most
people know Eric was a gas range repairman, he also worked
as a file clerk for the Department Of Criminal Justice. He
also sliced cold cuts in a Queens supermarket, and later worked
with his father delivering refrigerators and mixing cement.
Just months before Eric joined Kiss, he was still working
with his dad repairing gas ranges. Eric was an excellent repairmen
in Brooklyn and he enjoyed working with his dad, a sign of
close family ties. Eric's parents still show their support
of Eric's legacy and dedication to the fans by appearing expos
on occasion.
The year is 1966. Paul Caravello, and the Cellermen, were
hired by a young 16 year old up-and-coming singer, Crystal
Collins. Crystal and the Cellarmen soon entered a Brooklyn
recording studio, and recorded "When I Grow Tired" and "No
Matter When". Crystal performed on lead vocals, with the Cellarmen
and Eric doing background vocals. These recordings were pressed
on the Jody label. The label also recorded the Cellarmen's
other release, "I Found You". Eric did lead vocals and played
drums on this piece. The recording had some airplay though
is was not a great success. The band performed at Bar Mitzvahs
and weddings throughout NYC. During the '70s, Eric had become
a great admirer of such hard rock acts as Led Zeppelin and
the New York Dolls, although his bands throughout the decade,
Creation and Mother Nature/Father Time, were more disco-based.
I wonder if he ever listened to KISS? Eric narrowly escaped
a club fire, and saved the life of a female singer during
the 1970's. The fire claimed the lives of two of his then
band members. Eric would live on to become "the premier drummer"
of the 1980's.
In the meantime, Eric made plans for his higher education.
Could you score a 96 on your algebra test? Well the fox did.
He attended college for a few years, but left to pursue his
first love, music. Before applying to Kingsbourgh college,
Eric was accepted to Princeton University. But, due to lack
of funds, he soon moved on. Next Eric joined Salt and Pepper.
This was another step along his climb to stardom. Like so
many other greats, there are those that just want to Rock
and Roll. Lucky for us, Eric decided to Rock.
At the birth of the new decade, the '80s, Eric had become
frustrated that his previous bands had failed to break through
to the big time. He was looking for something better. As fate
would have it, KISS' drummer, Peter Criss, was looking to
make a move too. Peter was leaving KISS. In June of 1980,
a friend happened to bump into Eric. The friend relayed to
Eric that KISS was holding auditions to replace Peter. So,
Eric submitted his application to KISS in an orange envelope
so it would stand out. He managed to get a try-out through
KISS' management, and jammed with the band on June 23rd. Before
leaving his audition with KISS, he asked for their autographs,
thinking he may never meet them again. One week later, on
July 1st, Eric was invited to join KISS. With a massive tour
of Europe and Australia already booked and fast approaching,
Eric and the guys brainstormed to come up with a stage name
for the new member, and a persona that would fit in with the
band's look. Eric Carr's early stage name was Rusty Blade.
I like this name.Of course, the name was later nixed, but
Eric, being playful as usual, used it as his hotel check-in
name when on tour. When Eric Carr joined the band in 1980,
there was talk of him actually recording a KISS solo album.
Therefore, the band commissioned Ken Kelly, the legendary
artist who painted the 4 solo album covers, to paint one of
Eric. The painting still resides with the Cravello family.
Caravello was officially dubbed Eric Carr, and after a failed
attempt at being the hawk, Eric became the Fox. Eric's drumming
fit perfectly with the band. His speed and technique made
him an immediate success among KISS fans. He generally had
more of a heavy metal drum sound than his predecessor. Strangely,
KISS did not make full use of his talents until their 1982
release, "Creatures of the Night". The drums were intended
to sound like guns or cannons being fired. Check out the tracks
on this recording and feel the proof. Eric's live drum solos
of this period still echo in my head. This tremendous sound
was like that of heavy hitters, Led Zeppelin's John Bonham
and Deep Purple's Ian Paice. KISS was entering a new era.
At this point, it seems that Eric was pointing the way.
Eric remained a member of KISS for the remainder of the '80s.
His talents can be heard on such hit albums as Lick It Up
and Animalize, among others. He played venues the world over.
KISS' members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley wrote the majority
of the band's songs during Eric's decade of KISS drumming.
It is known that Eric was responsible for co-writing such
hits as "All Hell's Breaking Loose"," "Under the Gun",
and "Little Caesar". Eric performed lead vocals on "Little
Caesar". Shortly after KISS finished their Hot in the Shade
tour, Eric was shockingly diagnosed with cancer. Despite what
was believed to be a successful operation to remove his tumor
initially, he lost his battle to cancer on November 21, 1991,
at the young age age of 41. Gene and Paul, as a tribute to
Eric, included an unreleased drum track from 1981 on their
1992 album, Revenge. The track is rightfully called "Carr
Jam 1981."
Eric's work is still just a CD away. It is as clear and magnificent
as the day it was recorded. And as previously stated, I am
sure the angels are jamming to Eric's beat. Eric, in my opinion,
is KISS as much as any other member, past or present. In 1999,
two releases became Eric Carr Icons. These are the biographical
home video, "Tale of the Fox" as well as an EP titled "Rockheads".
"Rockheads" included original music from a children's cartoon
Eric was creating towards the end of his life. The characters
are of course rock stars. "Rockology" was released in 2000.
On July 15, in memory, take out your favorite KISS CD from
the era of Eric Carr, and ROCK WITH A LEGEND.
Exclusive Interviews This Month At ERICCARR.COM
1.BRUCE KULICK
2.AJ PERO - Drummer Twisted Sister
3.BILL AUCOIN - KISS' long-time manager
4.TOMMY THAYER - KISS
5.JOEY CASSATA - Z02 drummer
6.JANET SYMMONS - Webmaster of www.eric-carr.info
[Check Out The Official Site]
Featured
Article For the Month of June, 2005
Angelo Coppola, a Young Drummer in Catman Clothing ! ! !
By: The Coppola Family
Angelo Coppola, a 9-year old from Macomb Michigan, began
playing drums at age 2 when his dad, a musician, bought a
drum set. But Angelo didn’t play like most other kids his
age, banging away randomly. Instead he would construct beats
and patterns even at this early age. When he was 3 he went
to his first KISS concert and the band immediately became
one of his biggest musical inspirations. Although he often
entertained for family and friends, his first public performance
was at his school variety show at age 6. He was only in kindergarten!
He wowed the audience playing Smash Mouth’s mega-hit “All-Star”.
He has performed at every variety show since then performing
tunes by Aerosmith and KISS. So, it was extra special when
Angelo got to see KISS and Aerosmith on the same bill at Comerica
Park, in his hometown Detroit, in 2003. In 2004 his parents
sent a tape of Angelo playing “Rock & Roll All Nite” to PAX
TV’s “America’s Most Talented Kids”. He soon got a call and
was invited to compete on the show. He and his family flew
to L.A. in December and Angelo delivered a knock-out performance
in full Cat Man make-up and became one of
the shows youngest winners ever. Angelo has also found time
to entertain for charity events. He enjoys helping others
out by doing something he loves. Angelo has a huge repertoire
of songs covering a wide variety of musical styles. In addition
to his musical career Angelo has appeared in several TV commercials
and also has kept busy doing voice parts for radio. He is
a straight A student and is a member of the student council.
He is a walking encyclopedia on the subjects of KISS, pro
wrestling, NASCAR and the NBA. There is a video clip of his
performance on AMTK on his site. And, an entire page devoted
to KISS!
[Check
out his website at www.angelo-coppola.com]
Featured
Article For the Month of May, 2005
Jason Hartless, Jr. On The Rise
By: The Hartless Family
Jason Hartless Jr. Jason Hartless Jr. has been drumming before
he could walk. A natural at the drums, simply put, he has
a strong passion for the instrument. By
the age of 2, he was playing on his first drum set. At
the age of 5, he was jamming with seasoned musicians and
an all adult rock group and in the studio. He started at
the age of 6, playing the first of many club gigs with
a very diverse selection on songs. His set list ranged from
double bass metal to 1940s jazz swing classics.
At the age of 7 yrs old, Jason wasng his set list with
the Mountain classic "Nantucket Sleigh Ride." During the rock
group Mountain's U.S. tour, video footage from Jason's performance
made its way to Corky
Laing, the drummer for Mountain. After returning home
from Mountain's European tour in 2003, Corky contacted Jason's
family personally to find out more about this amazing young
drummer and present the offer to produce Jason's debut
CD.
Richie Scarlet, the lead guitarist with the Ace Frehley Band and Sebastian
Bach Band, also saw the video footage of Jason and offered to contribute his
talents to the young drummer's first CD release. For 11 months, Corky and Richie
have repeatedly made several trips to Jason's hometown of Detroit to work on and
finish this CD project in between their own busy tour schedules. Jim McCarty
Lead Guitar for Mitch Ryder, Cactus and The Rockets also came down to the studio
and cut a track with the boy as well.
Tommy
Cluefetos, drummer for Ted Nugent/Alice Cooper/Rob Zombie
heard about this young drummer's talent and invited Jason
Jr. to play a drum
solo at his clinic. Jason stunned the entire audience
including Tommy with his incredible performance. Tommy was
so impressed with this boy's talent, that he offered to take
Jason under his wing and further his ability through private
lessons in his home studio.
On May 30,2004 Mountain was in Jason's hometown of Detroit,
Michigan at the DTE Music Amphitheater, formerly Pine Knob.
Jason was invited by Mountain's
Legendary guitarist and front man Leslie West, to perform
their signature rock anthem Mississippi Queen.
Jason has used his talent to help other children, Jason performed a 12 hour drum
marathon to help raise money and toy donations for Toys for Tots outside of a
Toys R Us in a tent this past December. It was a great success and was met with
a great media backing, an even more spectacular Toys for Tots event in now in
the works for 2005. Jason has done performances and donated his money to the
Rainbow Make a Wish Foundation (gives terminally ill children have a last wish),
and the Yankee Air Museum that burned down this past October 2004. Partial
proceeds from the sale of his first CD are donated to the D. A. V. (Disabled
American Veterans).
In late summer 2005 Jason is looking forward to heading to Millbrook Studios,
New York's premier recording studio with Richie Scarlet to start production of
his new release. There has been talk of a remake of a classic Ace Frehley song
that may end up on the CD. Richie Scarlet will be producing as well as
performing on the CD. Richie Scarlet has approached many of his legendary rocker
friends to contribute and appear on the new release. The request has been met
with very much excitement and enthusiasm. Names of the special guests will be
released when production of the project begins in late summer.
Additional Commentary by Katseyesproducts: I met Jason at the Indy KISS Expo. At first he is just another
kid wandering around looking at KISS stuff. Before the tribute band played,
Jason took a run on the drums. It was simply unbelievable. This young man is
so talented. If you get the chance to see him play, take it. Then, after arriving
home after the Indy Expo, we played the Jason Hartless, Jr. CD. It rocks "totally" and it
has lots of great tracks on it including an Alice Cooper track, "Department of Youth".
Don't miss this one. Visit his site and pick it up. You will not be sorry.
[Go Get Your Jason Hartless CD]
|