From: KISSFREAKS.com

September 10th at the Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena. But, here is the catch -- it is a private show for HONDA FEST. If you know ANYONE that works at a Ohio Honda-based factory... ask them to take you... only Honda-based factory workers can get the tickets.

From: GeneSimmons.com

Gene Simmons invades England to teach a bunch of prim and proper boarding school students how to rock in the new VH1 series, "Gene Simmons' Rock School," premiering Friday, August 19 at 11PM.* The infamous "Demon" of KISS faces a monumental task: turning a group of classical music mini-scholars into a killer rock band.

"Gene Simmons' Rock School" has Master Simmons setting up court at one of the UK's top independent boarding schools, Christ's Hospital in West Sussex, south of London. The children who attend the 450-year-old school wear Tudor uniforms, march into the lunch hall accompanied by full brass band and know nothing about rock music. So, in just six weeks Gene must transform a class of classically trained 13-year-old musicians into little rock gods.

Some kids will make the cut, and some will have their hearts broken as Gene picks a band worthy ofng for metal legends Motorhead in front of 5,000 screaming fans.

[Go Here / Learn More]

From: Metal_Rules.com

Why Union never struck a chord makes little sense given their talent and, if nothing else, their previous history. Led by John Corabi (ex-Motley Crue, The Scream, Ratt, Brides of Destruction) and Bruce Kulick (ex-KISS, Billy Squier, Meatloaf, Grand Funk Railroad), Union released a stunning debut in 1998 to much fanfare but life on the road was not so kind. Forced back into the studio, THE BLUE ROOM was rushed on to shelves in 2000 with little promotion and disappeared quickly. According to Kulick, Union never broke up but just stopped recording together and its members moved on to other projects. Recently, Union played a handful of shows overseas so the interest is still there and with the newly released DO YOUR OWN THING LIVE! DVD, many fans will finally get to see the band perform live as well as get treated to some nifty extras.

Two identical shows from October 2001 span about 75 minutes and have been seamlessly spliced together from five or six different cameras. Union is incredibly tight live and not only do they play nine originals but also two Corabi-era Motley Crue tracks, two KISS songs, as well as one from The Scream. Corabi’s whiskey-soaked vocals fit the vibe of Union’s bar-band hard rock but he can also croon a nice melody such as that on “Pain Behind Your Eyes.” Kulick has never been a flashy performer and his years in KISS always found him to be pushed to the wayside in favor of two dominant personalities but make no mistake, he can rip when necessary and be just as comfortable on an acoustic passage.

The bonus materials are never mentioned on the DVD packaging but unlock them from the clever and well-styled DVD menus and over 90 minutes of goodies—including another sixty-minute show—awaits. The bonus show, recorded at the NAMM convention in 2000, is a more stripped-down affair than the other shows but the band still sizzles. In addition, a promo marketing video for THE BLUE ROOM, an eight-minute photo gallery and a link to the Union merchandise gallery can be found here as well as over fifteen minutes of behind-the-scenes video footage. The cherry on top, though, is the inclusion of an unreleased song (“Walking In Your Sleep”) taken from one of the band's earliest recording sessions. The track is a ballad but could easily have fit on either Union release as it is a far cry from what is commonly known as a “leftover.”

When I interviewed Kulick back in December 2003 after his shooting outside a Hollywood club, he mentioned that he was working on a Union DVD and as a major Union fan, I could hardly wait, so what a treat it was to receive a copy in the mail direct from Bruce (Thanks!!). Wading through the hours of material on the DVD, I was surprised not only by the quality of the package given it is an independently released product, but also at just how excellent a band Union was. DO YOUR OWN THING LIVE! is the perfect companion piece to the Union discography tying the band’s all-too-brief career into a nice retrospective. Let’s hope this is not the last we hear from them.

[Get Yours]

From: KISSOnline.com

Last Chance! Issue #4 of the Official KISS Magazine will be out soon, this is your last chance to get issue #3 as part of your subscription.

Remember, issue #2 sold out, don't miss out on #3, subscribe today.

[Subscribe Here]

From: mp3.com

MELBOURNE (Billboard) - Rock act Kiss' first official retail store KissWorld is holding a closing down sale before it everd for business. The store, planned toNovember 2004, was a joint-venture between Kiss and Melbourne-based paper goods manufacturer, World of Stars.

The 10,000 square meter Melbourne store was to stock merchandise relating to the band and other music, sports, movie and television personalities. It was to include a museum of stage outfits, a cinema to show unreleased Kiss footage, a cafe and a wall of fame.

The directors of KissWorld, Peter Hoffmann and Robert Manuele, said, "It is devastating to see the project coming to an end, not only in terms of the financial loss to us but also the energy and passion that has gone into it." Hoffmann and Manuele did not discuss reasons for the venture's failure.

The sale will be stage at a warehouse in the suburb of Hallam and online at http://www.kissworld.net between June 22 and July 17. Items on display included Kiss guitars and surfboards, as well as a giant mural intended for the exterior of the store.

[Get Some]

From: Eric-Singer.com

Alice Cooper’s band currently touring, Eric Singer and Friends, consist of Eric Singer (drummer with KISS since ’91), Ryan Roxie (Slash’s Snakepit), Damon Johnson (Sammy Hagar) and Chuck Garric (Dio).

Patrons entering filed past a dazzling array of KISS merchandise and memorabilia. The Kiss Army lapped it up, their ranks spanning from teens through to those well into their 50s. And as with all fanatics many were keen to talk about their obsession and make others understand it.

A much delayed flight left the American tourists in the unenviable position of being rushed straight from the airport to a fully sold out venue without any of their instruments. Taking the stage at midnight, they borrowed the support band’s equipment, leaving Singer to make do with a vastly scaled down kit. He had no time to familiarise himself with it before a packed house. Not for the faint hearted. The delay obviously caused Singer some angst. Diplomatically poking his head through the curtains he placated the crowd with promises of a great performance to come, a chance to chat later and signings. The promises were kept.

Support band, a somewhat “Matchbox 20ish” sounding Stand assured us of a “volume assault” to follow them and that’s exactly what was delivered. Despite all the problems, Alice Cooper’s band took the stage looking enthusiastic about the opportunity to play at a smaller venue for an “up close and personal” with the people. During the performance members of the support band became impromptu stage hands: continually assisting the band with adapting and adjusting their gear while the players never missed a beat.

Singer quickly established why he is revered as a messiah of the drums. Getting the most out of Stand’s kit he led a team of top class musicians and vocalists to grind out a string of familiar hits. Except this was no ordinary cover band. The Led Zeppelin and Genesis T-shirts seen on the stage augured the very 70s theme of the night. Covers followed of T-Rex, Thin Lizzie, Cheap Trick (a well received revival of Surrender), Sweet (Fox On The Run) of course Alice Cooper (School’s Out) and Kiss (Nothing to Loose, Strutter, I Love It Loud, Black Diamond).

Homage to AC/DC was given with a rendition of Highway to Hell complete with choreographed guitar moves at the front. Clenched fists abounded in the crowd during this song as they appreciated the Aussie link. Introduced by Roxie as “straight from the loins of Alice Cooper!” daughter Calico made a cameo, establishing her rock pedigree as she led the band for Cherry Bomb. The show’s conclusion brought the much anticipated meet-and-greet. A couple of hundred fans quietly queued with their Kiss memorabilia and various bits of drum kits to be signed. Eric Singer was the reason The Corner was filled to the gunnels and he patiently sat and ensured none left disappointed.

Paul Cuthbert and Angie Valcanis - Beat Magazine

[More of Eric Singer]

From: KevinConradArt.com

Markosia Enterprises (the home of the soon to be released Shadowmancer comic book) has signed Jazan Wild's Carnival Of Souls!!! Written by Stefan Petrucha and penciled by Kevin Conrad, the news will be officially announced at the San Diego Comic Con with creator Jazan Wild signing books throughout the weekend at the APComics booth. Stop by and pick up an EXCLUSIVE SDCC LIMITED EDITION special sized comic book and 3 song cd sampler from the soon to be released JAZAN WILD CD - inspired by the book. The first of 3 issues of Jazan Wild's Carnival Of Souls will released this Halloween! The Cd is produced by 2005 grammy winner Bob Kulick and will contain a digital version of Issue #1.

[Kevin Conrad's KISS Artwork]

From: KISSArmyNorway.com

KISS Army Norway & Voices Music Entertainment proudly unveiled the Ken Kelly painting that will become the cover for the upcoming Norwegian tribute CD. Kelly painted both the classical Destroyer and Love Gun covers. A large bunch of national press and special invited fans were present at Sentrum Scene in Oslo where the event took place. The KISS tribute album will be released september 5th and will be called ? Gods Of Thunder ? A Norwegian Tribute To KISS?.

Executive producer Stig Karlsen clame that the album will bring tribute CD's to a new level both musically and visually. The album consist of #1 chart topping and award winning bands from Norway. Among them millionselling Espen Lind, and World Idol winner Kurt Nilsen who won over US platinum artist Kelly Clarkson in last years final. Billboard US top 100 hundred artist Stage Dolls and the members from TNT Ronni Le Tekro & Tony Harnell are also on the album. The Norwegian superstars Wig Wam do ?I Was Made for Loving You? with former KISS-guitarist Bruce Kulick who wanted to pay tribute to his Norwegian fans. Gene Simmons Norwegian favorites Shirleys Temple, the band behind the song Asshole do "God Of Thunder".

[More Here]

From: SMH.com.au

Has Gene Simmons really slept with 5000 women? Aaron Timms puts the question to Kiss drummer and Friends frontman Eric Singer.

The odd experimental conga solo aside, it's not often drummers are given the chance to shine. Or speak.

Some might say there's a reason for that, but when Eric Singer, the drummer from Kiss, his mouth, it's as if he's speaking for every drummer that ever lived. The words race from his mouth. The man comes across less like a booze-addled glam rocker than a mobile-phone salesman in a hurry to meet his monthly sales target.

Which, in a way, he is. Singer is in Sydney to keep time for Alice Cooper. He will also be getting together with a few close friends such as Damon Johnson, who has rocked with Sammy Hagar, and Ryan Roxie of Slash's Snakepit fame. They'll play covers from the acts that made the 1970s such a glorious decade to be in the make-up industry: David Bowie, the Sweet, T-Rex, Cheap Trick and, of course, Kiss, for whom Singer has drummed since 1991.

Surprisingly, he seems intent on dispelling the rumours that accompany a list of names like that. The craziness, the debauchery, the excess.

"You know, I get asked about that all the time," Singer says.

"But by this stage most of these artists have been professionals for a long time. They've done the drugs, they've done the drink, but now they bring a workmanlike, professional attitude to their work."

Singer has named his group Eric Singer and Friends, but with all his talk of professionalism and workmanlike attitudes it sounds more like the musical equivalent of tennis player Wayne Arthurs: an efficient, unglamorous outfit that is a living tribute to "getting the job done". Perhaps a more appropriate name might be "The Journeymen".

"The reason people last this long in this industry is because they look after themselves," Singer says. "Sure, I've had my moments - I'm not going to pretend I've been a saint or anything - but now I take care of myself. I eat healthy. It might sound boring, but it's what you need to succeed."

Singer is understandably reluctant to dish the dirt on Cooper, his pay master. He says only that he is excited about the tour, for which he'll be on the road for up to six months.

"We're going to Australia," he says.

"We're also going to Tasmania."

Eric Singer 1, geography 0.

He says his band will eschew the traditional trappings of glam for their show in Sydney - the catsuits, the mascara, the tongues so long you could use them as pole vaults. Instead, the atmosphere will be "loose".

"This is more a T-shirt and jeans, grab-a-beer kind of show. The idea is to flex our legs, stretch our muscles and have some fun," he says, his words sounding less like a plug for a rock show than a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of deep-vein thrombosis.

He claims the value of his show goes beyond nostalgia: "The bottom line is that a good song's a good song, whether it was written five years ago or 50 years ago. A lot of the music produced today is very disposable. There's this cookie-cutter mentality that's taken over the industry."

At the same time, he recognises that someone like Gene Simmons, the iconic lead singer of Kiss, has stayed afloat in the industry for so long because he has succeeded in creating "not just a band but a brand".

That brand has been built on the very myth Singer seems so intent on diluting: the drugs, the boozing, the floozing. So - that old story about Gene Simmons having slept with more than 5000 women: true or false?

"Well, Gene likes a lot of attention," Singer says. "He is very silver-tongued with the ladies, no pun intended.

"He's well spoken, intelligent and charming, and he can turn it on. I'm not being chauvinistic but a lot of women fall for that hook, line and sinker. So, yeah, there is a lot of myth surrounding Gene Simmons, but a lot of truth, too. Believe me, I've seen him.

"You'd think the guy just discovered his penis for the first time - every day of his life.

"They broke the mould with Gene Simmons."

From: KISSKollector.com

When in Rome, Italy, one of these days, chances are you’ll come across a tram bearing a KISS related advertisement. Mobile Video Company 3 is currently advertising their new mobile video phone LG U8380, using a Paul Stanley lookalike playing harp. We have no idea what the link between ‘Paul Stanley’ playing harp and a new mobile phone is, but still it makes for a nice picture... (Thanks to KISS Kollector fanclub member Arno Barten for the photo.)

From: Sack Trick

The Sheep In Kiss Make Up CD is still selling well, (both online on the mail order section of www.sacktrick.com and through Cargo Records in shops across Europe and Hellion Records in Brazil) it seems you've all been spreading the word for us again haven't you? More nice people are sending us emails to say how much they've enjoyed the record (see the Sheep Reactions Page at www.sacktrick.com), the latest of these people only being Bob Ezrin- the guy who produced the original Elder album for Kiss! We got a short email forwarded on to us after sending him a copy. He said he "loved it". Let me repeat that again in capitals...BOB EZRIN WHO PRODUCED THE ELDER FOR KISS LOVED OUR VERSION OF HIS RECORD!...You may or may not know how much that means to us, but it'd be an understatement if I said it was quite a lot.


Comment by Kat's Eyes: This KISS tribute CD is unique. It ROCKS! I have listened to the Sack Trick "Elder" track and in a short period, these guys covered the whole LP.
Take a listen, You will want a copy!

[Get Yours While They Last]

From: Sack Trick

Isn't this the best gig Sack Trick could ever do? Doorsabout 3pm and we'll be onstage about 7pm. It's going to be a full day of Kissmania with Kiss trader's stalls and all manner of Kiss related stuff and special guests including Kiss producer Eddie Kramer and UK full Kiss tribute Hotter than Hell, who are celebrating the 30th anniversary of Kiss Alive! by playing the whole album. That's going to be heroic.

More info and tickets at:
www.hotterthanhell.net and
www.jbsdudley.co.uk .

From: TVShowsOnDVD.com

FUNimation has sent us a bit more information on their September 20th release of My Dad the Rock Star: Dad's Debut. The show is executive produced by rock legend Gene Simmons.

Willy Zilla just wants to live a normal life. After all, being the son of an infamous rock icon can be pretty weird. Just try asking your dad to turn down HIS stereo! Willy thinks his wish to be out of the spotlight has finally come true when his dad decides to retire and moves the family to the peaceful suburb of Silent Springs. But when Willy's new friends at school find out who his father is, his life becomes one rock & roll adventure after another.

Rock out with Willy and his family in these amped up adventures! It's a rollercoaster of excitement as the school bully tries to steal his dad's precious awards and albums, the paparazzi lurks around every corner and Rock attempts to teach Willy's music class his very unique heavy metal talents.

Get ready to crank up the fun when you watch My Dad's Debut!

Rockin' Extras Include:
Rock Music Video
Exclusive Gene Simmons Interview
Rock Star Karaoke
Personality Test: Which Character Are You?
Rock Star Photo Album

The episodes will be presented in 1.33:1 aspect ratio, and will include English and Spanish audio tracks.

From: KISSOnline

Bruce Kulick will play with his band UNION in Germany. This time it will be more then just a concert. November 25th 2005 will be a benefit-show in Babenhausen (near Frankfurt) for children with cancer . When Bruce was asked, if he would ever do such a show he was immediately all for it.

There will be lots of surprises for the people.

We also will have Special Guests for that night.

Stay tuned for further information.

[E-mail for More Info]

From: Jim Frangella

You wanted it back ! You got it back ! KISS EXPO 2005 CHICAGO

Saturday September 3rd at the HOLIDAY INN - COUNTRYSIDE 6201 Joliet Road, LaGrange/Countryside, Illinois . .

Featuring KISS Drummer ERIC SINGER. Eric will be singing autographs, taking photos and answering questions. All female KISS Tribute Band BLACK DIAMOND will rock the windy city!! More to be announced.

Ticket prices and special VIP pass info will be announced soon and tickets will go on sale next weekend.

For Dealer information or tickets contact JIM FRANGELLA

Special KISS Expo room rates are available, call no later than August 13th for the KISS rate - Event Expo Room code is KIS.

See ya there for a rockin good time!!!!!

From: KISSOnline

Kiss Army it’s time once again to announce the coming of the 5th Annual Baltimore / Washington KISS expo. This year’s expo will be held in the same place as last year’s expo at the Pikesville Hilton Hotel 1726 Reisterstown Rd Baltimore MD. For special expo room rates please call .

This years KISS expo will take place on October 16th 2005.doorsat 11:00 am till 8:00 pm.tickets are on sale now $15.00 in advance and $18.00 at the door or you can purchase the VIP pass for $ 20.00 that gets the pass holder in 1 hour early and first in line for the special guest autograph session. For advance ticket sales please send payment to the Baltimore KISS expo 2849 Westminster st Manchester MD 21102. This year’s expo will kick off Saturday night October 15th at the hotel lounge with the Baltimore KISS party featuring the KISS karaoke where you sing live with the band. The last few years we have been the only expo to do this and it has become a main stay at the Baltimore expo. The next day at the KISS expo (October 16th) it will feature KISS dealers from around the country selling vintage and new KISS memorabilia. This years KISS tribute band will be Love Gun with their full Love Gun stage set. A KISS museum with KISS costumes and rare memorabilia a KISS face painter for the kids. Door prizes and a KISS look alike contest with first prize of $100.00.There will also be a food court so you can have lunch and not have to leave the expo.

This years special guest will be announced at a later date as soon as everything is confirmed and be on the look out for the Baltimore / Washington expo web page coming soon with all of the updated ticket and guest info.

[Vendors E-mail for More Info]