The KISSFAQ - February '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.

Tracking the forthcoming solo releases:
Paul Stanley | Peter Criss

Friday, February 24, 2006 5:36:23 AM - Mardi Gras: Little band has a big job...
(From STLtoday - Diane Toroian Keaggy) "Mardi Gras revelers have seen it all. A bicycle tricked out like Elvis? Check. Dogs dressed like SpongeBob? Check. Women fondling men with fake plastic breasts? Check. But no one - at least no one who was not hallucinating after one too many hurricane cocktails - has ever witnessed four little people dressed in full makeup sing Kiss covers.

That changes Saturday when tribute band MiniKiss performs at 6:30 p.m. in Pontiac Square Park. Little River Band and local bluesman Jimmy Lee Kennett also are on the bill. Founded by Joey Fatale, a.k.a. Mini-Gene, MiniKiss has toured the country and appeared on national television. We caught up with Fatale at home in New York where he was resting after a weekend on the road. We wanted to know how he found three other little people who loved Kiss as much as he does and whether the real Gene Simmons has seen MiniKiss.

Q: You started MiniKiss about six years ago. How did you find a Mini-Ace, Mini-Paul and Mini-Peter?
A: It's hard to find little people, you know? Throughout the years, I've been Gene, Ace and Paul. We actually just counted and we have had 24 different members over the years. They're from all over. When you're looking for little people, you have to spread out your search. Our singer is actually a female and she is fantastic. I'm still trying to get a real drummer. Little by little, the puzzle is getting there.

Q: So what does the real Gene Simmons think about Mini-Gene?
A: There was a party for Gene's magazine Tongue at Studio 54 a couple of years ago, and we were asked to play. When we came out, he had a huge smile from ear to ear. Being in front of the god of rock 'n' roll - it was a dream to me. He invited us to his VIP area and he was so nice. I will never step on those guys' feet. If he said to stop tomorrow, I would.

Q: How are you like the real Gene Simmons?
A: People can't believe how long my tongue is. It's not crazy long like Gene's, but my tongue does stick out pretty good. I do the blood. I do the fire.

Q: You also have had a successful acting career. Anything we would have seen in St. Louis?
A: I've done some TV. For a year straight I was Little Jay Leno on Conan O'Brien. I was on "Saturday Night Live." Acting is OK, but it's always the same character when you're a little person. They always want the little person to do something corny. Some people make it, and that's great, like the guy from "Fantasy Island" (Herve Villechaize) or Mini-Me (Verne Troyer) or that guy from "The Station Agent" (Peter Dinklage).

Q: So music matters most for you?
A: Music has always been my life. When I'm on stage and seeing the fans sing with us, that is the closest thing to being a rock star. I'm not just - and I hate this word - a midget.

Q: What does the little person community think about MiniKiss?
A: When I started MiniKiss I went to some people I know, and they turned me down. They said, 'No way, it's a freak show.' But now that we have had all of this success, I don't hear any negativity.

Q: So is it hard to stage a show for little people - you know, find costumes and instruments that are the right size?
A: I have an excellent costume designer, and he loves doing this. I could play a regular neck guitar but I have a mini- Washburn.

Q: So does MiniKiss have groupies?
A: We definitely have some groupies, but I keep those stories under the sheets"... «Post A Comment»

Wednesday, February 22, 2006 3:58:57 AM - "One Of A Kind" bio hints at Peter Criss solo album...
Peter Criss announced in his February 2005 Q&A that he was working with Mark Montague and Mike "Angel" McLaughlin on his new CD, an autobiographical love-song/ballad album being recorded at Nutmeg Studios with Tom Perkins and Charles Kipps. Other hints about Peter's album can be found in the "One Of A Kind" band bio. ONE OF A KIND is the band project comprised of former CRISS members Mike Mclaughlin and Mark Montague with drummer Ryan Brown. Their recently released CD includes additional CRISS-related appearances by Eddie Kanon (Peter's drum tech) and three Peter Criss co-written songs.

The band's bio states, "Peter is currently working on his next solo record and we co-wrote one song together and I play bass on several others." This would suggest that the Criss/Montague composition "Space Ace" (ASCAP Title Code: 492945614) was at least written for the Peter Criss album (whether or not it will be released is another matter). This song is similar in title to one that Peter wrote prior to the "Psycho Circus" recording fiasco, called "Space Fever," which he thought would be a good song for Ace, at the time. Whether the two songs are related is currently unknown.

The band bio also states: "Mike [McLaughlin] has co-written several songs on ONE OF A KIND as well as co-writing many songs on the new Peter Criss record." Many of these songs were published in October 2005 by Peter Criss Publishing and include "Whisper," "Bohemia," "Cat Nap," "Reason For Living," "Last Night," "Crossroads," "Fallin' All Over Again," "Faces In The Crowd," "Hope," and "What Does It Take" written by Peter and Mike. Aditionally, "Doesn't Get Better (Than This)" written by Charlie Kipps, Peter and Mike. It should be noted that "Hope" was also the title of a song written by Peter Criss for the KISS reunion album in 1998. Peter considered the song to be an excellent piece of work, naturally a ballad, about Peter facing the numerous challenges in his life in a positive manner. While the song wasn't used on "Psycho Circus," it's not clear whether this new song is the same as that presented to Bruce Fairbairn in 1998.

From the little hints currently available, it would seem that a new Peter Criss album is at least taking shape... «Post A Comment»

Tuesday, February 14, 2006 11:29:22 AM - Author and First KISS Roadie Auctioning Vintage KISS Memorabilia...
(From Billboardbooks@aol.com) "Former KISS soundman Eddie Solan and Curt Gooch (co-author of KISS Alive Forever and a contributing editor for The Official KISS Magazine) are auctioning off several lots of KISS memorabilia HERE.

KISS items up for auction include stage-worn costume pieces, a Paul Stanley 'stage-broken' guitar from 1979, the first KISS red siren beacon from 1973, various 1970s paper goods, autographs, and even a 1976 handwritten postcard from original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley. To view photos of the items being auctioned click HERE.

The auction ends at 5:00 P.M. EST, on Sunday, February 26"... «Post A Comment»

Monday, February 13, 2006 4:47:37 PM - Paul Stanley Solo Album Title Revealed...
(From: Al Mancini / ABC News) "KISS frontman Paul Stanley has confirmed to ABC Radio's ePrep that his new solo album will be called "Live to Win". Stanley is still in the process of shopping the record to labels in various countries, explaining, "There's nothing worse, that I've seen in the past, [than] when you have a deal, let's say in America, and the company in Germany hates your album." To combat that, the singer is seeking out different labels internationally to assure they're all excited about the CD. He expects it to be in stores in about four months.

Stanley is planning a tour to support the CD, and says he'll be bringing out a bigger band than he's used at past solo gigs, "because there's a lot more going on on this album." He estimates he'll have about six people in his band. As for the musicians he used during the recording of "Live to Win" — a list which includes session drummer Victor Indrizzo, guitarist Corky James, former MARILYN MANSON and current ROB ZOMBIE guitarist John 5, former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick (who plays bass on a few songs) and noted string arranger David Campbell — Stanley says, "[It's] some friends of mine — it's not a 'who's who.' I didn't want to do one of those albums where you list people and it becomes some sort of a, trying to impress everybody with names. So it's a great album. Everybody loves it." Other songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Wake Up Screaming" and "Second to None"... «Post A Comment»

Thursday, February 09, 2006 9:47:01 PM - Ace's Mother passes-away...
According to a posting on PeterCriss.net Ace's mother passed away yesterday. The KISSFAQ sends Ace and his family its deepest sympathies... «Post A Comment»

Wednesday, February 08, 2006 08:57:02 AM - Tony Iommi guests on Rock School...
(From Blabbermouth) "A clip of BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi's appearance on Sunday night's (Feb. 5) episode of the Channel 4 show "Rock School" (featuring KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons) is now available via the Channel 4 web site. The students at Kirkley High School were completely overwhelmed by the visit from Tony. As well as teaching the kids some riffs, Tony had a little jam with Gene before the pair adjourned to the local pub! Check out the clip, HERE.

In other news, the playlists for all eight of Tony's "Black Sunday" radio shows on Planet Rock to date have been added to Iommi.com. The two-hour radio show is available to listen online worldwide every Sunday at 7:00 p.m. U.K. time at www.planetrock.com. Listeners in the U.K. can also tune in via DAB Digital Radio and via Sky Channel 861, NTL channel 680 or Telewest Channel 924. "... «Post A Comment»

Tuesday, February 07, 2006 12:17:10 PM - More new Peter Criss co-written songs...
Three "new" songs have recently been published with Peter Criss co-writes:

"The Shooter" - this song has been around for a while having been performed by Criss during 1995 and "U Gotta Know" cowritten with former Criss member Mark Montague..."Golden Arm," cowritten with Barbara DeGennaro and Mark. These along with 11 other songs are noted as being performed by "One Of A Kind," who have several other Montague/McLaughlin/Ebs (Criss band) collaborations. It's not clear whether these were simply for publishing (BMI) purposes or for some other reason... «Post A Comment»

Tuesday, February 07, 2006 10:52:06 AM - Lydia Criss news
(From Billboard Books) "Production on Lydia Criss's forthcoming autobiography Sealed With A KISS continues to move forward and the 300+ page book will be released exclusively through the author's Web site, with midsummer 2006 as the targeted release date. Lydia was married to original KISS drummer Peter Criss from 1970-1979 and accepted KISS's 1977 People's Choice Award for "Beth" on their behalf.

Sealed With A KISS will be published in a large, coffee-table format, roughly 10" x 12" in size, and contains over 1,500 unpublished photographs of KISS during their 1970s heyday.

Lydia continues to publish exclusive images from Sealed With A KISS on her Web site with the most recent image posted on Wednesday, a never-before-seen live shot of KISS from their first tour in July 1974. "The venue was so small that KISS had to sit their lighted logo on the side of the stage," Lydia noted in a recent update on her Web site. You can see the previously unpublished KISS photo here.

Please visit www.lydiacriss.com for further updates, exclusive previews, and the ongoing Photo of the Month feature"... «Post A Comment»

Tuesday, February 07, 2006 9:17:24 AM - Lydia Criss news
(From Lydia Criss "Hello, I just wanted to let everyone know that production on my autobiography, Sealed With A KISS, is moving along nicely and I'm currently expecting a midsummer 2006 release. My production staff is almost finished blocking the text and the book will contain roughly 25 chapters.

My Webmaster has just posted another image from the book on my Web site. It's a picture of KISS from July 1974 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The venue was so small that KISS had to sit their lighted logo on the side of the stage. You can see the photo"... «Post A Comment»

Tuesday, February 07, 2006 5:12:44 AM - KISS Online "new" design live
8 months in the making, KISS Online's long awaited re-design has finally gone live... «Post A Comment»

Friday, February 03, 2006 4:59:14 AM - Gene Simmons' Rock School Season II
(From Channel 4) "Last time, Gene Simmons had it easy with a group of well behaved children in a top private school. But this time, the KISS legend is at a comprehensive school in the sleepy town of Lowestoft... They're older, wiser and tougher than last year's recruits. But do they have what it takes?" Rock School appears on UK Channel 4 Sunday at 9pm, check the link for details/videos. The first episode aired Jan. 29, with three more to follow... «Post A Comment»

Friday, February 03, 2006 4:59:14 AM - Another KISS Show?
(From rock-fest via Who Dares Wins) The dates for Rock Fest 2006 are July 20th through July 23rd. All VIP Tickets and Camping are on sale now. General Admission Tickets and Camping go on sale Saturday, March 4th at 8:00 a.m. We have just released part of the huge Rock Fest Lineup for 2006... hang on for:
John Waite
Warrant
Grand Funk Railroad
Savoy Brown
Greg Rolie
Seven Mary Three
Puddle of Mudd
George Thorogood
Poison
Kiss

Stay tuned for 8 more National Artists to be announced soon. Get you VIP tickets now at the early bird price before March 4th! Find out everything about Rock Fest on our website at http://www.rock-fest.com... «Post A Comment»

Friday, February 03, 2006 4:59:14 AM - KISS @ The Casino?
(From LTVNews) "As first reported by LTVNEWS last week, the legendary rock Band KISS has been confirmed to play at Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie Michigan, July 21, 2006. The outdoor concert will have 10,000 tickets for sale for the one time show. Kewadin Casino has also now set the price for the tickets. Reserved seating will go for US $57 while general admission will be 10 dollars cheaper at US$47. Tickets go on sale April 1"

KISSFAQ Says: Still no word from KISS Online, so I wouldn't book those flights just yet... «Post A Comment»

Friday, February 03, 2006 4:59:14 AM - Japanese "Rock The Nation Live"
"Rock The Nation Live" (IEJR-0030) is due for release in Japan on Feb. 24... «Post A Comment»

Friday, February 03, 2006 4:59:14 AM - Indianapolis Expo Update
2006 Indianapolis KISS Expo March 11th! Special Guests Bill Aucoin and John Harte! Tribute Band Mr. Speed Will Also Be Performing! Get A Life Inc presents the 2006 INDY KISS Expo. Get ready for another great KISS Weekend! The KISS Expo will take place at the Holiday Inn Indianapolis East, 6990 East 21st St. For hotel rooms - call 317-359-5341 and ask for the special KISS Expo rate. KISS merchandise and collectibles will be on sale throughout the day. If you plan on staying at this hotel get your room soon, they are selling out quickly. There are a couple of hotels accross the street from this one that still have rooms. See below for other hotels that are near the Holiday Inn.

Special guests include:
Legendary Bill Aucoin was KISS manager from 1973 to 1980. He was also responsible for getting KISS their recording contract with Casablanca Records in 1973, after seeing them perform at the Hotel Diplomat in August 1973. Bill then managed their peak years in the 70s which made KISS a legend in the rock industry. Appearing for the first time at any KISS Expo is KISS former Director of Security John Harte. He was immortalized in People magazine as he held out his hand to cover Paul Stanley's face as he was leaving a limo. John definitely was in involved in a lot of aspects of KISS and their most popular time in pop culture. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to meet one of members of true KISStory!

Doors open at 11AM for VIP ticket holders (TWO Hours earlier than regular ticket holders!), 1PM for regular tickets. Some of the day's events include raffles, trivia and a costume contest. Bill Aucoin and John Harte will be available for photos and autographs in the afternoon.A newly revamped MR. SPEED will also perform. See why they are the one of the best KISS tribute bands ever!

VIP tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. VIP ticket holders also will receive FREE an officially licensed KISS Army Lanyard! Regular admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Kids 12 under get in free. If you are a dealer interested in tables for the event please email us at info@kissarmywarehouse.com. Tables are selling very fast due to the success from the last few years. Reserve your table soon, before they are gone. For more info keep checking www.kissarmywarehouse.com for details... «Post A Comment»

Wednesday, January 25, 2006 4:59:35 AM - KISS Corporate Gig?
(From LTVNews) "The rock band KISS is coming to Sault Ste. Marie Michigan this summer, LTVNEWS has confirmed. KISS will kick off their concert tour featuring original members from the 80's band at the Sault Michigan establishment. Kewadin Casino told LTVNEWS Tuesday, the band has been booked for a one time show July 21,2006 for an outdoor concert. The headliner band is one of up to four big acts Kewadin Casino is looking at for the busy summer concert series. No ticket prices have been announced as of yet. Other fairly big names coming up to the Michigan Sault based casino include, Richard Marx on February 25 and TOTO scheduled for July 6."... «Post A Comment»

Wednesday, January 25, 2006 4:59:35 AM - New KISSFAQ books now available from Amazon.com...
The KISS Album Focus (3rd Edition) Volume II:
Hell or High Water, 1983-96 (Hardcover)
Hell or High Water, 1983-96 (Softcover)

The Kiss & Related Recordings Focus (2nd Edition)
The Kiss & Related Recordings Focus (Hardcover)
The Kiss & Related Recordings Focus (Softcover) «Post A Comment»