The KISSFAQ - May '07 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:
Paul Stanley Tour Stats Page | Peter Criss

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 8:21:54 AM - KISS Song on new compilation...

"Rock And Roll All Nite" is included on the "Best Of The '70s" compilation released by Madacy on May 22. Other artists include Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Free, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Goldern Earing, and more... The song was also included on the American Beat compilation "Hard Rockin' 70's Vol. 1" released in March.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 7:58:19 AM - Demo & Song Stories: "One For All" (2007) *WIP...

A *work in progress:

61.107. One For All
The lead-off and title track from Peter's 2007 solo album. This song was inspired by the events of, and resulting from, 9-11-01 and Peter's perspective as a Brooklyn native of the shock and horror of that day. According to Peter, "I went to Church that day and coming home, watching it on television, it was so surreal, but I knew I wanted to do something" (PR). And Peter certainly did do something appearing at the "Families of Freedom" benefit at the City Center in Manhattan on November 20, 2002. Peter performed "Beth" with a backing band comprised of Felica Collins, Dr. Gibbs, Scott Yahney, and Dave Matos. Peter's song features the backing vocals of the Church of Transfiguration Boys Choir.

61.108. Doesn't Get Better (Than This)
Written by Peter, Charlie Kipps and Mike McLaughlin. A duet with Jennifer Johnson. This song was simply inspired by the success and the positive trappings that come with that success. Charles Kipps is a close friend of Peter who has worked with Aretha Franklin. Charles Kipps won a 2004 Daytime Emmy as an executive producer for his work on "Little Bill." Charles and Peter's relationship extends outside the sphere of music with Peter having been mentioned for the cast of the movie (playing the character "Mike"), "Frame of Mind," starring Chris Noth, which was expected to start filming in NJ late last year. Charles co-wrote the screen play for the movie with director Charles Evans. The movie's plot revolves around new evidence for the Kennedy assassination surfacing.

61.109. Faces In The Crowd
Inspired by Peter looking out into the crowd every night. According to Peter, "I would look out on the crowd at those smiling faces every night and I'm so proud to have those fans. I thank God and the fans every day for what they've given me; they're the biggest stars, not me. And they've made a wonderful life for me" (PR).

61.110. Last Night
Wendy Sutter plays cello on this song. This song was written by Peter and Mike McLaughlin.

61.111. Heart Behind The Hands
From the musical, appropriately in title and subject matter, "Brooklyn: The Musical." Peter auditioned for a role in a Broadway production following his appearance on Oz, but while his singing was fine his acting skills still needed some work so he didn't get the part. Peter did attend the opening night of the show at the Plymouth Theatre in New York on October 21, 2004. The musical was written Mark Schoenfeld and Barri McPherson with this song being attributed to Schoenfeld (Copyright Registration).

The song isn't about any specific character in the production's cast. According to Mark Schoenfeld, "This character is living on the street and how often do we pass by homeless souls like him, never once thinking of how they got there, what were their dreams and aspirations, who they loved, who loved them and why someone doesn't love them enough to provide shelter now. Well there's a story behind those empty eyes and 'Heart Behind These Hands' will lead you into that story" (PR). Peter recalls the song's transition: "My guitarist Mike and I looked at it and it was good, but very Broadway, so we thought 'let's try to do this bluesy shuffle, a Zeppelin kind of thing" (PR).

61.112. Send In The Clowns
"Send in the Clowns" was written by Stephen Sondheim and was originally featured in the 1973 musical, "A Little Night Music." It was the first song Peter recorded following his departure from KISS. As one would expect for a ballad album, Peter's version was inspired by the pain of not having Ace with him on his final tour with KISS in 2003. Those emotions made this emotive and mournful ballad a perfect expression of Peter's own life experiences. According to Peter, "It was a very heavy time for me. KISS had finished work with the Melbourne Symphony and the song made sense... I knew we wanted to do different things, and for me it was finally getting down to doing this album of my life" (PR). Stephen added a new verse for the 1985 Barbra Streisand recording of the song – it's currently not known which version Peter has recorded.

61.113. What A Difference A Day Makes
Written by Maria Grever and Stanley Adams. Recorded by Dinah Washington in 1959 providing her with a #4 hit on the R&B charts. This single also paved the road for Dinah's cross-over success reaching #8 on the pop singles charts. In the following year she nailed three #1 hits on the R&B charts. Her success didn't last and she died in 1963 due to a drug/alcohol overdose. This song actually dates from 1934 when it was originally composed in Spanish by Maria Grever as "Cuando Vuelva A Tu Lado." Stanley wrote the English language lyrics. Peter required three takes to record this song, which his dedicated to his Mother (PR) who had loved singing the song.

61.114. Space Ace
The final song on "One For All," inspired obviously by Peter's KISS band member Ace Frehley. This song was written by Peter and former Criss bassist Mark Montague who also plays guitar on the recording. 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.

61.115. Memories
It's currently not clear whether this song is included on "One For All," but it was written by Peter for his fans in a similar vein to "Faces In The Crowd."

Obviously not the final version, track order, nor possibly complete list of songs on Peter's album...

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 5:13:54 AM - New Peter Criss interview...

Bravewords recently conducted an interview with Peter Criss, covering a variety of subjects, mainly his forthcoming "One For All" album. However, plenty of interesting topics were touched on:

Mitch Lafon: Tell me about One For All. How did the music come about?
Peter Criss: "The last run of the Kiss tour with AEROSMITH without Ace (who I miss dearly). I had a hard time getting through that thing, but a contract is a contract. But the reason for this (ballad album) is that I had a huge hit with 'Beth' for my band KISS and for me as a songwriter. It's the 48th most played ballad in the world. Every night, I went out to sing it, I loved it. It was great! It was the thrill of my life and I realized I like singing ballads and I'm a hopeless romantic metal brain. I'm still metal man and I've not changed just because I'm putting out a ballad album. I just finished my rock album with my guitarist and it's kick ass. It'll be out next year with the grace of God. But ballads are my thing and I wanted to do something very autobiographical besides doing a book. I didn't feel by screaming or playing it in a rock/hard rock fashion that it would explain the trip that I'm going on on this CD. It's a trip of where my life has been and gone. The ups and downs of these last ten years of being back with the guys, losing friends, making friends, becoming idiots and making the same mistakes again, repeating ourselves in the same stupid ways... just all of it and the fans! Always the fans with me. 'Faces In The Crowd' is a song I dedicate to the fans for the wonderful life they've given me and if it sounds like I'm sticking my nose up their ass... good! Because I have a beautiful house and drive a nice car because of the fans that have bought my music. I grew up poor in Brooklyn, so I'm well aware of coming from 'down there.' So, I thought of all of this and I wrote two songs for the fans (the other one is called 'Memories'). I wrote a song called 'Space Ace.' Strictly wrote it for Ace because I felt so near and dear to him. We always were the closest and I started missing Ace a lot. I recorded a song my mother loved to sing as a kid – ' What A Difference A Day Makes' – so old that it'll never go over in the world of metal and they'll probably condemn me for it, but my mom dug it, so I sang it."

Check out the whole thing, HERE.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 4:23:17 AM - More Details About Peter's Forthcoming Solo Album Revealed...

Bravewords has a new article about Peter's forthcoming "One For All" album:

"As previously reported, founding member and drummer of iconic rock group KISS, Peter Criss, will release his new solo CD entitled One For All on July 24th on Silvercat Records, distributed by Sony/Red. The CD will be distributed day-and-date to fans across the globe. BW&BK has received the following press release:

Best known to the entire world as The Catman, a founding member and original drummer of the legendary KISS, PETER CRISS has returned with his latest musical project, All For One, a collection showcasing his far-ranging talent as a skillful singer-songwriter and his vast range as a gifted vocalist..."

Check out the whole thing, HERE.

You can also hear the original version of a song appearing on Peter's album, "The Heart Behind The Hands," HERE. Peter auditioned for a role in a broadway production following his appearance on Oz, but while his singing was fine his acting skills still needed some work so he didn't get the part. Regardless, the musical was written Mark Schoenfeld and Barri McPherson with this song being attributed to Schoenfeld (Copyright Registration). The song isn't about any specific character in the production's cast. According to Mark Schoenfeld, "This character is living on the street and how often do we pass by homeless souls like him, never once thinking of how they got there, what were their dreams and aspirations, who they loved, who loved them and why someone doesn’t love them enough to provide shelter now. Well there’s a story behind those empty eyes and 'Heart Behind These Hands' will lead you into that story" (PR).

Tuesday, May 29, 2007 8:49:44 AM - KISSFAQ EBAY KISS Collectibles Blow-out!

Tons of stuff up and going up on Ebay! This week focuses on tour books, promo videos, CDs, and vinyl. Check it out, HERE.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007 8:49:44 AM - "KISS & Related Recordings Focus" Available Online

The whole of the "KISS & Related Recordings Focus" (don't confuse it with the 3 volume "KISS Album Focus") is now available online. This work was going to be the 3rd editon of the "Demos & Recordings Focus," but as KISSFAQ is not pursing any further publishing - online it goes. Enjoy! Check it out, HERE. There are some legacy artifacts from the revision process with some entry numbers out of sequence and such. Whatever.

Monday, May 28, 2007 10:15:16 AM - From the Message Board: Olivia Newton-Singer...

From the bulletin board, no stranger than Mark St. John in a David Hasslehoff video: Eric Singer getting physical in Oliva Newton-John's "Culture Shock" video from 1985. Check out the video, HERE. Another screen capture from this video is on Eric's myspace page, HERE.

Saturday, May 26, 2007 7:04:09 AM - Frehley readies new solo set...

It was previously reported that Ace Frehley had started recording a new album at Schoolhouse Studio in New York City with Anthony Esposito (ex-Lynch Mob) and Frehley stalwart skin basher Anton Fig. At the time it was suggested that 15 songs had been worked out and there was a possibility of Ace recording a cover. Longtime Ace-friend Eddie Trunk visited Ace this week while he mixes the album and provided an update on his website:

- "Ace is doing so well, is totally healthy and just in a great place now."
- "Ace has recorded 10 new songs so far and is completing three to use as a demo for now."
- "There is some strong label interest so he will no doubt have several options to release it."
- "It is classic-sounding Ace singing and playing. One track had a vocal from Ace that almost had a BEATLES-type vibe, but still rockin'."
- "You will also be happy to know that Ace plays all guitar and sings all vocals."
- "The touring band will be Ace, Anthony and other players [to be announced]."
- "Ace also told me he wrote all the songs just before going into the studio, so this is all fresh stuff."
- "There is NO set release date or live shows yet."

KISSFAQ Says: A healthy and happy Ace is the most important thing, but a real prospect of new music from the real "Spaceman" remains an awesome prospect.

Thursday, May 24, 2007 5:33:25 AM - KISS Book From The KISS Magazine Guy...

Warren Lapine, who was publisher of the now seemingly defunct Official KISS Quartely Magazine has published a collection of interviews as "The KISS Interviews." The 128 page book was published on February 11, 2007 by Wilder Publications (who also published Warren's previous Sci-Fi offerings and share a post office in Radford, VA with DNA publications). According the the book's description: "Collected here for the first time are sixteen interviews and articles with and about the hottest band in the world: KISS. Warren Lapine is an experienced interviewer and a long time KISS fan. This book is just what the doctor ordered for the hard core KISS fan. These interviews are insightful and intelligent, Lapine asks Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons the questions that KISS fans want to have answered." Click on the cover image to order from Amazon.

Contents: Interviews with Paul Stanley (2), Gene Simmons (2), Bruce Kulick, Tommy Thayer, Eric Singer, Mike Brandvold, Paco Zimmerman, Doc McGhee, and assorted other articles.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007 11:11:58 AM - Destruction of "Bootlegs"

KISS Online currently has pictures on their news page concerning the destruction of 30,000 bootleg DVDs. "Kiss - The Lost Concert 1976" was released by Passport Video in October 2003 and presented 8 songs recorded live in black and white at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City on July 10, 1976, early during the "Destroyer" tour. A bonus included was KISS' first national appearance on the Mike Douglas afternoon talk show. The footage was originally supposedly licensed from "Historic Films." Gene has previously called other titles by the same firm, "Live in Las Vegas" a bootleg.

Sunday, May 20, 2007 4:21:23 PM - Nashville KISS Expo

The 2007 Nashville KISS Expo will be held Sunday July 29th from 12:00PM to 8:00PM (11:00AM for VIP holders)

The Holiday Inn Select Opryland/Airport
2200 ELM HILL PIKE
Nashville , TN 37214
For hotel rooms - call 615-883-9770
Ask for the KISS Expo rate!

The Nashville KISS Expo is back! Special guests include Eric Singer(KISS, Alice Cooper and ESP). Eric will be answering questions and will be available for autographs and photos. We are still working on adding more guests.

Children 12 and under get in free! KISS merchandise and collectibles will be on sale throughout the day. There will be giveaways and contests too. This is the first KISS Expo in Nashville in a long time. So let’s make it awesome return to Nashville!

VIP ticket holders will be able to get in one hour early (11am) and get a FREE collectible. VIP tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Regular admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

For vendor information contact us at: sstierwalt@getalifeinc.com

For more info keep checking in at www.kissarmywarehouse.com for details.

Saturday, May 19, 2007 5:13:11 PM - Ace Frehley @ the Dime Benefit

Ace Frehley attended and participated in the DimeBag Benefit at the Black Tooth Bash at Hollywood's House of Blues on 5/17. Ace jammed to "Parasite" and "Cold Gin" with Vinnie Paul and Scott Ian.

Video Clip 1
Video Clip 2

Ace also contributed a design to the Six-String Masterpieces: The Dimebag Darrell Art Tribute auction. His customized Dean ML guitar was auctioned for $7,500 to benefit the Little Kids Rock project.

Monday, May 14, 2007 1:22:49 PM - Site Multimedia Updates

I finally got around to transferring some audio. First up is somthing some might call "Cat Piss," a Peter Criss "Budweiser" Beer commercial spot. Produced by the D'Arcy-Mac Manus and Masius advertising agency. The date is not clear, though DAMM merged with Benton & Bowles in November 1985, resulting in a name change to the firm, so the reel dates from before then. While the backing track is probably generic studio musician work, with no suggestion of Peter "playing," the guitar sound on this radio jingle is very similar to that on Peter's "Out Of Control" album, suggesting that it may be Stan Penridge playing the solo at least (or at most). That suggests a 1980-2 window, apart from the reel code BB81-4. The reel was distributed by Genesis Recording with one 60 second and one 30 second spot from both Peter and the Bus Boys. The "long" version has a nice, though brief, guitar solo and brief drum intro. The short version just features the main verse and ends with the chorus. And "Catpiss" = Peter + Budweiser.

Next, the semi-legendary "King Biscuit Alive!" While most collectors have heard this partial radio show, originally broadcast on DIR's "King Biscuit" Flower Hour on November 9, 1975, this transfer direct off reel is SWEET! These recordings are from the June 21, 1975 show in Cleveland, OH (going by Paul's raps), and are essentially "Alive!" outtakes. The radio show was a split broadcast with the majority being a set from the Average White Band. (Note: These are samples, not full tracks).

01. Intro
01. Hotter Than Hell
02. Firehouse
03. Black Diamond
04. Let Me Know
05. Rock And Roll All Nite
06. Outro

Enjoy...

Monday, May 14, 2007 1:22:49 PM - Belated Happy Birthday Eric!

A belated happy birthday to Eric Singer who turned 49 on Saturday!

Tuesday, May 08, 2007 9:11:24 AM - New "Revenge" era material surfaces...

OK, these have circulated slightly for a while, but let's give 'em their due. Finally, more material from KISS' "Revenge" era. Some of these work tracks have alternate arrangements, others are instrumentals or scat vocal versions. Track 7-9, Eric or Kevin, hmm, probably Eric. Here are some short samples for your enjoyment:

01. Unholy (Alt Mix)
02. Paralyzed (Extended "Mumble")
03. Every Time I Look At You (Scat Vocals)
04. Heart Of Chrome (Instrumental)
05. Heart Of Chrome (Scat Vocals)
06. I Just Wanna (Instrumental)
07. Take It Off (Instrumental)
08. Take It Off (Instrumental 2)
09. Take It Off (Scat Vocals)
10. Tough Love (Instrumental)
11. Tough Love (Scat Vocals)
12. Thou Shalt Not (Instrumental)...

Saturday, May 05, 2007 10:18:36 AM - "Family Jewels" Emmy DVD package.

Check out the "Family Jewels" Emmy Nomination DVD package. Click the image above. We'll find out on July 19 if the show is nominated...

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 5:44:09 AM - Updated Release Schedule

Updated Release Schedule:
2007/05/02 - "Alive!" Universal USM 984 881-1 (International)
2007/06/13 - KISS Exposed DVD Universal UIBM-3001 (Japan)
2007/06/13 - KISS Kondifential/X-treme Close-Up DVD Universal UIBO-3006 (Japan)
2007/06/13 - KISS My Ass DVD Universal UIBO-3007 (Japan)
2007/07/24 - Peter Criss: One For All SONY/Silvercat (USA)
2007/08/08 - "Destroyer" 180g Vinyl Universal UIJY-9011 (Japan)

TBA - KISSOLOGY Vol. 2, 1978-1992 DVD (pos. Aug/Sept.)
TBA - Paul Stanley: Live To Win Live DVD
TBA - Bruce Kulick "3" CD
TBA - Christine Sixteen: Another High-School Tribute To KISS CD:

There are also plenty of releases with former/current members of KISS contributing, which aren't mentioned here.

Wednesday, May 02, 2007 5:44:09 AM - "Alive!" International Reissue

"Alive!" is being reissued internationally today on Universal Special Markets 984 881-1. This is the original 2CD version, rather than single disc edition released as part of the "Alive 1975-2000" box last December.

Monday, April 30, 2007 5:01:34 PM - Peter Criss To Release New Solo Album!

Peter Criss, founding member and drummer of iconic rock group KISS, will release his new solo CD entitled ONE FOR ALL July 24 on Silvercat Records, distributed by Sony/Red. The CD will be distributed day-and-date to fans across the globe.

An autobiographical collection of songs that Criss produced and recorded over the course of two years, ONE FOR ALL also includes several cover tunes that reflect his outlook on life at this point in his long-standing career.

The lead vocalist and co-writer of what to this day remains KISS' biggest Billboard hit, Beth, which also went on to win a People's Choice Award, Criss goes back to his songwriting roots with this new CD. Says Criss: "The most important thing is that my fans and other people will get a whole new outlook on me with this CD. I'm reinventing myself at my own pace, and for me, it's now, more than ever, about being true."

ONE FOR ALL is the first fully self-produced CD that Criss has recorded -- in addition to arranging and writing the lyrics and melodies for most of the material on the CD.

Joined by longtime friends and acclaimed musicians - Grammy award-winning bandleader Paul Shaffer and bassist Will Lee, as well as guitarist Mike McLaughlin -- ONE FOR ALL is a variously styled project, profoundly rich in ballads that touches on all aspects of Criss' life, and draws on his love of rock and R&B. The title track, recorded with the Church of Transfiguration Boys Choir, was written in the wake of 9/11 and sets the tone for the CD. Other songs include: Doesn't Get Better Than This, Last Night, Faces in the Crowd, Heart Behind the Hands, Send in The Clowns, and even a tribute song to his longtime bandmate and friend Ace Frehley titled Space Ace.

Monday, April 30, 2007 5:01:34 PM - 21st Annual NY Kiss Expo, SATURDAY May 5th

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!!

Saturday, May 5th, Secaucus, NJ, 21st Annual NY Kiss Expo-Noon-Midnight, at the Crown Plaza, off Meadowlands Pkwy 201-348-6900. Over 100 dealer tables!

Guests include:
Eric Singer - Current drummer of Alice Cooper and KISS
Eric Brittingham from Cinderella with his new band, Naked Beggars
Danger Danger!!
Bob Kulick
Karl Cochran of Joe Lynn Turner Band and Ace Frehley Band
Bill Baker of Fractured Mirror
Eddie Trunk from VH1 Classic & Q-104
Cathy St. George - Playboy Centerfold and Kiss Model for Kiss Tour Books!
Jasmin St. Clair - Adult star and host of Metalsdarkside!
Ken Kelly - World-famous artist - Kiss album cover artist - Destroyer!

Bands include:
Kissteria
Naked Beggars
Jaded
Bombay Black
ZO2.

Tickets $18 advance. For dealer info or to charge tickets by phone, call 201-398-0150
Also available at select stores. Check website for availability.

Friday, April 27, 2007 4:31:17 AM - Happy Birthday Ace!

The KISSFAQ wishes Ace Frehley a very happy birthday!