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.
| Thursday, September 18, 2008 4:32:49 AM - It was 30 years ago today... |
We're lucky with KISS... They've done lots of special things. But on September 18, 1978 they did something historic: Simultaneously released solo albums from each of the band members.
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| Thursday, September 18, 2008 4:32:49 AM - Fin Costello talks KISS... |
| (From NRK Hordaland [Norway]) "Legendary photographer talks about the making of ”Kiss Alive”, its huge impact, and the Rush/Rainbow-controversy." Check out the interview, HERE! |
| Friday, September 12, 2008 09:01:45 AM - Wicked Lester Uncovered... |
Part of the mission of the KISSFAQ has been to uncover the obscure parts of KISStory. With regards to Wicked Lester, we've previously dug up the original recording of "(What Happens) In The Darkness." Click on Image for sample... Now it's time for the more obscure "When The Bell Rings." It was obvious never the sort of material Gene or Paul would write, and has previously been attributed to Christopher Welch and Austin Roberts. That can be confirmed, though the original recording was released in 1970 by the band Newport News with the writers producing. Not suprisingly, the song was published by Famous Music.  Click on Image for sample... Wicked Lester stayed pretty close to the original on their recording, though the original was a vocal by Gary Church while Gene and Paul traded vocals on their recording. The remaining covers from the unreleased album (two from Barry Mann and one by the Hollies) are available on CD issues of the respective albums. Now to track down the original "Long Road!" |
| Wednesday, September 10, 2008 2:32:12 PM - New KISS tribute about to blast your eardrums!... | ||
Fansite sagafoo.com have been busting their asses to present a killer tribute album, "Got To Foo."
This international tribute to the hottest band in the world features 14 "new" KISS klassics, re-worked, re-recorded, and performed by KISS ARMY members
from all over the world. It's recently been completed and is ready to be pressed in Seattle and in addition to the music has very cool artwork! Shipping is expected on October 31, 2008! 01. Reputation ~ SagaFoo 02. Baby Driver ~ Chris Davis 03. Strange Ways ~ the Chandelears 04. Secretly Cruel ~ Double Virgo 05. C'mon And Love Me ~ Jayjerz 06. Let Me Know ~ Das Fark 07. God Of Thunder/I Love It Loud ~ Bat Lizard Stew 08. I Can't Stop The Rain ~ Eucky Cheeze 09. Sure Know Something ~ Casaboontha 10. Strange Ways ~ Jim Tucker 11. You're All That I Want ~ Mixmaster Jason Herndon 12. Dirty Livin' ~ Das Fark 13. Take Me ~ Jay Jerz 14. Rock And Roll All Nite ~ Casaboontha 15. Reputation (raga dub) ~SagaFoo However, the non-profit project needs YOUR help and are calling all the KISS ARMY to arms. The site needs to sell all 200 copies of the first pressing before release to ensure a $1,000.00 donation to the music classes at Village Community Services, Mt Vernon, WA. Advance orders are now being taken. The CD costs $10.00 plus shipping (US-$5, Elsewhere-$8). Payment can be made via PayPal to sagafoo@hotmail.com.
Sagafoo.com 500 W. Mercer St. #106 Seattle, WA 98119 USA A BONUS CDR OF THE PROMO FOR THE FIRST 50 COPIES SOLD featuring: 01. Baby Driver (Remix w/ Intro) ~ Chris Davis 02. Strange Ways (Album Version) ~ The Chandelears 03. Reputation (Piano Remix) ~ SagaFoo 04. Dirty Livin' (Album Version) ~ Das Fark 05. Secretly Cruel (Promo CD Version) ~ Double Virgo 06. Take Me (Album Version) ~ JayJerz 07. Shock Me (Promo EQ Version) ~ Casaboontha 08. You're All That I Want (Album Version) ~ Mixmaster Jason Herndon 09. Strange Ways (Pink Master Version) ~ Jim Tucker 10. God Of Thunder/I Love It Loud Medley (Original Demo) ~ Bat Lizard Stew |
| Wednesday, September 10, 2008 4:55:28 AM - Paul: "One Live KISS"... |
| While it won't win any awards for naming, Paul's long-anticipated "Live To Win" tour video is expected to be released on October 21 under the title, "One Live KISS". Directed by D.P. Carlson. |
| Wednesday, September 10, 2008 4:55:28 AM - Ikons... |
 KISS "Ikons" to be released by Universal on October 21... No other details currently known, but "Icons" doesn't appear to be a general UMe "Greatest Hits" package... |
| Wednesday, September 10, 2008 11:15:22 AM - Gene Simmons to Ted Poley: "You owe me $18." |
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Danger Danger frontman Ted Poley recently spoke with SplitScreen Entertainment about his first encounters with Kiss legends Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. Whereas his meeting with Gene ended up costing him a few bucks, his encounter with Paul provided the inspiration for the new song "Ted Poley," as featured on the newly released tribute album "KISS MY ANKH: A Tribute To Vinnie Vincent." A parody of "Unholy" by Vincent and Simmons, the song has been reworked by rock & roll comic C.C. Banana as a good-natured roast of the veteran rock singer. The following is an excerpt from Ted's personal account of the original inspiration for the track. UNHOLY TED POLEY by Ted Poley At age 14, Kiss changed my life. They weren't just a rock band. They were larger-than-life gods. When the original Kiss mania was happening, I was a kid growing up in the 1970s. I remember I would always draw pictures of the band members, their stage, their equipment and of course, the pyro. Even though no one would ever see Kiss without their makeup, I would dream about meeting them and getting to talk to them. Drawing and daydreaming about Kiss got me through many a boring math class and I'm sure there's still at least one Kiss logo intricately carved into an old wooden desktop at good ol' Ramsey High in NJ. Anyway, by now you probably get the idea that Kiss was a very important part of my life while growing up. So naturally, after many years of hard work, practice and a little bit of luck, it was a dream come true to make it into the big leagues and receive the supreme reward of opening for Kiss! In 1992, Danger Danger was very hot on the MTV video countdown, a fact that helped land us the opening slot on the UK leg of Kiss' Revenge Tour. The very first night, we'd put on a kick-ass, over-the-top show, during which I'd even tossed 3 towels out into the crowd! Immediately after our performance, I ran offstage in my arena-playing, hyper-psyched state of mind, not quite looking where I was going. Let's face it, it didn't really matter because I had just opened for Kiss! The next thing I knew, my head was bumping into something hard yet slightly fuzzy. I looked up to find Gene Simmons grinning back at me from above! As it turns out, I had just smashed face-first into his lower chest area, which tells you just how tall the guy is (or how short I am, if you prefer). Upon looking down, Gene's first words to me were, "That was a really great show. You owe me $18." Gene is a nice guy but he can be very intimidating and he loves to scare people. I wasn't quite sure what to say to him in response, so I said nothing at all. Gene must have noticed the puzzled look on my face because he repeated himself. "You owe me $18." He then continued, "You tossed out 3 towels. Those towels cost $6 each. Those were my towels and I want you to pay for them. Personally. Not your tour manager. You." I was in shock. I felt ashamed. One of my gods was punishing me! Gene waited in that very spot until I went into my wallet, pulled out my last $20 (my only $20) and paid him for the towels. While pocketing my per diem food money, he smiled at me and said, "Feel free to keep tossing out as many towels as you can afford to pay for yourself." I immediately got the point: I was the new kid in town and I shouldn't be trying to steal the show. A valuable lesson learned for the low cost of only $18. Though I had already been nervous about meeting the members of Kiss before my encounter with Gene, by now I was absolutely terrified! I was so scared that not only couldn't I bring myself to speak to them, I couldn't even look them in the eyes when they came near me. Whenever someone from Kiss was around, I would simply put my head down and keep on walking. One night after our set I was backstage walking down the corridor toward our dressing room, when suddenly Paul Stanley entered from the other end! When I saw him approaching, I really wanted to say hello and introduce myself... but I got starstruck and lost my nerve! So I ended up just looking down at my shoes and walking past without saying anything. But when I got to the other end of the hallway, I heard Paul belting out my name at the top of his lungs... to the tune of their new single "Unholy!" The words and melody just fit perfectly. "Ted Poh-laaaaayyyyy!" I don't care if this sounds lame, but that was one of the greatest moments of my life! So even though I never made millions of dollars in the music business (well, not that I got to keep for myself, anyway), I wouldn't trade that moment for anything in the world. I suppose once all is said and done, the costs involved break down as follows: Three Gene Simmons towels: $18. Suing Sony several years later: a few million bucks. Paul Stanley singing my name at the top of his lungs: PRICELESS. Over the years, I've encountered Paul a few times at various Kiss concerts and even though he hasn't sung my name since then, I still get a thrill every time he greets me with a warm, "Hi, Ted." So to make a short story just a little bit longer, the new parody of "Unholy" began when Paul Stanley sang my name in a backstage hallway, although it took my buddy C.C. Banana to write the lyrics and make it all happen. I hope everyone enjoys the "fruits" of his labor. -TP A more detailed version of Ted Poley's encounter with Paul Stanley is available here: http://www.SplitScreenEntertainment.com A video clip of C.C. Banana announcing his participation in "KISS MY ANKH" during an episode of "Talking Metal on Fuse" is available here: http://www.CCBanana.com/sludge/ccbananatalkingmetalonfuse.htm C.C. Banana's parody of "Unholy" appears on the newly released tribute album "KISS MY ANKH: A Tribute To Vinnie Vincent." Despite its humorous overtones, the track is an appropriately heavy recreation of the Kiss original, featuring a guitar solo by Chris Caffery (Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra), guitars and bass by Paul LaPlaca (Zandelle, Z02, Chris Caffery solo band), drums by Dennis Leeflang (Sun Caged, Epica, Bumblefoot solo band) and background vocals by Kelli McCloud (Queen of the Reich) and Vic Rivera (AdrianGale, Crunch, Poley/Rivera). A sample of the song is available at the official "KISS MY ANKH" MySpace page, along with samples of all other songs on the tribute. Though Vinnie Vincent himself has not released any new material in over a decade, "KISS MY ANKH" pays tribute to the undeniable musical legacy of the former Kiss guitarist. Vinnie's compositions are widely regarded as a highlight of the Kiss catalog and remain a staple of the live Kiss set list. All songs on the tribute were written or co-written by Vinnie Vincent and originally appeared on albums by Kiss and the Vinnie Vincent Invasion. The artist roster features a mixture of veteran and rising talent, including members of White Lion, Savatage, Alice Cooper, Trixter, Nitro and others. All in all, "KISS MY ANKH" boasts a powerful lineup of inspired musicians and unforgettable music, assembled in honor of Vinnie Vincent. Further details can be found at the SplitScreen Entertainment website. |
| Sunday, September 07, 2008 01:56:07 PM - Vinnie Factoid... |
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Interesting FAQtoid: 10 years before playing with Felix Cavaliere in Treasure, Vinnie Vincent's band opened for the Young Rascals! The Younger Generation opened for The Young Rascals at the Barnum Festival in Seaside Park, on August 29, 1967. Some 3,000 attended the show and the band played second on the bill, following other Bridgeport band the Realms. Only Vinnie received any mention in the press: "The Younger Generation, though they still have a long way to go before reaching the top of the rock 'n' roll world, are a real 'personality plus' group with lots of enthusiasm. Vinnie Cusano, lead guitarist, appeared on stage wearing a green beret over his long brown locks and old-fashioned knickers. He was definately the 'personality kid' of the Younger Generation" (Bridgeport Post, 8/30/67).  Vinnie also seems to have been voted the "Class Clown" of the Central High Class of '70... |
| Monday, September 01, 2008 4:41:57 PM - KISSFAQ "Jigoku-Retsuden" album survey. |
We asked, you answered. So here's the results of the three "new recordings" album questions:  3.99 ··· Hotter Than Hell 3.79 ··· Calling Dr. Love 3.51 ··· Christine Sixteen 3.43 ··· Deuce 3.41 ··· I Was Made For Lovin' You 3.36 ··· Love Gun 3.32 ··· Black Diamond 3.32 ··· Shout It Out Loud 3.27 ··· Do You Love Me? 3.25 ··· Detroit Rock City 3.25 ··· Forever 3.02 ··· Rock And Roll All Nite 2.98 ··· Heaven's On Fire 2.96 ··· Lick It Up 2.88 ··· I Love It Loud It's pretty clear why "Hotter Than Hell" was the most popular version, since that album's production has been criticized so much, but I must say I'm surprised that "Heaven's On Fire" and "I Love It Loud" were near the bottom since they came accross (to me) quite different from the original versions. Whatever. |
| Monday, September 01, 2008 4:41:57 PM - Tahoe/Konocti pictures. |
KISSFAQ's pictures from Tahoe & Konocti. I was too chickenshit to take a real camera, so only had a disposeable. This is the best of the lot, but I'll have my memories for a while. These photos are only for KISSFAQ website use.
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| Monday, September 1, 2008 2:52:29 AM - Tahoe/Konocti round up. |
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Two shows in two nights and 650 miles of driving. Certainly not as painful as the 2006 Chumash drive, though I would not like to drive CA-175 at night again! Unlike last night's show in Konocti, the Saturday show was otherwise an interesting gig in a different sort of venue for me, one which I thoroughly enjoyed traveling to through the incredible surrounding vistas. The technical issues that affected the show didn't detract from the experience... Saturday started out with a 5-hour drive from San Francisco to Tahoe. There was even a sign for the show on the freeway in Sacramento, just text no picture. After not finding much info about the Harvey's venue, it turned out to be easy to find, but not what I'd consider a real venue. While the gates were scheduled to open at six, it was well after 6:30 when they finally let us in - perhaps the two merchandise tents were late getting set up? They were mobbed as soon as the gates opened - I gave 'em a quick look, but didn't see anything interesting enough to buy or stand in the madding crowd for. Compared to previous venues I've been to there was a high ratio of ushers/customers (yes, customers, the people who pay to see a concert, not animals, cattle or sheep). Other than that, the facilities were more like a weekend flea market, but perhaps in my dotage I simply prefer nicer things in life. I'd forgotten that ZO2 was opening (thought they were doing Vegas for some reason). They had no lighting or anything, just their sparse equipment setup in the middle of the stage, and more importantly their music. The two times I've seen these guys they've entertained. Amusingly (to me) on hearing some of their stuff, I was simply wondering if they like The Sweet? They worked the small crowd (at that point), but knew who everyone was there to see. They put on an excellent, though basic set, including a cool cover of "Tom Sawyer." I always find the set changeover one of the most exciting parts of the night, and the scurrying-cockroach ballet is as much fun to watch as the staging that occurs earlier in the day. The descending platform was lowered to the stage and prepared for the band with the safety harnesses, so it seems clear that they intended to do the descending entry. However, as soon as they raised the black Alive/35 curtain, it appeared that the gusty winds may have been problematic. The band came on stage and seemed about to get on the platform. During the intro the curtain appeared to drop early so the band didn't make a grand entry as "Deuce" rumbled to life. Gene had a few issues at the start of the song, most likely a result of initial show problems. He recovered nicely. He breathed fire at the end of "Hotter Than Hell." I nearly got a pick during Parasite. It ended up on the floor next to me, and though I got a thumb on it couldn't get it before my neighbor pried my hand off it. LOL, would have given it to the 4-year-old next to me anyway. Tommy, as much as I dislike the existing arrangement in Ace's make-up, certainly works the crowd and seems to enjoy what he's doing. Gene sounded a bit rough, and had mic issues during ILIL with someone seemingly forgetting to switch his mic on, on the platform, for most of the song. He looked very uncomfortable up there with the wind blowing the platform around and was grabbing the mic stand and playing one-handed at times. Eric's drum riser also blew around a bit in the wind during his solo!
The full gamut of KISS tricks were executed at this show: Paul flew to audience stage; Gene pukes blood to bass elephant farts; Eric's levitating drum kit; cherry pickers up front for Gene and Tommy; confetti (which was simply amazing! To be 15 feet from Paul and barely be able to see him is impressive). I took a pee break during Tommy's solo. What is sad is that the show will probably be remembered more for what occurred offstage than on. Paul got into big time with a fan prior to "Love Gun," spitting at him (and who knows who else), doing the "what gas station do you work at"," "I fucked your mother last night, say hello to your Dad," "are you a retard?," "where do you work so I can ask for fries with that," there's people like you on Jerry Springer, etc (check YouTube, it's sure to make it there). He actually spat quite a bit into the audience (from my perspective) and the guy was eventually escorted out. He wasn't bloodied (as some have suggested) as he was pushed by me, and was lashing out at other audience members by shoving them. Just looked like a drunk idiot to me. Allegedly. Apparently. Possibly.
This show was reported "Sold Out," and could well have been, though judging by the number of tickets still available to walk-ups, and empty seats it possibly technically wasn't (allegedly). It was still a decent crowd, better than a small casino show, and in line with the "Rock The Nation" sort of tour attendance. However, I think the location and travel implications of getting to Tahoe make it more difficult for more to attend, particularly on a holiday weekend. The set: There were no surprises, be they rare or changed songs, but I do enjoy "She" and "Nothin' To Lose" in the set. Paul has edited his excruciating intro to "Lick It Up," and simply goes into the song. Thanks! "100,000 Years" lived up to its title. Paul's voice was pretty rough in parts, but improved a bit during the show and stayed pretty much together. It was not as bad in person as some of the European tour recordings made it sound. Eric seems to be singing way more backing vocals, and takes lead on "Nothing To Lose" and "Black Diamond." Catboy is incredible, and too easy to simply watch executing his craft and ignoring the others! Oddly, cameras were allowed at the venue, so plenty of pictures / YouTube video should surface. I only brought a cheap-O disposable which was done by the second song, so I'll have to wait to see if anything turned out. I wasted too many shots on the pre-show stage. Same with the following night, though the camera broke after a few shots of the staging during the day (so we'll have to see if anything turned out). 
After another 230 mile drive it was time for Konocti. With three hours of sleep the night before (next time check the hotel specs to see if they have A/C bonehead!), and the heat (anything over 65 is hot for me) I was beat by the time I reached Clear Lake. I didn't feel the most wonderful vibes of the place. It's not what I'd call a stunning venue, but then the "resort" had a "Classic Rock Cafe" playing Usher. Stage, like the previous night's show, was limited (in scale), but $150 for bleacher tickets is taking the piss especially for a low-end resort such as that. After the night before I didn't find it anywhere near as exciting but with the travel, heat, and lack of sleep I guess I hope their next show is at a high-end spa! The show was scaled-back from the night before with "I Was Made For Lovin' You" and "Cold Gin" being dropped. No loss IMO (I don't care for the former, and prefer Ace's vocals as part of the latter).
The set list: At this point I think I can finally accept that they're never going to play "The Oath" in concert. I'll take my witnessing "All The Way" and "Kissin' Time" as the bones I've been thrown. While I got very board of the set listening to the Alive/35 recordings, it is what it is. It is balanced, and representative of the band's history. Is it perfect? No. Is it going to please the diehards? No. Do those points matter? No. While without doubt there are diehards in the audience, there are more casual concert-goers, and they're the ones who will need to be catered to in order to put asses in seats should the band tour the US. Also needed, a complimentary opening act that can also put asses in seats and not have those seats empty after their set! I'm glad "I Want You" is gone, that grated on me in 2003/4. Same with "Unholy" and "War Machine." I will admit to missing "God Of Thunder" and "Watchin' You" and "King Of The Night Time World" and... |
| Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:11:37 AM - New Recordings Taste. |
| For those itching for a taste of the new recordings, here's some samples from Hotter Than Hell and Calling Dr. Love. The album is available for purchase from Amazon.com or direct from the fantastic CDJapan (they provide excellent service). You can also here samples of all of the tracks, HERE. |