Kiss News

West Virginia DJ listens up to a warning about hearing loss from KISS guitarist

By Douglas Imbrogno

Bill France owes a double debt to KISS vocalist and guitarist Paul Stanley.

If you're not as serious a KISS fan as France is, here's an assist: Among the white grease painted faces of the legendary rock outfit, Stanley is the one with the black star painted over his right eye.

France's first debt is to Stanley and the band's costumed rock music, since it isn't quite accurate to call the Logan County resident a "serious" fan of KISS's raucous, over-the-top stagecraft.

He's a super-fan.

"Gosh, my first KISS concert was in 1978, and I've probably seen them a couple dozen times," said the 40-year-old France, who teaches language arts and broadcasting at Logan High School.

"I've met them several times, and I've actually done some artwork they used on their website. I kind of know all the outer circle. A couple of band members know me by my name -- Paul doesn't."
West Virginia DJ listens up to a warning about hearing loss from KISS guitarist

By Douglas Imbrogno

Bill France owes a double debt to KISS vocalist and guitarist Paul Stanley.

If you're not as serious a KISS fan as France is, here's an assist: Among the white grease painted faces of the legendary rock outfit, Stanley is the one with the black star painted over his right eye.

France's first debt is to Stanley and the band's costumed rock music, since it isn't quite accurate to call the Logan County resident a "serious" fan of KISS's raucous, over-the-top stagecraft.

He's a super-fan.

"Gosh, my first KISS concert was in 1978, and I've probably seen them a couple dozen times," said the 40-year-old France, who teaches language arts and broadcasting at Logan High School.

"I've met them several times, and I've actually done some artwork they used on their website. I kind of know all the outer circle. A couple of band members know me by my name -- Paul doesn't."

That will change later this year. France is supposed to meet the band again this summer during the group's 2012 "Monster" tour. "Paul is going to sign my custom Washburn guitar," he said.

The guitar will no doubt earn pride of place in France's impressive collection of KISS memorabilia and tchotkes, which fills a room in his house, including a life-size model of Gene Simmons in full concert regalia glaring from a corner.

"I'm pretty diehard," France conceded.

So, it was with some interest he went to the KISS website in May 2011 and noticed Stanley warning the band's followers about hearing loss from overly loud music -- this from a performer who for decades has sung "Shout It Out Loud" at concerts.

For France, it was a wake-up call.

He's a busy mobile DJ on the side -- djbillfrance.com is where you'll find out everything about his alter ego, DJ Bill France. He specializes in DJing music for weddings, reunions, birthday parties and -- crank it up, please! -- high school dances.

"The kids love it loud," France noted.

Stanley's message inspired France to have his hearing checked, given how much time he spends in front of blaring speakers, being the sort of DJ who works a crowd. He'd also lately been having trouble hearing students when they asked questions from the back of the room.

He had a series of tests done at a Logan hearing center. The news was both good and not-so-good. "They told me my hearing was on the verge of getting bad," he said.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the story.

BIDDING ENDS IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS! DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO BID!

KISS By Monster Mini Golf to Auction off Wedding Package Starting February 10 with KISS� Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons as Guests of Honor

Bidding for the first �Hotter Than Hell� wedding is now open on eBay!

LAS VEGAS, Nev. � KISS� by Monster Mini Golf� is giving KISS� fans the opportunity to be the first couple married at the �Hotter Than Hell� wedding chapel with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley as the guests of honor.

The first wedding or vow renewal ceremony will be up for auction on eBay Thursday Feb 9th at noon (PST) and will close Valentine�s Day, at noon (PST.) Partial proceeds will benefit Toys 4 Smiles.

Bid now on the �Hotter Than Hell� wedding package!KISS By Monster Mini Golf to Auction off Wedding Package Starting February 10 with

KISS� Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons as Guests of Honor

Bidding for the first �Hotter Than Hell� wedding is now open on eBay!

LAS VEGAS, Nev. � KISS� by Monster Mini Golf� is giving KISS� fans the opportunity to be the first couple married at the �Hotter Than Hell� wedding chapel with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley as the guests of honor.

The first wedding or vow renewal ceremony will be up for auction on eBay Thursday Feb 9th at noon (PST) and will close Valentine�s Day, at noon (PST.) Partial proceeds will benefit Toys 4 Smiles.

Bid now on the �Hotter Than Hell� wedding package!

The wedding will take place at the �Hotter Than Hell� wedding chapel located inside KISS� by Monster Mini Golf� as part of the Grand Opening Day�s events on March 15, 2012

�Ever dreamed of the perfect Rock & Roll Wedding, where your invitations are concert tickets, rose pedals are guitar picks and your Limo is a Rock and Roll Tour bus? Picture yourself on a stage, fashioned after KISS� album for LOVE GUN, with lights and sound that will set the tone for your concert wedding all in Fabulous Las Vegas, with KISS as part of your wedding ceremony! This is a priceless Rock �N� Roll Wedding!

I sold my Toy collection eight years ago to build the first Monster Mini Golf. Toys 4 Smiles is close to my heart.� stated Christina Vitagliano, Founder of KISS� By Monster Mini Golf�.�

The �Hotter Than Hell� Wedding package provides everything to make the day special with 20 guests, including the iconic KISS� band members, a guitar smashing at the end of the ceremony and more.

The rock �n roll wedding will include:

· limo transportation from airport

· two nights in the Mega Suite at Rumor Boutique Hotel

· bride�s make-up by Sumita Beauty�

· Rockin� flowers by Enchanted Florist

· authentic KISS� costume for groom

· cake by Gimme Some Sugar Las Vegas

· sterling engraved KISS� Guitar pick necklaces by Diamond Trendz

· photos by celebrity photographer, Erik Kabik

· VIP rockstar transportation to the wedding�s black carpet entrance in the Gene Simmons Axe Tour Bus

· ceremony officiated by �MINI�ster, Lowercase g

· amped reception with MR. Speed, the World�s Best KISS Tribute band

· immortalized �FOREVER� on the Fan Paper displayed in venue and more surprises to make this wedding �Hotter Than Hell�

KISS� By Monster Mini Golf� is located across from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino at the Shoppes at Harmon Square. Founded in 2004, Monster Mini Golf boasts 30 18-hole miniature indoor glow in-the-dark golf courses across the country.

For information visit www.monsterminigolf.com/kiss., or contact Christina Vitagliano, [email protected]