Kiss News

Story and photo by Chris Epting

In a small rehearsal on the fringes of North Hollywood, a band is working hard. Feeling their way several times through the Bo Diddley staple, 'Road Runner,' they're finally getting comfortable with each other. Then the band's leader decides to crack the whip.

She stops the band and issues a few orders. "You, come in harder after the first verse," she tells one of the two drummers. "And you," she tells the singer, "I want you to start singing up around here," before hitting the note she wants him to tackle.

The singer has a suggestion after that. "Tonight, I'm thinking of ripping my jacket off and kind of throwing it at a certain point." The boss thinks about it. "Okay," she says. "Do that."

Just another band rehearsal? Not really. The two drummers, two guitarists, bass player and vocalist, have just met a few days earlier. And the bandleader? The woman whose playing styles is as distinctive as her blonde hair and striking good looks: Lita Ford.

Welcome to Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp, where average, everyday people can live out their rock and roll dreams in the span of just a few days.

The brainchild of producer David Fishof, this is the camp's 14th year.

With years of experience producing rock tours throughout the world, Fishof first got the idea for the camp as a way to give music fans the opportunity to see their rock dreams become reality by learning from some of the most influential artists in the industry. That dream first crystallized in 1997 and over the years, he has delivered some of the world's top rockers to mentor, teach, perform and just plain hang out with fans.

For this most recent edition, Paul Stanley from KISS served as head counselor and was joined by Ford, Vinny Appice, Nils Lofgren, Rudy Sarzo, Bruce Kulick, and a host of other industry heavyweights.


Story and photo by Chris Epting

In a small rehearsal on the fringes of North Hollywood, a band is working hard. Feeling their way several times through the Bo Diddley staple, 'Road Runner,' they're finally getting comfortable with each other. Then the band's leader decides to crack the whip.

She stops the band and issues a few orders. "You, come in harder after the first verse," she tells one of the two drummers. "And you," she tells the singer, "I want you to start singing up around here," before hitting the note she wants him to tackle.

The singer has a suggestion after that. "Tonight, I'm thinking of ripping my jacket off and kind of throwing it at a certain point." The boss thinks about it. "Okay," she says. "Do that."

Just another band rehearsal? Not really. The two drummers, two guitarists, bass player and vocalist, have just met a few days earlier. And the bandleader? The woman whose playing styles is as distinctive as her blonde hair and striking good looks: Lita Ford.

Welcome to Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp, where average, everyday people can live out their rock and roll dreams in the span of just a few days.

The brainchild of producer David Fishof, this is the camp's 14th year.

With years of experience producing rock tours throughout the world, Fishof first got the idea for the camp as a way to give music fans the opportunity to see their rock dreams become reality by learning from some of the most influential artists in the industry. That dream first crystallized in 1997 and over the years, he has delivered some of the world's top rockers to mentor, teach, perform and just plain hang out with fans.

For this most recent edition, Paul Stanley from KISS served as head counselor and was joined by Ford, Vinny Appice, Nils Lofgren, Rudy Sarzo, Bruce Kulick, and a host of other industry heavyweights.



Fishof told Noisecreep that for him, the best part of the experience is the looks on the camper's faces. "We get to make dreams come true," said the effusive impresario, "We get to connect fans with their rock and roll heroes. But the rockers get a lot out of it, too, believe me. They love the camaraderie, they love sharing stories and they love being part of something that brings true joy to people."

Fishof, who just exudes optimism and good will, also has a good time. "I'm not a musician but I love music," he said. "So for me, I get to experience the thrills, too. And we've grown our franchise into something where we can really help people, as well. We've got corporate programs now where the rockers can adapt their advice into leadership seminars and more � the power of rock of roll can live well beyond the concert hall or recoding studio."

True, but back in the rehearsal hall, getting the song right is all that matters. Later that night, the band (dubbed 'Honkin' On Bobo' after the Aerosmith album title) will be playing a three-song set at the Playboy mansion along with the dozen-or-so other bands made up of campers and led by a celebrity musician counselor.

And in just moments, Paul Stanley will be coming in to run through the KISS classic, 'Lick it Up' (Stanley was to join each band that night onstage for a tune and this is the one 'Honkin' On Bobo' chose).

Guitarist Chuck Baum, a billboard sales exec from Palm Springs, conferred with Ford on some chord changes and after hammering the tune out a few times, the door to the room swung open and in sauntered Stanley.

After sharing some advice on the night's gig ("Don't look like you're rehearsing � go out and PLAY like you mean it or they'll eat you alive"), Stanley also signed autographs, chatted with the band and then strapped on his guitar to play 'Lick it Up.'

With Ford on backing vocals, the band tore it up. Vocalist Stan Thompson Jr. seemed inspired having "the Starchild" just inches away, crunching out those anthemic chords. At the end of the song, Stanley, who seemed pleases with the performance, said "I'd love to thank the guy that wrote that song � oh wait, it was me."

After posing for a few photos, Stanley moved on to the next rehearsal space down the hall to play counselor once more. But Ford was not done cracking the whip. "Come on guys, we still have some work to do," she said strapping her axe back on cranking through another version of 'Road Runner.'

It's hard to imagine the feeling the band had playing with Stanley, and as far as Ford goes, they are thrilled that the she was assigned to them.

"Everyone here is phenomenal," Baum said. "But Lita? I don't know. We got really lucky. She's worked us into shape in jut a few days. She's incredible. She's got us all ready for tonight."

Within hours, the bands will be whisked from the hotel to the Playboy mansion for a tour, drinks and dinner, and of course the show. But in this moment, it's about fine tuning and getting the performance honed. "This is serious stuff," Ford tells the band. "There will be a lot of people there tonight a lot of names. Let's do 'Road Runner.' Again."

Next up � the grand finale concert.

Hello everyone!

As you all know, after my journeys to NYC and Brazil, it was time to jump right into a very exciting Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp because of two factors. First, the Playboy Mansion was where the big event night for the performances would be held, and naturally for me to have Paul Stanley as the headline guest has its significance. I always enjoy jamming and seeing him, and my campers were especially excited as we prepared a medley of KISS hits along with a Van Halen tune.

First day of camp was jamming with all the campers and then I got to work with my band, as we had to play at Guitar Center Hollywood after a few hours of rehearsal. We prepared Strutter and I got a chance to feature my three guitarists.

Guitar Center that night showed off the amazing Gibson ES 335 from Eric Clapton's Cream days, and his famous Fender "Blackie" Stratocaster. To have them up close on display along with one of Stevie Ray Vaughn's guitars, was quite a treat. After that presentation, all the bands played a tune. We did good for Strutter and I knew we would be learning more tunes for the big Playboy Mansion Party performance.Hello everyone!

As you all know, after my journeys to NYC and Brazil, it was time to jump right into a very exciting Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp because of two factors. First, the Playboy Mansion was where the big event night for the performances would be held, and naturally for me to have Paul Stanley as the headline guest has its significance. I always enjoy jamming and seeing him, and my campers were especially excited as we prepared a medley of KISS hits along with a Van Halen tune.

First day of camp was jamming with all the campers and then I got to work with my band, as we had to play at Guitar Center Hollywood after a few hours of rehearsal. We prepared Strutter and I got a chance to feature my three guitarists.

Guitar Center that night showed off the amazing Gibson ES 335 from Eric Clapton's Cream days, and his famous Fender "Blackie" Stratocaster. To have them up close on display along with one of Stevie Ray Vaughn's guitars, was quite a treat. After that presentation, all the bands played a tune. We did good for Strutter and I knew we would be learning more tunes for the big Playboy Mansion Party performance.

Friday we took apart Deuce, and that was fun listening to some of the different live versions on my iPod to properly hear the parts of the song so my mini guitar army could reproduce that KISS sound. Next we learned Ain't Talking Bout Love, by Van Halen, as one of my guitar players was not only a KISS freak, but a big Van Halen fan. His guitar was white with stripes like Eddie's.

I knew we would do a medley, taking one song into another, and Love Gun was next to learn.
We already knew Strutter so by Friday night we had a medley of 4 tunes. Paul was to visit and sit in with the band on Saturday morning. After some crazy jamming in my room on Friday night, which included Francis, Paul's guitar tech on drums and vocals, I got much needed rest for the big Saturday ahead.

I wake up the next morning and realize, we have the WRONG song to end our set. My band who's name was "Electric Angel" was to perform LAST. My singer picked number 11 out of the hat! So I made the decision while walking my dog Joe, "Shout It Out Loud" will be the closer.
Obviously the pressure was on! I gave out the parts to the band, and we were jamming on it in time to have Paul sit in with our entire set of tunes. Having Paul walk in, plug in an incredible looking Gibson Les Paul Reissue and start Deuce had my campers freaking out!

We played well, and after the 10 minute medley, Paul signed and took photos. I should add my friend Eric Singer came along with Paul to all the rooms, and he surprised me when I first saw him!

Now it was off to the Mansion, and with much anticipation, of course the property is quite beautiful, and you knew this was gonna be a wild party, as soon as the "talent" was showing up. I don't mean the camper bands! There were tons of hot women, everywhere and soon the drinks and food starting coming along with all the guests of the Mansion.

Tours were given, (I will do that next time) friends of mine showed up that I didn't know were on the list, as who doesn't want to see the famous house Hef built an empire from! After a while it was time to get the bands playing, and it was fun to see all the groups perform. Paul Stanley played guitar will all of them, which was fun to see. Eric was hanging by the stage along with Francis, as, well the lingerie girls kept coming on and off the stage there! Some bands had hot chicks getting on stage with them, (reminded me of "Take It Off"!!) and between the bands some girls where modeling awesome lingerie outfits, and also a sweet swimsuit contest!

There was a brief break in the set, and that's when the Grotto was full of naked girls. Nice, and typical Playboy. My girlfriend Lisa and I talked to a few of the models there, and for most of them, it was their first time there... and they loved it as well. Everyone clearly was having a great time at the Mansion, and finally it was time for Electric Angel to hit the stage. We did great, and Paul actually stayed on the stage for the medley as he certainly knew all the tunes.

Of course I was exhausted and after a short counselor jam it was time to get home and rest.
I know it was a big success and I am happy that the Mansion does some special events like the Fantasy Camp. I am sure there will be more in the future.

Thank you to all my friends and fellow counselors who worked so hard on making the camp great, and a special thanks to Eric Singer for coming by and hanging all day and jamming too.

Definitely a camp I will not forget anytime soon!

All the best
Bruce