05/31/2011
Kiss News
05/30/2011
NICK CANNON'S NEW VIDEO GETS KISSED!
05/30/2011
MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE FROM KISS
05/30/2011
KISS ARMY SACRAMENTO, YOU LOOK GREAT!
05/30/2011
SACRAMENTO ROCK CITY
05/30/2011
KISS ROCKS RALEY FIELD
By Tony Bizjak / The Sacramento Bee
Photo by Tom Hopkins - Hope Productions
KISS � the thunder rock band with the black-and-white Kabuki faces, 8-inch heels and a style once described as German Panzer � came to town for a benefit concert Sunday night and offered a tongue-in-cheek mea culpa.
They may be to blame for the need to replace the dilapidated Power Balance Pavilion concert venue and Sacramento Kings home court.
"We've played there many times," Paul Stanley said of the arena once called Arco. He grinned. "We're probably one of the reasons that it needs renovating."By Tony Bizjak / The Sacramento Bee
KISS � the thunder rock band with the black-and-white Kabuki faces, 8-inch heels and a style once described as German Panzer � came to town for a benefit concert Sunday night and offered a tongue-in-cheek mea culpa.
They may be to blame for the need to replace the dilapidated Power Balance Pavilion concert venue and Sacramento Kings home court.
"We've played there many times," Paul Stanley said of the arena once called Arco. He grinned. "We're probably one of the reasons that it needs renovating."
KISS, known for end-of-the-world pyrotechnics, toned it down a bit for its Sunday concert at Raley Field in West Sacramento, a special rock-and-dinner affair.
"We have families and tables and glass," bassist Gene Simmons said, sitting with bandmates backstage beyond left field. "We don't want people to have heart attacks and fall on their dinner."
The band lent its efforts to an event called "Walk 'N Rock for Kids." Sponsored by Hope Productions Foundation, a local nonprofit, the morning fundraiser walk and evening concert raised money for service groups helping children.
That amounts to a heavy-duty score for local nonprofits. Thirty-eight years after its launch, the group has become as much rock brand as it is rock band.
KISS still records albums and does tours for rabid fans. But Sunday offered evidence of a broad business approach that keeps the KISS name in lights.
At the entrance to Raley Field, roped off like rock stars, sat four Mini Cooper Countryman cars painted black and white, matching the band members' faces. The cars are up for auction on eBay as part of a UNICEF benefit for children in post-earthquake Japan.
Simultaneously, the group is selling tickets for a KISS Kruise to the Bahamas, which includes two concerts. KISS plush dolls are due out soon, adding to an estimated 3,000 KISS items on the market over the years.
In what may be the ultimate attempt to keep the KISS brand alive in perpetuity, marketers are rereleasing the KISS Kasket, a black coffin made of 20-gauge steel. That's right, it's heavy metal.
It's part of the promotional machine Simmons calls Planet KISS. "That's trademarked," Simmons noted.
It's also why Stanley and Simmons, the group's tenured old-timers, say the band may not disappear even after they are too old to safely negotiate the stage in high heels and 30-plus pounds of costume.
"KISS is an idea that should rightfully be bigger than any one of us," Simmons said. He calls it Kisstianity. "To think that something can't exist without you, that you are indispensable, is delusional to the extreme."
But Stanley has no plans to go off quietly in a KISS Kasket. There's more work to be done, he said. That in mind, he leaned forward in his chair.
"I was just thinking," he said. "I am willing to go to Arco Arena with a bucket of plaster and try to fix all the cracks that we put in."
Photo by Tom Hopkins - Hope Productions
KISS � the thunder rock band with the black-and-white Kabuki faces, 8-inch heels and a style once described as German Panzer � came to town for a benefit concert Sunday night and offered a tongue-in-cheek mea culpa.
They may be to blame for the need to replace the dilapidated Power Balance Pavilion concert venue and Sacramento Kings home court.
"We've played there many times," Paul Stanley said of the arena once called Arco. He grinned. "We're probably one of the reasons that it needs renovating."By Tony Bizjak / The Sacramento Bee
KISS � the thunder rock band with the black-and-white Kabuki faces, 8-inch heels and a style once described as German Panzer � came to town for a benefit concert Sunday night and offered a tongue-in-cheek mea culpa.
They may be to blame for the need to replace the dilapidated Power Balance Pavilion concert venue and Sacramento Kings home court.
"We've played there many times," Paul Stanley said of the arena once called Arco. He grinned. "We're probably one of the reasons that it needs renovating."
KISS, known for end-of-the-world pyrotechnics, toned it down a bit for its Sunday concert at Raley Field in West Sacramento, a special rock-and-dinner affair.
"We have families and tables and glass," bassist Gene Simmons said, sitting with bandmates backstage beyond left field. "We don't want people to have heart attacks and fall on their dinner."
The band lent its efforts to an event called "Walk 'N Rock for Kids." Sponsored by Hope Productions Foundation, a local nonprofit, the morning fundraiser walk and evening concert raised money for service groups helping children.
That amounts to a heavy-duty score for local nonprofits. Thirty-eight years after its launch, the group has become as much rock brand as it is rock band.
KISS still records albums and does tours for rabid fans. But Sunday offered evidence of a broad business approach that keeps the KISS name in lights.
At the entrance to Raley Field, roped off like rock stars, sat four Mini Cooper Countryman cars painted black and white, matching the band members' faces. The cars are up for auction on eBay as part of a UNICEF benefit for children in post-earthquake Japan.
Simultaneously, the group is selling tickets for a KISS Kruise to the Bahamas, which includes two concerts. KISS plush dolls are due out soon, adding to an estimated 3,000 KISS items on the market over the years.
In what may be the ultimate attempt to keep the KISS brand alive in perpetuity, marketers are rereleasing the KISS Kasket, a black coffin made of 20-gauge steel. That's right, it's heavy metal.
It's part of the promotional machine Simmons calls Planet KISS. "That's trademarked," Simmons noted.
It's also why Stanley and Simmons, the group's tenured old-timers, say the band may not disappear even after they are too old to safely negotiate the stage in high heels and 30-plus pounds of costume.
"KISS is an idea that should rightfully be bigger than any one of us," Simmons said. He calls it Kisstianity. "To think that something can't exist without you, that you are indispensable, is delusional to the extreme."
But Stanley has no plans to go off quietly in a KISS Kasket. There's more work to be done, he said. That in mind, he leaned forward in his chair.
"I was just thinking," he said. "I am willing to go to Arco Arena with a bucket of plaster and try to fix all the cracks that we put in."
05/30/2011
KISS MINIS IN MILWAUKEE
05/30/2011
KISS CANCER GOODBYE!
05/29/2011
INTERVIEW WITH ERIC SINGER
Drum roll....
1: It's been a little over 18 months since the release of Sonic Boom, an album which had the band much sounding much closer to it's trademark 70s sound. How do you see that album now? From your perspective was there anything you though "maybe I should have done that differently" or "I didn't quite nail that"?
SONIC BOOM was really good and was the first step in the right direction for KISS. The newest record we are now working on at this time will show a natural progression from SONIC BOOM to KISS 2011 as you will all hear soon enough.
2: From the outside looking in it seems as though the band is quite early in the stages of preparing the follow up album. In going about the preparation of the album is there a focus on creating an album that follows in the vein of Sonic Boom or is it more of a case of seeing where the band ends up once tracks are 'in the can'?
We are already knee deep into the new record as I write this... All's I can say is you will all be very pleased. The material is stronger and more riff oriented and very hard/heavier style.
Everyone that has heard material so far is raving about the stuff and we are too :-)
3: Has your involvement on the new album been any different to Sonic Boom, or earlier KISS albums?
As a band we are more comfortable and have more time together under our belts now that really shows in our writing, performances etc...
We work out all the material together in rehearsals as a band before we go into the studio. It really makes for better vibes and performance overall.
Drum roll....
1: It's been a little over 18 months since the release of Sonic Boom, an album which had the band much sounding much closer to it's trademark 70s sound. How do you see that album now? From your perspective was there anything you though "maybe I should have done that differently" or "I didn't quite nail that"?
SONIC BOOM was really good and was the first step in the right direction for KISS. The newest record we are now working on at this time will show a natural progression from SONIC BOOM to KISS 2011 as you will all hear soon enough.
2: From the outside looking in it seems as though the band is quite early in the stages of preparing the follow up album. In going about the preparation of the album is there a focus on creating an album that follows in the vein of Sonic Boom or is it more of a case of seeing where the band ends up once tracks are 'in the can'?
We are already knee deep into the new record as I write this... All's I can say is you will all be very pleased. The material is stronger and more riff oriented and very hard/heavier style.
Everyone that has heard material so far is raving about the stuff and we are too :-)
3: Has your involvement on the new album been any different to Sonic Boom, or earlier KISS albums?
As a band we are more comfortable and have more time together under our belts now that really shows in our writing, performances etc...
We work out all the material together in rehearsals as a band before we go into the studio. It really makes for better vibes and performance overall.
4: If you could pick any three people in the world to have dinner with, who would you choose?
Jesus, Jimi Hendrix and...Freddie Mercury
(I just said what came to mind off the cuff...)
5: The KISS Army seemed to really enjoy the early sneak peaks of the band in the studio that were posted on KISS Online, however they seem to have stopped. Will there be a return of these clips as the process continues? Are there any intentions to release a BLU RAY / DVD around the creation of the album at this early stage?
We did post another clip from Tommy just the other day. There will be more as we progress along. I have no idea what DVD or other stuff may come of it all. There will be KISSOLGY IV sometime sooner than later but not sure what all will be included in that.
But it will be good :-)
6: What was the favorite moment of your career as a drummer for KISS so far ?
The overall experience has been pretty damn good I must say. I am proud to be in such a kool band that I always dreamed of being in. There really is no other band like KISS. "Special" is not even a just enough word to describe it... :-)
7: Since putting on the make-up it would seem that you have been quite conscious of taming down your drumming to be more in the style of the 70s material. Is that something you expect to see continue into the new album? Particularly amongst the Australian KISS Army it seems that there are a number of fans who loved your work on Revenge and the KISS My Ass Downunder tour and would like to see more of your flair on studio releases.
I have always played for the "song" or band first. KISS in some ways has come full circle more back to it's roots in style musically and that is reflected in the live playing and recordings. I never had a problem adapting to whatever is required of me. That is the sign of a seasoned musician. Leave your personal stuff and ego at the door. Play for the music!
8: Any plans of hooking up with your buddies for any ESP shows again in Australia when you have some time off ?
ESP is a fun band that we try to do schedules permitting. We did a few shows in march in Europe this year. maybe more later in the year somewhere ? Would you have us again ?
9: What is your message to your fans in Australia ?
I really look forward to coming back down there again sooner than later. I have a special connection to Australia and feel like it is my second home in some ways. Beautiful country full of beautiful people.
Really an amazing place.
10: Lastly, of course we have to ask this one, are you aware of any plans for a return trip to Australia?
I know KISS will come there again. and Me too !
I love and miss the place dearly
Eric
Thanks very much for your time Eric and we all hope to see you soon in Australia !
Kind regards & �Peace Out�
1: It's been a little over 18 months since the release of Sonic Boom, an album which had the band much sounding much closer to it's trademark 70s sound. How do you see that album now? From your perspective was there anything you though "maybe I should have done that differently" or "I didn't quite nail that"?
SONIC BOOM was really good and was the first step in the right direction for KISS. The newest record we are now working on at this time will show a natural progression from SONIC BOOM to KISS 2011 as you will all hear soon enough.
2: From the outside looking in it seems as though the band is quite early in the stages of preparing the follow up album. In going about the preparation of the album is there a focus on creating an album that follows in the vein of Sonic Boom or is it more of a case of seeing where the band ends up once tracks are 'in the can'?
We are already knee deep into the new record as I write this... All's I can say is you will all be very pleased. The material is stronger and more riff oriented and very hard/heavier style.
Everyone that has heard material so far is raving about the stuff and we are too :-)
3: Has your involvement on the new album been any different to Sonic Boom, or earlier KISS albums?
As a band we are more comfortable and have more time together under our belts now that really shows in our writing, performances etc...
We work out all the material together in rehearsals as a band before we go into the studio. It really makes for better vibes and performance overall.
Drum roll....
1: It's been a little over 18 months since the release of Sonic Boom, an album which had the band much sounding much closer to it's trademark 70s sound. How do you see that album now? From your perspective was there anything you though "maybe I should have done that differently" or "I didn't quite nail that"?
SONIC BOOM was really good and was the first step in the right direction for KISS. The newest record we are now working on at this time will show a natural progression from SONIC BOOM to KISS 2011 as you will all hear soon enough.
2: From the outside looking in it seems as though the band is quite early in the stages of preparing the follow up album. In going about the preparation of the album is there a focus on creating an album that follows in the vein of Sonic Boom or is it more of a case of seeing where the band ends up once tracks are 'in the can'?
We are already knee deep into the new record as I write this... All's I can say is you will all be very pleased. The material is stronger and more riff oriented and very hard/heavier style.
Everyone that has heard material so far is raving about the stuff and we are too :-)
3: Has your involvement on the new album been any different to Sonic Boom, or earlier KISS albums?
As a band we are more comfortable and have more time together under our belts now that really shows in our writing, performances etc...
We work out all the material together in rehearsals as a band before we go into the studio. It really makes for better vibes and performance overall.
4: If you could pick any three people in the world to have dinner with, who would you choose?
Jesus, Jimi Hendrix and...Freddie Mercury
(I just said what came to mind off the cuff...)
5: The KISS Army seemed to really enjoy the early sneak peaks of the band in the studio that were posted on KISS Online, however they seem to have stopped. Will there be a return of these clips as the process continues? Are there any intentions to release a BLU RAY / DVD around the creation of the album at this early stage?
We did post another clip from Tommy just the other day. There will be more as we progress along. I have no idea what DVD or other stuff may come of it all. There will be KISSOLGY IV sometime sooner than later but not sure what all will be included in that.
But it will be good :-)
6: What was the favorite moment of your career as a drummer for KISS so far ?
The overall experience has been pretty damn good I must say. I am proud to be in such a kool band that I always dreamed of being in. There really is no other band like KISS. "Special" is not even a just enough word to describe it... :-)
7: Since putting on the make-up it would seem that you have been quite conscious of taming down your drumming to be more in the style of the 70s material. Is that something you expect to see continue into the new album? Particularly amongst the Australian KISS Army it seems that there are a number of fans who loved your work on Revenge and the KISS My Ass Downunder tour and would like to see more of your flair on studio releases.
I have always played for the "song" or band first. KISS in some ways has come full circle more back to it's roots in style musically and that is reflected in the live playing and recordings. I never had a problem adapting to whatever is required of me. That is the sign of a seasoned musician. Leave your personal stuff and ego at the door. Play for the music!
8: Any plans of hooking up with your buddies for any ESP shows again in Australia when you have some time off ?
ESP is a fun band that we try to do schedules permitting. We did a few shows in march in Europe this year. maybe more later in the year somewhere ? Would you have us again ?
9: What is your message to your fans in Australia ?
I really look forward to coming back down there again sooner than later. I have a special connection to Australia and feel like it is my second home in some ways. Beautiful country full of beautiful people.
Really an amazing place.
10: Lastly, of course we have to ask this one, are you aware of any plans for a return trip to Australia?
I know KISS will come there again. and Me too !
I love and miss the place dearly
Eric
Thanks very much for your time Eric and we all hope to see you soon in Australia !
Kind regards & �Peace Out�
05/29/2011
KISS COLLECTOR HELPS HIS FATHER-IN-LAW
Fanatic KISS memorabilia collector to auction items for a good cause
By Sarah Acosta
Photo - Todd Yates/Caller-Times
Local Fred Medina fell in love with the band KISS at a young age, and it took him 20 years to collect $30,000 of band memorabilia.
But he is willing to give it all up because of his love for his father-in-law, Ricardo Cruz, and what he did for his daughter.
A member of the KISS Army, the official band fan club, Medina has decided to auction and raffle off his several hundred KISS collectibles Sunday at Brewster Street Ice House to raise money for the Ricardo Cruz Foundation. The organization is helping pay for Cruz's cancer treatments.
Medina said he has had time to cherish these items, and it's now time for others to enjoy them.
"All of these things are replaceable, but my family isn't," Medina said.Fanatic KISS memorabilia collector to auction items for a good cause |
By Sarah Acosta
Photo - Todd Yates/Caller-Times
Local Fred Medina fell in love with the band KISS at a young age, and it took him 20 years to collect $30,000 of band memorabilia.
But he is willing to give it all up because of his love for his father-in-law, Ricardo Cruz, and what he did for his daughter.
A member of the KISS Army, the official band fan club, Medina has decided to auction and raffle off his several hundred KISS collectibles Sunday at Brewster Street Ice House to raise money for the Ricardo Cruz Foundation. The organization is helping pay for Cruz's cancer treatments.
Medina said he has had time to cherish these items, and it's now time for others to enjoy them.
"All of these things are replaceable, but my family isn't," Medina said.
In 2008, during Hurricane Ike, Medina and his wife, Kathy, took their three children to the doctor to get checked up before they evacuated. The doctor discovered that his youngest daughter, 3 at the time, had aplastic anemia. She was rushed to Driscoll Children's Hospital and immediately underwent blood transfusions.
A doctor later told the family that a bone marrow exam was inevitable because the transfusions were not working.
Medina said the family was in deep prayer during that week.
"At one point during prayer he (Cruz) embraced me and kept asking God not to take his baby girl, to take him instead," Medina said.
Three days later, the doctor told them the transfusions were working, and that she would get better. Three years later, she is healthy.
However, three months later Cruz, who according to Medina had never shown any signs of illness, was stricken with stage four throat cancer and has spent the past three years battling the disease.
Medina said his mother-in-law had to leave her job for six months to be by her husband's side and lost her full-time job.
"Starting the Ricardo Cruz Foundation and offering up my collection is the least thing we can do for a man that has paid the ultimate sacrifice," Medina said. "I don't even want a key chain left."
Not only does he have every record, but he has the original album inserts. Medina's collection also includes items like KISS 3-D head busts signed by all four original band members, special-edition posters, mint condition comics and signed guitars held by Gene Simmons.
Medina had his collection appraised and insured eight years ago when he also had his house appraised. The collection was worth $30,000 and he has added items since.
Medina has had a passion for KISS since he heard the song "Rock and Roll All Nite" when he was about 6 years old, and views co-founder Gene Simmons as a hero. He grew up as a Jehovah's Witness, and said his mother would forbid him to listen to the band.
Medina said if anything, the band's rebellious appeal drew him in more. He said when he was at Wynn Seale Middle School he and his friends saved up $15 for tickets to a KISS concert at the Memorial Coliseum. They didn't go home after school that day and walked to the show.
"When I finally saw Gene on stage, I froze like a zombie for an hour," Medina said. "I couldn't believe I was seeing them on stage, but man, my parents put a whooping on me when I showed up at home at 11:30 at night."
The foundation sent KISS an email through the KISS Army, and Simmons was so touched by the family's story he sent them a $1,000 check and two guitars he designed and autographed, along with backstage passes to any KISS concert in Texas to be auctioned. Simmons also will broadcast a message during the event.
"Whether we have a great turnout or not, nothing can get better than having Gene Simmons, my idol growing up, get involved," Medina said. "I was speechless."
The authorized KISS band Destroyer will play at the event and C-101's Rex Gabriel will emcee.
By Sarah Acosta
Photo - Todd Yates/Caller-Times
Local Fred Medina fell in love with the band KISS at a young age, and it took him 20 years to collect $30,000 of band memorabilia.
But he is willing to give it all up because of his love for his father-in-law, Ricardo Cruz, and what he did for his daughter.
A member of the KISS Army, the official band fan club, Medina has decided to auction and raffle off his several hundred KISS collectibles Sunday at Brewster Street Ice House to raise money for the Ricardo Cruz Foundation. The organization is helping pay for Cruz's cancer treatments.
Medina said he has had time to cherish these items, and it's now time for others to enjoy them.
"All of these things are replaceable, but my family isn't," Medina said.Fanatic KISS memorabilia collector to auction items for a good cause |
By Sarah Acosta
Photo - Todd Yates/Caller-Times
Local Fred Medina fell in love with the band KISS at a young age, and it took him 20 years to collect $30,000 of band memorabilia.
But he is willing to give it all up because of his love for his father-in-law, Ricardo Cruz, and what he did for his daughter.
A member of the KISS Army, the official band fan club, Medina has decided to auction and raffle off his several hundred KISS collectibles Sunday at Brewster Street Ice House to raise money for the Ricardo Cruz Foundation. The organization is helping pay for Cruz's cancer treatments.
Medina said he has had time to cherish these items, and it's now time for others to enjoy them.
"All of these things are replaceable, but my family isn't," Medina said.
In 2008, during Hurricane Ike, Medina and his wife, Kathy, took their three children to the doctor to get checked up before they evacuated. The doctor discovered that his youngest daughter, 3 at the time, had aplastic anemia. She was rushed to Driscoll Children's Hospital and immediately underwent blood transfusions.
A doctor later told the family that a bone marrow exam was inevitable because the transfusions were not working.
Medina said the family was in deep prayer during that week.
"At one point during prayer he (Cruz) embraced me and kept asking God not to take his baby girl, to take him instead," Medina said.
Three days later, the doctor told them the transfusions were working, and that she would get better. Three years later, she is healthy.
However, three months later Cruz, who according to Medina had never shown any signs of illness, was stricken with stage four throat cancer and has spent the past three years battling the disease.
Medina said his mother-in-law had to leave her job for six months to be by her husband's side and lost her full-time job.
"Starting the Ricardo Cruz Foundation and offering up my collection is the least thing we can do for a man that has paid the ultimate sacrifice," Medina said. "I don't even want a key chain left."
Not only does he have every record, but he has the original album inserts. Medina's collection also includes items like KISS 3-D head busts signed by all four original band members, special-edition posters, mint condition comics and signed guitars held by Gene Simmons.
Medina had his collection appraised and insured eight years ago when he also had his house appraised. The collection was worth $30,000 and he has added items since.
Medina has had a passion for KISS since he heard the song "Rock and Roll All Nite" when he was about 6 years old, and views co-founder Gene Simmons as a hero. He grew up as a Jehovah's Witness, and said his mother would forbid him to listen to the band.
Medina said if anything, the band's rebellious appeal drew him in more. He said when he was at Wynn Seale Middle School he and his friends saved up $15 for tickets to a KISS concert at the Memorial Coliseum. They didn't go home after school that day and walked to the show.
"When I finally saw Gene on stage, I froze like a zombie for an hour," Medina said. "I couldn't believe I was seeing them on stage, but man, my parents put a whooping on me when I showed up at home at 11:30 at night."
The foundation sent KISS an email through the KISS Army, and Simmons was so touched by the family's story he sent them a $1,000 check and two guitars he designed and autographed, along with backstage passes to any KISS concert in Texas to be auctioned. Simmons also will broadcast a message during the event.
"Whether we have a great turnout or not, nothing can get better than having Gene Simmons, my idol growing up, get involved," Medina said. "I was speechless."
The authorized KISS band Destroyer will play at the event and C-101's Rex Gabriel will emcee.
