09/16/2010
KISS LAMBORGHINI GALLADO
Kiss News
09/16/2010
SCENES FROM KISS MEET & GREET
09/16/2010
SCENES FROM BACKSTAGE
09/16/2010
HOTTEST SHOW ON EARTH TOUR CONTINUES
09/16/2010
A MILITARY FAMILY THANKS KISS
09/15/2010
KISS GOES BOOM
Guitarist goes from fan to fame.
By David Glessner
Car crashes cause enough commotion without rubberneckers stopping for autographs. So goes the thinking of KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer, who found himself outrageously overdressed a few years back in the middle of a Mexico intersection.
"A lot of times when we finish a show, we'll get off stage in full makeup and costumes, and jump in a van to go straight to the hotel," he says, calling from a Virginia Beach hotel room.
"On this particular night, we each had our own van and we were either in Monterrey or Mexico City. We were going through this crazy traffic in the downtown area and suddenly, 'Boom!' We hit a car! I told my driver, 'Go! Go!' I mean, what am I gonna do, get out of the car and fill out a police report dressed in my spaceman outfit?"
Quick to promise there were no injuries or unresolved insurance headaches, Thayer moves on to another occupational hazard that could only come from playing in the world's most theatrical rock band.
Guitarist goes from fan to fame.
By David Glessner
Car crashes cause enough commotion without rubberneckers stopping for autographs. So goes the thinking of KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer, who found himself outrageously overdressed a few years back in the middle of a Mexico intersection.
"A lot of times when we finish a show, we'll get off stage in full makeup and costumes, and jump in a van to go straight to the hotel," he says, calling from a Virginia Beach hotel room.
"On this particular night, we each had our own van and we were either in Monterrey or Mexico City. We were going through this crazy traffic in the downtown area and suddenly, 'Boom!' We hit a car! I told my driver, 'Go! Go!' I mean, what am I gonna do, get out of the car and fill out a police report dressed in my spaceman outfit?"
Quick to promise there were no injuries or unresolved insurance headaches, Thayer moves on to another occupational hazard that could only come from playing in the world's most theatrical rock band.
"We were at Budokan in Tokyo, Japan, and I was still finding my way around the stage in the [famously stacked] boots," he says. "I tried to step over some lights, and didn't quite make it. I caught my foot and fell over sideways right on my ass. I jumped back up like it was part of the show, but I was very embarrassed."
With his platform footing more firmly planted these days, Thayer and KISS stomp into the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Friday to deliver four decades of testosterone-fueled, fire-breathing, hard-rock anthems, including "Love Gun," "Detroit Rock City," "Shout It Out Loud" and "Rock and Roll All Nite."
Billed, as ever, as the "Hottest Show on Earth," Thayer, drummer Eric Singer, founding bassist Gene Simmons and co-founding guitarist Paul Stanley will unleash an explosive spectacle of towering flames, dizzying lights, painted faces and bloody tongue lashings.
"A lot of people don't realize we put our own makeup on," Thayer says. "KISS has always done that. It's a ritual and it takes about an hour and a half. We all sit in the dressing room together and listen to tunes. Gene listens to a lot of older '50s and '60s stuff, and I've actually taken a liking to it, especially all the old '50s classic hits and doo-wop groups and R&B stuff."
The KISS juggernaut - which rivals Elvis and the Beatles in album sales, and claims a marketing empire that has released everything from condoms and coffins to wide-screen televisions - is grinding forward on the strength of a surprisingly solid 19th studio album, Sonic Boom.
For Thayer, who permanently filled the boots of on-again/off-again original guitarist Ace Frehley (and his successors) in 2003, Sonic Boom marks his first full-length recording with KISS.
"Sonic Boom is sort of a benchmark for me in terms of making my mark in the band," Thayer says, noting he also sings lead vocals on the track "When Lightning Strikes."
"For a long time, people would say I was just copying what was done before, and I guess that's easy for people to say. When Sonic Boom happened, I was really making my mark and taking another big step toward making my place in the band."
As it happens, Thayer's place in KISS reads like destiny. Born in Portland, Oregon, in 1960, the fledgling guitarist moved to Los Angeles and took his first shot at fame with the lightweight hair-metal band Black 'N Blue (and give yourself a break if you don't remember their singles, "Hold on to 18" and "Miss Misery"). The world at large paid little attention, but a certain Gene Simmons took notice and offered his services as the band's producer.
Thayer, of course, was shocked and awed.
"I loved KISS!" he says. "In '74, I got the first KISS record for Christmas and then got Hotter Than Hell and Dressed to Kill. But I think the [album] that was most impactful for me was KISS Alive! Even before I started playing guitar, I would come home from school, crank KISS Alive! in my parents' living room and basically play air guitar to that entire record."
When Black 'N Blue faded, Thayer formed the late-'80s KISS tribute band Cold Gin, playing the role of Ace Frehley, complete with costumes and makeup. See where this is going?
"The Cold Gin experience was a tribute I did just for laughs," he says. "Paul and Gene used to come to the shows and we'd all have a laugh. In a funny way, it was kind of like being in the minor leagues before coming to the major leagues. It gave me the opportunity to put on KISS makeup and play KISS songs. It definitely didn't hurt."
When Thayer gave up the Gin, his KISS connection paid off in spades. Initially hired by his heroes as the photo editor for the KISStory souvenir book, Thayer graduated to a jack-of-all-trades role that found him lending a hand in rehearsals, video production, sound checks and even recording as an uncredited guitarist on KISS's 1998 album Psycho Circus.
"I started working part-time [with KISS] in the early '90s," he says. "They needed someone to choose photos for the KISStory book and I thought, 'Wow, what a great job. How lucky can I be to go to work every day at Paul Stanley's house and look through this huge collection of KISS archives?'
"The great thing was that I obviously knew a lot about KISS and the guys trusted me and knew I would take care of business," he continues. "I had a lot of freedom, and it was a great job that eventually evolved into where I am today."
Today, Thayer is an avid golfer, reader, board member of Pacific University in Oregon and, of course, the mirror image of his hero Ace Frehley.
"He's always been very friendly," Thayer says of Frehley. "I actually put my arm around him at the [2006] VH1 Rock Honors show and said, 'Ace, none of this would be possible without you, so here's to ya!' I've always liked Ace and he was obviously a big influence on me. He's an important guy."
Thayer himself is an important guy these days, as he painstakingly puts a deadly accurate sheen on Frehley's immortal guitar solos. Being KISS's ace in the hole is not without its perks.
"The resurgence of KISS over the last year or two has been amazing," Thayer says. "When I go out in public to a restaurant or shopping, I'm constantly getting recognized. I have a distinctive look anyway because I stand about six-foot-two without platform shoes and have the long, dark hair. I stand out in a crowd and it's kind of cool in a way, because it doesn't hurt when you want a great table at a restaurant."
He laughs.
"I'm not complaining."
THE KISS CATS
Like guitarist Tommy Thayer, KISS drummer Eric Singer is not the original man behind his mask. While Thayer inherits the persona of original KISS guitarist Ace "The Spaceman" Frehley, Singer is the successor to the "Catman" character created by original drummer Peter Criss. Multiple lead guitarists and drummers have come and gone - and, in the case of Frehley and Criss, returned at various times for the extended reunion tour that ran from 1996-2002 - but it is Thayer and Singer who now re-create the band's classic costumed look and lineup. To his credit, Singer is a phenomenal drummer who also has played with Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, Badlands and many others. To his burden, he has to live up to the superhero-like legacy of KISS's original drummer. Given Singer's considerable talents, he can hardly be dismissed as a copycat.
By David Glessner
Car crashes cause enough commotion without rubberneckers stopping for autographs. So goes the thinking of KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer, who found himself outrageously overdressed a few years back in the middle of a Mexico intersection.
"A lot of times when we finish a show, we'll get off stage in full makeup and costumes, and jump in a van to go straight to the hotel," he says, calling from a Virginia Beach hotel room.
"On this particular night, we each had our own van and we were either in Monterrey or Mexico City. We were going through this crazy traffic in the downtown area and suddenly, 'Boom!' We hit a car! I told my driver, 'Go! Go!' I mean, what am I gonna do, get out of the car and fill out a police report dressed in my spaceman outfit?"
Quick to promise there were no injuries or unresolved insurance headaches, Thayer moves on to another occupational hazard that could only come from playing in the world's most theatrical rock band.
Guitarist goes from fan to fame.
By David Glessner
Car crashes cause enough commotion without rubberneckers stopping for autographs. So goes the thinking of KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer, who found himself outrageously overdressed a few years back in the middle of a Mexico intersection.
"A lot of times when we finish a show, we'll get off stage in full makeup and costumes, and jump in a van to go straight to the hotel," he says, calling from a Virginia Beach hotel room.
"On this particular night, we each had our own van and we were either in Monterrey or Mexico City. We were going through this crazy traffic in the downtown area and suddenly, 'Boom!' We hit a car! I told my driver, 'Go! Go!' I mean, what am I gonna do, get out of the car and fill out a police report dressed in my spaceman outfit?"
Quick to promise there were no injuries or unresolved insurance headaches, Thayer moves on to another occupational hazard that could only come from playing in the world's most theatrical rock band.
"We were at Budokan in Tokyo, Japan, and I was still finding my way around the stage in the [famously stacked] boots," he says. "I tried to step over some lights, and didn't quite make it. I caught my foot and fell over sideways right on my ass. I jumped back up like it was part of the show, but I was very embarrassed."
With his platform footing more firmly planted these days, Thayer and KISS stomp into the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Friday to deliver four decades of testosterone-fueled, fire-breathing, hard-rock anthems, including "Love Gun," "Detroit Rock City," "Shout It Out Loud" and "Rock and Roll All Nite."
Billed, as ever, as the "Hottest Show on Earth," Thayer, drummer Eric Singer, founding bassist Gene Simmons and co-founding guitarist Paul Stanley will unleash an explosive spectacle of towering flames, dizzying lights, painted faces and bloody tongue lashings.
"A lot of people don't realize we put our own makeup on," Thayer says. "KISS has always done that. It's a ritual and it takes about an hour and a half. We all sit in the dressing room together and listen to tunes. Gene listens to a lot of older '50s and '60s stuff, and I've actually taken a liking to it, especially all the old '50s classic hits and doo-wop groups and R&B stuff."
The KISS juggernaut - which rivals Elvis and the Beatles in album sales, and claims a marketing empire that has released everything from condoms and coffins to wide-screen televisions - is grinding forward on the strength of a surprisingly solid 19th studio album, Sonic Boom.
For Thayer, who permanently filled the boots of on-again/off-again original guitarist Ace Frehley (and his successors) in 2003, Sonic Boom marks his first full-length recording with KISS.
"Sonic Boom is sort of a benchmark for me in terms of making my mark in the band," Thayer says, noting he also sings lead vocals on the track "When Lightning Strikes."
"For a long time, people would say I was just copying what was done before, and I guess that's easy for people to say. When Sonic Boom happened, I was really making my mark and taking another big step toward making my place in the band."
As it happens, Thayer's place in KISS reads like destiny. Born in Portland, Oregon, in 1960, the fledgling guitarist moved to Los Angeles and took his first shot at fame with the lightweight hair-metal band Black 'N Blue (and give yourself a break if you don't remember their singles, "Hold on to 18" and "Miss Misery"). The world at large paid little attention, but a certain Gene Simmons took notice and offered his services as the band's producer.
Thayer, of course, was shocked and awed.
"I loved KISS!" he says. "In '74, I got the first KISS record for Christmas and then got Hotter Than Hell and Dressed to Kill. But I think the [album] that was most impactful for me was KISS Alive! Even before I started playing guitar, I would come home from school, crank KISS Alive! in my parents' living room and basically play air guitar to that entire record."
When Black 'N Blue faded, Thayer formed the late-'80s KISS tribute band Cold Gin, playing the role of Ace Frehley, complete with costumes and makeup. See where this is going?
"The Cold Gin experience was a tribute I did just for laughs," he says. "Paul and Gene used to come to the shows and we'd all have a laugh. In a funny way, it was kind of like being in the minor leagues before coming to the major leagues. It gave me the opportunity to put on KISS makeup and play KISS songs. It definitely didn't hurt."
When Thayer gave up the Gin, his KISS connection paid off in spades. Initially hired by his heroes as the photo editor for the KISStory souvenir book, Thayer graduated to a jack-of-all-trades role that found him lending a hand in rehearsals, video production, sound checks and even recording as an uncredited guitarist on KISS's 1998 album Psycho Circus.
"I started working part-time [with KISS] in the early '90s," he says. "They needed someone to choose photos for the KISStory book and I thought, 'Wow, what a great job. How lucky can I be to go to work every day at Paul Stanley's house and look through this huge collection of KISS archives?'
"The great thing was that I obviously knew a lot about KISS and the guys trusted me and knew I would take care of business," he continues. "I had a lot of freedom, and it was a great job that eventually evolved into where I am today."
Today, Thayer is an avid golfer, reader, board member of Pacific University in Oregon and, of course, the mirror image of his hero Ace Frehley.
"He's always been very friendly," Thayer says of Frehley. "I actually put my arm around him at the [2006] VH1 Rock Honors show and said, 'Ace, none of this would be possible without you, so here's to ya!' I've always liked Ace and he was obviously a big influence on me. He's an important guy."
Thayer himself is an important guy these days, as he painstakingly puts a deadly accurate sheen on Frehley's immortal guitar solos. Being KISS's ace in the hole is not without its perks.
"The resurgence of KISS over the last year or two has been amazing," Thayer says. "When I go out in public to a restaurant or shopping, I'm constantly getting recognized. I have a distinctive look anyway because I stand about six-foot-two without platform shoes and have the long, dark hair. I stand out in a crowd and it's kind of cool in a way, because it doesn't hurt when you want a great table at a restaurant."
He laughs.
"I'm not complaining."
THE KISS CATS
Like guitarist Tommy Thayer, KISS drummer Eric Singer is not the original man behind his mask. While Thayer inherits the persona of original KISS guitarist Ace "The Spaceman" Frehley, Singer is the successor to the "Catman" character created by original drummer Peter Criss. Multiple lead guitarists and drummers have come and gone - and, in the case of Frehley and Criss, returned at various times for the extended reunion tour that ran from 1996-2002 - but it is Thayer and Singer who now re-create the band's classic costumed look and lineup. To his credit, Singer is a phenomenal drummer who also has played with Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, Badlands and many others. To his burden, he has to live up to the superhero-like legacy of KISS's original drummer. Given Singer's considerable talents, he can hardly be dismissed as a copycat.
09/15/2010
KISS SIGHTING IN TMZ CONTEST
09/15/2010
KISS TRIBUTE IN MALTA
09/15/2010
10 MINUTES WITH KISS
By Callie Enlow
Tommy Thayer, who officially replaced founding guitarist Ace Frehley eight years ago in the original Fame Monster band, KISS, talks Gaga, make-up, and YouTube.
When you play with KISS, do a lot of people cheer for Ace Frehley?
Honestly, I never got any of that. You might think otherwise, but I've never seen that. Certainly not lately. Most of the crowd out there today is younger and they don't really even know as much about the original band, they just know about the band as it is now in the last 10 years.
I noticed KISS has a ton of younger fans. What do you think causes 14- and 15-year-olds to love you guys?
It's a phenomenon that's happened in the past year or two. It's a combination of factors you can attribute that to. With the internet and the age of YouTube videos, I think kids are seeing this spectacular concert performance that they don't see in any other band. It's very unique, the KISS characters and the make-up and the theatrics and the stage show. There's no other band like it. Combined with great music, of course. That and Gene Simmons' Family Jewels TV show is real popular.
By Callie Enlow
Tommy Thayer, who officially replaced founding guitarist Ace Frehley eight years ago in the original Fame Monster band, KISS, talks Gaga, make-up, and YouTube.
When you play with KISS, do a lot of people cheer for Ace Frehley?
Honestly, I never got any of that. You might think otherwise, but I've never seen that. Certainly not lately. Most of the crowd out there today is younger and they don't really even know as much about the original band, they just know about the band as it is now in the last 10 years.
I noticed KISS has a ton of younger fans. What do you think causes 14- and 15-year-olds to love you guys?
It's a phenomenon that's happened in the past year or two. It's a combination of factors you can attribute that to. With the internet and the age of YouTube videos, I think kids are seeing this spectacular concert performance that they don't see in any other band. It's very unique, the KISS characters and the make-up and the theatrics and the stage show. There's no other band like it. Combined with great music, of course. That and Gene Simmons' Family Jewels TV show is real popular.
And you have some really big fans out there. Lady Gaga got to hang out with KISS recently.
Yeah, a week or two ago Gaga came to our show in the New York area. She's a huge KISS fan and she's just great. She loved the show and was just really excited to be there. I think she's cut from a lot of the same cloth that KISS is. It's very theatrical and it's about getting made up and definitely thinking outside the box.
How long does it take you guys to get made up or do you just wake up in your moon boots?
We just have it permanently tattooed on our faces (laughs). About two hours before the show we sit down in our dressing room and put make-up on. A lot of people don't realize that KISS does its own make-up, always has. It's a transformational two hours. We listen to music and bond, and get into the KISS mode.
What kind of music are you listening to as your getting into KISS mode? KISS songs?
No, no. We listen to all kinds of great rock 'n' roll bands, like Led Zepplin, and Humble Pie, and the Beatles. Old R&B. We even have classical music on sometimes.
It seems like you were really involved in the business side of KISS before you stepped in for Ace Frehley.
I was. I came to work for the KISS organization about 15 or 20 years ago, initially behind the scenes. I had my band, Black 'N' Blue, back in the '80s and Gene produced a couple of our records. The relationship just grew from there. I was always really interested in the music business as well. That's why I was quite involved in the business side for many years, management and producing and all that. And probably will be in the future, when I have more time to do those things.
Which do you enjoy more, being on stage or behind the scenes?
That's an easy question, being onstage is far more exhilarating and exciting than anything. To be the lead guitarist in one of the most historic bands in the world is nothing to scoff at.
KISS
$39-$125
6:30pm Sun, Sep 19
AT&T Center
One AT&T Center
Attcenter.com
Tommy Thayer, who officially replaced founding guitarist Ace Frehley eight years ago in the original Fame Monster band, KISS, talks Gaga, make-up, and YouTube.
When you play with KISS, do a lot of people cheer for Ace Frehley?
Honestly, I never got any of that. You might think otherwise, but I've never seen that. Certainly not lately. Most of the crowd out there today is younger and they don't really even know as much about the original band, they just know about the band as it is now in the last 10 years.
I noticed KISS has a ton of younger fans. What do you think causes 14- and 15-year-olds to love you guys?
It's a phenomenon that's happened in the past year or two. It's a combination of factors you can attribute that to. With the internet and the age of YouTube videos, I think kids are seeing this spectacular concert performance that they don't see in any other band. It's very unique, the KISS characters and the make-up and the theatrics and the stage show. There's no other band like it. Combined with great music, of course. That and Gene Simmons' Family Jewels TV show is real popular.
By Callie Enlow
Tommy Thayer, who officially replaced founding guitarist Ace Frehley eight years ago in the original Fame Monster band, KISS, talks Gaga, make-up, and YouTube.
When you play with KISS, do a lot of people cheer for Ace Frehley?
Honestly, I never got any of that. You might think otherwise, but I've never seen that. Certainly not lately. Most of the crowd out there today is younger and they don't really even know as much about the original band, they just know about the band as it is now in the last 10 years.
I noticed KISS has a ton of younger fans. What do you think causes 14- and 15-year-olds to love you guys?
It's a phenomenon that's happened in the past year or two. It's a combination of factors you can attribute that to. With the internet and the age of YouTube videos, I think kids are seeing this spectacular concert performance that they don't see in any other band. It's very unique, the KISS characters and the make-up and the theatrics and the stage show. There's no other band like it. Combined with great music, of course. That and Gene Simmons' Family Jewels TV show is real popular.
And you have some really big fans out there. Lady Gaga got to hang out with KISS recently.
Yeah, a week or two ago Gaga came to our show in the New York area. She's a huge KISS fan and she's just great. She loved the show and was just really excited to be there. I think she's cut from a lot of the same cloth that KISS is. It's very theatrical and it's about getting made up and definitely thinking outside the box.
How long does it take you guys to get made up or do you just wake up in your moon boots?
We just have it permanently tattooed on our faces (laughs). About two hours before the show we sit down in our dressing room and put make-up on. A lot of people don't realize that KISS does its own make-up, always has. It's a transformational two hours. We listen to music and bond, and get into the KISS mode.
What kind of music are you listening to as your getting into KISS mode? KISS songs?
No, no. We listen to all kinds of great rock 'n' roll bands, like Led Zepplin, and Humble Pie, and the Beatles. Old R&B. We even have classical music on sometimes.
It seems like you were really involved in the business side of KISS before you stepped in for Ace Frehley.
I was. I came to work for the KISS organization about 15 or 20 years ago, initially behind the scenes. I had my band, Black 'N' Blue, back in the '80s and Gene produced a couple of our records. The relationship just grew from there. I was always really interested in the music business as well. That's why I was quite involved in the business side for many years, management and producing and all that. And probably will be in the future, when I have more time to do those things.
Which do you enjoy more, being on stage or behind the scenes?
That's an easy question, being onstage is far more exhilarating and exciting than anything. To be the lead guitarist in one of the most historic bands in the world is nothing to scoff at.
KISS
$39-$125
6:30pm Sun, Sep 19
AT&T Center
One AT&T Center
Attcenter.com
09/15/2010
KISS HEADLINING HUGE CONCERT IN FONTANA
KISS will be headlining huge concert in Fontana on Sept. 25
Fans of the band can get collectible cups at 7-Eleven
KISS, the legendary American rock band, will be wowing the crowd at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana on Friday, Sept. 25.
But before that, the many devoted fans of the tremendously popular group will be wowed with special collectible cups offered at local 7-Eleven stores.
The Super Big Gulps, courtesy of Dr Pepper, each bears the likeness of one of the KISS band members -- Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer. The cups are available in participating Southern California and U.S. 7-Eleven stores this September through the band's partnership with Dr Pepper.
KISS is currently on tour with the "Hottest Show on Earth," making stops throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico in support of its first album in 11 years, "Sonic Boom."
However, the KISS show on Sept. 25 at the Epicenter 2010 Festival in Fontana will be the band's only Southern California appearance.
KISS will be headlining huge concert in Fontana on Sept. 25
Fans of the band can get collectible cups at 7-Eleven
KISS, the legendary American rock band, will be wowing the crowd at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana on Friday, Sept. 25.
But before that, the many devoted fans of the tremendously popular group will be wowed with special collectible cups offered at local 7-Eleven stores.
The Super Big Gulps, courtesy of Dr Pepper, each bears the likeness of one of the KISS band members -- Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer. The cups are available in participating Southern California and U.S. 7-Eleven stores this September through the band's partnership with Dr Pepper.
KISS is currently on tour with the "Hottest Show on Earth," making stops throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico in support of its first album in 11 years, "Sonic Boom."
However, the KISS show on Sept. 25 at the Epicenter 2010 Festival in Fontana will be the band's only Southern California appearance.
KISS is giving back to the United States Armed Forces by donating $1 from each ticket sold to benefit the Wounded Warrior Care Project (www.projectaugusta.org).
"KISS has a huge following, and the legendary rockers' appeal cuts across generations," said 7-Eleven vice president and CMO Rita Bargerhuff. "For 7-Eleven to provide these special cups in September while the band is on its concert tour will be a bonus for baby boomer, Gen X and millennial fans."
Each of the sleek, black cups features an individual close-up of a band member in signature black and white make-up.
Ross von Rosenberg, art director at TPN, part of the FreshWorks consortium of agencies serving 7-Eleven, spoke of the style he used to create the new cups: "I used metallic ink and rock-and-roll style graphics to emphasize the heavy metal aspect of these cups and make KISS appear larger than life. And really, I just wanted them to look as awesome as a face-melting KISS guitar solo sounds."
The availability of collectible KISS' cups at 7-Eleven, Inc. is the latest in a long line of the band's highly successful ventures with Dr Pepper, including the popular Dr Pepper Cherry "Dr Love" and memorable Super Bowl XLIV Dr Pepper Cherry "Dr Love -- Little KISS" television commercial spots.
"KISS, Dr Pepper and 7-Eleven are all icons of American pop culture, so this is a dream team with unlimited power," said Gene Simmons.
Paul Stanley added, "We are fired up to continue our successful relationship with Dr Pepper and partner with 7-Eleven to give their customers and the KISS Army across America a cold drink in a cool collectible."
KISS, which was formed in 1972, is one of the most influential bands in the history of rock. KISS has recorded 37 albums over 36 years and has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide. More than 30 years of record-breaking tours around the globe include high-profile appearances at Super Bowl XXXIII, the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, the 2005 Rockin' The Corps concert dedicated to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and, most recently, the 2009 finale of "American Idol" that boasted 30 million viewers.
For more information about tickets to the Epicenter 2010 Festival, which runs Sept. 25 and 26, visit www.epicenterfestival.com.
Fans of the band can get collectible cups at 7-Eleven
KISS, the legendary American rock band, will be wowing the crowd at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana on Friday, Sept. 25.
But before that, the many devoted fans of the tremendously popular group will be wowed with special collectible cups offered at local 7-Eleven stores.
The Super Big Gulps, courtesy of Dr Pepper, each bears the likeness of one of the KISS band members -- Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer. The cups are available in participating Southern California and U.S. 7-Eleven stores this September through the band's partnership with Dr Pepper.
KISS is currently on tour with the "Hottest Show on Earth," making stops throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico in support of its first album in 11 years, "Sonic Boom."
However, the KISS show on Sept. 25 at the Epicenter 2010 Festival in Fontana will be the band's only Southern California appearance.
KISS will be headlining huge concert in Fontana on Sept. 25
Fans of the band can get collectible cups at 7-Eleven
KISS, the legendary American rock band, will be wowing the crowd at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana on Friday, Sept. 25.
But before that, the many devoted fans of the tremendously popular group will be wowed with special collectible cups offered at local 7-Eleven stores.
The Super Big Gulps, courtesy of Dr Pepper, each bears the likeness of one of the KISS band members -- Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer. The cups are available in participating Southern California and U.S. 7-Eleven stores this September through the band's partnership with Dr Pepper.
KISS is currently on tour with the "Hottest Show on Earth," making stops throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico in support of its first album in 11 years, "Sonic Boom."
However, the KISS show on Sept. 25 at the Epicenter 2010 Festival in Fontana will be the band's only Southern California appearance.
KISS is giving back to the United States Armed Forces by donating $1 from each ticket sold to benefit the Wounded Warrior Care Project (www.projectaugusta.org).
"KISS has a huge following, and the legendary rockers' appeal cuts across generations," said 7-Eleven vice president and CMO Rita Bargerhuff. "For 7-Eleven to provide these special cups in September while the band is on its concert tour will be a bonus for baby boomer, Gen X and millennial fans."
Each of the sleek, black cups features an individual close-up of a band member in signature black and white make-up.
Ross von Rosenberg, art director at TPN, part of the FreshWorks consortium of agencies serving 7-Eleven, spoke of the style he used to create the new cups: "I used metallic ink and rock-and-roll style graphics to emphasize the heavy metal aspect of these cups and make KISS appear larger than life. And really, I just wanted them to look as awesome as a face-melting KISS guitar solo sounds."
The availability of collectible KISS' cups at 7-Eleven, Inc. is the latest in a long line of the band's highly successful ventures with Dr Pepper, including the popular Dr Pepper Cherry "Dr Love" and memorable Super Bowl XLIV Dr Pepper Cherry "Dr Love -- Little KISS" television commercial spots.
"KISS, Dr Pepper and 7-Eleven are all icons of American pop culture, so this is a dream team with unlimited power," said Gene Simmons.
Paul Stanley added, "We are fired up to continue our successful relationship with Dr Pepper and partner with 7-Eleven to give their customers and the KISS Army across America a cold drink in a cool collectible."
KISS, which was formed in 1972, is one of the most influential bands in the history of rock. KISS has recorded 37 albums over 36 years and has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide. More than 30 years of record-breaking tours around the globe include high-profile appearances at Super Bowl XXXIII, the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, the 2005 Rockin' The Corps concert dedicated to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and, most recently, the 2009 finale of "American Idol" that boasted 30 million viewers.
For more information about tickets to the Epicenter 2010 Festival, which runs Sept. 25 and 26, visit www.epicenterfestival.com.
