12/01/2009
Kiss News
12/01/2009
KISSMAS TREE
12/01/2009
KISS IS EVERYWHERE!
12/01/2009
KISS PERFORM IN LAS VEGAS
11/30/2009
KISS AT PEARL IN LAS VEGAS
Photo and story by Tina Hagerling
Excerpted from Denver Post
Kiss tour all over the world, but Las Vegas might just be the perfect place to see them. That is, if you're looking for a seamless night of surreal spectacle, over-the-top showmanship and enough pyrotechnics to singe the eyebrows right off your face. A stop at the intimate Pearl at the Palms Concert Theater last Saturday was the latest for the band, and since Denver wasn't on the tour radar, I decided to drop in at the Palms Casino to catch the action.
Kiss exploded onto the stage and started hamming it up and working the crowd in the only way the self-appointed "hottest band in the world" could. Bassist Gene Simmons and vocalist Paul Stanley, the two band constants through the years, were decked out in the usual garb and makeup that has accompanied them through a good portion of the past three decades.
Photo and story by Tina Hagerling
Excerpted from Denver Post
Kiss tour all over the world, but Las Vegas might just be the perfect place to see them. That is, if you're looking for a seamless night of surreal spectacle, over-the-top showmanship and enough pyrotechnics to singe the eyebrows right off your face. A stop at the intimate Pearl at the Palms Concert Theater last Saturday was the latest for the band, and since Denver wasn't on the tour radar, I decided to drop in at the Palms Casino to catch the action.
Kiss exploded onto the stage and started hamming it up and working the crowd in the only way the self-appointed "hottest band in the world" could. Bassist Gene Simmons and vocalist Paul Stanley, the two band constants through the years, were decked out in the usual garb and makeup that has accompanied them through a good portion of the past three decades.
Part of the "Alive 35" tour, this show celebrated their 35th anniversary and featured mostly older songs - although a few tracks from their new album, "Sonic Boom," made it in there too. "Deuce" and "Strutter" opened the show, followed by a heap of glam rock goodness, including "Cold Gin," "I Love it Loud" and "Black Diamond."
Several of Simmons' trademark antics were conspicuously missing from the evening, including the blood spitting and fire breathing. But not Tommy Thayer's rocket guitar stunts. Carrying on Ace Frehley's signature maneuver, Thayer shot off multiple "rockets" (or at least some type of flying fireworks) into various spots in the venue. During the third firing, a sizeable chunk from the light rigging fell from the ceiling, narrowly missing the crowd. Since no one was hurt during the pyro-gone-wrong (or perhaps pyro-gone-right) incident, it probably made for one of the better moments of the two hour event. Even if it wasn't entirely accidental.
The night appropriately wrapped up with what Stanley dubbed as "the longest encore you'll ever hear." A barrage of greatest hits that included "Shout it Out Loud," "Lick it Up" and "Love Gun" and a wave goodbye the only way Kiss knows how: with a giant, rotating pinwheel fireworks explosion of course!
Excerpted from Denver Post
Kiss tour all over the world, but Las Vegas might just be the perfect place to see them. That is, if you're looking for a seamless night of surreal spectacle, over-the-top showmanship and enough pyrotechnics to singe the eyebrows right off your face. A stop at the intimate Pearl at the Palms Concert Theater last Saturday was the latest for the band, and since Denver wasn't on the tour radar, I decided to drop in at the Palms Casino to catch the action.
Kiss exploded onto the stage and started hamming it up and working the crowd in the only way the self-appointed "hottest band in the world" could. Bassist Gene Simmons and vocalist Paul Stanley, the two band constants through the years, were decked out in the usual garb and makeup that has accompanied them through a good portion of the past three decades.
Photo and story by Tina Hagerling
Excerpted from Denver Post
Kiss tour all over the world, but Las Vegas might just be the perfect place to see them. That is, if you're looking for a seamless night of surreal spectacle, over-the-top showmanship and enough pyrotechnics to singe the eyebrows right off your face. A stop at the intimate Pearl at the Palms Concert Theater last Saturday was the latest for the band, and since Denver wasn't on the tour radar, I decided to drop in at the Palms Casino to catch the action.
Kiss exploded onto the stage and started hamming it up and working the crowd in the only way the self-appointed "hottest band in the world" could. Bassist Gene Simmons and vocalist Paul Stanley, the two band constants through the years, were decked out in the usual garb and makeup that has accompanied them through a good portion of the past three decades.
Part of the "Alive 35" tour, this show celebrated their 35th anniversary and featured mostly older songs - although a few tracks from their new album, "Sonic Boom," made it in there too. "Deuce" and "Strutter" opened the show, followed by a heap of glam rock goodness, including "Cold Gin," "I Love it Loud" and "Black Diamond."
Several of Simmons' trademark antics were conspicuously missing from the evening, including the blood spitting and fire breathing. But not Tommy Thayer's rocket guitar stunts. Carrying on Ace Frehley's signature maneuver, Thayer shot off multiple "rockets" (or at least some type of flying fireworks) into various spots in the venue. During the third firing, a sizeable chunk from the light rigging fell from the ceiling, narrowly missing the crowd. Since no one was hurt during the pyro-gone-wrong (or perhaps pyro-gone-right) incident, it probably made for one of the better moments of the two hour event. Even if it wasn't entirely accidental.
The night appropriately wrapped up with what Stanley dubbed as "the longest encore you'll ever hear." A barrage of greatest hits that included "Shout it Out Loud," "Lick it Up" and "Love Gun" and a wave goodbye the only way Kiss knows how: with a giant, rotating pinwheel fireworks explosion of course!
11/30/2009
KISS IS EVERYWHERE!
11/30/2009
KISS IS EVERYWHERE!
11/30/2009
SAN DIEGO: THE TRUE SPECTACLE OF KISS
Story and photo by Scott McDonald
Excerpted from San Diego News Network
My introduction to the unstoppable force of nature that is KISS came in the form of a dubious confirmation. While she previously had her suspicions, my grandmother's fears were cemented by both neighbors and friends at church, when they told her that KISS was indeed an acronym for "Kings (or Knights) In Satan's Service."
My parents were understanding, but after being relayed this information, I was out of luck. They pulled the plug on my incessant, week-long campaign for the funds to purchase the KISS comics I wanted so desperately and seemingly everyone else in my third grade class had acquired.
I immediately went into super-stealth mode. Under the guise of "hanging out," I spent time at the loose-parenting confines of my next-door neighbor Todd, playing with Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley dolls, listening to "Destroyer" on his record player and watching their movie "KISS Meets The Phantom of the Park" on TV.
Years later, and long after they'd dispelled the acronym theory as silliness, my parents watched me and three high-school friends drive to the San Diego Sports Arena to see a KISS show in 1988. They were touring on "Smashes, Thrashes, and Hits," a compilation that included the cheesy single "Let's Put the X in Sex." It was a decent show, but they played without make-up or costuming and it was far from the full KISS experience.
Story and photo by Scott McDonald
Excerpted from San Diego News Network
My introduction to the unstoppable force of nature that is KISS came in the form of a dubious confirmation. While she previously had her suspicions, my grandmother's fears were cemented by both neighbors and friends at church, when they told her that KISS was indeed an acronym for "Kings (or Knights) In Satan's Service."
My parents were understanding, but after being relayed this information, I was out of luck. They pulled the plug on my incessant, week-long campaign for the funds to purchase the KISS comics I wanted so desperately and seemingly everyone else in my third grade class had acquired.
I immediately went into super-stealth mode. Under the guise of "hanging out," I spent time at the loose-parenting confines of my next-door neighbor Todd, playing with Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley dolls, listening to "Destroyer" on his record player and watching their movie "KISS Meets The Phantom of the Park" on TV.
Years later, and long after they'd dispelled the acronym theory as silliness, my parents watched me and three high-school friends drive to the San Diego Sports Arena to see a KISS show in 1988. They were touring on "Smashes, Thrashes, and Hits," a compilation that included the cheesy single "Let's Put the X in Sex." It was a decent show, but they played without make-up or costuming and it was far from the full KISS experience.
Friday night, after almost three decades in the making, I was finally witness to the true spectacle of KISS.
Returning to the Sports Arena on their "ALIVE 35" tour, the band was in top form. Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer delivered a sensational rock and roll spectacle to the jam-packed arena.
From the time the perennial show opening "YOU WANTED THE BEST, YOU'VE GOT THE BEST! THE HOTTEST BAND IN THE WORLD...KISS!!" was shouted over the speakers and the gigantic signature curtain fell, the fully-costumed band gave the throng of fans exactly what they came to see.
Ripping through six straight favorites recorded prior to 1978, it was obvious the quartet is more than happy catering to the will of its loyal subjects - many of whom painted their faces in allegiance to the macabre, super-heroes the foursome portray, one even going so far as to don Simmons' demon make-up and full vested suit as seen on the group's "Dressed To Kill" album.
The band did squeeze in two songs from their latest release, "Sonic Boom," smartly tucked in between a non-stop barrage of long-time hits.
But even though the merchandising machine was in full effect - fans could buy the usual shirts and hats as well as anything from USB wristbands of that night's show to guitar straps to embroidered thongs - it seemed more than anything about giving longtime supporters a great show. Between two massive "KISS ARMY" wall drapes, the band pounded out hit after hit from a colossal stage littered with video screens, bright lights and fog machines.
Even as they approach the four-decade mark in their career, the group doesn't seem tired of entertaining. Throughout the entire two-hour show, each member continually mugged for the audience, Simmons constantly sticking out and wagging his trademark tongue and Stanley spitting and throwing guitar picks as far as they would reach.
The highlight of the night came as Gene Simmons spat blood during a fog-ridden bass solo that culminated in him being lifted a few stories in the air to a small platform above the stage. All eyes were focused near the Sports Arena's rafters as he led the crowd in a version of his trademark "I Love it Loud."
Topping that, as they played their biggest hit and last song of the set, "Rock and Roll All Nite," 350 pounds of confetti were shot out of high-powered air cannons, covering the entire building inside and out into the hallways.
After a quick break, it was back for an encore filled with more than enough pyrotechnics, flames, fog, explosions, and sirens to match the bombing of Dresden. The appreciative capacity crowd, ears ringing and eyes adjusting, sent them to the next tour stop with an extended ovation.
As satisfied fans coursed out of the arena doors and I headed back to my car, I couldn't help but smile. For a group that first caught my attention when I still slept with a night-light, it seemed the "hottest band in the world" was better than ever.
Excerpted from San Diego News Network
My introduction to the unstoppable force of nature that is KISS came in the form of a dubious confirmation. While she previously had her suspicions, my grandmother's fears were cemented by both neighbors and friends at church, when they told her that KISS was indeed an acronym for "Kings (or Knights) In Satan's Service."
My parents were understanding, but after being relayed this information, I was out of luck. They pulled the plug on my incessant, week-long campaign for the funds to purchase the KISS comics I wanted so desperately and seemingly everyone else in my third grade class had acquired.
I immediately went into super-stealth mode. Under the guise of "hanging out," I spent time at the loose-parenting confines of my next-door neighbor Todd, playing with Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley dolls, listening to "Destroyer" on his record player and watching their movie "KISS Meets The Phantom of the Park" on TV.
Years later, and long after they'd dispelled the acronym theory as silliness, my parents watched me and three high-school friends drive to the San Diego Sports Arena to see a KISS show in 1988. They were touring on "Smashes, Thrashes, and Hits," a compilation that included the cheesy single "Let's Put the X in Sex." It was a decent show, but they played without make-up or costuming and it was far from the full KISS experience.
Story and photo by Scott McDonald
Excerpted from San Diego News Network
My introduction to the unstoppable force of nature that is KISS came in the form of a dubious confirmation. While she previously had her suspicions, my grandmother's fears were cemented by both neighbors and friends at church, when they told her that KISS was indeed an acronym for "Kings (or Knights) In Satan's Service."
My parents were understanding, but after being relayed this information, I was out of luck. They pulled the plug on my incessant, week-long campaign for the funds to purchase the KISS comics I wanted so desperately and seemingly everyone else in my third grade class had acquired.
I immediately went into super-stealth mode. Under the guise of "hanging out," I spent time at the loose-parenting confines of my next-door neighbor Todd, playing with Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley dolls, listening to "Destroyer" on his record player and watching their movie "KISS Meets The Phantom of the Park" on TV.
Years later, and long after they'd dispelled the acronym theory as silliness, my parents watched me and three high-school friends drive to the San Diego Sports Arena to see a KISS show in 1988. They were touring on "Smashes, Thrashes, and Hits," a compilation that included the cheesy single "Let's Put the X in Sex." It was a decent show, but they played without make-up or costuming and it was far from the full KISS experience.
Friday night, after almost three decades in the making, I was finally witness to the true spectacle of KISS.
Returning to the Sports Arena on their "ALIVE 35" tour, the band was in top form. Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer delivered a sensational rock and roll spectacle to the jam-packed arena.
From the time the perennial show opening "YOU WANTED THE BEST, YOU'VE GOT THE BEST! THE HOTTEST BAND IN THE WORLD...KISS!!" was shouted over the speakers and the gigantic signature curtain fell, the fully-costumed band gave the throng of fans exactly what they came to see.
Ripping through six straight favorites recorded prior to 1978, it was obvious the quartet is more than happy catering to the will of its loyal subjects - many of whom painted their faces in allegiance to the macabre, super-heroes the foursome portray, one even going so far as to don Simmons' demon make-up and full vested suit as seen on the group's "Dressed To Kill" album.
The band did squeeze in two songs from their latest release, "Sonic Boom," smartly tucked in between a non-stop barrage of long-time hits.
But even though the merchandising machine was in full effect - fans could buy the usual shirts and hats as well as anything from USB wristbands of that night's show to guitar straps to embroidered thongs - it seemed more than anything about giving longtime supporters a great show. Between two massive "KISS ARMY" wall drapes, the band pounded out hit after hit from a colossal stage littered with video screens, bright lights and fog machines.
Even as they approach the four-decade mark in their career, the group doesn't seem tired of entertaining. Throughout the entire two-hour show, each member continually mugged for the audience, Simmons constantly sticking out and wagging his trademark tongue and Stanley spitting and throwing guitar picks as far as they would reach.
The highlight of the night came as Gene Simmons spat blood during a fog-ridden bass solo that culminated in him being lifted a few stories in the air to a small platform above the stage. All eyes were focused near the Sports Arena's rafters as he led the crowd in a version of his trademark "I Love it Loud."
Topping that, as they played their biggest hit and last song of the set, "Rock and Roll All Nite," 350 pounds of confetti were shot out of high-powered air cannons, covering the entire building inside and out into the hallways.
After a quick break, it was back for an encore filled with more than enough pyrotechnics, flames, fog, explosions, and sirens to match the bombing of Dresden. The appreciative capacity crowd, ears ringing and eyes adjusting, sent them to the next tour stop with an extended ovation.
As satisfied fans coursed out of the arena doors and I headed back to my car, I couldn't help but smile. For a group that first caught my attention when I still slept with a night-light, it seemed the "hottest band in the world" was better than ever.
11/30/2009
KISS CELEBRATES 35 YEARS AT PEARL
Story and photos by Erik Kabik
Excerpted from Vegas News
The KISS Alive 35 2009 North American tour made its stop at The Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Casino Resort on Saturday, November 28, 2009. Celebrating 35 years of rocking the world like no other, KISS treated their fans to a set of some of rock's greatest hits, including Rock and Roll All Nite and Detroit Rock City, as well as songs from the band's new album Sonic Boom.
Our thanks to Las Vegas photographer Erik Kabik for these great photos and special report:
I first saw KISS in 1977 at The Capital Center in Landover, Maryland when I was 6 years old. They were the first band that I became a true fan of. I joined the KISS Army, bought the lunchbox, The KISS dolls, posters, all that stuff. I got my parents to take me to see them in 1977 and then again in 1979 in my full Gene Simmons makeup. I saw a lot of music during those years, as I grew up in the rock and roll world seeing mostly my parents' music (they took me to see all of their shows), but KISS was my show and the one band I made them take me to see when I was a kid.
Being a serious music collector and following bands of many genres for the past 32 years, KISS holds that place as the first real big one that got me. I found other music that hit me deeper and transformed my view of music and the world later, but those four dudes in makeup, breathing fire and pounding out ear splitting rock anthems, was about the coolest thing for a young boy growing up in the 1970's.
Story and photos by Erik Kabik
Excerpted from Vegas News
The KISS Alive 35 2009 North American tour made its stop at The Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Casino Resort on Saturday, November 28, 2009. Celebrating 35 years of rocking the world like no other, KISS treated their fans to a set of some of rock's greatest hits, including Rock and Roll All Nite and Detroit Rock City, as well as songs from the band's new album Sonic Boom.
Our thanks to Las Vegas photographer Erik Kabik for these great photos and special report:
I first saw KISS in 1977 at The Capital Center in Landover, Maryland when I was 6 years old. They were the first band that I became a true fan of. I joined the KISS Army, bought the lunchbox, The KISS dolls, posters, all that stuff. I got my parents to take me to see them in 1977 and then again in 1979 in my full Gene Simmons makeup. I saw a lot of music during those years, as I grew up in the rock and roll world seeing mostly my parents' music (they took me to see all of their shows), but KISS was my show and the one band I made them take me to see when I was a kid.
Being a serious music collector and following bands of many genre's for the past 32 years, KISS holds that place as the first real big one that got me. I found other music that hit me deeper and transformed my view of music and the world later, but those four dudes in makeup, breathing fire and pounding out ear splitting rock anthems, was about the coolest thing for a young boy growing up in the 1970's. I think it was much to the chagrin of the older KISS fans who watched their rock and roll world turn into a kiddie sideshow. But when you have a band of guys who look like clowns selling dolls, comic books and lunch boxes what would you expect? KISS marketing was to blame for that one! Although I saw a lot of kids at the show tonight at The Pearl, it was mainly the grown up KISS fans back for a nostalgic ride, dragging their kids to see the band rather than the other way around.
The show tonight at the Pearl proved that KISS is still the ultimate concert spectacle and it's backed by straight forward, no holds barred, rock and roll tunes. KISS is about escaping for a couple of hours and being totally over the top and a place to let your inner rocking, air guitar playing and sign of the horn waving spirit flow freely. To paraphrase what Paul Stanley said tonight, "Lots of other bands get up on stage and talk about stopping global warming, or getting rid of world hunger, but KISS is about forgetting the world's problems. The world is going to be just as screwed up tomorrow when we all wake up, so let's take off for the night." Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley (the only two original members in the band) may be a bit slower these days, but they still rock and pack a mean punch, blasting off what sounded like a few hundred of pounds of pyrotechnics just to make sure you noticed.
They opened the show with Deuce, Strutter and Let Me Go Rock and Roll - three classic tunes. The show openers were followed by a big set of mostly early KISS material originally recorded before the band shed their makeup in the early 80's and went on into 80's hair band metal obscurity. Thankfully they reformed in the 90's as the original KISS and revived their early material along with their classic show, outfits and makeup. It reminds me of classic Coke - you just don't mess with a formula that works. They finally figured that out in 1996 and dropped the NEW KISS formula and went back to Classic KISS and made many fans happy. They closed the set tonight with their most famous and well know rock anthem, Rock and Roll All Night and blasted out the largest amount of confetti I've ever seen at a concert blanketing the entire venue in white paper strips up to my ankles.
They returned to the stage for not one but three encores: Shout It Out Loud, Love Gun and Detroit Rock City. The songs still hold up and they still sound like KISS even with half of the original lineup out of the band. It's definitely a nostalgia trip that was worth hopping on a for a few hours and I hope the guys keep at it because KISS Alive 45 will be a lot of fun to watch!
-- Erik Kabik
Excerpted from Vegas News
The KISS Alive 35 2009 North American tour made its stop at The Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Casino Resort on Saturday, November 28, 2009. Celebrating 35 years of rocking the world like no other, KISS treated their fans to a set of some of rock's greatest hits, including Rock and Roll All Nite and Detroit Rock City, as well as songs from the band's new album Sonic Boom.
Our thanks to Las Vegas photographer Erik Kabik for these great photos and special report:
I first saw KISS in 1977 at The Capital Center in Landover, Maryland when I was 6 years old. They were the first band that I became a true fan of. I joined the KISS Army, bought the lunchbox, The KISS dolls, posters, all that stuff. I got my parents to take me to see them in 1977 and then again in 1979 in my full Gene Simmons makeup. I saw a lot of music during those years, as I grew up in the rock and roll world seeing mostly my parents' music (they took me to see all of their shows), but KISS was my show and the one band I made them take me to see when I was a kid.
Being a serious music collector and following bands of many genres for the past 32 years, KISS holds that place as the first real big one that got me. I found other music that hit me deeper and transformed my view of music and the world later, but those four dudes in makeup, breathing fire and pounding out ear splitting rock anthems, was about the coolest thing for a young boy growing up in the 1970's.
Story and photos by Erik Kabik
Excerpted from Vegas News
The KISS Alive 35 2009 North American tour made its stop at The Pearl Concert Theater inside Palms Casino Resort on Saturday, November 28, 2009. Celebrating 35 years of rocking the world like no other, KISS treated their fans to a set of some of rock's greatest hits, including Rock and Roll All Nite and Detroit Rock City, as well as songs from the band's new album Sonic Boom.
Our thanks to Las Vegas photographer Erik Kabik for these great photos and special report:
I first saw KISS in 1977 at The Capital Center in Landover, Maryland when I was 6 years old. They were the first band that I became a true fan of. I joined the KISS Army, bought the lunchbox, The KISS dolls, posters, all that stuff. I got my parents to take me to see them in 1977 and then again in 1979 in my full Gene Simmons makeup. I saw a lot of music during those years, as I grew up in the rock and roll world seeing mostly my parents' music (they took me to see all of their shows), but KISS was my show and the one band I made them take me to see when I was a kid.
Being a serious music collector and following bands of many genre's for the past 32 years, KISS holds that place as the first real big one that got me. I found other music that hit me deeper and transformed my view of music and the world later, but those four dudes in makeup, breathing fire and pounding out ear splitting rock anthems, was about the coolest thing for a young boy growing up in the 1970's. I think it was much to the chagrin of the older KISS fans who watched their rock and roll world turn into a kiddie sideshow. But when you have a band of guys who look like clowns selling dolls, comic books and lunch boxes what would you expect? KISS marketing was to blame for that one! Although I saw a lot of kids at the show tonight at The Pearl, it was mainly the grown up KISS fans back for a nostalgic ride, dragging their kids to see the band rather than the other way around.
The show tonight at the Pearl proved that KISS is still the ultimate concert spectacle and it's backed by straight forward, no holds barred, rock and roll tunes. KISS is about escaping for a couple of hours and being totally over the top and a place to let your inner rocking, air guitar playing and sign of the horn waving spirit flow freely. To paraphrase what Paul Stanley said tonight, "Lots of other bands get up on stage and talk about stopping global warming, or getting rid of world hunger, but KISS is about forgetting the world's problems. The world is going to be just as screwed up tomorrow when we all wake up, so let's take off for the night." Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley (the only two original members in the band) may be a bit slower these days, but they still rock and pack a mean punch, blasting off what sounded like a few hundred of pounds of pyrotechnics just to make sure you noticed.
They opened the show with Deuce, Strutter and Let Me Go Rock and Roll - three classic tunes. The show openers were followed by a big set of mostly early KISS material originally recorded before the band shed their makeup in the early 80's and went on into 80's hair band metal obscurity. Thankfully they reformed in the 90's as the original KISS and revived their early material along with their classic show, outfits and makeup. It reminds me of classic Coke - you just don't mess with a formula that works. They finally figured that out in 1996 and dropped the NEW KISS formula and went back to Classic KISS and made many fans happy. They closed the set tonight with their most famous and well know rock anthem, Rock and Roll All Night and blasted out the largest amount of confetti I've ever seen at a concert blanketing the entire venue in white paper strips up to my ankles.
They returned to the stage for not one but three encores: Shout It Out Loud, Love Gun and Detroit Rock City. The songs still hold up and they still sound like KISS even with half of the original lineup out of the band. It's definitely a nostalgia trip that was worth hopping on a for a few hours and I hope the guys keep at it because KISS Alive 45 will be a lot of fun to watch!
-- Erik Kabik
11/30/2009
VEGAS GETS A KISS
