Kiss News

By Jim Ousley

Is it really possible for a band to reclaim its legendary past with a new album nearly 40 years into its career? Members of the KISS Army were speculating on this once news hit that the band was recording its first album in eleven years, the appropriately titled Sonic Boom. After all, the band's last recording (1998's Psycho Circus) left many wondering if the kabuki-faced rockers still had enough musical firepower to blow their fans' minds.

Well, as it turns out, KISS has delivered a slam dunk of an album. Strong enough to make both fans and detractors want to rock and roll over, the Paul Stanley-produced disc is just what the doctor ordered. What makes Sonic Boom particularly unique is the sense that the band really got back in touch with early influences like Slade and Humble Pie to create an album in the classic KISS tradition. There are no ballads, no keyboards, no co-writers, and no attempts at a big radio hit. What we do have is the sense that the band really did play together and play off of each other, giving the music a big-time shot of energy and fun.By Jim Ousley

Is it really possible for a band to reclaim its legendary past with a new album nearly 40 years into its career? Members of the KISS Army were speculating on this once news hit that the band was recording its first album in eleven years, the appropriately titled Sonic Boom. After all, the band's last recording (1998's Psycho Circus) left many wondering if the kabuki-faced rockers still had enough musical firepower to blow their fans' minds.

Well, as it turns out, KISS has delivered a slam dunk of an album. Strong enough to make both fans and detractors want to rock and roll over, the Paul Stanley-produced disc is just what the doctor ordered. What makes Sonic Boom particularly unique is the sense that the band really got back in touch with early influences like Slade and Humble Pie to create an album in the classic KISS tradition. There are no ballads, no keyboards, no co-writers, and no attempts at a big radio hit. What we do have is the sense that the band really did play together and play off of each other, giving the music a big-time shot of energy and fun.

Letting us know we've landed squarely in KISSville USA, Stanley shouts "Yeah, yeah!" as a killer central riff kicks off "Modern Day Delilah." Simmons is next up to bat, with the tempo-shifting "Russian Roulette". Yes, the innuendos are there as only Doctor Love can deliver them. As it turns out though, Simmons is one of the album's really pleasant surprises. There is a grit and a wink present here in both his voice and his growling and melodic bass playing that has been missing for quite some time. When he sings "I'm an animal" a few tracks later, I have to tell you - you pretty much believe that he is.

Not content to sit in the back seat while Stanley and Simmons drive the KISS Chevy van, the 21st century Spaceman and Catman pony up and knock out some great vocals themselves. Drummer Eric Singer absolutely smokes a raspy-voiced performance on "All For The Glory" and lead guitarist Tommy Thayer sends "When Lightning Strikes" into the stratosphere. Their solid work helps lend verve and punch to the arena fist-pumper "Stand" and the pop-the-top summer anthem "Say Yeah." The band have succeeded in taking what worked best from nearly all of their eras to make what is unquestionably their most consistent album since the �70s. No small feat for a band that's been around the block as many times as these guys have.

The $12.00 set is available at Wal-Mart, and comes packed with a disc of re-recorded hits, and a DVD of a show in Buenos Aires earlier this year. The hits will be of interest to long-time fans, as it gives a nice sonic-overhaul to the band's earlier tracks. In 2009, KISS proves their once and future relevance by showing that there's no time like the present, to rocket back to the past.

by Larry Rodgers
The Arizona Republic

Kiss co-founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have been rock-and-rolling all night and partying every day for 35 years.

This year the group has been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and continues to fill arenas with fans of all ages.

After a falling-out with original lead guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss, Simmons and Stanley are soldiering on, making millions more through concerts, a new album ("Sonic Boom") and the most extensive product licensing in the history of rock. (Newest item: Kiss Mr. Potato Head.)

Simmons, who still wears full make-up and a costume onstage, called to talk about the band's Alive 35 tour (in Glendale on Tuesday, Dec. 1) and performing at 60.This year the group has been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and continues to fill arenas with fans of all ages.

After a falling-out with original lead guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss, Simmons and Stanley are soldiering on, making millions more through concerts, a new album ("Sonic Boom") and the most extensive product licensing in the history of rock. (Newest item: Kiss Mr. Potato Head.)

Simmons, who still wears full make-up and a costume onstage, called to talk about the band's Alive 35 tour (in Glendale on Tuesday, Dec. 1) and performing at 60.

Question: What has made your farewell to fans last almost 10 years?

Answer: You realize that just because a band is dysfunctional . . . (because of ) people who are self-destructive, that shouldn't determine how long a band lasts. It's hard enough getting onstage with 8-inch platform heels and armor, spitting fire and flying through the air . . . to have to deal with the crap from somebody . . . we said, "We should probably stop. We've done enough, there's nothing left to prove."

Actually, there is something left to prove to yourself and to the fans . . . which is that no one member is bigger than the band. No one is irreplaceable, and that includes me.

Q: Why did you wait 11 years to put out your latest studio album?

A: Without a retail partner, it's not worth doing. You bust your hump . . . and then people steal it (online). Not interested. Last time I checked, Kiss wasn't a charity.

Walmart, which is the largest retailer in the world, is the reason we got to do "Sonic Boom."

Q: You've licensed more than 2,500 products. Are there a few that Kiss has turned down?

A: Cigarettes, hard booze. Kiss crack, although it sounds good, is probably not a good idea.

But other than that, why shouldn't the entire world be branded with Kiss? "Planet Kiss." By the way, we own that trademark.

Q: How is your relationship with Paul after 35 years?

A: Better than ever, although, even though we're the same coin, we're two different sides. We are not Jagger-Richards, not Lennon-McCartney . . . and yet when you look at who those guys were, they really were opposites.

Q: Is it ever a challenge to get up for a show?

A: It's always a challenge. The challenge is to (be) as good as you can be and live up to the legend. Because there is a legend - it's 35 years on. The critics who had a problem with us have long since been buried in our back yard. Mulch is good. Here we are, with brand new generations of fans.

Q: Do you ever wish you could go onstage in just a T-shirt and jeans?

A: No. I don't want to be ordinary. Ask a girl at night, "Don't you ever get tired of doing your hair, makeup and the little black dress and high heels?" She'll say, "Yeah, but it's power and it's glory."

Q: What is the key to not falling down while running around in platform boots?

A: You have to be in great physical shape. You have to know how to walk on them, and in Paul's case, jump off the ground. You could easily break your neck, if not your leg.

I'm carrying around 40 pounds of additional weight: The guitar weighs 12 pounds, each boot is over 10 pounds. Then add studs, leather, armor.

And oh, yes, you're onstage for two or 2 1/2 hours - spit fire, hold your breath, don't swallow the kerosene - and you're flown up to the top of the light truss.

Aside from that, it's just like being in the Stones or U2.

Q: Kiss always has employed an over-the-top stage show. Any new bells or whistles?

A: Technology has really allowed us to kick this up. I don't want to be too specific, but let's just say you're going to exhausted at the end of the night.

Q: Do you ever fear an accident involving the massive pyrotechnics that Kiss is known for?

A: Of course. It's not like being in Coldplay. They're a great band, but it's safe. You can't be one of those guys and be in Kiss - you'll die.

Q: Will we see a Kiss Alive 45 tour?

A: I never imagined a 35th-anniversary tour. I'm 60. I feel stronger, better than ever. But the physicality of being in Kiss has its limitations.

But Kiss can and will probably continue without us. Kiss will go where no band has gone before. There are no rules.

Kevin Waschuk scored a big coup for garage guitarists everywhere who fantasize about playing with their favourite rock band.

The Red Deer resident and KISS fanatic got a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play guitar with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and the boys, when the KISS musicians did a sound check before their Nov. 12 Calgary concert.

Waschuk recalled the surreal experience of standing on the Saddledome stage, playing Cold Gin and Detroit Rock City with KISS members, before they donned their studded costumes, big boots and pancake makeup. "It was a very laid-back casual thing, but I was anxious, nervous, excited..." he said.

The moment when KISS guitarist Stanley gave his playing an approving look, Waschuk knew his eight years of guitar lessons were worth it.Kevin Waschuk scored a big coup for garage guitarists everywhere who fantasize about playing with their favourite rock band.

The Red Deer resident and KISS fanatic got a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play guitar with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and the boys, when the KISS musicians did a sound check before their Nov. 12 Calgary concert.

Waschuk recalled the surreal experience of standing on the Saddledome stage, playing Cold Gin and Detroit Rock City with KISS members, before they donned their studded costumes, big boots and pancake makeup. "It was a very laid-back casual thing, but I was anxious, nervous, excited..." he said.

The moment when KISS guitarist Stanley gave his playing an approving look, Waschuk knew his eight years of guitar lessons were worth it.

"It was very intimidating to be up there in the middle, with Paul Stanley looking down at my fingering, but I nailed it - or at least I thought I did. I practised those two songs so much, I drove my family crazy," recalled Waschuk with a laugh.

It took the 50-year-old - who first joined the KISS Army as a teenager in Stettler - 35 years to make his fantasy scenario happen. But Waschuk said, "I'm proof that anyone can live their dream. It can actually come true... Things can happen if you really want to make them happen."

The owner of a pipeline construction company jumped at the opportunity to play with his favourite band when it was offered at a 2008 benefit he attended in Portland, Ore.

Waschuk won't reveal what he bid for the honour.

"People would say, 'You fool!' But to me, it's like the commercial says: It's priceless," said the local resident, who noted the benefit was for a good cause - to help a sick buddy of KISS member Tommy Thayer pay for his medical costs.

"That's how I justify it."

Waschuk's monumental KISS paraphernalia collection fills an entire room of his Red Deer home. It includes a full-size pinball game, multiple dolls, shirts, posters, guitars, lunch hots, watches, golf balls, busts and a pair of replica thick-soled boots.

With the support of his classical music-loving wife Ann and their kids, he's attended about 40 of the band's North America concerts and has met the band a half dozen times at various meet-and-greets.

Waschuk described the musicians as always being down-to-earth and gracious - just as they were before the Calgary concert. Group members signed quite a few KISS items Waschuk presented, including photos, posters, a large painting and a guitar that Stanley actually played onstage.

Simmons, the group's outspoken bassist, continues to love the spotlight and is big on band merchandising, said Waschuk. Stanley is the opposite - he described the guitarist with the black star makeup as more of a low-key guy who focuses on the music.

KISS also consists of lead guitarist Thayer, who replaced "spaceman" member Ace Frehley, and drummer Eric Singer, who replaced cat-faced Peter Criss, when the original members left the band years ago over artistic differences.

Waschuk liked the band's old formation and also likes the new.

While the "superhero" aspect of KISS appealed to him as a teenager, he said nostalgia continues to draw him in.

Waschuk remembers getting withering looks from adults whenever he revealed his preference for the band with demonic overtones and a member who spits blood. "They�d say, 'Oh my God, you can't listen to that music! He spits what?'" said Waschuk, with a laugh.

"It was another side to life, an escape."