Kiss News

By Doug Cataldo for KISSONLINE.com

Hot off the success of the sold-out debut KISS Ikons trading card set from Press Pass, collectors can now enjoy 360 degrees of the Hottest Band in the World. The second KISS release from Press Pass contains a 90-card base set, 4 insert sets and multiple parallel series to chase. A huge part of what makes KISS larger than life is their theatrical and visual show, and Press Pass delivers with a dazzling dip into the bombastic KISSnation.

This time around they�ve developed some stunning acetate and lenticular inserts collections and they included signatures from all four original members. You could find a single card containing the autographs of Gene, Paul, Ace and Peter. There are also memorabilia cards of not only Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, but beloved drummer Eric Carr. A box of KISS 360� is priced at $79.00.

To cover the entire career of KISS is quite an undertaking. They�ve been making KISStory since 1973. In 2009 they celebrated the 35th anniversary of their landmark recording KISS Alive! With an appearance on American Idol, the announcement of a new KISS CD and other significant milestones such as the introduction of KISS M&Ms, KISS Mr. Potato Heads and plans to launch another explosive tour, they continue to leave an unparalleled legacy in the world of rock and roll.
By Doug Cataldo for KISSONLINE.com

Hot off the success of the sold-out debut KISS Ikons trading card set from Press Pass, collectors can now enjoy 360 degrees of the Hottest Band in the World. The second KISS release from Press Pass contains a 90-card base set, 4 insert sets and multiple parallel series to chase. A huge part of what makes KISS larger than life is their theatrical and visual show, and Press Pass delivers with a dazzling dip into the bombastic KISSnation.

This time around they've developed some stunning acetate and lenticular inserts collections and they included signatures from all four original members. You could find a single card containing the autographs of Gene, Paul, Ace and Peter. There are also memorabilia cards of not only Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, but beloved drummer Eric Carr. A box of KISS 360 is priced at $79.00.

To cover the entire career of KISS is quite an undertaking. They've been making KISStory since 1973. In 2009 they celebrated the 35th anniversary of their landmark recording KISS Alive! With an appearance on American Idol, the announcement of a new KISS CD and other significant milestones such as the introduction of KISS M&Ms, KISS Mr. Potato Heads and plans to launch another explosive tour, they continue to leave an unparalleled legacy in the world of rock and roll.

Press Pass did an excellent job capturing many KISStoric moments for fans of the band to explore. 360 opens with a 9-card look at the non-makeup era of KISS. This subset addresses the most popular KISS tunes from the 80s including Lick It Up, Tears Are Falling and Unholy. Classic live shots from the Revenge, Lick it Up and Asylum tours make up the fronts of the cards, while the backs contain stories from founding members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons about how the songs were written.

The set continues with a look at KISS in 2009, where the band is currently on fire. Fired up by the energetic Eric Singer on drums and solid lead guitar playing of Tommy Thayer, they haven't played with such musicianship since the reunion tour of 1996. It's this chemistry that sparked songwriting for a new KISS CD. These 9 cards contain quotes from the band on the recording process and a promise that it will rock like classic KISS releases from the 70s.

KISS wouldn't be where they are today if not for the continued efforts of Simmons and Stanley to keep the band going, but a significant portion of their early years were spent with Ace Frehley and Peter Criss. The 18-card Behind the Curtain subset contains some amazing candid shots of the band in and out of makeup during the early years of the KISS craze. There are shots of the band applying their trademark makeup, preparing to take the stage and handling photo shoots and interviews. As a lifelong fan, I was really impressed with some of the photos in this particular series, as I had never seen them before.

Gene Simmons loves the spotlight, and he gets it all to himself in the 9-card "The Demon Speaks" set. Containing even more candid classic photos and quotes from the Bat-Demon himself, ranging from his ego to his adoration and appreciation of the KISS Army, Gene lets it all hang out as only he can.

Without the multi-talented Paul Stanley; KISS could have fallen to the wayside in 1982 after the departure of Ace Frehley. The quintessential frontman is one of the top rock vocalists of all time. His remarkable voice, combined with Simmons' marketable mouth has kept the KISS juggernaut running strong. Stanley is handling the producing chores on the new KISS CD and he's been instrumental in keeping them on track to deliver the classic KISS sound in 2009 too. Within the 9-card "Behind Starry Eyes" collection, fans will get some wisdom from the Starchild.

KISS fans love to recount the band's wacky road stories from their numerous tours that have taken place over the years. From tossing furniture out of hotel room windows and shooting arrows through artwork, Ace Frehley certainly lived life on the road in the fast lane. Many of these tales are told on the backs of the 12-card Roadstories set.

"Welcome to the show!" These key lyrics in the song Psycho Circus are the heart and soul of the KISS live experience, and this is also the name of a 6-card set comprised of the band's thoughts about the longevity and the global phenomenon that KISS is. There are heartfelt quotes from current members Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer about how they feel about playing in KISS, but also how they are moved by the fact that KISS continues to dominate and make new fans wherever they go. There are some great photos in this subset too - a fantastic photo of Ace signing a beautiful blonde's svelte abs is a standout to be on the lookout for.

The remainder of the base set is made up of a discography of KISS albums. Starting with the 1974 release of KISS to 1998s Psycho Circus they cover 18 albums from the band's vast catalog.

Collectors looking for some rarities can try to piece together parallel sets including the Blood-Spitting collection which can be found in 1:4 packs and the "$" parallel #'d to 50 that can be found 1 in every 24 packs on average. Finally, you might also unpack a limited edition 1-of-1 Press Plate card. These hard-to-find gems are the plates used to print the actual cards. You could find a Cyan, Magenta, Yellow or Black variation of all 90 cards.

Kudos to Press Pass for delivering a quality KISS trading card product. With all of the innovations that were non-existent when the first KISS trading cards were made in the 70s, it is only fitting the Hottest Band in the World has the Hottest Trading Cards in the World!

CLICK HERE to visit Press Pass' Official KISS 360 Website

The new KISS 360 Trading cards will be released next week!

Discover 360 degrees of KISS. From the exhilarating live shows to the crazy stories from the road, KISS 360 uncovers all aspects of the KISS legacy.

The 90-CARD BASE SET includes subsets such as The Demon Speaks, Unmasked, Behind Starry Eyes, Welcome to the Show, and Road Stories.

ROCK STAR RELICS features authentic memorabilia cards featuring items from Gene (autographed leather pants), Paul (autographed vests and a jumpsuit), and Eric Carr (autographed drumheads). Also look for dual Gene/Paul memorabilia cards (Pictured).

KISSignatures features cut signatures from Gene, Paul, Peter & Ace, including a quad cut signature card featuring autographs from all four original members.

TRANSFORMATION - a 6-card lenticular motion card insert

SNAPSHOTS � a unique plastic card insert featuring classic photos of the band

Also look for "BLOOD-SPITTING", "$" (hobby-only), "Dr. Love" (Wal-Mart), and "Kissed" (Target) base set parallels

CLICK HERE to visit Press Pass' Official KISS 360 WebsiteThe new KISS 360 Trading cards will be released next week!

Discover 360 degrees of KISS. From the exhilarating live shows to the crazy stories from the road, KISS 360 uncovers all aspects of the KISS legacy.

The 90-CARD BASE SET includes subsets such as The Demon Speaks, Unmasked, Behind Starry Eyes, Welcome to the Show, and Road Stories.

ROCK STAR RELICS features authentic memorabilia cards featuring items from Gene (autographed leather pants), Paul (autographed vests and a jumpsuit), and Eric Carr (autographed drumheads). Also look for dual Gene/Paul memorabilia cards (Pictured).

KISSignatures features cut signatures from Gene, Paul, Peter & Ace, including a quad cut signature card featuring autographs from all four original members.

TRANSFORMATION - a 6-card lenticular motion card insert

SNAPSHOTS - a unique plastic card insert featuring classic photos of the band

Also look for "BLOOD-SPITTING", "$" (hobby-only), "Dr. Love" (Wal-Mart), and "Kissed" (Target) base set parallels

CLICK HERE to visit Press Pass' Official KISS 360 Website

Each box will include 24 packs of five cards with a suggested retail price of $1.99 a pack with autographed and memorabilia cards from the band�s four original members � Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss � included.

The 360 set follows on the heels of the popular KISS Ikons set that Press Pass released earlier this year.

There will be a 90-card base set, made up of several subsets � nine Unmasked cards, nine The Demon Speaks cards where Simmons "reveals the secrets to his success," nine 2009 cards with highlights from this year, 18 Behind the Curtain cards, 12 Road Stories cards, nine Behind Starry Eyes cards, six Welcome to the Show cards and 18 Albums cards focusing on, well, their albums.

The insert card lineup will include Snapshots, a 12-card plastic insert (1:6 packs), and Transformation a six-card lenticular insert featuring mask on/mask off transformations that will be found one per hobby box. Also returning will be the Blood-spitting parallel cards as well as a few other surprises.

THE PLATINUM EXPERIENCE WITH GENE SIMMONS, PAUL STANLEY, TOMMY THAYER AND ERIC SINGER.

By Mark Arnone
Photos by Bret Moiseff & Mark Arnone

When KISS says they will play anywhere, they mean it! On July 28th, 2009 KISS rocked California once again in support the of Alive 35 World Tour. Jamming for nearly two hours sticking close to the Alive 35 set list. KISS came out with their guns loaded with what seemed to be more pyrotechnics than usual. Maybe to compensate for the fact that, as Paul stated on-stage, couldn't levitate the drum set, fly for Love Gun or come down from the rafters. Some ticket holders were upgraded to better seating due to a pyrotechnics issue. Not bad! The stage was set up in the rodeo arena and most of the floor seating was there on the dirt, as were the cows, seriously. Remember it's a fair and the cows were to the left of the stage, smell and all. Some of those cows had a better vantage point than I did. Remember KISS will play anywhere for their fans and we thank them for that.

THE PLATINUM EXPERIENCE PACKAGE:

Autographed 8 x 10, 2 personal photos with the band, KISS laminate, Alive 35 guitar picks, Mini KISS poster, KISS Tour Book, Alive 35 T-Shirt & $50 coupon for the online KISS store!

THE PLATINUM EXPERIENCE WITH GENE SIMMONS, PAUL STANLEY, TOMMY THAYER AND ERIC SINGER.

By Erwin Zinger

When KISS says they will play anywhere, they mean it! On July 28th, 2009 KISS rocked California once again in support the of Alive 35 World Tour. Jamming for nearly two hours sticking close to the Alive 35 set list. KISS came out with their guns loaded with what seemed to be more pyrotechnics than usual. Maybe to compensate for the fact that, as Paul stated on-stage, couldn't levitate the drum set, fly for Love Gun or come down from the rafters. Some ticket holders were upgraded to better seating due to a pyrotechnics issue. Not bad! The stage was set up in the rodeo arena and most of the floor seating was there on the dirt, as were the cows, seriously. Remember it's a fair and the cows were to the left of the stage, smell and all. Some of those cows had a better vantage point than I did. Remember KISS will play anywhere for their fans and we thank them for that.

THE PLATINUM EXPERIENCE PACKAGE:

Autographed 8 x 10, 2 personal photos with the band, KISS laminate, Alive 35 guitar picks, Mini KISS poster, KISS Tour Book, Alive 35 T-Shirt & $50 coupon for the online KISS store!

The experience was scheduled to start at 7:30, stage right. Around 7:45 about 25 of us were escorted backstage (but not really). We were handed the rest of our package items and informed that KISS would sign one personal item and more if time permits.

Time to start the game plan in my head. There was a huge Alive 35 banner set up as the background for the group photos. Also a VIP tent close by, but not for us. Usually for friends and family of promoters, friends of the band, road crew, etc. My soul purpose for buying this experience was to finally get Paul to sign my original fire house helmet from the 70's. My second purpose was to get Gene and Paul to sign my Ladies Room acetate. An acetate is a test pressing from the studio to make sure all of the "grooves" are good to press onto vinyl. Usually one of a kind.

At 8:00 Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer emerge from the VIP area and set themselves up in front of the Alive 35 Banner. I was first in line with a death grip on that helmet. As I approach Tommy asks if it's an original helmet. Of course! For photo number one Gene squeezed my cheeks together (on my face). Second shot Gene sticks out that tongue of his, Paul is giving the thumbs up and Tommy has the signature "Rock Star Point" aiming at my helmet. AWESOME!

After the photos were done it was a free for all to get autographs. B-Line to Paul Stanley with the helmet. He signed it in silver. SUCCESS! I dart back to my KISS stash, being monitored by female security guard, and get the acetate. B-Line again to Paul and Gene. SUCCESS! Back to the stash I grab some photos that I took of a previous KISS show for Tommy and Eric to sign, along with the poster included in the package. SUCCESS AGAIN! Then I pause, breathe and head back to my collection. Only this time it's for my camera. I noticed that everyone was so frantic to get an autograph that they practically forgot that we all have cameras of our own to use. So I used it.

I went around and asked fans if they would take solo shots of me with each member. I returned the favor and again, SUCCESS! Tommy was great during the solo shots, pausing and making sure the photo turned out perfectly. Gene and Paul signed with ease and Eric was great. The meet-n-greet lasted about 30 minutes and then I went to find my seat in the dirt. Found it, and passed. I went to the bleachers. Much better.

Dean Snowden, who was the KISS organizer for the Platinum Experience, did a great job before and after the show. Even accepting phone calls and emails with questions regarding the group photos. Those were posted online about 9 days after the show. Each fan was emailed a link and password to download your own photos.

Will I do the Platinum Experience again? Most likely!

KISS, Thank you! And...GOOD NIGHT!!!! See you on the next tour supporting your new music.

MESSAGE FROM PAUL

THIS IS KISS. CLASSIC KISS!

If you been reading KISSONLINE, it's no surprise to you now. We ARE done recording our new album.

What might well be a surprise is that at the least, the album is right up there with our best. As much as we may have tried at some other times to achieve this, the chemistry, line-up or lack of total commitment from everyone might have been cause for it being impossible. Not now. Not this time.

I know that when you hear it you will agree.

Before we began the album, I said I was only interested in doing it if I produced and we followed set ground rules; Total commitment by everyone, pure guitar driven KISS, no outside writers, no outside players and my opinion and say would always be final.
MESSAGE FROM PAUL

THIS IS KISS. CLASSIC KISS!

If you been reading KISSONLINE, it's no surprise to you now. We ARE done recording our new album.

What might well be a surprise is that at the least, the album is right up there with our best. As much as we may have tried at some other times to achieve this, the chemistry, line-up or lack of total commitment from everyone might have been cause for it being impossible. Not now. Not this time.

I know that when you hear it you will agree.

Before we began the album, I said I was only interested in doing it if I produced and we followed set ground rules; Total commitment by everyone, pure guitar driven KISS, no outside writers, no outside players and my opinion and say would always be final.

All said yes and I know we'd all say we've never had more fun together.

All four of us made this our priority. Everyone was involved everyday. From the first day of writing to the last day of recording everyone was there giving 100% to making this the album we knew we had in us. I've never seen Gene more selfless (yes...Gene!), focused or harder working. His bass playing, songs and overall contribution help to make this the album you've wanted for so long. Without his spirit, this wouldn't have been possible.

As far as Tommy's guitar playing, he took this chance at bat to consistently hit it out of the park. His playing is fiery and rooted firmly in our history, while making his own mark. Tommy's singing, writing contributions and total involvement made clear what's been missing for so long.

In the twenty years I've known Eric, I've never seen him this relaxed or creative. His playing is the foundation of our next step forward. Relentless and full of spit and swagger. Many lead singers don't have Eric's chops or range. He's singing great on his track and all over the album.

Wait till you hear what we've got for you.

Do I sound proud of everyone and what we've done together? I am, and I should be.

Eleven songs. Eleven winners.

This IS KISS. Classic KISS.

It's been a long time coming.

PAUL


MESSAGE FROM GENE

BEST KISS ALBUM IN 30 YEARS!

Our new album (title of which you'll just have to wait a bit longer for) is just a few steps from being completely done. We're planning on re-visiting one of the eleven songs, to make sure it's gotten everything it deserves. Maybe re-arranging it one last time. Then, time to mix.

The entire writing and recording process of the album harkened back to an earlier, more innocent time. A time that produced albums such as ROCK AND ROLL OVER and LOVE GUN. And, the new songs have that feeling, I have to say.

It all started with a point of view Paul had. The view had to do with ignoring the times, ignoring the critics, not over thinking who and what we are...and that we had nothing to prove to anyone....nothing. We have been releasing albums and touring for 35 years and why wouldn't we want to do an 'honest' record. Just do it!!! And, he wanted to produce the album himself!!!

While it's true in the past we had produced KISS records together. And we had both produced other acts outside of KISS. But here was Paul saying he wanted to shoulder the responsibility and burden of steering the good ship KISS on his own.

He was serious. And, I saw it was real. I saw the commitment he was going to make to the album and the band... and I agreed. We all trusted each other and saw the same vision of the band...and perhaps democracy is overrated...and sooner or later, someone had to decide.

And I will tell you here and now, he's done a great job.

The process of writing songs involved both writing separately, but often, in hotel rooms and rehearsal halls, literally starting from scratch and throwing riffs and chords at each other. Then working on melody and lyric...starting alone, then bringing it into the rehearsal halls and even during recording, we would often critique the lyrics all the way down to the last minute.

Tommy really stepped up in the songwriting area....co-wrote some songs with us and actually sings his first song on a KISS album.

Eric, likewise was always encouraging and of course, provided his always dependable bombastic drumming style. But unlike other drummers, Eric is also a great singer. Wait until you hear him tear it up on his lead vocal.

What else, you ask?

Well, Paul and I trade vocals on a few tunes and had a lot to say about each other's songs...

Result? Maybe the best record we've done in 30 years.

Bold statement? You bet.

Wait till you hear it.

GENE


MESSAGE FROM TOMMY

YOU'RE GONNA LOVE IT!


Well the brand new KISS studio album is almost ready to go - actually more like ready to EXPLODE! We finished recording last week, with the exception of one tune that needs an hour or so more --- I have to tell you it KICKS!

Paul has done a fantastic job keeping everyone in line and the direction clear. As you might have heard, all the tunes were written within the band and recorded analog -- which means hot, heavy and rockin' in the classic sense!

We definitely didn't over-think it.

From the beginning stages of writing, rehearsing and arranging the tunes, to putting the trax down on tape, we went with our GUT... kept it raw and real. We didn't go more than two or three takes when we recorded the basic tracks, which by-the-way, we recorded with all four of us together -- which is a rare (or non-existent) occurrence with bands in this modern digital age. We had a laugh when we were tracking the 11th and very last tune and Eric said, we have to get this in two or three takes like all the others or it ain't no good!

The true test for how new tunes hold up is when you play them live. As everybody probably knows, we haven't played any of these brand-new songs in concert, but we did run a few of them at our sound check in Milwaukee last week. Yep, you guessed right... They SCORCHED! Our tour crew guys were like, HOLY S**T, what was that?!!

It's been a gas doing this record with Paul, Eric and Gene -- truly a collaborative effort! I told the guys the other day that in my humble opinion, this is by far the most cohesive sounding record KISS has made in a long, long time -- meaning that ALL the tunes are great, the sound kicks my ass, and it all fits together perfectly as an album.

IT DON'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT!

Can't wait for you to hear it... You're gonna LOVE it!

TOMMY


MESSAGE FROM ERIC

NO BALLADS, NO SLOW SONGS, NO FILLERS!

You Wanted The Best ?

Well the wait is almost over...

I have been hearing KISS fans say for a longtime that 'All's we want is NEW KISS music' ... Well, sometimes wishes do come true !

Last December Paul called me up saying he wanted to make a new KISS record. He seemed very keen and was very specific about the approach to our latest endeavors.

He basically said he wanted us to make a KISS record and music in the purest sense. Meaning No outside writers, the BAND plays on everything, and we use vintage equipment.

Guess what ?

The end result is everything I could have hoped for.

I have to say this has been the most fun and pleasure making a record I have ever been involved in. The chemistry and overall vibe really made for such a great atmosphere and the playing, sounds and songs just really capture what KISS is all about. Classic Rock & Roll.

As we were working up song ideas everyone was very in tune and conscious of our goals at all times. Gene and Paul would retrace their steps from the past and focused on paying tribute to their roots of the early styles of Classic KISS by paying close attention to the way they sang and the sounds of the instruments.

The camaraderie between everyone and especially Gene and Paul really made it easy for all to bring the best out of each other.

Paul took the reigns and headed up the project like the leader that he has been for over 35 years but, this time with a renewed, inspired and very patient style (he is a great dad after all). He really knew what he wanted from each of us individually and collectively.

We did the 11 new songs in small batches by getting into a rehearsal studio first to work up ideas. We then would move to the recording studio. The recordings would entail all of us playing 'live' together in the room. As we captured each performance we would then add extra guitar parts and usually put a guide vocal on the track so we could live with it for a few days and make sure the tempos and vibe was right.

By the way we used NO click tracks on this record I am proud to say. We really went for capturing the live feel and essence of each song. And, Paul, Gene, Tommy and myself are the only musicians playing these songs. A true band effort and performance !

As for the songs ?

Well, no ballads, no slow songs, no filler...

The band really has come full circle.

Just pure straight ahead Rock and Roll that has all the elements that made you love KISS from day one.

Everyone sings lead on a song (Tommy and myself) and even trade off vocal lines and parts throughout the record.

Believe me the wait IS over and well worth it !

I hope you all enjoy listening to it as much as we did making it...

More as it happens !

ERIC

Hi Everyone,

On the one-year anniversary of KISS Rock and Roll Day in South Dakota I wanted to say again thank you very much to all of you for your part in making last year's event a great success. The South Dakota Office of Tourism and the South Dakota Governor's Office couldn't have been more pleased with how everything turned out.

I'm wearing my KISS Rocks America shirt today at the office in honor of the anniversary.

Sincerely,

Chad Coppess
South Dakota Tourism & State Development

KISS ROCK AND ROLL DAYHi Everyone,

On the one-year anniversary of KISS Rock and Roll Day in South Dakota I wanted to say again thank you very much to all of you for your part in making last year's event a great success. The South Dakota Office of Tourism and the South Dakota Governor's Office couldn't have been more pleased with how everything turned out.

I'm wearing my KISS Rocks America shirt today at the office in honor of the anniversary.

Sincerely,

Chad Coppess
South Dakota Tourism & State Development

KISS ROCK AND ROLL DAY

The classic rock band KISS will appear at Glencoe Campground/Rock'n the Rally on August 4 to accept a proclamation from Governor Mike Rounds prior to their concert.

WHAT: A proclamation to make August 4 KISS Rock and Roll Day in South Dakota.

WHERE: Backstage at Glencoe Campground/Rock'n the Rally - Sturgis, S.D.

WHEN: August 4, 2008

WHY: KISS has tirelessly supported the United States military, and has visited numerous American military bases around the world to meet the troops, sign autographs and show their support for the military.