Kiss News

12/13/2014

An Interview with Paul Stanley of KISS

Paul Stanley-autographed LP for the author's mom

By Logan Dean Worrell / NOISEY Music By Vice

Check out our interview with the legendary Paul Stanley of KISS below.

Noisey: Why did you get this tattoo?
Paul Stanley: I made myself a promise, I said I�m going to get a tattoo. Never get two. Because as you know, it�s very hard to say no.

Especially in your situation, you can get free tattoos from the best tattooers in the world all over your body.
So we were staying at the Hyatt on Sunset. And Lyle Tuttle was across the street. And it just was burning, this desire. So I went across the street, I didn�t want a battleship. I just thought �I�ll get a rose.�

It makes sense, with all the androgyny in the costumes.
It was very simple, and then it was just a matter of keeping a promise to myself.

How has social media changed the band? I noticed you have one of the more prominent Twitters in the group.
I like to see there�s an edge to what I do on stage. Even my autobiography, the idea of communicating in a way that feels one on one, to the people who make me what I am. So I like to tweet multiple times a day, but not bullshit. I like to either share thoughts, or encouragement for other people, some of the things I�m doing. For me, I think it�s just another way to connect. I really enjoy fans. I really enjoy the people who make this all possible.

 I�m 31 and look terrible. How do you stay in such good shape? I assume you eat nothing but kale and chicken and work out.
Honestly, genetically, I can�t take all the credit. My Dad�s 94.

He�s still with it,  no problem?
My Dad throws a ball to my son. But I dance. I do a class with mainly women, which is really terrible. It�s called Cardio-Bar. And it�s a one-hour workout I do maybe four or five times a week. You�re doing the same thing everyday, and what you�re working on is your form. But it�s aerobically really challenging, and physically it gets you in great shape.

What is the worst job you�ve ever had? Before Kiss. Because obviously it doesn�t get better.
Everyone doesn�t wanna be president, but every president wants to be a rock star. I�ve got the job everybody wants. And it is as great as everybody says. It�s awesome.

The most depressing one I had for a very very short time was I worked in a factory, manually putting a magnetic bulletin board under a machine that punched a hole in it. I just did that all day and the fact that the other people there were missing fingers, it was not a great teller of the future. So I quit that one. I worked in a food service, appetizing store in Manhattan. My hair was really long so I had a terrible wig, which first of all gave me headaches. People would say �nice guy! Too bad he wears a wig.� So those were my two really worst jobs.

When you guys got that first KISS check, and thought you were millionaires before you were millionaires, what was the first meal that you went and ate? Where you were like �this is crazy but I can do it. I�m going to.� Do you remember what that meal was?
Yeah. That�s really interesting because it took a long time for my pallet to really expand; my parents introduced me to a lot of good food when I was a kid. Probably because my mom was German and my Dad is from European stock. They put much more emphasis on food. Food over here is like a break from work, you stuff your face. It�s fuel. In Europe, it certainly is a dining experience that you savor. I was exposed to a lot of food, but it really wasn�t until the last two decades � before then, going out and having a good steak was great. Still is. Going and having a great piece of pizza, a great hot dog is great. Anybody who limits his or her pallet is just missing the boat. Give me a great Foie Gras. But also give me a great piece of pizza. I mean how many hamburgers can you eat wrapped in lettuce. A friend of mine, a well-known chef, sends me food. Lots of it is really great. Rocco Dispirito. So Rocco sends me food every week that�s very very healthy. And there are dietetic desserts, and I want nothing to do with that. It�s like, if you�re gonna eat dessert, eat dessert. What the hell�s the point.

I know you were born with a birth defect of the ear (Microtia). You talk about the torment you endured as a result of it in your book, has there ever been an instance where you�ve seen an old childhood bully later on in life and you were just like � �you know what, you were an asshole, but now I�m Paul Stanley from KISS.�
I think that was certainly a motivation in the beginning. But I think, and what I hope people realize as they become successful, is that kind of recedes. The importance of revenge becomes much less important than enjoying your life. So I�ve never really had to face any of the people who were unkind to me. It�s very funny because a day doesn�t go by � yesterday I thought of an incident that happened when I was a kid.

Children are terrible. To each other they can be.
And adults can surprisingly be pretty merciless too. What�s interesting is you don�t forget those moments because that child in you never dies. So there are key moments in your life that may be unhappy, and they never recede into the past. So I thought I would enjoy pushing my success into peoples� faces, but when I got the opportunity to, I found it was not only unnecessary but � unkind. It was unkind for me to push someone�s misery or my success into their face.

Is there current music that you like personally or are you just a jazz and blues guy, the opposite of what you�ve been exposed to for the past forty years.
Music is like food � there�s two kinds: good and bad.

What�s bad music?
I think that there�s a huge problem in that music nowadays that�s most available on the radio is mechanically produced, and interchangeable, and the people singing it really aren�t singers � they�re people that go into the studio and get auto-tuned. Look, I grew up going to Fillmore East, seeing Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Humble Pie. Hendrix was like somebody from another planet. God bless Stevie Ray Vaughn, but there wouldn�t be a SRV without a Hendrix. And Hendrix was, it was so deep because it was so original, it crossed so many boundaries. There were no racial implications to what he was doing. He was just Jimi Hendrix. So he was very very dynamic and made a huge impression on me. I saw him twice. I was lucky because in New York I could see people play for 2000 people or less.  The music today, my problem is if you don�t wanna sing a song, then get somebody else to sing it. Because it�s faceless and that�s the biggest problem I think now a days. Perhaps, I would hate to think, it�s because I�m getting older, but it�s a shame that a lot of young people are missing out on the excitement of music that is created by human beings. The reason we love so much of the music we grew up listening to is because it wasn�t perfect. What we�ve done is we replaced passion with perfection, and the music that I loved, Mo Town, was full of mistakes. The first Zeppelin album was a disaster, it's brilliant because Jimmy almost goes off the rails at times. That�s what music is about. Music is about pushing the boundaries in search of ecstasy. And that�s missing today, for the most part. If somebody says, �what�s your favorite new band?� It�s The Foo Fighters [Laughs] He�s been doing this for what now, decades? I just don�t find a lot really does much for me, and if it does it�s because it reminds me of something else. And then I�d rather listen to that.

S/o to the people of Los Cabos San Lucas, Rock and Brews, and the Sheraton Hacienda del mar Golf & Spa Resort.

12/11/2014

Kruisin� on the High Seas with KISS

Written by: Ken Sharp / Rock Cellar Magazine

Over the past 10 years, music-themed cruises have become big business raking in millions of dollars each year, beckoning a whole generation to come sail away.

All genres of music are duly presented on these monstrous oceanic vessels of rock servicing the divergent tastes of music fans with cruises showcasing artists like Kid Rock, Weezer, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Heart, John Mayer, the Moody Blues, Yes, The Who�s Roger Daltrey and more.

In many ways, the music cruise is the new frontier for the baby boomer crowd. It�s like summer camp for adults with copious amounts of alcohol flowing 24/7 and the food is much better.

And I�m one of over 2300 passengers from 33 countries spanning the globe setting out from Miami, Florida on KISS Kruise IV, a 4-day excursion to the Bahamas. Yet for most on board, the sunny spoils of paradise are secondary; we could be headed to the outer reaches of frozen Antarctica and the same loyal contingent of KISS krazies would likely attend.In this case, the destination is unimportant.

    The magnet drawing everyone together are the hottest band in the world, KISS and they�re here to celebrate the axiom of the band�s immortal rock anthem; yes, you guessed it, to rock and roll all nite and part every day.

Straddling white and blue collar professions, from plumbers to pit bosses, mechanics to morticians, accountants to attorneys, those who climb aboard the KISS Kruise come from all walks of life. And while there�s a divide due to the social and cultural differences, the universal language they all speak is KISS music; it�s the rock and roll glue that binds them all together.

Now in its 13th year, Sixthman, the premiere travel cruise company, is hosting this bash. Over the years, they�ve fine-tuned their music theme cruise brand to sleek perfection, entertaining over 130,000 passengers and tallying over 600,000 fun-filled days on the high seas.

According to Alaidriale Derway, PR & Communications Manager for Sixthman, �we�re all about the guest experience�that comes first in every way. Our goal is to break down the barriers between bands and their fans, as well as introduce our guests to emerging artists that often become favorites. We don�t do the whole VIP thing- we feel like everyone should have the same amazing experience and that everyone is entitled to the best. We encourage our artists to interact with the guests as much as possible, from hosting events, to late night DJ sessions, to just walking around the ship and enjoying the event.�

�We set the expectation that guests and artists are one big family and should treat each other as such. We try to shy away from the standard format of autograph signing and meet and greets as much as possible, in favor of more organic and intimate experiences between artists and fans. Another thing that I think really sets Sixthman apart is that our events are built by the community for the community. When our artists have a vision they want brought to life, we will do anything we can to make that happen. We build upon surveys and guest feedback to really shape what our guests are looking for.�

As for the allure of a music cruise for those who have not taken the plunge, Derway further explains: �I always ask: Have you ever been to a big music festival? Standing in line for bathrooms, huge crowds, mud, overpriced beer, and trying to get anywhere near the stage to see your favorite artist� it�s a huge test of patience! On a cruise, you have everything you need right there. You have your favorite band playing in an elevator�true story!�or standing next to you at breakfast, you have shows going on all the time, just like a big festival, but you can actually see the band, sometimes so close you need to back up!�

�Plus, you�re on a ship with just a little over 2000 people who are into what you�re into- it�s an experience that can create friends for life. There�s luxury accommodations, food as far as the eye can see, and music almost 24/7. Plus, you�re sailing through the Caribbean. Really, what more could you want? As for the KISS Kruise, it�s a one-of�a-kind, once in a lifetime experience � even for the fan that has everything! And each year is new and different theme wise, so it�s always fresh. This year�s �Dressed to Kill� theme is pretty spectacular.�

There�s a tangible excitement in the air. Sold out for months, KISS Kruise IV is already a success judging by the mile wide smiles plastered on the faces of arriving passengers from all over the world�England, Spain, Brazil, Japan, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, South Africa, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, Australia, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, Argentina, Costa Rica, Holland, Canada, Chile, Austria, Colombia, Peru, Belgium, Iceland, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Bolivia and New Zealand are among the countries represented.

Young and old(er), they happily scamper onto the ship in anticipation of the trip of a lifetime. Brisbane, Queensland, Australia residents, Chuck and Roz Cartwright flew over 30 hours to be here. �This is our second kruise,� says Roz. �Come January we�re counting the days until the next one. Meeting all the other KISS fans from around the world, that�s the biggest joy for me. The whole world unites on the kruise as one big KISS family.� Her husband, Chuck, who serves as a soldier in Australia, agrees: �The friends you make on the kruise make this special for us. Bloody hell mate, the only downside to the kruise is that it�s not long enough (laughs); you want it to keep going and going!�

Greg Hounshell, 44, is a real estate agent based in Wytheville, Virginia. This is his third passage on the KISS Kruise. Happily married with two children, the kruise is his ticket to freedom, well at least for a few days. �For 360 days of the year I wear the hat of husband, father, and businessman,� says Hounshell. �I live in a small town in southwest Virginia. The population is around 8,800. Life moves at a leisurely pace � work, homework, sports and school for my two boys. But for one week out of the year, I enjoy a different role: that of a music lover and KISS fan.

�The Kruise gives me the chance to experience adventures and activities that just aren�t available where we�re from. For these five or six days you immerse yourself in concerts and friends and food and drink and trips to fun places far outside your everyday life. Once you board the ship, Toto is no longer in Kansas. With Paul, Gene, Eric, and Tommy serving as hosts you live the surreal reality of �Rock and Roll All Day, Party Every Night.�

Back on board for his third KISS Kruise is Chris W. Royer, a 50-year-old attorney based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Chris explains the lure of his rockin� adventures at sea, �The Kruises are an opportunity to relive the enthusiasm and innocence of my days as a teenage fan. They allow my wife and I to �fan-out� in a cocoon where KISS is the sun and we are the planets. The band, for their part, seem to shake off the yoke of jaded and wizened rock icons for the 4-plus days. On board, they smile and laugh as one staves off the bittersweet reality it will have to end it at some point� some time sooner than later. We love it all: the over-the-top fan exuberance, the splash of colors and foreign flags, the campy geekdom that pervades everything. We�ll keep coming back.�

Florida based entrepreneur, Brad Estra, one of the world�s foremost KISS collectors, brought his son, Mason, 9, to KISS Kruise IV. It�s a rite of passage for both father and son. �It�s like going to a family reunion of over two thousand people,� remarks Estra. �Last night my son met a guy from Scotland in a kilt (laughs) and he�s also made friends with fans from Sweden and Scotland.� Brad�s, son Mason adds: �It�s really cool to be able to meet people all over the world.� Scott, 45, a Palm Beach County government official affirms the sense of brotherhood between nationalities and cultures. �Some speak English, some broken English and others speak no English at all. You communicate through your love of KISS, share a beer and tell stories.�

Walking into the main dining room, I run into three Swedes wearing matching bright yellow KISS Army Sweden t-shirts who are enjoying their 4th KISS Kruise. What keeps them coming back? �With each kruise I make more and more friends and I look forward to having a reunion with them every day,� remarked Markus Ek, a 48�year-old industrial technician from Gothenburg, Sweden.

And while KISS are the clear headliners everyone came to see, fans are treated to a wide spectrum of quality live music rockin� the vessel from an array of formidable artists, most notably Cheap Trick lead singer Robin Zander (one of the band�s biggest hits, the smash �70s anthem Surrender famously name checked KISS, �got my KISS records out��) who performed three acoustic sets comprising solo material, covers (The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Neil Young) and seldom if ever played Cheap Trick jewels like Y.O.Y.O.Y, I Don�t Love Here Anymore, and Love Comes. Popular �70s rockers the Pat Travers Band is on board as are a legion of lesser known acts like the all girl KISS tribute band, PRISS, Big Rock Show, and CRUED, a Motley Crue tribute group hailed by lead vocalist Vince Neil as �a Motley Crue tribute band that goes through the pain of doing it right � or don�t do it at all.�

Of course, one of the major draws of a music cruise is the up close and personal interaction with their musical idols. �We really do everything we can to break down any barrier between fan and artist,� Sixthman�s Derway attests. �The artists that we work with do an event like this because they want to do something special for their fans � create an experience that they can�t get anywhere else, and celebrate their most passionate fans especially.�

�By taking away the notion of VIP or autographs, you�re basically putting everyone on the same playing field, which makes artists more approachable and human for the fans and the fans more approachable for the artists. If you know you�re not going to get mobbed the second you come out of a show, you�re a lot more likely to just go hang out � and our artists really do. It is completely commonplace to see huge artists at a show or at the casino playing blackjack or even at one of the bars talking to a guest. Changing the dichotomy between those two worlds makes it much easier to have a relaxed and engaging experience.�

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the article and view more KISS Kruise photos.

 

Written by: Ken Sharp
12/10/2014

KISS SIGHTING: JAPAN AIRLINES

KISS IS EVERYWHERE!


Thanks to Izumi ‏for sharing her photos of KISS in the Japan Airlines in flight magazine. JAL is currently featuring a special KISS radio channel to celebrate the band's 40th Anniversary!

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