Excerpted from an article by by Ashley Winward / ChargerBulletin.com
Welcome back everyone! With a new school year, I�d like to debut a new segment: My Top five. Every week will bring a new top five; it could be songs, albums, etc. but just know I�ll be bringing you the best!
For this first installment I would like to reminisce a little. This past summer was a wonderful time to be a fan of live music. I spent most of the time I wasn�t working sweating in tiny club shows or sweating in the blistering heat of outdoor venues. Summer shows are the best for an unexplainable number of reasons and this summer was no exception. Here were my top five favorite shows that hit the Northeast this season.
1. KISS / Def Leppard North American Tour (Kiss/Def Leppard/The Dead Daisies)
I feel like the reasoning for this as my number one choice needs no explanation. I don�t think I was more content all summer than I was sitting on the lawn of the Xfinity Center in Harford eating food from a gourmet grilled cheese truck and watching two rock legends tear up the stage.
There was everything you could ever imagine from these two: fireworks, confetti, lights, fake blood, zip-lines, moving stages and pure face melting rock. Even if you weren�t familiar with some of their extensive repertoires, the hits were adequately covered throughout the night.
Kiss celebrated four decades of decibels and Def Leppard also has over 30 years out on the road, making this a true generational show. Probably my favorite moment of the entire night was Paul Stanley zip-lining out over the crowd and just his amazing stage presence, as if they were just a bunch of young guns starting out for the first time. As the saying goes, some things just get better with age and these two are shining examples of such.
All photos by Michael Ervin / Midwest Music Scene. CLICK http://midwestmusicscene.net/kiss-tulsa-bok-center/ to view the full KISS Concer Photo Gallery.
By Jessica Dyer / Albuquerque Journal
Get ready to rock, Albuquerque.
Rock & Brews � a restaurant brand founded in part by KISS� Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley � will open the doors at its new Duke City location Monday. Its celebrity co-founders will come to town the following week for a grand opening celebration and fundraiser to benefit the New Mexico VA Health Care System�s recreation programs.
Albuquerque�s Rock & Brews marks just the eighth location of the budding chain. Billed as a �family-friendly dining and entertainment concept,� the brand originated in Southern California in 2012 and has four sites in California and one each in Hawaii, Kansas and San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.
Perry Mann and Brett Anz, principal owners of the franchise group bringing Rock & Brews to New Mexico, say Albuquerque felt like a natural fit for expansion. Mann used to live in Albuquerque, where he was a commercial real-estate broker and real-estate developer.
Having worked on deals that brought several national chains to Albuquerque � including Applebee�s, Outback and P.F. Chang�s � he said he�s familiar with the market and the city�s appetite for eating out.
�I think Albuquerque is a good market for this concept,� he said, adding that it represents a new kind of dining experience. �It�s going to be very unique. There�s nothing else you can say it�s like.�
The group spent about $3 million building the Albuquerque Rock & Brews, which took over the lot formerly used by Coronado Crossing.
Including an expansive patio, the restaurant can seat 276. Picnic-style tables make up most of the seating, a design element Southwest region President Matt McMahon said showcases the family-friendly nature of the concept.
While rock �n� roll embeds nearly every aspect � from the famous album covers used as wall art to the music videos that will play on the restaurant�s 26 TVs � Rock & Brews welcomes diners of all ages. There�s even a children�s play area outside.
�We�re about families coming in and enjoying the atmosphere,� McMahon said.
Sandwiches, salads, burgers and pizzas rule the menu, while craft beer figures prominently among the 56 taps.
The restaurant, located at 4800 Montgomery NE, will be open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Tickets for the Sept. 16 Rock & Brews fundraiser cost $150 and go on sale at noon Friday at rockandbrewsabq.eventbrite.com.
Hosted by Simmons and Stanley, the evening includes a red-carpet arrival, music from a local band, two adult beverages per person and a sample of the restaurant�s food.
A portion of the proceeds � at least $30,000 � will benefit the New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System recreation programs, such as the adaptive sports program and recreational outings for veterans.
On this day in KISSTORY - September 4, 1996, KISS closed the MTV Music Awards live from under the Brooklyn Bridge!
Here's the KISS feature from the latest Malibu Times Magazine.
Visit http://www.sopdigitaledition.com/malibumag/#/36 to read the story online.
By
I spoke with my father about his legacy, the legacy of his contemporaries, and the state of the music industry today. Invariably, it seemed, we began to talk about file-sharing.
But this is not that old story of an out-of-touch one-percenter crying victim. As so many pointed out during the now-infamous Napster public relations war, the rich/famous/established musicians are not the victims of the digital revolution. My father instead laments the loss of opportunity for my generation, those who have begun to sense that it may no longer simply be a matter of dusting our hands, learning a skill, and putting in the time. There is a system that is broken for those of us who love songwriting, instruments, and all the soul of the analog, and it is now working against us � unless we conform. Unless we decide to stick, safely, to pop, and let gray men in a boardroom write our songs for us, dress us, and sell us from somewhere in the shadows.
The death of rock music came, as we all feared, not as a bright, burning explosion, but as a candle that slowly faded away�and in my father's view, we are all at fault, for slowly leeching its fire without giving back any of our own.
NICK SIMMONS: You once said the music business isn't dying � it's dead. What would you say to young musicians and songwriters today trying to navigate this new terrain?
GENE SIMMONS: Don't quit your day job is a good piece of advice. When I was coming up, it was not an insurmountable mountain. Once you had a record company on your side, they would fund you, and that also meant when you toured they would give you tour support. There was an entire industry to help the next Beatles, Stones, Prince, Hendrix, to prop them up and support them every step of the way. There are still record companies, and it does apply to pop, rap, and country to an extent. But for performers who are also songwriters � the creators � for rock music, for soul, for the blues � it's finally dead.
Rock is finally dead.
I am so sad that the next 15-year-old kid in a garage someplace in Saint Paul, that plugs into his Marshall and wants to turn it up to ten, will not have anywhere near the same opportunity that I did. He will most likely, no matter what he does, fail miserably. There is no industry for that anymore. And who is the culprit? There's always the changing tide of interests � music taste changes with each generation. To blame that is silly. That was always the exciting part, after all: "What's next?" But there's something else. The death of rock was not a natural death. Rock did not die of old age. It was murdered. And the real culprit is that kid's 15-year-old next-door neighbor, probably a friend of his. Maybe even one of the bandmates he's jamming with. The tragedy is that they seem to have no idea that they just killed their own opportunity � they killed the artists they would have loved. Some brilliance, somewhere, was going to be expressed, and now it won't, because it's that much harder to earn a living playing and writing songs. No one will pay you to do it.
The masses do not recognize file-sharing and downloading as stealing because there's a copy left behind for you � it's not that copy that's the problem, it's the other one that someone received but didn't pay for. The problem is that nobody will pay you for the 10,000 hours you put in to create what you created. I can only imagine the frustration of all that work, and having no one value it enough to pay you for it.
It's very sad for new bands. My heart goes out to them. They just don't have a chance. If you play guitar, it's almost impossible. You're better off not even learning how to play guitar or write songs, and just singing in the shower and auditioning for The X Factor. And I'm not slamming The X Factor, or pop singers. But where's the next Bob Dylan? Where's the next Beatles? Where are the songwriters? Where are the creators? Many of them now have to work behind the scenes, to prop up pop acts and write their stuff for them.
Here's a frightening thought: from 1958 to 1983, name 100 musical anythings that are iconic, that seem to last beyond their time.
NS: The Beatles, The Stones...
GS: Elvis, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, the Stones, Jimi Hendrix, the numerous classic Motown artists, Madonna, U2, Prince, Pink Floyd... The list goes on. Individuals, all unanimously considered classic, timeless, revolutionary. Now from '84 until today, name some. Just give me a few � artists that, even after their passing, are or will be inescapable. Artists on the same level as the ones I just mentioned. Even if you don't like them, they will be impossible to avoid, or deny, even after they've stopped making music and maybe passed on. In fact, they become bigger when they stop. Name artists that even compare with the ones I just named.
NS: Nirvana?
GS: Nirvana. That's about it. They are the notable exception. Keep thinking. It's harder, isn't it, to name artists with as much confidence? The pickings are so slim, and it's not an arbitrary difference. There was a 10- to 15-year period in the '60s and '70s that gave birth to almost every artist we now call "iconic," or "classic." If you know anything about what makes longevity, about what makes something an everlasting icon, it's hard to find after that. The craft is gone, and that is what technology, in part, has brought us. What is the next Dark Side of the Moon? Now that the record industry barely exists, they wouldn't have a chance to make something like that. There is a reason that, along with the usual top-40 juggernauts, some of the biggest touring bands are half old people, like me.
NS: What does this bode for the industry of the future?
GS: There is no record industry, unfortunately. Not like there was. There are some terrific bands out there � Tame Impala, which you turned me on to, and so on. And during the '60s and '70s they would've become big, I'm convinced.
But, strangely, today, everything pales before Psy's "Gangnam Style." Look up the numbers on that song. He blows everyone else out of the water.
NS: The biggest song of all time is an Internet meme. Sounds almost like popular music is jumping the shark.
GS: Yes. My guess is that despite those numbers, it will still pass from the public eye in a short time. I don't know what that means, but it's clear that longevity is practically dead, and new artists that stand the test of time � meaning, artists whose art can survive them, who become icons � are so rare as to almost be nonexistent.
NS: Considering that it doesn't seem to affect you directly, how did you become so outspoken about this? Along with a few public figures I could name, you've been one of the most vocal critics of file-sharing.
GS: My perspective is decidedly different than perhaps the perspective of somebody who was born here. If you're a native-born American, my contention is that you take a lot of things for granted. All the freedoms and opportunities you have here are expected, and you feel entitled. I think this has taken over the American psyche. I find that many of the more patriotic people are immigrants, and they're the ones who stand still when the flag goes up, out of gratitude. My sense is that file-sharing started in predominantly white, middle- and upper-middle-class young people who were native-born, who felt they were entitled to have something for free, because that's what they were used to. If you believe in capitalism � and I'm a firm believer in free-market capitalism � then that other model is chaos. It destroys the structure. You'll never understand unless you're the one that wrote the song, and you were the one that had the band, whose music people took without paying you for. Once you're the one who's been robbed, there's a moment of clarity.
And let's be clear: I'm not the guy to be pouting and complaining about stuff. I make a decent living. I'm very, very lucky. But that's because we started before the chaos, in the days when people had to buy records. If you didn't like a band, you didn't buy their albums, and the people decided.
NS: They voted with their dollar.
GS: That's right. And going back to that national psyche thing... I firmly believe that there's something missing in America, and it used to exist, and it's now corny. Patriotism is corny, and that's a sad state of affairs. It really is. I don't care what side of the aisle you're on � I find faults in both, some social and some political issues � but everywhere, people are taking a lot of things for granted. And you would know the majesty that is America if you came from hundreds of other countries I could name. If you come from a place where every day above ground is a life-threatening event, and you had the same ambition and values as the most successful people here, you would never reach the same heights. And of course this applies to Western society at large, but America especially. I think every day, we forget about the � and here's the corny part � glory of America. And that's too fucking bad.
NS: Any last thoughts?
GS: Always, but I think I've talked enough for a lifetime.
Get the KISS 40th Anniversary Tour book and other Tour merchandise now in KISS Shop - http://www.shopkissonline.com .
With Labor Day come and gone, join Elmore in our Late Summer Roundup, a look back at some of late summer�s finest musical moments.
KISS just wrapped up their 40th anniversary tour, a co-headlining venture with Def Leppard. Alternately billed as the Heroes Tour, the shows benefited veterans organizations via donations from portions of ticket sales and the hiring of veterans to work on the tour (part of the Hiring Our Heroes initiative).
Check out KISS, in all their makeup and platforms glory at link below:
All photos by Jim Belmont
You know Gene Simmons from KISS, currently celebrating their 40th anniversary, and as a co-owner of the LA KISS, Los Angeles� Arena Football League team whose first season is chronicled in the new AMC docuseries 4th and Loud (airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET). But did you know he won a Twist contest in school and still locks himself in his home any time there�s a Twilight Zone marathon on TV? You do now, thanks to our Pop Culture Personality Test. Watch the video and read the transcript below. EW: What song changed your life? SIMMONS: So �The Twist� really impacted me, and Chubby Checker in particular, because it wasn�t just a song, it was a social phenomenon. When I asked Shirley to dance, she was this African-American girl who really knew the stuff, and I could twist. So I walked across the gym floor of P.S. 145, when all the guys were on one side and girls on the other side. Guys are going, �Oooooh,� and the girls are going, �Oooooh,� and I didn�t care. I walked over to Shirley, �Come on, let�s twist,� and we twist. And I won the Twist championship of P.S. 145. True story. What�s your prized pop culture possession? Myself. My, myself, and I. I am a pop culture possession. I am the guy. I get to be me everyday. I�m a hawk. I�m a hybrid. And that�s a lot of fun. That�s why it�s good to be me. What movie moment do you wish you could rewind? I was never really a big porn movie watcher. But if I could, I would watch my very first porn movie, but I would watch it backwards, so that it starts off with the prostitute giving the guy money instead of the other way around. [Lowers glasses] See what I did there? What�s your favorite TV show of all time? Ever since I was a kid, my favorite show of all time was The Twilight Zone. It continues to be the standout show of all time for me because every single episode was like watching a new TV show. When there are marathons on, once or twice a year, I make it a point of staying home. I don�t call friends or anything. I get my bag of chips and lock myself up and all day� Final Score: Lord of the Twist
Congratulations to Craig Johnson of Billings, Mont., for winning our KISS 40th Anniversary Tour VIP Sweepstakes. Craig won an all-expenses-paid trip to catch the legendary band�s tour stop on Aug. 31 at The Woodlands, outside of Houston.
Chideo sends its thanks to everyone who entered. Your donations support Augusta Warrior Project, which collaborates, connects, educates and advocates for both serving and veteran military of all eras, wounded or not.
�It was a fun time but went by way, way too fast,� Craig told us by email after the show. �I�ve been a big fan for over 25 years. In fact, all my close friends use to refer to me as �that guy who loves KISS.�
�This summer I saw KISS in Irvine, Calif. I went to their website the next day to see if they had any pictures of the show. While there, I saw a banner ad for the Chideo KISS 40th Anniversary Sweepstakes. Not expecting to win, I entered anyway because I thought it (would) be funny if I won a trip not only to see KISS but to also meet them as well.
�When I got the call telling me I won � I didn�t believe it. I thought someone was playing a joke on me.�
Craig said the day of the show started with an unplugged KISS concert in front a small crowd of die-hard fans. The band played several classic songs such as �Christine Sixteen,� �Beth,� �Hard Luck Woman� and �Coming Home� � all while telling jokes and taking pictures with the crowd during songs. Then the band members came around one by one and signed autographs and talked to the crowd.
�Then five of us took a backstage tour. We got to see up close all the stage props, equipment, drum sets, guitars, machines and everything else it takes to put on a KISS concert,� Craig said. �I knew it took quite a bit of work, but I had no idea how much. Backstage, we also met the drum, bass, and guitar techs for the band. They were all friendly and answered any questions we had. In fact, not only were the techs nice, EVERYONE on this trip was great.�
Later, Craig had his picture taken with the band in full makeup and gear.
�Even though it was right before the show � KISS was still having fun with everyone and not making anyone feel rushed,� he said. �The actual concert itself was AMAZING � this was my 9th concert and they�ve never sounded better. I want to thank Chideo, KISS, and the Augusta Warrior Project for making this trip possible. HAD A BLAST � THANK YOU!!!�
