01/22/2014
GETTING DIRTY WITH KISS
Kiss News
01/21/2014
NEW YORK CITY HARD ROCK GETS KISSED!
01/21/2014
ON THE RECORD WITH KEN SHARP
01/21/2014
LA KISS FOOTBALL AT HONDA CENTER
Legendary Rockers Looks to Pack Honda Center With Arena Football
CLICK here for tickets and more info on LA KISS
By Chris Casacchia | Orange County Business Journal
Kiss front man Gene Simmons promises to recreate the same raucous experience that's defined his rock band's concerts for more than four decades in his latest business venture: arena football.
The entertainment tycoon who's licensed everything from Hello Kitty dolls to comic books will test his marketing chops in an industry plagued with challenges and in a market that's hummed along just fine without professional football for the last 20 years.
Simmons is quick to downplay those concerns.
"There's only one business on Earth, and that's show business," he said. "Unless you make something fun and interesting to people, they don't care. We're going to have a lot of fun."
Fans who attend L.A. Kiss' April home opener at the Honda Center in Anaheim can expect to see a show before, during and after the game. And that doesn't even account for the fast-paced action on the turf, where players frequently get knocked into the stands and missed field goals are rebounded off netting behind the skinny goal posts and played live.Legendary Rockers Looks to Pack Honda Center With Arena Football
By Chris Casacchia | Orange County Business Journal
Kiss front man Gene Simmons promises to recreate the same raucous experience that's defined his rock band's concerts for more than four decades in his latest business venture: arena football.
The entertainment tycoon who's licensed everything from Hello Kitty dolls to comic books will test his marketing chops in an industry plagued with challenges and in a market that's hummed along just fine without professional football for the last 20 years.
Simmons is quick to downplay those concerns.
"There's only one business on Earth, and that's show business," he said. "Unless you make something fun and interesting to people, they don't care. We're going to have a lot of fun."
Fans who attend L.A. Kiss' April home opener at the Honda Center in Anaheim can expect to see a show before, during and after the game. And that doesn't even account for the fast-paced action on the turf, where players frequently get knocked into the stands and missed field goals are rebounded off netting behind the skinny goal posts and played live.
The league's cadre of scrappy players�some of whom didn't make the grade in the NFL or were hit with injuries that derailed their careers�earn far less than those on the big circuit. It's not uncommon for players to make under $500 a game on the low end and up to six figures on the high end.
The average NFL salary is nearly $2 million by comparison.
Arena football, invented in 1981, is played on a smaller field than the traditional American game, typically in hockey and basketball stadiums, and features a high-scoring style.
"There's going to [be] more attention from celebrities because we're going to invite the people that attract media and TV crews," said Simmons from his favorite room inside his Hollywood Hills mansion� a brand cave with hundreds of items of Kiss memorabilia, including toys, clothing and those vintage masks.
In-game promotions will include Kissettes cheerleaders, a logoed Kiss camera that will highlight affectionate couples, and a football cannon that will blast about 30 mini footballs into the stands per game with specialized messages and signatures.
Simmons likened the promotion to a box of Cracker Jack he often bought as a kid growing up in New York City.
"What was the appeal of [Cracker] Jacks?" he said. "You never knew what the surprise was."
The L.A. Kiss, who join the Portland Thunder as expansion teams for the 2014 season, begin their inaugural season with plans for a concert by Simmons and his bandmates at the Honda Center�not to mention high hopes on the field and a solid financial footing.
The franchise is backed with star power and a merchandising empire from one of the most lucrative bands in the history of music. Kiss has sold more than 100 million albums in 40-plus years of work, playing sold-out venues from Russia to Rhode Island along the way.
Ownership Team
The football franchise's ownership team also includes Kiss singer/songwriter Paul Stanley, the band's longtime manager Doc McGee, and veteran arena football executive Brett Bouchy.
It is already leveraging its Hollywood connections and its status as Arena Football League's largest market. The Chicago Rush occupied the league's biggest market until it shut down amid investor troubles, lawsuits and charges of poor management.
The L.A. Kiss will be featured in an upcoming reality show on A&E, which aired the bass guitarist's reality show "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" until its cancellation in 2012.
"That's how we're different from anybody else," Simmons said. "Paul and I will walk through there every once in a while. Otherwise it's really about them, about our guys; and we intend on making them stars."
The Arena Football League, which was forced to shut down in 2009 without a major broadcasting deal, has some momentum going into its March 14 opener.
Last month it signed a multiyear deal with ESPN at an undisclosed price to broadcast at least 10 regular season games on its family of networks. ESPN also has rights to one of two conference championship games and the ArenaBowl, the league's top prize.
Another 75 games will be shown as live streams on the Internet, ESPN's video player and the AFL website.
"Adding ESPN's national contract is a watershed moment for us," said team president Schuyler Hoversten, who's run business development for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Colorado Crush arena football team.
The team also is said to be close to finalizing a broadcast deal with CBS Sports and the local Fox affiliate.
5-Year Lease
L.A. Kiss management opted for the Honda Center after meetings with Tim Ryan, chief executive of the stadium, and Anaheim officials who shared the same vision of turning arena football in a fickle market into a sustainable business.
That was enough for a deal in the heart of OC despite those other initials in the team's name. "The reality of the story is I never made the second call to the Staples Center," Hoversten said. The team has a five-year lease at the stadium, with another five-year option.
It will launch a marketing blitz this month, heavy in billboard placements around Southern California, and print and radio ads that will tout a message of "great football fused with an unparalleled entertainment experience," according to Bouchy, the former owner of the arena league's Orlando Predators.
The L.A. Kiss will use the slogan "the greatest show on turf," which was popularized by the St. Louis Rams' high-powered offense from 1999 to 2001 under one-time arena football quarterback Kurt Warner.
Season Seats
L.A. Kiss is Anaheim's second arena football team�a franchise called the Piranhas played there for several seasons in the 1990s (see related OC Insider item, page 3). The new franchise is off to a fast start. It has already sold more than 5,000 season tickets, which cost $99 and include a ticket to a separate Kiss concert.
The goal is to hit 10,000 before the opening kick-off.
The L.A. Kiss have enlisted a strong group of initial sponsors, including Dollar Loan Center, the Titled Kilt sports bars, and office supply retailer Staples, which is outfitting its entire operation, from office supplies and vending machines to IT infrastructure.
The ownership team also is pouring in investment dollars to field a strong team on the field and to hype up the game experience for fans, which doesn't even include the "seven-figure" expansion fee paid to the league and its owners.
"We want to appeal to fans who don't care about football, as well as the football fan," Simmons said. "You don't have to mortgage your home to get a ticket. Once you see a game, [you're] never going to forget it."
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CLICK here for tickets and more info on LA KISS
By Chris Casacchia | Orange County Business Journal
Kiss front man Gene Simmons promises to recreate the same raucous experience that's defined his rock band's concerts for more than four decades in his latest business venture: arena football.
The entertainment tycoon who's licensed everything from Hello Kitty dolls to comic books will test his marketing chops in an industry plagued with challenges and in a market that's hummed along just fine without professional football for the last 20 years.
Simmons is quick to downplay those concerns.
"There's only one business on Earth, and that's show business," he said. "Unless you make something fun and interesting to people, they don't care. We're going to have a lot of fun."
Fans who attend L.A. Kiss' April home opener at the Honda Center in Anaheim can expect to see a show before, during and after the game. And that doesn't even account for the fast-paced action on the turf, where players frequently get knocked into the stands and missed field goals are rebounded off netting behind the skinny goal posts and played live.Legendary Rockers Looks to Pack Honda Center With Arena Football
By Chris Casacchia | Orange County Business Journal
Kiss front man Gene Simmons promises to recreate the same raucous experience that's defined his rock band's concerts for more than four decades in his latest business venture: arena football.
The entertainment tycoon who's licensed everything from Hello Kitty dolls to comic books will test his marketing chops in an industry plagued with challenges and in a market that's hummed along just fine without professional football for the last 20 years.
Simmons is quick to downplay those concerns.
"There's only one business on Earth, and that's show business," he said. "Unless you make something fun and interesting to people, they don't care. We're going to have a lot of fun."
Fans who attend L.A. Kiss' April home opener at the Honda Center in Anaheim can expect to see a show before, during and after the game. And that doesn't even account for the fast-paced action on the turf, where players frequently get knocked into the stands and missed field goals are rebounded off netting behind the skinny goal posts and played live.
The league's cadre of scrappy players�some of whom didn't make the grade in the NFL or were hit with injuries that derailed their careers�earn far less than those on the big circuit. It's not uncommon for players to make under $500 a game on the low end and up to six figures on the high end.
The average NFL salary is nearly $2 million by comparison.
Arena football, invented in 1981, is played on a smaller field than the traditional American game, typically in hockey and basketball stadiums, and features a high-scoring style.
"There's going to [be] more attention from celebrities because we're going to invite the people that attract media and TV crews," said Simmons from his favorite room inside his Hollywood Hills mansion� a brand cave with hundreds of items of Kiss memorabilia, including toys, clothing and those vintage masks.
In-game promotions will include Kissettes cheerleaders, a logoed Kiss camera that will highlight affectionate couples, and a football cannon that will blast about 30 mini footballs into the stands per game with specialized messages and signatures.
Simmons likened the promotion to a box of Cracker Jack he often bought as a kid growing up in New York City.
"What was the appeal of [Cracker] Jacks?" he said. "You never knew what the surprise was."
The L.A. Kiss, who join the Portland Thunder as expansion teams for the 2014 season, begin their inaugural season with plans for a concert by Simmons and his bandmates at the Honda Center�not to mention high hopes on the field and a solid financial footing.
The franchise is backed with star power and a merchandising empire from one of the most lucrative bands in the history of music. Kiss has sold more than 100 million albums in 40-plus years of work, playing sold-out venues from Russia to Rhode Island along the way.
Ownership Team
The football franchise's ownership team also includes Kiss singer/songwriter Paul Stanley, the band's longtime manager Doc McGee, and veteran arena football executive Brett Bouchy.
It is already leveraging its Hollywood connections and its status as Arena Football League's largest market. The Chicago Rush occupied the league's biggest market until it shut down amid investor troubles, lawsuits and charges of poor management.
The L.A. Kiss will be featured in an upcoming reality show on A&E, which aired the bass guitarist's reality show "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" until its cancellation in 2012.
"That's how we're different from anybody else," Simmons said. "Paul and I will walk through there every once in a while. Otherwise it's really about them, about our guys; and we intend on making them stars."
The Arena Football League, which was forced to shut down in 2009 without a major broadcasting deal, has some momentum going into its March 14 opener.
Last month it signed a multiyear deal with ESPN at an undisclosed price to broadcast at least 10 regular season games on its family of networks. ESPN also has rights to one of two conference championship games and the ArenaBowl, the league's top prize.
Another 75 games will be shown as live streams on the Internet, ESPN's video player and the AFL website.
"Adding ESPN's national contract is a watershed moment for us," said team president Schuyler Hoversten, who's run business development for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Colorado Crush arena football team.
The team also is said to be close to finalizing a broadcast deal with CBS Sports and the local Fox affiliate.
5-Year Lease
L.A. Kiss management opted for the Honda Center after meetings with Tim Ryan, chief executive of the stadium, and Anaheim officials who shared the same vision of turning arena football in a fickle market into a sustainable business.
That was enough for a deal in the heart of OC despite those other initials in the team's name. "The reality of the story is I never made the second call to the Staples Center," Hoversten said. The team has a five-year lease at the stadium, with another five-year option.
It will launch a marketing blitz this month, heavy in billboard placements around Southern California, and print and radio ads that will tout a message of "great football fused with an unparalleled entertainment experience," according to Bouchy, the former owner of the arena league's Orlando Predators.
The L.A. Kiss will use the slogan "the greatest show on turf," which was popularized by the St. Louis Rams' high-powered offense from 1999 to 2001 under one-time arena football quarterback Kurt Warner.
Season Seats
L.A. Kiss is Anaheim's second arena football team�a franchise called the Piranhas played there for several seasons in the 1990s (see related OC Insider item, page 3). The new franchise is off to a fast start. It has already sold more than 5,000 season tickets, which cost $99 and include a ticket to a separate Kiss concert.
The goal is to hit 10,000 before the opening kick-off.
The L.A. Kiss have enlisted a strong group of initial sponsors, including Dollar Loan Center, the Titled Kilt sports bars, and office supply retailer Staples, which is outfitting its entire operation, from office supplies and vending machines to IT infrastructure.
The ownership team also is pouring in investment dollars to field a strong team on the field and to hype up the game experience for fans, which doesn't even include the "seven-figure" expansion fee paid to the league and its owners.
"We want to appeal to fans who don't care about football, as well as the football fan," Simmons said. "You don't have to mortgage your home to get a ticket. Once you see a game, [you're] never going to forget it."
Back To News
01/21/2014
HOCKEY
01/21/2014
THE CHAOTIC FIVE ROCK!
01/20/2014
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL STANLEY!
01/20/2014
ROCK & BREWS MAUI GRAND OPENING
PAUL STANLEY AND GENE SIMMONS OF KISS TO OPEN ROCK & BREWS PA�IA ON MAUI
Their Family-Friendly Restaurant Will Embrace Hawaiian Culture and Cuisine
Special KISS Rock & Roll VIP Package Available at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui for the Opening
Today, Rock & Brews� announced that KISS rock legends Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, co-founding partners in Rock & Brews family-friendly, rock-themed restaurants, plan to open a Rock & Brews restaurant in the beach-side, historic community of Pa�ia on Maui in January. The opening of Rock & Brews Pa�ia represents the rock-icons� first in the Hawaiian Islands. An opening celebration is scheduled for Sunday, January 26, with a special KISS Rock & Roll VIP Package available at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, the official resort sponsor of the event.
Stanley and Simmons, along with their Rock & Brews co-founding partners restaurateur-hotelier Michael Zislis and concert and merchandising veterans Dave and Dell Furano, have teamed up with longtime Maui residents Mark and Chrystie Blietz for the opening. The Blietz�s will own and operate the Pa�ia location.PAUL STANLEY AND GENE SIMMONS OF KISS TO OPEN ROCK & BREWS PA�IA ON MAUI
Their Family-Friendly Restaurant Will Embrace Hawaiian Culture and Cuisine
Special KISS Rock & Roll VIP Package Available at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui for the Opening
Today, Rock & Brews� announced that KISS rock legends Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, co-founding partners in Rock & Brews family-friendly, rock-themed restaurants, plan to open a Rock & Brews restaurant in the beach-side, historic community of Pa�ia on Maui in January. The opening of Rock & Brews Pa�ia represents the rock-icons� first in the Hawaiian Islands. An opening celebration is scheduled for Sunday, January 26, with a special KISS Rock & Roll VIP Package available at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, the official resort sponsor of the event.
Stanley and Simmons, along with their Rock & Brews co-founding partners restaurateur-hotelier Michael Zislis and concert and merchandising veterans Dave and Dell Furano, have teamed up with longtime Maui residents Mark and Chrystie Blietz for the opening. The Blietz�s will own and operate the Pa�ia location.
Rock & Brews Pa�ia was designed by Maui architect Jim Niess of Maui Architectural Group, along with teacher, spiritual leader and artist A. C. Kahekiliui'la Lagunero of Maui, serving as a consultant on Hawaiian culture and art. The �ohana restaurant will pay tribute to the familial warmth and character that is synonymous with Pa�ia, while respecting the vibrant Rock & Brews brand look and feel. It will feature Rock & Brews� popular casual American comfort food, as well as local favorites, and a full bar, including Pa�ia�s largest selection of craft beers.
�It is our goal to always offer local favorites on our menus,� said Stanley. �In Pa�ia, we will offer a number of popular Hawaiian dishes, local craft beers and signature tropical cocktails.�
Guests will be able to enjoy al fresco or indoor dining in a family-friendly rock concert-like environment complete with concert lighting, multiple screens presenting concert videos, hand-painted murals of rock artists, album and tour art, as well as art by local artists and art that salutes Hawaiian history and culture. The restaurant is designed to welcome local families and visitors alike. Ample parking is available.
�We are delighted to introduce Rock & Brews Pa�ia and welcome families in our friendly, energized environment,� said Mark Blietz. �Our goal is to become a popular gathering spot for residents of Pa�ia and surrounding communities, and a welcoming respite for visitors enjoying the beautiful Hana Highway scenic drive.�
The grand opening of Rock & Brews Pa�ia, hosted by Simmons and Stanley, will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on January 26 and will benefit the Pa�ia Youth & Cultural Center and pay tribute to returning veterans, Wounded Warriors and active military. The luncheon will welcome local VIPs, members of the military, KISS fans from around the world, and music industry notables.
The Fairmont Kea Lani, located in nearby Wailea, will be offering a KISS Rock & Roll VIP Package, available to guests attending the opening. The package includes a one-bedroom suite at The Fairmont Kea Lani, two tickets to the Rock & Brews Pa�ia opening, access to the resort�s Willow Stream Spa VIP grand opening party from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. also on January 26, (with meet and greet and photo opportunities with Simmons and Stanley,) as well as a black & white manicure station, a rock & roll red lipstick station, hot rock neck massages, rock & roll sushi rolls from the resort�s award-winning K? restaurant, and more), and two Rock & Brews Pa�ia t-shirts. It is valid January 24-27 (three nights) and priced at $349 per night, plus tax and resort fees. For more information or to make reservations, please visit www.fairmont.com/kea/kiss-rock-roll/.
�Shannon and I just renewed our wedding vows on Maui, and we are very excited and privileged to bring our family-friendly restaurant to Pa�ia,� said Simmons. �Maui has long been a favorite vacation spot for both my family and Paul�s family, and this opening is particularly exciting for us.�
Rock & Brews Pa�ia is located at 120 Hana Highway in Pa�ia. For more information, please visit www.fairmont.com/kea/kiss-rock-roll/.
Rock & Brews Paia is located at 120 Hana Highway in Paia. For more information, please visit www.rockandbrews.com.
Their Family-Friendly Restaurant Will Embrace Hawaiian Culture and Cuisine
Special KISS Rock & Roll VIP Package Available at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui for the Opening
Today, Rock & Brews� announced that KISS rock legends Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, co-founding partners in Rock & Brews family-friendly, rock-themed restaurants, plan to open a Rock & Brews restaurant in the beach-side, historic community of Pa�ia on Maui in January. The opening of Rock & Brews Pa�ia represents the rock-icons� first in the Hawaiian Islands. An opening celebration is scheduled for Sunday, January 26, with a special KISS Rock & Roll VIP Package available at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, the official resort sponsor of the event.
Stanley and Simmons, along with their Rock & Brews co-founding partners restaurateur-hotelier Michael Zislis and concert and merchandising veterans Dave and Dell Furano, have teamed up with longtime Maui residents Mark and Chrystie Blietz for the opening. The Blietz�s will own and operate the Pa�ia location.PAUL STANLEY AND GENE SIMMONS OF KISS TO OPEN ROCK & BREWS PA�IA ON MAUI
Their Family-Friendly Restaurant Will Embrace Hawaiian Culture and Cuisine
Special KISS Rock & Roll VIP Package Available at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui for the Opening
Today, Rock & Brews� announced that KISS rock legends Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, co-founding partners in Rock & Brews family-friendly, rock-themed restaurants, plan to open a Rock & Brews restaurant in the beach-side, historic community of Pa�ia on Maui in January. The opening of Rock & Brews Pa�ia represents the rock-icons� first in the Hawaiian Islands. An opening celebration is scheduled for Sunday, January 26, with a special KISS Rock & Roll VIP Package available at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, the official resort sponsor of the event.
Stanley and Simmons, along with their Rock & Brews co-founding partners restaurateur-hotelier Michael Zislis and concert and merchandising veterans Dave and Dell Furano, have teamed up with longtime Maui residents Mark and Chrystie Blietz for the opening. The Blietz�s will own and operate the Pa�ia location.
Rock & Brews Pa�ia was designed by Maui architect Jim Niess of Maui Architectural Group, along with teacher, spiritual leader and artist A. C. Kahekiliui'la Lagunero of Maui, serving as a consultant on Hawaiian culture and art. The �ohana restaurant will pay tribute to the familial warmth and character that is synonymous with Pa�ia, while respecting the vibrant Rock & Brews brand look and feel. It will feature Rock & Brews� popular casual American comfort food, as well as local favorites, and a full bar, including Pa�ia�s largest selection of craft beers.
�It is our goal to always offer local favorites on our menus,� said Stanley. �In Pa�ia, we will offer a number of popular Hawaiian dishes, local craft beers and signature tropical cocktails.�
Guests will be able to enjoy al fresco or indoor dining in a family-friendly rock concert-like environment complete with concert lighting, multiple screens presenting concert videos, hand-painted murals of rock artists, album and tour art, as well as art by local artists and art that salutes Hawaiian history and culture. The restaurant is designed to welcome local families and visitors alike. Ample parking is available.
�We are delighted to introduce Rock & Brews Pa�ia and welcome families in our friendly, energized environment,� said Mark Blietz. �Our goal is to become a popular gathering spot for residents of Pa�ia and surrounding communities, and a welcoming respite for visitors enjoying the beautiful Hana Highway scenic drive.�
The grand opening of Rock & Brews Pa�ia, hosted by Simmons and Stanley, will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on January 26 and will benefit the Pa�ia Youth & Cultural Center and pay tribute to returning veterans, Wounded Warriors and active military. The luncheon will welcome local VIPs, members of the military, KISS fans from around the world, and music industry notables.
The Fairmont Kea Lani, located in nearby Wailea, will be offering a KISS Rock & Roll VIP Package, available to guests attending the opening. The package includes a one-bedroom suite at The Fairmont Kea Lani, two tickets to the Rock & Brews Pa�ia opening, access to the resort�s Willow Stream Spa VIP grand opening party from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. also on January 26, (with meet and greet and photo opportunities with Simmons and Stanley,) as well as a black & white manicure station, a rock & roll red lipstick station, hot rock neck massages, rock & roll sushi rolls from the resort�s award-winning K? restaurant, and more), and two Rock & Brews Pa�ia t-shirts. It is valid January 24-27 (three nights) and priced at $349 per night, plus tax and resort fees. For more information or to make reservations, please visit www.fairmont.com/kea/kiss-rock-roll/.
�Shannon and I just renewed our wedding vows on Maui, and we are very excited and privileged to bring our family-friendly restaurant to Pa�ia,� said Simmons. �Maui has long been a favorite vacation spot for both my family and Paul�s family, and this opening is particularly exciting for us.�
Rock & Brews Pa�ia is located at 120 Hana Highway in Pa�ia. For more information, please visit www.fairmont.com/kea/kiss-rock-roll/.
Rock & Brews Paia is located at 120 Hana Highway in Paia. For more information, please visit www.rockandbrews.com.
01/20/2014
AWESOME KISS BIRTHDAY CAKE!
01/19/2014
ROLLA
