Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Interesting Review & Opinion
BY ANDREW MATTE, FOR THE LEADER-POST JULY 16, 2013
KISS
(with Shinedown)
When: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Brandt Centre
It's all about explosions, projectile bleeding and performers made to look like cartoon characters.
Subtlety doesn't exist in the world of Kiss, the American rock band that built its own culture by producing circus-like concerts and finding ways to generate revenue like no other musical act.
Af ter four decades, founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley continue to play catchy rock songs in the shadow of a frantic light show, a simple but successful formula they developed as young New York musicians.
Today, Kiss no longer releases albums that resonate with the public, which means the band exists as a celebration of its reputation for delivering groundbreaking rock spectacles. And without fellow founders Peter Criss and Ace Frehley, long ago replaced with Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, debate rages whether the faces behind the face paint even matter or whether the modern-era Kiss is merely a half-tribute act. Judging by the size of the crowds, it appears the issue isn't enough to keep fans from buying tickets.
Audiences in 2013 are made up of fans with grey temples and memories of hearing songs like Beth and Hard Luck Woman on the radio. Younger music fans buy tickets out of a sense of duty, curiosity and respect for Kiss's place in rock history.
While it's easy to poke fun at the old guys who wear makeup, spit pretend blood and wear costumes that look like football padding spraypainted silver, dismissing their success is impossible.
Kiss shares company with the likes of The Who, The Beach Boys and Bob Dylan when it comes to album sales, and is in its own category when it comes to success in the retail world.
With more than $500-million in sales in merchandise in 3,000 categories, maximizing profit is as much a priority for Kiss as its artistic endeavours.
But for many fans, the focus is the music. Built from a foundation of performance and stage production, Kiss songs are often viewed as an afterthought, or something that merely facilitates the more important visual component. But there are enough members in the Kiss Army fan club who argue Kiss's contribution to music is just as worthy of acknowledgment as its success in the music business. Kiss members aren't exactly known as rock's leading musicians or for experimenting musically like they have with fire, lasers or stage-platform hydraulics. However, many view Stanley's voice as one of the enduring in rock history and more than a few musicians say they were influenced by Frehley's freewheeling guitar work.
Nobody argues that songs like Rock and Roll All Nite, Detroit Rock City or Shout It Out Loud are anything but stand-alone, rock-anthem jewels.
But with 20 studio albums, many believe there is enough great material that isn't known in the same way, songs like Shock Me, God of Thunder or Lick It Up. There are enough songs, however, that are difficult to forget for the opposite reason.
Musical missteps include Shandi from 1980s Unmasked album, Dance All Over Your Face from 1983's Lick It Up, or anything on the 1981 album Music From The Elder.
Here's a list of buried treasures, a guide to the best of the rest.
(song: album: year)
1. She: Dressed To Kill: 1975 Perhaps the best Kiss song not on the usual Top 10 lists, this is a blues-inspired song based on riffs that sound as fresh today as they did nearly more than 30 years ago. It works because it's moody but has the energy of a song twice its tempo.
2. Rocket Ride: Kiss Alive II: 1977 One of a few new studio songs to appear on this iconic live album, Rocket Ride is a nice illustration of Frehley's contribution as a songwriter and vocalist. It's no Cold Gin or Parasite, but this boogie-rock tune and space theme is a neat backdrop to Frehley's vocals.
3. Raise Your Glasses: Psycho Circus: 1998 From this underrated Kiss record, Raise Your Glasses has a chorus that is as cheesy and fabulous as they come. Like much of the album, the songs commemorate the resignings of Criss and Frehley. It's overproduced, but the glam-rock approach and energy make it worth a listen, or two.
4. Firehouse: Hotter Than Hell: 1974 Firehouse is a perfect illustration of the Kiss mandate to write songs meant for the stage. It fell out of favour after the better anthems came, but Firehouse still works on its own. And like all Kiss songs, the live version, which appears on Kiss Alive, makes for a better listen. Plus, the concert version includes sirens!
5. Rock and Roll Hell: Creatures of the Night, 1982 The song's story is worthy of inclusion on this list because it's a re-worked Lynyrd Skynyrd-like version recorded by Winnipeg's BTO in 1979. Simmons asked songwriters Jim Vallance and Bryan Adams for a heavier version and demanded writing credit, and royalties, after adding words of his own. If that's not Klassic Kiss, what is?
6. Paralyzed: Revenge: 1992 Like Psycho Circus, Revenge was meant to move the band to a new chapter. With renewed attention to songwriting, Revenge is heavier and better produced than the previous stinker Hot In The Shade. Domino was the best song Kiss had recorded in years, but Paralyzed was similarly raunchy and good.
7. Got To Choose: Hotter Than Hell: 1974 This song might be old, but its rawness and stark production work. This studio version seems uncommonly slow by Kiss comparison, so comparing it with the live version is a good idea. Stanley's voice was being expanded beyond the rock growl fans heard so much of in the 1970s.
8. Do You Love Me: Destroyer: 1976 Kiss lyrics are among the most mundane and cliched in music, which is why many fans love them. This one's a beauty because the sugary chorus works as a cool contrast to traditional rock verses. When Stanley sings about love in this song about groupies, the irony is idiotic, but fabulous.
9. Fits Like a Glove: Lick It Up: 1983 A song from the first postmakeup era, this Simmonsauthored speedy rocker doesn't stray from the fourchord formula. But this fourminute song plows through the sex-heavy lyrics with quick guitar work. By this time, Kiss was relying heavily on guest musicians, particularly in the case of Frehley's sporadic availability.
10. Plaster Caster: Love Gun: 1977 Written as a tribute to Cynthia Plaster Caster, a groupie who became famous for making moulds of the manly parts of her favourite musicians, the song has lilting melodies and a pop-rock feel. The lyrics are idiotic and the subject matter isn't song-worthy, but even that isn't enough to spoil the music.
© Copyright (c) For The Leader-Post
Monday, July 8, 2013
What I learned about my relationship with KISS all these years later
This is going to be a rather unconventional post. This will probably take a few rewrites and some time as I really experienced many break thru moments during my most recent KISS experience. I actually experienced both great moments and worst moments at the same event. How this all happened, well let me start at the beginning...
Really thought this was an interesting letter by a "fan"
nexusnewspaper.com |
By Greg Pratt
When KISS played the Save-on-Foods Memorial Arena recently, what I really wanted was to get some time to sit down and talk face to face with singer/guitarist Paul Stanley. I even went so far as to jokingly put together a moderately successful online petition (hey, 57 people signed, not bad, if you’re asking me) to help make it happen.... But it didn’t happen; management said no, and I was left watching the show, dreams thwarted, still having the time of my life.
KISS know what they’re doing. They played the hits. They played a few new songs that people pretended to enjoy; they pulled out “War Machine,” a killer kinda-deep cut. They’ve been doing this for so long it’s impossible to think of anything negative to say about it that isn’t glowingly obvious. They know what they’re doing, and they did it perfectly this night, just like the night before, and the night after. KISS put on one of the best, most fun and enjoyable concerts in rock music; they did in Victoria and they will continue to.
But, to you, Paul Stanley, I say this: I really wanted to sit down and look you in the eye, and I wanted to have a conversation as two grown men. I wanted to ask what you think of the fact that other grown men consider you a god when you sing kinda buffoon-ish rock songs while wearing funny makeup for a living. I wanted to ask what it’s like living in the shadow of a man like Gene Simmons.
Paul Stanley, I wanted to ask about your art, about your musicals; I find this fascinating, that a rock star has this side to him but it’s so rarely discussed.
Paul Stanley, I wanted to talk about the dark spots in KISS’ past, but I know you don’t like talking about that too much. I’m sorry, but I find it extremely interesting; I wanted to ask about how you’re so proud about the current incarnation of KISS but how I don’t really think many people really have too much interest in the current incarnation of KISS. I understand that line of questioning makes you a bit upset, but it’s what would have happened.
You see, Paul Stanley, when I was a kid I was one of those guys who thought you were a god. I don’t anymore. You seem nice, and you seem down to earth, and I kinda feel bad that you have to deal with being in a band with Gene Simmons. I wanted to talk about that.
Paul Stanley, I would have liked to have told you about the kinda embarrassing collection of KISS stuff I had as a kid. I would have liked to have told you about how listening to your records when I was a kid totally informed my music listening choices for the rest of my life. I would have liked to have told you about how I spent hours wondering why the spines of some of the lesser-loved albums in my KISS cassette collection were yellow (imports, I guess, because no one in North America wanted stuff like Unmasked).
When it all comes down to it, Paul, I’m not really a KISS guy anymore. I mean, some great albums back in the day, yes. And some very underrated ones later (I actually kinda love Unmasked). Saw you play once, when you were touring Revenge, which was the last album you made that had any songs on it that I could actually remember. It was a really good album, and I would have liked to have talked about that briefly. But, yeah, I’m not really a KISS guy anymore. You know, the makeup, Gene Simmons, the endless selling of absolutely anything you guys can possibly think of selling (I would have asked about how you can sleep at night, and that would have been awkward)… it’s all a bit much for a 36-year-old man to handle. But, man, if it wasn’t for KISS, my life would be drastically different than it is today, so I wanted to thank you for that.
I wanted to ask about how you’re actually transcending being a rock band and how one of you said once that when you’re all dead and gone you want four other dudes to be behind the make-up, being KISS (at least I think one of you said that; maybe I made that up, feel free to use that). It’s like you’re almost immortal, and you’re just a guy who sings rock songs about being in a rock band.
And, Paul Stanley, I wanted to ask you what it is I really ask all wildly successful rock stars: are you happy?
Maybe next time. Until then, thanks for finally coming to Victoria and putting on a kick-ass, classic rock show, filled with insane pyro, silly stunts, and timeless tunes. Come back any time.
By Greg Pratt
When KISS played the Save-on-Foods Memorial Arena recently, what I really wanted was to get some time to sit down and talk face to face with singer/guitarist Paul Stanley. I even went so far as to jokingly put together a moderately successful online petition (hey, 57 people signed, not bad, if you’re asking me) to help make it happen.... But it didn’t happen; management said no, and I was left watching the show, dreams thwarted, still having the time of my life.
KISS know what they’re doing. They played the hits. They played a few new songs that people pretended to enjoy; they pulled out “War Machine,” a killer kinda-deep cut. They’ve been doing this for so long it’s impossible to think of anything negative to say about it that isn’t glowingly obvious. They know what they’re doing, and they did it perfectly this night, just like the night before, and the night after. KISS put on one of the best, most fun and enjoyable concerts in rock music; they did in Victoria and they will continue to.
But, to you, Paul Stanley, I say this: I really wanted to sit down and look you in the eye, and I wanted to have a conversation as two grown men. I wanted to ask what you think of the fact that other grown men consider you a god when you sing kinda buffoon-ish rock songs while wearing funny makeup for a living. I wanted to ask what it’s like living in the shadow of a man like Gene Simmons.
Paul Stanley, I wanted to ask about your art, about your musicals; I find this fascinating, that a rock star has this side to him but it’s so rarely discussed.
Paul Stanley, I wanted to talk about the dark spots in KISS’ past, but I know you don’t like talking about that too much. I’m sorry, but I find it extremely interesting; I wanted to ask about how you’re so proud about the current incarnation of KISS but how I don’t really think many people really have too much interest in the current incarnation of KISS. I understand that line of questioning makes you a bit upset, but it’s what would have happened.
You see, Paul Stanley, when I was a kid I was one of those guys who thought you were a god. I don’t anymore. You seem nice, and you seem down to earth, and I kinda feel bad that you have to deal with being in a band with Gene Simmons. I wanted to talk about that.
Paul Stanley, I would have liked to have told you about the kinda embarrassing collection of KISS stuff I had as a kid. I would have liked to have told you about how listening to your records when I was a kid totally informed my music listening choices for the rest of my life. I would have liked to have told you about how I spent hours wondering why the spines of some of the lesser-loved albums in my KISS cassette collection were yellow (imports, I guess, because no one in North America wanted stuff like Unmasked).
When it all comes down to it, Paul, I’m not really a KISS guy anymore. I mean, some great albums back in the day, yes. And some very underrated ones later (I actually kinda love Unmasked). Saw you play once, when you were touring Revenge, which was the last album you made that had any songs on it that I could actually remember. It was a really good album, and I would have liked to have talked about that briefly. But, yeah, I’m not really a KISS guy anymore. You know, the makeup, Gene Simmons, the endless selling of absolutely anything you guys can possibly think of selling (I would have asked about how you can sleep at night, and that would have been awkward)… it’s all a bit much for a 36-year-old man to handle. But, man, if it wasn’t for KISS, my life would be drastically different than it is today, so I wanted to thank you for that.
I wanted to ask about how you’re actually transcending being a rock band and how one of you said once that when you’re all dead and gone you want four other dudes to be behind the make-up, being KISS (at least I think one of you said that; maybe I made that up, feel free to use that). It’s like you’re almost immortal, and you’re just a guy who sings rock songs about being in a rock band.
And, Paul Stanley, I wanted to ask you what it is I really ask all wildly successful rock stars: are you happy?
Maybe next time. Until then, thanks for finally coming to Victoria and putting on a kick-ass, classic rock show, filled with insane pyro, silly stunts, and timeless tunes. Come back any time.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
10k in KISS cash goes to Surrey facility for abused kids
By Tom Zillich, Now staff
A Surrey-based charity was KISS'd with $10,000 Thursday.
Makeup-wearing members of the rock band were in Vancouver to hand a five-figure cheque to operators of Sophie's Place, a facility for kids who have been physically, mentally or sexually abused.
The money will help fund an expansion of the centre, which opened in February 2012 at The Centre for Child Development on 140th Street in Surrey.
The facility is named after Sophie Tweed-Simmons, daughter of KISS bassist Gene Simmons and former Playboy model Shannon Tweed.
KISS is in Vancouver to perform at Rogers Arena on Saturday, July 6.
Some of the profits made at a KISS Army-operated "pop-up" store on Granville Street this week are destined for Sophie's Place.
"It's really very generous of them and will make a huge difference in helping us serve kids who have been abused," Dr. Brian Katz, director of Sophie's Place, told the 'Now' during a noon press conference in Vancouver.
Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts was on hand to accept the donation, along with staff of the facility.
Simmons said the donation was "a beginning, a small token from us," with more coming.
"(The centre) helps thousands of abused kids every year, and it's a great place," Simmons said.
KISS singer/guitarist Paul Stanley said Sophie's Place is "a charity we know well and believe in 100 per cent. And we hope everyone here, every getting this news-media coverage, does what they can. It's never about giving until it hurts, you give until it feels good."
Tweed-Simmons said plans are to open other Sophie's Place facilities in Canada at a later date.
"We're working on getting this one absolutely perfect before we move on," she said.
In Surrey, the expanded facility will be roughly four times its current size, Katz told the 'Now'. Construction is already underway.
"It's in the works, and we're looking to raise $500,000 for the expansion, to have all of our team members under one roof," he said.
"Research has shown that it's a better outcome for kids when all professionals are working together and kids don't have to tell their story over and over again. Each time they do that, it can be traumatizing."
Tweed-Simmons said the concept for Sophie's Place was brought to attention her by Watts.
"There was a need for someone who is a kid to be a patron for the centre so we could relate more to the target audience," Tweed-Simmons said. "I was 18 at the time, and I loved it. I've worked with children my whole life and it seemed like the right thing to do, especially kind of being a B.C. native, thanks to my mom."
Katz said Tweed-Simmons has been a great partner for the centre.
"She's very much interested in the project and comes to these events and helps with fundraising, too," Katz said. "She's been able to help spread the message about what this great team is doing in Surrey, to build this child advocacy centre and make it a great resource for the community."
Autograph-seekers lined the block Thursday for the in-store appearance by KISS, which formed in the early 1970s.
"With time going on, we appreciate everything a lot more," Stanley said. "The band has never sounded better and never gotten along better. We socialize and spend time together... We're not on the first generation of KISS fans, we're on the third and fourth generation. Unlike other bands, we're a tribe. KISS is a whole different thing, where you have grandparents and five-year-olds and everything in between, and everyone is sharing that experience."
A Surrey-based charity was KISS'd with $10,000 Thursday.
Makeup-wearing members of the rock band were in Vancouver to hand a five-figure cheque to operators of Sophie's Place, a facility for kids who have been physically, mentally or sexually abused.
The money will help fund an expansion of the centre, which opened in February 2012 at The Centre for Child Development on 140th Street in Surrey.
The facility is named after Sophie Tweed-Simmons, daughter of KISS bassist Gene Simmons and former Playboy model Shannon Tweed.
KISS is in Vancouver to perform at Rogers Arena on Saturday, July 6.
Some of the profits made at a KISS Army-operated "pop-up" store on Granville Street this week are destined for Sophie's Place.
"It's really very generous of them and will make a huge difference in helping us serve kids who have been abused," Dr. Brian Katz, director of Sophie's Place, told the 'Now' during a noon press conference in Vancouver.
Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts was on hand to accept the donation, along with staff of the facility.
Simmons said the donation was "a beginning, a small token from us," with more coming.
"(The centre) helps thousands of abused kids every year, and it's a great place," Simmons said.
KISS singer/guitarist Paul Stanley said Sophie's Place is "a charity we know well and believe in 100 per cent. And we hope everyone here, every getting this news-media coverage, does what they can. It's never about giving until it hurts, you give until it feels good."
Tweed-Simmons said plans are to open other Sophie's Place facilities in Canada at a later date.
"We're working on getting this one absolutely perfect before we move on," she said.
In Surrey, the expanded facility will be roughly four times its current size, Katz told the 'Now'. Construction is already underway.
"It's in the works, and we're looking to raise $500,000 for the expansion, to have all of our team members under one roof," he said.
"Research has shown that it's a better outcome for kids when all professionals are working together and kids don't have to tell their story over and over again. Each time they do that, it can be traumatizing."
Tweed-Simmons said the concept for Sophie's Place was brought to attention her by Watts.
"There was a need for someone who is a kid to be a patron for the centre so we could relate more to the target audience," Tweed-Simmons said. "I was 18 at the time, and I loved it. I've worked with children my whole life and it seemed like the right thing to do, especially kind of being a B.C. native, thanks to my mom."
Katz said Tweed-Simmons has been a great partner for the centre.
"She's very much interested in the project and comes to these events and helps with fundraising, too," Katz said. "She's been able to help spread the message about what this great team is doing in Surrey, to build this child advocacy centre and make it a great resource for the community."
Autograph-seekers lined the block Thursday for the in-store appearance by KISS, which formed in the early 1970s.
"With time going on, we appreciate everything a lot more," Stanley said. "The band has never sounded better and never gotten along better. We socialize and spend time together... We're not on the first generation of KISS fans, we're on the third and fourth generation. Unlike other bands, we're a tribe. KISS is a whole different thing, where you have grandparents and five-year-olds and everything in between, and everyone is sharing that experience."
#kissvan
Here's the link to my published photos of the Press Conference
http://www.pittmeadowstoday.ca/kiss-stops-in-vancouver/
The band presented Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts with a $10,000 cheque for Sophie’s Place, a child advocacy centre named after patron Sophie Tweed-Simmons, daughter of KISS bass guitarist and co-lead singer Gene Simmons.
local charity is “Sophie’s Place”.
http://www.pittmeadowstoday.ca/kiss-stops-in-vancouver/
KISS Stops In Vancouver
By The Editor on July 5, 2013
Members of the Legendary band KISS appeared in full makeup in Vancouver Thursday as they prepare for the start of their Cross Canada Monster Tour.
Fraser Valley photographer Darryl Andrews was there and got some exception shots of the band forToday Media.
KISS is celebrating the release of their 20th studio album, Monster with a month-long Canadian Tour kicking off in Victoria, BC on July 5th. To coincide with their Canadian Tour dates, KISS and Live Nation Merchandise have teamed to create 4 KISS ARMY DEPOT Pop-Up Stores across Canada. The stores will be featured in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto. The first store opened in Vancouver (@ Tom Lee Music – 929 Granville Street) on June 28th and it will remain open until July 7th.
Sophie Tweed Simmons and Paul Stanley
Hours before their arrival, KISS fans young and old lined up on Granville Street for a chance to meet the band. The first 200 fans received autographs from KISS band members.
Frontman Paul Stanley also offered condolences to Calgary flood victims.
Each KISS ARMY DEPOT Pop-Up Store will offer an array of KISS merchandise and music, including exclusive product only available in the Pop-Up Store. A portion of the proceeds from each of the Pop-Up stores will be donated to local charities. In Vancouver, the participating
Gene Simmons
January 2013 marked four decades since the legendary rock band KISS was born. Forty years later, having racked up 28 U.S. gold albums along with 40 million U.S. and 100 million in world sales, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, with longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer, return stronger than ever.
KISS released their 20th studio album, Monster, in late 2012 through Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company. The 12-song (plus bonus track), straight-ahead rock ‘n’ roll album features collaborations from all four members in an effort that shows KISS at the top of its game!
.
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Sunday, June 30, 2013
Update on Vancouver KISS Army Depot
Surrey-based Sophie's Place will benefit from profits made at a KISS Army Depot "pop-up" store when it opens in Vancouver this Friday, June 28.
- SURREY NOW
Surrey-based Sophie's Place will benefit from profits made at a KISS Army Depot "pop-up" store when it opens in Vancouver this Friday, June 28.
The shop will be filled with KISS-related merchandise for little more than a week - until July 7 - as a satellite operation at Tom Lee Music, 929 Granville St.
Just 200 wristband-wearing fans will get to attend an in-store appearance by KISS band members next Thursday as they launch their "Monster" tour of Canada, which includes a Saturday, July 6 concert at Rogers Arena. The fan "check in" time at the store is 10 a.m. July 4.
I'm told Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts will be at the noon press conference due to the city's connection with Sophie's Place, a facility for kids who have been physically, mentally or sexually abused.
The centre, located at The Centre for Child Development in Surrey, is named after Sophie Tweed-Simmons, daughter of KISS bassist Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed.
Friday, June 28, 2013
KISS To Visit Vancouver KISS ARMY DEPOT Location On Thursday, July 4th!
I'm very exciting to be attending this Event! This might be the opportunity for the kids to meet KISS! Here's the press release below:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 25, 2013
(Vancouver, BC) – Legendary rock band KISS is celebrating the release of their studio album Monster with a month-long Canadian Tour kicking off in Victoria, BC on July 5th. To coincide with their Canadian Tour dates, KISS and Live Nation Merchandise are teaming up to create 4 KISS ARMY DEPOT Pop-Up Stores across Canada. The stores will be featured in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto. The first store to open will be the Vancouver location (@ Tom Lee Music – 929 Granville Street) on June 28th and it will remain open until July 7th. On Thursday, July 4th, KISS will hold a press conference at the Vancouver KISS ARMY DEPOT to mark the start of their Canadian Tour (full details below).
Each KISS ARMY DEPOT Pop-Up Store will offer an array of KISS merchandise and music, including exclusive product only available in the Pop-Up Store. A portion of the proceeds from each of the Pop-Up stores will be donated to local charities. In Vancouver, the participating local charity is “Sophie’s Place” and in Toronto the charity is “About Face”. For more information on all 4 Canadian KISS ARMY DEPOT Pop-Up Stores, please see below.
January 2013 marked four decades since the legendary rock band KISS was born. Forty years later, having racked up 28 U.S. gold albums along with 40 million U.S. and 100 million in world sales, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, with longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer, return stronger than ever. KISS released their 20th studio album, Monster, in late 2012 through Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company. The 12-song (plus bonus track), straight-ahead rock ‘n’ roll album features collaborations from all four members in an effort that shows KISS at the top of its game!
Be sure to join KISS in Vancouver at the KISS ARMY DEPOT at 929 Granville Street (@Tom Lee Music) on Thursday, July 4th as they mark the kick-off of their Monster Canadian Tour!
For more information on KISS and their Monster Tour please visit www.KISSonline.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 25, 2013
(Vancouver, BC) – Legendary rock band KISS is celebrating the release of their studio album Monster with a month-long Canadian Tour kicking off in Victoria, BC on July 5th. To coincide with their Canadian Tour dates, KISS and Live Nation Merchandise are teaming up to create 4 KISS ARMY DEPOT Pop-Up Stores across Canada. The stores will be featured in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto. The first store to open will be the Vancouver location (@ Tom Lee Music – 929 Granville Street) on June 28th and it will remain open until July 7th. On Thursday, July 4th, KISS will hold a press conference at the Vancouver KISS ARMY DEPOT to mark the start of their Canadian Tour (full details below).
Each KISS ARMY DEPOT Pop-Up Store will offer an array of KISS merchandise and music, including exclusive product only available in the Pop-Up Store. A portion of the proceeds from each of the Pop-Up stores will be donated to local charities. In Vancouver, the participating local charity is “Sophie’s Place” and in Toronto the charity is “About Face”. For more information on all 4 Canadian KISS ARMY DEPOT Pop-Up Stores, please see below.
January 2013 marked four decades since the legendary rock band KISS was born. Forty years later, having racked up 28 U.S. gold albums along with 40 million U.S. and 100 million in world sales, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, with longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer, return stronger than ever. KISS released their 20th studio album, Monster, in late 2012 through Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company. The 12-song (plus bonus track), straight-ahead rock ‘n’ roll album features collaborations from all four members in an effort that shows KISS at the top of its game!
Be sure to join KISS in Vancouver at the KISS ARMY DEPOT at 929 Granville Street (@Tom Lee Music) on Thursday, July 4th as they mark the kick-off of their Monster Canadian Tour!
For more information on KISS and their Monster Tour please visit www.KISSonline.com
Friday, April 12, 2013
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Is It Time To Replace The Star Child?
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
IMO: The KISS Catalogue - "Stand Outs & Stand Downs"
The Backbone of KISS, Great Album
"The Raw Album" as I like to refer to it as; one of my favourites
Top to Bottom an amazing album, perhaps my favourite. Of course best known for having Rock & Roll All Nite
Like the whole album, but missing the "Stanley Hook" that usually separates his songs on the albums.
Last good effort of the Original Members.
|
What's good is good and what's bad is still not comparable to Peter Criss's terrible solo effort
Had only this album been released before The Elder
Love Stanley's songs on this album, Gene doesn't return until Revenge
Stand Outs: Master And Slave, Rain, I Will Be There. Love the Kulick/Stanley efforts on this album. Highly underrated.
|
My Thoughts on KISS Today
What I think about KISS continuing in the make-up without the original members:
I have no problem with it. As it is, I've been a fan longer then the original pairing was together and have already seen many member changes within the band. Certainly, I love the original line-up, but I was able to immediately embrace Eric Carr as the "first replacement". Perhaps that's a tip of the hat to Carr who made the idea of transition possible. On the same token, I think had Vinnie Vincent been the "first replacement character" I may not have adopted him the same way. Personality means a great deal to the KISS characters in my opinion. Kulick, Singer & Thayer all bring something to the table whereas I was never a fan of Mark St. John either.
What I think about the KISS merchandise monster:
I'm thrilled by it. If I have the money and want to spend it on a cool piece of merchandise I can. I can choose not to buy it either. I'm happy for the choice.
What I think about Ace & Peter returning to the band today:
I was thrilled by the reunion, but a return today would signal the end of the band for me. I simply think the four original members simply cannot get along well enough to continue as KISS. Besides, I thought the reunion would be simply that, a reunion, then a return to the "Revenge" line-up. I would've been completely satisfied with that.
What I think about GSFG:
I think it was a good career move. I think it created a new fan base for the band and for Gene and his family. I think new fans would probably watch it over long time fans, but I've no evidence either way. What's interesting to me is that when I speak to other KISS fans, the GSFG show doesn't come up in conversation. Perhaps, that's a statement onto itself.
What I think about the 40th year anniversary:
I'm looking forward to some really exciting events. KISS has always delivered, we'll see what comes this time around.
What I think about paying $1250 for a KISS concert ticket or $3500 for a KISS Kruise:
If I had the money, no problem. The reality for most fans is the cost of seeing and or meeting the band has become out of reach. I'm a family guy now, so the idea of taking everyone to the concert or a meet and greet would be the same investment as planning a family trip; not likely to compete with a trip to Disney.
What I think about a "Revenge" era reunion:
Personally, I'd love it, but I also understand that this is not an arena tour event (on it's own). When, not if it happens, it'll be on the KISS Kruise or a KISS Konvention or even perhaps at a KISS restaurant opening. Gene, Eric and Bruce has already played together as part of Gene Simmons' All Star Band, so at some point I see an event that will have the said three and Paul together.
What I think about my kids becoming KISS fans:
I'm overjoyed. I introduced KISS to them, but it's up to them how much they decide to embrace it. Presently RNRAN and IWMFLU are the kid's favorite songs. I giggle every time I hear them singing them in the car. Cash loves the costumes.
What I think are my favourite KISS moments:
KISS meets the Phantom of the Amusement Park, KISS on "Kid's are People too", HITS tour Toronto C.N.E. (if you were there, you know why), Paul Stanley solo tour, KISS on "IDOL", KISS Konvention, KISS Revenge Tour rehersal Toronto Phoenix Nite Club, taking my daughter Stephanie to Sonic Boom tour, photographing KISS from the Press Pit, meeting Paul Stanley during his Phantom of the Opera run, participating in the Detroit Rock City filming, Photographing Paul Stanley for his Aboutface video, KISS on "Solid Gold", 1st Reunion concert I attended, Eric Singer meeting my daughter Lola Grace when she was 1 year old, Front Row HITS tour London, ON.
I have no problem with it. As it is, I've been a fan longer then the original pairing was together and have already seen many member changes within the band. Certainly, I love the original line-up, but I was able to immediately embrace Eric Carr as the "first replacement". Perhaps that's a tip of the hat to Carr who made the idea of transition possible. On the same token, I think had Vinnie Vincent been the "first replacement character" I may not have adopted him the same way. Personality means a great deal to the KISS characters in my opinion. Kulick, Singer & Thayer all bring something to the table whereas I was never a fan of Mark St. John either.
What I think about the KISS merchandise monster:
I'm thrilled by it. If I have the money and want to spend it on a cool piece of merchandise I can. I can choose not to buy it either. I'm happy for the choice.
What I think about Ace & Peter returning to the band today:
I was thrilled by the reunion, but a return today would signal the end of the band for me. I simply think the four original members simply cannot get along well enough to continue as KISS. Besides, I thought the reunion would be simply that, a reunion, then a return to the "Revenge" line-up. I would've been completely satisfied with that.
What I think about GSFG:
I think it was a good career move. I think it created a new fan base for the band and for Gene and his family. I think new fans would probably watch it over long time fans, but I've no evidence either way. What's interesting to me is that when I speak to other KISS fans, the GSFG show doesn't come up in conversation. Perhaps, that's a statement onto itself.
What I think about the 40th year anniversary:
I'm looking forward to some really exciting events. KISS has always delivered, we'll see what comes this time around.
What I think about paying $1250 for a KISS concert ticket or $3500 for a KISS Kruise:
If I had the money, no problem. The reality for most fans is the cost of seeing and or meeting the band has become out of reach. I'm a family guy now, so the idea of taking everyone to the concert or a meet and greet would be the same investment as planning a family trip; not likely to compete with a trip to Disney.
What I think about a "Revenge" era reunion:
Personally, I'd love it, but I also understand that this is not an arena tour event (on it's own). When, not if it happens, it'll be on the KISS Kruise or a KISS Konvention or even perhaps at a KISS restaurant opening. Gene, Eric and Bruce has already played together as part of Gene Simmons' All Star Band, so at some point I see an event that will have the said three and Paul together.
What I think about my kids becoming KISS fans:
I'm overjoyed. I introduced KISS to them, but it's up to them how much they decide to embrace it. Presently RNRAN and IWMFLU are the kid's favorite songs. I giggle every time I hear them singing them in the car. Cash loves the costumes.
What I think are my favourite KISS moments:
KISS meets the Phantom of the Amusement Park, KISS on "Kid's are People too", HITS tour Toronto C.N.E. (if you were there, you know why), Paul Stanley solo tour, KISS on "IDOL", KISS Konvention, KISS Revenge Tour rehersal Toronto Phoenix Nite Club, taking my daughter Stephanie to Sonic Boom tour, photographing KISS from the Press Pit, meeting Paul Stanley during his Phantom of the Opera run, participating in the Detroit Rock City filming, Photographing Paul Stanley for his Aboutface video, KISS on "Solid Gold", 1st Reunion concert I attended, Eric Singer meeting my daughter Lola Grace when she was 1 year old, Front Row HITS tour London, ON.
"Remembering" Paul Stanley & AboutFace Charity
Many KISS fans didn't even know that Paul Stanley was the Celebrity Spokesperson for the AboutFace charity. Perhaps it was because it was just Paul, Paul without KISS, and was to be a stand-alone project.
more to come...
Monday, September 3, 2012
Response to KISS not being the Original Line-up
"A Kiss concert is like the Circus coming to town, and it might just go on forever -- no holograms necessary. Lucky us, we get some of the Original Ringmasters." - Darryl Andrews
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Hallowe'en 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
KISS n' Kamloops
UPDATE: It was on, it was off, it was on, somewhere there was a trouble with administration and the review ended up not happening.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
KISS developing children's TV show
IF THEY CAST KIDS FOR THIS IN TORONTO AND I'VE MOVED THE FAMILY OUT WEST; YOU WILL ALL HEAR ME SCREAM!!!
TORONTO - Kiss is coming for your kids.
The classic-rock band has finalized a production and development deal for a new children's TV series with Canadian studio E1 Entertainment.
Founding members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley will collaborate with the company to create a comedic half-hour television series. E1 will handle production and worldwide distribution for the as-yet untitled series, which will be executive produced by Simmons, Stanley, John Morayniss and Frank Saperstein.
It will be the first television show for the veteran band, but not their first attempt at creating something specifically for the small screen.
Fans will remember the group's ill-fated 1978 TV movie, "Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park," a live-action fantasy that the group went on to routinely disparage in interviews. The announcement comes during a busy period for the band. In October, the face-painted rockers dropped their first disc in 11 years, "Sonic Boom." The release coincided with an extensive North American tour. They also appeared during last year's "American Idol" finale and were featured as Dr. Pepper pitchmen in prominent spots during the Super Bowl.
With the new show, they hope to reach a younger audience of potential fans. "Coupling E1's successes and ingenuity with the global force of KISS guarantees an express pass into the homes of our youngest KISS Army members with a show of superior quality," Stanley said in a release.
TORONTO - Kiss is coming for your kids.
The classic-rock band has finalized a production and development deal for a new children's TV series with Canadian studio E1 Entertainment.
Founding members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley will collaborate with the company to create a comedic half-hour television series. E1 will handle production and worldwide distribution for the as-yet untitled series, which will be executive produced by Simmons, Stanley, John Morayniss and Frank Saperstein.
It will be the first television show for the veteran band, but not their first attempt at creating something specifically for the small screen.
Fans will remember the group's ill-fated 1978 TV movie, "Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park," a live-action fantasy that the group went on to routinely disparage in interviews. The announcement comes during a busy period for the band. In October, the face-painted rockers dropped their first disc in 11 years, "Sonic Boom." The release coincided with an extensive North American tour. They also appeared during last year's "American Idol" finale and were featured as Dr. Pepper pitchmen in prominent spots during the Super Bowl.
With the new show, they hope to reach a younger audience of potential fans. "Coupling E1's successes and ingenuity with the global force of KISS guarantees an express pass into the homes of our youngest KISS Army members with a show of superior quality," Stanley said in a release.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Copyright
Friday, October 16, 2009
Contest
A Sonic Boom is coming, and we don't just mean the new album from KISS... It's The Great KISS Guitar Giveaway - to help you rattle some walls on your own, KISSOnline.com is giving you a chance to win one of three WASHBURN GUITARS SIGNED BY ALL OF KISS!
How do you enter to win? It's simple:
1) Take a photo of just you, with your friends, family, whatever... but it must be with the new KISS album, Sonic Boom to qualify.
2) Once you have taken your photo, host it on a public album website - flickr, shutterfly, wherever - as long as we can view it, it doesn't matter where!
3) Finally, copy and paste the URL in the field to the right, along with the rest of your info. But make sure to double check the URL, because you can only enter once.
http://guitargiveaway.kissonline.com/
Three winners will be selected at random to receive a Washburn guitar autographed by KISS, but make it a good shot because we'll feature some of the best photos on KISSOnline.com. Pick up the new KISS album, grab your camera, and enter The Great KISS Guitar Giveaway today!
Shooting KISS!!
To be able to photograph KISS in concert was certainly a fantastic experience for me. In all my years of being a fan of the band, I never thought of seeking out the opportunity to get into the photo pit to capture a performance. Not being able to participate in the pre-show Meet & Greet; something I've always wanted to do; made me think outside the box. Landing this photo gig was the perfect solution. I've met the band at various events in the past; but never in make-up. I've always desired a photo with the band in make-up and finally thanks to fan John Desbois, I've got a stunning photo of me front stage centre at the concert. I was able to get some great shots, but really in all the excitment, I missed more then I got. Hopefully, KISS will return on a second leg of the tour and I'll be able to have another shot (pun intended)!
I DID IT! Stephanie attends First KISS Concert
At the young age of 6, I was first introduced to KISS; superheroes, a four-member band wearing costumes, makeup and high-heeled shoes, with a stage show that included pyrotechnics, fire breathing, blood-spitting, smoking guitars and confetti cannons.
After 35 plus years, not much has changed. KISS still performs for a sold-out audience. The crowds are a strange mixture of very young and very old, and more than a few wearing Kiss makeup and full regalia.
My daugther Stephaine, aged 13, has learned all about my KISStory and I was elated to be able to share this experience with her while attending the sold out Oshawa show on October 7th. Only two founding members of KISS remain: Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. Drummer Eric Singer got involved with the band in 1989, and guitarist Tommy Thayer took over from Ace in 2002. 35 years and over 80 million records later the newest incarnation of KISS sounded like a well-oiled machine.
Stephanie was treated to a theatrical concert unlike anything she had ever seen. Nearly identical to what I had witnessed in the numerous concerts I have seen since 1985; Gene Simmons spit blood, breathed fire, flew up to the top of the stage lights to play I Love It Loud. Paul Stanley broke a guitar, and rode on a cable to the middle of the arena to perform the song Love Gun.
Stephanie has a great time. I knew she would, since KISS delivers to thier audience. It's no different now as it was then,...except now Stephanie is wearing the rock concert tee and I am posing as an adult.
After 35 plus years, not much has changed. KISS still performs for a sold-out audience. The crowds are a strange mixture of very young and very old, and more than a few wearing Kiss makeup and full regalia.
My daugther Stephaine, aged 13, has learned all about my KISStory and I was elated to be able to share this experience with her while attending the sold out Oshawa show on October 7th. Only two founding members of KISS remain: Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. Drummer Eric Singer got involved with the band in 1989, and guitarist Tommy Thayer took over from Ace in 2002. 35 years and over 80 million records later the newest incarnation of KISS sounded like a well-oiled machine.
Stephanie was treated to a theatrical concert unlike anything she had ever seen. Nearly identical to what I had witnessed in the numerous concerts I have seen since 1985; Gene Simmons spit blood, breathed fire, flew up to the top of the stage lights to play I Love It Loud. Paul Stanley broke a guitar, and rode on a cable to the middle of the arena to perform the song Love Gun.
Stephanie has a great time. I knew she would, since KISS delivers to thier audience. It's no different now as it was then,...except now Stephanie is wearing the rock concert tee and I am posing as an adult.
Oshawa Review for The Peterborough Examiner
Oshawa wanted the best and got the best -- the hottest band in the land, KISS!
Gene, Paul, Tommy and Eric, weren't the only ones wearing makeup as hundreds more in the audience joined the face-painting ritual. The band looked great and sounded great. The Oshawa fans were ready to rock and roll all night, but it wasn't a perfect marriage -- and it never has been.
Right from the start with the misstep of Oshawa council publicly reacting to not being announced on the first posting of tour dates after winning the online contest, to a band set list that was enriched by classic material mostly taken from the band's recent alive35 tour with a newly released Sonic Boom tune. It was immediately obvious that this crowd, many seeing a rock concert for the first time, grew up in the '80s period of KISS, not the classic '70s.
It made for some very interesting observations -- observations I feel confident in expressing since, unlike most reviewers who are unfamiliar with the band, this was to be my next to 30th KISS concert.
The crowd was noticeably younger then at past year's concerts, obviously a sign of the success KISS is having in attracting a new fan base what with Gene's Family Jewels reality show, an appearance on American Idol and an exclusive agreement with Wal-Mart to release their new album.
The classics which are normally the backbone of the show: Deuce, Hotter Than Hell and Black Diamond, were generally unknown to this Oshawa audience. A menu of I Was Made For Lovin' You, Heaven's On Fire, Tears Are Falling, Crazy Nights, Forever and Psycho Circus (all absent from the concert) were the songs this crowd was waiting for.
Even Stanley addressed this while introducing 100,000 Years, asking if the crowd even knew it. They didn't.
The solos were huge hits with the audience as the old gimmicks were fresh and in full effect to this audience. Gene breathed fire, spat blood and flew to a platform some 50 feet atop the stage. Tommy had guitars that bazookaed rockets into surrounding speakers and Eric pounded his drums atop a rotating drum riser on a fog-spewing hydraulic lift.
The encore was impressive with Shout It Out Loud, Lick It Up, Love Gun (during which Stanley flew above the audience on a wire to the back of the arena) and Detroit Rock City concluding with canon booms, flame bursts and a tonne of fireworks.
Stanley hinted the band would revisit Oshawa after it travels across the border for the U. S. portion of the tour. And considering the record sell-out of this concert, that might be a solid bet.
That would impact the chance of Peterborough fans to have their own date as word at the concert was that the band wouldn't schedule tour locations in such close proximity to each other.
If the band does return, hopefully it will bet on its newer material and bring that KISS along to its newest sweetheart: Oshawa.
Text and Photos copyright 2009 by Darryl Andrews. This post may not be reproduced or redistributed, either in whole or part, by any means, without the express, written permission of the author.
Gene, Paul, Tommy and Eric, weren't the only ones wearing makeup as hundreds more in the audience joined the face-painting ritual. The band looked great and sounded great. The Oshawa fans were ready to rock and roll all night, but it wasn't a perfect marriage -- and it never has been.
Right from the start with the misstep of Oshawa council publicly reacting to not being announced on the first posting of tour dates after winning the online contest, to a band set list that was enriched by classic material mostly taken from the band's recent alive35 tour with a newly released Sonic Boom tune. It was immediately obvious that this crowd, many seeing a rock concert for the first time, grew up in the '80s period of KISS, not the classic '70s.
It made for some very interesting observations -- observations I feel confident in expressing since, unlike most reviewers who are unfamiliar with the band, this was to be my next to 30th KISS concert.
The crowd was noticeably younger then at past year's concerts, obviously a sign of the success KISS is having in attracting a new fan base what with Gene's Family Jewels reality show, an appearance on American Idol and an exclusive agreement with Wal-Mart to release their new album.
The classics which are normally the backbone of the show: Deuce, Hotter Than Hell and Black Diamond, were generally unknown to this Oshawa audience. A menu of I Was Made For Lovin' You, Heaven's On Fire, Tears Are Falling, Crazy Nights, Forever and Psycho Circus (all absent from the concert) were the songs this crowd was waiting for.
Even Stanley addressed this while introducing 100,000 Years, asking if the crowd even knew it. They didn't.
The solos were huge hits with the audience as the old gimmicks were fresh and in full effect to this audience. Gene breathed fire, spat blood and flew to a platform some 50 feet atop the stage. Tommy had guitars that bazookaed rockets into surrounding speakers and Eric pounded his drums atop a rotating drum riser on a fog-spewing hydraulic lift.
The encore was impressive with Shout It Out Loud, Lick It Up, Love Gun (during which Stanley flew above the audience on a wire to the back of the arena) and Detroit Rock City concluding with canon booms, flame bursts and a tonne of fireworks.
Stanley hinted the band would revisit Oshawa after it travels across the border for the U. S. portion of the tour. And considering the record sell-out of this concert, that might be a solid bet.
That would impact the chance of Peterborough fans to have their own date as word at the concert was that the band wouldn't schedule tour locations in such close proximity to each other.
If the band does return, hopefully it will bet on its newer material and bring that KISS along to its newest sweetheart: Oshawa.
Text and Photos copyright 2009 by Darryl Andrews. This post may not be reproduced or redistributed, either in whole or part, by any means, without the express, written permission of the author.
If somebody would've told me ten years ago that I'd.....
The KISS fan routed tour contest has been alot of fun. I've been able to get Peterborough excited about KISS playing here. When I contacted the paper back in April and had my story published on the front page; I immediately felt a responsibility to "bring the contest home". My staged publicity stunt gaining the Mayor's endorsement, visiting the radio station and finally appearing on Chex TV to do the weather [in full KISS costume and make-up] was both hard work and exciting. KISS has been a part of my life for 31 years and never have I expressed my fandom for the band in the way I expressed this past week. For someone who spends the lionshare of time being far too serious, I'm happy that KISS reminds me that I can still be silly. At contest end - it looks like Peterborough will finish sixth.
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