Even more on the "360" trading cards (August 8)

By Doug Cataldo for KISSONLINE.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More info on the KISS "360" trading cards (August 8)

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

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

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

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

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

TRANSFORMATION - a 6-card lenticular motion card insert

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

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

KISS 2010 calandar artwork (Aug. 7)

Ace Frehley "Anomaly" press kit 2009 (Aug.4)

KISS Alive35 Tour DVD on the way (Aug 3)

Not sure if this DVD will be part of the new CD package or be sold separately.....

Successful rock band Kiss travel to Australia and New Zealand for their Alive 35 tour. Concerts in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Wellington - full HD coverage with up to 8 cameras at each concert.

The Kiss Alive 35 tour will be released on DVD

http://www.trademarkpictures.com/kiss.htm

Looks like the title of the new KISS CD will indeed be "Sonic Boom" (Aug 3)

This is UNCOMFIRMED by kissonline of course...


from http://twitter.com/MelodicRock

"Looks like the new Kiss album will be titled "Sonic Boom"."

"Kiss album due Oct 6 thru WalMart with new material disc one, re-records disc 2 and a DVD. Same deal as Journey and Foreigner. Value for $$$"

Andrew runs www.melodicrock.com a well respected website so I take his word as set in stone.

I just wonder if the DVD will be live concert of the current band, or if it'll be the band working on the album in the studio.

Add for the new KISS M&Ms coming soon (Aug.1)

Coming soon!

Tommy interviewed on Portland TV (Aug 1)

Hear new Ace Frehley song "Outer Space" (July 30)

It rocks!!

Guitar Player Magazine comments on new KISS songs (July 29)

From Guitar Player Magazine EditorBoy: KISS review. Heard 5 songs. If you dig KISS, you're gonna dig this new album. Paul sings his ass off. Eric plays some amazingly powerful drums. Gene was finally made to play all of his bass parts (apparently, in the past, if someone had a cool bass idea, he let them play it), and he DOES have a pretty driving sound. Finally, Paul and Tommy's guitars sound HUGE -- with some fab riffs and '70s-style solos.

Eddie Trunk reviews "Anamoly" (July 26)

EDDIE TRUNK ON ANOMALY:KISS AND ACE FANS WILL LOVE THIS!

Here's a part of Eddie's report on Anomaly you can read the full repost here

"I had heard this album in various forms and mixes through the years but this was the first time mastered and done and with the final mix. I'll say what I have said all along; Kiss and Ace fans will love this. It is exactly the type of album you would want and expect from Ace. Straight up in your face hard rock. Probably the most striking thing about the album is Ace's voice. He is past three years sober (there is a song about his battle with the bottle on the CD) and singing like the '78 album. A friend of mine who was in the car said the exact same thing. His voice sounds great due to the fact he is clean for sure. Guitar tones sound great as does the playing. Ace sings the entire CD and there are two instrumentals; another in the Fractured series ends the CD and then there is a Zep like heavy jam called "Space Bear". I know hard core Kiss fans will smile at that title! Other stand out tracks for me were "Change The World" (again great vocal), "A Little Below The Angels", "Too Many Faces" and the super kick ass "Sister" , a track that has been around for a bit but sounds great here. The album has a great deal of edgy tracks but it's also dynamic with some Beatles touches in some songs and a real nod to some early 70's stuff. The guitar work is classic Ace as well. Anton Fig handles most of the drums and is a monster as always. Ace is giving his fans exactly what they would want with this album, and who knows, in this age of Guitar Hero and Rock Band he will no doubt grab some new ones as well. After all guitar hero = ACE FREHLEY! Can't wait for everyone to hear it and of course we will do much with Ace and the album on the radio shows when we get closer to release. I thank Ace for the early listen and as a long time close friend I am extremely proud of him not only for making the album he wanted to, but for being a changed man the last few years."

KISS interview before Casino Rama show (July 25)

Report on KISS Casinorama show on July 21 (July 24)

KISS SLAYS CASINO RAMA!!!! WOW!!!

Fan Review by Mike Mariacher

There is nothing like the rush of a great KISS high!!! I am STILL riding it!!! Casino Rama was DESTROYED by a high voltage, high octane, and thunderous KISS onslaught that only the TRUE MASTERS of metal can provide.

Gene, Paul, Eric and Tommy came to ROCK and were not shy about doing it to the MAX!!! This was an AWESOME venue for my 11th KISS show. If you ever get the chance to see KISS in the confines of an in-your-face setting like a casino, DO NOT pass it up!!! I know they just did a show last week for 90,000 maniacal fans, but the boys were playing like they were in front of 200,000!!!

I thought they were tight when I caught them last fall, but I honestly believe they blew that show completely away at the first date of the 2 night stand at Casino Rama. This lineup KILLS!!! The way they interact with each other and the crowd is unparalleled!

The KLASSIC KISS vaults were wide open as one MONSTER tune after another was unleashed on the rabid KISS ARMY members in attendance. The seasoned veterans as well as the new recruits were laid to waste by the KISS WAR MACHINE.

The electricity from the fans combined with the incredible energy of the band was EXPLOSIVE!!! With specter of a NEW KISS album looming on the horizon, KISS seems rejuvenated and more ALIVE than ever!!! I for one am completely STOKED for the NEW release!!!

Seeing them again was MAGICAL!!! When that curtain dropped, I was 12 years old again!!! It is a truly unique feeling that defies definition.

Each of the boys interacted a TON with the audience. Paul had quite a hot time with the ladies up front, Gene worked the crowd with bloody-spewing Demon antics, Tommy mesmerized the Rama crowd with his frantic fret work, AND Eric brought the crowd to their knees with his THUNDEROUS solo!!!

By the end of the show, the CREATURES OF NIGHT left the Casino crowd exhausted, scorched and wanting more!!! Thanks KISS for yet another CRAZY NIGHT!!!

KISS Army Halifax (July 21)

I WAS THERE!

Quality footage from July 18 Halifax concert (July 19)

KISS rocked Halifax!! (July 19)

KISS rocks, awes tens of thousands of faithful on Commons!

The sea of thousands of fans dressed up in rain ponchos, slickers and heavy weather gear looked more like the Kiss navy than the Kiss army on Halifax's North Common on Saturday.

Yet the fear of smeared face paint didn't deter the faithful from transforming themselves into the Starchild, the Demon, Space Ace and the Cat Man for the occasion. For all anybody knows, the real Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer could have been roaming the crowd and no one would have been the wiser.

I didn't feel compelled to put on the greasepaint, but if I had a time machine and could go back to the mid-70s to ask my 11-year-old self what bands he'd most like to see, the top two choices would be the Beatles and Kiss. The Beatles had been broken up for years at that point, and there was no way in Hades that my parents would let me go near those so-called "Knights in Satan's Service" and their legendary shows at the Halifax Forum.

Cut to three decades later and within the space of a week we've had ex-moptop Paul McCartney and those rock and roll action figures -whose acronym could more properly be Keep It Spectacular, Stupid - making for one giddily ecstatic inner 11-year-old by the time the legendary foursome took the stage on Saturday night to the primal pounding of Deuce.

Of course they didn't just walk on stage; the foursome descended from the lighting rig on a platform while a giant banner bearing a band logo as distinctive a trademark as the Nike swoosh dropped to the floor. Immediately they went into character, with Simmons on the prowl like a widow-peaked vampire, Stanley a strutting Mick Jagger cartoon and Thayer approximating former guitarist Ace Frehley's spaced out stage stance, swaying on his massive silver platform boots.

As with other shows on the tour, the early part of the set more or less mirrors the track list on Kiss's landmark live album Alive, which celebrates its 35th anniversary next year, and Stanley promised an evening of "vintage classics" - post-makeup tunes from the '80s like Lick It Up and I Love It Loud wouldn't show up until the encores - with Strutter and Got to Choose eliciting a wave of shouting along to the choruses and fists pumping in all their devil-horned glory.

"Halifax! How we doin' so far?" implored Stanley with that crazed, evangelistic tone so familiar from Kiss live albums of yore.

"I got a feeeeeeeelin'! Whoaaaaaaaaoooh! We're gonna make this place hotter than hell!"

Sure enough, the stage was bathed in smoke as they tore into the title song from the 1974 album, complete with sirens and Simmons doing a bit of fire breathing with a flaming sword. These guys didn't rewrite the rock showmanship rule book for nothing all those years ago.

"Okay Halifax! We played Montreal! We played Ottawa! We played Sarnia! We played Quebec City!" exclaimed Stanley, eliciting a low rumble of boos for each place name, except Sarnia which mostly just got shrugs.

"All you Haligonians, tonight is your night to show us that Halifax is number one! We want to come back, can we come back?"

A loud roar went up as he plugged a forthcoming album hitting stores on Oct. 6. "I promise you it will be as good as anything you will hear tonight! I swear on the Kiss Army!"

That's a tough promise to live up to, considering classic Kiss is built on a foundation of glam guitar, tuneful pop smarts and an oil tankerful of testosterone, like the amped-up garage rock with Beatles harmonies of Nothin' to Lose, unsubtle come on of C'mon and Love Me.

But given the band's dedication to its back catalogue on Saturday night, there's little doubt they know what fans both young and old want to hear.

The junior members of the Kiss crew got their spotlight moments as well, with Thayer taking an extended solo in the middle of the mastodon tempo and brute eroticism of Simmons' She, playing behind his head and setting off explosions across the stage.

Thayer's string-bending eventually morphed into whirring space sounds and a fragment of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, before coming back down to earth.

Singer got his chance to lay waste to the drum kit in 100,000 Years, and while he didn't offer up a flurry of polyrhythms or even a surfeit of cowbell, it cast a strobe lit spell on the crowd, which erupted in cheers as sheets of flame burst forth on the stage and the rest of the band returned with Stanley swinging the mic cord around his neck and Simmons spreading the bat wings of his battle armour.

The best was yet to come, however, when Stanley asked the audience for suggestions for an anthem to bring the world together in these times of trouble, even crooning a bit of O Canada in the process.

The answer he was looking for though was Rock and Roll All Night, whose party hearty lyrics were soon coming out of every mouth in sight, as cannons filled the air with smoke and confetti and fireworks exploded overhead in the greatest musical example of shock and awe since Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.

KISS rocks 90,000 in Quebec City! (July 18)

UPDATE: We were just informed that the attendance for last night's show was 90,000!!!!!

By Kathleen Lavoie Le Soleil
Photo by Laetitia Deconinck
Translated for KISSonline by Jill Cataldo

After waiting for nine years, Quebec was clearly overdue for a visit from the infernal quartet, KISS. Tens of thousands of KISS Army soldiers descended to see their idols on Thursday. Large and small, men and women painted their faces and have donned their homemade costumes of the devil, the starchild, the spaceman and the cat-man, these comic characters were embodied by Gene Simmons (bass, vocals), Paul Stanley (vocals, guitar), Tommy Thayer (guitar) and Eric Singer (drums, vocals).

With KISS, as is always true, the show was never limited to the stage. At the beginning of the show, a platform descended from the ceiling on which the three guitarists arrived . The stage featured the classic KISS logo in white bulbs. And then there were the explosions, flames, smoke, fireworks, confetti ...

And oh yes! How can we forget the music! "From old-school rock to KISS," says Paul Stanley, who offered a few words in French before apologizing that he could not do more and to continue in English.

The guitarist did a great job in the role of master of ceremonies as well as rock star, shimmying in his black spandex, moving constantly, singing at full volume and jumping unrestrained in his platform boots!

For his part, Gene Simmons was difficult to ignore in a costume more like an armored winged bat than lycra...

Beyond the effects of some futuristic super heroes - a wriggling tongue, a guitar-bazooka, overpowering fire and blood - the band spent the first hour playing a majority of songs dating their first three albums and classics such as Rock and Roll All Nite, Shout It Out Loud, I Was Made For Lovin 'You and Detroit Rock City.

The show was strewn with solos from each musician and delirious fun on stage and elsewhere. "Quebec, your city is our second home," agreed Paul Stanley.

KISSmania hits Quebec (July 18)

KISS is featured on the cover of this week's Le Soleil Newspaper Special in Quebec.

Shannon Tweed at Ottawa's Bluesfest concert (July 17)

Former Ottawa resident and Playboy model Shannon Tweed cheers on her longtime partner Gene Simmons and the other members of KISS at the Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest, Wednesday, July 15, 2009.

"Detroit Rock City" from Ottawa Bluesfest July 15 (July 16)

2 great fan filmed clips from Montreal concert (July 15)

Some pics from July 13th Montreal show (July 14)

New KISSonline is up (July 14)

The new improved KISSonline website is up! Could this mean album news is on the way?

Check it out here...

http://www.kissonline.com/

Pics from July 11 Windsor Ont. show (July 12)

Happy birthday Eric Carr (July 12)

On July 12 1950,the Fox was born.

Today he would have been 59,he is missed.

Brand new KISSonline coming next week (July 12)

ALL NEW KISSONLINE COMING NEXT WEEK!

Attention KISS Army!

We are excited to announce that we will be launching the new KISSONLINE early next week! The site will feature several new areas including:

ALL NEW KISS Kommunity Section
Klassic KISS videos
New KISS Kulture section
New Home Page layout ...and much, much more!

Most of content from the current KISSONLINE will automatically move over but if you have uploaded any photos, tattoos or artwork to the current KISSONLINE, we suggest that you download the images now so you can resubmit them to the new KISSONLINE next week. The new KISS Kommunity allows fans to upload both photos and videos to the site!

If you have not renewed your KISS Army membership and you want access to presale tickets, now is your chance!

"Deuce" video from Sarnia July 10 2009 (July 11)

KISS was made for loving Sarnia (July 11)

KISS WAS MADE FOR LOVIN' SARNIA

By Jessica Ireland Special to the Observer

On Friday, KISS discovered that Sarnia was its own “rock city.”

“We’re proud to be here tonight,” said frontman, Paul Stanley to the energetic crowd. “Sarnia could teach big cities what rock ‘n’ roll is all about!”

Audience anticipation began to build as a black cloth with KISS splashed on it was draped to hide the stage in preparation for the explosive show.

As soon as a glimmer of sparkle off drummer Eric Singer’s outfit was seen behind the curtain - the crowd went wild.

Eventually the rest of the band members, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer and Paul Stanley made their way onstage - clad in their iconic painted faces, platform boots and cosmic costumes. The rock legends had arrived in their signature style.

Opening with “Deuce” and “Strutter” from their 1975 KISS Alive! album - the foursome powered through songs more well-known to long-time fans but still received a rousing reception from the entire audience.

Between songs, the band took time to show their love for Canada.

“We consider Canada not our neighbours but our second home,” Stanley said to cheering fans.

“This is family tonight!” he yelled before launching into “She.” The song ended in a heart-pounding guitar solo by Tommy Thayer.

Throughout the two-hour concert, KISS kept the energy up as the audience experienced their exhilarating rock amidst fireworks, searing pyrotechnics and Simmons’ infamous tongue.

KISS ended their set with the classic rock and roll anthem “Rock and Roll All Nite” as the audience erupted into cheers and were showered by white paper confetti.

But they didn’t keep the crowd waiting long after saying good-bye, coming out for a six-song encore of crowd favourites including “Lick It Up,” “I Was Made For Loving You,” and “I Love It Loud,” with Simmons, fake blood running down his mouth, being lifted onto a platform to play above the stage lights.

Charismatic singer, Stanley, got up close and personal with audience members, flying over the crowd on a zipline and performing on a mini-stage set-up in the middle of fans’ outstretched arms.

As the encore came to a close,the band played “Detroit Rock City.” In a finale of more fireworks and thank you’s to “the most loyal, most awesome fans in the world,” KISS left audience members a little harder of hearing and even more ready to rock.

KISS opens Canadian tour in Sarnia Ont. (July 11)

KISS WOWS BAYFEST!

By TARA HAGAN

Thousands of screaming fans ‘loved-it-loud’ last night when legendary rockers KISS took to the stage at Sarnia Bayfest.

“How you doin’ people?” yelled Paul Stanley to a screaming crowd, with cameras high in the air, at 10 p.m. sharp. “Did you come tonight to get some rock and roll?

“Well you came to the right place.”

Outrageous pyrotechnics exploded on the massive stage as frontman Gene Simmons belted out the opening hit, “Deuce,” amid a thundering roar from the 21,00 strong crowd, dominated by their famous fan following known affectionately as the KISS Army.

Stanley followed up with “Strutter,” before embarking on a number of classic hits.

This probably was the most prep we’ve ever done for a show,” said organizer Michele Stokley, citing a fleet of eight trucks, four buses, 900 pounds of dry ice and enough pyro to fire-bomb a city.

“I’m going on probably an hour and a half’s worth of sleep, but when we see the show, its all going to be worth it,” she said hours before the headliners took the stage.

Jan Moran was on cloud nine.

“I just met Gene Simmons,” said the winner of The Observer’s Superfan contest, who earlier managed to swindle her way backstage to get up close and personal with the famous frontman — debunking rumours he wouldn’t make the trip to Sarnia.

“He twirled me around and said, ‘Come here, sweetie,’ and we took a picture,” she added. “He said I looked pretty hot.”

Moran and her galpals arrived at the much-anticipated KISS concert in signature rock-glam makeup and costume. The foursome snagged VIP tickets after submitted a contest video they’d dedicated to the band.

But they weren’t the only ones dressed up.

Devout fans donned the band’s infamous face paint – mimicking Simmons, the “demon” and Stanley, the “starchild” – clad in KISS costume and ready to rock and roll all night.

Ron Dunlop and his sons, aged eight, six and three, were clad in full KISS regalia and makeup while waiting in line for much of the afternoon. The family made the trip from Chalk River, Ont. for the young trio’s first KISS concert.

“It’s all the extra things they do to just make the show better than others,” said William, the eldest son.

“I’ve been a fan since I was 14,” said Dunlop. “They treat their fans with so much respect, and they’ll do anything to please them.

“They always put on a great show.”

The group — Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer –— is on a series of Canadian stops that include Orillia, Windsor, Ottawa, Quebec City, Montreal and Halifax.

Legendary Cobo Hall closing it's doors. (July 11)

LEGENDARY KISS ARENA CLOSING DOORS

The legendary concert venue COBO arena is to become the victim of a city expansion plan. This historic structure has hosted KISS concerts on many occasions, not the least of which was the series of shows that became the KISS ALIVE! album. As producers of the documentary film "Live at COBO" we wish to get the word out to all artist who have a connection to COBO.

Detroit area filmmakers Douglas Akers, Lisa Hagopian, Eric Harabadian and Jake Hall are currently producing an independent full-length documentary feature entitled “Live at Cobo.” The film will focus on the origins of Cobo Arena and its rise as a world class venue via the remarkable variety of events presented there and the long-lasting impact it has had on our culture through musical, political and professional sporting means.

The filmakers have been granted full access to COBO arena for filming interviews there with the artists about their experience there during its golden era. Time is running short for us to give artists one last opportunity to step into the hall that help make music history. Please pass this information along to anyone that can help us document the stories before COBO is gone.

Contact us at www.liveatcobo.com.

Gene Simmons reveals 3 new song titles (July 9)

GENE SIMMONS Reveals More New KISS Songtitles - July 9, 2009
KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons has told The Canadian Press that the band's new album, which is due this fall, will feature such songtitles as "Russian Roulette", "Modern Day Delilah" and "Stand".

Lead guitarist Tommy Thayer will write and sing his first song on the album, while drummer Eric Singer will also get his first opportunity to sing a lead vocal on an original song.

Simmons also promises there were no outside writers working on the Paul Stanley-produced disc.

And as for the sound of the album?

"No strings, no keyboards, no synths, no tambourines, no nothing -- just meat and potatoes," Simmons said.

According to Simmons, KISS is planning on taking some time off toward the end of the summer.

"We have a lot going on, I mean there's KISS M&Ms, there's KISS Dr. Pepper, there's KISS everything, soon it's gonna be Planet Kiss," Simmons notes.

In late September, the band will head out on its North American tour, which Simmons promises will include a return trip north of the border. "We're gonna hit Canada again," Simmons said, "because you've been very bad and you need to be punished."

Read more from The Canadian Press.

New KISS "Legends Of Rock" compilation coming in Aug (July 8)

It's coming out on July 14th from Universal Music Canada.

Track Listing:
Heaven's On Fire
Lick It Up
Strutter
Hotter Than Hell
Deuce
Hard Luck Woman
Shout It Out Loud
I Was Made For Lovin' You
Christine Sixteen
Black Diamond
Detroit Rock City
King Of The Night Time World
Calling Dr. Love
She
Rock And Roll All Nite (Alive Version)

Paul's message on new KISS CD (July 7)

MESSAGE FROM PAUL

THIS IS KISS. CLASSIC KISS!

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

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

I know that when you hear it you will agree.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eleven songs. Eleven winners.

This IS KISS. Classic KISS.

It's been a long time coming.

PAUL

Message from Tommy on new KISS CD (July 6)

MESSAGE FROM TOMMY

YOU'RE GONNA LOVE IT!


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

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

We definitely didn't over-think it.

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

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

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

IT DON'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT!

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

TOMMY

"360" or "Sonic Boom"? (July 6)

ARE WE GOING TO BE TURNED BY 360° OR BLASTED AWAY BY A SONIC BOOM??

As the D-Day is getting closer as much rumors about new KISS album title are popping up on the net. We told you lately of the stories around 360°.

With the recent comment by Eric on KISSonline "The band has come full circle" that "possible" title gained points on another rumored title like SONIC BOOM. This last one came out from recent comments on the new "old sound" the KISS music will have.

Nevertheless, Michael Doret, the artist father of the Rock and roll over cover and also of the new baby is closed in a secreted silent and he doesn't say a word about...

KISS in the past rejected some cool possible titles like:

The harder They Come, original title for Hotter Than Hell
At Midnight, original title for Dressed To Kill

Severe Cuts, original title for Killers
War Of The Gods, original title for the follow up of the Elder
Dragonfly, original title for Animalize
Who Dares Wins, original title for Crazy Nights and also considered for Hot in the shade
Head, original title for Carnival of Souls......

Meantime yesterday night Gene stated that "KISS just finished recording almost all of the new KISS studio album! It's the first studio album of new material in 10 years..."

New message from Eric Singer on new CD (July 5)

MESSAGE FROM ERIC

NO BALLADS, NO SLOW SONGS, NO FILLERS!

You Wanted The Best ?

Well the wait is almost over...

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

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

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

Guess what ?

The end result is everything I could have hoped for.

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

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

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

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

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

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

As for the songs ?

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

The band really has come full circle.

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

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

Believe me the wait IS over and well worth it !

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

More as it happens !

ERIC

"This is out best album in 30 years!!"- Gene Simmons (July 4)

MESSAGE FROM GENE

BEST KISS ALBUM IN 30 YEARS!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What else, you ask?

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

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

Bold statement? You bet.

Wait till you hear it.

GENE

KISS makes cancer patient dream come true!! (July 3)

KISS FULFILLS CANCER PATIENT'S DREAM

By William Croyle - Cincinnati Enquirer

Critter Smith flew on an airplane for the first time June 27.

"It was awesome taking off and looking out the window at how high we were," he said.

But that was nothing compared to what was waiting for him and his mom, Carol, after they landed in Milwaukee.

They were flown there as guests of KISS, one of the world's most famous rock-n-roll bands, for a concert that night.

Critter got to meet the band - Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer - before the show, take pictures during the show and returned home with a stash of memorabilia almost too big to carry.

"When Tommy was on stage, he came down and gave me his pick," Critter said. "And Eric walked right up to me and gave me his drumsticks. It was pretty sweet."

They also gave him a load of KISS merchandise, including notebooks, pencils, trading cards, action figures and...

"Look, they gave me a KISS toothbrush that plays 'Rock and Roll All Nite' when you brush your teeth," Critter said with a big smile.

The 11-year-old was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a cancer of the white blood cells, in July 2007. For the next five months he underwent five rounds of chemotherapy and a round of radiation.

On Nov. 9, 2007, he received a bone marrow transplant and spent six weeks in the hospital. He returned to Fourth Street Elementary School, and was in remission for 15 months, until this past January.

He's been receiving chemotherapy all year and is back in remission. He'll continue treatments for three years, then must wait another five years before he can be declared cured.

When a story about Critter that appeared on nky.com in March mentioned his love for KISS, word circulated among KISS fans and eventually reached Keith Leroux, who manages the band's Web site and merchandising. Leroux contacted the band, which was rehearsing in South America for its current tour.

The next day, while in Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Critter received two calls - one from Stanley and one from Singer. They gave him words of encouragement and invited him to a concert.

"I knew they said they'd do something for him, but I never expected this," Carol Smith said about the all-expenses-paid trip. "I don't think I'd ever seen Critter so happy. He was on top of the world.


Critter (whose real name is Christopher) said the band was in full makeup when he met them back stage before the show.

"Paul walked in and was like 'Hey Gene, this is Chris,'" Critter said. "It was so cool that Paul knew who I was."

Critter said Simmons was "a really big guy, and really nice guy."

"He said to me - well, I can't remember what he said to me," Critter said. "I was just so stunned."

Leroux said the band does things like this quite often, but is pretty humble about it.

"They do a lot and donate a lot, but they don't like credit for it," Leroux said. "They're really good guys."

Stan Smith, Critter's dad, said the band's generosity has lifted his son's spirits.

"It's just so nice of them to do all of this for him," he said.

Critter's next chemotherapy treatment will be Tuesday. He said he dreads having to go through it each time, but KISS makes it more bearable.

"They really help me," Critter said. "KISS music really makes me happy."

Ace Frehley "Anomaly" commercial (July 2)

Sneak peek at the new KISS "360" trading cards (July 2 )

KISS 360°

KISSONLINE SNEAK PEEK

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

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

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

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

TRANSFORMATION - a 6-card lenticular motion card insert

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

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

Visit Press Pass' Official Website at the following address: http://www.presspassinc.com/ .