Lydia Criss was born Lydia DiLeonardo in Brooklyn, New York, as the only daughter of Italian immigrants. Growing up to rhythm ‘n’ blues and classic (hard) rock, some of her favorite bands are Beatles, Stones, Elton John, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Aerosmith, U2 and The Cars (“I could go on and on”). All of which she also ended up photographing decades later during her career as professional photographer, along with acts such as Michael Jackson, New Kids On The Block. Her work has appeared in books, magazines, biographies, CD’s, calendars, tour books, etc. Most of her life, Lydia resided in Brooklyn and Manhattan, while she lived in Greenwich, Connecticut from 1977 – 1985. Currently, Lydia is currently semi-retired, working part-time for famous photographer Bob Gruen (probably known to KISS fans most for his photos from the 1977 Japan Tour). Romantically, Lydia has been involved for three years now with Richie Fontana, the former drummer of Piper – who were, just like KISS, handled by Aucoin Management back then.

Backstage Auctions was founded last year by Jacques van Gool and his wife Kelli and quickly became a high profile rock ‘n’ roll auction house on the internet, hosting auctions for Sean Delaney, Eddie Kramer and the widow of Allan Coffman, Motley Crue’s former manager. Jacques van Gool was born on July 8, 1964 in Rotterdam, Holland and grew up on classic rock. He pretty much loves all classic rock and heavy metal bands (and “I like some of the new rock and metal bands just as much”). Jacques moved from Holland to the USA in January of 1991 and became a U.S. citizen four years ago. Obviously he’s known to our readers most as one of our U.S. correspondents, but you also might know him from last year’s VH-1 special When KISS Ruled The World. As said above, last year he started his own company and has since worked on a professional level with other people from the socalled ‘inner KISS circle’ such as Eddie Kramer and Lydia Criss. A few years ago, at a New Year’s Eve party at Lydia Criss’ house, Jacques and Lydia were introduced by the late Sean Delaney and instantly became friends.

IJacques: “We knew each other from before we started Backstage Auctions. Once the company was off and running, Lydia and I one evening casually talked about her ‘treasures’. One thing led to another and a few months later, the auction became reality.”

Jacques: “A little bit of both I suppose. The thing is, KISS is – and continues to be – one of the most collectible bands. As long as you manage to come up with authentic and historically relevant items, you will always do well.”

Lydia: “I agree with Jacques. I always wanted to be able to show the fans ‘my treasures’. I used to bring some of my scrap books to the KISS Conventions and the fans would go wild. I knew at that point that I had something interesting. Jacques made me realize that I had something historic.”

Lydia: “I felt it was time. Peter would always say that ‘When we grow old together, we can sit in our rocking chairs and look at all of this stuff and reminisce.’ Since my divorce, 25 years ago, I realized that this will never happen, so started to let go of my KISS memorabilia as far back as 1981. I have scanned most of my collection, and plan to use the scans in my forthcoming book.”

Lydia: “Signing with Studio Chikara forced me to write my book. I thank them for that, but then they went bankrupt. I have the book written (transcript finished in 1999) and 1,500 photos and items scanned, so now that I have the auction behind me, I will begin working on the book. It comes the first quarter of 2005. I plan on publishing it myself. It will still be called Sealed With A KISS. Anyone interested in updates, e-mail me at: swak1@aol.com.”

Jacques: “Absolutely, it’s a thrill but perhaps even more so an honor. It’s an opportunity to pass on pieces of history. Knowing that you play a part in the enrichment of one’s collection and the preservation of documents, photos etc. is quite exciting.”

Jacques: “Not really. I’ve made a pretty strong commitment to myself to make Backstage Auctions as unique, exciting and accessible as possible. It’s a place where fans and collectors feel respected and can add to their collection with confidence, knowing that all pieces come directly from an authentic source. Eating from your own candy store doesn’t fit in that picture. Besides that, I don’t think I can afford most of the stuff I sell… hahaha!”

Jacques: “The obvious answer would be the high dollar items but in all fairness, I’m happy with any piece that sells, regardless of the amount or number of bids. Either which way you look at it, that one item is going to make a person happy, and to me, that’s one of the best rewards of being in this business.”

Lydia: “There were a few items that really surprised me. For one, the 4 truck rental receipts from 1973 Coventry (Popcorn) gigs signed by Stanley Eisen, the 3 Christmas Cards from Paul Stanley and of course my 10 scrapbooks... Those 4 truck rental receipts really blew my mind! What blew other people’s minds was ‘Why I still had these receipts?!’”

Jacques: “Absolutely. Backstage Auctions is the right place for them to do the next auction. Not only for the obvious reason, being our network, working knowledge of KISS and the recognition among KISS collectors, but mostly because I firmly believe that we can put together an auction that will create a whole new level of appreciation towards KISS. Sure, the actual auction is our main dish on the menu but we work with all of our clients in any way possible to promote and support their music catalog, tour, merchandise, charitable organizations, you name it.”

Lydia: “Yes, I am still friends with Ace & Jeanette and of course I am still in touch with Bill Aucoin. He called me after the auction to congratulate me.”

Lydia: “Ace Frehley joined KISS at the end of 1972. He worked in a liquor store and he got us his employee discount for our Christmas supply of booze.”

Lydia: “You hit it on the head. The only cover song I ever remember them doing in the early days was Go Now. Then, of course, there was Kissin’ Time (which ended up on the first album). During rehearsals they would always do Beatles songs.”

Lydia: “I can never forget that day. I remember when KISS was told that they had won the People’s Choice for Beth I was sitting with Peter, Gene and Bill Aucoin in Detroit. They couldn’t figure out just how they would be able to accept the award. For one, they were booked in Fargo, North Dakota, and two, they couldn’t figure out if they were able to accept the award what would they do, sit in the audience with make up on?? It seemed pretty silly to them. I, just for a joke, said ‘I’ll accept it’. The table was silent, and I thought ‘Oh God, what did I say?’ Before I could retract it, Gene said ‘Okay.’ I was shocked. Needless to say, Peter was very proud of me, and Gene gave his seal of approval also.”

Lydia: “No, never. I felt deep down in my heart that Gene truly liked me. I knew when to talk and when to keep my mouth shut. I think Gene respected me for that. As far as Gene sleeping with anything with a pulse, that was a running joke between everyone, including Peter and I. We were all amused. Besides, I think that Peter, being the strong willed person that he is, made his own decisions and I really don’t think that Gene could influence Peter to do something that he really didn’t want to do.”

Jacques: “Well, after this interview I’m sure Gene and Paul can’t wait to clean out their closets, but pending that, we’re working hard at putting our 2005 calendar together. So far, we know that we will be able to host an interesting mix of auctions on behalf of a number of well-known classic rock era musicians, as well as a number of well-known non-musicians. It’s too early to announce names but check our website (www.backstageauctions.com) periodically to get the latest updates. And yes, by popular demand, we will be doing another amazing KISS auction in 2005.”

Lydia: “Yes, I think that my years with KISS were very memorable. I truly feel that they were some of the best years of my life. I hope they weren’t the very best because then I would have nothing to look forward to, and as I said before, this auction was my first step as I move forward towards the rest of my life. All of my memories will be forever in my mind and in my book. So don’t forget to buy my book: Sealed With A KISS.”