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| News Archive / December 1-15, 1998 | ||
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KISS NEWS IN EARLY DECEMBER 1998 | DECEMBER 16, 1998 |  |
| Disclaimer: Not necessarily all of the news as it appears on these pages is confirmed by or coming from official sources. As much as possible we try to avoid unsubstantial rumors, but KISS Kollector can not be held responsible for the validity of any of the information, nor do we accept responsibility for views expressed here by other people. | ||
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DECEMBER 15, 1998 |  |
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Vote for KISS in the Rock Legendaries Top 100 | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
Holland's one and only classic rock radio station, Arrow Classic Rock, will air their annual
Rock 100 Legendaries on December 27. You can send them your favorite 5 rock songs of all
time. KISS Kollector Online would like to suggest the KISS Army sends in their vote, including
KISS' Rock And Roll All Nite as No. 1.
Last year, the only KISS song on the Rock 100 Legendaries was I Was Made For Lovin' You at No. 82. If we all vote for Rock And Roll All Nite however, chances are more than likely KISS will be at a higher position this year. Here's the URL to vote for your Top 5 classic rock songs: www.arrow.nl/Rock100.html. You have to choose your No. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, and may fill out your name (naam), address (adres), zip code (postcode), city (woonplaats), e-mail address and comments (opmerkingen), if you want to. |
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Paul Stanley teams with Diane Warren for DRC soundtrack | |
| - From MTV Online - | ||
KISS guitarist Paul Stanley is writing with soundtrack queen Diane Warren, a combination
even less likely than Warren's recent association with Aerosmith. Warren has penned such
top ten hits as LeAnn Rimes How Do I Live, Celine Dion's Because You Loved Me
and Toni Braxton's Unbreak My Heart. Most recently, she was also responsible for penning
I Don't Want To Miss A Thing recorded by Aerosmith for the movie Armageddon.
Stanley will be working with her on two songs for the pending KISS movie, Detroit Rock City, one of them most likely the closing theme song, according to the official KISS web site (see 'KISS To Appear In Detroit Rock City Film'). The band has re-recorded Detroit Rock City already for the movie, and the opening credits will feature Love Gun. In other KISS news, the bands' December 12 concert from Terre Haute, Indiana, has been recorded for release in Europe. The show will be issued as a special 6-song live CD to coincide with their forthcoming tour of Europe. |
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DECEMBER 14, 1998 | |
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Big soccer stadium for KISS show in Holland? | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
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Before the weekend we listed the European Tour dates as announced by the official
KISS web site KISSONLINE,
although there was no confirmation from the European promoter. One day later
KISSonline removed the tour dates from their site stating there are going to be
some changes. There will be a European Tour however, the band even recorded a
6-track live CD at the December 12 show in Terre Haute which will be released to
coincide with the European Tour.
That same day we found out that Holland's biggest promoter Mojo Concerts isn't involved in the KISS show in Holland. Rumor has it, the band is supposed to play Holland on March 13, once again at the Prins Willem van Oranjehal (in De Jaarbeurs) in Utrecht. It turns out that the concert in Holland is being handled by Principle Artists Agents and that it's likely they will book the band at the Gelredome (a big and brand new indoor soccer stadium) in Arnhem, on Saturday March 13. |
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New live EP in Europe | |
| - From KISSONLINE - | ||
| KISS recorded their Terre Haute, IN show, last night December 12th. A special 6-song live CD will be released in Europe in conjunction with the upcoming European tour. | ||
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Straight from KISS' mouth: The word from Gene Simmons | |
| - From startribune.com - | ||
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KISS' Gene Simmons is famous for his extra-long tongue. He has a big mouth, too, one that will take on any subject — the Spice Girls, Dave Matthews, the holidays, the Super Bowl. He also likes to talk about all things KISS — the band's 3D concert Tuesday at Target Center, the new KISS movie, KISS performing at the Super Bowl, KISS Visa cards. Listen in.
How does the 3D aspect of the tour work? "You get your 3D glasses, and we're going to take you away. If you've ever been to one of those Imax theaters where 3D exists, it's basically that technology except we've got it live. There's some film footage. But literally the camera turns around and you'll get to see live 3D. When you have the glasses on, what you see normally looks normal; the screens in back of us turn it into 3D and it actually pops off the screen." Who came up with the idea? "Doc McGhee [KISS' manager]. It's like saying 'Wouldn't it be great to go to the moon?' Then you have to build it. We're stupid because we believe in magic. And magic costs a lot of money. And we're stupid enough to pay for it. Because when we introduce ourselves [in concert] with 'You wanted the best? You've got the best. The hottest band in the world,' we actually have to deliver truth in advertising." Why are you touring during the holiday season? Most bands stay home. "A holiday is all a figment of your imagination. Every day is a holiday for me, when you get up on stage. We've got our Christmas lights; ours are better than yours. We've got a party; ours is better than yours. We've got beautiful girls; ours are prettier than yours. And I don't have to listen to any family members sit around and bellyache about what happened to them in the last year. . . . So I can't think of a better way to spend the holidays — I have much more in common with the people who come to see us than family members." For your new album Psycho Circus, you and Paul [Stanley, the singer] were in the studio for the first time in years with Peter Criss and Ace Frehley. What was it like? "The best. These guys were an absolute dream. And I'm the same guy who said [years ago] there was trouble in paradise. I don't mind telling the devil off. This entire thing with Ace and Peter is a complete pleasure. I'm proud to share the stage with them and look across and watch Ace going the distance; it kicks me in the butt. It wasn't always the case. But whatever happened, it's a joy. It brought the family together again, which is what the fans wanted." You guys seem to work nonstop. What else is coming up? "We'll be playing the Super Bowl at the end of January — right before the toss of the coin. We'll be on the cover of Playboy in February — the girls of KISS. Twenty of the most beautiful girls wearing KISS make-up and nothing else. In mid-April, New Line Cinema is bringing out 'Detroit Rock City,' our film starring Eddie Furlong, which recounts the adventures of four guys on their way to Detroit to see KISS. Along the way, all kinds of weird things happen. We also star in it. I'm producing. After January, we're going over to Europe [for arena concerts] and then we're coming back in the spring and blowing it out big time. Outdoors, circus, fireworks show and 3D." After all these years, why is KISS still so popular? "We are getting bigger. Billboard tells us, in the group category, the only one ahead of us in the number of gold records is a group called the Beatles. We've done very well. We don't pretend to be anything highbrow. We know we are the cockroaches of rock. But we will outlive you all. You can come in with the fancy this, the fancy that, the message here, the prophets of doom there — we're going to outlive you [Simmons is 49]. We are for winners. There are bands that play better and write better. It doesn't matter; they're going to be gone." What motivates you? "Oh, there are probably a lot of loose screws in there someplace. I can be glib and talk somewhat profoundly about all kinds of things. Ultimately, it's a good thing that there's a stage for me to be on, otherwise there might be a cage or perhaps a street corner where I was parting my raincoat and saying, 'Lady, look!' The stage is a very medicinal for me, I get to purge my demons." What's up with the KISS Visa card? "It's going gang busters. It's got us and Visa on the cover. Pretty good rates; I don't know what they are. We are not shy at all. In fact, we're very proud to be the leaders in all areas of the music world in licensing and merchandising. Other bands are afraid to do it because they're afraid what people will think. Credibility is just another word for coward. The reality is do you want a Korn lunch box? It doesn't mean that Korn or Green Day or R.E.M. aren't cool bands. It's just: Past the music, you don't care" I'd like to ask you to comment on some of the biggest music stars of the year. Let's start with Celine Dion. "I like Celine. She's doing very cool stuff. I don't have any problem with that kind of music." Backstreet Boys. "I don't have a problem with that stuff. I think all this new music is fun. It's uplifting. The thing I had a big problem with was 'I'm white, I'm rich, I'm famous. Every girl wants to have my kid but I'm depressed and I want to kill myself.' Get out of here. Shut up." Spice Girls. "I love Spice Girls more than any new band out there. Everyone in different age groups needs different heroes. And 12-year-old girls are no less important than 18-year-old guys. I took my daughter, who is 6, and I loved it. I thought the girls had great energy. There's nothing wrong with those tunes. I prefer the Spice Girls over R.E.M. They're not leaders, not philosophers — they're entertainers." Dave Matthews. "I like Matthews a lot. I think Dave would look so much cooler with longer hair. I don't buy the popular notion of performers looking like delivery boys. I like stars. Even Liberace. I like pizazz." Alanis Morissette. "I'm not a fan. I like the tunes. It's that yodeling thing." Garth Brooks. "I think Garth is a true star. . . . What Garth did basically is break the umbilical cord from the prehistoric ideal and take country where it's never been before. So he's decided to take sort of KISS theatrics and mix it with country soul." The Rolling Stones. "Of everybody you've mentioned, I probably have the highest respect for them. No. 1, what they've accomplished and all those songs. But also No. 2, they will tell you when they're ready to quit. There's a big white kind of disease going around, it's whites pointing at other white people saying, 'Aren't they too old? Shouldn't they get off the stage?' You never hear a black person saying something about B.B. King." |
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DECEMBER 11, 1998 | |
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Detroit Rock City News | |
| - From KISSONLINE - | ||
| KISSONLINE recently talked with a Production Assistant on the set of the New Line Cinema release Detroit Rock City. The movie has a budget of $15 million. Regarding the soundtrack: Detroit Rock City has already been re-recorded, but Paul Stanley will be writing, with Diane Warren, two new KISS songs for the movie, including the movies theme song. Mercury Records will be releasing the soundtrack. There are 24 KISS songs available for use, either in the movie or on the soundtrack, including: Christine 16, I Stole Your Love, She, Hard Luck Woman, Take Me, Shock Me, Strutter, C'mon And Love Me, Love Gun, God of Thunder, Beth, Cold Gin and Black Diamond. Love Gun is used for the opening credits, and one of the new original songs will be used for the closing credits. The soundtrack will also include other classic '70s rock acts, still to be determined. | ||
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DECEMBER 10, 1998 | |
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KISS announces European tour dates | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
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Although we have no confirmation from the promoter, here is the listing of European tour dates as announced by KISS. These dates include a March 13 show in Holland, even though Dutch promoter Mojo Concerts still has no knowledge about a concert over here (or so they say). Until we find out more, here are the dates for the European leg of the Psycho Circus World Tour 1998-1999:
February 26: Helsinki, Finland, Hartwell Arena February 28: Oslo, Norway, Spektrum March 2: Stockholm, Sweden, Globen March 3: Stockholm, Sweden, Globen March 5: Gothenburg, Sweden, Scandinavium March 7: Berlin, Germany, Velodrom March 8: Koln, Germany, Koln Arena March 9: Frankfurt, Germany, Festhalle March 11: Erfurt, Germany, Messehalle March 12: Bremen, Germany, Stadthalle March 13: Utrecht, Holland, Prins van Oranjehal March 15: Milan, Italy, Filaforum March 17: Vienna, Austria, Stadthalle March 18: Prague, Czech Republic, Sports Hall March 19: Munich, Germany, Olympichalle March 22: Paris, France, Bercy March 23: Brussels, Belgium, Forest National March 25: London, England, Wembley Arena |
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Chip Rock's Outtakes Vol. 1 out in January | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
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Studio Chikara informed KISS Kollector Online on Chip 'Rock' Dayton's upcoming
photo book Outtakes Vol. 1, which will be available January 31, 1999.
The book is not authorized by KISS, and Chip owns the copyright of the images
used in the publication. He is one of rock 'n' roll's top photographers and this
will be the first time ever that he unleashes his memories and photographs
chronicling KISS from the early days through the reunion tour.
The trade paperback includes 200 color and black/white photographs, featuring live and backstage shots — many never been published before — from the following KISS tours: Hotter Than Hell Tour, Dressed To Kill Tour, Destroyer Tour, Rock And Roll Over Tour, Love Gun Tour and Dynasty Tour. The first printing is limited to 10.000 copies. Studio Chikara has a special offer: receive your copy signed by Chip himself. Send check or money order (U.S. funds only) for $24.95 (+ $4.95 U.S. shipping/$ 8.90 International) to: R&S Press 244 Fifth Avenue Suite #2464 New York, NY 10001 |
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KISS news from Metal Edge Online
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| - From Metal Edge Online - | ||
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KISS' Detroit Rock City movie, for which the climactic concert scene was filmed
last Thursday at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario (standing in for Detroit's Cobo
Hall), has been moved up from summer to a mid-April release.
KISS' current tour plans include a January break (between dates on Jan. 2 in Nashville, Tennessee and Jan. 30 in Miami, Florida), a European tour from late February through March, and a return to American stages in April, to time with the movie's release. In other KISS news, Bloodshot Entertainment will develop a computer game based on Psycho Circus. |
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DECEMBER 9, 1998 | |
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Will KISS play Roswell after all? | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
A recent issue of English magazine Select, featured a short article on KISS, claiming
a 3-D KISS World Tour is to start on New Years Eve of 1999 in Roswell, of all places. According
to earlier rumors, KISS was supposed to play a free concert there about 6 months ago. Of
course the short piece also mentions the KISS sports car, KISS Cola, KISStianity and 'the
country of KISS'.
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DECEMBER 8, 1998 | |
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KISS to tour Australia, Europe and Japan in early 1999 | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
The other day we reported about the forthcoming European Psycho Circus Tour, for which
tour dates will be announced later this week. Meanwhile we have also found out about a tour
of Australia and a tour of Japan early next year. A few days after the last date —
January 31 — on the current U.S. leg of the tour, the band is supposed to go back into
the studio to record tracks for the soundtrack of the Detroit Rock City movie
(which is expected to start screening in the USA in April). During these recording sessions
the tour equipment and staging will be shipped to Australia, where KISS will tour in February.
Late February the European tour will kick off, continuing throughout March. In April the band
will be touring Japan. A second U.S. leg for the Psycho Circus World Tour is expected in the
Summer of 1999.
During the European leg of the tour, a European release of the new home video The Second Coming can be expected after all. A different packaging, however, is likely since videotapes not only come in a different format in Europe as compared to the USA, but also in a different kind of packaging (hardcover instead of a carton sleeve). The artwork on the U.S. packaging is somewhat based upon the idea of putting the pieces of a puzzle together to form one image: the cover photo of tape 1 combined with the cover photo of tape 2 forms one picture. This idea seems impossible with the hardcover boxes that usually come with videos in European countries. |
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DECEMBER 7, 1998 | |
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News updates from KISSONLINE | |
| - From KISS Kollector, RH - | ||
KISSONLINE, the official KISS web
site, has been updated with some interesting news. These are the highlights:
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KISS Shoots Film Scenes In Ontario | |
| - From Rocktropolis - | ||
It was 1978 all over again. Hamilton, Ontario's Copps Coliseum was transformed Thursday
(Dec. 3) into Detroit's Cobo Hall for the filming of a concert scene from New Line Cinema's
KISS movie, Detroit Rock City, about the adventures of four KISS fans.
The dress code for the thousands of extras, all of whom were required to sign a release form before entering the arena, was KISS regalia or '70s garb. Some audience members didn't have to make much of an effort — no one can grow a mullet hairdo that quickly. Some brought banners, like the one painted by Wingham, Ontario's Grant Joloi, 34, emblazoned with the likeness of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley. Others brought the whole family. Stratford, Ontario's Jennifer Davis, 3, there with dad Stephen, mom Kim and sister Michelle, 8, hoped KISS would sing Ring Around the Rosey. KISS had played the night before at Toronto's SkyDome stadium and stuck around to shoot the scene, which required them to play Detroit Rock City over and over again. Filming took from 5:30 PM until 3 a.m. The set design was an exact replica of the 1978 Cobo Hall concert. A giant bulb-lit KISS logo was lowered over a black backdrop. Two baskets, one containing Simmons, the other Stanley and Frehley, flanked Criss, and were elevated off the ground. The audience was hushed, so the cameras could be slated. Dry ice filled the stage. The song kicked in. Pillars of flames shot out, concussion flash pots exploded, and more pyrotechnics carried the show through the finale, including stalactites of sparks and coloured confetti, and, of course, Criss' drum riser literally rising. The crowd, of course, went apoplectic. The movie producers were so anal about verisimilitude that Dennis MacDowell, 33, who had driven nine hours from Long Island, N.Y., to make KISStory was spotted by Simmons and asked by a crew member to stand somewhere else because his silver lava-like costume wasn't authentic. "It's from the Dynasty era, which is 1979," explained MacDowell, who owns the online custom creature costume shop Be Gene. "Gene Simmons is 20 pounds heavier than he was back then and no one's telling him to get offstage, so I thought they'd be cool about it." MacDowell opted to strip off his costume instead of leaving his prime seat. In between takes, while the pyro was re-rigged and stage mopped, KISS signed various items for the fans. Stanley, ever the poseur, popped guitar picks in his mouth and spat them fondly at the crowd. Sometimes, he'd lie flat on his stomach to sign things or rub a towel on his crotch and sail it into the crowd. |
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History sealed with a KISS
Fans don sequins and make-up for a once-in-a-lifetime movie date |
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| - From Jam! - | ||
HAMILTON — They usually leave performing to the band, but KISS's faithful fans got a
chance to act out at Copps Coliseum yesterday. About 3,000 devotees and curious onlookers
joined the veteran schtick-rockers in a climax concert scene for the upcoming, KISS-inspired
movie Detroit Rock City. The film, which stars Terminator 2 and American
History X's Edward Furlong and is produced by tongue 'n' bass wielding KISS leader Gene
Simmons, has been shooting around the Toronto area for the past two months.
Yesterday's shoot recreated a 1978 KISS show, with Copps standing in for Detroit's Cobo Hall.
True to 'KISS Army' regulations, many extras came bedecked in KISS's trademark kabuki make-up,
sequin-spangled capes and platform boots. The stands were filled with reasonable facsimiles
of Simmons, singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, lead guitarist Ace Frehley and drummer Peter Criss,
while the real group performed half-a-dozen takes on stage, lip-synching to their 1976 hit
Detroit Rock City with full lighting and pyro effects. Other extras wore retro-style clothing
and hairstyles to help create a late '70s concert look. Vintage, felt KISS pennants and banners
added a nice touch.
Detroit Rock City is a comedy about four teenaged buddies who go through a hellish obstacle course of disapproving parents, lost tickets and muggers to see their favorite band in concert. Darryl Andrews, 28, could identify. He made the trip with three pals from Newmarket in full KISS regalia. "We came here in the spirit of what the film is about," said Andrews, who added that he's been to 17 KISS concerts. "This is the music we loved as kids. It's always been with us." Nine-year-old Vance Michaud wasn't there the first time around but has managed to see KISS three times since. He came dressed from head to foot as Ace Frehley, whom he got to meet when he was pulled on stage between shots. "It felt good, I almost cried," Michaud said. "I was in the front row, and one of the security guards asked me if I wanted a guitar pick. I said, 'No, I want to meet them.' " KISS cover band Hotter Than Hell acted as stand-ins earlier in the day. Once the real KISS emerged, they served as ideal cheerleaders, whipping up the crowd and staying 'in character' between shots. With a keen eye for detail, Simmons saw to it that out-of-date costumes — ie a 1997 Simmons Halloween mask, 1979 body armour — were removed. Guitarist Stanley was particularly 'on,' even managing at one point to convince a svelt extra to remove her KISS top. A harried production assistant intervened before she could remove her bra. For his efforts, the assistant received a solid round of booing from the crowd — and Stanley. Later, it was Stanley who got booed when he got his geography confused. The same assistant was on hand to remind the singer he was in Hamilton, not Toronto. "We were going to film this in L.A.," Stanley told the audience. "But audiences up here in Toronto are so awesome. You're the real thing, Hamilton." I bet he says that to all the cities. |
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DECEMBER 6, 1998 | |
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KISS Kollector Online welcomes visitor No. 10,000 | |
| - From KISS Kollector, RH - | ||
| Today, a month and a half after this web site opened, we were proud to welcome visitor No. 10,000! KISS Kollector Online jump-started on October 20 and has been on a smooth ride ever since. People from no less than 50 countries have visited this site so far. Of course we are never satisfied and will keep working hard to expand this web site and make it better all the time. Please keep your comments coming in, they're much appreciated. You can always e-mail us at kiss@animalize.com. Any KISS-related news you may stumble across, can be reported to this address as well. In the meantime, we won't bother you with our visitor statistics anymore, until we hit 100,000.. ;-) | ||
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Vote for KISS in the Dutch Christmas album poll | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
| VARA's Teletekst (teletext service of a Dutch network) is conducting their annual Christmas poll again. You can vote for your favorite album of the year, and also for the album you disliked the most in 1998. Last year KISS' Carnival Of Souls was the number one album (in first category, mind you!), so if the KISS Army votes for Psycho Circus this time, we can be pretty sure KISS will once again be in the Top 10. Don't wait any longer and e-mail your most and least favorite album of this past year to kerstpoll@vara.nl. | ||
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DECEMBER 4, 1998 | |
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European KISS tour in February and March | |
| - From KISS Kollector, RH, special thanks to Florian Hedwig - | ||
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It looks like KISS will be getting ready for 3 to 4-week tour of Europe in late February and
March. Officially nothing has been confirmed, but it seems quite certain the Psycho Circus
World Tour is crossing the Atlantic early next year. According to the rumors, the European
leg will kick off in Helsinki (Finland) late February, followed by two or three dates in
Stockholm (Sweden), depending on the ticket sales.
Six shows in Germany, early March, are said to be confirmed already. KISS will probably play in Bremen, Erfurt, Berlin, Cologne (new indoor arena, 20.000 seater!), Frankfurt and the last German show will be in Stuttgart or Munich. The March 18 concert in the Prague Sports Hall (Czech Republic) is confirmed as well. Other countries included on this tour are said to be Austria, France and Italy. There is no word on dates for the UK, Holland, Belgium, Denmark or Norway at this point. It is to be expected, however, that at least the UK, Holland and Belgium will see some action. Rumor has it, Switzerland is not certain at this point and Spain and Portugal will be skipped altogether. An official announcement on the European tour is expected on Thursday, December 10. Tickets may go on sale as soon as Saturday, December 12. More news as soon as we get it. Please check the Psycho Tour section for a complete listing of tour dates, both confirmed and unconfirmed. |
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Lights, camera... KISS
They came, they filmed and the crowd went wild |
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| - From The Hamilton Spectator - | ||
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In the parlance of acting, this was not a stretch. Not for this tinsel-free town. About 6,000
rabid soldiers — the elite guard of the unwavering KISS Army — were on hand to
re-live 1978 for a while at Copps Coliseum last night, helping their kabuki-faced commanders
film a scene for the movie Detroit Rock City. And it was a match made beautifully in
hell. Hollywood meets Hamilton.
Asked to dress for the part, most aptly came as they were, not having to dig too deep in the closet for this wardrobe change. If you were in a lumberjack shirt, you were OK. Exposed navels were the inny thing, many puffed to a squint. "I've been a fan since Day 1 and I wouldn't miss this for the world. It's all I listen to," said Gerry Hill, a lifelong fan of the band who brought his wife, Nancy and daughter Sarah from Wellandport for the shoot. The throng, a few well-masked but others looking more like Halloween Al Jolsons, had to contend with the grind of movie production. Long boring delays punctuated by brief but fiery appearances by the band was the order of the evening, but folks managed to keep their cool as camera booms hovered around them. Sound and light technicians fiddled endlessly with equipment, and band members sympathetically entertained the crowd, preening themselves, signing autographs and flicking guitar picks into waiting hands. 
The plot of the flick, due out next year, centres on four kids — Hawk (Edward Furlong),
Lex (Giuseppe Andrews), Trip (James De Bello) and Jam (Sam Huntington) — and their
adventures trying to get into a KISS concert at Detroit's Cobo Hall, played with aplomb
last night by our very own Copps. Twenty years ago, 20 minutes ago, or 20 years from now,
it didn't matter to this loyal crew. This was time suspended, part live, part Memorex.
"I've got Paul Stanley posters wall-to-wall in my house and a tattoo of him on my butt," said 29-year-old Shawna Wolfe of Toronto, who resisted requests for a showing. "This is worth it. These guys are the best." Mark Murray of Hamilton has also been on board since the mid-'70s. He witnessed the original Love Gun tour when it swung through Kitchener 20 years ago. "This is very nostalgic," said the 37-year-old, "and they're much the same (as back then). They have a great chemistry on stage and the light shows just get better." It's true the nostalgic feel was everywhere. Stepping outside Copps, one expected to see teenagers tumbling out of yellow AMC Pacers and blue Chevy Novas on to Bay Street, wrapped in their brand new Star Wars t-shirts. Inside the arena, an impressive cache of '70s wigs were doled out to the extras, and the security staff all donned faux big-hair for the night. The garish neon seat coverings of Copps, too, fit perfectly into the retro motif. Murray attributes the band's ultra-loyal following to a mutual respect. "They really have great respect for their fans," he said. "And because they look the same, the fans can look up there and see that nothing's changed. "They've always done anything they've done to excess." Mark Andrews and his buddies from Newmarket arrived in full gear, and the 23-year-old seemed impressed when told he'd been noticed from the stage by KISS bassist Gene Simmons. Andrews, who was wearing a red cape, was informed by a crew member to take it off since it was actually 1979 tour attire. Simmons had noticed. "Really? Maybe he should get us backstage, then," he said with a chuckle. Be prepared to be smothered in KISS over the next 12 months, at least. In addition to the movie and their ongoing Psycho Circus tour, there'll be a New Year's Eve date with Dick Clark, a pre-coin toss appearance at the Super Bowl, and a Playboy cover in February. |
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Request KISS through MTV Europe's Select MTV | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
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MTV Europe has added the Psycho Circus video to the 'jukebox' of their Select MTV show.
You can request your favorite video by sending e-mail to
selectvideos@mtvne.com or by
visiting the MTV Europe web site. At this
time however, the song hasn't been added on the site yet. You may also phone or fax MTV Europe
in the UK at these numbers: +44 0171 757 7001 (phone), +44 0171 478 6003 (fax).
Select MTV airs live monday to friday from 16:00 - 18:00 CET. The most requested videos will be added to the show's play list. So, start requesting Psycho Circus now! |
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The Second Coming home video reviewed | |
| - A fan review, by David Ficociello - | ||
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The Second Coming, the latest video from the KISS catalogue is by all means *the best*
KISS video released to date! Tommy Thayer has done a fantastic job in putting together
footage that the die-hard fans will enjoy, as well as someone who is new to KISS. The way that
this works, is because there is a narrator throughout the whole video, making it seem like a
documentary, not just a music video. The video is two tapes long and runs for a little over
two hours.
It starts off with the history of the band, going back to 1973. Pictures of Gene and Paul from the 60's taken from the KISSTORY book are shown. Throughout the entire video, each member of the band says a few lines about what was happening at the various time frames. It goes through all the make-up tours very quickly and then goes straight to the 1995 KISS Conventions and the infamous MTV Unplugged session. Next is the best stuff. They go to Gene's house to try on the costumes for the first time. You see the band trying on all the gear. You see Paul in his Love Gun costume without make-up, and Ace as well. You get to see Gene and Peter applying the make-up... footage never shown to fans before. There is backstage footage of the Grammy's. You have got to see the look on people's faces when KISS walks in... the media taking pictures like crazy! Next, are the rehearsals for the tour without make-up. but Gene, Paul and Ace are wearing their boots and doing the synchronized part at the end of Deuce. The video then goes on to show the plans and preparation for the Alive/Worldwide tour. They go through the backstage footage with manager Doc McGhee. You get to see Paul and Gene's mothers backstage before the Madison Square Garden shows and KISS meeting with Bill Aucoin for the first time in 16 years. There is a scene with Gene's son on his lap. Peter's daughter is also in the video a few times. What makes the video so interesting is that there is always clips and talking constantly from the band, crew, fans. They touch upon the Castle Donnington show, Tokyo Dome, three nights at the Forum and pretty well all the mayhem from the tour is shown here. Footage from many of the photo sessions that KISS did with Barry Levine is included... very cool. The last part of the tape is an outtake of the most recent Psycho Circus photo session with Levine. This video is an absolute must and is recommended for all KISS fans as well as fans just getting into KISS! |
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DECEMBER 3, 1998 | |
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KISS meets G.O.D. Gathering of Developers announces deal with legendary rock group KISS and newly formed high-powered development house Bloodshot Entertainment to create game based on KISS's Psycho Circus Comics Series by Todd McFarlane |
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| - From Business Wire - | ||
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DALLAS, TX — Put on your kabuki make-up, black leather and metallic studs, and stick out
your tongue in your best Gene Simmons impression, KISS is going digital! Developer-driven
computer and video game publisher Gathering of Developers today announced a publishing deal
with new developer group, Bloodshot Entertainment, to create a game based on the best-selling
KISS Psycho Circus comics and action figures series by Todd McFarlane.
Bloodshot Entertainment, comprised of designers, artists and programmers formerly of ION Storm, is developing a 3D action game that integrates McFarlane's rendition of the KISS 'universe' with the likeness of the legendary KISS members and their music. The game will be published in the U.S. by Gathering of Developers, and Take 2 Interactive will co-publish the title in Europe. The Gathering has secured the KISS: Psycho Circus license for all game platforms. "Our shows are a sensory ambush — filled with hard-core rock and roll, cutting-edge technology, and in-your-face action," proclaims Gene Simmons, KISS vocalist and bassist. "We are working with Bloodshot to convey that same raw electric excitement in this game." Simmons continued, "We aren't all gamers ourselves, but we got the word that The Gathering was the place to call if we wanted a guarantee of quality and artist recognition. Besides, it's good to have G.O.D. on our side for once!" KISS is a rock and roll institution that has transcended the rock fiefdom to command its own enduring and defiantly unique legacy. With over 80 million records sold, sold out tours, a succession of gold and platinum awards (second only to The Beatles) and 25 year career, KISS continue to boldly thrive in the face of changing fashion and musical trends as rock and roll survivors. Their latest LP, Psycho Circus (Polygram), released in October, has just gone gold, for a total of 30 KISS gold albums to date. "I have wanted to do a KISS game for years," said Mike Wilson, CEO of Gathering of Developers. "The opportunity to be working with great creative talent at Bloodshot Entertainment and KISS was just too good to be true. Gene and the rest of the band are truly psyched about the possibilities for this game, as is the Bloodshot crew." "As huge and cool as the KISS license is, we needed to be sure that we could deliver a game that would satisfy the millions of hard-core gamers and KISS fans," said Will Loconto, Bloodshot Entertainment. "Once we checked out Todd McFarlane's KISS comics, we saw how perfectly this universe lends itself to a kick-ass game." Currently on tour for its Psycho Circus album featuring all four original members — Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss — the band has several other licensed properties that are selling as hot as the concerts. Todd McFarlane Productions, in association with Sony Signatures, publishes the monthly comic book KISS Psycho Circus which experienced the largest sales increase for a newly introduced comic book in 1997. KISS Psycho Circus expands upon the mystique of KISS by developing macabre, circus-type story lines. In addition, KISS action figures from McFarlane Toy's have also consistently sold out. A feature film called Detroit Rock City, which tells the story of four teenage boys going to a KISS concert in the 70's, is being produced by New Line Cinema and scheduled for a 1999 release. KISS generated over $150 million in ticket sales for its 1996-97 world tour, which was the number one grossing tour that year. They performed 200 shows in 24 countries to over 2 million people. Generating $30 million in tour merchandise, KISS sold over $1.2 million at the Tokyo Dome alone. Founded in Dallas, TX in December 1997, Gathering of Developers is a developer-driven computer and video game publishing company. The company's mission is to be the worldwide leader in the development and delivery of commercially successful computer game software designed for a range of platforms. The company's pioneering partners are industry leaders and proven hit makers 3D Realms, Epic MegaGames, PopTop Software, Ritual Entertainment, Terminal Reality Inc and Edge of Reality. For more information visit Gathering of Developers web site at www.godgames.com. |
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KISS references on Unhappily Ever After | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
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In an episode of Married... With Children ripoff Unhappily Ever After, as
aired on Dutch TV by Veronica last night, there were several KISS references. In one scene,
where Jack and Mr. Floppy were having one of their regular conversations, they suddenly
started making fun out of old rock bands. It didn't take long until KISS was mentioned.
Jack said: "KISS still rock. They made a comeback..." to which Mr. Floppy replied: "Yeah, they're still fat and bold", and: "I prefer rats over KISS. Rats shit too, but they don't make an album out of it." A little while later Mr. Floppy said: "Gene Simmons can only clean windshields with his tongue." In a breakfast scene, Jack's daughter also mentioned KISS. |
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DECEMBER 2, 1998 | |
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KISS on the cover of go figure! | |
| - From KISSONLINE - | ||
The latest issue, #9, of go figure!, the toy culture magazine, has the new 24" KISS figures
gracing the cover. Inside is a six page story on Fun 4 All and Art Asylum who created these
incredible figures. If you are interested in obtaining a copy of go figure!, visit their web
site at www.gofiguremagazine.com.
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Do you want KISS in the Dutch Top 100 of All Time? | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
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TMF, a Dutch music video station similar to MTV Europe, and Radio 538 will air their Top 100
of All Time on December 27. You can help them put the Top 100 together by e-mailing your
favorite 10 singles (they have to be at least one year old) by 10 different acts.
If the KISS Army votes for I Was Made For Lovin' You (KISS' most popular song in Holland — so some other people who are not KISS fans will probably also vote for this song!), we can expect KISS to appear in the Top 100 of All Time. The URL of TMF's web site is: www.tmf.nl. Go to the menu on the left, click on 'What's Hot' and then click on 'Eeuwige Honderd'. Fill in your Name, E-mail address, and your ten favorite songs of all time. Click on 'Versturen naar TMF/Radio 538' to send in your list. |
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DECEMBER 1, 1998 | |
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New issue of KK Magazine goes to print this week | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
Issue 27 of KISS Kollector Magazine goes to print later this week. Once the issue comes out,
you'll be able to check out:
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KISS fighting lasers | |
| - From MTV Online - | ||
KISS berated a member of the audience at their East Rutherford, New Jersey's Continental
Airlines Arena show Sunday night for shining a hand held laser light in drummer Peter Criss's
eyes when he took to the front of the stage to offer up his solo karaoke version of Beth.
According to fan reports, Criss completed the song in spite of the beam, said a perfunctory, "God bless you all," but then stalked to the side of the stage, grabbed a mic and angrily added, "I'll take that laser and shove it up your ass." When the rest of the band returned to the stage, singer Paul Stanley reiterated Criss's comment, and challenged the responsible party and anybody else with the pointers, to come up on stage for a fight. "In every crowd, there's one or two people who don't belong here," said Stanley, according to a report from The Associated Press. "Now, I know you want to bring it to school tomorrow when you go to sixth grade, but leave it at home when you go to the show." The band's fight against the trendy lasers, which are banned from concerts but easy to conceal, is not a new one. At an earlier show last week at State College, Pennsylvania, Stanley had an almost identical comment about the pointers. "There are some real great people here tonight," he reportedly told the crowd, "but there's always two assholes with a laser. And if you keep shining that laser on me I'm going to take it and shove it up your ass." |
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