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| News Archive / July 1-31, 1999 | ||
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KISS NEWS IN JULY 1999 | AUGUST 1, 1999 |  |
| 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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JULY 29, 1999 |  |
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KISS 7-inch single-track on indie label | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
Believe it or not, but on August 31 KISS will see their classic track Detroit Rock City end up on a 7-inch single, released by an indie label called Lookout Records. Actually, it will be the B-side to The Donnas' version of KISS' Strutter as recorded for the soundtrack of the KISS movie Detroit Rock City. There will only be 5000 copies of the vinyl single. The full story can be found on MTV Online at www.mtv.com/news/headlines/990727/story9.html, including some RealVideo footage of an interview with The Donnas.
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Illegal KISS CD-R's destroyed in Russia | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
| Remember our July 8 update in which we mentioned the (illegal) set of 6 CD-R's from Russia consisting of KISS music in MP3 format, entitled MP3 KISS Collection? In the July 28 edition of free Dutch newspaper Sp!ts a photo of these and other illegal CD-R's appeared. The KISS discs can clearly be seen on the foreground. According to the photo caption the Russian police and anti-piracy association destroyed half a million illegal CD's. Apparently, more than 90 percent of Russia's software is illegal. | ||
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Detroit track live on Late Show with David Letterman | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
| According to Island/Def Jam, the label that will release the Detroit Rock City soundtrack album, one of the songs from the album will be played live on August 17. Everclear appears on The Late Show with David Letterman that Tuesday, to perform The Boys Are Back In Town. | ||
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Tale Of The Fox video goes global | |
| - From KISS Asylum - | ||
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Due to overwhelming pre sale response, Big Dog Presents and Creative Worx are proud to announce that the Eric Carr: Tale Of The Fox video will be distributed worldwide by Thoughtscape Sounds. With an international clientele as well as global distribution partners, Thoughtscape was the natural choice for a project of this importance.
Thoughtscape CEO Scott Sosebee had this to say: "When Nick Fa-Kouri and Jack Sawyers came to me with this project, I couldn't wait to get involved. Eric was such a positive force in this business, it only seemed right that we at Thoughtscape should attempt to give something back. It felt like a natural from the start and we couldn't be happier to be involved. With the quality of the projects that my partners have worked on in the past, we feel this will be another important piece of music history. In fact, it should come as no surprise that this is only the first of many collaborations between Thoughtscape Sounds, Big Dog Presents and Creative Worx." Those who sent orders to BDP will receive their confirmation letter from Thoughtscape in the mail. This partnership with Thoughtscape will also facilitate the addition of credit card orders, both online and offline, so keep checking the official Tale Of The Fox web site at www.kissasylum.com/taleofthefox for more information about ordering by credit card, as it becomes available. |
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JULY 26, 1999 | |
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KISS wrestlers in Dutch newspaper | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
| One of Holland's biggest nationwide newspapers, Algemeen Dagblad, ran a short piece on the KISS wrestlers in their Friday, July 23 edition: "The rock band KISS will soon start and sponsor a professional wrestling team, that's going to participate in the in America hugely popular wrestling competition. The four musicians are currently having auditions for the fighters who will be known as The Warriors Of KISS. They will appear in the arenas, fire breathing in the wellknown KISS make-up. Earlier, KISS tried to make money with the sales of their own dolls, comics and videos." | ||
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KISS' record company to make music available digitally | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
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Universal Music Group, not only just KISS' record company but also the largest music company in the world, has announced it will make its music available in digital formats. These formats can be played on hardware being made by RioPort, Panasonic and Toshiba. Universal will make their artists' music compatible with new devices for playing songs that have been downloaded from the Internet.
MTV Networks has also secured a deal with RioPort, so the audio content furnished to MTV Online is to include music from Universal labels such as Island, Def Jam and Geffen. RioPort and Universal will work closely together to promote Universal's music content. For a while it has been desired to provide digitally downloadable music within the parameters of the newly established SDMI, which brought together the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America), major labels and product manufacturers on a proposal that has to gradually phase out illegally downloaded MP3 files. |
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JULY 22, 1999 | |
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Gordon G.G. Gebert talks about his books and more | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
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Because our July 18 update of the Features section was the first one in months, we already present the next Features update today: an interview with Gordon G.G. Gebert. Gordon is known as a former best friend of Ace Frehley's and used to run the Rock Soldiers fanclub for Frehley's Comet, until Ace and Gordon got into a flaming row, which continues until today. Check out what Gordon has to say about KISS' cancelled Russian Tour, the two books he wrote about his days with Ace, how KISS reacted to Gordon's books, his next book and much more.
Click here to go to Features |
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JULY 18, 1999 | |
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One more reminder of our 'Gene's 50th birthday project' | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
Four months ago today, on March 18, we revealed our special project to surprise Gene on his 50th birthday for the first time. As you might know, 'The Demon' turns 50 on August 25, two days after the band's performance in Las Vegas for WCW Nitro. KISS Kollector Fanclub — The European KISS Army — wants to present Gene with a special gift in which you can participate.
Just send us a photo of yourself (preferably without make-up) sticking out your tongue in true Gene 'The Demon' Simmons style, plus a few lines in which you explain how Gene has influenced your life. If you don't feel like sticking out your tongue, any other typical Gene pose is welcome too. You can e-mail your contribution (photo plus short text) to kiss@animalize.com (please attach your picture as a JPEG/JPG file), or you can send it by regular mail to: KISS Kollector Fanclub P.O. Box 1159 1200 BD Hilversum Holland If you don't mind, please also state your name, address, age and profession, so Gene can get a 'picture' of the fans behind the photos. Any other personal info is welcome, but please make sure you don't include anything that you don't want to see published. We will collect all contributions and probably have it turned into some kind of book, which Gene will get late August. As the magic day is coming closer and closer, please don't wait too long before sending your contribution. This could be a great way to have your photo lying on Gene's coffee table. So don't hesitate and send your material to us right away! |
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Find out what to expect on Tale Of The Fox | |
| - From Loretta Caravello and KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
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The creators of the Tale Of The Fox video proudly invite you inside the world of Eric 'The Fox' Carr. You will be taken on an extraordinary journey of his life from his growing up as a boy in Brooklyn to his rise to glory as drummer for one of the most successful and exciting bands in Rock 'n' Roll history... KISS.
Now for the first time anywhere! Live the story of Eric's life through rare footage, childhood photos and behind the scene photos of his KISS career. Enjoy interviews and footage from all over the world. We open up to you, Eric's private photo albums and home videos. See exclusive footage of Eric at home as he takes control of the camera and gives you a guided tour. Enjoy his unique sense of humor through his own drawings and recollections from those who knew him. Including never before seen video footage from the archives of Carrie Stevens (his last girlfriend) and Bruce Kulick (his band mate in KISS). Hear the stories you did not know about Eric Carr, as you find out the many amazing things that have occurred in his life. Enjoy the comical artwork he would often draw at KISS rehearsals. View genuine ink renderings of his Rockheads animated characters he created in 1986. Learn about all of Eric's pre-KISS bands through rare photos, interviews and unreleased original music. Watch actual footage of Eric being interviewed in 1974 about the tragic fire at Gulliver's Discotheque where his band Creation was performing. Be the first to hear numerous never released songs performed and written by Eric Carr during his eleven year career with KISS. Many of these songs were to appear on KISS albums. We are proud to announce that a portion of the sales from this video will be donated to the Eric Carr Foundation for Children's Cancer Research. Eric loved children and we honor his memory by helping the cause he was so passionate about. Eric was a very gifted, talented and loved performer. This video is dedicated to him and his family who have helped keep his memory alive. Please reserve your copy now: Official Eric Carr video Tale Of The Fox. Scheduled released date: end of August. To reserve your copy today: pre-order to guarantee your order.
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Golden Earring's Barry Hay shares KISS anecdotes | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
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We thought it was about time to have an something new in the Features section. With Dutch rockers Golden Earring having released a new album called Paradise In Distress earlier this year, why not feature an interview with their lead singer Barry Hay, in which he talks about KISS’ early days, when they opened for the Earring on their US tour? If you want read some great KISS anecdotes, then check out this interview, which first appeared in the June 1998 issue of KISS Kollector Magazine.
Click here to go to Features |
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JULY 15, 1999 | |
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Many great prizes to be won in KISS Kollector Kontest | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
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Another great KISS Kollector Fanclub contest, in fact it's the first one on the KISS Kollector Online web site. Thanks to the wonderful people at Juniorpress, who publish the KISS: Psycho Circus comics in Holland, we have ten copies of the second issue of the Dutch edition of KISS: Psycho Circus (Image Special 15) up for grabs. Plus five copies of the awesome French made Carnival Of Souls CD booklets donated by Florent Villeret. To try and win one of these great prizes, all you have to do is answer five simple questions.
If that's not enough for you please also check out our other current contest, in the June issue of KISS Kollector Magazine. In that contest we have no less than 15 copies of the Dutch KISS: Psycho Circus, another five copies of the Carnival Of Souls booklet, and a copy of the rare 45rpm vinyl single of Shandi (a 4-track EP from Mexico) to be won! It's a completely different contest, with different questions, so please feel free to participate in both contests by KISS Kollector Fanclub. Click here for the online contest |
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KISS to perform live on Today Show and WCW Nitro | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
| On August 11, KISS will receive their star on Hollywood's legendary Walk Of Fame. The festivity will be presented by Dick Clark. Two days later the band will be in New York to perform live on the Today Show. KISS is also scheduled to play live on World Championship Wrestling (WCW) Nitro on August 23, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Tickets go on sale on July 17. And apparently, Gene has signed a contract with WCW to develop a series of wrestlers resembling the KISS band members. | ||
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KISS in UK's Top 50 of most bootlegged artists | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
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While Led Zeppelin have been named as the most bootlegged artist in the UK by the Anti-Piracy Unit of the British Phonographic Industry recently, KISS appears at number 27. Or, at least in the Top 50 as listed by the APU following their latest round of clamp downs on bootleg CD traders in the UK. The latest APU figures only cover recordings available on CD, vinyl or video and go no way towards gauging the extent of bootlegging of artists on the Internet. On a worldwide base, at least based upon our figures, KISS would easily be at the number 4 or 5 spot, even if it only would be for bootleg CD's. So, why the APU has only found or listed so few illegal KISS titles remains a mistery.
In a statement the APU says: "The picture of bootleg manufacturing has altered with Taiwan and Singapore together now counting for almost half of all bootleg product imported into the UK. As a result of harmonization of European copyright laws there has been a significant reduction in the amount of bootleg product manufactured in Europe, most notably in Italy. Current areas of concern include the Czech Republic and other former Eastern Bloc territories, some of which are actively seeking EC membership." According to the APU's latest findings the Top 50 Most Bootlegged Artists In The UK are (including number of illegal titles): Led Zeppelin 384, The Beatles 320, The Rolling Stones 317, Bob Dylan 301, Prince 270, Bruce Springsteen 232, U2 224, Eric Clapton 194, Pink Floyd 188, Jimi Hendrix 170, The Grateful Dead 146, Neil Young 166, Metallica 160, Pearl Jam 144, Guns N' Roses 126, Nirvana 126, REM 126, Elvis Presley 121, Genesis 109, Queen 106, Depeche Mode 103, David Bowie 96, Bon Jovi 95, Cure 95, Paul McCartney 93, KISS 88, Deep Purple 82, Stevie Ray Vaughan 74, The Doors 70, The Sisters Of Mercy 69, Yes 65, Oasis 63, Madonna 61, The Who 59, Aerosmith 56, Jethro Tull 53, Tori Amos 50, John Lennon 50, Van Morrison 49, Dire Straits 48, King Crimson 45, Peter Gabriel 44, Smashing Pumpkins 43, Sting 42, Beach Boys 41, Rush 41, Michael Jackson 40, Elton John 40, Elvis Costello 39, Red Hot Chili Peppers 39. |
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JULY 12, 1999 | |
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KISS mentioned in interviews in Aardschok magazine | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
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The July issue of Holland's only hard rock/heavy metal magazine, Aardschok, includes interviews with Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and The Hellacopters' Kenny Hellacopter. Both rockers mention KISS in their interviews. When asked: What are the ambitions of a band that has seen and reached everything? Is money the most important drive, just like KISS openly admitted? Tyler responds: "The spirit is what keeps us together, a chemistry that especially works live on stage. KISS might openly admit that they only do it for the money. That doesn't mean that we have the same opinion. Aerosmith toilet paper isn't our ambition. We think it's far more important to perform in countries where we haven't played before. When Gene Simmons gets up in the morning, the first thing he thinks about is making money."
Kenny Hellacopter from Swedish rockers The Hellacopters (who are big KISS fans) however, says: "In the studio they had to laugh about our way of working. We played the producer two KISS records: Rock And Roll Over and Dressed To Kill. That's the guitar sound we want, we told producer Anders Lind (who once recorded a jam session between Jimi Hendrix and two Swedish musicians). He experimented a little with microphones from the seventies, and there it was: the sound we wanted! One of the songs on Grande Rock is called Paul Stanley. It consists of riffs, solos and intros like the KISS guitarist plays 'em. Call it a tribute, if you'd like." |
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Psycho Circus game released in first quarter of 2000 | |
| - From KISS Kollector, RH - | ||
According to the information on the GameSpot web site, Psycho Circus: The Nightmare Child will be released in the first quarter of next year. This indicates the game has been pushed back somewhat. KISS first ever computer game will be published by The Gathering of Developers and is being developed by Third Law. If you want to get an impression of what it's going to look like, please check out the GameSpot screen shots here on KISS Kollector Online (click on the links at the bottom of this article).
The Third Law web site describes the game like this: "The KISS Psycho Circus game is a first-person perspective shooter that aims to put the 'A' back in action for the genre, and to challenge the concept of what an intense 3D shooter experience is. The player must do battle with hordes of demonic critters, and should expect more enemies on-screen than has been seen in a long, long time. The demon-spawn are the creations of an unborn evil that by its very conception is corrupting the fabric of reality. The aim of the game then, is to avoid the birth of this Nightmare Child, thereby preventing the unraveling of our universe. Taking the role of The Elder (the KISS-character’s alter egos) the player will, as the game progresses, see himself go from being a mere mortal to becoming a creature with God-like powers." "Each KISS character represents a different flavor of game-experience, having unique game-locations, challenges and powers. The KISS costumes (or 'Elder Armor', as they’re known in the game) come in five pieces, which must be assembled by the player. Each piece boosts a given characteristic and equips the Elder with special powers to fight against the growing menace of the Nightmare Child." "Similarly, the levels the characters traverse reflect each element. The Celestial’s (Ace Frehley) episode is the realm of Air, with altered laws of physics and a hint of sci-fi flavor. The Starbearer‘s (Paul Stanley) levels reflect his character as well as the Water element, putting the player in a moist, fog-laden aristocratic environment. The Demon (Gene Simmons) travels the post-apocalyptic Fire realm, where it rains fire and destruction. The Earth realm, the world of the Beast Creature (Peter Criss) is full of caves, canyons and forests, where civilized structures appear to be abandoned and overgrown." A special feature on the GameSpot web site tells you more about the game and also contains an interview with the designers. Click here to read it. GameSpot also has short preview movie available, which you can download from their server. It's a nice movie, but it only last 1 minute and 20 seconds, while the file (kissmovie.zip) is 26,52 MB in size. Therefore it's probably not a good idea to get the file if you use a regular dial-up connection. Macintosh users should also be aware that the movie is in AVI-format. If you think it's worth the effort anyway, click here to start downloading. Finally, developers Third Law also feature the game on their web site. Click here to check it out. 
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KISS in Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame? | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
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Late June we reported that KISS will get its own star on Hollywood's legendary Walk Of Fame, but finally the band will also be eligible for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. An artist can only get inducted into the Hall Of Fame 25 years after their first album was released. Of course, KISS' self-titled debut album (and also the band's second album Hotter Than Hell) was released back in 1974.
The names of 19 artists who are now eligible for the first time — including KISS — have been issued by the Hall Of Fame, of which only 15 will be nominated early fall. The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Foundation's nominating committee (composed of rock and roll historians) selects the nominees each year. Ballots are sent to an international voting body of about 1,000 rock experts. Those performers who receive the highest number of votes, and more than 50% of the vote, are inducted. The Foundation generally inducts only five to seven performers each year. For questions about inductions or to suggest inductees you can contact: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation 1290 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10104 USA Or check out their web site at forums.rockhall.com. |
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Playboy model Cindy Guyer tells Gene to 'KISS off' | |
| - From New York Daily News Online - | ||
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Playboy model Cindy Guyer has a message for rocker Gene Simmons: 'kiss off'. Guyer, who counts herself a fan of Simmons' 'KISS' group, tells me she got word to Simmons recently requesting his autograph on a copy of the March Playboy. The magazine had KISS on the cover and featured a pictorial of Guyer inside. Simmons sent a message back to Guyer that he'd gladly supply his autograph, if he could do it in person. Guyer says she okayed a meeting, and suggested the lobby of the Sunset Marquee Hotel in Los Angeles, which is near her home.
Well, the meeting took place last week, but it didn't go quite as Guyer had expected. "He came on very strong, and kept trying to hug and kiss me," she says. "I told him, 'Could you please chill out a little bit?' All I wanted was an autograph. Nothing more." Simmons' manager, Doc McGhee, says that Simmons' alleged behavior is uncharacteristic for Gene. "He's far from star-struck," says McGhee, "far from girl-struck." And by the way, Guyer has yet to get her autograph. |
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JULY 8, 1999 | |
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Detroit soundtrack out on August 2 in Holland | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
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The other day the record company sent us a couple of faxes regarding the Detroit Rock City soundtrack, including artwork, track listing and info for retailers. We have the most important info typed out below for you. Mercury Records in Holland informed us the soundtrack will be out over here one day earlier than the US release: on August 2.
The final track listing for (Music From The Motion Picture) Detroit Rock City differs slightly from the one we already mentioned on June 19, and it differs quite a bit from the tentative track listing as on the retailer info sheet. Here's what the final track listing reads like:
As for radio, a CD pro for KISS' Nothing Can Keep Me From You will be serviced to AOR, Heritage Rock, CHR and AC/NAC radio on July 9 for an impact date of July 19. A second CD pro of the Marilyn Manson track will be serviced closer to release date. As for retail, stickers and teaser streamers will be sent to retail staff in advance of street date to build awareness and promote the release. As for advertising: "We will look to advertise in national glossies, strong rock fanzines and rock weeklies and key lifestyle publications upon release. We will also book time buys at radio in strong airplay/sales markets as the singles develop." On the film poster it says: "4 guys. 3 muggings. 2 babes in distress. 1 robbery. 0 tickets. What a way to see a show!" (The film poster pictured here is slightly different and does not contain this text.) The artwork for the CD reads "Music From The Motion Picture Detroit Rock City". The cartoon of the four guys (the same drawing as on the flimflammer, but without all the people — cast, crew, etc. — and the KISS logo behind them) is pictured underneath.
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Chip Rock's Outtakes photo book delayed once again | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
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Studio Chikara's upcoming book, Outtakes by Chip Rock Dayton, has been rescheduled for early September 1999 release. "In order to have Outtakes completed by our high-quality standards, this delay couldn't be avoided," says publisher Robert V. Conte. "We've added 16 additional pages including more photographs and more text essential to this book. Fans who paid $24.95 for 144 pages will not be charged additional money for what is now a 160-page book. That's one of several ways we're saying thanks for fans being so patient with us."
Customers who keep their original orders not only get a low-numbered copy signed by Chip Rock, they will also receive two 8" X 10" photographs and an excerpt from Lydia Criss' upcoming book, Sealed With A KISS — The Lydia Criss Scrapbook. These items will be shipped with every order. Also, Studio Chikara will grant immediate refunds to those who want it. Customers may e-mail stuchikara@aol.com with a refund request. Meanwhile, check out these pictures of two test prints.
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New prices for Tale Of The Fox video | |
| - From KISS Kollector, JvP - | ||
| Recently we reported about the upcoming Eric 'The Fox' Carr video and how its title changed from Inside The Fox into Tale Of The Fox. The other day Eric's sister Loretta Caravello informed us the prices have been slightly altered. Check out the official web site for new prices and other info: www.kissasylum.com/taleofthefox. | ||
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FBI bust KISS movie bootlegs | |
| - From MuchMusic - | ||
| Even though the premiere of the KISS movie Detroit Rock City is still almost two months away, several members of the KISS army have already seen the film... illegally! Bootleg copies of the film were being auctioned on the eBay web site for $50 each. The distributor however, turned out not to be the sharpest knife in the drawer since the ad he had posted listed all of his customer's e-mail information so that they could vouch for the quality of the film. Needless to say, the FBI was called in and apparently was able to retrieve all of the illegal copies, which were actually still in unfinished versions. The 'original' bootleg apparently came from a New York City bootlegger who is now being sought after by police. | ||
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Lots of new KISS releases in Russia | |
| - From KISS Kollector, RH, special thanks to Vladimir Ilyin - | ||
With the Russian KISS cancelled, the number of KISS albums on the music market over there has exploded. Some titles of officially licensed CD's are:
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