Tag: KISS
5 Vie’s Verses – Which Album Should Kiss Perform In Its Entirety?
It’s happened a lot lately. Currently, Rush is performing Moving Pictures in its entirety on their Time Machine Tour. Aerosmith performed Toys In The Attic during their 2009 summer tour. Springsteen, Iron Maiden, and Roger Waters all have done it, and the trend seems to becoming even more and more popular. Performing an album in its entirety has almost become cliché, yet the fans still love it when it happens.
Technically, Kiss has already done this as well. On their Alive 35 tour, Kiss played their first live album, Alive, in its entirety, but personally, I don’t think that really counts. However, what it would be like if Kiss decided to play an entire studio album while out on tour? Which album would they choose? Which album would the fans want to hear? What album would you want to hear?
Personally, it would be my dream come true to hear all of Destroyer. Not only is it the best Kiss album ever recorded, it also contains the one Kiss song that I have always wanted to hear in concert, “Sweet Pain”. With the exception of a failed acoustical attempt at a couple of the 1995 Kiss Kon performances, this song has never been played live by the band.” Sweet Pain” is the only song from Destroyer that has never been performed.” Great Expectations” was played during the Alive IV Symphony concert and “Flaming Youth” was a staple of the Destroyer tour. Good bootlegs of this song live can be found just about anywhere.
If the band ever were to play Destroyer in its entirety, they would have to include the introduction to the album too. You know, where the newscaster is discussing the head on collision in Detroit, and then (presumably Ace) gets into his car, blares “Rock And Roll All Nite” and heads out on the highway. If Kiss chose to open the concert with this full album performance, that would be the best band introduction ever, and could even trump the usual “You wanted the best… you got the best” line they’ve used forever.
Packed with some of their greatest (and timeless) hits, Destroyer is the logical choice for Kiss to perform in its entirety. Not only are “Detroit Rock City”, “God Of Thunder”, and “Do You Love Me” on this album, but there is also “King Of The Nighttime World”, “Beth”, and “Shout It Out Loud”. Most of these songs are played on almost every Kiss tour. And anyone who knows Kiss well, knows that Gene does not like to learn songs for tours (hence every Kiss tour containing similar setlists). This would alleviate most of that concern, as Kiss would only have to practice “Sweet Pain”, “Flaming Youth”, and “Great Expectations”.
While this may never happen, it is something worth speculating. The current rumor is that Kiss is going back into the studio at the end of this tour to record a new album. However, should something arise to delay that, performing an entire album on next summer’s tour would be an incredible substitute for a brand new studio album. And with Kiss, we all know that anything is possible.
2 KISS Becomes First Band To Introduce Live Interactive Concert Photo Experience For Fans
KISS, the iconic American rock band that has sold more than 80 million albums, played for millions and become an integral part of the American culture, has just notched another first in their long list of stellar achievements: Liveshare by Cooliris featuring KISS (www.cooliris.com/liveshare-kiss), an exciting mobile photo-sharing application that will launch on KISS’ The Hottest Show on Earth tour this summer.
Fans attending The Hottest Show on Earth tour, KISS’ biggest, loudest, most over-the-top concert tour ever that kicked-off July 23 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, will become the first to have photos of KISS, themselves, and their friends experiencing the raw power and excitement of a live KISS concert, appear live on giant KISS video screens.
Through a free downloadable app, KISS fans can snap photos during the concert with the highlights being displayed on the KISS jumbo screen. Users will also be able to share photos to Facebook and Twitter, bringing their friends into the live concert experience.
The new KISS Liveshare experience is the first time that the excitement and energy of a concert can be shared in real time with friends and fans that can’t be at the live event. Photos taken at the Hottest Show on Earth will appear on Facebook and KISSonline while the event is unfolding, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the concert photos through the popular Cooliris 3D wall.
KISS is excited to be able to bring this awesome concert experience to fans wherever they may be.
The free Liveshare app featuring KISS will be available for download at the iTunes Store and Android Market.
KISS is the first band ever to launch such a highly-interactive and socially-engaging fan photo experience. KISS and Live Nation Merchandise partnered with Los Angeles-based new media firm Riot House (www.theriothouse.com) and Cooliris (www.cooliris.com), innovator of the fastest and most stunning way to engage with media on desktops or devices, to bring KISS Liveshare to fans on The Hottest Show on Earth tour.
The Hottest Show on Earth tour, produced by Live Nation, will trek through a mix of arenas and amphitheaters throughout North America. KISS is giving back to the United States Armed Forces by donating one dollar from each ticket sold to benefit the Wounded Warrior Care Project (www.projectaugusta.org).
KISS is also partnering with Guitar Center, the world’s largest musical instrument retailer, for Guitar Center On-Stage, an unsigned band competition that will provide emerging artists the chance to open for KISS at 22 of the band’s tour stops. In addition, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley will choose one grand-prize winner to receive a $10,000 Guitar Center shopping spree among other prizes. For more information, visit www.GConstage.com.
KISS is also a great family value this summer. Up to four kids (under 14 years of age) get in free with the purchase of one adult lawn ticket.
1 Hard Rock Hideout Radio Play List for 6/2/10
Do you want to hear the best new hard rock on the radio? The best new rock is at Hard Rock Hideout Radio first! Tune in to Hard Rock Hideout Radio every Wednesday night at 9 P.M. CST online at www.kacvfm.org on in Amarillo, Texas at FM 90. This week’s show featured new music from Suburban Tribe, Hellyeah, H.I.M. , Negative, Kissin’ Dynamite, Sister Sin, Jackyl, Grand Design, Pretty Maids, Rush, Raven, Masterplan, Broken Teeth, SNEW, Taddy Porter, Chris Laney, RATT and a whole lot more. Check below for the complete play list!
Hard Rock Hideout Radio Play List for 6/2/10
While The World Awaits – Suburban Tribe
Dirty Little Rock Star – The Cult
Hell of A Time – Hellyeah
Kiss Me Undead – 69 Eyes
Heartkiller – H.I.M.
The End of the Line – Negative
Midnight Mover – Accept
Addicted To Metal – Kissin’ Dynamite
Outrage – Sister Sin
Scream (Until You Like It) – W.A.S.P.
Action – Sweet
Little Willy – Sweet
Fox On The Run – Sweet
She’s Not A Drug – Jackyl (Pick of the Week)
Bring You Down – Riot Brides
Air It Out – Grand Design
Little Drops of Heaven – Pretty Maids
Heat of Emotion – Zeno
Gutters of Gold – Sunstorm
Man Against The World – Eden’s Curse
Caravans – Rush
Trainwreck – Raven
Far From The End of the World – Masterplan
Viva La Rock Fantastico – Broken Teeth
Cocaine – Black Robot
Bad Lovin’ Never Felt So Good – Stonerider
Feedback & Distortion – Snew
My Moonshine – Jackyl (Pick of the Week)
Deep Inside My Heart – Rock City Angels
Excitable – Def Leppard
Love So Bad – Chris Laney
Dirty Dream – Thunder
Take A Big Bite – Ratt
Never Enough – Kiss
The Wild Life – Slaughter
Ride – Dirty Skirty
Shake Me – Taddy Porter
Dirty Water – Snowblynd
Overnight Superstar – The Glitterati
Sometimes – Middle Finger Mob
Can’t Get Enough – Miss Crazy
Don’t Blame Me – Soulshake
Tattoos & Dirty Girls – Million Dollar Reload
Deeper In Darkness – Jackyl (Pick of the Week)
I Love Rock N’ Roll – L.A. Guns
7 KISS ANNOUNCE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
LEGENDARY ROCK ICONS KISS RETURN TO NORTH AMERICA WITH THE HOTTEST SHOW ON EARTH TOUR
Throughout their 37-year career, KISS has sold 80 million albums, played in front of millions of people and become an integral part of American culture. Now, rock’s most iconic band is unleashing another assault on North America with The Hottest Show on Earth tour starting on July 23. KISS will perform such classics as “Detroit Rock City” and “Rock and Roll All Nite” as well as hits that they haven’t played in the US in many years.
The Hottest Show on Earth tour, produced by Live Nation, will trek through a mix of arenas and amphitheaters throughout North America. Tickets for shows produced by Live Nation go on sale to the general public in select markets beginning June 4 at LiveNation.com. Citi cardmembers can access presale tickets beginning Wednesday, June 2 at 10 a.m. local time through Citi’s Private Pass Program. For complete presale details visit http://www.citiprivatepass.com/. KISS is also giving back to the United States Armed Forces by donating one dollar from each ticket sold to benefit the Wounded Warriors Project.
Dr Pepper is a proud sponsor of the KISS tour and will be offering exciting contests and prizes in tour markets. Watch and listen for the Dr Pepper Cherry and KISS TV and radio spots that will be back on the air in late June.
KISS has given some of today’s now-legendary bands their first shot by opening for the band at sold out arenas and stadiums around the world — AC/DC, BON JOVI, RUSH, IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST and many others. Now, the legendary rockers are partnering with Guitar Center, the world’s largest musical instrument retailer, for Guitar Center On-Stage, an unsigned band competition that will provide emerging artists the chance to open for KISS at 22 of the band’s tour stops. In addition, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley will choose one grand-prize winner to receive a $10,000 Guitar Center shopping spree among other prizes. For more information, visit http://www.GCOnstage.com/ . Registration begins on June 1.
For the first time, KISS will host a live internet chat on Facebook via Ustream on June 1 to give fans an opportunity to speak directly with the band about the tour. Users can watch and interact by visiting the official KISS Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/KISS.
Stay tuned to KISSOnline for information on the exclusive KISS Army Fan Club presale for the tour. JOIN NOW at http://www.kissonline.com/service/subscribe/.
Kiss tour dates
7/23 — Cheyenne, WY — Cheyenne Frontier Days
7/24 — Minot, ND — North Dakota State Fair
7/29 — Pittsburgh, PA — First Niagara Pavilion
7/30 — Cincinnati, OH — Riverbend Music Center
7/31 — Hershey, PA — Hershey Park Stadium
8/06 — Philadelphia, PA — Susquehanna Bank Center
8/07 — Boston, MA — Comcast Center
8/09 — Indianapolis, IN — Indiana State Fairgrounds
8/13 — Buffalo, NY — Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
8/14 — Wantagh, NY — Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
8/15 — Scranton, PA — Toyota Pavilion
8/19 — Uncasville, CT — Mohegan Arena
8/20 — Holmdel, NJ — PNC Bank Arts Center
8/21 — Washington DC — Jiffy Lube Live
8/27 — Virginia Beach, VA — Virginia Beach Amphitheater
8/28 — Charlotte, NC — Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
8/29 — Raleigh, NC — Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek
9/02 — Milwaukee, WI — Marcus Amphitheatre
9/03 — Chicago, IL — First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
9/04 — St. Paul, MN — Minnesota State Fair
9/10 — Toronto, ON — Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
9/11 — Detroit, MI — DTE Energy Music Theatre
9/12 — Cleveland, OH — Blossom Music Center
9/17 — Houston, TX — Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
9/18 — Dallas, TX — Pizza Hut Park
9/19 — San Antonio, TX — AT&T Center
9/22 — Sandy, UT — Rio Tinto Stadium
9/24 — Phoenix, AZ — Cricket Wireless Pavilion
* These shows are already on sale.
If you are not a current member of the KISS ARMY Fan Club and would like to participate in the Hottest Show ON Earth presale, JOIN NOW at http://www.kissonline.com/service/subscribe/.
1 KISS To Perform at the Indiana State Fair!
KISS will make its Indiana State Fair debut Aug. 9 at the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand.
Tickets for the concert go on sale 10 a.m. Friday. Admission prices are $70, $59 and $45 plus applicable fees. Fair admission is included with tickets. Through midnight Sunday or while supplies last, a buy-one-get-one-free ticket offer applies to $45 seats in the upper grandstand.
Tickets will be available at the fairgrounds box office, 1202 E. 38th St., by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling (800) 745-3000.
KISS Army, stay tuned… details of a KISSonline presale will be coming soon!
1 New KISS Guitar Hero & Rock Band Guitar
Check out the new limited edition KISS AG RiffMaster™ wireless guitar controllers created by Art Guitar! Controllers are genuine wood and are compatible with both Guitar Hero® & Rock Band® video games on PS2 and PS3. Rock away in KISS style!
0 Taking Dawn to Tour With KISS
Roadrunner’s hottest new band, TAKING DAWN are thrilled to announce that they will be supporting the mighty KISS on their forthcoming UK arena tour this May. The Las Vegas four-piece are currently tearing up the boards with labelmates Airbourne on their tour across Europe and release their debut album, ‘Time To Burn’ on 12th April. The album is already available digitally via i-Tunes and all good digital stores, and you can also check out the video for the title track here:
http://www.youtube.com/takingdawn.
http://www.youtube.com/takingdawn.
Frontman and guitarist, Chris Babbitt is super excited at the prospect of the KISS tour, enthusing: “I still think my guys are fucking with me. Isn’t Ashton Kutcher supposed to punk only famous people? Not even in 100,000 years did I think we’d really be opening for KISS…especially after the third farewell tour! We’ve got our Love Gun locked and loaded, and can’t wait to strut the same stage as our heroes. This is such an honour it’s almost too overwhelming for words”.
The full dates line up as follows. Tickets are on sale now from box offices and all usual agents, and online at www.livenation.co.uk <http://www.livenation.co.uk/> .
Sat 1st May – SHEFFIELD Arena
Sun 2nd May – NEWCASTLE Metro Radio Arena
Tue 4th May – LIVERPOOL Arena
Wed 5th May – BIRMINGHAM LG Arena
Fri 7th May – DUBLIN O2 Arena
Sun 9th May – GLASGOW SECC
Mon 10th May – MANCHESTER MEN Arena
Wed 12th May – LONDON Wembley Arena
Thu 13th May – LONDON Wembley Arena
If you’re quick, you can also catch TAKING DAWN at the remaining UK dates with Airbourne as follows;
Thu 1st Apr – LONDON Hammersmith Apollo
Fri 2nd Apr – LIVERPOOL O2 Academy
Sat 3rd Apr – MANCHESTER Apollo
Mon 5th Apr – EDINBURGH Picture House
Tue 6th Apr – GLASGOW O2 Academy
Wed 7th Apr – LEEDS O2 Academy
Thu 8th Apr – NEWCASTLE O2 Academy
Sat 10th Apr – WOLVERHAMPTON Civic Hall
Sun 11th Apr – NOTTINGHAM Rock City
Tue 13th Apr – BELFAST Mandela Hall
Wed 14th Apr – DUBLIN Academy
3 Hard Rock Hideout Radio Play List for 3/17/2010
If you want to hear the latest hard rock music, that those other FM rock stations will not play, tune into the Hard Rock Hideout Radio show every Wednesday night from 9 PM – 12 A.M. CST (10 P.M. – 1 A.M. EST). The show last night featured new music from Airbourne, Jetboy, RATT, The Scorpions, Armored Saint, Crazy Lixx, Broken Teeth, Wig Wam, Hansel & Falling Red, plus a bunch of cool classics and rare cuts that you will likely hear no where else.
This the Play List for the 3/17/10 edition of Hard Rock Hideout Radio.
Tora Tora – Wild America
Bad Moon Rising – Built for Speed
Cinderella – If You Don’t Like It
Sammy Hagar – Loud
Beautiful Creatures – New Orleans
Tunnel – Blood On The Highway
Little Caeser – Turn My World Around
RATT – Best of Me (New)
Poison – So Tell Me Why
Ted Poley – Heads Up – Look Out Below
Dangerous Toys – Teas’n, Pleas’n
Pariah – Love To Turn You On
Broken Teeth – Twister (New)
Tesla – I Wanna Live (Pick of the Week)
AC/DC – Shake Your Foundation
The Poodles – I Rule the Night
Wig Wam – The Wild One (New)
Reckless Love – Beautiful Bomb (New)
Hammerfall – My Sharona
Hot Leg – You Can’t Hurt Me Any More
Hansel – Rocketship of Love (New)
Warlock – All We Are
Yngwie Malmsteen – Heaven Tonight
Masi – God Promised A Paradise
MSG – Rock ‘Til You’re Crazy
Armored Saint – Get Off The Fence (New)
Bullet – Rambling Man
Airbourne – No Way But The Hard Way (New)
Judas Priest – Livin’ After Midnight
Tesla – Fallin’ Apart (Pick of the Week)
Saliva – Hollywood
Vains of Jenna – Everybody Loves You When Your Dead (New)
Motley Crue – I’m A Liar (And That’s The Truth)
Crash Diet – Generation Wild
Crazy Lixx – 21 ’til I Die (New)
Dirty Penny – If I Were You (I’d Hate Me Too)
Jetboy – Going Down (Above The Clouds) (New)
Falling Red – How You Feel On Me (New)
Gotthard – Nobody’s Home
Scorpions – Raised On Rock (New)
KISS – Never Enough (New)
RATT – Eat Me Up Alive (New)
Black Robot – Baddass (Radio Edit)
L.A. Guns – Nothin’ Better To Do
Tesla – All of Me (Pick of the Week)
Trixter – On The Road Again
The Scream – Young & Dumb
Listen to the live stream each week at www.kacvfm.org, or in Amarillo, Texas on KACV FM 90!
0 KISS on ABC’s Extreme Make Over Tonight!
The KISS episode of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” airs this Sunday, February 21 at 8 pm (EST).
In the spirit of the KISS Army, when the ABC hit show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” told legendary rockers KISS about a family of needy KISS fans in Gainesville, Florida, who started a home-based, non-profit music school while their own home is falling down around them, the band heeded the call and launched the offense during their Tulsa stop on their North American KISS/Alive 35 tour.
The Wagstaff Family, who are huge KISS fans, flew to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to meet the band who played at the BOK Center in Tulsa on December 8 as part of their North American KISS/Alive 35 tour in support of Sonic Boom, their first album in 11 years.
The next morning KISS and The Wagstaff Family, on behalf of Gibson and Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, a non-profit music group, met at the Wilson Middle School in Tulsa to present $100,000 in instruments from Gibson to the school as well as their own school back home in Florida. Some of the students at the school in Tulsa even donned the famous KISS make up to show their support.
3 Rob Rockitt’s Top 13 of 2009
It seems like every year I put together a top list at Hard Rock Hideout, it becomes a harder task. In 2009, there was a crazy amount of excellent releases, and choosing the best ten was a daunting task to say the least. It was too hard to pick ten, so of course, I had to add some additional releases to my top list. The following releases are my top of 2009. All of these are worth picking up, and I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase any of these a second time. Check them out and see what you think!
#13 Shake City – S/T
Eonian Records has released quite a few undiscovered gems in 2009. Their best release of 2009 is easily Shake City. Shake City features the original singer of Warrant, Adam Shore. I don’t know why Adam left Warrant, but the fates should have been kinder to his band Shake City. If this CD would have been released twenty years ago, this disc could have easily gone platinum. It is better than many of the hair metal releases of the late 80’s. It is a crime that this band didn’t get the mainstream success of their peers. If you are a hair metal fan, you need to find this CD now. You wont be disappointed.
#12 Papa Roach – Metamorphosis
Papa Roach started introducing songs from Metamorphosis into their live sets in 2008, and as a result, I was familiar with several of the tunes by the time this CD was released. In my opinion, this is the strongest Papa Roach CD to date, with several hit worthy tunes. A worthy pick up for the modern rock fans out there.
#11 Cheap Trick – The Latest
I must admit that I have never been the biggest Cheap Trick fan over the years, but I can not deny how good their latest CD, The Latest is. While this may not be the most rocking CD of 2009, it does have some fun rockers, and is quality music all the way through. Robin Zander still sounds great after all of these years. This is a must own CD for Cheap Trick fans, all others ought to give it a shot.
#10 Chickenfoot – S/T
This is another CD that I didn’t really know what to expect. Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony have been playing together in Van Halen for years, but how would this new band work out with Joe Satriani and Chad Smith? Satriani’s playing on this CD is great, and when he does cut loose, he doesn’t over shadow the rest of the band. Overall, Chickenfoot is a supergroup that could have some legs. I hope these guys stick around for a few more releases. Van Halen’s other half still delivers.
#9 The Answer – Everyday Demons
The Answer’s debut CD Rise was one of my favorites of 2007. I had high expectations for their U.S. Debut, Everyday Demons. Luckily, it did not disappoint me in the least. Everyday Demons is powered by Zeppelin influenced rockers “Demon Eyes”, “On and On” “Walkin’ Mat”. The band couldn’t have asked for a bigger tour to be on in 2009. Opening up for AC/DC has gained them a ton of new fans. I can’t wait to see what the band has in store for us next. The only thing I didn’t like about Everyday Demons was cover art.
#8 Steel Panther – Feel the Steel
Steel Panther could be the greatest hair metal parody band of all time. Feel the Steel is packed full of tongue in cheek lyrics that many folks may find offensive. You can’t deny the stellar musicianship of these California rockers. I had the opportunity to see the band play at M3 earlier this year, and they did not disappoint. When is the U.S. Club tour guys?
#7 Charm City Devils – Let’s Rock N’ Roll
Who would have thought that drummer John Allen would front a new kick ass rock and roll band in 2009? I didn’t at all. I have been rockin’ with CCD’s debut CD since its release. This is quality hard rock all the way through. In case you missed it, Charm City Devils had a pretty big year with their opening slot on the 2009 Cruefest. I am still hopeful that they will do a club tour, (and break out some Child Play tunes in their set).
#6 KISS – Sonic Boom
Sonic Boom is the first KISS CD in a long time that I have been able to listen to, all the way through without skipping a song. While I don’t consider this CD their best, it is definitely in their top ten, if not top five CD’s of all time. I didn’t expect this CD to be much. Sonic Boom was one of 2009’s biggest surprises.
#5 Coldspell – Infinite Stargaze
When I first heard the demo tracks from Coldspell in 2008, I about crapped myself. I couldn’t wait to hear Coldspell’s debut CD. I have played this CD over and over again in 2009, and will continue to do so for years to come. This is melodic rock at its finest.
#4 Winger – Karma
Holy Crap?! I get the feeling that Kip Winger and Reb Beach were pissed off when they wrote this record. This is easily the heaviest Winger album to date. Reb Beach unleashes his fury on his six strings, and Karma shines as a result. The songs aren’t all heavy, but they are all top quality. I am hopeful that Kip and company will tour for this album in 2010. Great Stuff, and worthy to be in anyone’s collection.
#3 Black Robot – S/T
Black Robot – I had no expectations when I first heard Black Robot’s self titled effort. I figured any band with former Buckcherry members would probably rock, but I had no idea that I would enjoy this CD as much as I have. “Cocaine” is easily the best cover song I have heard in 2009. Black Robot
gets the nod for best new band of 2009. If you missed this CD when it was released earlier this year, you will have to wait to grab this in 2010. The original pressing is out of print, but Black Robot will be re-releasing this CD next year with bonus tracks !!
#2 Paul Gilbert & Freddie Nelson – United States
United States has been my feelgood CD of 2009. Paul Gilbert’s guitar work is quite impressive, and Freddie Nelson’s mimicry of Freddie Mercury is pretty incredible. Once I started playing this, I couldn’t stop. Absolutely fantastic music!
#1 The Last Vegas – Whatever Gets You Off
The Last Vegas has been rocking hard since 2003, but their 2009 CD, Whatever Gets You Off is easily their breakthrough release. It didn’t hurt that they had a little help from Nikki Sixx, and DJ Ashba who produced this disc. I still don’t understand why this band didn’t get the nod for Cruefest last summer. They seemed tailor made for that festival but the promoters didn’t ask for my advice. Whatever Gets You Off is crazy good. Apologize might be the biggest power ballad of this decade (no I am not kidding). This is another great party CD, and easily my favorite of 2009.
For more great top lists for 2009, please check out the following websites:
All Metal Resource — http://allmetalresource.com/
Bring Back Glam — http://bringbackglam.squarespace.com/
Hair Metal Mansion — http://hairbangersradio.ning.com/
Heavy Metal Addiction — http://heavymetaladdiction.com/
Heavy Metal Time Machine — http://metalmark.blogspot.com/
Imagine Echoes — http://www.imagineechoes.com/
Layla’s Classic Rock — http://laylasclassicrock.blogspot.com/
Metal Excess — http://metalexcess.com/
The Metal Minute — http://rayvanhornjr.blogspot.com/ (Ray posted his list on 12/4)
Metal Odyssey — http://metalodyssey.wordpress.com/
Rock Of Ages — http://rockofages.wordpress.com/
The Ripple Effect — http://www.ripplemusic.blogspot.com/
2 Ryo Vie’s Top 10 of 2009
This week at Hard Rock Hideout we give you not one, but three Top 10 lists for 2009. We will post one each day this week, as well as our top 10 of the decade later this week. Ryo Vie joined HRH’s merry team of rockers this year, and has reviewed some fantastic music for us. Today I give you Ryo’s Top 10 of 2009.
So here we are – at the close of another year. Rob has graciously asked me to put together my top 10 releases for 2009 and I was more than happy to comply. The rock and roll fan got a TON of great music released this year, from Bon Jovi to Winger to Lynch Mob, it was a great year to be into hard rock. However, not everything can make the list (that’s why it’s a top 10) and since this is HARD ROCK HIDEOUT, I kept this list to my ten favorite hard rock records of 2009. If you’d like to see my list of general favorites for 2009, feel free to visit my blog at http://rockandrollguru.blogspot.com
Now without further adieu, here are Ryo Vie’s Top 10 hard rock albums for 2009 !
#10: House of Lords – Cartesian Dreams
Considering that I left this band for dead years ago, I had no expectations whatsoever when House of Lords released Cartesian Dreams. Perhaps that’s why I had an unbiased mind when I first spun this disc. After one play, I was hooked. Holy hell what an exceptional offering this band turned out. Slick with their euro-metal sound, House of Lords came back in a big way this year. I’m hoping that they team up with other hair metal acts to tour, or at least show up at the major festivals. To hear songs like Bangin’ live would be excellent!
#9: Flyleaf – Memento Mori
A sophomore effort that was worth the wait is the best way to describe Flyleaf’s Memento Mori. They were able to overcome the dreaded sophomore jinx by releasing an incredible record that showcases the talent of lead vocalist Lacey Mosley. As I mentioned in my recent review, she sings with emotion that sweeps through the listener, pulls them in, and doesn’t let go. It is her pure energy that makes Memento Mori such an excellent record. Combined with the talents of her other band members, 2010 should be a huge year for this band. As it is, 2009 landed them at number 9 on my list of best rock albums of the year.
#8: Winger – Karma
Winger surprised everyone this year, including their most die-hard fans, by releasing an incredible rock and roll record. Although Kip Winger sounds like David Coverdale on some songs, Karma is a beautiful disc immersed in a thick grunge sound that gives the record power. The ballads are incredible, and the heavier tracks are quality rock songs that will have you shaking your ass (if you’re into that sort of thing). Karma is an absolutely incredible record that any rock and roll fan should own.
#7: U2 – No Line On The Horizon
Shocked. That’s how I was when I listened to No Line On The Horizon. I was skeptical of the new U2 disc. How could they possibly release another great disc after All That You Can’t Leave Behind and How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb? Well, somehow, they made it happen again. Another near perfect album came out this year from the Irish rockers beloved the world over. With incredible songs like the title track, Breathe, and Moment Of Surrender U2 continues to dazzle and show us just why they are one of the greatest rock bands in existence.
#6: Chickenfoot – Chickenfoot
Rock supergroups can be hit or miss especially when there are high expectations. (Case in point: Them Crooked Vultures – awful miss). Fortunately for rock fans (and Van Halen fans) Chickenfoot was a huge hit. Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony have been working together for years, so there was no doubting their chemistry, but when you add in two other super players (guitarist Joe Satriani and drummer Chad Smith) it’s a wild card. These four pulled it off. Satriani showcases some of his best guitar work ever, and Sammy sounds as happy as when he first joined Van Halen. Chickenfoot wins the award for feel good record of the year, and they land in my top 10 for 2009.
#5: Bon Jovi – The Circle
The bad boys from Jersey have grown into the gentle men from New Jersey, but even after all these years they still know how to rock! The Circle delivers the goods in every way imaginable and is more than you’d expect from a Bon Jovi album. Straying away from the country tinged themes of their previous album (Lost Highway), Bon Jovi returns to the rock and roll with this year’s release. Gearing up for a 2010 tour, I can’t wait to hear The Circle live. In the meantime, I’ll be playing this record on a constant loop.
#4: HURT – Goodbye to the Machine
Stunned. That’s a good word to use that describes how I felt after the first few times I listened to this record. I had no expectations going into my review, and after a few listens to Goodbye To The Machine, I was smitten. This record is simply amazing! A heavy, grunge type rock, Hurt delivers exceptional songs backed by intense rhythm, strong lyrics, and a highly talented lead singer. Goodbye To The Machine was probably the best surprise I heard all year, and I’m proud to add it to my top 10.
#3: Pearl Jam – Backspacer
In September, Pearl Jam released their long awaited album Backspacer to the delight of many fans (cousin Ryo included). It had been a long time since their last record (2006’s Pearl Jam) and the new songs were something that fans were crying to get their ears on. Well, the wait was worth it and the time between records paid off. Pearl Jam delivered another fantastic record, and while not quite as good as their self titled previous effort, Backspacer is certainly a worthy disc. A well crafted, well thought, beautifully arranged work of art.
#2: Lynch Mob – Smoke And Mirrors
I’ll be honest, when I heard that this album was coming out featuring original vocalist Oni Logan, I didn’t have much hope for greatness. Don’t get me wrong, I was excited and I wanted the album to do well and sound incredible. However, I’m a realist, and with Logan being MIA for so long, and George being out of the spotlight, I wasn’t sure if they still had that magical chemistry. Am I ever so glad that they erased any doubt that I had. Smoke And Mirrors is a metal classic!
#1: KISS – Sonic Boom
Those who know me will scream bias for picking KISS as my number 1 hard rock record of 2009, but that is not why they are being chosen. Yes, Kiss is my favorite band, but Sonic Boom is a worthy contender for record of the year. Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley went into the studio with Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer and put together one incredible album. Sonic Boom is so much more than a great Kiss record – it’s a great record. If you played it and had no idea what band it was, you’d still like it. It’s their best work in decades, it’s a strong rock record, and it is the best release of 2009.
For more great top lists for 2009, please check out the following websites:
All Metal Resource — http://allmetalresource.com/
Bring Back Glam — http://bringbackglam.squarespace.com/
Hair Metal Mansion — http://hairbangersradio.ning.com/
Heavy Metal Addiction — http://heavymetaladdiction.com/
Heavy Metal Time Machine — http://metalmark.blogspot.com/
Imagine Echoes — http://www.imagineechoes.com/
Layla’s Classic Rock — http://laylasclassicrock.blogspot.com/
Metal Excess — http://metalexcess.com/
The Metal Minute — http://rayvanhornjr.blogspot.com/ (Ray posted his list on 12/4)
Metal Odyssey — http://metalodyssey.wordpress.com/
Rock Of Ages — http://rockofages.wordpress.com/
The Ripple Effect — http://www.ripplemusic.blogspot.com/
0 New Video – KISS – Modern Day Delilah
Check out KISS new video, Modern Day Delilah below. You can pick up their new CD, Sonic Boom here.
Vodpod videos no longer available.
6 Turkey Video #4 – KISS – Let’s Put the X in Sex
Quite possibly the dumbest song ever written by Paul Stanley and Desmond Child is “Let’s Put the X in Sex”. This lackluster hit was on the KISS Compilation CD, Smashes, Thrashes & Hits. Save your money and buy the regular CD’s from KISS. This clunker of a song is not worth plopping down the 15 dollars on this greatest hits CD.
I would rather listen to Music from “The Elder” repeatedly than be forced to listen to this crap. This turkey should have never been taken out of the oven.
0 BRUCE KULICK SET TO RELEASE BK3 FEBRUARY 16th via ROCKET SCIENCE VENTURES Guests to include members of KISS, The Knack, Motley Crue and more
If you ever play Six Degrees of Bruce Kulick, the former KISS/current Grand Funk Railroad guitarist’s résumé will keep you happily busy for hours. Having been tapped by artists as diverse as Meat Loaf and Kanye West, the veteran axeman’s boundless creative energy permeates his third solo LP, BK3. In the works for nearly six years and produced by Jeremy Rubolino, BK3 delivers explosive hard rock arrangements and addictive pop melodies that honor both Kulick’s singular past and bright future. And then there’s the jaw-dropping guest list, boasting members of KISS, the Knack, Toto, Mötley Crüe and more.
“Bruce was to KISS what Ronnie Wood is to the Stones,” says Rocket Science GM & Fanboy Enterprises A&R executive Ken Gullic. “The new guy to one generation, and the long standing stable horse to another.”
After getting his solo feet wet with 2001’s Audio Dog and 2003’s Transformer, Kulick—the often unheralded driving force on 12 years of classic KISS records, from 1984’s Animalize to 1992’s Revenge—assembled his own rock ‘n’ roll dream team. The roster: KISS icon Gene Simmons and up-and-coming son Nick (each vocally appearing separately), longtime friend John Corabi (Mötley Crüe, Kulick’s own Union), Knack mainman Doug Fieger, Toto axe authoritarian Steve Lukather, Edguy power metal stalwart Tobias Sammet and even current KISS drummer Eric Singer.
“Many albums lack cohesion with different vocalists, but I know that my guitar playing is the glue on BK3,” Kulick says. “There was the clear goal of making absolutely the best record that I could put together. I feel like this is my Revenge.”
BK3 will be released February 16th on Twenty 4 Records /Rocket Science Ventures
http://www.brucekulick.net
Rocket Science Inc is a premier label services engine that provides comprehensive record label departmental needs under one roof. Rocket Science Ventures expands on this concept by adding a release funding and Sony/ RED distribution option while still providing artists and management the ability maintain ownership rights and control. Coupled with the extensive and accountable in-house services, Rocket Science Ventures offers a turnkey solution with a focus on execution. www.myrocketscience.com
0 KISS Guitar Hero 5 Tracks Announced
Look for KISS to headline the Guitar Hero stage on November 19 with a three song track pack that’s sure to satiate the KISS fan in everyone. The track pack will feature “Modern Day Delilah,” the first single off their new album, Sonic Boom, “Lick It Up,” the title track from their 1983 album, Lick it Up, and “I Was Made for Loving You,” KISS’s second Gold single.
KISS Track Packs will be available on 11/19/09 via Xbox Live Marketplace for Xbox 360 for 440 Microsoft Points, on the PlayStation Store for the PS3 for $5.49 and for Wii for 550 Wii Points. In addition, all songs in the KISS Track Pack will be released as downloadable singles for Xbox 360 for 160 Microsoft Points each, PS3 for $1.99 each and Wii for 200 Wii Points each.
While you wait, you can also rock out to KISS right now in GH5, which features “Shout It Out Loud!” For more information, visit www.guitarhero.com.
1 KISS – Hot in the Shade (Release Year – 1989)
This weekened marked the 20th Anniversary of the KISS CD, Hot in the Shade. This is the last CD to feature the late Eric Carr, and the first to feature song writing credits of current KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer.
Once upon a time, I didn’t care for this KISS album very much, but I decided to revisit, especially with all of the hoopla over the new KISS CD, Sonic Boom. Much to my surprise, I like this album a lot more now, than when it was initially released. I am glad that I got reacquainted with Hot in the Shade.
“Rise To It” is a great hard rocking cut to lead off the album with. I can’t understand why this song doesn’t get played live by KISS.
Gene Simmons handles the vocals on “Betrayed” and does a solid job. The catchy sing-along chorus in this tune really works. This is a very under rated KISS tune.
The Paul Stanley/Desmond Child penned tune “Hide Your Heart” was a modest hit for KISS. I am not a huge fan of the song. It is maybe a bit too pop for my tastes. I like Ace Frehley’s version of this song (on Trouble Walkin’) better.
“Read My Body” has a total hair metal feel, and is a pretty cool tune to boot.
“Forever” is the ultimate KISS ballad, and one of the band’s biggest hits in the nineties. I was glad to see this one show up on the Greatest Hits CD in the Sonic Boom package.
The late, great Eric Carr sings on the song “Little Caesear”. Carr may not have been the best vocalist in the KISS, but he does a damn fine job on this hard rocking tune.
Overall, this is a better album than I originally remembered it to be. There are quite a few solid tunes, but Hot in the Shade is not without some filler material. It is worth picking up if you can find it cheap, and you can at this link.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Rise To It
2. Betrayed
3. Hide Your Heart
4. Prisoner Of Love
5. Read My Body
6. Love’s A Slap In The Face
7. Forever
8. Silver Spoon
9. Cadillac Dreams
10. King Of Hearts
11. The Street Giveth And The Street Taketh Away
12. You Love Me To Hate You
13. Somewhere Between Heaven And Hell
14. Little Caesar
15. Boomerang
KISS is:
Gene Simmons – bass guitar, lead vocals
Paul Stanley – rhythm guitar, lead vocals
Bruce Kulick – Lead guitar, backing vocals
Eric Carr – drums, percussion, vocals
0 KISS Performs Modern Day Delilah on The Late Show
Did you miss the KISS performance on The Late Show with David Letterman? No worries, you can check it out here!
0 Classic Video – The Donnas – Strutter
Back in 1999, The Donnas did a cover of the KISS song “Strutter” for the Detroit Rock City Movie Soundtrack. Check out the video clip below.
The new KISS CD, Sonic Boom was released in Walmart stores everywhere today!
2 WALMART’S KISS KORNERS
KISS Shirts, Makeup, Wigs, KISS Spuds and Other Kollectibles Coming to Entertainment and Halloween Aisles
KISS fans ready for the new SONIC BOOM CD/DVD release Oct. 6 can own a piece of KISStory when Walmart stores unveil “KISS Korners” in Electronics departments and Halloween aisles in October. Stores will offer in special areas KISS T-shirts, wigs, makeup, limited edition KISS M&M candies, and even KISS Mr. Potato Head spuds of all four band members through Halloween.
For Detroit City Rockers and beyond, the exclusive KISS CD/DVD package, SONIC BOOM, and KISS kollectibles will be available in all Walmart stores nationwide. Select items, including the MP3 digital album, will be available at Walmart.com. CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER KISS’ SONIC BOOM for $12.
“To complement this highly-anticipated music release, we are excited to bring a unique store experience with KISS merchandise at an unbeatable value for fans of all ages,” said Greg Hall, vice president of Media Services, Walmart U.S. “It has been both fun and an honor to work with the band and celebrate with fans the new music release and album tour.”
Items will arrive upon the Oct. 6 release and include:
— KISS SONIC BOOM CD/DVD package
— KISS T-shirts– Four select KISS Mr. Potato Head kollectibles (The Demon, The Spaceman, The Catman and The Starchild)
— KISS fleece blanket
— KISS M&M candies (7 oz. bags – Limited Edition) — KISS catalog CDs such as Dress to Kill, Destroyer, Love Gun and Very Best of KISS
— KISS makeup kits, masks and wigs (2200 select Walmart stores)
15 KISS – Sonic Boom (2009)
“The Hottest Band In The Land” Kiss is back with their first new studio album in 11 years. After two very disappointing albums in the late nineties, “Carnival of Souls” and “Psycho Circus”, a lot of fans were left thinking the band was through; with studio albums anyways. But seriously folks, did you really think Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley would let Kiss go out with a huge stinking thud?? I think not! “Sonic Boom” is everything the Kiss Army has been clamoring for years to hear, which is a step back to the sound of such Kiss classics “Destroyer” and “Rock and Roll Over” and the guys do not disappoint in the lest bit.
Admittedly I was not crazy about the album’s lead off “Modern Day Delilah” at first listen or even the second go around, but after a few listens it has started growing on me, which in my opinion is the best way to go. Paul Stanley sounds great, he can still seduce your mom out of her panties and she wouldn’t have a clue it was happening until it was too late. One thing I had forgotten over the years is that Gene Simmons can actually play bass and play it pretty damn good; here he lays down some nice thumping bass lines. After years on the sidelines Tommy Thayer finally gets a little of the spot light to shine on him and he makes the most of it showing the world he is a disciple of Ace Frehley, without stepping all over Ace’s legacy. On “Russian Roulette” Gene takes over the vocals and as usual it is a slow dirty innuendo laden song that Gene sings to perfection, while also laying down more heavy thumping bass lines, classic sing a long chorus, one of the early surprises on the album. “Never Enough” screams single and rightly so as it is one of the best songs Kiss has recorded in years. They could throw this song into the live show and it would fit right in without missing a beat, definitely a new Kiss classic. “Yes I Know (Nobody’s Perfect)” sounds like it could’ve been taken from the “Destroyer” or “Love Gun” recording sessions, great 70’s feel to it, this may actually be the best Gene Simmons song I’ve heard. “Stand” is yet another anthem with a late 80’s/early 90’s feel to it. Not the best song on the album but still better than 90% of the songs bands are releasing today. All I really need to say about “Hot & Cold” is COW-BELL COW-BELL COW-BELL!!! Honestly Gene has really surprised me with how good his vocals sound on this album.
Of Course, I couldn’t get through this review without mentioning Eric Singer and while his drumming is phenomenal throughout the album it is when he steps up to the mike on “All For The Glory” that he really shines, the sound reminds me of “Creatures of the Night” or maybe “Lick It Up”. “Danger Us” and “I’m An Animal” borrow some influence from Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin respectively, but Paul and Gene borrow with style. “When Lightning Strikes” marks the return of the COW-BELL and if you hear a little Black N’ Blue in the song then it should not surprise you that Tommy Thayer has stepped up to the mike and absolutely knocks this song out of the park!! “When Lightning Strikes” goes with “Never Enough” as my two favorite songs off “Sonic Boom”. The album wraps up with “Say Yeah” and with that I can say yeah to quite a few things about “Sonic Boom”. Yeah “Sonic Boom” is a kick ass ride from beginning to end. Yeah Tommy Thayer finally gets some of the attention he has earned and deserved over the years. Yeah “Sonic Boom” is the best Kiss album in years. Yeah it is possible “Sonic Boom” is Kiss’s best album since the mid 70’s. Yeah it definitely deserves a spot alongside “Destroyer”, “Rock and Roll Over”, and “Love Gun” as a Kiss classic, because that is simply what it is.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
- Modern Day Delilah
- Russian Roulette
- Never Enough
- Yes I Know (Nobody’s Perfect)
- Stand
- Hot And Cold
- All For The Glory
- Danger Us
- I’m An Animal
- When Lightning Strikes
- Say Yeah!
KISS is:
Paul Stanley – Vocals, Rhythm guitar
Gene Simmons – Vocals, Bass guitar
Eric Singer – Vocals, Drums
Tommy Thayer – Vocals, Lead Guitar
1 KISS ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN DATES FOR “KISS ALIVE 35” TOUR BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 2009
As they celebrate 35 years of rockin’, KISS today announced the dates of the KISS ALIVE 35 North American tour. The tour kicks off with a rapidly-selling, special multiple-show engagement in Detroit Rock City beginning September 25th, where KISS will be playing the classic album that started it all: KISS ALIVE! The tour leg will then hit more than 40 additional cities before concluding in December. This incredible show will feature a new stage set and all new costumes. Visit the KISSONLINE tour page for the full routing.
If you’re not already a member of the KISS ARMY fan club, now is the time to JOIN! Fan club members have exclusive presale access for the following shows beginning this Wednesday, August 26:
| DATE | CITY | VENUE |
| MON, SEP 28, 2009 | CLEVELAND, OH | QUICKEN LOANS ARENA |
| TUE, SEP 29, 2009 | LONDON, ONT | JOHN LABATT CENTRE |
| THU, OCT 1, 2009 | MONTREAL, QC | BELL CENTRE |
| FRI, OCT 2, 2009 | TORONTO, ON | AIR CANADA CENTRE |
| SAT, OCT 3, 2009 | UNCASVILLE, CT | MOHEGAN SUN ARENA |
| MON, OCT 5, 2009 | BOSTON, MA | TD GARDEN |
| FRI, OCT 9, 2009 | UNIONDALE, NY | NASSAU COLISEUM |
| SAT, OCT 10, 2009 | NEW YORK, NY | MADISON SQUARE GARDEN |
| MON, OCT 12, 2009 | PHILADELPHIA, PA | WACHOVIA CENTER |
| TUE, OCT 13, 2009 | WASHINGTON, DC | VERIZON CENTER |
| FRI, OCT 16, 2009 | HAMPTON, VA | HAMPTON COLISEUM |
| SAT, OCT 17, 2009 | GREENVILLE, SC | BI-LO CENTER |
| SAT, DEC 05, 2009 | HOUSTON, TX | TOYOTA CENTER |
Addtionally, KISS Army fans will have first shot at Meet and Greet Packages! The KISS Meet & Greet Package includes:
- One premium, reserved ticket located within the first 5 rows of the stage
- Exclusive Meet & Greet with the members of KISS
- Personal photograph with KISS
- Autographed 8X10 photo
- Official KISS Concert Shirt
- Collectible KISS Tour Poster (limited edition, numbered)
- KISS Tour Program
- Set of KISS guitar picks
- Official Meet and Greet Laminate
- $100 voucher to the official KISS Online store
Check out KISSONLINE for all the latest Alive 35 tour info and Sonic Boom album info.
2 KISS To Release Sonic Boom October 6th!
KISS and Walmart announced today that SONIC BOOM—the bands highly anticipated CD, and its first new material in 11 years—will be sold in the U.S. and Canada exclusively at Walmart and Sams Club retail locations beginning October 6. SONIC BOOM, produced by the bands Paul Stanley in Los Angeles, is the centerpiece of a three-disc set that also features a completely re-recorded greatest hits CD as well as a live DVD shot in Argentina during the bands recent, record-breaking KISS ALIVE 35 South American tour. The CD set will retail for $12, with pre-orders starting in September on Walmart.com.
KISS’ Gene Simmons says, “SONIC BOOM” may be the best new record we’ve done since Destroyer! It is Rock And Roll Over meets Love Gun. The worlds biggest retailer had better get ready for the hottest band in the world and hire more cashiers before October 6th!
Stanley continues, “Through all of the albums that are considered our classics, we tried to always find ways to give our fans extras that went beyond just the music. Besides our making the best KISS album in decades, Walmart has made it possible for us to include a bonus CD with 15 of our most famous songs and an additional live DVD, shot during our recent concert in Buenos Aires. So in every sense, SONIC BOOM is the ultimate return to classic KISS form. You wanted the best, you got the best!”
In celebration of the albums release, KISS announced today a special KISS ALIVE 35 show at Detroit Rock City’s legendary concert venue, Cobo Arena, on September 25. This historic structure, which is slated for closure, has hosted KISS concerts on numerous occasions, not the least of which was the series of shows that were recorded to become the KISS ALIVE! album. Tracks made famous on KISS ALIVE!—including “Rock and Roll All Nite”, “Deuce”, “Black Diamond”, and “Hotter Than Hell”—are well represented on the greatest hits disc included with SONIC BOOM. The Detroit show, which will live another 35 years in KISStory, features opening act Buckcherry and goes on sale to the public at 5 pm EDT on August 21 at Ticketmaster.com.
Walmart, one of Americas largest music retailers, is finalizing its exciting plans now for its in-store and online destinations for KISS fans surrounding the launch of the new album and tour, and will host various KISS products in addition to their music in its stores this fall. More details on Walmart KISS activity, announcements regarding album pre-sales, sweepstakes and KISS appearances will be shared shortly.
1 VH1 Classic To Celebrate Merry KISSMass With 16 1/2 Hours Of KISS
Here’s the expanded KISSology/KISSmas programming that will run this Thursday December 25th – 16 1/2 Hours of KISSmass BLISS on VH1 Classic. All times Eastern & Pacific (check local listings to confirm):
9 AM – KISS at Dodger Stadium – Los Angeles ’98 (from Kissology Vol. 3)
11 AM – Hanging With KISS (with Eddie Trunk – The Kissology Volume 1 Special)
Noon – KISS at the Summit – Houston ’77 (from Kissology Vol. 1)
1 pm – The KISSology Volume 2 Special
2 PM – KISS Live From Sydney – Australia 1980 (from Kissology Vol. 2)
3 PM – Hanging With KISS (with Eddie Trunk – The Kissology Volume 1 Special)
4 PM – KISS at Dodger Stadium – Los Angeles ’98 (from Kissology Vol. 3)
6 – 6:30 PM – That Metal Show (with guest Ace Frehley)
7 PM – The KISSology Volume 2 Special
8 PM – KISS at the Summit – Houston ’77 (from Kissology Vol. 1)
9 PM – Hanging With KISS (with Eddie Trunk – The Kissology Volume 1 Special)
10 PM – KISS Live From Sydney – Australia 1980 (from Kissology Vol. 2)
11 PM – The KISSology Volume 2 Special
Midnight – KISS at Dodger Stadium – Los Angeles ’98 (from Kissology Vol. 3)
Courtesy of Bravewords.com
0 ACE FREHLEY Launches Official Website
AceFrehley.com has been officially launched, here is “Space” Ace’s introductory message
Dear Earthlings,
I’m happy to say that I finally got a good internet connection up here on Jendell and can now present to you my official website- AceFrehley.com! Thanks for your patience and support over the years… it’s meant everything to me.
Now, let’s ROCK!! AceFrehley.com is going to provide a link between us & be something unique & different from the “usual” website. What you will see is exclusive pictures & video clips from my archives, news, tour dates & appearances announced here first, and a chance for you to be a part of this website by sending me your photos & questions. I’ll be emailing all my members very cool “extra stuff,” so don’t forget to sign up! And despite the rumors, you’ll be hearing my new cd real soon… Stay Tuned. I hope you have as much fun on AceFrehley.com as I’ve had putting it together…
Love,
Ace
12/15/08
You can catch me this weekend on VH1 Classic’s THAT METAL SHOW hosted by my friend Eddie Trunk. I’m told that it premieres this Saturday night Dec. 20th at 11pm. It’s suppose to repeat several times in the upcoming weeks. VH1 Classic was cool enough to send me all the times it’s gonna repeat. Check it out the Getaway page!!!
Source: AceFrehley.com
8 KISS Recording First New Album Since 1998
Kiss has reversed course and decided to hit the studio next year to record its first new album since 1998’s “Psycho Circus.” Guitarist Paul Stanley will produce.
In recent years, bassist Gene Simmons has been vocal about his lack of enthusiasm about making a new album, which he attributes to the state of the business.
“The record industry is in such a mess,” he told Billboard in November 2007. “There is nothing in me that wants to go in there and do new music. How are you going to deliver it? How are you going to get paid for it if people can just get it for free?”
In 2006, Stanley told Billboard making a new Kiss album in the shadow of the band’s classic repertoire would be a formidable challenge. “The fact is, [fans] may tolerate the new songs, but it’s the old ones you want to hear,” he said. “I think Jimmy Page and Robert Plant found that out. The [Rolling] Stones certainly know it. The Who certainly know it. So unless you’re willing to go into the studio accepting that how your album will be received will never match your expectations, I’m not sure it’s worth the effort.”
Stanley admitted complete control would change his mind. “I would consider doing it if I could do it the way I wanted to do it,” he explained, adding that his 2006 solo album “Live To Win” confirmed how he’d “like music to sound that I’m a part of. To do another Kiss album, I would not be willing to compromise my point of view perhaps as much as I have in recent years.”
It’s unknown how Kiss will distribute the album, which will feature original members Stanley and Simmons alongside guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer.
Following its 35th anniversary tour, which primarily played Europe this summer, Kiss is expected to hit North America at some point in 2009.
3 Remembering Eric Carr
Today is the 17th anniversary of the death of KISS drummer Eric Carr. He past away in 1991 after a battle with heart cancer.
I still remember the day I heard the news of his death. I was in complete shock. I could not believe that Eric had died.
I still enjoy the music that Eric recorded with KISS today. I still have a lot of fond memories of his time in KISS.
The videos below are a small representation of the songs that Eric recorded with KISS. Check them out!
Rest in Peace Eric…..you are missed!!
KISS – Lick It Up
KISS – Heaven’s On Fire
KISS – Tears are Falling
KISS – Uh! All Night
6 KISS To Tour America in 2009?
Having recently completed a 30-plus-date European tour, Kiss will “eventually when we’re ready tour America,” co-founder Gene Simmons said during a keynote address today (Nov. 20) at the fifth annual Billboard Touring Conference, held at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York.
Referring to Kiss as the “juggernaut of all rock’n’roll brands,” Simmons said the band is currently working out future tour details. “We’ve been talking with [manager Doc McGhee] about Europe and then doing a year-long tour maybe this coming summer, but we’ll see,” Simmons said. “Kiss and Queen, that would be a smash. That would kill. So far (it’s) 50/50.”
During the address, Simmons, who is also a reality TV star and entrepreneur, stressed the duties of being a live performer. “I don’t care if you’re Axl Rose, forgot to tie your shoelaces or your father molested you when you were three — you’re a bitch if you don’t show up onstage when it says 9 o’clock,” he said, drawing loud applause from the audience.
“You need to have the integrity and self-respect to respect the promoter who paid you the money in advance, the hall and the people who makes all our lives possible,” he continued.
Speaking to an audience of primarily concert promoters, venue officials and booking agents, Simmons warned those in the live entertainment industry that it wouldn’t be wise to lower concert ticket prices. “Don’t do that, you’re training an entire generation of people to pay less for something and then more for something else,” he said. “They won’t know what the value is and they’d rather pay less every time.”
Simmons stressed that the touring business needs to quickly think about the future of its model. “Thank God you’re the last vestiges of a dying breed, because the record industry is already dead, because we trained the people [that] they don’t have to pay for stuff that they used to pay for,” he said. “The record industry allowed that and people are shocked they’re out of business.”
Meanwhile, Simmons expressed his discontent with the fact that Kiss, which he co-founded in 1972, has not yet been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “A lot of those guys on the board can go and get my sandwich when I want, and I mean that in the nicest way,” he said. “There are disco bands, rap bands, Yiddish folk song bands in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but not Kiss. I believe we have more gold records in America than any other group, but it’s OK.”
Billboard executive director of content and programming for touring and live entertainment Ray Waddell conducted today’s Q&A with Simmons. The keynote address was filmed for an episode of his A&E reality show “Gene Simmons Family Jewels,” currently in its third season.
Source Billboard.com
0 Happy Halloween From Hard Rock Hideout!
5 KISS – Paul Stanley (Release Year – 1978)
2008 marks the 30th anniversary of the Paul Stanley solo CD (God, that makes me feel old). Ok, if you want to get technical, Paul’s first solo CD didn’t come out until 1997, but the album was out in 1978.
For whatever reason, all four of the KISS solo discs (Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, Peter Criss, and Paul Stanley) all have KISS on the cover, but it isn’t KISS performing on the discs at all, rather than one member of the band. I guess the KISS name, sells better than their individual names. Anyway, it is hard to listen to this CD, and not compare the songs to KISS, especially with Paul Stanley being the voice of KISS. There are some songs on this record that could have easily been leftover KISS tunes. There are also some songs here that feel like a departure away from the rocking tunes that made KISS famous.
The tunes that are almost KISS like are “Tonight You Belong To Me“, 
“Move On“, “It’s Alright“, “Love In Chains” ,and “Goodbye“. With no surprise, these are my favorites on this disc. I have always like Stanley’s vocals, and his voices soars on the majority of the tunes. Bob Kulick (older brother of former KISS guitarist, Bruce Kulick) provides some tasty guitar licks on this album.
This album had a minor hit with the ballad, “Hold Me, Touch Me“. It might be my personal taste, but this song sounds dated in 2008, and does not hold up well. This sticky sweet tune sounds like it has more in common with the Doobie Brothers than KISS. I am sure this was a tune used to get couples slow dancing in the local discotheques back in the late 70’s.
To Paul Stanley’s credit, he wrote the majority of the material on this album, with a little bit of help from Mikel Japp. The song writing is pretty good on this record. In my opinion, this release, and the Ace Frehley solo disc, are the best out of the four KISS solo releases from ’78.
If you are a KISS fan, chances are you probably own this. If you don’t, you ought to pick this up.
Rating:
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Tonight You Belong To Me
2. Move On
3. Ain’t Quite Right
4. Wouldn’t You Like To Know Me?
5. Take Me Away (Together As One)
6. It’s Alright
7. Hold Me, Touch Me (Think Of Me When We’re Apart)
8. Love In Chains
9. Goodbye
Musicians on this CD are:
Paul Stanley – Lead Vocals, Background Vocals, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, E-bows, all guitars on “Hold Me, Touch Me”
Bob Kulick – Lead Guitar, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Richie Fontanta – Drums (“Move On”, Wouldn’t You Like to Know Me”, “Ain’t Quite Right”, “Tonight You Belong To Me”)
Craig Krampf – Drums (“It’s Alright”, “Hold Me,Touch Me”, “Love In Chains”, Goodbye”
Carmine Appice – Drums (“Take Me Away”)
Steve Buslowe – Bass Guitar
Eric Nelson – Bass Guitar
Doug (Gling) Katsaros – Piano
Steve Lacey – Electric Guitar
Pepe Castro, Maaria Vidal, Diana Grasselli, Miriam Naomi Valle – Background Vocals
2 Put KISS On Your French Fries?!
Gene Simmons continues to find new ways to bastardize the KISS name:
KISSonline.com is reporting:
“The KISS Coffeehouse is releasing KISS Hotter Than Hell Ketchup! The Coffeehouse will be sampling KISS Ketchup and fries at noon on September 6th. Bottles of KISS Habanero Ketchup will be on sale for $7.95 (US).”
It is a sad day when KISS is making condiments instead of new music.
