Tag: Gene Simmons
1 GENE SIMMONS TO ROCK NEW RESTAURANT VENTURE
Legendary Rocker Partners With Restaurant Impresario Michael Zislis And Concert Promoter Dave Furano
To Open and Franchise A New Restaurant Concept For Music Lovers
Dave Furano, Gene Simmons and Michael Zislis celebrate
the launch of their restaurant venture, Rock & Brews
Gene Simmons, rock legend and media mogul, is parlaying his love for music into a new restaurant and entertainment venture called Rock & Brews™. The concept captures the excitement of live concerts in an authentically themed backstage environment including Rock & Brews’ “The Great Wall of Rock,” rock posters and rock art and multiple flat screen televisions.
Rock & Brews serves rock musicians’ favorite foods and highlights an ever-changing, award-winning craft beer selection with hundreds of artisanal breweries featured from around the world.
The first Rock & Brews is scheduled to open just south of Los Angeles International Airport in the beach community of El Segundo, Calif., on April 3. Several others are in the works in the Los Angeles area, including one at Los Angeles International Airport, as well as locations in Denver; Atlanta; Maui, Hawaii; Tokyo; and Los Cabos, Mexico. The expansion plan anticipates the opening of four Rock & Brews in 2012 with aggressive plans for continued expansion worldwide beginning in 2013 and beyond.
Rock & Brews was inspired by Michael Zislis, a notable force on the L.A. restaurant scene, and Dave Furano, a veteran concert promoter, who are Simmons’ partners in the venture.
The Food and Drink
Rock & Brews’ casual American menu features a broad selection of “Opening Acts” appetizers, “VIP” salads, hand-crafted burgers, “Headliner” sandwiches, “Front Row” pizzas and “Encores” desserts. The emphasis is on quality comfort foods that feed the soul as much as the appetite.
With hundreds of craft beers to choose from, craft beer is the top grog at Rock & Brews. More than 40 craft beers are available on tap via a state-of-the-art draft system with hundreds more available in the bottle or can. Selections include lagers, pilsners, pale ales, fruit, malty, hoppy, Belgian, dark, on-deck and bottled beer and a knowledgeable staff to help guests navigate the selection. Red and white wines are also available.
The Concerts
Rock & Brews features multiple large screen televisions that continuously screen concert videos and live recordings of the greatest rock concerts of all time with state-of-the-art sound.
The Atmosphere
With an ambiance reminiscent of being back stage at a rock event, Rock & Brews features a casual, friendly, energized environment decked out with picnic tables, concert lighting, and retractable projection screens and speakers that create a 360-degree experience. The venue is designed to be family and dog friendly with a play area for kids and a large open-air area where four legged guests can howl to the tunes.
The grand opening of Rock & Brews in El Segundo will feature a private luncheon for returning veterans and a star-studded opening bash that evening hosted by Simmons, Furano and Zislis, benefitting Wounded Warrior Project.
Rock & Brews El Segundo is located at 143 Main Street in El Segundo, Calif. For reservations or information, call 310.615.9890 or visit www.rockandbrews.com.
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 — https://allmetalresource.com/
Bring Back Glam — https://bringbackglam.squarespace.com/
Hair Metal Mansion — https://hairbangersradio.ning.com/
Heavy Metal Addiction — https://heavymetaladdiction.com/
Heavy Metal Time Machine — https://metalmark.blogspot.com/
Imagine Echoes — https://www.imagineechoes.com/
Layla’s Classic Rock — https://laylasclassicrock.blogspot.com/
Metal Excess — https://metalexcess.com/
The Metal Minute — https://rayvanhornjr.blogspot.com/ (Ray posted his list on 12/4)
Metal Odyssey — https://metalodyssey.wordpress.com/
Rock Of Ages — https://rockofages.wordpress.com/
The Ripple Effect — https://www.ripplemusic.blogspot.com/
3 Wendy O. Williams – WOW (1984)
The greatest KISS CD never made? That is what some folks consider punk rocker Wendy O. Williams debut CD, WOW.
Why is that you ask? Gene Simmons produced the album, and wrote five of the nine song on the disc. Ace Frehley plays lead on the tune “Bump and Grind”, Paul Stanley plays guitar on “Ready To Rock”, Eric Carr plays drums on “Legends Never Die”. Stanley, Carr and Vinnie Vincent also have partial song writing credits.
So how is the album? It is quite a departure from the music that Wendy O. Williams did with The Plasmatics, but it is good nonetheless. “I Love Sex” sounds like a distant cousin to “I Love It Loud”.
If there is one song that should have been a hit on WOW, it is “It’s My Life”. This tune written by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley is ridiculously catchy. (See the video below).
If the title “Thief in the Night” sounds familiar, it should. This song appears on the 1987 KISS CD, Crazy Nights. I kind of like the version Wendy O. Williams did a little better. Her coarse vocals are a better match with this song.
There are a few more cool tunes on this disc, including the heavy rocker “Ready to Rock”, “Bump and Grind”, and “Aint None of Your Business”. This CD’s only fault, aside from pretty much being a KISS CD in disguise, is that it is a little on the short side with it being less than 37 minutes in length. Nonetheless, I love Wendy O. Williams voice with this type of hard rock. Her razor sharp vocals sound great with the heavy guitar riffs played on WOW. If you haven’t heard her sing before, this is a good place to start.
Sadly, Wendy O. Williams committed suicide back in 1998. Here death is a shame, but she did leave plenty of music for fans to check out. WOW is definitely a CD worth checking out. If you are a fan of KISS, or an 80’s hard rock fan in general, you will probably like this. WOW has been out of print for quite some time, but you can find copies of the CD at this link. For more information on Wendy O. Williams, check out this tribute myspace page.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. I Love Sex (And Rock and Roll)
2. It’s My Life
3. Priestess
4. Thief in the Night
5. Opus in Cm7
6. Ready to Rock
7. Bump and Grind
8. Legends Never Die
9. Ain’t None of Your Business
Wendy O. Williams – Vocals
Wes Beech – Rhythm & Lead Guitar
Michael Ray – Lead Guitar
Reginald Van Helsing – Bass Guitar
T.C. Tolliver – Drums
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
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
3 Happy Birthday Gene Simmons!
As KISS celebrates their 35th anniversary, Gene Simmons is celebrating his 60th birthday today. You read that right….
6-0! Sixty! 60!
Happy Birthday Gene!
2 EZO – S/T (1987)
For two long years, I struggled trying to find a reasonably price copy of EZO’s debut CD. Finally, I decided to cave, and pay the import price from Japan. In the U.S., this CD is pretty scarce and extremely hard to find. I originally had EZO’s debut on cassette tape back in the day, but it eventually was worn out from too many plays. The CD was reissued in 2005, but only in Japan. In the U.S., this disc has been out of print for years.
Many of you probably aren’t familiar with EZO. They are a Japenese metal band that was signed to a record contract by Geffen Records in the eighties, and produced by Gene Simmons. The band had a couple of albums released via Geffen, and a few music videos in support of their albums which got quite a few plays on MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball.
EZO was originally known as Flatbacker in Japan, and had released a couple of discs under that moniker as well.
So was this CD worth the wait? Most definitely yes. It has been a long time since I have listened to these songs, but I am still enjoying them after all of these years. I have to give some credit to Gene Simmons, as he really got the most out of this band. The production on this CD is top notch, and sounds fantastic. I get a kick out of hearing Masaki’s howling vocals on “House of 1,000 Pleasures” and his growly delivery of “Flashback Heart Attack”.
This disc is actually a lot heavier than I remembered it to be and all of the songs are pretty solid all of the way through. The musicianship of EZO is surprisingly better than a lot of the hair metal acts that followed them. EZO’s guitarist, Shoyo Iida was a pretty big talent on the six string. I really like his playing on this disc a lot. Where did this guy disappear to?
If this CD has any detriment to it. It is a little on the short side. Nine songs clocking in at a little less than 36 minutes. But is nine very good songs! The bottom line is this, if you can fine EZO’s debut CD, buy it, you won’t be disappointed. I like this one a lot, and I think you will too!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. House of 1,000 Pleasures
2. Flashback Heart Attack
3. Mr. Midnight
4. Here It Comes
5. I Walk Alone
6. Destroyer
7. Big Changes
8. Kiss of Fire
9. Desiree
EZO is:
Masaki Yamada – Vocals
Taro Takahashi – Bass
Shoyo Iida – Guitar
Hirotsugu Homma – Drums
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 Simmons Records To Be Relaunched
I am closing in on two, separate offers to relaunch my SIMMONS RECORDS label. When I’ve decided which offer I’ll accept, you’ll read it here first.
For those of you in bands who have demos (demonstration tapes), please don’t send em. I’ve received literally thousands upon thousands of demos over the years. There simply isn’t enough time in the world to wade through it all.
The history of SIMMONS RECORDS dates back to Bob Buziak former head of RCA RECORDS. I signed HOUSE OF LORDS ( a name I trademarked and let Greg Giuffria use for his band), SILENT RAGE, a California rock band and GYPSY ROSE a Canadian rock band RCA wanted to release through my label.
Music was going through a revolution and Grunge and Seattle snuffed out most of the rock bands of the day. I went on record then and stand by what I said: Though the bands coming out of Seattle were certainly valid, the tone and self destructive nature of it was not. Seattle would be the death of most rock bands. And, it was. What followed was the saddest period in Rock I can remember.
Gone were rock shows. Gone were groupies. Gone was the Culture of Rock. The bands that ignored Seattle and simply went on doing what they did best: Rock!!!….survived. And got bigger. Seattle bands? Almost all are gone.
Back in the early 90’s, I was also managing LIZA MINNELLI’s recording career and got her a deal at Epic Records. Her record was produced by the Pet Shop Boys.
For the most part, I lost interest in fighting an uphill battle with my label. Then by early 2000, I met and liked the nice folks at Sanctuary and over there, I re-launched the SIMMONS RECORDS label for two releases: my solo album, ASSHOLE and a Canadian one-man-band named BAG. Eventually, Sanctuary went under and that forced us to shut our doors yet again.
This time, we have two majors who want to do this the right way.
And, we will. As soon as more news comes, you’ll see it here first.
Source: genesimmons.com
0 Happy Halloween From Hard Rock Hideout!
0 Kiss bassist Gene Simmons Sued Over IndyCar deal
As reported by MSN, A Los Angeles man claims in a lawsuit that Gene Simmons took him for a ride on a marketing deal with the Indy Racing League.
Allan Brown on Wednesday sued Simmons and two business partners, claiming the group cut him out of a 2006 deal between the Kiss bassist and the racing league.
Brown is seeking unspecified damages and is claiming fraud and slander. His suit alleges he helped broker the deal between Simmons and the IRL, but was cut out of the contract while on a personal vacation.
He also claims Simmons and his business partners mischaracterized him as “lazy” and “rich” to racing league officials.
Simmons promoted IndyCar racing in 2006, and even co-wrote a song, “I Am INDY.”
An e-mail message left for Simmons’ attorney was not immediately returned Wednesday.
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.
4 Remember Angel?
Remember the band Angel? The band was discovered by Gene Simmons from KISS back in the 70’s. They launched a brand new myspace site.
Angel features original singer Frank DiMino and drummer Barry Brandt, the group’s third album, 1977’s On Earth As It Is In Heaven, is digitally re-mastered on August 18.
13 KISS Alive 35 Tour
Only 3 dates so far, but more could be on the way……..
US TOUR DATES
“This tour just keeps getting bigger and the band has never been better! Until we sort out the next leg, we don’t want to stop, so we’re doing a few US shows for our enjoyment, as much as the fans. We are having the time of our lives on the Alive 35 tour and over half a million KISS fans obviously share the feeling! Why stop?”
August 4 – Sturgis, South Dakota
August 30 – Lake Tahoe, Nevada
August 31 – Kelseyville, California
STURGIS, SOUTH DAKOTA
WORLDWIDE SOLD-OUT 35TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR TO HEADLINE STURGIS ROCK’N THE RALLY LINEUP AT 68th ANNUAL STURGIS BIKE WEEK!
In what is destined to become “the night that rocked Sturgis,” legendary superstars KISS will perform at Glencoe Nation’s Rock’n the Rally on August 4th. Recognized as one of the biggest and best bike rallies in the world, Sturgis Bike Week celebrates its 68th year this August 4-10, 2008. With capacity of 100,000, Glencoe Amphitheater is the largest outdoor music venue in the nation.
Tickets to the KISS performance on Aug. 4 in Sturgis, S.D. are available at https://www.startickets.com or 1-800-345-9213. Glencoe camping information and additional lineup announcements may be found at Rock’n the Rally’s website: https://www.rockntherally.com .
LAKE TAHOE
Harveys Lake Tahoe and Another Planet Entertainment are pleased to present legendary rockers KISS, at the Harveys Outdoor Arena.
Best known for their outrageous live performances, wild costumes and theatrical stage antics, KISS has also produced a long list of hits over a career spanning more than 30 years. Their 1975 release Alive! turned the band into super-stars with the world-wide hit, “Rock and Roll All Nite.”
Date: Saturday, August 30th, 2008
Venue: Harveys Outdoor Arena
Online Reservations: Tickets on-sale Friday, June 13 at 10 a.m. (PDT)
Tickets go on-sale Friday, June 13, 2008 beginning at 10 a.m. PDT, only through Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com or www.apeconcerts.com.
KONOCTI HARBOR
Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa on Beautiful Clear Lake…proudly presents…KISS!!!
X.S. Labor Day Weekend Grand Finale – Sunday, August 31st…Outdoors, Under the Stars… “Takin’ it to the Streets” Motorcycle Road Rally and Poker Run around Clear Lake, followed by a full concert by the legendary KISS! Fireworks after the Show!
Tickets on sale to the General Public Sunday, May 25th at 9am. KISS ARMY members will have access to an exclusive ticket presale this Wednesday on KISSONLINE (details Tuesday).
Call 800-660-LAKE direct to Konocti Harbor for Tickets & Room Reservations or get tickets at any tickets.com locations, or on line at www.tickets.com .
Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa
8727 Soda Bay Road
Kelseyville, California 95451
For more information on the Resort, visit their website at https://www.konoctiharbor.com/ .
2 Gene Simmons on the Apprentice
Hard rock legend, Gene Simmons will be making an appearance on Donald Trump’s latest “Apprentice” incarnation, “The Celebrity Apprentice.”
The new show, featuring an all-star lineup of candidates, will premiere tonight, Thursday, Jan 3, 9/8c, and air every Thursday.
What’s really unique about this “Apprentice” season is that rather than vying for a job with Donald Trump, the contestants will be working towards a greater goal — raising over a million dollars for their various charities throughout the season.
The final winner will have the opportunity to donate a $250,000 bonus check to their designated charity.
Check out Simmons talking about what it takes to succeed:
You can see all of the candidates at – https://www.nbc.com/The_Celebrity_Apprentice/
6 Kiss – Alive! – (Release Year – 1975)
When thinking about a live Classic Metal CD, only one came to mind, KISS’ Alive from 1975.
If you are a KISS fan of any kind, this CD needs no introduction, you probably own this on multiple formats. For those of you that don’t, keep reading!
KISS Alive may be the most successful live hard rock disc of all time. This Album has sold over 4 million copies since its initial release. Rolling Stone Magazine has this disc listed as one of their Top 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
While I don’t agree with all of Rolling Stone’s choices, this is one that is a worthy selection.
Is KISS the greatest band of all time? Probably not. Is this the best live CD of all time? It is pretty damn close if it isn’t. The sound quality of this disc, is amazing, especially since it was recorded in ’75. I can listen to this 80 minute set repeatedly without getting bored.
This is truly a once in a lifetime live set, and I think the live energy of the KISS live performance is captured very well here.
If you are a hard rock fan, you owe it to yourself to pick up this excellent 2 disc set!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
Disc: 1
1. Deuce
2. Strutter
3. Got To Choose
4. Hotter Than Hell
5. Firehouse
6. Nothin’ To Lose
7. C’mon And Love Me
8. Parasite
9. She Listen
Disc: 2
1. Watchin’ You
2. 100,000 Years
3. Black Diamond
4. Rock Bottom
5. Cold Gin
6. Rock And Roll All Nite
7. Let Me Go, Rock ‘N’ Roll
Hard Rock Hideout 