Digital KISS An Online Newsletter for Fans of The Hottest Band in the Land July 1995 Volume I, Number II ***BIG MONEY FOR A BIG KISS*** by Stomp KISS fans have never been known to hold back their opinions on their favorite band. Any move the band seems to make is followed by a flood of opinions both positive and negative. This has been the case once again as fans sound off on the trend of high priced, KISS entertainment. While many fans are howling with delight, there are many others offering feelings of alienation (i.e.: "We can't afford this stuff!). This all began with KISSTORY, and the trend has continued with the new, official KISS Army merchandise and the latest, the KISS Conventions. I have come across a variety of feelings from fans. Some simply feel left out because they can't afford these items, while others are angry at Gene and Paul accusing them of out and out greed. I want to take a look at this issue and offer my thoughts and opinions. This whole controversy got its start when the band began offering the mammoth KISSTORY book for the lofty price tag of $150. The reaction from many fans was immediate: "How can they charge $150 for a book?!?!" This was the general question many fans asked. Well, my simple response to that is get the book and you'll understand. I can say this now having received and absorbed this monstrosity fully. As soon as I lifted the book from the package, the only thing I could think to say was "Holy Shit!!!" Sure I had some doubts when I first ordered it, but now there is no question the book is worth the price. The band has sold well over 10,000 copies of KISSTORY, and I have yet to hear a single negative comment from anyone who possesses one. I'm sure what I'm saying won't change some people's minds. To them, they won't pay that price no matter how spectacular the product is. Well, I do feel sorry for those people. I wish every KISS fan could afford the book. The bottom-line is, the band did whatever it had to do to put this thing together and then had to decide what to charge. Why did KISS bother to do this book in the first place??? Well, so many fans have been asking for something like this for years and the band responded. If the band is going to invest time and money into this, they are certainly entitled to recoup their investment as well as make a profit. The same goes for the upcoming conventions. I fully expect them to be totally worth the $100 ticket price. Since we're a month or so away from the convention I'm attending, it's hard to determine how great the shows will be, but I know that anything the band itself puts together generally has quality stamped all over it - unless we're talking about some of the albums from the 80's - sorry guys. (Editor's Note: Stomp's opinion does not necessarily reflect that of the Editor of Digital KISS). What it comes down to is this: KISS has never put a (Love) gun to anyone's head forcing them to buy KISS merchandise. But buy we do whether it's official KISS stuff or the plethora of bootleg KISS collectibles out there. Which brings me to another point: KISS collecting is big business, and there are people definitely making a good buck off their name. Aside from last year when they raided the Detroit convention (not to be confused with the upcoming "official" conventions) to reclaim stolen stuff that is rightfully theirs, KISS has been very cool about this. They have not cracked down on bootleggers and other people selling things with their name on it. Hey, I'll admit it, I've bought plenty of "unofficial" merchandise and I'm happy with the vast majority of it. Now that KISS themselves are putting out extremely high quality stuff, I couldn't be happier. They fully deserve to make money off it. This isn't to say I blindly order every item. For example, I will likely not buy the $650 leather jacket, but that's my choice and everyone else has that same choice. Is KISS targeting its hardcore fans??? No question about it, but don't confuse targeting us and taking advantage of us. One last note to the individuals who do their own KISS fanzines or are involved in organizing other KISS conventions: Don't stop. Just because the band is putting together the fanzine KISSNATION and doing the conventions, they do not want us to cease. This is another thing I feel some people are misinterpreting. First of all, KISSNATION is very much a fan project as it's basically being written by fans anyway. As for the conventions, the fact is that the one thing that's always been missing from them is KISS themselves. OK - I've rambled on......Let's hear what you think! ***KISSbit: A recent issue of Hit Parader Magazine listed the top 100 hard rockers. Gene was number 20 and Paul checked in at 14.*** ***KISS CONVENTIONS AT BURBANK AND LAS VEGAS, June 17 and 24, 1995*** by R. Scott Bolton Stomp may have not been to an official KISS Convention yet, but I've been lucky enough to attend two: The first "official" U.S. Convention in Burbank and the Las Vegas Convention. Folks, let me tell you - if you're a KISS fan, it's $100 well-spent. At the Burbank show, the doors didn't open until 12:30PM that day but the line began somewhere around 9:00AM. When the line did start to move, it moved very, very slowly. Of course, this was the first day of the convention and things were still being ironed out. If you want to help the line move a little quicker, friends, have your picture ID and your credit card ready when you arrive at the door. Things went much smoother and the Las Vegas show, proving that the band and its excellent staff are definitely working out the bugs. Each convention guest is given a very nice, full-color program containing about thirty pages. In a sense, it's a mini-version of KISSTORY in that it tells a brief history of the band and features some rare photos - all of which you'll see once you enter the convention. Put your program in a safe place and hang onto it forever. According to some of the dealers at the convention, the program will become a very nice collector's item. There weren't as many dealers at the Burbank show as I would have hoped and all the really good merchandise was sold by the time I got in. However, you can pick up vinyl copies of "Revenge," "Alive III," "KISS My Ass" and, soon, "Creatures of the Night." There is no bootleg stuff sold at the conventions (unless someone sneaks it in). Since KISS is sponsoring these conventions themselves, they're making damn sure nobody's making money off of "illegal" merchandise. The Las Vegas show had a few more dealers (including Peter Arquette, who I'm sure most of you fans have dealt with) and some interesting items, including rare KISS vinyl (i.e., "Creatures of the Night" with the original cover, solo album picture discs, etc.) Unlike most people, I really like the new official KISS merchandise. I can't afford it, but I like it. I did buy a great t-shirt with black-and-white art from the first KISS comic book printed on it. It was pricey at $45, but I had to have it. The official KISS KONVENTION t-shirts are emblazoned with the words, "Fuck you, you blew it" and the convention dates. Pretty cool, but you can't very well that over to your parents' house for Sunday dinner. The KISS museum is stunning. You may think you've seen this stuff before in magazines, in KISSTORY, or in old videos but there's nothing like seeing the old costumes in the flesh. The handwritten lyrics and original artwork (for albums, posters, magazines) are cool, too. You can also see Peter Criss' original drumset and Eric Carr's Chikara tom-toms. My favorite piece was Paul Stanley's awesome broken mirror Iceman guitar (one of only two ever made!) Both Eric's and Bruce's clinics are fun. More of a Q&A session than a clinic, these allow fans to ask questions of the two newest members of KISS without them having to share the spotlight with Gene and Paul. (It still sounds funny calling Bruce a new guy since he's been there over ten years). Both Bruce & Eric play a little during their clinics and, again, it's fun to talk to them one-on-one. Tribute bands differ from town to town - however, I caught COLD GIN in both Burbank and Vegas. It was awesome. These guys are so close to the original band it's almost scary. There were no pyrotechnics but the band's vigor more than made up for it. Oh, yeah - and there was a gorgeous girl who took her top off, too. When Paul and Gene join Bruce and Eric on stage for the full band Q&A, things get real noisy. It helps that they pass around a microphone so that questions can be asked that everyone can hear. Some interesting answers in Burbank: One of the reasons the new album has been delayed is because the band wasn't happy with the writing. They pretty much threw everything out and started from scratch. Also, a major boxed set is in the works. Some interesting answers from Las Vegas: The complete KISS catalog will be released sometime in December or January with new re-mastering and new booklets included. Featured will be the "Creatures of the Night" CD with the original cover. Also, Bruce said that he is happier now in the band than ever because it's more of a focussed four member band than ever before. An interesting answer from a question asked at both conventions: A reunion tour, in makeup, with Peter and Ace is unlikely because the band's "heart isn't in it." The unplugged session in Burbank was very, very cool but seemed a little more like a straight set than requests. In fact, I was convinced that was the case until I started seeing some of the set lists from the other conventions. Obviously, the band was still working out some kinks in Burbank and played only a set list as opposed to taking requests. In Vegas, they started out with a set list, but soon played requests, including "Let's Put the X in Sex," which may have been performed live for the first time. One of the highlights of the Burbank show occurred when Peter Criss joined his former bandmates on stage and sang both "Hard Luck Woman" and "Nothin' to Lose". It was a reunion that had the Burbank fans cheering at the top of their voices. Peter sounded great, by the way. The autograph session in Burbank was chaos. The band simply said, "Come forward and get your autographs." If you're a lover and not a fighter, you'll still get your autograph, it'll just take longer. Hang in there: Gene has said time and time again that the band will stay until everyone gets their autographs. In Vegas, things went smoother but there were fewer guests than in Burbank. Tickets are still available for the remaining shows (listed below). If you haven't got your tickets yet, please do. Call 1-800-905-KISS for more information or to order. Saturday, July 1 - Houston, TX - Houston Hobby Airport Hilton Sunday - July 2 - Dallas, TX - Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport Marriott Tuesday, July 4 - New Orleans - Radisson Hotel New Orleans Clarion Thursday - July 6 - Miami, FL - Radisson Mart Plaza Hotel Saturday, July 8 - Atlanta, GA - Atlanta Hilton & Towers Sunday - July 9 - Nashville, TN - Nashville Convention Center Tuesday, July 11 - St. Louis, MO - St. Louis Airport Hilton Thursday - July 13 - Indianapolis, IN - Ramada Plaza Saturday - July 15 - Chicago, IL - Hyatt Regency Woodfield Sunday, July 16 - Minneapolis, MN - Radisson Hotel South & Plaza Tower Saturday - July 22 - Detroit, MI - Cobo Hall Conference & Exhibition Center Sunday - July 23 - Cleveland, OH - Sheraton Cleveland City Center Tuesday - July 25 - Toronto, ON - Toronto Hilton International Thursday - July 27 - Montreal, PQ - La Chateau Champlain Saturday - July 29 - Boston, MA - Westin Hotel Copley Place Sunday - July 30 - New York City, NY Park Central Hotel Tuesday - August 1 - Pittsburgh, PA - Pittsburgh Expo-Mart ***KISSbit: "KISS MY ASS" the video continues to show up on the Billboard Charts for long form music videos. It has been certified gold.*** ***SEATTLE CONVENTION REPORT (June 20, 1995)*** By Adem Tepedelen I showed up a little early, in hopes that I could get in right at noon, when the doors were supposed to open, but when I was told my name wasn't on the list I nearly freaked. I told the woman I was on Mercury's guest list (a perk of being a music journalist!) and she instructed me to stand aside -- the beginning of my aggravating wait. After every ticket holder had gone in, they started to let people in who wanted to buy tickets, which was the line I was stuck in, even though I supposedly had tickets waiting for me. After some shifting of lines and much confusion I got in, found my name on the guest list (without my plus one, but they gave it to me anyhow) and proceeded into the room with the costumes. I was filming the convention with my old super 8 camera I bought at a thrift store for $5, so it was nice to be able to see the costumes from all angles. Since the person I was attending the conference with couldn't be there until 2pm, I set about filming as much of the "museum" stuff as I could. One thing I really enjoyed about the room with the costumes was they always had a cool selection of KISS tunes blasting through a PA. The original Eric Carr "Hawk" costume is hilarious! It does look like Big Bird (with sequins!). There were other cool items in the displays with the costumes, such as Peter Criss' make up kit from the "Dynasty" tour, which as you can see from the tape covering his name, used to belong to Ace! My friend noticed one of Ace's costumes had two right boots on...oops. Now that I was starting to really get pumped up about the convention (after I got over my aggravation) I was feeling the $200 I brought burning a hole in my pocket and I decided to check out what was for sale. Well, their three "collectibles" tables that were being swamped by the several hundred people who had come in before me, and I couldn't really even see what they had for sale. I went back later, after they had been almost totally cleaned out, and bought some old copies of a fanzine called Firehouse. There was also a booth selling all the recent vinyl releases (except "Creatures") at great prices, so I picked up " KMA " for $10, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones /KISS "Detroit Rock City" 7" for $5 and a KISS This fanzine for $5. My buying frenzy would then be completed by purchasing KISStory for $150. My friend showed up at 2pm, we had lunch and spotted the only people at the convention who put on make up (three girls, but no Ace!). At 3pm Eric Singer started his clinic so we went back in to check it out. He bashed along to a bunch of different Kiss tunes and then came out and answered questions and gave away free stuff. His least favorite tune to play is "Rock and Roll All Nite ," and he praised Bruce as a very solid rhythm player. After about 45 minutes Bruce took to the stage and played " Zeptune ." He also mentioned that "Rock and Roll All Nite " is his least favorite to play! I think the questions asked of both he and Eric were much more interesting than the questions posed at the band Q&A, although no amazing tidbits of information were revealed, sorry! Once the clinics ended at 4:30pm , we went back to get a closer look at all the museum stuff. My first time through I had only filmed them, so now I could get a good look. I became a little disappointed when I realized that about 75% of the memorabilia there was also pictured in the program. I know that it's cool to see stuff up close, but I figured there was going to be a lot more from their personal collections. I certainly enjoyed everything, but it only took about 45 minutes to thoroughly look at it all. One thing I really like were some of the fan drawn artwork and the drawings of the cartoon characters, The Rockheads , Eric Carr was working on before his death. The Q&A started promptly at 6pm and after everybody had been sitting patiently on the floor, people decided that they needed to stand to watch KISS sit on stools and answer questions. After about a half-hour the band convinced everyone to sit down and things became much more enjoyable. The questions that most people asked were usually prefaced with some form of "You guys are the greatest, etc.," and more often than not, the people didn't have a question, they just wanted to get up and say how great the band are! While I understand their enthusiasm, it made the Q& A a little boring for the rest of us. One funny thing was when someone asked about how many children they all have. Gene said "two that I know of," someone in the audience yelled "liar" and Gene just sat there with a big smirk on his face. The usual reunion, when's the new album/tour, box set questions were asked and given the same stock answers you've probably heard/read a million times. Bruce and Eric got basically no questions asked directly to them and when someone asked Bruce to scoot forward he made some remark that he would if "someone asked him a fucking question!" The unplugged session was great, however, they shouldn't have made it sound as though it's anything-goes, all audience requests, because it clearly was nothing of the sort. People constantly shouted songs and were totally ignored, and when someone yelled for "Deuce" Gene even said, "We can't play 'Deuce' acoustically." Why not, I thought that was the whole spirit of this show? It's not as though they don't know it! Once I got over the fact that it wasn't an all-request show (by any stretch of the imagination), I really enjoyed it. There were a few glitches -- Mr. Speed and Shandi were tried, and then dropped -- but overall the performance was great by all of the members. They tried doing a country version of "God of Thunder" with Paul doing one verse, Gene part of another and Bruce pulling off a note-perfect countrified solo! It was hilarious! They played a total of 26 songs including: Coming Home Mr. Speed Plaster Caster Do You Love Me Domino Got to Choose World Without Heroes C'mon and Love Me Nothing to Lose (Eric vocals) I Want You Going Blind Take Me See You Tonight Hard Luck Woman (Paul vocals) Black Diamond (Eric vocals) I Still Love You Rock Bottom Forever Shandi Goodbye I Love it Loud Calling Dr. Love God of Thunder Hotter Than Hell Christine Sixteen Detroit Rock City (which they claimed they had *never* done acoustically, but actually had on Howard Stern's radio show). After the Unplugged session the band stayed on stage and let the crowd mob the stage for autographs. This was a really awful method, as a handful of strong, pushy individuals would stand in one place and get all their stuff signed while the rest of us got shoved around. It was bedlam, to say the least. I got Paul and Gene to sign their solo albums and Bruce to sign "Alive III" for me, and after that (took at least 45 minutes of getting shoved around in a mob), I had no energy left to fight for Eric's signature. He and Bruce didn't seem to be as into it, and also weren't getting the same attention as Gene and Paul. I'm glad I was persistent and got their autographs, but this was a bad way of doing it. At least in SF, where they had a table set up and people could only get one signature per person, you could have said something to them and actually met them. This was a fight to get a signature, nevermind actually saying something to them, because they had fifty different things being shoved in their faces to sign. After about an hour and 15 minutes the band left and the stage was set up for the "tribute" band Gene's Addiction. Having the tribute band on after KISS had left the convention was a bad idea. The poor guys went on at 10:30 (all dressed as Gene and wearing nuns habits) and played to a very small crowd. I have to say, though I felt sorry for them going on when they did, they were a poor choice for a tribute band. I think what most fans, myself included, wanted was a band that emulated KISS, with costumes, pyro, stage moves, etc. Instead we got four Genes in habits! And the drummer didn't even have THAT on, just a t-shirt and shorts! Well, I was pretty tired and burned out, so I filmed one song and left so that a disappointing tribute band couldn't tarnish the rest of my great day. I definitely left with a smile on my face and, despite my small gripes, had an experience I'll not soon forget! ***KISSbit: Portions of " Strutter " and "Rock and Roll All Nite " were used as bumper on the Howard Stern show recently.*** ***REVIEW: DRESSED TO KILL ("KISS Fans Salute KISS")*** by R. Scott Bolton Most of you have heard - and probably own - the official KISS tribute album, "KISS My Ass" and some of you have probably heard, "Hard to Believe," featuring none other than Nirvana, the Melvins and others doing KISS covers. But how many of you have heard "Dressed to Kill," the latest in the seemingly neverending line of KISS tribute CDS? I picked up a copy of "Dressed to Kill" at the Burbank Convention and following is my review of the CD track by track: #1 - "King of the Nighttime World" as performed by RAZAMANAZ (featuring Michael Kelly Smith, formerly of BRITNY FOX and CINDERELLA) - Pretty much a note-for-note re-recording of the song from "Destroyer" save for the lead vocalist's voice here being much weaker than Paul Stanley's. #2 - "I Was Made For Lovin ' You" as performed by GOOD GIRLS DON'T, the all-girl band from New Jersey - Another note-by-note re-recording featuring a very sexy-sounding female voice instead of Mr. Stanley's. A slick, sexy cut. #3 - "Sure Know Something" as performed by BOBBY BANDIERA , guitarist of SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY & THE DUKES - A smooth, jazzy re- recording of a underrated KISS classic. Very cool. #4 - "I Want You" as performed by ADRIAN DODZ , East Coast Hard Rockers - Another re-recording that depends too much on the original recording. Not bad, but nothing special. Some interesting guitar fill. #5 - "God of Thunder" as performed by FUEL, New Jersey's latest alternative rockers - FUEL gives a little more drive to the classic KISS song, making it seem to move a little faster without actually going faster. #6 - "Breakout" - as performed by GLEN EVANS, drummer of NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Another note-for-note recording with decidedly lesser vocals. Evans played all instruments on this cut. #7 - "Love Gun" - as performed by FLIPP of Minneapolis - If you hated what Toad & The Wet Sprocket did to "Rock and Roll All Nite ," just skip this track. FLIPP has made "Love Gun" a country-flavored ballad with acoustic chord strummings and twangy vocals. I liked it, but... #8 - "Hotter Than Hell" - as performed by KISS tribute band HOTTER THAN HELL - Doesn't sound as much like KISS as you might imagine but features some chunky guitar sounds. #9 - "Parasite" - as performed by ENDANGERED SPECIES featuring Scott Metaxas of PROPHET and David DiPietro of T.T. QUICK - Another pointless re-recording that offers none of the players' original input. #10 - "Beth" as recorded by FIENDZ , new Jersey punkers - An entertaining little pop-punk rendition of the Peter Criss classic. Poppy, punchy and fresh. #11 - "Rocket Ride" as performed by New Jersey progressive rockers RELAYER - Note for note music recreation, lousy vocals. #12 - "Rip It Out" as performed by HAPHAZARD - Straight forward recording of Ace's solo hit with a decidedly different set of vocals. Is DRESSED TO KILL worth your money? If you're a KISS fan who likes covers, perhaps. Otherwise, stick with KMA . ***KISSbit: Ace Frehley will be inducted into the Rock Walk Hall of Fame on July 25th at 1:00PM. Ace's handprints will take their place beside his former bandmembers Gene and Paul (Bruce, too). A special plaque will be awarded for late KISS drummer, Eric Carr.*** ***ACE FREHLEY AND PETER CRISS JOIN FORCES ON TOUR*** by R. Scott Bolton The other half of the original KISS, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, are heading out on the road together. Naming this tour the "Bad Boys are Back Again...for the First Time in 10 Years," Ace & Peter will tour together for a series of dates beginning July 6, 1995. Ace says, "We just felt like being on the road together. So we figured, let's just take our bands out on the same package and fuck what people think or say." Peter adds: "We both still talk to Gene and Paul, but not about reunions." Ace's band consists of Richie Scarlett on guitar and vocals, Steve Werner on drums and Karl Cochran on bass. Peter's band, CRISS, is Mark Montague on bass, Mike "Angel" McLaughlin on guitar and Jason Ebs on vocals. Though no set format has been scheduled for each evening's performance, it seems likely that CRISS will open the show, ACE will follow and then the two will do a brief set together. Following are the FREHLEY/CRISS tour dates (as of June 29, 1995): July 6, 1995 - Montreal - Metropolis July 7, 1995 - Ottawa - Barrymore's July 8, 1995 - Toronto - RPM July 9, 1995 - Windsor - California Roadhouse July 13, 1995 - Edmonton - T-Rex July 16, 1995 - Edmonton - T-Rex July 17, 1995 - Edmonton - Thunderdome July 19, 1995 - Saskatoon - Ryly's July 20, 1995 - Calgary - Back Alley July 22, 1995 - Vancouver - Commodore Ballroom July 23, 1995 - Seattle - Off Ramp July 26, 1995 - West Hollywood - House of Blues July 27, 1995 - Ventura - Ventura Theatre July 28, 1995 - Sanata Ana - Galaxy Theatre July 29, 1995 - San Diego - Coach House ***KISSbit: The winner of the KMA video contest was treated to a dinner with the entire band at Dan Aykroyd's House of Blues in West Hollywood. Don't feel bad - it wasn't me either.*** ***KISS WEDDING IN LAS VEGAS*** by R. Scott Bolton (reprinted from Rough Edge Online) Weddings are supposed to be celebrations of love, a once-in-a- lifetime ceremony treated with the ultimate respect and honor. So what the heck is a KISS wedding? We decided to find out for ourselves, heading out to Las Vegas for the June 24 KISS Convention at the Sahara Hotel. There, Natalie (Tash) Kowalewich and Rik Fedyck would bond to become known as "The Fedycks." The couple were to be married during the convention, with the veteran rock band taking part in the nuptials. We met Rik and Tash at their room where we were introduced to Tash's mom and aunt and Rik's best friend. Everyone was very nice - something that seems to be a standard for KISS fans (this proven by the generally polite and tolerant behavior at the recent KISS conventions). In fact, it wasn't long before we were all chatting like friends - this despite the fact that we'd only communicated via email prior. Before long, however, it was time for the big plunge. The wedding party journeyed downstairs to the Convention hall. There, we were guided backstage where we chatted with COLD GIN guitarist Tommy Thayer (in everyday garb) and COLD GIN bassist Spiro (in full Gene Simmons makeup and costume). It wasn't long before KISS joined us. They were all very pleasant and friendly. Anybody who doubts the band's claim that they're no longer rocking for the money - but for the fun of it - need only spend a few minutes with these guys. Gene greeted everyone, then posed for photos with Spiro and a female fan sporting Gene's makeup. Paul kept offering advice to Rik and Natalie, telling Natalie at one point, "From here on in, it's all up to you..." Bruce, towering over everyone else (he's so damned tall!), proved to be somewhat shy after all, briefly chatting with everyone and then sort of hanging in the background. Eric was somewhat more active, grabbing a Diet Coke and making jokes. At one point, Tommy, trying desperately to get things organized, explained to Gene that he would follow the rest of the party but, until then, he was to stay backstage with the bride. Gene smiled lasciviously, much to the everyone's delight. After the band had signed the guest book and assorted memorabilia, the first strains of "Every Time I Look At You," from "Revenge," were heard from the convention hall. Lining up, Paul (as best man) and Rik began walking out on stage, followed by the wedding party (relatives, friends, photographers and a certain online rock'n'roll journalist), followed by the bride and Gene (who was giving her away). The Convention crowd, well over 400 of them, went nuts at the sight of Gene and the Tash. However, once the minister began his spiel, the audience fell quiet. What followed was a genuinely touching and fully respectful wedding. Gene didn't wag his tongue during the nuptials, Eric didn't make any jokes. Paul stood, hands clasped, a pleased smile on his face throughout. Bruce stood near Eric, watching silently - as did the audience. Rik and Natalie became "the Fedycks." As the minister announced, "I now pronounce you husband and wife," the convention audience let out a glorious cheer and the wedding party took their bows and left the stage. The band stayed on to begin their Q&A. So what exactly is a KISS wedding? It's just like any other wedding. A celebration of love and a once-in-a-lifetime ceremony treated with the ultimate respect and honor. It's an all-out party you throw with your friends. In this case, however, "your friends" just also happened to include Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Bruce Kulick and Eric Singer... Special thanks and congratulations to Rik & Natalie Fedyck. It was a wonderful weekend, guys - thanks for the invite! ***SNIDER ON KISS*** by Steve Snider First, I would like to personally welcome you (back) to the second edition of Digital KISS. I think this newsletter is going to be very big, and with your help, it will be. When R. Scott Bolton approached me concerning Digital KISS, I, of course, was thrilled to death, I will be more than happy to write about one of the best rock bands of all time. Each issue I will be choosing a KISS release to view introspectively. I value your comments, suggestions, and please feel free to e-mail me at DIGIKISS@AOL.COM. And, if you think I'm full of shit, tell me...I may or may not ignore you... The year is 1975. Archie Bunker is delivering his brand of Americana weekly with the hit show "All in the Family." Steven Spielberg 's film "Jaws" sets new box-office records. Hawkeye, BJ, Colonel Potter and the gang poke fun at the Korean war, but with a serious twist. Bruce Springsteen just released "Born to Run" and a football player named OJ Simpson ran for an unprecedented 23 touchdowns and rushed for 200 yards 6 times that season. 1975 was also the year a relatively unknown band named KISS released "KISS Alive" and an impressionable lad of 13 years old was introduced to rock music that will forever alter his life and that of the rock world for ever. That lad was me (of course). I listened to that album until it was ruined and instantly went out for another copy (much to the chagrin of my mother). KISS: Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss and Ace Frehley, the flamboyant four, electrified the music industry with their wild makeup, explosive (literally) stage show and down to earth kick ass rock and roll. They achieved moderate success with their first three releases "KISS," "Hotter Than Hell," and "Dressed to Kill," but hadn't made that much of an impression. Then came "KISS Alive," at Cobo Hall, Detroit Michigan. The album is a masterpiece of live music recording, even by today's standards. The band is tight and totally in sync, proving to the whole world that they are a band to be reckoned with. I on the other hand, took a simpler approach. I thought they were different, loud, rude, mad at authority and I genuinely liked their music. My parents on the other hand, thought they were Satanic and when they heard the rumor that KISS meant Knights In Satan's Service, they hit the roof. Being good Baptists they forbade me to listen to them, which strengthened my resolve to listen to KISS even more. The music is simple, straightforward rock and roll, a signature sound that is as evident in 1975 as it is with their latest studio release "Revenge". The lineup has changed over the years, and KISS' popularity has waned, but there is no denying that, in 1975, Gene, Paul, Ace, and Peter, were at the top of their musical form, with a tightness that comes from familiarity, good song writing, chemistry and a genuine love of performing. "KISS Alive" is rated as being in the top five best live albums ever recorded, and with good reason. I listen to "KISS Alive" about every few weeks and each time I do, I am amazed at the good solid, loud, crude and rude rock and roll. That is all for now KISS fans, until next time.....Rock On!! SPECIAL THANKS THIS ISSUE TO ADEM TEPEDELEN FOR HIS REPORT ON THE SEATTLE CON AND TO RIK AND NATALIE (TASH) FEDYCK FOR ALLOWING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY THEIR KISS WEDDING. CONGRATULATIONS, GUYS! DIGITAL KISS STAFF R. Scott Bolton, Editor-In-Cheif Chris Stompanato, Co-Editor WRITE TO US AT DIGITAL KISS! You can reach us in a whole slew of ways: Via E-mail: At DIGIKISS@AOL.COM or via CompuServe at 71154,1023 Via Fax at (805)659-3256 Via Mail at: P.O. Box 5160; Ventura, CA 93005; USA or via telephone at (805)645-5358. For a hardcopy of DIGITAL KISS, send $2.00 to the P.O. Box address above. Make checks out to R. Scott Bolton. Please send us your news, your notes, your stories, your photo, your artwork. - WE NEED THEM!!!!!!