Kiss

New KISS Camera Commercial Available


According to KISSOnline.com , Canon Cameras just released another television commercial in Japan for their KISS Camera. The commercial once again features the kids who appeared in the last few commercials as well as an appearance from Godzilla. Visit the link here http://cweb.canon.jp/camera/kissd/d_goods/cm/stream/digitalx_30s_500k.asx to view the commercial.

New KISS Tour? Probably; Album? Unlikely

The following report is courtesy of Gary Graff from Billboard.com:

The KISS Army may be able to pack its gear for a tour in the near future, but not an album. The group's Paul Stanley, preparing for the October 24 release of his solo album Live To Win and an attendant tour, tells Billboard.com he's "sure there will be a [KISS] tour at some point."

He even confirms that one of the ideas being discussed is a traveling version of the orchestral shows Kiss played in 2003 in Australia, which resulted in the Kiss Symphony CD and DVD releases.

"It's not out of the realm of possibility," says Stanley, who welcomed his second son, Colin, with wife Erin on Sept. 6. "Anything's possible, but we're far away from conforming or committing to something like that. I'll let you know when it's true."

New KISS music is another matter, however. Stanley says as far as he's concerned, trying to make a new album in the shadow of KISS' classic repertoire is, at the very least, a challenge. "The fact is, [fans] may tolerate the new songs, but it's the old ones you want to hear," he notes. "I think Jimmy Page and Robert Plant (former LED ZEPPELIN guitarist and singer respectively) 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."

What would it take to change his mind? Control, Stanley says. "I would consider doing it if I could do it the way I wanted to do it," he explains. "If 'Live to Win' was good for anything, it was me confirming how I believe I'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."

But how would that go over with longtime KISS partner Gene Simmons? "Well, y'know, you'll have to see if we go into the studio," replies Stanley -- who says he's not yet watched an episode of Simmons' new A&E reality show, Gene Simmons Family Jewels.

Stanley takes a break from diaper duty to begin a 15-date solo tour on October21 in Atlanta.

KISS' Udo Fest Appearance To Air On Japanese TV Today

Today (Saturday, September 16th) Japanese television will air an Udo Festival special. Fuji TV http://www.fujitv.co.jp/cs/program/7211_263.html . is airing performances from the July 23 festival at the Fuji Speedway in Shizuoka (just outside Tokyo), including the KISS show. Other bands on the bill included SEBASTIAN BACH, ALICE IN CHAINS, PAUL RODGERS, JEFF BECK and SANTANA.
(Thanks KISSKollector.com)

KISS - New Cycling Wear Available!


According to their website, KISS Licensee Primal Wear is releasing several new items in the next few weeks. Previously the company released the Rock N Roll Over and Destroyer cycling jerseys as well as the KISS logo socks. The new items (pictured left) are two new cycling jerseys, arm warmers and men's cycling shorts, all featuring the KISS Logo.

KISS - Fragrance Sample Packaging Revealed; South East Region Promotions Part 1

KISSOnline.com exclusively reports:

Pictured with this story is the inside of the packaging of the .05 ounce sample versions of KISS HIM and KISS HER. The hole at the top is where the small glass tube containing the fragrance sample is attached. Gemini has done such an excellent and classy job packaging the entire KISS Fragrance line, that even the small glass tube (not pictured) has the KISS logo printed on it!

To launch the new KISS Fragrance Line, Gemini Cosmetics has organized a number of exciting promotions in the South East Region of the US at Dillards, Belks and Parisians stores. The promotions in this region include face painting, name that mask contests, tattoo events, free KISS air fresheners.

Check out the full story at this location. http://www.kissonline.com/news/index.php?mode=fullstory&id=3921

KISS - South East Region Fragrance Promotions Part 2; More Promo Items Revealed

KISSOnline.com exclusively reports:

Gemini Cosmetics was kind enough to send us some of the promotional items being used at the many events they have organized to promote the new KISS Fragrance Line. Pictured here are a the KISS HIM and KISS HER air fresheners and stickers that are being given out at some of the many promotions at department stores across the US.

Check out the full story, including the second part of the South East Region list of instore promotions, at this location.

KISS Coffee Sent To Troops


KISSOnline.com report:

Yesterday (September 19th) 2,000 bags of KISS Army Blend Coffee were sent to the Rhode Island National Guard serving in Iraq, compliments of the KISS Coffeehouse and Mills Coffee Company!

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, visited Mills Coffee Company in Providence, RI, to thank the KISS Coffeehouse team for donating the KISS Coffee to the RI National Guard members serving in Iraq. "I am pleased to support any effort made by our business community to bring a little bit of home to our troops who are serving so bravely in the war against terror," said Congressman Langevin.

Mills, the official roaster of KISS Coffeehouse products, generously matched the 1,000 bag donation by KISS Coffeehouse. “Along with creating the most exciting coffeehouse in the marketplace, we all wanted to recognize the men and woman serving overseas. Hopefully, our rocking coffee will give them a lift”, added KISS Coffeehouse owner Brian Galvin.

Local Providence/New Bedford NBC TV affiliate WJAR covered the event.

Top photo: KISS Coffeehouse's Brian (right) and Skip (left) with Congressman Jim Langevin.

Bottom photo: The staff of Mill Coffee Company with the Congressman.

New KISS Toddler Wear Available

According to KISSOnline.com, KISS licensee Angotti Designs, just released another KISS onesie and a toddler raglan tee as part of their new Rowdy Sprout line. The new line features licensed rock wear for kids, using high quality fabrics made in California from start to finish! The KISS products feature distressed Rock 'N Roll Over art, and are available in sizes ranging from infant through 4T. Angotti's products are available at Boutique shops as well as the following websites: www.tuttibella.com, www.bellymaternity.com, www.shopkitson.com, www.lissaayer.com and www.samandseb.com.

2007 KISS Calendar In Production


According to KISSOnline.com, the 2007 KISS Calendar (pictured left) has been approved and is now in production! You may pre-order the calendar in the KISS Shop http://www.fanfire.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/fanfire.woa/wa/artist?artistName=Kiss&sourceCode=KISWEB . The calendars will ship in mid - October.
KOL's own photographer Al Soluri took all of the inside photos of the calendar. The only photo not taken by Al was the studio cover shot by Neil Zlowzower. Besides the cover, all photos are live shots from the recent KISS Japan and Chumash Casino Shows.

Tickets Available For Big Screen Showing Of KISS Alive! At Cobo Hall

Tickets are now available for the special Big Screen showing of KISS Alive! at Cobo Hall, Detroit 1976. This never-before-seen special one night event will feature a historic Rockumentary - KISS Day in Cadillac, Michigan 1975. For only one night, October 26 at 8PM local. Click http://www.bigscreenconcerts.com/subpage/index.asp?EventID=607&code=KISSonline for tickets:

This special Big Screen showing is to promote the Kissology Vol. 1 1974-1977 two-disc DVD set on sale October 31.

A complete list of theaters where the KISS special will be shown can be found at this location. http://www.kissonline.com/news/index.php?mode=fullstory&id=3950

New KISS Swag Approved For Release

KISSOnline.com reports:

"Here are two of the latest KISS T-shirts that were recently approved for release.

The shirt pictured on top features a classic 70's image of KISS and should be available in the next few weeks. The other shirt features the KISS Army Crest and is now available in the KISS SHOP!"

KISS coffret alive


Le 21 Novembre Universal/mercury sortira le coffret ALIVE! composé de ALIVE 1, ALIVE 2 avec 1 titre bonus "rock and roll all nite", ALIVE 3 et surtout ALIVE 4 ( pas celui avec l'orchestre symphonique en australie ) le Millenium concert du 31 decembre 1999 qui avait longtemps été annoncé et toujours reculé.

Sorti aussi le 31 Octobre du double DVD "kissology" regroupant les concerts de 1974 à 1977. 2 autres volumes prévus en 2007.

KISS - More Live Concert Footage From KISSology DVD Available

Two more live concert clips from the upcoming KISSology Volume One 1974-1977 DVD, due out on October 31st, are now available.

Check out the following clips:
'Detroit Rock City'
(QuickTime)
http://interface.audiovideoweb.com/lnk/nj21quick1506/detroitrockcity.mov/play.qtl
(Windows Media) http://interface.audiovideoweb.com/lnk/il81win15162/detroitrockcity.wmv/play.asx
'Rock And Roll All Night'
(QuickTime) http://interface.audiovideoweb.com/lnk/nj21quick1506/rockandroll.mov/play.qtl
( Windows Media). http://interface.audiovideoweb.com/lnk/il81win15162/rockandroll.wmv/play.asx

As previously reported, links for three other clips from KISSology are also available:
'C'mon And Love Me', http://www.kissonline.com/video/media/q_M_Cmon_Love_Me.mov
'Deuce', http://www.kissonline.com/video/media/q_M_Deuce.mov
'Strutter'. http://www.bravewords.com/news/51008

VH1 Classics will be broadcasting the following programs on Friday, October 27th:

8 PM (ET) - Hanging With KISS - is the interview KOL previously reported - that Paul & Gene did in LA with Eddie Trunk.

9 PM (ET) - Classic Concerts: Kiss Live at the Summit in Houston from the KISSology DVD!

An official press release for the upcoming KISSology DVD was previously posted at this location.
http://www.bravewords.com/news/51008

KISS - Pre-Order KISSology And Receive A Pass To KISS On The Big Screen

KISSOnline reports:

"The folks at Fontana Distribution and VH1 Classic Records have coordinated a KISSology pre-order campaign with dozens of independent record stores across the country. While tickets for all of the local screenings can be purchased http://www.bigscreenconcerts.com/index.asp?code=KISSonlineblast ; if you live in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, New York, New Jersey, Texas, or Utah; beginning this weekend you may preorder KISSology (featuring a limited edition bonus 3rd disc: Madison Square Garden ’77) at the following independent record stores, and receive a pass for KISS On The Big Screen (October 26th only) while supplies last (for showings at their local theaters). Call these stores (listed at KISSonline http://www.kissonline.com/news/index.php?mode=fullstory&id=3992 ) ahead of time for confirmation of details and availability."

KISS - Smells Like Middle-Age Spirit



ABC News (abcnews.go.com ) has issued the following report from Marianne Goldstein:
Lending a whole new meaning to the phrase "kiss and make up," the legendary rock band KISS has brought it's brand name to a cosmetics counter near you.

Those who want to adopt the "rock and roll all night, party all day" lifestyle can now forgo the exhausting social whirl, and only spritz on some eau de GENE SIMMONS.

KISS Him cologne and KISS Her perfume, which went on sale on October 1st, are sold in department and retail stores for around $39.

There are also ancillary products like "Party Shower Gel," "Lovin' Body Lotion," "All Night Deodorant Stick" and "Rockin' After-Bath Splash" that will enable true believers to be KISSed from head to toe.

And as absurd as it may sound for a rock band to create a fragrance line — it makes one wonder, what exactly would the U2 scent smell like? — for the legendary 1970s rock band, it's just another savvy business move that takes its rowdy image and leverages it into a sound business proposition.

Rockers routinely tour to support their albums, and right now band members PAUL STANLEY, 54, and Gene Simmons, 57, have hit the road to support their scents.

They're making visits to department stores from coast to coast, and buyers are lining up for hours to get an autograph and a photo op with their idols.

"We've been having 2,500 fans show up [at Simmons' appearances], "said Neil Katz, president and CEO of Gemini, the New York firm behind the fragrances.

A Touch of KISS Everywhere...

Katz has been traveling with Simmons this week. He said that the fragrance's customers were both young and middle-age, and came from all walks of life.

Friday night in Las Vegas, Simmons will preside over a big, splashy launch party for the fragrance line at the Pure nightclub in Caesar's Palace.

And, somewhat incongruously, on Saturday, he'll be at the Dillard's department store down the Strip.

Last week, Simmons even visited Fort Bragg, N.C., where the post exchange did fast business on the fragrances.

Asked by a reporter there why he had approved use of the KISS name for the cosmetics, Simmons said, "If people decide that a KISS fragrance line makes sense, who's to argue with America?"

Certainly not Simmons, who has used his business acumen to extend the KISS brand into places you'd never expect and has kept it thriving years past the life span of a band that hasn't recorded an album of new material since 1992.

The KISS name has been licensed for use on an estimated 2,500 products.

In the years since the band created its fan base, the band has approved licensing for an assortment of products, from T-shirts to board games to KISS Kaskets.

Simmons once described a $4,700 coffin as "the ultimate KISS collectible."

Last summer, Simmons went one step further: He and his family opened their home to cameras for an A&E reality show, "Gene Simmons Family Jewels," which has been renewed for a second season.

"Gene's popularity has only increased since the show aired. There are a lot of young people who want to talk to him," Katz said.

A Brand, Not Just a Band...

KISS reached its musical pinnacle in the 1970s, when it recruited a "KISS Army" enamored with the group's outrageous onstage hijinks and pyrotechnics, leather costumes and kabukilike black-and-white makeup.

Through the years, the band has sold 80 million albums and untold caskets.

Katz came up with the idea for the fragrances after attending a New York KISS expo — one of dozens of fanfests held annually around the country — where he saw hundreds of products for sale, and, well smelled an opportunity.

"They're a brand, not just a band," he said. "The lifestyle they represent was born out of their music. It's fun, exciting, sexy."

Not to mention profitable — Katz reports that for every department store that Stanley and Simmons visit, there are sales of upwards of $30,000 to $40,000 of the fragrances.

The fragrances themselves — as well as the packaging, marketing and advertising — were approved by Stanley and Simmons.

Katz describes the women's fragrance as a "beautiful" floral/Oriental blend and the men's as a "modern Oriental fusion."

Both, incidentally, are infused with pheromones. According to a report on Simmons' Web site, he confidently predicted to fans at one in-store appearance, "When you put some on, you'll get lucky."

If wearing KISS isn't your cup of tea, then perhaps you'll be interested in another new licensee — the KISS Coffeehouse in Myrtle Beach, N.C., which describes itself as "the most outrageous coffee and dessert shop ever constructed."

The cafe doles out Demon Dark Roast coffee and Frozen Rockuccinos, among other beverages, and airs videos of the band on big screens lining the walls.

When the coffeehouse opened in June, fans reportedly came from all over the country and waited for up to 12 hours to meet Simmons and Stanley, who gave their blessing in person.

"Myrtle Beach has always been a party center," Stanley said to a local reporter.

"This was the best place to get it started. Myrtle Beach is ground zero. … We're bringing coffee to a whole 'nother generation," he said.

Not to mention, a dollop of rock 'n' roll spirit.

KISS Collectibles Available

KISSonline.com is reporting:

"Just in - two new great KISS collectibles: Pictured (left) is the KISSOnline Exclusive Camouflage KISS Army Trucker Hat. This fitted camo trucker hat features the KISS Army design embroidered on front. Camo front and black trucker mesh back. The bottom picture is the KISS Concert Flier Long sleeve T-shirt. This KISS long sleeve tee features poster art work from 1973 on front and the left sleeve reads You Wanted The Best. Black 100% cotton. Both items are now available in KOL's KISS Shop. http://www.fanfire.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/fanfire.woa/wa/artist?artistName=Kiss&sourceCode=KISWEB

KISS' KISSology: Volume One Debuts At #1 On Billboard Music Video Chart

The new KISS DVD box set, KISSology: Volume One 1974-1977, debuts at #1 on Billboard's Music Video Chart in it's first week of release in the US, with sales of 52, 000 copies.

KISSology: Volume One 1974-1977 is a two-DVD set with six hours of live footage, including four complete shows and rare and unreleased material from the band's early history with the original lineup of PAUL STANLEY, GENE SIMMONS, ACE FREHLEY and PETER CRISS. The set was released in Canada this week.

As previously reported, the DVD features two "easter eggs", according to DVDReview.com. Details can be found here. http://www.bravewords.com/news/54236

A contest is currently running from BW&BK and Fontana North to win a copy of the set. Full details here. http://www.bravewords.com/news/54164

KISS Float In Homecoming Parade



KISSOnline.com reports:

"The Bellarmine-Jefferson High School Homecoming Parade, on October 7th featured a KISS themed Float! The Parade took place in Burbank, Ca (San Fernando Valley).

All of the floats paraded down Olive Ave., in Burbank during the day, and in the evening paraded around the football field at half-time. The Students performed to 'Rock And Roll All Nite'. Student performers were: Joelle Haji as "Gene", Ashleigh Diller as "Paul", Vincent Huff as "Peter", and Jessica Alvarez as "Ace".

The school-wide theme was "music genres". Margaret Aston is the junior class (11th grade) advisor and told us the students picked "KISS" for their theme. The chemistry teacher designed the float but the students did all the work, buying the materials, drilling, painting, attaching, lights, make-up, and costumes, and performing. The students worked after school for a week putting the whole thing together!"

KISS Debuts Epic 6 Hour Box Set



KISSOnline.com reports:

In this AP photo GENE SIMMONS and PAUL STANLEY, appear onstage with VJ Damien Fahey during MTV's Total Request Live at the MTV Times Square Studios Tuesday, October 31st, 2006 to promote KISSology.

KISS' new DVD The Ultimate DVD Box Set From KISS, The Ultimate Show Band, Opens As #1 Music DVD of the Week, Selling Over 52,000 In First Seven Days

The Best Selling First Week Ever For a KISS DVD

(New York, NY, November 9, 2006) —– KISS has proven once again to be the biggest, baddest, most triumphant show band in rock & roll history, debuting as the #1 music DVD of the week with KISSology: Volume One 1974-1977 — the first of a definitive three-part collection from VH1 Classic Records. The six-hour, 2-DVD box set sold over 52,000 copies in its first seven days of release.

This is the debut release from VH1 Classic Records and marks a substantial first success for the new imprint. The significant sales figures also mark a record for KISS as the best selling first week numbers for a KISS DVD ever and put this #1 Music DVD on pace to be one of the top selling music DVDs of the year.

Volume one is a MUST OWN hit that chronicles the beginning of a band that has lasted nearly 30 years. The set takes fans all the way back to the deep early roots of the band's classic line-up -- Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss – in a mind blowing 6 solid hours of vintage KISS captured and re-mastered on 2 state-of-the-art DVDs featuring more than 70 live performances and four full concerts bundled along with unreleased tracks and never-before-seen footage. Volumes Two and Three are being readied for release in 2007.

KISSology: Volume One 1974-1977 launched at retail on October 31 with a comprehensive push, including Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley serving as grand marshals in New York City’s annual Halloween parade and appearing on MTV’s TRL program. VH1 Classic also provided a full-court press on-air and online, including an exclusive interview special with Simmons and Stanley.

KISS is one of the Gold Record Award Winning bands and has sold 80+ million records throughout their career. The group has earned more than 55 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards since receiving its first gold record for "KISS Alive!" in 1975. KISS has performed more than 3500 concerts in front of nearly eighty million fans in virtually every country on planet earth.

Launched in May 2000, VH1 Classic is a 24-hour network that present videos, concerts and music specials all day long, featuring the best of rock, soul and pop artists from the 60s, 70s, 80s and early 90s, including The Beatles, The Stones, Tina Turner, Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, The Who, Stevie Wonder, The Police and many more. Learn more at www.vh1classic.com .

DVD Info

Disc One of KISSology: Volume One 1974-1976 takes a look back at an early bar-band KISS (freshly risen from the shards of Wicked Lester) already thinking much bigger than any of their contemporaries. 1974 is covered with a live concert in Long Beach as well as KISS's televised appearances on ABC's "In Concert" and an interview/performance on "The Mike Douglas Show." By 1975, KISS was playing San Francisco's fabled Winterland, headlining NBC's "Midnight Special" and making videos for "C'mon & Love Me" and their signature "Rock and Roll All Night," all included on KISSology. In 1976, KISS came to Detroit for an incendiary concert at the Motor City's Cobo Hall, captured on Disc One of KISSology.

Disc Two of KISSology picks up the threads of 1976 with the band's interview and performance of 'Black Diamond' on So It Goes, a must-see and much-discussed interview and performance of 'King of the Nighttime World' on The Paul Lynde Halloween Special, and personal band footage from May 1976. The 1977 material on Disc Two captures the band at the pinnacle of its international fame, performing to tens of thousands of fans at the legendary Budokan Hall in Tokyo in April '77 and, a little more than a month later, headlining Don Kirshner's Rock Concert. Disc Two closes with scorching concert footage from The Summit in Houston, Texas on September 2, 1977, showing KISS laying down the creed that still beats at the heart of the band: Rock & Roll All Night and Party Every Day!!!

The footage is digitally-restored video coupled with a 5.1 audio mix to provide both stunning visual quality and powerhouse finely-detailed sound designed to meet the approval of the most demanding KISSmaniac.

KISS - Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame President Says "Statistics Are Not Relevant"

KISS News USA has posted the following message from Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame President Terry Stewart, courtesy of Wildwoodkiss75/Kiss Forum:

"Thanks for your email regarding Kiss.

Nomination and induction into the Hall Of Fame is not about popularity, records sales, which label the group is on, or anything other than the process below. The love for, the evaluation of, and the impact of any artist are subjective questions to be answered by the nominators and the voters. Unlike baseball, football, basketball or hockey, statistics are not relevant. Please read below:

The entire nomination and induction process is coordinated by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation in New York City. Individuals can be inducted in four categories: Performer, Early Influence, Non-Performer and Side-Men. The only formal criteria for the performance category is that an artist has to have had their first record 25 years ago. That said, candidates are reviewed and discussed relative to their impact on this music that we broadly call rock and roll. The innovation and influence of these artists is also critical. Gold records, number one hits, and million sellers are really not appropriate standards for evaluation.

The formal selection of Performers begins with an extensive panel of journalists, historians, previous inductees, noted musicians, industry heads, etc. In turn, those nominated are sent to a committee of more than 800 people around the world (journalists, historians, music industry management, all previous inductees, musicians, etc.) who vote. Those receiving the highest number of votes and more than 50% of the votes cast are inducted into the Hall. Usually, this means five to seven new performing members each year. So you can see the road to being inducted is an arduous one and for the most part, removed from the realm of influences or politics.

Finally, as I noted above, people sometimes forget that rock and roll and its artists are viewed in an incredibly subjective manner by any individual brought into the circle of discussion. As such, there is often widespread disagreement or fracturing of opinion about who is or was important.

I really think that all deserving candidates will have their moment eventually. Unfortunately, it often isn't the time frame they or their fans desire. In fact, there's not only precedent in our history, but also with the other sports Halls of Fame where many of the legends do not get inducted in the their first year of eligibility, or for many years to come in quite a few instances.

P. S. I was fortunate to work with Gene Simmons when I was President of Marvel Comics. He's a brilliant musician and marketer, both of which I highly respect. Having the KISS Army here this past summer was fabulous. This just proves that once again, the power of the music we call rock and roll and the passion you as a fan have is unexcelled.

Peace & Soul,

Rock & Roll!

Terry Stewart
President
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum ."

KISS To Continue Raiding Vaults For DVD Series; "We Hope It's Going To Be A 10-Volume Set" Says GENE SIMMONS

The following report is courtesy of Gary Graff from Billboard.com:

With the new Kissology: The Ultimate Kiss Collection Vol. 1 1974-1977 lodged atop Billboard's Top Music Video chart, Kiss' Gene Simmons promises there's more where that came from.

"We hope it's going to be a 10-volume set," Simmons tells Billboard.com. "Volume 2 is being worked on right now. I'm not allowed to talk too much about it, but [it will be released] in the next six months to eight months. We don't want to wait. This is a lot of fun. People are enjoying this. We're actually proud of it."

The first Kissology features vintage concerts from San Francisco, Detroit, Tokyo, Houston and New York along with TV appearances, promotional videos and a documentary about Kiss Day in 1975 in Cadillac, Mich.

"Some of the stuff that tugs at my heart is the really, really early days," Simmons notes, "the sort of innocence of it when you're exuberant and happy to be alive. You don't realize that the same band and the same guys would become dysfunctional, and that drugs and alcohol and egos and the rest of that would happen later on."

Simmons says he and partner Paul Stanley have "jealously guarded hundreds and hundreds of hours of material -- concerts, music videos, tapes, all kinds of background footage -- that nobody's ever seen" until the right opportunity to release it came along. "Kissology" is the result of a synergistic agreement with the new VH1 Classic Records imprint.

"Essentially they're in the infomercial business," Simmons explains, "because what they're doing by putting product up there, videos and so on, is promoting material that people go out and buy. So we get a partner that's in the broadcast business every day, and they get new programming on the air -- and get to participate all the way down the line when the material is bought. It's win-win."

Besides the continuing Kissology series, Simmons and Kiss have a number of other projects on tap. A Kiss Alive! 1975-2000 box set - featuring the group's first three live albums and its unreleased Millennium concert - is due November 21, and Kiss: Lick It Up, a box set from Kiss' non-makeup years (1983-96), is coming in 2007. Details of a new Kiss Comics Group will be announced soon.

Simmons is also gearing up for the DVD release of the first season of his A&E reality show Gene Simmons Family Jewels, whose extras will include a pair of songs from Monster, a 150-song boxed set of solo demos and unreleased material - including collaborations with BOB DYLAN, AEROSMITH's Joe Perry and a fledgling VAN HALEN - due next year.

"I have literally hundreds of songs that have never been recorded by Kiss, but I've demoed them all," Simmons says. "Some of the stuff is on four-track, where I played all the parts. Some are on 16, some are on 24, some are straight ahead into the boom box, with acoustic guitar. It'll come out when the time feels right"

KISS Celebrates History Of Alive! Albums

United Press International ( www.upi.com ) has issued the following report:

KISS is celebrating its extensive history of live albums with a new box set.

KISS Alive! 1975-2000 includes the group's first three live albums and its unreleased millennium concert. The first Alive!, released in 1975, was not only KISS' first hit album but also launched a trend in the rock industry.

"The KISS Alive! album became the template for what to do," said bassist GENE SIMMONS. "The word 'Alive' had never been used before for live records. It became synonymous with what you do.

"So (PETER) FRAMPTON immediately came out with Frampton Comes Alive. And then CHEAP TRICK had their biggest success with a live record, and BOB SEGER and on and on. It became the thing to do as a marketing event."

KISS recently launched a planned 10-volume DVD series with KISSology Vol. 1 1974-1977 and has also started marketing a line of fragrances for men and women

Chicagoland KISS Expo To Take Place December 10th

The Chicagoland KISS Expo will take place Sunday, December 10th 2006 at the Holiday Inn (411 south Larkin Ave.) in Joliet, IL. Special KISS room rates are available, so call in advance to 815.729.2000. Special guest Bill Aucoin will do a Q&A and autograph session. KISS tribute band, DOUBLE PLATINUM will perform and KISS merchandise will be on sale all day. Doors open at 10:00am. Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased at the door the day of the event or for more expo info contact the promoter: Jim Frangella at 815.729.3113 or email kissarmylll@sbcglobal.net.

KISS To Rectify Alive! 1975-2000 Best Buy Bonus Track Problem

KISSOnline.com reports:

"KISS Fans are the greatest!

Not 15 minutes after the KISS Alive!!! 1975-2000 CD set went on sale on Tuesday morning, we started receiving fan emails informing us that the Best Buy store version did not contain the advertised bonus tracks '2000 Man' and 'God Of Thunder'. Thank you for bringing this to our attention so quickly.

Though not directly involved with Universal's Best Buy store promotion, PAUL STANLEY and GENE SIMMONS were made aware of the bonus track problem and have chosen to help rectify the situation for the fans. Several solutions are currently being discussed by Universal Music and we expect to post more information in the next day or two.

Bottom line - Paul and Gene appreciate your support and any fan who bought the CD at Best Buy expecting these two tracks will receive them

KISS Update: More Collectables, Report On Detroit Fragrance Appearance, Eric Carr Remembered, New USA Today Ad

The following KISS related updates from KISSOnline.com :

"Here (pictured) are two pre-production samples that have been approved. The Babydoll Tee is a Hot Topics exclusive! Should be in stores soon! The "In Concert" sign is produced by KISS licensee Kalan and is estimated to be in stores in late January."

In another message, a report from C & G News' Maria Allard reads:

How about a little KISS? PAUL STANLEY visits "Detroit Rock City"

Ask any KISS fanatic, and they'll give it to you straight. KISS isn't just a rock band, it's a phenomenon.

About 1,200 diehard fans stood in line for hours Nov. 4 to meet the super group's front man, Paul Stanley, who made an appearance at the Parisian department store in Rochester Hills.

Cameras clicked and fans howled as the Starchild casually rode down the escalator to greet the enthusiastic crowd. The rocker was in town to promote the latest in KISS merchandise, a cologne packaged in "his" and "hers" scents.

Read the full report here.

Next up, Eric Carr Remembered...

"Sadly, today is the 15th anniversary of the death of our beloved friend Eric Carr.

We all miss and remember Eric for his devotion to his fans and his dedication and belief in KISS. He was a ferocious drummer with a gentle spirit. We all lost him way too soon."

And...

"Pictured here is a great new ad appearing today in USA Today. We had to reduce the ad and cut it in half in order to post. The actual ad runs down a single column.

The ad includes the web address - www.ilovethatsong.com/kiss - where you can get KISS & Paul Stanley IM Icons."