PAUL STANLEY Comments On Reports Of Upcoming KISS Clone Reality TV Show

In the wake of numerous reports stemming from an interview done in Norway regarding an upcoming KISS clone reality TV show, frontman Paul Stanley has issued the following statement:

"A KISS clone reality show? First of all, contrary to what was said by anyone, there is no signed deal. Secondly, if we were to do a KISS II, and I don't rule that out, it would be in addition to, and never in place of KISS. If we were to do it, I know it would be done in a groundbreaking way and would be tremendously entertaining. KISS has always defined itself by the rules we break, so what's the big surprise? We are in the middle of our biggest and most successful tour of Europe ever, playing to over a half million people, and neither KISS or I have any plans to stop afterwards!"

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KISS Costumes And Masks Unveiled

Costumes Galore is creating KISS costumes and masks with price points ranging from $4.99 to $500. Pictured are prototypes of clay sculptures that will be used to create KISS masks. Next stage will be pre production where they will add color and hair. These products will be sold online and are estimated in market place is October 2008.

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Kiss Manager Confirms New Members Rumors

The manager of rock band Kiss has confirmed the group are in talks to launch a TV talent show to find replacements for frontman Paul Stanley and guitarist Gene Simmons - when the duo eventually retire.

It has long been rumored that founding members Stanley and Simmons hope to keep the band running when they decide to quit - but both men have been evasive when asked about whether any new members have been signed up and if the takeover will happen after their current world tour.

The rock veterans are the only original members left in the band, which was marred by the departure of Ace Frehely and Peter Criss and the death of Eric Carr in 1991 - the group now includes replacements Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer.

However their longtime manager Doc McGhee insists that there are indeed plans to replace all four band members and keep KISS alive for a new generation - they are close to signing a deal to find their replacements through an American Idol-style TV show.

McGhee says in a new TV documentary about the band, "I believe that KISS can go on forever. I believe that there is a way - and we are talking to people and we're pretty close to getting it done - about finding the four new members of KISS."

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KISS Army Invades Halifax For Band Expo

The following report is courtesy of Dean Lisk from Metronews.ca:

She doesn’t have as much memorabilia as Gene Simmons has in his home — seen regularly on the show Family Jewels — but Heather Churchill’s house still has an impressive shrine to KISS.

“It’s the music, the show, everything about them,” said the Lower Sackville resident, who has everything from KISS perfume to face-painted teddy bears. “I like the fact that 35 years after they formed, they are still strong. It’s the whole experience, so to speak.”

She and other member of the KISS army are invading the Quality Inn & Suites in Halifax this Saturday for an expo dedicated to the painted-faced rock band.

“I’ve loved them since I was the same age as my son,” said Churchill, pointing to her eight-year-old.

She is organizing the expo, which will include special guest KISS 4K comic artist Adam Black, and Halifax-based tribute band Dressed 2 Kill. While Churchill always liked the band, it’s only been in the last few years that she has become an avid fan.

“There is a huge online community and I’ve known a lot of those people for the last few years, from different fan sites and websites,” she said. “I have a lot of friends all over the world and we unite over these guys.”

Pre-registration has been strong, and Churchill expects 300 to 500 fans to show up.

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KISS-Idol A Reality?

NRK.no recently spoke with KISS' Gene Simmons where he discussed fans' biggest fear for some years now - that KISS are indeed planning to keep KISS running and touring after founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons decide to take off the make-up for good.

During a familiar rant by Simmons about how KISS could go on forever, NRK's journalist asked jokingly if the band would consider looking for replacements for Simmons and Stanley in a tv-show, on the model of American Idol. "We have already signed the contract, and it is going to go through in a couple of months" was Simmons' reply.

Co-founder Paul Stanley was not very happy to hear about his bandmate's statement regarding KISS' future. "These things are typical. Gene says something as if it was a fact, but there is no signed deal. The future has many possibilities. Will it happen next week? No! Am I opposed to the idea? Of course not" he retorted. Paul also stated that the members of VELVET REVOLVER were planning a similar stunt to find the replacement for lead singer Scott Weiland, who was fired at the end of the band's European tour earlier this year. However, the band decided not to do it, according to Stanley, because of Slash' wish to remain cool and credible to his fans. "I don’t have to be that cool", Stanley smiles.

KISS are playing to their biggest Norwegian audience ever this weekend. On Saturday (May 31st), the band played in front of 12,000 fans in Oslo's indoor arena Valhall, and today (June 1st) the masked legends travel to Bergen, for their first ever outdoor show in Norway.

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Condoleezza Rice Enlists In Kiss Army Fan Club

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) — The Kiss Army fan club has an enthusiastic new recruit: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Rice was in the Swedish capital Thursday for an international conference on Iraq. Kiss had a sold-out concert to play Friday.

"I was thrilled," Rice said of her late-night encounter with Kiss frontman Gene Simmons and bandmates Paul Stanley, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer in the executive lounge of the Sheraton Hotel where they signed autographs and handed out backstage passes and T-shirts to her staff.

"It was really fun to meet Kiss and Gene Simmons," she told reporters, noting that they seemed well-informed about current events. The band had asked if she could stop by after she finished dinner with the Swedish foreign minister and Rice readily agreed, she said.

Rice, a classically trained pianist, said she has eclectic musical tastes ranging from Beethoven to Bruce Springsteen.

Hard rockers such as Kiss are included in the mix, and Rice said her favorite Kiss tune is "Rock and Roll All Nite."

But, Rice conceded, she has never seen the band in concert.

I guess the KISS Army will take anyone these days, this should make ARMY fans question their membership.

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GENE SIMMONS To Guest On TOMMY LEE's 'Battleground Earth'

KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons will appear in an upcoming episode of "Battleground Earth", a reality competition that features MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee and hip hop superstar Chris "Ludacris" Bridges battling against the toxic forces destroying mother earth as they travel across the country on a 10-episode tour. The series premieres in August 2008.

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CLASSIC ROCK's Limited-Edition KISS Covers Revealed

To celebrate KISS' 35th anniversary tour, Classic Rock magazine's July edition has been printed with a series of completely different limited-edition covers.

Four separate covers have been produced exclusively for the U.S. market.
Readers can take their pick from individual cover photos of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer or Eric Singer!






In the rest of the world, Classic Rock's cover features all the members of KISS in a group shot.

To buy alternative KISS covers, go to MYFAVOURITEMAGAZINES.COM and search for Classic Rock.

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Gene Simmons Book Due July 8

Phoenix Books and Kiss bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons present an entertaining mix of narrative history and Simmons’ own unique philosophy about the inception and legacy of prostitution with his enlightening new book, Ladies of the Night, poised to hit bookstores on July 8th, 2008. Beautifully illustrated in lush, velvety binding, Ladies of the Night is an entirely new take on a traditionally taboo topic and promises to spark debate.

Simmons makes the case that men have been stepping out on women since the beginning of time, and that the practice is not about to stop. For that reason alone, Simmons argues that prostitution should be legalized. He argues that prostitution is a victimless crime that could be made safe and become a large source of tax revenues. Simmons, who has never used a lady of the night, believes no one should have to pay for sex, whether it is through prostitutes or marriage.

Regardless of where you stand on the issue, Simmons’ book is an arresting, informative, humorous and outrageous exploration of the world’s oldest profession, drawing on human nature, history, science and public policy.

In connection with the book’s release, Phoenix Books is giving one lucky fan the chance to win a personalized voice mail greeting from Simmons. Contestants are asked to go to GENESIMMONS.COM and reply to the following:

"LADIES OF THE NIGHT--The Oldest Profession in the World: Good or bad? Tell us. And, tell us why."

The essay (200 words or less) and entry form will need to be sent via email to phoenix.books@phoenixnm.com. The contest is open to legal U.S. residents 18 years or older, and the deadline for entering is June 8th, 2008.

Of the entries, Simmons will select ten essays, from which he will pick one grand prize winner and two runners up. The grand prize winner will receive a digital WAV file recording to use as his/her outgoing voice mail message. All runners up will win an autographed book from Gene and a selection of amazing Gene Simmons/A&E Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels swag.

The hardcover version of Ladies of the Night will contain 182 9x12 pages and will be available for $39.95.

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KISS In Cali August 31st?

According to a posting on KISS' official web site, the band will perform at the Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa in Kelseyville, California on Sunday, August 31 as part of the X.S. Labor Day Weekend Lake County Summerfest grand finale.

Tickets on sale to the general public Sunday, May 25 at 9:00 a.m. Kiss Army members will have access to an exclusive ticket pre-sale this Wednesday on KissOnline.com.

Call 800-660-LAKE direct to Konocti Harbor for tickets and room reservations or get tickets at any Tickets.com locations or online at TICKETS.COM

Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa
8727 Soda Bay Road
Kelseyville, California 95451

According to Sturgis.com, KISS is confirmed to perform at the 68th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota. The band will apparently play the Glencoe CampResort on August 4. Also scheduled to appear at this year's Sturgis Motorcycle Rally are 3 DOORS DOWN, FOGHAT, ALICE COOPER, THEORY OF DEADMAN and SALIVA, among others.

Please note that KISS has **NOT** yet officially confirmed its participation in this event.

For the complete schedule, go to STURGIS.COM

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