Gene Simmons and KISS: Channeling One’s Inner Superhero

by Russ Maheras

In 1958, an estranged Hungarian Jew and Holocaust survivor named Flóra “Florence” Klein brought her eight-year-old son, Chaim Witz, to New York City from Israel to seek out a new and better life. Chaim Witz’s name was soon Americanized to Gene Klein, and would eventually become the infinitely more famous double-alter ego Gene Simmons.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

After a year in an Orthodox Jewish school, the young Klein made his transition to America complete by entering the New York City public school system. Unable to speak or write English at first, Klein quickly turned to the new and fascinating world of American popular culture to learn his adopted language. While other kids were outside playing baseball or kick-the-can, Klein immersed himself in almost all of the mass entertainment arts: movies, television, science fiction, cartoons, pulps, and especially comic books. Reflecting later about those early years, he said once he saw Superman and Batman, “he was hooked.”

Then, in 1964, at the age of 14, he saw The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show, and a new world opened up for him: pop music. As he said decades later in his book Kiss and Make-Up, “My first thoughts about pop music were born that night, and they were simple thoughts: If I go and start a band, maybe the girls will scream for me.”

Klein’s first band was Lynx, announced incorrectly as The Missing Links – the name which ended up sticking – and it consisted of Klein, Danny Haber and Seth Dogramajian. Like Klein, both band-mates were obsessed with comic books. Klein elaborated about their four-color passion: “Seth and I used to publish amateur fanzines about comic books and science fiction. We would write articles, review movies, and talk about characters from television shows. His fanzine was called Exile; mine was called Cosmos. But after the Beatles, it became clear to us that, as much as we loved science fiction, it wasn’t going to get us where we wanted to go with the girls.”

But even as Klein began actively forging ahead on his nascent music career, his entrance into the world of science fiction, comic book, and film fandom exploded.

KISS will bring their 2013 MONSTER World Tour to the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY on August 9th.

A KISS Army members-only presale will take place tomorrow, April 30.

Regular general public tickets will go on sale Friday, May 3.

A KISS Army Fan club members-only ticket pre-sale for KISS' Guilford, New Hampshire show takes place today beginning at 10AM EST.

PRESALE BEGINS Today, April 29 AT 10AM EST:

Aug 7 - Meadowbrook US Cellular Pavilion (Gilford, NH)

If you are a Premium KISS ARMY Member: LOGIN at http://www.kissonline.com/service/login and visit the tour page to get information to access the presale.

If you are not a current Premium Member of the KISS ARMY and would like to participate in the Members-only Pre-sale: JOIN NOW!

Eric Singer is featured on the cover of the latest issue of the Australian magazine 'DRUMscene.' The issue also features an interview with Eric titled "Eric Singer..The Monster of all drummers!"

Visit www.drumscene.com.au to read the first part of the Eric story.

We are excited to announce that one lucky fan attending the Indianapolis KISS Fan Expo Weekend will win a one balcony cabin for two on The KISS Kruise III sailing Oct 28 – Nov 1, 2013! A huge thank-you to both Sixthman and KISS for sponsoring this incredible giveaway!

To celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Indianapolis KISS Expo, we will be giving away many great KISS prizes at each event throughout the weekend of May 11 & 12. Everyone who attends these events with a paid ticket is automatically entered into our raffles - FREE!

Grand Prize info:

Saturday's INDY Kick off event featuring Gene Simmons - Grand Prize will be a Gene Simmons Axe Bass autographed by Gene!

Saturday night's KISS Expo featuring Bruce and Bob Kulick - Grand Prize will be an ESP Electric Guitar played and signed by Bruce Kulick!

Sunday's KISS Expo featuring Eric Singer - Grand Prize will be an Eric Singer played and signed drum head!

The three winners of the above Grand Prizes will be entered into Sunday's Ultimate Prize drawing for one (1) balcony cabin for two (2) on The KISS Kruise III sailing Oct 28 – Nov 1, 2013!

CLICK HERE for more info on the INDY KISS FAN EXPO

Visit www.TheKISSKruise.com for more info on KISS Kruise III.

As always, the Indianapolis KISS Fan Expo is run by the fans, for the fans.

A KISS Army Fan club members-only ticket pre-sale for three of the upcoming KISS US shows will take place this week. See details below.

PRESALE BEGINS MONDAY, APRIL 29 AT 10AM EST:

Aug 7 - Meadowbrook US Cellular Pavilion (Gilford, NH)


PRESALES BEGIN TUESDAY, APRIL 30 AT 10AM EST:

Aug 13 - Charter Amphitheatre (Simpsonville, SC)
Aug 16 - Amway Arena (Orlando, FL)

If you are a Premium KISS ARMY Member: LOGIN at http://www.kissonline.com/service/login and visit the tour page to get information to access the presale.

If you are not a current Premium Member of the KISS ARMY and would like to participate in the Members-only Pre-sale: JOIN NOW!

KISS is a very strong brand in the rock business, so it was just a question of time before they came out with a beverage among the other KISS-related items. What can you expect from this wine? The same excitement and intensity that you get with a KISS live show. So, what is under the make up?

Oh yeah, just pop the cork and you can start to rock n' roll all nite and party every day. This wine is horny and liqueurous, easily approachable like a rock n' roll groupie. No need to analyse, no need to understand. It's just there when you need it to fullfill your needs and satisfies your desire. This wine is a bitch but we like it and want more...

Are we still talking 'bout the wine? Yes, we are, my friend. This wine is made from Zinfandel grape and perfectly captures the intensity of the KISS' live shows with all the lights and fireworks. 1975 was the year when the Zinfandel was harvested in California for the first time, the same year when the legendary Alive live album came out, which later turned to be the breakthrough for the KISS. Obviously this is just a coincidence, but explains why they come together as the hottest band and the hottest drink.

The taste is like a proper fruit explosion, topped up with sweet spices and a pleasant finish. Its has a slight residual sugar, but that makes it more rounded and easy drinking one. I don't think you could ask for more. Maybe for an other bottle 'cause one won't be enough!

This wine is pure rock n'roll. When you drink it you don't worry about the future, forget about the past and only live for the moment. Man, this wine is so good, you want to lick it up... The first drinking choice for millions of KISS fans. Now it's time to make a confession, are you one of them?

http://www.wineandroll.co.uk/thewines_kiss_zinfire.html

Here are a few photos taken over the weekend while the crew was packing the KISS gear for shipment to Europe.

The top photo was taken in Fran Stewart's garage -- he's Paul Stanley's guitar tech. Check out this collection of fan art and other cool items he's collected over the years! The bottom photo is the band's costumes being prepared for shipment.

Photos by Fran Stewart and Paul Bassett.

By Chuckmonster

My friend and fellow KISS fan J.S.L went to Vegas a few weeks ago, theoretically for a family getaway, but really just to go play KISS Mini Golf. Nothing could stop him from filing this report with us. Take it away J!

Took my family to Vegas just to play mini golf?

Yup.

But not just any mini golf, KISS mini golf! Located across the street from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, KISS Mini Golf by Monster is an 18 hole glow in the dark mini golf course and it rocks... literally.

Me and my crew arrived at opening time 10am and were greeted on the red carpet by an enthusiastic employee who asked "Are you ready to rock"? We said yes, because we were.

When you first walk in you are instantly transported to the land of KISS, which for me was like returning to my childhood complete with sound track provided by the 'all-KISS-all-the=time-DJ' perched in a custom KISS DJ booth. The place is bursting at the seams with KISS memorabilia, everything for the casual or diehard fan.

Oh and there is also mini golf. The golf game play itself is extremely basic with no moving parts and very little difficulty. That being said... who cares! The DJ keeps things moving with music (some expected but also plenty of obscure tracks) trivia contests and challenges (best golf club air guitar etc) and the vibe is just so rocking that we smiled for 90 minutes straight. The props are amazing including a life size stage with animatronic KISS, a giant Paul Stanley boot and of course the 18th hole Gene Simmons giant face challenge - hit it straight up the tongue for a hole in one!

Legendary rock band will hit Simpsonville this summer as part of its 2013 Monster Tour.

By Hal Millard

Blood, fire, and pyrotechnics will blast the Charter Amphitheatre at Heritage Park in Simpsonville later this summer when the legendary rock band, KISS, brings its 2013 Monster Tour to town, it was announced Friday.

Original members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, along with long-time members Eric Singer (drums) and Tommy Thayer (guitar/vocals), will hit the stage on August 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets go on sale May 3 at 10 a.m. at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000, or at the Charter Amphitheatre ticket office from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

The concert is in support of the band's 20th studio album, "Monster." The 12-song (plus bonus track), straight-ahead rock 'n' roll album, features collaborations from all four members.

Promoters said the Simpsonville concert will be the only Carolinas' date for the band which, over the course of its storied career, has racked up 100 million in world-wide album sales.

Ace, we hope you have a wonderful birthday! Enjoy your day!

KISS will bring their 2013 MONSTER World Tour to the Charter Amphitheater in Simpsonville, South Carolina on August 13th.

A KISS Army members-only presale will take place on Tuesday, April 30.

Regular general public tickets will go on sale Friday, May 3 at 12pm EST.

Hello Gene,

I wanted to share my bad ass KISS tattoo with you it was about 11 hours of some serious pain but it was worth it. I am a huge fan and as you see I dedicated my skin for life to my favorite band. I grew up on KISS I am 47 years old and last year I finally got to meet all of the members of KISS it was my childhood dream, I am a true fan as you see by my ink. I appreciate everything you do and support your band and want to thank you for being the Hottest Band in The World with out a doubt. I have a room in my home that is all nothing but KISS collectibles and I have some great collectibles. I bought a ticket to meet you in Indy I purchased the best ticket possible. I know Bruce Kulick’s guitar tech Don St. Thomas have known him for 25 years we used to hang out long ago when he played in my buddy's band Simon Bar Sinister Don is a great guy and he will be performing at the Expo Saturday night. I am sending you some photos of my tattoo, my KISS room, and one of me and my sister attempting to dress as KISS back in 1977 when I was around 11 years old we would paint our face and pretend we were putting on a KISS concert.

Thank you for all of the great years of KISS.

Loyal and dedicated KISS fan!

Peace & Love,

Michael Mandarino

LETTERS

Hi Everybody!

This is our version of KISS Symphony on 04.07.2013. This is my KISS Tribute Band call "Love Gun" from Brazil.

Enjoy!
Dú Colferai



LETTERS

KISS will bring their 2013 MONSTER World Tour to the Meadowbrook Amphitheater in Gilford, New Hampshire on August 7th.

A KISS Army members-only presale will take place on Monday, April 29 at 10am EST.

Regular general public tickets will go on sale Friday, May 3 at 12pm EST.