I finally did it!! I got my KISS tattoo 2 days ago. This one means the most to me, and probably always will. Considering, the roses are for my grandma who passed away last August. And KISS combined with the motivation that woman gave me, saved my life when I was 17. I have been a fan since I was 8 years old, but never did I think I'd hear "Beth," belt it out and call my grandma afterwards in tears. Now mind you, "Beth" and "Rock and Roll all Nite" are pretty much the only songs I'd hear. (I would have much rather my life saving song be "Forever" or "I love it Loud." But I did have a cousin named Beth who I loved to pieces.) & even then it was a rare occasion.

So I knew when that came on, I had to stop dealing with my problems alone & look at at a much bigger picture. It wasn't easy... But it's the obstacles in life I have faced that make me appreciate the people and things behind every good choice I have made, even more. So here's to the great things life brings and the bad times that the great things and people help you get through. KISS, I love you! Especially you Paul and Gene, Gene and Paul! You 2 always have had me torn! Mwah! And grandma, I'm sorry that ink wasn't your favorite thing...but this one is for you, too! I can't wait to see you guys August 31st, whatsoever! And to the KISS Army members in Cincinnati, let's be the craziest party animals they'll see this year, ha!

Much, much love!
Jessica

LETTERS

KISS IS EVERYWHERE!

Today, BRAVO Magazine Germany #17 was published and is available at newsstands now. In this issue KISS are featured with a 2 page article called “Die Meister des Schock-Rock” (“Masters Of Schock Rock”) as part of their series about the coolest bands of all times!

Thanks,
Marcel Müller

LETTERS

On this day in KISSTORY - April 23, 1992, KISS opened their 13-date US Club Tour at The Stone in San Francisco, CA. These special shows were the first to feature new KISS drummer Eric Singer. The band used the shows to warm up for their spring UK Tour.

Here's a clip of "I Stole Your Love" from KISS' Brooklyn club show.

Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer met with the UK's First Light Publishers last week to review new full-size proofs from the giant KISS book. The KISS MONSTER BOOK will be released this summer.

Stay tuned to KISSOnline for more KISS MONSTER BOOK details soon!

Gene Simmons of KISS and Oregon's Gen. James Thayer united by WWII horror, raise funds for military museum

All-Star Salute to the Oregon Military

What: Auction, dinner and musical fundraiser for the Oregon Military Museum and surrounding grounds. Master of ceremonies will be golfer Peter Jacobsen. Guests include Ted Kulongoski, Vic Atiyeh, Mike Bellotti, Patrick Lamb, Bill Schonely, Jerome Kersey and Tommy Thayer.

Why: The event, conceived by KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer, kicks off a two-year, $6.5 million capital campaign. The military museum will bear the name of his father, retired Gen. James B. Thayer Sr.

Where: The Oregon Golf Club, 25700 S.W. Petes Mountain Road, West Linn
When: May 18, beginning with cocktails at 5 p.m.

Tickets: Individual tickets cost $125 and table sponsorships are available. More information at: allstarsalute.com

By Mike Francis, The Oregonian The Oregonian

It's no straight line from the wretched scene in an Austrian forest 67 years ago to a musical gala next month at Oregon Golf Club, but James Thayer has walked it.

And the threads that spin from a long life well-lived will be drawn together May 18 when friends, family and supporters celebrate the service of the 90-year-old retired general while raising money to renovate the Oregon Military Museum at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas.

"The All-Star Salute to the Oregon Military" will center on Thayer's service as a soldier and his life beyond. When the museum reopens in 2014 or so, it will include artifacts from the Indian Wars to Operation Enduring Freedom, and it will bear Thayer's name. (Details below)

The kickoff of the two-year, $6.5 million capital campaign will feature numerous Oregon celebrities, from golfer and master of ceremonies Peter Jacobsen to former Gov. Ted Kulongoski to KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer, who happens to be one of the honoree's sons.

KISS IS EVERYWHERE!

Thanks to Paul Schmidt for sending us this great clip of Nick Rippo, Joey Rippo, Angelina Mendell and Madison Lenihan rocking "God Of Thunder" at the Alleghany Ave Elementary School in Long Island, NY! Great job Little KISS!

The Retro KISS Action Figures from Figures Toy's were released earlier this week! Look for them now at toy stores, comic shops, music stores, and on-line retailers!

Each 8" KISS action Figure comes with a mini replica Love Gun album cover, and each individual 12" Figure comes with 1 of 4 retro mini KISS concert T-shirts!

Figure Toy's CFO Anthony Balasco told KISSOnline that the limited runs of the 12" Spaceman and Catman figures are already sold out. So get them at retailers while you can.

The Love Gun Action figures will be followed by Sonic Boom, Dressed To Kill and the first KISS album Figure Series! Look for special exclusives and limited edition releases, too.

Visit www.figurestoycompany.com for more info on this exciting KISS Action Figure Series!

Congratulations to Lamor Atole of Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Lamor played the New Mexico Lottery KISS Scratcher game and won one of its biggest prizes − a guitar played in concert by Paul and autographed by the band! Lamor, a collector of KISS memorabilia, said he’s going to frame the guitar and hang it in a place of honor in his home. Lamor also has his ticket ready for the KISS concert in Albuquerque in August!

Here's part of Nikki Sixx's interview with Gene Simmons from last Friday's Sixx Sense Podcast.

Paul Stanley Tribute

This Friday, April 20th, we celebrates in honor of the greatest frontman of all time - Paul Stanley, with a live performance of the band Live to Win. The set list includes all of Paul's KISS classics and great songs from his solo albums. The event happens at Calabouço Heavy & Rock Bar in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Thanks,
Marcelo Moraes

LETTERS

"As a little boy I sat transfixed to our television every afternoon and Saturday night watching American Bandstand. Dick Clark was the face of rock and roll and its best ambassador. His decades of successes both in and outside of the music industry are unparalleled. He championed KISS when others turned away and was instrumental in breaking us through his show "In Concert". Through the years Dick was always available when I had a question or wanted guidance. Dick Clark was the rare exception who was a bigger person in real life than the public image or legend that was also to be his legacy. I will remember him with great respect and gratitude."

- Paul Stanley


Associated Press story on Dick Clark:

Dick Clark, the ever-youthful television host and tireless entrepreneur who helped bring rock 'n' roll into the mainstream on "American Bandstand," and later produced and hosted a vast range of programming from game shows to the year-end countdown in Times Square on "New Year's Rockin' Eve," has died. He was 82.

Spokesman Paul Shefrin said Mr. Clark had a heart attack Wednesday morning at Saint John's hospital in Santa Monica, a day after he was admitted for an outpatient procedure.

Mr. Clark had continued performing even after he suffered a stroke in 2004 that affected his ability to speak and walk.

Paul Stanley praises Dick Clark in this CBS News segment.

Dick Clark, the man known as "America's oldest teenager," has died at the age of 82. Anthony Mason remembers the TV legend and his entertainment empire.

Here are the four different covers of the first issue of IDW's new KISS Comics that will be released in late June. The top left hand image is the cover that will be most widely available. The other three are alternate covers that will be released in limited supply.

Stay tuned to KOL for more details soon!

KISS IS EVERYWHERE!

The carnival just rolled into the Orange Park mall down here in Florida. One of the rides has Gene and Paul airbrushed on the side. Rock On!

Tom Mady

LETTERS

KISS ROCKED CARACAS STADIUM!

Today we are celebrating three years since KISS came to Venezuela for the very first time. We want to thank you again for the experience that we will never forget in our lives. April 17th became a special date for all Venezuelans fan since then. We will never forget you guys and really hope to see you soon in South America for the Monster Tour. KISS IS FOREVER!!!

Juan Carlos

LETTERS