"Respectfully, the internet is almost useless."

"Respectfully, the internet is almost useless." - Gene Simmons.

This just goes to show how much Gene's opinions are without any value. He might as well be giving us medical advice, he is just as qualified.

Check out a few more great quotes from his Letters section.

"file sharing has succeeded. And the result is the end of a chance for a new band to have a chance." - I agree, they have no chance if they try to embrace the old music business. If they are willing to evolve and try something new they can succeed.

"New bands don't have a chance or an industry to support them. And the same people who love the music, killed it." - They have a new industry to support them, and they have their fans -- if they treat their fans with respect and don't threaten to sue all of them. Don't put the blame on the fans I am sure there are some old, high payed record executives who have some fault.

"The fact is, an entire generation has decided to steal the music and the result is, over a million people are losing their jobs in the record industry. Literally." - Again, I would love to know where this over a million lost jobs comes from.

Just Keep Suing the Fans

Tech Policy Central

Gene Simmons on Digital Music

Nov 15, 2007

Gene Simmons, the outspoken and outlandish bass player from rock band Kiss, talked trash about the digitalhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif music business during a recent interview with Billboard magazine. It seems that despite his band's rebel image, he's not a fan of kids downloading digital tunes without paying for them.

Here's Mr. Simmons' rant, in his own words:

The record industry is in such a mess...It's only their fault for letting foxes get into the henhouse and then wondering why there's no eggs or chickens. Every little college kid, every freshly-scrubbed little kid's face should have been sued off the face of the earth. They should have taken their houses and cars and nipped it right there in the beginning. Those kids are putting 100,000 to a million people out of work. How can you pick on them? They've got freckles. That's a crook. He may as well be wearing a bandit's mask.

He also gave Billboard an earful when asked about other artists like Radiohead or Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor trying alternative business models.

That doesn't count. You can't pick on one person as an exception. And that's not a business model that works. I open a store and say "Come on in and pay whatever you want." Are you on f***ing crack? Do you really believe that's a business model that works?

End of Article

First Prince, now Gene Simmons. You have a problem and your answer is to just sue them, that will make it go away. Gene is that your answer to everything? Wake up! The genie is out of the bottle, file sharing is here to stay. Maybe if the fat, lazy record labels had not ignored file sharing this problem wouldn't be as bad as it is. Oh, and let's not forget about the overpriced crap they have been releasing. Business must evolve, it it doesn't then it deserves to die. Bands must grow and evolve or they deserve to die. This is not the 70s or 80s, what you grew up with Gene is dead, that way of doing business is over. Don't like? That's your right, but you aren't going to change things. You could release music and you could make money doing it. You are releasing DVDs; guess what I can just as easily rip and share your DVDs as I could a CD. Why are you releasing DVDs? Did somebody advance you some money, I bet so. You are free to run your business as you like, but shut up and don't bitch that the fans are the reason for the way things are today. Everybody has an opinion, but your opinion on technology means nothing more than your medical advice. You are not an expert in this area.

"Those kids are putting 100,000 to a million people out of work." What! Where do you get these numbers, back it up? Blame the kids, don't blame the labels for running a bad business that refused to evolve.

Hey, do you know that when you release your Monster box set it will be shared? Why are you releasing it, did somebody give you an advance so you don't care as much about how it sells?

2008 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

The nominees are out for the 2008 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame...

John Mellencamp

Beastie Boys

Donna Summer

Madonna

Afrika Bambaataa

The Dave Clark Five

Chic

Leonard Cohen

Once again no KISS, no Alice Cooper, no Cheap Trick. Are you interested in seeing who is eligible for the Hall of Fame, when they became eligible and when bands will become eligible in the future check out this cool website, Future Rock Hall.

EON Records Website Launched - My Latest Project

The EON Records website is live. This is the latest website project that I worked on. I spent a couple months working very closely with John Thayer to completely rebuild the site. It was a great experience, John was very clear about what he wanted, and this made the rebuild very easy.

KISS Guitarist Tommy Thayer Re-Launches EON Records Website

Posted by Bravewords.com on Thursday, September 13, 2007 at 17:07:49 EST

EON Records, founded by KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer and his brother John have launched a new website here. A label profile is as follows:

Portland, Oregon natives Tommy and John Thayer have long been aware of the depth of the local talent in the Northwest. Seeing their own music as well as the music of their local friends mature over the years, they were determined to find a vehicle to cultivate and promote the growing bond that was developing between this close-knit network of entertainers, musicians and friends. With that common thread in mind, they established EON Records in Portland in the late 1990's. Success soon followed with the buy-out and national release of EON band Slowrush by Epic Records, and the EON release of several other local Portland artists.

Going forward, the sights of the label extend far beyond its geographic origins as the company seeks opportunities to nurture, mentor, record, and publish new up-and-coming talent as well as established artists and bands that are looking for a place to call home. EON Records is well connected in the recording, publishing, distribution, and promotional aspects of the music industry and seeks - through collaboration - partnerships that can further the cause of credible local and national talent.

For 25 years, Tommy Thayer has made a successful professional career as a musician, songwriter, and producer. Most notably, Tommy is going on his fifth year as lead guitarist of the legendary rock group, KISS. Along with his "spaceman" persona onstage, Tommy has produced many of KISS's critically acclaimed, multi-platinum DVDs, pay-per-view television specials, and many VH1 and MTV KISS special features. As a songwriter, Tommy penned most songs on four records for BLACK N' BLUE, his 1980s hard rock band, released on Geffen Records, as well as several co-writes with KISS later. Tommy continues with his interest in helping inspire young kids; with a commitment to support school programs, particularly in music. He has arranged for new musical instruments to be donated to jump-start ailing school band programs in Oregon, and appeared at schools speaking to students with hopes that they will follow their dreams and accomplish all that they aspire to do.

In the past, John Thayer has made music his avocation while owning and managing two successful business products companies. After growing his first company into the largest independent supplies and furniture dealer in the N.W. Region, the business was sold to U.S. Office Products in 1996. His second company was founded in 2001, and has grown into one of the largest independent office product dealers on the West Coast with sales offices in Portland and San Francisco. John has continued to nurture his passion for music over the past ten years becoming a dedicated singer and composer while writing and producing his own library of songs.

Gene Simmons Now Appearing at 7-Elevens

So this is what it has come to http://www.franksenergy.com/

If you live in Vancouver you can meet Gene Simmons at 3 7-Elevens today. Gene will be there promoting Franks Energy Drink.

There is something not right about the once mighty Demon making appearances at 7-Eleven. I wonder if Gene will be yodeling?

Rest Easy and Get Well

I was at the Soboba show and was proud to see how Gene, along with Tommy and Eric, rose to the top under the challenge of a very difficult situation. Gene, everyone could feel your deep concern for Paul. You did an amazing job leading the show and leading the KISS Army. I enjoyed the show, amd will remember this show above all other shows, but there was clearly a hole on stage. A hole that only someone with Paul's voice and presence could fill. Paul, do what you need for your health. You have given us all so much that I would hate to see you jeopardize your health for a performance.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Paul and the band.

Rest easy and get well.

Report on the KISStoric Show, July 27

KISSONLINE.com

By Louis Antonelli, Jim Lunger & Keith Leroux
WIth photos by Hiro Shiga

Last night an extraordinary page was written in KISSTORY. At the Soboba Casino in San Jacinto, California, last stop of the band’s 2007 ‘Hit & Run’ mini Tour, KISS performed as a TRIO for the first time ever. Immediately following the band’s sound check, Paul Stanley suddenly fell ill, with what was later determined to be a “cardiac event”.

Once it was determined by emergency medical staff that Paul could not perform, there was talk that the show would need to be canceled. It was Paul himself, who insisted that the band play the show without him. Paul was concerned that fans had traveled long distances and because of the band's individual schedules the show could not be rescheduled.

KISS Manager Doc McGhee then took the stage to announce to the crowd that Paul was sick and unable to perform but that Gene wanted to speak with the fans. Gene asked the audience if they wanted him, Tommy & Eric to perform. The crowd responded with a defeaning chant of yes, yes, yes. With that, Gene announced that the concert (If they could pull it off), was a tribute to “The Greatest Voice in Rock and Roll - Rock God Paul Stanley”.

With Paul en route to the hospital - Gene,Tommy and Eric played their hearts out in honor of their stricken leader! The set list evolved as the night progressed and KISS blasted their way into the hot night air - valiantly trying to hold it together minus the band’s heart & soul. In an emotionally charged moment, Gene told the crowd that he was an only child, but nevertheless had a brother – Paul Stanley! ‘Christine Sixteen' brought 11 invited fans onto the stage to help perform the song, and added a bit of lighthearted fun to the pensive night.

The trio went on to perform a full set including classics and rarities - ‘Watchin’ You’, ‘Goin’ Blind’, ‘Nothing to Lose’, ‘Black Diamond’, ‘Cold Gin’, ‘She’, and ‘Parasite’. The sold out arena was filled with dedicated fans who appreciated what a unique night this really was, despite its bittersweet nature, and rocked hard & loud. As the final chords of ‘Rock & Roll All Night’ were struck, and the last jets of flames and confetti shot into the night sky, everyone realized what they had just witnessed was simply great music performed by dedicated, extraordinary musicians who really gave it their all, and then some.

Another thing every KISS fan at the show last night realized - is just how lucky we are that our favorite band, led by the greatest front man in Rock N Roll PAUL STANLEY, cares so much for us fans!

Get well soon Paul - we all love you!

01. Deuce
02. Cold Gin
03. Calling Dr. Love
04. Christine Sixteen
05. Nothin' to Lose (Eric on vocals)
06. I Love it Loud
07. Goin' Blind
08. Watchin' You
09. She
10. Parasite
11. God of Thunder
12. Let Me Go, Rock 'n Roll
13. Black Diamond (Eric on vocals)
14. Rock and Roll All Night

Paul Stanley Taken to the Hospital

PAULSTANLEY.com

During sound check yesterday (July 27), my heart spontaneously jumped to 190 plus beats per minute where it stayed for over an hour necessitating paramedics to start an IV and give me a shot to momentarily stop my heart and get it into a normal pattern. Not knowing if this episode was life threatening made it even more exhausting. After consulting with both the paramedics and a cardiologist at Cedar Sinai, they confirmed my worst fear. They said that I would put myself at risk if I tried to do the show.

I’m very proud of Gene, Tommy and Eric for carrying on without me. I apologize to anyone I disappointed and I’ll make it up to you when I see you again.

Paul.

Ace Frehley Recording New Album

We have heard this many times before... Ace will have a new album out in the Spring followed by a tour, but still if this is accurate then it is great news.

Post by Ed Trunk:

May 25th:
"Stopped by an visited my old friend Ace Frehley last night at the NYC studio where he is now mixing his upcoming CD. Ace is doing so well, is totally healthy and just in a great place now. I am very proud of him. Ace has recorded 10 new songs so far and is completing 3 to use as a demo for now. I can tell you there is some strong label interest so he will no doubt have several options to release it. I heard 2 of the 3 new songs that are being finalized and I must say I was really impressed with them. It is classic sounding Ace singing and playing. One track had a vocal from Ace that almost had a BEATLES type vibe, but still rockin. You will also be happy to know that Ace plays all guitar and sings all vocals. The recordings were made with a trio of Ace, Anton Fig on drums and new bassist Anthony Esposito (LYNCH MOB). The touring band will be Ace, Anthony and other players TBA. Ace also told me he wrote all the songs just before going into the studio, so this is all fresh stuff. I'm really excited by the two songs I heard. It is by far the most 'KISS-like' music from any past or present member of the bands respective solo albums. We hung out for a couple hours, talked about the old days and had some Japanese food. Really fun night and was great to see him as always. More news when I can share it and of course keep an ear on the radio shows and to this site for all the exclusive Ace news and music. Ace is back!

PS: There is NO set release date or live shows yet, when there is I will post!"

Eddie Trunk

Advice From Peter Criss, What Is He Saying?

Promark recently did a interview with former KISS drummer Peter Criss and one interesting response by Peter was...

Any advice for aspiring musicians and students?

* Peter: "Drummer willing to do anything to make it!" Don't sell your soul...

Sort of makes you go hmmmmmm? Easy enough to say now, after "selling your soul" got you to where you are in life, got you everything you have. Of course who did you sell your soul to? Some might think you are talking about Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. Maybe you sold your soul to drugs and alcohol. So if you had it all over to do again, would you not join KISS?

He then adds...

Anything else that you want the world to know about you?

* I would like to say "Thank You" to my fans for the wonderful life you have given me and my family... God Bless!

You wouldn't have those fans to thank if you hadn't "sold your soul".

Read the Rest.

Back Home

Arrived home yesterday after spending a four days in Toronto on business. Had two full days of business meetings, starting at 9am and running until 7pm. Lots of interesting deals were discussed with some big companies. Three big relationships are already confirmed and being developed and should begin to see the light of day in the next 15-30 days.

Toronto is an exciting city with great food and shopping. Spent a couple hours Friday evening walking down Yonge St. An interesting little find was Monster Records. Something compelled e to enter and there right on the wall was a huge KISS shrine... posters, photos, articles, toys and more. But, the real interesting piece was an authentic show poster from 73 or 74 when KISS first played Toronto. See the photo.

Here is an interesting observation about Toronto... where are all the iPods? Walking around San Francisco you will see white headphones coming out of the ears of many passerby. In Toronto while walking around downtown and Yonge St. I saw one person with headphones. Ok, maybe I missed a couple others, but I was deliberately looking and they were not to be found. You know, it was kind of refreshing to see all these people walking and enjoying the sounds of the city.

New Music from Peter Criss

So, Peter Criss has a new album coming out on July 24th, and these are four of the new tracks.

One For All
http://www.redmusic.com/streams/PeterCriss/OneForAll.asx

Doesn't Get Better Than This
http://www.redmusic.com/streams/PeterCriss/DoesntGetBetter.asx

Last Night
http://www.redmusic.com/streams/PeterCriss/LastNight.asx

Faces In The Crowd
http://www.redmusic.com/streams/PeterCriss/FacesintheCrowd.asx

After listening all I can say is "Somebody shoot me!"

Probably the best review I found was on Metal Sludge

- "Yo, dawg, sorry man, just wasn't feelin' it,y'know...it was awful pitchy, just ...sorry man, y' still my dawg though."

- "you have a kind heart, I love your inner spirit, just keep following your heart...."

-"For God's sake Paula, Can't you ever be honest and critical??? Look Peter, to me, that was just horrendous, seriously..it was pure and utter crap...the whole part with the kids chorus...pathetic...never sing again!"

It's Scripted, But Still Fun

So, back to the topic of reality tv that isn't reality.

Gene Simmons Family Jewels is a fun and entertaining show, I don't miss an episode. But, it's not entirely reality. Just looking at one episode... when Gene was in NYC for MTV TRL and the hotel misplaced his costume.

That happened the day after the MTV filming. The hotel manager, not. Just an extra. If it had been reality, Gene would have been traveling with a road manager who would be responsible for Gene and Paul's activities and schedule, making sure everything is handled. They would have checked them into the hotel, made sure the luggage was all accounted for and delivered to the proper suites. They would have traveled with the bags. IF, there was a problem it would be the road manager who would have been dealing with Gene and then working with the hotel to locate the bag. It would be the road manager who would get his ass chewed out.

Think about it, if you check into a hotel and your bags are to be sent up to your room, if they don't almost immediately arrive (or at least within 30 minutes) you are calling. In the episode Gene seems to have had time to sleep (or nap) and eat and then he noticed he had no bags. Wouldn't you pay attention to something as important as your trademark costume? It makes for a great story, but please... not real.

As for the employee trying on the costume, sure it could happen. But really, if they had found a bag with a demon costume in it they would have contacted a manager asap.

I love the show, but not everything you see on TV is real. Even if they say so. Just like the internet.

Mark St. John RIP

Kiss Guitarist Mark St. John Passes

By Newsferatu, Writer
Thursday, April 5, 2007 @ 1:30 PM

KNAC.COM air personality Junkman just checked in with the following sad news:

"Just got a call this afternoon stating that my friend, former Kiss guitarist Mark St. John, died this morning from a cerebral hemorrage. He was 51.

I have known him for a long time. I roadied for his band White Tiger, and just spoke with him at the recent NAMM show.

As soon as I fid out more info I will let you know. My heart goes out to his family. A very sad day.

Junkie"

From KISSFAQ.com:

Mark St. John was born Mark Norton, in Hollywood, California, on February 7, 1956 and serves with noteriety as KISS' shortest lived guitarist. During a hectic and disruptive period of two years KISS would change from Ace Frehley to Vinnie Vincent to Mark St. John and then finally to Bruce Kulick, on guitar, with St. John lasting less than eight months. His parents moved to Garden Grove, CA in the early 1960's where Mark was initially more interested in sports than music. In an interview with KISS Strike, Mark recalled, "I played all sports, in fact I played sports before I got into music. Especially basketball, I mean I tried all sports but basketball is what I excelled in. And when I got into High School we started playing CIF with other teams from L.A. and they were all black and I felt that I wasn't a very good basketball player. I mean they just slip and slide all over you, they jump higher and they run faster and you felt belittled after the first five minutes and I gave it up after that" (KISS Strike 46). Growing up in Southern California Mark didn't start playing guitar until he was a sophomore in highschool in 1972 when he also started to grow his hair longer, undoubtedly part of that age-group's rebellion from their parents and society. Initially guitar playing started as a hobby but within a year Mark had become quite serious about it. The techniques and the styles. As to why he started plaing guitar, Mark recalled, "I guess because the guitar was the new thing happening - it was the sound. I'm from a generation that went through a whole different thing in music, like a culture-type thing. It was the voice of the people. It was a source of rebellion and the guitar was one of the biggest things. I remember watching television and seeing the Beatles and the Rolling Stones on the Ed Sullivan show. They didn't have tubas, they had guitars and everyone was going crazy and that put a spark in my mind... The guitar is rock 'n roll. That's what it's all about. From the 50's on, the emphasis was on the guitar sound. Everyone was trying to make the guitar sound like other instruments, but it's not so easy to make other instruments sound like the guitar. The guitar is what's happening" (KISS Force via Otaku). Mark has a brother, Michael (born 1964), who plays bass. The two would be in bands together following Mark's tenure in KISS. They also have one sister (born 1960).

What can you say about this!

Real, Dangerous, Rock and Roll

Remember this band? What happened to them? This was real, it was dangerous, it was rock and roll. Today it is just safe, a tribute to a once mighty band.

KISS @ Great American Music

I was organizing my photos this morning, uploading a bunch to my Google Picasa page, http://picasaweb.google.com/mikebrandvold, and came across these photos of a in-store appearance that KISS did at Great American Music in Bloomington, MN on September 27, 1979 during the Dynasty tour. I remember arriving around 3 or 4 pm with my friend Jeff Ruggle and finding hundreds of fans already in line. By the time the band arrived there were over 2-3 thousand fans. In fact there were so many that the band was told to stop signing autographs about half way through the line, and just shake hands. This happend just as I got up to the band. Ace was real cool and said he was going to sign my Dynasty album.

KISS Great American Music In Store

Paul Stanley, The Fillmore - November 13, 2006

Paul Stanley, The Fillmore
San Francisco, CA
November 13, 2006

I started to write this review by running down the setlist and talking about each song, but then started to think about what was really important to me as fan. With the internet we all know what the setlist was going to be before arriving. So what is important? How much fun it was and how Paul made me feel. The rock and roll experience. Music and rock and roll is about the feelings in your gut, your soul, and your heart. It..s not about technical perfection; it..s not about looking for mistakes. It..s about raising your fist when you are 42 and going YEAHHHHH!

I was lucky to be able to see Paul on his first solo tour back in 1989. I was living in Chicago at the time. When I heard he was touring I had to go. The nearest show was in Detroit, so it was a road trip. I was in awe at that show, basically third row in a club watching Paul Stanley perform a show he wanted to perform, they way he wanted to perform it. Fast forward to 2006. When I got word that Paul was definitely touring to support his second solo album ..Live To Win.. I knew I had to go. This time I didn..t have to travel very far, maybe 20 minutes from my home to the legendary Fillmore.

Paul is definitely the king of the stage. He just started the show by walking up to the microphone and talking to the crowd. No grand entrances, no pyro, no effects.. he didn..t need them, he..s Paul Stanley of KISS. What more of an intro is needed? His command and confidence is so apparent out of makeup. He looked great and moved great out of the makeup and costume. I have to be honest and admit that more than once during the show I wondered what do I need the makeup and costumes for. This felt good, this was new and exciting.

It was great to experience Paul so casually interacting with the audience. Not the choreographed feel of a KISS show. This was just natural; this was a rock show as it is meant to be.. a tight band, great songs, intimate venue and an unlimited supply of energy. Paul was responding to his environment, letting it guide the show. The humor he displayed on stage had me laughing and smiling. Paul made it feel like I was watching him perform in my living room. I have always felt that Paul was the heart and soul of KISS, in 1989 I saw my first proof, and in 2006 he cemented that feeling forever. During this show I got to see the heart and soul of Paul, a musician. A musician who wants to perform and wants to be creative. A musician who truly feeds off of and needs the fans in the audience. This is rock and roll.

It has been amazing to grow up with Paul Stanley and his songs. The first time I heard many of the songs they were just great kick ass songs. But as I have grown older and experienced things in life.. some good and some not so good, those songs took on a whole new meaning and were elevated to a new level. ..A Million to One.. was originally a great heavy tune, but hearing Paul sing it live brought out the lyrics and I found myself standing there getting absorbed into the song because I could relate to it, what a feeling. The song that will always send shivers up my spin is ..I Want You... That was the very first KISS song I heard, on the very first KISS album I bought. The moment that song starts I am taken back 30 years to the exact moment and place I dropped the needle onto side one of ..Rock and Roll Over... At the Fillmore Paul brought me back once again. Damn, what a feeling. That is rock and roll.

If you were hoping for a play by play review, too bad. I am not a musician, I am not a completeist needing every detail. I am a music fan who wants to see a live show by a performer that wants to be on stage, who needs to be creative. I truly hope for all those fans that didn..t have the chance to rock with Paul; that this tour will pick up again in the near future. I for one know I want more Paul Stanley being creative on tour and on album.

God it was so incredibly refreshing to see this show. I remember reading a great quote, ..We do not stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing... Thank you Paul.

P.S. Thanks Paul for requesting that I write this review for PaulStanley.com.

Currently listening : Live to Win By Paul Stanley Release date: By 24 October, 2006

Paul Stanley Live

Just ordered my ticket to see Paul Stanley live at the Fillmore on November 13th! I was fortunate to be able to see him on his first solo tour back in 1989 so I know this show will be amazing. I am hearing the majority of the set will be material from his two solo albums, with some obscure KISS songs thrown in. If you are going to the show, message me, would love to hook up.