[sunshine] Omega's Kiss Web Page
http://www.pathcom.com/~omega/kiss.html		 [sunshine]
"The saddest thing is if at the end of your life you say 'I wish I did' or 'Why didn't I?' You have to go after it with full gusto in life, whatever it is, go after the stupidest whim, because you pass by once." - Gene Simmons
Last updated August 27th, 2000
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Kiss Farewell Tour 2000
DateCity Venue
Monday August, 28, 2000Valley Center, KS, U.S.A. Kansas Coliseum
Tuesday August, 29, 2000Omaha, NE, U.S.A. Omaha Civic Auditorium
Wednesday August, 30, 2000Ames, IA, U.S.A. Hilton Coliseum
Friday September, 1, 2000Carbondale, IL, U.S.A. SIU Arena
Saturday September, 2, 2000Cedar Rapids, IA, U.S.A. Five Seasons Center
Tuesday September, 5, 2000Rockford, IL, U.S.A. Rockford MetroCentre
Wednesday September, 6, 2000East Lansing, MI, U.S.A. Breslin Events Center
Friday September, 8, 2000Lexington, KY, U.S.A. Rupp Arena
Saturday September, 9, 2000Indianapolis, IN, U.S.A. Conseco Fieldhouse
Sunday September, 10, 2000Evansville, IN, U.S.A. Roberts Stadium
Tuesday September, 12, 2000Clarkston, MI, U.S.A. Pine Knob Music Theatre
Wednesday September, 13, 2000Dayton, OH, U.S.A. Ervin J. Nutter Center
Friday September, 15, 2000Binghamton, NY, U.S.A. Broome County Arena
Saturday September, 16, 2000Syracuse, NY, U.S.A. Carrier Dome
Monday September, 18, 2000Providence, RI, U.S.A. Providence Civic Center

Eic Singer on Alice Cooper 2000 Tour
DateVenue City
October 2, 2000Trump Marina Atlantic City, NJ. U.S.A.
October 3, 2000Trump Marina Atlantic City, NJ. U.S.A.
October 5, 2000- Washington, DC. U.S.A.
October 6, 2000- Erie, PA. U.S.A.
October 9, 2000Six Flags St. Louis, MO. U.S.A.
October 10, 2000Hawthorne Race Track Cicero, IL. U.S.A.
October 16, 2000Six Flags San Antonio, TX. U.S.A.

Union 2000 Tour
DateCity Venue
October 21, 2000San Diego, CA, U.S.A. Brick by Brick
October 22, 2000San Gabriel, CA, U.S.A. The Brave Bull
October 28, 2000Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A. Coconut Teaser
CDnow Some CD titles on this web page are also links to the CDnow site, where you can order that CD from.
New CD: Alive IV

New video: The MTV unplugged concert is available on video.

Birthdays:

Ace Frehley - April 27
Eric Singer - May 12

Bruce Kulick: Bruce's band, Union, released a new CD called The Blue Room.
Eric Singer: Eric has a new CD with Bruce Kulick on it called ESP.
Eric Carr: A New CD called Rockology has been released.
Snail Mail: You can reach Kiss by mail at either of the addresses below care of:
Kiss, P.O. Box 15097, Beverly Hills, California, U.S.A., 90209
Mercury Records, 825 8th Avenue, Nw York, New York, U.S.A., 10019
You can reach Ace Frehley by mail care of:
Ace Frehley, 980 Broadway, Suite 662, Thornwood, New York, U.S.A., 10594
You can reach Bruce Kulick by mail care of:
Bruce Kulick, 22817 Ventura Blvd. #894, Woodland Hills, California, U.S.A., 91364
Below is a Favourite list that surfers to this web page in the Omega Universe have stated their much valued opinions on. (* are my favourites, (X) are new to the list, LU column are the values from the Last Update and TU column are the new values for This Update)
FAVOURITE TOPICS LU TU FAVOURITE TU LU
Favourite
Kiss Era		 1. 1. With Makeup 83% 75%
2. 2. * Without Makeup 17% 25%
Favourite

Kiss

Album

Or

CD		 X 1. Destroyer 23% X
4. 2. * Carnival Of Souls: The Final Sessions 15% 11%
2. 3. Love Gun 15% 22%
3. 4. Rock And Roll Over 8% 11%
5. 5. Hotter Than Hell 8% 11%
6. 6. Alive II 8% 11%
7. 7. Dressed To Kill 8% 11%
1. 8. Revenge 8% 23%
X 9. Music From The Elder 7% X
(X) Favourite Live
Kiss Album/CD		 X 1. * MTV Unplugged 50% X
X 2. Alive II 50% X
(X) Favourite
Studio
Kiss
Album
Or
CD		 X 1. Destroyer 25% X
X 2. * Carnival Of Souls: The Final Sessions 18% X
X 3. Love Gun 17% X
X 4. Rock And Roll Over 8% X
X 5. Hotter Than Hell 8% X
X 6. Dressed To Kill 8% X
X 7. Revenge 8% X
X 8. Music From The Elder 8% X
Favourite Kiss Album/CD
From The
Without Makeup Era		 1. 1. Revenge 60% 100%
X 2. * Carnival Of Souls: The Final Sessions 20% X
X 3. Animalize 20% X
Favourite Kiss Album/CD
From The
With Makeup Eras		 X 1. Destroyer 60% X
1. 2. * Dynasty 20% 100%
X 3. Music From The Elder 20% X
Favourite



Kiss



Song		 4. 1. C'mon And Love Me (Dressed To Kill) 15% 11%
1. 2. * I Was Made For Loving You (Dynasty) 8% 12%
3. 3. God Of Thunder (Destroyer) 8% 11%
2. 4. Heaven's On Fire (Animalize) 8% 11%
5. 5. I Love It Loud (Creatures Of The Night) 8% 11%
6. 6. She (Dressed To Kill) 8% 11%
7. 7. Detroit Rock City (Destroyer) 8% 11%
8. 8. Creatures Of The Night (Creatures Of The Night) 8% 11%
9. 9. Sure Know Something (Dynasty) 8% 11%
- - (others receiving under 8% each) 21% X
(X) Favourite Live
Kiss Song		 X 1. * Domino (MTV Unplugged) 50% X
X 2. Parasite (Alive) 50% X
(X) Favourite

Studio

Kiss

Song		 X 1. C'mon And Love Me (Dressed To Kill) 17% X
X 2. * I Was Made For Loving You (Dynasty) 9% X
X 3. God Of Thunder (Destroyer) 9% X
X 4. Heaven's On Fire (Animalize) 8% X
X 5. I Love It Loud (Creatures Of The Night) 8% X
X 6. She (Dressed To Kill) 8% X
X 7. Detroit Rock City (Destroyer) 8% X
X 8. Creatures Of The Night (Creatures Of The Night) 8% X
X 9. Sure Know Something (Dynasty) 8% X
- - (others receiving under 8% each) 17% X
Favourite
Kiss
Song From
The Without
Makeup Era		 1. 1. * Unholy (Revenge) 20% 100%
X 2. Creatures Of The Night (Alive III) 20% X
X 3. Everytime I Look At You (Revenge) 20% X
X 4. Domino (Revenge) 20% X
X 5. I Just Wanna (Revenge) 20% X
Favourite
Kiss
Song From
The With
Makeup Eras		 1. 1. * I Was Made For Loving You (Dynasty) 20% 100%
X 2. Parasite (Alive) 20% X
X 3. Nothing To Lose (Kiss) 20% X
X 4. She (Dressed To Kill) 20% X
X 5. C'mon And Love Me (Dressed To Kill) 20% X
Favourite
Kiss
Song Based
On The
Lead Guitar		 1. 1. * Spit (Revenge) 20% 100%
X 2. King Of The Nightime World (Alive II) 20% X
X 3. Shock Me (Love Gun) 20% X
X 4. Deuce (Kiss) 20% X
X 5. New York Groove (Ace Frehley) 20% X
Favourite Kiss Song Based On The Lead
Guitar From The Without Makeup Era		 1. 1. * Spit (Revenge) 75% 100%
X 2. Heaven's On Fire (Animalize) 25% X
Favourite Kiss Song
Based On The Lead
Guitar From The
With Makeup Eras		 X 1. Shock Me (Love Gun) 40% X
1. 2. * I Was Made For Loving You (Dynasty) 20% 100%
X 3. King Of The Nightime World (Alive II) 20% X
X 4. New York Groove (Ace Frehley) 20% X
Favourite Kiss Song
Based On The
Bass Guitar		 1. 1. * I Was Made For Loving You (Dynasty) 40% 100%
X 2. God Of Thunder (Alive II) 40% X
X 3. War Machine (Creatures Of The Night) 20% X
Favourite Kiss Song Based On The Bass Guitar From The Without Makeup Era 1. 1. * Domino (Revenge) 100% 100%
Favourite Kiss Song Based
On The Bass Guitar From
The With Makeup Eras		 1. 1. * I Was Made For Loving You (Dynasty) 100% 100%
X 2. God Of Thunder (Alive II) 40% X
X 3. War Machine (Creatures Of The Night) 20% X
Favourite Kiss Song
Based On The
Drums/Percussion		 1. 1. * Carr Jam 1981 (Revenge) 50% 100%
X 2. Black Diamond (Alive) 25% X
X 3. God Of Thunder (Alive II) 25% X
Favourite Kiss Song Based On The Drums/Percussion From The Without Makeup Era 1. 1. * Carr Jam 1981 (Revenge) 100% 100%
Favourite Kiss Song Based
On The Drums/Percussion
From The With Makeup Eras		 1. 1. * I Was Made For Loving You (Dynasty) 50% 100%
X 2. Black Diamond (Alive) 25% X
X 3. God Of Thunder (Alive II) 25% X
Favourite
Kiss Song
Based
On The
Vocals/Lyrics		 1. 1. * I Was Made For Loving You (Dynasty) 20% 100%
X 2. Parasite (Alive) 20% X
X 3. Shout It Out Loud (Destroyer) 20% X
X 4. Watchin' You (Hotter Than Hell) 20% X
X 5. C'mon And Love Me (Dressed To Kill) 20% X
Favourite Kiss Song
Based On The
Vocals/Lyrics From The
Without Makeup Era		 1. 1. * Unholy (Revenge) 25% 100%
X 2. Creatures Of The Night (Alive III) 25% X
X 3. Forever (Hot In The Shade) 25% X
X 4. Domino (Revenge) 25% X
Favourite Kiss Song
Based On The
Vocals/Lyrics
From The
With Makeup Eras		 1. 1. * I Was Made For Loving You (Dynasty) 20% 100%
X 2. Parasite (Alive) 20% X
X 3. 2000 Man (Destroyer) 20% X
X 4. She (Dressed To Kill) 20% X
X 5. C'mon And Love Me (Dressed To Kill) 20% X
Favourite
Kiss
Member
Past or Present		 1. 1. * Gene Simmons 46% 56%
2. 2. Ace Frehley 31% 22%
4. 3. Paul Stanley 15% 11%
3. 4. Peter Criss 8% 11%
Favourite Kiss Member From
The Without Makeup Era		 1. 1. * Gene Simmons 60% 100%
X 2. Paul Stanley 40% X
Favourite Kiss
Member From The
With Makeup Eras		 1. 1. * Gene Simmons 40% 100%
X 2. Ace Frehley 40% X
X 3. Paul Stanley 20% X
Favourite Kiss Lead
Guitarist Past or Present		 1. 1. Ace Frehley 69% 56%
2. 2. * Bruce Kulick 31% 44%
Favourite Kiss Lead Guitarist From The Without Makeup Era 1. 1. * Bruce Kulick 100% 100%
Favourite Kiss Lead Guitarist From The With Makeup Eras 1. 1. * Ace Frehley 100% 100%
Favourite Kiss
Drummer
Past or Present		 1. 1. * Peter Criss 69% 67%
2. 2. Eric Carr 23% 22%
3. 3. Eric Singer 8% 11%
Favourite Kiss Drummer From
The Without Makeup Era		 X 1. Eric Carr 60% X
1. 2. * Eric Singer 40% 100%
Favourite Kiss Drummer From
The With Makeup Eras		 1. 1. * Peter Criss 80% 100%
X 2. Eric Carr 20% X
Favourite
Album/CD
Cover Art
for a Kiss
Album/CD		 1. 1. * Destroyer 50% 50%
2. 2. Love Gun 13% 25%
3. 3. Dressed To Kill 13% 25%
X 4. Rock And Roll Over 13% X
X 5. Alive 13% X
Favourite Album/CD Cover
Art for A Kiss Album/CD
From The Without Makeup Era		 X 1. Revenge 50% X
1. 2. * Smashes, Thrashes & Hits 25% 100%
X 3. Crazy Nights 25% X
Favourite Album/CD Cover
Art for A Kiss Album/CD
From The With Makeup Eras		 1. 1. * Destroyer 60% 100%
X 2. Rock And Roll Over 20% X
X 3. Alive 20% X
(X) Favourite Kiss Collectable X 1. * Gene Simmons Halloween Mask 100% X
E-Mail me your favourite for each of the above topics or use my Kiss Survey form to have your opinions voiced with the other surfers of this web page. If you have any other topics you would like to see added to the survey let me know.
KISS   FAVOURITES
Item
Of
Clothing		 Paul Stanley "Probably someone else's panties"
Ace Frehley "Birthday suit!"
Peter Criss "A big shirt that's blue"
Gene Simmons "My butt floss g-string"
Bruce Kulick "A leather vest that I have had for 12 years. Its like an old friend that has never let me down"
Eric Singer "A condom 'cause it may save my life"
Best
Worst
Movies
Ever
Seen		 Ace Frehley "Terminator 2 was one of the best and The Jerky Boys is one of the worst."
Peter Criss "12 Monkeys was really bad. The best is Forest Gump"
Gene Simmons "Best: Independence Day this year, Kiss Meets The Phantom. Worst: Kiss Meets The Phantom."
Bruce Kulick "Best: Close Encounters, Worst: Strange Days."
Eric Singer "Best: The Silence Of The Lambs. Worst: Island Of Dr. Moreau"
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CONCERT REVIEWS:

"...I was checking out Deep Purple and was really pleased to find the Kiss link. I first saw them at the Montreal Forum in '76 (and 2 times after that) but as soon as the band went unmasked and changed members, I have to admit I dropped out. When I was watching the Grammys earlier this year and they came walking out...I flipped! Just seeing them together again blew the biggest 70's rush through my head. I couldn't resist this tour and played my scratched up Alive I and Alive II albums for a couple of months before the show and really got psyched up about it. I went to the show as Gene and my girlfriend as Paul. We had our elbows on the edge of the stage. At one point Gene walked towards me and mouthed 'wow' re: the makeup I guess, and all I have to say is that for those few seconds - I was suspended in time. The show was incredible and met all my expectations, which were pretty high. Believe it or not, one of my major highlights was just hearing over the loudspeaker 'you wanted the best-you got the best...'. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. Deep Purple will be here in Montreal soon at the St-Denis Theatre and I'm still debating whether I should go or not. The last time I saw them they were so good, I don't want to ruin the memory by seeing a mediocre show. I suppose I should go back to the Deep Purple page and read some of the revues posted... Review by Colleen Hart from Montreal, Canada

"...seen Kiss in Kon in Okc Ok. it was great..." Review by Lucky from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.A.

"Well, after almost 18 years since I first saw them in Nova Scotia, I finally got one of my biggest wishes... to see KISS live once again. On Aug 7th, Kiss played the Corel Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and I must say it was as loud as the first time I saw them. The show opened with a band named D Generation, I wasn't impressed with them but they seemed to entertain the rest of the crowd for 1/2 hour to 45 min. Then came KISS. It was like the 70's frenzy I remember. Lots of fire, blood, flashing guitars and fantasic music. The crowd was a mix of age groups from my parents age to new fans in their early, early teens. I can't leave out all the women, hoisted on shoulders, flashing the band (thank God for the huge video monitors!). Although the music was next to perfect, Paul did manage to forget some lines in Love Gun and repeated earlier lines to cover. I did't mind. I don't think anyone else did either. Still, the next morning on our local radio station, a caller insisted that Ace was a stand in! From my view he still looked, played and acted as the Ace I knew. He was a little slower in his movement, probably due to his accident, and walked awkwardly. Must be hard getting used to the weight of those boots again. Gene was his usual self. Spitting blood on the crowd and perfoming a great base solo as he basically tossed and kicked his guitar around the stage as the crowd went crazy. God of Thunder was his best performance of the night, flying up into the highest part of the Corel Centre to whip us fans into a frenzy. **BACKFLASH (Gene jumped off the riser in the 70's Halifax show and got his foot stuck on the wooden stage. Seems the boots were one pair of a rare few that were supported only by the teeth of the beast. I never heard of it every happening again.)** And finally, Peter played with perfection. As a drummer myself, I respect and regard Peter as a great player. Sure, there are drummers that could out drum him, but, he was on perfect time and never tried to hog any of the spotlite until it was given to him. His solo was as perfect as it was on Alive. All in all I would have to give the show a great review. Lately, reunion tours have been about aging rock stars trying to make back some money to support their past embelishments. KISS on the other hand seemed to be genuine in their performance. They kept the cost of tickets down and let us revel in the music and the band called KISS... Review by Jeff Quigley from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

"...The Kiss Concert is this Friday (6 of December). They are going to do a second concert on Friday the 13 (Spooky). All the tickets to the concert were sold in one hour. I was very lucky to get one." Review by Erik H. from Gavle, Sweden

"...It was my very first KISS concert. The concert was at the Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden. The audience was about 14000 (sold out). They started with Deuce and my life long dream came true, at last I got to see them with makeup. The show had everything fire, bombs, blood, lights and KISS at there very best!!! The second song was King of a night time world and the the hits came one after another Do you love me, Calling Dr. love, Cold gin, Watching you, Firehouse, I stole your love, Shock me, Let me go r'n'r, Shout it out loud, I was made for loving you, C'mon and love me, God of thunder, New York groove, Love gun, 100.000 years, Black diamond, Detroit rock city AND Rock 'n' roll all nite. They are going to do two more concerts in Sweden this summer. They will play at Stockholm Stadium 14 and 15 June. They have released 32.000 tickets to the first show and when they are sold they will release 32.000 more tickets to the second show, WHAT A KISS WEEKEND!!!! I'm going to buy a ticket to see them again, they are so great. KISS 4-EVER, 4-EVER KISS!!!!!!!!..." Review by Erik H. from Gavle, Sweden

"...Acabo de venir de Madrid de ver a Kiss, al final me era mas facil ir a Madrid que a Lisboa. Ha sido realmente increible! Te cuento:
Despues de hacerse esperar una media hora despues del telonero (El increible hombre bala), y tras un gran telon con sus letras rompieron la histeria del numeroso publico(lleno) con Deuce y a continuacion King Of The Night Time World. El pabellon se venia abajo. Paul Stanley dijo unas palabras en espa¤ol, algo asi como que `...hola Madrid...esta es una gran noche...`, y siguieron con Let Me Know Rock N Roll y Do You Love Me. Despues siguio hablando un poco en espa¤ol y le cedio la palabra a Ace para que cantara su Shock Me con solo espectacular incluido. Solo con algunos toques de musica clasica (Concierto de Aranjuez) y su tipico show de la guitarra volando. Las sorpresas con respecto a Donintong fueron I Was Made For Lovin You y New York Groove del disco de Ace Frehley en solitario, y Beth que fue la penultima, con reparto de rosas incluido. Gene en su solo sangrante vuela hasta lo mas alto del pabellon para cantarse su God Of Thunder no tan rapido como lo suelen tocar en directo sino mas bien como en el disco Destroyer, mas contundente. Peter Criss tambien hizo su solo, incluso Paul Stanley hizo uno cantando con su Ibanez y con el publico totalmente ofrecido, La Bamba, como si estuvieran en Mexico, sorprendente. Pero no solo volo Gene, Paul canto Love Gun en una plataforma que habia en la mitad del pabellon, y como llego hasta alli?, pues volando por encima del publico en un trapecio increibe! Bueno y despues de Cold Gin, Calling Dr. Love, Firehouse y alguna mas que puede que se me olvide su clasico Black Diamond (que pena que la bateria no subio), Detroit Rock City, Beth y un apoteosico Rock And Roll All Nite. El publico no podia creer lo que estaba viendo. Sus idolos delante suya en medio de todo tipo de explosiones y fuegos artificiales, Gene volando, Paul tambien, Ace lanzando cohetes con su guitarra etc... En fin, para morirse, y lo mejor de todo, parecen unos chavales, es como si no hubiera pasado el tiempo para ellos, las voces muy buenas!..." Review by Pablo Mateos from Spain

"...saw the ace frehley and peter criss "bad boys" tour....they were here in atlanta nov 18, '95....and then caught the reuion tour here on 10-1-96....which was simulcast to japan, and without words to properly discribe the night (first of two). the show was soundboard taped and video bootlegged, ....overall i have 17 concerts under my belt...the first was a bar in east lansing, michigan, next to msu....before the bigtime. i was in cobo hall, detroit, where ALIVE was taped, and later saw them across the us of a, in salt lake city, utah....albuquerque, n.m.... memphis, tn.....and here." Review by Mike from Alanta, Georgia, U.S.A.

"I went to kiss concert in adelaide, AUSTRALIA. it was really cool! but i do prefer them with out make up! they are a much heavier band with ERIC AND BRUCE! THEY KICK ARSE!!!!!!!" Review by Brandon Beinke from Adelaide, Australia

"Hi, I saw KISS this past year in Cleveland when they were here!! It was the best concert I have ever seen. It was a dream come true for me because I have loved KISS ever since I was a little girl. Unfortunatly I wasn't old enough to go to concerts. In a way I am glad I wasn't because I don't think that I would have enjoyed the concert as much... Keep on rocking" Review by Maureen DiCarro from Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.

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CD REVIEWS:

Greatest Kiss (1997) CD Review: "This compilation, which was issued internationally was not originally destined for North America. The North American version has a slightly different track lineup. The Australian version is a limited edition gold CD in an embossed silver slipcase with replica autographs of the original line up. The Japanese version has three bonus tracks: C'Mon And Love Me, Rock Bottom and God Gave Rock N Roll To You." Review by Omega from Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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MISCELLANEOUS:
"I was just wondering if you had any photos of Paul Stanley in the Bandit Costume if not do you know were to get a photo of him because my son wants to be the bandit this year and i can not find any photos of him so I can make his costume please e mail me back with some information thank you," Question from Crystal from ???
OMEGA: If anyone can help Crystal out please E-Mail me.
"Warning! Kiss is evil! Repent sinners!!! Kings in Satans service" Comment by Michael from ???
"Please help me out. Check out the attached digital artwork file. I am looking for someone who can help me to LEGALLY produce my KISS Digital Art for the fans around the world. Can you provide me with any leads? I would be very grateful!!! Thanks for your time. I look forward to hearing from you real soon." Request by Chris Nielsen from ???
OMEGA: Click on Chris' artwork at left and right to get a larger image and E-Mail Chris if you can help him out.
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INTERVIEWS:
On September 6, 1998 in Buffalo, New York, U.S.A. I attended the Union concert. Before the concert, Bruce Kulick took to the stage to answer questions. Below is the transcript of that interview.
Question: ???
Bruce: "Ya we drove overnight. Thanks for coming. So, if I look a little tired or if I get a little memory naps you'll understand why. I came all the way from Washington. I'm going to sit down. Thats cool. Ah, we're going to stay cool in this place right. We're all going to lose a little weight tonight. But ah, O.K. take it away John."
Question: "So now you're in Union. You're album came out in February and whats the reaction been so far."
Bruce: "We're very pleased. I mean I never had any ah huge expectations. This is a new band. The most important thing is been getting out to places like this and let the band play instead of me just doing my solo performance or something. So the midwest seemed to been a really strong place. That's kind of where we, just short of where we stopped before. So we picked it up in the midwest and we have been going strong now for three weeks and we hope to be out actually until maybe even the middle of October. As long as we can keep doing dates its been great and the reactions been great. It's kind of interesting how many Kiss fans are aware of the band but haven't heard the record or like they kind of heard some good things about it but they haven't, you know, really you know come out yet. But thats what this tour is all about. So I am really proud of the guys and we have been working our asses off and its making a difference so I'm just really proud of how things are going you know... The tattoo dude."
Question: "That was a tatoo yes. There you go Bruce good. First congratulations on Carnival Of Souls, its a masterpiece and I bought it on the day it came out for you so you could get the royalties and congratulations on Union."
Bruce: "We're going to do a few songs from that tonight."
Question: "Excellent, congratulations on Union, I also bought that on the day it came out because you deserve it. I would, I'm glad you came here, I would have traveled to Erie Pennsylvania so what not. I read, I read you had to cancel the first leg because it was hard to maintain without the tour support and you were planning on doing an opening gig. How are those plans out of works. Is there a major that will take you on the road with them or what not."
Bruce: "Alright, maybe a date, we'll see ... Ahm, you know its. Really, that first tour was a little more complicated than that even. To be real honest, Mayhem did give us support, o.k. I don't want to make it seem the label didn't get us going. O.K. they really did give us a fair shot. The problem was the way we went out. The way we set it up business wise. It is very expensive to tour. I don't know if you have any idea how much it must cost to travel and sustain and we also had, you know, some people doing things that was kind of not in our best interest o.k. which made it real hard to keep going you know and at first my reaction was oh will to bad I'm not on a major label and all that. But the truth was once I figured out what was really going on we could have stayed out there if we would have done it differently and what this tour is about is doing it differently, to make it work and thats why its working o.k. So well. Thanks ya. And its making a difference like I said we're out there so." (from the back comes a cheer from the bar due to the Buffalo Bills football game) "Is there a football game still on. Thats cool with me I don't care."
Question: "I heard you were incorporated into the recording of the new Kiss Album and I was wondering."
Bruce: "Let me explain that. You know ahm. Everybody was always wondering what was my relationship with those guys and I was very flatered that Paul would actually call me and say, You know I'm going to cut demos, for my ideas and me quite honestly being very excited thinking well maybe I'll be able to help write a song that way you know because Paul likes to try to come up with as much on his own as he can you know. Same thing for Gene really and ahm we hit it off, it was a little awkward the first time we hooked up, I have to admit, but it went really smoothly after that where we started demoing stuff and ahm some of the stuff didn't make it on the record obviously and then some of the stuff of course is on the record and I was real fortunate that one of the songs that I kind of contributed just a few things musically to a song called Dreaming winded up on the record, so I was really excited about that. And you know they recreated the demos pretty well basically but there I am like you know like I think I feel like a part of the record, which is kind of a good feeling you know and that I'm really glad they didn't try to exclude me just because you know I'm not you know the make-up members you see what I mean. So I am really proud that I got a co-write on the record, that's going to be cool. Yea thanks ... Jordan don't get in the way now."
Question: "Is part of your guitar playing goes, on the first few albums you were definately into the 80's flash thing and then when Revenge came around you kind of turned it down a bit and developed your own kind of bluesier and kind of grungent style. Is that, I mean was that something that was dictated to you to do to go with the times or."
Bruce: "Ya ... sure ... right ... Well I'd like to try to evolve and do the right thing for whatever we're recording. You know, it was real clear that when I joined the band in 84, what especially what Paul was looking for in a guitar player was somebody who was very playing that style, what was popular then. Because thats the kind of music they felt they really wanted to do and by the time we cut Revenge, which was 91, it started to get all that kind of floyd rose whamy bars stuff and everything on those kind of guitars was getting a little tiring. And they also were looking at doing it, it was the first album that I was envolved in with Kiss that was much more aggressive. You think about some of the songs, just the heavy riffs in Unholy and Tough Love and just the attitude was just a lot heavier. So it was like O.K. what kind of solo are you going to do. Are you going to do a tricky melodic thing or are you going to really put your balls out there and get nasty. And it wasn't hard for me because you know all it meant was taking out a couple destortion pedals, get the wawa pedal out and go for it. So it all worked out real good."
Question: "Was that Ezrin that was telling you."
Bruce: "Definately Ezrin had a point of view and we all worked hard on that record and I really, really enjoyed working with Ezrin eventhough he's very demanding, very demanding. Thank you."
Question: "I was wondering when recording Union did you use all ESP's or did you use some of the other guitars to."
Bruce: "I did record quite a bit of the Union stuff with my new signature model but I have a couple of favourite guitars that always wanted up on a record, which is ah, I have an old Les Paul that many of you guys have never seen, maybe took a photo with it once. And then there is a Custom thats in a photo that the, that I never have to say over there. That guitar sounds great. I used that one. And then, there's a couple of ah, there's a Junior I occasionally used, the one from Alive III, and then of course you know the guitar I played on Crazy Nights, I used that and these are just guitars that I know what they sound like and as soon as I hear well this guitar, this song needs this and I know which way to go. But I was just obviously really excited to get the signature model on a couple of songs and you'll hear that on Empty Soul and then Pain Behind Your Eyes and, there's probably another son I am using it on I think, Old Man Wise I do the solo on the Signature model to I think."
Question: "First congratulations on your (???). How did you meet up with John Carobi."
Bruce: "Thankyou ... With John, I was introduced to John through Nikki Sixx, I was friends with him, since about 1990. And then it was only a couple of years later that suddenly they fired Vince and next thing you know John's in the band you know. So I got to meet him there and I thought very, hey this is a, you know, this is a guy who is like really talented. I know why they hired him but I didn't get a chance to really hang with him the way I would obviously being in a band with the guy but it all, it all worked out really well and Nikki was right, he said you guys would get along well and we did, thats cool."
Question: "Ya Bruce, I was wondering if you have been working on any new material with Union yet and if you think your ever going to be doing anymore working with Union or without. With the female artists you were working with in Europe."
Bruce: "Lenita ... Well first of all with Union. Really. What right now is the time to try and stay on the road as much as we can and it's very hard to find any time to write any music O.K. but we definately want to do another record of course, you know, but we haven't written anything or thought about it, that yet. It just hasn't happened. Regarding Lenita Erickson, who I went to Europe to so some dates with, I might be involved on something she records. Maybe I'll play a little guitar with her, but between Union and there's a project I did with Eric Singer that, thats really cool, that John was also involved with also. Eric is going to put out a solo record of cover songs. So both John and I play on that as well. So that's kind of cool with Cole Cocrane, the bass player from Ace's band. So I've been, I've been pretty busy I've got to admit. Really busy. Busy. Ah pepperoni or sausage. Ketchup or mustard. Ranch or Italian. Sombody back there they just shout it out and I'll."
Question: "Hey Bruce, I was just wondering if you are coming to Canada any time soon or Niagara."
Bruce: "You know. Well thank you. You're Canadian yes. O.K. I wanna thank all the Canadians that came over the border. Risked their lives in America to be here. We have been talking to some people about maybe a Toronto date, maybe a Winnipeg date, maybe a Thunder Bay you know all that kind of stuff and it might happen. If it does it will be at the very end of this month or the beginning of October and just, the best way, the most current proper information would be on the web site unionasylum.com O.K. And I'm sure as you know, we'll all get out there in Toronto if we are doing a date up there. But there has been talk but nothing really firm yet. The way our scheduling keeps working. Usually have about a three week advance. So anythings possible. This week we might hear about being there by the end of the month O.K. I really hope so. We are really trying to do it. As you know our drummer Brent is Canadian. So it who be really awesome if we could get out there."
Question: "Bruce its me again. Another album that your brother recorded on that's a masterpieces, is Wasp's Crimson Auto. You're brothers been playing for years and he's sort of the phantom of the opera lurking in the corner. What has your brother being doing lately and why haven't the two of you worked together on any projects or why didn't you call him up in the Union deal or what not?"
Bruce: "Yes ... Right ... Sure ... Right, well I never really wanted to have a band together with Bob. It's a little hard when you grew up in the same room. Sharing the same room you know. But you know, its not like we have a problem or anything. But Bob and I, you know we're still real close and I. He was involved in that Queen tribute record that I got to perform on. It's with Eric Singer. What he is doing? Just recently he did a really good job on an Alice Cooper tribute record that he is the producer and rythum player on. And people like Slash and Roger Daltry are on it. Guys from Megadeath, Def Leppard. It's a good record. I heard most of it. It sounds great. So, look for that. You know he's always doing other things back in L.A."
Question: "He's doing mainly production now?"
Bruce: "Ya. Mostly Production instead of doing it with his own band exactly. Ocassionly he'll do a session, here and there definately. He says hi. Who's coming now."
Question: "Ya, you played on a record with a friend of ours named Chase Butcher on the Rod Stewart tribute album. I was just wondering how you got involved with that."
Bruce: "Right Chase ... He's from Toronto right."
Question: "He's actually from Fredonia."
Bruce: "Fredonia. O.K. thats cool. Will we were introduced to him by a good friend of ours, this girl Shelly who works at D Rock. She's one of the D Rock people. And D Rock is the label that did that record. She said, I got the bass player that I'd like you guys to have on this track. And we went sure bring him down, you know. So we got to hang out, you know with the guy and he did a really good job. I know he's got a record they're going to put out at some point. His own solo record. You know. Ya so. He's a cool guy Chase. I know he knows Brent from a long time ago. They know alot of the same people. All the Canadians know each other. It's kinda funny with the Canadian musicians. Someone yells: "There's no one in that country. Just kidding we love your country but you got about two people there you know."
Bruce: "Ya. Exactly... Hi, how's it going?"
Question: "Hi. I've heard that Kiss occasionlly shows up and takes in some of your shows. I was wondering how often that happens?"
Bruce: "Well there was just the one show in L.A. where Ace and Gene and Paul came down when we played the Country Club which was really a good feeling I got to admit. It was exciting. They enjoyed it. They stayed for the whole show. They hung out afterwards. You know, we got a chance to talk and hang and I was just really pleased. They really enjoyed it. I couldn't ask for more than that, you know."
Question: "Why don't you tell everyone about the latest project your are working on. The ESP project."
Bruce: "O.K. ESP's a, sombody offered Eric you know I'd love you to do, in fact it was through conventions like this where you know I've got a chance to jam with Eric sometimes at some of these conventions. John would come up and sing. And what we wound up doing was this guy wanted him to do a record of cover songs. So Eric asked John and I to be involved. The bass player from Ace Frehley's band, Paul Cocrane is involved. He's actually a really good guitar player, Paul. And Paul co-wrote the song with Ace on the Psycho Circus record which you will hear in a bit. So ahm, it's just stuff like a Deep Purple song, an Aerosmith song. We did cover one Kiss song. A Hendrix thing or two. You know, stuff like that. We just had fun doing it. We banged it out in a couple of weeks. It wasn't a big deal. It's going to be a good record. I thing everyone will enjoy it. And I thing Eric's calling it Just For Fun which is what it was you know. And we'll see it should be out probably by the end of the, by the end of the year for sure. John sings a few songs. Eric sings a few and Paul sings a few. I just play some guitars and bass on it and I don't sing on it, thank god. We don't know what label it is yet but you'll be able to find it for sure. Especially if your on any mailing list. (laughs) It will be available. So it's a cool record though, it will be fun. Ya over there."
Question: "What do you feel you might be doing in two to five years?"
Bruce: "It's hard to say. You know whenever I think too far down the road, its, you know you should, you really do especially in the music business you've almost got to take it day by day, you know. You never know when your going to get a phone call, like, like Eric's over in Europe right now rehersing with Brian May. Its exciting you know."
Question: "If they took that, and say they made that phone call and say they want you back and whatever. I know you would probably jump at it. Would you think about that or pass up because how long I'm I going to be there or whatever?"
Bruce: "Regarding Kiss. Well. Ya. Right. You know, I didn't burn any bridges obviously but I really don't think there is going to be a Kiss after the makeup Kiss. It's just my feeling. OK, I could be wrong but I think they are going to do that as long as they can and then probably just retire. If I'm wrong i'm wrong. You know and I don't even like entertain the idea if Oh if they ask me and if they were doing the other kind of reunion, you know what I mean. What will that be like. But right now I think that that is very undiplomatic compared to all the hoopla they have going with the makeup guys and all. I love what I'm doing. It's know it's on a very primitive level compared to the Kiss appearances, and the way Kiss travels and all that. But when you are in a new band, just doing it and you're in control of it, it's a great feeling. I'm very proud of what's going on. Am I high on life? We're working our balls off OK. But I am having a good time OK. I am enjoying myself too. Just a sense of accomplishment. I think if any of you have been brave enough to do your own business or try to do something like where you take a risk and you might lose your ass on it and then to see it kind of like actually take form and accomplish things and that's whats happening now. We haven't had a lot of lucky breaks, Union, but most new bands don't. It's always a big struggle. Everyone would think it was so easy. You've got a guy from Kiss and a guy from Motley Crew. You've heard the record. You know I certainly think it's something to be proud of. But, this is the music business. It's pretty cruel. But right now I would say the band is at it's happiest. Because we went out on our own terms. And we're making a difference and we are doing it right and it's not to say that I don't know what's really around the corner for any of us. But right now we're just real proud of what we are doing. No problem."
Question: "So Bruce, One thing some people may or may not know is that about ten years ago you recorded some material with Eric Carr. The Rock Heads and there was some word that there was some more progress being done with that. Is that true?"
Bruce: "Right. Right. Well. I know that Loretta, his sister, if you ever meet her, she looks just like Eric. Just a little bigger. I don't want to deny that, but we love her even more for that. But Loretta is a sweetheart and she's very into protecting Eric's you know creations and so am I and she knows that. Thats why we have been trying to work together on making sure that when the Rock Heads, which is the songs that we recorded for this cartoon thing come out that it's done right. I don't want it to come out, you know like either just fit for a quick buck or looking sloppy. A lot of people approched her to do it. I kind of know what level of quality I like to see in my own things and thats why I want to try to help her. So as soon as things kind of wind down a little more with the band. Obviously there are people who can come out of anywhere with the right offer to do something cool for the Rock Heads which will just accelerate it. But I thing all you fans will be patient and look forward to seeing something from eric's thing. I wouldn't presume before sometime early next year, middle of next year. Right now with Kiss going out and everything it's a little to soon anyway for anything. But, sometime next year hopefuuly get it out on either CD, CD-Rom or, I don't know. I have ideas though and I don't want to give it away yet, but I know we can make that a reality and make it look cool and get his stuff out there, so. Yes Dear. Hi."
Question: "After this leg of the tour, what's next with Union?
Bruce: "You know again, because we are kinda of taking it day by day. We are hoping to stay out through as much as we can in October. Even if it means we go home October 1st, I still feel like its a miracle that we would tour for six weeks and make a difference you know. I guess we would have to take a look at, is it time you know start getting new material together or is it time to try to latch onto another tour. You know we did a couple of dates opening for rat. That went over very very well. Those guys were excited about having us. I think someone else earlier asked the question about when you open up. Its very hard to open up for another band because they usually don't give you much money and we have like a certain just survival level kind of need just to make it work with traveling and I don't know whats going to happen but I'm hoping maybe we can get involved with something like that. A video that's another good question. You know because there's very little outlets for it. MTV won't take us seriously but we're not on the major label. Canada is a little more lenient actually. But I don't want to do it unless I know I can do it right. There hasn't really been an opertunity to do it right yet. So I think I'd rather do live gigs than worry about a video right now. You never know but maybe down the road we will but out some sort of tape out on our own with just a quick half hour thing, with some of us on the road or forty-five minutes. Something like that. But it takes a lot of time to and we'll see. Alright."
Question: "Hi Bruce. You look parched. I'm going to the bar. Would you like a drink?"
Bruce: "Hi. Just a Seven-up would be fine. OK thank you. Just cause I slept in a van for three hours last night, why would I be parched. I'll do that. I'll repeat your question. Just say it. Right. Good question. He's asking about how restricted you feel about when you are in a band like Kiss. There's times it was frustrating, obviously and you hear the samething from anybody that was in that band. But, the truth is I always new my roll. When you join a band like that. Its really. Gene and Paul put it together and its their band. I don't really. I never felt really bad about it because as soon as you understand that. I know Vinnie Vincent had a hard time with all that. I didn't. It kind, of. I didn't like it. I wasn't in control but why would I be in control of the band. It wouldn't make any sense. It is kind of fun to have more control over Union and all that but. Hopefully, I make the right choices. Do the right thing. But, it also leaves, leaves a lot of not much free time."
Question: "Would there be any talk about Union opening up for Kiss?"
Bruce: "Union opening up for Kiss. No, I would love that. Don't get me wrong. I think on the Psycho Circus tour from what I understand. I'll let them make they're official announcement and all when they are ready. But it really looks like they may not have any opening acts except when they do, if they do Dodger stadium date or something like that. I think they are planning on going out with a circus theme type of thing throughout the whole night and no opening act. If that ever changes and they do, I'll be the first one to beg Gene, please let us open. But one thing you have got to have respect with. As much as I feel very close with those guys and their family and friends. This is still the music business. And if they don't feel like it is in their best interest to have Union on the bill, eventhough its a huge favour to us and I think it would be a great treat for the fans, I'm not going to hold it against them. My attitude is don't presume. Don't expect it. But, maybe it will happen. They certainly know we know how to play and do our thing. But, maybe that's not what they are looking for and certainly if they don't really go out with an opening act. It really won't matter. But I'm looking forward to seeing them play. I know they will open the show with Psycho Circus. That's pretty obvious. Tonight, well it all depends on you guys and how much you sweat. Ya. We know, we know a lot of songs. We'll give you a good show. Don't worry about it."
Question: "Bruce, back in 92 around the Revenge era, Gene Simmons came out and really started bashing 80's Kiss. Saying it wasn't really Kiss which was 90% of your contribution to the band. On looking back what are your true feelings on that?"
Bruce: "Ya. Well you know I think Gene was just trying to differentiate the fact that Revenge was an album that definately did have a lot of attitude and some of the other albums that we did, which I'm proud of as well, like Crazy Nights and Asylum, were more. They were just a little popier for the time and Gene never really feels that comforatable with the popier stuff. Although on Psycho Circus he doesn't get that angry, you know what I mean. It's kind of unusual how it goes but it's the same as Nicki Sixx coming out and saying everything they did with Vince is bullshit and now the new band with John is it. You know I never appreciated that (someone in the audience yells: Don't believe the hype). Ya, I never appreciate that way to sell your new thing. I mean Paul. I know Paul used to talk to him about it and certainly I would be right behind him. Cheering him on saying don't dis the 80's. Some of these fans came along in the 80's. Crazy Nights might have been the first album they bought of Kiss. Might have been the first tour they saw of Kiss or Animalize. But it was just a way of Gene saying hey look at me. I'm bad. I'm back. So I guess he figures no desmond childs allowed. No nebbisins allowed. But ultimately I know deep down in general he's actually real proud of everything that the band has done. It just certainly when he has personal favourites, he's not to shy to express it."
Question: "Do you think that later it evolved into him now saying that there was no Kiss from 1979 to 1996?"
Bruce: "well I didn't appreciate that either. I don't know. I think. I think, one thing about Gene. The way he will approach any kind of publicity type thing is like what's going to make what they're doing look the strongest they can ok. And that's why on Carnival Of Souls it says the Final Sessions. To make sure that everybody understands that that is a different band from the other Kiss. Daaa. Like it's pretty obvious but he's presuming that nobody understands anything and the more they can diferentiate the make-up band from the non make-up band they feel will make the make-up band stronger. Because that one has this fantasy thing with the make-up and everything. You know I don't take it to personally because I understand the motive behind it. It makes for a better way to sell what you are doing. But I don't thing truthfully any band would be ashamed of any of the sales figures or concert grosses in all through the 80's, the years I was there. Most bands would cut off their arm to have that."
Question: "A lot of people spent a lot of money on a band that never existed."
Bruce: "Exactly. You know. But it's important for them to re-establish themselves. Thats why it was very clear the ads were first time together in 17 years. I know, it's always a battle with them, as to how do they handle the history. Do they really go into it. Are they really proud of it. I wish they would have acknowledged Eric Carr even more than they did. Well what are you going to do (the audience howls and claps). And people ask me, Well if the reunion happened and Eric Carr was alive would he be in the band. And I go like, probably not the first choice. Eventhough he is a better drummer than Peter or different drummer than Peter obviously but it just something about the original members. Thats the way they wanted to do it you know, but, we'll see."
Question: (inaudible)
Bruce: "Ya I did. Yes. Ya. Well he's asking about. When I, you know obviously I was a temporary member in 84 when Mark St. John was ill. A then I did the entire 6 weeks in Europe with them. Which was a blast and at that point I felt pretty confident that I, this gig could be mine unless Mark really gets well soon, you know. Apperantly he was getting healthy and when we started the American tour, he came along with us. Because they wanted to give him a fair shot. Which I really respected them for it. They get this guy. He plays on Animalize. You know, and there he is in the videos, you know. It was pretty funny because there was actually a show and a half that he played. We actually shared a show. That's kind of wierd if you think about it. It was either in Poukepsie or Baltimore. I don't remember. Baltimore was the half and half show."
Question: "How did that work?"
Bruce: "Well I think, I think I started the show, no he started the show and then I took over. I don't remember actually. It's pretty wierd though. But they just at first they weren't sure he would make it through a whole show or what would happen and they had me in the wings waiting. Then they let him do a whole show. At that point I think they realized that it felt better on stage with Bruce. They liked the way I played and kind of you know, you know the energy of me up there with them work better than with what Mark was doing. At that point they were really able to make they're decision. You know, it was a little cruel but it had to be done. So it's kind of wierd. Ya, and then that was when I was actually offered now you sign a contract to be in the band as opposed to just being a temporary guy filling in for somebody. I was just thrilled to be a temporary guy, believe me. I was thrilled to death, you know. And here we are 14 years later. Yes."
Question: "I heard that originally your brother was up for Ace part way back in the 70's."
Bruce: "Ya. Bob auditioned the same day as Ace did. And they really liked Bob. They thought he was really talented. He was like probably in the top, you know like, 5 people that they would consider. And because of that actually thats how later on, of course they decided on Ace, they saw Bob. They cross paths in New York. As big a city as it is the recording industry is always kind of small in a way. And they would run into Bob and he wond up you know hanging with those guys and he became good friends with Paul. I met Paul actually that way back in the late 70's. We used to go out on occasion. It was kind of funny knowing him but never yet seeing the band. Then I finally got to see the band play Madison Square Garden. And I was like, that's the guy I went to the movies with. You know what I mean. It was pretty wierd, pretty wierd you know because it's like Yaaa screaming and everything. But, you know it was through that audition that the Kulick family kind of became part of the Kiss crowd to. Cool."
Question: "When Eric Carr got hurt did Kiss actually audition other drummers besides Eric Singer?"
Bruce: "No. No there wasn't. I mean they're were people sent, realizing that it looked like Eric was really ill. People sending us packages. But it was pretty. It was just easy for Eric Singer to get involved because Eric did Paul's solo tour and I remember one time we all jammed together. And Gene and I were like this guys great but are we sure he's the guy if we really need him you know. And we did that more because we were actually really hoping obviously Eric would be fine. Eric Carr would be well. But once we got into the studio. Because they did want to have to wait for Eric one way or the other realizing that we had to get out this Revenge album out sometime in 92. Once Eric Singer came into the studio, I think he really impressed the band. He's an excellent drummer. His resume obviously shows that. I mean no one's going to replace, you know, Eric Carr. Just like no ones going to replace Ace. Everyone has they're unique thing about them that you can't exactly replace. But we talked about you know, great drumming and being able to fit in with everybody. Eric did a great job. It was a pretty obvious thing that he would walk in after that. The only odd thing was that he had blond hair. You know. He was certainly the right height though. I'll smile for you honey anytime. There you go."
Question: "Bruce looking back at your 12 years with Kiss. What would you say you added to the leagacy?"

OMEGA: There is still more interview to come. Over the next few days I hope to finish transcribing it.

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AUDIO:
Cold Gin (from Rocklink site)(.midi - 42 kb)
Beth - unplugged (from Rocklink site)(.midi - 27 kb)
Detroit Rock City (from Rocklink site)(.midi - 18 kb)
Forever (from Rocklink site)(.midi - 33 kb)
Other CD's not already mentioned above on this web page but are also available are:
KISS: Animalize (remastered) Asylum Asylum (remastered) Double Platinum