Within the past year, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to interview Gene Simmons twice! Since we last spoke, he announced The Vault, which is a 150-song box set, chronicling 50 years of unreleased demos and outtakes, housed in a 38-pound safe. Starting in January, Gene is hand-delivering these vaults for $2,000 each to fans across the world. If you spend $25,000 you can be an executive producer of The Vault and spend an hour with Gene in a recording studio. Or, for $50,000 Gene will come to your house for a two-hour party and you can invite up to 25 friends to take part in the festivities. I’m not buying The Vault because it’s way out of my price range and wheeling home one of these behemoths is a surefire way to upset my wife. However, if you’re interested in learning more about The Vault, you can do so at GeneSimmonsVault.com.
Tag Archives: Tommy Thayer
A Conversation With Curt Gooch
Today, KISS Alive Forever: The Complete Touring History was released as an eBook in Apple’s iBooks store. I recently spoke with one of the book’s authors, Curt Gooch, and he provided insight on creating the book, why it’s being released digitally and his KISS fandom.
Book Review: KISS Alive Forever
In the fall of 2002 one of the greatest books about KISS was released – KISS Alive Forever: The Complete Touring History. At nearly 300 pages in length, this oversized tome was bursting with factoids and data unlike any of its predecessors, as well as more than 175 color photos from all eras of KISStory. This book, which took seven years for the authors, Curt Gooch and Jeff Suhs, to create, is becoming an eBook for the first time ever. On June 5 you’ll be able to get your hands on a digital copy of “The Holy Grail of KISS Books” via Apple’s iBooks store.
A Conversation With Gene Simmons
In addition to recently interviewing Barry Manilow and John Oates, I interviewed the God of Thunder: Gene Simmons. I’ve been a KISS fan since September 4, 1996, when I saw the band perform under the Brooklyn Bridge on MTV’s Video Music Awards. So, having the opportunity to speak with Gene Simmons was a surreal one, especially when I answered the phone and he said, “Hi, this is Gene Simmons.” I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did conducting it.
KISSFAQ Podcast: Episode 104
I recently took part in another episode of the KISSFAQ podcast! I, along with other diehard KISS fans, discussed our thoughts on the 1996 KISS album You Wanted The Best, You Got The Best and what tracks we’d put on a similar package for the 2017 KISS World tour. You can listen to this episode on iTunes, or watch a video of it below on YouTube. Enjoy!
A Conversation With Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider
Less than 24 hours before Twisted Sister’s historic final performance, I interviewed the band’s frontman: Dee Snider. He was a pleasure to speak with and our discussion covered a wide range of topics, including his excellent new solo album, We Are The Ones, his war of words last year with KISS’ Paul Stanley, our mutual love of musicals, and much more.
KISS Kruise VI: Creatures Of The Deep
I recently returned from KISS Kruise VI, my third and final time on the high seas with the “Hottest Band in the World”: KISS. Each KISS Kruise I’ve been on has been special. KISS Kruise III was my first time partaking in such a wild adventure, I got to see and discover bands I knew little about (i.e., Night Ranger and Vintage Trouble) and I made a slew of new friends. On KISS Kruise IV I was dressed to the nines with my favorite band as we took part in the the greatest photo I’ll ever get with KISS because we were all “Dressed to Kill.” And this year’s KISS Kruise was special for a variety of reasons. Let me tell you all about it.
Continue readingThe Golden Boys at the Golden Nugget
Last night Stephanie and I saw The Golden Boys – Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon and Fabian – at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City. I interviewed Bobby this past summer about his impressive career and new memoir, and he was nice enough to have us as his guests at this great concert. Here’s a recap of this fun evening, along with photos taken by Stephanie backstage after the show. Enjoy!
A Conversation With KISS’ Tommy Thayer
Yesterday I returned from KISS Kruise VI, my third and final sea-bound voyage with the “Hottest Band in the World,” and a few days prior to this trip I interviewed the band’s lead guitarist: Tommy Thayer. As you can see below, I asked Tommy several questions that many fans want answers to and he was more than happy to oblige. Stay tuned for my full recap of KISS Kruise VI, which I’ll post when I get my photo with the band, which should be at some point later this month. Until then, I hope you enjoy my interview with Tommy!
A Conversation With Bruce Kulick
A couple days prior to the 2016 NJ KISS Expo, I had the opportunity to interview former KISS lead guitarist Bruce Kulick. I’ve never heard anyone say anything negative about Bruce, and now I know why. Both on the phone and at the Expo, he was as nice as could be and willing to answer all of my questions. For the latest news on Bruce and his exciting musical journey, make sure to visit his website and follow him on social media. Continue reading



