Latest UK News

WinkBall covered the KISS gig at the HMV Forum yesterday, speaking to KISS fans, to see what fans had to say, go to the following link;

Fans gave a great response, here is a short film that showcases the best of the action from the evening;

I was lucky enough to be in the press conference for the KISS Monster Book launch held in the Arts Club in London today. The room was full of photographers and TV crews and the whole thing lasted about an hour, starting with the band posing with the book and talking about Help For Heroes, then Q&A's and finally the book signing. Here's a summary:-

• Gene mentioned that they are well aware the price is an issue hence why only 1000 were made, he hinted at a smaller version in the future
• The book is the largest rock book ever and had to be hand made as it was too big to be machine bound
• Gene credited Tommy for his design work on the book, sounds like he was the main contributor
• Gene denied any rumours that the band will end after Monster!
• I asked Paul if there were any surprises in the set list tomorrow, he said Hell or Hallelujah will be played
• Paul also confirmed that they are planning a UK/Europe tour next year
• The book was signed to 'Help For Heroes', it wasn't clear but I think the first book was donated to them, possibly for auction

Here's some of my photos from the day, click for larger versions:-

Click the Read More link below to see more, including the first page of the book itself.

The new KISS single released today, Hell Or Hallelujah, has made it to #1 in the Amazon rock chart and #22 in the main chart! You can buy your copy from Amazon, iTunes or support the nice developers over at Play.com.

In case you've been living in a cave the past few weeks, we are about to have an amazing week full of KISS!  The week consists of....

• Monday - release of Hell or Hallelujah single (download only)
• Tuesday - launch of new Monster book, we will be reporting from the press conference
• Wednesday - 'intimate' show in the HMV Forum!

The show is preceded by a lot of UK fans meeting up for a drink before hand, more details on the forum. Look out for pictures from the week starting with the book launch on Tuesday.

Are you planning on going to the KISS show next week in make-up and also going to the Forum meet up? If so them please get in touch either by using the 'Contact Us' link or by posting on the forum. An Australian TV show is very keen to film you as part of a KISS shoot they are doing for the top public affairs show in Australia!

Big thank you to Amro (kissmad76) for putting me touch with the producer.

The new KISS single from Monster, due for release on July 2nd, will be Hell or Hallelujah and will be available as a download from iTunes and Amazon. A small 30 second preview is available now from Amazon and it sounds great, lets see if we can get this into the top 10 once it's released!

Plans for a London show have been in the works for some weeks now, although legal issues have slowed things down, however KISS Online announced the following fantastic news earlier today. Note that as well as the KOL presale O2 customers have also had chance to buy tickets today, however tickets go on general sale tomorrow.

From KISS Online:

** The hottest band in the world… are back in the UK! **
 ** With their new album Monster out in October **
 ** New single to be released July 2nd **
 ** Monster Book to be launched July 2nd **
 ** Special show at The Forum in London for Help for Heroes on Independence Day, Wednesday 4th July **
 
Rock Legends KISS are rolling out into London in July and taking over the UK with not just a single release, but also a book release and an intimate show at London’s Forum on July 4th.

Gene, Paul, Tommy and Eric will be performing to their KISS Army of fans at the celebrated London venue for one night only as a fundraiser for the Help for Heroes charity. The band has always supported the US troops at their gigs over the years but this year, on Independence Day, the US rockers will be backing British wounded, sick and injured servicemen and women by raising money with this unique concert. All proceeds from the concert will go to the charity.
 
Ahead of the new KISS album ‘Monster’ (due out in the Autumn), the band will also be releasing a single on 2nd July. Also, KISS are happy to announce that they will further be raising funds for our wounded, sick and injured troops as all proceeds from the single will be donated to Help for Heroes.
 
Paul Stanley states "The greatest national treasure of any free country is the army that defends it at all cost. Bringing attention to the obligation we all share to those returning heroes has been our mission in the US and now the UK. We pay tribute to those brave men and women and urge everyone to show their thanks with donations".

KISS will rock the London Forum on Wednesday, July 4th! A KISS ARMY Members' only ticket pre-sale is live now. There is a limit of two tickets per customer.
 
Age Restrictions: 14+ (Under 16 with adult)
 
A KISS ARMY Members-Only ticket pre-sale takes place today, 6/12, at 9:00AM local venue time for KISS' July 4th London Forum show. Premium KISS ARMY Members have access to Members-Only KISS tickets for this show.
 
If you are a Premium KISS ARMY Member: LOGIN at http://www.kissonline.com/service/login and visit the tour page to get information to access the presale.
 
If you are not a current Premium Member of the KISS ARMY and would like to participate in the Members-only Pre-sale: JOIN NOW!
 
Any remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, June 15 at 9 AM local venue time.

20 years ago an album was released that changed my life, that album was Revenge. Bruce Kulick has been publishing details song by song on his website all week and it now covers 'Unholy' through to 'I Just Wanna'. The final part including Carr Jam 1981 will be published tomorrow.

Please check it out on Bruce's site here: http://kulick.net/revenge/

GENE SIMMONS RULES ROCK & ROLL FANTASY CAMP ON THE LAS VEGAS STRIP

Camp Will Kick Off October 10th at MGM Grand

Los Angeles, CA– What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas or so they say! Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp are proud to announce the next installment of their highly successful music-magic experience taking place in sin city this coming Fall. Headlining the October camp at the MGM Grand will be co-founder and bassist for KISS and the face of A&E’s Gene Simmons Family Jewels – iconic rock god and media mogul Gene Simmons. For registration please visit www.rockcamp.com

“I can’t think of a better way to kick off our next camp installment in Las Vegas with none other than rock god Gene Simmons,” says Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp founder David Fishof.

"I can't wait to reveal the secrets of becoming a rock star,” says Gene Simmons. “Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp is a grueling, military style musical training process. And I'm just the guy to be your Sergeant. Now, drop and give me twenty."

Kicking off October 10th and culminating October 14th Gene Simmons will jam with campers of all talent levels providing them a taste of what it’s like to live the “rock and roll” lifestyle and a memory that will last a lifetime. The camp will host special rock stars including Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne guitarist, Black Label Society), Vince Neil (Motley Crue), and Sebastian Bach (Skid Row).

"We are so excited to host the Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp featuring Gene Simmons.  I have been following David Fishof's development of these camps over the years and really feel that MGM Grand is the perfect location for this particular camp", says Mark Prows Vice President of Entertainment of MGM Grand. 
"We are committed to provide camp attendees with a much more premium and unique experience than they have ever had before with newly decorated rooms and suites as well as a redesigned hotel layout.  Campers, new and returning, will see that MGM Grand is the Entertainment authority and that we know how to amp this experience way up!” says Anthony Olheiser, Director of Entertainment Development and Administration.

KISS Zinfandel wine & KISS beer have arrived in the UK and are soon to be available in a limited number of stores. We will have an offer with one of the UK distributors shortly, however it looks like beer will only be sold in packs of 24 and wine in boxes of 6 or 12.