Latest UK News

The following review was posted in the Evening Chronicle (thanks to Martin Wombwell).

AS SOMEONE who has only ever appreciated KISS from afar, I’d like to take this opportunity to publicly state that they are phenomenal.

You’d think after almost 40 years of being a band they may have succumbed to perhaps slowing the pace a little in their live shows, but as the Sonic Boom Over Europe tour hit Newcastle’s Metro Radio arena yesterday, I can honestly say I’ve never been so entertained. Opening with Modern Day Delilah, and with a whole lot of flames as accompaniment, their impressive stage entrance was merely the tiniest hint of things to come.

This, combined with vocalist Paul Stanley’s seemingly genuine affection for the audience, meant that by the third song it was like a lesson in expert crowd control.

Everybody appeared to be in awe of the four glitter-clad men on stage and I found myself getting just as caught up in the excitement as yet more stages appeared amidst the fireworks, just in time for Gene Simmons to fly (or be hoisted via cables) into the riggings for I Love It Loud.

Taking a wide range of songs from their extensive back catalogue, and utilising every ounce of energy they had, it quickly became apparent that KISS were here to entertain at any cost.

There’s no sign of any self-important introspective 19th album ballad being wheeled out, it’s a non-stop party atmosphere with no expense spared – exactly what their legions of fans have come to expect.

This attitude, for me, was possibly the most impressive aspect of the entire night.

Aside from being more than competent musicians and consummate showmen, this is the band that invented the multi-platform promotional market. The band’s stage set-up is one of the craziest things I’ve ever witnessed, and the visual displays alone would probably account for the ticket price, yet it’s blindingly apparent that their only concern is the audience’s enjoyment.

It’s refreshing to see and goes a long way to explaining their multi-generational fan base.

Tour dates can be found at www.kissonline.com and I recommend that you go should you be lucky enough to get the chance.

2010 is the year for KISS to release their live Sonic Boom over Europe.

simfy live (former Concert Online) exclusively records the European KISS concerts in high-quality audio.

All Sonic Boom over Europe audio live recordings are available as 2-CD DigiPak, on the KISS USB flash drive or as MP3 download. Only one live audio recording is not enough? simfy live offers the KISS 16 GB USB Collector's Gold Edition as well. A must-have for every serious KISS fan! The Gold edition comes with a download subscription of 5, 10, or even all MP3 downloads. All products can be (pre-)ordered at
simfylive.com

Next week KISS will be on The One Show, London Tonight and some Sky shows. I haven't got specifics yet but will post it here as soon as I find out.

I will also be posting a review of the Birmingham show very shortly, needless to say it was a fantastic show the band are really giving this our 110%.

And so it begins, KISS started their European tour last night in Sheffield. From initial reports it sounds like the show was very well recieved, great set list, great effects, great performance.

If you want to see the set list click the 'Read more' link below.

Thanks to Tim for the photo.

Setlist:

On the eve of their British tour, the South Wales based GTFM Rockshow on GTFM 107.9 will broadcast the Gene Simmons european interview on the
programme this Wednesday April 28th, from 10-12 midnight. Listen online at www.gtfm.co.uk

OWN A PIECE OF ROCK  HISTORY!
Reserve Paul Stanley's guitar,  SMASHED in your honor and personally inscribed as you choose by the  Starchild himself!

Meet Paul on the 2010 Sonic Boom Over Europe  Tour and get the most collectible KISS guitar of all... the one Paul  Stanley BREAKS at the
show you attend!

There is only one Paul  Stanley Washburn guitar broken at each show, so only one is available  for purchase per each city on the KISS Sonic Boom
Over Europe  Tour.

You have a once in a lifetime opportunity to buy this  exclusive collectible & meet Paul Stanley on the KISS  tour!

When you order, you get:

• The Paul Stanley Washburn  guitar, broken and autographed by Paul himself at the show you  attend!
   
  
• A meet-and-greet with Paul for you and one other person  at your selected city on the KISS Tour prior to the show!

For  more information, visit http://www.paulstanleyguitars.com/ !

Venice, Calle delle Botteghe, on 15th May Alex will open the doors of his very first photographic exhibition. Alex Ruffini was born in Venice in 1968; since he was a child, he has shown a remarkable interest in drawing and music. In 1980, Kiss performs in Italy for the first time, and little Alex is impressed by the mix of music, stage design and make-up, nurturing an ultimate passion for rock and for the artists’ different personalities on stage. All over these years he shot at
numebers of rock artists such as including Eric Sardinas, Dokken, Bonfire, Antiproduct, House of Shakira, L.A. Guns, Bruce Kulick, Eric Singer and many others.His photos are chosen for promotional campaigns, posters, and CD’s covers.

More info here and on www.DeuceNews.com

KISS FAN EXPO IN OBERHAUSEN (GERMANY) 01. JUNE 2010 BEFORE THE KISS CONCERT

At 1. June 2010 there will be a big KISS Fan Expo and Fan Meeting in Oberhausen (Germany) before the KISS Show at the Arena. The KISS Fan Expo will be at the huge Turbinenhalle (like 2008 before the KISS Concert) in Oberhausen, only a few Minutes from the Arena where KISS will rock later the day!

At this Expo there will be international KISS Dealer, KISS Music all day and Party, Party, Party… to warm up for the KISS Concert!

01.  June 2010 Oberhausen
Turbinenhalle
12.00 – 18.00 hour

Tickets are only 3 Euro at the Door

For more Informations check out www.kissfanclub.de/2010expo.htm

The latest issue of Classic Rock is on sale now and features a fantastic cover of Gene & Paul on the outer sleeve and Paul on the magazine itself. Gene & Paul are guest editors this month and there's an interesting interview with the whole band using questions submitted by readers (if you're on our forum then you may recognise some of the names!). Subjects covered include Gene's sex tape, Michael Jackson, Tommys first experience with the make-up and confirmation of Crazy Crazy Nights and God Gave R&R To You on the UK tour. Get this now!!!!

An interview with Gene will be aired on Iain Lee's show on Absolute radio tonight (sorry for late notice, only just found out), however fear not as you can download it as a podcast from iTunes:-

According to Iain, "its the usual Gene stuff but with some funny flirting with my producer".

Download it from here (should be available shortly):-

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/iain-lees-best-bits/id295620851