Tag: Gene Simmons

Album review: Kiss, Creatures of the Night (1982)

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT, JAN. 21, 1983 By Steve Newton Gather round kiddies, it's time to listen to another album from your favourite cartoon characters, Kiss. Hey kiddies, where are you going? I've got Kiss Army patches and splotches of real Gene Simmons blood! What? The music's lousy? Who cares about the music? … Continue reading Album review: Kiss, Creatures of the Night (1982)

Alice Cooper on horror, censorship, and battling the PMRC with Raise Your Fist and Yell

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON DEC. 18, 1987 By Steve Newton I bought Alice Cooper's Killer album last month. That's right, I'm 30 years old, and I went out and laid down $8.99 for the record with "Dead Babies" on it. Now some people might think: "How immature. Doesn't the guy have any taste?" But I don't … Continue reading Alice Cooper on horror, censorship, and battling the PMRC with Raise Your Fist and Yell

Rush | Time Stand Still is all about devotion

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON OCT. 26, 2016 By Steve Newton I was a rock-crazed 17-year-old when the first Rush album came out in 1974, so of course I became an instant fan. And that was even before they latched on to the wildest drummer this side of Keith Moon. Paul Rudd was only four years old … Continue reading Rush | Time Stand Still is all about devotion

Detroit Rock City is juvenile, crass, and loud, just like KISS itself

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON AUG. 12, 1999 By Steve Newton Despite the plot similarities—both movies are about teenage twits hell-bent on seeing their greasepaint-laden glam-rock idols in the flesh—Detroit Rock City is no Wayne’s World. For starters, Wayne’s World had two talented comedians, Saturday Night Live’s Mike Myers and Dana Carvey. Detroit Rock City has the … Continue reading Detroit Rock City is juvenile, crass, and loud, just like KISS itself

The mighty KISS marketing machine pulls off another fast one with IKONS

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON STRAIGHT.COM, DEC. 3, 2008 By Steve Newton I’ve always argued that KISS’s best album was its self-titled 1974 debut, and that musically the band went downhill from there. For those who disagree, there’s IKONS. In an obvious effort to squeeze a few more bucks out of the American glam-rock quartet’s extensive catalogue, … Continue reading The mighty KISS marketing machine pulls off another fast one with IKONS

Ace Frehley talks smokin’ guitars, Kiss money, sex videos, and “teddy bear” Gene Simmons

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MARCH 12, 2008 By Steve Newton When Kiss played Vancouver's Commodore Ballroom back in early 1975, the band had just released its second album, Hotter Than Hell, and was about to embark on a rocket ride to untold riches and fame. Thirty-three crazy years later and KISS guitarist Ace Frehley is heading … Continue reading Ace Frehley talks smokin’ guitars, Kiss money, sex videos, and “teddy bear” Gene Simmons

Subpar KISS all about the special effects in Vancouver

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON NOV. 15, 2009 By Steve Newton Boy, Vancouver’s costume and makeup shops must have done a booming business in the days leading up to November 14’s KISS show at GM Place. From the cutest little tyke to the brawniest middle-aged hooligan, there were scads of concertgoers wearing greasepaint in honour of their … Continue reading Subpar KISS all about the special effects in Vancouver

Nick Tweed-Simmons swears he’ll never follow in his father’s musical footsteps

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON MAY 30, 2012 By Steve Newton How hard would it be to be Nick Tweed-Simmons, son of rock legend Gene Simmons and former Playboy Playmate Shannon Tweed? Well, financially, it wouldn’t be hard at all. Anyone who’s seen the reality-TV show he costars in—Gene Simmons Family Jewels—knows that they’re doin’ all right in that … Continue reading Nick Tweed-Simmons swears he’ll never follow in his father’s musical footsteps