KISS'Paul Stanley talks about performing unmasked, bandmate Gene Simmons and turning 55.
You're touring your first solo album in 28 years, Live to Win. How is it playing without wearing make-up and no special effects?
Surprisingly for some, there's arguably more power than some of the arena shows we do with Kiss. There's nothing there to confuse anyone as to what the source of the power is. It's deadly good fun. This whole tour has reconnected for me why I got into music in the first place. I remember going to concerts as a kid, seeing Jimi Hendrix or Led Zeppelin playing for a couple of thousand people. It wasn't about big-stage presentations, it was about big belief in music.
The setlist contains a handful of solo songs and many Kiss songs.
There's so many great songs to play it'd be foolish to deny myself or the fans all the great tunes I've written that Kiss does. You hear all those songs the way they were supposed to sound. I wasn't interested in changing Love Gun into a reggae tune.
Iconic KISS frontman Paul Stanley will embark on his first solo tour outside America when he heads Down Under in April.
Stanley recently released his second solo album "Live To Win" (coming 28 years after his self-titled 1978 solo debut) and backed it up with a hugely acclaimed US club tour late last year. Stanley has only done one previous solo tour in 1989, so the buzz amongst fans about the shows was huge.
And he had the backing band to make it very special, the band everyone has wanted to see live - the fantastic musicians who formed the house band in the hit CBS TV series "Rock Star: INXS" and "Rock Star: Supernova".
Stanley put together a crowd-pleasing set list with tracks from "Live To Win", from his 1978 solo debut, and the remainder, some surprising selections from his bursting KISS catalogue - hits, rarities and songs that have never been played in concert before.
The charismatic frontman whose career with KISS spans three decades and in excess of 100 million records, says he had an absolute ball playing the US club shows.
First there is the charismatic, makeup-clad, starry-eyed singer and guitarist of the hard rock band KISS.
Then there is PAUL STANLEY, the painter.
"I started painting totally for myself about six years ago. The response has been beyond what I expected. It's been sort of a personal therapy and relief. It's been a big surprise but one that I'm very happy about," Stanley says.
The Queen's native will trade pyrotechnics for Picasso during an artist reception 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at the Wentworth Gallery's Hackensack, N.J., location.
A second showing of Stanley's latest works will be displayed 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at The Mall at Short Hills, Short Hills, N.J.
"For the most part, I like to paint from an emotional standpoint. I like to get things out quickly and the response to paintings and to art tends to be an emotional one," Stanley says.
Antonelli produces KISS guitarist "Paul Stanley—Live To Win Live!" feature-length concert film
By: Ed M. Koziarski
Louis Antonelli was 12 years old and an amateur photographer when he first met KISS guitarist Paul Stanley. It was 1974 and KISS was appearing at a Mt. Prospect record store.
"Paul gave me a lot of encouragement," recalled Antonelli. "He looked at me and said 'promise me that you're going to be the best that you can be.'"
Antonelli drew inspiraton from his encounter with the musician, and as KISS grew into international icons, Antonelli became a professional filmmaker, directing features, commercials and music videos for artists including the Ramones and Metallica.
Thirty-two years later Antonelli has come full circle with the production of "Paul Stanley – Live To Win Live!", a feature-length concert film documenting Stanley's second solo tour that culminated in a November performance at House of Blues Chicago.
Over the years Antonelli had become friends with KISS drummer Eric Singer, who introduced him to Keith Leroux, who runs KISS Online and works for Signatures Network, and who helped set up the project through Stanley's management company Doc McGhee Entertainment.
Fresh from his first solo tour since 1989 and the October release of his second solo album, Live To Win, two special nights for KISS fans is set to go off with a live tribute to Paul, giveaways and a special announcement to take place on Saturday 3rd February at The Marquee in Sydney and Sunday the 4th at The Corner Hotel in Melbourne.
The tribute is covering all era's from Paul's career with KISS, his 1978 solo album and will feature members from former Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick's Australian solo band and popular tribute band Dynissty.
Paul has provided some signed CDs to giveaway and a special video presentation he recorded especially for the event will be aired. Paul has also sent over some live concert footage from the US shows never before seen!!
Imagine if you could grow up and play with a real life Luke Skywalker? I did. When I was a kid, I used to play with toys. Star Wars figures, Hot Wheels cars, Legos, Silly Putty and KISS dolls. I also used to listen to records in my Grandma's basement and play air guitar to my favorite songs. I had a real drum set and keyboard and my friends and I would put on the lava light that we bought at Spencer Gifts and rock out to KISS records.
We would gaze in the full length mirror perfecting our rock moves all day and night; we were kids having fun and we loved it. What I didn't realize (as I'm sure no one else did), was that I was actually preparing for a job that I would have later in life. I was going to say a "dream job," but I ended up living it.
At 21, I moved to L.A. to pursue a career in music. While spending time writing songs and working on my own music (shameless plug for my record … available on my website), I got a call from a friend of mine who worked at a management company. He said there was a female artist (Rebekah) there who needed "someone like me" – a guy who could play keyboards, guitar and sing like a lead singer. As it turned out, I got the gig; ten years, several world tours with various artists (Michelle Branch, Cher, New Radicals, just to name a few) and a hit international T.V. show later, I got another call.
Photo of Paul at the 105th NAMM Show January 19th, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Orange County, California. Paul was on hand to promote his new line of Washburn Guitars. Photo by Brent Peters.
Here are pictures of Paul's latest original paintings - "PEACE & LOVE". There are 4 different sets in this series and each painting is 10" x 10". Prints of the sets will also available.
Paul will make an appearance Friday from 12 - 2 PM at the NAMM Convention in Anaheim, California. He will be at the Washburn Guitar booth to promote his new Paul Stanley guitar series.
Universal Music wants to give you an autographed Paul Stanley Washburn Guitar!
All you have to do is write a review of the LIVE TO WIN CD and post it at either iTUNES.com or Amazon.com between now and February 10th. Post your review under the Paul Stanley LIVE TO WIN review section on those sites.
Paul will chose his favorite and the author of that review wins an autographed Paul Stanley Washburn guitar!
10 second place winners will each receive an autographed LIVE TO WIN CD booklets.
Paul confirmed that he will serve as a "counselor" at next month's Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp. The five-day camp takes place Feb. 15-19 in Hollywood and culminates in a Battle of the Bands at the House of Blues on Sunset in Hollywood, California.
Here's Paul's message on his Camp appearance:
"When I was first approached about participating in this, I never imagined I would. Once it was explained to me in detail, it sounded like it would be a real kick and I'm really looking forward to it. I wasn't a great student but I'll be an awesome teacher. Campers...Line Up!"
This story is in today's issue of USA Today - in the Lifestyle Section.
Kiss star's principle: Keep it sumptuous, Stanley
By Diana McKeon Charkalis, Special for USA TODAY
BEVERLY HILLS — Paul Stanley likes to rock. But these days, this founding member of '70s supergroup Kiss is also content to roll with the family at home.
When he's not touring in support of his new solo disc, Live to Win, he's at his Tuscan-style villa with wife Erin, their 4-month-old son, Colin, and 12-year-old Evan, his son from his first marriage.
"We enjoy entertaining, but we don't go out, we don't go to clubs," says Stanley, 54. "There's no Viper Room. For us, it's the diaper room."
"We're homebodies," says Erin, 34. "Paul has very traditional values. That may surprise people, but it's what I was most taken with when I met him."
WENTWORTH GALLERY cordially invites you to meet acclaimed artist, rock legend, and lead singer of KISS - PAUL STANLEY - at an exhibition featuring his newest works.
Friday, February 9th 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at The Shops at Riverside Hackensack, NJ (201)488-7661.
Saturday, February 10th 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Mall at Short Hills Short Hills, NJ (973)564-9776.
For a Special Private V.I.P. Reception with Paul -call the Gallery for details.
2006 has been a strange year for "Never thought that would happen" releases! With the likes of The New York Dolls, Cactus, and The Who all releasing strong new material for the first time in decades, it's been an unprecedented year for bands on the comeback trail.
Add to the list: Paul Stanley. Back in 1978, Stanley, along with his Kiss colleagues, all released a solo album on the same day, a feat never before attempted and never since matched by any band. The results varied greatly in the quality control department, with Stanley and lead guitarist Ace Frehley's considered the pick of the bunch.
Now, some 28 years later, it is time for Paul Stanley's second solo album, Live To Win.
