4/18: KISS HOF VIDEO, GOLDEN GODS, RYCHE, AVENGED, M3, MORE

Hosted a show in NJ last night at Bergen PAC with the Todd LaTorre Queensryche. Band played a killer set of mostly old school Ryche. Thanks to all who came out. The guys told me they already have 3 new songs demoed for their second album with Todd. Discussed some other cool ideas too which probably they don’t want made public yet, but if it happens would be cool. More soon!

 

Just posted on the home page is my video I shot with my iPhone of the speeches of the Kiss HOF induction. What I find most interesting about it is watching the reaction of the three guys behind whoever is at the podium. I was at a table in the very first row and actually sitting in Peter Criss’ seat when I shot it. Was a bit of chaos around me at the time but think it came out pretty good. Will be interesting to see if HBO makes any edits when it airs end of May. I only missed a few second of Gene talking at the start and Morello’s induction. I thought I was shooting that but like a dummy my phone was in photo mode. But Tom nailed it I thought.

 

Live show on Q104.3 NYC tonight 11P-2A ET. Listen to the free stream at www.q1043.com or use the free iheartradio app. Kip Winger will call in live, plenty of requests and giveaways too.

 

Honored to be hosting the Golden Gods awards in LA with Don & Jim next week. The event happens Wednesday at Nokia in LA and will air on VH1C in a few weeks. From there I fly to Maryland for M3 next weekend. Don’t forget book signing and selling at Chuck Levins booth 3 and 6P Saturday. You must have or buy a book to line up. Then I fly to Ft Lauderdale FL where I will host Avenged Sevenfold, Hellyeah, Adrenaline Mob at Hard Rock Live. Book signing selling outside the entrance to the venue starting 6P. MANY appearances and events and more to come. Please see the home page listing for more.

Happy Easter to those celebrating and have a good weekend.

78 Responses

  1. I thought the Paul, Gene, Ace, and Peter seemed relatively friendly in the background. Noticed Gene hugged Peter at one point. Glad they were able to be civil and accept the award!

  2. Ed,
    From watching the guys in the background, my impression is that they were all cordial, but a bit like ex-spouses from long ago meeting at their kid’s wedding. Ace seemed most at ease with everyone. Gene was gracious to everyone. Peter seemed nervous (fidgeting with the trophy constantly) to be standing with the others. Paul seemed to be soaking it all in and generally cordial with the others….although the tension between he and Peter (and vice versa) is painfully obvious – they barely acknowledge each other, aside from one handshake.

    You spoke to two of them – what’s your take?….

    1. I agree that Ace seemed the most at ease up there. You could tell he was really happy to be there. He said in Eddie’s show 3 days earlier he was going to enjoy it which he did. He also said in another interview he could not hear what was being said by the other guys because there where he was standing. He had to wait until he got back to his hotel to hear what was said. Thanks Eddie for the Monday 4/7 interview with him. I love it when he’s on your show because he’s so damn funny . Looking forward to hopefully seeing him on TMS next season.

  3. Thanks for the video Eddie. I have just finished reading Paul’s book. I have read books by all four members now. Considering what Paul said about Peter in his book. I was not surprised when I saw all the other members hugging except Paul and Peter. Have you had the chance to read books by all four members? Your comments and comparisons would be interesting, in my opinion. Maybe in another Trunk report you can address that.

    1. Just finished Paul’s book last night and it was the most enjoyable and balanced book of the four KISSers. He talks quite a bit about his personal life and how that shaped his role in the band. The bottom line is it would be great to still have Ace and Peter in the band if they were giving 100% of their ability and were team players. But there are1,000 reasons why they aren’t in the band anymore – and Paul lists them all.

      KISS is a better BAND with Tommy and Eric and I’m just glad they are still around making music.

    2. Haven’t read the book yet but wondering if he addresses his own limitations these days as a singer? Does he point the finger at himself at times like the others did? I’ll read it soon.

    3. Best book of the four by far, but no mention of surgeries OR limitations whatsoever

    4. he doesn’t address his vocal problem of late. Paul did sound better on the tonight show although, still tuned down whole step.

    5. Correct, no mention of his recent vocal issues. The stuff I’ve heard from a few years ago was horrible, but it’s actually started getting better in recent months. The Tonight Show footage from last week was very good compared to where he was a year ago at this time. So props to Paul for that.

      Yes, he points the finger at himself at times. Talking about the Smashes CD, he mentioned “X in Sex” and “Rock Hard” and said “the songs were horrible.” As for the videos, “this was a whole new level of bad taste and judgment. Definitely not my finest moment.”

    6. Eddie,
      He does. When he talks about Phantom of the Opera, but I have about 200 or so more pages to go. Despite some of the opinions I’ve read in these forums, I think Paul’s voice, while not what it was in the 90’s or in 2003, has improved a great deal. He sounded very good on the Jimmy Fallon show. But, honestly, how can you call it a shortcoming when he had throat surgery? Is that a shortcoming? I don’t think he’s ever tried to sabotage a show.
      I just want to let you know, despite our differences in opinion, I love That Metal Show. I check your website often for music news so I appreciate all that you do for Rock and Metal fans. Its all great stuff!

    7. No, he doesn’t address any of limitations- he spent 80% of the book putting down all past band members, Gene included.

      Kind of like Paul can do no wrong.

      Even poor Eric Carr was the brunt of Paul’s opinions.

      Each band member has THEIR own version of the truth- between that and what really happened is probably somewhere in the ‘in between.’

      While Bill Aucoin did a LOT for KISS, in his later years he was apparently pilfering KISS stuff out of their storage unit and selling it to buy drugs and support his lifestyle according to Paul. He let people buy Paul’s collectible guitars and sold other important memorabilia without any one’s knowledge.

      When Paul found out he of course changed the locks- but as much as Paul beats the hell out of Peter and Ace, he seemed so forgiving of Bill and his drug habit- When the end was near he & Gene bought Bill’s partner a condo and tried to fly to Bill’s side when he was in the hospital in his last days.

      For Paul to hate Peter so much for his disruptiveness and drugs, I find it laughable that he still seemed to highly respect Bill who was a drug abuser and at the end pilfering KISS’ property and selling it without their knowledge.

      Paul is a true to the word hypocrite.

    8. Go for the audio book instead of the printed book. Paul reads the audio and he does a great job of reading it.

    9. Good! I was going to ask you the same thing…. would be very interested to hear your take on Paul’s book.

    10. Ritch,
      I am about more than halfway through Paul’s book. I have to admit some of his feelings toward Peter are hard to take. With the book just coming out, and some of the comments possibly reaching Peter before the awards, it would explain a lot about any perceived distance between the two. So, I agree. Its hard to even look someone in the eyes when they think about you the way Paul thinks of Peter. I try to take it all with a grain of salt. Now, I find myself trying to remember anything Peter said about Paul in his book.

    11. Peter said Paul was gay, Paul was a pill head ect… Paul’s book is clearly more truthful then the other 3. Peter and Ace made millions and through it away by wanting more, and not giving 100%, it may bother you but Peter isn’t the guy he projects. Nor is Ace. And Ace does still drink Eddie knows this to. He just dont have the balls to be honest.

    12. Really? Beyond believing what Paul is selling you instead of the others just wondering exactly what proof you have of all of this?? I mean those are some pretty serious claims so you must have some first eye witness proof right? Not just what Paul is telling you in his book? Paul has also sold you that every lineup of Kiss was the best at that time, that every Kiss album that is the newest is the best, that Vinnie Vincent was only temporary on the Creatures tour, that Peter played on Dynasty and Unmasked… tell me when to stop.

    13. “Paul’s book is clearly more truthful then the other 3. “——hmmmm….uh….HMMMMM, really??? I will just put it this way. My friends who really have no respect or lime for both Ace & Peter have said Paul’s book has more crap than Genes when it comes to the points of the band. And considering I have read all 4 books now ANNNND I knew it was coming, Paul just blows a ton of bullshit when it comes to certain views of both Ace & Peter. Playing it fair Between Gene & Pauls book, Gene was more accurate/honest than Paul. And to play it fair again, Ace’s book by far is the most honest and accurate out of the 4 with Peter next. Bottom line is Paul & Gene wanted The Beatles part 2…..they wanted the original band (especially Paul) to stay together. That didn’t happen, the mission of competing against The Beatles failed and the rest is “Kisstory”. Paul reunited with Ace/Peter in 96 for $$$$’s and not for nothing else whereas Gene ( who I believe TRUELY loves Ace/Peter) saw something more than just the $$$$s. Again, Paul Stanley is very in consistant with what he says now to what he said then. Joe in The Cuse

    14. Eddie,
      Are you saying Paul said these things at the time these things were happening? In his book he sets it all straight. He is brutally honest about his feelings toward the band and himself. I do not think it is a question of being honest because I think he is being honest about the way he feels. As you’ve stated previously, the books each provide different perspectives.
      If you are referring to the times that those events happened, of course he promoted the band as it was. They did everything they could to keep up the image. Don’t all bands do that? I guess I’m not sure what you’re saying here. It’s common knowledge by now that Anton Fig played on the Dynasty and Unmasked albums. It’s common knowledge that Paul and Gene did not consider Vinnie Vincent the right guy for the band despite his talents. How did we find out about this? Paul and Gene. Personally, I do not take any of the books as fact, but as their perspectives. And if someone writes a book about their lives, and they’re honest, the book will highlight the best and worst parts of their lives. I think all four have accomplished that much, even if they have sidestepped some of the issues.

    15. All I am saying is there is a history of saying the right things at the right time to suit the current plans.. I will read it for myself soon

    16. I’ll never forget when that picture came out in 1979 in Creem of Kiss without makeup. Paul and Gene were doing a radio show and girls were calling in going, “those guys are ugly, are those guys you?” and Paul goes, “no way, that’s not us, we’re much better looking than those guys.” And he was so believable, I believed him. Well, guess what? What I’m saying is grounding Paul’s reliability on the fact that he’s sober is a smoke screen. The guy is very convincing at spinning something.

    17. Eddie, your above statements are historically correct. Kinda hard to argue on any of them! True, Paul has dished out a lot of criticism on the playing ability of others. He’s kept quiet about his singing as of late. I’d still take a 60% Paul over someone else, which is why I feel they should have have played together at the induction… The audience would have been on their side despite any shortcomings. Anyway, good points, Brother.

    18. I honestly hate to stoop to your level but….you behave like a moron and a troll and you cant spell.

    19. Pete, lols, what you say to me doesn’t bother me at all. As far as “you can’t spell”, lols, I have a ipad….sometimes I miss here or there, sorry about that. Wish you the best of health. But my life is very very good, financially & healthy wise. Best to you & your family. As far as Paul’s book in regards to the band members, very evident nothing has changed in regards to his feelings since the early 80’s. Of course many of his stories have changed but I do find it quite interesting that Paul was never a Peter fan from the very beginning. Joe in a The Cuse

    20. By the way Pete…when you call people names like “moron…can’t spell…troll..etc” (I’m probably guilty of the same) you/I/them are stooping well below something else below people levels. And “troll” is probably something I feel I’m not lol, but I did find that humerous. Again, best wishes in Health & Wealth Pete. Joe in The Cuse 🙂

    21. Hey Kissfaniam,
      Thanks for your post, but I am not defending anyone. I was trying (while in the middle of Paul’s book) to imagine how Peter feels right now. Probably pretty bad after reading Paul’s book–if he’s read it. Then again, someone could have called him and said “Paul is saying…” about you. Let’s be honest, some of these bios are pretty hard to digest sometimes. I think Paul’s book is awesome. I am inspired. However, I am not going to pretend that some of the comments he made about Peter were necessary. Some of it is opinionated but its also him being real. He is not trying to fabricate stories to make Peter or Ace look bad, he is simply expressing his disappointment with Gene, Peter, Ace, and himself at different points in the book.

    22. Kissfaniam,
      I forgot to mention, it is not wise to make up stories and make comments you can’t prove. Ace says he’s been sober for seven years. You can believe it or not, but to make comments like that (including your comment to Eddie) just makes YOU look like you have no clue. Just think before you post–this is a debate, not a forum for insults–although I’ve seen quite a bit of that too. If you have any proof, such as a YouTube video, a news clip, or anything, please share it with us.

    23. Peter didn’t say Paul was gay, it has been alluded to that for years by various people, but I don’t remember Peter saying that in his book. I think in one passage Peter addressed it by saying ‘he didn’t really know, but didn’t think so.’ It’s been awhile since I’ve read his book, I need to go back and read it again.

      I’m not sure what caused all the hating from Paul, but his book is painful to read. Peter must be reeling. I’m sure he knows there is no love lost, but I’ll bet he didn’t expect the school boy finger pointing and rude personal comments.

      Paul needed to tell his story and the facts regarding KISS. Many of the volleys lobbed at Peter was just pure, personal hate. It made me uncomfortable reading it, that a grown 62 year old man could spew such venom. Paul and Genie both are wealthy many times over and should have some debt of gratitude to Peter and Ace too. Had all four not come together in late 1972/73 there might not have ever been KISS. Genie and Paul might’ve never known the level of security and success they have now.

      I haven’t quite finished the book, so I’m curious as to how it ends up. :/

    24. Paul has a extreme issue with control. As bad as I thought Gene was Paul by far is worse than Gene. Gene in reality (take away his ego) has a huge heart. Actually (IMHO) it is very evident to witness. Paul has pure hatred for Peter and this goes back to the early days when Peter was complaining about his age to Paul’s in terms of success. Remember Peter is the oldest & Paul is the youngest. It is more than entertaining to read certain parts of Paul’s book when it comes to Ace & especially Peter cause if you take all 4 bios and carefully read them in conjunction with the others you can obviously (barring taking sides) which bio has the most honesty/accuracy. Bill Aucoin was the medication that Paul constantly needed. Would have been extremely interesting if Bill was still alive to comment and if Bill wanted to, adjust many of Paul’s proclamations. RIP Bill. Again Paul has had a history of inconsistant story telling and no matter what side you take this book clearly proves it. Kinda embarrassed for Paul to blatantly LIE in his book when it comes to certain band members to justify himself. Very sad. Joe in The Cuse.

    25. Paul’s book is about as real and truthful as the Easter Bunny. He is feeding us what he wants us to buy into.

      Why do you think he waited until the end to write his bio?

    26. Cali says “Paul’s book is about as real and truthful as the Easter Bunny. He is feeding us what he wants us to buy into.

      Why do you think he waited until the end to write his bio?
      ——–BINGO——- The irony of all this is A). Paul said he never read Ace or Peters books—LIE & B). He clearly has stated in the past that he would never write a book—–LIE. Joe in The Cuse.

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