Rock & Brews gets ready for grand opening celebration in Torrance
KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are gearing up for the grand opening of Rock & Brews’ newest location at 6300 Pacific Coast Highway in Torrance on Wednesday, May 8.
Grand opening activities will include a ribbon cutting ceremony; a private luncheon for more than 100 returning military veterans and Wounded Warriors with Stanley and Simmons waiting tables, and an evening gala with a special appearance by Stanley and Simmons.
VIP tickets to the evening gala are $250 per person, which includes food and beverages, a private reception with Stanley and Simmons, and a Rock & Brews gift bag. Proceeds from VIP ticket sales to the gala will benefit the Torrance Education Foundation.
Here I am sitting in an office, waiting to sell one of our TV shows I created and I'm coproducing. Photo was taken by my partner, Citizen Pictures head Frank Matson.
A feature on Paul and Gene's Rock & Brews Restaurant is the cover story in the latest Los Angeles Business Journal!
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS fame gave the beach cities a dose of rock and roll when they opened Rock & Brews’ newest location Wednesday, May 8, at 6300 Pacific Coast Highway in Torrance.
The co-owners of the growing franchise, which also has another local location in El Segundo, performed for nearly 20 minutes for the appreciative audience who bought tickets for the gala opening, a benefit for Torrance Education Foundation. Earlier in the day, Simmons and Stanley hosted a luncheon for more than 100 returning military veterans and Wounded Warriors.
KISS performed their anthem “Rock and Roll All Nite” Wednesday night, as well as “Lick it Up” and “Hotter Than Hell.” Also joining them on stage, which was above the restaurant’s bar, was guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer.
Here I am sitting in an office, waiting to sell one of our TV shows I created and I'm coproducing. Photo was taken by my partner, Citizen Pictures head Frank Matson.
May 14th, 2013
Check out Gene with the full array of basses including the new Jim Cara produced gold chrome Gene Simmons AXE!
Here is Kobra & The Lotus getting some traction. When the fans do this on their own, it's the real thing
May 12th, 2013
Thanks Mom, for being the best Mom in the world. Happy Mother's Day.
May 12th, 2013
EUROPEAN TOUR DATES:
June 1 - Stockholm, Sweden
June 3 - Helsinki, Finland
June 6 - Solvesborg, Sweden
June 8 - Stavanger, Norway
June 11 - Copenhagen, Denmark
June 12 - Berlin, Germany
June 14 - Prague, Czech Republic
June 15 - Vienna, Austria
June 17 - Udine, Italy
June 18 - Milan, Italy
June 20 - Zurich, Switzerland
June 22 - Clisson, France
NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES:
July 5 - Victoria, BC
July 6 - Vancouver, BC
July 8 - Kelowna, BC
July 10 - Lethbridge, AB
July 12 - Edmonton, AB
July 13 - Calgary, AB
July 14 - Saskatoon, SK
July 16 - Regina, SK
July 17 - Brandon, MB
July 18 - Winnipeg, MB
July 23 - Sudbury, ON
July 25 - Ottawa, ON
July 26 - Toronto, ON
July 27 - London, ON
July 29 - Montreal, QC
July 31 - Saint John, NB
Aug 1 - Halifax, NS
Aug 3 - St. John's, NFLD
Aug 4 - St. John's, NFLD
Aug 7 - Gilford, NH
Aug 9 - Verona, NY
Aug 10 - Uncasville, CT
Aug 12 - Portsmouth, VA
Aug 13 - Simpsonville, SC
Aug 16 - Orlando, FL
Quite a few years ago, I optioned the rights to comic book JOHN SABLE Created by Mike Grell.
He then set up at intermedia, a movie production studio. And then I got PREDATOR Writer, Stephen DeSouza to write the script. We were approaching Pierce Brosnan to be the lead.
And then intermedia went out of business.
I never lost hope, and then John Sable was set up as a television series on ABC.
I was offered the lead role, to be directed by Gary Sherman, who wrote and directed me in WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE.
My costar was Renée Russo, making her debut as an actress from the modeling world.
During the filming of the pilot episode, I was let go. Either I didn't do a good job, or the upcoming KISS tour prevented me from doing the show. I was probably the wrong guy for the lead role.
Eventually the show went on the air, but only lasted six episodes.
I will revisit this project and see if we can give it a new lease on life.
And now for a few giggles, here is what I looked like as John Sable.
May 9th, 2013
Here is a group photo from the recent BEST BUDDIES event - Bowling for Buddies, started by Anthony Shriver. It's a charity designed to help mentally and physically challenged kids.
Here is the happy group - including myself, Rob Lowe, Tom Arnold, Nancy O'Dell, Shannon Tweed Simmons, Anthony and Maria Shriver.
ARCADIA - Opening day for Santa Anita Park's 76th winter/spring meet delighted fans with mostly sunny skies and for some, a few moments with KISS frontman Gene Simmons.
In an impromptu photo session, Simmons - clad in a black pin-striped blazer, red handkerchief and his signature black leather pants - posed for photos while chatting casually with media and fans in the Paddock Garden.
"You can feel the excitement," Simmons, a savvy businessman who is now helping Santa Anita's parent company, The Stronach Group, with marketing and entertainment at its racetracks, said Wednesday shortly after the first race had posted. "First of all, Arcadia is just beautiful. The drive up here is just gorgeous. Even God likes it - look at the day. He placed the setting, the mountains, the location ... The people (working at the track) are nice too."
Despite early morning showers, most of the storm clouds cleared well in advance of the first post at noon. In preparation for the storm, workers sealed the main track surface overnight, and two of the three races that were slated for the turf were transferred to the main track.
As racetrack officials waited Wednesday to see how badly the forecast of rain would affect opening day attendance, they said they were grateful the weather ultimately broke in their favor.
"We're lucky it's cleared up," said Santa Anita Park President George Haines. "For a lot of people (opening day's) tradition and for other people, it's the start of a new tradition ... There are always new horses, new stories and there will be a lot of them. And here's our first," he said, pointing to Simmons who was joking with fans.
On track attendance on opening day was recorded at 27,273 this year, compared to last year's 55,000-plus attendees, said Mike Willman, a racetrack spokesman. In addition to the early rain, last year's opening day took place on a Monday, when most people had the day off, he said.
An hour before the first race, David Felton of Las Vegas, a retired letter carrier who has been coming to the meet's opening day for about 25 years, was at Clocker's Corner reviewing the horses. He said he comes to opening day as much for Santa Anita's traditional wall calendars that he collects as for wagering on the thoroughbreds.
Felton became interested in horses in the mid-90s when he scored two pick sixes in a month's time, earning him about $325,000.
"They are beautiful animals," Felton said. "They don't know you bet on them and that's why they're a good bet, not like the Dallas Mavericks, messing around with a 12-point spread in the NBA."
Also at Santa Anita Wednesday was Sharon Cahill of Sierra Madre, who has been coming to the racetrack since her high school days. Although she was too young to bet at the time, Cahill would bring family friends to the track and tell them which horses to bet on, she said.
Cahill, 66, found out the day before Thanksgiving that she has stage 3 breast cancer and will begin her chemotherapy treatment on Jan. 3. She will then have surgery and another round of chemotherapy and radiation.
"I thought I would come and enjoy it while I can," she said, noting she's not sure how the chemotherapy will affect her.
Cahill, who is now reading "Seabiscuit," said she hadn't been following the horses too closely in recent months and thus was not planning to wager on Wednesday. She has always enjoyed seeing the "sheer power" of the 1,000-pound thoroughbreds thundering down the track under the command of petite jockeys.
"I'm just hoping I can come back here and enjoy them next year," she said.
May 7th, 2013
ARCADIA - If Santa Anita Park's owners have their way, KISS' Gene Simmons might soon play a starring role at the racetrack.
Frank Stronach, whose Stronach Group owns the historic Arcadia racetrack, met with Simmons earlier this month in Florida. Stronach described the meeting as an effort to recruit Simmons to help market the company's racetracks.
"Gene Simmons is, on the one side, a great entertainer," Stronach said. "On the other side, he's a very smart businessman and a very nice man. We're trying to see (if) maybe he could do some marketing for us. We're just trying to do concepts."
Through his agent Friday, Simmons, who also recently met with Stronach's daughter Belinda at Santa Anita, offered a "no comment".
Stronach's admission that he needs marketing help comes as the track plans to host the Breeders' Cup World Championships on Nov. 2 and 3 and again next year. The last time Santa Anita Park hosted the prestigious thoroughbred racing event was in 2009.
A rock icon who plays bass and sings, Simmons has some experience in marketing. He and his band members are behind the KISS miniature golf course in Las Vegas, a KISS coffeehouse in Myrtle Beach and a team-up with the Hello Kitty brand to market stuffed animals with a rock and roll theme.
Despite several changes in recent months, Stronach, 80, said Santa Anita continues to fall short of his financial expectations for the park. He declined to say by how much.
"There is always room to improve," Stronach said. "I would like to see that Santa Anita will always be racing."
Recruiting Simmons to the cause might just help, racetrack and city officials said.
"He's a real recognizable celebrity in mainstream; it's something that could help the brand, help us become a little bit more mainstream," Santa Anita Park CEO Mark Verge said Friday. "He's had a ton of success with other things besides KISS. I think he would be a great addition."
Arcadia Councilman Mickey Segal said he would encourage Stronach to use "all possible sources" to help sell the historic racetrack in a tough economy.
Simmons "would be one of those new and different sources that might interest and excite others who are currently not involved in racing and activities at Santa Anita," Segal said.
It could "bring in a younger group, it could bring in a different group that didn't even know that Santa Anita existed but follows Gene Simmons."
May 7th, 2013
Not even early morning showers could dampen the spirits of Opening Day attendees at Santa Anita Park. The track's 17-week winter/spring racing season began Wednesdayand runs through April 21.
KISS frontman Gene Simmons - who recently signed on board to help Santa Anita develop new marketing strategies - arrived at the festivities just as the sun began to peak out from the clouds.
Simmons' presence at the track caused a minor stir on Twitter.
"Shook Gene Simmons hand and came home $210 richer. Great day at Santa Anita Park. #TheGoodLife" Twitter user @waka_flaka_vaca wrote. Meanwhile, @WatchoutJulian posted a photo of himself posing with Simmons, the track in the background.
Opening Day attendance hit 27,273 this year, compared to 55,000-plus attendees last year, track officials said.
Solidly middle-class Torrance isn't exactly a rock star sort of town.
And that's just fine with KISS icon Gene Simmons, who along with band co-founder Paul Stanley owns the rock 'n' roll-themed restaurant Rock & Brews opening on Thursday.
"It's less about the celebrity and more about the experience," Simmons said of the burgeoning chain of craft beer-centric restaurants that got its start in El Segundo.
"It's not about us," he added. "It's about you. We just work here. We want you to be a rock star. You may not be a rock star, but we'll make you feel like one. "
With the launch of the Texas Lottery’s new KISS® scratch-off game, lottery players can scratch all night for the chance to party with the band in L.A.! The game features more than $10 million in prizes, including eight top prizes of $35,000 each. Players that don’t win instantly can enter non-winning tickets into promotional second-chance drawings for the opportunity to win a trip to Los Angeles to meet the band and other exciting prizes.
Players can go online to the Texas Lottery Luck Zone to enter each non-winning ticket in one of four second-chance drawings to be held throughout the run of the game. Each second-chance drawing will award 100 autographed KISS® Monster Album Wall Plaques, 10 KISS® Signed Guitars and one KISS® Fly-Away Trip for two, including transportation, accommodations, a private dinner with the band, a VIP tour of the Grammy museum and LA Live and a KISS® merchandise gift package.
Rock & Brews gets ready for grand opening celebration in Torrance
KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are gearing up for the grand opening of Rock & Brews’ newest location at 6300 Pacific Coast Highway in Torrance on Wednesday, May 8.
Grand opening activities will include a ribbon cutting ceremony; a private luncheon for more than 100 returning military veterans and Wounded Warriors with Stanley and Simmons waiting tables, and an evening gala with a special appearance by Stanley and Simmons.
VIP tickets to the evening gala are $250 per person, which includes food and beverages, a private reception with Stanley and Simmons, and a Rock & Brews gift bag. Proceeds from VIP ticket sales to the gala will benefit the Torrance Education Foundation.
The male-centric Spike TV has filled its line-up with reality fare in the last few years, via shows like tattoo competition "Ink Masters," "World's Worst Tenants" and "Impact Wrestling." But today the network announced its intention to reenter the world of scripted programming with five "special-event series" (which seems to be another term for miniseries) in development from the likes of Raw TV, the team responsible for doc "The Imposter," KISS frontman Gene Simmons and "Crash" writer Bobby Moresco.
The move back into narrative fare comes as Spike TV, home in the past to "Blade: The Series" and "Stripperella," attempts to expand to a broader, less testosteroney audience. The network's last scripted project was 2007's eight-episode hostage drama "The Kill Point," starring Donnie Wahlberg, Michael K. Williams and John Leguizamo.
Here's a look at the five series Spike TV has in development (all working titles).
HITMEN
From Leslie Greif ("Hatfields & McCoys"), Chris Collins ("Sons of Anarchy") and Rock God and multi-hyphenate Gene Simmons (KISS), comes "Hitmen," a thrilling look into the untold story of how the mafia took control of the music industry of the 1970s. From rising artists to radio stations to record labels, the impact organized crime had on all facets of the music business in this era was all-consuming and changed the music world forever. The event series will be produced by Thinkfactory Media.
WHITEY BULGER PROJECT
Written by Academy Award®-winning writer Bobby Moresco ("Crash") and produced by Jonathan Koch and Steve Michaels of Asylum Entertainment ("The Kennedys"), this movie event chronicles the raw and unfiltered rise and fall of Whitey Bulger, one of America's most notorious criminals. This four-hour epic delves deep into the life of Boston's most infamous organized crime leader, who ruled New England's criminal underworld with an iron fist for decades. Bulger's larger-than-life story takes us from his days as a low-level street thug to FBI informant, to mob boss bent on undermining the competition, to the FBI's most wanted list, and fugitive on the lam for 16 years
THE LAMP
In the 1970s, the United States military set up some very unorthodox and secretive departments to research a wide range of areas from telekinesis to ambient noise to body language. Among these included the Research and Acquisitions Department, designed to covertly find and acquire all artifacts mentioned in religious and mythological texts to determine if any of them truly claimed magical powers. The search came up empty until they came across the legendary Aladdin's Lamp. The project comes to Spike from the Levinson / Fontana Company with Brant Englestein ("Borgia") as writer.
UNTITLED BENGHAZI PROJECT
This project lifts the curtain on the untold behind-the-scenes story of the 2012 terrorist attack on the American diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya. Based on declassified documents and testimonials from those who were on the ground, this miniseries will shed light on the actual events surrounding the tragic deaths of four Americans, including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, and the heroic actions of CIA operatives that saved dozen of American lives. The untitled Benghazi project comes to Spike from Pilgrim Studios and Emmy Award-winner Craig Piligian ("Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy," "The Ultimate Fighter") who is executive-producing, along with Pilgrim Studios' Beth Miller.
iHUMAN
The stories of how technological innovation is transforming the human condition will be at the center of a series of films from Raw TV, the BAFTA-Award winning team behind the critically-acclaimed film "The Imposter." As technology becomes such an integral part of our lives and our most personal information becomes captured in a "cloud," how does this affect human interaction? From the comfort of a laptop, we are now able to do everything from cheating on our spouses, to sending SWAT teams to celebrities' homes, to bringing about revolution or crashing financial markets. The connections in the digital age are actually resulting in a disconnection from humanity and this film series will explore this in a way never before seen on television. Raw TV's credits also include "Gold Rush," "Locked Up Abroad" and "Paranormal Witness."
KISS: Greatest Hits continues collecting Psycho Circus issues #14-19. Rediscover classics like "Year Of The Fox," "World Without Heroes," "Sunburst Finish," and "Fragments." The book will be released on September 17, 2013.
May 1st, 2013
US cablenet Spike TV has begun developing scripted series after six years away from the genre, including a show about the mafia and the music industry with Gene Simmons.
HITMEN (working title) takes a look at how the mafia took control of the music industry in the 1970s and comes from Thinkfactory Media with Leslie Greif, Chris Collins and Gene Simmons.
May 1st, 2013
Just came back from San Diego, where I did a Speaking Engagement for TICKETS.COM.
A terrific group of Concert Arena managers, NFL and MLB and other fine folks.
Basically, a business to business meet.
Tickets.com, actually has a very good business model here. Worth checking out.
Projects Tom Fontana, Craig Piligian and Gene Simmons are among the cable network's limited series development slate.
Spike TV is hopping on the miniseries trend.
The male-focused cable network is eyeing a return to scripted fare, announcing the development of five event series from producers including Hatfields & McCoys'Leslie Greif, among others.
"Our move into scripted special-event series is a major step in the evolution of the brand that now reaches a more balanced audience,” said Sharon Levy, executive vp original series at Spike TV, who will oversee each of the five projects. “Each project features our development’s mission to thrill, inspire, and entertain the viewer. We also see this as a stepping stone to developing original scripted dramatic series.”
The move marks Spike's first attempt at a mini since its July 2007 event series The Kill Point and first original scripted comedy since Blue Mountain State, which ended its three-season run in November 2011.
The mini slate comes as cable networks including History, Discovery and more are looking to the lower-risk miniseries as an entry point into scripted fare following History's success with Hatfields and The Bible.
Here's a look at the slate. (Note: All titles are working titles.)
HITMEN
From Leslie Greif (Hatfields & McCoy’s), Chris Collins (Sons of Anarchy) and rock God and multihyphenate Gene Simmons (KISS), comes Hitmen, a thrilling look into the untold story of how the mafia took control of the music industry of the 1970s. From rising artists to radio stations to record labels, the impact organized crime had on all facets of the music business in this era was all-consuming and changed the music world forever. The event series will be produced by Thinkfactory Media.
WHITEY BULGER PROJECT
Written by Academy Award-winning writer Bobby Moresco (Crash) and produced by Jonathan Koch and Steve Michaels of Asylum Entertainment (The Kennedys), this movie event chronicles the raw and unfiltered rise and fall of Whitey Bulger, one of America's most notorious criminals. This four-hour epic delves deep into the life of Boston’s most infamous organized crime leader, who ruled New England’s criminal underworld with an iron fist for decades. Bulger’s larger-than-life story takes us from his days as a low-level street thug to FBI informant, to mob boss bent on undermining the competition, to the FBI's most wanted list, and fugitive on the lam for 16 years
THE LAMP
In the 1970s, the United States military set up some very unorthodox and secretive departments to research a wide range of areas from telekinesis to ambient noise to body language. Among these included the Research and Acquisitions Department, designed to covertly find and acquire all artifacts mentioned in religious and mythological texts to determine if any of them truly claimed magical powers. The search came up empty until they came across the legendary Aladdin’s Lamp. The project comes to Spike from the Levinson/Fontana Co. with Brant Englestein (Borgia) as writer.
UNTITLED BENGHAZI PROJECT
This project lifts the curtain on the untold behind-the-scenes story of the 2012 terrorist attack on the American diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya. Based on declassified documents and testimonials from those who were on the ground, this miniseries will shed light on the actual events surrounding the tragic deaths of four Americans, including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, and the heroic actions of CIA operatives that saved dozen of American lives. The untitled Benghazi project comes to Spike from Pilgrim Studios and Emmy Award winner Craig Piligian (Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy, The Ultimate Fighter) who is executive producing, along with Pilgrim Studios’ Beth Miller.
iHUMAN
The stories of how technological innovation is transforming the human condition will be at the center of a series of films from Raw TV, the BAFTA Award-winning team behind the critically acclaimed film The Imposter. As technology becomes such an integral part of our lives and our most personal information becomes captured in a "cloud," how does this affect human interaction? From the comfort of a laptop, we are now able to do everything from cheating on our spouses, to sending SWAT teams to celebrities’ homes, to bringing about revolution or crashing financial markets. The connections in the digital age are actually resulting in a disconnection from humanity and this film series will explore this in a way never before seen on television. Raw TV’s credits also include Gold Rush, Locked Up Abroad and Paranormal Witness.
April 28th, 2013
Here is Kobra and some of her fans in Flint, Michigan.
Look out world, here comes Kobra & The Lotus.
April 28th, 2013
In a pottery store in Indianapolis, Indiana.
April 28th, 2013
Hey Gene,
Can't remember if I sent this. From Love ride a few years back.
Your gum was electric.
Best Regards,
Matt Sorum
April 26th, 2013
Ed Bernero directed me on NBC's Third Watch a few years ago.
Here it is.
April 25th, 2013
Only a limited number of cabins remain for the upcoming KISS Kruise III.
KISS and Sixthman together can’t be stopped. The inaugural KISS Kruise voyage united the KISS Navy to sail across the open seas. The second adventure proved the strength of the KISS Navy once again, who rocked the boat with such intensity that the sea begged for mercy! It’s time to reunite the KISS Navy for The KISS Kruise III, as we navigate towards the shores of adventure!
This kruise is so hot, it’s even Hot in the Shade! KISS Navy owns Halloween, and this year it’s no different. The Norwegian Pearl is set to host the best Hallows’ Eve celebration in the world. We’re sailing from October 28th – November 1st, so grab your face paint, your krazy costumes, your sunscreen and join us on board where we rock n roll all night and party everyday!
KISS NAVY, WE WANT YOU!
Cruise Itinerary (Subject to change)
Monday, October 28, 2013 - Depart Miami, FL (approx 4:00 PM ET)
Tuesday, October 29 - Key West, Florida 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday, October 30 - Day At Sea
Thursday, October 31 - Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday, November 1 - Arrive Miami, FL (approx 8:00 AM ET)
For more details, visit the KISS KRUISE III website at:
So I went to the pharmacy to get some sunblock, and on the way out, I saw this.
April 23rd, 2013
Their real names are a secret. In hockey circles, they are known simply as Sully and Force aka The Green Men. They're the guys who show up to Vancouver Canucks home games in full-body spandex suits and sit next to the opponent's penalty box. Their mission: to irritate and distract visiting players in as creative and entertaining fashion as possible. Quite often, they succeed. The pair has been doing this for four seasons now. Monday night, they unveiled a new trick. Literally.
With Chicago in town, Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson found himself in the sin bin for charging Daniel Sedin during the 13:05 mark of the first period. That's when it was time for Sully and Force to do their best David Copperfield impression. The dynamic duo covered up one side of the box with a green (of course) sheet - only to reveal a female Canucks fan moments later. But it wasn't just any NHL fan. The young lady happened to be Sophie Tweed-Simmons, daughter of Gene Simmons from the band KISS and model/actress Shannon Tweed (who grew up in Canada). She performed the national anthem prior to the game. Vancouver went on to beat Chicago 3-1 to clinch the team's fifth straight Northwest Division title, the longest active division streak in the NHL.
April 23rd, 2013
Here's our beautiful and talented Sophie Tweed Simmons, singing both American & Canadian National Anthems in Vancouver BC, Canada Hockey Game.
April 21st, 2013
BEST BUDDIES does wonderful work for mentally challenged young people. And it's good for you too. Founded by Anthony Shriver.
There was a bowling event held today, and we were happy to attend. Here are Rob Lowe, myself, Nancy O'Dell, and most beautiful girl in the world, my wife Shannon Tweed Simmons.
KISS goes all-ages in this fun, accessible new series for fans old and new!
Each issue features a famous KISS album cover recreation with the KISS Kids in the starring role!
Presenting the adventures of Li'l Demon, Starchild, Catkid, and Spacey...the KISS Kids gang! This rockin' new comic offers adventures for all ages (and many in-jokes and familiar characters for the KISS faithful, too). No blood or fire here, just laughs and fun tales of the little costumed maniacs and the crazy town in which they live.
April 21st, 2013
Here's good lookin' Uncle Dave at Paul's charity event.
April 21st, 2013
ROB ZOMBIE came by. And we talked about a few TV and movie projects.
Rob is cool.
April 19th, 2013
Dog and Beth Came by to visit. Check out their new show on CMT.
Simmons Records/UME Recording Artists Kobra And The Lotus Make Their Major Label Debut April 16th.
Their Own “ROCK CITY” TV Show Premieres on SPIKE TV in September.
LOS ANGELES - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Kobra And The Lotus make their major label debut with their self-titled album KOBRA AND THE LOTUS on April 16, 2013, on Simmons Records/T-Boy Records/Universal Music Enterprises (UME).
Formed in 2009 by powerhouse vocalist Kobra Paige, Kobra And The Lotus have been more than busy touring Canada, the UK and Europe extensively with ball-busting hard work and intensity that secured coveted slots at Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, Download and Bloodstock in 2012.
The life of Kobra Paige and her band Kobra And The Lotus, will be chronicled for the show “Rock City,” airing on Spike TV, Fall 2013. Their 8 episode season will follow the grit, drama, and thrills, both on the road and off, as this emerging metal band takes to the road on their world tour.
Featuring female metal warrior Kobra Paige on lead vocals, Jasio Kulakowski on guitar, Pete Dimov on bass and Griffin Kissack on drums, the band recently added Latin America’s most famous metal axeman Charlie Parra del Riego.
For Kobra And The Lotus’ self-titled release, producer Kevin Churko (Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, Ozzy Osbourne) was brought in to assist delivering precise songs heavy with emotion. The Kobra and The Lotus release has an intentionally grand-scale dynamic, magnifying the glories of the genre and making its mark as ‘arena’ rather than ‘garage’ rock.
The band is co-signed to Gene Simmons’ label - Simmons’ Records. Simmons has a longstanding reputation for discovering, assisting or recognizing new artists like Van Halen. Many of the early artist demos he worked on or helped with have gone on to become multi-platinum records and legendary rock anthems.
Andy Gould, head and curator of T-Boy Records, recognized Kobra’s talent and his newly minted T-Boy Records will serve as the umbrella label for Kobra and The Lotus. T-Boy Records releases new music and albums from established iconic hard-rock bands. Current releases include Rob Zombie’s Venomous Rat Regeneration Vendor (due April 23) and Megadeth’s Super Collider (due June 4). Gould adds, “It’s great to have a fresh act on the label that is carrying on all the best heavy metal traditions. And of course, it’s fantastic to be in business with Gene [Simmons].”
Kobra and The Lotus packs a powerful 10-track punch featuring the multi-range wailing vocals of metal hellion Kobra Paige, with infectious harmonies and sweeping choruses over powerful metal riffs, thundering bass and rapid fire percussion. Kobra and The Lotus contains driving anthems “50 Shades of Evil,” “Welcome To My Funeral,” “My Life” and “Forever One,” more dramatic stylings in “Aria of Karmika,” and they build on tradition with “Nayana” and “No Rest For The Wicked.” The band sets the stage for a tender intimate moment with “Sanctuary” before launching into skull-crushing guitars to carry the track out.
In support of their new album, Kobra And The Lotus will now take on America with an extensive North American tour supporting Fear Factory. The carnage starts April 14 in Colorado Springs, CO, winding throughout the U.S. and Canada conquering this continent one face-melting show at a time.
In short, heavy metal has a New Face. A New Voice. A New Name. Kobra And The Lotus.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all in Boston. The perpetrators of this heinous crime must and will be found and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This country is proudly the land of the free and the home of the brave and no actions by covert cowards will intimidate us or change that. They will be caught and they will pay.
Announcing the first, of a new generation of GENE SIMMONS CHROME BASSES - the CHROME AXE I.
The process has been long, and difficult but through the hard work of Jim Cara, the results speak for themselves. To plate a silver axe, it requires 12 oz of real pure silver.
This process will not be available to any other guitar company, or individuals. Jim Cara is now a part of our GSAXE Venture, and all inquiries should go through paul@gsaxe.com, or to info@genesimmons.com.
Want one?
We can send you the bass (available in CHROME PUNISHER I, as well as GOLD CHROME GS AXE I and other variations)….
Or, you can pick yours up when KISS plays concerts in your city. GSAXE.com
Check out this baby.
All chrome neck this one has.
No wood, for it is covered in chrome.
MIPBlog spoke to rock & TV star Gene Simmons - he of KISS fame! - about Busted, his new prank show. It's inspired by his rockstar career, naturally.
"When you're on tour, you get bored," he said. "And when you get bored, pranks happen", he teased, before telling one tale of a poor roadie who got his birthday cake laced with laxatives... Rock n Roll!.
April 15th, 2013
KISS KIDS #1 COVER 3
April 15th, 2013
Sophie is on her way to sing the American National Anthem and the Canadian National Anthem in Vancouver, BC.
On the way there, this is what Sophie saw at the Delta terminal store at LAX airport.
Her dads make up on Hello Kitty.
April 13th, 2013
Jordan Hembrough, a renowned toy dealer and ultimate toy hunter, takes toy picking to a new level as he takes on collections from some of the most popular cities in America.
Toy Hunter: KISS
Jordan heads to LA and receives a special surprise call from rock legend, Gene Simmons of KISS! Gene sends Jordan on a hunt to pick up as much rare KISS memorabilia as he can.
The Indianapolis KISS Fan Expo is excited to celebrate its 15th anniversary AND the 40th anniversary of KISS at this year's Expo! We are ecstatic to announce a two-day event on May 11th & 12th with numerous guests spanning all eras of KISStory...the highlight of which is a pre-expo kickoff event with the Demon himself, Gene Simmons!
On early Saturday afternoon, May 11th, the legendary Gene Simmons will host a spirited question-and-answer session with the fans! You won't want to miss this special appearance! The Gene Simmons pre-expo event is a separate ticketed event with additional ticket options including a photo opportunity for you with Gene! Tickets are limited. This will be Gene's only appearance this weekend.
Saturday night's Expo features former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick and guitarist Bob Kulick! Both Bruce and Bob have rich histories with KISS and will be available for autographs and photos throughout the evening. They will also jam a few KISS classics onstage for your enjoyment!
Sunday's Expo will feature KISS drummer Eric Singer, and in his first-ever Expo appearance - drummer Kevin Valentine. Kevin was the drummer on KISS' Psycho Circus album. He also recorded demos for Hot in the Shade and a track on the Revenge album. (Kevin went to high school with Eric Singer!). Fan-favorite KISS tribute band MR. SPEED will also perform.
KISS dealers from around the country, including KISSonline, will be on hand at both Expo days selling KISS collectibles and memorabilia from all eras! Throughout the weekend there will be numerous giveaways and raffles.
As always, the Indianapolis KISS Fan Expo is run by the fans, for the fans.
April 11th, 2013
"Oblivion" Los Angeles Premiere Red Carpet Arrivals.
April 11th, 2013
Here is the family at last night's Tom Cruise starrer, OBLIVION - produced by Barry Levine.
April 11th, 2013
KISS KIDS COMING SOON!!!
Here are a few sketches from our forthcoming KISS KISS COMICS.
The tiny terrors hit stands in an all-ages new series!
Ah, the simple pleasures of just being a kid. Lemonade stands, little league games, advanced fort building, rocking the faces off of millions of screaming fans all over the world while thwarting the plans of your evil school Principal.
If a couple of those cherished childhood memories sound unfamiliar, that's because they can only be found in KISS Kids, the new series starring the pint-sized rock gods! Join Starchild, Li'l Demon, Spacey, and Catkid as they get into trouble and kick out the jams in strips featuring familiar characters and settings from KISS lore. Helmed by KISS series writers Chris Ryall and Tom Waltz with fun, expressive art by Jose Holder (Mars Attacks The Real Ghostbusters), KISS Kids promises to be a treat for fans of all-ages!
"KISS is used to rocking and rolling all night and partying every day, but back when they were little'uns, those things only happened around nap time," said Chris Ryall, also IDW's Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief. "This series will appeal to kids and Kiss fans of all ages, as we see the school-age band engage robots, evil teachers, other students, and much more, all filtered through the KISS lens. Beth, the school's Doctor Love, the snooty Torpedo Girls, the bratty "Wicked" Lester, nefarious Principal Elder... they're all here for this accessible, funny, and appealing new series."
The new KISS Kids series, coming this fall, is being previewed in the form of a one-page strip on the back cover of all four issues of this spring's Kiss Solo series. Fans will get their first real look at the Kiss Kids on April 10, when Kiss Solo #1: The Demon by Ryall and artist Angel Medina is released.
"Rock and Roll All Nite....and Potty Every Day," added the L'il Demon himself, Kiss founding member, Gene Simmons.
This fall, there's only one place for proof positive that whether you're a Starchild or a Demon, there's nothing better than rocking and rolling all night and reading comics every day!
April 10th, 2013
The entire family – Shannon, Sophie, Nicholas and yours truly were invited to attend the Tom Cruise starrer, OBLIVION tonight.
Well worth seeing.
In particular, it was heartwarming to see Producer Barry Levine finally get his vision onto the screen. It started with the comic book of the same name on his Radical Comics imprint, and then only took many years to finally see its way onto the big screen.
Tenacity, passion and plain hard work. It is to be admired.
Congratulations, Barry.
And now, here are some fun photos and videos from the Premier –
April 10th, 2013
Sophie and star hockey player Ryan Kesler (Vancouver Canucks) sign autographs in Surrey, BC to benefit Sophie's Place (Sophie's center for abused children located in Surrey, BC).
April 10th, 2013
KOBRA AND THE LOTUS SELF-TITLED MAJOR LABEL DEBUT RELEASED APRIL 16
10 April 2013 (Toronto) – Female metal warrior Kobra Paige, along with guitarist Jasio Kulakowski, bassist Pete Dimov and drummer Griffin Kissack of Kobra And The Lotus are set to make their self-titled, major label debut on Tuesday, April 16TH via Simmons Records/T-Boy Records/Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company.
KOBRA AND THE LOTUS packs a powerful 10-track punch featuring Paige’s multi-range wailing vocals, with infectious harmonies and sweeping choruses over powerful metal riffs, thundering bass and rapid fire percussion. It also contains driving anthems “50 Shades of Evil”, “Welcome To My Funeral”, “My Life” and “Forever One”. They offer more dramatic styling’s in “Aria of Karmika”, and build on tradition with “Nayana” and “No Rest For The Wicked”. The band sets the stage for a tender intimate moment with “Sanctuary” before launching into skull-crushing guitars to carry the track out.
For the process of the album’s inception, producer Kevin Churko (Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, Ozzy Osbourne) was brought in to assist in delivering precise songs heavy with emotion. The release has an intentionally grand-scale dynamic, magnifying the glories of the genre and making its mark as ‘arena’ rather than ‘garage’ rock.
In the fall of 2013, the life of Kobra Paige and her band will be chronicled for the show “Rock City”, which will air on Spike TV. The eight episode season will follow the grit, drama, and thrills, both on the road and off, as this emerging metal band takes to the road on their world tour.
Formed in 2009, Kobra And The Lotus have been more than busy touring Canada, the UK and Europe extensively with ball-busting hard work and intensity that secured coveted slots at Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, Download and Bloodstock in 2012.
In short, heavy metal has a New Face. A New Voice. A New Name. Kobra And The Lotus.
In support of their new album, Kobra And The Lotus are headed out on an extensive North American tour with Fear Factory. The carnage starts April 14 in Colorado Springs, CO, and visits Canada for one stop, April 24, at Toronto's Opera House.
Thanks Mom, for being the best Mom in the world. Happy Mother's Day.
EUROPEAN TOUR DATES:
Quite a few years ago, I optioned the rights to comic book JOHN SABLE Created by Mike Grell.
Here is a group photo from the recent BEST BUDDIES event - Bowling for Buddies, started by Anthony Shriver. It's a charity designed to help mentally and physically challenged kids.
ARCADIA - Opening day for Santa Anita Park's 76th winter/spring meet delighted fans with mostly sunny skies and for some, a few moments with KISS frontman Gene Simmons.
ARCADIA - If Santa Anita Park's owners have their way, KISS' Gene Simmons might soon play a starring role at the racetrack.
Not even early morning showers could dampen the spirits of Opening Day attendees at Santa Anita Park. The track's 17-week winter/spring racing season began Wednesday
Solidly middle-class Torrance isn't exactly a rock star sort of town.
Rock & Brews gets ready for grand opening celebration in Torrance 
The male-centric Spike TV has filled its line-up with reality fare in the last few years, via shows like tattoo competition "Ink Masters," "World's Worst Tenants" and "Impact Wrestling." But today the network announced its intention to reenter the world of scripted programming with five "special-event series" (which seems to be another term for miniseries) in development from the likes of Raw TV, the team responsible for doc "The Imposter," KISS frontman Gene Simmons and "Crash" writer Bobby Moresco.
Just came back from San Diego, where I did a Speaking Engagement for TICKETS.COM.
Projects Tom Fontana, Craig Piligian and Gene Simmons are among the cable network's limited series development slate.
Hey Gene,
Only a limited number of cabins remain for the upcoming KISS Kruise III. 
Their real names are a secret. In hockey circles, they are known simply as Sully and Force aka The Green Men. They're the guys who show up to Vancouver Canucks home games in full-body spandex suits and sit next to the opponent's penalty box. Their mission: to irritate and distract visiting players in as creative and entertaining fashion as possible. Quite often, they succeed. The pair has been doing this for four seasons now. Monday night, they unveiled a new trick. Literally.
Here's our beautiful and talented Sophie Tweed Simmons, singing both American & Canadian National Anthems in Vancouver BC, Canada Hockey Game.
KISS KIDS #1
LOS ANGELES - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Kobra And The Lotus make their major label debut with their self-titled album KOBRA AND THE LOTUS on April 16, 2013, on Simmons Records/T-Boy Records/Universal Music Enterprises (UME).
Our thoughts and prayers are with all in Boston. The perpetrators of this heinous crime must and will be found and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This country is proudly the land of the free and the home of the brave and no actions by covert cowards will intimidate us or change that. They will be caught and they will pay.
MIPBlog spoke to rock & TV star Gene Simmons - he of KISS fame! - about Busted, his new prank show. It's inspired by his rockstar career, naturally. 
Jordan Hembrough, a renowned toy dealer and ultimate toy hunter, takes toy picking to a new level as he takes on collections from some of the most popular cities in America.
The Indianapolis KISS Fan Expo is excited to celebrate its 15th anniversary AND the 40th anniversary of KISS at this year's Expo! We are ecstatic to announce a two-day event on May 11th & 12th with numerous guests spanning all eras of KISStory...the highlight of which is a pre-expo kickoff event with the Demon himself, Gene Simmons!
10 April 2013 (Toronto) – Female metal warrior Kobra Paige, along with guitarist Jasio Kulakowski, bassist Pete Dimov and drummer Griffin Kissack of Kobra And The Lotus are set to make their self-titled, major label debut on Tuesday, April 16TH via Simmons Records/T-Boy Records/Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company.