2025 is another year that hasn’t been kind in the news department, with the passing of music artists. My condolences to the family, friends, bandmates and fans of Ace Frehley, affectionately known also as Space Ace and Spaceman. 74 years old is young, as I’ve grown and been reminded how precious life on Earth is.
Ace Frehley (birth name Paul Daniel Frehley) was a founding member and lead guitarist of KISS and highly successful solo artist during his post KISS career. What a career! Performing live consistently and recording albums that have endured an everlasting relevance to this very day, Ace Frehley kept his showmanship Rockin’ straight into 2025.
As I grew up in the mid 70’s through the 80’s, KISS had that wow factor from their personas to their accessible discography and everything in-between. Ace Frehley was the member of KISS I always wished had more songs featuring him as a singer.
Listening to Ace Frehley sing and play his magic on “Shock Me,” 2000 Man” and “Speedin’ Back To My Baby” will be on repeat for awhile now, as my fondness for this Rock icon has never been stronger. I’ll also play very loud Aces’ guitar splendor with the KISS classic: “What Makes The World Go ‘Round.” Plus, the albums of Frehley’s Comet will be bringing back good times memories as well, for the remainder of my life.
Thank you, Ace Frehley, and rest and also rock in peace. You were a major soundtrack to my life. That one time I saw you perform live, with your band Frehley’s Comet, I’ll continue to cherish and talk about forever. God Bless your soul, Space Ace. – Stone
On December 2nd, LIVE from Madison Square Garden, KISS will perform in concert for the final time ever, and you can watch LIVE on Pay-Per-View!
Stream this historic event worldwide, exclusively on PPV.COM; or watch on Pay-Per-View via your cable or satellite provider in the US & Canada.
This is your last chance ever to see America’s greatest rock band! Don’t miss out! KISS: END OF THE ROAD LIVE from Madison Square Garden Saturday, December 2nd at 8pm ET
KISS – Detroit, Michigan – Nashville, Tennessee – St. Louis, Missouri and Ft. Worth, Texas have been added for October 2023! Check out the dates and complete tour schedule below!
KISS Army and VIP Package presale begins April 3rd at 10am local time.
4/12/23 Manaus, Brazil 4/15/23 Bogota, Colombia 4/18/23 Brasília, Brazil 4/20/23 Belo Horizonte 4/22/23 São Paulo, Brazil 4/25/23 Florianópolis, Brazil 4/28/23 Buenos Aires, Argentina 4/30/23 Santiago, Chile 5/4/23 San Salvador, El Salvador 5/27/23 Columbus, OH 6/3/23 Plymouth, UK 6/5/23 Birmingham, UK 6/6/23 Newcastle, UK 6/10/23 Prague, Czech Republic 6/12/23 Amsterdam, Netherlands 6/13/23 Belgium, Brussels 6/15/23 Clisson, France 6/17/23 Munich, Germany 6/19/23 Kraków, Poland 6/21/23 Dresden, Germany 6/22/23 Berlin, Germany 6/25/23 Cartagena, Spain 6/27/23 Lyon, France 6/29/22 Tuscany, Italy 7/1/23 Manheim, Germany 7/2/23 Cologne, Germany 7/7/23 Manchester, UK 7/8/23 Glasgow, UK 7/5/23 London, UK 7/12/23 Rättvik, Sweden 7/13/23 Rättvik, Sweden 7/15/23 Tonsberg, Norway 10/20/23 Detroit, MI (JUST ADDED) 10/23/23 Nashville, TN (JUST ADDED) 10/25/23 St. Louis, MO (JUST ADDED) 10/27/23 Ft. Worth, TX (JUST ADDED) 10/29/23 Austin, TX 11/1/23 Palm Desert, CA 11/3/23 Los Angeles, CA 11/6/23 Seattle, WA 11/8/23 Vancouver, BC 11/10/23 Edmonton, AB 11/12/23 Calgary, AB 11/13/23 Saskatoon, SK 11/15/23 Winnipeg, MB 11/18/23 Montreal, QC 11/19/23 Quebec, QC 11/21/23 Kanata, ON 11/22/23 Toronto, ON 11/24/23 Knoxville, TN 11/25/23 Indianapolis, IN 11/27/23 Rosemont, IL 11/29/23 Baltimore, MD 12/1/23 New York, NY 12/2/23 New York, NY
COUNTDOWN: THE FINAL 50 SHOWS. After 50 years of Rock and Roll mayhem, the final 50 shows are here.
KISS ARMY Presale starts March 6th at 10am local time. Please check KISSOnline.com for your local presale time.
General Public Onsale for North America begins March 10th at 10am local time.*
Exclusive VIP experiences will be available. Details for each experience and territory vary so be sure to check your market.
4/12/23 Manaus, Brazil 4/15/23 Bogota, Colombia 4/18/23 Brasília, Brazil 4/20/23 Belo Horizonte 4/22/23 São Paulo, Brazil 4/25/23 Florianópolis, Brazil 4/28/23 Buenos Aires, Argentina 4/30/23 Santiago, Chile 5/4/23 San Salvador, El Salvador 5/27/23 Columbus, OH 6/3/23 Plymouth, UK 6/5/23 Birmingham, UK 6/6/23 Newcastle, UK 6/10/23 Prague, Czech Republic 6/12/23 Amsterdam, Netherlands 6/13/23 Belgium, Brussels 6/15/23 Clisson, France 6/17/23 Munich, Germany 6/19/23 Kraków, Poland 6/21/23 Dresden, Germany 6/22/23 Berlin, Germany 6/25/23 Cartagena, Spain 6/27/23 Lyon, France 6/29/22 Tuscany, Italy 7/1/23 Manheim, Germany 7/2/23 Cologne, Germany 7/5/23 London, UK 7/7/23 Manchester, UK 7/8/23 Glasgow, UK 7/12/23 Rättvik, Sweden 7/13/23 Rättvik, Sweden 7/15/23 Tonsberg, Norway 10/29/23 Austin, TX 11/1/23 Palm Desert, CA 11/3/23 Los Angeles, CA 11/6/23 Seattle, WA 11/8/23 Vancouver, BC 11/10/23 Edmonton, AB 11/12/23 Calgary, AB 11/13/23 Saskatoon, SK 11/15/23 Winnipeg, MB 11/18/23 Montreal, QC 11/19/23 Quebec, QC 11/21/23 Kanata, ON 11/22/23 Toronto, ON 11/24/23 Knoxville, TN 11/25/23 Indianapolis, IN 11/27/23 Rosemont, IL 11/29/23 Baltimore, MD 12/1/23 New York, NY 12/2/23 New York, NY
A&E’s definitive documentary film “Biography: KISStory” celebrates five decades of KISS! The four-hour, two-night event airs this Sunday, June 27th and Monday, June 28th from 9-11pm ET/PT.
UK Rock trio RavenEye are thrilled to announce they have been invited to tour Europe as Special Guests of KISS, one of rock’s most notorious and influential bands. They have also been added as Special Guests on the Hellyeah UK tour in April. The band was recently added to the Download festivals in Spain and France, as well as Bulgaria’s Plovdiv Festival.
Since releasing their wildly successful EP, ‘Breaking Out’, and debut album ‘NOVA, RavenEye has toured globally, supporting Slash, Deep Purple, The Darkness and Halestorm amongst others. The band has headlined their own tours through Europe and America as well as performing at major international Rock festivals such as Download Festival (UK), Hellfest Open Air Festival (France), Azkena Rock Festival ARF (Spain), Rock For People (Czech Republic), Louder Than Life (U.S.), Aftershock Festival (U.S.), Maximus Festival (Brazil and Argentina) and most recently the Shiprocked Cruise 2017. Their incendiary live shows have captivated crowds and put them on the map as a ‘must see live’ band.
“This could be the start of something very big indeed” – Classic Rock
“Blues rock riffs that slither their way into your brain” – Kerrang
“Hairs-on-the-back-of-your-neck hard rock epic you’ll thank yourself for finding” – The Sun
“Keep an eye on Raveneye. They are organic, raw and I hear a real ‘70s influence with these guys. When a band like this nails it, you never forget it. Wait for that riff in the middle of the song.” – Nikki Sixx
When RavenEye formed two years ago, the then 25-year-old, Oli Brown, singer and multi-award winning guitarist, had already released four solo albums and toured the world for 10 years with legends such as Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter and Joe Satriani, and been hailed by Mojo as “the hottest young pistol in British blues” and Classic Rock Magazine describing him as “one of the best and brightest guitar heroes performing in the world today.”RavenEye’s live performances take their present and future fans on a journey to the next level.
RAVENEYE CONFIRMED DATES 2017:
April 7 – Manchester, UK (Club Academy)*
April 8 – Glasgow, UK (The Garage)*
April 10 – Leeds, UK (Leeds University Stylus)*
April 11 – Norwich, UK (Waterfront)*
April 13 – London, UK (O2 Islington Academy)*
April 14 – Bristol, UK (Thekla)*
April 15 – Nottingham, UK (Rock City)*
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May 1 – Moscow, Russia (Olympiski)**
May 4 – Helsinki, Finland (Hartwell Arena)**
May 6 – Stockholm, Sweden (Tele2 Arena) **
May 7 – Oslo. Norway (Spektrum)**
May 10 – Gothenburg, Sweden (Scandinavium)**
May 12 – Dortmund, Germany (Westfallenhalle)**
May 13 – Stuttgart, Germany (Schleyerhalle)**
May 15 – Torino, Italy (Pala Alpitour)**
May 16 – Bologna, Italy (Unipol Arena) **
May 18 – Munich, Germany (Olympiahalle)**
May 20 – Brno, Czech Republic (Bvv- Outdoor)**
May 21 – Vienna, Austria (Stadthalle) **
May 23 – Frankfurt, Germany (Festhalle) **
May 24 – Rotterdam, Holland (Ahoy)**
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June 9 – Download Festival, Paris France
June 22 – Download Festival, Madrid, Spain
June 30 – Plovdiv Music Fest, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
*Special Guests of Hellyeah
**Special Guests of KISS
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RavenEye are:
Vocals, Guitar – Oli Brown
Bass, Synth, Vocals – Aaron Spiers
Drums – Adam Breeze
On July 22nd, 2016 – The newly released studio album Beast from DESPISED ICON is ranked #1, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Freaking whoa!!
On July 22nd, 2016 – The newly released studio album Great Is Our Sin from Massachusetts’ Metal warriors REVOCATION is ranked at #2, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Dig it.
On July 22nd, 2016 – The iconic IRON MAIDEN performed at the Mediolanum Forum in Assago, near Milan, Italy.
On July 22nd, 2016 – On their Freedom To Rock Tour, the unbelievable KISS perform at the Pinnacle Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska.
On July 22nd, 2016 – The recently released studio album from NONPOINT, The Poison Red, is ranked at #15, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. BTW, NONPOINT kicks some serious ass live. Damn right, they do.
On August 26, 2016, Eagle Rock Entertainment will unleash KISS Rocks Vegas on DVD+CD ($21.98), Blu-ray+CD ($26.98), DVD+2LP ($39.98), and Deluxe Edition DVD+Blu-ray+2CD ($79.98).
Captured in the midst of their 40th Anniversary World Tour, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers sonically shook Vegas during their residency at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in November 2014. This Sin City set sizzles with KISS classics from across their 44 album legacy: “Rock And Roll All Night,” “Detroit Rock City,” “Shout It Out Loud,” “Love Gun,” and more. As a bonus feature, KISS Rocks Vegas includes a seven-song acoustic set. Punctuated with pyrotechnics galore, the film presents the fire, electricity, and one-of-a-kind rock experience that earned KISS over 100 million sales globally.
The Deluxe Edition of KISS Rocks Vegas is presented as a hardcover package with a 12X12 book, boasting photos from the show and an exclusive CD.
“We Rocked and Vegas Rolled! This was Epic In Your Face KISS! We got Up close and personal, I think Rock and Roll fans will really enjoy this spectacle that only KISS can deliver.” – Paul Stanley
“KaBOOM! We blew up the Joint at The Hard Rock in Vegas like never before. We are very proud of this and know that you will be blown away as well.” – Gene Simmons
We’re going to rock your world today, KISS collectors! Here’s your first look at the upcoming DYNASTY series, featuring all new head sculpts and costumes for Gene, Paul, Peter, and Ace!
Dynasty is set for release in the fall (along with Destroyer), and information on exact arrival date and preorders will follow in the coming months! Stay tuned here and to www.figurestoycompany.com for info!
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Stone Says: I’m not too interested in buying these KISS figures. My interest now is in buying CDs, vinyl and cassettes; with quite a few Metal magazines in the mix. Heck, I do have a very large Gene Simmons nutcracker on my desk; so you never know! Regardless, these KISS figures are dope.
P.S. I’ll have to do a post in the near future about my Gene Simmons nutcracker. Yup.
The Bradford Exchange is currently selling these cool KISS Zippo® lighters (above photo). Each Zippo® lighter is $39.99 (US) and there are a total of eight that will be released. That very nifty custom display with the illuminating KISS logo is also an individual item for purchase too. I’ve seen some kick-ass KISS merch and then I’ve seen some cheesy KISS merch; this is not cheesy, in my Metal opinion! Metal Be Thy Name! – Stone.
As a sidenote: I won’t be buying this lighter collection due to my budget. Still, it’s a fun KISS Kollectible to look at and post about.
Here is the link for more info and/or to purchase:
36+ CITY TOUR TO KICK OFF JULY 7TH IN BOISE, IDAHO – TICKETS ON SALE BEGINNING FRIDAY APRIL 15TH – at: http://www.kissonline.com/tour
America’s # 1 Gold Record Award Winning Group of all time KISS, has announced its 2016 Summer American “Freedom To Rock” Tour and will visit 36+ cities nationwide with more markets being announced soon. The long-awaited & highly anticipated “Freedom To Rock” Tour will kick off on July 7th in Boise, Idaho and will travel the country throughout July and August and will close September 10th in Huntington, West Virginia.
Tickets will go on sale beginning Friday April 15th for all concert dates (The Grand Rapids, MI and Youngstown, OH shows go on sale Monday April 18th).
A KISS ARMY Fan Club Exclusive Pre-sale will begin April 12th.
The KISS “Freedom To Rock” Tour will bring epic rock to 25+ cities it hasn’t been to in over 10+ years and four brand new cities as well. KISS specifically wanted to take the “Freedom To Rock” Tour to its fans in markets that haven’t had the chance to see them in some time or ever at all. This 36+ city tour will rock those markets and allow fans across the country to see America’s favorite rock band of all time, KISS.
Opening for KISS will be Recording Artist Caleb Johnson (American Idol Season 13 winner) for shows July 7 – August 10 while the All-Star rock band THE DEAD DAISIES will open for KISS for shows August 10 – September 10. The “Freedom To Rock” Tour is produced by: National Shows 2 (nationalshows2.com), Frank Productions (frankproductions.com), and CMoore Live (cmoorelive.com).
“Freedom To Rock” Tour Dates Include:
July 7 Boise, Idaho – Taco Bell Arena
July 9 Eugene, Oregon – Matthew Knight Arena
July 10 – Kennewick, Washington – Toyota Center
July 15 – Spokane, Washington – Spokane Arena
July 16 – Bozeman, Montana -Breeden Fieldhouse
July 18 – Colorado Springs, Colorado – World Arena
July 20 – Independence, Missouri – Silverstein Eye Centers Arena
July 22 – Lincoln, Nebraska – Pinnacle Bank Arena
July 23 – Springfield, Missouri – JQH Arena
July 25 – Wichita, Kansas – Intrust Bank Arena
July 27 – Sioux City, Iowa – Tyson Events Center
July 29 – Cheyenne, Wyoming – Cheyenne Frontier Days
July 30 – Minot, North Dakota – North Dakota State Fair
August 1 – Mankato, Minnesota – Verizon Wireless Center
August 3 – Duluth, Minnesota – Amsoil Arena
August 5 – Moline, Illinois – iWireless Arena
August 6 – La Crosse, Wisconsin – La Crosse Center
August 8 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin – BMO Harris Bradley Center
August 10 – Green Bay, Wisconsin – Resch Center
August 12 – Fort Wayne, Indiana – Allen County Memorial Coliseum
August 13 – Grand Rapids, Michigan – Van Andel Arena
August 15 – Saginaw, Michigan – Dow Event Center
August 17 – Springfield, Illinois – Illinois State Fair
August 20 – Rockford, Illinois – BMO Harris Bank Center
August 22 – Dayton, Ohio – Nutter Center
August 24 – Toledo, Ohio – Huntington Center
August 26 – Youngstown, Ohio – Covelli Centre
August 27 – Erie, Pennsylvania – Erie Insurance Arena
August 29 – Rochester, New York – Blue Cross Arena
August 30 – State College, Pennsylvania – Bryce Jordan Center
September 1 – Allentown, Pennsylvania – Great Allentown Fair
September 3 – Worcester, Massachusetts – DCU Center
September 4 – Portland, Maine – Cross Insurance Arena
September 7 – Bridgeport, Connecticut – Webster Bank Arena
September 9 – Richmond, Virginia – Richmond Coliseum
September 10 – Huntington, West Virginia – Big Sandy Arena
Cinema tickets for the BIGGEST global one night film event that is KISS ROCKS VEGAS are now AVAILABLE in EUROPE! Head over to www.kissmycinema.com/cinemas to grab yours!
More European and worldwide screens to be announced soon. Stay Tuned!
On this day in#KISSTORY – Oct 22, 1974 – #KISS released their 2nd studio album Hotter Than Hell. My first copy of Hotter Than Hell was used vinyl, which I obtained through a trade, many Rockin’ moons ago in high school. Have no fear, I do have this KISS Klassic on CD now. “Hot, hot, hotter than hell! You know she’s gonna leave you well done!”
On October 22, 1977 – The very memorable FOREIGNER hit, Cold As Ice, was ranked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This song is featured on FOREIGNER’s outstanding debut and self-titled studio album from 1977.
On October 22, 2015 – The new studio album, Disgusting, from ColumbusOhio‘s BEARTOOTH is ranked at #12, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. Jumping flaming jelly balls! Long live Ohio Rock ‘n Roll!
On October 22, 2015 – The 2014 studio album, Reincarnate, from Pennsylvania‘s MOTIONLESS IN WHITE is ranked at #31, on the iTunes Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums Chart. I post this album often, due to the fact that I simply love it. If you don’t own Reincarnate, well, take a few Ex-Lax and go listen to your Don Ho 8-tracks. For all you cool people, watch and listen to MIW below! Whoa!
On May 20th, 1980 – KISS released their eighth studio album: Unmasked. Shocking Fact Alert #1: Although not credited, the drummer for this entire album was Anton Fig and notPeter Criss. Now that the shock has hopefully subsided, onwards we go. Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley do play on every song on Unmasked. I just had to reinforce that info, just in case someone was wondering and started to panic. (I pause to laugh and quickly regain control).
This album was released via Casablanca Records, with a large poster inserted inside the album’s jacket. My two favorite songs from this album are: Is That You? and What Makes The World Go ‘Round. I even dig the song Shandi. Truth be told, I really like this KISS album and have no problem recommending it to anyone. This isn’t the greatest KISS album ever and it isn’t the worst either. The Elder will always be the freaking worst KISS album ever recorded; that is a fact and tell ’em Stone says so.
Above: The front cover to my KISS Unmasked album. Some years ago I had flood waters destroy my record collection, save for a dozen or so. Yes, that life event super-sucked infected goat testicles. However, this album was one that was elevated above the water. Go figure.
My first copy of Unmasked was an 8-track version. I bought this 8-track, with loot from my mother, from a (now defunct) department store called Caldor. Around 1983, I traded my Billy SquierEmotions In Motionvinyl for a used copy of Unmasked on vinyl, while in high school. A decent trade, I believe. Long ago trade aside, Billy Squier is alright in my Metal book. The 8-track and 8-track player I had are long gone. That kinda sucks. Some years ago, I finally upgraded to CD, with Unmasked. Why it took me so long to upgrade Unmasked to CD? I just don’t know, go figure.
Shocking Fact Alert #2: Did you know that the Village People were signed to Casablanca Records too? KISS and The Village People shared the same record label. That should keep you up at night tossing and turning. WTF!?
That’s me holding my Unmasked poster, above! Whoa!
I’ve always enjoyed looking at the album artwork for Unmasked. Who was the artist? Victor Stabin. You can learn more about this exceptional artist and view his works by clicking here: http://www.victorstabin.com.
Above: The back cover to the KISS Unmasked CD, with track listing. Whoa!
This KISS album has alwaysreminded me of Summer. Once again, I just don’t know, go figure. I have traded away many, many terrific items, throughout the years. My vinyl of Unmasked and its poster I could never think of parting with. Then again, who knows? Go figure and Metal be thy name. – Stone
“Who wouldn’t be psyched to get to play in a band opening for the mighty KISS? I am looking forward, as I always will, to playing with The Dead Daisies, opening for KISS on their October Australian run!
This is the band that started it all for me! KISS records were the rock and drumming bibles in which I learned what great rock music is and honed my drum skills as a little kid! To fast forward decades and be able to share their stage as a drummer is a complete honor! Hope to see ya there!”
– Brian Tichy (Drummer) The Dead Daisies
EUROPEAN KISS TOUR DATES
Jun 02 Hamburg, O2 Arena, Germany
Jun 03 Berlin, O2 Arena, Germany
Jun 04 Leipzig Arena, Germany
Jun 06 Vienna, Rock in Vienna Festival, Austria
Jun 08 Prague, O2 Arena, Czech Republic
Jun 10 Zurich, Hallenstadion, Switzerland
Jun 11 Verona Arena, Italy
Jun 14 Download 2015 Festival, Parkham, United Kingdom
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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