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April 30th-
April 29th-
Here is Keely, a friend of Nick's… At Coachella. She is coincidentally wearing a very cool T-shirt.
April 29th-
Here is the powerful and attractive Joe Elliott from Def Leppard, proudly holding his new Gene Simmons Axe.
Want one? Signed by Gene Simmons?
Go to GSaxe.com
April 29th-
The vocalist and bassist of the band Kiss, Gene Simmons, took advantage of his visit to Lima - on the occasion of the concert today at the Jockey Club with Rock 'n Roll Allstars - to explore the city and shoot scenes for his reality show Gene Simmons Family Jewels, which displays his eccentric family life.
In the morning, the KISS "Demon" was interviewed by Fiorella Rodriguez. "I like the Peruvian music, that of the Incas, which is listened to in Machu Picchu", affirmed the rocker to Peru21.
Later, accompanied by his wife, the Playboy Playmate Shannon Tweed, Simmons came to Government Palace where he was received by President Ollanta Humala. "The President welcomed us and we were grateful to be in a country with an incredible culture", said the rocker, who invited the President to his mansion in Los Angeles.
And to end the day, the "Demon" and his wife were provided with pisco sour, witnessed the changing of the guard of the hussars of Junin in the Palace, and danced once more to our music.
April 29th-
Te queremos Lima. I vendrá de nuevo a usted, los mejores fans!
April 28th-
We are on the way to the airport from Lima, Peru. People here have been great. Having our breakfast in the hotel, we turn on the TV and see a marathon of our Gene Simmons Family Jewels… Dubbed into Spanish on Bio, one of A&E's International Channels.
In America, we are seen on both A&E and Bio.
In Canada, we are on Much Music and A&E.
April 27th-
Gene Simmons visited and half the city showed up.
He not only offered interviews, but, accompanied by his wife Shannon Tweed, covered the Historical Center, came to the Palace of Government and had a brief meeting with the President Ollanta Humala.
As published in the web edition of El Comercio, the tour of the legendary bassist of KISS was for the purpose to record some images for the episode dedicated to our country that the musician will express in 'Gene Simmons Family Jewels', his 'reality' TV show.
Thus, past 10 in the morning, Simmons came to the district of Lima, visited the Golden Palace, attended the changing of the guard of the Hussars of Junín and met with the President, who was accompanied by first lady Nadine Heredia.
"The whole world loves Peru; its food, its women, its history. This is not a small country in a small continent. This is a modern country in the twenty-first century that would impress anyone," said Simmons to ElComercio.pe
April 26th-
On Thursday Gene Simmons, bassist and singer for rock band Kiss, took a walk around the streets of Lima.
Simmons, who is in the country to perform at the Rock and Roll All Stars concert, took the opportunity to shoot scenes for his reality show ‘Gene Simmons Family Jewels’.
According to El Comercio, Simmons visited the Government Palace, as well as some of the main attractions in downtown Lima, alongside his wife Shannon Tweed.
"The whole world loves Peru: its food, its women, the history. This is not just a small country in a small continent. This is a modern country in the twenty-first century, that would impress anyone," Simmons said to El Comercio.
The actor, turned reality TV star visited the Salon Dorado (‘Golden Hall’) at the Government Palace, and witnessed the changing of the guard.
April 26th-
Tomorrow, the Rock 'N Roll AllStars have a show in Lima, Peru.
It was a long day today in Lima -- filming for our Gene Simmons Family Jewels on an off day. We started early with a visit to see the changing of the guard at the Presidential Palace. A magnificent site. We will show you photos. Then we were invited to visit inside ...amazing art, architecture, and a long and proud history.
Peru fought for independence in 1778 from Spain -- two years after America fought for independence from England in 1776.
We were honored to be invited to meet the President and First Lady of Peru -- President Humala and his wife graciously welcomed us to the Palace and to Peru.
We were quite impressed with El Presidente. He has a certain "presence". He's charismatic!!!
Then we went sightseeing and ended the day at a fantastic restaurant, which borders a Pre-Incan ruin. I'm standing in front of it. Over 1,500 years old.
April 24th-
Here we are on the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina... at the Rose Garden.
Shannon on video filming me... trying to get the geese to attack me.
Nice.
April 24th-
Our Camera crew hauling ass to get set up.
April 24th-
About three years ago, I did a cameo in a movie called Expecting Mary. Written and directed by Dan Gordon.
Here is a scene.
April 23rd-
FANGORIA's Bekah and Dave McKendry visited KISS main man Gene Simmons' house last week and caught him in the act of reading the world's number one cult and horror film magazine.
The issue in question was #298 featuring Gene musing on his passions for monsters and the macabre. You can still pick up that issue by visiting our store HERE and stay tuned to www.FANGORIA.com for a major KISS announcement, coming soon!
April 22nd-
Here we are a half hour before we hit the stage in Buenos Aires, Argentina. We did a special radio broadcast– Internet streaming – Gene Simmons Family Jewels filming event.
We have a ball backstage. And tomorrow, is the open air concert.
And here is the lovely Glenn Hughes – he, of the golden throat on Deep Purple's Burn. One of my favorite albums.
He's backstage with us. And as you can plainly see, he has lost his mind.
This is what the backstage looks like. Billy Duffy from The Cult playing acoustic… Gilby Clarke from Guns 'N Roses playing Detroit Rock City solo… Matt Sorum, who has played with The Cult and Guns, walking around… Glenn Hughes from Deep Purple looking on… Steve Stevens from Billy Idol's band. And Joe Elliott from Def Leppard, who decides to put on Leppard's version of a Sweet song.
I was in another room.
And the rest of the people in the room are beautiful wives and girlfriends…
April 22nd-
April 22nd-
Stayed up late last night to watch local TV in Buenos Aires, Argentina... We are here for the Rock And Roll All Stars concert at the soccer stadium.
And this is what I saw.
Our show, subtitled in Spanish - was an 8 Hour Marathon!!!
Our show is seen in every corner of the world -- America, now in its 8th season -- new season coming in June.
We are also seen in Canada, Central and South America, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, South Africa, England, Europe, Asia, Russia...
April 22nd-
Here are a few photos of Nick and Sophie at this years Coachella festival.
That's Snoop with Nick at a backstage party.
While at Coachella, Nick took a shot of this young fellow wearing an iconic T-shirt of his favorite band.
And here is a bootleg T-shirt Nick took a photo of – clearly, it's Mitt Simmons.
All you political pundits sitting in the peanut gallery out there – make nothing of this. This is not, I repeat… not a political statement.
April 22nd-
CNN's Fareed Zakaria and his GPS program is the most astute, worldview… On television bar none. Network or cable. I find him non-political. I find him questioning, assessing, and having dialogue in the true sense of the word.
He also has something most of television does not have. It's called, gravitas.
April 21st-
The first Rock 'N Roll All Stars concert was held in Paraguay. Almost 20,000 fans had the time of their lives.
And so did we.
Here are two videos the fans recorded from the audience.
Deuce features Matt Sorum on drums and Gilby Clarke on guitar from Guns 'N Roses.... and Steve Stevens from Billy Idol's band. And Glenn Hughes from Deep Purple on background vocals.
Rock 'N Roll All Night features all of the above gentlemen, as well as Billy Duffy from The Cult on guitar, and Sebastian Bach from Skid Row on background vocals.
April 21st-
RumorFix just caught up with Nick Simmons (son of rock legend Gene Simmons) at Coachella. The charming reality TV star tells RumorFix he came back for the second weekend in a row to see The Black Keys who headlined on Friday night.
Nick is at Coachella with three friends, one of which is a mystery lady. But before the rumors start, we asked Nick straight up if the two were more than friends and he let us know, they were not.
Nick, trying to keep cool in the 107 degree weather, was downing a slushy — which sounds good right about now.
April 21st-
The Rock 'N Roll All-Stars are saddened to announce that we cannot appear at the Metal Open Air Festival at Sao Luis, Brazil.
Because of our concern for the safety and well-being of the fans, we have decided that it is far too dangerous to appear at the festival.
The local promoter company has failed to act in a professional manner… Including removing all porta potties … And minimizing security.
We urge extreme caution to anyone who is considering attending the festival.
We had hoped to bring something special to them. But we cannot, in all good conscience, appear at an event that is unsafe.
Our profound apologies to the fans.
April 21st-
Uhhhh, who wouldn't want to eat at a Gene Simmons restaurant, if not only for the fact that it was opened by Gene Simmons??
The Rock & Brews restaurant isn't just a place to eat, though, as it's actually been home to some charitable events already!
They had a luncheon to benefit the Wounded Warrior program, where two soldiers with Purple Hearts were presented with a $25,000 check!
The eatery is located both in El Segundo, and also a Delta terminal in LAX. So why El Segundo?
Here's why, according to Gene Simmons:
"They're unqualified to snicker or do much else. They've never done anything. What are their qualifications? What I'm doing here proves to every small town in America that they are every bit as cool as LA and New York. El Segundo, great place to live. Small town America is what it's all about and that's where KISS got big. You wanna bring your dog, your kids? Great! They can have a root beer float and you can choose from 100 craft beers. The brews are local from El Segundo and Van Nuys. We create jobs. This is anti-cool. Cool can go f*** itself."
We're not sure dogs should be having rootbeer floats…. LOLz!
He has a pretty ambitious plan for the chain, too, even if he doesn't consider himself a restauranteur:
"We'll have 50 in under 2 years and my goal is 500 is 5 years. Ask Starbucks — if it's good, we'll have two or three on every corner. And my track record's pretty goddamn good."
Ha! Good luck, Gene!
Now we're hungry, great!
April 19th-
Dick Clark passed away yesterday.
A very sad day.
I first met the man backstage, when KISS was about to do his concert TV show in 1974. This was our first year out there, but by then, Dick Clark was already an icon.
He made it a point to come up to our small, cluttered dressing room, stretch out his arm, and say -- "If there's anything you need, just let me know. It's a pleasure to have you here."
And he smiled.
And I never forgot the kind gesture.
Since that day, because of him, I have tried to always offer a kind word to young talent starting out in their career.
Dick Clark made the world a better place.
He will be missed.
April 19th-
A few years back, I had a show that was filmed in England called Gene Simmons Rock School.
We filmed two seasons.
It was shown around the world including VH1 in America.
On the surface, it may seem like just another TV show… But for me, it was a life learning experience. And it was this.
When all of us start out on the road to life, we come up against all sorts of hurdles. Surprisingly, those hurdles tend to be hurdles we put in front of ourselves.
My job was to put together a rock band out of students who had lost all hope and had very poor self-esteem issues.
All of them had never played instruments, so the job was a triple problem.
Doing the show, took me back to my early days as a sixth-grade teacher in Spanish Harlem in New York City.
April 17th-
Gene Simmons may be best known as the legendary tongue-wielding frontman of KISS, but the rocker has an incredible variety of businesses, plus TV shows (Gene Simmons Family Jewels) and merchandising deals. His latest venture is Rock & Brews, a rock 'n’ roll–themed restaurant franchise that serves big plates of food and more than 100 craft beers on tap.
“The vision was: You may not be a rock star, but why can’t we make you feel like one?” says Simmons. “If it was possible to get you to come in on a stretcher with beautiful girls feeding you grapes, we would do that. But the idea is to combine craft beers and great American food like healthy salads, nice, juicy, big, fat burgers and pizzas in an environment where you’re surrounded by the iconic imagery of the rock bands that continue to rule the world, like KISS, Pink Floyd, the Beatles and so on.”
The coolest KISS sighting that guests can expect at the new flagship location in El Segundo, CA: “Gene Simmons. I’m not one of those guys that stands in the back. I like too much power, and my ego demands it,” he tells F&W.
A self-described sugar junkie, Simmons is especially excited about the dessert menu. “The portions are enormous. Portions are important because I’m a man, and even though women have been lying to us since we crawled out of caves, size does count,” he says.
Um, OK. Here, Gene Simmons's favorite restaurants, besides Rock & Brews, of course. (“Clearly, my favorite new restaurant is Rock & Brews. I would remiss in my fiduciary duties if I didn't say that outright, obviously,” he says.)
Spago, Beverly Hills "Wolfgang Puck has always been nice to me over the years, and I’ve always loved his cooking. I’ve been going to his restaurants all the way from the Stone Age, from Spago to all his new places. Wolfgang’s always had a terrific palate as far as I’m concerned. Of course, whenever I come in, he comes out with a mountain of various chocolates: cakes, cookies, everything—his chocolate pie kills. Absolutely kills. He makes these guitars out of solid chocolate with cherries on top. It’s decadence beyond."
Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills "The brunch never fails to impress, and I’m a sucker for all the desserts. Sunday brunches are my favorite meal because you can have your eggs, beef and cheese and then stuff yourself with great desserts. But that should be the only meal that day. It’s tough to eat more than 2,000 calories in one sitting, but I get pretty close. Sunday brunch at the Four Seasons—that kills, and I mean across the country. The Ritz-Carlton brunch is also very good."
Au Bon Pain (nationwide) "My favorite kinds of breads are French breads. I like those extra-long sandwiches with a little mayo, something spicy and a combination of turkey, salami, Swiss cheese and something green and leafy that I stole from a rabbit’s mouth to make me feel good about it. Nobody likes to point to franchise models, but good is good."
April 17th-
Gene Simmons, the KISS member who just helped relaunch El Segundo's Rock and Brews as a family-friendly, live-concert-themed restaurant, promises he'll actually be there, explaining to Food & Wine that he's "not one of those guys that stands in the back. I like too much power, and my ego demands it." We'll believe that when we see it. The rocker also sounds off on his favorite L.A. restaurants, places that he surprisingly has no form of licensing agreement with. At least we don't think rock's loudest shiller has a deal with Au Bon Pain yet, of which he prides himself for noticing: "Nobody likes to point to franchise models, but good is good." What else might you find the demon munching on?
Simmons also goes nuts for the desserts over brunch at Four Seasons Beverly Hills ("It's tough to eat more than 2,000 calories in one sitting, but I get pretty close," he claims) and wants you to know he's been eating at Puck's restaurants "all the way from the stone age, noting that he gets special treatment when he walks in the door at Spago. Simmons reports on his very own (though unbranded) unique specialty item coming from Sherry Yard's department: "[Puck] makes these guitars out of solid chocolate with cherries on top. It's decadence beyond."
April 17th-
This summer is shaping up to be the beginning of a two-year long full schedule. KISS and Motley Crue tour starts in July. And before then KISS will be in Europe for a festival or two. And we have KISS Archie comics coming. And we have a new KISS I DW comics line coming. And the KISS golf course in Las Vegas just opened. And of course, of the new KISS studio album – Monster, is coming. And KISSology IV, which is a 10 hour DVD is coming. And the 4 foot high KISS book called Monster, is coming. And… Well, I'm sure you get the idea.
We are also filming what we call season nine of Gene Simmons Family Jewels at the same time.
And doing a few speaking engagements.
And… And… And…
But my calendar seems to have two weeks off. So I decided to accept to headline the Rock 'N Roll All-Stars minitour of South America. It's actually going to be a lot of fun. We are in Paraguay, and then going to Argentina, and Peru and one more country.
Lehall's are pretty damn big, as well. The first show is 12,001 of the bigger shows could be anywhere from 50 to 80,000.
Everyone will do their own sets as well as joining others in their sets. On the bill is; Joe Elliott from Def Leppard, Steve Stevens from Billy Idol, Glenn Hughes from Deep Purple. Matt Sorum and Gilby Clarke and Duff from Guns 'N Roses, and of course the lovable Sebastian Bach.
Here we are getting on the 737 jet we will be using for the tour.
April 17th-
Gene Simmons is hosting a live interactive event next week from Buenos Aires, Argentina, that will give fans the chance to chat with him and the other stars participating in the Rock N Roll AllStars tour of South and Central America. The Q&A session will take place Monday, April 23, at 5 p.m. ET from Club Geba, where the hard rock collective will be performing that evening.
To take part in the webcast, fans can visit LiveAndGlobal.com/RnRAllStars. The website allows participants to chat in 53 languages and will translate questions and answers for viewers. In addition to Simmons, Def Leppard‘s Joe Elliott, ex-Guns N’ Roses members Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum, former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach, Alice in Chains‘ Mike Inez and one-time Deep Purple bass player Glenn Hughes all will be participating.
“I’m thrilled to be hosting a real-time conversation between fellow rock legends, die-hard fans and myself during this first-of-its-kind tour,” Simmons says in a statement. “This Live & Global session is going to be a great addition to the tour and venue, and I’m looking forward to giving our fans a ‘backstage pass’ to talk with us!”
The Rock N Roll AllStars trek kicks off Thursday in Asuncion, Paraguay, and is scheduled through a May 6 concert in Caracas, Venezuela.
April 17th-
Sebastian Bach, Duff McKagan and Mike Inez of Alice in Chains are three of the famous rockers who will be joining Kiss‘s Gene Simmons for a live web chat from Buenos Aires next Monday. All four men are part of the Rock ‘N’ Roll Allstars tour, which travels through South America this week and next.
According to a press release obtained by MarketWatch.com, fans worldwide will be able to participate, as the Q&A will be translated instantly to the 53 languages available using Ortsbo’s “proprietary, live subtitling technology.” The event begins at 5PM ET on April 23, at this website. One can register to participate in advance or join live.
“Music is universal and so are our fans,” said Sorum, who will also be joined on stage by fellow former Guns N’ Roses bandmate McKagan. “It’s great to use Ortsbo to promote our tour to everyone in their own native language. Can’t wait to get questions on April 23rd from every corner of the planet.”
Def Leppard‘s Joe Elliot and Deep Purple‘s Glenn Hughes are also expected to appear at the webcast. There are only four dates on the tour, which wraps up on April 27. For more information visit the tour’s official website.
April 17th-
U.S. actor Charlie Sheen and a host of rockstars will perform in Bogota as part of tour through South and Central America.
The event will take place May 5 and feature a band comprised of Gene Simmons, from Kiss, Joe Elliot from Def Leppard, Glen Hughes from Deep Purple, Matt Sorum from Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver, Mike Inez from Alice In Chains and Steve Stevens from Billy Idol, among others.
The music legends are taking part in the Rock N Roll All-Stars South and Central American tour, due to hit Latin American cities between April and May.
"We thought it would be a great idea to form a band with some of our favorite musicians from the history of rock," said promoter Gabe Reed, who has organized the event alongside Sorum.
Charlie Sheen will be present in Bogota and is expected to accompany the group on the rest of the tour.
The tour begins April 19 in Asuncion, Paraguay, passing through Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panama, before arriving in Colombia.
Tickets for the Bogota concert will be available in the coming days and will cost $165 for "platinum" and $89 for "preference."
April 17th-
Legendary KISS bassist/vocalist, reality TV star and outspoken supporter of our American troops, Gene Simmons, recently (April 10) headlined 'Rock For Vets' at the famed Roxy in Hollywood, California.
The 'Rock For Vets' Music Rehab Program is a clinically referred program that benefits the men and women of the VA, who suffer from PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) and other illnesses, giving them chance to build their self esteem, learn a musical instrument, perform as a band, interact with others, increase personal motivation and self confidence.
Joining Simmons on this joyous night were Bobby Kimball (original lead singer of Toto), Danny Seraphine (founding member and original drummer of Chicago), Jerry Salas (El Chicano and The Rock For Vets – Music Coach), Union of Saints and the Rock For Vets Band (made up of over 25 Veterans that participate in the Music Rehab Program) who took the stage for a one night only benefit show.
Simmons also brought along some friends and family - his wife Shannon Tweed, daughter Sophie and son Nick. Each of the kids got up and sang during the show, and Gene was joined onstage by KISS band mates Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer for two rousing versions of the KISS anthem, "I Love it Loud."
Before the show, Eric Singer told Noisecreep, "We love the passion Gene shows toward the troops. And we're right with him. We love being involved and so when he gets a show like this together, it's fun for us."
Thayer agreed. "So many people take the military for granted. It's important to stop and remember, every day, what they are out there doing, every day. And we as a band are very fortunate in that we are able to bring attention to and celebrate the troops in so many ways like tonight."
A production crew was on hand to tape portions of the night for an upcoming episode of the hit TV show, Gene Simmons Family Jewels.
April 17th-
Gene Simmons, the front man for the ’70s iconic rock group, KISS, might soon be trading in his trademark black costume for Elvis Presley’s white jumpsuit. Simmons, 62, is rumored to be in the running to play The King of Rock and Roll in a new movie called, “Elvis Came Back to Manage Me.”
The film, written by South Florida writer Jay Schorr, is about a struggling country singer who suddenly finds that his career is being helped along by the spirit of Elvis Presley. After it’s revealed that the singer is the King’s illegitimate son, a series of cosmic events ensues with profound repercussions for father, son and the fabric of American society.
“I think Gene would be perfect for the role,” said Schorr. “He’s dynamic, has a commanding presence and is wildly talented; all Elvis hallmarks.”
Gene Simmons, the front man for the ’70s iconic rock group, KISS, might soon be trading in his trademark black costume for Elvis Presley’s white jumpsuit. Simmons, 62, is rumored to be in the running to play The King of Rock and Roll in a new movie called, “Elvis Came Back to Manage Me.”
The film, written by South Florida writer Jay Schorr, is about a struggling country singer who suddenly finds that his career is being helped along by the spirit of Elvis Presley. After it’s revealed that the singer is the King’s illegitimate son, a series of cosmic events ensues with profound repercussions for father, son and the fabric of American society.
Schorr said he’s put out feelers to Simmons’ reps to gauge interest.
"I’m hoping Gene will read the script and get sufficiently excited about the project to justify his involvement.”
Not everyone, however, is jumping up and down about casting the serpentine-tongued rocker/entrepreneur as the southern bred King of Rock and Roll.
“I think Elvis would plotz at the prospect of casting Gene Simmons, who’s about as southern as a carpetbagger, playing Mississippi’s native son,” said Elvis fan Ken Lassiter.
Since word of the impending movie came out last week, speculation about who should play Elvis has run rampant among Elvis fans worldwide. Bloggers have taken to the blogosphere en masse to let their casting choices be known.
“The only one I believe could do Elvis justice is Kurt Russell,” posted Elvisnews blogger, Troubleman. Russell played Elvis in a 1979 television film by John Carpenter.
Schorr says the studio and production company executives with whom he spoke about the film are just as opinionated as to the casting of Elvis as are the legions of The King’s fans.
“I’ve seen more energy and fervor regarding the question of who should play Elvis than I’ve seen regarding the upcoming presidential election. I don’t what that says about the electoral process, but I do know what it says about Elvis’ staying power – evergreen.”
Schorr said the public will be able to read his script online, then if they like it, click on a thumbs-up link to major movie studio executives. The public also will get to participate in casting the movie.
April 16th-
Tell Gene Simmons of KISS that he has one of the most famous tongues in the world, and he’ll correct you. “It’s the most famous tongue in the world. Who else? Well, who else?” he says. The rocker must have an especially wide swath reserved for sensing sweetness, because Simmons admittedly obsesses over sugar.
Here, Gene Simmons ponders the wonders of dessert for Food & Wine:
“I tolerate food. I love desserts. I’ve never met anybody who’s ever had a dream about a celery.”
“I have had repeated dreams of being stuck in a chair with my hands tied behind my back in a cake house, and of course the only way out is to eat.”
“I love desserts so much I don’t even have to take them orally. I’m happy to take them right into my small intestines.”
“My favorite dessert is the next one. I’m a dessert junkie. I still love Ding Dongs, Ring Dings, Devil Dogs, all those Hostess things. I almost started to cry when I heard that one of the companies was going out of business and then it was saved at the last minute.”
“Some people can drink water when they eat cake. I don’t get it. When you eat cake, you drink coffee. God gave you two hands. One is for stuffing your mouth like a Christmas goose full of pastry, and the other is for molten hot coffee.”
“Desserts always find me. My dessert fascination precedes me, so local hotels send up treats. I mean, I walk into my room and there are chocolate-covered strawberries and all kinds of stuff always waiting. I guess they’re trying to get me down to the restaurant so they can inform the media. Food used to just be about food. But it’s become art, hasn’t it? And media and pop culture.”
“Jelly rolls are my guilty pleasure of all time. A jelly roll is chewy on the outside, and as soon as you bite into it, you get the sugar on top and then you get to the jelly in the middle. I’m a simple guy. I like chocolates, jams and chewy pastries.”
“I could write an ode to sweetness— my love is like a beer isn’t as poetic. Your kisses are like a nice bitter ale. I don’t think so.”
April 16th-
Streaming Live in 53 Languages, Audiences Worldwide Can Join Gene Simmons, Matt Sorum, Joe Elliott and other Rock Legends, in a Live Web Video Q&A during the Rock-N-Roll Allstars World Tour
On Monday, April 23, from backstage at Club Geba in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Ortsbo, the world's leading real-time experiential communications platform, will present a "Live & Global" Q&A hosted by rock icon, Gene Simmons. The Q&A will serve as an exclusive, all-access event for fans around the world to chat live with their favorite rock stars including: Joe Elliott of Def Leppard, Matt Sorum of Guns 'n' Roses, and more!
Using Ortsbo's proprietary, live subtitling technology on the Live & Global platform, viewers around the world can watch the webcast Q&A in real-time with closed captioning in any of Ortsbo's 53 supported languages. Additionally, fans and media alike will be able to text questions directly to the rock legends and follow along with the answers, all in their native language. The program will last approximately one hour and will also feature Allstars: Duff McKagan (Guns 'n' Roses), Sebastian Bach (Skid Row), Mike Inez (Alice in Chains), and Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple).
Fans and media can register for the chat in advance or join live to submit their questions for the Rock-N-Roll Allstars. Full details include:
Ortsbo Live & Global: Rock-N-Roll Allstars Live from Club Geba Buenos Aires, Argentina Monday, April 23 5 p.m. Eastern (2 p.m. Pacific / 10 p.m. UK / 11 p.m. CEST) To participate: http://liveandglobal.com/rnrallstars/
"Ortsbo continues to have huge success with its Live & Global events and I'm thrilled to be hosting a real-time conversation between fellow rock legends, die-hard fans and myself during this first-of-its-kind tour," said Simmons. "We know that great music is universal and I think Ortsbo is the key to a one-world language. This Live & Global session is going to be a great addition to the tour and venue, and I'm looking forward to giving our fans a 'back stage pass' to talk with us!"
The Buenos Aires show is the third of ten stops the Rock-N-Roll Allstars tour will make in venues throughout Central and South America. At this one show only, fans from all over the world will be able to participate in the Ortsbo Live & Global broadcast and pose their questions to rock legends Gene Simmons (KISS), Joe Elliott (Def Leppard), Matt Sorum and Duff McKagan (Guns 'n' Roses), Sebastian Bach (Skid Row), Mike Inez (Alice in Chains) and Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple).
April 16th-
Very few cabins & suites remain on the 2012 KISS Kruise! The second KISS Kruise is setting sail October 31 – November 4, 2012 from Miami, FL to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas onboard the Norwegian Pearl. No other Hallows’ Eve celebrations can compare!
Visit www.thekisskruise.com to book your cabin today! Don't miss your chance to rock at sea with KISS!
April 15th-
Hello From Afghanistan,
I am a U.S Soldier currently Deployed to Afghanistan. I have been a KISS fan since the Revenge tour back in 1992. I love the band. I am sitting here in Afghanistan and I was thinking about the Gene Simmons Show Family Jewels. The episode when Gene visited Fort Hood, Texas meant a lot to me to know that one of my Idols respects what I do. Anyways I just wanted to say thank you for supporting the troops and God Bless. And Also Long Live The KISS ARMY.
Very Respectfully,
Staff Sergeant Ortega
Response from Gene:We Honor You.
April 13th-
All together now, let's congratulate KISS icon and political animal Gene Simmons on being A) the proud new papa of his very own Rock & Brews restaurant chain and B) about halfway through a really, really large burger. We're behind you, Gene. USA! USA!
April 12th-
Here are some photos from the Revolver Golden God Awards Event we went to.
Here is yours truly accepting the Golden God Award from Nikki Sixx.
April 12th-
Gene Simmons, whose face is going to freeze like that one of these days if he’s not careful, was presented with the ‘Golden God’ award at the Revolver Golden Gods awards, which aired tonight (April 11) via webcast.
The KISS legend seemed legitimately touched by receiving the show’s annual award for the artist who most embodies the “spirit of hard rock and metal.” In fact, he didn’t even try to sell anything during his earnest and even maybe inspiring speech, which went something like this:
“All of us had dreams, all of us were kids at one point. Some of us got lucky, to get up on stage. Something strange happens when you get on the stage, it’s holy ground. This is electric church baby, we do it for you. Without you… all of us, we’re nobody. We’re asking the next guy in line, ‘would you like fries with that?’ So my debt of gratitude to you for making this come true. I hope all your dreams come true!”
Nice, right? Simmons received the award from Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue, who himself had just won the Best Bassist honor. During his introductory speech, Sixx revealed he once slept on the streets of Seattle as a youngster in order to see KISS perform. He won’t have to go to such lengths to witness the Demon in action when the two bands embark on perhaps the summer’s most anticipated tour, which kicks off July 20 in Bristow, VA.
April 12th-
While it's true that KISS stories are usually posted on KISSONLINE.COM -- the only authorized KISS website....
I couldn't resist this photo of us with Little Richard.
Taken backstage at ABC, where we appeared on Dancing With The Stars.
The architects of this thing called Rock and Roll did not have a template -- a guidebook. They created it.
Little Richard was one of the few who did.
Good Golly Miss Molly, indeed.
April 11th-
A few days ago Shannon was the keynote speaker at a breast cancer charity event held at the River Rock Casino in Vancouver BC.
Here is a photo of these thousand or so people who came to hear her.
April 11th-
Last night, I was honored to have participated in the Rock For Vets event at the Roxy on the Sunset Strip. The place was packed. And it was very inspirational to see battle weary vets having the time of their lives. They have a band made up of about 20 to 25 vets. And, boy are they good. They did a set of songs like "Some Kind Of Wonderful" that rocked the joint.
Sophie sang "At Last" (great!!!)...and Nick sang "Roadhouse Blues" (Dad played Bass)... and, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer were kind enough to join me and the vets on "I Love It Loud".
Shannon and Tracy were at the front door signing a pinup poster they did, which were sold (all proceeds, including all tickets proceeds go to our Vets). Pam Stanley was sitting with us.
A wonderful evening Honoring the Vets.
"All gave some. Some gave all."
April 10th-
Gene Simmons is a busy guy. Between launching the restaurant chain Rock and Brews, preparing for another season of Gene Simmons Family Jewels on A&E, and working on the upcoming KISS album (and getting ready to hit the road on the KISS/Motley Crue tour), he’s taking time to support the Wounded Warrior organization as well as Rock For Vets.
Wounded Warrior is an organization dedicated to raising awareness of the needs of injured service members, to enlist the public’s aid in helping them, and “to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members.”
Last week, at the opening of his Rock and Brews restaurant, Simmons presented two injured soldiers with a check for $25,000 for the organization. And tonight (April 10) Simmons is headlining a benefit concert at the Roxy in L.A. for Rock For Vets, with all proceeds going towards a music rehab program for men and women of the military who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and other related illnesses. Simmons tells CBS Local that he decided to work with Rock For Vets “After seeing how therapeutic music can be to our wounded warriors when I visited them at Long Beach Veterans Hospital.”
CBS Local spoke to Simmons about the gig, the organization, and our debt to our Veterans. “Wounded Warrior has always been near and dear to my heart and to KISS,” he explains. On a recent tour, “We contributed a dollar from every ticket sold to Wounded Warrior. And presented the check live, on stage in front of every concert going audience.”
"Our government is lax and should be ashamed at how we treat our returning wounded warriors,” Simmons says. But his advice to American citizens, regarding the men and women of the military, is to, “Shake the hands of returning vets. Give them jobs. Give them respect. That’s the least we can do.”
At last week’s Rock and Brews event, Simmons did a bit more than that, in the form of the aforementioned $25,000 check. “Meeting two young Americans who volunteered was inspirational, to say the least. When I saw the medals they wore and the scars of battle on their bodies…it was almost too much to comprehend. People tend to overlook that our entire military is a voluntary military: our young men and women volunteer to serve and sometimes give the most precious gift, life itself. One of the vets gave me a bracelet in honor and memory of two fallen soldiers. It said: ‘All gave some. Some gave all.’ It brings a tear to my eye.”
Expect some tears tonight: Simmons is headlining, but also on the bill will be the Rock For Vets band, with members of the military who have benefitted from music therapy. Simmons will be backed by his KISS bandmates Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, and he says that the show will also be a family affair: “My daughter Sophie just told me she is jumping on stage to sing, as well.”
Tickets for the show start at $35 and are available at The Rock Club. If you cannot attend, but want to contribute, you may also elect to “Send a Veteran in your place” to attend the show. All proceeds benefit The Rock Club’s “Rock For Vets” Music Rehab Program.
April 10th-
The fine folks at Revolver magazine are holding their annual event in Los Angeles and we are honored to be given the Golden God Award. Our Gene Simmons Family Jewels will be filming the event and the family will attend.
We'll take lots of photos and post em here.
April 8th-
April 7th-
The party was already plenty glam, especially for El Segundo. Tall, beautiful women everywhere. Free-flowing booze and plates of hot sausages. Rock stars from Velvet Revolver and the Village People. Lots of – maybe too much – leather. And then Gene Simmons appeared.
It wasn’t even just the fact that he appeared, it was how he did it – on a ledge high above his guests’ heads in the concert hall-esque dining area of Rock & Brews, his new El Segundo restaurant.
The rocker turned entrepreneur strode out, all black mane and self-assurance, as every guest raised a phone or a camera in a nearly synchronized swoop. His speech, which touched on Rock & Brews’ ambitious expansion plans, was brash, basic but also eloquent in a way.
From his perch, Simmons ran the crowd through the Pledge of Allegiance, spoke about the luncheon he had helped host for the Wounded Warrior program and presented two injured soldiers with a $25,000 check.
With a flourish, he unveiled a massive mural of painted rock stars, including Slash, Bono, Michael Jackson, Madonna and, naturally, himself. Around him hung posters from the Beatles, the Who, even Coldplay.
His partners, restaurateur and hotel businessman Michael Zislis and veteran rock promoter Dave Furano, may have more entrepreneurial experience than Simmons does. But, as Forbes writes, the onetime teacher is savvy in his own hyper-populist, uber-flamboyant way.
Like here, where he inserts himself into a song circle at the party:
April 7th-
I am proud to be joining our Vets on stage at the Roxy on April 10th, on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood.
All the ticket monies are for our vets.
Rock For Vets is a therapeutic process that uses rock to help Vets overcome stress from battle.
April 6th-
Sure, being married to a rock star can have its perks: unlimited backstage passes, reality show offers, all the gothic furniture you can fit in your mansion. But for Shannon Tweed, wife of KISS bassist Gene Simmons, it hasn't all been fun and games...until now.
Tweed has followed up her appearance in the A&E reality show Gene Simmons' Family Jewels by releasing a mobile game exclusively for the iPhone and iPad. The appropriately titled Attack of the Groupies lets players step in Tweed's high heels as she fends off hordes of admiring fans, Space Invaders-style.
Inspired by Tweed's "real-life obstacles in dating the legendary KISS frontman," the game's main objective is to stop female fan caricatures dead in their tracks before they get too close to her rock star hubby. Enemies include the alleged baby mama, the overeager bridezilla, the teen cheerleader and the drunken hot mess. Luckily, Tweed has equally outlandish weaponry at her disposal: the Shock Mirror frightens groupies with their own reflections and the Frizzinator makes them more fit to be Frankenstein's bride.
Attack of the Groupies features voiceovers from Tweed as well as her daughter, Sophie Tweed-Simmons. As players progress, they earn a chance to unlock never-before-seen photos from the rock icon's personal family album.
The game was released on March 27 by Gogii Games and is now available on the iTunes stores. The iPhone version is $1 while the iPad version goes for $2. An Android version is currently in the works.
April 6th-
April 6th-
Enjoy the soulful sounds of Sophie and Nick Tweed-Simmons – the stars of A&E’s hit television series, Gene Simmons Family Jewels – when they’ll be appearing at the River Rock Casino Resort. For the past two years, Sophie and Nick have been performing at various clubs in Los Angeles including the Sayers Club on Hollywood Boulevard and the W Hotel Hollywood. And just last November, they appeared for two nights inside Lulu’s Lounge at the River Rock Casino Resort as part of the Grey Cup Festival.
Earlier this year, Metro Vancouver’s first child protection centre, Sophie’s Place opened in Surrey, BC. The centre was named after Sophie who got involved in the project after meeting Surrey mayor, Dianne Watts. Sophie is currently studying Computer Engineering and Religious Studies at Pitzer College in Claremont, California. Nick – who graduated from Pitzer last year with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English – recently celebrated his 23rd birthday in Las Vegas where he performed at Hyde Nightclub inside the Bellagio.
During their upcoming engagement at River Rock, Sophie and Nick will be performing such classic standards as Etta James’ “At Last” and Dean Martin’s “Sway” along with some blues & jazz selections. Don’t miss Sophie & Nick Tweed-Simmons when they’ll be appearing for one night only at the River Rock Show Theatre on June 1, 2012.
TICKETS ON SALE THURSDAY, APRIL 5 @ 10:00 AM
DOORS 8:00 PM SHOW 9:00 PM
Tickets: $20.00 (includes Service Charges) – Cabaret Seating
Tickets available at all Ticketmaster Outlets or charge-by-phone 1-855-985-5000 or order on-line at www.ticketmaster.ca
Ages 19 years & over
April 6th-
Today, filming Gene Simmons Family Jewels and also a video greeting to South American fans re: my upcoming ROCK AND ROLL ALL STARS tour of South and Central America. 10 countries. 10 shows.
Charlie Sheen will be filming his intros of all the acts on the bill today.
I headline the shows. Also appearing are Joe Elliott from Def Leppord, and Matt Sorum from Guns 'n Roses and many surprises.
Then we get back early May and get swamped by other stuff.
April 6th-
On the way back from Shannon's Speaking Engagement for Breast Cancer Charity event, we flew back on Air Canada. And, both pilots were women. Very professional women. And, here they are.
Capt Tracy Barrett (on the left)
First Officer Yoland Slater (on the right)
A great flight, by the way.
April 6th-
The God of Thunder, Gene Simmons, will be receiving Revolver magazine's Golden God Award, April 11, 2012 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California.
April 5th-
I suppose the nature of media is, comments are often taken out of context and used for incendiary headline purposes.
I was quoted on Fox as saying I prefer Gov Romney only as far as fiscal economic areas are concerned. And I stand by that comment.
But I have not endorsed either Gov Romney or Pres Obama.
It's no secret who and what I am and what I believe in.
I am socially liberal.
And I am a fiscal and foreign policy conservative.
Translation = I am an American.
That's my political party.
I find both parties lacking in all sorts of areas.
And many Americans agree.
Which is why sometimes Republicans rule the roost. And sometimes Democrats do.
In the last election, literally one minute before I pulled the lever, I voted for Pres Obama. Though in retrospect, I noticed he only had two years of local political experience and had never run a company.
Not the best resume to assume the seat of power of the United States.
I believe he's a good man. Loves his family. And loves America.
But that doesn't mean I agree with his policies.
The next election is coming up and for some reason, both the left and right of the political spectrum are curious who I will vote for.
I have no idea why anyone would be interested in who I would vote for...or for that matter who anyone else would vote for.
I HAVE NOT MADE UP MY MIND.
I have NOT endorsed Gov Romney for President.
I have NOT endorsed Pres Obama for another term as President.
I DO believe Gov Romney has more qualifications (in fiscal economic areas) than our President.
But I have to hear more from both candidates.
I HAVE NOT MADE UP MY MIND.
Gov Romney WILL be the Republican nominee.
Mr. Santorum is unelectable in my estimation.
Mr. Gingrich comes with some baggage that won't work for the women of America.
Mr. Paul has some interesting ideas that seem appealing on the surface, but other ideas strike me as far too idealistic and not very pragmatic.
I want to hear what both Gov Romney and Pres Obama have to say.
And THEN I will pull the lever as my conscience dictates.
In the voting booth.
Privately.
As an American.
April 5th-
The El Segundo branch of Rock & Brews felt as much like a subtly protracted dry run for a potential Simmons 2016 candidacy as it was a restaurant opening. In part of the introductory presentation, he exclaimed "El Segundo may mean 'the second city' in Spanish, but today it's the first city!" Admittedly, the restaurant's ambitions to connect with the city are very real if bluntly wielded – earlier in the day, Rock & Brews had a luncheon to benefit the Wounded Warrior program, and during the presentation, two dismembered soldiers with Purple Hearts were presented with a $25,000 check. Prior to the presentation, Simmons led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. "If you know it, say it with me. If you don't, shame on you," he intoned as American flags waved on television monitors.
In line with Rock & Brews' concurrent opening at the Delta Terminal in nearby LAX, it's essentially and proudly an up-the-middle sports bar with pictures of The Who on the walls; despite being a collaboration between a rock legend and a couple of big-shot entrepreneurs, it doesn't clash with the sleepy, suburban surroundings. As the introductory three-minute video came to a close, Bob Seger's "Main Street" played, a likely allusion to the fact that Rock & Brews is actually located on Main Street in downtown El Segundo.
So what the hell are we doing in El Segundo anyway? Not surprisingly, he's got words for his doubters: "They're unqualified to snicker or do much else. They've never done anything. What are their qualifications? What I'm doing here proves to every small town in America that they are every bit as cool as LA and New York. El Segundo, great place to live. Small town America is what it's all about and that's where KISS got big." Let it be known that he did insist we try the food ("there's no other way to describe it except that it rocks") and stressed the family-friendliness of Rock & Brews – "You wanna bring your dog, your kids? Great! They can have a root beer float and you can choose from 100 craft beers. The brews are local from El Segundo and Van Nuys. We create jobs. This is anti-cool. Cool can go fuck itself."
Simmons connected the populism of his restaurant with everything from disco's inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame ("What an insult to the memory of Little Richard and Chuck Berry to have disco artists who don't write their own songs and play their own instruments. It's a sham to have Grandmaster Flash and Disco Bob and MC Criminal in there") to Kurt Cobain's suicide ("I say this respectfully to him – 'fuck off'") to, well, pretty much any music made after 1990 other than Katy Perry ("I love her voice") and Madonna ("a true rock star").
Rock & Brews itself resembles a less-tacky Hard Rock Café, and if we were to call the menu fare "unpretentious," Simmons would likely be insulted that we used a four-syllable word. Though the 100 beers on tap appeared to be more of a draw than the food, servers milled about with soft pretzels, pizza, pulled pork, meatballs and fried calamari. Philosophically, this is food Simmons considers to be timeless the way "jeans, your leather jacket, your T-shirt" are.
Rock & Brews boasts absolutely no pretense whatsoever that this is anything other than brand extension for Gene Simmons. Simmons doesn't fancy himself to be a restauranteur and certainly not a connoisseur. Rock & Brews is unabashedly American and run like a business by a businessman – "we'll have 50 in under 2 years and my goal is 500 is 5 years," Simmons said. "Ask Starbucks – if it's good, we'll have two or three on every corner. And my track record's pretty goddamn good."
April 5th-
Went up to Vancouver BC to hear the lovely Shannon Tweed Simmons speak at a Breast Cancer Charity event. We stayed at the River Rock Casino.
And for their second time, both Nick and Sophie will be performing at their theater.
Here is proud Dad pointing to the next generation's stars.
April 3rd-
Gene Simmons, co-founder of the rockband "KISS", talks about his new restaurant and the many companies he's involved in.
Gene Simmons, co-founder of the rockband "KISS", talks about the band's upcoming tour and many means of merchandising.
April 3rd-
April 3rd-
Rocker Gene Simmons and brewmaster Mike Zislis stopped by the KCAL9 studios Monday to talk about their new venture, Rock & Brews in El Segundo.
CLICK BELOW TO WATCH VIDEO
April 3rd-
Allie was live with Gene Simmons to gives us a preview of his new restaurant and entertainment venue, "Rock & Brews."
CLICK BELOW TO WATCH VIDEO
April 2nd-
As the long-suffering significant other of Gene Simmons, Shannon Tweed-Simmons knows a thing or two about the danger determined groupies can pose to a committed relationship. The actress and one-time Playboy Playmate’s experiences with backstage bimbos have inspired a new video-game app called Shannon Tweed’s Attack of the Groupies that’s available now for the iPad and iPhone.
“It’s a sort of tongue-in-cheek attack of all the girls who’ve been the bane of my existence for the last 30 years,” Shannon tells ABC News Radio.
Attack of the Groupies came about after a chance meeting Tweed-Simmons had with Gogii Games president George Donovan, who liked her off-the-cuff idea for a game that would feature her killing groupies.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, is just take something and just blow ‘em away, and this is a chance to do that without actually hurting someone,” she declares.
Attack of the Groupies features the animated likenesses of Tweed-Simmons and her daughter, Sophie, as they try to keep a variety of obsessed female fans away from Gene.
“Each groupie has their own sort of special powers or they might be able to leap over a weapon, so the players will select the weapons and use them to repel the oncoming hordes,” Shannon explains about the game.
As for the types of groupie characters features, Tweed-Simmons says, “There’s a crazy cheerleader type, who will keep going forward no matter what, and then there’s the ones where they’ve been groupies for a million years and they are not as attractive as they used to be.” Regarding, the latter variety, Shannon notes that “when we throw weapons that take off their makeup or ruin their hair, they run screaming away, and it’s just funny because they weren’t that great looking in the first place.”
Tweed-Simmons and her daughter both did voice-overs for the game, as did Shannon’s sister Tracy, who sometimes can be seen with the Simmons clan in their A&E reality series Gene Simmons Family Jewels. Gene, meanwhile, can be seen lurking “in the shadows” while his wife and daughter try to “protect” him from the attacks.
Attack of the Groupies can be downloaded for free at iTunes, while a more in-depth version and an extra level featuring Tracy Tweed costs an additional 99 cents.
April 2nd-
After almost 30 years of putting up with cougars, beauty queens, bimbos and barely-legal babes trying to get their hands on her man, Shannon Tweed wants revenge.
In conjunction with Gogii Games, the wife of KISS legend Gene Simmons has released “Attack of the Groupies,” a game which brings Tweed and her famous family to life as virtual characters, and highlights the downside of the rock n’ roll lifestyle.
“These groupies are relentless, they will literally climb right over you to get to Gene or whoever the rock star is, they act like you aren’t even there,” Tweed told FOX411’s Pop Tarts column. “So this is my chance to have the powers to blow them all away. But we wanted to keep the weapons PG – things like the frizzinator which will mess their hair, or slime so their makeup falls off and keeps them from getting close to the stage.”
Tweed also said that groupie culture is continuing to gain momentum, and spotlights a sad subculture of insecure and disillusioned young women.
“They seem to be getting younger and younger. I see all the girls not much older than my 19-year-old daughter throwing up their tops and offering to do things to the roadies just to get close to the band,” she continued. “It’s really horrible, just how low the self-esteem of these young girls truly is. I feel sorry for them in a way, they will literally do anything.”
Tweed said that young fans will routinely climb over their gate to get to Simmons, and turn up on their doorstep completely naked. When she was pregnant, Tweed said a groupie knocked on the door of their hotel, sans clothes, but ran away when she answered. However, the persistent young girl later returned.
“This time Gene answered, and she told him that she would happily kick me in the stomach so that I would lose the baby,” she said. “I thought, ‘who raised you? Wolves? Gene is even a bigger target for groupies now that he is married.”
Tweed and Simmons finally tied the knot in October last year, after dating since 1983 and having two kids together. But that doesn’t mean Tweed has faith her husband won’t stray.
“It was important for me to know that in the second half of my life, someone will be there for me. I didn’t doubt Gene’s love but I needed commitment, the nonsense and messing around had to stop,” she explained. “But guys will be guys. Rock stars are used to being told 'yes' all the time. My advice (to the partners) is to always be there, always go on tour with them. I’ll be there this summer with the KISS/Motley Crue tour. I will be backstage playing my game.”
April 2nd-
WHAT: Gene Simmons is launching his new restaurant and entertainment venture, Rock & Brews, and hosting two events that benefit Wounded Warrior Project: A luncheon for Wounded Warriors, other returning veterans and active military personnel; and, an evening celebrity party.
WHEN: Tuesday, April 3, 2012.
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Wounded Warrior Private Luncheon With Gene Simmons
Partners Gene Simmons, Michael Zislis and Dave Furano will host more than 100 Wounded Warriors, returning vets and active military personnel for a private luncheon.
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Celebrity Opening Party Hosted By Gene Simmons (Sold Out)
Partners Gene Simmons, Michael Zislis and Dave Furano will host a star-studded opening party for 300 guests. Among the celebrity guests will be rockers Tommy Lee and members of KISS and Guns N' Roses. Expect the unexpected...rock and roll, great food, craft beer and a check presentation to Wounded Warrior Project.
WHERE: Rock & Brews, 143 Main St., El Segundo, CA
VENUE: Rock & Brews captures the excitement of live concerts in an authentically themed backstage environment including "The Great Wall of Rock," rock posters and rock art and multiple flat screen televisions. With an ambiance reminiscent of being back stage at a rock event, Rock & Brews features a casual, friendly, energized environment decked out with picnic tables, concert lighting, and retractable projection screens and speakers that create a 360-degree experience. The venue is designed to be family and dog friendly with a play area for kids and a large open-air area where four legged guests can howl to the tunes. The El Segundo dining destination serves rock musicians' favorite foods and highlights an ever-changing, award-winning craft beer selection with hundreds of artisanal breweries featured from around the world.
April 2nd-
We are headed off to South America for a two week vacation.
April 19th through May 7th.
We will be visiting 10 South and Central American countries.
One city in each country.
And will be on stage with some rockin' friends....the ROCK AND ROLL ALL STARS.
Here's the ad for Panama.
April 2nd-
April 2nd-
Long weekend.
KISS flew to New Orleans to play at the AT&T Park Concert. Fans packed in as far as the eye could see.
We then flew to Las Vegas, and drove up fully made up in a Monster Truck to the American Country Music Awards show. Met some nice folks and did plenty of media.
Flew out that night back to LA. Got to sleep until 3:30 am and then had to start a day's worth of TV and Media for our ROCK AND BREWS Restaurant Chain venture.
5:30 am, at our El Segundo, California site, KTLA was there doing three or four segments. And I was there.
Then drove over to see Mario Lopez and the EXTRA Show, where Mario sampled some of our great Rock Cuisine.
Then barely got to KCAL on time... on the other side of the hill.
Back home and it's mid afternoon.
And we start filming GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS.
Finish tonight.
Try to sleep and then...
Up at 1:30 am to start again... CNN, then FOX...
Pray for me.
April 2nd-
KISS IS EVERYWHERE!
Here's a clip of Senator Scott Brown talking about Gene Simmons and KISS during a recent appearance on CNN's Piers Morgan show.
April 2nd-
Here's KISS performing "Rock and Roll All Nite" like you've never seen it before... from a rooftop! And, in true KISS fashion, the band blew up the city's skyline at the end of the show.
April 2nd-
Here is the Great Wall of Rock (TM) at our ROCK AND BREWS Restaurant.
April 3rd Grand Opening.
We will have photos and videos of the event for you to see.
April 1st-
Rock legend and reality TV star Gene Simmons is putting his money where his famous tongue is with the launch of a new chain of restaurants.
Partnering up with veteran concert promoter Dave Furano and local restaurant owner/brewmaster Michael Zislis, the trio will open their first Rock & Brews on El Segundo’s Main Street on April 3.
The chain’s concept’s theme calls on the excitement of being backstage at a concert, according to a news release. The menu will offer appetizers as “Opening Acts,” “VIP” salads, “Headliner” sandwiches, “Front Row” pizzas and “Encores” desserts.
The restaurant will feature more than 40 craft beers on tap, according to a news release, with hundreds more available in the bottle or can, along with red and white wine offerings.
Rock & Brews restaurants are being touted as being family and dog friendly, with a play area for kids and a large open-air area where pets can hang out.
El Segundo’s Rock & Brews’ grand opening will be hosted by Simmons, Furano and Zislis and will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
Plans are already in place for more Rock & Brews locations throughout Los Angeles, Maui, Denver, Atlanta, Tokyo and Los Cabos.
April 1st-
Rocker, reality television show star and entrepreneur Gene Simmons plans to open a Rock & Brews restaurant on Maui, following the opening of what will be the chain’s first location in El Segundo, Calif. next month.
The restaurant and entertainment venue will serve foods said to be rock musicians’ favorites, as well as craft beers from around the world, and will bear “The Great Wall of Rock” display of rock posters, art and multiple flat screen televisions. Simmons is the bass player and frontman for the rock band KISS.
The concept was created by Los Angeles restaurant industry figure Michael Zislis and concert promoter Dave Furano, who are Simmons’ partners in the venture.
The opening date of the Maui restaurant and its location have not yet been released.
April 1st-
Gene Simmons, rock legend and media mogul, is parlaying his love for music into a new restaurant and entertainment venture called Rock & Brews™. The concept captures the excitement of live concerts in an authentically themed backstage environment including Rock & Brews’ “The Great Wall of Rock,” rock posters and rock art and multiple flat screen televisions.
Rock & Brews serves rock musicians’ favorite foods and highlights an ever-changing, award-winning craft beer selection with hundreds of artisanal breweries featured from around the world.
The first Rock & Brews is scheduled to open just south of Los Angeles International Airport in the beach community of El Segundo, Calif., on April 3. Several others are in the works in the Los Angeles area, including one at Los Angeles International Airport, as well as locations in Denver; Atlanta; Maui, Hawaii; Tokyo; and Los Cabos, Mexico. The expansion plan anticipates the opening of four Rock & Brews in 2012 with aggressive plans for continued expansion worldwide beginning in 2013 and beyond.
Rock & Brews was inspired by Michael Zislis, a notable force on the L.A. restaurant scene, and Dave Furano, a veteran concert promoter, who are Simmons’ partners in the venture.
April 1st-
KISS’ ability to brand its name on just about everything – yes, even coffins – has ensured eternal financial stability, but it seems the Detroit rockers aren’t stopping quite yet. As announced Monday (March 12), KISS frontman Gene Simmons will be opening a restaurant chain aimed at craft beer lovers and of course, fans looking for the backstage experience.
Called Rock & Brews, the chain will open (or rather, re-open) its first location April 3rd in El Segundo, near LAX. But Rock & Brews is not a brand new endeavor: A total remodel of the existing beer garden — a collaboration of concert promoter (and former Rolling Stones and Doors manager) Dave Furano and restaurateur Michael Zislis - kicked off late last year, with Simmons involved and franchising now in progress.
With four locations opening this year and even more anticipated next, Simmons’ home base of LA remains a big market for the restaurant, with more SoCal locations to come. Future locations include Denver, Atlanta; Maui, Tokyo and Cabo according to a release.
As for the menu at Rock & Brews — which boasts a logo echoing that of Rolling Stone Magazine – it’s all about the craft beers, pizza and burgers. The décor will be in the vein of the Hard Rock Café, with rock ‘n roll memorabilia on display and classic concerts playing on the big screens.
Though Vegas isn’t on the short list of franchise locations for Rock & Brews just yet, KISS will open a tourist spot in Sin City this week. KISS By Monster Mini Golf Site, an entertainment complex that includes the KISS Hotter Than Hell Wedding Chapel, opens Thursday March 15.
April 1st-
Rocker, media mogul and reality star Gene Simmons has partnered with restaurateur Michael Zislis and concert promoter Dave Furano to launch a new restaurant and entertainment concept for music lovers called Rock & Brews™.
Rock & Brews™ brings together the excitement of live concerts, rock art and food all in one place to cater to rock and roll lovers and music fans. The venues will feature a “Great Wall of Rock”, a wide selection of craft beer, rock posters, art and flat screen TVs.
The first restaurant is expected to open on April 3 in El Segundo, just south of Los Angeles International Airport. The group is looking to open more locations through 2012-13 in the Los Angeles area, Maui, Hawaii, Denver, Atlanta, Tokyo and Los Cabos.
The menu will include casual American cuisine with dishes like “Opening Acts” appetizers, “VIP” salads, burgers, sandwiches, pizzas and desserts. On the flat screen TVs Rock & Brews™ will show concert videos and live recordings of rock concerts. Picnic tables, concert lighting and projection screens with speakers will create rock and roll ambiance in the space.
The venue is family and dog friendly with a play area for kids and a open-air space where dogs and roam.
Benefitting Wounded Warrior Project™, the opening of Rock & Brews™ on April 3 will be hosted by Simmons, Furano and Zislis.
The first location is located at 143 Main Street in El Segundo, California.
April 1st-
Gene Simmons, rock legend and media mogul, not to mention a branding whore who never misses an opportunity to promote his image and likeness, so more power to him, is parlaying his love for music into a new restaurant and entertainment venture called Rock & Brews ™. The concept captures the excitement of live concerts in an authentically themed backstage environment including Rock & Brews' "The Great Wall of Rock," rock posters and rock art and multiple flat screen televisions.
Rock & Brews serves rock musicians' favorite foods and highlights an ever-changing, award-winning craft beer selection with hundreds of artisanal breweries featured from around the world.
The first Rock & Brews is scheduled to open just south of Los Angeles International Airport in the beach community of El Segundo, Calif., on April 3. Several others are in the works in the Los Angeles area, including one at Los Angeles International Airport, as well as locations in Maui, Hawaii; Denver; Atlanta; Tokyo; and Los Cabos, Mexico. The expansion plan anticipates the opening of four Rock & Brews in 2012 with aggressive plans for continued expansion worldwide beginning in 2013 and beyond.
Rock & Brews was inspired by Michael Zislis, a notable force on the L.A. restaurant scene, and Dave Furano, a veteran concert promoter, who are Simmons' partners in the venture.
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