Hello Folks,
I'm writing this for a friend (Donnie Coleman), who has absolutely devoted his entire life to KISS, and all that KISS stands for. In his house, he has a complete room (20'x20') that is a 'decorated shrine' to KISS. There are numerous trophies, posters, wallpaper, border, photos, memorabilia, and multiple pieces of 'one-of-a-kind' KISS items. It is truly a sight to behold. His collection of KISS items numbers in the hundreds. He has been to a number of your concerts, but has never had the pleasure of meeting any of you. It would be his biggest-life-thrill to do so.
Donnie has a 'highly modified' Ford F-150 pickup truck that he has maintained in Showroom Condition since he purchased it brand new in 1997. To date, he has spent over $75,000 in modifications to this truck, and has won countless automobile shows with it. I'm sending you a few photos of the truck to show you what I mean. If possible, upon your arrival back from your European Tour, would it be at all possible for the members of KISS to 'autograph' the vehicle for him? It would mean the world to this man. If it were to be possible, Donnie and I would load the truck into an enclosed car carrier and trailer it out to your location for the signature(s) and perhaps a photo or two with you and/or the other members of your group.
The photos that are attached do not do the truck justice. It is a flawless vehicle, and it's never even driven. It rolls on and off an enclosed trailer for the purpose of viewing at auto shows. He has taken the 'Best of Show' honors (and trophies) a number of times, and the truck continues to blow people away whenever they view it. The interior of the truck (as well as the exterior) is magnificent. Truly, a one-of-a-kind vehicle.
Please let me know if the above signature request is possible. It would be at YOUR convenience, at the location and time of your choosing. Thank you for any consideration you might give to this matter.
Kindest regards,
Ed Adams
Hi Gene,
I am a 35 yo guy from Bergen, Norway that have been a huge KISS fan for 25 years. I have two daughters, and with my eldest it seems I have successfully passed the legacy on. She really enjoys the green demon as she says – since you typically have green stage lights when spitting blood!
The one picture where she has he face painted is taken after I picked her up from daycare and they had facepainting. All the guys wanted to pirates, all the girls Hello Kitty and princess – but Liv wanted to be KISS. I am a proud dad!
She is 4 years old, and I hope that you continue with Kiss for still a long long time, so that me and her can go to a show together! Personally I’m looking forward to seeing you in Oslo – I hope you do a lot of songs from Sonic Boom as this album totally rules!
Cheers,
Johan
Hi Gene,
Check out this awesome KISS St. Gene stained glass window I found on Break.com.
Seems like everywhere I look there is a KISS reference....KISS really is everywhere!!
Best,
Jeff McManus
Hi dudes
I'm a Spanish fan. I'm writing this e-mail to warn KISS legal services about the misuse of KISS' image in Spain.
A right-wing political party (named Convergencia i Unio, based in Barcelona ,Catalonia) is using Gene Simmons trademark make up for in a political advertisement. You can check the ad on Youtube. Click on the video below.
As a KISS fan, I'm mad at the fact that a political party is using its image for political purposes (moreover, a right-wing party which promotes rascism). The only thing this great band should be connected with is FUN!
See ya in Barcelona the 24th june, Gene!!
Ricard Martín
Gene,
It is with great sadness I write to say my five year old passed away last Tuesday morning in the arms of my wife and I. I believe you have heard of him, Mitchell Cupps. He had an extremely rare form of dwarfism and was the face of the Little Giants Foundation. Mitchell had a day named after him in Oklahoma by the Governor, “Mitchell Cupps – Oklahoma’s Little Giant” and he was a “rock star” in his own right. He touched every person he met in a humble but magnetic way. Back in the summer, Mitchell put his hand print on a Little Giants shirt for you and Ms Tweed… one of a kind shirts, with a paint kit for you to place your hand print and signature for the benefit of the Little Giants Foundation… I am still hopeful to get those back as they have even more personal meaning to me now.
I write you for a few reasons though… the first, Mitchell, although 5, was a huge KISS fan. Literally your tiniest fan at the age of 5, but yet the size of an infant due to his dwarfism. He even came to see you at the Hard Rock Hotel in Tulsa in December….. sat on my shoulders way in the back. Many days in the hospital we would watch “KISS Live in Buenos Aires” video or “KISS Meets the Phantom” (his favorite movie next to Curious George). He always wanted to listen to KISS on the way to the many hospital trips when he was not feeling his best. It was Mitchell’s dream to go to a KISS Concert, but he was not well enough to attend the concert in Tulsa on Dec 8.
At his funeral he was wearing underneath his suit, his favorite KISS shirt. Although every day above ground is a good day, I am rejoicing that Mitchell is in Heaven and no longer suffering the pain of his kidney failure and issues he had during the last six months of his life.
During the Celebration of Life service held for Mitchell yesterday, I put together a few videos to be played. One was a video summary of Mitchell’s Make A Wish trip he took in September, right before he was in the hospital for more than 60 days. The music was set to a song from your solo album, When You Wish Upon A Star. Attached is the video as I wanted you and others to see it too.
http://www.youtube.com/user/MyLittleGiant#p/a/u/1/R-qPZZvuYg4
Funny thing though… most people had no idea that Gene Simmons played at my 5 year olds Celebration of Life service... they only know that a beautiful song and video were played during the service. Thanks Gene for your life time of music, rock and all.
You, like Mitchell, Rock!
Troy Cupps
Hi Mr.Simmons,
I am really interested in the late great Neil Bogart and came across an article about a movie you were going to do on his life story. Just wondering if it is still in the works or is it totally off now? Thanks for all the great music through out the years.
Sincerely,
Mark Allen Walker
Response from Gene:
All well and true. I did have the rights to do a NEIL BOGART film. We had a decent script and it was at Paramount for about two years. Eventually, they passed. This happens with over 95 percent of scripts....Tim Bogart was my partner.
HEY GENIE
TODAY I HEARD A TRACK FROM BRUCE KULICK'S UP COMING ALBUM CALLED BK3.
I HEARD THE SONG "HAND OF THE KING". I HAVE TO SAY I AM IMPRESSED. THE
APPLE DOES NOT FALL FAR FROM THE TREE. NICK CAN SING...
I HAVE SEEN HIM SING IN HIS BANDS ON FAMILY JEWELS, BUT THIS IS THE CROWN JEWEL...
I HAVE TO SAY VOCALLY NICK REMINDS ME OF YOU IN THE EARLY DAYS OF KISS, BUT MUCH BETTER!!!
NICK HAS A CLEANER SOUNDING VOICE THAN THE DEMON, HE REALLY DOES...
IF HE PUT TOGETHER A GOOD BAND, I WOULD PAY TO SEE IT!!
YOU HAVE ONE TALENTED SON, FROM COMICS TO ROCK & ROLL, THIS BOY WAS BORN TO ROCK!!!
KEITH
Gene,
I just found out they used your voice as one of the howls in The Wolfman with Benicio Del Toro! How cool is that!!!!! I know what a fan you are of Lon’s and it’s got to be really, really cool to get to contribute to that in such a way. From one horror movie fan to another, I say, “congratulations.” I’ll think it’s one of the coolest things you’ve gotten to do.
Man of a Thousand Faces is one of my favorite songs…really looking forward to this remake.
Best,
Drew
Hey Gene, I came across this and thought you would find it funny.
Hi Gene,
It was great seeing you on tour. Here is a Gene fan at the Vikings/Cowboys game. Hope you enjoy it.
Take care,
Eddie Ivanov
Hey Gene!! Here are a couple pictures of me at the 2010 NAMM show. First is a photo of me by your Axe tour best out in front of the convention. Second is a photo of you and I at the Cort booth on Saturday (I was the 1st in line).
Thanks!!!
Hope it makes it to the site. Thanks a million!!
Matthew Boyett
Hey Gene,
I was going through some pictures today. I have this one from 1989. You were kind enough to take this picture with me at a magazine stand in Los Angeles. Thank you for this special
memory. Dreams do come true!
Robert Weedman
Gene,
I was one of the lucky ones that got to get his picture taken with you at NAMM this year, and I also told you I was a retired Air Force member. As I told you during our picture together, it means a bunch to the troops that a person of your stature takes the time to thank the troops on a regular basis. The reason is simple: You love this land of opportunity and don't feel you are ENTITLED to anything you have not earned.
Imagine how your support makes me feel as an avid Kiss fan since 1975! I get the best of both worlds. Thanks for the gigantic megaphone and hopefully more personalities of your fame will use their position to show the love, as well. Classy, very classy...
Fernando Escobar
Master Sergeant, USAF (ret)
Mr. Simmons,
I wanted to thank you for making my day sir! (1-16-10 last Saturday). I have been a fan of yours since 1975. You are the very 1st rock star that got me into heavy metal AND one of the reason's my son plays bass in his current band which by the way was playing at the NAMM show which is why I was there when I saw you in the lobby at the Hilton.
I now have a picture that I will treasure for the rest of my life! Also my wife thanks you for giving her a hug. Although now it sucks for me because all she imagines is you and say's your name when she is with me! LOL!
Also, thank you sir for all the great work you do for our troops! You are a true American Patriot sir!
Thanks again!
Dan Savage
Hello Gene:
I am a longtime fan of the great music released by KISS, as well as admiring your own excellent contributions to the world of music and entertainment.
As you might already know, Simon Cowell is leaving "American Idol" at the conclusion of this season, and Nigel Lythegoe and his colleagues will need to find a replacement that will maintain the credibility of the show. There is a huge segment of "Idol" fans who feel you are the ideal person to replace Cowell, and I am one of those. This issue is something that is routinely discussed and debated around the boards, and you are by and large the resounding favorite to take over from Cowell and make the show even more interesting.
On behalf of myself and many other fans of the show who want "American Idol" to remain the tour de force it has been for several years, I would like to respectfully ask that you seriously consider the idea of becoming the next Idol judge.
Lots of us have already flooded FOX and Idol with letters and emails to that extent, and we can only hope you are receptive to the notion. It would be an honor and a pleasure to listen to your keen musical insights and entertaining views on things.
Thanks for taking the time to read the letter and all due consideration for its content. In the meantime, keep up the great work with KISS and other TV projects. You are always well-liked and respected as an entertainer and musician.
Sincerely,
Dave Stevens
Response from Gene:
I was asked to be a Judge on American Idol a few years ago. It was fun. But, as for the future? Who knows?
