NEWS HEADLINES
Weekly Wisdom
Tips and tidbits from Hetrick Communications
May 31, 2006
The IRL's KISS method
We've all heard of the "K.I.S.S." philosophy - "Keep it simple, stupid." Now the Indy Racing League has introduced its own "KISS" method ... with a remarkably similar meaning.
Anyone who watched the build-up to the Indianapolis 500 should know that the IRL has hired tongue-wagging rock 'n' roll front man Gene Simmons to promote the league.
If you're not well-versed in the world of face-painting rock stars, Simmons co-founded the rock band KISS. Three decades later, it remains one of the world's top-grossing concert bands.
Why? Some would credit the band's music; others (perhaps many more) would say the success is due to the band's strong image and consistent marketing.
Simmons' race-weekend interviews suggest that he recognizes the value of image and consistency, and plans to use those forces to promote the IRL. You might call it the new KISS approach.
Keep the message in the forefront. Everywhere he went, Simmons repeated the same messages: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the greatest race course in the world ("You're standing on hallowed ground, baby," Simmons said); the drivers are heroes ("They really are rock stars," he said, "If they weren't driving Indy Cars, they'd be onstage trying to steal your girlfriend."); and Indy Car racing is for everyone ("The face of Indy is the people of the world," he said). Simmons knows: Repeat the message over and over. Just when you're getting sick of it, people are starting to hear it.
Image matters. While NASCAR drivers enjoy an image as friendly, fun-loving good ol' boys, Indy Car drivers live with an image as ... well, actually, they live with no image at all. Simmons clearly wants to change that, as he talked them up as "rock stars" and "knights in shining armor." Simmons knows that audiences connect with people, not machines. Put a human face on whatever you're "selling," and people will respond.
Stir discussion. While we don't subscribe to Simmons' view that any news - good or bad - is good PR, we do recognize the value of stirring debate. And Simmons certainly did that with his hyperbole and outrageousness. For example, he suggested that he wanted to change the name of the racing league from IRL to simply "Indy" because, as he put it, "IRL" sounds like a corporation or sexually transmitted disease. It's not the approach we might have taken, but it did achieve his objective: It got attention.
Simplicity works. Simmons seems to have recognized that, with all of these fresh messages and images to project, he needed a single phrase to sum up everything. That's why you'll be hearing the phrase "I am Indy" this summer. Will it work? Time will tell, but it certainly is memorable and focused - more than can be said for most organizations' messages.
Well said.
"You get out in front. You stay out in front."
A.J. Foyt
|
|
May 30th -
Just returned from an exhausting but exhilirating four days of madness.
First, joined my favorite band, KISS in Vegas for the Rock Honors event at Mandalay Bay. Check out KISSONLINE.COM, the only official KISS site, for all the details and photos.
As soon as I got off the stage, I hurried backstage, took the war paint off and hurried to catch a 1 am flight out that night to the fabled INDY 500. Un&*$%ing believable!!!. This was the 90th (!!!) Anniversary of the Greatest Live Event on Planet Earth. And I'm proud to say myself and my esteemed partner, Rich Abramson and our entire SIMMONS ABRAMSON MARKETING team were there in full force.
CARMELO ANTHONY came to the event to support P.J. Chesson in his first Indy 500 race. Unfortunately, PJ crashed early in the race...and so did four other drivers!!! Five car crashes in the same race.
PAT O'BRIEN and THE INSIDER camera crews were there. LUDICRIS and I exchanged pleasantries, as did MICHAEL MADSEN, WYNONA JUDD and more...and LANCE ARMSTRONG was in the pace car.
If you weren't there, make yourself a promise to attend one of the remaining 10 races this season. Check out INDYCAR.COM for more details, or just go to the upper left hand corner of this page to see the calendar of the race schedules.
The Tony George Family is to be commended for running both the largest event on Earth, and for doing it with dignity and style.
Amazing!!!
New letters posted...
"Hey Gene!
I just wanted to say great job with I am Indy. I went to the Indy 500 the other day and had a great time. I've been going for 6 years now and have to say that was one of the best races yet..."
GENE SIMMONS IN INDY 500 PARADE
OVER 300,000 SPECTATORS
05/27/2006 KISSONLINE.com
Gene Simmons was a participant in today’s Indianapolis 500 parade and KISSONLINE was there! Gene was well received from the crowd of more than 300,000 as he waived and joked along the two-mile parade route. He joined other celebrities and VIPs including seven time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, NBA star Carmelo Anthony, TV personality Pat O'Brien, the 33 starting drivers of the 90th Indianapolis 500, spectacular floats, marching bands and entertainment groups, giant inflatable balloons, costumed characters and special featured guest, Lt. General Russel L. Honoré who attended as part of a special tribute to the military.
|
|
New letters posted...
Dear Gene
Is it true that you are currently looking for a KISS coca cola bottle? I have one in my collection that you can see in the attached pictures.
Daniel Morris
First Job: Gene Simmons
Interviewed by Tom Van Riper
05.23.06, 3:00 PM ET
What was your first job?
I delivered the Long Island Star Journal in Jackson Heights, Queens, known as the Long Island Press on Sundays. Later, I picked up a second route, since I could put those papers in the same shopping cart. I had discovered you could make almost twice the money without putting in twice the time.
How old were you?
13
How much did you make?
$37.50 a week for the first route, $28 a week for the second.
What did you learn on your first job?
If someone likes you, they'll buy what you're selling, whether or not they need it. No one needs Forbes or KISS, but they buy it anyway. Farmers and teachers provide what people need, but don't get paid a lot. I also learned that I love making money. Anyone who is not afraid of work will be happy with the money they make. Think about, if you work every weekend to make overtime, you'll make almost as much as you did during the week. What do you need time off for? You can come home in the evenings and watch the ballgame or go chase girls. There's no reason to be home in the daytime because everyone else is working. Are you going to sit around watching I Love Lucy?
Who was your best, or worst, boss, and why?
The best boss is me. The worst is me. I crave ideas, and when an idea hits me, it grips me and it tortures me until I master it. I know nothing about racing, but it's a positive that I go and learn it. I'm my own hardest task master. I've had nine-to-five jobs and gotten promoted because the bosses notices I wasn't watching the clock.
What was your big break?
Being born. The rest was easy. As long as you're in the game, you've got a chance; after that it's just hard work. I don't care how many misses I get, I'll keep swinging.
What has been your biggest failure?
There are always things--the girl you didn't get, the deal that didn't happen. Who cares how many singles you miss when those occasional home runs bring in three or four other guys? You can't fail in America. There's Chapter 11, they can't take your home in Florida, every step you take there's a net. There's a socialist net of safety called the welfare state. Everything I do makes money. Your stamp collection can be a source of joy, but it also can be a source of money. I'm lucky because I like what I do, but it all makes money.
How many hours do you work in an average week now?
I don't consider any of it to be work. For example, I got up at 5:40 this morning to go through my emails. I have Simmons-Abramson marketing, where we promote for the Indy 500 and other races. We also have investments and television--we got an A&E show coming up in August, with 13 episodes. I have never taken a vacation in my life. Vacations are for wimps.
What is the worst thing about work?
God has given you athumb as a tool, it's up to you to use it or stick it up your butt and sit on it.
What is the best thing about work?
It's that you get paid. The poorest person in the world will always tell you that. The fat, bloated American will always tell you it's about doing work they love. People who are the salt of the earth get up and go to a job that they hate. I love money; that's why I've owned the Money Bag logo for 28 years.
Gene Simmons co-founded the rock band Kiss in 1973. He runs a marketing and promotion partnership that concentrates on auto racing events.
|
|
New letters posted...
I thought I saw a familiar face at the Eurovision song contest.
Regards
Tim Huhtala in Sweden
Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway Celebrates
90 Years Since Founding 05/22/2006
Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway visits the NYSE to celebrate its 90th anniversary of its founding. In honor of the occasion, Indy Motor Speedway President & CEO Tony George rings The Opening BellSM. He is joined on the bell podium by the following drivers:
Michael Andretti- driver, Andretti Green Racing
Marco Andretti- driver, Andretti Green Racing
Sam Hornish, Jr.- driver, Marlboro Team Penske
Dan Wheldon- driver, Target Chip Ganassi Racing
Helio Castroneves- driver, Marlboro Team Penske
Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway
Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway will be broadcast live on ABC on May 28 at 1 p.m. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the largest spectator sporting facility in the world. The Speedway plays host to three of the largest-attended sporting events in the world: The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard and the United States Grand Prix.
The NYSE Group is a proud sponsor of the Andretti Green Racing.
Link to related URL : http://www.indy500.com/
|
|
New letters posted...
SUPERGENEMAN !!!
According to a review featured at movie news site Aint it Cool Man, KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons makes an appearance in the upcoming documentary "Look, Up in the Sky: The Amazing Story of Superman". Gene is featured as a "musician/comic book fan", along with appearances by Noel Niell, Jack Larson, Margot Kidder, Annette O'Toole, Dean Cain, Mark Hamill, Gail Simone, Stan Lee, Richard Donner, Ilya Salkind, Bryan Singer and John Peters. The documentary is scheduled to debut on DVD sometime in late 2006, coinciding with the DVD release of the feature film "Superman Returns".
New letters posted...
Swedish all girl hardrock band "VISION" performed the KISS classic "Lick It Up" on Swedish National TV.
The Swedish tv program "Rundgång" visited the hardrockband Visions reherasal space and they performed the KISS song "Lick It Up".
To listen to VISIONS version of "Lick It Up" go to
http://www.vision-live.net/
Be sure to try and catch the opening bell ceremony from the NYSE live on CNBC Monday @ 9:30a (eastern)/6:30a (pacific) as it's been arranged for the entire INDY 500 starting field to be on the floor. Several of our drivers, along with Tony, Laura, and Barnhart, will be on the podium for the actual ringing of the bell and CNBC will conduct live interviews from the floor with some of the other drivers.
New letters posted...
 Saw the new Burger King commercial last night with the I AM MAN jingle. I wonder where they got that idea....... :)
Maureen Himler
Response from Gene:
(The email refers to our "I AM INDY" campaign and anthem for the INDY RACING LEAGUE) Hmm....AND, let's not forget the recently used "I AM THE NFL" and 'MY NHL"... Imitation is the highest form of flattery
May 13, 2006
The 500's frontman
Gene Simmons, the blood-spitting rock 'n' roll icon, is on a mission to promote the Indy 500
By David Lindquist
You may have shaken a fist in joy or shaken a fist in disgust when Gene Simmons was hired to promote the Indy Racing League. Or you may have shaken your head in bewilderment.
Whatever the response, the notorious rock star makes people pay attention -- which is why Simmons says he's up to the task of generating interest in a sport that continues to struggle for a mainstream identity.
As a member of Kiss, Simmons has portrayed "the Demon" for more than 30 years. He spits fake blood during concerts, wags an abnormally long tongue and professes an attraction for "every woman who walks the face of the earth."
But as the partner in a marketing firm, he has worked since January to make political, corporate and fan connections for the racing league that will present the 500-Mile Race on May 28 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
If people have a problem with Simmons being affiliated with a fixture of wholesome American culture, it's OK with him.
"There's no such thing as good news and bad news," Simmons says. "There's only news. You're either important enough and you become the water cooler conversation, or you're nobody and you don't count.
"All I care about is that people talk about Indy. Wake up in the morning and talk about it. Even if it's 'Ah, that bloated, fat Gene Simmons -- what does he know about stuff?' Good. You're talking about it."
Love him or hate him, the P.T. Barnum of rock 'n' roll is hyping the 90th running of the Indy 500.
Marketing background
Simmons' track record with Kiss reflects a knack for spreading the word. From credit cards to caskets, more than 2,500 varieties of merchandise have featured the group's logo.
"He likes to say Kiss is a band, but more than a band, it's a brand," says Mike Ringham, who was hired in October as the Indy Racing League's vice president of marketing.
The IRL wouldn't say how much it is paying Simmons Abramson Marketing, a Los Angeles-based company headed by Simmons and former Pee-wee Herman manager Rich Abramson, or how long the company is under contract.
So far, Simmons has provided "I Am Indy" as both a slogan for the league and a song that's piped through loudspeakers at IRL events.
And regarding the "IRL" abbreviation, Simmons says it sounds like a disease or a stodgy corporation.
Instead, he refers to the league, its schedule, the 500 and the city as "Indy."
The 56-year-old fits the description of wide-eyed fan when marveling about track speeds that exceed 220 mph. "Rock stars in rockets" is another of his catch phrases.
Simmons acknowledges the budding celebrity of drivers such as Danica Patrick and defending Indy 500 champion Dan Wheldon.
He insists anyone possessing the skill and courage to drive in the league deserves a spotlight.
"If you look at our drivers, they really are rock stars," Simmons says. "If they weren't driving Indy cars, they'd be onstage trying to steal your girlfriend. Well, it would be different in the case of Danica."
In the spotlight: IRL driver Tomas Scheckter and rock star Gene Simmons celebrated Scheckter's Bombardier Learjet 500 win in 2005. Simmons introduced drivers before the race in Fort Worth, Texas. Also pictured are Kara Lenae (left) and Shelby Francis. - LARRY PAPKE / Associated Press file photo
Family life
The suggestion of sex is a predictable part of any conversation with Simmons. In a 2002 autobiography, the bass player claimed he's had more than 4,000 female partners -- so far.
Meanwhile, he's maintained a relationship with actress Shannon Tweed since 1983. They have two children, and their home life is chronicled on the A&E cable television series "Family Jewels."
"I don't hide the fact that I have a fantastic life," Simmons says. "People don't understand that I can be happily unmarried to the same girl for 23 years and make no apologies."
Because of a Kiss show scheduled May 25 in Las Vegas, Simmons won't get to Indianapolis until two days before the 500. But he promises to make the pre-race rounds.
"I'll be everywhere and do everybody," he says.
League executive Ringham characterizes Simmons as "a very interesting individual" and applauds the rock star's outspoken opposition to drug and alcohol abuse.
The 2004 race champion, Buddy Rice, figures that if the league had an issue with Simmons' persona, he wouldn't have been hired as a consultant.
"No matter what, he's going to attract somewhat of a different crowd," Rice says. "I think that's good for everybody involved."
Does things his way
Fishers resident Keith Leroux oversees the official Web site for Kiss, Kissonline.com.
"I don't think Gene's outlook on marriage pertains even to a lot of Kiss fans or a lot of Kiss band members," Leroux says. "But he's Gene. One thing I've always liked about him is that he does things his own way, regardless of what other people think."
As evidenced by 1970s polls that ranked Kiss as both the most loved and most hated rock band, the musician-actor-entrepreneur has a charisma that attracts and repels.
"I am arrogant," Simmons says. "I'm responsible to myself for my happiness. I don't look to anybody else. I've never borrowed a dime, and I'm not looking for a handout. I live my life my way.
"I want Indy, with all due respect, to have that kind of arrogance -- this kind of pride in what it is."
When Simmons is modest, he credits Kiss fans for his success and he refers to Abramson and himself as "two more horses hitched onto the ride" of marketing the Indy Racing League.
Making contacts
Rather than being a famous name connected to the sport, Simmons says his real work is making contacts with government officials in host cities and making pitches to potential corporate sponsors.
Abramson brought NBA star Carmelo Anthony into the league as a sponsor for Hemelgarn Racing and rookie driver P.J. Chesson, a noted free spirit who counts Simmons as a mentor.
Ringham reports that TV ratings have slightly improved for all three races of the young season when compared with a year ago.
He says the accomplishments of Simmons Abramson Marketing will be measured by the amount of business the company brings to the league and the amount of publicity generated across a 14-race schedule.
"Gene is remarkably good -- and maybe brazen would be a better word -- about picking up the phone and calling people," Ringham says. "It's really quite interesting to hear about people returning his calls. Most everybody returns Gene Simmons' calls, for some reason."
|
|
Paul Newman's name is all over everything, including the grocery store and PetSmart. I guess it's OK for him, but not you. A penny saved is a penny earned, you bet. You don't have to have a flat screen TV or cable today. Save and invest in things that gain value, like real estate. The more money you have the more you can make. It works and I'm living proof without being a celebrity. It's not about being cheap, it's about having more. From what I've noticed most people live for today. I don't, I live for tomorrow.
I found this foto of this really attractive family.
Your children are a wonderful combination of both you and Shannon. Sophie is a beautiful young lady, she has your nose and smile. Don't you think? If you place a shot gun on the wall as gentlemen visit your daughter, you shouldn't have any problems. LOL.
Midnight
New letters posted...
 IT WAS GREAT SEEIN' YOU FRIDAY NIGHT AT MISS KITTY NIGHT CLUB... IT WAS EVEN GREATER TO SEE YOU OIL FIGHTIN' HAHAHAHA I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD SEE THE DAY....... ANYWAYS CAN'T WAIT TILL IT COMES ON TV..
XOXOXOXOXO
NIKI666
"Gene,
I just wanted to say on my behalf that I thought your response to the question I asked about the make-up was just awesome..."
Busy weekend.
The day began with the entire clan -- Sophie, Nick, Miss Tweed and yours truly going to the A&E Upfronts of our GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS show. Advertising execs show up and watch the Summer tv schedule. We smiled. We chatted. We posed and then we left.
By evening, our GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS tv crews hosted the 1st ANNUAL GENE SIMMONS FETISH BEAUTY QUEEN contest. Go to the video store and rent Fellini's SATYRICON. That movie will give you a sense of what was seen and heard.
Transvestites (in rubber and leather), Betty Page look-a-likes (in rubber and leather), dominatrix girls (in...rubber and leather)...and ending with the beauty contest.
The following day, we hosted the opening of our GENE SIMMONS BIKINI CAR WASH ( -- it's trademarked...along with, "NAKED CAR WASH"). It struck us that having your car washed is one of the more boring things in life. Especially for guys. Remember, the male of the species is visually stimulated (which is why men's skin magazines sell and the female versions don't). So, we decided to have great looking girls wash your car, instead of the usual (use your own superlatives). Lots of fun...and suds...and wetness.
When this becomes a real business, you'll be able to (during daylight hours) drive up and get the GENE SIMMONS BIKINI CAR WASH treatment. However, at night (and indoors) it turns into the... GENE SIMMONS NAKED CAR WASH. Same job on your car. But, more to look at.
And an editorial note: Some of you get sick and tired of seeing GENE SIMMONS in front of every project. Not my problem. I like it. I like me. And, I am unabashed and unapologetic of being in the Gene Simmons Business.
If there can be Geffen Records and Bloomberg TV and Walt Disney Pictures...there can be GENE SIMMONS EVERYTHING. Those guys did it right. And, I certainly intend to do the same.
New letters posted...
" Hey Gene,
Im a 12 year old from England and I was just wondering do you think i could be the next guitarist of KISS when im like 16 or something like that..."
"Um..well. I don't fall under the ladies in waiting category, but I just wanted to say that I really love "My Dad the Rock Star"..."
Finns shocked by Eurovision band
Finland's controversial entry for this year's Eurovision Song Contest - a heavy metal band called Lordi (The Lord) - has upset many Finns.
The band members wear scary masks, which they refuse to take off, and the lead singer wields a chain-saw.
Their song Hard Rock Hallelujah is a radical departure from the folk songs usually associated with Eurovision.
Finnish online chatrooms are full of comments from people concerned about their country's reputation abroad.
Some Finns have even asked the president to intervene.
But Lordi was a people's choice: their hit got more than 42% of the votes cast by televoting in the Finnish final.
Devil's advocate?
"Lord have mercy on us Finnish people now" - Father Mitro Repo, Finnish clergyman
Lordi, influenced by the American hard rock band Kiss and its lead singer Gene Simmons, has not escaped allegations of links with Satanism.
Rumours have been fuelled by the group's refusal to give television interviews, to take off their masks or reveal their real names.
But in other media interviews, the rockers have stressed their tongue-in-cheek attitude to entertainment. As if to prove the point, they had a hit in Finland with a song called The Devil Is A Loser.
Hailing from Arctic Lapland, Lordi became a phenomenon in Finland with a platinum-selling debut album, Get Heavy, in 2002.
Their compilation album The Monster Show has been released in more than 20 countries.
The Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Greece on 20 May.
Father Mitro Repo, an Orthodox Christian clergyman in Helsinki, described the band's use of the name "Lordi" as "sacrilege".
"I think it's a stupid joke of Finland," he told the BBC's World Today programme, commenting on the country's Eurovision choice.
"Lord have mercy on us Finnish people now," he said, adding that the choice appeared to be a protest by youngsters annoyed that Finland had failed to score highly in Eurovision.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/europe/4926020.stm
Published: 2006/04/20 15:15:31 GMT
© BBC MMVI
|
|
|
