My name is Jordi and I met you in 1997 in Barcelona. I'm not sure if you would remember, but I'm one of the two "MEN OF THE MOUNTAIN" that gave some pictures to you taken at the top of a snowed mountain.
But the reason of this letter is another one: Last week we (Marta and I...we're happily unmarried too) were enjoying some vacation days in Ibiza and when driving we saw at the front of a well known dischoteque an advert (using your image) promoting an event (a party) that atracts many people who go there for three main interests, sex (good one, if safe), alcohol and drugs (bad ones). We stopped the car and took a couple of pictures and the question is: Did they asked you for permission? and...Dou you agree with the use of your image for this kind of events?
Thanks and keep on rockin' man!
Greetings from Barcelona to you and your family!
Jordi and Marta from Barcelona (Spain)
PS: We're waiting impatiently for a Sophie's record. What can you say about?
Created by Gene Simmons
Written by Tom Waltz
Pencils by Casey Maloney
Inks by Stacie Ponder
Colors by Dusty Yee
Letters by Neil Uyetake
Published by IDW, 24 pages for $3.99
Zipper is the story of alien denizen Xeng Ral, a creature born to a world of collective-consciousness thinking who longs for individuality. The story opens as Xeng is being brought to trial for thinking of himself as “one” rather than as a mere member of the collective. It then explodes into action non-stop alien-in-leather action of the very coolest variety.
This book is the latest comic brainchild from legendary KISS front man Gene Simmons. I say latest because KISS is a band who’ve been in and out of comics for pretty much as long as I can remember and who lately seem to be enjoying some kind of comic renaissance. However, the grunt-work of making this book was done by Tom Waltz and Casey Maloney, the creative team that brought you last year’s critically acclaimed OGN Children of the Grave. As with that book, this one opens very well. Writing first issues is tough, but Waltz has chosen a starting point that drops us right into the action from the, well, from the second page onward. That makes this book a fun ride from start to finish. It’s efficient and effective writing. This first issue raises a number of interesting story questions and then provides exactly enough payoff to show that, yes, the story is indeed going to o somewhere.
With all of that said, the thing that makes this book work is the art. Maloney has a FANTASTIC character design here, and he does a great job of keeping the story moving, even when the action on the page is nothing more than talking. And then too, the colors by Dusty Yee make the linework sing. It’s a truism of comics that great colors can make a merely decent book look terrific. Well, this book already looked terrific; with these colors, it’s awesome!
It’s so, so good to see a great comic from an independent publisher that can compete on art. Art sells books, especially first issues. And who knows? Maybe Gene Simmons’s name will help sell a few books as well. I certainly hope so because this is a book that deserves a chance. I really enjoyed it and recommend it without reservation. Go buy it! I guarantee it’ll give you your recommended daily dose of bad-ass-aliens-in-leather-beating-down-bad-guys-with-medieval-melee-weapons, and that’s a great thing.
Gene Simmons’ Zipper
I knew I heard these guys’ names before! I had the immense pleasure of reviewing their graphic novel Children of the Grave for Independent Propaganda. Check that out here. Because that was simply an awesome and astounding book, and very scary, that needs to be checked out by everyone.
Tom Waltz and Casey Maloney, the true superstars behind the new title Gene Simmons’ Zipper from IDW Publishing.
The story starts off in some far away corner of the universe. Every inhabitant is part of a collective consciousness. What happens when one decides that he doesn’t want to be like everyone else, that he wants to think and feel for himself? He escapes to earth, apparently dressed up in some kind of morphing supersuit.
I love the pacing of writer Tom Waltz, who is as good here as his Children of the Grave. Scoring very capable artist Casey Maloney is what makes this series. The character seems to be drawn as a labor of love, crafting him and giving him true individuality, which is what the series is all about. While Gene Simmons might have come up with the general idea, I am personally glad that it is in the capable hands of Waltz and Maloney.
I am anxious to see where this story leads. The collective consciousness knows where the one has escaped. Will their retrieval bring war to Earth? Will the one be able to stand up?
Be sure to check out Gene Simmons’ Zipper.
The Gene Simmons guide to life
By Melissa Hank The KISS frontman and star of ‘Gene Simmons: Family Jewels’ teaches you how not to live like a loser
OK, listen up. This article isn’t just any guide to life, it’s the Gene Simmons guide to life. It comes complete with kabuki makeup, platform boots, an indecently long tongue, and multi-media branding opportunities. Batteries aren’t included because they’re for losers. Got it? Good.
Of course, if you’ve ever watched Gene Simmons: Rock School or the recently renewed Gene Simmons: Family Jewels (Season 2 airs Sundays, 8 p.m. ET, MuchMoreMusic), you’re probably well-acquainted with the Gene Simmons way of life and its seeming contradictions.
Gene Simmons in full KISS regalia
The KISS bassist and vocalist is known for bedding about 4,897 women, but he’s been committed to former Playmate and Newfoundlander Shannon Tweed for 23 years. The band he founded 34 years ago was the epitome of teenage rebellion, but now he rules his and Tweed’s two kids with an iron fist.
Confused? Don’t be. That’s why Gene Simmons agreed to dispense the following nuggets of Gene Simmons-brand wisdom to TVguide.ca. And you can bet each of his 2,500 trademarked licences that he’s become plenty wise about being a businessman, a family man, and a blood-spitting demon – though not necessarily in that order.
MARRIAGE IS FOR LOSERS...
Yeah, he said it – you can take your wedded bliss and shove it. “I refuse to get married,” Simmons growls over the phone. “There’s nothing wrong with marriage, but it’s a loser’s game. When you get divorced, somebody will walk away with 50 per cent of your gross pre-tax dollars.” So true. Somewhere, six-time divorcé Larry King is sobbing.
...EXCEPT IF YOU’RE A WOMAN...
“Women should get married and divorced as often as they can. They’ll get to keep the insurance, the jewellery, the money – everything,” says Simmons. In other words, he’s not saying you should be a gold-digger, just don’t be dealing with no broke…
...AND IF YOU ARE A WOMAN, MIND YOUR BUSINESS.
Simmons describes the secret to his unmarriage like this: “She, unlike the rest of the women on the planet, doesn’t torture me. Never ask the man where he’s going. The only person who should ever ask that is his mother.”
We know who wears the iron boots in the Simmons family
IF YOU CODDLE YOUR KIDS, YOU’RE A PANSY...
“The idea of negotiating with kids is lunacy. They’re not qualified to make any decisions,” says Simmons, who clearly won’t be sponsoring Kid Nation anytime soon. “In this permissive society, I see kids running into their rooms and slamming doors. I say, 'That’s my door, and your room is my room. Even the poop you poop out comes from food I bought you. That’s my poop!'”
...BUT IF YOU CODDLE YOURSELF, YOU’RE A LEGEND.
According to Simmons, there's nothing wrong with thinking you're the most charming fire-breathing demon around, even if you're not. “I’m in the Gene Simmons business. If I don’t prop myself up, who’s going to? Love yourself the most. And being a little delusional is good!”
DRUGS ARE FOR LOSERS...
Say it all together now: crack is whack! “I’ve never been high or drunk or smoked a cigarette because it’ll kill ya,” says Simmons. “A lot of people who’ve gotten high or smoked have also been married and divorced. So those choices are loser choices. I want to win every time.”
...AND LOSERS WON’T RULE THE WORLD!
With KISS still touring (their Kissology Vols. 1 and 2 DVDs recently debuted at No. 1) and businesses including NGTV.com, Simmons Comics Group and Simmons Abramson Marketing on the go, Gene Simmons is busier than the hot tub at Flavor Flav’s house.
“Here’s the secret: I enjoy everything I do,” he says. “There are no limits. You guys hate hearing this, but America’s where it’s at if you want riches and fame and success.” And if someone has a problem with that? “I’m too rich to care. Who gives a s---?”
Gene Simmons on TV in Holland
Tonight, Gene Simmons can quickly be seen on Dutch TV station Veronica. Starting at 20.30 hours local time, they’ll air Be Cool (the sequal to Get Shorty) in which Gene has a cameo.
Gene Simmons on TV in Belgium
Earlier this month, Belgian TV station Vitaya started airing the second season of Gene Simmons’ Rock School, also known as Rocken op Internaat in Belgium. The series airs every Tuesday night at 21.05 hours local time. Belgian TV magazine Humo recently had a short article on season two of Rock School (see image below), in which they compiled quotes from Gene on 10 different topics (“The 10 commandments according to master Gene”).
GENE SIMMONS INTERVIEW
ON MICHAEL EISNER CNBC SHOW
AIRDATES AND TIMES
Wednesday – September 26, 2007 - 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. (PST)
Sunday – September 30, 2007 – 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. (PST)
September 25th -
NICK'S HOMEWORK: HIS DAD!!!
Young, good lookin' and charming NICK called to let me know one of his first assignments in college was to do research on 20th CENTURY CENSORSHIP IN AMERICA. One of the people he was told to do research on? Gene Simmons!!!
Nick's response - "How freaky is that."
GENE SIMMONS ON CNBC's
"Conversations with Michael Eisner"
WEDNESDAY, September 26th, 9PM /12 ET on CNBC
Gene sits down with former Disney Chairman and CEO, Michael Eisner, to discuss everything from KISS to business, and why Nick and Sophie will never be rich off of his money....
Also, find out if there is a future in politics for The Demon....
Tune in THIS SUNDAY to A&E to watch the EXTRA LONG - 7 Hour - 14 Episodes GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS MARATHON.
Why so many episodes? Because you're watching us.
And, we thank you.
SEASON III continues to film and the new season will go on the air in Spring.
Gene Simmons interviewed on Urban Rush
This is a Canadian talk show and Gene is promoting the opening of his new clothing line and Frank's Energy Drink. Gene also reveals that Simmons/Abrams is about to get involved with the NHL.
Q & A with Gene Simmons
John Mackie
Vancouver Sun
Friday, September 14, 2007
An interview with Gene Simmons of Kiss and designer Jason Dussault at Leone's store in Vancouver, Sept. 14, 2007. The occasion was the launch of their new clothing line, Moneybag.
Jason Dussault: "Gene created this logo 28 years ago and trademarked it, which is obviously a moneybag. What a brilliant thing to trademark. He has also trademarked some other great names, like Dominatrix, which you would assume would be trademarked. I think he just trademarked that a year ago.
"We met a year ago. I made Gene this leather jacket, which was the demon smiting a samurai. It was my version of the demon from Kiss for Gene, his character. He really liked it, he liked the quality of the brand. He said 'I've got this logo, I'd like to do a high-end brand with it. What do you think?'
Uncensored celeb interviews make No Good network a big hit By Anna Fiorentino
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Interviewing Sacha Baron Cohen when he’s in his Borat character could unsettle many a reporter, but Carrie Keagan didn’t lose her cool. She perched in his lap as the cameras rolled.
The Internet has become a playground for celebrities unleashed, relinquishing the traditional interview to curse like regular people and rant like regular people.
No Good Television and its charismatic host Keagan are positioning their site (www.ngtv.com) as a haven for exhibitionist celebs.
“I love hanging with the great comedians. Borat, Mike Myers,Will Ferrell, Robin Williams and even Alan Alda,” said Keagan. “I have so much fun bantering back and forth with them - and being able to keep up with Robin was a huge accomplishment.”
While NGTV launched in February, it wasn’t until the Borat video hit YouTube in April that it became a major phenomenon. Now with more than 58 million views in five months, it’s become YouTube’s seventh-most-viewed clip.
But why would celebs let down their guard for anyone, much less a reporter? Easy - No Good TV makes it a policy to avoid personal questions, and gives celebrities free reign to talk about whatever they want.
Keagan and her co-hosts have listened to the cast of “Hairspray” admit to on-set hookups, and even challenged the boys from “SuperBad” to a phallic drawing contest.
“We’re upfront about what we do. Celebrities and their representatives know that we don’t ask personal questions or engage in that kind of tabloid journalism,” said Keagan. “Therefore, there is no chance of them being confronted with anything awkward or having to answer a question they don’t want to answer.”
The first network of its kind, NGTV reaches fans on an intimate level in 10,000 hours of exclusive,uncensored originals and director’s cut music videos. Disclaimer: All of NGTV content is marked uncensored or TV MA, marketed only to the 18-plus demographic.
“The Net truly is of the people and belongs to the people, and therefore we must protect this last bastion for free speech by practicing self-censorship and defining our own morality and not dictating morality to others, but, rather, allowing people to make theirminds up for themselves,” said Kourosh Taj, co-president and head of programming at No Good TV.
Taj said he will begin shopping around for a home for NGTV on late-night cable TV.
GENE SIMMONS’ ZIPPER OPEN TO THE PUBLIC THIS FALL New ongoing Sci-Fi series debuts from IDW and Simmons Comics Group in November
San Diego, CA (September 18, 2007) Weirdness will get a whole new meaning when rock legend Gene Simmons invades bookstores with his Sci-Fi outsider series, Zipper, this November. Featuring exciting cover art by Adriano Loyola and showcasing the long-awaited reunion of writer Tom Waltz and artist Casey Maloney, the creative team responsible for the hit trade paperback Children of the Grave (IDW Publishing), Zipper promises to take readers out of this world this Fall… in more ways than one.
Xeng Ral is a soldier whose sole purpose is to serve in defense of Etheria, his home planet. Xeng Ral is not an elite soldier, by any means—rather, he is simply one amongst many. But something happens to Xeng Ral while performing his duty, as has happened to others before him: he begins to question his purpose and contemplate his autonomy. He is affected by this... changed. He realizes his own capacity for individualism and wishes to explore it further. He begins to speak of himself as "One." In Etheria's collective society, this will not do. The Etherian solution to individualistic behavior is to "recondition" the Etherians who attempt to break away from the collective mentality. However, Xeng Ral does not want to be reconditioned, and is able to escape by donning a protective zippered dimensional suit (which will become the character's trademark look and claim to fame) and entering a wormhole that eventually lands him on Planet Earth.
This is where the adventure truly begins...
Series mastermind Gene Simmons credits a sci-fi classic as part of the inspiration for Zipper, as well as his own personal immigrant experience.
"The sense of ZIPPER came to me from Heinlin's Stranger In A Strange Land," says Simmons. "A human being, who was born on Mars and was raised by Martians, comes to Earth. The (Silver) Surfer is an alien, who comes to Earth. I was born in another country and came to America. All of us share a sense of being from the Outside. We are all Outsiders. Though I speak English well enough to have taught it in 6th Grade in Spanish Harlem (as well as all the other subjects), I still chuckle when I hear words like HOT DOG. I still envision a...'hot dog'. Literally. I find myself musing about how bizarre people are. 'What fools these mortals be'... indeed.
"Zipper is not from here," Simmons continues. "He is from the Nether Ether. A place Not Here. A place with different values—in fact, if you take Nietzche's take 'there is no universal good or bad' it's simply a cultural point of view, then you might understand some of the areas we will deal with. What I mean is, for head hunters in the Amazon, killing and eating a human being is perfectly fine. But here, if you're Jeffrey Dahmer, you are a monster and depraved. It's all a point of view. Zipper is not from here and the suit he wears is what we might wear when we do very deep into the depths of the ocean. The pressure would crush us, if we didn't have 'protective outer covering'... and that's what Zipper has. Picture Spider Man's outfit and inside is Venom."
DR. FRANK RYAN TO HOST “CURE IN THE CANYONS” BEAUTY EVENT
AT HIS MALIBU BONY PONY RANCH
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
LOS ANGELES, CA. September 11, 2007—An extravagant late morning Malibu event will kick off this year’s annual “Los Angeles Take A Hike” fund-raising efforts to find a cure for Breast Cancer. “Cure In The Canyons,” a spectacular Beauty-fest will be held at the Malibu Bony Pony Ranch of noted Beverly Hills plastic Surgeon, Dr. Frank Ryan, on Saturday, September 22, beginning at 11 a.m. and will feature celebrity Co-hosts and more than 25 of the top high-end industry beauty and wellness trendsetters who are donating their time and products to fund Breast Cancer research.
For a $40 tax-deductible ticket-price, Beauty Mavens will enjoy more than $800.00 worth of extraordinary free beauty treatments and samples as they meander through the amazing Malibu Bony Pony Ranch (www.bonyponyranch.com), and enjoy scores of luxury products and services where top beauty brands will give makeovers, facials, and hairstyling and skincare advice. A-list beauty purveyors include Ole Henriksen (the man himself will be there), Vincent Longo, Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics – with guest appearance by Peter and Pauline Youngblood, Kinerase, Paul Mitchell, Sephora, NIA 24, Anastasia, THE Brow Authority, skyn ICELAND, Angeleno Magazine, SHAPE and Foot Petals will get you head-to-toe gorgeous. Twin Magic Lashes by Daniel and Jimmy will be on-site for expert advice and free demos – whose backstage magic helped Madonna, JLO, Naomi Campbell and Lindsay be red-carpet ready. Participants can also luxuriate in the OPI Tent, relax in the Massage Tent and stretch with YogaWorks. Shell Vacation Club will offer fantasy vacations, while guests enjoy The Revolution Tea Room with Apple Spice Junction Cookies, Dole, Chocolates a la Carte along with Glaceau SmartWater, Korbel Champagne, Function Drinks and Olivier Napa Valley will give sumptuous treats. Attendees will receive a luxurious Gift Bag upon departure to add to their deluxe samples from the day.
Porsche will be at Cure in the Canyon’s lending their support while showcasing their latest Model.
Celebrity Co-Chairs of the event are actress/TV personalities, Shannon Tweed and daughter Sophie (currently starring in A&E’s “Gene Simmons Family Jewels.”) Celebrity Co-hosts for “Cure In The Canyons” are actresses CCH Pounder and Catherine Dent (“The Shield”), Lorraine Toussaint, co-star of “Saving Grace” on TNT, Dr. Frank Ryan, and more TBA. Many of Malibu’s prominent residents, as well as several personalities whose lives have been impacted by Breast Cancer, are expected to attend.
Actress Lorraine Toussaint explains her concern and why research is so important, “I walked through chemo with a friend of mine and saw the devastating effects it had on her. It was almost like the treatment was worse than the disease. We've got to do better. The time for treatment is over. It's time for a cure.”
“Cure In The Canyons” is an Expedition Inspiration Event, a fully accredited 501(c) 3 charitable organization. Funds raised go directly toward research and since its inception; Expedition Inspiration has raised more than $2 million on behalf of breast cancer initiatives, awarding research grants to, among others, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Centre and Dr. Michael Press, MD, PhD, who sits on their Medical Advisory Board.
The Bony Pony Ranch is located at 12555 Yerba Buena Road, Malibu, CA 90265.
Attendees are asked to come early to take advantage of as many product demonstrations and services as possible. Organizers of the event are offering additional incentives for guests who CARPOOL.
KISS bassist and Family Jewels star Gene Simmons autographs the tongue of a fan during the launch of his new clothing line, MoneyBag, at L2 Leone in Vancouver on Friday.
Gerry Kahrmann - The Province
The Province
Published: Friday, September 14, 2007
KISS bassist and television star/entrepreneur Gene Simmons was in Vancouver on Friday, cavorting with fans and, you guessed it, promoting his latest business venture - a clothing line called MoneyBag.
Simmons, whose trademark tongue has spawned countless impersonations and a magazine title, has joined forces with Vancouver's Dussault Inc. to take the fashion world by storm.
With the KISS Army to back him up, that shouldn't be too difficult as fans turned out in droves at L2 Leone on Howe St. to get the Family Jewels star's autograph -- some in places you'd never imagine an autograph would go.
It looks like Gene's KISS character is the most recognizable one. At least, it was used twice over the past year in the TV commercials here in Russia. First, there were two kvas "Nicola" commercial clips ("kvas" - is a traditional Russian drink made from rye, which is a little familiar to a non-alcoholic beer): with fake "Gene" and also "Michael Jackson" in them. They were banned eventually and therefore gone from the screen. And now there is a commercial for the "Star Factory" TV project - which is similar to the "American Idol" program. There are, as well, two clips with much more well-known characters in them: including Elvis, Madonna, Angus Young from AC/DC, Britney, Eminem and so forth. The KISS spot showing a guy wearing Gene's make-up and kind of a "Love Gun" outfit (with no wings!) spitting fire with "I Was Made For Lovin' You" playing at the background. The same images had been used in the print ads in the press as well.
NGTV.COM founders and co-Presidents Kourosh Taj and Jay Vir
have got to be hitting the roof with excitment re the ASTONISHING size and power of NG. We are now, reportedly over 80 million video views in 4 weeks. Bigger than the NBA. 4X Bigger Than NBC.
Front page cover stories on HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, LA TIMES/Calendar. Stories on Fox's BILL O'REILLY. SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, DENVER POST, GOSTON HERALLD....
And this is just the beginning.
It will blow you away. Check it out. Click here.
New letters posted...
Hi gene!
Just wanted to let you know that there's a huge billboard promoting Gene Simmons Family Jewels right next to Port Authority station on Manhattan.
"It's a Kiss world and we only live in it"!
Take Care
Always a fan
Adrian
All right Belgium, you wanted the best, you got the best & the hottest school in the world: Rock School.
Starting tonight at 21.00 local time on Vitaya: the second season of Rock School. Check teletext (page 149) or website (www.vitaya.be) for details.
Rock on!
Diederik, Belgian fan.
I knew I heard these guys’ names before! I had the immense pleasure of reviewing their graphic novel Children of the Grave for Independent Propaganda. Check that out here. Because that was simply an awesome and astounding book, and very scary, that needs to be checked out by everyone.
OK, listen up. This article isn’t just any guide to life, it’s the Gene Simmons guide to life. It comes complete with kabuki makeup, platform boots, an indecently long tongue, and multi-media branding opportunities. Batteries aren’t included because they’re for losers. Got it? Good.
Earlier this month, Belgian TV station Vitaya started airing the second season of Gene Simmons’ Rock School, also known as Rocken op Internaat in Belgium. The series airs every Tuesday night at 21.05 hours local time. Belgian TV magazine Humo recently had a short article on season two of Rock School (see image below), in which they compiled quotes from Gene on 10 different topics (“The 10 commandments according to master Gene”).
Young, good lookin' and charming NICK called to let me know one of his first assignments in college was to do research on 20th CENTURY CENSORSHIP IN AMERICA. One of the people he was told to do research on? Gene Simmons!!!
Tune in THIS SUNDAY to A&E to watch the EXTRA LONG - 7 Hour - 14 Episodes GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS MARATHON.
“I love hanging with the great comedians. Borat, Mike Myers,Will Ferrell, Robin Williams and even Alan Alda,” said Keagan. “I have so much fun bantering back and forth with them - and being able to keep up with Robin was a huge accomplishment.”
LOS ANGELES, CA. September 11, 2007—An extravagant late morning Malibu event will kick off this year’s annual “Los Angeles Take A Hike” fund-raising efforts to find a cure for Breast Cancer. “Cure In The Canyons,” a spectacular Beauty-fest will be held at the Malibu Bony Pony Ranch of noted Beverly Hills plastic Surgeon, Dr. Frank Ryan, on Saturday, September 22, beginning at 11 a.m. and will feature celebrity Co-hosts and more than 25 of the top high-end industry beauty and wellness trendsetters who are donating their time and products to fund Breast Cancer research.
It looks like Gene's KISS character is the most recognizable one. At least, it was used twice over the past year in the TV commercials here in Russia. First, there were two kvas "Nicola" commercial clips ("kvas" - is a traditional Russian drink made from rye, which is a little familiar to a non-alcoholic beer): with fake "Gene" and also "Michael Jackson" in them. They were banned eventually and therefore gone from the screen. And now there is a commercial for the "Star Factory" TV project - which is similar to the "American Idol" program. There are, as well, two clips with much more well-known characters in them: including Elvis, Madonna, Angus Young from AC/DC, Britney, Eminem and so forth. The KISS spot showing a guy wearing Gene's make-up and kind of a "Love Gun" outfit (with no wings!) spitting fire with "I Was Made For Lovin' You" playing at the background. The same images had been used in the print ads in the press as well.
NGTV.COM founders and co-Presidents Kourosh Taj and Jay Vir
All right Belgium, you wanted the best, you got the best & the hottest school in the world: Rock School.