It Was 35 Years Ago Today...

Yea, another KISS thread. Sue me. I just thought this story (from Blabbermouth) was pretty cool and had to share.


KISS Celebrating 35th Anniversary Of First Concert Today - Jan. 30, 2008

Thirty-five years ago today — January 30, 1973 — KISS performed its very first concert at Popcorn (The Coventry) in Queens, NY. The band played two sets at the club that night for a crowd of under 10 people.

Earlier this week, KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons recalled how that show came about: "1973 was the beginning. WICKED LESTER [pre-KISS] had just finished its album for Epic Records. There were five members in the band, including Paul [Stanley] and myself. Though we had a real recording contract with a major label, and though we had finished an entire album, we were depressed. It just wasn't what we had envisioned. So, we started again. We tried firing the other three guys in WICKED LESTER, but some wouldn't leave. So, we quit. We started again with a vision. 'Let's put together the band we never saw on stage' We got a manager named Lou Linet, who managed JF MURPHY AND FREE FLOWING SALT and DIANA MARCOVITZ (or something like that)...and when he heard the newborn baby — KISS. He thought it was the worst crap he had ever heard. Needless to say, he was gone immediately. So, we were managerless. I put together a bio kit while I worked at the Puerto Rican Interagency Council as assistant to the director. Peter's [Criss] friend owned a printing press and printed up our invites. But where to play? We didn't have a manager. We didn't have an agent. We never had. I made a phone call cold to a place called Popcorn in Queens, NY and on the phone convinced the guy to hire a band, who would soon be changing their name from WICKED LESTER to KISS. We got the gig — three nights — Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for the sum total of $150. That was the beginning."

That's really weird. It was only 20 years ago today that Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play.

*making phone calls to attorney, filing subpoena*

T-Roy wrote:

*making phone calls to attorney, filing subpoena*

I'm sorry, did Gene $immons already have a copywrite on that phrase?

No, I'm suing Freddy, he said to. I need the money....you want in?

T-Roy wrote:

No, I'm suing Freddy, he said to. I need the money....you want in?

"Ahhhhh, I see" said the blind man. Sure, count me in for a few grand.

lets go for the collection too.

Thats awesome for Kiss! Its not often you see a band around 35 years!

T-Roy wrote:

lets go for the collection too.

Ohhh, that's really going for the jugular. I hear he's got some sweet Metallica vinyls.

SCORE!!!

No respect, I tells ya. No respect at all.

YOU CAN HAVE MY METALLICA VINYLS WHEN YOU PRY THEM FROM MY COLD DEAD FINGERS!!
:kickbutt:

Fat Freddy wrote:

No respect, I tells ya. No respect at all.

YOU CAN HAVE MY METALLICA VINYLS WHEN YOU PRY THEM FROM MY COLD DEAD FINGERS!!
:kickbutt:

dont worry i intend to Freddy

TheGooch wrote:

Fat Freddy wrote:

No respect, I tells ya. No respect at all.

YOU CAN HAVE MY METALLICA VINYLS WHEN YOU PRY THEM FROM MY COLD DEAD FINGERS!!
:kickbutt:

dont worry i intend to Freddy

Don't YOU start with me too!!!

FF, you left this part of the press release out....

Fake Press Release wrote:

"To commorate this grand anniversary in the history of KISS, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have released a 6 disc DVD box set that goes into detail, minute by minute of this landmark show. Also there will be 3 minutes of the show that are not released on the original 6 discs. Each of these minutes will be released seperately at different retailers. An exclusive minute will distributed to Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Tractor Supply Stores nationwide. Be sure to pick up your copies today!"

spectrefate wrote:

FF, you left this part of the press release out....

Fake Press Release wrote:

"To commorate this grand anniversary in the history of KISS, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have released a 6 disc DVD box set that goes into detail, minute by minute of this landmark show. Also there will be 3 minutes of the show that are not released on the original 6 discs. Each of these minutes will be released seperately at different retailers. An exclusive minute will distributed to Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Tractor Supply Stores nationwide. Be sure to pick up your copies today!"

At least it's on topic.

I myself wonder if Gene $immon$ still has his share of that first $150 payday framed and hanging on the wall somewhere in that big ol' house of his.

Fat Freddy wrote:

spectrefate wrote:

FF, you left this part of the press release out....

Fake Press Release wrote:

"To commorate this grand anniversary in the history of KISS, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have released a 6 disc DVD box set that goes into detail, minute by minute of this landmark show. Also there will be 3 minutes of the show that are not released on the original 6 discs. Each of these minutes will be released seperately at different retailers. An exclusive minute will distributed to Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Tractor Supply Stores nationwide. Be sure to pick up your copies today!"

At least it's on topic.

I myself wonder if Gene $immon$ still has his share of that first $150 payday framed and hanging on the wall somewhere in that big ol' house of his.