Mesmerizing too, mesmerizing to you...
I'm writing somewhat of a music post today in preparation for my top albums countdown which I anticipate posting on Thursday or Friday. While this is going to be all over the place and could technically work as a Snippet Wednesday, it is, at least, all music related. So buckle your seatbelts!
First of all, a big happy birthday to former/current/and-former-again (oh hell, make it simple and just call him "founding") KISS drummer Peter "Catman" Criss. Pete and founding guitarist Ace Frehley remain very close to my heart. And Pete was the vocalist on classics like "Beth" and "Black Diamond," so that makes him übercool. Happy birthday, Peter! [photo courtesy of LucyPhotos]
On the KISS front, congrats to perennial bachelor Gene Simmons on his marriage to very longtime girlfriend Shannon Tweed. Not sure why he finally decided to take the plunge but I am happy for him.
I'd now like to take a moment and denounce web hoaxes. This morning, I was catching up on a few Tweets and someone had posted something about Kip Winger of the 80s hair band Winger dying. Much like Stuart from Beavis & Butt-head, I was a fan of Winger (I was just a little more closeted about it) and I was kinda upset to hear that Kip died. I almost went so far as to Tweet about it until I Googled and found absolutely no news supporting the claim. Nor was there an update to his Wikipedia page. When someone dies, it seems like Wikipedia pages get updated faster than the media or social media can get word out there. Not sure how they do it, but they do. And there was no news about Kip's untimely demise so I'm assuming it's untrue. Any word to the contrary?
Speaking of deaths in music, I'd like to offer a rest in peace to one hairbander who did die this year, Jani Lane of Warrant. I was also a Warrant fan back in the day having seen them live twice as the opening act for both Motley Crue and Poison. Great live band, no question. And Jani was a solid frontman.
Several bands met their demise this year as well. Officially disbanding this year were R.E.M., LCD Soundsystem, Rilo Kiley, and The White Stripes. Not saying they can't get together down the road for reunion shows, but, for the time being at least, they are all ceasing to exist and I will miss them all.
On the flip side of that record, this coming year I have albums from several artists to look forward to. Most have released EPs or singles throughout 2011 that will hopefully be part of their full studio albums. Just a few that I am looking forward to, without consulting a master list of expected 2012 releases, are Mazzy Star, Of Monsters & Men, Tennis, and Lana Del Rey. Yes, the same Mazzy Star. How long has it been?
Do you remember that meme I did the other day where I had to list the music celebrity I'd most like to have a romantic night with? Not to take anything away from Ms. Mónae, but I can't believe I forgot Liz Phair. FACEPALM
And if there's one music-related celebrity I'd divorce right now, it's Jane Lynch. Yes, she's an actress, not a musician. But she is one of the stars of a TV musical and her current string of Barnes & Noble Nook e-reader ads feature her singing, so the allusion works for me. Suffice it to say, I'M SICK TO DEATH OF SEEING HER EVERYWHERE!! Make it stop. Please.
Until my next post, I bid you all adieu!
Kip Winger?! Hahaha - no, I mean, no - I hadn't heard that rumor. I heard the Jon Bon Jovi one, though. I was never a fan of Mazzy Star, or Warrant, for that matter, even though I met them back in the day. Having a friend with HUGE boobs in high school worked out well for meeting bands in the 80's.
Posted by: Sybil Law | Wednesday, 21 December 2011 at 11:02 AM
On and off we sometimes watch Gene Simmons' Family Jewels on TV and I _think_ the reason he got married was because he cheated on her or something, so to make ammeds he proposed. Again, I _think_ that's what happened so don't quote me. The episode we watched was the both of them in some kind of couple's therapy right before the wedding.
Posted by: Kevin Spencer | Wednesday, 21 December 2011 at 11:43 AM
I've been a KISS fan since 1975, when my mom stopped me from sneaking out of the house to go to a KISS concert with my friend (yes, I was only 12 at the time, but I was starting to embrace the rock n roll). I remember the first time I heard "Beth" and thought it was a soft and tender song (I didn't use those exact words to describe it). The last time Peter performed with KISS was at the closing ceremony of the 2002 Olympics here in Salt Lake City. I, sadly, missed that performance live (but saw it on TV with the rest of the world).
Gene Simmons getting married... I really thought he was the hold out. His whole personal life was about being free, even though he was with Shannon for years. I'm still trying to figure this one out.
Kip Winger is still alive. At least according to this article (which also mentions another KISS member performing):
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=167472
Jani Lane was a great frontman. Good to know you are a fan so when I break out in "Cherry Pie" or "Uncle Tom's Cabin", I will at least hear one set of hands clapping.
Didn't hear about Rilo Kiley calling it quits. I admit to missing LCD Soundsystem the most. At least I got to see them live once (2007, opening for Arcade Fire)
Sorry to make this comment so long. So much good stuff to comment on today.
Posted by: Marty Mankins | Wednesday, 21 December 2011 at 12:07 PM
You not only who're yourself out but your friend, too? I'm so proud!
Posted by: kapgar | Wednesday, 21 December 2011 at 12:24 PM
That sullies it a bit.
Posted by: kapgar | Wednesday, 21 December 2011 at 12:24 PM
I figured you'd dig on a music post. I will not only clap as you sing those Warrant tracks, but I'll sing along with you! Just found an MP3 copy of DRFSR a month or so ago and loving it. I wish I could say I've been a KISS fan as long as you but I was only born in 74 and started listening in 88. But I've seen them live three times. Always great.
Posted by: kapgar | Wednesday, 21 December 2011 at 12:34 PM