Chicago KISS Expo 9/2/2005

By: Tia of Kat's Eyes

Chicago! Were you there? If not, your gonna wish you were. The 2005 ChicagoLand KISS Expo blew into the windy city suburb of Countryside Illinois on Saturday, June 3. The troops moved into the ballroom to take part in what has become a ritual for KISS fans, "The KISS Expo". Jim Frangella promoted the event and was supported by vendors and fans from all over the country.

About 40 tables full of nothing but pure KISS memorabilia began to fill the room by 6 A.M. Red eyed and running on pure adrenaline, KISS dealers were set and ready for the fans that were welcomed into the hall at 11. The most diverse collection of vintage and contemporary pieces of KISSTORY were made available to the fans in the upper mid-west on Saturday. Minutes from Chicago and less than a few hours from everywhere else, this event was a hit!

Smiles of fans both young and old spread across the masses as they were greeted by drummer, Eric Singer, who took a day out of his busy schedule to sign hundreds of autographs. The catman is currently touring with Alice Cooper. Be sure to catch Alice as he visits a venue in your town. Eric Singer always talks to each fan and gives them what they want, a look into his life as a rock star. Moreover, a member of The Hottest Band In The World! For fans that have not had opportunity to meet Eric, a word to describe him would simply be WOW! Fans passed by his table and had everything signed that one can imagine. It always starts like this when a fan speaks, "I saw you at...", and Eric listens intently as fans describe their KISS memory of choice. I had the opportunity to hear Eric field questions about KISS and lots of interest that always lies in the new lineup. Eric described Tommy as being so talented and a heck of a nice guy. This writer's opinion is that KISS is Alive and will be for a very long time. I believe new material and a tour will once again sell out stadiums around the world.

A big favorite in the hall was on display, an official KISS Motorcycle. Man this thing is nice. I don't have the details yet, but I want to tell you more about this work of engineering and art! I'll update you on this bike soon.

The ultra NEW KISS site KISSArmyWarehouse sold their wares across one end of the room, announced their launch next Friday. To celebrate the new venture, this KISS Glass Award that was once presented to KISS by Miami Arena commemorating their sold out Reunion show in 1996 was given to this lucky KISS fan. Hans at KISS4Sale took this shot. The cool KISSArmyWarehouse contribution to the expo was their dedication to the people hurting in the wake of the largest disaster in modern US history, Hurricane Katrina. Over $700 was gathered at the event to help those in need. Eric did a Q&A with the fans and announced an upcoming Indy event being put together to benefit the victims of Katrina.

Prior to Eric's Q&A, Bill Starkey, the founder and leader of the largest non-militant army in our country, told fans how a 1970s rock and roll uprising of KISS fans in Terre Haute, Indiana, was recognized by Gene, Paul, Peter, and Ace as the work of "The KISS Army". In Bill''s words Saturday, "Just look around the room. The KISS Army is Alive and Well!" A friend of Bill and army member present at the radio station conflict in Terre Haute was once again in support of his leader at this event. Drummer and Founder of Byar Drums, Jim Byar took a seat next to Bill to meet the fans.

KISS fan / college dean, Collette Shaw, of KISSFiction signed her book, "Won't Get Fooled Again", and talked to the fans. Wendy Moore was signing and selling her book, "Into the Void". If KISS manufactured one, Allan and Karen Mullins, promoters of the Cincinnati KISS Expo, probably had one on their table. KISS4Sale was represented by owner, Hans, at the far end of the room with a huge lot of great KISS collectibles. Warren Lapine, of the Official KISS Quarterly magazine is starting to be a regular around KISS Expos. Not to be confused with one that has issues, Warren definitely had issues at the event. Back issues and subscriptions of this cool contribution to the KISS community could be purchased from the creator himself. Don't wait; get yours now! KatsEyesProducts had quite a variety of pieces to pick from. This trio loves to talk to the younger fans especially. It is always interesting to hear the children talk about KISS just like the whole thing just started. I get the sense from the kids that there was Buzz Lightyear and now there is something new and cool to love, KISS. Even as a veteran fan, I have to agree, "We are just getting started".

Late in the evening, Angelo Coppola, Nine Year Old Boy Drummer, opened for the tribute bands. To see him in person, it is hard to imagine how a person of his age could pack such a punch behind the drums. Sheer talent! This boy is destined to become a star. Kings Of The Nighttime world hit the stage with their unplugged set. Paraphrasing Gene as he once explained, to do it with amps is one thing; to do it natural is another. A sign of a true musician. Becoming veterans among the tribute bands, by far the nicest, best looking, and the only all-female band, Black Diamond, ripped out another hard rocking show for the fans. If you get the chance, be sure to see a tribute band. I love this line and enjoy sharing with you what a "tribute band" Paul once screamed as he addressed the fans, "We're not KISS. We don't pretend to be KISS". Maybe not significant here but just to point out that when you see a tribute band, you will remember the experience. They Rock!

All good things come to an end. Just like a monumental KISS concert itself, the doors close, the vendors tear down, lights out, and on to the next Big KISS Blowout, a KISS Expo in your town. Be sure to check out the Baltimore / Washington Expo on October 16!

Photos By: Mike ____ & Jim Frangella