Photos by Mary & Amanda, Ted Wilson, and Ted Brown II.

The 3rd annual Cincy KISS Expo was held on Sunday, April 24, in the midst of a freak cold spell that hit the area. No significant bad weather but significant Rock and Roll was served up to hundreds of devoted KISSFREAKS in Ohio.

Vendors started setting up by 6 A.M. to be ready for the line of VIPs that stormed the room at 10. Dealers were representing nothing but the best online stores as well as numerous retail collector shops. Keith Leroux - KISSASYLUM, Spencer's, KISSDUNGEON, KISSFREAKS, and so many others were peddling their wares. New and vintage, rare and bulk, it was there.

The KISS Army was met by Bill Starkey and his second in command Ted Wilson making photographs and signing autographs for the fans. Also at the Expo were authors Gordon Gebert, Bob McAdams and Wendy Moore. The Official KISS Magazine sold subscriptions to the masses throughout.

SSG filled the house with ear shattering pure rock and roll and did a set with BRUCE KULICK early in the day. Talk sessions with all the guests were cool. Some approached a little risqué but still were interesting as well as entertaining. Mr. Speed ended the show with their always hard rocking version of a KISS experience that even a die-hard-fan would love. Mr. Speed's Paul made one funny comment on stage that I thought was worth noting, "You came to rock. We are not KISS. We don't pretend to be KISS…" (Where is Eric Singer and a drum crash when you need him following a comment like that?) The Black Diamond Girls made no music but hosted the costume contest. There were more Genes in the contest there than hang in my wife's closet. The contest was entered by a couple dozen fully outfitted and made-up true KISSers. Bill France was the Gene of choice. Check him out. Allen, the host, took ill early and his lovely wife Karen took charge and pulled off yet another winning KISS event. Lots of door prizes were given to lucky VIP ticket holders. I have only attended a few expos myself, and I must say, if you are a fan, go to the expos. The Expos are in my opinion, a rush, much like you get at a real KISS concert. Don't wait for a tour to get Crazy with KISS, get a genuine KISS experience when it comes to your town. Check out KISSFREAKS for the upcoming KISS Expos and related events.

Review by: Tia, KISSFREAKS