Band members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley were served subpoenas by private investigator Steve Rambam, who had been authorized as a special process server by Cook County Circuit Judge James G. Donegan.

The case involves Jesse M. Hilsen, 63, who was Kiss' business manager during the late '80s and early '90s and is now a fugitive living in South Africa. There have been warrants out for his arrest since 1994, and a federal grand jury re-indicted him in July. Hilsen, who reportedly owes his former wife Rita at least $2 million, has been on the run since 1994.

The purpose of the subpoenas is to determine what, if any, financial ties exist between Hilsen and the band, as well as whether any band members have been in touch with him since he became a fugitive. Hilsen had been guitarist Stanley's psychiatrist for several years before becoming the band's business manager. He and the band split in 1992.

"We have reason to believe they have some assets belonging to Jesse," said Chicago attorney Jonathan Clark Green, who is representing Rita Hilsen and who was present for the serving of the subpoena.

The subpoena, called a citation to discover assets to a third party, seizes the assets of a debtor that may be in possession of a third party.

Rambam and Green, followed by a Tribune reporter and photographer and a film crew from CBS' "48 Hours," which is documenting the case, arrived at the Tinley Park concert venue shortly after 5 p.m. and met with security personnel. Rambam and Green eventually were ushered backstage, where they met with Stanley and Simmons and served them with the papers.

"They kept bumping us up the food chain," said Rambam, who works out of New York and Texas, "higher and higher through the levels of Tweeter Center security. They realized the documents were legitimate and let us meet with the band."

Simmons and Stanley, he said, "were incredibly gracious and they wanted to know more about the case. I wished them both a Shana Tova, a happy [Jewish] new year, and they wished me a Shana Tova back."

The band did not issue a statement. "They said they'd prepare some sort of press release later," Rambam said.

Jesse and Rita Hilsen were married in 1965; divorce proceedings were started in 1984 and the divorce was granted in 1988. Jesse Hilsen, then a well-known Manhattan psychiatrist, was ordered to pay $750 a week spousal maintenance plus $200 a week for the couple's two minor children. Marital assets, worth more than $2 million at the time of the divorce, according to court papers, were also to be divided evenly.

From: Andrzej 'UNJAY' Adamcewicz

As some of you might now, but if you don’t, Ex-Guns N’ Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke has been touring over the summer with veteran rockers Heart since June and will join sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, along with bassist Mike Inez, Ben Smith and Darien, in Seattle, WA to record a new album next month.

In other Clarke news, the guitarist will get together with former KISS drummer Eric Singer and bassist Stefen Adika for two solo performances in Mexico. The first of two shows will take on November 13 th at the Bulldog Café in Mexico City, while the second gig will happen at the Hard Rock Live venue in Guadalajara on November 15 th .

Other musical projects include producing The Bronx last month for their self-titled Ferret Records release. Also, Gilby’s first band “Candy” has released their rare and previously unreleased album, Teenage Neon Jungle , and is available for purchase at CDBaby.com.

While some observers believe VIP packages are purely profit-motivated, other industry experts contend that, in this case, greed really is good - fans get unprecedented access and extra special souvenirs.

"I don't think it's greed. I think there are some bands that may try it out of greed, but the true professionals are doing it for the fans," said John Kunz, executive director of Alpine Valley Music Theatre in East Troy, which will host two VIP package-selling bands, Aerosmith and KISS, on Sept. 6.

"Now, instead of the bands deciding who gets to meet them, the fans decide if they want to meet the bands," Kunz added.

And the fans are buying.

Jason White spent $2,000 on a pair of VIP packages for himself and wife Brandy to celebrate his 30th birthday with KISS at the band's recent show in his hometown of Indianapolis.

"The last couple shows, I paid close to that amount to scalpers. Why not get backstage and meet the band, too?" said White.

The "Platinum Experience" package landed the Whites great seats, special T-shirts and laminates, professionally snapped photos posing with KISS and a half-hour of quality time chatting with the band, plus a load of KISS-themed loot.

White said he has no problem forking over cash that would probably otherwise land in a scalper's pocket.

"I'm a businessman, and they're businessmen, too," said White, a general manager at a collision repair service.

"It makes wonderful sense for the bands and I don't blame them for taking advantage of a situation that others have been taking advantage of for years," White added.

The members of KISS have been consummate self-marketers throughout their three-decade-plus career - what other band has marketed its own brand of coffins, credit cards and condoms? Selling backstage access seems like a natural for the face-painted foursome.

Current co-headlining tour mates Aerosmith also have their own "Velvet Rope Backstage Pass."

For $650 per person, the pass - which is available to Aero Force One fan club members who've paid their $35 annual membership - promises a seat in the first 10 rows and a pre-show party, sans band. According to the AeroForceOne.com Web site, however, "though never guaranteed, these packages often include chances to meet band and crew."

The Net highs, lows
That chance to meet the band and crew can amount to high-fiving Steven Tyler as his chauffeured SUV drives by and eating roadie lunch leftovers, however, as Gregg Aldana, 27, learned when he purchased both the KISS Platinum Experience and Aerosmith Velvet Rope packages for the bands' Aug. 9 show at the Nissan Pavilion, outside Washington, D.C.

Aldana posted a detailed accounting of the evening's highs and lows at his Web site (www.foamcube.com/KissAerosmith/KissReview.htm). In an e-mail interview, Aldana reported that despite a few disappointments, it was a worthwhile experience.

"What did it for me was finally getting to take a professional picture with all four KISS members in makeup . . . in addition to great seats and interaction with the band, the picture is the ultimate souvenir with KISS Army bragging rights for life!" enthused Aldana.

Aldana, a software engineer who lives in Alexandria, Va., has seen KISS more than 30 times in concert and met the band backstage informally in the early '90s, but was a VIP package newbie until his Aug. 9 double-header.

Would he pay four figures for another VIP experience with his favorite band again?

"In a heartbeat," Aldana replied.

Base ticket prices for the Aerosmith / KISS bill at Alpine Valley are $128 for reserved pavilion seating, $48 for the lawn. Even those not-cheap "regular guy" seats are selling well for what Clear Channel's Kunz said will be the largest-scale production ever mounted at the outdoor East Troy venue.

Base ticket prices for the Sept. 5 Marcus Amphitheater date on Alabama's farewell tour are more affordable at $10-$50. But the country legend's top-end VIP package sends fans home with one heck of a doggie bag.

For a base price of $1,004.75, the Platinum Bama package includes a seat in the first two rows, backstage post-show pass and photo with the band plus a limited edition, autographed and numbered Epiphone electric guitar.

Most venues on the current Alabama tour have been selling out of the 20 or so Platinum Bama packages. High-end packages for Aerosmith and KISS have all been sellouts.

All three bands also have been doing brisk business with mid-level VIP deals in the $150-$300 range which typically include band merchandise and either a guaranteed seat in a premium section or "first shot" at seats through a special Internet pre-sale.

Ticketing clout
"Everybody is searching to find the top end of the business . . . Fans will do crazy things - and are willing to pay for it," said Gary Bongiovanni, editor of concert industry tracker Pollstar.

Bongiovanni believes VIP packages may be a growing trend. Bands are seeing profits in other areas fall as CD sales tumble and record labels continue their traditional chokehold on royalties.

"The economy of the entertainment business has dictated that even the biggest artists make only a tiny percentage off recorded music," said Bongiovanni.

"But in the concert business, the lion's share of that ticket price goes to the artists. They've realized that's where they have the most clout," Bongiovanni added.

The current sluggish economy hasn't hurt the high-end VIP sales, either.

"There's always going to be that select market, maybe only 10 or 20 people, willing to fork over that kind of money," Bongiovanni said.

In fact, given the economy's current state, the popularity of VIP packages among fans is surprising even industry veterans.

"When we heard that price, we were all taken aback," said Kunz about the Platinum Bama package.

"But what would you do to meet your favorite band?" Kunz added. "I'm a huge Eddie Van Halen fan and if I wasn't in this business, if I could get a signed guitar and meet Eddie, I'd pay it."

VIP packages are unlikely to become an industry-wide standard, however, because they won't work for every band, say experts.

KISS, Aerosmith and Alabama all tend to draw fans who are 30 and older, have disposable income and are willing to pay for good seats - the same fan base that traditionally goes to ticket brokers and scalpers because they don't want to wait in line for tickets or sit in the rafters.

"People want to pay for quality. The person going to that Alabama show is probably only going to one show this year," said Kunz.

"If the band's not going to sell it for that price, the scalper will. At least you get a guitar," Kunz added.

Rising bands and those that attract younger followings are likely to continue to use the traditional free "meet and greet" as a promotional tool. At the Milwaukee stop of the 2003 Vans Warped Tour earlier this month, for example, nearly all of the 70-plus bands performing set up their own booths to sign autographs and press the flesh with punk rock kids during the daylong event.

The VIP package trend may mean the end of traditionally free face time, usually sponsored by a local radio station or fan club, for many established bands with older fan bases, however.

Money-grubbing? Duh, say the fans who are still opening their wallets.

"While I feel KISS is generally known as being greedy marketing geniuses that try to cash in on their fans at every chance, their VIP package is actually worth every penny," noted KISS Army lieutenant Aldana.

At the same time, VIP packages are largely non-transferable, which means scalpers can't purchase them and then resell them for double the price.

The only downside may be the unexpected dose of reality VIP ticket-holders can experience when they fulfill their dream of hanging with the guys who wanna rock and roll all night and party every day.

"It was kind of a family atmosphere backstage," said KISS fan Jason White. "It sort of ruined the mystique of the wild rock and roll party."

The ORIGINAL TEXAS Kiss Tribute Band, THE BAND NOT FORMERLY KNOWN AS KISS, will reunite for a special OCTOBER 4th show in Houston (on the eve of the KISS CONCERT on Oct 5th in Houston). The band will be playing at the 610 ARENA which will be holding CLEAR CHANNEL's CRYPT OF FEAR/FEST EVIL. THE BAND NOT FORMERLY KNOWN AS KISS first began in 1996 as a non makeup band and became the TEXAS Tribute that wore the famous DRESSED TO KILL album attire. In October of 2000, they put on the full costumes (a mix between Lovegun and Destroyer) and played the entire month at Six Flags Fright Fest on top of many other shows in Texas. The band broke up and members went on to other projects (including Deuce and Destroyer) until now, when they have reunited to play this special show for 101 KLOL. For more information on THE BAND NOT FORMERLY KNOWN AS KISS, please email KissTributeEmail@aol.com

From: Phil at concertlivewire.com

Joining forces as co-headliners, 70s rock icons Aerosmith and KISS dusted off their collective catalogs and made their stop at Alpine Valley Music Theatre last Saturday night. The KISS army were ever present , decked out in enough make-up and KISS wear to make an entire Cirque du Soleil troop smear their lipstick with drool. They were here to see their powerful rock 'n' roll mimes carry out their special brand of circus of the absurd. With enough pyrotechnics to make NASA proud, KISS stormed the stage like demented clowns at a John Wayne Gacy training seminar. Gene Simmons, a self-proclaimed marketing mastermind, in full disguise with his tight leather studded jumpsuit topped off with flapping bat wings, forced down the hype like a death row con choking on his last meal. But, hey their appeal has never been in their simple and limited lyrics or their 1-2-3 chord progressions they like to call rock 'n' roll. Their appeal is rooted in how they've taken P.T. Barnum's flair for showmanship and layered it on top of the simple chords and choruses and beat their over-the-top drum without apologies. Kicking out the three chord dragster race, Simmons beat his bass sneeringly as Paul Stanley's (his physique still resembling a 70s porn star) vocals were still surprisingly sharp even though the band chose a less than desirable selection from their catalog. "Beth" and "Rock and Roll All Nite" among them. The smoke, fire and resounding explosions did however, keep the Detroit Rock City circus rolling in the hills of Southeast Wisconsin.
[Click here to read the rest!]

-This year’s special guest is former KISS guitarist BRUCE KULICK! Bruce will be on hand to sign autographs and will do an extensive Q and A session and telling fans all about his new projects! His awesome new CD, Transfomer, will also be available at the show! Bruce is looking forward to seeing all his fans here so don’t miss out! Also set to appear, KISS and Tell book author Gordon Gebert. Montreal’s own Phantoms of the Park will pay tribute to the hottest band in the land in full makeup and costume!

-We are also very pleased to announce that Sanctuary Records has supplied us with awesome ALIVE IV promo goodies for give-aways, including the brand new KISS SYMPHONY DVD! The KISS look-alike contest is once again part of this exciting day. Dress up as your favourite KISS member and win great prizes! Tickets are 15.00$ Canadian at the door. VERY few laminated VIP passes left. HURRY as these passes are NOT available for sale the day of the show, only in advance! In case you didn’t know, these passes allow you to get in at 10:15 am instead of 11:00 am and get a first look at rare KISS merchandise for sale and maybe meet a special guest or two! HOURLY door prizes too! Children under 12 with paying adult get in for FREE!

-Free KISS SYMPHONY promo poster for the first 100 fans through the door!

-The best dealers in KISS merchandise will be present all day with killer KISS collectibles, including a few fans selling their personal collections so this is a good time to find that missing piece for your own collection!

-KISS museum display with super rare KISS items as well! HOURLY door prizes! This year’s show will be our biggest and best one yet! If you liked our past shows, you will absolutely love this one. This show is put together by fans for fans. As die-hards ourselves, we are very dedicated to make this show better than the previous ones! Check out our web site at www.kissexpo.com or call the Montreal KISS Expo hotline at 450-348-4900 for any question or VIP reservations or dealer table information! See you all there and tell your friends about us!

You have to see this! Too funny!

http://www.exposedflashers.com/gallery/nebraska/8/al4a.htm

Another great dvd cover by Bruce Sullivan.
[Download now!]

These 10" and 18" carnival KISS dolls are the hardest to find. Although an official product they are only available at carnivals and crane machines. The 10" versions are small enough to go anywhere with you. The 18" versions include individual instruments such as Gene's Axe bass. These are an official item and are very hard to find for purchase. Only sold in a set of 4. 10" set is $9.99 plus shipping and the 18" set is $19.99 plus shipping.
[Click for more information on ordering]

From: Jim Ryan

Dear KISS Fans,

It is with a heavy heart that I must announce the cancellation of the Denver
KISS Expo. Due to unforeseen circumstances, this is necessary.

Please contact Jim Ryan at starman12us@yahoo.com, denexpo2003@yahoo.com or cell phone number 970-388-6080 for your refund and any questions that you
may have.

I know that this is a huge disappointment, and I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this has, or will, cause you.

From: Sanctuary
On September 8, 2003, Sanctuary Visual Entertainment is set to unleash KISS Symphony on DVD and VHS. This spectacular one-off concert celebrates the bands' 30th Anniversary, and was filmed on 28 February 2003 at the Telstra Dome, Sydney. Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, Gene Simmons and long time KISS family member Tommy Thayer, joined forces with the prestigious 60-piece Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, for this sell-out, extravaganza of spectacular theatrical rock'n'roll entertainment. The results are nothing short of a symphonic explosion of pure unadulterated rock with an injection of classical music backing. The concert is split into three acts. The first part of the show kicks off with a powerhouse rock set by KISS. The band performs over-the-top live renditions of Let Me Go Rock & Roll and Psycho Circus, followed by an unplugged set with the Melbourne Symphony Ensemble string quartet. This 2-disc DVD set is presented in a deluxe 6-panel digipack alongside a 12-page souvenir booklet; all contained within an embossed slipcase with metallic print. Unquestionably, this was a once in a life time show for KISS fans, and this DVD is a must have for anyone who missed the live extravaganza! Special Features include: Photo Gallery, KISS interview, KISS Performance of Sure Know Something with The Melbourne Symphony Ensemble on Australian TV Show ROVE LIVE!
[Click to find out more]

KISS Symphony Alive IV

Tuesday, September 9th @ 7:30 PM

Here is a list of presenting theatres:
Chamblee GA - HOLLYWOOD STADIUM 24 @ NORTH I-85 3265 N.E. Expressway Access
MARLBOROUGH MA - SOLOMON POND 15 591 DONALD J LYNCH BLVD
Lincolnshire IL - LINCOLNSHIRE STADIUM 20 plus Imax 300 Parkway Drive
Dallas TX - GALAXY THEATRE STADIUM 10 11801 Mccree Road
Denver CO - PAVILIONS 15 500 16Th Street #310
Walled Lake MI - COMMERCE TOWNSHIP STADIUM 14 3033 Springvale Drive
Portage MI - CROSSROADS 10 6600 Ring Road
BRANFORD CT - BRANFORD 12 325 E MAIN ST
Jacksonville FL - AVENUES STADIUM 20 9525 Phillips Highway
Irvine CA - IRVINE SPECTRUM 21 65 Fortune Drive
Miami FL - MOVIES @ THE FALLS 12 9000 S.W. 136Th Street
MINNEAPOLIS MN - BROOKLYN CENTER STADIUM 20 6420 Camden Avenue North
New York NY - UNION SQUARE STADIUM 14 850 Broadway
Butler PA - MORAINE POINTE CINEMA 10 300 Moraine Pointe Plaza
Portland OR - LLOYD CENTER STADIUM 10 CINEMA 1510 NE Multnomah Blvd.
TAUNTON MA - SILVER CITY MALL 10 2 GALLERIA MALL DR
San Diego CA - MIRA MESA STADIUM 18 10733 Westview Parkway
Auburn WA - AUBURN STADIUM 17 THEATRES 1101 Super Mall Way, Suite 901
Tampa FL -CITRUS PARK STADIUM 20 7999 Citrus Park Town Center Mall
Royal Palm Beach FL - ROYAL PALM BEACH STADIUM 18 1003 State Road 7
Arlington VA - BALLSTON COMMON STADIUM 12 671 N. Glebe Road

Hi Steve,
Just wanted to say it was great meeting you at the Detroit KISS Expo. Here are some pictures I took. Feel free to use any if you want. http://www6.brinkster.com/mowiesny/kissexpo.html

Have Fun
Mark

KISS Freaks Note: Great pictures Mark. I will have some of mine up on KISS Freaks in the next week or so.

DVD Features:
Region 0
NTSC Color
Total Time: 100 min
Sound: Dolby 2.0 and 5.1
Original audio: english

Track Listing:
1. Introduction
2. Detroit Rock City
3. Cold Gin
4. Creatures Of The Night
5. Fits Like a Glove
6. Heaven's on Fire
7. Thrills In The Night
8. Guitar Solo
9. Under The Gun
10. War Machine
11. Drums Solo
12. Young And Wasted
13. Bass Guitar Solo
14. I Love It Loud
15. I Still Love You
16. Love Gun
17. Lick It Up
18. Black Diamond
19. Rock And Roll All Night

This concert was recorded live in Detroit, MI in December of 1984.

This is a brand new region 0, NTSC factory sealed DVD. Region 0 DVD's can be played in any NTSC (US, Canada, Japan) DVD Player. Awesome DVD, looks as if it took place yesterday. Amazing quality of video footage.

[Click here to order]

I decided to start giving away things on the mailing list to encourage more people to join. So the giveaway for September is a white "70's Show" Tshirt. You just have to be a member of the KISS Freaks Email List, doesn't matter when you joined.

"How the West Was Won" live triple cd from Led Zeppelin prize for August was won by Kenneth Brown Pyrites, N.Y. Enjoy Kenneth! In the coming months I will giveaway some KISS related items.

What do you have to do to win? Just sign up for the KISS Freaks Email List below. I will pick one fan at random at the end of the month, email that fan to notify them and get address info, then ship the cd.