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Location: Dowagiac, MI, USA
How long have you been a KISS fan for? 13 Years. I've been a fan since the reunion. KISS were everywhere at the time, there is no way you could not take notice. It's funny though, there is a photo of me when I was 5, so that was 87-88, with me on a school field trip (I think to the zoo), where I had a on one of those Glitter/rubbery shirts and it was a big KISS logo! Except the 'K' and half the 'I' were missing. I guess I was destined to like KISS!
what was the first KISS record you heard? SMASHES, THRASHES & HITS. It wasn't the first one I owned, that would be ALIVE II and my second was CARNIVAL OF SOULS: THE FINAL SESSIONS. So my introduction to KISS varied
What was the first bit of KISS merchandise you bought? Well the I bought the KISS hat early on (Black with a silver logo), the first magazines I bought was the one with half a magazine and the other half the KISSnation comic book. The first T-Shirt was the Alive/Worldwide shirt with the LOVE GUN photo over New York. But beyond that, I believe it was the Paul Stanley Psycho Circus action figure.
What is your favourite piece you own, and which is the most rarest? My favorite piece and rarest is a Spencer's Cloth Banner. It was during the Farewell Tour and they had this banner out advertising KISS merchandise in the store. My friend went to school in Kalamazoo, MI and stopped by the mall one day and saw they had a price tag on it, so the next day we went up there so I could get it. $39.99. It was a little while down the road, 3-6 months, and I happened to be in Spencer's talking some other KISS fan and the manager steps in and mentions the banner. I said I was the one who bought it. He tells me there were roughly around 40 banners made and it was supposed to be shipped to other stores near where KISS was playing. For whatever reason this one didn't get shipped. It took a little while, but the manager got the ok to sell it. He said it was only out there for 2 days max. So what a coincidence. Now I have it signed by Gene twice, Paul, Eric, Ace and Bruce!
What KISS rarity would you most like to add to your collection? Either the Fire Helmet or Mego Dolls.
What does your family or partner think of your KISS obsession? My family supports it and is always looking out for stuff for me. Another one of my early items was a Gene Simmons Halloween mask my dad bought for me. If his friends are over he is always showing off my room. I used to live with my uncle for a while too, so I had to take down and move my stuff and put back up. He always showed it off too. My girlfriend is great and actually met her because of KISS. I PM'd her on a KISS board (this one) cause I saw she was from MI and went to the same school one of my friend went to. I struck up a conversation. Things just clicked from there. My collection is bigger.
The room. The floor is actually a pixelized version of the KISS logo.
Lots of stuff plus a Paul Ibanez guitar
Many posters plus his home-made painting he did in high school!
Some home-made KISS masks (including the Hawk!!!)
Custom-made Hook-latch rug, and Icon bedspread
Custom KISS sign with Fiber Optic Bust and Motion Lamp
A home-made wood cut logo table with Gene-boot feet!
(All pics courtesy of Gappvembe)