How long have you been a KISS fan for and what was the first KISS record you heard? Have been a KISS fan since 6 years old (1978) My first KISS record was ALIVE! I received it (against their better judgement) from my parents as a passing (school) gift ! That record changed my life forever … opening the gatefold to find the booklet inside was a feeling I still to this day have never forgotten. Putting the record on my, then, Fisher Price record player, played the hugest role in making me the person I am today!
What was the first bit of KISS merch you bought? My first KISS merchandise came from the older brother of a friend in grade school … it was a set of about 100, Series 1 Donruss Cards, glued to a bristol board (lol) … I had never been so proud to own anything (even though glueing the cards to the board TOTALLY destroyed their value) It didn't matter … I HAD KISS CARDS !!!
What is your favourite piece you own, and which is the most rarest? My favourite piece would have to be a set of Eric Carr's drumsticks … the last set from his HOT IN THE SHADE stick bag … personally handed to me by Eric's mother at the one-year memorial service held for Eric in New Jersey. She was flattered by a tattoo that I have of Eric on my right shoulder, which made her want me to have the sticks. Those, and of course my mint 1978 Bally Pinball Machine, and 1978 PS-10 Ibanez Iceman. Not pictured amongst my collection are 5 Paul Stanley Signature Guitars … if you look closely … all of the guitar cases under my pinball machine … are the Paul Stanley signatures ! :)
What does your family or partner think of your KISS obsession? My wife met me this way (as a huge fan) ….. but my obsession with collecting grew CONSIDERABLY after meeting her ! She supports it … my first ever present from her was a mint 1978 Remco Makeup kit which I somehow talked her into paying over $600 for ! lol She now gets the fact that if you want the nice stuff … its gonna cost ya ! :)
