Kiss & Tell
By Josh Board
Growing up in the ’70s, all my friends loved KISS. I never did—until I got a job at a classic rock station in my early 20s and people requested KISS songs that weren’t the big hits I always heard. I actually liked a lot of them and I became a big fan. Since then I’ve decided to try for a complete set of the band’s signatures, and the process is still ongoing. So far I’ve got two members.
When I attended NAMM, the national music industry convention in Anaheim, California, I brought a handful of CD sleeves in my briefcase—I knew there would be lots of musicians walking around for autograph opportunities. I saw Eric Singer, who played drums with KISS from 1991 to 1996. He signed my Double Platinum CD.
When the now-reality show star and long-tongued bassist Gene Simmons came to town, I was there at his first stop. When Gene’s Hummer limo pulled up, a pack of blondes got out wearing T-shirts picturing the energy drink. Someone announced with a bullhorn, “If you want to get in the limo with Gene before this thing starts, you just have to buy a case of Frank’s Energy Drink.” My friend Greg did. It cost him $70.
A young kid in front of me got his guitar signed. The next person to get an autograph was a woman whose chest Gene stared at and said, “Wow, those are great.”
I showed him the CD with Singer’s autograph and said, “This just doesn’t look complete with one signature.” He said, “I’ll take care of that,” as he signed that and a CD below it. I asked him what was the strangest thing he ever autographed. Without hesitation he said, “A baby.”...
This story has been shortened for the web. Read the entire story in the August issue of Autograph. Click here to buy this issue of Autograph, on sale in bookstores and newsstands, or call 1-800-996-3977 or 714-263-3560.
JOSH BOARD is a newspaper writer, regular Autograph contributor and has worked in radio since his 20s. Contact Josh at josh.board@autographmagazine.