Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons have posted the following regarding the passing of former bandmate Brooke Ostrander:
Brooke Ostrander, our friend, multi-instrumentalist and keyboard player in Wicked Lester died of cancer on Sept. 3rd. After the dissolution of that band, he went on to become an impassioned and devoted high school music teacher. He lives on in his family members and all the students who were blessed by his teaching.
We will all miss him.
Paul and Gene
Gene Simmons also posted the following message today:
"Wicked Lester co-founder Brooke Ostrander passed away from cancer on Sat, Sept 3rd. I remember him as kind and generous. He will be missed."
Kiss FAQ is saddened to learn about the passing of Brooke Ostrander, former member of Rainbow, the band that became Wicked Lester and the ultimate pre-cursor to KISS. Ostrander passed away Sept. 3 surrounded by family and friends.
Most recently, Ostrander retired as an educator from Missisquoi Valley Union High School in Swanton, Vt., in 2007, a school where he taught music at for 26 years. Perhaps most notably to KISS fans, before participating in Rainbow/Wicked Lester, he helped a young musician who would ultimately morph into Gene Simmons record some of his first demos in 1969 and even played piano on some of them, including "Leeta," which is featured on KISS' 2001 box set.
A man with a deep passion for music, Ostrander also worked as a studio musician at Electric Ladyland Studio with recording artists including Steven Stills. He is survived by his wife, Carol Ann, and his daughter, Katy.
Gene Simmons will marry his girlfriend of 28 years, the actress and former Playmate Shannon Tweed, in an October ceremony, his representative said on Thursday.
The wedding will put a traditional twist on a decidedly untraditional relationship between the hard rock icon and the model that, since 2006, has been chronicled in the reality TV show "Gene Simmons: Family Jewels" on cable network A&E.
The Israeli-born Simmons and the Canadian-born Tweed have two adult children together, Nick and Sophie.
An invitation for the wedding, which will be held on October 1 in Los Angeles, was created that contains drawings of the family done by Nick Simmons and a message by Sophie Simmons.
"There will no longer be a Team Tweed or a Team Simmons but instead a Team Tweed-Simmons," the message read.
Sleaze Roxx: Before you headed to Los Angeles and did your very first solo album, I heard that you auditioned for KISS. How did that happen?
Adam Bomb: I read an ad in Billboard magazine that 'a major group is looking for a guitar player'. I sent a tape to them with the TKO songs, a photo and a bio and then Paul Stanley called me. I think they already had Vinnie Vincent but were checking out more people. First of all they were looking for six foot tall guys that were at least over twenty years old -- at this time I was 17. I met KISS and we played a few songs together like "Detroit Rock City", "Firehouse", "Calling Dr. Love" and "Black Diamond".
Sleaze Roxx: So they didn't hire you because you were too young?
Adam Bomb: I was 17, I was a baby. Look at me now, I was shorter than Eric Carr. I did my guitar solos with them but I wouldn't have been a good fit because I did a few drugs and went on the dark side while KISS was a serious band with all the things they have to do.
KISS COFFEEHOUSEがめでたく5周年を迎えるということで、 EricとTommyをゲストに8月13日に5周年記念パーティが 開催されます。
チケットは、以下の3種類です。
Gold Package $50 Meet & Greet w/Eric & Tommy B&W Laminate & Lanyard Admittance To Q&A Session Admittance To Tribute Band Concert No Photograph 1 Item Autographed Last Group In Line No Merchandise
Platinum Package $100 Meet & Greet w/Eric & Tommy Color Laminate & Lanyard Admittance To Q&A Session Admittance To Tribute Band Concert Professional Photograph Up To 3 Items Autographed 2nd Group In Line Collectible 5th Year Anniversary Guitar Pick
Double Platinum Package $150 (Best Value) Meet & Greet w/Eric & Tommy VIP Color Laminate & Lanyard Admittance To Q&A Session Admittance To Tribute Band Concert Professional Photograph Up To 6 Items Autographed 1st Group In Line Collectible 5th Year Anniversary T-Shirt Collectible 5th Year Anniversary Poster (18" X 24") w/Poster Tube Collectible 5th Year Anniversary Pin Collectible 5th Year Anniversary Magnet Collectible 5th Year Anniversary Postcard Collectible 5th Year Anniversary Guitar Pick
