This week we interview Ruby Rinekso, who plays the role of guitarist Ace Frehley for the tribute band KISSNATION. I've seen this band live a couple of times (see my pics from a recent show), and they really capture the essence of KISS: rockin' grooves, live performances that are energetic, loose and fun, and shameless promotion. Let's find out what it takes to make it (sort of) as a rock-god...
1. Pretend you're writing a radio ad for KISSNATION.
Go.
In 1973, four men in New York City joined together to
form "The Hottest Band in the World" ... KISS! Now years
later on those very same streets, another group of
four celebrate and continue the legend.
Don't miss KISSNATION, NYC's tribute to KISS in full
makeup, platform heels and costume! An intense rock
'n' roll extravaganza, KISSNATION performs all your
favorite KISS Klassics from the '70s, '80s and '90s.
So fasten your seat belts and get ready to rock and
roll all night because KISSNATION is comin' right at
ya.
2. How did the band get started? Did you see how
many chicks an ugly guy like Gene Simmons got when he
put on clown paint and spandex and think, "yep, that's
for me?"
To make a long story short, my bassist (Carlos) and
I have been friends for awhile and have been doing
this since 1996-97. We both got a kick out of dressing
as our particular characters on occasions such as
Halloween and coincidentally played guitar and
bass in other bands and just decided to do this out of
fun. That was several years ago, and with different
band members. Our current lineup (consisting of Paulie
Z. as Paul Stanley, and Joey Cassata as Eric
Carr/Peter Criss on the drums) has been together for
the past two years.
As for the girls ... well, that's always an added
incentive.
3. Have you ever played for a member of KISS?
Actually KISS is fully aware of our existence and has
been kind of us to ask us to be involved in some
ventures with them. Both Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley
surprised us when we played the Whisky on the Sunset
Strip in L.A. They hid in the back and came out for
the encores.
Our Gene Simmons, Carlos, handles p.r. for Art
Asylum, the toy company that has produced several
lines of KISS toys, so he has had some day-to-day
dealings with Gene himself.
4. What's been the performance highlight of your
KISSNATION career?
There have been many, but the one that comes
quickly to mind is the aforementioned incident at The
Whisky. Another highlight would be a recent show in
Trump Plaza in Atlantic City where KISS spent the day
signing autographs and asked us to do a show that
night because they couldn't do it. The venue changed
the event as a "Tribute to KISS" night, and our
dressing rooms happened to be right next door to
theirs. Strange but true
5. Is this a full-time gig for you guys or more of a
way to make a little money and have some fun?
No this is just part time. We all have other
careers.
6. When was the last Halloween when you didn't dress
up as Ace Frehley?
Actually this past year. I dressed up as Han Solo,
and my girlfriend was Princess Leia in her slave-girl
outfit. Hubba Hubba
7. What are three tips for achieving and sustaining
tribute band success?
Talent (musical and performance skills/recreating
your character)
Tolerance and acceptance (understanding fellow band
members' opinions and standings)
And of course, a little luck
8. What are three tips for growing into a talented
guitarist, as opposed to a Margaritaville-strumming
hack?
Couldn't tell ya. I might be headed down to
Margaritaville myself! Ha-ha.
9. When you see a chick in the audience will a KISS
tattoo, do you even have to ask for a blowjob?
Yes, but it's only a formality. Ha-ha.
10. Are you as unabashed self-promoters as KISS?
Will we see KISSNATION Kondoms and Kaskets, six
tell-all book and five farewell tours?
Yes. Actually we do have t-shirts for both men and
the ladies (can't forget them). Also, look out for
the official KISSNATION cologne coming soon. Who
wouldn't wanna smell like four sweaty guys from New York
City? (Kidding.)
11. What are your favorite music-related websites?
There's only one that counts: kissnation.com. But I hear kissonline.com is pretty good too.
12. What's the best way for fans to learn about
upcoming shows, so they can feel the energy of KISS
NATION?
Oh come on, do I even have to mention now?
Log onto kissnation.com for ALL your
KISSNATION needs.
Paul's Recap: Thanks to Ruby for taking us behind the makeup of KISSNATION. These guys do it right: they spit blood, perform flaming guitar solos, and toss roses to the chicks during Beth. Gene, I mean Carlos, even hit me in the shoulder with a pick at the last show. Next time try hitting me in the eye when you fling a small object in the dark, you demonic freak!
If you're a fan of early KISS, these guys do it better than the fifty-something originals who are lip-synching their way through Super Bowl pregame shows and Olympics closing ceremonies. Don't miss KISSNATION, the hottest (tribute) band in the world!
Want to be interviewed for a future edition of PK.com's Full Disclosure? E-mail Paul.
KISS-Aerosmith at Jones Beach Monday night, lets go!
Posted by kevin at August 2, 2003 9:49 AM