KISStory, the early years.
Spring 1999: Roland and Franky have the idea to play some KISS songs just for fun.
Summer 1999: Dirk joins after a phonecall. The three of them realize that playing KISS-songs is a dream they all have.
October 1999: The guys are rehearsing Rock Bottom, Detroit Rock City, Love gun and Deuce.
Winter 1999: K from Cowboys and Aliens tries out on bass and turns out to be great! Unfortunately he was already playing in two other bands so he found no spare time to join KISStory. The band decides to further perfect songs and learn new ones.
The year 2000 kicks in and the guys are already playing 20 songs, but, still without a bassplayer.
Springtime 2000: Dirk helps out a friend having problems with his pc. He had just started playing bass and only knew "I Was Made For Lovin' You" and "Sure Know Something". He was interested in the band, so the next day Dirk gives him all of his KISS cds. A week later Rudi calls Dirk and states "Let's get me a good amplifier!!"
Autumn 2000: Rudi learns the songs real fast. The band try adding vocals and it becomes clear that singing while playing an instrument is not that easy!
December 2000: Dirk gives Laine a call. He comes to the rehearsal room to check everything out and by the second song they are jamming together.
2001: Rehearsing every week the guys put together a strong set of KISS classics.
March 2001: Every once in a while people come "to visit" during rehearsal, just to get into the vibe and the songs. This gives the band a good feel of direction and feedback!! One person in particular always comes to rehearsals and has become their "coach"; Tom "McGhee" Beheyt!
April 2001: The band record, spread out over a two week period, some songs as a try out.
Spring 2001: Some bold plans emerge for a spectacular stage show. Still without make up and costumes, though.
17 August 2001: KISStory record some songs on a more professional level. However, the recordings get the thumbs down from the band. They are never released.
Autumn 2001: KISStory contacts a friend who has a lot of experience in putting up PA-systems and recording. They ask him if he could record some songs for them. A date is set for April 2002.
Februari 2002: The guys record some more advance demos in their rehearsal room.
April 2002: They record 11 songs in two weeks time. When all the tracks for the CD are recorded, Rudi decides to quit the band. Everyone is baffled and nobody understands why. However, everybody wishes him the best.
May 2002: The band starts looking for another bass player. Kurt comes to the audition and it soon becomes apparent that he is the right man for the job.
July 2002: Kurt re-recordes all the bass lines for the album.
Summer 2002: The band give their first live gig on stage in front of some friends. As a truly Spinal Tap moment they blow up all their pyro at once during the first song.
September 2002: KISStory release their CD "Great Expectations".
28 September 2002: KISStory throw a release party for their first album. They play a nearly two hour set for a capacity crowd.
Winter 2002: The band work on their stage show.
31 May 2002: KISStory play their first official gig in Izegem.
12 July 2002: KISStory play their first headline show at the Coqrock festival.
In 2003 the band decide to go all the way. From now on they will only perform in make up and costumes.
Important KISStory dates:
September 12, 2004: KISStory appearance on TV
October 9, 2004: first KISStory gig in Holland (Zundert)
June 3, 2006: first Belgium KISS Expo, an organization of KISStory
October 22, 2006: KISStory is support act for Lordi
November 5, 2006: first unplugged gig in dress to kill outfit
You are all invited to the show!!!!