von Carol Hendrix                                    http://rockhead.web-log.nl/kiss

On saterday june 3th I went to the KISS-Expo in Harelbeke, Belgium. The expo was held in the venue CC Het Spoor, in this venue it was exactly 30 years ago that KISS played for the very first time in Belgium. Special guest on this expo Bill Aucoin, who was KISS manager from the early days to 1982. Also tributeband Kisstory are going to give a show later that day.

Around 12 o'clock I came at the venue and because of my promoting the PSP-Magazine at the expo, I had a early entrance. In the hall I checked out the KISS merchandise, the dealers where from Holland, Germany, US, Sweden...There was a lot of items for sale, as always very high prices! But one dealer had some good prices, a Peter Criss 24" Love Gun doll for $ 60,- or the KISS 'N The Box Set $ 45,- ect. He sold a lot. I bought the Paul Stanley Solo Club tour on DVD and finally I found the live-CD from Melbourne (second show) 2001, I was at this concert so I still have good memories about it. Also bought some other items.

After I had checked out everything, it was time for me to set my table up for the PSP-Magazine and let fans who attend this expo know about this new magazine! At 3 pm the expo started and around 250 fans starting coming in and dropping by at my table. A lot of people reconiced me from my KISS weblog (@ http://rockhead.web-log.nl/kiss) and got a lot of compliments! They checked out the magazine and like it. Some of them became instantly a member of the PSP Magazine! Met a lot of friends and we talked about everything, mostly about a European tour and when Paul's solo cd would be released.

Sundenly it was time for me for my interview with Bill Aucoin. I met him backstage and he was very easy to talk with, a great guy . I gave Bill some PSP-Mags and he was very interested. Didn't hear about it, but would defently check it out later that day. I had a great interview with Bill (printed in this magazine) and after that he signed items for me and took plenty time for pics!

Back in the hall it was time for something to eat and with some KISS-friends I went out for dinner. When I came back the Q & A session with Bill Aucoin was just started and he answered a lot of questions and had a lot to tell, very interested stories. He's kind of legend for KISS-fans. After the Q & A there was a break and around 7pm the meet & greet with Bill started and a lot of fans let him signed stuff (from LP's to drumheads) and went on a photo with him.

Around 9 pm it was time for the tributeband Kisstory, a Belgium band with 5 people, they've 2 Paul's (!) in the band (1 star Paul & 1 bandit Paul). Also they've a awesome stage, like the Alive II stageset! They played all the classic KISS-tunes like, Deuce, God Of Thunder, Shout It Out Loud and more. At the end of Firehouse there was a suprise, not "Gene" but bandit "Paul" did the firebreating! Kisstory give a great show with all the pyro's, smoke and confetti.

At 23 pm it all was over, this was a great day and it's always good to see your fellow KISS-fans!