It's Official: KISS To Perform With Australian Symphony

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

One of the world's greatest bands, KISS, today announced one of the most spectacular concert events Australia will ever see, Kiss Symphony.

At a press conference in Melbourne, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss announced details of a one-off concert with the 60-piece Melbourne Symphony to be held at Telstra Dome on February 28, 2003.

The event, which has been months in planning, will celebrate the band's 30th anniversary, and will be filmed and recorded, and broadcast via pay-per-view around the world.

"When the Melbourne Symphony teams up with KISS, I promise the result will be no less than a symphonic sonic boom," Paul Stanley said today. "Beethoven and Mozart will rise up dancing with fists raised as we unleash a spectacle that will be both classic and classical. This time it's black tie AND black leather."

The idea for the event came from the office of promoter Andrew McManus, who toured the band in Australia 18 months ago.

"Once the idea came to us and we presented it to the band, they were in all guns blazing from day one. This will be undoubtedly one of the most incredible concerts Australia has ever seen and will reach fans all over the world," McManus said. "On their last tour we sold more KISS tickets in Melbourne than in any other city, and that combined with the facilities at the Telstra Dome led to the decision to hold the concert in Melbourne."

The marriage of KISS music and the Melbourne Symphony which we will hear on February 28 will be the result of months of work by conductors, arrangers and musicians, which begins shortly.

At today's press conference, 14 members of the Melbourne Symphony performed two songs "I Was Made For Loving You" and "I Wanna Rock'n'Roll All Night". Adorned with full KISS makeup whilst they played, it was a spectacular moment and an appetizing teaser of what is to come!

Trevor Green, Managing Director of Melbourne Symphony, said: "Kiss Symphony is a fantastic opportunity for the Melbourne Symphony to demonstrate its versatility, broaden its appeal and reach a different audience. This is an exciting collaboration that will produce lots of energy and a big sound. We are thrilled to be involved with this international event. "

The Melbourne Symphony has performed with Elton John, John Farnham, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra and the Three Tenors and is acclaimed internationally.

The legendary KISS Army fans from around the world are already making plans to travel to Melbourne for Kiss Symphony.

Tickets on sale Friday, November 1.