The first three editions of the “Kiss Alive” series have been bundled with a previously unreleased show from Dec. 31, 1999, in Vancouver as “KISS ALIVE! 1975-2000,” due Nov. 21 via Mercury/UME. Also seeing the light of day for the first time are the single version of “Rock and Roll All Nite” on “Alive II” and “Take It Off” on “Alive III.”
The Vancouver show was taped in front of 45,000 fans at BC Stadium and was originally planned as the fourth edition of “Alive,” but was passed over in favor of a collaboration with an Australian orchestra, taped in 2003. It featured staples like “Deuce,” “Cold Gin” and “Lick It Up” alongside more rarely performed tracks like “Heaven’s on Fire” and “Psycho Circus.”
The original “Alive!” (1975) and “Alive II” (1977) remain among Kiss’ most enduring albums; since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking data in 1991, they have sold more than 550,000 copies in the United States.
— Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
With four nominations, Sheffield rockers the Arctic Monkeys have climbed to the top of the pile ahead of the annual Q Music Awards, to be held Oct. 30 in London.
The record-breaking band are up for best new act, best live act, best single for U.K. chart-topper “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor,” and best album for their Mercury Prize-winning set “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not” (Domino).
Alternative rock trio Muse is up for three trophies: best live act, best album for “Black Holes And Revelations” (Helium 3/Warner Bros) and best act in the world today. Soul legend Smokey Robinson will be honored with Q’s outstanding contribution to music award.
— Lars Brandle, London
Having already been drafted to open the final show of U2’s Vertigo tour Dec. 9 in Honolulu, Pearl Jam has added a headlining gig a week earlier at the city’s Blaisdell Center, with support from Kings Of Leon. Tickets for members of the band’s fan club organization go on sale tomorrow (Oct. 17). Pearl Jam is also offering a package with a hotel stay and other perks via a partnership with Fan Asylum.
Some proceeds from the Dec. 2 show will benefit the Hui Malama i ke Kai Foundation on the city of Waimanalo, from where Pearl Jam keyboardist Boom Gaspar hails. The foundation aims to foster community pride among local youth through the teaching of Native Hawaiian culture.
As previously reported, Pearl Jam will return to live duty this weekend at Neil Young’s Bridge School Benefit outside San Francisco.
— Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.