Tommy will be on to discuss his hosting of the sold out Pacific University's 2010 Legends Golf Classic (www.pacificlegendsgolf.com) August 1 & 2 at the Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha, Oregon.

More than 400 patrons, celebrity guests and sponsors will attend the two-day event including KISS founding member Gene Simmons and his partner Shannon Tweed; PGA stars Rocco Mediate, Jason Allred and Tommy Masters; LPGA professionals Perry Swenson, Amber Prange and Angie Oberholser; NFL great Leroy Irvin; Major League Baseball stars Chili Davis, Scott Erickson and Chuck Finley; and many others.

Thayer, a member of Pacific University's Board of Trustees, has made Legends a success since its inception in 2007. Over its first three years, Legends has raised more than $400,000 for Pacific's 21-sport NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics program, which will field a football team this fall for the first time in 19 years.

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KISS fans will "Rock and Roll All Nite" in Cheyenne.

The legendary band is kicking off their "Hottest Show on Earth" tour at Cheyenne Frontier Days on July 23.

Thayer confirmed that KISS has a number of new stage pyrotechnics and special effects in store for this tour.

"Yeah, KISS is always expanding and growing and pushing the limits, so in this case we're bringing the show that we just did in Europe, which is our biggest and over-the-top into amphitheaters of North America now," he said.

The group returned recently from Europe, where they performed 35 shows in 9 weeks.

"We added new pyrotechnics, lighting and video effects," Thayer said. "We have the biggest video screen on the road today. I don't know how many feet it is, but it stretches completely across the arena and, in this case, amphitheaters.

"It's the biggest ever. With KISS we have to continue pushing the limits. That's what we're all about and making it the greatest rock and roll show out there."

The band has been performing for more than 3 decades and doesn't appear to be slowing down.

"We have an onslaught of new fans coming to the shows for a lot of different reasons," Thayer said. "There's a whole new generation of KISS fans."

He added that a KISS show is something everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.

"It's like witnessing the Super Bowl firsthand or going to the Grand Canyon and seeing that," he said. "A KISS show is the same kind of thing.

"It's something that everyone needs to experience once. It's a one-of-a-kind thing, so we have fans from six to 66 we like to say. Generations of family and fathers bringing their kids, teenage fans, everybody. It's tribal."

And those fans will be in store for a great variety of music that covers the span of 36 years the band has been together.

That means classics like "Detroit Rock City," "Deuce," "Shout it Out Loud," and "Lick it Up" being balanced against newer hits like "Modern Day Delilah" and "Say Yeah."

"It's a combination, a lot of it is the classics, the history of KISS, and all the great songs come from the '70s, '80s and the '90s," Thayer said.

For such a show, KISS needs quite a bit of time to get ready.

"KISS is a very unique band and everything we do is from top to bottom, including the pre-show preparation," Thayer said. "We arrive at the venue three or four hours early to do sound check. Maybe we'll have a light dinner. Two and a half hours before the show, we start the ritual of putting on our own makeup."

And yes, the band members do their own makeup.

"We don't use makeup artists nor have we ever," he said. "Every member of KISS puts on our own makeup... We sit in the dressing room together listening to music and transform into KISS."

The band's devotion to its craft is only matched by the fervor of their fans.

"You know the KISS fans, to me, epitomize the word 'fan,'" Thayer said. "It really comes from fanatic. KISS fans are over the top. From any band I've ever been around or seen. The KISS Army is KISS' fans. It's like going to church.

"It's religious over the top. I meet fans who proudly announce that they've been to their 200th KISS show. How does that happen and why does that happen? It's a phenomenon."

Along with their preparation, the band prides itself on being able to maintain a high-energy level during an entire show.

"We stay in good shape to begin with," Thayer said. "Before the tour, we're conditioning and preparing. It's like we're going to battle. I know it sounds funny, but it is.

"Nobody puts a show on like KISS or works as hard on stage as we do.

"Paul (Stanley) comes off stage and takes his boot off and will pour a quart of sweat off of his boot."

Thayer said the heat between the light, the movement and the pyrotechnics is intense.

"With the outfits it gets crazy: You sweat, you're moving, it's a workout," he said.

With 8 years under his belt as lead guitarist for KISS, Thayer said he has learned a lot from Gene Simmons and Stanley, the original co-founders of the band.

"Both are astute, and are more than just great musicians," Thayer said. "They're great business and marketing minds."

Thayer worked up the ranks with KISS order to fulfill Ace Frehley's lead guitar position when Frehley left the band.

"I'm the most fortunate guy in rock and roll," Thayer said. "I met KISS a long time ago when I was in a band called Black 'N Blue. We toured as an opening act in the mid-1980s with KISS. Long story short, I started working for the organization in the early 90s as a part time job.

"I worked my way up the ranks. Eight years ago, I stepped into the lead guitar role, which is an amazing place to be. I proudly wear the 'Spaceman' makeup. I love what I do and where I am."

During that time, Thayer said he's learned from Simmons and Stanley that being a great band with great music and a great show is the first and most important order of business.

Thayer pointed out that most bands come and go, typically within 5 years.

"You can count on one hand the amount of American rock and roll bands that continue to play arenas and stadiums for 35 years," he said. "That's the biggest compliment you can give to anyone is to create and sustain something on that level.

"KISS has never been (about) clubs or theaters, it's always been huge. There is something to be said for that in a big way."

Thayer said it's a difficult thing to accomplish. One of the things that has helped is the current lineup for the band works well together.

"The good thing about KISS today, the four people in the band, we're all fairly sensible people, and we know when you have something that's great. You appreciate it and each other," Thayer said. "Believe it or not, unlike many bands particularly at the level KISS is at, we enjoy each other, and we hang out on the road...

"That's why it works. We don't have fights or go crazy and pull B.S. on each other, or anything like that doesn't happen.

"That's the demise of many bands."

Perhaps the biggest question in fans' minds is whether they can expect new music after "Sonic Boom"?"In fact we are talking about that," Thayer said. "We've already been talking about following up with another great record.

"Nothing's definitive yet or set in stone, but we're talking about it and that's a step in the right direction. I'm not going to promise anything right now, but it's possible."

KISS "The Hottest Show on Earth" Tour
Alana Grace as opening act
When: July 23, 8 p.m.
Where: Frontier Park Arena
More info: 800-22-RODEO, www.cfdrodeo.com

Quick facts about KISS

Kiss has recorded 37 albums over 36 years and sold 100 million albums worldwide. Their latest album is "Sonic Boom."

"Sonic Boom" is the first KISS studio album in 11 years and was released in October of last year. The album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Magazine Albums chart.

The lineup of KISS includes two founding members, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, who helped form the band in 1972. Drummer Eric Singer joined in 1991, and Tommy Thayer, the lead guitarist, joined eight years ago.

KISS and Wounded Warriors

On "The Hottest Show on Earth" Tour, KISS is donating one dollar from every ticket sold to the Wounded Warriors program.

"We have great pride in our country, especially the soldiers that protect and secure the great nation that we have and protect the great liberties and rights that we all enjoy in the United States," said Tommy Thayer, lead guitarist for KISS.

Thayer said the group also likes to visit Veteran Affairs hospitals when time allows on tour. Thayer and Gene Simmons have performed for the U.S.O. in the past as well.

"It's important to not only support the troops when they're fighting over seas, but when they get home, there's a lot of follow up support that needs to happen with that," Thayer said.

Here's KISS performing "Modern Day Delilah" on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno tonight!

From: The Oregonian
by Ryan White
Posted: July 15, 2010

I suppose it wouldn't be hard to find a drum roll somewhere in this digital expanse, but don't you just hate false drama?

The fine folks behind the Oregon Music Hall of Fame got together at Jimmy Mak's last night to announce this year's class. Here's what they said:

The Oregon Music Hall of Fame Artists

BLACK 'N BLUE - 1984

Artist Of The Year

OMHOF has added an additional award category this year. The category is Artist of the Year, and this year's recipient is Pink Martini. Formed in 1994 by Thomas Lauderdale, Pink Martini has since gone on to international acclaim. They have toured around the world and released four albums and a DVD on their self-owned record label.

This year's master of ceremonies will be the ever-colorful Tony Starlight. Two of this year's event performers were also announced: Shock, who were inducted into OMHOF in 2008, and one of this year's inductees, Black 'N Blue. Black 'N Blue will re-form the classic lineup of Tommy Thayer, Jamie St. James, Pete Holmes, Patrick Young and Jeff Warner.

Tickets go on sale Friday, July 16 through Tickets West outlets, including Fred Meyer and Music Millennium. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. VIP tickets, which include reserved seating, after-induction party and poster, are $90 in advance.

Here are some photos of the awesome new KISS DR PEPPER trailer trucks! Five of these trucks will be traveling around the country during the KISS Hottest Show On Earth Tour.

Producers from A&E's hit television series Gene Simmons Family Jewels will film portions of the event to chronicle golf novice Simmons' attempt at the sport.

Prior to hitting the links on Monday, Aug. 2, Thayer will partake in a private concert on Sunday night with other celebrity musicians on hand, led by bassist and vocalist Jack Blades (Night Ranger, Damn Yankees). Joining Blades and Thayer on stage will be Mark Bryan (Hootie & the Blowfish), Ray Kennedy, Johnny Lee and Danny Seraphine (Chicago).

Festivities begin Sunday afternoon with a silent auction, followed by dinner and a live auction attended by many other celebrities in addition to the musicians. Actress and sportscaster Lisa Guerrero, whose credits include Sunset Beach, Monday Night Football and The Best Damn Sports Show Period, will serve as the day's master of ceremonies. Items available for bid include sports and music memorabilia, vacation trips and special concert opportunities.

The scene shifts from the clubhouse to the links on Monday, Aug. 2, as the celebrities join patrons for a putting contest, professional clinic and 18 holes of golf on two of the Northwest's premier courses.

In addition to the musical talent, other participating celebrities include acclaimed actor Clint Howard, NFL greats Eric Dickerson and Leroy Irvin; Major League Baseball stars Chili Davis, Scott Erickson and Chuck Finley; former Oregon football coach and current ESPN analyst Mike Bellotti, PGA professionals Jason Allred and Tommy Masters and World Long Drive Champion Sean Fister; and LPGA professionals Perry Swenson, Amber Prange and Angie Oberholser.

Team and individual reservations for the Legends Golf Classic are still available, but filling up quickly. To register, go to www.pacificlegendsgolf.com or call (503) 352-2211.

from www.bonedo.de

Here is part 2 of a filmed workshop with Tommy for a German music equipment website (the largest in Europe) called BONEDO. CLICK TO VIEW PART 2

from www.bonedo.de

Here is part 1 of 2 of a filmed interview with Tommy for a German music equipment website (the largest in Europe) called BONEDO. CLICK TO VIEW PART 1

In the upcoming parts, Tommy will do more interviews and a mini-clinic on guitar. Stay Tuned!