THIS TIME ROSS TALKED ALSO TO DEUCENEWS!!

09-09-23

November 9 2008, Ross Halfin’s Diary: “I had breakfast with Paul Stanley, The Love Gun. Paul told me they may make a KISS record, which he'll produce. A real 70s KISS style record. If Paul can stop painting which is his other career...”

Well Paul did not stop his solo career but the new KISS record is here!!!

And this time Ross Halfin talked also to me!!!

Hi Ross I’m so grateful you accepted to be interviewed, and thank you also from all the KISS fans around! As I was saying, we are so excited about the new amazing album from KISS, their first studio album in almost 11 years, and the entire buzz about it started from those few lines on your blog!!!

Back in early days you started shooting B&W for Sounds, Melody Maker and the NME. Years has passed and your photos made the covers of the most famous magazines around.

Does the music scene (from a photographer perspective) changed a lot from those days?

Has it changed? Of course it has. Bands expect you to work for nothing, for the honour of shooting photos. This is not helped by the fact that every idiot with a digital camera thinks that they are a photographer.

You spent most of the 80's touring with bands like Iron Maiden, Metallica, Def Leppard, KISS, Motley Crue, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, The Who, amongst many others.

Some nice recollections about that period?

I remember shooting KISS onstage at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. The band had me come on stage and I did a line up shot with the audience behind them. I took my time taking the picture and Paul Stanley turned around to the crowd and said ;'he's very good but  he's very slow!

I believe KISS is the most visual band in the rock scene and making photos at their concert must be a blast. Would you like to share with use some of your techniques and how you like/prefer to shoot them?

It's quite hard to shoot KISS because they wear a lot of white make up and use a lot of white light making it hard to balance the exposure. When they use coloured light it's good. The video screens make it tough as well. Plus like most of the bands I like, they are getting older so you’re fighting with the age and that's were KISS' make up helps them.

Ring master in KISS is certainly Mr. Paul Stanley, are you close friends I guess!

Out of all the rock stars I know you can't say many are your friends. I guess Paul Stanley is, which is nice as I started off as a fan. Paul is one of those people that will always reply to your email or phone call.

Again from your blog: June 21 2009: “Fathers Day today - spent it at the pool. The Love Gun Paul Stanley was at the hotel for lunch with his family. Jimmy and I chatted with him and his son Evan. Paul showed me the new KISS album cover on his iPhone and I'm still not saying what it's called, but it's old school KISS...”

I recently interviewed Michael [Doret] and I think he made a really cool job on that, what’s your thoughts about Sonic Boom cover?

Classic KISS, what more could you want?

Most of us listened to the 30’’ Sonic Boom samples. I suppose you have listened to the whole record, any favourite track?

I haven't heard it yet. I am looking forward to getting it on CD and listening to it on the stereo. I'm very old school that way.

Reading your diary it seems the world is your town! You are always in a place different from the previous day. Are you planning to follow some dates of the forthcoming KISS tour? And what are your next projects/activities you will be involved in?

I have no plans at the moment to shoot KISS although when they come to Europe next year I'm sure I'll be there.

Well, be sure I'll be there too!!!

Ross, thanks again spending your time with me and for the cool insides you usually provide us.

Keep in touch

Fabio