Saturday, March 13, 2010

KISS Colleagues Plan Kids' Show

NY TIMES/by DAVE ITZKOFF

They call him Doctor Love. They call his partner the Starchild and, occasionally, the Bandit. And now they can call Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, the lead singer and the rhythm guitarist of the rock band KISS, something else: children's show producers. Mr. Simmons and Mr. Stanley, above from left, have had collaborations like the songs "Hotter Than Hell," "Love Gun" and "Lick It Up," but now they have a deal with the Canadian production company E1 Television to create a show for young viewers that will also serve as a merchandising tie-in, The Hollywood Reporter said. The show, a comedy series yet to be titled, will be produced and distributed by E1. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Mr. Simmons said: "KISS continues to be the juggernaut of licensing and merchandising, from KISS M&M's to KISS Dr Pepper. KISS is a band, but also the only music brand."