 Anyone
that is a KISS fan is probably a KISS collector in one
way or another. When I was young, there were dolls,
trash cans, record players, and almost anything you
could think of that has a KISS image on it. It didn't
really appeal to me then, because it was just that,
a product with a sticker or decal on it. The dolls were
the only cool thing back then, I thought well, when
I had gotten back 'into' KISS after being heavily into
Jimi Hendrix, (and owning some of his clothing and handwriting),
I had new ideas for what I wanted in my KISS collection.
In 1990 at the New York KISS Convention, I met Al B.
Romano and he was carrying around Ace's Washburn guitar
looking to sell it. That became the first piece in my
collection and I also made a friend. Al invited me up
the next day to meet Ace as they were good friends.
Well, Ace also was a Hendrix fan and we hit it off.
I offered to make him some audio and video tapes from
my collection and gave him my number. He called me the
very next morning and asked, 'Did you make my tapes
yet?' Our friendship began. I was selling off much of
my Hendrix collection, and told him that I wanted to
collect Kiss memorabilia. I was buying some cool items,
but did he have anything he could sell me.
Over the next 5 years that I knew him, he sold or traded
to me for guitar and amp work some of the most unique
and incredible items I have ever seen. The Love Gun
costume, The Destroyer costume, guitars, t-shirts, boots,
you name it. In 1992 I set up my first display in the
Kiss Convention museum and it grew every year until
Gene and Paul wanted to confiscate it just like they
did to Al Munson. (See the film "Kiss Loves You"
for the story and clips of it happening. Check out http://www.8thgradefilms.com)
That year I was warned that they were after my stuff,
so I set up a Ace 'solo career' museum and there were
no KISS items for them to take.
 My
last display was in 1995 at the Detroit Kiss Convention.
It was also the last time I hung out with Ace and since
then I haven't set up another display. I began selling
and trading things off as I started to collect Elvis
memorabilia. What was once the world's largest collection
is now scattered all over the world. I still have some
sentimental items that may come out again someday, but
for now are just put away. I feel lucky that I had that
direct connection to Ace, and I would tell him about
the historical value of the items. 'Just like something
that Elvis wore on stage is valuable, so is something
that you wore'. I would tell him. Now there is so much
KISS stuff out there, it is unbelievable. But I don't
think a coffin or talking dolls will ever be as valuable
as a guitar used by them, or a costume worn by them.
I still like to collect unique items today, as they
are fun and a good investment. Maybe you have something
unique that there is only one of? Well, take care of
it, and be proud to own it.
Thank You for looking at what used to be my collection!
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