New Brunswick's Times & Transcript has issued the following report:

Here it is: the day has come and many tickets-holders to the Atlantic Brand Confabulation are eagerly anticipating the start of this evening's event at Casino New Brunswick, which will welcome the often-imitated but never duplicated GENE SIMMONS as keynote speaker.

In the days leading up to the Brad LeBlanc brainchild, much has been stated regarding Simmons' prowess in business, evidenced by the thousands of items sporting the KISS band label, and the popular Family Jewels television series starring the Simmons family. His other business ventures include the Moneybag clothing line, a recording company Simmons Records, Simmons Books, and the Simmons Comics Group.

This week has also inspired Metro music fans to relive some key moments of their youth when the band KISS was so much more than a band on the radio. For many fans, the group became the very definition of rock music. So with the song 'Strutter' blaring through my headphones comes an invitation for you to reminisce with us.

Our first stop is with local radio newscaster Scott Landry, who is arguably the biggest KISS fan in these parts. Over to you, Scott.

"Since I'm not one for travelling more than a couple of hours by car to see anyone in concert - even KISS - I had resigned myself that after close to three decades of being a fan I'd likely never see them live.

"When they last played Moncton, twice in the mid-'70s, I was too young for rock concerts despite being a casual elementary-aged fan of the band - because they looked so awesome! After all, it was like Star Wars meets rock 'n' roll! My chance was 1990 at Moncton Coliseum on the KISS Hot in the Shade tour with opening acts SLAUGHTER and WINGER. Boy, was I excited! But the concert was cancelled (no!), along with shows in Halifax and Sydney, because PAUL STANLEY had reportedly busted some ribs. It was never rescheduled, so my chance, so I thought, was lost... until one-time concert promoter Harold MacKay booked them for the Halifax Common in the summer of '09! Finally!

"Despite the fact it was an outdoor show with no ticket cap to worry about, I took full advantage of my KISS Army Fanclub membership and bought my ticket just minutes into the pre-sale a few days before tickets went on sale to the general public. The hype was on! And I can honestly say that after 27 years of expectations building up, they still somehow managed to exceed my expectations in concert. It was absolutely unbelievable, and I can't imagine any concert ever topping that for me.

"A truly magical experience - they sounded so great! And to make it sweeter I was able to share the moment with two good friends, one of whom also became a fan of the band way back in '82 when we were childhood neighbours. Set-list highlights that night? 'Deuce' when the curtain dropped - it's really them! 'C'mon And Love Me,' 'She,' 'Shout It Out Loud,' 'I Love It Loud,' 'Lick It Up,' and of course 'Rock and Roll All Nite' with the band on the risers and the confetti cannons blasting away. Unbelievable. And thanks for asking! It was nice to relive it."

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