ERIC SINGER HEADS BACK HOME TO CLEVELAND FOR KISS EXPO

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Cleveland's The Plain Dealer has published a short question-and-answer
session with legendary drummer Eric Singer (KISS, ALICE COOPER). It
follows here in its entirety:

The Plain Dealer: Tell us about your Cleveland roots.

Eric Singer: I graduated from Euclid High School in 1976 and moved out
to California in 1983 or 1984. Cleveland was such a good music scene
and produced a lot of good players, but at some point you've got to go
where things are happening. All the Cleveland musicians I know went to
New York or L.A.; L.A. has warmer weather so I headed out there.

The Plain Dealer: KISS is notorious for calling it quits, then
reuniting for yet another farewell tour. Any plans for this year?

Eric Singer: Not that I'm aware of. We played some shows last year in
Japan and a few on the West Coast. I have begun work on a new album
for ALICE COOPER and I think we'll tour in support of that later this
year.

The Plain Dealer: To what do you attribute the longevity of KISS?

Eric Singer: Whether we like it or not, KISS is a part of Americana.
They're like Coca-Cola or Chevrolet.

The Plain Dealer: How do you feel about KISS tribute bands, like MR.
SPEED, which will be playing at tomorrow's [KISS] expo [from 1 to 8
p.m. Saturday at the Holiday Inn Cleveland Airport, 4181 West 150th
St.]?

Eric Singer: If anything is done well, then it's cool.

The Plain Dealer: What's Alice Cooper like in person?

Eric Singer: Just the nicest guy in the world. He has an incredible
amount of energy for a guy his age. He works so hard he puts me to
shame. When he comes onstage, he'll whack me with his riding crop and
ask me how I'm doing.

The Plain Dealer: Do you enjoy expos like the one you'll be attending
tomorrow?

Eric Singer: I do. A lot of times on tour you don't get the chance to
meet many of the fans. You're always on the move. This is nice because
you get a chance to answer questions and mingle with the people.