Angelo's KISS Expo Page

On March 31st Angelo gave a performance at the Indianapolis KISS Expo.

Below is a review of the Indy Expo that Angelo wrote:

Well, it was another rockin' good time at this years Indy KISS Expo! It was a packed house as the KISS Army showed up in full force. Dealers with vintage merchandise were set up everywhere and deals were flying. Special guest for the day was former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick who signed autographs and took pictures with fans for most of the day. I really learn to admire guys like Bruce at an event like this because he was very generous with his time and greeted hundreds of fans with a smile. He also did a Q&A session where he talked about his days with KISS, as well as Grand Funk (his current band), ESP & Union.

 

I was privileged to meet quite a few of my friends from here on Myspace. I was really pleased that I got to meet my friend Ira in person. He is one of the main people in charge of the movement to get KISS into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I really appreciate all of the work he has done and we made sure we got a few of the 11th Commandment (Thou shalt not delay the induction of KISS) t-shirts. Buy one now at www.kissarmyunites.com

 

This Expo I decided to perform an "unmasked" set without make-up. #1 because I wanted to do a set of "unmasked" era KISS songs and #2 I don't really like to wear make-up! So, I chose to open with a couple from Paul's new CD Live to Win and Bulletproof. Next I played a sneak preview to the new KISS tribute CD I played on titled Christine Sixteen 2. I can't wait until this CD is released in late April. You're gonna love it! Take a listen at: www.highschooltributes.com and  www.myspace.com/46924674

 

After that I wanted to play my little buddy Zach Johnsons favorite KISS song Heaven's on Fire which I dedicated to him. Also I decided to donate half of all the sales from my CD Pound for Pound that day, to Zachary. I'd like to thank each and every KISS fan that kicked in to purchase a CD. Zach and I THANK YOU ALL!!! http://zacharyskiss.blogspot.com/

 

I then played three tracks from the little known Carnival of Souls CD. I really wanted a challenge and I enjoyed learning some difficult Eric Singer drum parts.

 

Lastly, the part I enjoyed the most about this Expo was getting the chance to jam a couple of songs with my friends in Mr. Speed. I had talked to Criss, the drummer, a couple of times before the Expo and he was kind enough to let me jam a couple of KISS classics (Lick It Up & Unholy) with the band. I was really honored to play with those guys and I hope they know what a special time it was for me. Thank you guys and I hope we can do it again sometime!

 

Mr. Speed ended the event by blasting out an awesome set. These guys not only act and move just like KISS but they sound incredible too. The thing that I love about this band is they not only play the most popular KISS songs but they also work in some of those forgotten classics. Mr. Speed performs everywhere so if you ever get the chance to see these guys, don't miss it! www.mrspeedonline.com and www.myspace.com/mrspeedkisstribute

 

Make sure and check out the video of my performance at: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2020681645

 

To everyone that stopped by my table THANK YOU!!!

See ya at the next one!

Angelo

Click the picture below to see video from Angelo's performance at the 2006 Cincy KISS Expo

                                               photo by Al Soluri kissonline.com

Check out the pics from the 2006 Cincy KISS Expo

         

 

 

Click the picture below to see video from Angelo's performance at the 2005 Chicago KISS Expo

Enjoy the pics from the 2005 Chicago KISS Expo

 

Tampa Mike and the breathtaking KISS Chopper

  

                   Bill Starkey founder of the KISS Army                    Let's see your best "Gene face"

 

             Eric signs Angelo's Pearl Bass Drum Head           Eric gives Angelo some tips before the show

 

Angelo and Eric Singer

 

Angelo with "the man" Jim Frangella           Angelo and sis Gina ready to rock!

Hangin' out with Black Diamond

Angelo’s Set List from the KISS Expo

  1. Detroit Rock City
  2. Strutter
  3. Firehouse
  4. She
  5. Do You Love Me
  6. Christine 16
  7. Love Gun
  8. Shock Me
  9. Dr. Love
  10. Heaven’s On Fire
  11. I Just Wanna
  12. Rock And Roll All Nite

Review of Angelo Coppola’s performance at the Chicago KISS Expo

 

The first performer for the Chicago Expo was 9yr old Drummer Angelo Coppola.  He took the stage, as scheduled, at 6pm on the dot.  A crowd of around 100 guests waited with anticipation as Angelo's father gave the introduction.  "You Wanted the Best....." "Angelo!!!!!!"  The crowd moderately cheered as Angelo's first number started.  A studio version of Detroit Rock City blared through the amplified PA and Angelo jumped in right on que "digiddy, digiddy di..dah, dah!!!!" 1.2.3.. "dah dahh!!!!"  Eyes opened wider!!  Jaws dropped and the cheers started hoopin and hollerin!!!  Wow this kid is kinda good.  Kinda!  No this kid is REAL good!  Ok, Ok,  how many songs is he gonna play 2, 3, 4.   Well I'm not really sure how many songs it was, but an hour went by as this kid from Michigan drum rolled his way into the hearts of the crowd.  This was a special crowd, and a special Expo.  Eric Singer, who found time in his busy tour schedule with Alice Cooper, spent all day making himself available to the public. After 6-7 hours of signing, smiling for cameras, and answering questions, Eric was not content to pack it up.  No, No, No, he wanted to see this kid play!  Thats why this was a special day for young Angelo.  Not only did he get to perform for over 100 fanatic KISS fans, but he got to play drums before the drummer of the one band he loved!  I caught glimpses, while Angelo played, of his father on Angelo's right of the stage.  I'm not sure who was enjoying themself more, but being a father myself, I could tell that nobody was cheering louder than Mr. Coppola.  In fact Angelo had an entourage of 8 or so including parents and grandparents.  Angelo a real showman was playing to the crowd as they cheered holding a stick in the air with a slight pause, and slamming it down to the beat of the song.  Eric Singer commented on how he beat them skins with power, and when it was all said and done, little Angelo did nothing but steal the show!!!  I couldn't help myself as I bellowed and cheered as loud as I could!!  This kid is gonna be a star!  I've got his autograph and I'm sure its not gonna be his last!  Kings of the Nighttime World followed Angelo, much like the act that followed the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show.  Their first words.."How do we top that!"   The Chicago KISS Expo is over and all that remains are the memories, but for one kid, for one hour, a father, a mother, grandfathers and grandmothers, Eric Singer and 100 KISS fans were nothing but Proud!! 

 

Jeff Buechel

Chicago KISS Expo Promoter/WebMaster

Sometimes Dreams Come True

 

Angelo Coppola of Macomb, MI was 3 years old when he went to his first KISS concert.  From that day forward he adopted a special love for the band & their music.  Around that time, he also began banging on a drum set that his dad (a musician) had bought.  He played a variety of music but he really enjoyed playing along to KISS songs.  When Angelo was eight, one of his favorite TV shows was America’s Most Talented Kids.  He wondered “Wouldn’t it be great if I could perform on that show?” (Dream #1)  His parents, having supreme confidence in their son decided to make a video tape and send it in to the show.  But a big question would be “what song would show off the drums, have tons of energy and really get the crowd (and judges) moving?”. Easy, KISS’ “Rock and Roll All Nite.”  So they sent the tape in and Angelo was soon invited to compete on the show.  He and his family flew out to Los Angeles and taped the show in December 2004.  Angelo rocked the house with his rendition and became one of the youngest winners ever!  The show aired all over the country in March and again in August 2005. (Dream #1 fulfilled)

 

Angelo often asked his parents “Do you think I’ll ever meet one of the guys from KISS?” (Dream #2)  His parents told him although anything is possible it would be unlikely given the kind of busy schedules rock stars have (especially a mega-band like KISS).  Then one day while browsing KISSASYLUM.com Angelo discovered an ad for the Chicago KISS Expo where Eric Singer would appear and meet with fans.  Angelo diligently persuaded his parents to travel to Chicago and attend the Expo.  By this time, Angelo had been performing in public regularly so Angelo’s dad contacted the Chicago Expo’s organizer/promoter, Jim Frangella.  Jim had seen Angelo’s performance on America’s Most Talented Kid’s show and welcomed the idea of Angelo kicking off the evening’s entertainment.  In preparing for this performance, Angelo adopted a practice regiment that any professional would be proud of.  Never at a loss for questions, Angelo wondered, “Would Eric Singer be able to watch me perform?” (Dream #3) His parents again warned him that Eric is one of the hardest working drummers in the world.  He would be appearing at the Chicago KISS Expo in between tour dates with Alice Cooper and KISS.  Still, Angelo prepared harder than ever even with the slightest chance of his idol seeing him play.

 

September 3, 2005 the day of the Expo, Angelo showed up early to check out all of the choice memorabilia.  Everyone was so friendly and generous.  Angelo noted how KISS fans were the nicest people in the world!  Then it was time to meet Eric Singer. (Dream #2 fulfilled) Angelo brought a black Pearl bass drum head for Eric to sign (it is now his prize possession) Eric was so patient and down to earth.  He made everyone feel like they already knew him.  Eric told Angelo he was looking forward to hearing him play that evening.  No Way!  Things were really panning out for Angelo.

 

Angelo’s performance was scheduled for 6:00pm and Eric showed up before hand to talk before the show.  Eric even gave Angelo some solid advice on how to warm up before a big show. (A private lesson with Eric Singer!  Unbelievable!)  Angelo performed his set with maturity well beyond his years.  He performed 12 songs for about 45 minutes.  The crowd was really into it and Angelo fed off their energy.  He impressed everyone with his skill and power.  Eric approached Angelo again after the show and complimented him on his performance.  The two of them actually had a lot in common.  Eric called Angelo a munchkin, he told Angelo that is what Gene Simmons called him because of his small stature.  He also commented at how hard Angelo hit the skins, a trait that Eric is also known for.  Angelo was so thrilled that his hero took the time to watch his entire performance. (Dream #3 fulfilled)  Afterwards, it was Angelo’s turn to sign autographs and take pictures with fans as he was approached and complimented by everyone.

 

The moral of the story is sometimes dreams do come true.  Reach for the stars because you never know what you are capable of with a little luck and a lot of hard work.  Angelo’s next question (sorry Eric), “Dad do you think I will ever get to play with KISS?” I’m not betting against him!

To contact Angelo or make a comment about this site e-mail at: angelocoppola@comcast.net