'10 1111;c1r Homage to KISS you do anything you ever wanted If there's any doubt that Detroit -- anything, no limits," he says. Rock City is the work of a fan, that's "While the rest of the world is dashed by director Adam Rifkin, counting the dust particles landing who describes his awe at meeting on some old church, America is Gene Simmons of KISS, one of the walking on other planets. film's producers. "My entranceway into Americana "I had lunch with Gene wasn't through school," Simmons Simmons," he says, "which was a continues. "It was through movies. mind blower — to be at a deli with "It's a quick way," he explains, the God of Thunder, ordering lox, "to pick up the essence of the eggs and onions, you know? But American soul, and I swallowed it he's the greatest guy. He a fanatica l hook, line and sinker. I remember movie buff, which a lot of people everything I saw as a kid." don't know." The enterprising entertainer was Detroit Rock City is a high-energy working on another project — "a love letter to KISS fanaticism circa big special effects laden movie with 1978, the year the director was 11 KISS as superheroes" -- when he years old. At the time, his mother received the script for Detroit Rock wouldn't let him attend a KISS con- cert because she believed the group in a word — was dangerous. But Rifkin has maintained affection for the loud and out- rageous band for 20- odd years, a fan longevity that doesn't surprise Gene Simmons. On KISS's recent sell-out tours, "when you look out over the audience," he explains, "it's KISS: From left to right, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, ladies and gentlemen Paul Stanley and Peter Criss. "I loved the script immedi- and children of all ately," says Simmons, who became a producer on the ages. film. "It was hilarious, it was hearelt, but most of all, Today, KISS it was about the fans. And that was important to us, enjoys a cross-genera- because KISS has always been about the fans." tional appeal and a pop culture niche City (the title refers to a song the not just as a commercially viable band wrote as a tribute to its loyal band but as a brand-name entity fan base here). complete with its own Visa card. He thought it was a very clever These contradictions are evident in little piece about four KISS fans, Gene Simmons himself, who and it's kind of like the Wizard of appears for interviews in Los Oz in a sense, he notes. Angeles not in his trademark That movie is not really about onstage regalia — and doesn't once the wizard, he says but about people flash that famous tongue — but in who discover themselves while pur- a dark, stylish suit that makes him suing an elusive goal. look every bit the savvy business- "So Detroit Rock City," Simmons man he is. concludes, is about four characters Born Chaim Witz in Haifa, on the yellow brick road off to see Israel, in 1949 to Hungarian Jewish KISS in Detroit." parents, he arrived in the United Take it from a God of Thunder States at the age of 9. In his new who doubles as the man behind the country, Simmons saw not just the opportunity to reinvent himself, but curtain. to dream really big. — Serena Donadoni "For me, only in America can 4., • linch BRUNCH BUFFET: Sundays 11:00 - 2:00 Adults $16.95 Children 6-12 $1/yr. • Children 5 and Under FREE LUNCH: Mon. - Thurs. 11:00 2:00 DINNER: Featuring angel hair pasta with smoked salmon, asparagus tips & dill sauce. Also includes bread & butter, house salad & vegetable du jour at $14.95 Sun. Thurs. 5:00 9:00 , 7295 Orchard Lake Road West Bloomfield, Michigan •Robins Nest Plaza 248-932-8934 Reservations Suggested VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT wvvw.ladifference.corn Formerly of Oak Park New King Lim's Your Host Harold Horn Specializing in Authentic 1 CANTONESE • SZECHUAN MANDARIN FOOD 30701 I 20% OFF TOTAL BILL Not good with any other offer OPEN 7 DAYS L With coupon • Expires 12/31/99 j Lunch and Dinner W. 12 Mile (Regency Plaza) East of Orchard Lake (248) 474-2781 NE- YABP BAR -B 11,, Family Restaurant OPEN 7 DAYS —11 a.m. to 12 Mid. r r SLAB FOR 2 BBQ CHICKEN FOR 2 $2 OFF $2 OFF With or Without Skin Includes: 2 Potatoes, 2 Slaws and 2 Garlic Breads Includes: 2 Potatoes, 2 Slaws and 2 Garlic Breads L • 1 Coupon Per Order • Dine In or Carry-Out • Expires 8-26-99 rS? JN L • 1 Coupon Per Order • Dine In or Cany-Out • Expires &26-99 JN ORCHARD LAKE RD. SOUTH OF 14 • Farm. Hills • 851-7000 ALSO GOOD AT OUR LIVONIA LOCATION ON PLYMOUTH RD. "The Simone Vitale Band is an assurance of a great evening... One of the hottest bands in town." Danny Raskin, Jewish News "Royal Oak band leader extraordinaire Simone Vitale..." Bob Talbert, Detroit Free Press • Weddings • Anniversaries • Private/Corporate Parties • Bar/Bat Mitzvahs Call Simone for the best personal service in town, with an exciting night of dancing and fun at your party. 8/13 1999 Detroit Jewish News 87