message from Mike TV of Get Set Go

From Mike TV of Get Set Go

We're playing at Kiss or Kill tonight.

For those of you who don't know it, Kiss or Kill is a weekly event where lots of bands, all of which are incredible, congregate to celebrate each other's music, singalong, drink, and be merry. You can look out on any crowd and see numerous musicians from other bands in the scene just hanging out, digging the music, and fraternizing with each other. It really has been and honor and a privilege to be a part of this community. So, tonight's show is the last Kiss or Kill we're ever going to play. Because, as they say, all good things must end. And Kiss or Kill was a good, nay, a great thing. And for a brief while, it was a shining example of what can happen when a bunch of great bands and good people decide to congregate on a weekly basis.

So, I'd like to invite you guys out to the show tonight. We're going on early. Well, early for Kiss or Kill. We're starting the night out at 9:45. This is deference to all of our fans that have to go to work or school in the morning. So, if you are planning on coming out, and you show up at 10:30, and you've missed us, don't tell me about it. Because, as I said before, we're playing this show for you. I hear my music all the time. I love it. It's great music. But the reason we play out, is so that you guys can share and be a part of it. So, I hope you do.

This is the end of an era. The Kiss or Kill era. And I'm lucky to have had a chance to experience it. There were some Kiss or Kill shows that rank amongst the finest rock shows I've ever been to. And for those of you who know me, you know that I'm talking about a thousand shows. No joke. 100 to 200 shows a year for almost ten years. That's not including touring and other people's shows. And there are a handful of Kiss or Kill shows that I will always, always, always remember.

So, come out tonight and help us say farewell to an old friend. Even if, for you, it's a new friend.

With great, big, steaming piles of love and respect,

Mike TV

How I Came Across Kiss or Kill: Bobot Adrenaline

BOBOT ADRENALINE

www.myspace.com/bobotadrenaline

"How We Came Across Kiss or Kill"

Bobot Adrenaline on the final (rainy) night of their Kiss or Kill Residency of March 2005 at the Echoplex

"Bobot like many bands was struggling along in the dead Los Angeles music scene that was around prior to 2004. The 90's had been nice, and when those bands went away starting around 2000-2001 well, you had to be there to know just how vacant it was. Bobot Adrenaline was playing oddball places like one off clubs in studios and the CIA, benefit shows and way the hell out in Pomona or churches in Pasadena.

Crap!

Then one night in 2003, me and my friend Tommy happened to be at Spaceland when we caught a set by Ze Auto Parts or as I affectionately refer to them as - the ZAP girls. We instantly saw a band that was all about fun and rock and I quickly exchanged info with Ilse so we could play shows together and she invited me to see ZAP play at the Garage another night. I ended up going to the show and what I walked into is I believe one of the last Kiss or Kill shows at the Garage. I saw Bang Sugar Bang for the first time there, talked to Matt, he gave me a CD and told me that they were moving this club they had started to Zen Sushi soon.

When KorK started up at Zen I went down to check it out and within minutes knew I had just walked into a piece of Los Angeles history in the making. I called my bandmates the next day and told them we had found what we were looking for. This club - Kiss or Kill - was the homebase Bobot Adrenaline was in desperate need of and from that moment on my only goal was to get us into Kiss or Kill.

I went every week. I think I gave Cooper a demo maybe I can't remember. I told them we were playing a show at the Scene Bar and surprisingly enough her and Matt showed up! How bizarre was that?! If you've been in a band for only a brief time in Los Angeles, you know that no booker is going to go to another club to see if they want to book a band or not. That's just nuts. I knew that either these people were completely unique or they had no idea what they were doing. Either way was fine with me!

We played our first show February 10th of 2004 on the bill with The OAOTs. We were back the next month with Midway and Bang Sugar Bang. We started playing it regularly watching other bands slowly wander in from the desolate LA music scene like Rainman Suite and Blockage to find refuge in the little red and white room. I still remember the first night the Rainman Suite guys loaded in. Any band that came in the door knew right away they were about to play a club that had something very special going on. It was a giant family.

As the crowds grew bigger at the shows the more apparent it became that the local journalists - some of who I knew - were giving us the cold shoulder. The club was packed every week and the LA Weekly wouldn't so much as give us an "also recommend". We were completely ignored. I was elated! I could go see the latest incarnation of the latest garage band sounding garage band play to 15 people and they were the next big thing, but the Kiss or Kill bands with the crowds, the mosh pits, the surfing, the beer showers and amazing bands packing in this little room every week didn't warrant such a spotlight. I knew then we were all doing something right at that point.

By the time KorK moved to the Echo, Bobot did their residency in March of 2005. Some of the best shows we've ever played and our biggest shows to date. I couldn't believe the rainy night they bumped us down to the Echoplex and the place was still packed! That's the photo you see on our website or MySpace, looking over our shoulders on stage at this crowd.

No matter how many times the club moved we went with it, because as I told my bandmates after walking into Zen Sushi for the first time, "we have to be a part of this thing, because it will not last." Good things never last forever - that's what makes them special. Kiss or Kill lasted way past what I thought it would do. Hell I think the Masque in the 80s only lasted 2 years maybe a little more and I'm sure people who were there would tell you only 6 months of that was any good.

Collectively as musicians we mapped out a very large niche in LA music history. Turn all your Kiss or Kill photos black and white and put them up against all those photos of the Masque or CBGBS or Gilman Street. There's no difference. We were all in it for the same reasons - to play music.

Thanks Cooper, Matt, 99 and all the punters at Kiss or Kill"

Pepper, Corey Mac, and Bryan

How I Came Across Kiss or Kill: Mista John

Mista John has been a part of bands including Bottom 12 and can currently be caught with The Virginia City Revival

Here is his Kiss or Kill Story

"Just to add my two cents:

I began going to Kiss or Kill as an escape from my sometimes hectic word. This was when it was being held back at the Garage.

I would go there, grab a beer and hide in the corner. I didn't know anyone, and none of my friends knew about the club...yet.

One night, Band Sugar Bang was playing, and having far more fun than I though a band playing the Garage on a Tuesday night should be having. It was like LA didn't exist for them, they were simply having a good time.

That was refreshing for me, especially as that time frame held a lot of work and life pressure for me.

And then, as I sat in the corner, a guy came over with a flyer for one of his band's next gigs.

I looked at the flyer and thought the band name was cool...The King Cheetah...

Years later, seeking more refuge from a crazy world, I began checking out Kiss or Kill when it was at Zen Sushi. Something was different. The club had grown, and the good time attitude had definately spread to the crowd. I grabbed my $3 PBR and had a seat. All the bands were having fun, and the crowd was like a family. I actually began enjoying being there, but also had my "LA Shell" set to "on." It was like being an outsider, watching a bunch of friends have a party...and then it happened. A smile here, a hello there...hmmm...people were friendly...

I'm not a guy who upholds the LA attitude of an "impress me" scowl, and folded arms, but I knew that there was really something different about the club. It reminded me of how the Club Lingerie used to be when my old band, Bottom 12, used to play there with the likes of Dead White & Blue, Weezer, Tool, RATM, and many others. That was a special time...and now there was something new.

Kork then moved to the ECHO, I had moved too, and live a few blocks away. I began telling my bandmates and roomates Jonah and Veronica) that they too, should check out the club. What was better than getting completely obliterated on a Tuesday night? Even my co-workers responded favorably to my telling them that I was partying on Tuesday nights like it was a Friday night...

It was while Kork was at the Echo, that many of the attendees began recognizing my being there each week. Unbelievably to me, people began saying "hello" and "hi, my name is....what's your's?"

I was amazed.and the music was good...really good.

This was something new, and it felt right. So right, that I hoped on a bus and headed out to Las Vegas with a bunch of people I had just met. Kork was having a road trip to LV, for KORK at the Double Down...I was drunk before we hit the Interstate 15 incline...I was having my second wind of the night by Barstow...I had several episodes of nearly passing out, but the reviving throughout the night...

The rest is history. I've found the people I met at the club to be among the best people I know in this town..and I was born here. The attitude of the bands and club goers restored my faith in the LA scene...

My thanks to Siria, Johnny 99, Cooper, Matt, Rob Z, Andre, Amanda . Tobin and Sam (Safari Sam's) and everyone who I've met through the club...all the people....all the bands...too numerous to mention!

I'll miss my midweek refuge from the world's insanity, I look strangely forward to playing our last Kork gig on Nov 28...understanding that even great things must come to an end..."

John

Joe Dana on The End of Kiss or Kill...

Joe Dana is the lead singer for Pu$$y Cow, although you may also know him as Front Row Joe.

Here is his reaction to the announcement of the end of Kiss or Kill

"but fucking wow.

kiss or kill is apparently ending at the end of December. I have a flood of emotions over this. I know I haven't attended for the last month. That may have rubbed some the wrong way, but be assured I still have a great love for this weekly club

It has introduced me to some of the best bands in Los Angeles including my own. I've said in almost every interview that P-cow owes so much to the club.

I remember the first one I went to was at the now defunct Goldfingers where Bang Sugar Bang, The Shapes, Silver Needle and Deadbeat Sinatra played. Some country crap band closed the night which made Cooper cry. Chris P. and Glen were there. I banged my head against Matt's guitar. History was made.

I don't remember if there were more between then and the Garage but wow...

the Garage was the best venue for Kork for my money. Not to say the other incarnations sucked but it is just hard to top those original evenings. The booze was the cheapest. the Oaots were underage. Chris Poulos would hurt me. Robin did sound. I remember being introduced to the Dollyrots, the Randies, the King Cheetah, Random Justice (R.I.P. what a great band) and many others. Johnny 99 smashed a bass here. Bang Sugar Bang had their first album release here. I remember the Hello my name is cards. I remember puking on the side of my car the last night it was open.

Zen Sushi was fantastic too. The Waking Hours, The Cloves, The Knives, Underwater City People. I remember thinking that Celeste and Jon must be going out like so many other Kork Male/Female bands. I remember the first time hearing Stupid Job. I remember the Midway dodge ball game. The kiss or kill compilation party with two stages! The waking hours bleeding on shit. Zeitgeist Auto Parts bringing the buzz....colin's first kork shows were here. was it here or the echo that the missiles played? were the letter openers at zen or the garage? i'm not going to remember.

I liked the Echo. some didn't but I did. the bartenders were slow. the security was controversal but it was close to my house. it was probably the height of kork's success. we played the echo. the muffs did too. so did international noise conspiracy. I remember not being able to get to the front of the stage after the LA weekly article came out.

so many drunken nights. So much drama. So many venue changes. So many make out sessions. So many nights I shouldn't have driven home. there is so much more. vegas. vegas bus trips. taking over the knitting factory. THE FUCKING TEQUILA GUN. filling in for robz. fuck. how could I forget rob z himself.I loved it all.

Even at Safari Sam's and El Cid when it started to sort of...well...not be as great as it's previous incarnations...i still enjoyed it. I still attended.

i could write more but i am at work.

Let it be known that we had a great run and my life would sorely be different had I not started getting drunk with these rat bastards.

I've told the story a million times but Cooper and I were at Max's and I was saying, "I wish I could be the type of guy who goes to shows once a week"...a few months later and I was going to 3 a week.

thanks kiss or kill. "

As the Curtain Call Approaches...

I would like to say thank you to everyone who has shared their "How I came across Kiss or Kill" stories with me! I will start posting them over the weekend on our blog that you can view by visiting www.kissorkillclub.blogspot.com

From our previous announcements...

Kiss or Kill's Final Curtain Call

Now that I finally have a few moments I wanted to take the time to say thank you to everyone who has been involved with the club at all points of its existence. I know I will fail in my attempt to make this short and sweet so be forewarned.

As most of you know we announced earlier last month that we would be ending Kiss or Kill this year as it celebrates it's five year anniversary. In the midst of the Kiss or Kill goes Pink in October frenzy, I hadn't had a chance to write my own parting email.

This was a long thought out and extremely hard decision to make, but we feel it is the right one for us to make at this time.

Never in Los Angeles (or really anywhere else for that matter) have I come across so many people so unpretentious (and doubt very highly that I ever will again with another group of people). Kiss or Kill and the people that came to it honestly couldn't care less about what shoes/jeans you were wearing, what your day job was, what car you drove. As the Randies ode to Kiss or Kill, "Socialite," states "Who you know, where you go at the show we don't care..." Words that couldn't ring truer, in fact because the Kiss or Kill crowd just didn't care about any of these things the initially monthly now weekly night at times attracted celebrities (although thankfullly not your heiress' and "trust fund kid" type of wannabe celebrity ) and musicians and other artists who the Kiss or Kill bands often name check as inspirations to them as musicians and artists as well as A&R who would come out to check out the nights line-ups. The intent however, was not to bring the celebrity factor into it, as we had our own pseudo celebrities such as Rob Z the Wonder Emcee, the genius Chissum Worthington, Front Row Joe, Mr.Matt "Bang" Southwell (aka Southy) etc.

Kiss or Kill was a place where you could listen to great music, drink a beer or two (or 7 or 8), have some great conversations with other kindred spirits and never feel like you got ripped off. The infamously low cover of $2 then $3 (which remains 5 years later if you can make it to the show before 10pm) for 5 bands, should go to show that it was not just another night being put together by promoters (I still refuse to be called a promoter) looking for ways to pay their rent (or perhaps their next line of blow) and although we have nothing but respect for some of the local promoters, Kiss or Kill was started by musicians and the audience was comprised of friends and friends of friends. If you wandered into a Kiss or Kill night and didnt start off knowing anyone there at the beginning of the night, it was very likely that by the end of the night after initially speaking to just one person you would know half the people there. Heck most of us didn't even know each other's last names for most of the last few years preferring first names or better yet nicknames (i.e. Mike TV, Pawley Filth, Laura Red, Jason Pancake, etc.,etc.) but that never stopped us from exchanging friendly smiles and hugs and inquiries of our latest significant others/projects/films/recordings/pets/breakups/crushes etc, as part of our weekly greetings. Pretty soon, we were all making it to each other's birthdays, afterparties, etc. There have been times when we've had some crazy packed shows and I stop and think wow, I know every single person in here, but what's even more amazing is I genuinely like these people!

In fact at this point I can't even begin to imagine my life without some of you in it and can barely remember the days when I didn't know you. Kiss or Kill has been compared to high school, which I don't entirely disspell as my high school experience was a positive one, my first thought though is this high school has a better soundtrack.

As it was put in the M+ Mag Kiss or Kill possesses a "Creative Spirit, free spirit, the spirit of rock n roll ever present;it is the very breath that gives life to the club." Kiss or Kill did in fact become a "refuge for bands and fans that" had "grown frustrated by LA club politics" as they professed back in 2005. That same year, the year often referred to as the year of "Drinking Whiskey and Making Out" ( lyrics immortalized by Zeitgeist Auto Parts),The LA Weekly story on Kiss or Kill broke just five months before the infamous Kiss or Kill Volume II CD Release Party (where approx. 1000 people showed up to the Knitting Factory to watch the 14 local indie bands featured on the CD) where long time supporter and friend Paul Rogers first identified the sound pushing forth from the weekly nights as the "Kiss or Kill sound" describing it as "significant, as not since Sunset Strips late - '80's cock rock convulsion has L.A. produced a clutch of bands with an identifiable, binding sonic signature."

Comp II CD Release Party @ Knitting Factory


We have had many bands play under the Kiss or Kill banner but only a few got asked back to keep gracing the line-ups, not due to the desire of exclusivity nor trying to hide behind velvet ropes but because the bands that played had to understand what Kiss or Kill is, and they had to make an attempt to get to know our friends before we had them keep playing for them. Egos have almost been non-existent throughout the life of KorK. Of course their have been a few problems along the way but isnt that the case with all families? Looking at it as a whole though, we are lucky to have had as little drama as we have had. Yes there were band breakups, yes some band members left and joined other Kiss or Kill bands, yes people went out with each other and then they broke up...but all of that was inevitable in such a tight knit community.

When it came to booking yes, we were bombarded with bands that wanted to play (practically every band in LA)...yes, there were some that would almost not take no for an answer...and yes there were some managers who will remain nameless who had me thinking "restraining order" or practically hitting "panic" on my car keys but it came with the territory I guess. Then there were those that tried to capitalize on the Kiss or Kill audience that went the way of the covered wagon fairly quickly. On the business side most of you know the ups and downs we went through last year, I won't go into details but I definitely learned more than I wanted to and am glad to have come away with the knowledge I now possess.

I wouldn't trade those lessons and the hard work that was put into this for anything as just seeing all of the regulars come out each week to support the bands playing on the nights bills and equally important seeing the bands come out and support each other even if they weren't playing that night was worth it. In fact, one of the main observations that has been shared with me repeatedly in an almost awestruck manner is the rarity of seeing musicians helping each other, as it is commonplace at a Kiss or Kill night that if someone were to break a string another guitarist might offer their own guitar and then restring the momentarily out of commission one or should a mic stand/amp/you name it be presenting problems there are a few people ready to jump on stage and help out. It's almost been like having a musician crew of paramedics on stand by!

Although I was not a part of Kiss or Kill from it's inception, I don't feel I missed out on the experience nor underlying theme that for so long we were able to bring to the LA music scene on a weekly basis. When I first came to Kiss or Kill I never planned on becoming an integral part of the tight-knit community of musicians,artists, and music aficionados. In fact before Kiss or Kill I couldn't even fathom committing to attending anything once a week (I laugh now as I think about the weeks when Kiss or Kill would take up not one night of my week but three with Metal Skool Mondays and The Playa's Picnic's at The Old Towne Pub).

I missed the days of the Garage (now known as Little Temple on Santa Monica Blvd.), barely remember the Zen Sushi days, not sure how I survived the Echo days, learned some invaluable lessons at Safari Sam's, woke up with hangovers from the last two years of monthlies at the Key Club, been drunk by noon at the Old Towne Pub caught in the middle of water gun fights on hot summer days, and have with the rest of you come full circle by yelling SHOTS!!! at least once every half hour at El Cid (owned by Tobin Shea who was the owner of the Garage). I am however glad to have gotten the opportunity to work with the owners and staff at these venues and really appreciate their understanding and sharing of the vision of Kiss or Kill.

Zen Sushi



The Echo



Old Towne Pub
..


Safari Sams





El Cid




Since the initial announcement, I've been getting addressed with concerns of "where will we all see each other now?" Well you are talking to the girl who can't seem to go out to dinner without a 20 person entourage at times so I'm sure we'll think of many somethings ;). Although I know my response for the last year when asked how I am doing is that "I am well" followed by "super busy", but I hope you know I will always try to make time to hang out with you regardless of what more I continue to take on. I will still come watch your bands as many of you are my favorites in this town, and albeit I have grown accustomed to you coming to me it might be nice to do the reverse for a change. Plus I am sure I will be working on some sort of annual reunion show...including our East Coast Division (led by the O.A.O.Ts and the Atomic Missiles Crew)...the minute the last show is upon us.

We appreciate all of the support given throughout the duration of the club by people who didn't have to acknowledge and much less embrace the community but did, I will stick with members of the media for now that include: Kevin Bronson of the LA Times, Paul Rogers and Falling James of the LA Weekly, Sam Kramer and those still at KXLU (particularly Neuz Pollution), Mark Sovel,TK, and Joe Sib at Indie 103.1, the crew at LA Record, Swindle Magazine, Dennis Tzeng and the Gang at MusicPlusTV, Ali Maclean of Little Radio and Music Plus TV, Jon Hershfield of Killradio.org, Thom White at Citizine, Share and Bam at Rock 'n' Roll TV, Jeff "Pesci" of MTV, Kulture Mutt, Steve Bartolone of Hollywood Music TV, Vania Alonso and SiTV, Andie LaBarge of Filter Magazine, Robert Rowsey of Reviewer Magazine, Scott Dudleson of Music Connection, Jonathan Slowik and Aisah Gemora,and the wonderful people of KSCR, Victoria of Sugarbuzz, plus many many more that I am sure I am forgetting but promise to thank personally before the actual end occurs.

Kiss or Kill inspired songs ("Socialite" aka Kiss or Kill by The Randies, "Watch Me Go" aka Kissed Me Killed Me by the Dollyrots, "Take Me" aka Kiss Me or Kill Me by the OAOT's to name a few), friendships, romances, and heck even brought about a wedding,a baby (not to the same couple), and a documentary that we may someday get to see. We've had Toga Parties, a Punk Rock Prom, a Homecoming Dance, plus as far as I know Kiss or Kill has been the only local music night with a commercial on MTV as well as it's own billboard on Sunset Blvd.


Kiss or Kill Billboard on Sunset Blvd. May 2005




Punk Rock Prom

We thank you all for the great music and live performances you provided, your support, and most importantly your friendship. We hope the last five years will include some memories that will stay with you a lifetime and hope you will always be proud of the community you helped to build. I myself walk away with some great memories, many "what are the chances" and "are you kidding me" stories, the Vegas road trips, some great friends, and a legion of older brothers who I have seen intervene on my behalf and can confidently say they would do anything for me just as I hope they know I would for them.

At this time I would like to thank the inner circle of Kiss or Kill the always up for some mischief co-founder Cooper Gillespie, the full of stories and crazy antics Matt Southwell, the dynamic creative duo Andre Tusques and Amanda Jones (aka the co-president of the event committee) and my favorite big brother and one of the hardest working most selfless people I know,co-founder Johnny 99 for all of the great times and for all of the work that was put into this community that so many people, as I've been constantly told throughout the last few years, have come to respect and admire. Rob Z thank you for being the face and voice of Kiss or Kill. All of you are amazing people and I am honored to have worked alongside you.


Johnny 99


Cooper


To the rest of the KorK Community I will thank you by getting drunk alongside you at the weekly shows, you have much to be proud of and I hope to see you at the final five shows, not to show your support for us and the club but to support and sing along with the bands that helped build this community because although this probably won't be the last time they share bills with each other, it may be the last time you see them play under the Kiss or Kill banner.

I promise to bring the champagne on our final night if you promise to raise your glass in your own honor.

xoxo,


Siria

Curtain Call for Kiss or Kill - The Final Daze

Curtain Call for Kiss or Kill - The Final Daze

originally sent 10/03/07

We have collectively decided to end Kiss or Kill this year on Weds.
Dec. 12th.

This was a difficult decision to end a project that has so many
memories & that had such great impact on my creative & personal life.

Kiss or Kill is now closing on it's 5th year of existance.

A home to a collective group of artist's with like minded
influences. Kiss or Kill started with 2 bands with common goals that
helped build a community of over a 100 great bands that was a
driving force in the regional club scene. Out of that initial
energy, Kiss or Kill gained national & international recognition.

When I started Kiss or Kill, LA had the worst big city reputation as
far as the pay to play issues that plagued the creative minds of the
city, the bookers & clubs feeded off young hungry musicians that
wanted their voices heard. LA also had the reputation of a jaded
city that is plastic in aesthetic & personality. Even though this
was not the driving force behind our efforts. We proved this was
farthest from the truth to create an envirornment for a positive
shared experience between the artist & the listener. People said it
couldn't happen in LA & it did.

At our peak, we as a collective drew close to 1,000 people to the
Knitting Factory for the Compilation 2 release party. That for me
was the highlight as a musician. Hundreds of people singing your
song back to you. This was done organically. No major label backing
or commerical radio air play. Sincere word of mouth & a community of
open minded individuals searching out & experiencing good Rock &
Roll.

As I write this note, I started revisting the compilations we put
together & I am revisting all the great music that has come through
the Kiss or Kill banner. We were able to bring together over the top
personas that together created a vibrant scene. The music was too
good, the personatlies were seductive, & the style was great.

I know that I helped create something special to a lot of people &
also create a stage where great bands were accepted & heard.

We have November & the first 2 weeks of December open. That is 28
slots for 5 years worth of bands for one last goodbye.

This is an open invitation to great bands to reunite one last time.
So, if the Faders, Zeitgiest Auto Parts, Midway, Billion Stars want
to get back together. You have first dibs. Also I would love to have
the Dollyrots back if they were interested in coming back one last
time.

I would like to thank Cooper for her shared vision & creation of
this experience. Andre Tusques (who without none of you would have
the updated listings)and Amanda "Jones" Castillo the team behind the
Kiss or Kill Posters and Website and always willing to help without
fail when needed & Matt Southwell for the support & creative input.
Siria who has been been the backbone of Kiss or Kill these past few
years, & Rob Z who has remained the face & signature voice of Kiss
or Kill for 5 years. Without the Masterbator of Ceremonies - it just
wouldn't have been the same.

There are 11 Kiss or Kills left before the Final Curtain Call.

Hope to see you there.

Carpe Diem,
Johnny 99