Fans of Kiss have a rare opportunity in Orangeville to hear the music live, as the tribute band Fried Alive featuring local talent takes the stage at TJ's Hanger, on Saturday. August 18.

The four-member band began playing as a tribute to Kiss about three years ago, each having a background in different Top 40 bands, because they were huge Kiss fans and loved the music.

Orangeville residents Joe Kiss, who plays Gene Simmons on stage, and Gerry Hogenhout as drummer Peter Criss, first conceived the idea after playing as the opening act for Cold Gin, an American Kiss tribute band.

"Once we finished playing with Cold Gin," Mr. Hogenhout said, "it was obvious that we should be creating our own Kiss tribute act."

It took a year to create the necessary costumes, find the right people, learn the songs and learn how to act as the performers.

"The costumes help a lot in getting into the character," Mr. Hogenhout said. "And we are acting on stage as well, not just performing the songs."

The rest of the band includes Gord Mercer as guitarist Ace Frehley and another Orangeville resident, Rob Culling, as singer and rhythm guitar player Paul Stanley.

FRIED ALIVE an all-Canadian Kiss tribute band, with three members hailing from Orangeville is finding success as their alter-ego. Contributed Photos Fried Alive is a hobby for the Kiss enthusiasts, as each member holds down a regular day job, turning into hardcore rockers only when the make-up is on.

"It's a chance to have fun and really enjoy just being on stage," the drummer said.

According to Mr. Hogenhout, Fried Alive is the most complete Kiss tribute show with authentic era costumes, four Kiss signs that light up and a stage show that includes smoking guitars, fake-blood, fire (when the venue permits), lighting and fog.

Playing as Fried Alive, the band has been in venues they don't think they ever would have been if they had stayed in Top 40.

"Kiss is a classic band that's loved by those who grew up with the music as well as a younger generation who see us play now," said Mr. Hogenhout.

They believed they'd reached a pinnacle in their career, recently when the band was the headline act at the allday classic rock tribute show at Ontario Place, during the Molson Indy weekend.

"It was an amazing show," said Mr. Hogenhout. "There must have been about 5,000 people there."

The band is looking forward to bringing their show back to Orangeville and to TJ's.

"We love the big shows but we also like playing for the home-town crowd, too."

Another show, one for all ages, is planned for the Town Hall Opera House on October 13.

"We're having a costume competition during the October show," Mr. Hogenhout said. "It's great to see when everyone comes out dressed up as a member of Kiss."

For more information about Fried Alive and show details visit the website friedalive.zoomshare.com.