|
| Looking back to 1976, at times it
seems like it was yesterday, and at others, it seems like a lifetime
ago. Who would have thought that what started out as something to
do on Halloween night would turn into a tradition spanning ten years,
with nine Halloween appearances and fifteen different members?
We started out in 1976 wearing Levi's jackets
and pants, Afro wigs, and white lipstick makeup. We eventually
ended up looking so much like KISS at times that it was crazy.
Here we were, teenagers making elaborate costumes, guitars, and
stage sets, filming a movie, and doing photo sessions. We were
living out the fantasy of our idols and doing it with some of
our best friends. We entertained many people and, at times, were
a pain to some of our parents.
Over the years, what started out as fun actually
became an addiction and a job. At times, I felt like a celebrity,
and I loved every second of it. All of this kept me busy, out
of trouble, off the streets, and away from drugs. This was my
high. For others, the intense planning and work involved in preparing
for each event took its toll. Hell, we were only kids. No one
else stayed with the group for more than a total of four years.
I guess they didn't have the same drive I did or get the same
high from it. I give them a lot of credit, though. It was a lot
of work and dedication at times. Besides the attention, I loved
the creative process of it all. Every time I looked at KISS' new
costumes, I would challenge myself to create ones as close to
the originals as possible for us. I remember showing my mom a
photo of the band's new costumes for their Creatures of the Night
album and telling her those were what I was going to make that
year. Her reply was, "How are you going to make those?"
To that, I said, "I will," and I did. Seeing the end
result was always another high for me.
Those years were a lot of fun. It's nice to reminisce
about the old times whenever we can. Unfortunately, I've lost
contact with some of the past members, but I still manage to touch
base with most of the others from time to time.
Since the last KISS Impersonators appearance in
1986, I've put on the makeup several times. It was great to slip
into the old costume and get in front of people again, but it
can never be quite the same as those days past. Today, KISS tribute
bands around the world put on shows just as KISS did in their
heyday. They have it all: the makeup, professionally made costumes,
stage sets, and the show. There are some very good ones doing
it now, but I think we were among the first to take it to such
extremes. We were only kids, and we did it pretty much all on
our own.
I hope you enjoy our story as much as we enjoyed
ourselves.
TROY CORREIA
|
I have a photo album with more
than a hundred pages of photographs that I've shared with family
and friends over the years. I've looked through that album a million
times. But while putting this website together, I spent countless
hours working with those photographs, and the experience brought
back even more wonderful memories than all the times I had flipped
through the album.
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped make
it all possible and give credit where credit is due.
The Argus - For putting
us on the front page in 1980 and for doing a story on us for what
we thought would be our last year, 1983.
Donald Cambra - For the use of his van and for chauffeuring
us around on Halloween 1978.
Lisa Cambra - For chauffeuring us around on Halloween 1979
and 1980. Also for the use of her van in 1980.
Mary Cambra - For doing most of the sewing on our costumes
in 1978, 1979, and 1980.
Joe and Betty Capelli - For helping with costumes in 1978,
1979, and 1980. Also for letting us dress up in their garage on
Halloween in 1978 and 1980.
Paul Carter - For the use of his drums and guitar for the
KISS and the Mad Scientist movie.
City of Fremont, CA Fire Department - For allowing us to
pose on their fire truck in 1979 during the filming of KISS and
the Mad Scientist.
Bernard and Gwen Correia - To Gwen for help with make-up
1976-1978. To Bernard for playing our manager in our movie, KISS
and the Mad Scientist. To both for letting us dress up at their
house in 1976 and 1977. For the use of their garage for our first
concert in 1978. Finally, for putting up with me through all those
years.
Chris Correia - For helping with the lights and sound at
our second concert.
Denise Correia - For help with costumes and styling wigs
and hair in 1981, 1982, and 1983.
Jeff Correia - For photographing us on Halloween 1979 and
1980.
Greg Garro - For being one of our Police Escorts on Halloween
1978.
Kevin Greene - For running the lighting and sound and use
of his guitar for our first concert.
KISS and the Mad Scientist Cast & Crew - Joe Capelli,
Bernard Correia, David Davis, Robert Fegan, Bob Lewis, Loren Pruitt,
Mark Ricketts, William Robertson, and the band Joey Capelli, Jeff
Correia, and Greg Garro.
Walt Kohn - For taking an interest in us in 1978.
Bob Lewis - For allowing us to use Patterson Auditorium
for the filming of KISS and the Mad Scientist (and for trusting
a 17 year old with the keys to the school auditorium on a weekend,
not once, but twice). For stepping in to the role of the Police
Commissioner on the spot during the filming. Finally for helping
us secure the use of Patterson Auditorium for the filming of our
video in 1986.
Patterson Elementary School - For the use of their auditorium
for the filming of our video in 1986.
William Robertson - For being one of our Police Escorts
on Halloween 1978.
Patty Ross - For helping with lighting and sound for our
second concert.
Gino Silva - For styling our wigs in 1979.
Jack and Rosemary Standish - For allowing us to build a
full size stage in their backyard and to use it to put on our
second concert. Also for allowing us to get dressed at their house
on Halloween 1979 and the use of their van that night.
Mr. & Mrs. Troche - For letting us dress up at their
house on Halloween 1983.
Eugene Vaccaro - For the use of his drum set for both of
our concerts and the filming of our 1986 video.
Al - For all his help with
many old photos, his guidance with
technical issues the site was having, comments and critique, and
his suggestions that added so much to the website. Without his
help, this site would not have been done on time, and completed
to the level of quality it ultimately achieved.
Finally to all the guys that dressed up with me through the years.
Your participation, enthusiasm, dedication, and friendship helped
make some great memories and very special times.
Paul Alberts - Gene 1976, Ace 1977, Peter
1978
Bin Avery - Eric 1980, 1981
Mark Branson - Ace 1982, 1986
Tim Branson - Paul 1980, 1981, 1982
Joey Capelli - Ace 1978, 1979, 1980
Chris Correia - Paul 1976, Peter 1977,
1978
Jeff Correia - Paul 1979
Charles Duck - Peter 1979, 1986, Eric
1982, 1983
Mike Feliciano - Paul 1983
Greg Garro - Peter 1978, 1979
Henry Gibson - Ace 1981
Dean Gulbrandson - Ace 1976
Jimmie Katarzy - Vinnie 1983, Paul 1986
Jack Standish - Paul 1977, 1978, 1979
Thanks again to everyone for a lifetime of memories…
Troy Correia
Peter 1976, Gene 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1986
|
|
