VWMusic

All images courtesy of Rosie Luck/Neil Davis

By Andrew Daly
andrew@vinylwriter.com

Cancer is a disease that has sadly affected most of us in one way or another.

Still, for industrious event organizers Neil Davis, Brian Bell, Dale Walter, and Rosie Luck, each day is another opportunity to flip the script.

On September 10^th, 2022, with some help from his friends, Davis, along with his cohorts, is putting on his latest charitable event, KISS Cancer Goodbye, with all proceeds being donated to the American Cancer Society in conjunction with their Real Men Wear Pink campaign.

The effects of Cancer on our societal well-being cannot be understated. But in terms of breast cancer, while it’s understood that women are deeply affected, the risk that this potentially deadly disease poses to men is not often recognized.

For Davis, Bell, Walter, and Luck, KISS Cancer Goodbye is poised to highlight the dangers we face while raising vital money for this incredible cause.

For this online-only event, attendees will be treated to live music from The Talismen and an appearance from veteran bassist Todd Kerns. Of course, prizes will be available too. Donations include a drumhead donated by KISS drummer Eric Singer, a guitar donated by former KISS six-stringer Bruce Kulick, and other goodies donated by Dale Walter, Loretta Carr, and founding member of KISS, Peter Criss.

Grassroots events such as KISS Cancer Goodbye are critical, providing awareness, funding, and, most importantly, unity.

Both myself, the staff of VWMusic, and all who are involved with the KISS Cancer Goodbye event urge you to get involved and exercise compassion for those around you. Cancer is a disease that has affected us all in one way or another. If we all do our part in some small way, I firmly believe we will one day beat Cancer.

Neil Davis, Brian Bell, Dale Walter, Rosie Luck, and all the incredible musicians who have donated have devoted their time, energy, and humanity to make this event a reality in the name of ending Cancer once in for all. It’s our job to meet them halfway and fight together to beat this dreadful disease.

As the KISS Cancer Goodbye event approaches, Rosie Luck set aside some of her time to speak on the event’s importance and how and where attendees can donate to this vital cause.

Andrew:
Tell us about the upcoming event, KISS Cancer Goodbye.

Rosie:
Hey Andrew! First of all, thanks for giving us this platform to bring awareness to this great cause. Ya know, basically, we’re gonna spend the evening raising money to help try to battle this horrible disease and making memories with you all while doing so. There will be unique auction items and music; it will all be streamed, so who knows what may happen! The event is fully privately funded, so every dollar that is raised will 100% go to the American Cancer Society’s Real Men Wear Pink campaign, and Brian Bell is matching the first $15,000 raised!

Andrew:
Are you partnering with any larger organizations to help with this event?

Rosie:
Nope, this is as in-house as possible to ensure costs are kept down and what’s raised goes directly to the organization.

Andrew:
What lessons did you learn from Creatures Fest, and how are you applying them to this event?

Rosie:
One big thing we always take away from these events is the KISS Army is just that: an army, a family.

Andrew:
Who are some of the guests who will be performing?

Rosie:
We definitely want to keep the entertainment light and focus on the task at hand, but we are thrilled to have fan favorites and Nashville locals; The Talismen, reuniting after Philip Shouse has been away with Accept and Ryan Cook and Jeremy Asbrock fresh off a tour with Ace Frehley (Zach Throne filled in for Phil while he was away). The Talismen will be playing a few tracks off of KISS’ Rock and Roll Over for us. We’ll have a few other folks joining, a bit of an all-star band, Ben Hans from Mr. Big, and maybe a couple of other folks. And last but obviously not least, of course, our dear friend Vinnie Vincent offered to volunteer his time and talent to help in any way he could. It’s a cause that’s very important to him as well.

Andrew:
How were they wrangled in, is there more potentially coming?

Rosie:
Honestly, as soon as the event came up, people started reaching out to Neil, wanting to know how they could help. Unfortunately, Cancer has affected all too many of us in different ways, and everyone just kinda wants to do what they can to help.

Andrew:
How will the event play out?

Rosie:
Knowing Neil, bigger than it was meant to be! But really, his vision is really a throwback to like your Jerry Lewis Telethon type thing, but with some twists. You’ll get to bid on some awesome items, have some laughs (probably at my expense!), and hear some great music too!

Andrew:
What sort of auction items will be available?

Rosie:
Oh my gosh, there’s so much cool stuff! Eric Singer was kind enough to donate a drumhead signed by KISS, Bruce Kulick donated a beautiful guitar, Dale Walter is providing an Ace Frehley signed Les Paul out of his personal collection, and Loretta Carr is donating items; I mean, it just goes on, definitely something you don’t want to miss.

Andrew:
Why is this event personally important to you, Neil, Brian, and Dale?

Rosie:
Unfortunately, I think all of us have been touched by Cancer in some way. As KISS fans, we’ve obviously lost Eric Carr and seen Peter Criss battle it, but I think just about everyone has lost a loved one or fought it themselves.

Andrew:
Are there any surprises that you can give us the scoop on?

Rosie:
Sssshhh, Andrew! That takes the surprise out of surprise!

Andrew:
Aside from the obvious, what sort of awareness are you hoping to generate?

Rosie:
Even though it’s obvious, I think it’s important to bring awareness not just to Cancer but, in this case, with Real Men Wear Pink; they focus on Male Breast Cancer. I think a lot of men don’t even know it exists.

Andrew:
Is there anything you’re hoping people take away from this event?

Rosie:
Really I think the most important thing anyone could take away is to remember to care about each other. Do what you can to help your fellow humans when you’re able to.

Andrew:
At the end of this event, what does success look like?

Rosie:
Any awareness that we can bring to fighting and curing this awful disease or letting anyone out there know that they are not alone will be a success for us. Please stream with us from this KISS Live Auctions Facebook Group!

For more information, you can contact Neil Davis directly on Facebook or at creaturesfest@gmail.com. The QR code below will take you directly to the American Cancer Society to donate.

– Andrew Daly (@vwmusicrocks) is the Editor-in-Chief for www.vwmusicrocks.com and may be reached at andrew@vinylwriter.com