By Kate Stow
If you’re not one of the lucky fans that have tickets for the KISS – End of the Road Tour, take heart! Dallas-based tribute band Rock & Roll Over will be at a location near you this year. We caught up with them at Fat Jack’s Oyster Bar in Texarkana last month.
In 2012, out of 225 submissions from around the world, KISS named Rock and Roll Over as being among the top 4 tributes to them at a Las Vegas contest held at Hard Rock Cafe. In 2013 D Magazine named them the top tribute band in Dallas.
Formed in 2010, they go the distance with iconic makeup, costumes, pyrotechnics, and even custom guitars. The band have performed coast to coast, covering all eras of KISS, from the 70’s, to the present time.
Dallas native Christopher Paul has the “Star Child” act down, complete with snarky commentary. As the leader of Rock and Roll Over, Christopher exudes the charisma and stage presence of Paul Stanley, while his vocals perfectly mimic his. Christopher has also performed with the international KISS tribute band, The Original KISS Army, headed by the Godfather of KISS tribute bands Jim Seda, and remains in good stead with them.
As the newest member of Rock and Roll Over, New York City native Dan Castiel plays Gene Simmons – the blood spitting, bass wielding demon. With many years of musical performance and recording experience under his codpiece, Dan has played in several national, original, cover and tribute bands, such as Sleepy Hollow, The Dropoutz, Thrillseeker, Jesse Snider (son of Dee Snider of twisted Sister), Saints of Los Angeles, Livewire (both Motley Crue Tributes), and Adrenalize (Def Leppard Tribute). Dan is endorsed by Black Diamond Strings.
Playing the smoking lead guitar as Ace Frehley’s Spaceman is Allen Shelley. His playing is proof of his attention to detail and long hours of practice to hit those familiar licks.
Rounding out the quartet is drummer Jeff Gerhardt as the Cat, Peter Criss. Jeff is a veteran of heavy metal bands, Volume Dealer and 100 Proof Hatred. Whether he’s belting out Black Diamond, or crooning the ballads Beth and Hard Luck Woman, Jeff shows an amazing vocal range.
Since their first show in Ft. Worth on Aug. 31, 2010, the band have performed extensively in every corner of The Lone Star State, as well as all over the United States. You can find their schedule at www.rockandrollover.net
