Your 24/7 KISS Fix!

There have been many people who had the opportunity to be associated with KISS and their career development over the years, but only one can say that he helped teach Ace Frehley the guitar. That man is Peppy Castro. From his time in the psychadelic Blues Magoos to working with KISS session guitarist Bob Kulick in Balance, Peppy has experienced success and gratification as a musician that few can experience. Recently, I got the opportunity to chat with Peppy about his musical career and much more. Enjoy!

Peppy, you are certainly considered one of the important "5th members" of Kiss who helped shaped the band and it's members. You have many connections with the band, including work on Paul's 1978 solo album, but let's start in the Bronx back in the 1960's. Care to tell me how you met and became friends with Ace Frehley?

Ace, Then a young Paul Frehely knew of me because in his mind I was a guy who made it with “The Blues Magoos” and came from the same neighborhood. He searched me out which tells you a little about his drive and dream to make something of himself.  He got my phone number and asked me If I would sit down with him and show him some stuff on guitar. We got together and what I showed him took him to another level and he was off to the races and never looked back.  Now I’m lucky if I can even get Ace on the phone (laughs)

As far as connections go? I must tell you that Gene has always been very kind to me and it’s because of Gene That I had 2 big records with Diana Ross in the 80’s. Not many Kiss fans are aware of this. Diana was looking for material and Gene introduced me to her and she cut one of my songs. “We are The children of The world” and I wrote a song called “Fight for it” with her. So between Ace, Gene and Paul, Kiss has been an amazing experience for me.

Your band, The Blues Magoos, had such an impact on Ace's guitar playing. In fact, Ace's solo to "Love Gun" is very similar to a guitar breakdown in "(We Ain't Got) Nothin' Yet". When hearing that track, it must be a great feeling to know you influenced on of rock's greatest Guitar God's, correct?

After all these years, to see Ace reflect and say kind words about me is extremely gratifying.  So many people look up to Ace and all he’s accomplished. To know I had a small hand in that makes me all warm and fuzzy (laughs)

I heard that you recently re-connected with Ace during a book signing for his autobiography "No Regrets". Could you tell us a little bit about that meeting?

I had so many people call me and hit me up on facebook about what he wrote in his book about me that I decided to be a patron of the arts and go to one of his book signings and buy a copy and say hi. When I went , Ace wasn’t there yet so I just let  the store’s management know that I was there to say hi to Ace and that I was an old friend. I think they were like “Yeah right” who’s this old dude.

Ace showed up with an entourage and there was a line around the corner. I was hanging by where he was going to enter the store with the store management. When they came barreling in they were like, Get out of the way Ace can’t talk to anyone. I then went “look I know the drill I’m just hear to say a quick hello to Ace, I’m Peppy Castro”! At that point Everything stopped. His manager Apologized and Ace gave me a hug and I was invited in the Managers office with Ace and hung. They couldn’t have been any nicer and Ace and I had a good time and we took a photo and he signed the book.

Now, on to 1978. How did you become involved with Paul Stanley and his solo effort? By the way, Paul's '78 album is actually one of my favorite KISS records of all time.

I had met Paul through one of my BFF’s Carol Kaye (not the bass player) from Kayos Productions. Paul and Carol were very close and she had done many years of press for KISS. So Paul and I became friends as well. We would hang in New York  ands always had a great time. By 1978 I had a musical I wrote called ZEN BOOGIE which my managers (Leber / Krebs) produced  in Beverly Hills at the Solari Theater. Kiss was doing the Kiss movie and we were now hanging in L.A. Paul asked me would I come to the studio and it was just a natural progression of our friendship.

In the later '70's you formed the group Balance. The lineup included Bob Kulick on lead guitar, Doug Katsaros on keyboards, bassist Dennis Feldman, and drummer Chuck Burgi....all in-demand studio musicians in the 70's and 80's.  I feel as if the band was one of the greatest power pop/ rock bands of that time, and your self-titled debut album is a must have for any rock fan who loves catchy hooks and melodic lyrics. How was the band formed, and how did Paul Stanley end up on the album? Also, how do you feel about the album 30 years later?

Thanks for the kind words. “Balance” was an amazing band of which I am super proud of. I had a solo record deal ready to be signed as I was on Leber / Krebs roster and the deal fell through because the labels funding was weak. I was so frustrated that I decide to stack the deck and put together a band of heavy hitters to make it easier to secure a record deal. You know you’re good when other bands you respect give you praise. I came up with the name “Balance” because it is the essence of mixing and on every stereo in the world there’s a Balance control. So factor in the balance of nature etc. and you have a powerful relatable name. I had this Ballad I wrote called “Falling In Love”. Paul loved the song and asked me could he sing on it? I was in shock because I never wanted to exploit Paul in any way because of my friendship with him. I wood kill to have Paul associated with the band and endorse our talent but I would never ask him for such a thing. However, Paul really wanted to sing on it because it was a lush sweet ballad and he could never do anything like that with Kiss. So for him it was a fun stretch. As it is we never credited him because contractually he was tied up. So he went anonymous. Every time I hear the record I love it because I can hear his clear falsetto cut through everything. The first two Balance Lp’s are masterful and will always hold up.  

Your sophomore effort, "In For The Count" was your final album with the band for 27 years before reuniting with "Equilbrium" in 2009. What caused the band to fall apart after just two albums?

Much to my surprise Bob Kulick in print went around bad mouthing me and blaming me for the breakup of the band. From my perspective nothing could be further from the truth. Why would I break up something I created and started? In reality the label had a black Friday in which there were huge lay offs of staff when our 2nd lp was released. This killed our record in addition to the fact that the 2nd lp was a harder edged record and the label didn’t believe in it. It is now considered by many to be a collectors item especially in Europe. No one was working with the band. Management lost interest and there was absolutely nothing on the horizon. No Gigs!  Kulick said I didn’t want to tour and that killed the band. Basically he was full of shit. There were no offers. No Booking agents and no gigs to even turn down? So I guess I  became the fall guy in his mind. Had we been offered a tour I would’ve been first in line. As far as “Equilibrium” goes? For years people would always ask me if we would do another record. Eventually Bob was approached by ‘Frontiers records” To do just that. His position was if ever we were going to do something this was now the time. So Doug and I agreed to give it a shot.

Before I committed to the record I wanted assurances from Bob that creatively there would be no roadblocks. Bob wanted to control the project from his studio in L.A. with his partner (Brett Chasen) who was to play drums on the record and Doug and I because there was not much of a budget involved were going to do things in our own studios and send the files via the internet back out to Bob. Well as the project went along it became clear to me that this was just another project to Bob and because there wasn’t a lot of money involved he really wasn’t going to put his heart into it let along entertain my creative changes that I wanted. He wouldn’t even change a kick drum pattern on a song that I requested. So by the time the record was finished I insisted that my name be taken off of the production credits because I fell it was a poor mans Balance and Bob’s production in my humble opinion sucked. So I grinned and bared it and took the good with the bad. In hindsight as much as there are some Balance fans who appreciate the record, I’m sorry we made it. To me it tarnished the good name we built up. Live and learn.

What was it like living in the Bronx? In his book, Ace mentions it as a dog-eat-dog world. Also how was the music scene in New York in the 1960's?

I was born in Manhattan and  grew up in the Bronx from 4 – 14 yrs. Old. I left home at 14 to gig in new York’s,  Greenwich village. At 17 I had my first hit record with The Magoos. The 60’s was the decade of the century. It was the most exciting time in music. There’s nothing that compares.

While you were growing up, who was it that inspired you to play music?

One day when I was 13 this guy who I really didn’t know that well showed me how to play a chord on guitar. His name was Rick. That was it. The sky opened up and I crawled through it. I realized that I could be a singer and also be the guy who accompanies the singer on guitar all in one person. Many Great performers inspired me all along the way. I grew up listening to everything in the 50’s and 60’s. So they all had a hand in my passion.

Peppy, what's going on for you today? If you could, tell us of your future projects?

I must warn you. I’m a Gemini so I have many thing I do. For starters. The Blues Magoos have recorded a new record Called “Psychedelic Resurrection”. It was a lot of fun and were actually going to go out and tour and support the record. Then I have another musical I wrote from 1995-2000 called XSTAR. It’s “POPera” about a super hero. I will be releasing that on CD and interest  with some theater companies. Lookout for my own CD Called “Just Beginning”. One of the things that came out of Balance for me is that I became good friend with Joey Kramer from Aerosmith and he’s playing on some of it. My Son Jesse has many musical sides and there’s always projects there and I still gig out with a band I had on Atlantic record from the 70’s Called Barnaby Bye. www.barnabybye.com that’s always a fun one. We all met on Broadway in the cast of “Hair” way back. The list is endless so I’m always keeping busy. So no complaints.

Thanks for taking part in this interview, Peppy. You are one of my favorite musicians so I appreciate you taking time to talk to us, and our fans at Kissin' Time appreciate it as well! I'll let you have the last word.

The last word is always enjoy who you are and what you do in life. Kiss is a phenomenon beyond description. The fact that I’ve even had a moment in their history and get to share a speck of sand in the big wide ocean that is Kiss gives me great joy. My best to all who enjoy the journey and thanks for all the kindness that the Kiss fans have shown me over the years.

Mr. Speed is known across America as the nation’s premiere Kiss tribute band. For almost seventeen years, Mr. Speed has been rockin’ and rollin’ and bringing their show to many places getting to experience the legacy of Kiss for the first time. The ringleader of this group is Rich Kosak, or as many fans call him at first glance “Paul Stanley”. For the entire tenure of Mr. Speed, Rich has been at the forefront, earning a reputation as one of the greatest performers in Kiss tribute band history. Recently, I got a very special opportunity to speak with Rich about his journey into Kisstory.

KT: Rich, one of the coolest things about getting to do this interview with you is that we have one very important thing in common…..we live and breathe KISS, all soldiers in the Kiss Army! I am certain we will have plenty to talk about, so let’s get started! First off, tell me how your journeys in Kisstory began? What grabbed your attention and made you say to yourself “these guys are incredible”?

RK: My story began with the KISS radio commercial. When I saw the explosion on my television I thought "who the hell is this"? I then made friends with a new kid on my block that had seen KISS in concert in 1978. He had the U.S. Tour poster on his bedroom door and I have never looked back. I also used to go to a local record store called Oasis Records & Tapes. They had a VHS or laser disc copy of the ALIVE II Promo that I would beg them to play every time that I was in the store. Did I mention that they played it on a large screen tv too? It was awesome.

KT: Rich, you are the founder of this incredible group. Can you tell me the origin of Mr. Speed? What do you recall of your first show?

RK: MR.SPEED started innocently at a record show in Pittsburgh, PA. I met a guy that was looking through a KISS book and I made a comment to him about it. We started talking and before too long we exchanged phone numbers. We really hit it off and after finding out that he too played guitar we were jamming at his house every chance we could get. After about 6 months of just he and I playing we placed a few ads and before we knew it...we had a band. What I remember about our first show was how excited we all were. We had no idea when we left the dressing room that we would find the place SRO! There had to be 250 people in this place easily. They were standing on the front of the stage. We made $150! We totally got screwed on the money but we really didn't care...we got paid and we were thrilled. After the fact we regretted not standing up for ourselves but it was our first show and we were on our way. We wore suits ala "Dressed To Kill" because we didn't have a pot to piss in. It wasn't until a year later that we took a serious look at making our first costumes and really taking the next logical step to being a KISS tribute band.

KT: What would you consider your greatest achievements in the band? You guys have been blessed with many achievements over the years; that must be quite the list to pick from!

RK: We're grateful for every show that we book even to this day for our band. There aren't any guarantees in this business. You can be as prepared as you want to be but sometimes shows are out of your control. By far our greatest achievement was performing "Shock Me" with Ace in Myrtle Beach in 2009. The event was the first anniversary of the KISS Coffeehouse. We were told not to expect anything but to be prepared in case Ace was interested. Thankfully he was and the rest is part of our history. To have lasted 17 years is also a major accomplishment. Most bands don't last 17 days. We're proud of the state of MR.SPEED right now and we're still writing our own history with each and every show.

KT: What is your favorite Kiss song to perform on stage? My favorite song is “Love Gun” and I must say you all nail it each and every time!

RK: We go through phases with our favorite songs to play. Over the years we have played many songs live and one of my favorites was "Unholy". I also like "Modern Day Delilah". I tend to lean towards the songs that challenge me both as a singer and a guitar player. "Mr.Speed" is tricky too. Oh...and "Love Her All I Can".

KT: Being in a tribute band sometimes is subject to a revolving door of members. That really doesn’t seem to be the case with you guys. Rich, you and your guitarist Joe Hess have been in Mr. Speed for ten years. Drummer Andrew Sgambatti joined the band in late 2008. What is it that keeps you guys together? I assume the common love for Kiss plays an important part but I have to imagine that isn’t all it takes to stay united in a band.

RK: Even a band on our level is subject to the same challenges that plague major touring bands that we all love. It really is like a four way marriage of sorts. Everyone has to be on the same page or it won't work. If one guy wants to do his own thing it will inevitably rub somebody else the wrong way. That friction will permeate the band and spread like a virus. As the leader of MR.SPEED I have dealt with many different personalities over the years. Each one is unique and offers many challenges and dynamics to the band. However, once you find a formula for your success you are less reluctant to want to listen to the rantings of someone that may not have experience in a tribute band such as a KISS tribute band. That's not to say that you won't listen to what they have to say...you just don't have to agree with it in the end. We have had many ex-members of this band come on board and try to take control in their own way. They never succeeded. Some went on to try it their way but soon realized that it wasn't as easy as it seemed. They're the ones that are still logging on to our web site while wishing fans were logging on to theirs.

KT: Aside from Kiss, who are some of your other favorite artists to listen to?

RK: I listen to a lot of other bands. My favorites in no particular order are Journey, RUSH, Stryper, Shinedown, Seether, Cheap Trick, Peter Frampton, Led Zeppelin, Night Ranger among others. I also appreciate the Commodores, Richard Marx, Lionel Richie just to name a few. I have many other bands that over the years have created music that I loved. Maybe it was just a single song or I loved the whole album. Another band that I loved is New England. They opened for KISS the first time I saw them in 1979. Their first album was produced by Paul Stanley and is one of my desert island discs to this day.

KT: Rich, do you ever write original compositions or perform in a band that focuses on original music?

RK: I think about creating my own album of my own material someday. I come up with ideas every now and then that I think could become part of cool song. At times I find myself creating ideas that are too much like what I think KISS fans would want to hear. Instead I should focus on what I want to hear and not worry about everyone else. This is something that's on my bucket list to complete before too much longer in my life.

KT: So, what’s your most prized Kiss possession?

RK: My favorite possession is clearly MR.SPEED. This band has given me opportunities that I would have otherwise never obtained in my life. I do have materialistic items that I cherish, one of which is a signed poster of Paul. He personalized to me by saying "Do Me Proud".

KT: A handful of Kiss tribute bands release live albums or promotional CD’s. Have you ever considered releasing any Mr. Speed material?

RK: We have over the past year or two recorded a handful of KISS tracks. We are currently recording even a few more to add to our web site for buyers and fans to enjoy. We don't believe in creating any collection of KISS material for a monetary gain of any kind. It's not our music to benefit from in that way. We record their songs for our own enjoyment and that of the fans.

KT: If you want a rock and roll show, Mr. Speed will certainly deliver! You have performed all over the United States. From county fairs to city festivals to night clubs, you guys do it all! My question to you is, what is your favorite venue setting?

RK: For me performing in the old-style theaters such as the Akron Civic or the Arcada in St.Charles, IL. They have a history and a charm that most bars could only dream of.

KT: Last question: To all those fans reading who have yet to enjoy the Mr. Speed experience, what would you like to say to them to convince them to come to your rock and roll spectacle?

RK: You can go and see any number of KISS tribute bands that claim to be "the greatest" or "the ultimate" or even "the #1" tribute band to KISS. We like to be known as "America's KISS Tribute". We play for the real KISS fans, not for our egos. If you want to see a KISS tribute band that believes in performing from their hearts and giving you what you deserve as a fan then come to see MR.SPEED.

A lot of people do not understand the hard work and dedication it takes to be a part of ANY tribute band let alone one that pays tribute to the kabuki-clad Kiss. I am proud to say that I am a fan of Mr. Speed. Their dedication to excellence is something to admire. Thanks to Rich for taking the time to conduct this interview.- - Kameron (LoveGun07)

We're planning on kicking off our brand new section of Kissin' Time with a BANG!

Stay tuned, you do not want to miss this