The KISS Impersonators Introduction

Looking back to 1976 seems, at times, like it was yesterday and at others, it seems like a life time ago. Who would have thought that what started out as something to do on a Halloween night back then would have turned in to a tradition that lasted a total of nine years and fifteen members.

We started out in 1976 wearing Levi jackets and pants, Afro wigs, and white lipstick make-up. We eventually ended up looking so much like KISS at times it was almost scary. 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 were entertaining to many, and at times, 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 and out of trouble, off the streets, and away from drugs. This was my high. For others, the intense planning and work to prepare for each event took it's toll. Hell, we were only kids. At best, no one was able to last more than a total of four years. I guess they did not have the same drive that I did nor did they 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 as possible for us. To see the end result was always another high for me.

Those years were a lot of fun. It is nice to reminisce about the old times when we can. Unfortunately, I have lost contact with some of the past members, but still manage to touch bases with the others from time to time.

Since the last KISS Impersonators appearance in 1986, I have put on the make-up a few times. It was great to slip in to the old costume and get in front of people, but it can never be as good 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 make-up and costumes, the stage sets and the show. There are some very good ones doing it now, but I think we were the first to take it to such extremes. We were only kids and 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 then a hundred pages of photos that I have showed to family and friends through the years. I have looked at these photos a million times. While putting this site together I spent a lot of time dealing with these photos and it really brought back a lot of great memories, more so then all the times when I flipped through that photo album showing friends and family.

Right now I want to thank those involved that helped make everything 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.

Bernadette Correia - For help with costumes through the years.

Bernard and Gwen Correia - To Gwen for help with make-up 1976-1978. To both for letting us dress up at their house in 1976 and 1977. For the use of their garage for our first concert. 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 - 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.

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

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