While Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss are known as the definitive lineup of iconic rock band KISS, longtime fans know the lineup has changed countless times in the past few decades. (Today's incarnation of the band only features Stanley and Simmons as original members, with guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer wearing the original Spaceman and Catman makeup, respectively.)
One of the most notable other members of KISS, though, was Eric Carr. The first non-original member of the band, Carr was an avid drummer making a living as a repairman when he was plucked from obscurity to join the band. He remained a vital member during the band's most transitory years, from their 1983 unmasking and beyond. While his career was cut too short by an incredibly rare diagnosis of heart cancer, which led to his passing in 1991, his spirit lives on - and fans' desire for more material from his musical career will be met with next month's release of Unfinished Business, a collection of demos and outtakes to commemorate the 20 years since Carr passed.
The 18-track set includes archival interviews with Carr and associates, alongside plenty of tracks from Carr's vaults and other stuff. Highlights include Carr's original KISS audition tape vocals to "Shandi," with a newly-recorded instrumental backing track; demos from the Crazy Nights and Hot in the Shade sessions and a new recording of Carr's 1991 lyric "Elephant Man" with instrumental support from AJ Pero of Twisted Sister and Kee Marcello of Europe.
The full track list is available after the jump. Those who order from Carr's official website receive a collectible guitar pick with purchase.
Eric Carr, Unfinished Business (MVD Entertainment Group 5286A, 2011)
- Eric Speaks to the Fans
- Just Can't Wait - Ted Poley
- Troubles Inside You (Demo) - Eric Carr and Mitch Weissman
- Eric Talks About His Music
- No One's Messin' with You - Eric Carr and Bruce Kulick
- Carr Jam 1981 - KISS (from Revenge - Mercury 848 037-1, 1992)
- Eric Talks About His KISS Audition
- Shandi - Eric Carr
- All Hell's Breakin' Loose - ZO2
- Dial L for Love (Demo) - Eric Carr
- Elephant Man - AJ Pero of Twisted Sister, Kee Marcello 0f Europe and Bob Gilmartin
- Eric Talks About Mark St. John
- Midnight Stranger - Eric Carr
- Eyes of Love - Eric Carr (from Rockology - Spitfire 5099-2, 2000)
- Bill Aucoin Talks About Eric
- Through the Years - Eric Carr
- I Cry at Night - The Cellarmen
- Eric Joking at KISS Rehearsals
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