Simmons won’t kiss and make up

KISS frontman Gene Simmons has no love for Carlos Santana, the new headliner at the Hard Rock Hotel.

During an interview Thursday on KVVU-TV, Channel 5, Simmons' feud with Santana reignited.

Responding to a question about the future of KISS, Simmons veered off topic.

"It's time for us to go out and show the little boys how the big boys do it," said Simmons. "I'm sick and tired of these bands like Carlos Santana looking at his shoes and thinking that's a rock concert. Get off the stage."

The feud between the two rock stars dates back to 2005, when Santana questioned Simmons' musical ability and labeled him "Las Vegas entertainment."

"A musician doesn't need the mask and the mascara, so there's a difference between an entertainer and a musician," Santana was quoted saying in an article posted on KNAC.com.

Santana obviously changed his opinion about performing in Las Vegas. He recently started a two-year deal to perform at the Hard Rock's new Joint.

LIFE BEHIND BARS

Three months in prison in South America had its trying times for Las Vegas celebrity impersonator Trina Johnson-Finn. There were, in her words, "scary" moments, near-fights, awful food and overcrowded cells.

But it didn't stop her from singing. When word got out that she was a singer from Las Vegas, she was asked to perform. She sang Mariah Carey's "Hero."

When someone asked her to sing it during her homecoming Wednesday in the baggage area at McCarran International Airport, she provided the most emotional minutes of the reunion. Standing beside her husband, Raymond Finn, she launched into "Hero" and sang it with gusto.

Tears welled up in the eyes of the welcoming party.

Johnson-Finn was acquitted earlier this week on charges that she went to Suriname to impersonate Toni Braxton and defraud a concert crowd.

"I felt like I was on 'Survivors Island,' " she told reporters.

More than anything, she said, "I crave solitude."

NAME GAMES

Remember when the name Anthrax appeared on the marquee at Mandalay Bay at the height of the anthrax anxieties during the fearful post-9/11 days?

It was for the metal band, which apparently had an iron-clad contract to stay on the marquee.

A similar marquee tale came up Thursday during the Hilton's news conference announcing Cheap Trick's September engagement involving their cover of The Beatles' classic album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."

Deejay Mike Cullotta of KKLZ-FM, 96.3 asked Cheap Trick band members if they recalled when the old Aladdin wouldn't put the band's name on their marquee several decades ago.

"They still didn't want to put our name up there," said Cheap Trick frontman Robin Zander. "They just wanted to call it 'Sgt. Pepper Live.' "

Added bandmate Rick Nielsen, the lead guitarist: "I think the morals of Vegas have really come around."

Hilton spokesman Ira David Sternberg said he took the comments as humorous asides.

"We haven't decided what's going up there," he said.

Cheap Trick's version of "Sgt. Pepper Live" will be performed nine times in September at the Hilton's main showroom, Sept.13-15, 17-19 and 21-23. Tickets are $65, $80 and $95.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

A year and a half after opening, The Penthouse Club has undergone a name change. It's now known as Crazy Horse III. A lot of familiar faces came over from Crazy Horse Too, which was closed after a federal investigation sent owner Rick Rizzolo to prison for a year on racketeering charges.

MAY I RECOMMEND ...

Those yearning for the sounds of the 1970s hit group ABBA, the tribute group Abbacadabra has a three-night engagement at the Las Vegas Hilton, starting tonight. There's even a historic twist: "Abbacadabra" co-producer Jerry Greenberg, as president of Atlantic Records in 1974, signed ABBA to its first U.S. deal. Shows are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 7 p.m. on Sunday. Ticket prices: $19.95, $29.95, $39.95 and $49.95 for VIP package. Ticket information: www.lvhilton.com or at the box office, 702-732-5755 or 800-222-5361.

THE PUNCH LINE

"I am in so much trouble. The governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, is angry with me. Fuming, angry, seeing red, and has called me 'pathetic.' Yep, that's right. Honestly, I haven't been called pathetic -- well, since the honeymoon, actually." -- David Letterman

Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.