KISS frontman Paul Stanley’s R&B side project SOUL STATION performed at the wedding of celebrity chef and “Chopped” judge Chris Santos and actress Natalie Makenna on Sunday (May 22) at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, California.
Santos is a lifelong music fan who operates the record label Blacklight Media, which he founded in 2016 in partnership with Metal Blade.
Also in attendance at yesterday’s event were several other notable musicians, including David Draiman (DISTURBED),Robert “Blasko” Nicholson (OZZY OSBOURNE),Chris Broderick (IN FLAMES, ex-MEGADETH),Phil Rind (SACRED REICH),John Bush (ARMORED SAINT, ex-ANTHRAX).
Draiman shared a couple of photos of him with Stanley on Twitter and he wrote: “Great to meet and talk a little shop with the legendary @PaulStanleyLive”.
The debut album from SOUL STATION was released in March 2021 via Universal Music Enterprises. A collection of nine classic soul covers and five original tracks, “Now And Then” features the band’s acclaimed version of THE FIVE STAIRSTEPS’ “O-o-h Child” as well as SOUL STATION’s take on THE SPINNERS’ “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love”.
Stanley spent the last few years developing this project close to his heart. SOUL STATION is a band gathering some of today’s leading musicians to pay tribute to the greatest artists and songs from the R&B and soul catalog to keep this vital music current. While a surprise to many, Stanley’s early pivotal roots in this music has quietly turned this passion into a celebrated touring and recording band. Stanley’s 15-piece ensemble group has toured the U.S. and Japan.
When Stanley conceived SOUL STATION, the group excelled in the live venue setting, playing smaller, intimate clubs — a setting where Paul Stanley would reflect on those classic hits that were his early inspiration, playing the songs with a reverence and respect for how he and the band believe they should be performed and heard.
Stanley’s bandmembers include Rafael “Hoffa” Moreira (guitar and backing vocals),Sean Hurley (bass),Alex Alessandroni (musical director, keyboards),Ely Rise (keyboards),Eric Singer (drums and backing vocals),RayYslas (percussion),Gavyn Rhone (backing vocals),Crystal Starr (backing vocals) and Laurhan Beato (backing vocals) and Jon Pappenbrook (lead trumpet).
Last night was incredible!! Not only did we get to see two of our favorite people wed… but in Malibu, surrounded by…
Posted by Jessica Chase on Monday, May 23, 2022
Congratulations to Natalie & Chris Santos !!! We all love you both and wish you a lifetime of happiness. It was great to…
Posted by Monte Pittman on Monday, May 23, 2022
Congratulations Chris Santos and Natalie Makenna!What an amazing fairy tale wedding of an opera singer and the metal…
Posted by Anteros Entertainment on Monday, May 23, 2022
