Wal-Mart to Kiss and sell

Veteran heavy metal group Kiss is joining a growing list of classic acts putting out new music through the world’s largest retailer.

“Sonic Boom” will be released only at Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club stores on Oct. 6.

The three-disc package will include a CD of the band’s first new music in 11 years, re-recorded versions of its hits and a live DVD.

Guitarist Paul Stanley says Kiss chose to release the album at Wal-Mart because the chain allowed them to make it memorable.

“They offered us an opportunity to do something that’s very much in line with what we used to do with our classic albums, and that’s to give people more than just an album of music,” Stanley says.

Wal-Mart has sold millions with releases by the Eagles, AC/DC and other key acts. It also has a Foreigner three-disc package due out in September.

The rest of the story

Comedian Steve Harvey is joining “Good Morning America” beginning today for reports on family and relationship topics.

Harvey, 52, author of the best-selling “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man,” starred in his self-titled sitcom for seven seasons on the WB network.

Spiritual, or spirits?

Pop star Lady Gaga, who plays the final show of her Fame Ball tour tonight in Tel Aviv, said her stop in nearby Jerusalem would be “an emotional and spiritual experience.”

Prior to her visit, she said she was more excited to see Jerusalem than to “get drunk in a bar,” though she also said she might “get drunk in Jerusalem.”

The birthday bunch

Actress Diana Muldaur is 71. Drummer Ginger Baker (Cream) is 70. Actress Jill St. John is 69. Actor Gerald McRaney is 61. Actor Jonathan Frakes is 57. Actor Adam Arkin is 53. Actor John Stamos is 46. Actress Kyra Sedgwick is 44. Actor Kevin Dillon is 44. Country singer Lee Ann Womack is 43. Actor Matthew Perry is 40. Singer Karli Osborn (SHeDaisy) is 25. Rapper Romeo is 20.