Aaron Crewse can easily call himself one of Kiss’ biggest fans ever.

He has one of the most extensive collections of Kiss memorabilia in the state, if not the nation. In fact, he has more Kiss stuff than he can display in his house. He would need a mansion to display all of the posters and miscellaneous things he has.

“I currently keep my collection in a big trunk and several large boxes,” Crewse said. “I’m beginning to run out of storage space as it is, and I add more stuff to the collection every year. I spend at least $1,000 a year on Kiss merchandise.”

Kiss will be in town Saturday for a Veishea-time show in Hilton.

Crewse has collected Kiss stuff since junior high, when he first heard the band. “There has always been something that has attracted me to them,” Crewse said.

“Their music has gotten me through a lot of tough times in my life. I know that they will always be there for me. One of these days I will be able to sell off my collection and comfortably retire.”

After taking a look through his collection, one cannot doubt Crewse’s claim. He has more than 50 different t-shirts, the vast majority of them in perfect shape.

He often buys two of every Kiss shirt he sees — one to store and one to wear.

“Whenever you see me,” Crewse said, “I’ll have something on that has to do with Kiss. I like displaying my passion for the group.”

He also has more than 1,000 different magazines that have featured Kiss. “I own way over half of every magazine that they have ever appeared in. Whenever a new magazine hits the stands that has something about Kiss in it, I’ll buy at least two copies, one to read and one to keep in mint condition.”

His collection of magazines dates back to 1973 and includes a vast array including Rolling Stone, Circus, Heavy Metal and Guitar World. He also has an extensive collection of Kiss’ fan-magazines.

But his literary collection does not end there. He has almost every comic book that Kiss has ever appeared in and the band’s own self-titled books.

He has Kiss novels, tour books, calendars, price guides, newsletters and photography journals.

“I have more Kiss albums than most people who say they have extensive CD collections of assorted artists,” Crewse said. “I have two complete sets of the original albums, a complete set of original cassettes, CDs, 8-tracks and several imports on disc and vinyl. Some of them have pictures on the vinyl and I have those too.”

Kiss has released twenty-nine different albums since their inception in 1973. Counting the complete sets and the variations, Crewse has more than 300 Kiss recordings. He also has more than fifty videos, including all of their U.S. releases and several bootlegged and imported videos.

“I love watching Kiss in concert,” Crewse said. “Any time of the day, I’ll pop in a video and watch them in action. I have tons of interviews, videos, concerts and specials on tape. I’ve watched them all at least a dozen times.”

Then there are miscellaneous things that Crewse has collected over the years, which easily number into the thousands. He has Kiss bumper stickers, pencils, balloons, belt buckles, condoms, key rings, lunch boxes, Halloween make-up kits, puzzles, trading card sets, remote control vans, model sets, guitar picks, iron-ons, cup holders, Christmas ornaments and ticket stubs.

“The majority of my things are autographed,” Crewse said. “I frequently go to Kiss conventions and meet the members of the band. I have a lot of backstage passes autographed, not to mention the tour books, magazines and photographs.”

He has both of the Kiss clocks that were released. They are both in perfect working condition and are autographed by the group members.

“It took me several years to get the clocks autographed,” Crewse said.

“I had to drag the clocks to several conventions in order to get all of the member’s signatures on them. I’ve met the members of the band several times, but I’ve never met them all at once.”

But like everyone else who has a hobby, Crewse has his favorite objects. “I’d have to say that my favorite objects are the Kiss pinball machines. They were released by Bally in 1978 and set me back nearly $1000 a piece.”

The pinball machines are currently valued at $2,500 a piece, fully assembled and functional. But they are certainly not the only things that Crewse is proud to own. “I have a complete set of the original Kiss dolls. They are in perfect shape, with all of the accessories and everything. The set is currently valued at $1,500.”

Crewse has no way of knowing exactly how much money he has spent over time on Kiss merchandise. He estimates the cost at nearly $15,000.

However, the collection is easily worth triple that amount, according to price guides.

And with the rising popularity of Kiss, the prices are expected to soar.

“I’m planning on buying a ton of stuff this Saturday night,” Crewse said. “Hopefully, I will be able to pick up the second edition of “KISSTORY,” the book detailing the complete history of the group.”

“KISSTORY” is a massive volume, weighing in at over nine and a half pounds, with over 280 pages and a price tag of $160. For Crewse, it is more important than the Bible. “KISSTORY” is the Kiss fan’s Bible, Crewse said.

Crewse plans on catching the band not only in Ames, but in Cedar Rapids and possibly St. Paul, Minnesota as well.

“I enjoy seeing Kiss in concert. I’d follow them around like people used to follow around the Grateful Dead if I could. My dream job would be the opportunity to help Kiss tour.

Crewse has done the next best thing, touring as a stage technician for the Kiss tribute band Strutter, but won’t be happy until he gets to work with Kiss. “I just wish I had the opportunity to try out for the job,” he said.

Crewse’s passion for Kiss is evident by his extensive collection, by his manner of dress, his enthusiasm when speaking about them and by talking to his family.

His 6-year old daughter, Christine, can name every album the group has done from the top of her head. She can also look at a picture of the group and name the members and cite their stage personality.

Crewse’s ultimate goal is to track down the life-sized Simmons model shown in Dazed And Confused.