The addict formerly known as Kris Kancler is not proud of his drug and alcohol-fueled past. But he is very proud to have left it there.
Now a self-titled crusader for sobriety, Kancler had his name legally changed to Super Star to draw as much attention as he can to his cause.
“I’m a guy who loves to get up and work and make a difference in somebody’s life,” he said. “I really feel that’s why I’m here — to help people stay sober.”
He and his twin brother, Rock Star, formerly known as Marc Kancler, formed the nonprofit We Are One Foundation and have been working on a CD entitled “Serenity,” with the help of former and present members of Kiss, Dokken, Slaughter, Quiet Riot, Heart and the Goo Goo Dolls to get their pro-sobriety message out.
Kancler is now training for a 300-mile bike ride from Malibu, Calif., to Las Vegas to raise awareness and funds for the cause — dressed in a Kiss costume to coincide with the new Kiss album scheduled to hit Wal-Mart shelves Oct. 6.
The bike ride will begin Oct. 6 in Malibu and end Oct. 10.
“The ultimate purpose is to raise awareness to my success with sobriety and I hope it motivates others to get clean,” Kancler said. “It’s really to celebrate my life sober but also to convey to others they can do the same.”
Notable
Currently working with school districts in the Chicago area to develop a program called Battle for Sobriety.
Quotable
“Scream as loud as you can and let everyone know you have an issue. Don’t hide or be ashamed of it. Embrace it and you’ll come out a winner in the end,” Kancler said.
Philosophy
“Get up and do the right thing every day.”
Favorites
FOOD Fish, Lou Malnati’s Pizza
HOBBIES Everything he does revolves around sobriety, writing music, playing drums, fitness
MUSIC Hard rock
MOVIES Science fiction and comedies
