In an interview with the Broken Record podcast in June, KISS frontman Paul Stanley teased that major changes to the upcoming KISS Army Storms Vegas fan gathering would soon be announced. Now those changes have been revealed.
Videos by American Songwriter
The three-day event, which is scheduled for November 14–16 at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, has been rebranded as the lasted installment of the KISS Kruise, dubbed KISS Kruise XII: Landlocked in Vegas. Interestingly, in a number of recent interviews, Stanley had been describing the extravaganza as “a KISS Kruise without a boat.” Meanwhile, several updates to the lineup of events have been announced.
[RELATED: Paul Stanley Announces Major Changes to KISS Army Event in Las Vegas]
As previously reported, KISS will be reuniting to play an “unmasked” electric concert without makeup, marking the band’s first performance since its final show of its End of the Road farewell tour at Madison Square Garden on December 2, 2023.
Now, KISS has added an “unmasked” acoustic show to the festivities that will kick off the extravaganza on November 14.
In addition, a few new artists have added to the lineup of performers, including Quiet Riot and Pearcy DeMartini. The latter group features founding Ratt frontman Stephen Pearcy and guitarist Warren DeMartini playing the music of their famous former band.
Also joining the fun will be famed producer Bob Ezrin and lauded rock photographer Lynn Goldsmith, who will take part in special panels, and comedian Craig Gass.
Previously announced performers include former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, ex-Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach, Thayer’s pre-KISS band Black ’N Blue, and two KISS tribute acts—KISS Nation and Mr. Speed. The “cruise” also will feature Q&A sessions with longtime KISS manager Doc McGhee and KISS Army co-founders Bill Starkey and Jay Evans.
New Promo Video Featuring Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons
Stanley and fellow KISS co-founder Gene Simmons are featured in a new promotional video announcing the rebranded KISS Kruise.
Stanley does most of the talking, declaring at the beginning of the clip, “KISS Kruise XII: Landlocked in Vegas, that’s right.”
Simmons adds, “November 14th to 16th.”
Paul continues, “Right. And the cool thing is, you don’t need a ship. We’ve got everything that you get on a KISS Kruise. We’ve got other bands playing. We’re doing a full set with me, Gene, [and guitarist] Tommy [Thayer]. We’ll be playing all the songs you want to hear. We got all kinds of competitions and contest and camaraderie. And people from 33 countries. Yeah, come on. KISS Kruise XII: Landlocked in Vegas … You wanted the best, you got it.”
The video then announces the various guest performers, events, and activities the gathering will offer fans. It explains that there will be activities “with each band member”—Simmons, Stanley, and Thayer—as well as with special guests. KISS’ members also will take part in a Q&A.
The event also will offer a special presentation focused “the future of KISS.” In addition, fans can look forward to such fun activities as KISS karaoke, KISS trivia, and a KISS look-alike contest. Attendees also will be able to enjoy meet-and-greet sessions with various participating music artists.
It’s worth noting that KISS drummer Eric Singer wasn’t mentioned in the video announcement or the press release about KISS Kruise XII: Landlocked in Vegas. It will be interesting to find out who will play drums with KISS at the event.
For more details about KISS Kruise XII, visit KISSKruiseVegas.com.
(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation)
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