Photos: KISS Kruise Land-Locked in Vegas

It was an incredible blast from the past for KISS ARMY fans from all over the world, seeing KISS on stage again after they retired from touring in 2023. This exclusive KISS convention was only for die-hard KISS fans who purchased the hotel package. No individual tickets were sold.

The special 3-day KISS ARMY fan celebration of 50 years was co-produced by Vibee, Pophouse, and Topeka. The weekend was full of everything KISS at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, which had a KISS makeover throughout the hotel. KISS logos, photos, music, memorabilia, meet & greets, merchandise, KISS masked tribute bands, and more. Over 2,000 die-hard KISS fans, dressed in KISS shirts, KISS makeup, and KISS costumes, from 32 countries were in attendance.

The KISS Landlocked idea is a continued tradition from when KISS used to host KISS conventions and KISS Kruises, before they became trendy. Since there have been more music themed cruises, it's been difficult to find a ship for another KISS Kruise, possibly next year.

In addition to two energetic performances from KISS, Quiet Riot, Pearcy/DeMartini, Sebastian Bach, Kuarentine, and Bruce Kulick also performed. Black N' Blue, featuring Tommy Thayer, concluded the weekend's festivities. 

Paul Stanley taught us how to cook pasta and Italian sausage, with a surprise appearance from Criss Angel, who fed the audience Paul's homecooking. Criss also returned after his own show to announce KISS's electric set by quoting their famous introduction, "You Wanted the Best, You Got the Best! The Hottest Band in the World! KISSS!!"

Other KISS events included Gene hosting a pick-throwing contest, which also showcased his own professional pick-flinging skills.  Paul's art paintings were on display, for sale in the hotel gallery.  There was a KISS look-alike contest, KISS karaoke, KISS trivia, and other KISS-related events.

(Also down the street is 'KISS World featuring KISS Mini Golf and KISS World Museum', which houses some of Gene's KISS collection. His Hello Kitty KISS collection is huge! You can even try Gene's stage boots on for photos. You can find Ace's guitar in the KISS glow-in-the-dark mini golf to leave a message for him, on a large guitar pick to place on his guitar strings).

Before KISS started their acoustic set, electronic candles were given out to fans. Paul, Gene, Tommy, and Eric gave a moment of silence to the late great Ace Frehley, while everyone raised their lit candles at dusk.KISS's intimate acoustic set was performed outdoors, on a low small stage. KISS ARMY fans loved hearing deep cuts, which included Comin' Home, See You Tonite, A World Without Heroes, and Nothin' To Lose.

KISS Unmasked kicked off their incrediblely, energetic full production, electric set with Deuce, following deep cuts, Got To Choose, Watchin' You, and Love Her All I Can. KISS still kicks ass, they still sound amazing, they still put on an incredible show! KISS will continue to create new projects as long as they still have devoted fans, which they have successfully done throughout five decades! How many bands can compete with that longevity!?

Whether you like them or not, KISS will always be legendary!

KISS Acoustic Unplugged

Black N' Blue

Bruce Kulik

Gene's Pick Throwing Contest

Kuarentine

Paul Stanley Cooking with Criss Angel

Quiet Riot

Sebastian Bach

Stephen Pearcy's Ratt