Check out this fun segment about KISS Monster Mini Golf from Las Vegas' Fox 5 News in which Johnny Kats wears a pair of Gene's monster boots!

Thanks KISS Army for sharing your great KISS Halloween pumpkins, skulls and scarecrows with KISSOnline!

KISS by Monster Mini Golf, Vegas have corresponded with some great fans for their "Fan Wall Paper & Photo Promotion." Check out this touching story.

Hello,

My wife and I had seen KISS six times before her death in October 2010. She never got to meet them. That's why I did the meet and greet with her jacket, now the picture will have a permanent place at a KISS venue.

As for the wording, I would like the words "No doubt in my mind it's forever."

Thanks and Regards,

Randy McElroy

By Dave Hoekstra

NASSAU, Bahamas — The party mix of cruise ships and rock ‘n’ roll is as natural as high tide.

Rock music is about escapism. Once fans sail away with their favorite act, escapism becomes immersion.

A couple of weeks ago I was on the inaugural Kiss Kruise, which featured New Jersey speed metal icons Skid Row, Chicago power pop rockers Bad City and others. At the outset of the four-day cruise from Miami to the Bahamas and back to Florida, I had forgotten about original Kiss drummer Peter Criss.

By the end of the cruise, and after hearing Kiss manager Doc McGhee lament about Criss’ departure in a Q&A with fans I was concerned about the band’s original masked “Catman.”

Four days on the Carnival Destiny with the Kiss Army — reshaped into the Kiss Navy for this gig — can do that to you:

† There were three Kiss concerts. The 90-minute unplugged sail away set was a rarity, featuring the band unplugged and without makeup. The other shows took place in the ship’s casino-like theater where Kiss reached back for rarities from the ‘70s and ‘80s. The second night’s grungy version of “ “Detroit Rock City” was memorable and loud.

In 1978, there were two things on the minds of boys ages 5 to 16. OK, maybe three. They were KISS, "Star Wars," and girls. You pick the order they were in for you personally. I was 6, so girls really hadn't figured into the equation yet.

Girls were on boys' minds for the obvious reasons. "Star Wars" was popular because it had just been released the year before and blew everyone away with its groundbreaking, never-before-seen special effects and imagery. After only being around since 1973, KISS was the hottest band in the world because of their shockingly explosive on-stage spectacle and look. They had already released several best-selling studio, live, and solo albums. They had t-shirts, stickers, belt buckles, and everything else you can think of with their logo and likenesses plastered on them. The band even had a comic book that featured the members as superheroes that was published through Marvel Comics.

Their manager, Bill Aucoin, could only see one other area KISS could move into that hadn't been explored yet. The band needed to make a movie. And not just any movie: a movie that put the band into the status of superheroes they were raised to in their comic book.

KISS needed to be seen as superheroes each with individual powers that reflected their different personae. Singer/guitarist Paul Stanley (the Starchild) could control and read minds. Singer/bassist Gene Simmons (the Demon) had super strength and could breathe fire. He also had a reverberating voice that commanded people listen to him and animal-like growls. Singer/lead guitarist Ace Frehley (the Spaceman) could shoot lasers and teleport. Drummer/singer Peter Criss (the Catman) had superhuman agility and leaping powers.

Horror director Gordon Hessler helmed "KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park." He had worked on several films with Vincent Price and on "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour." There was the monster movie element Gene Simmons would be happy about. The film was produced by Hanna-Barbera, which probably gave manager Aucoin a feeling of comfort that it would be kid-friendly and made to appeal to that demographic. Hanna-Barbera was known for hit shows like "Scooby-Doo," "The Jetsons," and "Johnny Quest."

"KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park" debuted on October 28, 1978. What better time for a movie about a rock group disguised in makeup with super powers who battled a mysterious villain and his robots to come out than a few days before Halloween? It was featured as one of NBC's "Movies of the Week" and was a hit. Millions of kids were glued to their television sets that night.

KISS Army Chile will celebrate Halloween KISS-style as they assemble the Chilean fans for an unplugged show with the band KILLERS. There will also be KISS videos, gifts, and t-shirts to celebrate their passion for KISS.

The event takes place October 31st at Big Bang Club in Santiago, Chile.

Yo KISS ARMY,

We are getting to the final stages of our rock and roll dream house and I wanted to share it w/you all.First a p.s.a. I am an alcoholic 6 yrs. sober. None of this could have happened if I was drinking.

Two years ago we decided to add a 2000 sq ft.addition to our home. After the shell was up.I chose to do the rest myself. Sheetrock, plumbing, flooring, you name it. I am an auto re-finisher by trade, never having done anything like this. I think it looks phenomenal. Now at 4000 sq ft. we feature the Paul Stanley "serenity"chapel with 24 ft high ceilings and a laser show, a black leather bathroom w/bass drum medicine cabinet, gold record cafe', cd wall, piano stairs, Demon stairs and the KISScave. If the Hard Rock had a bed and breakfast, this is it!

Also in the last few years I have had the pleasure of spending time w/the guys and have given them all, Ace and Pete too, keys to the place as well as photo albums of the construction. Hope they use them someday. Bring yard-crashers w/you. That project is next.

Thank you KISS so much for a lifetime of inspiration and teaching me that you can live what you dream if you work for it. God Bless you guys and fellow soldiers. KISS Loves You!

Steve, Joan, and Danica Burdick

LETTERS

Here's KISS on the cover of the latest issue of the German magazine ROCKS. The issue was released on October 25th and features nine pages full of KISS!

Thanks to Peter Dammeyer for sending the cover image to KISSonline.

Drumming Black Diamond at Talent Show

Dear KISS,

We want to share with you our 5 year old son, Avery, drumming to Black Diamond at his first Talent Show, winning 1st place. We are so proud of him. He learns songs by ear and on his own and always loves to practice. And YES, its ALL KISS, ALL the TIME. Avery has been a fan since age 1 and a KISS Army memeber since age 3. Avery is more a KISS fan then we will ever be. We can honestly say, he only started playing because you are. THANK YOU for being a GREAT Inspiration for Avery and his music!!!!

Mom and Dad.

Here's the cover of Rock Hard Magazine's KISS Special issue being released in Germany on November 30. The KISS Special includes interviews, discography, photos, and eight big posters!

Thanks to Harald Streibl for sending the image to KOL.

Featuring the "Rock & Roll All Nite" Cafe and "Hotter Than Hell" Wedding Chapel

New Amusement Attraction Gives Fans a Chance to Become a Permanent Part of KISStory

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 25, 2011 -- KISS® By Monster Mini Golf®, a unique rock 'n roll themed amusement attraction based around the world renowned band KISS®, is swinging into Las Vegas. Scheduled to open in January 2012, KISS® By Monster Mini Golf® is the first of its kind and will include an indoor glow-in-the-dark custom-designed, rockin' 18-hole miniature golf course, a state-of-the-art arcade, the largest KISS® gift shop in the world, a KISS® Gallery, "Hotter Than Hell" Wedding Chapel, a private VIP Room, FANtastic KISS® themed event rooms and the "Rock 'n Roll All Nite" Cafe. A live DJ will rock the house, throughout the days and many "Crazy, Crazy Nights" with continuous KISS® music, trivia, contests and prizes, creating a place embraced by locals, tourists, and rockers of all ages.

To commemorate the launching of the first KISS® By Monster Mini Golf® fans of this legendary band have an opportunity to become immortalized as part of the decor. The KISS® Fan Paper will be created with photos sent in by KISS® fans doing what they do best, showing off their "KISS®." The walls of the venue will be adorned with KISS® admirers and will take on a new meaning for the "place to be seen." Pricing starting at only $20 will determine placement and size. To learn how to become immortalized "Forever" log on to monsterminigolf.com/kiss.

"When the idea of a KISS® mini golf course was presented to us, we immediately knew that everyone would want to go to a KISS® themed amusement attraction. There is nothing like KISS® mini golf anywhere... It has everything you could ask for: great KISS® music, fun games, affordable entertainment in one of the greatest cities in the world and of course, KISS®. A hole in one? One can only dream. Try your luck at the KISS® By Monster Mini Golf," said Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons in a joint statement.

Monster Mini Golf® was founded in 2004 by visionary, Christina Vitagliano who had "Great Expectations" to create an enjoyable and affordable amusement facility. Her inspiration expanded to over 30 themed miniature golf courses across the country, where "Unmasked" monsters with lively personalities are par for the course. Her imagination caught the attention of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley and KISS® By Monster Mini Golf® was born. Live Nation Merchandise, the exclusive worldwide merchandise and licensing agent for KISS®, brokered this KISS® By Monster Mini Golf® deal.

"Introducing the first-ever KISS® By Monster Mini Golf® to Las Vegas is an amazing opportunity for us as we expand our Monster Mini Golf® creation. It is also a great honor to work with KISS®, who are personal favorites of mine," says Monster Mini Golf founder, Christina Vitagliano. "I am confident we are creating a venue that will become a must see attraction in Las Vegas."

KISS® By Monster Mini Golf® is located across from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino at the Shoppes at Harmon Square.

By Jon Waterhouse

Everyday is Halloween for iconic rock band Kiss. On the recent Kiss Kruise nearly 2,000 fans got into the act celebrating the season of the witch a bit early.

The inaugural event, which sailed October 13 to 17, featured a series of Kiss concerts on board. Fans, however, were given plenty of opportunities to rep their geekdom throughout the long weekend. This included Friday night’s Halloween party and costume contest spiked with band nerd creativity.

Sure, you had plenty of Genes and Pauls, but Kiss-themed mash-ups got the most attention. The contest’s winning couple sported their version of the Kiss Navy complete with uniforms and standard issue face paint. Another crowd favorite was a pack of Kiss M&M’s. A Paul Stanley-ized version of Fred Flintstone had his own Wilma groupie. A Phantom of the Opera featured a Paul Stanley star on his mask, a nod to Stanley’s tenure in the title role of the popular musical.

And Dr. Seuss’ Thing 1 and Thing 2 from “The Cat in the Hat” got the Kiss treatment. A ghostly couple came in second in the costume contest. Other notable creatures of the night included Iron Maiden’s mascot Eddie, rock ‘n’ roll fingers, and a pumpkin-headed ghoul.

On Sunday afternoon a slew of guests prepared for the Kiss lookalike contest. Free make-up stations made sure fans of all ages received face time. Later in the the evening the contest drew countless versions of the Demon, Starchild, Catman and Spaceman characters. Each contestant paraded through the ship’s atrium hoping to garner the loudest applause.

See more KISS Kruise costume photos at MTV.com!

Here are some of the hundreds of great KISS tattoos spotted on the KISS Kruise last week.

_{Photos by Dean Snowden for KISSOnline.}

During the summer I sent in a letter about seeing KISS rock the Poconos. My parents surprised me a month later by booking the KISS Kruise as my 21st birthday present! It was the best experience and vacation of my life! My dad got to go on stage during the question and answer session to ask KISS a question. To my surprise, he starts to tell Paul how much I've loved him since I've been five years old. Paul gave him a guitar pic for me and I couldn't of been happier! This was our first cruise ever, and having it be a KISS cruise was just perfect. My dream came true of meeting KISS, and now I don't have to take any more pictures with my Paul Stanley card board cut out! ;) Thanks KISS, Sixthman, and all of the amazing KISS fans on board for this incredible experience. It was an honor to be amongst the KISS Army, KISS fans are some of the nicest people I have ever met. Hope to do this again next year!

Lisa

LETTERS