We thought fans might enjoy seeing what goes on behind the scenes as new KISS merchandise is developed. Here's an updated photo of the prototype for Gene's Funko Vinyl figure. After seeing the original prototype, Gene requested that the figure be sticking out its tongue... and here it is!

KISS,

Been a fan since '76. Just thought I'd share the miniature KISS stage my 10-yr old son and I recently finished putting together in our basement. It measures roughly 4 feet x 4 feet and uses, among other goodies, various McFarlane action figures and accessories. Still trying to figure out a way of incorporating some sort of hydraulic platform into the mix but this has been a great project so far, and we're having a blast doing it (even if my wife thinks I'm crazy).

Kenn

Hey KISS,

Do you ever watch the History channel show Pawn Stars? I saw this episode where they bought a KISS pinball machine. The machine played "Rock and Roll All Nite" and "Shout it Out Loud!" Really cool to see. KISS is everywhere!

Louis

LETTERS

By Cynthia Martin

Being a prolific and talented drummer didn't prepare Singer for all the work it would take to be in KISS - not that he is complaining. "Being in KISS is such a responsibility. Not so much with the work involved, but with the daily stuff - working on the makeup and the two hours it takes to get ready, and all these shoots and meet-and-greets and interviews before the shows. I mean, it's just really steady work being in this band. It's not like when I'm in another band where I just get to sit backstage in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt and being like, 'Okay, we're playing in 20 minutes,' and just get up and play."

Singer is grateful for the chance to be a part of rock 'n' roll history, and to work with these iconic mentors. "I get to work with great people who I've learned a lot from and who I've learned the most from. I've learned that hard work pays off. You need to have that kind of attitude, because I've seen how hard you can fall. And you need to stay focused. And that's why we're successful. Aside from all the special effects and stuff, the men behind the masks really have the work ethic and a sturdy kind of focus. And if it wasn't there, you and I wouldn't be talking right now."

With their "Hottest Show on Earth" tour wrapping in October, KISS is headed back to the studio to create their next musical masterpiece. Due to hit stores mid-2011, and with a tour to follow, their new album is sure to stun and surprise - in true KISS fashion.

by John Gaudiosi

LOS ANGELES - When it comes to rock n roll, Gene Simmons has been living the life for decades. KISS is as popular today as it was during its '70s heydays. Now Simmons is delving into the videogame space for the first time since Gathering of Developers' KISS: Psycho Circus - The Nightmare Child in 2000. After releasing multiple KISS songs for MTV Games' Rock Band franchise and Activision's Guitar Hero titles, Simmons has jumped into the new Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock game as the narrator of the new Quest mode. Simmons talks about his own videogame background, working on Guitar Hero and why it may be a while before gamers get their hands on a stand-alone KISS music game in this exclusive interview.

What are your thoughts on what they can do with videogames nowadays compared to what they did 10 years ago when you released KISS: Psycho Circus: The Nightmare Child?

The technology, while it's always impressive, is always going to depend on what the technology is used for. The idea that something can do all kinds of tricks and stand on its head and go back through time, if the stuff that's happening in the technology isn't cool, the entire thing is a waste of time. At the end of the day it is about content. Guitar Hero is cool whether it was a card game or a trivia game between you, but the idea that it uses the most modern technology is really the thing that enables you to kind of crawl into it. It's that unleashing the inner rock star inside of you.

Dear KISS,

This is my tattoo dedicated to my all-time favorite band: KISS!
ALIVE and well, rocking us for 35 years & much more!

Jocelyn Joyal Drummondville
Quebec Canada

LETTERS

On Friday, Gene played goalie for the Saskatoon Blades in a fan hockey shootout. Here are a few photos of Gene in his goalie gear!

Here are some prototypes for new KISS vinyl figurines from licensee Funko Vinyl!

KISSonline has been receiving so many great photos from fans dressed as the band for Halloween that we had to do one more photo roundup!

Thank you again to the many, many fans who sent pictures over the past few weeks, and thanks to intern Tyler Allen for sending some photos for this feature.

Here are photos of 12 year old Natalie DeLong (Starchild) & Matthew DeLong (Demon) at our annual KISS party we have every year at our house every Halloween. This is proof that the KISS army will live FOREVER!

Jason E. DeLong
Elsie, Michigan

LETTERS

KISS IS EVERYWHERE!

Here's KISS in another commercial for the Swedish lottery.

Thanks to Niklas Olsson for sending KISSonline the clip!



(Didn't get the joke? In Swedish, the word "kiss" translates to "pee.")

If you missed the first two commercials, watch them here and here.

Hey everyone,

I was in Walgreens today and saw these great KISS ornaments in the Christmas... I mean, KISSMAS aisle!

William

LETTERS

Here's Gene on the cover of The Colac Herald, an Australian newspaper.

Thanks to reader Gary for sending the image to KISSonline. (And, if you look closely... he placed the newspaper on top of a Bally KISS pinball machine to take the photo!)

WE WILL NEVER FORGET

Those who live in freedom will always be grateful to those who helped preserve it. We will never forget what our veterans did for us!

DALLAS - KISS rock legend Gene Simmons, star of A&E's Reality Series Gene Simmons' Family Jewels will host 1,000 Texas servicemen and women and more than 3,500 partygoers at the 2011 Aces and Angels Salute to the Troops, a benefit supporting The Wounded Warrior Project and the USO. It is the first major event of the big game week in Dallas and takes place at Fair Park's Centennial Hall, Wednesday, February 2, 2011, 6 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Aces and Angels will feature live performances in part by multi-platinum Grammy-nominated artist Five for Fighting, ACM Vocal Group of the Year Little Texas, and many others. Aces and Angels Salute to the Troops will also play host the $100,000 Texas State Poker Championships where the winner will advance to represent the State of Texas at the World Series of Poker. The first 100 ticket purchasers will receive $100 off general admission. For more information or to purchase tickets, log on to www.aces-angels.org or call 214-440-3936.

"There is one man who will blow the roof off Dallas and that man is Gene Simmons. This is absolutely the one event that you definitely don't want to miss," said Executive Producer Michael Eakman.