By Mike Devlin, Times Colonist

Gene Simmons didn't get famous by accident. The tongue-wagging, blood-spitting, fire-breathing bassist for KISS is among the world's biggest stars, in part because of his larger-than-life personality. His mantra? The bigger - and more expensive - the better.

Of late, he has been helped by Gene Simmons Family Jewels, the reality show that features Simmons and his family. It has become a huge hit, enough so that a tour featuring the cast is currently underway. Simmons and his clan will be at the View Royal Casino on Saturday (noon to 3 p.m.) for a public meet-and-greet that will most definitely be over the top.

While television has made him a celebrity, it's important to remember the role KISS has played in his life. The group is still out on the road gigging, and is playing with a voracity that hasn't ebbed in 35 years. Simmons - especially when he dons his makeup and calls himself the Demon - is a huge part of that.

Here's KISS playing "Shock Me" during the soundcheck for their Springfield, Illinois show on July 18th. Tommy was already dressed for a photo shoot that was scheduled before the concert. KISSonline Exclusive.

Here's a short KISSonline Exclusive Crew's Eye View video of KISS leaving the stage at the end of their concert in Manchester, New Hampshire on July 12, 2011:

On July 19th, 2010, KISS appeared on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. Here's a clip of "Modern Day Delilah" from the show:

Here's KISS with the SOLD OUT crowd at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, Illinois last night.

_{Photo by Dean Snowden}

Paul Stanley of KISS plays the guitar between his legs during Monday night's performance at the Prairie Capital Convention Center. Chris Young/The State Journal-Register.

CLICK here to view more KISS Live photos from the State Journal-Register.

By BRIAN MACKEY

Photos: Chris Young/The State Journal-Register

Rock, blood, fire. The essential ingredients for a good time — Kiss style — were in ample supply Monday night at the Prairie Capital Convention Center.

The self-proclaimed “hottest band in the world” returned to Springfield for the first time in more than 18 years.

“Somebody was saying they thought we’d never come here,” Paul Stanley told the crowd. “Springfield, let me tell you something: we passed over Chicago to come here.”

All the trademark elements of a Kiss show were there: the black and white makeup, the elaborate costumes, the over-the-top production elements, Gene Simmons breathing fire and spitting blood.

The band played in front of one of the most insane concert sets to come through Springfield in years. It made even the biggest Illinois State Fair Grandstand show look more like a cover band headlining a beer tent with borrowed wedding DJ equipment.

Two generations of KISS fans find each other for a photo opportunity. Jack Melton, 4, and Brett Nash get in character outside the Prairie Capital Convention Center. Chris Young/The State Journal-Register.

CLICK here to view images of the Springfield KISS Army.

KISS IS EVERYWHERE!

Check out WWE wrestler Rey Mysterio wearing a Gene Simmons make-up mask on Monday Night Raw this week!

Thanks to Joey Mcnew for sending the image to KOL.

Check out this KISSonline exclusive video shot before KISS's Prince George concert. It follows the band from backstage to the stage for "Modern Day Delilah!"

Here's a poster for KISS' concert in Springfield, Illinois tonight spotted outside of the Prairie Capital Convention Center.

Here's a great video of Tommy and Eric's solos from KISS's Prince George concert in June!

Here's KISS with the huge crowd last night at the Rock USA Festival in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

_{Photo by Dean Snowden}

Review excerpted from Appleton Post Crescent

Story and photo by Mike Thiel

KISS tribute bands have been fluttering through Northeast Wisconsin this past year, but it was finally the right moment for Gene Simmons and the gang to show the boys how it’s done.

The theatrical rock spectacle known as KISS, literally lit up Ford Festival Park in Oshkosh Saturday night, with a stage rig that made 4th of July look like a fountain with a wet wick.

Though Ace Frehley and Peter Criss are long gone from the band, Simmons and Paul Stanley hold down the original KISS lineup, while lead guitarist (Frehley fill-in) Tommy Thayer and drummer (Criss fill-in) Eric Singer have handled their respective duties since the early Millennium. And though some will always yearn for the original all-star lineup, Simmons and company let Oshkosh know that KISS is still alive in 2011.

Check out these great clips from last night's show at the Rock USA Festival in Oshkosh filmed from the front row. Here's "Deuce" and a fun clip of "Rock and Roll All Nite" (watch for the crew in front of the stage getting into the action too!)