Once seen, never forgotten, Kiss have always been instantly recognisable thanks to their outlandish costumes - complete with eight-inch heels and their distinctive make-up.

The band was formed in New York in 1973 and soon settled on the line-up of Paul Stanley on guitar, Gene Simmons on bass, Ace Frehley on lead guitar and Peter Criss on drums.

After various changes of personnel the original quartet reunited briefly and in 2006 were honoured at the first annual VH1 Rock Honors event.

2008 saw Kiss with Tommy Thayer on lead guitar as the new Spaceman and Eric Singer as drummer and Catman, along with remaining founder-members Simmons and Stanley, headlining festivals and playing to a record 400,000 people.

Then the unthinkable happened, after a decade of saying they never wanted to do new recordings, they announced they were releasing a brand new album with "a real 70s Kiss sound".

KISS just rocked Dublin, Ireleand!!Here's a fan-filmed clip of "Detroit Rock City" from the show.

Here's a fan-filmed clip of "Modern Day Delilah" from the show.

Check out these great fan comments about KISS' Birmingham show.

Steve & Jay

AWESOME! That's the only word to describe the Kiss Experience. Not so much a concert, more of an event. I've seen them live before at the Monsters of Rock bash but without the full theatre, make-up and stage show. So what better way to introduce my partner to Paul, Gene, Tommy and Eric, and the full-on, in-your-face spectacle we saw last night.

A 130 minute adrenaline rush, covering new material and classics in equal measure. The pyrotechnics were scarily superb, the stage show dazzling and the stunts amazing for a couple of 58/60 year-olds, Gene's party piece gore fest from 60 feet in the air being the highlight.

I also have to hold my hand up and say I was wrong. When Peter and Ace left, I thought Kiss would struggle to replace them. I WAS SO WRONG! Tommy's guitar work leaves Ace trailing with some diehards around us referring to Ace Who! And Eric's drum work was impeccable, although being a short guy, the crew might think to lower his high-hats for future gigs LOL!

KISS IS EVERYWHERE!

Here's a funny newspaper cartoon featuring Gene... and his "grandma!"

KISS FROM DENIS O'REGAN

KISS fans in London next week will want to check out famous rock photographer Denis O'Regan's photography exhibit featuring KISS! Denis will be at London's Apple Store talking about his photography, using KISS as an example, and exhibiting 35 KISS Alive prints in the store. The event is called 'KISS from Denis O'Regan' and it takes place May 11th at the Regent Street Store at 19.00, ahd he is going to blow your mind with his amazing photos.

To celebrate this event, Denis is offering KISS Alive 35 prints priced at special rate for one week only, 8-15th May! The limited edition prints are signed by Denis and limited to 25 numbered prints. Full details at

www.denis.co.uk/#/shop/kiss-limited-editions

Check out Spanish singer Christina Rosenvinge applying KISS makeup in her "Proper Distance" video!

Concert review and photo by Ian Harvey

It was always going to take something special to top KISS's amazing performance at the Download Festival in 2008.

But last night the costumed rock superheroes pulled out all the stops with a brand new stage show and a set-list that stretched from their 1974 debut to 2009's Sonic Boom album.

Lowered on to the stage on a floating platform amid a hail of pyrotechnics, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer, as well as drummer Eric Singer, launched straight into one of their killer new tracks, Modern Day Delilah.

What followed was two hours of KISS heaven for the fans, with a dizzying set-list that took in hits including the long lost Crazy Crazy Nights, Lick It Up and God Gave Rock 'n' Roll To You II, as well as Kiss staples including Detroit Rock City, Cold Gin and Rock and Roll All Nite.

Paul Stanley won over the crowd as soon as he announced they were calling the city "Birming-um" instead of the usual American pronunciation, "Birming-ham".

Tommy Thayer's guitar fired rockets during Shock Me, I Love It Loud saw the demonic Gene Simmons spitting blood and flying up into the rafters, while during I Was Made For Loving You Paul Stanley took flight over the crowd to a stage at the rear of the arena.

Business as usual for KISS then - the ultimate showmen in the ultimate heavy rock pantomime. They know what their fans want and deliver it in shed loads.

THEIR career spans 35 years but New York rockers KISS can still kick the opposition into touch when it comes to staging a show that's bigger, bolder and brighter than anything else.

Fireworks, flame jets and flying bass players made for a spectacle that proved why the KISS motto "You wanted the best, you got the best" is so apt.

They may have released their debut album in 1974 but songs from last year's long player, Sonic Boom, peppered the two hour 15 minute set and did not seem out of place among classics like Deuce and Shock Me. They even opened with recent single, Modern Day Delilah, before plunging back to '74 for Cold Gin.

A string of hits followed, including Crazy Crazy Nights, Calling Dr Love and Love Gun.

And during I Love It Loud 60-year-old bassist Gene Simmons flew high above the stage, his famous tongue waggling and blood dribbling down his chin.

This was as much about theatricals as music. As 58-year-old frontman Paul Stanley commented before the show, "We've got to a point where we can't do bigger - we can only do better and different."

Innovative video screens and a barrage of lights added to the excitement.

There was solid support from guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer, both, like Simmons and Stanley, sporting that famous black and white make up which transforms them into alter egos The Starchild, The Demon, The Catman and The Spaceman.

On the eve of our General Election it was KISS that got the vote of the LG Arena faithful.

Rating: ****

ANDY COLEMAN

Here are some great photos from KISS' Birmingham show last night.

Photos by Ian Harvey

Here's a fan-filmed clip of "LOVE GUN" from Birmingham last night.

The Fans Speak! Check out these great comments from the KISS Army... the fans tell it like it is...And like it was!

Thanks to the KISS Army UK for these great letters! Keep them coming! We love to hear what you think.

Subject: THANKS
From: David on 05/05/2010

Hi Kiss I just wanted to say a huge thanks for the amazing show you put on in the NEC Birmingham. Simply fantastic, Download 2008 was amazing but this was by far the best gig I've ever been too. It's convinced me to go the Manchester concert on the 10th. I cant wait to see the show again, loved both Eric & Tommy the bazooka Eric was packing genius. Cya @ Manchester guys

Subject: KISS IN BIRMINGHAM
From: GREEK KISS ARMY on 05/05/2010

The Greek KISS Army was in the UK for many of the KISS shows... we were there in BIRMINGHAM!!! KISS has invaded Europe for sure. If someone thinks that he has seen KISS before... he must consider that thought again. KISS is reborn!!! Enjoy the video from the first song and the opening

Subject: AWESOME!!!!!
From: Rix Speed on 05/05/2010

Guys and Demon just watched u at Birmingham UK May 5th and the show was absolutely 110% awesome thanks for your supreme talent. we wanted the best and we got the best. Please don't leave it so long till you come back.

KISS IS EVERYWHERE!

Here's KISS in the UK Daily Star.

The Rally for Kids with Cancer Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children throughout LA.

I will be participating in the Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup on Saturday, July 31. By pledging me for this event you are supporting children's cancer research from diagnosis and treatment, to conducting research and finding promising new therapies.

I hope you'll sponsor me in this very worthwhile cause. Your generous donation will go towards helping kids with cancer beat the disease so they can live active, full lives.

We can make a difference.

Thank you for your support!

Gene

DONATE NOW

KISS IS EVERYWHERE!

Here's KISS on the cover of the Irish Daily Star Sunday. There's a four page KISS spread featuring an interview with Gene Simmons.

KISS will rock Dublin this Friday!

Thanks to Denver McCord for sending the image into KISSonline.