On this day in KISStory - December 31, 1973, Gene Simmons caught his hair on fire during KISS' performance at the Academy of Music in New York City.

From Blender Magazine:

As the bombastic Kiss bassist certainly knows, one of the perils of breathing fire is that you can't always control where the fire goes. Problems arose the very first time Simmons attempted the stunt onstage on New Year's Eve 1973, in New York City. Toward the end of "Firehouse," Simmons walked offstage to fill his mouth with kerosene, but when he returned to the center of the stage and blew a large fireball, it set his copiously hair-sprayed locks ablaze. A roadie quickly extinguished the flames with a wet towel, but Simmons hardly learned his lesson: He'd repeat the mishap another half-dozen or so times in his career.

Here's a clip of Gene catching his hair on fire at another KISS show.

On this day in KISStory - December 31, 1999, KISS rocked in the Millennium at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, Canada. The show was recorded and later released in November 2006 as part of the KISS Alive! 1975–2000 Box set. It is also currently available as a download under the title KISS Alive: The Millennium Concert.

Hello KISS!

These are our tickets for the great KISS rock and roll party in Czechia (Prague). We can't wait for the show!

Renata and Pavel

LETTERS

Hello KISS,

Here is my new tattoo featuring Gene, Paul and the PS1800CM guitar headstock all around my left leg!

Thanks,
Carlos from Spain

LETTERS

Thank You KISS & Staff and Friends Around The World.

Before this year ends, Paul, Tommy, Gene, Eric, and all your outstanding team, I wanted to THANK YOU ALL!!!!

Thank you for a rocking Monstrous year. This was one of the best years of my life. A KISStastic year full of rocking events to which I was part of, the Grand Opening of the Kiss Monster Mini Golf, Archie Meets KISS, the memorable Kiss Veteran's concert with the KISS Special Forces (highlight of my life), The Tour, Acoustic Meet & Greets, Monster Release, The KISS Kruise II.

But overall the most valuable treasure I found along this year was my friends. Friends from all over the world that share the love and passion for the hottest band in the world. I'm honored to say that on the KISS Kruise, I had at least one friend from every single country represented on the ship. I have friends from Argentina, Germany, Brazil, Switzerland, Indonesia, Sweden, etc. Different languages spoken were not an obstacle because we all spoke KISS. And what a better place than the KISS Kruise to show off my KISS tattoos.

Once again, thank you KISS & Staff, and thank you to all my rocking friends for creating amazing memories. Thank you for your continuous support to our military as well. I wish you all the best for 2013 and I cannot wait for another KISStoric year. Rock and Roll All Nite and Party Every Day!!!

Your friend,
ROBERT CRESPO

LETTERS

KISS frontman's advice to Wollongong teen

By SAM HALL

Few people can say they've received life coaching from Kiss frontman Paul Stanley, but then again, few people are as passionate about the lead singer as Wollongong teen Jack Shaw.

"When I met Paul Stanley for the first time, in 2007, I asked him 'how did you get to this - the fame and everything else?'," Jack told the Mercury.

"He replied: 'You've got to start small to get big'."

Which is exactly what the 14-year-old has done.

Earning money doing chores around the house and holding down an after-school job, Jack has accumulated a personal collection of Kiss memorabilia conservatively valued at $30,000.

A self-confessed fanatic, Jack's sizeable trove includes everything from personally signed guitars and gold records to intricate figurines. And why, you ask?

KISS!

These are our tickets for the great KISS rock and roll party in Italy (Milano). We can't wait for the show!

Alberto and Luca


LETTERS

KISS IS EVERYWHERE!

Thanks to Bruce Kulick for sharing this image and note he received from a friend from Melbourne, Australia.

Note from Bruce's friend:

"Spotted the KISS plate in a Japanese Restaurant I frequent when in Brisbane....they have hundreds of these plates with all different designs on them. Each plate has been painted individually so they are all quite unique....couldn't resist the 'KISS' ones :)

BEST WISHES TO THE GREATEST FANS

Very best wishes to all in the KISS family. We hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday Season. Be safe!

Paul, Eric, Tommy & Gene



Thanks to Chris Medek for sharing his great KISSmas artwork with KISSOnline!

Here's a fun audio clip of KISS performing "White Christmas" from 1985. Enjoy!

In keeping with today's holiday, we thought you might enjoy seeing this fan-posted clip of KISS' appearance on "Family Guy" entitled "KISS Saves Christmas!"

KISS Army:

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The KISS Army Visa® Platinum Rewards card offers qualified cardholders exceptional benefits including no annual fee, a low APR and reward points for shopping at participating merchants*.

Click here to find out more about the KISS Army Visa® Platinum Rewards card and apply online.

Here's the KISS Italian poster for the 6/18/13 Mediolanum Forum show in Milan, Italy. Obviously, I'm going to be there!

Merry KISSmas to everyone!
Pietro Canal

LETTERS

Jay Leno and his team asked Gene to come on and do an early morning appearance for The Tonight Show, as he surprised a family in the San Fernando Valley.

Gift of the Day: Gene Simmons Kiss Demon nutcracker

by Bronwyn Barnes

Not sure what to get the pop culture geek in your life this holiday season? PopStyle is here to help! From the hottest gadgets to the oddest collectibles, we’re rounding up the best gifts in movies, music, TV and books with our Gift of the Day.

Gene Simmons has gone from splitting blood to cracking walnuts?

Holiday decorations company Kurt Adler’s line of licensed nutcracker collectibles includes franchises from Star Trek to South Park. Since the members of Kiss have never met a licensing opportunity they didn’t cash in on, I present the Gene Simmons “Demon” nutcracker ($34.95 at fanfire.com).

If your favorite member of the Kiss Army is allergic to nuts, there’s always the Starchild boot stocking.