KISS has announced changes to their post-retirement plans. Paul Stanley revealed that their previously announced “KISS Army Storms Vegas” project will now be rebranded as “KISS Kruise: Landlocked in Vegas,” as shared on Paul Stanley’s X account.
Stanley explained the concept change and what fans can expect from the new Vegas-based event format.
“The return of the KISS KRUISE brand! More than a name – it’s a legacy in itself, a tradition so strong that it cannot simply be ignored,” Stanley wrote in his video caption. “It’s official: KISS Army Storms Vegas will transform into KISS Kruise: Landlocked in Vegas!”
Stanley provided further details about the event’s format and lineup in the accompanying video.
“KISS Kruise XII: Landlocked in Vegas, that’s right,” he said. “And the cool thing is you don’t need a ship. We’ve got everything that you get in the KISS cruise. We’ve got other bands playing and we’re doing a full set with Gene, me, and Tommy. We’ll be playing the songs you want to hear.”
Stanley concluded by highlighting the event’s interactive elements and international appeal.
“We got all the kinds of competition, contests, and camaraderie, and people from different countries, yes come on,” he continued. “KISS Kruise XII: Landlocked in Vegas. You wanted the best, and you got it.”
This announcement follows KISS’s final concert. It represents the band’s transition from their traditional cruise format to a land-based Vegas experience.
The rebranded event builds upon KISS’s established cruise tradition. It adapts to a new format that eliminates the need for ocean travel.
Antimusic confirmed that the event is scheduled for November 14-16, 2025, at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The weekend will feature a special acoustic KISS “Kick-Off” set on opening night, followed by a full electric set. The weekend lineup extends beyond KISS performances to include former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, Stephen Pearcy and Warren DeMartini performing the music of RATT, ex-Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach, Quiet Riot, and Black ‘N Blue.
Blabbermouth detailed that fans will have access to exclusive Q&A sessions with Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer, longtime manager Doc McGhee, legendary producer Bob Ezrin, famed KISS photographer Lynn Goldsmith, and KISS Army founders Bill Starkey and Jay Evans. The event will also feature Chris Jericho’s Kuarantine, several KISS tribute bands, comedian Craig Gass, and DJ Noiz as part of the entertainment roster.
A special panel titled “The Future of KISS” will provide insights into what lies ahead for the band. It offers fans a glimpse into the group’s post-retirement plans. Backstage Axxess noted that this expanded experience is developed in partnership with co-producers Pophouse, creators of boutique music vacations Topeka, and the music-led destination experience company Vibee.
The collaboration ensures the event delivers the full immersion expected from the KISS KRUISE legacy. It transitions from sea to land while maintaining quality. This partnership represents KISS’s commitment to maintaining the quality and experience that fans have come to expect from their cruise events. The format is now adapted for a Vegas setting that offers greater accessibility to international fans.
