During the electrifying Detroit stop of Kiss’ 1995 Worldwide Convention tour, fans were treated to an unforgettable moment when a talented 10-year-old fan took the stage to deliver a spirited rendition of the band’s audacious 1988 hit, “Let’s Put the X in Sex.” This unexpected performance showcased her enthusiasm and passion as she confidently sang the song’s daring lyrics, all while receiving enthusiastic support from the legendary Kiss members: Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Bruce Kulick, and Eric Singer. Eagerly embracing the song’s playful chorus, she flexed her bicep at the line, “Love’s like a muscle and you make me wanna flex.” Her engaging performance elicited a rousing response from the audience, culminating in a well-deserved standing ovation. Although her name remains a mystery in the video, Simmons did mention her age at the conclusion, adding to the charm of the moment.
The 1995 conventions served as a vital platform for Kiss to reconnect with their storied past, allowing the band to reflect on their journey after spending much of the 1980s and early 1990s carving out individual identities that diverged from their iconic face-painted personas of the 1970s. These events were enriched with captivating memorabilia displays, interactive question and answer sessions, and intimate acoustic performances, creating an engaging atmosphere for fans. The conventions not only celebrated the band’s history but also highlighted their enduring legacy in rock music.
Reflecting on the profound impact of these conventions, Simmons remarked, “The experience of doing them really opened up our eyes to the living, breathing thing that we had created above and beyond the records and songs.” He shared anecdotes of meeting fans who were named after Kiss songs, such as a girl named Christine who looked forward to turning sixteen to embrace her identity as “Christine Sixteen.” Such heartfelt interactions underscored the deep connection between the band and their dedicated fanbase, illustrating how their music resonates across generations.
The Los Angeles-area show during the convention tour marked a pivotal moment, as it sparked the reunion of the original Kiss lineup. This significant event saw the band inviting Peter Criss to join them on stage for a couple of songs, a decision that would pave the way for Criss and founding lead guitarist Ace Frehley to perform together during the taping of their iconic MTV Unplugged episode. This reunion ignited the momentum for the band’s highly anticipated 1996 tour, featuring the original lineup in full makeup and costume, much to the delight of longtime fans.
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Fast forward 30 years from the original conventions, and Kiss is once again embracing fan interaction with the upcoming Kiss Army Storms Vegas event, set to take place from November 14 to 16 at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. This exciting gathering promises a special “unmasked” performance, marking the band’s return to the stage after wrapping up their farewell tour in 2023. Fans can look forward to a variety of guest stars and engaging band-themed activities, making it a must-attend event for die-hard Kiss aficionados.
For a nostalgic twist, if the young girl from Detroit were to reunite with Kiss for another performance of the song in Las Vegas, she would be stepping back into the spotlight as a 40-year-old woman, a testament to the passage of time and the lasting impact of her unforgettable moment on stage.
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Gallery Credit: Matthew Wilkening