KISS Expands Ace Frehley Tribute At Vegas KRUISE

KISS is set to deliver what is expected to be their sole live appearance in 2026 through an expansive event titled KISS Kruise: Land-Locked in Vegas. Scheduled from November 13 to 15 at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, this immersive gathering anticipates uniting fans with a dual set of unmasked performances—one acoustic and another electric—augmented by a variety of interactive activities and special guest appearances.

Central to the weekend’s program is a tribute honoring the late Ace Frehley, the iconic guitarist who passed away in 2025 and significantly shaped the band’s golden era during the 1970s. Unlike initial announcements, it is now confirmed that the surviving KISS members—Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer—will each take the stage to perform a track personally chosen from Frehley’s catalog. The performances will be supported by the Ace Frehley Band and a roster of guest musicians, promising a comprehensive retrospective that spans Frehley’s entire career, including unexpected collaborations.

This tribute highlights KISS’s acknowledgment of Frehley’s lasting influence and aims to celebrate his artistic legacy in a format that merges reverence with innovation. It is an integral part of the event’s broader concept to offer fans an experience beyond conventional concerts.

The Land-Locked Kruise departs from the traditional sea-based format, transforming the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas into a full-scale destination takeover. This shift allows for a broader range of fan-centric programming, reflecting lessons learned from previous Kruise events. The weekend is designed to engage attendees through diverse panels, Q&A sessions, and unique activities that include a memorabilia showcase curated by Simmons, a cooking competition hosted by Stanley, a drumming contest led by Singer, and a wine tasting event organized by Thayer.

Additional immersive elements encompass museum-style exhibits and archival displays that trace KISS’s evolution across multiple eras. Themed nights further enrich the experience by spotlighting distinct phases of the band’s history, creating a multifaceted tribute that appeals to both longtime followers and newer audiences.

The musical lineup extends well beyond KISS’s own performances. Notable rock acts such as Night Ranger, former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, Slaughter, Faster Pussycat, Keel, Enuff Z’Nuff, and Kuarantine are slated to perform, alongside appearances from groups like Tommy London, School of Rock, and the Rock and Roll Over KISS Tribute Band. This diverse roster reinforces the event’s role as a comprehensive rock festival celebrating the genre’s legacy.

Preceding the official start, a kickoff party on November 12 will feature Enuff Z’Nuff, the Ace Frehley Band performing the seminal 1976 KISS album Rock and Roll Over in full, Beasto Blanco, and other yet-to-be-announced acts. This early gathering underscores the event’s ambition to maximize engagement and offer multiple entry points for fans.

Looking ahead, KISS’s post-farewell phase includes plans to evolve into a digital avatar-based live experience, akin to ABBA’s Voyage residency in London. While details remain limited, insiders indicate that the upcoming virtual shows will weave classic KISS hits with new material, signaling an innovative approach to sustaining the band’s presence in the live performance arena.

Overall, the 2026 KISS Kruise: Land-Locked in Vegas represents a significant pivot in the band’s live event strategy. By blending homage to a foundational member with a broad spectrum of fan-focused activities and a diverse lineup, KISS aims to sustain their cultural impact and deepen connections with their global fanbase in a novel and engaging setting.