Most Ridiculous Official KISS Merch Gene Simmons Actually Signed Off On, Ranked
It's no secret in the world of music or marketing that KISS are all for attaching their name to a variety of weird KISS merchandise. Reportedly, KISS have "licensed [their] name to more than 3,000 product categories, from lunchboxes and comic books to credit cards and condoms to become nearly a $1 billion brand."
Released in conjunction with tours, album releases, or band-related events, many KISS-licensed products seem to push the boundaries of what might be sold by a rock band, but dedicated fans have snatched them up anyway.
Over the past four decades, KISS (especially their frontman, Gene Simmons), like other celebrities who sell products, have made millions from band merchandise. Take a look at some of the more outrageous, over-the-top, ridiculous KISS merchandise and decide what stands out among the crowd.
- 185 VOTES
KISS Air Guitar Strings
Photo: @kissmonstermini / TwitterKISS provided fans with air guitar strings - more or less empty plastic packages with the band's branding - for $3.99 per pack.
KISS Air Guitar Strings went on the market in 2017 in Las Vegas, reportedly selling by the tens of thousands at the KISS Monster Mini Golf attraction at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.
- 278 VOTES
KISS Kasket
Photo: poison1joe / eBayWhen it first became available in 2001, a KISS Kasket would run you about $3,300. According to Gene Simmons, "I love livin', but this makes the alternative look pretty damn good."
The casket features a laminated photomural, complete with several images of KISS members. When a second version was introduced in 2011, the price went up to $4,000 - although an autographed version cost closer to $4,700. The coffin was also touted as a cooler, waterproof and ideal for serving soft drinks and beer alike.
As the story goes, "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott from the band Pantera was laid to rest in a KISS Kasket after his tragic onstage passing in 2004. Simmons reportedly gave his own, limited-edition casket to the family.
- 356 VOTES
KISS Super-Spicy Chili Tomato Meat Buns
Sold in Japan, KISS's Super-Spicy Chili Tomato Meat Buns hit convenience store shelves in 2013, returning again in 2015.
Touted as "Hotter than Hell" - a reference to the KISS album of the same name - the buns were "[b]lack on the outside and hot and spicy on the inside," and "[l]ike the band, they have impact."
Only 300,000 buns were made, in large part because their availability accompanied KISS tour dates in the country. The buns were complete with the KISS logo on the top and wrapped in one of five collectible KISS wrappers.
- 477 VOTES
KISS-Themed Hello Kitty Toilet Paper
KISS joined forces with Hello Kitty in 2011, setting the stage for Hello Kitty-themed KISS products or, depending on your perspective, KISS-themed Hello Kitty items.
Either way, the following year saw the introduction of a toilet paper that brought KISS and Hello Kitty together to do, well, what toilet paper does.
- 557 VOTES
KISS Kondoms
Photo: tomcatantiques / eBayKISS Kondoms were released in 2002 and 2003, with the first "Tongue Lubricated" condoms featuring Gene Simmons on the packaging. The "Rock 'N' Rubbers" were red and, as advertised, lubricated.
Two other types of condoms - called "Studded Paul" and "Love Gun Protection" - soon followed. Paul Stanley graced the packaging for the Studded Paul, with all the band members appearing on the packaging for the Love Gun Protection product. The latter were "extra-strength latex," while the former were true to their name and studded.
- 647 VOTES
KISS His & Hers Beauty Products
Photo: kissmuseum.comKISS's companion His and Hers body products were introduced in 2006. Given the band's affinity for makeup, their venture into cosmetics and the beauty industry seems fitting.
Options for men include (all night) deodorant, cologne, and (struttin') hair and body wash. The KISS Her line features (lovin' body) lotion, (rockin' after) bath splash, perfume, and (party) shower gel.