Fans of KISS experienced something unforgettable on Saturday, November 15, when the iconic rock band delivered an electrifying “unmasked” performance at the KISS Kruise: Landlocked In Vegas event. Hosted at Las Vegas’ Virgin Hotels resort and casino complex, the show instantly became one of the most talked-about moments in recent KISS history. Although the band has performed countless shows over the decades, this unique appearance stood out because it brought together longtime members and a beloved former guitarist for a powerful night of rock nostalgia.
The crowd erupted from the moment Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer stepped onstage without their traditional makeup. While the band is best known for their larger-than-life personas, this stripped-back, raw approach allowed their musicianship to shine. Fans were quick to call the night a rare treat, especially since KISS performances without makeup have become extremely uncommon in recent decades.
However, the biggest surprise of the evening came when former guitarist Bruce Kulick joined the band for the final two songs. His appearance immediately heightened the excitement in the room because his history with KISS remains cherished among fans who closely followed the band’s evolving sound during the 1980s and early 1990s.
Kulick originally joined KISS in 1984 and stayed on as the band’s lead guitarist for 12 years. During that era, he contributed to studio albums, world tours, and many fan-favorite tracks that defined a distinct chapter in the band’s evolution. His tenure included the legendary “Animalize” tour, as well as several successful studio releases that showcased a heavier, more modern guitar-driven approach. Although he departed the group when the original lineup reunited in 1996, his impact has remained undeniable. Therefore, his return to the stage alongside his former bandmates created a truly emotional moment for long-time followers.
The energy throughout the venue stayed incredibly high as the band powered through a setlist filled with classic hits. Because fans have followed KISS for more than 50 years, each track carried a sense of nostalgia. Moreover, the combination of an unmasked lineup and a surprise guest made the event feel even more special. Many attendees described the experience as once-in-a-lifetime, especially since the band rarely deviates from their trademark stage presentation.
Below is the complete setlist from KISS’s memorable November 15 performance:
KISS November 15 Setlist – KISS Kruise: Landlocked In Vegas
- Deuce
- Take Me
- Hotter Than Hell
- Calling Dr. Love
- Got To Choose
- Watchin’ You
- Cold Gin
- I Love It Loud
- Love Her All I Can
- Let Me Go, Rock ’N’ Roll
- Black Diamond
- Detroit Rock City
- Shout It Out Loud
- Do You Love Me
- Lick It Up (with Bruce Kulick)
- Rock And Roll All Nite (with Bruce Kulick)
A Night of Classic Hits and Emotional Highlights
As the show progressed, the audience remained fully engaged. Each song took fans on a journey through the band’s vast catalog, which spans more than five decades. Since many of these tracks are staples of KISS’s live performances, they carried a familiar and comforting presence. However, the unmasked presentation gave the night a fresh feel. Because the focus shifted entirely to the music rather than the theatrics, longtime fans described the experience as both intimate and powerful.
The emotional peak of the concert arrived when Bruce Kulick walked onto the stage. The crowd erupted immediately because his era in KISS remains extremely popular among fans who appreciate the band’s non-makeup years. Additionally, his guitar style helped define some of the group’s most technically impressive music. Therefore, seeing him shred next to Stanley, Simmons, Thayer, and Singer created a unique blend of eras that rarely occurs.
His contributions to “Lick It Up” and “Rock And Roll All Nite” were met with overwhelming applause. These two tracks carry tremendous historical weight for the band. “Lick It Up” marked the band’s official decision to remove their makeup in 1983, while “Rock And Roll All Nite” remains perhaps the most iconic KISS anthem of all time. Consequently, Kulick’s presence felt symbolic, tying together two important chapters of the group’s evolution.
