Fans of bands, movie stars, and celebrities of all types, including the Dalai Lama, have been getting tattoos commemorating these people for decades. Although band logos and album covers are a popular way to go, the portrait tattoo rules the commemoration world of the skin. The portrait tattoo is often done with a black, fine-line approach, that in some cases approaches photorealism. In the case of KISS, however, that somewhat sober approach may not seem quite right.

KISS tattoo by Greg James.

Taking up their band name in 1973 after dropping the name “Wicked Lester”, their experimentation with make-up began not too long after. Today, they are recognized and emulated world-wide. Although each band member uses the white and black coloring that has become synonymous with the band (in addition to the black-leather-with-studs outfits), each one has a very specific facial design.

This portrait tattoo is of Gene Simmons, “The Demon” of KISS, famous for his showmanship and, of course, the pose with his tongue sticking out. Although a KISS tattoo might seem like nostalgia, they toured in 2004 with the same type of pyrotechnic mayhem for which their shows became famous.