Gene Simmons Halloween Costumes

Gene Simmons and KISS

The members of KISS are known just as much for their theatrics and sense of style as they are for their music. Gene Simmons became "The Demon" each time he stepped out on stage, enjoying a complete transformation thanks to stage makeup and costuming. If you're looking for a group costume idea, invite three friends to go on tour with you on Halloween night. Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss were "The Spaceman", "The Starchild", and "The Catman", respectively, in the band's original line up.

Ideas for Gene Simmons Halloween Costumes

The basic Gene Simmons costume begins with black. Pull together the look with a black unitard, black platform boots, a black collar, and black arm pieces. The black costume is accented with silver studs, spikes, and chains. However, the exact details of his costumes have varied over the decades. Simmons favors v-neck and open chested tops, sometimes criss crossed with chains. He usually wears a codpiece, often studded, over the base unitard. A short cape, reminiscent of bat wings, adds to the demonic image.

Photographs of KISS are the best source for designing a costume based on these shifting details. Costume photos from KISS Fan Shop, a fan-created site, allow you to view Gene Simmons looks from the 1970s and 1980s. The photo gallery at KISS Online can provide inspiration from recent gigs. If none of these ideas catch your interest, you can always create your own unique KISS-inspired costume creation. With the addition of Simmons' signature makeup, there will be no doubt about the subject of your costume.

If you don't want to make your own costume, you can rent Gene Simmons Halloween costumes from a costume retailer in your local area if one is available. If not, you can order one from Costumes Galore. Labeled "70s Band Costume", this outfit includes everything you need to become "The Demon" except for a mask or makeup. Although the store is located in Minnesota, they will ship anywhere in the U.S. This detailed costume is available from sellers on eBay on occassion, so keep checking live auctions.

Makeup and Hair for Gene Simmons Costume

Mimic the Gene Simmons look in a few simple steps:

• Cover your face in white makeup.
• Color the area around each eye with black makeup. Use a reference, such as the Kiss makeup patterns from Wikipedia, to replicate the exact design.
• Use the black makeup to draw a widow's peak on your forehead.
• Add black lipstick.

You can also purchase an all-in-one makeup kit with detailed application instructions. To top off the makeup, Simmons wears shoulder length black hair, with a portion pulled to the top of the head in a small ponytail. A Gene Simmons mask was created as a collector's item, but it can be difficult to find.

The Tongue

There's no denying the power of the tongue. It is easily Gene Simmons' most identifiable feature. The mask plays up this detail with a long plastic tongue extending from the mouth. If you're wearing makeup instead of a mask, you may want to practice your tongue waggle to get in the act. For added emphasis, drinking a red drink or biting down on a fake blood capsule before attending a party will help make your tongue stand out against white face makeup.

Modern Day Gene Simmons

Although most people looking to dress as Gene Simmons for Halloween are interested in becoming a glam rocker for a night, his more modern reality-TV incarnation is another option. Promotional images for Gene Simmons Family Jewels tend to show him in a black leather jacket or blazer over a dark shirt, with dark tinted glasses and slightly shorter, well-coifed hair. It's a low key costume that might earn you a few knowing looks from fans of the show.