KISS kicks off N. American tour

LOS ANGELES, July 26 (UPI) -- KISS kicked off its 32-city North American Tour called "The Hottest Show on Earth" during the weekend with concerts in Cheyenne, Wyo., and Minot, N.D.

"We know that times are tough for The KISS Army of fans and that's why we're giving back," KISS bassist and co-founder Gene Simmons said in a statement Monday. "We're committed to giving our fans the biggest, baddest, most over-the-top show for their hard-earned money."

KISS rhythm guitarist and co-founder Paul Stanley said the rock band also wants to use its tour to help U.S. military service members who need medical care after returning war zones overseas.

"While our government is tied up in bureaucracy, the KISS Army has taken up the cause," Stanley said. "We're donating $1 from every ticket sold to the Wounded Warrior Care Project."

Throughout their 37-year career, the rock band has sold 80 million albums.