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Mini Kiss
Mini Kiss
Mini Kiss
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Mini Kiss is a Kiss tribute band made up entirely of little people. The band was founded by bandleader Joey Fatale (4' 4" – Mini Gene) in New York City.[1]

Key Information

The band has made an appearance in the feature film "Paul Blart Mall Cop 2", the Game Show Network revival of I've Got a Secret and Lip Sync Battle. The band made a cameo on the television series Z Rock, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, The George Lopez Show, Lopez vs. Lopez and a cameo with the real Kiss on the Dr. Pepper TV commercial "A Little Kiss" which aired during Super Bowl XLIV. Fatale died on August 7, 2011. The band still tours regularly performing at shows around the world.

Mini Kiss has toured with Jackyl, Blue Öyster Cult, A Perfect Circle, Air Supply, Peter Frampton and many others.

In March 2023, Mini Kiss received a Guinness World Record for "World's Shortest Male Band" in Milan, Italy on Lo Show Dei Record.[2]

References

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Mini Kiss

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Mini Kiss is an American rock band formed as a tribute to the glam metal group , consisting entirely of performers who are little people, and renowned for their high-energy live shows featuring elaborate costumes, makeup, and inspired by the original band's aesthetic. Founded on September 1, 1995, in by drummer Joey Fatale—known onstage as "Mini Gene" in homage to bassist —the band drew inspiration from 1980s hair metal and 's theatrical style. Their debut performance occurred on October 30, 1996, at The Lava Lounge in New York, marking the start of a career that has seen them evolve into a global touring act. Over the years, Mini Kiss has shared stages with notable artists including , , and , performing at venues ranging from arenas and casinos to theme parks and cruise ships worldwide. The band's notable achievements include breaking the in 2023 for the "World's Shortest Band" during an appearance on the Italian Lo Show Dei Record in . They have also gained visibility through media appearances, such as the 2010 commercial, the film Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (2015), and television programs like , , Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The George Lopez Show, and HBO's Live Sessions. These high-profile exposures have solidified Mini Kiss's reputation as "the hottest littlest band in the world," blending humor, musicianship, and spectacle to appeal to fans and broader audiences alike.

Background

Formation and origins

Mini Kiss was founded on September 1, 1995, by Joey Fatale in , drawing inspiration from the theatrical style of the rock band and Fatale's lifelong fandom of their music. As a dedicated fan, Fatale envisioned a novelty that would capture Kiss's high-energy performances but with an exclusive twist: all members would be little people, emphasizing exaggerated costumes, makeup, and stage antics to amplify the humor and spectacle. Fatale, standing at 4 feet 4 inches tall, took on the role of Mini Gene, handling bass and vocals while embodying the persona of Kiss's . The band's initial lineup consisted of Fatale alongside Craig as Mini Paul, Mike as Mini Peter, and Victor as Mini Ace, mirroring the original members in their respective positions. Conceived as a lighthearted homage, Mini Kiss focused on lip-synced renditions of Kiss songs, performed in full regalia of platform boots, leather outfits, and signature face paint to create a visually striking, comedic effect. The concept emerged from Fatale rediscovering an unopened copy of Kiss's Alive! album during a move, sparking the idea for a miniaturized version of the band's iconic live show. Originally intended as a one-off event, the project gained traction after its debut public performance on October 30, 1996, at The Lava Lounge in , where the group lip-synced to a CD while wielding inflatable guitars atop a bar. The enthusiastic audience response to the high-energy, humorous rock spectacle prompted Fatale and the original members to continue, transforming the novelty act into a ongoing tribute band driven by demand for their unique blend of parody and reverence. Fatale served as the band's leader until his death from on August 7, 2011, at the age of 47.

Relation to Kiss

Mini Kiss serves as a direct homage to the original Kiss band's 1970s glam rock style, characterized by elaborate stage costumes, theatrical personas, and high-energy performances featuring . The replicates Kiss's iconic elements, such as the exaggerated makeup and larger-than-life attitudes that defined the group's rise in the scene. A key aspect of this homage is embodied in the band's members, who adopt personas mirroring those of . For instance, Joey Fatale, performing as Mini Gene, emulates ' demon character through similar facial makeup and famously employs his naturally long tongue to mimic Simmons' signature stage antics. Mini Kiss has received informal endorsements from Kiss members, notably through their appearance on the reality series in 2010, where the band performed and interacted with Simmons, earning his described "blessing." This exposure highlighted their status and led to further recognition within Kiss-related circles. A prominent collaborative moment occurred in the 2010 commercial titled "," where Mini Kiss performed alongside the actual members, rocking out to "Calling Dr. Love" to promote the soda's cherry flavor variant. This high-profile crossover underscored the band's alignment with 's legacy while maintaining their independent operation as a non-affiliated act, without management or production ties to the original group.

History

Early development (1995–2011)

Mini Kiss began as a local novelty act in , performing initial gigs in small clubs and bars following its founding in 1995 by Joey Fatale. The band's debut occurred on October 30, 1996, at The Lava Lounge in , where Fatale and three other little people lip-synced to tracks using inflatable guitars while standing atop the bar, drawing an enthusiastic crowd. This performance, organized through Fatale's connections in the entertainment scene, marked the start of a expansion, with bookings secured via word-of-mouth and informal networks rather than a fixed lineup. As demand grew in the late and early , Mini Kiss transitioned to larger venues, including casinos and clubs across the , establishing its signature format of lip-synced performances enhanced by elaborate stage props that replicated the original band's theatrical elements, such as and oversized costumes tailored for little people. The rotating roster, which began with four core members, expanded significantly to accommodate scheduling demands, reaching up to 14 performers by the late to ensure consistent touring. Key milestones included a 1997 meeting with Kiss at a Jones Beach and appearances on national television, which boosted visibility in rock and novelty circuits. Joey Fatale served as the band's and , portraying while overseeing costume design, setlists, and overall production to capture 's high-energy spectacle on a miniature scale. Under his leadership, Mini Kiss built a dedicated niche following through steady U.S. tours in theaters, fairs, and event spaces, culminating in high-profile spots like the 2010 Cherry commercial alongside the original members. Fatale's vision drove the group's evolution from regional oddity to a recognized , with performances emphasizing visual homage over live . The era ended tragically on August 7, 2011, when Fatale died of at age 47 while on tour, shortly after a performance; his passing occurred in his sleep following a show at a venue.

Continuation and changes (2011–present)

Following the death of founder Joey Fatale on August 7, 2011, his brother Louis Fatale assumed a key role in sustaining Mini Kiss, ensuring the band's continuity amid the profound loss. In 2013, Louis expanded the band's operations by establishing Mini-Acts, a full-service agency specializing in little people performers, which broadened Mini Kiss's branding beyond live music. Zachary Morris, who had taken over as Mini Gene years prior, continued in the role through the post-2011 period, maintaining the band's core visual and performative identity. The lineup evolved with additional rotations among performers, including longtime member Wilbur Mullett on Mini Ace and Steve Thompson on Mini Peter, allowing for flexibility in touring schedules while preserving the format. Arturo Knight joined Mini Kiss as Mini Paul, bringing fresh energy to the frontman role. Knight acquired ownership rights during the COVID-19 pandemic (circa 2020), ushering in a phase of revitalized global activity, including high-profile international appearances. Under Knight's leadership, the band transitioned from primarily lip-syncing to incorporating live music performances. Under this renewed leadership, Mini Kiss achieved a Guinness World Record on February 4, 2023, as the shortest band (male), with an average height of 138.55 cm, verified during a performance on Italy's Lo Show Dei Record. The band has remained active in touring, highlighted by a headline slot at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip motorcycle rally on August 10, 2024, where they closed out the event with high-energy sets of KISS classics. In 2025, they continued this momentum with a performance at Key West Theater on May 18, emphasizing their enduring appeal in the tribute scene.

Band members

Current members

As of November 2025, the active roster of Mini Kiss consists of a core group of four performers, all little people, who embody the iconic personas from while handling the band's vocals, guitars, bass, and drums during live shows and promotions. The lineup rotates occasionally with substitutes drawn from a larger pool of performers to accommodate touring demands and scheduling. Arturo Knight serves as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, portraying the Mini Paul Stanley equivalent with energetic stage presence and signature Starchild makeup. He joined the band in after responding to a Craigslist audition call while living in . Knight acquired the rights to Mini Kiss in 2023, taking on management responsibilities and driving contemporary marketing efforts, including campaigns and booking for arenas, casinos, and festivals. His contributions emphasize high-octane vocals on hits like "Rock and Roll All Nite" and interactive crowd engagement central to the band's modern operations. Richard Huizenga-Rayos performs on bass and vocals as the Mini Gene Simmons counterpart, capturing the persona through spitting tricks, bass solos, and theatrical bass lines. His focus on the Simmons style includes exaggerated facial expressions and blood-spitting effects during performances of songs like "God of Thunder." Huizenga-Rayos has been a consistent presence in recent tours and media appearances, including a guest spot on the TV series in 2024. Nik Sin plays lead guitar as the Mini Ace Frehley stand-in, replicating the Space Ace character's cosmic-themed antics with wild guitar riffs and onstage pyrotechnics during numbers like "Cold Gin" and "Shock Me." Sin brings a sense of playful rebellion to the role, often incorporating Frehley-esque poses and effects, and has appeared in key events including 2024 television performances. Andrew Jacobs handles drums as the Mini Peter Criss or Eric Carr equivalent, delivering the rhythmic drive and cat-like flair inspired by Criss's style on tracks such as "Beth" and "Hard Luck Woman." Jacobs's playing emphasizes dynamic fills and steady beats that support the band's high-energy rock sets. He participated in the 2023 Guinness World Record attempt for the world's shortest band.

Former members

Joey Fatale founded Mini Kiss in 1995 in , serving as the band's leader and Mini until his death on August 7, 2011, at age 47 from . He conceived the idea of an all-little-people tribute to , drawing inspiration from the rock band's style and his own love for hair metal, and organized the group's first performance on October 30, 1996, at The Lava Lounge in using inflatable guitars and face paint. Fatale designed the initial costumes by adapting clothing—ripping some pieces and adding -inspired makeup—and appeared with the band in early media, including the 2010 commercial alongside and . The original lineup, formed alongside Fatale, included Craig as Mini Paul from 1995 to the early 2010s, who brought high-energy stage presence to the band's early shows and helped establish its playful, exaggerated rock persona. Mike performed as Mini Peter on drums during the same period, delivering theatrical percussion routines that mirrored Peter Criss's flair and contributed to the group's dynamic live sets in its formative years. Victor played Mini Ace on guitar over the same tenure, emphasizing soaring solos that captured Ace Frehley's style and supported the band's initial musical foundation. These three originals joined Fatale for the debut gig and later featured in the 2010 commercial, aiding Mini Kiss's breakthrough into mainstream visibility before departing amid the band's expanding rotation of performers. Zachary Morris succeeded Fatale as Mini Gene circa 2002, serving through 2023 after meeting him at a little people convention, and performed in key appearances like the spot and the 2023 attempt, helping sustain the band's momentum during its growth phase with his charismatic bass work and tongue-waggling antics reminiscent of . Leif Manson performed as Mini Ace on guitar from the until circa 2023-2024, contributing to performances and the 2023 World Record. Mini Kiss maintains a system of up to 14 members to accommodate varying performance demands, which facilitated transitions among these former contributors.

Performances

Live shows and tours

Mini Kiss's live performances are characterized by high-energy lip-synced renditions of Kiss classics, such as "" and "Shout It Out Loud," delivered while wearing full makeup and costumes reminiscent of the original band. The shows incorporate , crowd interaction, and lighthearted dwarf-specific humor, with the musicians often using oversized or novelty props like blow-up guitars to enhance the playful spectacle. Typical sets last 45–60 minutes and feature 8–10 songs, maintaining a fast-paced atmosphere despite the lip-sync format. The band's touring history is primarily U.S.-centric, with performances at a variety of venues including casinos, state fairs, cruises, theme parks, and rock festivals, alongside select international dates. Early shows began in in 1996 at small clubs like The Lava Lounge, evolving into larger events such as the Arizona State Fair in 2018, where they performed to enthusiastic crowds amid tributes to hits. Internationally, Mini Kiss achieved a for the shortest male band (average height 138.55 cm) during a 2023 appearance on Italy's Lo Show Dei Record in . Other notable festival slots include the Sturgis Buffalo Chip in 2024, closing out the event with a high-octane set. Mini Kiss has shared stages with a diverse array of artists, blending their tribute style into broader rock and entertainment lineups. They have toured alongside acts like , , , , , and , often at multi-band events that highlight their unique appeal. For instance, in 2025, they joined the OC Rock N' Ride festival in with performers including Slaughter, , and . As of 2025, Mini Kiss maintains an active schedule emphasizing their signature high-energy rock delivery, with dates including the Theater in in May and in in October. Additional U.S. stops feature venues like The Waiting Room Lounge in Omaha in November, while international expansion continues with a show at Kollektivet Livet in , , in August.

Media appearances

Mini Kiss has garnered significant exposure through various television appearances, often showcasing their high-energy, lip-sync-infused performances in comedic or entertainment contexts. Their debut on national TV came in 2003 with a live performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where the band delivered a miniaturized rendition of KISS classics that highlighted their novelty act. In 2016, they joined singer CeeLo Green as guest performers on Lip Sync Battle, contributing to his winning lip-sync of KISS's "Rock and Roll All Nite" against comedian Russell Peters, which emphasized their signature exaggerated stage antics. The band also featured in an episode of Gene Simmons Family Jewels during its run on A&E, appearing alongside KISS co-founder Gene Simmons in a segment that played on their thematic connection to the rock icons. Additional TV cameos include a guest spot on The George Lopez Show in 2005, where they integrated into the sitcom's humorous ensemble, and a role in season 2, episode 3 of the IFC series Z Rock titled "All Z Small Things," portraying a pint-sized rock act at a children's party that spirals into chaos. More recently, in October 2024, Mini Kiss performed during the season 3 premiere episode "Lopez vs. Wedding" of Lopez vs. Lopez on NBC, enhancing a wedding-themed storyline with their energetic set. In film, Mini Kiss made a memorable cameo in the 2015 comedy Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, directed by and starring . The band appeared as security guards doubling as performers at the , rocking out to their KISS-inspired hits amid the film's mall security hijinks, providing a lighthearted nod to their live show style. The band's commercial visibility peaked with their role in the "Little Kiss" advertisement, which aired during in 2010. In the spot, produced by Deutsch for , Mini Kiss shared the screen with original KISS members and , humorously promoting Dr Pepper Cherry through a rock concert scenario that contrasted the full-sized legends with their diminutive counterparts.

Reception

Awards and recognition

In March 2023, Mini Kiss received the Guinness World Record for the "Shortest band (male)" during a live appearance on the Italian television program Lo Show Dei Record in , . The record was verified through on-site measurement of the four male band members' heights, yielding an average of 138.55 cm (4 ft 6.5 in). Beyond this accolade, Mini Kiss has branded itself as "The Hottest Littlest Band in the World," a moniker prominently featured in their official promotions and to highlight their unique novelty appeal as a diminutive . The group has not received major awards, such as Grammys or honors, but their record underscores their cultural recognition for delivering high-energy rock despite their stature, emphasizing impact through entertainment value rather than traditional metrics.

Legacy and influence

Mini Kiss has carved out a distinctive cultural niche as pioneers of little person tribute acts, fusing rock performance energy with humor and inclusivity to challenge traditional entertainment norms. Founded in 1995 by Joey Fatale, the band debuted in 1996 as a novelty act but evolved into a full-fledged tribute ensemble, inspiring the formation of rival groups like Tiny Kiss by 2006, which highlighted the growing interest in dwarf-themed rock entertainment. This approach not only entertained audiences through exaggerated Kiss personas but also emphasized the performers' musical skills, blending spectacle with empowerment to broaden representation in live music scenes. The band's fan reception remains robust within the and beyond, with performances celebrated for their high-energy delivery and role in uplifting little person artists. Despite the 2011 death of founder Fatale from at age 47, Mini Kiss has sustained a loyal following through rotating lineups, maintaining its appeal via empowering shows that resonate with fans valuing inclusivity and rock nostalgia. Cult status is evident in global tours and media buzz, where audiences appreciate the band's ability to deliver authentic tributes while showcasing the talents of its members. Mini Kiss's broader impact lies in enhancing visibility for little people in mainstream entertainment, though without an original , its legacy thrives through extensive video documentation on platforms like and . High-profile appearances, including the 2010 Dr. Pepper commercial and shows alongside acts like and , have spotlighted little person performers, fostering discussions on dignity and opportunity in the industry. The group holds the for the shortest band (male) at an average height of 138.55 cm since 2023, underscoring its unique contributions to novelty music. presence amplifies this reach, with clips of live sets garnering widespread engagement and preserving the band's energetic ethos. As of 2025, Mini Kiss demonstrates enduring appeal through active bookings and its 30th anniversary world tour, spanning , , the , and dates with , signaling continued relevance in rock tribute circuits. This ongoing activity reflects the band's lasting influence on inclusive , with steady demand affirming its role in nostalgia-driven performances.

References

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  3. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-apr-11-et-minikiss11-story.html
  4. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2023/5/worlds-shortest-band-minikiss-rock-just-as-hard-as-their-full-size-idols-745739
  5. https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/minikiss-meet-the-worlds-shortest-band/
  6. https://www.newportri.com/story/entertainment/music/2012/05/23/living-large/12772841007/
  7. https://neon.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/mini-kiss-building-own-legacy-while-paying-tribute-to-rock-legends/
  8. http://www.classicbands.com/LouisFataleInterview.html
  9. https://www.fastcompany.com/1536792/exclusive-video-dr-peppers-super-bowl-ad-features-kiss-andminikiss/
  10. https://www.ncentertainment.net/bands/minikiss.html
  11. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/169845695/joseph_james-fatale
  12. https://tucson.com/entertainment/music/article_b2b1b202-e72d-51bc-8c04-fba16ab47956.html
  13. https://www.candomusos.com/profile-mini-kiss.php
  14. https://www.oregoncoasttoday.com/home/get-ready-for-a-big-night
  15. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/shortest-band-by-height
  16. https://www.buffalochip.com/buffalo_chip_news/2024-band-lineup/
  17. https://www.keywestchamber.org/latest-community-news/rancho-relaxo-productions-announces-mini-kiss-at-key-west-theater
  18. https://www.facebook.com/iamarturoknight/videos/mini-kiss-the-hottest-littlest-band-in-the-world/535186546019383/
  19. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12387445/
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  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32315762/
  22. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7247879/
  23. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16642377/
  24. https://www.mlive.com/entertainment/kalamazoo/2011/09/minikiss_--_of_dr_pepper_comme.html
  25. https://www.dailyrepublic.com/diversions/entertainment/little-people-tackle-big-sound-of-kiss-in-concert/article_d2212114-f892-5f5a-b917-357ba8c95b5a.html
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDHAYjhs4GY
  27. https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/mini-kiss-63f01a5b.html
  28. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/mini-kiss
  29. https://www.bandsintown.com/a/138101-minikiss
  30. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1714463/
  31. https://loudwire.com/watch-ceelo-green-mini-kiss-rock-and-roll-all-nite-lip-sync-battle/
  32. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3471625/
  33. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/z_rock/s02/e03
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttQCG3KQdDg
  35. https://www.ispot.tv/events/2010-super-bowl-commercials/dr-pepper-little-kiss
  36. https://seattletalentbuying.com/artists/mini-kiss/
  37. https://www.npr.org/2006/04/14/5342555/minikiss-life-in-a-little-people-cover-band
  38. https://www.instagram.com/p/DEYLx0EzWtN/?hl=en
  39. https://www.ticketmaster.com/mini-kiss-tickets/artist/971335
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