Kiss take off trademark makeup to open first cafe

Gene Simmons. Picture / Reuters

The heavy metal band Kiss took off their trademark makeup to open their first cafe in a bid to rival Starbucks.

The official opening of the Kiss Coffeehouse was in the South Carolina resort of Myrtle Beach, selling drinks with loud names such as Kiss Frozen Rockuccino, French Kiss Vanilla and Demon Dark Roast.

"Every army needs food and drink and the Kiss Army is no exception!" shouted bass player Gene Simmons, to the 2000-strong crowd. Singer Paul Stanley said stores could be opened in Las Vegas and other resorts.