Meet Gil Garcia | KISS Tribute Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gil Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gil, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Like most kids who grew up listening to KISS, I would dress up for Halloween, and to play pretend. During the 80’s, KISS would drop the makeup, and be seen regularly on MTV, at which point the association was made in regards to my resemblance to lead vocalist Paul Stanley. I would dress again as an adult for one of their concerts and the response was great enough encouragement to pursue my becoming a tribute artist to my musical hero.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Anyone can put on KISS makeup and a wig, only a very few can make it passable, and only the select can “ nail it”. I believe I “nail it”. The select can do it from a distance (as in, they look like KISS from 10 ft away), I do it up close, with or without the makeup, and that sets me apart. I’ve represented for KISS during their 1st appearance at the 2015 SDCC, and two more times after that. I’ve modeled for Pauls line of jewelry. The only real challenges I’ve encountered are from those who don’t understand what I do, or believe that I live my life as someone else, that I’ve lost my own identity, which is completely false. I honor my hero for fan’s entertainment, it’s a role I play, much like an actor, you play the part for an hour, then you’re back to reality. Despite that, nothing can take away the proud moments I’ve experienced from KISS themselves acknowledging my efforts and commenting on my tribute.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
So one of the favorite things to do, is laugh..good for the soul, several great comedy clubs in the city with quality artists that I support..the city has quite the array of food options from fine dining to a wide range of food trucks. There are concerts galore from national acts to talented local musicians. Plenty of desert sightseeing, hiking and close proximity to the mountain region and lakes for boating. Being in Arizona, we’re just a relatively short drive to Las Vegas or California should we need more.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A big shout out to my wife of 32 years who has supported my craziness and has had to live with the endless random KISS fans who come up asking for photos and recounting their KISS stories. My four beautiful children who have to explain me to their friends..and anyone who has enjoyed my passion to be the best recreation of a musical icon.

Website: Starchildaz.com

Instagram: Starchildaz_gilgarcia

Facebook: Gil Garcia

Youtube: https://youtu.be/LsTaRofL-IY