Veteran rockers KISS [ tickets ] have announced a pair of shows for July, the first steps in building what the band, in a website posting last month, had hinted will likely become a full-blown summer tour.

So far, the only destinations the band has on its calendar are a July 20 show in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, and an appearance the following day at Rock Festival 2007 in Cadott, WI. Australian-American rockers Mink, touring behind their debut single, 'Talk to Me," will provide opening support for both shows.

Joining bassist/singer Simmons and guitarist/singer Paul Stanley on stage are drummer Eric Singer--who first played with the group during the band's non-make-up years--and guitarist Tommy Thayer. In concert, Singer and Thayer wear the makeup and costumes made famous by original members Peter Criss and Ace Frehley, respectively.

One-time KISS guitarist Mark St. John--real name Mark Norton--died in early April of an apparent brain hemorrhage, according to KISS' official website. He was 51.

St. John, a member of KISS during its non-makeup years, replaced the group's second guitarist, Vinnie Vincent, and appeared on the band's 1984 album, "Animalize." As the group was preparing to launch a tour behind the release, St. John developed an arthritic condition that caused his hands and arms to swell, which prevented him from touring. He was replaced by guitarist Bruce Kulick.

"Mark tried his best to become the guitar player that KISS and our fans needed, so that we could continue moving forward," Stanley posted on the band's website. "I enjoyed and am proud of our work together on Animalize and know how much he wanted to take that leap to the stage to play with us live. He was gracious in his acceptance that it wouldn't happen and was supportive of Bruce and a gentleman when it was clear that his ailment would end his time with us."