In what local officials are calling a "cultural atrocity," an unknown vandal has painted Kiss makeup on a statue at one of the world's most famous cathedrals.

The 12th century statue on the southern side of the Santiago de Compostela cathedral in Spain's Galicia region was defaced with a crude blue version of the "Catman" makeup worn by both Kiss co-founder Peter Criss and the band's current drummer, Eric Singer. Kiss' logo is also written on a book the statue is holding.

According to the Daily Mail, police are scanning surveillance footage to see if they can identify the person responsible, who could face a fine of up to $172,000 if caught. Lasers will have to be used to remove the paint without damaging the statue.

"Santiago Cathedral is a World Heritage site. It belongs to us all," authorities stated in a tweet asking for help identifying the perpetrators. "As well as demonstrating a total lack of respect and civism, this vandalism is also a crime. Help us to find the person or people responsible."

Kiss has only performed five shows so far this year, all in July, spending four nights in Spain and one in neighboring Portugal. On July 14th, they performed at the Resurrection Fest in Viveiro, which is located near the vandalized cathedral.

On Halloween, the group will embark on their eighth annual Kiss Kruize. In addition to their traditional rarities-filled open-seas sets, the sold-out five-day trip will feature live performances from Kiss alumni such as Ace Frehley and Bruce Kulick.



