KISS is my all time favorite band. I love the costumes, the makeup, the showmanship. So imagine my joy upon walking into the Palladium Ballroom on the 311 Cruise aboard the Carnival Destiny and seeing a band decked out in matching spandex costumes playing in front of a huge video screen showing a mish mash of animation and images. And what’s this they’re playing? Could it be “I Was Made For Loving You” by KISS? Why, indeed it is, and mixed with a speech about the end of the world, to boot.

This was 2 Skinnee J’s. Despite the fact they’ve been doing this epic show since 1991, I had somehow never been made privy to their existence. Musically, they blend rock with hip hop and some elements of nerdcore, while maintaining a comedic edge to their performance. I was hooked. Before the band’s next performance, I made sure to catch up with singer Joel “Special J” Johnson to spend some of our last moments on Earth together.

2 Skinnee J’s are serious about their music and performance energy, but the comedy and entertainment value are first and foremost. Case in point, here’s drummer Andy Action announcing the cruise performances on the band’s website:

Holy crap, 2 Skinnee J’s is playing shows in May 2012! Stumpy(Owner, Manager) wanted to take a cruise to the Bahamas, so he chartered a boat, and to pay for it, is making 2SJ play shows along the way! Two shows at sea, one on the (private!) island! By the way, in order to beef up attendance on the ship, he invited 311 onboard as well!

For more music, comedy and apocalyptic predictions, visit www.2sj.com.