Masked band ended activities in 2023; different behavior of the two leaders after completion has attracted attention
Half a century after its founding, the Kiss ended its activities after a farewell tour. THE End of the Road it lasted between 2019 and 2023 — disregarding the interval caused by the pandemic.
In different interviews, leaders Paul Stanley (voice and guitar) and Gene Simmons (voice and bass) made it clear that it was a joint decision. The advanced age of both (72 and 75 years old, respectively) and the physical demand of performing in heavy costumes, such as armor and high-heeled boots, were taken into account.
However, recent news seems to have shown that, although the musicians do not admit it, the decision to end Kiss seems to have been motivated in particular by one member. The news is: while Stanley — speculated to be primarily responsible for this end — remains out of music, Simmons confirmed that he will continue his solo projectreleased in 2024, with a new tour.
The call Gene Simmons Band had performed 16 shows between April and August. In fact, the first major performance took place in Brazil, during the Summer Breeze festival (today called Bangers). Now, he has announced that he will do the same number of performances across the United States between April and May 2025. Everything indicates that more dates will be on the agenda, to be followed on the artist’s official website.
There is no denying that the wear and tear of solo shows is less: Gene does not need to use all the obligatory props in Kiss and eliminates certain concerns about a show the size of his former band, as, in interviews, he guarantees that the general structure is reduced. . He goes so far as to say, with his characteristic rhetoric, that he goes to events venues with just a pick and nothing else. A slight exaggeration, but the essence of the message is understood.
On the other side of the coin, Paul Stanley admitted to GibsonTV (via Igor Miranda website) who hasn’t even played guitar since the end of Kiss. Suffering for years with vocal problems, the musician really seemed to need a rest. However, the justification for not touching the instrument any longer proved to be a little different. He said:
“If I started playing, I would miss being with the band and doing what we do. It’s something that’s in my DNA, I just needed to step away a little. It’s been 50 years with Kiss, a phenomenal brand. And so to cut those ties, at least in terms of being a live band, it takes a while to acclimate and adjust. I needed a break just to relax and get my bearings.”
Does Gene Simmons earn more on his own than with Kiss?
In addition to the natural desire to play, Gene Simmons may be motivated to pursue his solo career for another reason: money. In a podcast interview Steve-O’s Wild Ride (via Igor Miranda website), the musician revealed that he makes more profit from his current performances than from Kiss, even considering the smaller number of audiences he attracts without his former colleagues.
This brings us to the aforementioned “arriving with just a pick” comment. He explains:
“I created a ‘semi-genius’ business model. I arrive with just my pick. And that. There is no manager, roadies, trucks or equipment. Everything is provided by the event promoter. Flights, hotels, amplifiers, batteries, everything is rented locally. This is the promoter’s cost. Any amount of six figures or more there is, I’ll pocket it. I make more money per show with the Gene Simmons Band than I did with Kiss. I don’t count on roadies and everyone else. There’s not a 60-man crew, three double-decker buses, private jet on call seven days a week and 20 to 24 tractor trailers.”
In his solo performances, Simmons is accompanied by guitarists Brent Woods (Wildside, Sebastian Bach, Vince Neil) and Jason Walkerin addition to the drummer Brian Tichy (The Dead Daisies, Billy Idol, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Foreigner, Pride & Glory, Glenn Hughes, Velvet Revolver and others). The repertoire, as expected, brings together a series of Kiss songs, as well as occasional covers of Motorhead and Led Zeppelin.
Why Paul Stanley (Kiss) blames media for political polarization in the US
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
