The masked gang ended its activities in 2023; the different behavior of the two leaders after completion attracted attention
Half a century after its foundation, l Kiss it concluded its activities after a farewell tour. THE End of the road it lasted between 2019 and 2023, ignoring the gap caused by the pandemic.
In several interviews, leaders Paul Stanley (vocals and guitar) e Gene Simmons (vocals and bass) made it clear that this was a joint decision. The advanced age of both (72 and 75 years respectively) and the physical demands 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 close Kiss seems to have been motivated by one member in particular. The news is: while Stanley – considered the main 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 it had performed 16 shows between April and August. In fact, the first major performance took place in Brazil, during the Summer Breeze festival (now called Bangers). Now he has announced that he will do the same number of shows in the United States between April and May 2025. Everything suggests that other dates will be on the agenda, of which the artist’s official website will follow.
There’s no denying that the wear and tear of solo concerts is less: Gene doesn’t need to use all the obligatory props in Kiss, and it eliminates some concerns about a show the size of his former band, as, in interviews, he guarantees that the the general structure is reduced. He goes so far as to say, with his characteristic rhetoric, that he goes to the places of events only with the plectrum and nothing else. A slight exaggeration, but the essence of the message is understood.
On the other hand, Paul Stanley admitted it GibsonTV (go Igor Miranda’s website) who hasn’t played guitar since the end of Kiss. Having suffered from vocal problems for years, the musician really seemed to need some rest. However, the justification for never touching the instrument again turned out 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 get away for a while. I’ve been with Kiss for 50 years, a phenomenal brand. And then, for Cutting those ties, at least in terms of being a live band, takes a while to acclimatise and adjust, I needed a break to just relax and get my bearings.
Gene Simmons makes more money on his own than with Kiss?
Besides the natural desire to play music, Gene Simmons may be motivated to pursue his solo career for another reason: money. In a podcast interview Steve-O’s Wild Ride (go Igor Miranda’s website), the musician revealed that he makes more profit from his current performances than from Kiss, even considering the smaller audience he attracts without his former colleagues.
This brings us to the aforementioned “arriving with only one choice” comment. He explains:
“I created a ‘semi-genius’ business model. I simply arrive with my choice. That’s it. There are no managers, roadies, trucks or equipment. Everything is provided by the event organizer. Flights, hotels, amplifiers , drums, everything is rented locally. That’s the cost of the promoter. Any amount of six figures or more, I make more money per show with the Gene Simmons Band than with Kiss, three double decker buses, private jet service seven days a week and 20 to 24 trailers.”
In his solo performances, Simmons is accompanied by guitarists Brent Woods (Wild side, Sebastiano Bach, Neil wins) AND Jason Walkerbesides the drummer Brian Tichy (The dead daisies, Billy Idol, Ozzy Osbourne, White snake, Foreigner, Pride and glory, Glenn Hughes, Velvet revolver and others). The repertoire, as expected, brings together a number of Kiss songs, as well as occasional covers of Headstock AND Led Zeppelin.
+++ READ MORE: Gene Simmons (Kiss) says he has no friends, reveals what he prioritizes in life
+++ READ MORE: Why Paul Stanley (Kiss) blames the media for political polarization in the United States
Source: Terra
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.
