In a recent interview on New York City’s Q104.3 radio station with the “Jim Kerr Rock & Roll Morning Show,” Gene Simmons discussed KISS‘s upcoming makeup-free appearance at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The performance is part of the three-day “KISS Army Storms Vegas” event.
“Well, this is not a KISS concert,” Simmons explained (as transcribed by Blabbermouth). “We promised when we sold the IP [KISS intellectual property rights] to Pophouse, an amazing company — they’re futurists — about a year and a half ago when we finished touring at Madison Square Garden. There’s gonna be a film and there’s a lot of stuff coming up. We promised we would never tour again, because, as you noticed, I’m stunning in real life and that’s when you want it… While you’re on top, get out of the ring. Don’t wait for some chump to knock you out. We’ve all seen boxers and rockers and everything that stayed around too long. 50 years, half a century is plenty of time.”
“So that’s what we’re doing. We are showing up for a fan-run event,” he explained. “Three days in November at the Virgin Hotel. Be there or be square. And it’s really for the fans. There’ll be lots of questions — if they want a back rub or anything. But it’s not a KISS concert. We will jump up [and] jam, but certainly we are not bringing the flying rigs and 60 people on the crew and the jets and all that stuff… Other bands will pop up on stage and stuff, but it’s really a chance to be more intimate with the fans — actually, to be cornball about it, to our bosses. Because without the fans, I would surely have been asking the next person in line, ‘Would you like some fries with that?'”
Set for November 14–16 at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, “KISS Army Storms Vegas” will be KISS’s first public appearance since officially retiring from touring after their explosive “End of the Road” farewell show at Madison Square Garden in December 2023. The event also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the KISS Army fan club, highlighting the band’s lasting legacy and the unwavering devotion of their worldwide fanbase.
Simmons confirmed that he, frontman Paul Stanley, and longtime guitarist Tommy Thayer will be attending the event, while drummer Eric Singer‘s involvement has yet to be confirmed. Adding to the anticipation, former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick is also expected to take part in the celebration.
