KISS co-founder Gene Simmons has clarified that the upcoming “KISS Army Storms Vegas” event will be far from a traditional concert. Instead, the three-day gathering — scheduled to take place at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas from November 14 to 16 — will serve as a special celebration of the KISS Army fan club’s 50th anniversary, offering a more intimate and interactive experience for fans.
In a new interview with Rob Rush of Long Island’s 94.3 The Shark, Simmons opened up about what fans can expect from the upcoming, by saying (as transcribed by Blabbermouth): “This is much more a fan gathering. The KISS Army are taking over the Virgin Hotel, and we will show up — but I don’t even know if the entire band’s gonna be there. I know Paul [Stanley] and I are gonna be there, and Tommy [Thayer]. Bruce Kulick [former KISS guitarist] probably will show up, and we’ll jam, answer questions and stuff. It ain’t a concert — we’re gonna do none of that stuff.”
Instead of a full-blown performance with the iconic makeup and stage theatrics, “KISS Army Storms Vegas” will offer fans a more personal, laid-back experience. Simmons hinted at impromptu jam sessions, Q&A segments, and the presence of special guests, including former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick. He also teased that his solo band might make a surprise appearance “just for s**ts and giggles.”
Simmons previously spoke with Greater Milwaukee Today, reiterating the stripped-down nature of the event. He confirmed that there will be no makeup, no elaborate stage setups, and no production crew.
“We will not do the makeup,” Simmons said. “We will hold true to the promise [of never playing another KISS show in makeup]. There’s no stage show. There’s no crew. We won’t have 60 people levitating drum sets and all that stuff. This is more personal — a gathering of the tribes, where we meet them, greet them, maybe have a Q&A.”
When asked what else fans can expect during “KISS Army Storms Vegas”, Simmons offered a few additional hints.
“There might be some KISS tribute bands, almost like a convention, if you will. So it’s much more personal. And of course, we can’t get by without playing, so we’ll get up and do some tunes. What they are, how long, I don’t know.”
Writer and extreme metal devotee, Ialdagorth has spent over a decade covering the darkest corners of heavy music. A black metal lifer, he spends his free time wandering the Carpathian Mountains, likely humming blast beats to the trees.
