Gene Simmons spoke to the Las Vegas Review-Journal about the upcoming KISS performance without makeup at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, as part of the three-day event “KISS Army Storms Vegas,” which will take place from November 14 to 16.
“KISS Army Storms Vegas” celebrates the 50th anniversary of the KISS fan club and will be the band’s first live performance since Simmons, guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley, guitarist Tommy Thayer, and drummer Eric Singer completed their “End Of The Road” farewell tour at Madison Square Garden in New York in December 2023.
“We’re not doing the makeup,” said Gene.
“We’ll keep our promise not to ever play another KISS show with makeup. There won’t be a stage show. No crew. We’re not going to have 60 people hanging in the drum sets and all that. This is a more personal gathering of the tribes, where we meet them, greet them, maybe do a Q&A.”
Regarding what else fans can expect from “KISS Army Storms Vegas,” Simmons said,
“There might be some KISS tribute bands, almost like a convention if you want. It’s much more personal. And of course, we can’t get through it without playing, so we’ll get up and do a few tunes. How many, I don’t know.”
When KISS officially announced the “KISS Army Storms Vegas” event, the band stated that Stanley and Simmons, along with “special guests,” would perform at least one show “without masks,” meaning without their iconic makeup.
The official KISS announcement for “KISS Army Storms Vegas” made no mention of Thayer and Singer, leaving it unclear whether they will be part of the event.
There will also be Q&A sessions with Stanley and Simmons, as well as with long-time KISS manager Doc McGhee, where they will share stories, backstage moments, and answer fans’ hottest questions.
Fans can also expect guest appearances, including from former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, as well as surprise performances, guest sets, and tribute bands.
KISS had previously scheduled a 12-show residency at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas in 2021 and 2022 but ultimately canceled all dates.
Fifty years ago in Terre Haute, Indiana, a small group of fans ignited the spark that would become the loudest and proudest fan movement in rock history: the KISS Army. Now, five decades later, and 30 years since the first official KISS convention, the band is bringing it to Vegas for the ultimate celebration.
KISS Army VIP memberships give you first access to the best packages and limited tickets.
The VIP pre-sale begins on March 28 at 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET.
As a VIP member, you’ll receive the exclusive pre-sale code via email.
The KISS Army and fan pre-sale starts on April 2 at 7 a.m. P
