Gene Simmons has revealed his thoughts on solo performances versus KISS shows in a recent interview with USA Today.
“With KISS, you have to be well-rehearsed because you have light cues and pyro,” Simmons explained. “Here, there’s no Auto-Tune, no one backstage singing harmonies.”
“If you’re in front of me in the audience, you bet your sweet bippy I’m gonna pull you up to sing ‘I Was Made for Lovin’ You,'” he continued. “And at the end, do I dare bring 20, 30, 50 people onstage to sing ‘Rock and Roll All Nite’ with me? You betcha.”
The comments sparked new discussions about KISS’s recent performances. The band had previously denied allegations about using backing tracks during their shows, especially regarding Paul Stanley’s vocal performances in their final years.
A stark contrast exists between KISS’s elaborate productions and Simmons’ current solo venture. Blabbermouth reports that Simmons has added new dates to his 2025 solo tour. The expanded schedule now includes multiple U.S. cities and Canadian venues.
His solo project follows a streamlined business model. Local promoters manage equipment and accommodations. This setup enables more spontaneous performances while yielding higher profit margins than KISS’s costly production expenses.
The intimate setting of these solo shows represents a return to raw, unfiltered performance. Simmons can now focus on direct audience interaction and musical authenticity without KISS concerts’ complex choreography and technical requirements.
This new phase in Simmons’ career showcases a stripped-down approach to rock performance. It stands in sharp contrast to the technology-dependent spectacles that defined KISS’s later years.
