Gene Simmons addressed concerns about KISS’s upcoming appearance after retirement in a recent interview with 94.3 The Shark.
The KISS bassist described the upcoming Virgin Hotel gathering as a fan-focused event instead of a traditional concert performance.
“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,” Simmons said. “I know Paul [Stanley] and I are gonna be there, and Tommy [Thayer]. [Former KISS guitarist] Bruce Kulick probably will show up, and we’ll jam, answer questions, and stuff.”
Simmons emphasized the casual nature of the event with additional details.
“It ain’t a concert — we’re gonna do none of that stuff. I may even bring my solo band up there just for sh*ts and giggles. So this is more a fan event, like a fan gathering that we’re gonna be guests at,” he explained.
Questions have emerged about KISS’s activities following their highly publicized retirement tour. This announcement provides some clarity about their future appearances.
The announcement follows several significant developments in KISS’s history and Simmons’ solo career.
Ultimate Classic Rock reported that KISS performed their final tour show at Madison Square Garden in December 2023. This performance was intended to mark the end of their live appearances.
Recent changes have occurred in Simmons’ musical schedule. Vinyl Me Please revealed that the bassist postponed his solo tour dates from April and May 2025. These shows will now take place in early 2026.
Music industry observers noted KISS’s pattern of returning after previous retirement announcements. This history has made fans both skeptical and curious about their current retirement status.
The band’s decision to present this appearance as a fan gathering serves two purposes. It maintains their retirement announcement’s integrity while creating opportunities for fan interaction.
