KISS bassist Gene Simmons offered advice to aging rock bands about considering retirement at their peak. He shared this perspective in a recent interview with Q1043 New York.
Simmons elaborated on KISS’s retirement and future plans after selling their intellectual property rights to Pophouse Entertainment.
“Well, this is not a KISS concert. We promised when we sold the IP 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,” Simmons said. “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.”
Simmons addressed The Rolling Stones’ performance style in a previous statement on Billboard’s Behind The Setlist podcast:
“You can be as tight as The [Rolling] Stones. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen The Stones live. No matter how much they rehearse, there’s this kind of sloppy, greasy way of doing it. And you never quite know where the end of the song is — it never quite ends — because there is no end; you just kind of feel it. So it’s very easy. We have a lot of fun. The fans are, as they say on the street, digging it. And then you die. That’s all there is.”
KISS is now transitioning into their post-touring phase. Various projects are in development through their partnership with Pophouse Entertainment.
Simmons’ comments about retirement timing align with major developments in KISS’s career path.
Consequence reported that KISS concluded their farewell tour at Madison Square Garden on December 2, 2023. This final show marked their last performance in their iconic makeup. The event signaled the end of the band’s traditional touring format.
The band has already set plans for their next appearance. Live For Live Music revealed that KISS will perform a special unmasked reunion show in November 2025. The event will coincide with their KISS Army fan club’s 50th anniversary celebration in Las Vegas. This demonstrates their commitment to selective live performances after retirement.
The band continues to evolve through their partnership with Pophouse Entertainment, the new owner of their intellectual property rights. Soap Central noted that KISS has moved away from traditional touring. The band now focuses on exploring new ways to maintain their legacy and connect with fans through various entertainment projects.
The band’s approach to retirement showcases a careful balance. They combine selective appearances with new ventures. This strategy exemplifies the path Simmons recommends for other aging rock bands. It presents a blueprint for maintaining artistic relevance while making a graceful exit.
