Written by: Matt Sloan
The iconic band KISS has been playing together for over four decades, sold more than 100 million albums, and continue to tour the world.
In fact, they’ve just concluded their tour in the UK a few days ago and the rock legends have now returned to their home continent to take to the stage all the way until September.
Everything has to have a limit though, and KISS seem to be approaching the end. Founding member and original bassist Gene Simmons sat down in an interview with Glasgow Live and discussed how they would like the next couple of years to play out for them.
According to the frontman, they’re the, “hardest-working band in show business,” and acknowledged the physical demands of his on-stage persona “The Demon” with whom he needs to wear heavy costume and platform heels as well as perform various antics including spitting fire and floating through the air. But Simmons acknowledged that they won’t be able to do it for much longer, considering their age. “We’re not going to be able to do this into our 70s – and I’m 67 now,” the musician said.
One thing that is clear: KISS intends to go out on a high note and exit the stage permanently with style. When the time comes to bid their fans farewell, the Hall of Fame act aims to celebrate it with a bang by holding a massive event.
And the best part is that event could very well be free.
Simmons told Glasgow Live: “We’ll do it the right way, with a big party. I’d like to think we’d do something that rocks the planet, something big and worldwide – and maybe free.”
Taking into account all their contributions to the music industry, a global concert tour is perhaps the greatest finale both for the band and their loyal fans.
The thing that will make saying goodbye very hard to do, however, is realizing that they won’t be able perform for the fans anymore. During performances, the rock icons see new fans in the crowd every time, including young kids who attend with their parents and it’s sad knowing that it might be over soon for them. This is actually one of the big reasons why they kept going even after all these years.
But considering the amount of effort, talent and time they’ve poured into their music, they’ve certainly earned their retirement. After all, they haven’t got anything left to prove as the band has headlined practically every rock festival going.
Apart from their record-breaking sales, the band continues to be celebrated through a host of official merchandise like action figures, lighters and credit cards and they’ve appeared in reality shows, had their own comic book and their own tributary game in the form of the KISS slot title, which is being showcased on the recreational site Slingo.
While fans may not get to see their idols perform live be before they retire, they have plenty of material to enjoy their artistic legacy.
However, there’s no need to worry just yet, as Simmons clarified to Glasgow Live, “We’ll do it for a few more years.”
So if you have the chance to catch these legends perform live, don’t let it pass you by as it may be the least chance you get to see KISS in action before they hang up their platform boots.
