MUSIC | KISS KISS (left to right): Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer
LIP SERVICE
As rock legends KISS prepare for their final world tour, Henry Northmore talks to founding member Gene Simmons about the decision to call it a day and what fans
can expect from their farewell shows
E very show opens with the same announcement blaring over the loud speakers before the curtain drops: ‘You wanted the best, you got the best. The hottest band in the world: KISS!’ It’s one hell
of an introduction.
The KISS experience is one of the most spectacular live shows in rock’n’roll. A grandiose mix of greasepaint, special effects and pyro – lots of pyro. Since 1973, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley have guided KISS to world domination. Their otherworldly personas – Starchild (Stanley), The Demon (Simmons), The Spaceman (originally Ace Frehley, now Tommy Thayer) and The Catman (initially Peter Criss, currently Eric Singer) – captured the imagination and turned KISS into rock icons. Kings of stomping glam metal anthems built to be shouted out
loud in arenas and stadiums around the world, the KISS juggernaut is coming to a screeching halt after the men in makeup announced their final ever world tour. We caught up with bassist Simmons to find out more.
102 THE LIST 1 Jun–31 Aug 2019