The Next Chapter for the Kiss Army
Kiss may have officially retired from the touring circuit in 2023, but for Gene Simmons, the end of the road was merely a transition into a new, more ambitious phase of the band’s legacy. As the group prepares to open a new Rock & Brews restaurant in Detroit, Simmons emphasizes that the band’s creative output is far from exhausted. In a recent discussion, the legendary bassist likened the band’s current trajectory to a caterpillar emerging from a cocoon, promising that the future of the Kiss brand will go where no band has gone before.
The Future of the Kiss Avatar Experience
At the forefront of the band’s upcoming projects is the highly anticipated avatar show, first teased during the band’s final concert at Madison Square Garden in December 2023. While Simmons remains tight-lipped regarding specific details, he promises that the production will be unveiled in under two years and will redefine the live entertainment experience.
“We’re gonna blow your socks off in a way multiple times more exciting than the Sphere,” Simmons asserts. He notes that the production will be a multi-sensory experience, incorporating elements like heat and scent to fully immerse the audience, moving beyond the visual-only limitations of current virtual reality technology. Furthermore, the show is intended to be a global touring production rather than a stationary residency.
Film, Animation, and Beyond
Beyond the stage, Kiss is expanding its footprint in the entertainment industry. Simmons confirmed that a long-gestating biopic, directed by McG and co-produced by Mark Canton, is currently in the scripting and casting phase. Additionally, a documentary is complete, awaiting a release date, and the band is actively developing a cartoon show in collaboration with Warner Brothers.
Simmons is also balancing these projects with his film production company, Simmons Hamilton, which has several features in development, including Deep Water and Canyon.
Watch a Scene From 2015’s ‘Scooby Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery’
The Return of the Kiss Kruise
The band’s connection to its fanbase remains a priority, with another “Kiss Kruise: Landlocked in Vegas” scheduled for this November. Following the success of last year’s unmasked and uncostumed appearances, Simmons looks forward to the intimate nature of these events. He describes the experience as a departure from the massive logistics of traditional touring, allowing the band to simply “plug in” and connect with the fans who built the Kiss legacy.
Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction
In recognition of their enduring musical contributions, Simmons and Paul Stanley are set to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame this June. Reflecting on the honor, Simmons notes that it wasn’t until the 1994 Kiss My Ass tribute album that he and Stanley fully appreciated the strength of their songwriting catalog, independent of the band’s elaborate stage show and makeup. This induction serves as a testament to the longevity and impact of their work, which continues to resonate with new generations of fans.