Rock band hasn't had enough: Retreat 15 months after the end of the farewell tour

By Philip Dethlefs

Las Vegas (USA) - US hard rock band Kiss ("I Was Made For Loving You") have announced their comeback to the stage around 15 months after the end of their "End Of The Road" farewell tour.

15 months after their actual "farewell tour", Gene Simmons (75, l.) and Paul Stanley (73, r.) have announced another concert.
15 months after their actual "farewell tour", Gene Simmons (75, l.) and Paul Stanley (73, r.) have announced another concert.  © Bernd Thissen/dpa

The rock veterans want to give a concert at a fan event in Las Vegas in November. However, they will be doing without their famous make-up and theatrical costumes.

On the band's official website, there is talk of an "Unmasked Electric Show" with the two band founders and only permanent members Paul Stanley (73, vocals/guitar) and Gene Simmons (75, vocals/bass) as well as some special guests. Whether long-time drummer Eric Singer (66) and guitarist Tommy Thayer (64) are involved remained unclear at first. Former Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick is to play his own show in Vegas. Several tribute bands are also scheduled to perform.

The reason for the three-day event entitled "Kiss Army Storms Vegas" is the 50th anniversary of the "Kiss Army", the band's worldwide fan community.

The "ultimate experience" costs an incredible 4600 euros

At their next concert, however, Gene Simmons (75, pictured) and Paul Stanley (73) want to perform without their iconic make-up.
At their next concert, however, Gene Simmons (75, pictured) and Paul Stanley (73) want to perform without their iconic make-up.  © Axel Heimken/dpa

From 1983, Stanley and Simmons were active unmasked with changing Kiss line-ups until the original line-up reunited in 1996. Since then, Kiss have always performed with their famous make-up and in their elaborate outfits.

The group had already completed a farewell tour in 2000 and 2001, but returned in 2003. Before the supposedly final concert in New York's Madison Square Garden in December 2023, Gene Simmons hinted that it could go on. "This will be the very last Kiss performance in the original make-up," he said at the time.

"Kiss Army Storms Vegas" will take place from November 14 to 16 at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. If you want to be there on all three days, you'll have to dig deep into your pockets. Including hotel accommodation, the cheapest package costs 999 US dollars (around 930 euros per person).

Prices for the so-called "Ultimate Experience" with a top seat at the concert and access to the soundcheck start at 4909 US dollars (around 4600 euros).