Though his iconic make-up might be absent, Gene Simmons is once again electrifying audiences with live performances. The co-founder of the legendary rock band Kiss has announced an exciting lineup of shows for the spring of 2024, starting on April 3 at the House of Blues in Anaheim and culminating on May 24 in Houston. Following this series, Simmons will also take the stage at the renowned Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on August 3 in South Dakota, marking a significant return to live music after Kiss’s emotional farewell show on December 2, 2023, at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Interestingly, Simmons himself seems taken aback by this turn of events. Initially planning to step back from performing after a remarkable 50-year career with Kiss, he found the allure of the stage too irresistible to resist. “I thought I was gonna take a few years off, but when an offer came to headline the Sao Paulo Summer Breeze Open Air Festival, I was intrigued,” Simmons shared during a Zoom interview from his home in Malibu, California. “It’s incredible to think about performing in a stadium again!”

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Reflecting on past experiences, Simmons noted, “We’ve done this before; whenever Kiss needed a break, I would assemble a band of familiar faces, and we would have a blast. The energy is palpable, and most importantly, both the fans and the band are enjoying every moment. That’s the essence of this project.” Currently, the setlist mainly features classic Kiss tracks alongside some of Simmons’ solo work, but he appreciates the freedom and spontaneity this new venture offers.

The Gene Simmons Band has incorporated a diverse range of cover songs into their performances, showcasing a mix of musical influences, including Motorhead’s “Ace of Spades,” Led Zeppelin’s “Communication Breakdown,” and Van Halen’s “House of Pain,” which Simmons produced for their demo tape. They’ve even included the Beatles’ classic “And Your Bird Can Sing.” This eclectic mix not only keeps the shows fresh but also allows for an interactive experience between the band and the audience.

Watch the Gene Simmons Band Perform ‘Ace of Spades’

“Every show is a unique experience,” Simmons explained. “We often switch up the setlist on the fly. If a band member suggests a song, we quickly decide on the key and dive right in. It’s like we’re a commando unit, performing without the typical support structure – no managers, no road crews, and no massive tour buses. We travel simply, often flying commercially or using an SUV, and the local promoters provide the essential equipment. All we need are our instruments and a few guitar picks, and the fun begins!”

Simmons also emphasized that this new format is a refreshing change from the extravagant performances he is known for with Kiss, where he would perform in high-heeled platform boots and elaborate costumes. “I’ve experienced that for decades, and it’s been a thrilling journey. However, Paul Stanley and I both agree that there’s a time to conclude on a high note. This current setup feels like inviting your favorite band to play in your garage for your friends and neighbors. It’s a relaxed atmosphere, where we can interact with fans, have conversations, and even invite young musicians up on stage. It’s all about enjoying ourselves and creating a memorable experience.”

In addition to his performances, Simmons continues to write new material, although he has no immediate plans for a release. Meanwhile, he and Stanley are actively working on the Kiss avatars that were introduced during the band’s farewell concert. The company Pophouse, which acquired the Kiss brand for a staggering $300 million, is developing a show featuring these avatars, which Simmons anticipates will premiere within the next two years. Last year, he, Stanley, drummer Eric Singer, and guitarist Tommy Thayer recorded their motion-capture performances at Industrial Light & Magic in San Francisco.

“Pophouse is an amazing collaborator,” Simmons remarked. “They are visionaries, and they understand that the future is now. We have always aimed to be ahead of the curve in the music industry.” While Simmons is busy with these projects, Stanley has been pursuing his passion for painting and leading his band, Soul Station. Interestingly, their sons, Nick Simmons and Evan Stanley, have also been making headlines. Their band, Amber Wild, opened for Kiss during the final leg of the End of the Road farewell tour, and the two have been collaborating on music together, even posting studio sessions online.

“We, meaning Paul and I, aren’t involved in their creative process,” Simmons clarified. “Evan’s pursuing his own musical journey, and Nick’s work has already been featured in shows like Ozark and Prodigal Son. In science and nature, there’s a concept called singularity; it occurs without planning, and that’s exactly what happened here. There was no guarantee that Evan and Nick would connect, but they genuinely enjoy each other’s company, strumming guitars and writing songs together. Suddenly, record labels are taking notice, but they are forging their own paths, independent of Kiss’s legacy. Their mindset is, ‘We love what we’re doing, and we’re not concerned about external opinions. This is our art.’”