Music

KISS Plot Live: Unmasked Concert Returns to Las Vegas

Sarah Parker March 24, 2025

Venerable rock legends KISS have made a thrilling announcement just 15 months after their last live performance: they are set to return to the stage for a highly anticipated one-off ‘unmasked’ concert. This event marks a significant moment for both the band and their devoted fanbase, showcasing the enduring legacy and appeal of KISS in the rock music scene.

The exciting news was delivered directly to fans via an email, confirming that KISS will be performing as part of the three-day KISS Army Storms Vegas event, scheduled to take place from November 14 to 16 at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. This concert offers fans a unique opportunity to experience the band’s performance in a fresh and stripped-down format, promising an unforgettable night of rock music.

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While detailed plans for the event are still forthcoming, the centerpiece of the announcement is KISS’s commitment to perform without their iconic makeup for this special show. This performance represents a significant moment in the band’s history, as it will be their first live appearance since wrapping up their End of The Road Tour in December 2023, which concluded with two exhilarating nights at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Despite the grandeur of their extensive farewell tour, which marked their second farewell series after the original KISS Farewell Tour in 2001, rumors circulated among fans regarding the possibility of the band re-emerging for further performances. However, bassist Gene Simmons dispelled these speculations in a November 2023 interview with Rolling Stone, affirming, “I’ll say right here, right now, my hand on the Bible, it will be the final KISS-in-makeup appearance.”

Notably, KISS ventured into a makeup-free phase back in 1983, initiating their ‘unmasked’ era in conjunction with the release of their album Lick It Up. This era lasted until 1996 when the band reinstated their legendary makeup ahead of their eagerly awaited Alive/Worldwide Tour. This history adds a layer of excitement for fans as they anticipate the return to a more authentic and raw performance style.

Following their final performance in 2023, there were indications that KISS is planning to transition their live performances into the digital realm, with these virtual concerts expected to launch in Las Vegas in 2027. “It’s a must-see, go-to experience,” Paul Stanley shared during an interview on Billboard’s Behind the Setlist podcast in 2024. He emphasized that this upcoming venture would surpass anything previously imagined in the concert experience.

“We’re creating something that’s not merely a concert,” Stanley elaborated. “The concept of a hologram — and while that term gets tossed around frequently — what we envision is not a simulated concert. To be honest, I would find that concept dull.” This innovative approach aims to redefine the concert experience for fans, blending technology with live performance in an unprecedented way.

Importantly, the announcement email sent to fans about the upcoming November concert also highlighted that attendees can look forward to a special live performance by former KISS member Bruce Kulick. While it remains uncertain whether Kulick will perform alongside the band or separately during the event, he was an official member from 1984 until 1996. Kulick is one of the few musicians who performed without makeup while part of the band, alongside Mark St. John. He has previously shared the stage with KISS during their KISS Kruise events in both 2018 and 2021.

The announcement of the upcoming concert coincides with the news that Simmons has postponed 17 dates on his upcoming tour, now set for 2026. While the announcement clarified that these changes are not related to Simmons’ health, further details remain sparse. The same tour gained attention after Simmons revealed he would offer fans the unique opportunity to serve as his “personal assistant & band roadie for the day,” adding an intriguing twist to the overall concert experience.