KISS ended their 50-year tour on December 2, 2023, in Madison Square Garden. Frontman Paul Stanley and bassist/singer Gene Simmons have headed the band since its founding and are close friends and successful business partners. Stanley mentioned on The Alison Hagendorf Show how close he and Simmons are following KISS’ End of the Road farewell concert. They text practically daily. Stanley stated that we check in. “How’s the family? And excellent. Family is genuine. It’s amazing to see his kids, who are like mine. Shannon, Gene’s wife, is my sister-in-law.”
Stanley’s Favorite Simmons Moment
Host Alison Hagendorf asked Stanley to describe his favorite Simmons moment. “Well, that’s an interesting question,” remarked the 72-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer. “Gene always admits he’s wrong, and that takes someone big.” Stanley said, “I don’t know if he’s like that with everyone else, but we have a relationship so close that I think both of us will say, ‘I screwed up,’ or I’ve told him something that went against his line of thinking, and he goes, ‘You know, you’re right.’ That need a huge person. ”The singer/guitarist said Simmons and his long friendship and collaboration have strengthened their connection. “I think that there’s no substitute for time,” Stanley said. “And I told one of my kids that you can have your best friend who you met a month ago, but to find out if they’re really your best friend takes months, years.” He continued, “How someone responds to hard times, good times, bad times and everything determines whether they are in your life. Gene and I have always been there for one other.” Stanley said, “I would do anything for him, and I can trust him to do the same. That many years speaks volumes.”
Why His Partnership with Simmons Lasts
Stanley was also questioned by Hagedorf how he and Simmons have maintained such a tight relationship. “I think prioritizing,” he said. The band has always been my priority. Look, I’m not always a blast, and he’s had to put up with me, but KISS has always been our priority.” Paul and Simmons refused to compromise on making the band their first priority regardless of what happened between them. Stanley said, “[L]Family members quarrel, yet they’re family. Gene and I are closer than ever before, since… As I mentioned earlier, we have nothing to argue over. We won.”
Coming Tours?
After KISS’ farewell tour, Stanley hasn’t performed live, but Simmons has done a few shows with his solo band and will start a European tour this summer. As previously announced, the Gene Simmons Band will perform in Kuopio, Finland, on July 27 and Taranto, Italy, on August 16. Gene Simmons Band tickets are available on StubHub and other sites.
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