There could be a new generation of KISS after the current band members hang up their instruments.
In a new interview on Dean Delray’s “Let There Be Talk” podcast, founding singer-bassist Gene Simmons implied that the band could continue on with a new, younger lineup. He also mentioned that he once pitched a reality show to find the next generation of KISS, but nobody picked it up.
The band is currently in the midst of its ongoing “End of the Road” tour, which doesn’t have a set end date. Simmons previously said that another 100 dates will be added to the farewell jaunt.
“We don’t know if it’s [going to be in] New York,” Simmons said when asked about KISS’ final show [as transcribed by Blabbermouth]. “I have good reasons why it should be, but the important thing is when it’s the last show, it’ll be the last show. KISS the touring band will stop. But the touring band. KISS will continue in other ways. I have no problems with four deserving 20-year-olds sticking the makeup back on and hiding their identity.”
At that point, Simmons said that he and TV producer Mark Burnett shopped a competition show dubbed KISS: The Next Generation, but weren’t able to sell it to a network. Instead, he’s now eyeing a theatrical production to continue the band’s legacy.
“KISS will continue in ways that even I haven’t thought of,” he added. “But I can conceive of… You know, the ‘Blue Man Group’ and ‘Phantom of the Opera’ tours around the world with different personnel. There could and should be a KISS show, kind of live on stage with effects and everything else, but also semi-autobiographical thing about four knuckleheads off the streets of New York that ends with the last third as a full-blown celebration, a full-on performance. Not with us. Although not a problem stepping in every once in a while.”
For now, you can catch the band live in 2022 at the upcoming Louder Than Life and Aftershock festivals, as well as a September 21st show in West Palm Beach, Florida. Pick up tickets to upcoming KISS concerts via Ticketmaster.
Below you can listen to Gene Simmons’ interview with Dean Delray below. His discussion on the future of the band begins at the 1:27:50 mark.