Mark Our Words, the Original KISS Will Reunite and Tour Again
The band won't end its reign playing to half empty arenas -- not if they can help it
The only curtain bigger than the KISS-emblazoned one shrouding the stage prior to KISS’s not-even-close-to-sold-out show at Milwaukee’s BMO Harris Bradley Center on August 8 were the ones covering the completely empty upper tier. And then the KISS curtain dropped and the band, as per usual, gave a performance worthy of their cheekily pompous declaration that they, as always, are the “hottest band in the world.” Sure, they played four less songs than they did the last time I saw them at this very full arena, 18 years earlier, when they were touring in support of their original line-up reunion album Psycho Circus, but that’s a non-starter. All the theatrics remained—Gene Simmons’ blood-gargling and fire breathing, Paul Stanley flying out into the crowd and pitting different parts of the arena against each other, him judging which one screams the loudest. It was KISS, and you get what you get, and it’s better than most.
But, there’s simply no way it was good enough for KISS. Not a chance. Does anyone think KISS will go out like this—playing to half-empty sports arena in Podunk towns, lending only irony to the boast that they are, indeed, the “hottest band in the world?” No way.
KISS are too much about ego and too much about commerce to let their legend die like this. And as much as Simmons and Stanley may loathe performing or simply being near original guitarist Ace Frehley and original drummer Peter Criss, they know bringing those guys back in the group would fill the remaining seats in the BMO Harris Bradley Center and virtually every other sports arena they so choose. And so what if Simmons and Stanley wouldn’t even perform with those guys as recently as the 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony? Axl didn’t even show up for Guns n’ Roses’ and we all saw how that turned out.
If you haven’t noticed, KISS is to hypocrisy as Gene Simmons is to monogamy.
And so what that KISS staged a farewell tour with the original line-up in 2000-2001. If you haven’t noticed, they’ve been touring ever since and, if you also haven’t noticed, KISS is to hypocrisy as Simmons is to monogamy. They can call it anything they want: “KISS Goodbye” or “KISS Off.” Who cares? Let’s face it, Simmons and Stanley aren’t getting any younger. They can’t afford to take a two or three-year break from touring and then come back for another go ‘round with Eric Singer behind the kit and Tommy Thayer on lead guitar. Unless they team with a band the ilk of Aerosmith (been there, done that) or Def Leppard (yup, did that too), they’ll, again, be playing to a KISS Army where half its soldiers have gone AWOL.
KISS’s Paul Stanley at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee on August 8, 2016
After a two or three-year break from the road, Simmons will be about 70 and Stanley a few years behind him. Yes, there other music artists are performing at that age, but most don’t do it with the same physicality (or in high heels) as KISS. The reality is KISS really only have one more legitimate full-scale tour left in them and, you heard it here first, it will be with the full, original line-up.
Joshua Bartos
August 18, 2016 at 2:29 am
It better be the original lineup!
Otis Mack
August 18, 2016 at 7:50 pm
As I maintained earlier I’ve got autism and first discovered KISS the original lineup at age four in 1997 right after the reunion tour ended but never got to see that lineup live at all and a Eric Carr hologram will help out Peter if he’es involved in anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
curtistweed
August 18, 2016 at 4:23 am
Boring and ridiculous article. This article is about your opinion which nobody cares about. Write an article that has some real news about KISS.
blastecho
August 18, 2016 at 2:21 pm
Thus “ECHOpinion.”
Brian Bearden
August 18, 2016 at 5:32 pm
Touche’.
Scotty Gustafski
August 19, 2016 at 7:35 am
ZZZzzz…
Doug
August 18, 2016 at 7:54 am
You are half correct. Ace is returning. Peter Criss is not physically able to.
It might be possible for them to bring him out just to sing Beth….but he won’t be drumming.
Lori
August 18, 2016 at 2:55 pm
Ace won’t be returning either. His solo career is doing great, plus he can do whatever he wants
Casey
August 18, 2016 at 3:55 pm
You can’t say “Ace’s solo career is doing great”, and then suggest that KISS are struggling.
Ace plays to hundreds (low hundreds).
KISS plays to thousands.
One thing is sure, if KISS wasn’t making money on this tour, they wouldn’t be touring.
Melissa
August 18, 2019 at 2:08 pm
Lmao reading all this now in August of 2019 just makes you all look…well for lack of a better word “stupid “
Melissa
August 18, 2019 at 2:19 pm
Realized that my reply was exactly 3 years to the day after the article was published. It makes complete sense since it was in my Facebook memories today .lol
Michel Banen
August 18, 2016 at 3:10 pm
Ace could do it but will he ? I doubt it. Peter ? Absolutely not.
Ken Martin
August 19, 2016 at 2:37 pm
Paul even said that he doesn’t foresee a time when the original members would get back together.
Nigel Ciera
May 20, 2017 at 8:28 am
Cocaine Criss’s great drumming days are definitely over and they are never coming back. Alcohol Ace’s days of the rigorous of tour are over too. Gene and Paul have always been the creative and driving force behind KISS. Their passion, lust, fire, hunger, drive and ambition to put on the greatest rock and roll show for their hardcore fans is never-ending. This article was boring, stupid, lame, idiotic and moronic. KISS has inspired countless musicians to start playing an instrument, form a band and become famous. KISS will be looked upon as one of greatest bands for the rest of mankind!
Chris Medek
August 18, 2016 at 8:53 am
I seriously doubt it. They are selling more seat now then ever. Get your statistics right.There are reasons they are no longer in the band.As much as a few fans might enjoy it 98% are ok with the current line-up.Re-union is over,done.
blastecho
August 18, 2016 at 2:21 pm
Not when I saw them…
bobby
August 18, 2016 at 3:19 pm
Not sure where you’re getting the number of 98 percent but I think you are WAY off.
Terry
August 18, 2016 at 5:14 pm
Ummm… They are not selling close to the seats, they offered drastic cut seats for a show next week, and it won’t be sold out
Marco
August 21, 2016 at 1:31 am
They are not even selling out 5000 capacity venues…. You call that better than ever?
Brian Bearden
August 18, 2016 at 10:24 am
Nope. They wont be reuniting with Ace and Peter. Several reasons will prevent this….but the main and most glaring is Peter’s age and skills as a drummer. Just listen to any of their last shows with him on drums. I’m a die hard, card toting member of the KISS army….but those shows were terrible. Missed cues, dragging tempos…it was awful. I hate it….but ages eventually catches up to all of us.
Otis Mack
August 18, 2016 at 11:51 am
I’ve got autism and first discovered KISS the original lineup at age four in 1997 right after the reunion tour ended but never got to see that lineup live at all so I emailed both Ace and Gene about it begging them to let it happen for spring/summer 2017!!!!!!! Ace IS officially open to doing it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ramit Inma Ahol
August 18, 2016 at 5:53 pm
Not really going out on a limb with this prediction. It’s been said many times over
Dick Goezinya
August 18, 2016 at 5:57 pm
It’s not like you are predicting who will win the super bizzy. Everyone knows KISS will go out with Blast.
Hu Dat Oberdare
August 18, 2016 at 6:01 pm
Ace, Bruce & Peter will all be involved. A tribute to Eric Carr will be performed as well. They’ll go out like gangbusters. Kings of the Mountain.
Sean David
August 20, 2016 at 12:36 pm
The best “goodbye” tour would of course involve Bruce Ace & Peter wa tribute to Eric (as well as Mark St.John!). But the BEST would be to have Vinnie Vincent show up as well in his makeup for a few songs! That would be a dream show for me; Tommy, Singer, Gene & Paul, then bring out Vinnie in his makeup, have Bruce come out for a few (all the while have tribute video playing on big screen of Eric & Mark!). Then they all take a 15 min “break” (like the Symphony Alive IV show), then bring out the original 4!! Any thoughts? If everyone put aside everything (especially Vinnie, i LOVED his makeup!)…ALL the past, THAT would be the best “farewell” show of ALL TIME i think. KISS ALIVE VI FAREWELL!!
Tony Tutitts
August 18, 2016 at 6:08 pm
I love KISS. The pic in the article shows the arena am not empty.
But regarding the reunion; that’s a no brainier yo. Ee’y body been done no dat. Aight?
John
August 18, 2016 at 6:08 pm
If Gene and Paul want to do this right, it would
make them rich beyond their wildest dreams. First,
they have to go back to the beginning and make Ace
and Peter equal partners. Everyone has a stake in
the outcome. Then the original four go into the
studio for as long as it takes to make an album
that takes them back to their original sound.
After that, rehearsals followed by a worldwide
tour. Now that’s how KISS can get back on track
for the last album or two that they ever make.
JR
August 19, 2016 at 3:12 pm
Never going to happen nor should it. That’s a ridiculous notion to make them equal partners. It’s a corporation. They were BOUGHT out. they would have to buy themselves back in. They just are not GIVEN an EQUAL share. Are you out of your mind?
Nosmo King
August 18, 2016 at 6:10 pm
Ah c’mon man. She-it everybody knows dats what’s up.
Fo Shizzle G
Buty Jooce
August 18, 2016 at 6:13 pm
KISS am be the Shizzle Y’all.
Word is Bond.
Dat you there?
Ballsack Steve
August 18, 2016 at 6:18 pm
Wasn’t Gene Simmons in Hamilton ?
Osama Yo Momma
August 18, 2016 at 6:24 pm
KISS will go out on top of the world. Paul & Gene put in too much time to fade away. It will be massive for all times!!!
KISS RULZ
Chucks Taint
August 18, 2016 at 6:26 pm
KISS SUCKS
Cato
August 19, 2016 at 1:54 am
Wow that was a comment for the history books!!!!
Jizz Stayne
August 18, 2016 at 6:33 pm
Didn’t KISS open for Pussy Fart in the 60’s?
Ken Martin
August 19, 2016 at 2:38 pm
No Paul and Gene haven’t even met yet.
Shyt Stayne Pete
August 18, 2016 at 6:42 pm
I think Gene went ballz deep in Stiflers mom
Robby Clark
August 19, 2016 at 12:09 am
I would love to see the original line up again even before GENE AND PAUL HANGS IT UP. I think it could happen but someone has to step up and let the band know what the fans what to see. And I think the ones that need to speak up is is the KISS ARMY FANS. If they hear and listen perhaps it could happen.
Jon
August 20, 2016 at 12:17 pm
Monday night in Milwaukee with state fair going on resulted in low attendance, and your Opinion on a reunion with the original four will never happen. Btw Green Bay and La Crosse was closed to being sold out.
Joey Sinner
August 20, 2016 at 3:35 pm
I see Ace back but not Peter it’s going to be Gene, Paul, Ace and Eric for the final tour mark my words. Would be nice to see Vinnie in full makeup do like 3 songs and a tribute to the Fox.
mike c.
August 23, 2016 at 4:30 pm
KISS are doing just fine without Peter and Ace. Low turn out in Milwaukee but they have been playing regional shows. There is NO WAY IN HELL the original lineup will tour again. Not a chance. It’s been done and while it was cool, it was not the best musically. I’ve been a fan since 78.
Grant
March 15, 2017 at 5:50 am
For those musicians to go out in all their glory KISS needs Ace just as much as Ace needs KiSS. Both Ace and KISS would be a lot more successful if they got back together. I hope they do this tour. It would be great to see Peter in the band as he is a foundation member of my favorite band, but would he be able to do it? I have been listening to them since the 70s and am a true fan.