Rock band Kiss promises 'unapologetic' final tour

By Rollo Ross

 

Gene Simmons (2nd R) of the rock band Kiss speaks next to fellow band members Paul Stanley, Peter Criss and Ace Frehley (L-R) after Kiss was inducted at the 29th annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York April 10, 2014. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson/Files

 

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Members of the rock band Kiss said they are kicking off a farewell concert tour in January because they wanted to say goodbye while they could still deliver the over-the-top performances that have thrilled audiences over a 45-year career.

 

Known for their makeup, big hair and outrageous costumes, Kiss was among the biggest acts of the 1970s, coming out of the glam rock era with hits including "Rock and Roll All Nite."

 

"How pathetic and sad would it be to see the band, and you've seen lots of them, (where) you remember their glory days and they're out there a little bit too long," said 69-year-old bassist and singer Gene Simmons.

 

"We have too much pride and self-respect in us, and too much love for our fans, to not live up to our self-imposed mandate," he added. "You wanted the best, you got the best, the hottest band in the world."

 

The "End of the Road" tour will start Jan. 31 in Vancouver. It is expected to last two to three years and extend around the world, Simmons said.

 

"Earth is a big place and we're going to go to every corner," he said.

 

Kiss has sold more than 100 million albums over its career. It served as a predecessor to 1980s heavy metal acts such as Motley Crue. Kiss currently includes two original members - Simmons along with singer and guitarist Paul Stanley - plus guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer.

 

"I guarantee that the people who come that have never seen us before are going to say 'Why did we wait so long?'," 66-year-old Stanley said, "because this is going to be bombastic, explosive, unapologetic and a celebration of everything we've done."

 

"The word 'bittersweet' doesn't really enter into it," he added. "For us, it's a celebration. We want to go out on top while we can still do what we do."

 

(Reporting by Rollo Ross; Writing by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Chris Reese)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2018-10-30

1 hour ago, webfact said:

"How pathetic and sad would it be to see the band, and you've seen lots of them, (where) you remember their glory days and they're out there a little bit too long," said 69-year-old bassist and singer Gene Simmons.

Ha ha! That's surely irony there!

Apparently, the Kiss logo was originally drawn by hand when the band started, which is why the two letter 'S' are not quite parallel .

They have never altered the logo:

 

i remember the last Kiss concert I went to, they said it was their last tour then as well.

7 hours ago, lordpeps said:

i remember the last Kiss concert I went to, they said it was their last tour then as well.

Ask for a discount for this show then!????