Gene Simmons is gearing up for his debut performance with his solo group at the upcoming Summer Breeze festival in Sao Paulo, Brazil, set for Friday, April 26.
The ensemble, dubbed the Gene Simmons Band, features Brent Woods and Zach Throne on guitars, alongside Brian Tichy on drums. This event marks Simmons’ anticipated return to live music following the concluding show of Kiss.
Previously, in 2018, Simmons hit the road with his solo band, showcasing a varied lineup of musicians across tours in North America, Europe, and Australia.
These shows were a blend of iconic Kiss tunes, renditions of classic hits from rock royalty such as the Beatles, Little Richard, and Chuck Berry, and selections from Simmons’ own 1978 solo release.
After Kiss’s swan song at Madison Square Garden on December 2, the band hinted at a new era, transitioning into a digital format. Paul Stanley, the band’s lead vocalist, teased the future, stating, “The end of this road is the beginning of another road.”
While the band introduced their virtual avatars, the full-fledged technology to bring this concept to life is still under wraps, with a grand reveal anticipated in 2027.
In the meantime, the Kiss crew remains active offstage. Paul Stanley has lined up a duo of art exhibitions in February to showcase his artwork. Meanwhile, guitarist Tommy Thayer isn’t contemplating a full-fledged retirement. He’s enthusiastic about embracing a bright future and contributing positively to forthcoming ventures.
Thayer clarified, “I’m not thinking of continuing to play in another band or that sort of thing – that doesn’t appeal to me. But I look forward to an exciting future, working hard and being a part of good things going forward.”
