Kiss plot live return with ‘unmasked’ show

Rock icons KISS have announced their return to the stage with a one-off ‘unmasked’ concert, just 15 months after their final performance.

The concert is part of the KISS Army fan club’s 50th anniversary celebrations, set to take place at the Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas on 14-16 November.

According to an email sent to fans, the concert also promises “a special live performance from former KISS member Bruce Kulick, along with other special guests, activities, exclusive experiences and more”. The guitarist played on five KISS albums before leaving the band in 1996.

The news comes a day after Gene Simmons postponed 17 dates on his upcoming solo tour in April and May, with the tour set to kick off at the Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park, California on 5 April.

The Las Vegas performance will be the band’s first since December 2023, when they wrapped up their End of The Road Tour with a two-night stand at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

The news comes a day after Gene Simmons postponed 17 dates on his upcoming solo tour

Despite the large-scale farewell tour (their second, after 2001’s KISS Farewell Tour), there has been speculation the band would return to the stage at some point.

Bassist Gene Simmons told Rolling Stone in November 2023, “I’ll say right here, right now, my hand on the Bible, it will be the final KISS-in-makeup appearance,” alluding to an ‘unmasked’ show.

KISS had first appeared without makeup in 1983, beginning their ‘unmasked’ era alongside the release of their album Lick It Up.

Months after the band’s final performance, it was announced that KISS had sold the rights to their name, music, image and likeness, in a deal valued upward of US$300 million.

Pophouse Entertainment, the Swedish entertainment firm that helped bring ABBA Voyage to life, acquired the rights to the band’s logo, famed character makeup design, recording royalties and trademarks.

As part of the deal, the firm has confirmed plans for an avatar show in 2027, along with a biopic and themed experience.

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