Gene Simmons, the iconic bassist of KISS, is set to take the stage with his solo outfit, the GENE SIMMONS BAND, at the Brazilian installment of the Summer Breeze festival
The performance is scheduled for Friday, April 26, at the striking Memorial da América Latina in São Paulo. Joining Gene Simmons in the GENE SIMMONS BAND lineup for this event are accomplished guitarists Brent Woods, known for his work with WILDSIDE, SEBASTIAN BACH, and VINCE NEIL, and Zach Throne, recognized for his contributions to COREY TAYLOR‘s projects. Drumming duties will be expertly handled by Brian Tichy, a seasoned percussionist with an impressive resume that includes stints with LYNCH MOB, THE DEAD DAISIES, WHITESNAKE, BILLY IDOL, FOREIGNER, PRIDE & GLORY, and SLASH’S SNAKEPIT.
Notably, the GENE SIMMONS BAND had a prolific phase in 2017 and 2018, during which they embarked on a series of shows featuring a lineup comprising Simmons, guitarist/bassist Jeremy Asbrock, guitarist Ryan Cook, guitarist Phil Shouse, and drummer Brent Fitz. The band’s ability to evolve and showcase versatility in its roster underscores Gene Simmons‘ enduring presence in the music scene beyond his legendary tenure with KISS.
KISS played their final concert ever on December 2, 2023 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Regarding why now was the right time for KISS to call it quits, Simmons told USA Today: “The touring band that is KISS with the makeup and the dragon boots and fire-breathing, that has to stop and that has to do with Mother Nature and Father Time.
If we were a blues band or I was blessed to be Keith Richards in THE ROLLING STONES, I’d show up in my comfy sneakers and T-shirt and stand still and play. But we’re different bands. Physically, we are the hardest-working band on the stage. We idolize [Mick] Jagger and Bono and the great showmen, but if you put those guys in my outfit, they would pass out in half an hour.
It’s 40 pounds of armor and studs and seven-inch dragon boots that are about the weight of a female bowling ball. So you’ve got 20 pounds on your feet and then you’ve got to spit fire, fly through the air and the entire band is doing that for two-plus hours. If you have any love for the fans, get off the stage before it’s too late. How many boxers have stayed too long in the ring? We’re doing the right thing.”
When it comes to legendary rock bands, KISS stood tall among the legends. And at the heart of their thunderous sound and electrifying stage presence was none other than Gene Simmons, the legendary bassist known for his outrageous persona and menacing stage makeup.
Gene has not only written and performed some of the band’s most signature tracks, but his kabuki style make-up and recognizable face has become synonymous with rock and roll. Whether it be ascending to the rafters of a multitude of stadiums and arenas, all the while spewing blood from his thundering maw in a pulverizing bloodlust, or collaborating in-studio with his musical kin, KISS frontman Paul Stanley, Simmons has without a doubt left an indelible mark on the history of rock.
