2023 is the end of the road for Kiss after five decades on the road and the band’s co-founder, bassist and singer Gene Simmons explained in an interview with The Sunday Project (Transcribed by Blabbermouth) the reason why is the right for the band’s farewell.
Over 50 years, Kiss released 20 studio albums and are one of the best-selling bands of all time with an estimated amount of more than 100 million records sold worldwide.
The band’s final shows will happen on their hometown New York at the Madison Square Garden next December. For two decades, the band is formed by the original members Gene Simmons (Bass and vocals), Paul Stanley (Guitar and vocals), Tommy Thayer (Guitar) and Eric Singer (Drums).
Gene Simmons explains why it’s the right time for the Kiss farewell
“Well, look, at a certain point Mother Nature takes over no matter what your plans are. And at a certain time you’ve gotta have the dignity and pride but also the love and admiration of your fans to know when it’s time to call it quits. We’ve all seen boxers that stay in the ring too long, and we’ve all seen bands that stay on the stage too long.”
“So, I’m still looking pretty damn good. But that’s not the point. The point is the physical nature of what we do is gonna limit how long we do it. And we remember, we introduce ourselves with ‘You wanted the best. You got the best. The hottest band in the world.’ I don’t wanna be in one of those bands where the fans just say, ‘Oh, you should have seen them back in 1804 when they were really rocking.'”
“Right here, right now, either be a champion or get off the stage. So we’re gonna quit while the quitting’s good, while we’re on top. And gratefully, I don’t know how to verbalize what an amazing journey it’s been, and it’s only due to the fans. Without them, I’d be asking the next person in line if they’d like some fries with that. Don’t kid yourself,” Gene Simmon said.
Kiss still has scheduled tour dates for the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Australia, Dubai, Canada and United States.