Paul Stanley Addresses Absence of Former Kiss Members at Final Concert

In a recent discussion, Paul Stanley, the iconic frontman of Kiss, provided insights into the notable absence of former band members during the group’s final concert held on December 2, 2023. The show featured Stanley alongside co-founding bassist Gene Simmons, as well as the band’s longest-tenured lead guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer.

Historical Footage vs. Acknowledgment of Former Members

While the concert showcased historical footage of the band on video screens, founding members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, along with former members Vinnie Vincent, Bruce Kulick, the late Mark St. John, and Eric Carr, were neither acknowledged nor mentioned by name. This omission sparked disappointment among fans and former band members alike.

Bruce Kulick voiced his concerns post-concert, stating, “Kisstory was not represented for the final show. I don’t understand. I’ve offered my services, and they just haven’t made the decision to bring me back,” reflecting a sentiment shared by several fans and former members. Ace Frehley also expressed his frustration early in the band’s farewell tour, indicating a willingness to participate in the celebration.

Stanley’s Perspective on the Final Show

Stanley, however, sees the situation differently. In an interview on the Talk is Jericho podcast, he elaborated, “To be somewhat diplomatic, there were people who made unrealistic demands of what they required. And it’s not about that. It wasn’t, for example, a celebration of the beginning of the band; it was a celebration of 50 years of a band, as opposed to a tribute to the start.”

He also questioned the effectiveness of a tribute: “What are we gonna have — videos up on the screen or draped photos? The fact that we were there, we were there because of everybody who participated, some more than others, but the tribute to everyone is us existing.”

Upcoming Kiss Releases in 2025

In related news, Mark Cicchini from the Three Sides of the Coin podcast announced that Kiss plans to release two new box sets and at least one new entry in their ongoing Off the Soundboard live bootleg series in 2025. Cicchini, a noted Kiss collector, hinted at an exciting new show for the upcoming Off the Soundboard release, stating, “The next Off the Soundboard is nothing that’s in the trading circles, totally out of left field. Wait till you see the show that it is, there’s going to be a lot of happy people.”

Conclusion

The absence of former members at Kiss’s final concert has stirred discussions among fans and musicians alike. While some express disappointment, Paul Stanley’s perspective highlights the band’s intention to celebrate their longevity rather than focus solely on their origins. As Kiss moves forward into 2025 with new music releases, the legacy of the band’s extensive history continues to resonate with fans across generations.

FAQs

Why were former members of Kiss not acknowledged at the final concert?

Paul Stanley stated that the show was meant to celebrate 50 years of the band rather than focus solely on its beginnings, which influenced the decision to not mention former members by name.

What did former members say about their absence from the concert?

Bruce Kulick expressed confusion and disappointment, noting that he had offered his services but had not been included. Ace Frehley also indicated his willingness to participate in the farewell tour.

Are there any upcoming Kiss releases?

Yes, Kiss is expected to release two new box sets and at least one new entry in their Off the Soundboard live bootleg series in 2025, as revealed by Mark Cicchini.