In the wake of Las Vegas’ recent ‘tourism boom,’ KISS announced its return to the stage with a special "unmasked" live show Nov. 14-16 at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The performance is the iconic rock band's first live show since their "End of the Road" farewell tour ended in Dec. 2023.
The Vegas performance, one of the 50th-anniversary shows of the official KISS fan club, is a one-time and intimate event, a departure from the band's traditional on-stage appearance. Typically dressed in elaborate stage wear and face paint, the unmasked branding lets the audience see the band without makeup.
In addition to the main show, the three-day spectacle includes a combination of fanfare activities, celebrity guests, and unique experiences.
Among the event's main attractions is an appearance by former KISS lead guitarist Bruce Kulick. Kulick toured with the band from 1984 to 1996 and appeared on five studio albums during his time there, including Asylum, Crazy Nights, and Revenge.
Since leaving KISS after the original lineup reunion in 1996, Kulick has been active in music, touring with Grand Funk Railroad and attending KISS-related functions.
The show plans to include various special guests and fan activities, although the band hasn't officially announced any more details. KISS has a history of going over the top with fan interaction, including VIP meet-and-greets, memorabilia exhibits, and themed entertainment, so the Vegas event will probably be an extension of that.
It’s understandable why KISS would have their reunion concert in Sin City. Las Vegas’ recent endeavor of enhancing concert-goers' experience by creating the Sphere generated $420.5 million in concert revenue alone for 2024, a new record.
KISS frontman forced to slow down
The Vegas show announcement comes at a low-key slowdown in Gene Simmons' solo tour schedule. Simmons, set to launch a solo tour on Apr. 5 at Graton Resort & Casino in California, recently canceled 17 upcoming dates in April and May.
According to Christina Vitagliano, who manages Simmons' VIP fan events, the affected dates—including the Houston stop —were rescheduled to early 2026. Vitagliano didn't publicly release a reason for the delay.
Meanwhile, the band is working on a new technology-driven project that is the future of the KISS brand. Following their final performance at Madison Square Garden in Dec. 2023, the band introduced digital versions of themselves on stage. The band members' virtual avatars performed "God Gave Rock And Roll To You" in what was described as the start of KISS' "new era."
Pophouse Entertainment Group, the producers of ABBA's hit Voyage virtual concert in London, is developing this avatar-based entertainment idea. In Apr. 2024, Pophouse acquired KISS' entire catalog, brand, and intellectual property, paving the way for the band's transition into a digitally driven model.
