Gene Simmons: Bono would pass out if he did what I do

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By ( Metal Hammer ) published

Gene Simmons spoke with Metal Hammer back in the summer about their epic End Of The Road tour- and revealed his retirement plans

Gene Simmons
Gene Simmons (Image credit: Per Ole Hagen/Redferns)

Kiss vocalist and bassist Gene Simmons featured in the summer edition of Metal Hammer magazine, where he chatted about the band, their epic End Of The Road tour and more.

Among a series of questions from fans, was one asking Simmons what his plans were once he hangs up his dragon boots for the very last time.

He replied: “I have quite a few other businesses. We have a cannabis company that’s Invictus MD, we have restaurants called Rock & Brews and I am a partner in one of the largest automotive companies, International Automotive Components.

“We also have a Kiss Monster Mini Golf course in the Rio All-Suite Hotel in Las Vegas, a Kiss limo service, Kiss cruises, all kinds of stuff. 

“That’s going to take up time, but Kiss will never stop, it’s just the touring band that’s stopping. I think we’re doing the ethical thing which is getting off the stage before it gets too late – now is the right time. 

“You and I have both seen bands that should have been off the stage 10 years ago.”

He adds: “I strongly feel we’re putting on the best tour ever and it’s fair to say we’re the hardest-working band in show business. 

“We all love Mick Jagger and Bono but if those guys wore my seven-inch dragon boots and 20 pounds of armour, they would pass out in half an hour.”

Kiss will continue their End Of The Road tour across the US from February, a run of shows that will include special guest David Lee Roth.

Find a list of all Kiss' End Of The Road dates here.

Scott Munro
Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent 37 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 12 years, Scott has written more than 11,500 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.