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Billy Corgan on Why KISS’ Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley Are “Two of the Greatest Frontmen in the History of Rock”
Billy Corgan has praised KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley as two of rock’s greatest frontmen, highlighting the band’s ability to evolve beyond its 1970s breakthrough. He said their shift into the 1980s, including adapting their songwriting and dropping their signature make-up, showed an unusual capacity to change their sound while retaining commercial success.
Corgan also discussed KISS’s planned avatar show, due to open in Las Vegas in 2028, saying it could be impressive if successfully realised. He questioned whether the band’s live appeal would translate to a virtual format, while noting the success of Pophouse Entertainment’s ABBA avatar experience and suggesting a successful KISS production could encourage similar projects by other artists.
In short
- Corgan praised KISS’s reinvention and long-term success.
- He highlighted their successful transition into the 1980s.
- KISS’s avatar show is planned for Las Vegas in 2028.
Explained simply
KISS is a rock band that formed in the 1970s and became known for theatrical stage performances, distinctive makeup and hard rock music. The band became one of the most commercially successful and iconic acts in rock history.
A defining characteristic of KISS has been the ability of its frontmen to substantially reinvent the band whilst maintaining commercial appeal. In the 1980s they made dramatic changes including abandoning their signature makeup and evolving their songwriting approach, transformations that would have ended most bands' careers but from which KISS emerged successfully.
The band remains active and has planned a virtual avatar performance experience for Las Vegas due to open in 2028. This reflects their continued willingness to evolve and pursue new creative formats.