# Gene Simmons explains why Kiss retired in 2023: “You’ve got to know”

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/gene-simmons-explains-why-kiss-retired-in-2023-youve-got-to-know/
- Published: 2026-10-29T13:33:36+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-04T10:16:41+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/gene-simmons-explains-kiss-retired-in-2023/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Simmons says Kiss retired from touring before losing its former force.
- Costumes could weigh 50 to 70 pounds.
- A documentary about the farewell tour is due in November 2026.

## Summary

Gene Simmons says Kiss ended its touring career in 2023 while the band could still deliver the spectacle fans expected. He argues that stepping away at the right time showed respect for their audience and helped preserve the group’s identity.

Simmons described the physical strain of performing in elaborate costumes, including armour weighing about 50 to 70 pounds, platform boots and stunts such as spitting fire and flying above the stage. He is 77 and said the band wanted to create a level of “bombast” they had not seen before; a documentary about their farewell tour is due to debut on 19 November 2026.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.