With the gradual resumption of large-scale concerts in North America, Kiss is currently on the road with The End of The Road Tour . However, the return to the stage was not without risks: Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons tested positive for COVID-19 , and Fran Stueber , the band's guitar technician for two decades, died at age 52 from complications of the disease.
In an article published by Rolling Stone , the band's roadies blame the tour organizers' lack of commitment to maintaining strict safety protocols for Stueber's death, claiming that the band and the show's production did not take sufficient measures to protect all employees.
Three roadies spoke to the magazine on condition of anonymity to report on the alleged poor working conditions since Kiss resumed performing. According to the accounts, the band had a specific department for COVID-19 precautions within the crew, but the project was canceled on the eve of the shows, and the responsibility for following the rules fell to each individual. "It wasn't safe and I couldn't believe it, but we went ahead anyway," said one.
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Employees complain that there was no mandatory daily testing, not all employees were wearing masks correctly, and they accuse the tour production of a lack of transparency in isolating a team member, allegedly without notifying colleagues with whom the infected person worked and without testing those in close proximity.
One of the tour's executive producers denied the accusations. According to him, "the band required all staff to present vaccination cards and wear masks backstage. Meals were separated between local workers and the tour crew. Those who tested positive would be sent to hotels for quarantine, and their tour companions would also be tested."
Despite this, he did not deny that the protocols might not be sufficient. The band's testing policy has been the same as that applied by other bands currently: staff and members will only be tested if they present symptoms or request the test. "If you want a test, we will provide it. If you want to get tested, if you have felt symptoms, if you think someone might be sick, raise your hand," said tour manager Robert Long about the show's policy.
“Our End of the Road absolutely adhered to Covid safety protocols that met, but often exceeded, federal, state, and local guidelines. Ultimately, this is still a global pandemic and there is simply no foolproof way to travel without some element of risk,” the band said in a statement.
In response to the safety concerns raised by staff, Kiss also stated that it is impossible to monitor every step of the tour staff and acknowledged irregularities on the part of some. “We are now aware that some crew members attempted to conceal signs of illness and, when they tested positive, refused medical attention. Furthermore, we have recently been informed that certain staff members may have provided false vaccination cards. If this is true, we consider it morally reprehensible (as well as illegal), putting the entire tour in jeopardy,” they declared.
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