Paul Stanley , one of the most iconic names in KISS , brought to light little-known details about the band's first farewell tour, held between 2000 and 2001. In a conversation with Billy Corgan , vocalist of the Smashing Pumpkins , on the podcast The Magnificent Others , Stanley revealed that the period was marked by emotional exhaustion, disappointments, and conflicts that shook the group's original lineup.
Recalling the beginning of the reunion with Gene Simmons , Ace Frehley , and Peter Criss , Paul highlighted that there was hope for a dignified conclusion to their journey. However, old differences and behavioral problems quickly resurfaced. "At first, I thought we could overcome the mistakes of the past, but everything started to fall apart again," he confessed.
Stanley explained that the atmosphere backstage was often unpredictable due to the excesses of some band members. "There were nights when we didn't even know what the show would be like until we got on stage. That took all the fun out of it," the guitarist revealed.
Despite the tension, Paul stressed that he tried to focus solely on the performance during the shows. “On stage, it was all about the music. Offstage, it was difficult to deal with so much disharmony,” he admitted. The result was reflected in the quality of the performances, which varied considerably from one night to the next. “Some nights were terrible, and there wasn't even any camaraderie between us anymore. I even read negative reviews and agreed with them. That devastated me,” he recounted.
He even used a metaphor to sum up the band's situation: "I thought it was time to put an end to it, like someone deciding it's best to put down a sick horse."
Physical preparation was essential.
During the reunion of the original lineup in 1996, the group also needed to reinvent themselves visually. Stanley recounted that everyone went through a rigorous physical preparation process, including hiring personal trainers. "Nobody wanted to see an out-of-shape rocker in tights. It was necessary to maintain the image that people expected of KISS," he joked.
What's next for KISS?
KISS bid farewell to the stage in December 2023 with two historic shows at Madison Square Garden, concluding the "End Of The Road" tour, which began in 2019. Today, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons continue to invest in new entertainment formats with Pophouse Entertainment. Among the projects already announced are a biopic of the band, concerts with digital avatars, and other immersive experiences for fans.
Below is the full episode:
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