You can’t fault rock stars for struggling to hang it up. Getting old isn’t easy. There’s a sense of relief when you say, “I’m done, I’m retired.” Nonetheless, after a bit of time off the road, you start missing the roaring crowds, the adulation, and just playing music. So, here we go again—and you know what? I’m pretty freaking happy about it. I love KISS.
When KISS played their supposedly final performance at Madison Square Garden, how many rock and roll fans who have been around the block a few times really believed that would be the last time Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons would ever perform on stage together as KISS? I mean, that’s like saying Elton John has truly retired. These are rock and roll stars who have spent almost their entire lives performing in front of crowds that go absolutely wild. You just can’t give that up. No matter how many times you announce a farewell tour or a farewell performance, one should understand that no matter how much pain your body may be in, or how sick and tired you may be of touring and performing, if you’re still breathing, you’re going to want to get back on that stage again.