Kiss cannot perform live again without permission from Pophouse, the Stockholm-based entertainment company that bought the band's music catalog, brand and image rights, bassist Gene Simmons said in an interview with Detroit classic rock station WCSX.
Simmons described Pophouse as a partner in Kiss's future rather than simply a buyer. "There will be a film, whose cast is being selected now, and there will be animated series, a theme park, whatever," he said, adding that the plans would be bigger than anything fans have seen from the band before.
That partnership comes with a catch, Simmons confirmed: "That also means Kiss cannot perform live without Pophouse's permission."
The band has still found ways to appear together under Pophouse's terms. Members reunited without their trademark makeup or costumes for a special performance during the 2025 Kiss Kruise: Landlocked in Vegas, honoring commitments built into their contract with the company. Kiss's last full official concert took place in 2023.
Since then, Simmons has kept performing through his own project, Gene Simmons Band. "I need to be on that stage," he said of staying active in rock and metal music since the band's retirement from touring.
The facts
- Kiss reportedly needs Pophouse's approval to perform live again
- Pophouse owns the band's catalog, brand and image rights
- Band's last full official concert was in 2023
- Simmons stays active through his own Gene Simmons Band
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