In a recent interview on Australia’s “The Project,” the legendary KISS frontman, Paul Stanley, opened up about the band’s monumental “End Of The Road” farewell tour. With the tour’s conclusion scheduled for early December in New York City, Paul Stanley shared some heartfelt insights into this significant milestone in KISS’s storied career.
Paul Stanley revealed, “Well, it’s interesting because we can see the end now. When we started to plan this, it was probably about five years ago.” This revelation underscores the sheer magnitude of the undertaking that is the “End Of The Road” tour. However, the journey faced an unexpected roadblock with the onset of the pandemic, which resulted in the loss of a few years.
Despite these challenges, KISS persevered, delivering an astounding 250 shows on this epic tour. Stanley noted, “It’s a long road, and they kept paving more road. But this is it for us.” The band, all now in their 70s, recognized that they couldn’t continue indefinitely. Still, they remained at the pinnacle of their craft. Stanley emphasized, “We’re really at the top of our game still.”
As the tour’s finale approaches, KISS aims to leave an indelible mark. Stanley expressed, “Now’s the time to do a victory lap and go out there with our heads held high and say thank you to everybody and do a show that really encapsulates and really pays tribute not only to us but to the fans.”
KISS’s final series of shows will culminate in a massive concert in New York City, where the band’s remarkable journey began over four decades ago. This decision resonates deeply with their ethos and the storyline of their career.
KISS initiated their farewell tour in January 2019, only to be forced to put it on hold in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tour, initially set to conclude on July 17, 2021, in New York City, has been extended to late 2023. It was announced in September 2018 following a KISS performance of their classic hit, “Detroit Rock City,” on “America’s Got Talent.”
KISS’s current lineup features original members Stanley (guitar, vocals) and Gene Simmons (bass, vocals), alongside later additions, guitarist Tommy Thayer (since 2002) and drummer Eric Singer (on and off since 1991).
KISS embarked on their first “farewell” tour in 2000, marking the last appearance of the group’s original lineup, which included Stanley, Simmons, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley.
In an interview with Yahoo! entertainment music editor Lyndsey Parker, Paul Stanley admitted, “There’s gonna be some tears shed, for sure.” Reflecting on their 50-year journey, he added, “That final show, yeah, that’s momentous. And it’s gonna hit harder than I think we know. And we know it’s gonna hit hard.”
As for the future, Stanley was asked if there might be one-off shows or a Las Vegas residency. He responded, “I really can’t say. But it is the last of any kind of regular shows or touring.” He elaborated, “It’s just time, and in the same way, it’s time-consuming and physically grueling.”
In conclusion, Paul Stanley’s candid reflections on KISS’s “End Of The Road” farewell tour provide a poignant glimpse into the emotions and significance of this iconic band’s final chapter. As they prepare to bid farewell to their fans, KISS remains a testament to the enduring power of rock ‘n’ roll.