Taking on the persona of “The Demon”, Gene Simmons helped create the rock band KISS alongside Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss in the 1970s. Unknown to them at the time, the band would go on to sell over 75 million albums worldwide and land a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And for decades, the band shared their love for music with fans all over. But in 2023, KISS played their last show. Although marking the end of an era, Simmons recently performed his first concert since KISS retired.
On April 23, Simmons walked on stage at the Rock & Brews venue. Again, this marked the first time Simmons performed since KISS ended their run. And beyond KISS, this is the first solo set for Simmons since 2018. Not missing a beat, Simmons performed hit songs like “War Machine”, “I Love It Loud”, and “Ace of Spades.”
Videos by American Songwriter
While videos of the concert circulated online, fans gushed over the performance, writing, ‘One of the best shows ever!!!” Another person added, “Great show, I was there.” And other comments were sure to ask the icon to make a trip to their hometown for a special concert.
Gene Simmons Takes Over ‘American Idol’
Outside of performing once again, it seems that Simmons is also a fan of American Idol. On Sunday, Simmons appeared on American Idol as a mentor. With such a rich history in music, the contestants received some priceless advice. But when it came to Emmy Russell, Simmons showered her with high praise. “You’ve got a great voice. I can’t sing like that.”
[RELATED: Loretta Lynn’s Granddaughter Emmy Russell “Fangirls” Over Gene Simmons on ‘American Idol’]
Although giving praise, Simmons also offered some advice for Russell, suggesting, “When Emmy came in, I immediately saw the tightness, which is your enemy by the way because on stage you will wilt like a flower that hasn’t been getting water.”
While focused on her hopes of becoming the next American Idol, Russell hasn’t completely blocked out the criticism she gets online. She admitted, “I have read the comments. She should stick to song writing. She can’t sing like her grandma. So, when Gene told me he liked my voice, it was really validating.”
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
More Latest Music News & Stories
-
Musician Bruce Springsteen performs during the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in the Jackson Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, US, on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Intended as a celebration of the progress embodied by the nation's first Black leader, its Juneteenth unveiling comes at a time when his agenda – and broader diversity initiatives – are wilting from a decade of concerted attack. Photographer: Talia Sprague/Bloomberg via Getty Images -
Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns -
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 11: Mike McCready of Pearl Jam performs onstage with Thunderpussy at The Showbox on December 11, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images) -
HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 02: Luke Bryan answers holds a Super Bowl LI football during the Super Bowl LI Pregame press conference on February 02, 2017, at the George R Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) -
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 15: Abe Olman Publishing Award winner, Caroline Bienstock poses backstage at the Songwriters Hall Of Fame 48th Annual Induction and Awards at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 15, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame) -
Carrie Underwood at the "Alan Jackson: The Last Show" concert special red carpet held at Nissan Stadium on June 27, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jamie Schramm/Variety via Getty Images) -
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 25: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) (NOT TO BE LICENSED FOR ANY STANDALONE OR SPECIAL INTEREST BOOK PUBLISHING USE CONCERNING THE COACHELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL AND/OR STAGECOACH MUSIC FESTIVAL) Singer Gavin Adcock performs on the Palomino Stage during day 2 of Stagecoach Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 25, 2026 in Indio, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Stagecoach) -
Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images