Kiss will require permission from an outside company, who owns their image and iconic makeup, in order to perform again, according to Gene Simmons. 

Kiss last appeared live on December 2nd, 2023, closing out the End of the Road World Tour, which was billed at the time as their final performance ever (even though it wasn’t the first time they’ve said that). In a recent conversation with Detroit’s classic rock station WCSX, though, Simmons explained why any future reunion is now out of the band’s hands. 

Simmons told the station that Kiss was sold in a deal, covering everything including the makeup, the music, the publishing, and more, with the company Pophouse now serving as the band’s partner moving forward. He pointed to a slate of upcoming projects tied to the sale as well, which included a film that’s currently being cast, along with television and theme park ventures.

As Simmons put it, the partnership also means “Kiss can’t play live without Pophouse’s permission, because they own the makeup and everything.”

Despite having stepped away from Kiss, Simmons wasn’t exactly ready to leave the stage behind for good. He formed the Gene Simmons Band as a vessel to keep performing, explaining that being onstage remains the most fun he can imagine, and that there’s always been a certain magic to it. He also compared holding back a performance to a painter who never shows anyone their work, or someone throwing a party and being the only guest in the room. 

The Gene Simmons Band currently have a heavy touring schedule planned through December 2026.