KISS Farewell Tour – Gene Simmons explains missing bandmates Ace and Peter

We’re already saying goodbye to Elton John as he reaches the end of that Yellow Brick Road on July 8 in Stockholm and retires from touring. Rock legends KISS are currently In London tonight on their farewell End of the Road Tour. Many artists have famously announced they are calling it quits only to return, sometimes more than once. KISS frontman Simmons, however, has recently said: “We’ve all seen boxers that stay in the ring too long, and we’ve all seen bands that stay on the stage too long… “Right here, right now, either be a champion or get off the stage. So we’re gonna quit while the quitting’s good, while we’re on top.” Gene Simmons explains missing KISS bandmates (Image: GETTY) KISS are on their final End of The Road Tour (Image: GETTY) This tour actually began way back o January 2019 but, like so many others, was interrupted by the global pandemic. The mammoth celebration of a truly glittering glam rock legacy is due to wrap up on December 2, at Madison Square Garden in New York. The current band line-up includes Simmons’ fellow icon Paul Stanley, as well as Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer. But fans have constantly been clamouring for a final farewell appearance from original members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss – although there has been plenty of bad blood between the various artists over the years. KISS original line-up in 1975 in LA (Image: GETTY ) Simmons, never one to mince words or withhold his views, added new comments recently to those he has bluntly made about the pair over recent years. Last year he said: “It’s been a lifetime for both guys of bad decisions. You know if you mix in alcohol and booze they’re really bad decisions. “We have Tommy Thayer (the band’s current guitarist) and Eric Singer (the band’s drummer) who’ve been with us 20 years… they’re appreciative, professional – no drugs, no booze; nothing. And I can’t say the same thing about – I always wanna shut my mouth – Ace, who I love to this day, and Peter.” Gene Simmons on tour with KISS (Image: GETTY) Simmons added: “They were every bit as important as Paul and I in forming the band, but not everybody has the DNA to run a marathon. Some people are shooting stars; they look great for a short time, and then ‘bye-bye.'” In a new interview with Italian station Linea Rock, Simmons was asked again why Ace and Peter hadn’t made any appearance at all during the farewell tour. Simmons said: “The older fans wonder about Ace and Peter. Well, I asked both Ace and Peter a few times, ‘Do you wanna come out for the encores? Do you wanna do some shows?’ And they both said, ‘no.’ So, I don’t know what to say about that.”