Gene Simmons talks upcoming KISS acoustic show
With or without makeup, Kiss is still Kiss.
The same can be said for the group�s ability to rock plugged in or unplugged. Following up a successful acoustic performance at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in 2014, the legendary rock group will be returning to the Highland casino for a repeat performance Thursday, July 23.
Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and the guys will perform a stripped-down set of some of their classics without all the pop and pizazz of a regular Kiss show. Simmons talked about the group�s show, music and more in a recent telephone interview.
Q: When you did the acoustic and storytelling-style show at San Manuel last year, Paul remarked a few times that you didn�t know if you�d ever do it again. What made you decide to bring it back?
A: We enjoyed it. Like all things that we do, we do it only if we want to. Sometimes it takes a lot of work. Sometimes it�s just seamless. Like when we do the Kiss cruises, it�s a lot of work. You�re talking, making sure every person gets personalized signed stuff, pose for photos with every person and do a few shows. Playing at your place (San Manuel) is seamless. You sort of get up and it feels like somebody�s in your living room, compared to the stadiums we play in. It�s easy and we get a chance to not worry about the pyrotechnics and technical stuff. It feels informal.
Q: In an intimate way?
A: Yeah. It�s not so much showbiz. It�s a chance to peel off the outer layer and let the fans see more of the real people.
Q: Does that help you make a deeper connection with the fans?
A: The result is probably that, but it�s not intentional. There doesn�t seem to be a big master plan; there never has been. Although people give us a lot more credit for. We do what we like and, often, what we like works. Big time.
Q: Are there songs that work best for an acoustic set?
A: We�re rehearsing in a couple of days and will dust off some nuggets that we haven�t played. We�re probably going to play some stuff we�ve never played live. We may do a ballad we�ve never played live. That�s a kick for us, too.
Q: Does that keep things fresh and interesting, not just for you, but the fans as well?
A: We take our lead from the fans. We�re very much connected to our bosses and despite the fact that we�re the ones on stage getting the accolades, ultimately we understand that if t�
