KISS performs first show since 2023 farewell tour

KISS performed their first show in nearly two years on Friday night at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, opening the three-day KISS Kruise: Landlocked in Vegas event with an emotional candlelit tribute to founding guitarist Ace Frehley, who died in October at age 74 from injuries sustained in a fallbillboard.
The complete lineup of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer reunited for an unmasked acoustic set featuring 11 songs, including deep cuts, marking their first performance together since ending their farewell tour in December 2023blabbermouth.
The weekend event celebrates the 50th anniversary of the KISS Army fan club and includes an electric performance on Saturday, along with appearances from Quiet Riot, former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, Sebastian Bach, and Q&A sessions with band membersconsequence.
Prior to the show, battery-operated candles were distributed to fans, which Stanley asked the audience to lift during the tribute to Frehley, whose death was ruled an accident by the Morris County medical examinerbillboard.

KISS Reunites for First Show Since 2023 Farewell Tour

Rock icons KISS took the stage Friday night for their first performance since ending their farewell tour nearly two years ago, appearing unmasked and makeup-free at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas as part of a three-day fan celebration.billboard

The acoustic set marked the opening of KISS Kruise: Landlocked in Vegas, a November 14-16 weekend event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the KISS Army fan club. The band kicked off the performance with an emotional candlelit tribute to founding guitarist Ace Frehley, who died on October 16 at age 74 from blunt trauma injuries sustained in a fall.blabbermouth

Emotional Return to Stage

Frontman Paul Stanley asked fans to lift battery-operated candles that had been distributed before the show to honor Frehley’s memory. The band then performed an 11-song set featuring deep cuts including “Hard Luck Woman” and “Hide Your Heart,” both played for the first time since 2019.blabbermouth

The complete lineup—Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer—reunited for the performances, marking the first time the group has played together since their final concert on December 2, 2023, at Madison Square Garden.wikipedia

Looking Ahead

An electric set is scheduled for Saturday as the weekend festivities continue. The event also features appearances from Quiet Riot, former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, Sebastian Bach, and question-and-answer sessions with band members and longtime manager Doc McGhee.kissonline

While KISS retired from touring in December 2023, the band has left the door open for special performances and residencies ahead of their planned hologram show debut in 2027.consequence