For more than 50 years, KISS built its reputation on doing things its own way. The makeup, costumes, fire-breathing, pyrotechnics, and huge arena shows all became part of the band’s identity. But these days, even Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley cannot simply decide to put the makeup back on and stage a traditional KISS concert.
According to Parade, Simmons recently revealed that the band now needs approval from Pophouse Entertainment before performing in its classic form. The company acquired the rights to KISS’ name, music, publishing, and iconic makeup, meaning any future KISS live appearance involving those signature elements comes with a new layer of oversight.
Why the Band Needs Permission to Return to the Stage
Simmons explained the unusual arrangement during an interview with Detroit classic rock station WCSX. He said Pophouse now controls many of the assets most closely associated with the band, including its famous face paint. As a result, KISS cannot simply reunite, put on the makeup, and start playing without first getting approval.
That does not mean the band can never perform together again. In fact, Simmons, Stanley, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer are scheduled to appear at the 2026 KISS Kruise event in Las Vegas, which has been promoted as the only place fans can see KISS live this year. Still, the arrangement marks a major shift for a group that spent decades controlling nearly every aspect of its image.
KISS Is Entering a Very Different Era of Live Performances
Pophouse has bigger plans for KISS than traditional touring. After helping develop ABBA’s avatar show, the company is working on KISS Forever for Las Vegas in 2028, along with a movie, animated projects, and even a possible theme park. For a band known as much for its makeup, costumes, and visual identity as its music, the strategy could introduce KISS to a new generation.
