Gene Simmons of Kiss Tests Positive for COVID-19

2021-08-31

Kiss performing at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

Kiss – Story by Anne Erickson, photo by Ken Settle

Kiss bass player Gene Simmons has tested positive for COVID-19, forcing the band to postpone its next four tour dates

Gene Simmons of Kiss is the latest rock artist to test positive for COVID-19. The band announced the news Tuesday (Aug. 31) in a statement, in which the group also announced that they’ll have to postpone the next four dates of their End of the Road World Tour.

Kiss will stay at home and isolate for the next 10 days. Doctors have given the band their blessing to start the tour back up Sept. 9 at FivePoint Amphitheatre in Irvine, California.

According to a statement from the group, Simmons is “experiencing mild symptoms.” Kiss frontman Paul Stanley tested positive for COVD-19 earlier this month, but Monday (Aug. 30) tweeted out that “it’s over now.” Both Simmons and Stanley were fully vaccinated.

All previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new dates once announced. Newly postponed dates include Clarkston, Michigan; Dayton, Ohio; Tinley Park, Illinois; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Previously, when Stanley came down with the virus, the band postponed shows in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Atlanta, Georgia.

“Everyone on the entire tour, both band and crew, are fully vaccinated,” Kiss said in a statement. “The band and their crew have operated in a bubble independently to safeguard everyone as much as possible at each show and in between shows. The tour also has a COVID safety protocol officer on staff full-time that is ensuring everyone is closely following all CDC guidelines.”

Other rock musicians who have tested positive for COVID-19 after hitting the road on tour include Jonathan Davis of Korn and Leigh Kakaty of Pop Evil. A collection of bands have been forced to postpone or cancel tour dates due to COVID-19 cases, including Tesla, Korn, Buckcherry, Pop Evil, Mammoth WVH and Fall Out Boy, among others.

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Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based music reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, Loudwire.com and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.