Gene Simmons is discussing KISS’ elaborate costumes.
In a new interview, the bassist admitted that the physicality of the band was part of the job but as he got older, the schtick became a hindrance when it came to performing.
He explained, “We were certainly the hardest-working band on the stage. Even if we just walked around carrying, in my case, 40 lbs. of armor and studs on the base and dragging those dragon boots [that] are seven inches tall, and you got [us] spit[ting] fire and flying in the air and all that stuff. It’s not like having a Sunday walk, it’s not the same. In hindsight, we would have been smarter putting on T-shirts and sneakers and going out there Ramone-style, and just strumming the guitar.”
KISS played its final show together in early December at Madison Square Garden.