The manager of KISS has confirmed the group are in talks to launch a TV talent show to find replacements for frontman Paul Stanley and guitarist Gene Simmons – when the duo eventually retire.
It has long been rumored that founding members Stanley and Simmons hope to keep the band running when they decide to quit – but both men have been evasive when asked about whether any new members have been signed up and if the takeover will happen after their current world tour.
The rock veterans are the only original members left in the band, which was marred by the departure of Ace Frehely and Peter Criss and the death of Eric Carr in 1991 – the group now includes replacements Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer.
However their longtime manager Doc McGhee insists that there are indeed plans to replace all four band members and keep KISS alive for a new generation – they are close to signing a deal to find their replacements through an American Idol-style TV show.
McGhee says in a new TV documentary about the band, “I believe that KISS can go on forever. I believe that there is a way – and we are talking to people and we’re pretty close to getting it done – about finding the four new members of KISS.”
As our own Eddie Trunk reports in his Trunk Report, despite the fact that this article is dated 2008, Eddie writes, “the plan and closer than ever to happening…maybe two years away from launching.”
source: starpulse.com
192 Responses
People pay money to see Beatles tribute bands, Pink Floyd, and even KISS tributes, right? So if KISS is lacking any original members, it’s essentially a tribute band. Playing Devil’s Advocate… I guess you can’t go wrong by paying for this official KISS tribute band than some group playing KISS covers at a bar on a Saturday night. This way you’d get pyro and the big flashing KISS sign.
😛
I guess I’m still drinking the “kool aid”, right Ed? You keep on debating everything but the MUSIC which you are supposedly all about, and keep trolling with old articles. Meanwhile, the rest of us will be having fun with KISS on tour this summer.
Amen, Jim.
Next thing you’ll hear is that Gene and Paul will envoke a Draft to get new recruits to join the KISS army.
I’m a huge KISS fan, and enjoy the current line up. Two strong albums, and still a sight to see live. BUT everyone has their limits, and this would be mine. I will be a fan forever, but I can’t support this. Nor will the public. This is a pathetic publicity stunt, and KISS’s will go out as a joke.
I HATE THIS.
PDG
Paul Stanley Once Said: “The roller coaster is about to begin, so hold on tight cause this is the big one’ If Paul & Gene gonna ending this rock n’ roll roller coaster. Just do it in style. I’m not gonna support a band without any original KISS members in it. It becomes a a KISS tribute band approved by KISS! They better off to let it died in the name of KISStory. There are millions KISS tribute bands who keep Paul & Gene’s dream alive. (y)