KISS Abruptly Stops Show Due to Gene Simmons Health Issue

KISS had to halt a recent performance in South America over an unspecified health issue with the band's legendary bassist Gene Simmons. Gene Simmons powered through the performance after taking a break for several minutes.

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[filipecoimbra]

I was there, Front Stage. They had to short the show because Gene got sick. Threw up on stage and everything (due to dehydration. The heat in Manaus is off the charts.) He returned 5 minutes later, looking well and the performance continued. As the show went on, it was visible the other band members felt the heat too. They shortened some songs, skipped others. Gene didn't do the blood spiting performance, Paul didn't do the fly over the crowd during Love Gun, etc. Still, they delivered a hell of a show, even with all the problems. 100% commitment with the public.

[copernicus]

Kiss have been touring for 50 years, and Gene is 70+ and carrying a pretty heavy looking costume for the entirety of the show. Not to mention the heat, the make up, the weight of the instrument, the singing and moving around the stage... that they can still put on a hell of a show is already impressive. That he came back afterwards to finish the show, is downright legendary. Gene gets a lot of hate for having a huge ego, but he cares for his band. Hope he's alright.

[RVPilot-dg]

Much respect to Gene. He’s a patriot American. He also makes to to people in need especially children. He wrote a sick boy a letter saying when he’s in town he would visit, costume and all. He’s not the ego person he projects all the time. I still have my Kiss army necklace from the 70s!

[edusantosplus]

I was there, here in Manaus it was around 30°C on the stage, the weather is hot and humid, with all his armor he easily could be dehydrated. But soon came bake and gave us one of the best shows ever 🔥🔥🔥 thank you Gene, thank you Kiss 🤘

[jasonbates]

The "end of the road tour", which has been going on for over 2 years now, has become the " we will keep going until someone dies onstage tour".

[russell]

Legends🤘🏻🔥🎸Get well Gene! I hope they all take some quality time for themselves and relax when they can. They have delivered so much for us their fans for so long! Long live Kiss!

[aimeeaztec]

I can’t say I’m a huge fan of kiss, but I would never wish them unwell. Get well soon gene. True icon.

[don-music]

Gene's one of my favorite rock bassists, has been since the 70s. Saw them live with my wife years ago.... Gene's wife and daughter were there too at the show in Vancouver. Get well soon Gene - health is more important than KISS

[jond.]

This is an example of how strong people are. How strong Kiss is, to power through. How grateful we should be to have this short but, significant time together. Life is short. Don't waste a minute.

[charleshasty]

Got to give them credit n all for what they love to do n true fans appreciate it though they have been thru alot over the yrs they still put on a good show!!! KISSARMY ROCK ON🤘🤘

[poetink]

According to Gene himself in a tweet he was just dehydrated and got a drink of water and felt better. Like was said in the video, they're wearing heavy costumes every night under hot lights and moving around and all that. Plus, yes, their age does play a factor as well. But for a guy in his 70's you have to give him credit that he's even able to still do this at that age at all.

[PhuhQueue]

You have to give them credit! They've been doing this for over 50 years! I remember the first time my neighbor buddy introduced me to the music of KISS! I was around 9 or 10! They were the first hard rock group I ever heard and I didn't quite know how to take it, the first time I heard them. But by the second time, and second song, I was hooked for life. Peter Criss was my first rock drum hero.
Now, being that I'll be 60 this year, I still enjoy watching their concerts on youtube and their earlier catchy songs. I wished that I had seen them live in concert. I never got to.
As far as Gene goes, here, maybe when they said they were going to do their "Farewell Tour", that it would be just that. But, how many farewell tours is it going to take before it's time to call it quits. It wouldn't be cool to drop dead of old age, on stage.

[perrysar]

I saw KISS in July 77, I was 16, I'm 60 now....LONG LIVE ROCK & ROLL GENE!!!

[Shivaho]

Kiss was the first band I went to see way back in 1976! This Reminds me of the Highest Dead Concert that occurred @ Donner's Summit in the Sierras 8/24/1985 at around 7000 feet and a lot of people got altitude sickness!

[frankstanley]

I really love these guys! I first saw them December 2 1976 in Memphis and it was like am I really gonna see KISS? WOW! Really blew me away! I saw a picture of Gene Simmons boots in creem magazine when I was in high school and I was hooked! Since then I think I have seen them more often without make up than with, I love them more than any other band, I know it's time to hang it up, thanks for all the memories and all you have done for me.

[cdistasio]

The irony of Gene Simmons who sat here and said anyone who didn't take the shot and you all know what I mean, that that person was dangerous to society. I wonder if what he's suffering from had to do with that thing he promoted heavily

[Provocateur]

I’m just glad I got to see them live once

[jakemertz]

Kudos to Gene for powering through. Looks like he was really having a bad time for a minute there.

[michaelg.]

I love Kiss, seen them many times, but am glad to see the end of the road tour is in its final stage. Go out with dignity guys!

[clemlowes]

I loved KISS in the mid seventies as a youngster. It still blows my mind that they haven't hung it up yet. Probably overdue and about time to ride off into the sunset.