KISS bassist Gene Simmons has said that the band are retiring out of “self-respect” and because of the “love” for their fans.
The band announced back in 2018 that they would embark on one massive final tour, before hanging up their iconic costumes. Speaking in a new interview, Simmons explained why the band felt it was time to retire.
“The reason for stopping touring is because of pride and self-respect and a love and admiration for the fans,” he told Full Metal Jackie on an episode of KLOS’ Whiplash. “The last thing you wanna be is to be a world-champion boxer and stay in the ring too long. It’s only a matter of time until your legs are not gonna be able to hold you up, and you’re gonna lose.”
“So we’re doing the right thing. We’re gonna quit while we’re on top, do the best we can, and it’ll be sad, but it’s also gonna be happy. On the last show we ever do as a touring band, I’ll be crying like a 12-year-old kid whose foot you’re stepping on.”
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