Gene Simmons has hinted that a next-generation KISS could be on the cards. Simmons teased the possibility of a new generation of musicians taking up the KISS legacy in a recent appearance on the Let There Be Talk podcast. Responding to a question about whether the final stop on the End Of The Road farewell tour will genuinely be the final stop for KISS, Simmons gives a non-commital but fascinating answer that opens up all kinds of possibilities. 

"I don't know if it's New York. "I have good reasons why it should be, but the important thing is when it's the last show, it'll be the last show.  KISS the touring band will stop, but KISS the touring band will continue in other ways. I have no problems with four deserving 20-year-olds sticking the makeup back on and hiding their identity."

Simmons discusses the concept of franchising out KISS further, indicating that he's given the idea of a touring, fully-endorsed KISS tribute show some serious consideration. 

"KISS will continue in ways that even I haven't thought of. But I can conceive of… You know, the Blue Man Group and Phantom Of The Opera tours around the world with different personnel. There could and should be a KISS show, kind of live on stage with effects and everything else, but also a semiautobiographical thing about four knuckleheads off the streets of New York that ends with the last third as a full-blown celebration, a full-on performance. Not with us. Although not a problem stepping in every once in a while."

It's a bold concept, although one that seems to be well-suited to a man and a band that seems to always be searching for and finding new ways to expand their legacy. Given the world's obsession with rehashing old IP into 'new' entertainment, perhaps a next generation of KISS could kickstart a trend for heritage acts to keep their music and likeness alive. 

You can watch the whole podcast appearance below. 

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