KISS's Gene Simmons comments on Spinal Tap-esque stage platform malfunction
The Demon was almost hurt in Tampa, Florida
Gene Simmons says he’s still committed to putting on ‘the greatest’ KISS show on earth after narrowly avoiding injury when his stage platform malfunctioned over the weekend.
As Gene Simmons was being lowered onto stage alongside Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer for opener ‘Detroit Rock City’ in Tampa, Florida on Saturday night (9th October), the bassist’s platform failed and began tilting and shaking.
Despite wearing 7-inch platform boots, Gene fortunately managed to steady himself by holding onto the central cable before the platform eventually lowered onto the stage.
Sharing a photo of the Spinal Tap-esque incident on Twitter, Gene commented: “We are committed to you and to putting on the greatest (show) on Earth…even though it’s not always as safe as we want it to be. This happened 2 shows ago…”
A few hours later he posted a photo of himself on Twitter and wrote: “Yes, kiddies. The big bad man still risks safety to do what no one on stage has ever done. Every show…For your honor!”
Watch fan-filmed footage of the stage malfunction incident right here:
The North American leg of KISS’s End of the Road World Tour continues in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania tomorrow night (13th October) and concludes in West Palm Beach Florida on 2nd November before the band kick of their Las Vegas residency at Zappos Theatre shortly before New Year.
KISS headline Download Festival next June before the End of the Road World Tour reaches its proposed conclusion in 2023.
KISS and more rock stars unmasked:
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Slipknot’s Mick Thomson unmasked
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Buckethead unmasked
The highly enigmatic guitarist, who wears a KFC bucket on his head, revealed his real identity on self-released 2013 album 'Pike 13'. It poignantly depicts a younger Buckethead – real name Brian Carroll – without his mask on and hugging his late dad.
Slipknot’s Jay Weinberg unmasked
Slipknot drummer Jay Weinberg and his proper horrorshow burlap mask. On the right is the devilishly handsome Jay Weinberg without his mask. Weinberg joined Slipknot in 2014 replacing the departing Joey Jordison, who sadly passed away in 2021.
Slipknot’s Sid Wilson unmasked
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Limp Bizkit’s Wes Borland unmasked and without makeup
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Slipknot’s Corey Taylor unmasked
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Ghost’s Tobias Forge (aka Papa Emeritus) unmasked
Flanked by his band of Nameless Ghouls, Tobias Forge has adopted a number of papal guises over the years; from the various incarnations of Papa Emeritus through to Cardinal Copia and Papa Emeritus IV. On the right is Tobias Forge without his mask at the Grammy Awards in 2019.
GWAR’s Blothar unmasked
Following the untimely death of singer Oderus Urungus (aka Dave Brockie) in 2014, GWAR recruited Blothar - aka Michael Bishop – as their new frontman who comes complete with a pigface goblin guise. On the right is Blothar without his mask and outlandish costume speaking at a TED Talk in 2015.
Slipknot’s Alessandro Venturella unmasked
Slipknot bassist Alessandro "Alex" Venturella's mask changed from a hessian fabric mask into patterned copper mask in 2019. The genial-looking chap on the right is Alessandro Venturella without his mask.
KISS’s Paul Stanley unmasked and without makeup
Alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley has been a member of KISS since their inception in 1973 and his alter ego The Starchild has remained a constant all this time.
Slipknot’s Jim Root unmasked
Slipknot guitarist #4 Jim Root has worn a Jester mask for the entirety of his career with only minor changes in its design. Why change perfection?! Jim Root is immediately identifiable even without his mask thanks to his luscious, voluminous beard.
Behemoth’s Nergal unmasked and without makeup
One of the standout Main Stage acts at Download Festival 2019, Polish blackened death metallers Behemoth – led by the fearsome lead vocalist Nergal – have always adorned striking make-up on stage creating an enigmatic aura. On the right is Adam Nergal Darski without makeup at an album signing session.
Ex-Slipknot percussionist Chris Fehn unmasked
Before he exited Slipknot in somewhat acrimonious circumstances in April 2019, #3 Chris Fehn wore a distinctive Liar Mask – aka the Pinocchio Mask. On the right is the Chris Fehn without his mask at the premiere of Shawn Clown Crahan's movie 'Officer Downe' in 2016.
KISS’s Gene Simmons unmasked and without makeup
On stage and wearing his trademark makeup, Gene Simmons adopts The Demon persona.
KISS’s Eric Singer unmasked and without makeup
Following the death of the late-great Eric Carr in 1991, new drummer Eric Singer didn't adopt his The Fox persona; instead he resurrected original drummer Peter Criss' The Catman guise.
KISS’s Tommy Thayer unmasked and without makeup
Joining KISS permanently in 2002, Tommy Thayer jumped straight into Ace Frehley's platform heels and took on his The Spaceman makeup design.
Ghost Nameless Ghoul unmasked
In March 2017, a Swedish musician called Martin Persner shared a video claiming he was formerly a Nameless Ghoul in Ghost called Omega. He left the band in July 2016 after a seven-year stint.