KISS Postpone Shows after Lead Singer Gene Simmons Tests Positive for COVID-19
Iconic rock band KISS has been forced to cancel four of their shows after lead singer Gene Simmons tested positive for COVID-19 just a few days after bandmate Paul Stanley.
The announcement was made through the group's official Twitter page, where fans were informed that the 72-year-old singer is experiencing "mild symptoms."
According to the statement, while Stanley has recovered from the virus, Simmons will be out of commission for at least 10 days, which will be the period of time the band will spend in quarantine.
Gene Simmons on the left and band KISS on the right | Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty Images + Instagram.com/kissonline
BACK TO ISOLATION
Doctors have recommended that the KISS members, as well as the rest of their crew, should isolate at home but said that they will be able to resume the tour on September 9.
KISS were supposed to step on stage in Clarkson, Michigan, Dayton, Ohio, Tinley Park, Illinois, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin between September 1 and September 5.
So far, the band is yet to reveal the new dates for the postponed shows but it is known that their first show post-quarantine will take place at FivePoint Amphitheatre in Irvine, California.
Due to Stanley's positive COVID test, the band was also forced to cancel their appearance in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, on August 26. At the time, the 69-year-old told fans that he was "fine."
NOTHING TOO SERIOUS
According to the rockstar, he didn't need to be hospitalized and was only experiencing "flu-like symptoms" prior to the test. Although he is now virus-free, Stanley admitted that it did a number on him.
Stanley and Simmons tested positive despite being fully vaccinated, which is something the latter has been encouraging people to do for quite a while.
Gene Simmons, Tommy Thayer, and Paul Stanley from KISS performing on stage during the Tribeca Festival screening of "Biography: KISStory" at Battery Park in New York City | Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for A&E
VOICING HIS CONCERN
Earlier this month, the rocker urged folks to seek vaccination against the virus and said that, although he can't force people to get the shot, he believes that it should be mandatory:
"This is a pandemic and it's very catchy potentially and you could be infecting other people, which is why I'm a firm believer that this should be a law."
Despite the deadly consequences of the virus, many people are yet to be vaccinated, and one Huntington Beach restaurant, Basilico's Pasta e Vino, even made the news for hosting dinners for unvaccinated guests.