In a move that surprises fans of pyrotechnics and platform boots, the next generation of KISS is swapping face paint for fingerpicking.
Nick Simmons, son of bassist and fire-breathing icon Gene Simmons, and Evan Stanley, son of frontman and Starchild himself, Paul Stanley, have teamed up on a musical project that flips their fathers’ legacy on its studded head. Their new sound? Intimate, acoustic, and rooted in the tender harmonies of folk legends like Simon & Garfunkel.
It all started with an impromptu Instagram moment. The duo casually posted a stripped-down cover of “The Sound of Silence,” their voices weaving together in a nostalgic and refreshingly original way.
What began as a one-off jam quickly ignited a serious buzz. The post racked up views in the hundreds of thousands and comments from both stunned fans and fellow artists. Encouraged by the response, the pair decided to hit the studio—this time, for real.
“Our dads created something epic and larger-than-life,” said Nick Simmons in a recent interview. “We’re not trying to replicate that—we’re trying to be as honest and raw as possible. This is about telling stories in a completely different way.”
The as-yet-untitled album, currently in production, will feature original material written by the duo. Early previews hint at moody acoustic textures, poetic lyrics, and rich vocal layering—more Greenwich Village than Detroit Rock City.
Evan Stanley echoed the sentiment, noting, “There’s this misconception that legacy means imitation. But we grew up around music in every form. Folk was always playing in our house—Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Cat Stevens. That stuff seeps into your soul.”
While some die-hard KISS fans might raise an eyebrow at the unexpected genre pivot, both Simmons and Stanley Sr. have voiced nothing but pride and support.
“I love that they’re doing their own thing,” Gene Simmons said in a recent post. “Music evolves, and I raised Nick to find his voice.” Paul Stanley added, “It’s not about volume—it’s about vision. They’re honoring their roots while growing new ones.”
No official release date has been announced yet, but a debut single is expected to drop this spring. If their viral moment is any indication, Nick and Evan are poised to carve out a legacy that's uniquely their own—one quiet harmony at a time.