All good things eventually come to an end, even legendary rock acts.
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During the heyday, KISS was one of the most electric, in-demand rock bands in the music industry.
Famous for their face painted look and melodic guitar solos, KISS shredded stages all across the globe.
The iconic band even made animated appearances in "Fairy OddParents" and "Family Guy."
Although the band remains immensely popular today, KISS bassist and vocalist Gene Simmons said the band knew when to accept their final curtain call.
Gene Simmons Opens Up on Retirement Decision
Speaking with NewsNation's The Hill about KISS's forthcoming documentary, End of the Road, Simmons recalled the band's decision to retire "gracefully."
"You've got to know when to gracefully and proudly step off that stage," Simmons said, "because you have to understand that KISS was and continues to be the only band of its type."
"Every show I had to spit fire ... fly through the air, keep my tongue out all the time," he continued. "Wear 70 lbs., as much as that, or as little as 50 to 60 lbs. of armor, studs, guitars, and all on seven-inch platformed boots for two hours. It's exhausting."
Simmons noted that the band still boasted a massive fan base when they decided to step out of the spotlight. Still, he didn't want to taint their image with reduced performances.
"I'm 77 now, and boy, do I look good," Simmons said. "But you've got to know — you've got to respect the fans enough to know when to get off that stage."
Simmons also recalled the origins of KISS, a concept fueled by the desire to give fans a "spectacle."
Simmons said that while most bands wore t-shirts during their concerts, KISS wanted to go all-out in their attire to provide an unforgettable experience for fans.
"We had a very strange idea," Simmons recalled. "Let's put together the band we never saw on stage."
The legendary bassist added that KISS' forthcoming documentary will give an in-depth look at their retirement tour.
End of the Road will premiere Nov. 19 on the band's official website.
