Gene Simmons Exclusive Photos and Event Report

April 10, 2017

By Brian Steward

KISS legend Gene Simmons strikes out on his own with a tour stop and media appearance in Oklahoma

Gene Simmons was in Oklahoma last week for two very special events. The first, on Wednesday in Oklahoma City at his Rock & Brews restaurant, was to present two very special Gene Simmons Freedom To Rock Awards and to visit with fans. He presented the first award to Donna Warren, wife of a Desert Storm Veteran and mother of Marine Eric Warren, who died in 2012 serving in Afghanistan. She in turn presented him with her son’s dog tags. He was clearly moved and wore them proudly. The second award was presented to Army Specialist Adam Putt, who lost his legs to an IED. Before and after the emotional awards ceremony, Simmons greeted fans, posed for photos and signed items. The packed event was free to the public.

Then on Thursday, Simmons headlined a special event in Braman, Oklahoma on the site of the soon-to-be constructed Rock & Brews casino resort. Before he took the stage, Simmons greeted about 150 VIP ticket holders and posed for photos. Right before the sun began to descend, “Dr. Love” took the stage with his solo band. The band tore into “Deuce” and then into “Radioactive” from Simmons’ classic 1978 solo album. The night was a KISS fan’s dream come true as Simmons and company played a mix of KISS standards and many songs rarely, if ever, performed live. Highlights included, “Almost Human,” “Domino,” “Got Love For Sale” and “Charisma.” Early in the show, a little girl appeared on stage and introduced herself as ICT Rocker Girl and played an unrehearsed and very impressive version of “Shout It Out Loud” with Simmons and the band.

The crowd was elated when Simmons repeatedly invited groups of fans on stage at random to sing with him. When they launched into the final song, “Rock And Roll All Nite,” there were more than a dozen audience members on stage helping belt out the rock anthem.

Yet again, Simmons has proven himself as a true rock showman. There were no monster boots, make-up, smoke or pyrotechnics to rely on, just pure talent, great songs and chemistry with the audience. None of that over-the-top flashy stuff was necessary, as he put on a stunning show seemingly with ease.