Don't expect a goodbye Kiss. The band's seasonal avalanche of souvenirs is merely foreplay to another year of nasty rock 'n' roll.

The band's original lineup, which reunited in 1996 for a global tour, will release a studio album by June and embark on another tour that includes a free July 4 concert.

"It could be the largest single event of any kind," says bassist Gene Simmons. "We're often accused of making a spectacle of ourselves, and we stand guilty as charged."

The band is also co-writing and co-producing a Kiss movie, Psycho Circus. The Kiss magazine, Kiss Army fan club and Kiss assembly lines of merchandise will operate indefinitely. As the band pursues world domination, can a Kiss bid for public office be far behind? Never.

"We don't comment on whales and the rain forest," Simmons says. "We don't try to be ambassadors to Bosnia. Duh. You need a rock star for that? Some idiot who couldn't tune a guitar six months ago is now an environmental specialist? I blame media for giving rock stars more credence than they deserve. Why don't they ask Al Gore how to play bass?"

The Kiss agenda remains refreshingly free of redeeming social value.

"We are classic epicurean hedonists," Simmons says. "We believe that the pursuit of happiness is the end-all and be-all. Contemplating our navel is so beside the point. It's like a moron reading Nietzsche who looks at the fireworks show and asks what it means. Snore! I want a roller coaster thrill ride, no holds barred. I don't want meaning, I want escapism."

Pity those seeking escape from the Kiss juggernaut, especially critics who've vilified the rock quartet for nearly 25 years. Of late, pundits have badgered the band to salvage its self-respect and retire.

"Perhaps they have a point," Simmons allows. "I've had as much female companionship as is physically possible. I have more money than some African countries put together. Everyone else hides the fact that they're rich. I'm filthy rich. So maybe we should quit."

He's kidding.

"To hell with dignity!" he spouts. "If I'm having a good time, I will determine when I get off the stage. You'll have to drag me kicking and screaming off the stage. Having a good time - that's all the validation you need for doing anything."