If you’re a KISS fan in Israel then you’re in luck. Frontman Gene Simmons announced on Facebook this week that the band will be performing in Israel as part of their world tour.
Simmons was born in Haifa under the birthname of Chaim Witz, and emigrated to the States when he was only 8 with his mother, who’s a Holocaust survivor. Simmons and his fellow bandmates formed KISS in New York in 1973, and have gone on to sell over 100 million albums and have 28 gold records to their name (and counting). The band was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year, though they refused to perform.
Simmons, known for his candid opinions and outright political view, has openly said he’s pro-Israel and publicly defended the country in the wake of a media outcry following their recent war with Hamas. Simmons has also spoken out about artists who refuse to play in Israel as part of their pro-Palestinian tactics or who encourage other artists to cancel their Israeli performances to put pressure on the country.
Performing in Israel has become a hot topic of late, with stars like Lady Gaga and the Rolling Stones coming under fire. Anti-Israel crusader Roger Waters of Pink Floyd openly addressed a letter to the Rolling Stones condemning them for agreeing to perform in Israel. Luckily, that didn’t deter them from putting on a phenomenal live show.
Sinead O’Connor pulled out of her commitment to perform in Israel this month in the wake of Palestinians and pro-Palestinian groups asking for her to boycott the country. Lady Gaga was even dragged into the media wildfire after she released a nine second video confirming her September tour date in Israel. The Beach Boys are also set to perform in the Holy Land later this year.
Although proudly Jewish with roots in Israel, KISS has yet to perform in Israel despite their global popularity. Currently the band is on tour with other legendary rock band Def Leppard, who have neither confirmed nor denied that they’ll be joining KISS on stage.
As of this morning no tour dates or locations for KISS’ Israel performance have been released, but it’s safe to bet that black and white greasepaint makeup sales have gone up around the country.