If you’ve been following the rock world lately, you know things have changed. Fast. For years, we all joked that KISS was the band that would never actually die. They had more "farewell" tours than most bands have albums. But as we sit here in early 2026, the landscape looks a whole lot different than it did even a couple of years ago.
Honestly, it's a bit heavy to talk about.
The biggest shock hit the KISS Army back in October 2025. Ace Frehley, the "Spaceman" who inspired a million kids to pick up a Les Paul, passed away at 74. It wasn't just another headline; it was the end of an era. He’d had a fall in his studio, and complications from a brain bleed eventually took him. It’s wild because just months before, he was out on his 10,000 Volts tour, sounding as sharp as ever.
So, who is left? Who are the KISS members still alive as we move through 2026?
The remaining original trio
Right now, three of the original four founding members are still with us. Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss.
But "still with us" means very different things for each of them. Gene and Paul are still essentially running a global corporation, while Peter has found a strange, late-career second wind that nobody really saw coming.
Gene Simmons: The Demon never sleeps
Gene is 76 now. Does he look like he’s slowing down? Not really. While the "makeup" version of KISS retired at Madison Square Garden in late 2023, Gene hasn't touched a rocking chair. He’s currently touring with the Gene Simmons Band. It’s a much more stripped-down affair—no dragon boots, no fire-breathing, just Gene in jeans and a t-shirt playing deep cuts and covers.
He’s actually got dates lined up throughout February 2026, including stops in Louisiana and a big show at SeaWorld Orlando's Seven Seas Food Festival.
Aside from the music, he’s gone full Hollywood mogul. His new company, Simmons/Hamilton Productions, is releasing a massive shark-themed disaster flick called Deep Water in May 2026. It stars Aaron Eckhart and Ben Kingsley. It’s basically Gene being Gene: finding a way to make money while things explode on screen.
Paul Stanley: Art, Soul, and "Probable" New Music
Paul (74) is in a different headspace. He’s spent a lot of the last year focused on his fine art. If you have a few thousand dollars lying around, you can find him at Wentworth Gallery appearances showing off his "Black Series" paintings.
But here’s the kicker: Paul recently hinted that new KISS music is "probable."
Wait, what?
Yeah, even though they aren't touring in makeup, the "Avatar" era of KISS is in full swing. They’ve been working on a high-tech show that uses digital versions of the band (think ABBA Voyage but with more pyro). Paul mentioned in late 2025 that they’ve been back in the rehearsal room. He says when they plug in, they still sound like KISS.
Peter Criss: The Catman’s surprise comeback
Peter is the oldest of the bunch at 80. For a long time, he was the "quiet" one, mostly retired and staying out of the drama. That’s changed.
In December 2025, Peter released a new self-titled album. It actually hit #1 on the iTunes Rock charts. It’s a mix of rock and some of that "swing" stuff he’s always loved. He’s also been hitting the convention circuit. If you’re in North Carolina in February 2026 or New Jersey in May, you can actually go meet him at various Horror Cons.
It’s bittersweet, though. Peter was extremely close to Ace, and he’s been open about how much the loss has affected him.
What about the "non-original" members?
When people search for KISS members still alive, they usually mean the guys in the face paint from the 70s. But the guys who finished the journey in 2023 are very much alive and active too.
- Tommy Thayer: The "Spaceman" for the last two decades. Tommy has mostly been enjoying life after the road, though he still pops up at KISS-related events and business openings.
- Eric Singer: Still widely considered one of the best drummers in the business. He’s been featured on the cover of Modern Drummer recently and remains the backbone of the "Avatar" project's musical development.
- Bruce Kulick: The 80s-era lead guitarist is still a fan favorite. He’s been super active on the "KISS Kruise" circuit and continues to perform solo sets that celebrate the "unmasked" era of the band.
- Vinnie Vincent: The "Ankh Warrior" is still around, though he remains the most reclusive and unpredictable member of the extended KISS family.
The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors: A final reunion
One of the most emotional moments for fans happened just this past December. KISS was honored at the Kennedy Center. Gene, Paul, and Peter all showed up. Even though Ace was gone, his presence was huge in the tribute videos.
Seeing the three of them together—after decades of lawsuits and trash-talking in the press—felt like a closing of the circle. They even went to the Oval Office to meet the President. It was surreal. These guys went from being "public enemy number one" to the parents of the 70s to being celebrated American icons.
Moving forward with the legacy
If you’re looking to keep up with the band now, it’s less about stadium tours and more about the "brand."
- Watch for the Avatar show: This is where the big money is. They want KISS to live forever, literally. Expect an announcement about a permanent residency in Las Vegas or a global "digital" tour by the end of this year.
- The Biopic: Shout It Out Loud is still in the works. Paul Stanley has suggested that some of that "new music" he mentioned might be tied to the soundtrack of the movie.
- Rock & Brews: Gene and Paul are opening a massive new location of their restaurant chain in Royal Oak, Michigan, this spring. It’s three stories tall and has a rooftop "Sky Lounge."
The makeup might be in a museum, but the guys behind it are clearly not ready to go away. Whether it’s Gene selling shark movies or Peter Criss topping the charts at 80, the story of KISS is still being written—just with a few less members on the page.
Actionable Next Step: If you want to see a member of KISS live in 2026, your best bet is catching the Gene Simmons Band on his spring tour or grabbing a ticket to the New Jersey Horror Con in May to see Peter Criss. Check the official websites for the most current ticket availability as these small-venue appearances sell out much faster than the old stadiums used to.