Kiss‘ Paul Stanley revealed his emotional turmoil regarding Gene Simmons during the band’s tumultuous period in the 1980s, expressing feelings of “resentment and hurt” as Simmons pursued various extracurricular projects. This left Stanley to shoulder much of the musical responsibility while Simmons explored opportunities beyond the band.

In a candid discussion on a recent episode of The Magnificent Others With Billy Corgan, which you can view below, Stanley opened up about the strain in their relationship. “I felt betrayed. No secret,” he remarked, referring to the mid-1980s when Simmons ventured into film and television. During this time, Simmons featured in the 1984 thriller Runaway and the action-packed 1987 film Wanted: Dead or Alive, along with an appearance in a 1985 episode of Miami Vice. Meanwhile, Stanley found himself essentially becoming a one-man band while working on Kiss’ 1984 album Animalize.

Paul Stanley Shares Insights on Gene Simmons’ Departure from Band Duties in the ’80s

Stanley expressed his frustrations, stating, “I felt that he was leaving me to do the heavy work but continued to get paid, so trying to have the best of both worlds.” He elaborated, “Gene was off doing his own thing and achieving personal success, while I was left to manage the band’s creative output without sharing in the financial benefits. It felt like he was abandoning ship, yet still wanted to be my partner.” This dichotomy left Stanley feeling torn and undervalued in their partnership.

Reflecting on his feelings during that challenging time, Stanley admitted, “I felt very resentful and hurt. While I may have expressed anger outwardly, deep down, I was hurt. Gene is like a brother to me; we’ve been together since I was just 17 years old. Navigating this situation was incredibly difficult for me.” Such personal struggles highlight the complex dynamics of their long-standing relationship.

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Despite his emotional struggles, Stanley’s determination to keep Kiss afloat was unwavering. “But again, it was, ‘Well, screw it. I’m not gonna let this band fall apart,'” he stated with conviction. “If it’s my band in that sense, then so be it. If I have to take center stage in a music video, then let’s do that. However, I felt Gene was selling the band short. The quality of the writing was on the decline, and I perceived that he wasn’t being fair.” Stanley’s commitment to the band’s legacy showcases his passion and loyalty.

Both Stanley and Simmons have reflected on this challenging period in their respective memoirs, Face the Music and Kiss and Make-Up. Simmons shared, “I started to get lost. I didn’t know how I was supposed to act, especially since the no-makeup version of the band represented a completely new approach. Paul was thriving, fully embracing who he was.” This candid acknowledgment illustrates the personal and professional challenges they faced as they navigated a transformative era in their careers.

Throughout their extensive 50-year career, Kiss has encountered numerous challenges and transformations. The band recently concluded their farewell tour in December 2023, marking the end of an era. They are set to perform unmasked at the highly anticipated Kiss Army Storms Vegas event in November, promising fans an unforgettable experience.