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The Immortal Lineup: Unmasking The Group KISS Members And Their Shocking Digital Future

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The question of "group KISS members" is more complex than a simple band roster, as the legendary hard rock group officially ended its touring career in December 2023, but immediately announced a controversial new beginning. This transition marks a monumental shift in music history, moving the iconic band from human performers to "digital avatars," promising a form of immortality for the *Starchild*, the *Demon*, the *Spaceman*, and the *Catman*. To truly understand the group, one must look beyond the final lineup and explore the entire cast of characters who wore the famous makeup and costumes over five decades.

As of late 2025, the legacy of KISS is defined by both the founding members who created the phenomenon and the final lineup that closed the curtain on the "End of the Road" World Tour at Madison Square Garden. This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date look at every crucial member of the group, their distinct alter egos, their roles in the band’s history, and what they are doing now that their human touring chapter has concluded.

The Complete Roster of KISS Members and Their Alter Egos

Formed in New York City in 1973 from the ashes of the band Wicked Lester, KISS became synonymous with theatrical shock rock and elaborate stage shows. The band's identity is intrinsically linked to the four distinct characters—the alter egos—created by the founding members. Over the years, the lineup changed, but the core four characters remained, often played by new musicians.

The Founding Four (The Original Lineup)

  • Paul Stanley (The Starchild): The primary vocalist and rhythm guitarist. Stanley (born Stanley Eisen) is one of the two consistent members throughout the band's history. His character, The Starchild, is known for his romantic and charismatic persona.
  • Gene Simmons (The Demon): The bassist and co-lead vocalist. Simmons (born Chaim Witz) is the other consistent founding member, known for his fire-breathing, blood-spitting stage antics, and his long, iconic tongue. The Demon is the ultimate symbol of the band's dark, theatrical side.
  • Ace Frehley (The Spaceman / Space Ace): The original lead guitarist. Frehley created the persona of The Spaceman, reflecting his alleged extraterrestrial origins and his flashy, effects-laden guitar work. He was a member from 1973–1982 and again from 1996–2002.
  • Peter Criss (The Catman): The original drummer and vocalist. Criss's Catman persona was inspired by his love of cats and his background in jazz. He was a member from 1973–1980, 1996–2001, and 2002–2004.

The Final Lineup (The End of the Road)

The lineup that performed the final concert in December 2023 consisted of two founding members and two long-serving replacements who adopted the Spaceman and Catman makeup.

  • Paul Stanley (The Starchild): (1973–2023)
  • Gene Simmons (The Demon): (1973–2023)
  • Tommy Thayer (The Spaceman): (2002–2023) Thayer replaced Ace Frehley, performing as The Spaceman. He previously worked with KISS as a songwriter and road manager.
  • Eric Singer (The Catman): (1991–1996, 2001–2002, 2004–2023) Singer is a highly respected drummer who adopted the Catman persona, replacing Peter Criss. He is also known for his work with Alice Cooper.

Other Notable Members (The Unmasked Era)

During a period from 1983 to 1996, KISS performed without their signature makeup, leading to several significant lineup changes and the introduction of new characters:

  • Eric Carr (The Fox): (1980–1991) Carr replaced Peter Criss and introduced a new character, The Fox. He was a beloved member until his untimely death in 1991.
  • Vinnie Vincent (The Ankh Warrior): (1982–1984) Vincent briefly replaced Ace Frehley, donning the short-lived Ankh Warrior makeup before the band officially unmasked in 1983.
  • Mark St. John: (1984) St. John was the lead guitarist for a very brief period, appearing on the album *Animalize*.
  • Bruce Kulick: (1984–1996) Kulick was the band's longest-serving guitarist during the non-makeup era, contributing to some of their most popular 80s and 90s albums.

The "End of the Road" and the Dawn of Digital KISS

The "End of the Road" World Tour was billed as the final time the human members of KISS would perform live. This massive, multi-year farewell culminated in a dramatic concert in New York City on December 2, 2023. The show, however, concluded not with a final bow, but with a stunning and controversial announcement about the band's future.

In a move that shocked the music world, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons unveiled the next evolution of KISS: digital avatars. These "super-powered, immortal" versions of The Demon, The Starchild, The Spaceman, and The Catman are designed to continue the band's legacy in virtual concerts, films, and merchandise indefinitely.

The technology behind the avatars was created by George Lucas's Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and Pophouse Entertainment, the company co-founded by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus, which previously developed the successful ABBA Voyage show. This transformation has sparked intense debate among fans and critics, with many questioning if a digital performance can truly capture the raw energy and passion of a live hard rock show.

The key takeaway from this development is that while the human "group KISS members" have retired from touring, the brand, the music, and the visual spectacle will continue in a new, technologically advanced form, ensuring a form of "digital immortality" for the iconic characters.

Where Are the Human KISS Members Now?

Since the final confetti fell on the "End of the Road" tour, the individual members of KISS have moved on to new projects, focusing on their personal lives, business ventures, and other musical pursuits. The focus has shifted from the collective group to their individual legacies.

Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons remain the owners and driving forces behind the KISS intellectual property (IP). Their primary focus is now on managing the brand and the development of the digital avatars. Simmons, known for his entrepreneurial spirit, continues to manage his vast business interests, while Stanley has remained active with his side project, Soul Station, an R&B band.

Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer have returned to their respective musical careers. Singer, a highly sought-after session and touring drummer, was recently featured in the January/February 2024 issue of *Modern Drummer* magazine, highlighting his ongoing work in the music industry. Thayer, too, is expected to continue his work as a guitarist and producer.

The original members, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, who were notably absent from the final concert, continue to release solo material and participate in fan conventions. Frehley has consistently expressed an interest in performing with the band again, maintaining a strong connection with his fanbase, while Criss has largely retired from public performance but remains a beloved figure among the classic KISS faithful. Their separate paths underscore the long-standing, complex dynamics that have always defined the relationships within the group KISS members.

The group's 50-year journey, marked by platinum albums, sold-out arena tours, and an unprecedented merchandising empire, has cemented its place as one of the most influential rock groups of all time. The transition to digital performance ensures that the legacy of the makeup, the music, and the iconic alter egos will continue to inspire new generations, even without the human members on stage.

group kiss members
group kiss members

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