KISS legend Gene Simmons recently spoke with Rachel Hergett at the Bozeman Daily Chronicle prior to the band's July 16th show in Bozeman, Montana. Simons discussed the band's legacy and the spectacle that made them famous. 

Simmons: "I’d like to think that our contribution – hopefully we’ve written some good songs here and there and the stage show and all of that – but I think our contribution is clearly, historically that we kicked all the other live acts in the nuts and said it’s no longer enough just to get out there and look at your shoes and think you’re doing an audience a favor by playing your songs. Put on a show because when somebody is plunking down $50 or $100 for a ticket, they’re actually paying more than the download or the CD or, you know, the cost of the music. Which is to say they’re also bringing their eyes. So at least half of the show, as far as we’re concerned, or more, should be about candy for the eyes. Don’t you think?"

"You’re paying enough for it. You should get it, from everybody. Even Taylor Swift, bless her, self empowerment and strong female thing. You should see the show. There’s fireworks and buzz and elevated lifts and things where people get lifted in the air. Good! Keep doing that. Give the fans more. It’s not enough to say, 'Okay, here’s the song.'"

Go to this location for the complete interview.

KISS launched their Freedom To Rock tour at the AVA at Casino del Sol Resort and Casino in Tucson, Arizona on Monday, July 4th. The tour will travel the country throughout July and August and will close September 10th in Huntington, WV.

KISS performed the following setlist:

“Detroit Rock City”
“Deuce”
“Shout It Out Loud”
“Creatures Of The Night”
“War Machine”
“Psycho Circus”
“Calling Dr. Love”
“Shock Me”
“Cold Gin”
“Lick It Up”
“I Love It Loud”
“100,000 Years”
“Love Gun”
“Black Diamond”

Encore:

“Beth”
“Rock And Roll All Nite”

Watch some fan-filmed video from the show below:

Find the band’s tour schedule at this location.