Gene Simmons Has Scary Moment at KISS Show, Moving Platform Malfunctions

Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter

October 11th, 2021 9:44 AM

Gene Simmons was able to avoid a potential fall during KISS’ show in Tampa, Fla. over the weekend when his moving platform malfunctioned at the start of the band’s set.

KISS opened their Tampa gig on October 9 with “Detroit Rock City,” where the band comes down to stage level via descending platforms. In the fan-shot video below, the back of Simmons’s platform suddenly drops leaving the platform stuck in position on a very awkward angle.

Fortunately, Simmons was able to steady himself and prevent a nasty fall by holding onto a cable while the platform moved closer to the stage. Crew members then quickly sprung into action to provide some stability so The Demon to step off the platform in a safe manner.

While this was happening, the rest of KISS played an extended intro to “Detroit Rock City” to kill some time. After all, if there’s one thing that KISS is able to do after decades of major stage productions, it’s being able to roll with pretty much any malfunction that comes their way.

Simmons would note today (October 11) on Twitter, “We are committed to you and to putting on the greatest on Earth…even though it’s not always as safe as we want it to be. This happened 2 shows ago…”

Gene Simmons and 10 Other Classic Stage Names

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  Each original member of KISS took on a stage name, but the biggest change came with "The Demon" who was born Chaim Witz but became Gene Simmons.

• Slash

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  Born Saul Hudson, Slash got his stage name from actor Seymour Cassel, a friend of his father's, who noticed how speedily the young Hudson would go from one place to another.

• Sting

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  Gordon Sumner took on the monosyllabic stage name of Sting after wearing a black and yellow striped sweater when he was playing with the Phoenix Jazzmen.
• U2’s Bono and The Edge

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  Paul Hewson took the name "Bono" after a hearing aid shop in his neighborhood called Bonovox. The Edge, born Dave Evans, got his name due to his sharp facial features and mind.

• Iggy Pop and David Bowie

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  James Osterberg became Iggy Pop as a nod to his pre-Stooges band, the Iguanas. David Bowie, who was born David Jones, was originally going by Davy Jones, but thanks to The Monkees, he adopted the surname of Bowie after pioneer James Bowie, who was known for his Bowie knife.

• Flea

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  Born Michael Balzary, the Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist reportedly got his stage name from Anthony Kiedis who took note of his friend’s energetic movement and behavior. Thus, a great stage name was born!
• Nikki Sixx

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• Bob Dylan

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  Born Robert Zimmerman, the iconic singer-songwriter dubbed himself Bob Dylan in a nod to poet Dylan Thomas.

• Meatloaf

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  Marvin Lee Aday got the nickname "Meat Loaf" from his high school football coach because of his size. Seems almost cruel, but we're pretty sure Meat Loaf had the last laugh.

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Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter

Category:

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• Music

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Gene Simmons,KISS