According to a new report published by Rolling Stone a judge is urging KISS legends Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, music manager Doc McGhee, and KISS' touring company to consider settling a lawsuit brought by the famed band’s longtime wig stylist over alleged mistreatment on tour.
The lawsuit, first filed in February 2023, alleges KISS deprived plaintiff David Mathews of overtime wages and adequate breaks, and then wrongfully terminated him in 2022 after he voiced concerns about the band’s COVID protocols surrounding pandemic-era shows. After nearly two years of wrangling, a trial is set to begin on January 22, 2025.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Armen Tamzarian addressed the lawyers on both side during the Friday hearing, saying:
"The first time I saw this lawsuit, it was clear both sides had very serious risks. If this goes to trial, it would not surprise me if Mr. Mathews got nothing. It would not surprise me if he made a big pot of money. This is the kind of case any rational person would settle. There’s big risk this could swing dramatically one way or the other. This is a tough case for plaintiff to win, but if he wins, there are deep, deep pockets there, and there could be a big result."
It wasn’t clear Friday when Judge Tamzarian might issue his ruling. The final status conference remained set for January 6, 2025, two weeks before the scheduled trial.
Read the complete report here.
Gene Simmons Band, the touring act around KISS singer/bassist, Gene Simmons, have announced a string of 2025 tour dates. The dates for the shows can be found below, and tickets are available via genesimmons.com.
2025 tour dates:
April
28 - The Moon - Tallahassee, FL
May
3 - Beaver Dam Amphitheater - Beaver Dam, KY
5 - Basie - Red Bank, NJ
22 - House Of Blues - Dallas, TX
24 - House Of Blues - Houston, TX
Simmons is featured on the soundtrack for the 2024 film, Regan, performing the jazz standard, "Stormy Weather", written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler. The official video for the song can be found below.
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