KISS fans were left concerned for rock legend Gene Simmons after the star was taken ill while the band performed in Manaus, Brazil.
As reported by the Daily Mail, the 73-year-old music icon was forming with the rest of the facepaint-clad band as part of their End Of The Road World Tour on Thursday (April 13). However, the band's performance suddenly came to a halt mid-show when singer and guitarist Paul Stanley, 71, informed the crowd that Simmons was feeling unwell.
Fan footage later shared on social media shows Stanley appearing to tell the crowd: "Hold on, hold on... We're gonna have to stop."
Clearly concerned for his bandmate, Stanley continued: "We know how much you love Gene, and he's obviously sick. We're gonna have to stop to take care of him, because we love him, right?'"
Stanley then attempted to lift the bassist/singer's spirits by having the crowd yell his name: "Let's give Gene a really loud, 'Gene!'
"One, two, three — 'Gene!'"
After leaving the stage for around five minutes, Simmons returned to continue the show. However, he wasn't taking any chances, as he performed KISS' hit 'Say Yeah' while sitting down on a chair. Simmons also took it easy while taking a rest; opting to remain subdued and not try any over-the-top stage antics.
Fortunately, Simmons has stated that he is doing just fine now and the incident wasn't "a big deal" - simply a case of dehydration in the warm Brazillian climate.
Taking to Twitter to address his concerned fans, the rock legend wrote: "Hey everybody, thanks for the good wishes. I’m fine. Yesterday at Manaus Stadium in Brazil, experienced weakness because of dehydration. We stopped for about five minutes, I drank some water, and then all was well. Nothing serious. Tomorrow, Bogota Stadium. See you there!"
However, as more and more concerns circulated online, Simmons once again put his fans' minds at ease, writing: "Ok, kids. Not a big deal. Thanks for your kind wishes. Last night we played Amazon jungle Stadium/Brazil. Humidity and temperature were sky high. I was dehydrated and was forced to sit for a song. We got back on stage in 5 minutes & finished the show."
After sharing his update, Simmons was flooded with praise from fans, with one person writing: "I never know how you guys do all that you do!!"
A second supporter added: "I appreciate you and the band still performing. I’m glad you’re fine and take care."
The End of the Road World Tour is the band's final concert tour, and has been going since January 31, 2019 (but was delayed by the pandemic). The tour is set to conclude at Madison Square Garden in December 2024.
We certainly hope Simmons is feeling much better now - but what an incredible performer to continue with the show!
