NEWS
Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons, the sons of KISS’ Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, have recorded 10 songs together.
The pair recently shared photos with fans on Instagram showing themselves beside recording equipment as they performed as yet unheard material. Taking to his account last Saturday (February 22), Evan Stanley – the son of KISS singer and guitarist Paul Stanley – wrote: “One song turned into 10 real quick.”
Another post featured Evan and Nick performing an original track with guitarist Jacob Bunton, which Paul Stanley called “magic!!!” while Nick’s sister Sophie joked “we want the album” in the comments. Bunton has also been writing with the duo, although it remains unclear if an actual album will materialise.
It’s not the first time the pair have joined forces. Last December they shared a cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘The Sound of Silence’, prompting the elder Simmons to say their acoustic rendition was “amazing”.
Meanwhile, Simmons recently responded to those who criticised his involvement in the recent Ronald Reagan biopic. The bassist and singer recorded a cover of Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler’s 1933 standard ‘Stormy Weather’ for Reagan, which was directed by Sean McNamara and released in the US last August.
The film, which stars Dennis Quaid as the former President, as well as Penelope Ann Miller, Jon Voight, Mena Suvari and Creed frontman Scott Stapp as Frank Sinatra, received mostly negative reviews, and in an interview last year, Simmons hit back at anyone that took issue with his involvement.
During an appearance on Bill O’Reilly’s No Spin News, he was asked if he had received any pushback from his role in the movie. “How do I say this as nicely as I can? I don’t give a squat.”
In other KISS news, the band paid tribute to their late collaborator Karl Cochran last week, taking to Instagram to write: “Our dear friend Karl Cochran was killed in a car accident on Feb. 19th.
“Karl was a vocalist and guitarist extraordinaire who suffered a massive stroke but never stopped fighting to make his way back. He was loved by our fans worldwide through his appearances worldwide and was a constant inspiration as our guest on our KISS Kruises. Our deep condolences to Geri and family.”
Zara Larsson has indicated that she may have cancelled her December 3 appearance at the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The singer initially confirmed that she would not attend, before removing the comment and sharing a more detailed explanation of why the performance no longer feels right for her.
The Swedish star was scheduled to take the stage at Etihad Live on Yas Island during the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. Zara and Lewis Capaldi were due to launch the weekend’s entertainment. However, supporters encouraged her to reconsider the booking because of concerns surrounding the United Arab Emirates’ reported connections to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary organisation accused of committing atrocities during the nation’s civil conflict.
A fan commented: “Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show!” Zara responded: “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi.” Fans later realised that both comments had been removed.
She then shared that she had been considering what it means for her, as an artist, to perform in particular countries.
The Midnight Sun singer explained: “I think about that a lot in my life as an artist… I wanna perform and spread joy and music for people in every country, because no single person is their government.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people from every corner of the world and I know this to be true in my heart. I love people, and I love my fans soooo much.”
Zara acknowledged that her original comment “maybe came off as an impulsive response,” but explained that she had given the booking serious thought. She now believes withdrawing is the decision that “aligns with me the most right now, for many different personal reasons beyond politics.”
She continued: “Maybe I’ll delete both comments and do a better statement soon. I hope to sing with you in the beautiful future!”
