Gene Simmons Nearly Falls During Platform Malfunction In Tampa [Video]

KISS bassist and vocalist Gene Simmons almost fell off his platform when it malfunctioned at the start of the band’s concert in Tampa, FL at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre on Saturday (10/9).

Simmons, Tommy Thayer, and Paul Stanley all descended from the rafters on their individual platforms as the band kicked off their show with the 1978 hit “Detroit Rock City”. Things got out of hand quite quickly, however, when Simmons’ platform malfunctioned on the way down.

As Gene was about 6-8 feet above the ground, his platform suddenly tilted to one side, nearly throwing the bassist off the side. Simmons quickly realized what had happened and moved to the high end of the platform to regain his balance. After a few seconds, the stage crew evened out Simmons’ platform while he hung on to the suspension wire. His bandmates left their platforms while Simmons’ went down as far as it could, forcing him to jump off a couple feet from the ground, all while playing his bass to the opening tune.

Despite his understandable nerves, Simmons continued the song with all of the energy you’d expect from KISS’ bassist, much to the joy of the Tampa crowd.

This situation is eerily similar to that experienced by Phish‘s Trey Anastasio, who found himself stuck above the Madison Square Garden crowd for more than 30 minutes during their New Year’s Eve performance back in 2019. Luckily for Simmons, this ordeal only lasted a few seconds. Check out the video below, starting at the 1:05 mark.

KISS – “Detroit Rock City” – 10/9/21

[Video: Chris C]

In other KISS news, the band will continue their world tour this week with shows in Burgettstown, PA (10/13), Clarkston, MI (10/15), and Tinley Park, IL (10/16). Head here for tickets and more information.