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It’s not every day that you can see a lead member of megarock group KISS perform in the Modesto region.
But that day is coming up at Ironstone Amphitheatre in Murphys.
Knowns as “The Demon” in his KISS days, Gene Simmons, co-founder and co-frontman of the iconic, explosive group will play 6:30 p.m. July 18 at the Mother Lode venue, performing with his own band.
He’s on a hard rock concert bill along with Sebastian Bach (original lead singer of Skid Row), Lita Ford and Quiet Riot.
“The show brings together four iconic names in rock for an electrifying evening of legendary hits, unmistakable voices and high-voltage performances,” the venue’s website says.
A story on phillyburbs.com notes that Simmons is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors.
“Gene Simmons Band delivers a high-energy rock show led by the legendary KISS co-founder ...,” the story says. “Backed by an elite group of musicians, the band performs iconic hits and fan-favorite classics with the larger-than-life stage presence Simmons is known for. From timeless rock anthems to powerhouse musicianship, Gene Simmons Band brings an unforgettable concert experience to every crowd.”
Simmons isn’t the only larger-than-life icon to play Ironstone. In 2024, Former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant performed there with his longtime collaborator, bluegrass singer and fiddler Alison Krauss.
Coincidentally, Krauss will return to Ironstone this year, with her group Union Station.
The 2026 season lineup at Ironstone so far also is made up of pop hitmakers Air Supply, Little River Band with John Waite (Aug. 7); country singer Kane Brown (Aug. 16); and Krauss (Aug. 28).
Tickets are now on sale for the Simmons/hard rock artists show: $68.35 for lawn seating; $110.50-$188.40 for general seating; and $228-$358.85 for general seating with a buffet meal.
Ironstone Amphitheatre is at 1896 6 Mile Road in Murphys. For tickets and more, see ironstoneamphitheatre.net/wired.
