KISS Postpones Dates After Simmons Tests Positive For COVID; Doobie Brothers Postpone Gigs

Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons
Michael Ochs Archive / Getty Images – Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons

KISS has good news and bad news. Although it’s a relief to hear that Paul Stanley has recovered after being diagnosed with COVID-19, the rockers announced Tuesday that they are being forced to postpone more tour dates because Gene Simmons has now tested positive. Meanwhile, the Doobie Brothers are pushing back a handful of gigs after a member tested positive with COVID.  

Stanley tweeted Aug. 30, “My COVID symptoms were MILD compared to many others and let me tell you… It kicked my ass. It’s over now.”

KISS had previously rescheduled its Aug. 26 show at The Pavilion at Star Lake in Burgettstown, Pa., and Aug. 27 show at the Coastal Credit Union Music Park in Raleigh, N.C.
The band posted the following statement on its social channels Tuesday: “KISS will postpone their next four tour dates. While Paul Stanley recently tweeted that he has recovered from COVID, Gene Simmons has now tested positive and is experiencing mild symptoms. The band and crew will remain at home and isolate for the next 10 days and doctors have indicated the tour should be able to resume on September 9th at FivePoint Amphitheatre in Irvine, CA. All previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new dates once announced. More information will be emailed to ticketholders directly.”
Last week’s statement from KISS said that the entire band and crew are fully vaccinated. The statement noted, “The band and their crew have operated in a bubble independently to safeguard everyone as much as possible at each show and in between shows. The tour also has a COVID safety protocol officer on staff full-time that is ensuring everyone is closely following all CDC guidelines.”
Postponed KISS tour dates: 
Sept. 1: Clarkston, Mich., DTE Energy Music Theatre  
Sept. 2: Dayton, Ohio, Wright State University Nutter Center
Sept. 4: Tinley Park, Ill., Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre 
Sept. 5: Milwaukee, Wis., American Family Insurance Amphitheater (Summerfest) 
The Doobie Brothers
 – The Doobie Brothers
As for the Doobie Brothers, the band kicked off its 50th anniversary tour Aug. 22 with a performance at the Iowa State Fair. The excursion – which was supposed to take place in 2020 – is extra special because it reunites the band with former member Michael McDonald, marking the first time he’s hit the road with founding members Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons and John McFee in more than 25 years. 
But on Tuesday night the band’s performance at the Minnesota State Fair in St. Paul, Minn., didn’t include McDonald. Minneapolis’ WCCO reported Tuesday that the “Doobies will still play at 7:30 p.m., but opening act Dirty Dozen Brass Band also won’t perform. No reason was given by officials for the absences.”
Early Wednesday the band announced via Twitter, “The Doobie Brothers will postpone their four upcoming shows as a member of the touring personnel has tested positive with COVID-19. The shows in Clarkston, Burgettstown, Toledo, and Cincinnati will be rescheduled and new dates will be announced shortly.”
The band’s next scheduled appearance is Sept. 9 in Cuyahoga, Ohio, at Blossom Music Center.
Postponed Doobie Brothers Tour Dates: 
September 2:  Clarkston, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre
September 4: Burgettstown, PA – KeyBank Pavilion
September 5 – Toledo, Ohio, Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre
September 8 – Cincinnati, Ohio, Riverbend Music Center
Reports submitted to Pollstar’s Boxoffice for the Doobie Brothers include a Nov. 20, 2019, show at DPAC / Durham Performing Arts Center in Durham, N.C., that sold 2,600 tickets and grossed $209,991.