Paul Stanley's Son and Nick Simmons Launch Musical Collaboration

The two musicians will perform their first live shows as Stanley Simmons in California next month.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:42pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of shimmering, reflective glass shards in dramatic studio lighting, conveying the glamour and energy of a new musical collaboration.The musical partnership between Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons promises to bring a fresh, folk-inspired sound to the legacies of their famous rock star fathers.San Diego Today

Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons, sons of Kiss legends Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, will perform their first live shows as Stanley Simmons in California next month. The duo have known each other since childhood, but only began working together in February 2025, creating an album's worth of material that draws from roots, Americana, and folk traditions rather than their fathers' hard rock sound.

Why it matters

The collaboration between the two musicians, who come from famous rock music families, is noteworthy as they have chosen to pursue a different musical style than their fathers' bands. Their debut album is being produced by veteran producer Rob Cavallo, further adding to the anticipation around their new project.

The details

What started as a plan to record one song became a full album's worth of material for Stanley Simmons. Their music features an acoustic, folk-influenced sound, as evidenced by the release of singles like "Body Down" and "Dancing While the World is Ending." The band has not yet confirmed a title or release date for their debut album.

  • In February 2025, Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons began working together on music.
  • Stanley Simmons released their debut single "Body Down" in December 2025.
  • The band released their second single "Dancing While the World is Ending" in March 2026.
  • Stanley Simmons will perform their first live shows in California starting on May 4, 2026.

The players

Evan Stanley

The son of Kiss legend Paul Stanley, Evan is one half of the musical duo Stanley Simmons.

Nick Simmons

The son of Kiss co-founder Gene Simmons, Nick is the other half of the musical duo Stanley Simmons.

Rob Cavallo

A veteran producer who has worked with acts like Green Day, Fleetwood Mac, and Paramore, and has signed on to produce the debut album by Stanley Simmons.

Paul Stanley

The co-founder of the band Kiss and father of Evan Stanley, who has praised the music created by Stanley Simmons.

Gene Simmons

The co-founder of the band Kiss and father of Nick Simmons, who is part of the musical duo Stanley Simmons.

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What they’re saying

“A year ago Stanley Simmons wasn't even the beginning of a thought in either of our heads. Now it's pretty much all of them.”

— Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons, Musicians

“Nick and Evan have basically known each other their [whole] lives, but didn't really get close until the last year where they said, 'Oh, let's try singing or writing.' Their album, which I've heard, is frigging phenomenal. I mean, it's as good as anything I've heard in the last three or four decades.”

— Paul Stanley

What’s next

Stanley Simmons will kick off their first live shows on May 4, 2026 in San Diego, California.

The takeaway

The collaboration between Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons, the sons of two iconic rock musicians, represents an intriguing musical evolution as they explore a folk-influenced sound distinct from their fathers' hard rock roots. Their debut album, produced by the veteran Rob Cavallo, is highly anticipated by fans eager to hear this new musical direction.