KISS Announces Reunion Tour in 1996

The iconic rock band's original members reunite for a successful world tour.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:30pm

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A minimalist, abstract illustration featuring sharp, angular black silhouettes of the KISS band members' iconic makeup and costumes, set against a high-contrast background of solid red and white geometric shapes, capturing the band's dramatic visual style.KISS's legendary 1996 reunion tour captivated fans with the band's signature high-energy stage show and bold, theatrical imagery.Today in Detroit

On April 16, 1996, the four original members of the legendary rock band KISS - Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley - held a press conference aboard the USS Intrepid in New York City to announce they were reuniting for a tour. The Alive/Worldwide tour that followed sold out in just 47 minutes and grossed $43.6 million over 192 shows from 1996 to 1997.

Why it matters

KISS's reunion was a major event for music fans, as the band's original lineup had not performed together since 1979. The successful tour proved the enduring popularity of the iconic group and their signature makeup and stage show.

The details

The KISS reunion tour kicked off on June 28, 1996 in Detroit and wrapped up on July 5, 1997. The band released another album, Psycho Circus, in 1998 before embarking on a farewell tour in 2000. While the original four members eventually left the group again, KISS founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons continued to tour with the band, wrapping up what they said would be the final KISS tour in New York City in December 2023.

  • On April 16, 1996, KISS held a press conference to announce their reunion tour.
  • The Alive/Worldwide tour kicked off on June 28, 1996 in Detroit.
  • The reunion tour wrapped up on July 5, 1997 after 192 shows.
  • KISS released the album Psycho Circus in 1998.
  • KISS embarked on a farewell tour in March 2000.

The players

Paul Stanley

One of the founding members of KISS and the band's rhythm guitarist and co-lead vocalist.

Gene Simmons

One of the founding members of KISS and the band's bassist and co-lead vocalist.

Peter Criss

The original drummer for KISS, who rejoined the band for the reunion tour.

Ace Frehley

The original lead guitarist for KISS, who also rejoined the band for the reunion tour.

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The takeaway

KISS's reunion tour in 1996 was a major milestone for the iconic band, proving their enduring popularity and the demand from fans to see the original lineup perform together again. The successful tour paved the way for further reunions and tours over the next two decades.