Sons of Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons Defend Naming Their Band Stanley Simmons

Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons, sons of KISS members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, defended the name of their collaborative musical project Stanley Simmons during an episode of SoundExchange’s “Sound Advice” content series. The two addressed suggestions that the name leans on their famous fathers, explaining instead that it simply reflects how quickly the project came together.

Evan Stanley said the band came together fast, noting the pair wrote their first song, “Temporary Love,” on February 3, 2024, and had formed as a band by around February 14, 2024. He said naming the project after themselves was a natural choice given precedent set by acts like Crosby, Stills & Nash and Simon & Garfunkel, who also performed under their own names.

Nick Simmons added Hall & Oates and Jimmy Page’s post-Led Zeppelin project Coverdale-Page as further examples of musicians using their real names for a band. He said he never intended the name to read as “leaning into the dads,” pointing out that Simmons is simply his last name.

Evan Stanley said fame by association is unavoidable no matter what career someone chooses, joking that even if he were a landscaper, people would attribute his skill to growing up around his father’s KISS lifestyle. Nick Simmons said he does not want to escape or rely on his family name, calling it “the least interesting thing about me,” and said he welcomes the band being judged as harshly as any new act would be.

Nick Simmons said performers connected to show business only last if their work holds up, citing Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie as examples of people who “stick around” because they deliver good work. Evan Stanley said all art ultimately depends on market demand, adding that a name might draw a listener in once, but fans will not keep listening to something ten times just because of who is behind it.

Stanley Simmons’ Debut Album and Tour

Stanley Simmons’ debut album, “Dancing While The World Is Ending,” is scheduled for release on August 28, 2026. The 12-track record has so far produced six singles: “Body Down,” the title track “Dancing While The World Is Ending,” “Temporary Love,” “Cellophane,” “Don’t Leave Me Here Like That,” and “Lilith.”

Producer Rob Cavallo, known for his work with Green Day, Fleetwood Mac, Paramore, My Chemical Romance and Dave Matthews, signed on to produce the album and also serves as the duo’s manager.

Stanley Simmons made its live debut on May 4 at the House of Blues Voodoo Room in San Diego, California. The band’s first-ever U.S. tour is scheduled to begin September 14, 2026 in Dallas, Texas, and conclude November 3, 2026 in West Hollywood, California.