GENE SIMMONS: 'I Can't Get PAUL STANLEY To Come Out' To Any Of 'The Vault' Events

Gene Simmons says that he hasn't been able to get his KISS bandmate Paul Stanley to come out to any of his "Vault" events.

For the last three months, the KISS bassist/vocalist has has been traveling around the U.S., personally delivering copies of his limited-edition box set, "Gene Simmons - The Vault Experience: 1966-2016", to buyers. The set, including a ticket to one of the "Vault" gatherings, costs $2,000, with the most expensive version going for $50,000.

Although Simmons has been joined by several of his current and former bandmates at various "The Vault" events so far, there has been no sign of his KISS partner Paul Stanley.

During the March 25 "Vault" event in New York City, Gene addressed Paul's absence, telling the attendees (see video below): "Along the way, some of our friends and family members who started the band with us came by to say hello to wonderful folks like you. Ace [Frehley, original KISS guitarist] has been to three of the 'Vault' events — Los Angeles and a few others. Ace, by the way, is gonna be opening up for the GENE SIMMONS BAND when we do five shows in Australia. He's gonna be using my back-up band and we're just gonna have a great time. He'll play 'Ozone' and lots of other crazy stuff. And Peter Criss [original KISS drummer] came by yesterday, in case you didn't hear. Vinnie Vincent [former KISS guitarist] is gonna be in Nashville. Paul Stanley, I can't get him to come out yet, but we'll see. Maybe I'll get him some paint brushes," apparently referring to the fact that Stanley has been spending much of his time painting and exhibiting his original artwork at various galleries around the country. Simmons added: "The thing we do is tease each other. Tommy [Thayer, current KISS guitarist] and Eric [Singer, current KISS drummer] came to Los Angeles. Bruce Kulick's [former KISS guitarist] been out. Of course, he likes to go out anywhere."

A few years ago, Simmons told Classic Rock magazine about his relationship with Stanley: "Paul is the soul of KISS and I'm… the cock. Paul is much more emotional, and I'm drier. Paul will go see romantic movies, I'll throw up at them." Singer offered his own perspective, telling the magazine: "Gene loves the sound of his own voice, we all know that. But nothing happens in KISS unless Paul Stanley says it does."

KISS fans recently speculated that the band would soon embark on a farewell tour following the news that the legendary rock act was attempting to trademark the phrase "The End Of The Road." An application from KISS was filed on February 8 to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which — should it be accepted — means that the band could use it in connection with "live performances by a musical band." As it stands now, no official farewell tour has been announced.