I just found out that Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons, the sons of KISS legends Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, have dropped a music video for their single “Cold” and I’m not sure how to feel about it. I mean, I’ve heard of nepotism, but this is on a whole different level. The duo, who call themselves STANLEY SIMMONS (because, why not?), have been making music together since 2025, and their debut album “Dancing While The World Is Ending” was released on August 28. Because, you know, the world is ending and we need more music to distract us from the impending doom.
The album features 12 tracks, including “Body Down”, “Dancing While The World Is Ending”, “Starve The Beast”, and “Cold”, which is the song that got the fancy music video treatment. I’m not going to lie, I’m a little curious about what kind of music these two have come up with. I mean, they’ve got some big shoes to fill, what with their dads being rock legends and all. But hey, maybe they’ll surprise us and create something actually good. A metalhead can dream, right?
The Backstory
So, apparently, Evan and Nick have been friends since childhood, but they never really thought about making music together until 2025, when they decided to give it a shot. And, according to them, the chemistry was instant. They started writing songs and, before they knew it, they had a whole album’s worth of material. They even got legendary producer Rob Cavallo to produce their debut album and manage them. Because, you know, when you’re the sons of KISS rockers, you can get anyone you want to work with.
But, of course, not everyone is happy about STANLEY SIMMONS’ rise to fame. Some people are accusing them of using their famous parents to get ahead in the music industry. And, honestly, it’s hard to blame them. I mean, it’s not like they’re trying to hide their connection to KISS or anything. They’re literally using their dads’ last names as their band name. It’s like they’re trying to make it easy for people to figure out who they are and why they should care.
The Music
So, what kind of music can we expect from STANLEY SIMMONS? According to Evan, they’re influenced by rootsy Americana folk, which is… interesting. I mean, it’s not exactly what I’d expect from the sons of KISS rockers, but hey, maybe they’re trying to forge their own path. Nick added that they’re excited to make music that’s just stripped down and rootsy, without any of the theatrics that their dads are known for. Because, you know, that’s exactly what the world is missing: more acoustic guitars and less face paint.
In a recent interview, Paul Stanley (Evan’s dad) said that STANLEY SIMMONS’ album is “frigging phenomenal” and that it’s “as good as anything I’ve heard in the last three or four decades”. Which, you know, is a pretty bold statement. But hey, maybe he’s just being a proud papa. He also dismissed accusations of nepotism, saying that if STANLEY SIMMONS sucks, they’ll fall on their face, and that it’s okay to take advantage of having some sort of familiarity in the music industry.
And, honestly, I’m a little torn about this whole thing. On the one hand, I want to support new music and give these guys a chance. On the other hand, I’m not sure if I’m ready for a world where the sons of KISS rockers are making music that’s… not exactly what I’d expect from the sons of KISS rockers. I mean, what’s next? The sons of Metallica starting a boy band? 🤣
In conclusion, STANLEY SIMMONS is a thing, and they’re making music that’s… different. And, hey, maybe it’s good, maybe it’s bad, but at least it’s something new. So, if you’re feeling adventurous, go ahead and give their music video for “Cold” a watch. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you 🤪.
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
