(L-R): Philip Shrouse, Gene Simmons and Ryan Cook / Photo by: Chad Lee PhotographyRumors started circulating early last week amongst the inner musical circle of Nashville that Gene Simmons would be playing Mercy Lounge on January 23, 2018, at a previously unscheduled jam event known as Thee Rock n’ Roll Residency. It seemed completely plausible given that three members of Simmons’ first-ever solo touring band make up TRnRR, which has become known as the hottest jam in Music City on a Tuesday night since its debut in April of 2013.
But, secrets in the music industry are about as safe as a horny, drunk groupie with rockstar wife dreams on a tour bus. And so it goes…that by the time this article by Nashville Scene hit the internet at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, people were heading out to line up for the chance to see “the man” himself – for free – in a venue that has a 500-person capacity (and that is pushing it). By the time doors opened at 8:30 p.m. the line was blocks long, with an estimated 1000+ people all hoping to get in.
The lucky folks that made it inside Mercy Lounge were ecstatic by the mere presence of Simmons watching his fellow bandmates (Gene Simmons Band) during their first set from side stage. If Philip Shouse (guitar), Ryan Cook (guitar), Jeremy Asbrock (guitar) and Brent Fitz (drums) were nervous to have “the boss” at their regular gig, it did not show at any point during the evening.
The crowd welcomed Simmons with eardrum-splitting applause as he stepped onstage during the second set and played KISS classics “Deuce” and “Shout It Out Loud.” Check out the video of “Deuce” shot by Chad Lee Photography…
It was a wondrous sight to see a musician such as Gene Simmons show up to not only support the guys in his band but get up and rock with them as well for a few songs in an “asses to elbows” packed venue – for free. You can love him or you can hate him, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t get much cooler than that.
(L-R): Jeremy Asbrock, Philip Shouse, Gene Simmons, Ryan Cook, Brent Fitz
Main Photo and Video Credit: Chad Lee Photography
