Former W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes recently shared his thoughts on new-generation rock bands, specifically commenting on Stanley Simmons, the band formed by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley’s sons, Nick Simmons and Evan Stanley, during an appearance on Cassius Morris Official.
Holmes discussed the challenges new bands face today and expressed his hope that the members of Stanley Simmons do not replicate the behavior of their famous parents.
“What has been a new band that’s gone big in the last 10 years?” Holmes said. “There really hasn’t been any, has there? I’ve seen that [Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley’s sons’ band Stanley Simmons]. And I, you know, if those guys don’t end up being like their parents, they’ll be killer guys, you know.”
He also noted the financial advantages they have because of their family background while wishing them success.
“I just, you know, and they got, it’s, you know, they got money behind them because of their parents,” he continued. “Let’s hope maybe they’ll work for them. I hope the best for them, you know. I would normally say go f those guys, but I don’t. I hope the best for them, you know.”
Holmes went on to share his perspective on their musical style and his personal feelings about growing up with their parents.
“And I don’t consider their music really heavy metal,” Holmes added. “No, it’s more, it’s more pop. It’s not super hard rock. It’s more vocal stuff, you know, but it’s cool. It’s cool with their, you know, I would just not want to be them growing up with their parents, you know. The only thing I know is what I’ve seen the way their parents treat people. I didn’t like it, you know.”
He concluded by sharing his thoughts on their music and his own music-listening habits.
“But the music is not too bad,” he said. “I wouldn’t go out and buy it, but I don’t really buy music. I steal it off the internet [laughs].”
Holmes’ comments come as Stanley Simmons continues to establish its own identity outside the KISS legacy. The duo’s collaboration began after a December 2024 gathering led to an impromptu performance and later songwriting sessions.
The project has been described as a blend of indie rock, folk rock, and Americana rather than traditional heavy metal. Stanley Simmons is a modern folk-oriented project with nostalgic influences and a contemporary approach.
Stanley Simmons released its debut single, “Body Down,” in December 2025. The song introduced the duo’s folk and Americana direction and marked their first official release.
The band has since expanded its plans with a debut album titled Dancing While the World Is Ending. The album was scheduled for release on August 28, 2026, following a series of singles from the project.
Holmes brings his comments from a very different musical background. He became known as one of W.A.S.P.’s lead guitarists, playing with the heavy metal band from 1983 to 1990 and again from 1996 to 2001. His experience in the 1980s metal scene helps explain the contrast between his definition of heavy metal and Stanley Simmons’ more roots-oriented sound.
This commentary highlights the unique position of second-generation rock musicians in the modern music industry. While Nick Simmons and Evan Stanley benefit from their family connections, their music will ultimately be judged by how successfully they define Stanley Simmons on its own terms.
