Gene Simmons of KISS will try to succeed where so many others have failed: Staging a music festival in Canada. UPDATE: First acts announced

Staging a music festival in Canada is a hideously difficult thing. So many have tried and so many have failed. Roxodus. Virgin Music Festival. Edgefest. Riot Fest. Pemberton. The list goes on.

However, Gene Simmons of KISS things he has the secret sauce.

Simmons has teamed up with Chuck Varabioff, a Canadian promoter, to create Titans of Rock, which is envisioned as a classic rock series. The first event is set for Grand Forks, British Columbia, August 6-8, 2020.

Where? It’s right along the border with Washington State, about 500 km east of Vancouver and 200 km south of Kelowna. Population: 4,000. Gene will personally host the whole thing.

UPDATE: The first tranche of performers has been announced:

  • 5440
  • Our Lady Peace
  • Starship
  • Three Dog Night
  • Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings

More to come, apparently. Watch this space.

Gene says in the press release “I have been working on the Titans of Rock festival concept for many years,” said Simmons. “Our goal is to provide classic rock fans with a one-of- a-kind, immersive, three-day experience featuring legendary names in a venue where they can celebrate their love of rock with other fans.”

Some of the proceeds will benefit local charities and Habitat for Humanity. And there will be a collectible car auction to boot.

Tickets will be $150 per day or $300 for the weekend. And those are Canadian dollars, by the way.

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