Iconic rock band Kiss likely to perform at AFL Grand Final

Cult status 1970s rock band Kiss is set to take centre stage at the AFL Grand Final, after Kylie Minogue and Crowded House pulled out.

Masked crusaders Kiss are set to be confirmed as special guest performers at the AFL Grand Final after two high profile cancellations left the league high and dry.

Kiss, fronted by Paul Stanley and Blues fan Gene Simmons, made themselves available to rock the MCG after Kylie Minogue and Crowded House pulled out of the plum gig.

Promoter Andrew McManus pitched the AFL opportunity to Stanley and Simmons earlier this month. The duo agreed to come to Melbourne if they were needed.

McManus had no comment on the latest developments on Friday.

Kiss is very likely to be the band that will rock the AFL Grand Final. Picture: Getty Images

Gene Simmons at a Carlton vs Collingwood game at the MCG last year. Picture: Michael Klein

But sources told Page 13 that Kiss have got the call up, and will perform at the MCG on September 30. The supergroup is also playing a farewell show in Sydney on October 7.

Their pitch to AFL officials included changing the lyrics of the signature song Rock and Roll All Nite to Rock and Roll All Day to suit the afternoon event.

They could also perform on the ground with a full fire and white pyrotechnics production to ensure the explosions can be seen in daylight.

It is believed Stanley was also open to flying to centre stage on a zip-line, which is part of Kiss’ arena and stadium shows.

The band, 50 years strong and doing a farewell lap of the globe, will retire after two shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden on December 1 and 2.

The AFL will announce its Grand Final entertainment program in September.

Meanwhile, rapper Eminem’s Australian tour promoter Paul Dainty says he’s in talks to convince Slim Shady to do stadiums shows in 2024.

“Nothing is locked in, there are no dates or venues yet, but we’re hoping,” Dainty told Page 13. “We are in talks.”

The mission to get Shady to please stand up on Aussie stages would further boost a summer of superstar stadium shows including The Weeknd, Paul McCartney, Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Foo Fighters, Pink and Taylor Swift.