Classic rock legends’ sons to perform at iconic guitarist’s Alabama concert

For decades, blues icon Buddy Guy has served as a touchstone for rock royalty, influencing legends from Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton to Jimmy Page. The guitarist’s legacy remains vibrant today, drawing admiration from modern torchbearers like Kirk Hammett, John Mayer, and Gary Clark Jr.

A New Generation Takes the Stage

Guy, known for staples like "Stone Crazy" and "Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues," recently appeared in the 2025 film "Sinners." This year, his influence reaches the next generation as Stanley Simmons—a folk-rock outfit led by Evan Stanley and Nick Simmons, sons of Kiss icons Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons—prepares to support him.

The duo will share the stage with Guy on May 27 at the Renaissance Shoals Hotel Ballroom in Florence. They will be part of an all-star lineup backing Guy, which features Athens-based producer and keyboardist Kelvin Wooten, a frequent collaborator on major hit records.

Musical Connections

In a recent Instagram video, Nick Simmons expressed his excitement about performing in Muscle Shoals. Evan Stanley added that the event will be a "really good day of music," featuring acts like Robert Randolph, John Paul White, and the Blind Boys of Alabama. The bill also includes backing vocalist Chantel Haynes, who has toured with the Rolling Stones, and multi-instrumentalist Tom Hambridge.

Forging Their Own Path

While their fathers are Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Stanley and Simmons are cultivating a distinct sound. Their singles, including “Dancing While the World is Ending,” “Temporary Love,” and “Body Down,” lean into Americana and classic rock influences. According to a four-star Classic Rock magazine review, the pair is already proving they can stand without the weight of their family legacy.

Regarding the project's origins, Evan Stanley told Guitar World that the collaboration grew naturally from jamming together after he moved back to Los Angeles. Both Gene and Paul Stanley have publicly praised the project. In an interview with Blabbermouth, Paul Stanley dismissed nepotism concerns, noting, "If you suck, you’ll fall on your face."

Looking ahead, Stanley Simmons is set to release their debut album, "Dancing While the World is Ending," on August 28, according to Ultimate Classic Rock. Produced by Rob Cavallo—known for his work with Goo Goo Dolls, Green Day, and Paramore—the record marks the latest chapter for a duo following in the footsteps of famous musical families like the Hank Williams dynasty, Nelson, Miley Cyrus, and Wolfgang Van Halen.

The upcoming show also continues the deep history between Kiss and Alabama. From the pyrotechnics work of Huntsville's Luna Tech in the ‘70s to Paul Stanley's recent praise of Decatur artist Lamont Landers, the state remains a meaningful touchpoint for the legendary rock outfit.