AceShowbiz - The International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) announced that Gene Simmons, bassist and co-founder of KISS, will receive the IEBA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2026. The honor will be presented during the IEBA 2026 Honors & Awards Ceremony on October 6 at The Pinnacle Nashville, concluding the association’s 56th annual conference.

IEBA, a nonprofit trade organization founded in 1970, represents over 2,200 live entertainment professionals involved in talent buying, booking, and promotion. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose vision and influence have made a lasting impact on the live entertainment industry. IEBA Executive Director Brian Wagner emphasized that Simmons exemplifies the award’s purpose through his groundbreaking approach to live music spectacle, branding, and touring innovations that shaped generations of artists and professionals.

Gene Simmons helped transform KISS into a global live entertainment phenomenon by blending theatrical performances with strategic business acumen. The band’s innovative shows and branding efforts set new standards for venue relationships and fan engagement. Beyond music, Simmons also has acting credits including Runaway, Wanted: Dead or Alive, and Third Watch, reflecting his multifaceted career in entertainment.

This award highlights Simmons’ enduring influence on live entertainment, underscoring how his pioneering model of combining music and spectacle continues to inspire the industry. The IEBA Honors & Awards Ceremony also will induct Chubby Checker and Gil Cunningham into its Hall of Fame, celebrating those who have shaped live performance culture worldwide.