Francis Stueber, who was a guitar tech for Kiss since 2002, unfortunately died of COVID earlier this month. Since then, Kiss crew members have accused the band of not being strict enough with their COVID protocol. One roadie told Rolling Stone that "I couldn't believe how unsafe it was, and that we were still going. We'd been frustrated for weeks, and by the time Fran died, I just thought, 'You have to be fucking kidding me.'"
Kiss responded in that same article, saying they were plenty safe and there is no foolproof way to avoid folks getting sick.
"We are profoundly heartbroken at the loss of Francis, he was a friend and colleague of 20 years, there is no way to replace him. Millions of people have lost someone special to this horrific virus and we encourage everyone to get vaccinated. Please protect yourself and your loved ones.
"Our 'End Of The Road' world tour absolutely had COVID safety protocols in place that met, but most often exceeded, federal, state, and local guidelines. But ultimately this is still a global pandemic and there is simply no foolproof way to tour without some element of risk."
Stueber was 52 years old and had worked for Heart, The Offspring, and REO Speedwagon in the past.
