Kiss guitarist starts new band

Tommy Thayer has launched Shogun Mojo with Dan Reed, but isn't trying to compete with Kiss. Their self-titled debut album drops November 6.

“I'm not starting Shogun Mojo thinking, 'How do we compete with that?' You can't.”

Kiss still recording new music

Despite ending their touring chapter, Kiss recorded a new song written by Paul Stanley. Thayer will perform at the second annual Landlocked in Vegas event this fall.

“Kiss may have stopped touring, but that doesn't mean things have stopped happening.”

How Shogun Mojo came together

Thayer reconnected with Dan Reed in Prague, where his daughter lives. They started jamming in Reed's home studio for fun and discovered they had something special.

“It's exciting to walk into a room without any preconceived idea of what something has to sound like.”

Black 'N Blue and Kiss shaped him

Thayer developed as a guitarist and songwriter in Black 'N Blue, then spent over 20 years in Kiss learning what makes great rock songs. He prioritizes riffs and memorable solos.

“I've always been a song guy first. The riff is everything, the solo has to be memorable.”

Dan Reed brings funk influence

Reed contributes rhythmic, funky elements while Thayer brings straight-ahead hard rock. Reed is a Van Halen enthusiast, and their styles blend naturally.

First songs built collaboratively

Tracks like Gonna Raise Hell came from Thayer and Reed throwing ideas around in Prague, building on riffs and grooves together rather than arriving with finished songs.

Rhythm section adds dimension

Bandmates Bengt and Ikiz form an incredible rhythm section that brings a cool funk element to the record. Under the Gun exemplifies this blend of rock guitar and groove.

Balancing both bands is manageable

Kiss no longer does 100 shows a year, leaving Thayer time for Shogun Mojo. He plans selected European shows to keep them special rather than extensive touring.

Music industry has transformed

The record business changed dramatically since Kiss started. People stream rather than buy albums, and royalty structures haven't caught up with streaming. Legislation in Congress may help address this.

“It's a bummer. It's really hurt that side of the business, particularly for the people creating music.”

Kiss makes events, not just records

Kiss believes in making things feel special and having a reason for existing. Any new Kiss album must be an event, not just another release.

“You don't make another Kiss record just because you're supposed to make another Kiss record.”

Landlocked Vegas feels different

Playing Kiss songs thousands of times means they're deeply embedded in Thayer. The Vegas event feels like a celebration with fans from around the world, not a tour stop.

Destroyer at 50 years old

Destroyer's 50th anniversary marks a record bigger than an album. Thayer never imagined playing Detroit Rock City with Kiss as a kid listening to the album.

“Think about that, you're a kid listening to your records, dreaming, and years later you're in the band playing those songs.”

Bob Ezrin's production was ambitious

Producer Bob Ezrin took Kiss somewhere different on Destroyer, creating massive rock songs and ambitious arrangements like Beth that pushed the band's boundaries.

Shogun Mojo plans European dates

Thayer wants to play live but not tour extensively. Selected European shows in spring make sense because the band is already connected there.

More surprises coming soon

Thayer is spending more time in Europe and getting creatively involved there. He'll be a featured guest at Kiss's 50 Years event in Düsseldorf on October 30, with more announcements ahead.

“I'm enjoying having the freedom to follow things that excite me creatively right now.”