Ronnie Younkins Says KIX's Final Concert Is Bittersweet But 'Long Time Coming'

KIX announced its retirement decades after its debut.

Since it started its career in 1977, KIX rebranded itself several times before it reached its current name. It initially called the group Shooze before adapting The Generators and The Baltimore Cocks.

But after going through a lot, the band formally announced its split.

Ronnie Younkins Says KIX's Disbandment Is "Long Time Coming"

Before the members formally part ways, KIX will hold its final concert on Sep. 17 at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. Its guitarist, Ronnie Younkins, revealed why the breakup had been expected for a long time and called the final concert bittersweet.

In an interview with Tulsa Music Stream, he shared that he and the bandmates saw the signs of KIX's impending decision to call it a career. He said that a couple of members already expressed their desire to stop traveling.

"With Jimmy's [Chalfant], the drummer's health condition, and most people know that he's had some heart problems, cardiovascular," he said. "I think topped off with that, it's time for the final show to come."

Younkins expressed how sad it is that KIX's career will end soon; however, he added that they do not want to see Chalfant suffer more amid his health battles.

As the bandmate has been busy playing songs on the Monsters of Rock cruise, Younkins shared how glad he is to see him again as he reportedly always knew he would be out to play again.

Ronnie Younkins To Join KIX

In the past years before KIX announced its final concert, Younkins kept himself away from the spotlight due to his legal trouble related to his alcoholism. But with the band's upcoming final show, he confirmed that he would play with his bandmates again.

He disclosed that he, Brian, and Bob will play guitar together and perform "something cool" for fans.

KIX singer Steve Whiteman previously revealed to Metal Edge that KIX's decision to call it quits looked sudden, but he reportedly planned it for over a year and shared it with his bandmates.

The final concert will end KIX's 45 years of non-stop rock shows and concerts. The band was able to share a number of studio albums, including "Cool Kids," "Blow My Fuse," "Hot Wire," and "Rock Your Face Off."