The Starchild may have hung up the platform boots, but Tommy Thayer certainly isnโt slowing down.
Following the end of KISSโ legendary touring career, guitarist Tommy Thayer has officially unveiled his next musical adventure, teaming up with Dan Reed to form an exciting new rock outfit called Shogun Mojo.
The band has already signed with Frontiers Music Srl and confirmed that a debut studio album is on the way, giving rock fans plenty to get excited about as one of classic rockโs most recognisable guitarists embarks on a fresh creative journey.
๐ค A Fresh Start After KISS
For more than two decades, Tommy Thayer was an integral part of KISS, helping carry the legendary band through sold-out world tours, spectacular stage productions and the emotional conclusion of their farewell tour.
Now, with the face paint packed away, Thayer is returning to what many musicians love mostโwriting and recording new music.
Joining him is acclaimed singer-songwriter Dan Reed, best known for fronting the Dan Reed Network, a band celebrated for blending hard rock, funk, soul and melodic hooks throughout the late 1980s and beyond.
Their musical chemistry has reportedly been developing over several years, eventually evolving into a full-time project that became Shogun Mojo.
๐ถ Who Are Shogun Mojo?
The band features an impressive line-up of experienced musicians:
- ๐ธ Tommy Thayer โ Guitar
- ๐ค Dan Reed โ Lead Vocals
- ๐ธ Bengt โBenganโ Jonasson โ Bass
- ๐ฅ Robert Mehmet Ikiz โ Drums
Together, theyโre aiming to create music that captures the spirit of classic rock while injecting it with modern energy, groove and plenty of personality.
๐ฅ What Will the Album Sound Like?
Rather than trying to recreate KISS or the Dan Reed Network, Shogun Mojo appear determined to carve out their own identity.
The upcoming debut album is being described as a vibrant mix of:
- Classic rock power
- Funk-driven rhythms
- Blues influences
- Soulful vocals
- Heavy guitar riffs
- Live studio performances with minimal overdubs
The band wanted the recordings to feel organic and energetic, capturing the excitement of musicians performing together rather than relying heavily on studio tricks.
For fans who miss albums that sound like a real band playing in the same room, this could be exactly what theyโre looking for.
๐ธ Tommy Thayerโs Next Musical Evolution
Many fans wondered what Tommy Thayer would do after KISS completed their historic farewell run.
Instead of disappearing into retirement, heโs chosen to launch an entirely new musical chapter.
Speaking about the project, Thayer has praised the songwriting partnership with Dan Reed, saying the collaboration reignited his passion for creating new music. Reed has echoed those sentiments, describing the project as one of the most enjoyable and creatively rewarding experiences of his career.
Itโs a reminder that even after decades at the very top of rock, thereโs always room for a fresh beginning.
๐ Album Details Coming Soon
Although the band hasnโt yet revealed the album title or an official release date, recording is complete and more announcements are expected soon.
The record has been co-produced and engineered by Geoff Tyson, with mixing handled by Rob Daiker, giving fans confidence that the album will match the quality expected from musicians of this calibre.
Expect the first single and additional album information to arrive in the near future.
๐ค The Riff Report Verdict
When a former member of one of the biggest rock bands in history launches a brand-new project, expectations are naturally high.
But Shogun Mojo doesnโt feel like a nostalgia act.
Instead, it sounds like four accomplished musicians coming together simply because they love making musicโand sometimes thatโs when the magic really happens.
Tommy Thayerโs unmistakable guitar work combined with Dan Reedโs soulful vocals could produce one of the most refreshing rock albums of the year.
Whether youโre a lifelong member of the KISS Army, a fan of the Dan Reed Network, or simply someone who enjoys honest, groove-filled rock music, Shogun Mojo is definitely a band worth keeping firmly on your radar.
Weโll be watching closely as more details emergeโand you can bet weโll have all the latest news right here on The Riff Report.
๐ค Are you excited to hear Tommy Thayerโs new band? Let us know in the comments and tell us what youโre hoping to hear from Shogun Mojo!
