Gene Simmons
Gene Simmons | |
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![]() Simmons in 2012 | |
Born | Chaim Witz August 25, 1949 Haifa,Israel |
Other names |
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Occupations |
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Years active | 1970–present |
Spouse | |
Partners | Cher(1978–1980) Diana Ross(1980–1983) |
Children | |
Musical career | |
Origin | New York City, U.S. |
Genres | |
Instruments |
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Formerly of | |
Website | genesimmons |
Gene Simmons(bornChaim Witz;Hebrew:חיים ויץ[χaˈimˈvits];born August 25, 1949) is an American musician. Also known by his stage persona "The Demon",he was the bassist and co-lead singer of the hard rock bandKiss,which he co-founded withPaul Stanley,Ace FrehleyandPeter Crissin the early 1970s until their retirement in 2023. Simmons was inducted into theRock and Roll Hall of Famein 2014 as a member of Kiss.
Early life
[edit]Simmons was born as Chaim Witz on August 25, 1949, atRambam HospitalinHaifa,Israel, to Jewish refugees from Hungary. His mother, Florence Klein (1925–2018) was born inJándand survived internment inNazi concentration camps.[1]She and her brother, Larry Klein, were the only members of the family to survivethe Holocaust.Simmons' father, Ferenc "Feri" Yehiel Witz (1925–2002), was a carpenter. Simmons spent his early childhood inTirat Carmeland was raised in a practicing Jewish household. He has said that his family was "dirt poor", scraping by on rationed bread and milk.[2]At the age of seven, he began to pick wild fruit and sell it on roadsides together with a friend.[3]
Aged eight, he and his motheremigrated to the United States,settling in New York City. His father remained in Israel, where he had another son and three daughters. In the United States, Simmons changed his name to Gene Klein, adopting his mother's maiden name. When he was nine, he briefly attended a Jewish religious school,Yeshiva Torah Vodaas,before transferring to a public school.[4]He later attendedRichmond College[5]andSullivan County Community College,both in New York, and chose a stage name in tribute to the rockabilly singerJumpin' Gene Simmons.[6]He practiced playing his guitar for hours on end.[7]Before his musical career began, Klein worked a variety of jobs in the city. A proficient typist, he served as an assistant to an editor ofVogue,and spent several months as a sixth grade instructor on theUpper West Side.[8]
The Beatleshad a significant influence on Simmons. "There is no way I'd be doing what I do now if it wasn't for the Beatles. I was watchingThe Ed Sullivan Showand I saw them. Those skinny little boys, kind of androgynous, with long hair like girls. It blew me away that these four boys [from] the middle of nowhere could make that music. "[9]
Career
[edit]Kiss
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6c/Gene_Simmons_au_Hellfest_2023.jpg/240px-Gene_Simmons_au_Hellfest_2023.jpg)
Simmons became involved with his first band, Lynx, then renamed the Missing Links, when he was a teenager. Eventually, he disbanded the band to form the Long Island Sounds, the name being a pun on theLong Island Sound.While he played in these bands, he worked at odd jobs on the side to make more money, including trading used comic books. Simmons attendedSullivan County Community CollegeinLoch Sheldrake,New York. He joined a new band, Bullfrog Bheer, and the band recorded a demo,Leeta;this was later included on the Kiss box set.
Simmons formed the rock bandWicked Lesterin the early 1970s with Stanley Eisen (now known asPaul Stanley) and recorded one album, which was never released. Dissatisfied with Wicked Lester's sound and look, Simmons and Stanley attempted to fire their band members. Met with resistance, they instead quit Wicked Lester, walking away from their record deal withEpic Records,as they decided to form the "ultimate rock band" in its place. Looking for a drummer, Simmons and Stanley found an ad placed by George Peter John Criscuola (known asPeter Criss), who was playing clubs inBrooklynat the time; they joined and started out as a trio.
During this time, Criss and Simmons also appeared on an unreleased album by Captain Sanity together with members from Criss' previous band Chelsea. Paul Frehley (better known asAce Frehley) responded to an ad they put inThe Village Voicefor a lead guitar player, and soon joined them.Kissreleased their self-titled debut album in February 1974. Stanley took on the role of lead performer on stage, while Simmons became the driving force behind what became an extensiveKiss merchandisingfranchise.The eye section of his "Demon" makeup with Kiss came from the wing design of comic book characterBlack Bolt.[10]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/KISS_devil_face.svg/120px-KISS_devil_face.svg.png)
In 1983, when Kiss's fame was waning, the members took off their trademark make-up and enjoyed a resurgence in popularity that continued into the 1990s. At this time, Peter Criss, the original drummer, was voted out of the band, and a replacement was sought to fill his vacancy. The new drummer was Paul Charles Caravello, who went by the stage name ofEric Carr,and played for Kiss from 1980 until his death in 1991. The band hosted its own fan conventions in 1995, and fan feedback about the original Kiss members reunion influenced the highly successful 1996–1997 Alive Worldwide reunion tour. In 1998, the band releasedPsycho Circus.Since then, the original lineup has once again dissolved, withTommy Thayerreplacing Ace Frehley on lead guitar andEric Singer(who performed with Kiss from 1991 through 1996) replacing Peter Criss on drums.
Film and television
[edit]Simmons has been involved with such television projects as:
- My Dad the Rock Star,a cartoon by the Canadian animation companyNelvana,about the mild mannered son of a Gene Simmons-like rock star
- Mr. Romance,a show created and hosted by Simmons on theOxygencable television channel
- Rock School,a UK reality show in which Simmons tries to make a rock band out of a group of students ofChrist's Hospital Schoolin the first season, and in the second, a group of kids from a comprehensive school inLowestoft
- Gene Simmons Family Jewels,[11]a reality show documenting the personal lives of Simmons,his wife,his sonand daughter
- Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery,Gene Simmons and the others singers of Kiss appear in this animated movie of Scooby Doo where the gang is attacked by a monster in a Kiss amusement park and Kiss saves them.
In 1978, Simmons appeared in a made-for-television movie,Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park. In 1985, Simmons appeared on the TV seriesMiami Vicein an episode titled "The Prodigal Son". The episode served as theseason premiereof the show's second season.[12]Simmons appeared as a psychic working at the Mystic Journey Bookstore inVenice, Californiaon the American hidden camera prank TV seriesI Get That a Lot.[13]He also guest-starred as himself in the 2014CSI: Crime Scene InvestigationepisodeLong Road Home.
Simmons performed in the 1984Michael CrichtonthrillerRunawaystarringTom Selleck,Cynthia RhodesandKirstie Alleyas well as the 1987Gary Shermanaction filmWanted: Dead or AlivestarringRutger Hauer.[14]
In March 2015, Simmons founded the film production company Erebus Pictures[15]and announced as the first project the Horror-thriller filmArmed Response.[16]
In 2022, Simmons became a judge of the talent competition showYoshiki Superstar Project X,airing onHuluJapan and produced by Japanese musician and composerYoshiki.[17]On September 14, 2023, Simmons was one of the guest speakers chosen to introduce Yoshiki at his imprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre.[18]
Other projects
[edit]He has his own magazine,Gene Simmons Tongue Magazine,his own label, Simmons Records, and animated series,My Dad the Rock Star.Simmons Records has released albums by such bands asKobra and the Lotus,Silent Rage, Gypsy Rose andHouse of Lordsas well as Gene's own solo releases.[19]
In 1976–77, Simmons signed a management and production contract with the bandVan Halen.He produced a Van Halen demo tape and attempted to find a record deal for the band with a variety of major record labels. When no deal materialized, he released them from their contract.[citation needed]
In 1989, Simmons managed the recording side ofLiza Minnelli's entry into mainstream pop.[20]
In 2002, Simmons launchedGene Simmons' Tongue,a men's lifestyle magazine.[21]The magazine lasted five issues before being discontinued.[citation needed]
From 2006 to 2008, Simmons served in a marketing and publicity role with theIndy Racing League.[22]
In 2012, Simmons headlined the Rock N Roll All Stars tour which performed in stadiums across South America. The project also featured several other Rock N Roll Hall of Famers including Def Leppard's Joe Elliot, Guns N' Roses' Duff McKagan & Matt Sorum and Deep Purple's Glenn Hughes as well as Billy Idol's Steve Stevens, Collective Soul's Ed Rolland, Sebastian Bach, Alice in Chain's Mike Inez and the Cult's Billy Duffy. On March 1, 2012, the line up and the tour was revealed at a news conference hosted by Promoter Gabe Reed at the Roxy theater in Hollywood, CA. Simmons was in attendance and the entire news conference and subsequent tour was featured on Simmons Family Jewels' series finale episodes.[23]
In 2012, Simmons partnered with Paul Stanley and three other investors to form the restaurant franchiseRock & Brews.[citation needed]
In August 2013, Simmons,Paul Stanleyand managerDoc McGheebecame a part of the ownership group that created theLA KissArena Football Leagueteam, which played their home games at theHonda CenterinAnaheim, California.The team has since folded.
In 2017, Simmons launched "The Vault" which is a compilation of all of his major works selling for $2,000.[24]
In 2018, Simmons was named "Chief Evangelist Officer" of the Canadiancannabiscompany Invictus MD Strategies.[25]Simmons also holds a large investment stake in the company.[26]
Playing style
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e8/Gene_Simmons_-_Azkena_Rock_Festival_2010_7.jpg/220px-Gene_Simmons_-_Azkena_Rock_Festival_2010_7.jpg)
Simmons plays bass, and lead vocals are split between Simmons and rhythm guitaristPaul Stanleyin most Kiss songs. Some notable songs featuring Simmons singing lead include "God of Thunder","Rock and Roll All Nite","Deuce","A World Without Heroes","I Love It Loud","Calling Dr. Love","Unholy","You Wanted the Best"(first lead vocals), and"Christine Sixteen",among others. Simmons possesses a baritone voice.
Stage makeup and persona
[edit]In addition to playing bass, Simmons is known for his long tongue, which he frequently sticks out while performing, and on stage is known for his demonic figure by spitting fire and vomiting stage blood. Some publications reported that his tongue measured up to 7 inches long and he had it insured for $1 million, although Simmons himself has not commented on this.[27]
Personal life
[edit]Simmons lives in Los Angeles with his wifeShannon Lee Tweed,a Canadian actress and formerPlayboy Playmate.Although they began dating in 1983, they did not marry until 28 years later. Simmons often joked that he and Tweed were "happily unmarried" for over 20 years. He also often paraphrasedGroucho Marx,saying "Marriage is an institution, and I don't want to live in an institution". Simmons and Tweed wed on October 1, 2011, at theBeverly Hills Hotel.[28][29]They have two children:Nick(born January 22, 1989) andSophie(born July 7, 1992). He formerly hadlive-in relationshipswithCherandDiana Ross,[30]revealing that he fell in love with Ross while dating Cher.[31]Simmons has boasted many times about havingbeddedthousands of women. In 2010, he claimed the tally stood at 5,000 and that he has aPolaroid pictureof each liaison, including the hotel key where it took place.[32]After their wedding, when Shannon found the key for the lockboxes containing the photos (confirming at least that much of the rumors), after a "loving confrontation" with Gene, she had every single Polaroid burned on national television during the final season of their reality show "Gene Simmons Family Jewels".[11]
Simmons can speak Hungarian, German, English, Hebrew, and some Japanese.[30]
Simmons has always been open about his disdain for drug and alcohol use, and has proudly claimed many times over "I've never been high or drunk in my life".
Simmons is a science fiction and comic book fan and published severalscience-fiction fanzines,among themId,Cosmos(which eventually merged withStillettoto becomeCosmos-Stillettoand thenFaun),Tinderbox,Sci-Fi Showcase,MantisandAdventure.He also contributed to other fanzines, among themBeABohemaandSirruish.[33]By 1977, however, he would write in aletter of commenttoJanus,"I haven't been active [in fandom] for about five years".[34]
Political views
[edit]Simmons was a supporter of theforeign policy of the George W. Bush administration.[35]He supported the2003 invasion of Iraq,writing on his website: "I'm ashamed to be surrounded by people calling themselves liberal who are, in my opinion, spitting on the graves of brave American soldiers who gave their life to fight a war that wasn't theirs... in a country they've never been to... simply to liberate the people therein".[36]In a follow-up, Simmons explained his position and wrote about his love and support for the United States: "I wasn't born here. But I have a love for this country and its people that knows no bounds. I will forever be grateful to America for going intoWorld War II,when it had nothing to gain, in a country that was far away... and rescued my mother from theNazi Germanconcentration camps.She is alive and I am alive because of America. And, if you have a problem with America, you have a problem with me ".[36]
In 2010, Simmons said he regretted voting forBarack Obamaand criticized the2009 health care reforms.[37]Following Obama's 2011 speech on the Middle East in which he called on Israel and the Palestinians to negotiate a settlement "based on the1967 lineswith mutually agreed swaps ",[38]Simmons toldCNBCthat Obama was gravely misguided. "If you have never been to the moon, you can't issue policy about the moon. For the president to be sitting in Washington D.C. and saying, 'Go back to your '67 borders in Israel' – how about you live there and try to defend an indefensible border – nine miles (14 km) wide?" Simmons also accused theUnited Nationsof being "the most pathetic body on the face of the earth".[39]
In an April 2012 interview, Simmons endorsed RepublicanMitt Romneyfor President: "America should be in business and it should be run by a businessman."[40]
In an August 2021 interview, regarding the honesty ofDonald Trumpand hispresidential administration,Simmons said, "[W]e all lie to some extent, but what happened the last four years was beyond anything I ever thought imaginable from people who had lots of power — not just him, but the administration, everybody."[41]
On November 10, 2021, he stated that people who refused to get theCOVID-19 vaccineare "an enemy" and called them "evil".[42]
Views on Israel
[edit]In March 2011, Simmons visited his birth country, Israel. He described the trip as a "life changing experience". He talked about how he still feels that he is an Israeli: "I'm Israeli. I'm a stranger in America. I'm an outsider".[43]While there, Simmons met his half-brother Kobi, and triplet half-sisters Drora, Sharon and Ogenia.[44]Simmons announced he has plans to take Kiss to Israel. He has said that he is an ardent supporter of Israel.[45]At a press conference in Israel, he spoke in bothHebrewand English.[46]During his visit to Israel in 2011, he also stated that the artists refusing to perform in Israel for political reasons are "stupid".[47]
During the2006 Lebanon WarbetweenIsraelandHezbollahin Lebanon, Simmons sent a televised message of support (in both English and Hebrew) to an Israeli soldier seriously wounded in fighting inLebanon,calling him his "hero".[48]
On November 6, 2015, he attended aFriends of the Israel Defense Forcesgala in Beverly Hills, which raised more than $31 million.[49]
Views on Islam
[edit]In a 2004 interview inMelbourne,Australia, regardingIslamic extremists,Simmons describedIslamas a "vile culture", saying that Muslim women had to walk behind their husbands and were not allowed to be educated or to own houses. He said: "They want to come and live right where you live and they think that you're evil." Muslim media personality Susan Carland argued that Simmons's stereotyping of Muslims was inaccurate.[50]Simmons later clarified his comments on his website, saying he had been talking specifically about Muslim extremists.[51]
Controversial statements
[edit]NPR interview
[edit]During an interview on theNational Public Radio(NPR) programFresh Airon February 2, 2002,[52]Simmons toldTerry Gross:"If you want to welcome me with open arms, I'm afraid you're also going to have to welcome me with open legs", paraphrasing a lyric fromthe Who's 1981 song "You Better You Bet".Gross replied:" That's a really obnoxious thing to say ". At the time, Simmons refused to grant permission to NPR to make the interview available online.[53]However, it appears in print in Gross' bookAll I Did Was Askand unauthorized transcripts are available. NPR re-broadcast part of the interview in August 2007.[54]In a 2014 interview withThe Huffington Post,Simmons noted he was upset over what he perceived as Gross's "holier-than-thou" attitude, which included mislabeling his band Kiss as "the Kiss".[55]
Views on musical piracy
[edit]In 2007, Simmons openly spoke out againstmusic piracy,and called for file-sharers to be sued.[56]A year later, he threatened further lawsuits, and to withhold new recordings, if file-sharing continued. In 2010,Anonymousstaged aDDoSon his website, prompting Simmons to hit back with provocative comments once he was back online, at which point Anonymous staged a second DDoS, taking Simmons's site down again.[57]
In September 2014, Simmons said "The death of rock was not a natural death. Rock did not die of old age. It was murdered". Simmons blames file sharing and that no one values music "enough to pay you for it" for the decline of the rock music scene.[58]
Comments on suicide and depression
[edit]In July 2014, Simmons made comments in an interview with Songfacts that encouraged those with depression to kill themselves.
I never understand, because I always call them on their bluff. I'm the guy who says 'Jump!' when there's a guy on top of a building who says, "That's it, I can't take it anymore, I'm going to jump." Are you kidding? Why are you announcing it? Shut the fuck up, have some dignity and jump! You've got the crowd.[59]
The comments drew criticism fromNikki SixxofMötley Crüe,who had suffered from depression in the past.[60]Following his comments, bothTriple Mand Winnipeg radio stationPower 97stated that they were pulling all Kiss songs from their lineup in protest.[61]Simmons later clarified his comments and apologized for the incident.[62]
Fox & Friendsincident
[edit]On November 16, 2017, Simmons made an appearance onFox & Friendsto promote a new book, but shortly afterward, he burst into a staff meeting uninvited, unbuttoning his shirt and telling jokes. The next day, on November 17,Fox Newsannounced that Simmons was banned for life from their program, as well as from entering any of the company's properties. Simmons later issued a statement saying that he has "a tremendous amount of respect" for the company's workers and apologized for "unintentionally offending" any staff members during his visit.[63][64][65][66]
Sexual assault allegations
[edit]In 2018, Simmons settled a sexual assault lawsuit with an unnamed radio personality, who accused him of touching her inappropriately. The woman claimed that Simmons touched her and "turned standard interview questions into sexual innuendos." Despite the settlement, Simmons denied the allegations.[67]
In 2019, Ace Frehley, who played together with Simmons for years in Kiss, stated that Simmons had groped his wife, calling Simmons an "asshole and asex addict".[68][69]
Philanthropy
[edit]Simmons is a known advocate for ChildFund International's work. He traveled to Zambia during hisGene Simmons Family Jewelsshow to visit several of his sponsored children, of whom he has more than 140.[70]Simmons said that the trip "[was] a stark reminder that life doesn't treat everyone the same".[71]
Simmons's family received the MEND Humanitarian Award for their philanthropic efforts and support forMending Kids Internationalat the organization's annual gala on November 9, 2013. The award was presented byMel Gibson.[72]In his acceptance speech, Simmons spoke of his own difficult childhood in Israel in a bullet-riddled house. He recalled his mother's excitement when they received aCAREbox one day.[73]
Simmons helped found "The Children Matter", which is a collaborative initiative with the charity MATTER that fights to get kids around the world access to health care.[74]
He is an advocate for public safety during thecoronavirus pandemic,encouraging people to wear face masks and followsocial distance protocols.[75]
Awards and recognition
[edit]On January 28, 2011, Simmons was inDallas,Texas, to host the Aces & Angels Salute to the Troops charity event. Simmons was presented thekey to the city,and a street (Gene Simmons Boulevard) was named for him. Simmons and Tweed also visited theU.S. Armybase atFort Hoodto support the troops as a part of the Aces & Angels event.[citation needed]
On June 15 of the same year, he was given the key to the city inWinnipeg,Manitoba. In 2012, Simmons was awarded theGolden Godaward by theRevolvermagazine.[76]
In 2013, theSmithsonian National Museum of American Historyaccepted an autographed Gene SimmonsAxe bassinto their collection from John Upshaw Downs Jr. The Smithsonian wrote, in part: "The bass will now be cared for in our permanent collections... We are happy to include the Axe bass as it relates to the impact Mr. Simmons and his band Kiss have had on American culture, especially in the creation of a unique and iconic brand that has been embraced by fans worldwide... The story of Mr. Simmons' American experience deserves to be preserved. An immigrant and son of a holocaust survivor, he used creative vision and entrepreneurial acumen to make a significant impact for our nation's popular culture, becoming an iconic figure in American music and entertainment."[77]
Simmons is an honorary board member ofLittle Kids Rock,a national nonprofit that works to restore and revitalize music education in disadvantaged U.S. public schools. A&E's Gene Simmons Family Jewels visited a Little Kids Rock classroom and featured the segment on the show. He also decorated a guitar for auction with his son Nick.[78]
On December 15, 2014, Simmons was awarded the Golden Medal by the Reial Cercle Artístic de Barcelona (Royal Artistic Circle of Barcelona).[79]
In 2020, Simmons won twoGuinness World Recordsfor "highest flame projection in a music concert" and "most flame projections launched simultaneously in a music concert. Both of the records were established at theKISS 2020 Goodbyeconcert.[80]
Discography
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/73/KissO2110719-70_%2848692750031%29.jpg/220px-KissO2110719-70_%2848692750031%29.jpg)
With Kiss
[edit]Solo
[edit]- Studio albums
- Gene Simmons(1978)
- Asshole(2004)
- Other releases
- Vault(box set, 2017)
- Speaking in Tongues(DVD, 2004)
Guest appearances
[edit]- Wendy O. Williams–WOW(1984) Producer, played all the bass on the album (credited as "Reginald Van Helsing" ), co-wrote five songs "I Love Sex (And Rock and Roll)", "It's My Life", "Thief in the Night", "Legends Never Die" and "Ain't None of Your Business".
- Bruce Kulick–BK3(2010) Lead guest vocals on "Ain't Gonna Die"
- Engelbert Humperdinck–Engelbert Calling(2014) co-vocals on "Spinning Wheel"
- Lita Ford–Time Capsule(2016) played bass on several songs, co-writing and backing vocals on "Rotten to the Core"
- Ace Frehley-Spaceman(2018) co-writing on "Without You I'm Nothing" and "Your Wish Is My Command", bass guitar on "Without You I'm Nothing"
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]Year | Film | Role | Bandmates | Miscellaneous |
---|---|---|---|---|
1978 | Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park | The Demon/Himself | Peter Criss,Ace Frehley,Paul Stanley | TV movie |
1984 | Runaway | Dr. Charles Luther | ||
1986 | Never Too Young to Die | Carruthers / Velvet Von Ragnar | ||
1986 | Trick or Treat | Nuke (radio DJ) | ||
1987 | Wanted: Dead or Alive | Malak Al Rahim | ||
1988 | The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years | Himself | Paul Stanley | Documentary |
1989 | Red Surf | Doc | ||
1999 | Detroit Rock City | Himself | Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley | Simmons also produced |
2001 | Wish You Were Dead | Vinny | ||
2002 | The New Guy | Reverend | ||
2008 | Detroit Metal City | Jack lll Dark | Japanese movie | |
2009 | Extract[81] | Joe Adler | ||
2010 | Expecting Mary | Taylor | ||
2010 | Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage | Himself | Documentary | |
2013 | Sample This: The Incredible Story of the Incredible Bongo Band | Himself | Documentary | |
2015 | Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery | Himself | Paul Stanley,Eric Singer,Tommy Thayer | Voice only |
2016 | We Are X | Himself | Documentary | |
2016 | Why Him? | Himself | Paul Stanley | Cameo |
2017 | Armed Response | Male Suspect | ||
2022 | In Search of Tomorrow | Himself | Documentary | |
TBA | UntitledScooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll MysterySequel[82] | Himself | Paul Stanley, Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer[82] | Voice only |
Television appearances
[edit]Year | Show | Episode | Role | Bandmates | Miscellaneous |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1974 | Dick Clark's - In Concert | March 29, 1974 | Himself | Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley | Performed "Nothin' To Lose, Firehouse, Black Diamond |
1974 | The Mike Douglas Show | June 11, 1974 | Himself | Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley | Kiss Performed "Firehouse". |
1975 | The Midnight Special | April 1, 1975 | Himself | Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley | Performed "Deuce, She, Black Diamond, (C'mon & Love Me - not televised) |
1976 | The Paul Lynde Halloween Special | October 29, 1976 | Himself | Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley | Performed "Detroit Rock City","King of the Night Time World ", and"Beth" |
1979 | Tomorrow | Himself | Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley | ||
1985 | Miami Vice | "The Prodigal Son" | Newton Blade | ||
1986 | The Hitchhiker | "O.D.Feelin'"January 28, 1986 | Mr. Big | ||
1997 | Action League Now! | "Rock-A-Big-Baby" | Toy version of himself | Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley | Performed "Rock and Roll All Nite" |
1998 | MADtv[83] | October 31, 1998 (#406) | Himself | Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley. | Halloween special; performed in five sketches |
1998 | Millennium | "...Thirteen Years Later"October 30, 1998 | Hector Leachman | Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley | |
2001 | Family Guy | "A Very Special Family Guy Freakin' Christmas" | Animated version of himself | Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley | |
2001 | Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? | May 27, 2001 | Himself | Won $32,000 for a charity | |
2001 | The Daily Show with Jon Stewart[84] | June 12, 2001 | Himself | ||
2002 | Family Guy | "Road to Europe" | Animated version of himself | Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley | Lois Griffin claims she dated Gene Simmons while they were in high school, and calls him by his birth name, Chaim Witz. |
2002 | The Tonight Show with Jay Leno | September 6, 2002 | Himself | ||
2003 | King of the Hill | "Reborn to Be Wild" | Jessie | ||
2004 | Third Watch | "Higher Calling" | Donald Mann | ||
2004 | Third Watch | "Monsters" | Donald Mann | ||
2004 | Third Watch | "More Monsters" | Donald Mann | ||
2005 | American Idol | "Auditions: New Orleans" | Himself- guest judge | ||
2005 | Family Guy | "Don't Make Me Over" | Animated version of himself/ Prisoner No. 3 | ||
2005 | Mind of Mencia | Episode #1.7 | Himself | ||
2005 | Rock School | Himself | |||
2006 | The View | August 1, 2006 | Himself | Promotional appearance forGene Simmons Family Jewels | |
2007 | SpongeBob SquarePants | "20,000 Patties Under the Sea" | Sea Monster | ||
2007 | Shrink Rap | "Gene Simmons" | Himself | UK's More4 show | |
2008 | Entertainment Tonight | January 2, 2008 | Himself | ||
2008 | Jimmy Kimmel Live! | January 18, 2008 | Himself | ||
2008 | Rachael Ray | March 11, 2008 | Himself | ||
2008 | Criss Angel Mindfreak | "Mindfreaking with the Stars" | Himself | ||
2008 | Ugly Betty | "The Kids Are Alright" | Himself | ||
2008 | Ugly Betty | "A Thousand Words by Friday" | Himself | ||
2008 | Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? | Episode #3.9 | Himself | Won $500,000 for theElizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundationcharity | |
2008 | The Celebrity Apprentice | First three episodes | Himself | Won $20,000 for theElizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundationcharity; Fired in the third episode | |
2008 | Jingles[85] | Celebrity judge | Mark Burnettreality show | ||
2009 | Glenn Martin DDS | Glenn Gary, Glenn Martin | himself | ||
2009 | American Idol | Season Finale | Himself | Eric Singer,Tommy Thayer,Paul Stanley | Performed medley of 3 songs with contestant Adam Lambert |
2009 | The Fairly OddParents | "Wishology – Part 1: The Big Beginning" | Animated version of himself | Eric Singer,Tommy Thayer,Paul Stanley | |
2009 | The Fairly OddParents | "Wishology – Part 3: The Final Ending" | Animated version of himself | Eric Singer,Tommy Thayer,Paul Stanley | |
2010 | I Get That a Lot | Episode 2 | As Himself | Simmons appeared as apsychicworking at the Mystic Journey Bookstore inVenice, California | |
2010 | Extreme Makeover: Home Edition | Episode 160 | As Himself | Kiss made a personal appearance during the Wagstaff family's vacation inDisneylandand honored them as special guests at one of their concerts. Kiss also made a personal appearance at a local school where a donation of new musical instruments was made in the Wagstaff family's name. | |
2010 | I'm in a Rock 'n' Roll Band! | Episode 1 And 5 | As Himself | Discussing the requirements of being in a rock band. | |
2011 | Castle | To Love and Die in LA | As Himself | ||
2014 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Long Road Home | As Himself | ||
2014 | American Idol | Season 13 Finale | Himself | Eric Singer,Tommy Thayer,Paul Stanley | Performed with Caleb Johnson |
2014 | Welcome to Sweden | S1 Ep4: Get a Job/Farthinder | Himself | ||
2015 | Scorpion | S2 Ep1: | Himself | September 30, 2015, Himself, Interview | |
2016 | Angie Tribeca(2016TBSTV Series) | S1 Ep9: | Himself | ||
2018 | Jeopardy! | October 31 episode | Himself | Reading clues about Halloween in costume and makeup. As a publicity stunt, Alex Trebek was briefly made up and costumed as Simmons. Short video of that appeared as a commercial bump; longer video posted to show web site. | |
2019 | Kouhaku Uta Gassen | December 31, 2019 | Himself | Eric Singer,Tommy Thayer,Paul Stanley | Performed "Rock And Roll All Nite –YOSHIKISS version" withYoshiki[86] |
2020 | Ridiculousness | January 9 | Himself | ||
2022 | Hell's Kitchen | "Just Wingin' It" | Himself | ||
2023 | 2023 AFL Grand Final | Himself | Eric Singer,Tommy Thayer,Paul Stanley | Performed "I Was Made for Lovin' You","Shout It Out Loud"and"Rock and Roll All Nite"during the pre-match entertainment |
Music video appearances
[edit]In 1994, Simmons appears as auditioning for the band with actor Al Lewis & comedianGilbert Gottfriedin a music video for "I'll Talk My Way Out Of It" by Howard Stern comedianStuttering John. In 2007, he appeared alongside other celebrities, as well as regular people, in the music video for "Rockstar"byNickelback.[citation needed]
Video game appearances
[edit]Gene Simmons is a playable character inTony Hawk's Underground,unlocked when completing the story mode on Normal difficulty, and also appears with his Kiss bandmates in the Hotter Than Hell level to play one of three songs upon collecting the four K-I-S-S letters.[citation needed]
Gene Simmons's Kiss character, the Demon, is a playable character inKiss: Psycho Circus: The Nightmare Child.Simmons also has a large role in the 2010 music video gameGuitar Hero: Warriors of Rock.In addition to narrating the main storyline, voicing the character Demigod of Rock in cutscenes, and doing advertising for the game, the Kiss song "Love Gun" is playable.[citation needed]
A Dark-Normal Type Pokémon introduced inPokémon Sword and Shieldknown as Obstagoon the Blocking Pokémon resembles Gene Simmons's KISS character:The Demon.[87]
Published works
[edit]- Me, Inc.: Build an Army of One, Unleash Your Inner Rock God, Win in Life and Business,Gene Simmons (ISBN0-062-32261-3)
- Kiss and Make-Up,Gene Simmons (ISBN0-609-81002-2)
- Sex Money Kiss,Gene Simmons (ISBN1-893224-86-4)
- Kiss: The Early Years,Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley (ISBN0-609-81028-6)
- Kiss: Behind the Mask,David Leaf and Ken Sharp (ISBN978-0-446-69524-4)
- Ladies of the Night: A Historical and Personal Perspective on the Oldest Profession in the World,Gene Simmons (ISBN1-59777-501-0)
- 27:TheLegend & Mythology of the 27 Club(ISBN978-1-57687-886-6)
References
[edit]- ^"Gene Simmons' Mom, the Holocaust, and Me".TheHuffington Post.April 17, 2015.RetrievedJune 14,2015.
- ^Associated, The (March 22, 2011)."Lead singer of Kiss Gene Simmons slams Israel boycotters".Haaretz.Israel.RetrievedAugust 10,2011.
- ^Smale, Will (April 19, 2015)."The rock star who can never be too rich".BBC News.RetrievedMarch 21,2022.
- ^"1949: A Hard Rocker Demon and Good Jewish Boy is Born".Haaretz.August 25, 2015.
- ^"College of Staten Island CUNY".Times Higher Education (THE).Archived from the original on June 28, 2018.RetrievedSeptember 19,2018.
{{cite web}}
:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^"Gene Simmons".Jewish Virtual Library.RetrievedFebruary 17,2019.
- ^Martin, Dale (October 4, 1998)."KISS army continues to grow".The Victoria Advocate.p. 10D.RetrievedMarch 21,2022.
- ^Lewis, Barbara (June 4, 1978)."Gene Simmons Was Sixth Grade Teacher".The Lakeland Ledger.
- ^Crandall, Bill."10 musicians who saw the Beatles standing there",CBS News, February 6, 2014.
- ^KISS bassist Gene Simmons said on an episode of his television show Gene Simmons Family Jewels that he is a big comic book fan, with the bat-like "wings" in his "Demon" persona costume being modelled after those worn by Black BoltGene Simmons Family Jewels – Under the Knife? – Wednesday, Nov 3, 2010 – mReplay Livedash TV Transcript – Livedash – Search what is being mentioned across national TVArchivedOctober 9, 2011, at theWayback Machine.Livedash. Retrieved February 1, 2011.
- ^abGene Simmons Family Jewels – A&E TV.Aetv.com. Retrieved February 1, 2011.
- ^Serwer, Jesse (October 7, 2014)."Miami Sound Machine: 16 Best Musical Guest Stars on 'Miami Vice'".Rolling Stone.New York City, United States.RetrievedApril 27,2019.
- ^"Gene Simmons poses as psychic for US prank show".January 7, 2010. Archived from the original on October 5, 2010.RetrievedJanuary 14,2010.
{{cite web}}
:CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^"Wanted: Dead or Alive (1987)".IMDb.January 16, 1987.RetrievedJuly 1,2017.
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- ^"If Gene Simmons and WWE's 'Temple' Is Good, I'll Eat This Article!".Bloody Disgusting. March 27, 2015.RetrievedMarch 27,2015.
- ^Biên tập bộ."“YOSHIKI SUPERSTAR PROJECT X” thứ のステージへ tiến む thông quá メンバー8 nhân を công khai ".MusicVoice(in Japanese).RetrievedJanuary 12,2023.
- ^"Yoshiki to Leave Handprints at Chinese Theatre".American Songwriter.September 5, 2023.RetrievedSeptember 16,2023.
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- ^Holden, Stephen (August 23, 1989)."The Pop Life".The New York Times.ISSN0362-4331.RetrievedOctober 1,2020.
- ^Tongue is cheeky/Kiss' Gene Simmons combines sex, showmanship in his men's magazine.Sfgate.com (August 28, 2002); retrieved February 1, 2011.
- ^"IRL Forms Innovative Marketing Agreement With Gene Simmons & Richard Abramson".GeneSimmons.com. January 10, 2006. Archived fromthe originalon January 10, 2013.RetrievedAugust 23,2010.
- ^"DUFF MCKAGAN, MATT SORUM, GENE SIMMONS At 'Rock 'N' Roll Allstars' Press Conference (Video)".BLABBERMOUTH.NET.March 3, 2012.
- ^"HOME | Gene Simmons Vault".genesimmonsvault.com.RetrievedMay 26,2018.
- ^Siebert, Amanda (March 16, 2018)."Vancouver cannabis company hires straight-edge Gene Simmons as celebrity spokesperson".The Georgia Straight.Archived fromthe originalon July 8, 2018.RetrievedMay 24,2018.
- ^"GENE SIMMONS Was 'Astonished To Find Out The Medicinal Value' Of Cannabis".Blabbermouth.net.May 17, 2018.RetrievedMay 24,2018.
- ^Corday, Karen; Smith, Kimberly (November 12, 2020)."Why People Once Thought Gene Simmons Had A Cow's Tongue".Grunge.RetrievedDecember 8,2022.
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- ^"Gene Simmons and long term girlfriend marry".MSN – Wonderwall. October 1, 2011. Archived fromthe originalon January 29, 2013.RetrievedOctober 2,2011.
- ^abBiographyArchivedSeptember 6, 2012, atarchive.today.GeneSimmons.com. Retrieved February 1, 2011.
- ^"Gene Simmons fell for Diana Ross while dating Cher".The Washington Post.June 1, 2015.
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- ^"Gene Simmons: 60s Fanzine Publisher"ArchivedAugust 27, 2013, atarchive.today,October 2008
- ^Simmons, Gene. "Letter"Janus8 (Vol 3, No. 2); Janice Bogstad &Jeanne Gomoll,eds., 1977; p. 15
- ^NewsArchivedDecember 8, 2012, atarchive.today.GeneSimmons.com. Retrieved February 1, 2011.
- ^abNewsArchivedDecember 8, 2012, atarchive.today.GeneSimmons.com. Retrieved February 1, 2011.
- ^Gavin, Patrick (December 6, 2010)."Gene Simmons Knocks President Obama".The Politico.RetrievedDecember 6,2010.
- ^Remarks by the President on the Middle East and North Africa,Barack Obama,The White House,May 19, 2011
- ^Ben Gedalyahu, Tzvi (May 22, 2011)."Video of Rock Star Gene Simmons: Obama Doesn't Have a Clue".Israel National News.RetrievedJune 1,2011.
- ^"Kiss Frontman Gene Simmons Voices Support For Mitt Romney, Regrets Voting For Obama In '08".Mediaite.April 3, 2012.RetrievedApril 25,2012.
- ^"GENE SIMMONS on DONALD TRUMP Presidency: It Was 'Beyond Anything I Ever Thought Imaginable'".Blabbermouth.net.August 12, 2021.
- ^Stunson, Mike (November 21, 2021)."'You are an enemy.' Gene Simmons of KISS slams 'evil people' who refuse COVID vaccine ".Miami Herald.RetrievedNovember 21,2021.
- ^Federman, Josef."AP Interview: Simmons blasts Israel boycotters".Yahoo! News. Archived fromthe originalon March 26, 2011.
- ^Late Night Rocker (March 31, 2011)."Kiss Mask Webzine: Meet Gene Simmons' Brother and Sisters".Kissmaskwebzine.blogspot.com.RetrievedAugust 10,2011.
- ^Brinn, David (March 23, 2011)."Kiss rocker Gene Simmons back in Israel after 51 years".The Jerusalem Post.RetrievedAugust 10,2011.
- ^Gene Simmons in Israel / ג'ין סימונס בישראלonYouTube
- ^"ג'ין סימונס:" היוצרים מחרימי ישראל – טיפשים "".YNet.March 23, 2011.RetrievedMarch 23,2011.
- ^"Gene Simmons hails Israeli soldier".The Washington Post.Associated Press.August 26, 2006.RetrievedMay 12,2010.
- ^"IN PICTURES: Star-studded LA fundraiser rakes in $31 million for IDF".Jerusalem Post.November 7, 2015.RetrievedJuly 1,2017.
- ^"Outrage as KISS player mouths off on Muslims".The Sydney Morning Herald,May 14, 2004
- ^"Gene Simmons clarifies Muslim remarks".Today.com.May 28, 2004.RetrievedJuly 21,2021.
- ^"Remembering Gene Simmons' Contentious Interview with Terry Gross, 20 Years Later".InsideHook. January 21, 2022.RetrievedJune 27,2022.
- ^"Terry Gross interview with Gene Simmons".Internet Archive.RetrievedAugust 13,2009.
- ^"The Unpredictable Gene Simmons".NPR. August 31, 2007.RetrievedFebruary 1,2011.
- ^Branch, Chris (August 12, 2014)."Gene Simmons Calls NPR's Terry Gross 'Arrogant And Insulting'".Huffington Post.RetrievedAugust 16,2014.
- ^Bruno, Antony (November 12, 2007)."Billboard Q&A: Gene Simmons".Billboard.Archived fromthe originalon July 22, 2012.RetrievedJune 14,2015.
- ^Anderson, Nate (October 18, 2010)."Gene Simmons vs. Anonymous: Who's the bigger tool?".Ars Technica.RetrievedJune 14,2015.
- ^Kreps, Daniel (September 7, 2014)."Gene Simmons: 'Rock Is Finally Dead. It Was Murdered'".Yahoo Music.Archived fromthe originalon September 8, 2014.RetrievedJune 14,2015.
- ^Catlin, Roger (July 31, 2014)."Gene Simmons of Kiss".Songfacts.Archivedfrom the original on June 16, 2022.RetrievedSeptember 10,2022.
- ^Kreps, Daniel (August 14, 2014)."Gene Simmons' Depression and Suicide Comments Anger Nikki Sixx".Rolling Stone.RetrievedJune 14,2015.
- ^O'Neal, Sean (August 15, 2014)."Gene Simmons continues asshole tour by telling depressed people to kill themselves".The AV Club.RetrievedAugust 15,2014.
- ^"Gene Simmons sorry for 'spur of the moment' remarks about mental illness".The Guardian.August 18, 2014.RetrievedMay 30,2018.
- ^"Gene Simmons banned from Fox News for life".The Week.November 17, 2017.RetrievedNovember 17,2017.
- ^"Two Women Accuse KISS' Gene Simmons of Sexual Harassment".Metal Injection.November 20, 2017.RetrievedNovember 21,2017.
- ^"GENE SIMMONS Apologizes For 'Unintentionally' Offending Members Of FOX Team".blabbermouth.net. November 20, 2017.RetrievedNovember 20,2017.
- ^Tacopino, Joe (November 16, 2017)."Gene Simmons banned from Fox News after lewd behavior".The New York Times.RetrievedJanuary 16,2023.
- ^"Kiss' Gene Simmons settles sexual assault lawsuit".Nme.com.July 10, 2018.RetrievedApril 26,2022.
- ^"Ace Frehley Blasts Gene Simmons: 'The Gloves Are Off'".Rolling Stone.January 29, 2019.RetrievedAugust 26,2020.
- ^Brundle, Lars (January 30, 2019)."Ace Frehley Claims Kiss' Gene Simmons 'Groped' His Wife, Warns 'The S*** Will Hit The Fan'".Billboard.RetrievedAugust 26,2020.
- ^"KISS Icon Gene Simmons Brightens Lives of Sponsored Children".childfund.org.RetrievedJune 14,2015.
- ^"ChildFund Partners with Gene Simmons Family Jewels".childfund.org.RetrievedJune 14,2015.
- ^"Mel Gibson Presents Gene Simmons With Charity Award".Look to the Stars.November 12, 2013.RetrievedJune 14,2015.
- ^Mending Kids International (November 11, 2013)."Mending Kids International Honors Gene Simmons, Shannon Tweed-Simmons, Nick Simmons And Sophie..."PR Newswire(Press release). LOS ANGELES.RetrievedJune 14,2015.
- ^Minnesota CBS local (June 22, 2017)."KISS Legend Gene Simmons' Twin Cities Charitable Connection".minnesota.cbslocal.com.RetrievedJune 27,2017.
- ^"Kiss' Gene Simmons appeals for everyone to wear a face mask".NME.December 29, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 3,2021.
- ^'Revolver' Golden Gods Awards Winners Announced!ArchivedFebruary 2, 2014, at theWayback Machine.revolvermag.com.April-16-2012; retrieved April 21, 2012.
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- ^ab"KISS".facebook.com.Archived fromthe originalon February 26, 2022.RetrievedOctober 2,2018.
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External links
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- 1949 births
- Living people
- 20th-century American bass guitarists
- 20th-century American male actors
- 20th-century American male singers
- 20th-century American singer-songwriters
- 21st-century American male actors
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