Gene Simmons: Still Rocking After All These Years
Gene Simmons, the iconic bassist and co-lead vocalist of KISS, isn’t slowing down anytime soon. At 75, the "God of Thunder" is as energetic and candid as ever, continuing to embrace the spotlight even after KISS concluded their farewell tour in December 2023.
Simmons, a man known for his extravagant stage persona, offers a surprising piece of advice: "Kids, don’t do drugs and booze, and stop smoking." It’s a testament to his personal discipline, which he credits for his enduring health and vitality. Despite his rock star lifestyle, Simmons has always maintained a level of self-control that has allowed him to thrive for over five decades.
KISS, the band behind rock anthems such as "I Love It Loud," "Lick It Up," and "Rock and Roll All Nite," leaves behind a legacy of more than 50 singles that have inspired countless air guitarists. While the band has officially retired from touring, their music will undoubtedly continue to resonate with generations to come.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of KISS’s "Dressed to Kill" album, fans can access a free audio tour on kissonline.com starting March 22. The tour highlights band-related landmarks in their New York City hometown. For those in the city, a KISS pop-up store at Generation Records offers a chance to immerse themselves in the band’s history.
Simmons, however, isn’t content with simply resting on his laurels. He’s already back on the road with his solo band, which features Brent Woods on lead guitar, Jason Walker on guitar, and Brian Tichy on drums. The band launched its tour on April 3. This ensemble not only provides instrumental backing but also shares lead vocals with Simmons, creating a dynamic and engaging stage presence. Simmons has carefully curated a set list that blends KISS classics like "Cold Gin," "Deuce," and "Calling Dr. Love" with unexpected surprises, such as the original version of Van Halen’s "House of Pain," which he produced for the band’s demo back in 1976.
Between touring, managing his Rock & Brews restaurant chain, producing movies with his Simmons/Hamilton Productions company, and handling a constant stream of business calls, Simmons remains a busy man. From his Malibu home, one of six properties he owns, Simmons remains candid and cheeky, discussing his solo shows, family, and the decision to end KISS’s touring career after 50 years.
When asked about his quick return to the stage after KISS’s farewell tour, Simmons laughs, "When I was growing up, I always thought success was about money and chicks and fame. And I love it! I have more fun onstage than the pope." His enthusiasm is palpable, and he emphasizes the simplicity and freedom of his solo performances. "The magic of this band is, I just take the guitar and a guitar pick and that’s it. I can get up on stage like this. I don’t have to walk around in dragon boots and wear more makeup and higher heels than you ever wore."
Despite his enjoyment of the stripped-down solo act, Simmons acknowledges the iconic outfits and makeup that defined KISS. "You have to have dignity and respect for the fans who made your life possible in the first place." He compares his career to riding a massive wave. "If you’re a surfer and you’re blessed enough to ride this giant tsunami of a wave successfully, stop. You’ve reached it. Have a little self-respect and go out when you look good. And let’s be honest, 50 years is enough."
Simmons draws a parallel to other legendary artists. "The Beatles lasted seven, and we ain’t The Beatles, but the magic of them or Marilyn Monroe is they will be iconic forever. All respect to the rock god Elvis, but I don’t want to be fat and bloated and naked on the bathroom floor." It’s a frank assessment of the importance of preserving one’s legacy and avoiding a decline in quality.
Simmons maintains close relationships with his former KISS bandmates. "Sure, of course. Paul is like the brother I never had. I’ve known him longer than anyone except my mother. It goes deeper than friendship." He acknowledges their differences but emphasizes their mutual respect and work ethic. "He and I don’t agree on lots of things, but it’s like going to a restaurant and ordering off a menu. We don’t have to order the same thing. It’s about having a work ethic, responsibility and respecting the person you’re with and realizing you don’t know it all." He jokingly adds, "Without Paul, I’d be asking the next person in line, ‘Would you like fries with that?’ ‒ and that’s an honorable job as well. And Paul says the same thing about me. If you get into the right company of people, one and one equals three."
Looking ahead, Simmons is excited about the future of KISS, particularly the band’s foray into the digital realm with avatars. "A caterpillar goes into a cocoon and what looks like the casket of its life. And shortly after the casket opens up, this beautiful butterfly comes out. That’s what’s about to happen with KISS. The avatars are just a placeholder. We’re working with the amazing company Pophouse and what we’re doing is closer to virtual reality. We’ve already been to George Lucas’ Industrial Light & Magic to do motion capture. We dressed up like X-Men and we had cameras all over." The project is slated to launch in approximately two years, promising a groundbreaking virtual experience for fans.
Simmons also takes pride in the musical endeavors of his and Paul Stanley’s sons. "Nick has his own band, Sym Fera, and Evan spent his life committed to songwriting and learning the craft and has his own band. They were always pals. If you look up their names, the first thing they did was strum guitar and sing ‘The Sound of Silence.’ There was a look, a sound and it’s real."
Finally, Simmons contrasts the dynamics of playing with his solo band versus KISS. "With KISS, you have to be well-rehearsed because you have light cues and pyro. Here, there’s no Auto-Tune, no one backstage singing harmonies… If you’re in front of me in the audience, you bet your sweet bippy I’m gonna pull you up to sing ‘I Was Made for Lovin You.’" He concludes with a playful tease, "And at the end, do I dare bring 20, 30, 50 people onstage to sing ‘Rock and Roll All Nite’ with me? You betcha." It’s a clear indication that Gene Simmons’s passion for music and performance remains as strong as ever, ensuring that he will continue to rock stages and entertain fans for years to come.
