KISS vocalist/bassist, Gene Simmons, has insisted that he has no regrets over his controversial attempt to take ownership of the devil horns hand gesture.
His bid to register it as a trademark with the US federal copyright office was withdrawn two weeks after it had been filed in June this year.
He’d paid $275 for the application, in which he claimed that “no other person, firm, corporation or association has the right to use said mark in commerce, either in the identical form or in such near resemblance.”
The attempt drew ire from many directions, including from Ronnie James Dio’s widow Wendy, who called it “laughable” and “disgusting,” adding, “It belongs to everyone – it doesn’t belong to anyone.” She’d threatened to sue “on behalf of us all” if the trademark was granted to him.
Simmons tells the Windsor Star, “I regret nothing. Wake up every morning and let your conscience be your guide. “Did you know I own the moneybag logo-the dollar sign with the bag of money? I own all kinds of things. I own ‘motion picture’ as a trademark. Anyone who thinks that’s silly, the silliest thing I’ve ever done is wear more makeup and higher heels than your mommy. People said, ‘You can’t do that.’ Actually, bitch, I can. I can do anything I want to do.”
Asked about the trademark bid, Simmons’ bandmate Paul Stanley told Loudwire, “Gene elicits some very strong reactions from people. What he does, he does for reasons that only he knows. It was something he wanted to pursue and the reaction was how people felt about it. I don’t know why he pulled it, and I don’t know why he started it. I haven’t asked him.”
additional source: Classic Rock via teamrock.com
12 Responses
Love him or hate him, Gene is his own person. People that hate on him always say he has a huge ego and only cares about money. Those are always the main things that these folks mention. And, guess what, they are mostly correct! He DOES have a huge ego! Most, if not all, successful people in the entertainment industry do! And he DOES care a lot about making money. It’s called the music BUSINESS, folks! The man came to this country with nothing, and with a lot of work (and a little luck) helped create a band that has sold millions of records, entertained millions of people, and lasted over forty years! He deserves every dollar he has made, and has earned the right to have a big ego! He also cares deeply for the USA, and contributes a lot of time and money to charities that benefit our troops. So, go ahead and hate on him! But, in my humble opinion, Gene deserves the respect and admiration of all of the KISS Army!
Keith G.,
You made excellent points, and Simmons really is no different than movie stars, athletes, etc., who make obnoxious amounts of money, and all look to re-negoitate contracts, for MORE money.
Unlike, a lot of people in the entertainment industry, who lack talent and made it either on looks, nepotism, or sleazy practices, at least, Gene has some decreeable talent, and excellent business acumen. Additionally, as you pointed out, he is also charitable.
What Gene suffers from. is lack of humility. It is fine to be proud of one’s accomplishments, especially when one, like Gene, is self made. However, no one likes an arrogant braggart. So, if Simmons could just tone down his boasting, I think it would be a great asset to his image.
D 🙂
Gene is vastly entertaining – the idea of trying to trademark the “devil horns” is hilarious, and the reaction of “serious” metal/Dio fans is even more hilarious. Gene is fully aware of that. If Gene toned down his boasting, who would we be talking about right now? The over-achieving, charismatic, and sexy Peter Criss?!?!?
Lol!
I think Gene Simmons is a smart entrepreneur. I respect his business sense, devotion to our military, and his contributions to charity. And i love his band, KI$$ (well, not the current tribute version) It is his right to take advantage of any opportunities provided to him and to earn as much wealth as he can. But, sometimes Gene’s ego can get in front of all the good things that he has done and continues to do, and i don’t think his ego would ever let him admit to any regret.
We forget how visceral and controversial Kiss was in the ’70s….and this guy in particular…we didn’t know what he looked like…..his conatus is to devour and then boast about his conquests.
…but he’s also rife with irony.
…Gene has tremendous healing powers.