KISS bassist Gene Simmons who recently made some controversial comments about depression and suicide, has posted the following message on his Facebook page:
“I want to make this statement about my views on depression for the record and to clarify my prior remarks.
To the extent my comments reported by the media speak of depression, I was wrong and in the spur of the moment made remarks that in hindsight were made without regard for those who truly suffer the struggles of depression. I sincerely apologize to those who were offended by my comments. I recognize that depression is very serious and very sad when it happens to anyone, especially loved ones. I deeply support and am empathetic to anyone suffering from any disease, especially depression.
I have never sugarcoated my feelings regarding drug use and alcoholics. Somewhere along the line, my intention of speaking in very directly and perhaps politically incorrectly about drug use and alcoholics has been misconstrued as vile commentary on depression. Unkind statements about depression was certainly never my intention. Fully, you will know that and I do not intend to defend myself here and now, by listing the myriad charities and self-help organizations I am involved with. Rather, I simply want to be clear that my heart goes out to anyone suffering from depression and I deeply regret any offhand remarks in the heat of an interview that might have suggested otherwise.”
Simmons has received criticism for his comments from Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx, who described the KISS frontman’s statements as “moronic”.
99 Responses
Gene is still full of hatred towards Kurt Cobain because he believes Nirvana is the reason Kiss was on a downward spiral in the early nineties – which is why he mentioned Seattle in his comment about suicide and depression. He has blamed grunge music several times for making Kiss irrelevant musically. He did the same to Iron Maiden in the 80’s because Steve Harris is so much more talented than he is. Even Paul has stated in his book that he doubts Gene actually wrote his songs by himself in the 80’s and 90’s – as evidence by ‘Domino’ which was a direct rip off of a Tommy Thayer song when he was with Black N Blue.
His hateful comments about depression and suicide were yet again a stab at Kurt Cobain.
If he was full of hatred for Kurt, why did he invite him to be on the tribute album?
Whatever………gene says dumb crap all the time. I think he should just be ignored from now on.
gene simmons invented apologies
No he patent it
America – the land I love, but also a place where you can be criticized for apologizing and realizing you made a mistake. Gene runs his mouth quite a bit; but he did apologize and none of us have any inkling on the true insight. He realized he screwed up and apologized – doesn’t that count for something???
It does to me. God be with you Greg.
Greg,
Good point but some people like to torment others for their mistakes–makes them feel good about themselves. I think this whole thing was taken out of context, but it was still Gene putting his foot in his mouth. Some people have nothing better to do. I read the interview on song facts–his words were taken out of context and the media blew it out of proportion. Now Gene is giving a very accurate and sincere apology. That’s my belief.
Glad he addressed it…not in his character to admit he was wrong, so I give Gene props for that…Now let’s move on..