Annie Reuter of Radio.com reports:
Gene Simmons of KISS has some heated words for drug addicts and people dealing with depression in a new interview with Songfacts.com.
When asked if he keeps in touch with the original players of KISS he answered with a resounding “no.”
Why’s that? Simple: they’re either drug addicts or just downers.
“I don’t get along with anybody who’s a drug addict and has a dark cloud over their head and sees themselves as a victim,” Simmons said. “Drug addicts and alcoholics are always: ‘The world is a harsh place.’ My mother was in a concentration camp in Nazi Germany. I don’t want to hear f–k all about ‘the world as a harsh place.’ She gets up every day, smells the roses and loves life.
And for a putz, 20-year-old kid to say, ‘I’m depressed, I live in Seattle.’ F–k you, then kill yourself.”
He added “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 f–k up, have some dignity and jump! You’ve got the crowd.”
While Simmons said KISS has new songs ready, there are no plans to record anytime soon. But, there is one artist he’d love to record with in the future: Lady Gaga.
“I think Lady Gaga is the only new rock star, although she’s not a rocker,” he said. “I would like her to throw away all the disco stuff and get a band. Don’t use tapes, come out with a real live band and guitars. She’s a bona fide musical artist. She did a duet with Tony Bennett, real great pipes. She can sit at a piano all by herself. She’s a legitimate artist. A lot of the other pop divas who are really talented are not artists.”
Simmons said KISS and Gaga tried to collaborate on their last record but both were too busy.
“We got close. She got busy, we got busy. We would have done it.”
additional source: radio.com
245 Responses
Stop posting all the kiss b.s. every day enough already just go away
don’t read it then
Gene Simmons is a tool, always has been and always will be. Gene’s also an addict, addicted to his sense of greatness. To label people afflicted with the disease as people who should just kill themselves is one of the most assinine comments ever. This sounds eerily similar to quotes made by Adolph Hitler. He felt the Jews were a disease as were gypsies, birth defects, homosexuality and exterminated them for it.
A disease is a disorder of structure or function that is not a result of physical injury. Gene’s hair helmet is not a disease but should be classified as one. He is a pompous, arrogant and foolish ass.
That “sense of greatness” has kept the band around for 40 years. I’d rather have that addiction over drugs and alcohol any time.
It generates business man. You see the comments of Kiss article vs. anyone else.
Maybe GaGa will be Paul’s replacement!
Horrifying thought! Wouldn’t put it past these charlatans though! Gene & paul will always have a place in my heart but man are they burning bridges…………….
Mr Simmons had better f-ing clarify his statements.
I have been living with and receiving ongoing treatment for Clinical Depression since 2008 when I finally snapped from the pressure of trying to “keep it together” while the world around me got more and more difficult to cope with. I had had it for *years* before I was finally diagnosed with it and I was only diagnosed with it because I finally hit rock bottom. Depression is a wicked thing that only others who have dealt with it can understand. Depression isn’t a lifestyle choice like being an asshole is. If It turns out that he is indeed refuting the legitimacy of mental illnesses like depression and addiction,this will be the tipping point where *all* my KISS stuff will go to the used shop to exchange for something better.
Patrick,
I agree with you, some of Simmons’ statements are way out of line. I lost someone who was very important to me a couple of months ago to suicide. I struggle with his loss everyday. Real clinical depression is, no pun intended, a laughing matter and Gene’s flippant comments are irresponsible.
But in his defense (I cannot believe that I am defending him), I think he was referring to the typical whiny, spoiled teenager who is angst ridden without being clinically diagnosed with a legitimate mental illness. The ones who sulk for no good reason and threaten suicide simply for attention. Trust me, when one wants to commit suicide, they usually don’t tell anyone. That is the real danger. I think Gene is spouting his frustration with the ones who simply act the part, but are not really ill.
As for his comments about drug addiction, again that is simply his opinion. He is not an addiction specialist nor has he ever suffered from an drug/alcohol addiction himself, so it’s difficult for him to relate to an issue he has never suffered from, but has only seen through others close to him.
Dana from ET.com 🙂
Dana,
I agree completely with everything you said. Gene says these things from a lack of understanding and imagination. Sometimes–and I am a fan–I hate to imagine what his views are on other subjects. Like Ted Nugent, he fails to filter what he says regardless of who it hurts. Its too bad he can’t go back and edit his words to reflect more accurately what he means.
“spoiled teenager who is angst ridden without being clinically diagnosed with a legitimate mental illness.”
The problem is that you don’t know the difference, and nobody really does until it’s too late. There are fine lines there. The triggers that cause people to end their lives, or someone else’s for that matter, are not always know.
What he said is not defendable under any circumstance. He’s ignorant. Just because he played bass in a successful 70’s rock band, he know has a mic to say whatever he wants. Him and Uncle Ted should get a room together.
Mike,
I agree with you and it was difficult to try and rationalize those comments. But, I still think that is what he meant, because it is quite obvious that he lacks knowledge.
Also, while I concur that you cannot always tell the difference between typical teenage angst and, God forbid, something else, that is why it the parent’s job to have their child properly assessed by a professional to be able to discern the difference.
As I stated before, someone I love is no longer here from this very misunderstood disease which is often medicated with drugs whose side effects can be just as dangerous as the symptoms they are trying to abate. Again, his comments were clearly misguided and obviously stated from someone who is clearly ignorant about mental illness.
Dana 🙂
Yes Dana,
I could not have stated it better. I am sorry about your freind.
I’m in 100% agreement with you on this matter, and am glad you responded to Patrick quickly as it set the proper tone for this subject matter.
Mike B.,
Thank you for the lovely words.
D 🙂
@Dana,
You’re welcome Dana! I actually replied thinking you replied to me, but it was a different Mike. Lol! Then it all made sense!
Please, please stop trying to police people’s thoughts and words. Gene Simmons is the biggest moron on planet Earth and does his typical “controversial” projections to validate himself-to himself. Call him the misinformed, ignorant, loser he is loudly. But, when people start demanding “clarifications”, “retractions”, or “apologies” from public figures for their opinions…I instantly have to support the idiot that made the asinine comment. Stop making me defend the dumbest among us.
Not really sure how I am doing that, but okay whatever you say, Frank. I was just giving my opinion as to what I thought he might have meant. I never said he was accurate, and if you read what I wrote, I condemned him for being careless and thoughtless with his words. Maybe, you need to re-read all of my posts.
Dana from ET.com 🙂
Dana, please don’t listen to anything that poster has to say. We value your opinions, because your opinions are very valuable! 🙂
Patrick,
I don’t blame you at all. This could have been an opportunity for Gene to send a message to people saying “get help”. There is no doubt he is sending the wrong message even though I truly believe he is not condoning suicide. HIS LIFE is great because he’s rich and his mother spoiled the crap out of him growing up. He can’t imagine what its like to have it any other way. I believe this insensitive view on depression is rooted in his mother’s experiences as a holocaust survivor and the stories he’s heard growing up. He thinks there is no excuse. He needs to research things he doesn’t understand before making these comments. Don’t get rid of your KISS stuff Patrick. Forgive Gene for these stupid comments of his and just enjoy life–maybe take a break from Gene for a good, long while–I know Dana would like to never hear about him again!
Patrick.
So cool you admit to having a depression – I do too, so I know exactly what you’re talking about. I usually don’t wish anyone anything bad, but I do wish will be stricken with both a deep depression and angst, so he’ll at least get a taste of it feels like.
Gene Simmons “Don’t look down on people, unless you’re helping them getting up”
Seems to me Paul & Gene just can’t let the past be in the past. And the irony is Gene & Paul have/are been desperately trying to bury the past aka Peter & Ace and unfortunately for them it will never ever happen. Their behavior (G/P) has been extremely bizzare…..actually now it has become real creepy…….And it is no wonder why Gene & Paul won’t ever appear on That Metal Show, they can make up any boneheaded excuse they want but the bottom line is they fear Eddie because they both know Eddie will ask the questions that nobody else will…..sorry but that is truth!! Joe in The Cuse
Joe,
Actually, I don’t think an appearance on TMS would work out too well. Imagine it! Gene and Paul show up and Eddie, Don, and Jim ask them the usual questions. Paul and Gene give their usual replies. Eddie and Don don’t buy it or agree and are no closer to understanding Gene’s and Paul’s thinking. Jim doesn’t care either way. The audience (most of them probably fans of the original lineup since that seems to be the demographic) boo’s at Paul and Gene’s response’s to the questions.
Alternatively, how do YOU think it would play out Joe?
Mike B – with all due respect to this site and Eddie who I respect it’s a rock show and nothing more. Eddie and his producers make the right call when they had Ted on ….staying clear away from his politics and past comments. There is no reason and no gain in having those type conversations with guys like Gene and Ted who never budge and don’t listen.
Mike B……It would play out disaster out for Gene & Paul……..& what deigned your “usual questions” logic?? You see it is all about PERSPECTIVE at this point, not the “usual” emotional questioning……think outside the box Mike B. ……Joe in The Cuse
Joe,
The arguments about the makeup/original members have gone on for ten or more years. Even Eddie has stated its like beating a dead horse–the usual arguments! It doesn’t seem like my comments were out of line…
Once again, what do YOU think would happen if Paul and Gene were guests of the show and Eddie asked these questions?
Thinking outside the box is best applied to finding solutions–not speculation of what could be. I’m sharing my opinion of what would happen IF, not when. I get it though–it made you feel good to say it? /:
Uhh Mike B…..can’t say it any better than my previous post. Your comments weren’t out of line at all….and the questioning really doesn’t have to pentane to the makeup….rather Gene & Pauls relentless hatred and attacks on the other 2…., get where I’m going now?? I really can go on, it really isn’t that hard…….Joe in The Cuse
Joe,
Eddie would never do a show based on that criteria. TMS is not the Dr. Phil show, and Paul and Gene do not hate Ace or Peter. It seems like you are avoiding the question. No problem–your off the hook.
Lmao, uh Mike B I was never on ANY HOOK….I’m not here to answer YOUR questions….I gave my explanation and if you really couldn’t equate to that then that is a YOU problem, not my problem……..Joe in The Cuse
Joe,
It was just a figure of speech–the same as saying “okay, I give up! I’ll drop the subject!” I wasn’t getting anywhere with you because you avoided the question repeatedly. With you, it’s a battle of wits and not about answering with integrity. You have not defended your position…and I’m not surprised.
Mike B I pointed it out….it didn’t have to be towards makeup but mainly their hatred towards the other 2…..If you obviously couldn’t understand that than wow……would you like it in sign language?? Once again question their hatred towards Ace & Peter…..that wasn’t to difficult to figure out……Joe in The Cuse
Come on guys, PEACE! Just FUGGEDABOUTIT! 🙂 CHEERS! 😉
@doug r,
Well….oh alright…peace…
Very true! The recent comments paul has made about replacements for him in gene make me really worry about Paul’s mental stability……………….I’m not even kidding. Kiss will now be the new menudo?!?!? Very bizarre activity by gene & paul!
I seriously doubt Gene is afraid of Eddie. Eddie wants to be validated through this invented feud. If Eddie were a true fan then he would kick Ace and Peters asses for trying to wreck this band through their selfish behavior. Instead he continues giving them handjobs because they wil actually talk to him.
It is SO insanely far out there what some people think they know. And equally hysterical when the hardcore buy hook line and sinker EVERYTHING they are told from one side. It seems Gene, Paul and certain Kiss fans just want to live in the past and continue to dwell on what past members were over 12 years ago.. it is amazing
Hysterical post, Michael. Right on the money.
They are both afraid…..if they weren’t they would do the show……Joe in The Cuse
Yes, Gene is shaking in his monster boots. No one wants to endure the tough questioning of Eddie Trunk. “So how have you been?” “So alot has changed since we spoke last, what have you guys been up to?” “Which Kiss album is your favorite?”
Right, because you survive in broadcasting 31 years not asking good questions. LOVE how you are consumed with everything I say, write and play, on my site, but think i don’t know what I’m doing? Says a lot about you… And you must have that line of questioning confused with the interviews they do grant on places like CNN. I’m sure your interviews would be so hard hitting….of wait, that’s right, you have no clue at all how it really works. Don’t ever let reality cloud your perception!
Game…..Set…..Match….Nice Eddie, Ennui you set yourself up for that one. Next time THINK before you open your mouth you meathead…….Joe in The Cuse
Eddie…
I still can’t believe you don’t like Monster…how many times did you listen to it? I didn’t like Animalize the first time I heard it. I was a little disappointed in Psycho Circus initially! I know Paul has never been cool to you and that would make it hard for me if I were in your shoes.
I know I’m off topic and I think Ennui is on the extreme opposite of your views of current Kiss. What I’m saying is that Gene and Paul should not have to justify their decision to put the makeup on Tommy and Eric. They have earned the right to wear it as far as I’m concerned. They are not copying Ace and Peter’s movements on stage or their personalities. They have taken over the CHARACTERS (caps for emphasis) that YES, Peter and Ace created–and sold! Ennui is defending the current lineup because the current lineup is helping to keep Kiss moving forward. The music is the most important and the last two studio albums have been great Eddie. I know the difference. Even if I didn’t like them, I can acknowledge something that’s good.
@joe in the Cuse,
Look at YOU calling someone else a meathead…WHAT THE HECK? Eddie is right to respond as he did. You? No, I don’t think so.
Mike B…..seriously you really aren’t that brilliant…..helluva try pal but you couldn’t even figure out a post from me earlier that a 6th grader could. The answer was right in front of you but nope….you wanted to play “hero”……..sorry but that was a YOU problem, not a me problem….now the lesson is done & class is dismissed…..Joe in The Cuse
(I rest case…)
It wouldn’t matter Joe…if they did show up they would be asked the same “softball” questions that Ed ask’s of Ace and Peter. And that’s not a knock on Ed either it just the reality of the situation…I don’t blame Ed for that, he’s there to invite guests on not turn it into a Jerry Springer episode. Ed’s had plenty of chances to call Ace and Peter out and he hasn’t…again, I do not blame him for that nor do I expect him to do so.
Btw/ not defending Gene and his recent line of asinine comments in the least though I do agree with Dana in the fact that he probably needs to clarify his remarks.
Fair enough JB……Joe in The Cuse
Go away Gene. Nobody cares about you and Paul anymore.