KISS star Gene Simmons says he’s proud to be among the One Percent of the world’s richest people – and insists everyone else owes him a debt of gratitude.
The bassist believes the world would descend into “chaos” if it wasn’t for him and fellow millionaires.
Simmons tells UTSanDiego.com, “The one percent pays 80 percent of all taxes. 50 percent of the population of the US pays no taxes. The one percent provides all the jobs for everybody else. If the one percent didn’t exist there would be chaos and the economy would drop dead.”
He adds, “Try being nice to rich people. I don’t remember the last poor person who gave me a job.”
Describing his 30 years of extreme financial security as “fantastic” he continues: “You know how I spell ‘shameless?’ P-r-o-u-d.”
He explains, “People often confuse my pride and self-confidence with arrogance. I’m like an animal in the jungle that pisses on the ground and doesn’t ask permission. That’s full disclosure before the facts – others hold their opinions to themselves and never say who they are. You will always know who I am. You don’t have to like it.”
KISS recently announced, KISS Rocks Vegas residency, starting November 5th at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. The band is currently on tour with Def Leppard.
additional source: classicrockmagazine.com
125 Responses
There’s gotta be a joke in here somewhere about the last poor woman who gave Gene a blow job..
Gene getting peoples attention again that’s nothing new.
Funny thing is that he is so into the kiss brand these days and back n 80″s he was off in search of something else were it be managing other artist . Producing or acting lil involvement in the big so called kiss brand but because ace n peter help relaunch their image and the brand if you will they have done nothing more but run it down the tubes unlike bill auction when he originally launched the marketing idea and it was huge today you got gene n paul both putting out just about anything their is . I know ppl dont have to buy it but they all know to well that they will just like their somewhat buying into this rip off version of kiss today. Funny thing is gene saw it was again a shot to fill big as the demon and its got to his head and his ego has just went wild. I know now more then ever that kiss in.last 15 yrs has all been more about money than band or music. I mean ppl the last 2 kiss albums are so silly I haven t seen them holding up no gold or platinum records
I love how everyone bashes people they don’t even know. Gene and the current lineup all came to see my brother w/o is a wounded warrior. Not only did Gene and Kiss come see him and us at the hospital. Gene picked up the costs of two gentlemen (not military) that desperately needed funds to get procedures done to their legs. Gene called in the families and wrote out full cost checks right on the spot. My brother and whole family were paid transportation to and from the Kiss show next day where we had meet n greets, VIP treatment, and two signed new punisher basses. Genes eyes shed more than a few tears while in the house and if I don’t tell this story you guys don’t know because he doesn’t always have cameras and newsflashes to brag about such kindness. So forgive me if my perception does not match the portrayal of Gene Simmons everyone apparently is dying to slam and roll their eyes at. Kiss and Gene for 40 years have been my hero and favorite band. I’m prouder today to be a Kiss fan than any other time. I will be attending the concert again with my much healing and improved brother in Houston August 31. That’s Kiss Army is all about.
Chad, nice story. Hope your brother and family are doing well and I thank your brother for his bravery and dedication. I’ve met Gene three times in my life. One of them was a couple of years back in Vancouver when they did the dedication to Sophie’s House Women’s Shelter. Many people don’t know about that project, or care about wounded warrior, or about the thousands of kids he sponsors in Africa. I agree with Mike B’s posts. The Demon will put his foot in his mouth a lot, but I think he does it on purpose. Not sure why he does it, I have my theories, but regardless he does it. But to your point, the man is more charitable than most others in his occupation or income bracket. I’ve met a tonne of rock stars over the years, but have to say my first meeting with Gene and Eric Carr was the best fan interaction I’ve ever had – from both of them. Only Rob Halford comes close. Again I appreciate your post. My post isn’t to defend him. But merely to admire your post and add my own 2 cents.
I truly believe Gene has a big heart, it’s just a shame that sometimes his mouth is as big as his heart. Most people know Gene is a very nice person on the inside, but not so much on the outside, (and I’m not talking about his looks, LOL!) Gene can deny it all he wants, but most of the time he does come across more arrogant than confident. Everybody loves confidence, but nobody likes arrogance, or ego-maniacs, and with Gene, sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference. However, I do commend & applaud him for all his wonderful charity work he does and all his donations to people less fortunate, always have & always will. I just wish he would think a little bit more before he speaks, especially when he’s being interviewed, because everybody knows how interviews can be edited, and with Gene’s blasé attitude as it is already, he really needs to be careful and think before he speaks.
Chad,
I agree with you. I think Gene likes people to believe in “the big, bad, wolf” and he has actually said in the past that he likes that image. Gene is the Demon, and that’s part of his personality. Of course, some of his statements are misunderstood, misquoted, and sometimes completely blown out of proportion. Even though he does so many good things for people, many turn a blind eye to all that is good and focus on the bad. I don’t think he cares. I think he intentionally says things to–perhaps get people talking! Most don’t look any deeper than the statements he makes, and judge him on his views instead of all the good he contributes to the world. Many have lashed out at him on this site, and it’s too predictable.
Mike B, DR, and Doug R….thank you for reading my story about my brother and for giving Gene a nod at least for his charitable heart and kindness that can come from him. The kind words about my brother are appreciated. We are looking forward to Houston show Aug. 31.
Chad, I hope you & your Brother enjoy the show, have a great time, cheers! 🙂
his hair is like an animal in the jungle.