KISS frontman/bassist Gene Simmons was a recent guest on, Larry King Now, with guest host Dennis Miller. Simmons discussed a myriad of topics, including the band’s tumultuous Farewell Tour in 2000, which Paul Stanley previous said was nothing more than an attempt by the group to “put KISS out of its misery” after years of ego clashes and disagreements Read what the bassist had to say below (via blabbermouth.net).
“What happened was that Peter Criss and Ace Frehley — who are the original founding members with Paul and myself 46 years ago… Not everybody is designed to run a marathon, it’s fair to say. And not everybody should be in a band that lasts decades and decades. So, by the turn of the 2000s, the early 2000s, it became dysfunctional to the extreme. They were asked to leave or left on their own volition three different times because of the cliché of clichés — bad behaviour, unprofessionalism, drugs, alcohol. It’s, like, it’s been done — come on. Then we looked at each other and said, ‘If we can’t live up to the, ‘You wanted the best, you’ve got the best, the hottest band in the world,’ let’s just call it quits.’ You’ve got the cash, the fame. So we stopped — we stopped for a while and kept getting a deluge of gifts and inquiries. ‘Why can’t you do it? If you’ve got a flat tire, change the tire. Why do you wanna stop?’ And Paul and I had a moment where we just said, ‘You know what? We’re thinking small.’ I always thought of The Beatles, ‘Nobody will ever take the place of anybody.’ But Ringo[Starr] is not an original member; he took the place of Pete Best. So when you take a look at all the bands, ‘Oh, there can be a different lead singer of Van Halen.’ Actually, there can, and there has been. And I’m the guy that found them, so I know what I’m talking about.”
Simmons then went on to confirm that KISS’s ongoing End Of The Road tour is indeed the band’s “final tour.” He said, “It’s a long one. We’ve got another two years of staying out there. We’ve already done 93 cities around the world, [and we are] coming back again. But the reality is that I’m 70. By the time I’m 72, it’s time to get off the stage. We’ve both seen bands that stayed too long on that stage… You wanna get off the stage before they’re tired of you… Leave them wanting more. Don’t stay on there too long.”
Watch Simmons’ interview below.
13 Responses
So sick of Gene using the Pete Best/Ringo comparison…The Beatles were not known at all except in Liverpool with Pete Best. Does that even have to be discussed?? Dave Evans was the original singer for AC/DC, but NOBODY NOTICED. Excuses upon excuses. And, what Van Halen songs are remembered and played on the radio? The ones with Roth. THOSE are the VH classics and we all know it. So shut the f–k up, Gene, just stop it! Nobody will give a rat’s ass about this Kiss lineup. Fact. History will show that. Nobody cares about Mark St. John, nobody cares about Vinnie Vincent. Gene. Paul. Peter. Ace. THE FOUR. That’s all, that’s it, that’s the iconic Beatles of the 1970s. Comparing Kiss to other bands is ludicrous. They aren’t Fleetwood Mac. There are only 2 bands in history where all four members are instantly recognizable. The Beatles and Kiss. Slap makeup on another guy, it’s absolutely insulting as a lifelong Army member. I have, am, and will continue to refuse to attend any of the overpriced tribute band shows they are calling a Kiss tour. For 43 goddamned years I have been a fan and have listened to the same stupid assed soundbites and cliche blatherings from the 2 guys who are unceremoniously trouncing all over the Kiss legacy. F–k the both of you, Gene and Paul. Kiss MY ass.
Mr. Rock And Roll, I agree with everything you said. However, Eric Carr, Vinnie Vincent, Mark St. John, and Bruce Kulick all deserve some credit for their contributions to the band in the 80’s and early 90’s. I too though am totally disgusted, sick and tired of Gene and Paul relentlessly and unnecessarily bashing Ace and Peter all the f–king time and tearing apart the KISS Army!! Stop the bullsh-t already!! Farewell tour back in 2000, Paul was preaching about remember this in the future when it was REAL! Exactly, Paul, that was the last time KISS was REAL!! Bad enough the Eric/Tommy charade continues, but do you really have to keep the Ace/Peter bashing bullsh-t going on? Haven’t you and Gene already done enough damage to the legacy of KISS?
Preach it, Mr. Rock and Roll! I agree with everything you mention, but I also concur with brother Doug R. about the other band members he names who also contributed to the KI$$ legacy and I think are deserving of recognition.
it just boggles my mind,that none of these interviewers will bring up the lip syncing aspect of this show,thats the question i want to be asked and answered
Sigh….interviewer asks same tired question. Gene gives same tired answer. Tired interview gets reported. Commenters make same tired comments….Sigh…
What I’m really looking forward to is commenting on yet another story about Sammy Hagar yet again talking about Van Halen! (eye roll)
In Dennis Miller’s defense, he is a stand up comedian, political commentator, and former SNL cast member. So, his interviewing skills cannot be compared to, Larry King, whom he was filling for, and whom built his whole career on interviewing people.
Also, many times interviewers, are contacted by the publicist beforehand and told what subject matter is acceptable and what is off limits. So, the questioner isn’t always to blame for not broaching controversial, or sensitive, topics.
Finally, you clicked on the story and commented, if it annoys you, ignore it.
Dana,
I certainly wasn’t annoyed by the article. If anything, I was commenting ironically on the circular and redundant relationship that certain artists – especially Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Sammy Hagar – and topics have in the media.
Well, I guess these issues bother them, and they keep revisiting them. To what end, and purpose, I don’t know.
Look, even a humongous Redhead like me can admit that sometimes Sammy talks a little bit too much about VH, difference is he isn’t bashing the VH brothers ALL the time, every time and every chance he gets. I mean, he always gets asked, and he was in VH for 11 years, actually 12 if you count that “reunion” in 2004? And don’t forget, he did save their asses in ’85 after Roth left! They needed Sammy a hell of alot more than he needed them! If it wasn’t for Sammy, Patty Smyth or Daryl Hall (who I love BTW) would’ve been the new lead singer in Van Halen, think about that for a minute. But I do wish Sammy would just say no comment more often when asked about VH, we all already know the whole story, as with KISS!
Oh no, Tears are falling….
Gene is the bashing ma-kine!
Gene and Marathons do not belong in the same sentence.
Personally, I want Kiss to keep on the End of the Road tour until Gene is 93 and “Going Blind”
Wiggy is here all week….try the veal