Q and A: Gene Simmons does what he wants

08/17/2017

Q and A: Gene Simmons does what he wants

KISS fans, remain calm: KISS is not retiring.

You have the assurance of KISS bassist and co-founder Gene Simmons, who will be playing Caesars Windsor on Aug. 25 ï¿½ but not with his usual Detroit Rock City compadres.

Instead, Simmons will be performing under the billing of his solo project: Gene Simmons and His Band. A whole night of rock with Simmons front and centre.

We chatted with the 67-year-old God of Thunder about whatï¿½s going on with himself and the KISS empire.

Why a solo tour? Why now?

ï¿½I never did solo tours or performances in 44 years. KISS satisfied everything ï¿½ But when weï¿½re not playing, I like to keep busy.ï¿½

ï¿½By the way, this doesnï¿½t mean anything in terms of KISS. KISS continues to tour the world. We have a great time together. But the band doesnï¿½t play anywhere near as much as I like to get out there. This is just an excuse for me to play hooky.ï¿½

What can fans expect from a Gene Simmons solo show?

ï¿½For the nice people of Windsor, on the 25th of August ï¿½ my birthday, as a matter of fact ï¿½ Iï¿½ll be celebrating. Weï¿½re gonna shake the roof. Weï¿½re gonna do stuff that KISS has never done live. Stuff from my solo records that has never been played live.ï¿½

ï¿½Weï¿½re going to have staircases leading from the stage right into the audience. At any point in the set, I just might invite the ladies to get on stage and join me. Or if thereï¿½s a really talented kid who can play or sing, Iï¿½ll pull him up on stage and weï¿½ll have us a real good time.ï¿½

ï¿½So whip out your cellphones, get it on video, and record it. I donï¿½t know of any other band that does this.ï¿½

Just to clarify, youï¿½ll be playing KISS songs, too?

ï¿½Sure. And we may do Boom Boom by John Lee Hooker. Itï¿½s no-rules. Itï¿½s a chance for me to roll up my sleeves. And you should see my arms. Iï¿½ve got very pretty arms.ï¿½

Speaking of your solo records, why did you choose to title your 2004 album Asshole?

ï¿½Well, hindsightï¿½s 20/20 ï¿½ I love the arrogance of ï¿½Asshole.ï¿½ Itï¿½s often used as a term of endearment. Iï¿½ve certainly been called ï¿½assholeï¿½ more than once. Starting with my mother.ï¿½

ï¿½And I thought, ï¿½Everybodyï¿½s going to get the joke.ï¿½ Apparently, they didnï¿½t. But I donï¿½t care. Iï¿½m too rich to care. Do what you want to do, and the world can take a hike. Iï¿½m blessed to be able to do that. You can surmise that it wasnï¿½t a record company executiveï¿½s decision.ï¿½

Finally, thereï¿½s been some backlash over your attempt to trademark the ï¿½Metal Hornsï¿½ or ï¿½Rock Onï¿½ hand sign. Any regrets about that?

ï¿½I regret nothing. Wake up every morning and let your conscience be your guide.ï¿½

ï¿½Did you know I own the money bag logo? The dollar sign with the bag of money. I own all kinds of things. I own ï¿½motion picturesï¿½ as a trademark. Anyone who thinks thatï¿½s silly ï¿½ the silliest thing Iï¿½ve ever done is wear more makeup and higher heels than your mommy.ï¿½

ï¿½People said, ï¿½You canï¿½t do that.ï¿½ Actually, bitch ï¿½ I can. I can do anything I want to do.ï¿½

Gene Simmons and his band perform at Caesars Windsor on Aug. 25.

Concert begins 9 p.m. 19 and older only.

Ticket prices started at $30, available via caesarswindsor.com, www.ticketmaster.ca, or the casinoï¿½s box office. Call 1-800-991-7777.

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