Hello,
I wanted to take a minute to send Gene a huge thank you! I wrote in October giving the address of our grandson Patrick, currently deployed in Afghanistan. We got a letter from Patrick telling us of the autographed picture he received from Gene. If it's possible for a letter to be overflowing with excitement, his was. This was the only letter this young Marine has written since he left and all it took was a picture from Gene to provoke him to sit down and write. Maybe you can imagine the tears of joy running down my wife's cheek (and that was just seeing his letter in our incoming mail, before even opening it).
Please don't let Gene ever underestimate the importance of his support. He could easily sit back and keep his wealth and fame all to himself. The impact of some words of appreciation from a man like Gene cannot be measured. A case could be made that Gene is more supportive than our own government. I'll attach a link to a disturbing, and very recent article on the remains of our soldiers being dumped in a landfill that ran in the Washington Post.
http://news.yahoo.com/remains-274-us-troops-dumped-landfill-report-081234306.html
We don't have the words to express how thankful we are. Merry Christmas!
Hughie
Gene,
This is the one and only Mean Simmons! He is a ref for the Cleveland Firestarters Junior roller derby league in Cleveland, OHIO. He calls penalties,starts the jams and sends the girls to the box. His mom is on the adult league and that's where he gets is killer skating skills. He loves Kiss and has gone to see you in concert.
Victoria
Dear Mr. Simmons,
I wanted to thank you for sending my husband an autographed photo.
He is currently deployed in Afghanistan and I wrote you just a couple weeks ago and asked if you could send an autographed photo and he received the photo of you today.
He was very excited. He called to tell me about it just now rather than email me. The fact that it was personalized, you put his name on it, not "just" an autograph, made it extra special. He is putting it up in his room.
I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to send him a photo, I know how busy you are. It means a lot to me.
Thank you again, so very much. You gave him something that really brightened his spirits.
Julia
Gene,
I just want to say I have so much respect for you. I had a drinking problem for years but when I saw your show I quit! I have two children boys 7 and 9 and will never drink again. My work ethic, love life, relationship with my boys and everything has improved. I thank you for that. I would not have expected what a great influence you have had on me!
Thanks again!
Matt
Response from Gene:
You will make your kids proud.
Hey Gene!
I was lucky enough to catch the Midnight showing of Nick and Sophie Nov. 25th. Truly amazing and gifted. I'm sure you and Shannon are very proud! They sounded great, looked confident and were a delight to watch!
You're always hard at work making everything just right. I was able to catch a glimpse of you manning the mixing board for awhile before heading back to be with Shannon.
Thanks again! Hope you come back to Vancouver soon!!
John
Dear Mr. Simmons,
This email is just a courtesy note. I wrote and posted an article today on my blog which features you as the subject matter.
I have pasted the article into this email so there is no need to click through links.
If for any reason you wish to share, republish, or reference you have my permission no strings attached.
Respectfully,
Mark
Response from Gene:
Or as my friend Donald Trump said in one of his recent speaking engagements: "Gene Simmons was right about Kodak. They were wrong."
Mr. Simmons,
I have no questions but found myself wanting to write you a note to tell you that while I was never a KISS Fan, I am a fan of you and your family. Few things bring a smile to my face these days and as a former Marine Corp Officer a year your junior (1950) I am known for not having much of a sense of humor but, I get your sense of humor and am always left smiling and in a better mood having watch you and your very normal and healthy family and Life. My hat is off to you Sir, Mazel Tov !
JP USMC Ret.
Dear Gene:
I just read your opinion essay in The Sun. Simply fantastic! It should be made into a pamphlet and passed out to every young person between the ages of 7 -17. Better still, your philosophy should be taught in every school in this country.
When I grew up I delivered news papers, mowed lawns in the summer and shoveled snow in the winter to make money. We worked. That’s what you did. Yes, my parents loved me and took very good care of me, but they made sure I learned that there is no such thing as a “free lunch.” In a way I actually feel some sorrow for the protestors because they are missing out on that wonderful feeling of accomplishment, of winning, of achieving something, after dedicating oneself to a purpose.
I hope you will continue to voice your philosophy loud and clear. When the U.S.S.R. fell we witnessed the death of communism. I truly believe we are now witnessing the death of socialism. Only by adhering to your philosophy can we demonstrate the benefits of capitalism and how it opens up opportunities for everyone.
If you are ever in the City and up for a pint let me know. I’m buying. Thank you again for a fantastic, very timely, and very needed essay.
Sincerely,
Steve
Have you ever seriously thought about being a politician? In a time where economies are collapsing around the globe, the world needs some serious leadership.
Paul
Response from Gene:
Problem is, both parties would have a problem with me. I'm socially liberal. Fiscally and foreign policy wise = conservative. Neither Repubs or Dems would want me.
Hello Gene,
I was a fan of Kiss from the late 70's and through out the 80's but stopped when you allowed other players to put on the Ace and Peter characters. No disrespect to Tommy and Eric but to me that was a slap in face to Peter and Ace. I and other older fans would of preferred to see Tommy and Eric with their own make up ( characters ) or taken off the make up like you did in the 80's.
Every once in a while, we get mail like this. And I respect it. I believe the few who write them are passionate.
Fair enough.
But using your same logic, you would stop listening to:
THE ROLLING STONES
THE WHO
THE BEATLES (the original drummer was Pete Best)
AC/DC
VAN HALEN
METALLICA
Want me to continue?
Thanks for the email at any rate Joe, and ultimately, if you don't like something just move on and have a good day. Don't torture yourself.
KISS continues to get bigger every year.
All the best.
Joe
Mr Simmons,
I have been watching your show for some time now, and just want to thank you for all you have done for us veterans. I am a Gulf War veteran going through a tuff time. I have applied for disability and now am waiting to see what happens. Even though I have not gone through what the vets of Iraq and Afghanistan have, I have suffered long term injuries that are not allowing me to work anymore. But I ramble, I just wanted to thank you for all you have done for us vets, it really means alot, your show inspires us to keep going. You bring laughter when it is needed and caring also. Just really wanted to thank you.
Sincerely,
Rick
Response from Gene:
We Honor You.
