Gene,
It never ceases to amaze me how short-sighted some people are. In particular I'm speaking in reference to a recent letter by "Joe" who blasts you for stating in previous interviews that the record industry is dead, and now stating that it will live again.
I believe your words would be "I stand by every word I said, then and now" which is to say at the time you made the statements about the dying record company, they were true. And now, with a new business model and better resources on the horizon, your current statements are just as true.
We could also say now that the American auto industry is dying or dead (although for different reasons that the record industry), however in a few years we may be saying that it is alive and well. Much depends on that, but I believe the analogy is accurate.
Congratulations on your diverse and continued success. You've certainly earned it.
J
; )~~
Gene-
I have been a dedicated fan since '76. I recently started to discover and listen to the music of a band I read you discovered called ANGEL with Greg Giuffira. One of the cd's I bought of their material stated their lead guitar player Punky Meadows was offered the lead guitar role in KISS when Ace Frehley left in '82...is this true?, and any memories of ANGEL you can share?
Thanks-
Kenneth Lee
Response from Gene:
1. I discovered Angel in a club in Wash DC and on that night, called Neal Bogart, head of Casablanca and told him to sign them.
2. Punky did indeed audition for KISS. He did not make it. No offer was made.
Dear Mr. Gene Simmons
Greetings
Please, check out today most important Argentine newspaper.
There is an article there about you, Kiss and also a GS Family Jewels video.
http://www.clarin.com.ar
or
http://www.clarin.com/diario/2009/02/21/um/m-01862950.htm
By the way..Thanks a lot for the last 35 kissyears and for greeting kindly, both my wife and me, last year during your book presentation in Borders, LA. There, I asked you about the chances of Kiss going to Argentina and you told me you ¨We will be there¨. And you will! Thanks for taking the time to Rock´n ´roll in Buenos Aires and other LA countries. My son is studying in Buenos Aires and will be very happy seeing you and Kiss playing after 10 years (He was 12 yo in 1999 when we went together to the Psycho Circus concert. His first concert ever!). I had the chances to see Kiss playing in Argentina and USA several times but i am always looking forward for the next time.
Thank you very much for your attention. All my best.
Miguel Saggese
Los Angeles, CA
Hi Gene,
I've been a KISS fan forever and was stoked to work for Ace on some of his east coast dates during his tour last year. I want to tell you that I have gained a whole lot of respect for you after spending time with Ace. Ace is sober now, but everything else you've ever said about him regarding his work ethic is right on.
People might dis you for your straightforward honesty, but at least you're being straightforward and honest. Although I hated it at first, I now understand and respect your decision to keep Tommy & Eric in the band. You're right, Ace couldn't handle being in KISS anymore.
Best of luck to you and I hope to see KISS touring the states soon!
Respect!
Mike M.
Just saw the fotos from Soph’s party. Now I see the rememblance!
Mr. Simmons,
Check this out!
You know how you might be listening to a local news show and they will say something like " As reported by USA Today, such and such is happening....."
Well I was listening to a local radio station and the news reports when they said, " And as noted on Gene Simmons.com, Facebook......" they went on to talk about your posting about the concerns of using Facebook. And they talked about it for a wile and mentioned your knowledge of media. I thought it was so cool that you are now being looked at for news reports and information in a legitimate way by national and local news groups. You have been noted nationally but now even locally in our small Wisconsin market.
Very nice.
Hope you and your family are well, have a great week.
Jeff Sonkowsky
HEY gene,
how's life? i have a problem you see there's a kid in my class in m-2 he says that your band is gay and is it ok if you would please come to my sweet 16th on june 14th 2009.
p.s. gene you are so sweet and i think you rock hard .also i have a question how long have you been in the band also is peter criss still preforming on stage love your biggest fan.
p.s. rock on kiss.
Response from Gene:
Well, well....Ok, tell your friend two things:
1. Re the "kid" you mentioned:. Tell him there's nothing wrong with being gay. He should come out of the closet and not worry about who else may or may not be gay.
2. KISS happens not to be gay. However, we'd have no problem BEING gay. Maybe the "kid" DOES have a problem. Try and help him come out of the closet. Be nice to him. Sounds like he needs it.
Dear God of Thunder,
I had a 'Gene Simmons'-themed 40th birthday party this last weekend. This was a way for me to declare that - even though I am now technically middle aged - the 7 year old kid who fell in love with you way back in 1976 is still alive and kicking inside my heart and mind at all times. Thank you, my dear sir, for allowing me to share in the fantasy for these last amazing 33 years of my life.
Love you,
Ross
