Hi Mr. Simmons
I was Gene Simmons at Super Bowl 2009! I made a costume by myself..
I’m so proud of Me! To be You! People called me “Hey Gene stick you tongue out”
But I cant.. I don’t have a long tongue like you J anyways..i’m a girl
My husband loves KISS and if you are on tour I want to go see you and wear my costumes..
Thank you Mr. Simmons
Tickey Barker
Greetings Mr. Simmons,
I was in Spain last year and while wondering through a large shopping mall I came across a fashion store that was selling this shirt. Of course I had to buy it. The saleswomen did not speak much English and nor do I speak much Spanish which made trying to translate what's on this t-shirt fun and entertaining. I'm sure you can figure out what it says!?
Glad to see that you are in Canada to shake things up in the music world and find new music.
Keep up the great work that you do and continued success with Gene Simmons Family Jewels.
Looking forward for an announcement of a Vancouver and/or Victoria KISS tour date!
Truly,
Greg
Hello Mr. Simmons,
A frostbitten wave from my igloo! My name is Stephen. I live in a city called Calgary Alberta where the famous Calgary Stampede & Rodeo is held (best outdoor show on earth). I am writing you about an idea that I have. The reason I am writing you is if I don't ask,...I will simply never know and the worst thing that could happen is : you say no... and That aint so bad. Anyways moving on to the idea. I am inspired by many artists breaking away from their norm and shtick and doing a project outside of the box. What I mean is rock, metal, jazz artists doing a roots(country) album. Groups like "The Wreckers" - who is Michelle Branch. Darius Rucker from Hootie and the Blowfish. All who have been very successful internationally. Where does this inspiration come from? I was flipping through channels this evening and saw Family Jewels, a scene in Honolulu where you were playing a guitar singing a song you had just written for Shannon. The chords and note tensions - a Maj7 was not something that I would have expected to come from you. I thought to myself.."hmmm multifaceted he is". I wonder what else he can do? I thought maybe he has another side to him! That is surely unknown.
So who the heck am I?
I am a 34 year old Canadian Male. I am an accomplished musician and song writer. I am currently signed to EMI Records and ONRamp Records out of Nashville and have just released an album with a band called HAYMAKER. I have written and personally recorded over 200 of my own songs. I play many different styles of music. Most of my time each day is spent doing sessions for other studios or working with other artists and tracking and mixing their projects. As I mentioned earlier I play in a band called Haymaker with the Canadian equivalent to Simon Cowwel from American Idol is Zack Werner from Canadian Idol. I can play a variety of instruments, bass being my forte. I am a singer and most importantly here for this idea a great harmonist. This is where my idea starts to stem from.
Now Im not looking to get a record deal with you. Im not looking to get famous. Im not looking to get on family Jewels. I am not some crazed delusional fan, albeit I do enjoy some Kiss songs. I am a musician with big ideas, big dreams and big aspirations and I have an idea that I would really like to explore with you.
My idea is :
You and I write a roots country album. There are two singers. Two acoustic guitars up front. The songs are mostly all harmony based melodies. Ala Eagles - Everly Brothers - Wreckers - Crosby Stills and Nash, Extreme(more than words theme) Simon and Garfunkle. But the hooks are big melodies with lush harmonies. With lots of acoustic guitar playing and maybe a 12 string Rickenbaker for rhythm playing (Tom Petty). I am not young, but I am not old. Neither are you. The theme I think of is "youth meets wisdom" or based around that theme. I am very ambitious and tenacious. I would love to hear your take on this idea. This country I live in is great and safe. But risk is something we don't do well.
Here are a few myspace links : Haymaker - www.myspace.com/haymakerfeatzackwerner
This is my page to songs I have written.
www.myspace.com/stephenkambeitz
Thanks for your time
Stephen
Response from Gene:
Thanks for your thought inspiring letter. Re: my song writing - I've always written 'outside' stuff, but KISS is KISS. And that means the outside stuff winds up on solo albums, or I keep it in the drawer. This year, I plan on releasing 'ALTER EGO", a box set of unreleased songs...about 150 of em. You'll hear more 'outside' stuff.
Hey Gene,
Well once again there is a guy claiming to be Gene on MYSPACE. His website link is www.myspace.com/genesimmons234 Curious as to whether or not this is the REAL Gene Simmons this time. I've invited him via friend request so I hope it's really him!
Chris
Response from Gene:
Fake. I'm not on myspace.
Hey Gene,
I was wondering. What company makes your Punisher bass? It's honestly one of the most badass basses I have ever seen.
Sincerely,
Colin
Response from Gene:
Me.
Hello Mr Simmons,
Here is another so called 'real' autographed photo from ebay. Is this real or fake? Also here is the link to it on ebay...
http://cgi.ebay.com/Gene-Simmons-KISS-signed-autographed-8x8-photo_W0QQitemZ200304443037QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116
Brian Schmiege
Oshkosh WI
Response from Gene:
Fake.
Hi Gene
Jerry Lewis directed a film in the 60's called 'The Family Jewels'. Did you ask him permission to use the title for your TV Series?
Best,
Lee
Response from Gene:
No. 1. You can use a title free and clear, if you add or change something about it. So GENE SIMMONS Family Jewels is a different title. Like CRAZY STAR WARS would be a different title. 2. Titles usually cannot be owned, unless and if they are trademarks....like, KISS is a trademark and if the trademark encompasses broadcast, then you can have a show called KISS. Clear?
