Gene Simmons is the bassist and co-lead singer of Kiss.
Gene Simmons: Congress, I have a plea for you
I’ve been a member of the hard rock band Kiss for more than 50 years. In that time, we have entertained millions of fans around the world and sold more than 100 million records. But I still remember our first gig — in front of fewer than 10 people at club in Queens. It paid just $50. We loved the experience, though, and that encouraged us to take creative chances. With our platform boots, black-and-white face paint, elaborate outfits and pyrotechnics, we eventually broke through.