Kiss: 'We Have More Money Than Some Small Countries'

US rock band Kiss have claimed to have a greater total wealth than a number of small countries.

In an interview with the Guardian newspaper, neither signer and guitarist Paul Stanley or bassist Gene Simmons revealed how much they were worth.

However, Simmons – who has an individual wealth reported to be near $100million – did say that they felt “very blessed”.

“It's a privilege to do what we do - and let's say we make a living," he continued.

"Margaret Thatcher set the record straight: it's not having money that's the root of all evil."

Kiss will headline the Download Festival in Donnington next month. Tickets for the festival have sold out.

For more information about all of this summer’s festivals, check out our new look Festival Guide.

Credits for the into to Gigwise.com.

Comments

[strat0blaster]

And they're still not relevant anymore. Too bad money can't buy a lasting consistently expanding fanbases, eh?

Besides - bragging about you money is like bragging about your d*ck - all talk unless you know how to use it.

And first.

[clasp]

KISS IS THE BEST.

[atc228]

strat0blaster wrote:

And they're still not relevant anymore. Too bad money can't buy a lasting consistently expanding fanbases, eh?

Besides - bragging about you money is like bragging about your d*ck - all talk unless you know how to use it.

And first.

while i'm not a Kiss fan on any level, they do have a lasting fan base. Kiss fans are some of the most loyal out there. On top of that they are a household name, like elvis- you may not know their songs but you damn sure know their name (not you specifically, the general public.)

Also, it seems like they know how to use their money seeing as they have retained most of it. While i do agree that they are over the top with merchandise, they never "sold out" because that is what they got in it to do, they never lost their integrity (whether they ever had it...) and are still relevant.

Their relevance comes from their crowd pleasing songs. they are catchy and simple, about things that everyone deals with and can relate to- for the most part. they are not geared at a specific audience, their music is so simplistic and necisarily catchy that is spreads out to everyone.

while few may say kiss is their favorite, most will say they know of kiss.

but that is just my opinion, like your post was yours. im sure we will respectfully agree to disagree on this one.

[AVIDFANOFSOUNDS]

Keeping with the common touch, i can see why people may hate them for this

[korn_dawg]

wow. that is such an observant statement. people with one dollar, and even people that are just flat broke but without debt have more money than the poorest countries.

[Xeus]

they're literally in it for the money

not impressed

[bolezhinkov]

korn_dawg wrote:

wow. that is such an observant statement. people with one dollar, and even people that are just flat broke but without debt have more money than the poorest countries.

agreed. Im sure they dont have anywhere near the GDP of most countries.

and kiss is a total cheese fest but you gotta love it.

[Centurion]

Kiss will headline the Download Festival in Donnington next month. Tickets for the festival have sold out.

The festival hasn't sold out, there's still day and weekend tickets left. Do your damn research fools!

[KillEmAll]

Kiss will headline the Download Festival in Donnington next month. Tickets for the festival have sold out.

That's bollocks. There are loads of tickets left

[Crazybudget]

lol tickets have sold out, what a joke

[Themaddoctor]

Gene Simmons probably robbed hundreds of old people for his money. I like KISS as a band, and all the members as people. Except Gene.

[RUSTDOGG666]

Why make an article bragging about how much money you make? Are these guys in it for the music or for the money? Its some people like us that are just broke as hell and then read stuff like this and get all pissed off. Share the wealth dammit.

[Sloopy]

While I do agree that the statement above is a bit arrogant, I would like video proof. How do I know some reporter didn't just paraphrase the whole thing?

I also agree with the poster who said that KISS can't sell out because they set out to be a brand, not a band. I think that as long as they can sleep at night without tossing and turning over musical integrity, more power to them. The KISS mentality has always been rock, ****, and $$$ - and it always should be. In the words of Gene Simmons; "If you don't like it you can kiss my ass."

[kfilly20]

most overrated band ever

[thbeekk]

I always seem to illicit the obligatory "rolls-eyes" whenever I hear, see, or read anything whatsoever related to KISS, Gene Simmons, or Paul Stanely.

[ParkerScks]

Centurion :

Kiss will headline the Download Festival in Donnington next month. Tickets for the festival have sold out.



The festival hasn't sold out, there's still day and weekend tickets left. Do your damn research fools!

lol its been the worst selling one so far they have all tikets only a hand full of bands worth seeing

[mikko_9119]

strat0blaster wrote:
Besides - bragging about you money is like bragging about your d*ck - all talk unless you know how to use it.

So true, so true

[lzrdsixsix6]

kfilly20 wrote:

most overrated band ever

overrated yes, but i still like them

and idk why you all hate gene....i like him regardless that he's cheap.

[MusicalMinority]

...And they couldn't spare a few bucks to feeding starving kids?

[Korzack]

Glam-Hammer wrote:

GenmathePanda :
Worst. Band. Ever.


no, thats Limp Bizkit.

Surely you forgot Busted and the ilk?

And hurrying back to the script... Meh. At least they've show the brights to keep it all, and they're a decent, if rather forgettable band.

[whitestrat279]

I think they meant it as a funny analogy. And it's probably true.

[insurgentsteve]

i looked everywhere for that margaret thatcher quote... it just seems incomplete, and almost pointless in this article.

[trashbeast]

how is kiss bragging about their money rock or even music news? that is an every day occurance and i'd be less annoyed seeing john mayer in here or something.

[ethanw]

i wonder if this pisses the small countries off...

and worst band ever is like yellowcard or something like that imo...

[TJ1991]

Wow, they have money. I don't care.

[chimpinatux]

this is MUSIC NEWS, not the financial times please

and how a band like that gets that much money is beyond my comprehension

[dieinafire]

Why do people still interview these douchebags? Their music is incredibly weak and boring. Face it, the only reason people ever listened to them was because the whole paint your face fad was pretty new. Slipknot is the same thing. If these losers never dressed up in paint and masks, no one would know who the hell they were, nor care. People who still claim to be fans of theirs are most of the time just aging folks who can't let go of their youth in any way shape or form. They still look at KISS as extremely anti-society and nothing more. They don't realize they've fallen victim to pathetic pop-culture icons who take advantage of their fans and will only continue to make music if it shows a steady profit. Gene is not a rockstar. Gene is not a musician. He's a 'has been' who should have been a 'never was'.
It's a shame.
But all in truth, they must be rich. If they're going to call their show "sold out", they will need to buy a shit load of their own tickets.

[Skarson]

This article is so pointless. Ok, you're rich. What of it? I was thinking/hoping that they were going to discuss some donations they made or something. Nope. "We're rich. That is all."
Oh, and

strat0blaster wrote:

Too bad money can't buy a lasting consistently expanding fanbases, eh?

Um, how do you think they made that much money? KISS fans are diehards, dude.

[j-e-f-f-e-r-s]

Siding with Margaret Thatcher of all people. Do they want to be hated by the working classes?

[ShaDoW0lf]

Question: Do you think they deserve it? I say, they deserve a lot of money for the work they've done.. but seriously, not >>$100million individually

[break-me-in]

What's the point of this article? I mean, did I really need another reason to hate KISS? Hey, I guess next time I'm talking to a KISS fan who refuses to believe that their music is commercialised, generic glam rock, I can just say that they're greedy bastards. Seriously, why not donate some of that money to charity?

[ierostyle]

tickets haven't sold out because in all honesty compaired to last years line up, Download looks a bit crappy, there don't seem to be many great bands there, I mean how can Lost Prophits close Download. I don't understand the line up it really doesn't hold up to last year

[Aplanken]

ShaDoW0lf, it's not a question if they deserve it... they're rockin' for over 35 years now, those guys are just really, really smart bussinessmen!

Gonna see them @ Arrow Classic Rock in Holland on june 15th... can't fr'k'n wait!!!

[Ferrarone]

GenmathePanda wrote:

Worst. Band. Ever.

not ever but one of the worst

+1 ti atomicmaelstrom they are a bunch of clowns

[BenRaah]

Why don't they give some of the money to said "small countries"???




This doesn't impress me at alll...

[giginthesky]

It's sad that all of you can what they did for Rock and Roll. Without them and Alice, you wouldn't have Slipknot or Mudvayne or Pantera and so on and so on, If all of you don't enjoy "Rockin' and Rollin' all Nite and Partying everyday, I feel sorry for you. They are one of the only bands out there that is just about having a good time. What is wrong with that? Isn't there enough technically proficient, sappy, angry, life is terrible type of music out there already? How about just enjoying the volume, the lights and partying with your friends? What ever happened to that?? Rock and roll wasn't always about "musical integrity" and I hate to inform you of the truth but it didn't start with KISS. Many before and many since have and will enjoy the money and the girls. Go see their show and then complain, but you might be too afraid of having a good time and not being able to bitch cause the band didn't suck. I guarantee they put on a better show than "your" favorite band, I don't care who it is. Live a little you idiots!

[j-boy199]

Why can't they give a little to those small countries? It's not like they have anything better to do with it!

[BenRaah]

Kiss are just feeding us reasons to hate them even more...

[NightEmbers]

BenRaah wrote:

Kiss are just feeding us reasons to hate them even more...

+1 actually I just strongly dislike Gene Simmons, the rest of the band are ok people, but Kiss the band =p

[TheAmenCorner89]

Kiss are awesome, so many classic songs and those who disagree can, in the words of Gene Simmons "Kiss my ass"

Their music is about having a good time, and hey at least their music has balls unlike a million sappy emo bands out there today

[Tele Echoes]

Paul Stanley is talented, but Gene Simmons is an ******* for thinking Kiss is Kiss without the real Space Ace!

[Rysel]

Cool! Are they gonna be giving it to any charities, since they have so much money???

.....meh i guess that would be expecting to much.

[holden93]

Kiss is most definitely not overrated, because hardly anyone thinks of Kiss as a musically proficient band. I personally am a huge Kiss fan, but certainly not because of their skill. I enjoy the simplicity of their music, just being able to jack up the volume and enjoy it.
No matter what you think of Gene Simmons, you have to admit that the man is a geni

[ValoRhoads]

strat0blaster wrote:

And they're still not relevant anymore. Too bad money can't buy a lasting consistently expanding fanbases, eh?

Besides - bragging about you money is like bragging about your d*ck - all talk unless you know how to use it.

And first.

They sold out the download festival = proves that you are completely wrong.

[holden93]

No matter what you think of Gene Simmons, you have to admit that the man is a genius in marketing the band.

[studioworks700s]

KISS are legends in there own right although i dont like them without em there would be none of the new bands we have today they paved the way for new generations...saying there a horrible band is very ignorant just because you dont like KISS does not mean they "suck"

[Kapalen]

dieinafire wrote:

Why do people still interview these douchebags? Their music is incredibly weak and boring. Face it, the only reason people ever listened to them was because the whole paint your face fad was pretty new. Slipknot is the same thing. If these losers never dressed up in paint and masks, no one would know who the hell they were, nor care. People who still claim to be fans of theirs are most of the time just aging folks who can't let go of their youth in any way shape or form. They still look at KISS as extremely anti-society and nothing more. They don't realize they've fallen victim to pathetic pop-culture icons who take advantage of their fans and will only continue to make music if it shows a steady profit. Gene is not a rockstar. Gene is not a musician. He's a 'has been' who should have been a 'never was'.
It's a shame.
But all in truth, they must be rich. If they're going to call their show "sold out", they will need to buy a shit load of their own tickets.

I'm a young KISS fan, so is my brother and my friends. I see people younger than me all the time wearing KISS tshirts or buying their cds

[randyaintdead82]

chimpinatux :
this is MUSIC NEWS, not the financial times please

and how a band like that gets that much money is beyond my comprehension

Dude bands like Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, and Led Zeppelin (well the musicians that are still in) have just as much maybe even more, they just dont act like f$%^$#s and brag about it

[randyaintdead82]

giginthesky :
It's sad that all of you can what they did for Rock and Roll. Without them and Alice, you wouldn't have Slipknot or Mudvayne or Pantera and so on and so on, If all of you don't enjoy "Rockin' and Rollin' all Nite and Partying everyday, I feel sorry for you. They are one of the only bands out there that is just about having a good time. What is wrong with that? Isn't there enough technically proficient, sappy, angry, life is terrible type of music out there already? How about just enjoying the volume, the lights and partying with your friends? What ever happened to that?? Rock and roll wasn't always about "musical integrity" and I hate to inform you of the truth but it didn't start with KISS. Many before and many since have and will enjoy the money and the girls. Go see their show and then complain, but you might be too afraid of having a good time and not being able to bitch cause the band didn't suck. I guarantee they put on a better show than "your" favorite band, I don't care who it is. Live a little you idiots!

Alright you got me, they act like d*&^s sometimes but they can put on a good show

[IMABBALLPLAYER]

Wow, I would rather listen to the band Stump before listening to Kiss.

[ilikebass]

I ****ing hate Kiss. Maybe they should use some of that money to help said small countries that could use it way more than they could.

[Guitar_Poet]

funny thing is they also have more money than the United States. we're so far in debt these days that we're just as poor as anyone else--the only difference is our government can magically print more money to shield this fact from the public eye [while simultaneously driving the value of our money down the shitter]. sad, but true... KISS has more money than the US. lol.

[tuwyci]

All the money in the world wont make them into a half decent band now.

[cam_sampbell]

Obviously donating money to the countries that are poorer than them is out of the question

[Armagedn]

Unlike everyone else here, I like KISS. So what if Gene is a douchebag? So are half of the other rockstars in the world, and KISS can make some pretty good music.

[perilouspete]

while this is hardly news, the article title gave me a chuckle. pretty cocky but funny.

[thedarkblues06]

Gene, a cocky ass about his money? :shock: :dies:

Gimme a break, and post some real news.

[thedarkblues06]

Guitar_Poet wrote:

funny thing is they also have more money than the United States. we're so far in debt these days that we're just as poor as anyone else--the only difference is our government can magically print more money to shield this fact from the public eye [while simultaneously driving the value of our money down the shitter]. sad, but true... KISS has more money than the US. lol.

Your idiocy should NOT be allowed here. Just because we are trillions in debt does not deduct from the GDP...because that's what we produce. It's only our TAXES that go into paying that HUGE deficit(if you notice that THAT is why it doesn't seem to decrease). I cannot believe you just said that. If the US had less than $100 million we would NOT be the country we are today.

[Vermilion755]

/agree with ozzynator... at least they could start having free concerts, or $5 shows... though I'd never want to see them. But the message goes to all the huge millionaire bands out there

[zigslip]

wow, i thought ug was a bunch of metal heads

only people i ever see that hate kiss are scene kids, and indie music lovers and shit

[hobo467]

Gene is truly a smart and savvy guy; obviously he has the ego to match, but aside from being hornier than a rabbit he's quite the morally upstanding musician. On a more relevant note, the band as a whole should think about donating some of that to those specifically small countries with less wealth than KISS.

[Bored to Tears]

Down with Gene Simmons.

[This1GoesTo11]

TO ALL KISS HATERS: If you've listened to the first three Kiss albums and still think they suck, fine. But if you haven't, you might want to. It's damn good rock 'n' roll. A lot of great songs and great riffs. Listen to Frehely's solos on tracks like "Stange Days," "100,000 Years," and "Love Her All I Can". They are very original and unique. He takes a different approach to soloing that's very cool.

[AvengedThrice]

KillEmAll wrote:

Kiss will headline the Download Festival in Donnington next month. Tickets for the festival have sold out.

That's bollocks. There are loads of tickets left

+1. How can you sell out of tickets when the venue is a goddamn field?

[turbopantsdx]

Gene Simmons = douche. I watched his interview on the Henry Rollins show and I haven't listened to KISS since.

[fagelamusgtr]

MusicalMinority wrote:

...And they couldn't spare a few bucks to feeding starving kids?

Exactly what i was thinking. I hope this article was paraphrased or something. I think so much less of them as people now.

[LedZepKicksAzz]

That's terrible. I wonder how much of that they spent on hookers/drugs as compared to donate to important charities.

[cj10schmelzer]

RUSTDOGG666 wrote:

Why make an article bragging about how much money you make? Are these guys in it for the music or for the money? Its some people like us that are just broke as hell and then read stuff like this and get all pissed off. Share the wealth dammit.

gene is in it for the money... if you watch his show, gene simmons family jewels, he skips a lot of his daughters stuff because he has meetings with like agents and stuff... plus his family was extremely poor when he was a kid and it was like his life long goal to become rich.
i still love the band though

[VaiSatchLaiho]

This reminds me of Dethklok...

[Cokeduphobit64]

Gene Simons is a hooker with a penis. KISS sucked, sucks and always will suck. However no-brain rednecks will continue to fund their bank accounts and feed their egos.

[Sabu]

Yeah, I'd hate to make loads of money playing music. That would really suck man!

[VaiSatchLaiho]

This reminds of Dethklok....

On a more serious note, they earned their money, no one has any right to tell them what to do with it. Yes, they may be world class jerks, but they can afford it.

[RGshred88]

It's sad that something like music can be twisted around to focus on the all important dollar.
So for going out of your way to boast about your wealth while other good people can barely survive..... all i can say is shame on you.
btw....your music sucks anyway

[cj10schmelzer]

o yea...
just cuz the members are cocky and arrogant doesnt make them a horrible band

[_Lewis]

Way to rub it in on those countries KI$$

[Page/Rhoads]

RUSTDOGG666 wrote:

Why make an article bragging about how much money you make? Are these guys in it for the music or for the money? Its some people like us that are just broke as hell and then read stuff like this and get all pissed off. Share the wealth dammit.

They didn't make the article you moron.

[GNRkixass]

this is sick. i admit to liking 3 or 4 KISS songs but i never listen to them ust because they are sick bastards. how do they live with themselves making all that money knowing that people are starving in countries? these sons of bitches get more money every day and instead of giving any to people who NEED it, they make their huge mansions even bigger cause "they need more space".

[Shread_6009]

if they know full fell they have more money than whole countrys, if they give live half of it to thos countries and maybe make a difference in life. especially since they'll get most of that money back in tax deductions. what arrogant bastards

[LazySandman]

MusicalMinority wrote:

...And they couldn't spare a few bucks to feeding starving kids?

that's why I like 'em

[Shread_6009]

sorry for the second post, but the real problem isnt just that 1/3 of the planet make less than 5 bucks a day, its that that 1 dollar usually will buy them food for at least 1 meal for a family of like 7 (which is still a problem, cause that means no water, lodging,school or medicine). where as most candy bars now cost like 2$ here in North america. we have so much money, and we overpay for every thing by 300%. so that means that guys like kiss can buy whole countries if they wished. and its also pathetic since kiss haven't done anything of any importance since 1998. if aliens ever came down to earth and realize were run by greedy, psycotic apes, we'll all be subject to one huge euthanasia.

[SoftParade1967]

giginthesky wrote:

It's sad that all of you can what they did for Rock and Roll. Without them and Alice, you wouldn't have Slipknot or Mudvayne or Pantera and so on and so on, If all of you don't enjoy "Rockin' and Rollin' all Nite and Partying everyday, I feel sorry for you. They are one of the only bands out there that is just about having a good time. What is wrong with that? Isn't there enough technically proficient, sappy, angry, life is terrible type of music out there already? How about just enjoying the volume, the lights and partying with your friends? What ever happened to that?? Rock and roll wasn't always about "musical integrity" and I hate to inform you of the truth but it didn't start with KISS. Many before and many since have and will enjoy the money and the girls. Go see their show and then complain, but you might be too afraid of having a good time and not being able to bitch cause the band didn't suck. I guarantee they put on a better show than "your" favorite band, I don't care who it is. Live a little you idiots!

I completely agree with you. They've done so much to rock. without KISS there would be no Pantera ect. And music today would not be the same.

[Pukka-VCU]

First off, I would like to know how much money all you soapbox preachers on here would donate if you were rich like that.... in fact, I'd love to know how much you self-righteous users on here currently donate to charities. And before you label me a hypocrite, I have donated to several charities over the years. Second, how are you all so intimately in touch with KISS' financial records that you can sit here and proclaim that they don't donate money to charities. I have no knowledge either way on the subject, but I'm not going to sit here and label them either way.

[Discouraged]

ParkerScks wrote:

Centurion :

Kiss will headline the Download Festival in Donnington next month. Tickets for the festival have sold out.



The festival hasn't sold out, there's still day and weekend tickets left. Do your damn research fools!


lol its been the worst selling one so far they have all tikets only a hand full of bands worth seeing

Not to mention the fact that alot of people are sitting exams during that week and the following one. A2 students are at least. And that includes me. Otherwise I'd be there, if only to see Rise Against, Seether and Alter Bridge. Would be cool to see the Offspring aswell, what with their new album. Oh well.

And more on topic, those that complain about capitalism should note that some people work to earn their fortune and neither you or anyone else should have any right to take it away from them, much less tell them what to do with it. KISS gave people what they wanted. If people didn't want it, they wouldn't have paid for it, and the band wouldn't be rolling in it like they are now. Good on them.

[Tinted Memories]

Maybe that got the money because Kiss Saved Christmas

[mp3stalin]

dont Kiss raise cain all the time about their CDs being pirated? hmm... somethings...wrong...

[Soadfan8]

hmm great news. i feel so informed.

[gordonbombay]

dieinafire wrote:

Why do people still interview these douchebags? Their music is incredibly weak and boring. Face it, the only reason people ever listened to them was because the whole paint your face fad was pretty new. Slipknot is the same thing. If these losers never dressed up in paint and masks, no one would know who the hell they were, nor care. People who still claim to be fans of theirs are most of the time just aging folks who can't let go of their youth in any way shape or form. They still look at KISS as extremely anti-society and nothing more. They don't realize they've fallen victim to pathetic pop-culture icons who take advantage of their fans and will only continue to make music if it shows a steady profit. Gene is not a rockstar. Gene is not a musician. He's a 'has been' who should have been a 'never was'.
It's a shame.
But all in truth, they must be rich. If they're going to call their show "sold out", they will need to buy a shit load of their own tickets.

I agree with most of what you're saying, but when Kiss started they were one bad-ass group compared to some of the other shit out there. I'll say that their music isn't very hard to play, but if it wern't for Kiss other good bands wouldn't have ever started, like Van Halen, or Pantera. Ace Freely is an amazing guitarist.

[jagstangkc]

Skarson wrote:

Oh, andstrat0blaster wrote:

Too bad money can't buy a lasting consistently expanding fanbases, eh?


Um, how do you think they made that much money? KISS fans are diehards, dude.

kiss fans maybe diehard, but that doesn't mean their fanbase is EXPANDING.

[BlisteringDDj]

Wowo, way to go Kiss. That's awesome... I love Kiss' music, but they're ****ing pathetic.

[Keegan560]

Just throwing this out there, is this really news?

[Hergiswi]

Keegan560 wrote:

Just throwing this out there, is this really news?

I was thinking the exact same thing.

[Page/Rhoads]

Pukka-VCU wrote:

First off, I would like to know how much money all you soapbox preachers on here would donate if you were rich like that.... in fact, I'd love to know how much you self-righteous users on here currently donate to charities. And before you label me a hypocrite, I have donated to several charities over the years. Second, how are you all so intimately in touch with KISS' financial records that you can sit here and proclaim that they don't donate money to charities. I have no knowledge either way on the subject, but I'm not going to sit here and label them either way.

:golfclap:

[killboypowerhed]

Centurion wrote:


Kiss will headline the Download Festival in Donnington next month. Tickets for the festival have sold out.


The festival hasn't sold out, there's still day and weekend tickets left. Do your damn research fools!

the festival hasn't sold out but kiss sure did! kiss could be the worst band ever. they are the hannah montana of the rock world

[Zimwibwe]

Worst Guitarist ever to become a millionaire = Ace Frehley.

[arcticradiohead]

giginthesky wrote:

It's sad that all of you can what they did for Rock and Roll. Without them and Alice, you wouldn't have Slipknot or Mudvayne or Pantera and so on and so on, If all of you don't enjoy "Rockin' and Rollin' all Nite and Partying everyday, I feel sorry for you. They are one of the only bands out there that is just about having a good time. What is wrong with that? Isn't there enough technically proficient, sappy, angry, life is terrible type of music out there already? How about just enjoying the volume, the lights and partying with your friends? What ever happened to that?? Rock and roll wasn't always about "musical integrity" and I hate to inform you of the truth but it didn't start with KISS. Many before and many since have and will enjoy the money and the girls. Go see their show and then complain, but you might be too afraid of having a good time and not being able to bitch cause the band didn't suck. I guarantee they put on a better show than "your" favorite band, I don't care who it is. Live a little you idiots!

kiss isnt the only "good time band" out there. if you looked at all you'd see that. ya they might have influenced some bands that actually ended up being good, but they hurt music a hell of a lot more than they helped it. this article says it all right here. they basically showed everyone that if you paint your face and blow shit up on stage, it doesnt matter how bad you are. you can still get paid up the ass. now all these bands *cough buckhinderback (they're all the same)* just shoot for mtv, they dont even try to do anything new or exciting.

[Metalhead3333]

How about donating that money to the poor countries for which they are boasting about? Putting it to good use?

[Roots_radical]

Well they earnt all that money themselves, I don't see you giving all your wages to poorer countires. It's not their responsibility. Maybe if a poor country made some multi platinum albums they wouldn't be so poor =D

[Black Revolver]

no ones gonna read all these comments

[TehShiz]

Pukka-VCU wrote:

First off, I would like to know how much money all you soapbox preachers on here would donate if you were rich like that.... in fact, I'd love to know how much you self-righteous users on here currently donate to charities. And before you label me a hypocrite, I have donated to several charities over the years. Second, how are you all so intimately in touch with KISS' financial records that you can sit here and proclaim that they don't donate money to charities. I have no knowledge either way on the subject, but I'm not going to sit here and label them either way.

AHH THANK YOU. My point exactly. Really, I think it was kind of a joke them pointing that out, while also liking the fact that they are that rich.
And by the way, for those of you who say they are a shitty band, they really don't care, nor do i. Gene Simmons is a business man, and not so much a musician. He just wanted to get rich. Stray away from the poor life. And he did. Besides, not only did he accomplish that, but his band is well known. Noone can really say KISS is their favorite band, but they'd recognize it.

[Pukka-VCU]

Roots_radical wrote:
Maybe if a poor country made some multi platinum albums they wouldn't be so poor =D

HAHAHA!

[Tumble-weed]

Wow...what a bunch of arrogant dicks. Why don't they just give some of it away? KISS is one of the most overrated bands ever. They're only in this for the money...

[Boz0r]

I like Strutter

[wormtongue]

strat0blaster wrote:

And they're still not relevant anymore. Too bad money can't buy a lasting consistently expanding fanbases, eh?

Besides - bragging about you money is like bragging about your d*ck - all talk unless you know how to use it.

And first.

Thank goodness we have someone in the building with a brain. All other post are irrelevant. Spot on strat0blaster

[Scotdizzle]

How is this news? Everyone KNOWS KISS is rich.

[fenderlover99]

gene simmons=biggest prick in music

[metalfreak_0162]

real artist do it for the music not the money

[Omniphallica]

If they hadn't inspired some of my favorite musicians, I would almost completely disregard them... it just goes to show the power of silly gimmicks over children (their fans)and as they grew up nostalgia kept them fans (it certainly wasn't their later albums!)

[tomsawyer67]

hey nobody ever said they had talent, but they put on quite a show. they make more money than you do. am i right?
Thought so

[Anjohl]

The biggest problem is that Gene Simmons is on record stating that Kiss won't record any new material as long as mp3 piracy is widespread. So that means that everytime someone downloads a kiss song, they are literally telling Kiss to only continue as a touring hits band. No new material, all because of 13 year olds that want to pirate music.

[superunknown4]

the festival hasn't sold out but kiss sure did!

In the words of Micheal Kelso:
BURN!!!!!

[iamhamsterboy]

Ok, about what so many of you are saying, who ever said it was their idea to make the article? What if it just so happened to be a question asked in an interview and then the person decided to make that their article, and not the rest of the interview. Come on people, think. These people are good people, for the most part. Yeah, Gene Simmons can be a little... Off sometimes, but wouldn't you be if you were in HIS position? He's really a good guy, but everyone has their faults.

[ihaterap69]

Xeus wrote:

they're literally in it for the money

not impressed

remember a while back when gene simmons said every single person who ever downloaded should go to jail or something like that?

he said that cuz he was all "they're stealing and i want to get paid"

well... something along those lines.

[scottss7]

simmons already sold his soul to the reality television machine.

[localjerk]

. . .that's terrible. . .KISS better be donating their money.

[Flying Couch]

Some of the comments on here are stupid to an obscene degree.

[Crimson Ghost]

everybody is making a big deal about how they claimed to have "more money than small countries", but they were asked a question and answered it
I love KISS, though they're not the most musically talented band ever, they're my favorite band. To all of you who don't feel KISS has a lasting fan base, they're still selling out huge venues and KISS fans are the most hardcore fans in the world. I think it's fair to say that anybody on this site would merchandise just as much if they could

[DamageMachine]

I can't say anything that hasn't been said in this article.
I love KISS as a band
And I love Paul, Ace, and Peter, and the newer members
But honestly, Gene is a cocky bastard who only thinks of himself and his money. He always finds a way to make a quick buck and when he does he rubs it in peoples faces, if gene died tomorrow I really wouldn't give a damn.

[samm12]

KISS is playing the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and i need to get tickets. they rule.

[FenderKid87]

The reason Gene Simmons only has the much money because he owns the rights to alot of other peoples music. It's not like he actually earns it.

[NewsoftheWorld]

I'm pretty sure that Kiss supports/donates? to some ADHD fund or something like that.

[korn2601]

giginthesky wrote:

It's sad that all of you can what they did for Rock and Roll. Without them and Alice, you wouldn't have Slipknot or Mudvayne or Pantera and so on and so on, If all of you don't enjoy "Rockin' and Rollin' all Nite and Partying everyday, I feel sorry for you. They are one of the only bands out there that is just about having a good time. What is wrong with that? Isn't there enough technically proficient, sappy, angry, life is terrible type of music out there already? How about just enjoying the volume, the lights and partying with your friends? What ever happened to that?? Rock and roll wasn't always about "musical integrity" and I hate to inform you of the truth but it didn't start with KISS. Many before and many since have and will enjoy the money and the girls. Go see their show and then complain, but you might be too afraid of having a good time and not being able to bitch cause the band didn't suck. I guarantee they put on a better show than "your" favorite band, I don't care who it is. Live a little you idiots!

dud there really not that good, and the only reason slipknot and pantera and all those other bands were because of black sabbath and metallica not kiss pssh give me a break

[laxslinger]

All the little illiterate 13 year old geeks on here make me laugh. Everyone is pissing on KISS for what a terrible article this is. It is indeed pointless but they certainly didn't write it. Piss on the author and the site that posted it, not the band interviewed.

[Crimson Ghost]

korn2601 wrote:

giginthesky wrote:

It's sad that all of you can what they did for Rock and Roll. Without them and Alice, you wouldn't have Slipknot or Mudvayne or Pantera and so on and so on, If all of you don't enjoy "Rockin' and Rollin' all Nite and Partying everyday, I feel sorry for you. They are one of the only bands out there that is just about having a good time. What is wrong with that? Isn't there enough technically proficient, sappy, angry, life is terrible type of music out there already? How about just enjoying the volume, the lights and partying with your friends? What ever happened to that?? Rock and roll wasn't always about "musical integrity" and I hate to inform you of the truth but it didn't start with KISS. Many before and many since have and will enjoy the money and the girls. Go see their show and then complain, but you might be too afraid of having a good time and not being able to bitch cause the band didn't suck. I guarantee they put on a better show than "your" favorite band, I don't care who it is. Live a little you idiots! dud there really not that good, and the only reason slipknot and pantera and all those other bands were because of black sabbath and metallica not kiss pssh give me a break

dimebag had a picture of kiss on his guitar...
and the only reason he started playing was because of watching Ace Frehley
Don't be so ignorant and do some research

[sunofnothing4]

I can use a couple grand to get my band off the ground.

[ShootToKill]

This does my head in. People are ****ing starving to death in Ethiopia and Gene Simmons has $100 million dollars...

[pouyannassiri]

wow life is a bitch aint it? people are dying of starvation and jackasses like simmons have a 100 million dollars! but even that much money wont buy kiss another good album or song for that matter

[STOJDub]

I really ejoy Kiss.It just bothers me that a douche bag like Gene Simmons,is the face of the band,and thats only cause his lame tongue.As far as I'm concerned Paul and Ace make the damn band.I mean come on,compare the number of memorable guitar riffs,to bass lines.I don't think you'd really even find one that stands out.

[not_dead_enough]

Shread_6009 wrote:

sorry for the second post, but the real problem isnt just that 1/3 of the planet make less than 5 bucks a day, its that that 1 dollar usually will buy them food for at least 1 meal for a family of like 7 (which is still a problem, cause that means no water, lodging,school or medicine). where as most candy bars now cost like 2$ here in North america. we have so much money, and we overpay for every thing by 300%. so that means that guys like kiss can buy whole countries if they wished. and its also pathetic since kiss haven't done anything of any importance since 1998. if aliens ever came down to earth and realize were run by greedy, psycotic apes, we'll all be subject to one huge euthanasia.

Yes the problem is that this whole issue of inequal wealth distribution simply reflects the 'Americanized' views and opinions as to what's important in life. Yes Nepal might have a per-capita GDP somewhat lower than the USA, but the average Nepalese person is probably much happier than the average american.

I saw KISS in March this year and it was alright (I only really enjoyed a few songs) but I just lost respect for them after reading this. I don't believe Bill Gates deserves his money, but he at least sees that with wealth comes responsibility. I think KISS were just a bunch of lucky guys with great managers.

And to whoever made the Slipknot comparison: there is one difference - Slipknot's music is actually quite technical and made much more difficult to play when wearing a mask, yet KISS' music could be played blindfolded while hanging upside down by a kid with aspergers.

[not_dead_enough]

ShootToKill wrote:

This does my head in. People are ****ing starving to death in Ethiopia and Gene Simmons has $100 million dollars...

That's not completely fair, because the average Ethiopian mother has 14 children because she knows 11 of them will die by the age of 5, because she can't feed them all and also because all the Christian groups who are supposedly trying to help them tell them that "god wants you to not use protection". Countries like that have no birth control in place, and plenty of such people (men and women) freely have children when they know they will be born with AIDS.

It's grossly inappropriate to have more children than you know you can support. And that is what happens. The problem is as much a birth control issue as a wealth-distribution issue.

And I don't mean to single out Ethiopia here. It's a problem across the world.

[TheSilverBeatle]

And they're still not relevant anymore. Too bad money can't buy a lasting consistently expanding fanbases, eh?

Besides - bragging about you money is like bragging about your d*ck - all talk unless you know how to use it.

And first.

I am not a kiss fan at all. But first off ever heard of the kiss army?

And second...what the hell is that little bit of advice all about? That sounds like something a poor person with a small dick came up with haha.

[Cresspo]

....why brag about this? Don't be proud about it, if you do so, maybe you should think like: ''hmm I got more money then most countries in Africa, maybe I should send some money to some kind of AIDS fund or anything like that''. It's not something to be proud of, maybe it's something that should force you to help others by spending it...
Just like bill gates lol:P

[shadow__666]

Next time I have to argue with a KISS fan and he refuses to see my point, I know what to say.

[lexaah]

atc228 wrote:

strat0blaster wrote:

And they're still not relevant anymore. Too bad money can't buy a lasting consistently expanding fanbases, eh?

Besides - bragging about you money is like bragging about your d*ck - all talk unless you know how to use it.

And first.

while i'm not a Kiss fan on any level, they do have a lasting fan base. Kiss fans are some of the most loyal out there. On top of that they are a household name, like elvis- you may not know their songs but you damn sure know their name (not you specifically, the general public.)

Also, it seems like they know how to use their money seeing as they have retained most of it. While i do agree that they are over the top with merchandise, they never "sold out" because that is what they got in it to do, they never lost their integrity (whether they ever had it...) and are still relevant.

Their relevance comes from their crowd pleasing songs. they are catchy and simple, about things that everyone deals with and can relate to- for the most part. they are not geared at a specific audience, their music is so simplistic and necisarily catchy that is spreads out to everyone.

while few may say kiss is their favorite, most will say they know of kiss.

but that is just my opinion, like your post was yours. im sure we will respectfully agree to disagree on this one.

you sir, win in epical proportions

[beau05]

the only reason why the download festival hasn't sold out, is because everyone seems to be buying tickets to ride the 'i hate Kiss/Gene Simmons' train.

it seems as though people hate others for making large sums of money. fuel companies make millions for over-charging, but it keeps our vehicles running. porn producers make millions from exploiting womens sexuality, but we get to masturbate. these guys make millions off of music (or the life there music has created), for their fans listening pleasure.

maybe its just me, but i dont have a problem with it

[tim western]

Guitar_Poet wrote:

thedarkblues06 wrote:

Guitar_Poet wrote:

funny thing is they also have more money than the United States. we're so far in debt these days that we're just as poor as anyone else--the only difference is our government can magically print more money to shield this fact from the public eye [while simultaneously driving the value of our money down the shitter]. sad, but true... KISS has more money than the US. lol.

Your idiocy should NOT be allowed here. Just because we are trillions in debt does not deduct from the GDP...because that's what we produce. It's only our TAXES that go into paying that HUGE deficit(if you notice that THAT is why it doesn't seem to decrease). I cannot believe you just said that. If the US had less than $100 million we would NOT be the country we are today.


get your head out of your ass. what we export is far less than what we import. the only reason we stay afloat is because of massive loans and whatnot from countries like CHINA. if that deficit doesnt say "we are the world's greatest debtor" [if you are in such debt you are ****ed], i dont know what does.

and did you read my whole statement? do you know our government prints excess money? do you really know what the hell goes on behind the scenes?

on another note, what do you mean "we would NOT be the country we are today"? what ARE we then?

I think you need to have a look at how economics work, you're horribly wrong.

However, on topic - Kiss are indeed very over rated but i must admit simmons amuses em withhis ability to piss off so many people...

[Lowie18]

"We Have More Money Than Some Small Countries". Well woop-de-doo!!!
They have say they have all this money, but can't find anything better to do than brag about it?
Ever heard of a little word 'humility', Simmons?

[100%_of_nothing]

ShaDoW0lf wrote:

Question: Do you think they deserve it? I say, they deserve a lot of money for the work they've done.. but seriously, not >>$100million individually

WORK? how the hell can you call what kiss do work. it's hardly hard labour where they actually deserve to make that kind of money. they don't deserve a lot of money at all. Slave labourers or the people being worked to the bone so capitalists can make money off them DESERVE the actual money. PS i don't mean to have a go at you shadow wolf inparticular but Kiss and the inequal capitalist system they clearly represent piss me off

Checked!

Warned/Banned!
Don't spam/flame

[Shread_6009]

i do't see why we live in a capitalist society since its thought to be the cause of the great depression. the fact is that interventionnallism (which is a socialist philosophy, or "commies" for the ignorants) actually helped restore the world after the depression. i saw we take 50 million dollars from each individual in kiss (cause how are they gonna spend 100 million alone, these guys are in their 60's, i doubt tyhey'll use 25 million) and use it to help the world, instead of using it to dye gene simmons pubes every week

[therescue06]

eww

[UNIe]

Xeus wrote:

they're literally in it for the money

not impressed

Agreed.

[ColonelInfernal]

giginthesky wrote:

It's sad that all of you can what they did for Rock and Roll. Without them and Alice, you wouldn't have Slipknot or Mudvayne or Pantera and so on and so on, If all of you don't enjoy "Rockin' and Rollin' all Nite and Partying everyday, I feel sorry for you. They are one of the only bands out there that is just about having a good time. What is wrong with that? Isn't there enough technically proficient, sappy, angry, life is terrible type of music out there already? How about just enjoying the volume, the lights and partying with your friends? What ever happened to that?? Rock and roll wasn't always about "musical integrity" and I hate to inform you of the truth but it didn't start with KISS. Many before and many since have and will enjoy the money and the girls. Go see their show and then complain, but you might be too afraid of having a good time and not being able to bitch cause the band didn't suck. I guarantee they put on a better show than "your" favorite band, I don't care who it is. Live a little you idiots!

HELL YEAH!!!!! +1+1+1+1+1+1

[ColonelInfernal]

Crimson Ghost wrote:

korn2601 wrote:

giginthesky wrote:

It's sad that all of you can what they did for Rock and Roll. Without them and Alice, you wouldn't have Slipknot or Mudvayne or Pantera and so on and so on, If all of you don't enjoy "Rockin' and Rollin' all Nite and Partying everyday, I feel sorry for you. They are one of the only bands out there that is just about having a good time. What is wrong with that? Isn't there enough technically proficient, sappy, angry, life is terrible type of music out there already? How about just enjoying the volume, the lights and partying with your friends? What ever happened to that?? Rock and roll wasn't always about "musical integrity" and I hate to inform you of the truth but it didn't start with KISS. Many before and many since have and will enjoy the money and the girls. Go see their show and then complain, but you might be too afraid of having a good time and not being able to bitch cause the band didn't suck. I guarantee they put on a better show than "your" favorite band, I don't care who it is. Live a little you idiots! dud there really not that good, and the only reason slipknot and pantera and all those other bands were because of black sabbath and metallica not kiss pssh give me a break


dimebag had a picture of kiss on his guitar...
and the only reason he started playing was because of watching Ace Frehley
Don't be so ignorant and do some research

and guess what Dime also said that KISS, Van Halen, Black Sabbath, and evn ZZ Top were his greatest influences AS BANDS!!!!! not just cuz of the guitarists so please next time YOU shouldnt be so ignorant and do some research.

[macfan90]

Kiss is probably the biggest piece of shit band ever in the history of music. This only compounds that belief of mine. I honestly have never heard a KISS song that I enjoy listening to. Notice all the bands that are in it for the money always SUCK.