Gene Simmons: 'It's Not About Music, It's About Charisma'

Kiss bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons recently spoke to The New York Post about "Gene Simmons' Rock School", VH1's new show about a group of young British boarding-school students trained in classical music who spend several weeks learning how to be mini rock gods under the tutelage of "Mr. Simmons."

"You don't have to know how to read or write music at all to be successful in the music business," Simmons told The New York Post. "And as far as rap is concerned, you don't need to have any qualifications whatsoever, you could just be a drug dealer off the street and simply start talking ? it's not about music, it's about charisma."

Regarding the fact that he appointed the smallest, geekiest kid in the class to be the band's frontman because of the kid's charismatic performance in an audition, Simmons said, "You can have a huge show and be a fantastic instrumentalist, but if you're not charismatic, nobody will care. By the way, you don't even need to be the lead singer ? I was as interested in Pete Townshend as I was in Roger Daltrey in The Who because he made a spectacle out of himself."

Simmons says "Rock School" is just one of 14 shows he has in production at various networks and studios, including an animated show called "My Dad The Rock Star" on Nickelodeon and "Mr. Romance" on Oxygen.

Thanks for the info to Blabbermouth.net.

Comments

[JackWhite1988]

first, I really resent the fact that Gene feels this way. He really fits the Jew stereotype of being a money monger.

I love the music of KISS but there is so much bullcrap attached to their reputation its hard for an average music listener like most of you guys to see past it. Shame if you ask me.

[Deadeye_X7]

Oh man... anyone who's arguing with "Mr. Simmons" here, is a ***ing moron. He is absoloutly 100% RIGHT with everything he said in that article. Your music can be ***ing phemonal, but if you stand there playing on the stage doing nothing, you're ***ing boring in this buisness. The rock scene was BUILT on jumping around, going crazy, and making the crowd scream while on stage, they call it rock because it rocks. If you don't "rock out" to the "rock music" then you're a goddamn pop singer... hell even pop singers have more stage presence (booty) than anyone who calls Gene a sell out.

[Pyro128]

And as far as rap is concerned, you don't need to have any qualifications whatsoever, you could just be a drug dealer off the street and simply start talking

lmao

[sublimedude]

Fuck you Jack white ur an asshole. Trying to steryotype jews u nazi

[ac/guns n zep]

^i 2nd that

But what Gene Simmons is saying is just KISS's whole mentality. They weren't popular for their music they were popular for their image and thats so wrong. If all youre going to be is an image whats the point of playing music.

[Rockers_88]

maybe we'll see a bunch of kids love to show their tongue .....hmmm....anyway simmons is fine to me..but theres something i'm concered about...is he really a jew?.....

[xchris78]

I think Kiss is just an all powerchords band thant sucks and its stupid that they need all the gimmicks they use in order to get by in the music buiness. Their just like Slipknot.

[xchris78]

o and I will admit Detroit Rock City is a good song.

[pumpkins_rule]

Of course it's about the music. I wouldn't buy a record from an artist just because he or she had "charisma." And if their songs suck in the studio, they're gonna suck live too. Unless of course you're Peter Frampton.

[murray_lindsay]

god kiss are such a joke nowadays.. i heard that two of the members arent the orginals. People complain about greenday selling out but Kiss takes the cake. there is kiss condoms, board games, everything.
He does have a point that you need to have that certain it to be a rock star.. i dislike kiss though

[sixstringz]

Gene must not be very confident about the Kiss music library or he would never have said such a think. Looks like he's trying make excuses for himself and his bandmates. Now days it is more about image, its called selling out.

[laffyjam]

KISS really sucks. the only reason that they are popular is because they were the first people to use corpse paint and cheap halloween costumes on stage. Their music sucks so much.

[MetalBeast]

xchris78:
I think Kiss is just an all powerchords band thant sucks and its stupid that they need all the gimmicks they use in order to get by in the music buiness. Their just like Slipknot.

Hey, leave slipknot out of this little sh*t!!. And fareplay to Gene

[psychodelia]

Well charisma can make up for lack of talent.

But then you look at someone like Clapton, and you see serious musicians can actually make it.

[Has Many Issues]

I saw a little bit of that show and i heard him say something like "You don't have to be a good guitarist to get by in a rock band" or something like that, and i thought, so true, so true. Sad, but true.

[Zach Strife]

Man. Some of you people need to step off. I mean, Gene and Paul have admitted one time or another that they worry more about their performance than their music. I mean, would KISS's live act be anywhere near what it is today if they didn't do the crazy crap? Hell no.

And as far as their music goes, it doesn't have to be complex to be likable.

So Paul uses powerchords. Does that take away the fact that Ace is a good guitarist? No. Just because somebody uses powerchords does not mean "OMFG THEY SUCK STFU". Name ONE band who hasn't used a powerchord in their career.

..but yeah. KISS's marketing kinda went overboard.

[ash_361]

kiss rock you assholes

[thefinalcut]

JackWhite1988 managed to make a racially offensive comment and diss UG readers, what a wanker...Oh, and Simmons is Jewish, not that it matters.

Kiss were always about being the biggest rock stars, making huge amounts of money and having 4600 women (that's just Gene alone) that's what they are all about. Nothing wrong with that, although I wouldn't be like that. Anybody who had a problem with it Gene would say "You're just jealous."

[metalhed55]

Gene is correct about rap. Go Gene!

[DisgruntledDuck]

Simmons says "Rock School" is just one of 14 shows he has in production at various networks and studios, including an animated show called "My Dad The Rock Star" on Nickelodeon and "Mr. Romance" on Oxygen.

"My Dad The Rock Star" is awful. Thanks Gene, that programme lowers the standard of Nickelodeon programming just that little bit more . That's all I have to say that's remotely about the article.

[crzywhiteboy]

^why are you watching Nickelodeon in the first pals what are you 6?

[the_dude1829]

i dont think jackwhite1988 was being racist, he was just talking about stereotypes, like me im irish but i dont drink,

[kevinm4435]

That Gene Simmons. Always putting money in front of music.

[im not mental]

the title should say, "it's not about music, it's about money."

[xXbleed4meXx]

...and people call Green Day sellouts.

[PT 2 DOOR RULE]

Guys, stop badmouthing KISS just cos Gene's a sellout. That's why you see him on cribs and VH2 and not Frehley or Chris (I don't know if Stanley ever was, probably not). Also, Zach Strife makes a good point, EVERYONE uses powerchords! Where would 'Tallica be without them?

[wpmccabe]

KISS is just a money whore. When Iwas I kid, I loved KISS, but now they are a joke. They haven't put out a good album how long - 20 years! (if you consider Lick It Up good!?). They have more "Last Tours" than Ozzy (The King unretirement). All they've done in the last 20 years is rape their fans of their money. Gene Simmons is now assuming the real life role of Jack Black in School of Rock. I think Gene should attend a School of Rock - he's been playing for ever and never got any better. One of the most mediocre bassists in a big band.

KISS just makes me angry and sick to my stomach!

[GNRobsessed013]

PT 2 DOOR RULE:
Guys, stop badmouthing KISS just cos Gene's a sellout. That's why you see him on cribs and VH2 and not Frehley or Chris (I don't know if Stanley ever was, probably not). Also, Zach Strife makes a good point, EVERYONE uses powerchords! Where would 'Tallica be without them?

Im with you, dude.
Everyone needs to shut up already, we already know that Gene Simmons is like money obsessed and has a huge ego, it's what makes Gene Simmons Gene Simmons!!! KISS is great so everyone leave 'em alone already.
And just to inform anyone that hasn't watched that show, it's damn hilarious.
So go watch it and chill out.

[xm3talx]

crap, another artist who wants to make money by tv shows, selling it's own ass

[xm3talx]

i'll watch it if i have see it passing through channels

[monkeyspks]

Gene is obsessed with money, but really, that's why he's so famous.

I have to say, "My Dad The Rock Star" is the worst cartoon I have seen in a LONG time.

[NaturalMystic]

"And as far as rap is concerned, you don't need to have any qualifications whatsoever, you could just be a drug dealer off the street and simply start talking ? it's not about .....
..
AMEN!!!

[xm3talx]

yeah natural mystic, thats so ***in truth, and not just rap, now adays pop too, not all have what it takes specially the ones who make transition from acting to music

[aloveforenemies]

I think UG posted this just to have 400 members of UG bitch about how much Kiss is selling out to take the spotlight off the millions of articles on Green Day selling out for a bit.

[sexy-man]

probly^

[Angus_Rhoads]

Wow...what was the point of that article...to tell about some damn cartoon?

[A Warm Place]

The greatest thing about all of this is that Gene Simmons doesn't give a ***. He is well aware that he's sold out, and he's ***ing enjoying it! Honestly, who in here wouldn't enjoy a life of being a rich rock star who's constantly getting laid? Oh yeah, Zach Strife, I'm just guessing here, but I'm thinking that Death Cab For Cutie doesn't use power chords, and if they do, they don't use them that often. I could be wrong though.

[A Warm Place]

Oh yeah, I also wanted to say this. Almost every band has sold out in some way or another. Probably every person in here has at least one of their favorite bands that has technically "sold out."

[Mik3_D]

Oh yeah, I also wanted to say this. Almost every band has sold out in some way or another. Probably every person in here has at least one of their favorite bands that has technically "sold out."

So far all of my favorites are, one by one, selling out.

Metallica, you suck now. SAD BUT TRUUUUEEE!!! Loose the vaginal psychologist.

[PunKGuitarist72]

funny show. can't belive no one can play bass good though

[atc228]

i was watching the show and he said he invented the rock on hand thingy at a show because thats how he held his pick. when i saw that i was thinking "wtf? he didnt invent it, the ass" because i remember another guy doing it because his grandmother used to do it all the time. i forget his name but he did it at concerts and it kind of changed meaning into "rock on"

[Izzy_Stradlin]

He just doesnt no when to give up old Gene

[rockinlewis]

damn gene

[Lint]

what do you expect its gene simmons

[weird hippie]

I like kiss...but Gene is doing all of this for $$$ (who wouldn't know that?)

[metal4all]

I'm with you on that JackWhite1988, he does fit the stereotype. But what do i know, im just a lazy mexican lol.

[cefasnacht]

gene is right, you don't need talent to be a rock star, look at the ramones, one of the greatest bands of all time, very little talent (tho dee dee was a great song writer) but the ramones didn't need to dress like a bunch of jackasses either! kiss was extremely over rated, he's just got a big head

[jimmcs2000]

Gene is not a jew, i think he's an Arab. But, what the ***s that got to do with music. Kiss is not about technical anything and they're huge. Unfortunately for all us stoned guitarists that think it should be about the music, it's not. damn-i'm still stoned though-woohoo

[Heresjonny99]

atc228, it was Dio who invented it. that pissed me off too, i was like "wtf, he didnt invent that, thats just another cocky thing he'd say for more publicity"

[sublimedude]

jimmcs2000 ur an idiot. He is jewish. He was born in Israel to an Orthodox JEwish family. His original name was CHaim Witz

[jimmyjimjim]

Gene is a male prostitute, and he screws everyone. Hard.

[RHcPinkFloyd818]

Sadly, with all the shit that's coming out today, he's kind of right.

[msierragtz]

well it's sad but true..i mean look at the sex pistols, they were all about the looks and attitude

[IlIk2plygUItAr]

so true about rap...

[Let it Happen]

kiss sucks total ass. i like that vh1 thing though, pretty funny. those little british preps are funny....

[GuitaPlaya]

gene simons plays bass??

[jasonhutchcraft]

all you guys ripping on gene simmons can suck his dick like your mothers did. I bet he plays guitar better than all of you, anyway. He sings better than you too, i bet, and he plays bass in one of the most popular bands of all time. SO for somebody to say he sucks, you better take a look at the man and see how he can shred on like 6 different instruments. Hes right about charisma over playing ability, I mean, look at the ramones, they sucked ass on every song EVERY song. Same thing for The Misfits, they blew. I can play every misfits song Ive heard, and it took like 2 tries to learn it. Lets not forget 90s music, MCR sucks schloang, and so does New Found Glory. And check it out, they are gonna go down in history as having number one hits. No talent, all charisma. So you can KISS genes ass.

[Dark_Sanity]

if people want proof that you don't need much talent as a guitarist to be in a rock band and make it listen to nirvana. everyone thinks they are some kind of gods and musicaly they aren't very good but everyone seems to love them. but in the end talent is most important. anyways just because gene is like this dosen't mean kiss sucks.

[jasonhutchcraft]

OH yeah, lets not forget ozzy, im talking SHIT vocalist. SHIT!!!! And he has some of the best metal songs of all time. He completly relied on his guitarists, dudes. But he had charisma. And he gave back to his community, the metal community, so that gives him some props. But so does Gene. He has defended rock and roll countless times from politicians and nobody remembers that. Fuck you guys, rock and roll, and metal owe Gene....

[jasonhutchcraft]

and dark sanity, Dave groll is one talented mother ***er, so yeah, nirvana had some musical talent.

[Dark_Sanity]

the misfits are punk though, they KICK ASS, but they are punk. so yeah it's not hard to play at all, just good music

[jasonhutchcraft]

grohl, sorry.

[Dark_Sanity]

i was mostly talking about the guitar and bass but the best drum tracks were on bleack, even though dave didn't play them. he is a talented drummer

[Dark_Sanity]

*bleach sorry

[poodlehat67]

If you don't like KISS or Gene Simmons, then why would you click on this article in the first place?

[freewheelinbird]

gene simmons sucks balls. wants nothing but money and attention.

[dylan27]

[freewheelinbird:
gene simmons sucks balls. wants nothing but money and attention.]

*** you he's awesome

[Overrated]

KISS is Good. And I'd be doing TV shows 2. N i'd drive to the bank in my brand new mercedes n cash that TV cheque with a smile on my face.

[ac/guns n zep]

jasonhutchcraft:
all you guys ripping on gene simmons can suck his dick like your mothers did. I bet he plays guitar better than all of you, anyway. He sings better than you too, i bet, and he plays bass in one of the most popular bands of all time. SO for somebody to say he sucks, you better take a look at the man and see how he can shred on like 6 different instruments. Hes right about charisma over playing ability, I mean, look at the ramones, they sucked ass on every song EVERY song. Same thing for The Misfits, they blew. I can play every misfits song Ive heard, and it took like 2 tries to learn it. Lets not forget 90s music, MCR sucks schloang, and so does New Found Glory. And check it out, they are gonna go down in history as having number one hits. No talent, all charisma. So you can KISS genes ass.

Is that true? that he can shred well. Ive never heard him shred or even play something cool sounding. In fact, a lot of the time he doesn't even play his bass on stage, it just hangs there.

[jumpmanhat]

as far as Dimebag thinks up there in Heaven, The guys from KISS are awsome. and if it werent for them we wouldnt have the Kick Ass metal to this day because who knows if Dimebag would have been the same way if there was no KISS. And with no Dimebag, its up to your imagination of how bands like Lamb of god and lots of other awsome metal bands would have even existed.

[buckethead101]

I WANNA ROCK AND ROLL ALL NIGHT

[ZoSo183]

rap is trying to kill rock n roll. i say kill all the rappers! zoso rules

[Ender605]

Ok guys, Gene Simmons is completely correct.

He's telling the absolute truth.

"You don't have to know how to read or write music at all to be successful in the music business"

As far as the modern music industry goes, he's basically summing up why there are so many bad bands getting signed. I doubt he cares, though.

[Let it Happen]

jasonhutchcraft, you're right, KISS is popular. but they still suck!! do u like britney spear's "music"? she's popular. wouldn't u say that she sucks? of course she does!! you can be popular and still suck total shit, and KISS is probably the best example. gene prolly can't shred worth a shit. ac/guns & zep is right, his bass just hung there on like more than half they're gay little power chord songs. even an 8 year old girl could play along with their shit, but obviously gene didn't. go listen to john petrucci and then come back and tell me gene simmons can shred.

[daniel010101]

WOT A FAG, on the top pop music is crap which sells cos the people who sing them r hot; britney, chritenia(sic) and for u ladies out their; Jay-Z, justin, NSYNC(sick) but look at B B king, he wasnt a looker, Jimi hendrix was a dirrty hippie who looked like he was shagging his strat, john petrucci stands on stage looking at the ground like a nervous little geek, the Gallaghers look like the sort of shifty thugs u wouldnt want 2 run in2 on a friday night, eric clapton never felt the need 2 put on make up and dance about the stage wich a guitar in the shape of a medevil weapon. but none of this matters cos they made/make amazing music, Gene may hav only made his millions by using a gimmic but that doesnt mean he can make such general statments about music cos kiss r POP (Which isnt a music style its a attuitude 2wards making music.) also: JACKWHITE1988 ISNT BEING RACIST, THE STERIOTYPE OF A JEW IS A MONEY MONGER, HE WASNT SAYING ALL JEWS WERE HE WAS SAYING ITS THE STERIOTYPE! READ SHAKSPEARS: TAMING OF THE SHREW IF U STILL NEED 2 KNOW WOT IM TYPING ABOUT! HE WAS JUST STATING THE FACT THAT GEN LIVES UP 2 THE STERIOTYPE LIKE SNOOP DOGG IS A STERIOTYPE AFRICAN AMERICAN!!! p.s: gene sucks!

[nothingface187]

jumpmanhat:
as far as Dimebag thinks up there in Heaven, The guys from KISS are awsome. and if it werent for them we wouldnt have the Kick Ass metal to this day because who knows if Dimebag would have been the same way if there was no KISS. And with no Dimebag, its up to your imagination of how bands like Lamb of god and lots of other awsome metal bands would have even existed.

dude you are ***en right about that shit. No Lamb of God or Pantera this world would have just little bit more.

[nothingface187]

I left out, "SUcked"

[daniel010101]

no lamb of god! no pantera! how would we get thro life!!! kiss suck each others big sweaty jewish balls (and im not being racist!)

[daniel010101]

...as do pantera, and lamb of god (replace the jewish part with their ethnic origin.)

[turn_the_page94]

lol i actualy watched that rock skool show and man Gene Simmons couldnt have got gayer kids if he tried

[daniel010101]

i dont know 'turn_the_page94' i recon if him and elton john got 2gether and had a child it would b gayer, and half jewish by the way (which isnt racist cos...IT..would b)

[Hammett4Ever]

wooooo Metallica OWNS!!!!.....

[Hammett4Ever]

wooooo Metallica OWNS!!!!!..... .>

[Izz]

no

[jimixmarshall]

ermm... with out Gene Simmons, there would have been NO Van Halen, No Finger Tapping, and No Guitar God Called Eddie Van Halen ! and if there was no Eddie Van Halen, there wouldnt be any good bands today ! You Guys have too look at some of the FACTS ! Coz theres no point sterio typin people if you dont know who they really are ! Gene Simmons saw Van Halen in one of their gigs when they were still called Mammoth... But then since the name Mammoth was already taken they desided to call them selves Van Halen... SEE WAT I MEAN ?

[y2james2005]

daniel010101 wrote:

WOT A FAG, on the top pop music is crap which sells cos the people who sing them r hot; britney, chritenia(sic) and for u ladies out their; Jay-Z, justin, NSYNC(sick) but look at B B king, he wasnt a looker, Jimi hendrix was a dirrty hippie who looked like he was shagging his strat, john petrucci stands on stage looking at the ground like a nervous little geek, the Gallaghers look like the sort of shifty thugs u wouldnt want 2 run in2 on a friday night, eric clapton never felt the need 2 put on make up and dance about the stage wich a guitar in the shape of a medevil weapon. but none of this matters cos they made/make amazing music, Gene may hav only made his millions by using a gimmic but that doesnt mean he can make such general statments about music cos kiss r POP (Which isnt a music style its a attuitude 2wards making music.) also: JACKWHITE1988 ISNT BEING RACIST, THE STERIOTYPE OF A JEW IS A MONEY MONGER, HE WASNT SAYING ALL JEWS WERE HE WAS SAYING ITS THE STERIOTYPE! READ SHAKSPEARS: TAMING OF THE SHREW IF U STILL NEED 2 KNOW WOT IM TYPING ABOUT! HE WAS JUST STATING THE FACT THAT GEN LIVES UP 2 THE STERIOTYPE LIKE SNOOP DOGG IS A STERIOTYPE AFRICAN AMERICAN!!! p.s: gene sucks!

youre an idiot

[rock_or_roll]

daniel010101 wrote:

WOT A FAG, on the top pop music is crap which sells cos the people who sing them r hot; britney, chritenia(sic) and for u ladies out their; Jay-Z, justin, NSYNC(sick) but look at B B king, he wasnt a looker, Jimi hendrix was a dirrty hippie who looked like he was shagging his strat, john petrucci stands on stage looking at the ground like a nervous little geek, the Gallaghers look like the sort of shifty thugs u wouldnt want 2 run in2 on a friday night, eric clapton never felt the need 2 put on make up and dance about the stage wich a guitar in the shape of a medevil weapon. but none of this matters cos they made/make amazing music, Gene may hav only made his millions by using a gimmic but that doesnt mean he can make such general statments about music cos kiss r POP (Which isnt a music style its a attuitude 2wards making music.) also: JACKWHITE1988 ISNT BEING RACIST, THE STERIOTYPE OF A JEW IS A MONEY MONGER, HE WASNT SAYING ALL JEWS WERE HE WAS SAYING ITS THE STERIOTYPE! READ SHAKSPEARS: TAMING OF THE SHREW IF U STILL NEED 2 KNOW WOT IM TYPING ABOUT! HE WAS JUST STATING THE FACT THAT GEN LIVES UP 2 THE STERIOTYPE LIKE SNOOP DOGG IS A STERIOTYPE AFRICAN AMERICAN!!! p.s: gene sucks!

youre a genious

[GENESIMMONSSUCK]

jasonhutchcraft YOUR A LIL PUSSY SHIT YOU CAN GO EAT GENE SIMMONS SHIT AND THEN MY SHIT AND THEN COW SHIT AFTER AND THEN BLOW A DONKEY LIKE YOUR MOMMA AND YOUR SISTER, THEN UR SISTER AMD UR MOMMA CAN BLOW MY DICK

[GENESIMMONSSUCK]

jasonhutchcraft YOU CAN KEEP EATING GENE SIMMONS SHIT AND KISSING HIS ASS LIKE YOUR MOMMA AND YOUR SISTER BEFORE YOU. AND U CAN ALSO EAT MY SHIT AND THEN BLOW A DONKEY AND THEN EAT DONKEY'S SHIT AS WELL AND YOUR SISTER CAN CONTINE TO SUCK ME OFF EVERYDAY

[BlackRevelation]

Wow a lot of people want to gargle gene's ****. This guy is an overrated piece of crap. He's right about the talent thing, thats why he's so sad to see the music business failing, cause they relied on gimmicks to produce a product for a mass market. However now with p2p, file sharing and all that, really good bands can be found much easier and people get control of what they want to spend on music. People bought into kiss cause they looked so out there and sang about rock n roll things, but they were the start of a long line of music that sucked. Music for money is fine, but music for soul is what people die for

[BlackRevelation]

so with that **** you gene go slob on George Bush's slong some moar and keep being a one dimensional stereotype ya prick