001PIC.COM: Kiss

Gene Simmons - The Demon

One of the most charismatic characters in the world of heavy rock, Simmons(born as Chaim Witz, 25 August 1949, Haifa, Israel)
is bass player with Kiss. Indeed, he was a founder-member of the band in 1971 along with Paul Stanley. Simmons' first involvement with the music industry was in producing radio jingles, but it was not long before Kiss became a worldwide phenomenon. Simmons, along with his bandmates, donned complete make-up (in his case a blood-dripping, fire-eating demon) and it was not until 1983 when Kiss unmasked that the 'real' Gene Simmons was revealed. Simmons has recorded some 20 albums with Kiss and has penned a great deal of the material either solely or in partnership with Paul Stanley. In 1978, while still in full demonic make-up, he released a credible solo album, as did all his then bandmates. A star-studded number of guest stars featured, including Bob
Seger, Cher, Donna Summer, Helen Reddy and Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen, and it reached number 22 on the US chart. A

single was released at the same time, 'Radioactive', which was marketed in red vinyl together with a free Gene Simmons Kiss mask. It reached number 41 in the UK charts. During the 80s Simmons expanded his talents into production, films and set up his own record label, Simmons Records. In 1989 he took rock vocalist King Diamond to court for using facial make-up similar to that he had worn in Kiss.

Simmons won the case. The 90s sees Kiss still recording under the guidance of Simmons and Stanley while the former's other music business activities continue.

Read about other Kiss members:
Ace | Paul | Eric

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