Gene Simmons Might Not Like Radiohead…
Editors Note: The author would like it to be known that she is a former member of the original 1970’s Kiss Army. She also loves Kiss and treasures her signed copy of Double Platinum. The author also dressed as Ace Frehley on Halloween from 1977-1980. She firmly believes it is an indisputable fact that Kiss is one of the greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll bands of all time. Which makes Simmons cooler than most humans, by default.
Gene Simmons shuts himself up the old fashioned way. With a Bass guitar.
The tongue that roared, otherwise know as Gene Simmons, is calling out Radiohead for giving away their music. Simmons, made the comments to XFM from a Kiss tour stop at the Bercy in Paris. Simmons says he blames Radiohead for contributing to the demise of the record industry:
“The record industry is dead. It’s six feet underground and unfortunately the fans have done this. They’ve decided to download and file share. There is no record industry around so we’re going to wait until everybody settles down and becomes civilised. As soon as the record industry pops its head up we’ll record new material.”
Thom Yorke of Radiohead. “Who the fuck is Gene Simmons?”.
I’m not sure if Simmons is making a threat or a promise when it comes to releasing new Kiss material, but that’s irrelevant. Of course Simmons is mad at Radiohead for giving stuff away. I’m pretty sure Gene charges kids for candy at Halloween. Simmons has made himself a millionaire a few times over by marketing himself and Kiss on everything from Wine to Bicycle shorts to $20 musical toothbrushes. Of course, a band like Kiss supports the recording industry. They help fill each other’s pockets with money. What I don’t get is that Simmons’ comment insinuates that there may be a way to resuscitate the dead horse that is the record industry.
RIAA Toilet Paper. No thanks, I’ll drip-dry. Do not want…
The truth is, the record industry killed itself, and it was suicide by way of greed. For decades, the record industry has been ripping off their artists, and now routinely demands royalties from tours and other merchandising. Only to then quickly drop artists they can no longer make money off of. Now, instead of trying to find some sort of middle ground within the digital musical realm, the recording industry spends its time filing lawsuits against people, especially college students, whom they claim are stealing their products. In a 2007 interview with Billboard Magazine, Simmons had this to say about college students that illegally download music:
“Every little college kid, every freshly-scrubbed little kid’s face should have been sued off the face of the earth. They should have taken their houses and cars and nipped it right there in the beginning.”
Man, it pains me to hear Gene Simmons the God of Thunder himself say something that sounds way too much like, “What’s wrong with those darn kids and their loud music???”. Yikes.
If a band wants to give their music away, aside from Gene Simmons and the record industry (and probably Lars Ulrich), who really cares? So please, do us all a favor Gene and do what you do best. Stick out your tongue and play the Bass in your awesome rock band.
Maybe leave the music-making part to Radiohead.
Thanks to Ars Technica and Billboard for the links.
Related Cherrybombed stories:
Oooh it is the 1970’s and I am in a rock band wearing face make-up banging the hot groupies that already fellated the bouncers (or God forbid the drummer). I am so rich and popular. I am out of touch.
Ooh now it is the year 2000 and I am bored, old and ugly. No one believes I was a big rock star. Everyone thinks Gene Simmons is actually dead. I will start touring again and bang hot chicks.
It’s 2004 and I am touring. I am neat and God-like again (except instead of hot chicks he is banging plump, soft, squishy stretch marked soccer moms that smell like Bed, Bath & Beyond and Zovirax).
2006 hey what is this AARP Magazine and what is up with those damn kids listening to that hip hop bullshit. “Hey you! Yeah you the pimple facced little bugger in the fast and furious car. Turn that sh!t down!!! What? Who the fuc* am I? I am your Lord Gene Simmons!! Who is Gene Simmons? I am KISS!! No. KISS the uber cool rock band from the 70’s. You know the one your parents listened to while conceiving you. What your parents weren’t born in the 70’s but you think your grandpa was..I am fu$*king Gene Simmons. Yes, KISS! You own a KISS album? No, but your little brother donloaded one off of the internet? What you downloaded it for free? WTF?? I did not make any money on it? No you little bastard I am not old. I am not old. I am not. Now get your car out of the way so I can get into the Old Country Buffet before the breakfast special ends…” F
ace it Gene. You have become what you mocked in your youth and as a person you suck. Now go Fuc# yourself (hopefully while playing a really cool Radiohead song you illegally downloaded from the internet) With the FCC chair’s head up your ass.
I used to like Gene Simmons. I feel bad for his kids. They seem pretty level headed for having him as a father. I think the “I am God” complex needs to stop. He is very full of himself. He puts his pants on one leg at a time just like we all do. Also his sh!t stinks like everyone elses. Chaim needs to just calm down. He has a show. Now that he took a jab at Radiohead I won’t be watching the show again. He’s really being a royal d-bag by bad mouthing bands that want to offer one a chance to pay what they want for the music. Sorry Gene, we all aren’t walking around with hundred dollar bills falling out of our pockets. Do you really think that Sharon fell in love with you for your looks or your money? hmm-she may love you know, but I am sure she looked at you & saw $ signs.
Back of Grandpa Simmons. You were touring & I was still pooping in my diaper!!!! Cool down..Join AARP, go to Bingo or hey go to that Island you bought that I understand the African American gentleman involved in the deal is in trouble with that island..
Peace out Chaim. Calm down & stop trying to be the Music Nazi Police. You forgot where you came from. NOTHING!! I don’t think your mom would like your statements.
Sorry, we aren’t all millionaires. According to your philosphy we are all lazy for not being mutli-millionaires. You were at the right place at the right time. i can’t promise you would do the same now that you did in the 70’s painted up like weird mimes in spandex.
R.I.P. Kiss. From now on I will be turning the station when your music comes on & forget about buying any of your music. Not going to happen old man.