View source for Gene Simmons

{{Short description|Israeli-American musician (born 1949)}}
{{other uses}}
{{redirect|Kiss Demon|the professional wrestler who portrayed the character in WCW|Dale Torborg}}
{{distinguish|Jean Simmons}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2023}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Gene Simmons
| image              = Gene Simmons 2012.jpg
| caption            = Simmons in 2012
| birth_name         = Chaim Witz
| alias              = {{hlist|Gene Klein|The Demon|the God of Thunder|Dr. Love|Reginald Van Helsing}}
| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|1949|08|25}}
| birth_place        = [[Haifa]], Israel
| citizenship        = {{hlist|Israel|United States}}
| occupation         = {{hlist|Musician|singer|songwriter|record producer|actor|entrepreneur|television personality}}
| years_active       = 1970–present
| spouse             = {{marriage|[[Shannon Tweed]]|2011}}
| partners           = [[Cher]] (1978–1980)<br/>[[Diana Ross]] (1980–1983)
| children           = {{hlist|[[Nick Simmons|Nick]]|[[Sophie Simmons|Sophie]]}}
| module             = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed      = yes
| genre             = {{hlist|[[Hard rock]]|[[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]]}}
| instruments       = {{hlist|Bass guitar|vocals}}<!--- If you think an instrument should be listed, a discussion to reach consensus is needed first per: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Infobox_musical_artist#instrument--->
| current_member_of =
| past_member_of    = {{hlist|[[Kiss (band)|Kiss]]|[[Wicked Lester]]}}
| origin            = New York City, U.S.
| website          = {{URL|genesimmons.com}}
}}
}}

'''Gene Simmons''' (born '''Chaim Witz'''; {{langx|he|חיים ויץ}} {{IPA|he|χaˈim ˈvits|}}; August 25, 1949), also known by his stage persona "'''the Demon'''", is an Israeli-American musician. He was the bassist and co-lead singer of the hard rock band [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]], which he co-founded with [[Paul Stanley]], [[Ace Frehley]], and [[Peter Criss]] in 1973. Simmons, alongside Stanley, remained a constant member of the band until their dissolution in 2023. Simmons is also known for his long tongue and for his reality television show, ''[[Gene Simmons Family Jewels]]'', which aired from 2006 to 2012. He was inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]] in 2014 as a member of Kiss.
{{toc limit|3}}

==Early life and education==
Simmons was born Chaim Witz on August 25, 1949 in [[Haifa]], [[Israel]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-08-21 |title=LAPD searches home of Israeli-born Kiss rock star Gene Simmons {{!}} The Jerusalem Post |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/lapd-search-home-of-israeli-born-kiss-rock-star-gene-simmons-412855 |access-date=2025-07-20 |website=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dethlefs |first=Philip |date=2024-08-26 |title=KISS: Gene Simmons wird 75 |url=https://www.juedische-allgemeine.de/kultur/gene-simmons-wird-75/ |access-date=2025-07-20 |website=Jüdische Allgemeine |language=de}}</ref> to Jewish refugees from Hungary. His mother, Flóra Kovács{{cn|date=July 2025}} (later Florence Klein, then Florence Lubowski) (1925–2018),<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-12-06 |title=Gene Simmons' mother, Flora Klein, passes away at 92 |url=https://consequence.net/2018/12/gene-simmons-mother-flora-klein-passes-away/ |access-date=2024-09-29 |language=en-US}}</ref> was born in [[Jánd]] in the [[Northern Great Plain]] region of eastern Hungary. She survived internment in [[Nazi concentration camps]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arlene-lassin/gene-simmons-mom-the-hologene-simmons-mom-the-holocaust-and-me_b_7082854.html|title=Gene Simmons' Mom, the Holocaust, and Me|work=[[HuffPost]]|access-date=June 14, 2015|date=April 17, 2015}}</ref> from November 1944 to her liberation from the [[Mauthausen concentration camp|Mauthausen]] camp in Austria on May 5, 1945.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Oster |first=Marcy |date=5 May 2020 |title=Kiss frontman Simmons learns about Holocaust survivor mother's ordeal |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/kiss-frontman-simmons-learns-about-holocaust-survivor-mothers-ordeal/ |access-date=29 Sep 2024 |work=Times of Israel}}</ref> She and her brother, Larry Klein, were the only members of the family to survive [[the Holocaust]]. Witz's father, Ferenc "Feri" Yehiel Witz (1925–2002), was a carpenter whom Klein married in 1946; the couple moved to Israel the following year.<ref name=":2" />

Witz spent his early childhood in [[Tirat Carmel]] and was raised in a practicing Jewish household. He has said that his family was "dirt poor", scraping by on rationed bread and milk.<ref name=haaretz>{{cite web |url=https://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/lead-singer-of-kiss-gene-simmons-slams-israel-boycotters-1.351197|title=Lead singer of Kiss Gene Simmons slams Israel boycotters |work=[[Haaretz]] |location=Israel |date=March 22, 2011 |access-date=August 10, 2011}}</ref> At the age of seven, he began to pick wild fruit and sell it on roadsides together with a friend.<ref>{{cite news |last=Smale |first=Will |title=The rock star who can never be too rich |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-32301157 |publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=April 19, 2015 |access-date=March 21, 2022}}</ref>

At age eight, after his parents’ divorce, Witz and his mother [[Jewish immigration to the United States|immigrated to the United States]], settling in [[Queens]], [[New York City]]. His father remained in Israel, where he had another son and three daughters. In the United States, Witz changed his name to Gene Klein, adopting his mother's maiden name. When he was nine, he briefly attended a Jewish religious school, [[Yeshiva Torah Vodaas]], before transferring to a public school. He graduated from [[Newtown High School (Queens)|Newtown High School]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.qchron.com/qboro/i_have_often_walked/gene-simmons-rocked-jackson-heights-before-kiss/article_c496f2bf-19ce-5174-943e-5e030a58861b.html#:~:text=Chaim%20changed%20his%20name%20to,he%20sang%20in%20the%20choir | title=Gene Simmons rocked Jackson Heights before KISS | date=June 8, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=1949: A Hard Rocker Demon and Good Jewish Boy is Born |url=https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/1949-a-hard-rocker-demon-is-born-1.5390524 |newspaper=Haaretz |date=August 25, 2015}}</ref>

Klein attended [[Sullivan County Community College]] in New York. He graduated from [[Richmond College (New York City)|Richmond College]]<ref>{{cite web |title=College of Staten Island CUNY |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/college-staten-island-cuny |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628044216/https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/college-staten-island-cuny |archive-date=June 28, 2018 |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=Times Higher Education }}</ref> in [[Staten Island]], New York with a [[Bachelor's degree|BA]] in [[Education]]<ref>{{cite tweet |url=https://x.com/genesimmons/status/1157007533225046017 |title=Well, yes and no. |user=genesimmons |last=Simmons |first=Gene |number=1157007533225046017 |date=August 1, 2019 |access-date=May 26, 2025}}</ref> in 1970.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-02-06 |title=Gene Simmons a School Teacher? |url=https://www.secretstatenisland.com/gene-simmons-school-teacher/ |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=Secret Staten Island}}</ref>

== Career ==
Before his musical career began, Klein worked a variety of jobs in New York City. A proficient typist, he served as an assistant to an editor of ''[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue]]''. He also spent six months as a sixth grade instructor on the [[Upper West Side]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Lewis |first=Barbara |title=Gene Simmons Was Sixth Grade Teacher |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1346&dat=19780604&id=sJJNAAAAIBAJ&pg=5422,1350574 |newspaper=The Lakeland Ledger |date=June 4, 1978}}</ref>

Klein chose his stage name, Gene Simmons, in tribute to the rockabilly singer [[Jumpin' Gene Simmons]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Gene Simmons |url=http://JewishVirtualLibrary.org/gene-simmons |encyclopedia=Jewish Virtual Library |access-date=February 17, 2019}}</ref> In other interviews, he claimed his stage name was inspired by actress [[Jean Simmons]]; he used the title of her 1946 film ''[[Great Expectations (1946 film)|Great Expectations]]'' for a song on the 1976 album "[[Destroyer (Kiss album)|Destroyer]]". He practiced playing his guitar for hours on end.<ref>{{cite news |last=Martin |first=Dale |title=KISS army continues to grow |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=GkEKAAAAIBAJ&pg=6424%2C900667 |work=The Victoria Advocate |date=October 4, 1998 |page=10D |access-date=March 21, 2022}}</ref> 

[[The Beatles]] had a significant influence on Simmons. "There is no way I'd be doing what I do now if it wasn't for the Beatles. I was watching ''[[The Ed Sullivan Show]]'' and I saw them. Those skinny little boys, kind of androgynous, with long hair like girls. It blew me away that these four boys [from] the middle of nowhere could make that music."<ref>Crandall, Bill. [http://www.cbsnews.com/news/10-musicians-who-saw-the-beatles-standing-there "10 musicians who saw the Beatles standing there"], CBS News, February 6, 2014.</ref>

Simmons became involved with his first band, Lynx, then renamed the Missing Links, when he was 15 in 1964–5.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Missing Links |url=https://kissbandstree.com/band.php?a=the_missing_links |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=kissbandstree.com |language=en}}</ref> Eventually, he disbanded the band to form the Long Island Sounds, the name being a pun on the [[Long Island Sound]]. In this band was also future Wicked Lester guitarist [[Stephen Coronel|Steve Coronel]], and future lawyer/author Alan Stuart Graf who convinced Simmons to buy his first bass as the band needed a bass player.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Richard |date=2014-12-01 |title=Old pal says Gene Simmons would 'KISS' and tell {{!}} Page Six |url=https://pagesix.com/2014/12/01/old-pal-gene-simmons-bragged-about-conquests/ |access-date=2024-09-29 |language=en-US}}</ref> In 1967, after losing Graf the band morphed into The Love Bag.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Love Bag |url=https://kissbandstree.com/band.php?a=the_love_bag |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=kissbandstree.com |language=en}}</ref> 

From 1968 to 1970, Simmons attended [[Sullivan County Community College]] in [[Loch Sheldrake, New York|Loch Sheldrake]], New York for two years. He joined a new band, Bullfrog Bheer. The band recorded various home demos including ''Leeta''; this was later included on the Kiss box set. The band existed until 1970 with various line-ups.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Bullfrog Bheer #1 |url=https://kissbandstree.com/band.php?a=the_bullfrog_bheer_1 |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=kissbandstree.com |language=en}}</ref>

Simmons, Coronel, and Brooke Ostrander who was in their 1969 band Coffee<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coffee |url=https://kissbandstree.com/band.php?a=coffee |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=kissbandstree.com |language=en}}</ref> formed the rock band first known as Rainbow and later [[Wicked Lester]] in the early 1970s with Stanley Eisen (now known as [[Paul Stanley]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rainbow #1 |url=https://kissbandstree.com/band.php?a=rainbow_1 |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=kissbandstree.com |language=en}}</ref> The band recorded one album, which was never released in its entirety. Dissatisfied with Wicked Lester's sound and look, Simmons and Stanley attempted to fire their band members. Met with resistance, they instead quit Wicked Lester, walking away from their record deal with [[Epic Records]] as they decided to form the "ultimate rock band" in its place. 

===Kiss===
Kiss was formed in 1973.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/music/2025/03/11/kiss-band-gene-simmons-paul-stanley-photos/82248180007/|title=A look back at KISS: Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and more rock 'n' roll moments|website=USA TODAY|date=March 11, 2025}}</ref>

Looking for a drummer, Simmons and Stanley found an ad placed by George Peter John Criscuola (known as [[Peter Criss]]), who was playing clubs in [[Brooklyn]] at the time; they joined and started out as a trio.

During this time, Criss and Simmons also appeared on an unreleased album by Captain Sanity together with members from Criss' previous band Chelsea. Paul Frehley (better known as [[Ace Frehley]]) responded to an ad they put in ''[[The Village Voice]]'' for a lead guitar player, and soon joined them. [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]] released their self-titled debut album in February 1974. Stanley took on the role of lead performer on stage, while Simmons became the driving force behind what became an extensive [[Kiss merchandising]] [[exclusive right|franchise]]. The eye section of his "Demon" makeup with Kiss came from the wing design of comic book character [[Black Bolt]].<ref>KISS bassist Gene Simmons said on an episode of his television show Gene Simmons Family Jewels that he is a big comic book fan, with the bat-like "wings" in his "Demon" persona costume being modelled after those worn by Black Bolt [http://www.livedash.com/transcript/gene_simmons_family_jewels-(under_the_knife_)/6120/AETVP/Wednesday_November_3_2010/328010/ Gene Simmons Family Jewels – Under the Knife? – Wednesday, Nov 3, 2010 – mReplay Livedash TV Transcript – Livedash – Search what is being mentioned across national TV] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009170844/http://www.livedash.com/transcript/gene_simmons_family_jewels-%28under_the_knife_%29/6120/AETVP/Wednesday_November_3_2010/328010/ |date=October 9, 2011}}. Livedash. Retrieved February 1, 2011.</ref>
[[File:Gene Simmons au Hellfest 2023.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Gene Simmons in his stage makeup as "the Demon", 2023]]
In 1983, as Kiss's popularity was starting to fade, the band decided to take off their iconic make-up in a bold move to reinvent themselves. The change paid off, sparking a renewed wave of success that carried through the 1990s. Around this time, original drummer Peter Criss was voted out of the band, and the group began looking for someone new to take his place. The new drummer was Paul Charles Caravello, who went by the stage name of [[Eric Carr]], and played for Kiss from 1980 until his death in 1991. The band hosted its own fan conventions in 1995, and fan feedback about the original Kiss members reunion influenced the highly successful 1996–1997 Alive Worldwide reunion tour. In 1998, the band released ''[[Psycho Circus]]''. Since then, the original lineup has once again dissolved, with [[Tommy Thayer]] replacing Ace Frehley on lead guitar and [[Eric Singer]] (who performed with Kiss from 1991 through 1996) replacing Peter Criss on drums.

===Film and television===
In 1978, Simmons appeared in a made-for-television movie, ''[[Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park]]''.{{cn|date=July 2025}} 
 
In 1981, Simmons auditioned at [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] for a role in a new [[Marcy Carsey]] produced show called Grotus and was offered his own TV show, which he declined as the pay was lower than what he made with Kiss at the time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gene Simmons' Kiss And Make-Up lets The Demon speak for himself |url=https://www.avclub.com/gene-simmons-kiss-and-make-up-lets-the-demon-speak-for-1798235404 |access-date=2024-12-08 |website=AV Club |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 1985, Simmons appeared on the TV series ''[[Miami Vice]]'' in an episode titled "The Prodigal Son". The episode served as the [[season premiere]] of the show's second season.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Serwer |first=Jesse |date=October 7, 2014 |title=Miami Sound Machine: 16 Best Musical Guest Stars on 'Miami Vice' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/miami-sound-machine-16-best-musical-guest-stars-on-miami-vice-155772/gene-simmons-the-prodigal-son-season-two-27833/ |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |location=New York City, United States  |access-date=April 27, 2019 }}</ref> Simmons appeared as a psychic working at the Mystic Journey Bookstore in [[Venice, California]] on the American hidden camera prank TV series ''[[I Get That a Lot]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metrolyrics.com/2010-gene-simmons-poses-as-psychic-for-us-prank-show-news.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101005105204/http://www.metrolyrics.com/2010-gene-simmons-poses-as-psychic-for-us-prank-show-news.html|archive-date=October 5, 2010|url-status=unfit|title=Gene Simmons poses as psychic for US prank show|date=January 7, 2010|access-date=January 14, 2010}}</ref> He also guest-starred as himself in the 2014 ''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation]]'' episode ''Long Road Home''.

Simmons performed in the 1984 [[Michael Crichton]] thriller ''[[Runaway (1984 film)|Runaway]]'' starring [[Tom Selleck]], [[Cynthia Rhodes]] and [[Kirstie Alley]] as well as the 1987 [[Gary Sherman (director)|Gary Sherman]] action film ''[[Wanted: Dead or Alive (1987 film)|Wanted: Dead or Alive]]'' starring [[Rutger Hauer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094293/|title=Wanted: Dead or Alive (1987)|website=[[IMDb]]|date=January 16, 1987|access-date=July 1, 2017}}</ref>

In 2004, Simmons also appeared in the TV series ''[[Third Watch]]'' for two episodes. He played Mob Kingpin Donald Mann in the season 5 finale and the season 6 premiere.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0720945/|title=Third Watch (1999-2005) Episode 22/s5 "Monsters"|website=[[IMDb]]|date=May 7, 2004|access-date=February 4, 2025}}</ref>

In March 2015, Simmons founded the film production company Erebus Pictures<ref>{{cite news| title = WWE and Gene Simmons Launch Genre Label; First Film Project Announced – Temple| url = http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/94783/wwe-and-gene-simmons-launch-genre-label-first-film-project-announced-temple/| publisher=Dread Central| date = March 27, 2015 |access-date=March 27, 2015}}</ref> and announced as the first project the horror-thriller film ''[[Armed Response (2017 film)|Armed Response]]''.<ref>{{cite news| title = If Gene Simmons and WWE's 'Temple' Is Good, I'll Eat This Article!| url = http://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3337809/gene-simmons-wwes-temple-good-ill-eat-article/| publisher=Bloody Disgusting| date = March 27, 2015 |access-date=March 27, 2015}}</ref>

In 2022, Simmons became a judge of the talent competition show ''Yoshiki Superstar Project X'', airing on [[Hulu]] Japan and produced by Japanese musician and composer [[Yoshiki (musician)|Yoshiki]].<ref>{{Cite web  |title=「YOSHIKI SUPERSTAR PROJECT X」次のステージへ進む通過メンバー８人を公開 |url=https://www.musicvoice.jp/news/242862/ |access-date=January 12, 2023 |website=MusicVoice |language=ja}}</ref> On September 14, 2023, Simmons was one of the guest speakers chosen to introduce Yoshiki at his imprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 5, 2023 |title=Yoshiki to Leave Handprints at Chinese Theatre |url=https://americansongwriter.com/yoshiki-to-leave-handprints-at-chinese-theatre/ |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=American Songwriter |last=Houghton|first=Cillea|language=en-US}}</ref>

In May 2023, Gary Hamilton of [[Arclight Films]] announced the creation of a new production company in partnership with Simmons, called Simmons/Hamilton Productions. The company aims to produce 25 films over five years, focusing on action, thriller, and [[film franchise|franchise]] titles. The first title is ''[[Deep Water (upcoming film)|Deep Water]]'' directed by Finnish filmmaker [[Renny Harlin]], produced by Simmons, Hamilton, Ying Ye, and Rob Van Norden.<ref name=slatter2023>{{cite web | last=Slatter | first=Sean | title=Arclight's Gary Hamilton announces new production company with Gene Simmons | website=[[IF Magazine]] | date=16 May 2023 | url=https://if.com.au/arclights-gary-hamilton-announces-new-production-company-with-gene-simmons/ | access-date=22 July 2025}}</ref>

Other television projects include:
*''[[My Dad the Rock Star]]'' (2003–4), a cartoon by the Canadian animation company [[Nelvana]], created by Simmons, about the mild-mannered son of a Gene Simmons-like rock star;{{cn|date=July 2025}}
*''[[Mr. Romance]]'' (2005), a show created and hosted by Simmons on the [[Oxygen (TV network)|Oxygen]] cable television channel;{{cn|date=July 2025}}
*''[[Rock School]]'' (also known as ''Gene Simmons' Rock School''; 2005–6)), a UK reality show. In the show's first season, Simmons tries to make a rock band out of a group of students of [[Christ's Hospital School]]. In its second season, he attempts to make a band out of a group of kids from a comprehensive school in [[Lowestoft]];{{cn|date=July 2025}}
*''[[Gene Simmons Family Jewels]]'' (2006–2012),<ref name=":1">[http://www.aetv.com/gene-simmons-family-jewels/ Gene Simmons Family Jewels – A&E TV]. Aetv.com. Retrieved February 1, 2011.</ref> a reality show documenting the personal lives of Simmons, and [[Shannon Tweed|his wife]], [[Nick Simmons|son]], and daughter; and
*''[[Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery]]'' (2015), an animated movie in which Simmons and the other members of Kiss appear as the heroes.{{cn|date=July 2025}}<!---was he involved in this though?--->

===Other projects===
Simmons had his own magazine, ''Gene Simmons Tongue Magazine'', his own label, Simmons Records, and animated series, ''[[My Dad the Rock Star]]''. Simmons Records has released albums by such bands as [[Kobra and the Lotus]], Silent Rage, Gypsy Rose and [[House of Lords (band)|House of Lords]] as well as Gene's own solo releases.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/label/171919-Simmons-Records|title=Simmons Records|website=Discogs.com|language=en|access-date=October 27, 2019}}</ref>

In the 1980s, Simmons produced albums by bands including [[Keel (band)|Keel]], [[Wendy O. Williams]], [[Black 'n Blue|Black'N Blue]] and [[Doro (musician)|Doro]].{{cn|date=July 2025}}

In 1989, Simmons managed the recording side of [[Liza Minnelli]]'s entry into mainstream pop.<ref>{{cite news |last=Holden |first=Stephen |title=The Pop Life |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/23/arts/the-pop-life-839589.html |work=[[The New York Times]]|date=August 23, 1989 |access-date=October 1, 2020 |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref>

In 2002, Simmons launched ''Gene Simmons' Tongue'', a men's lifestyle magazine.<ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/08/28/DD82104.DTL Tongue is cheeky/Kiss' Gene Simmons combines sex, showmanship in his men's magazine]. Sfgate.com (August 28, 2002); retrieved February 1, 2011.</ref> The magazine lasted five issues before being discontinued.{{Citation needed|date=February 2019}}

From 2006 to 2008, Simmons served in a marketing and publicity role with the [[IndyCar Series|Indy Racing League]].<ref>{{cite news|title=IRL Forms Innovative Marketing Agreement With Gene Simmons & Richard Abramson|publisher=GeneSimmons.com|url=http://www.genesimmons.com/pages/sam/index.html|access-date=August 23, 2010|date=January 10, 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130110221922/http://www.genesimmons.com/pages/sam/index.html|archive-date=January 10, 2013}}</ref>

In 2012, Simmons served as the headliner for the Rock N Roll All Stars tour, a high-profile rock [[Supergroup (music)|supergroup]] project that brought together an all-star lineup of musicians for a series of stadium performances across South America.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-04-28 |title='Rock 'N' Roll Allstars' Wraps South American Tour In Lima; Video Available |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rock-n-roll-allstars-wraps-south-american-tour-in-lima-video-available/ |access-date=2025-06-23 |website=Blabbermouth.net |language=en}}</ref>

The official announcement of the tour and its lineup took place on March 1, 2012, during a press conference held at the historic Roxy Theatre in Hollywood, California.<ref>{{Cite web  |date=2012-03-03 |title=DUFF MCKAGAN, MATT SORUM, GENE SIMMONS At 'Rock 'N' Roll Allstars' Press Conference (Video) |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/duff-mckagan-matt-sorum-gene-simmons-at-rock-n-roll-allstars-press-conference-video/ |access-date=2025-06-23 |website=Blabbermouth.net|language=en}}</ref> The event was hosted by promoter Gabe Reed and attended by Simmons himself. The news conference, along with highlights from the tour, was prominently featured in the final episodes of ''Gene Simmons Family Jewels'', providing fans with a behind-the-scenes look at the project and marking a significant moment in Simmons' post-Kiss career.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/duff-mckagan-matt-sorum-gene-simmons-at-rock-n-roll-allstars-press-conference-video/|title=DUFF MCKAGAN, MATT SORUM, GENE SIMMONS At 'Rock 'N' Roll Allstars' Press Conference (Video)|date=March 3, 2012|website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET}}</ref>

In August 2013, Simmons, [[Paul Stanley]] and manager [[Doc McGhee]] became a part of the ownership group that created the [[Los Angeles Kiss|LA Kiss]] [[Arena Football League]] team, which played their home games at the [[Honda Center]] in [[Anaheim, California]]. The team has since folded.{{cn|date=July 2025}}

In 2017, Simmons launched "The Vault", which is a compilation of all of his major works selling for $2,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.genesimmonsvault.com/|title=HOME {{!}} Gene Simmons Vault|website=genesimmonsvault.com|access-date=May 26, 2018}}</ref>

In 2018, Simmons was named "Chief Evangelist Officer" of the Canadian [[Cannabis (drug)|cannabis]] company Invictus MD Strategies.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Siebert|first1=Amanda|title=Vancouver cannabis company hires straight-edge Gene Simmons as celebrity spokesperson|url=https://www.straight.com/cannabis/1045896/vancouver-cannabis-company-hires-straight-edge-gene-simmons-celebrity-spokesperson|access-date=May 24, 2018|work=The Georgia Straight|date=March 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708104326/https://www.straight.com/cannabis/1045896/vancouver-cannabis-company-hires-straight-edge-gene-simmons-celebrity-spokesperson|archive-date=July 8, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Simmons also holds a large investment stake in the company.<ref>{{cite news|title=GENE SIMMONS Was 'Astonished To Find Out The Medicinal Value' Of Cannabis|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gene-simmons-was-astonished-to-find-out-the-medicinal-value-of-cannabis/|access-date=May 24, 2018|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=May 17, 2018}}</ref>

==Artistry==
[[File:Gene Simmons - Azkena Rock Festival 2010 7.jpg|thumb|Gene Simmons [[Fire breathing (circus act)|fire breathing]]|left]]

=== Technique ===
Simmons plays bass, and lead vocals are split between Simmons and rhythm guitarist [[Paul Stanley]] in most Kiss songs. Some notable songs featuring Simmons singing lead include "[[God of Thunder]]", "[[Rock and Roll All Nite]]", "[[Deuce (song)|Deuce]]", "[[A World Without Heroes]]", "[[I Love It Loud]]", "[[Calling Dr. Love]]", "[[Unholy (Kiss song)|Unholy]]", "[[You Wanted the Best]]" (first lead vocals), and "[[Christine Sixteen]]", among others. Simmons possesses a baritone voice.{{cn|date=October 2025}}

Simmons has expressed his preference for "[[Hook (music)|memorable simplicity]]" in music as opposed to technical complexity. "I don't consider myself—and was never really interested in being—a bass virtuoso [...] I don't like show-offs in music. I'm much more attracted to things that are memorable. It's part of the joy of music for me." He has also said that while he appreciates the technical skill of [[jazz]] musicians, he believes they do not have appeal over a wide audience, saying "You can be a jazz player and be respected by musicians, but the rest of the world doesn't care."<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Owen |first1=Matt |last2=Daly |first2=Andrew |date=17 October 2024 |title="Name a jazz player that means something. You can be respected by musicians, but the rest of the world doesn't care. That music is intended to show off how well you play": Gene Simmons on why technical skill doesn't really matter |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/bassists/gene-simmons-technical-skill-doesnt-matter |access-date=November 11, 2024 |website=Guitar World}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Barrios |first=Joel |date=2024-11-09 |title=GENE SIMMONS On Why He Values Memorable Riffs Over Virtuosity: "The Hardest Thing To Do Is Write A Good Simple Song Or Riff" |url=https://metalinjection.net/news/gene-simmons-on-why-he-values-memorable-riffs-over-virtuosity-the-hardest-thing-to-do-is-write-a-good-simple-song-or-riff |access-date=2024-11-12 |website=Metal Injection |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Stage makeup and persona===
[[File:KISS devil face.svg|thumb|120px|Simmons' "Demon" make-up]]
In addition to playing bass for [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]], Gene Simmons is well known for his long tongue, which he often sticks out during performances, a move that became one of his most recognizable trademarks. On stage, he takes on a demonic persona, complete with dramatic effects like breathing fire and spitting fake blood, further enhancing his dark, theatrical image.{{cn|date=October 2025}}

Some media outlets have reported that Simmons’s tongue measures up to seven inches in length and that he even had it insured for $1 million. However, Simmons has never publicly confirmed or denied these claims, allowing the rumors to fuel his legendary status.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Corday |first1=Karen |last2=Smith |first2=Kimberly |title=Why People Once Thought Gene Simmons Had A Cow's Tongue |url=https://www.grunge.com/278148/why-people-once-thought-gene-simmons-had-a-cows-tongue/ |website=Grunge |date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=December 8, 2022}}</ref> His trademark stalking stage-moves were inspired by the creature Ymir from the movie ''[[20 Million Miles to Earth]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nypost.com/2013/08/31/first-kiss/ |title=First KISS |work=New York Post |last=Getlen |first=Larry |date=August 31, 2013 |access-date=May 26, 2025}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Simmons resides in Los Angeles with his wife [[Shannon Tweed]], a Canadian<ref>{{cite news |last1=Said |first1=Amir |title=Gene Simmons returns to Prairies with Kiss farewell tour |url=https://ink.urjschool.ca/gene-simmons-returns-to-prairies-with-kiss-farewell-tour/ |work=INK Online |publisher=University of Regina School of Journalism |date=March 13, 2023}}</ref> actress and former [[Playboy Playmate|''Playboy'' Playmate]]. Although they began dating in 1983, they did not marry until 28 years later. Simmons often joked that he and Tweed were "happily unmarried" for over 20 years. He also often paraphrased [[Groucho Marx]], saying "Marriage is an institution, and I don't want to live in an institution". Simmons and Tweed wed on October 1, 2011, at [[the Beverly Hills Hotel]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Gene Simmons is married |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20533363,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003020523/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20533363,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 3, 2011 |magazine=People |date=October 1, 2011 |access-date=October 2, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Gene Simmons and long term girlfriend marry |url=http://wonderwall.msn.com/entertainment/gene-simmons-and-longtime-girlfriend-marry-1644963.story |url-status=dead |publisher=MSN – Wonderwall |date=October 1, 2011 |access-date=October 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129071428/http://wonderwall.msn.com/entertainment/gene-simmons-and-longtime-girlfriend-marry-1644963.story |archive-date=January 29, 2013 }}</ref> They have two children: [[Nick Simmons|Nick]] (born January 22, 1989) and [[Sophie Simmons|Sophie]] (born July 7, 1992). He formerly had [[Cohabitation|live-in relationships]] with [[Cher]] and [[Diana Ross]],<ref name="bio">[http://www.genesimmons.com/bio2.html Biography] {{webarchive |url=https://archive.today/20120906204718/http://www.genesimmons.com/bio2.html |date=September 6, 2012}}. GeneSimmons.com. Retrieved February 1, 2011.</ref> revealing that he fell in love with Ross while dating Cher.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/gene-simmons-fell-for-diana-ross-while-dating-cher/2015/06/01/78e33fc8-081b-11e5-951e-8e15090d64ae_story.html|title=Gene Simmons fell for Diana Ross while dating Cher|date=June 1, 2015|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> Simmons has boasted many times about having [[Sexual intercourse|bedded]] thousands of women. In 2010, he claimed the tally stood at 5,000 and that he has a [[Instant camera|Polaroid picture]] of each liaison, including the hotel key where it took place.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2010/12/20/gene-simmons-kiss-sex-500-women-polaroid-pictures-photos/|title=Gene Simmons- Hard Proof He Banged 5,000 chicks|work=TMZ|date=December 20, 2010|access-date=July 10, 2019}}</ref> After their wedding, Tweed found the key for the lockboxes containing the photos (confirming at least that much of the rumors). After a "loving confrontation" with Simmons, she had every single Polaroid burned on national television during the final season of their reality show ''[[Gene Simmons Family Jewels]]''.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/exclusive-look-gene-simmons-x-rated-photos-turn-family-jewels-1c9379835|title=Exclusive look: Gene Simmons' X-rated photos turn up on 'Family Jewels'|date=May 22, 2012 |publisher=Today}}</ref>

Simmons is multilingual, and is able to speak Hungarian, German, English, Hebrew, and some Japanese.<ref name=bio />

Simmons believes he is an "outcast" in the rock music community due to his open disdain for [[Recreational drug use|drug]] and [[Alcohol (drug)|alcohol]] use, and has proudly claimed many times to have never been drunk or high on a substance in his life.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gene Simmons says he's "always been an outcast" in rock 'n' roll circles because he doesn't drink or do drugs |url=https://guitar.com/news/music-news/gene-simmons-outcast-drink-drugs/ |access-date=2024-11-12 |website=Guitar.com {{!}} All Things Guitar |language=en-GB}}</ref> He has said that the reason for his sober lifestyle was his mother, who was a [[Holocaust survivors|Holocaust survivor]]. He said, "I'm my mother's only child [...] I had no right to harm my mother. Life did that enough".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fell |first=James |date=2016-09-03 |title=The unbelievably sweet reason why Gene Simmons of KISS has never done drugs or gotten drunk |url=https://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-gene-simmons-20160829-snap-story.html |access-date=2024-11-12 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |language=en-US}}</ref> However, he has admitted to once accidentally becoming intoxicated on [[Cannabis (drug)|marijuana]] after mistakenly eating [[Cannabis edible|pot brownies]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gene Simmons Says the Only Time He's Gotten High Was by Mistakenly Eating 6 Weed Brownies: 'Wasn't Prepared' |url=https://people.com/gene-simmons-recalls-mistakenly-eating-weed-brownies-8594113 |access-date=2024-11-12 |website=[[People (magazine)|People]] |language=en}}</ref>

Simmons is a science fiction and comic book fan and published several [[science-fiction fanzine]]s, among them ''Id'', ''Cosmos'' (which eventually merged with ''Stilletto'' to become ''Cosmos-Stilletto'' and then ''Faun''), ''Tinderbox'', ''Sci-Fi Showcase'', ''Mantis'' and ''Adventure''. He also contributed to other fanzines, among them ''[[BeABohema]]'' and ''Sirruish''.<ref>[http://www.genesimmons.com/news/102008.html "Gene Simmons: 60s Fanzine Publisher"] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130827172606/http://www.genesimmons.com/news/102008.html |date=August 27, 2013 }}, October 2008</ref> By 1977, however, he would write in a [[letter to the editor]] to ''[[Janus (science fiction magazine)|Janus]]'', "I haven't been active [in fandom] for about five years".<ref>Simmons, Gene. "Letter" ''Janus'' 8 (Vol 3, No. 2); Janice Bogstad & [[Jeanne Gomoll]], eds., 1977; p. 15</ref>

On October 7, 2025, Simmons was reportedly hospitalized following a car accident in [[Malibu, California|Malibu]], California, after losing consciousness while driving.<ref>{{cite news |last=DeSantis |first=Rachel |title=KISS Rocker Gene Simmons Hospitalized After Malibu Car Crash: Report |url=https://people.com/kiss-rocker-gene-simmons-hospitalized-after-malibu-car-crash-report-11826792 |work=People |publisher=Dotdash Meredith |date=October 8, 2025 |access-date=October 8, 2025}}</ref>

== Personal views and politics ==
===US electoral politics===
Simmons was a supporter of the [[foreign policy of the George W. Bush administration]].<ref>[http://www.genesimmons.com/news/082004.html News] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20121208202854/http://www.genesimmons.com/news/082004.html |date=December 8, 2012 }}. GeneSimmons.com. Retrieved February 1, 2011.</ref> He supported the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]], writing on his website: "I'm ashamed to be surrounded by people calling themselves liberal who are, in my opinion, spitting on the graves of brave American soldiers who gave their life to fight a war that wasn't theirs... in a country they've never been to... simply to liberate the people therein".<ref name=iraq>[http://www.genesimmons.com/news/042003.html News] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20121208143302/http://www.genesimmons.com/news/042003.html |date=December 8, 2012 }}. GeneSimmons.com. Retrieved February 1, 2011.</ref> In a follow-up, Simmons explained his position and wrote about his love and support for the United States: "I wasn't born here. But I have a love for this country and its people that knows no bounds. I will forever be grateful to America for going into [[World War II]], when it had nothing to gain, in a country that was far away... and rescued my mother from the [[Nazi Germany|Nazi German]] [[Nazi concentration camps|concentration camps]]. She is alive and I am alive because of America. And, if you have a problem with America, you have a problem with me".<ref name=iraq/>

In 2010, Simmons said he regretted voting for [[Barack Obama]] and criticized the [[Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act|2009 health care reforms]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.politico.com/click/stories/1012/gene_simmons_knocks_obama.html|work=[[Politico]]|first=Patrick|last=Gavin|access-date=December 6, 2010|date=December 6, 2010|title=Gene Simmons Knocks President Obama}}</ref> Following Obama's 2011 speech on the Middle East in which he called on Israel and the Palestinians to negotiate a settlement "based on the [[Six-Day War|1967 lines]] with mutually agreed swaps",<ref>[https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2011/05/19/remarks-president-middle-east-and-north-africa Remarks by the President on the Middle East and North Africa], Barack Obama, ''[[The White House]]'', May 19, 2011</ref> Simmons told [[CNBC]] that Obama was gravely misguided. "If you have never been to the moon, you can't issue policy about the moon. For the president to be sitting in Washington D.C. and saying, 'Go back to your '67 borders in Israel' – how about you live there and try to defend an indefensible border – nine miles (14 km) wide?" Simmons also accused the [[United Nations]] of being "the most pathetic body on the face of the earth".<ref>{{cite news|last=Ben Gedalyahu|first=Tzvi|title=Video of Rock Star Gene Simmons: Obama Doesn't Have a Clue|url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/144384|access-date=June 1, 2011|newspaper=[[Arutz Sheva|Israel National News]]|date=May 22, 2011}}</ref>

In an April 2012 interview, Simmons endorsed Republican [[Mitt Romney]] for president: "America should be in business and it should be run by a businessman."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mediaite.com/tv/kiss-frontman-gene-simmons-voices-support-for-mitt-romney-regrets-voting-for-obama-in-08/ |title=Kiss Frontman Gene Simmons Voices Support For Mitt Romney, Regrets Voting For Obama In '08 |website=[[Mediaite]] |date=April 3, 2012 |access-date=April 25, 2012}}</ref>

In an August 2021 interview, regarding the honesty of [[Donald Trump]] and his [[First presidency of Donald Trump|first administration]], Simmons said, "[W]e all lie to some extent, but what happened the last four years was beyond anything I ever thought imaginable from people who had lots of power — not just him, but the administration, everybody."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gene-simmons-on-donald-trump-presidency-it-was-beyond-anything-i-ever-thought-imaginable/|title=GENE SIMMONS on DONALD TRUMP Presidency: It Was 'Beyond Anything I Ever Thought Imaginable'|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=August 12, 2021}}</ref>

On November 10, 2021, he stated that people who refused to get the [[COVID-19 vaccine]] are "an enemy" and called them "evil".<ref>{{cite web|first=Mike|last=Stunson|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article255740661.html|title='You are an enemy.' Gene Simmons of KISS slams 'evil people' who refuse COVID vaccine|website=[[Miami Herald]]|date=November 21, 2021|access-date=November 21, 2021}}</ref>

===Views on Israel===
In March 2011, Simmons visited his birth country, Israel. He described the trip as a "life changing experience". He talked about how he still feels that he is an Israeli: "I'm Israeli. I'm a stranger in America. I'm an outsider".<ref>{{cite web |last=Federman |first=Josef |title=AP Interview: Simmons blasts Israel boycotters |url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110322/ap_en_mu/ml_israel_people_gene_simmons |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326171849/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110322/ap_en_mu/ml_israel_people_gene_simmons |archive-date=March 26, 2011 |publisher=[[Yahoo! News]]}}</ref> While there, Simmons met his half-brother Kobi, and triplet half-sisters Drora, Sharon and Ogenia.<ref>{{cite web |author=Late Night Rocker |date=March 31, 2011 |title=Kiss Mask Webzine: Meet Gene Simmons' Brother and Sisters |url=http://kissmaskwebzine.blogspot.com/2011/03/meet-gene-simmons-brother-and-sisters.html |access-date=August 10, 2011 |publisher=Kissmaskwebzine.blogspot.com}}</ref> He also visited his estranged father's grave.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-06-29 |title=Gene Simmons cries, shares regret at father's grave |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/gene-simmons-cries-shares-regret-fathers-grave-1c9380723 |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=TODAY.com |language=en}}</ref> Simmons announced he has plans to take Kiss to Israel, something that happened first in 2015 with a concert in [[Tel Aviv]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.touristisrael.com/|title=Homepage|website=Touristisrael.com|access-date=August 25, 2025}}</ref> He has said that he is an ardent supporter of Israel.<ref>{{cite web |last=Brinn |first=David |date=March 23, 2011 |title=Kiss rocker Gene Simmons back in Israel after 51 years |url=https://www.jpost.com/VideoArticles/Video/Article.aspx?id=213425 |access-date=August 10, 2011 |work=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref> At a press conference in Israel, he spoke in both [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] and English.<ref>{{YouTube|FhnTbJNH0Wo|Gene Simmons in Israel / ג'ין סימונס בישראל}}</ref> During his visit to Israel in 2011, he also stated that the artists refusing to perform in Israel for political reasons are "stupid".<ref>{{cite news |date=March 23, 2011 |title=ג'ין סימונס: "היוצרים מחרימי ישראל – טיפשים" |url=http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4046360,00.html |access-date=March 23, 2011 |agency=[[YNet]]}}</ref>

During the [[2006 Lebanon War]] between [[Israel]] and [[Hezbollah]] in Lebanon, Simmons sent a televised message of support (in both English and Hebrew) to an Israeli soldier seriously wounded in fighting in [[Lebanon]], calling him his "hero".<ref>{{cite news |date=August 26, 2006 |title=Gene Simmons hails Israeli soldier |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/26/AR2006082600502.html |access-date=May 12, 2010 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

On November 6, 2015, he attended a [[Friends of the Israel Defense Forces]] gala in Beverly Hills, which raised more than $31 million.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 7, 2015 |title=IN PICTURES: Star-studded LA fundraiser rakes in $31 million for IDF |url=https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Star-studded-LA-fundraiser-rakes-in-31-million-for-IDF-432285 |access-date=July 1, 2017 |website=[[Jerusalem Post]]}}</ref>

In a 2024 interview with [[Sky News Australia]], Simmons called the [[Gaza War protests]] “well intentioned but misinformed”.<ref>https://blabbermouth.net/news/gene-simmons-weighs-in-on-student-protests-against-israel-its-well-intentioned-but-theyre-not-informed</ref>

=== Views on Islam ===
In a 2004 interview in [[Melbourne]], Australia, regarding [[Islamic extremism|Islamic extremists]], Simmons described [[Islam]] as a "vile culture", saying that Muslim women had to walk behind their husbands and were not allowed to be educated or to own houses. He said: "They want to come and live right where you live and they think that you're evil." Muslim media personality [[Susan Carland]] argued that Simmons's stereotyping of Muslims was inaccurate.<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/05/14/1084289868279.html "Outrage as KISS player mouths off on Muslims"]. ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'', May 14, 2004</ref> Simmons later clarified his comments on his website, saying he had been talking specifically about Muslim extremists.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 28, 2004 |title=Gene Simmons clarifies Muslim remarks |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/gene-simmons-clarifies-muslim-remarks-wbna5086233 |access-date=July 21, 2021 |website=Today.com}}</ref>

== Controversies==
===NPR interview===

During an interview on the [[NPR|National Public Radio]] (NPR) program ''[[Fresh Air]]'' on February 2, 2002,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.insidehook.com/article/music/gene-simmons-terry-gross-npr |title=Remembering Gene Simmons' Contentious Interview with Terry Gross, 20 Years Later |publisher=InsideHook |date=January 21, 2022 |access-date=June 27, 2022}}</ref> Simmons told [[Terry Gross]]: "If you want to welcome me with open arms, I'm afraid you're also going to have to welcome me with open legs", paraphrasing a lyric from [[the Who]]'s 1981 song "[[You Better You Bet]]". Gross replied: "That's a really obnoxious thing to say". At the time, Simmons refused to grant permission to NPR to make the interview available online.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/TerryGrossInterviewWithGeneSimmons|title=Terry Gross interview with Gene Simmons|work=Internet Archive|access-date=August 13, 2009}}</ref> However, it appears in print in Gross' book ''All I Did Was Ask'' and unauthorized transcripts are available. NPR re-broadcast part of the interview in August 2007.<ref name="npr">{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14081542|title=The Unpredictable Gene Simmons|date=August 31, 2007|publisher=[[NPR]]|access-date=February 1, 2011}}</ref> In a 2014 interview with ''[[HuffPost]]'', Simmons noted he was upset over what he perceived as Gross's "holier-than-thou" attitude, which included mislabeling his band Kiss as "the Kiss".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Branch|first1=Chris|title=Gene Simmons Calls NPR's Terry Gross 'Arrogant And Insulting'|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/12/kiss-gene-simmons-npr-terry-gross_n_5672201.html|newspaper=[[HuffPost]]|date=August 12, 2014|access-date=August 16, 2014}}</ref>

===File-sharing controversy===
In 2007, Simmons spoke out against [[music piracy]], and called for file-sharers to be sued.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/others/billboard-q-a-gene-simmons-1003671447.story|title=Billboard Q&A: Gene Simmons|magazine=Billboard |date= November 12, 2007 |first1=Antony |last1=Bruno |access-date=June 14, 2015|archive-date=July 22, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722144114/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/others/billboard-q-a-gene-simmons-1003671447.story|url-status=dead}}</ref> A year later, he threatened further lawsuits, and to withhold new recordings, if file-sharing continued. In 2010, [[Anonymous (group)|Anonymous]] staged a [[DDoS]] on his website, prompting Simmons to hit back with provocative comments once he was back online, at which point Anonymous staged a second DDoS, taking Simmons's site down again.<ref name=anonymous>{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/10/gene-simmons-vs-anonymous-whos-the-bigger-asshole.ars |first1=Nate |last1=Anderson |title=Gene Simmons vs. Anonymous: Who's the bigger tool?|work=[[Ars Technica]]|access-date=June 14, 2015|date=October 18, 2010}}</ref>

In September 2014, Simmons said "The death of rock was not a natural death. Rock did not die of old age. It was murdered". Simmons blames file sharing and that no one values music "enough to pay you for it" for the decline of the rock music scene.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.yahoo.com/news/gene-simmons-rock-finally-dead-murdered-125100515-rolling-stone.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908070958/https://music.yahoo.com/news/gene-simmons-rock-finally-dead-murdered-125100515-rolling-stone.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 8, 2014|title=Gene Simmons: 'Rock Is Finally Dead. It Was Murdered'|date=September 7, 2014|website=Yahoo Music |first1=Daniel |last1=Kreps |access-date=June 14, 2015}}</ref>

===Comments on suicide and depression===
In July 2014, Simmons made comments in an interview with Songfacts that encouraged those with depression to kill themselves.<blockquote>I never understand, because I always call them on their bluff. I'm the guy who says 'Jump!' when there's a guy on top of a building who says, "That's it, I can't take it anymore, I'm going to jump." Are you kidding? Why are you announcing it? Shut the fuck up, have some dignity and jump! You've got the crowd.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Catlin |first=Roger |date=July 31, 2014 |title=Gene Simmons of Kiss |url=https://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/gene-simmons-of-kiss |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616235725/https://www.songfacts.com/blog/interviews/gene-simmons-of-kiss |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |access-date=September 10, 2022 |website=Songfacts}}</ref></blockquote>The comments drew criticism from [[Nikki Sixx]] of [[Mötley Crüe]], who had suffered from depression in the past.<ref name="Sixx">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/gene-simmons-depression-comments-anger-nikki-sixx-20140814 |first1=Daniel |last1=Kreps |title=Gene Simmons' Depression and Suicide Comments Anger Nikki Sixx|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=June 14, 2015|date=August 14, 2014}}</ref> Following his comments, both [[Triple M]] and Winnipeg radio station [[Power 97]] stated that they were pulling all Kiss songs from their lineup in protest.<ref>{{cite web|last1=O'Neal|first1=Sean|title=Gene Simmons continues asshole tour by telling depressed people to kill themselves|url=http://www.avclub.com/article/gene-simmons-continues-asshole-tour-telling-depres-208204|website=The AV Club|date=August 15, 2014 |access-date=August 15, 2014}}</ref> Simmons later clarified his comments and apologized for the incident.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gene Simmons sorry for 'spur of the moment' remarks about mental illness |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/aug/18/gene-simmons-sorry-for-spur-of-the-moment-remarks-mental-illness-depression |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=May 30, 2018 |language=en |date=August 18, 2014}}</ref>

===''Fox & Friends'' incident===
On November 16, 2017, Simmons made an appearance on ''[[Fox & Friends]]'' to promote a new book, but shortly afterward, he burst into a staff meeting uninvited, unbuttoning his shirt and telling jokes. The next day, on November 17, [[Fox News]] announced that Simmons was banned for life from their program, as well as from entering any of the company's properties. Simmons later issued a statement saying that he has "a tremendous amount of respect" for the company's workers and apologized for "unintentionally offending" any staff members during his visit.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Gene Simmons banned from Fox News for life|url=http://theweek.com/speedreads/738078/gene-simmons-reportedly-banned-from-fox-news-life|magazine=The Week|access-date=November 17, 2017|date=November 17, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Two Women Accuse KISS' Gene Simmons of Sexual Harassment|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/metal-crimes/two-women-accuse-kiss-gene-simmons-of-sexual-harassment|work=Metal Injection|access-date=November 21, 2017|date=November 20, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=GENE SIMMONS Apologizes For 'Unintentionally' Offending Members Of FOX Team|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gene-simmons-apologizes-for-unintentionally-offending-members-of-fox-team/|publisher=blabbermouth.net|access-date=November 20, 2017|date=November 20, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Joe|last=Tacopino|title=Gene Simmons banned from Fox News after lewd behavior|url=https://nypost.com/2017/11/16/gene-simmons-banned-from-fox-news-after-lewd-behavior/|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=January 16, 2023|date=November 16, 2017}}</ref>

===Sexual assault allegations===
In 2018, Simmons settled a sexual assault lawsuit with an unnamed radio personality, who accused him of touching her inappropriately. The woman claimed that Simmons touched her and "turned standard interview questions into sexual innuendos." Despite the settlement, Simmons denied the allegations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/kiss-gene-simmons-settles-sexual-assault-lawsuit-2352371|title=Kiss' Gene Simmons settles sexual assault lawsuit|website=[[NME]]|date=July 10, 2018|access-date=April 26, 2022}}</ref>

In 2019, Ace Frehley, Simmons's former bandmate in Kiss, stated that Simmons had groped his wife, calling him an "asshole and a sex addict".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kiss-ace-frehley-gene-simmons-feud-786373/|title=Ace Frehley Blasts Gene Simmons: 'The Gloves Are Off'|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=August 26, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|first=Lars|last=Brundle|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8495697/ace-frehley-claims-kiss-gene-simmons-groped-wife|title=Ace Frehley Claims Kiss' Gene Simmons 'Groped' His Wife, Warns 'The S*** Will Hit The Fan'|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=January 30, 2019|access-date=August 26, 2020}}</ref>

== Philanthropy ==
Simmons is a known advocate for [[ChildFund International]]'s work. He traveled to [[Zambia]] during his ''Gene Simmons Family Jewels'' show to visit several of his sponsored children, of whom he has more than 140.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.childfund.org/articles/KISS-Icon-Gene-Simmons-Meets-Sponsored-Children/|title=KISS Icon Gene Simmons Brightens Lives of Sponsored Children|work=childfund.org|access-date=June 14, 2015}}</ref> Simmons said that the trip "[was] a stark reminder that life doesn't treat everyone the same".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.childfund.org/media/press_releases/ChildFund_Partners_with_Gene_Simmons_Family_Jewels.aspx|title=ChildFund Partners with Gene Simmons Family Jewels|work=childfund.org|access-date=June 14, 2015}}</ref>

Simmons's family received the MEND Humanitarian Award for their philanthropic efforts and support for [[Mending Kids International]] at the organization's annual gala on November 9, 2013. The award was presented by [[Mel Gibson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.looktothestars.org/news/11079-mel-gibson-presents-gene-simmons-with-charity-award|title=Mel Gibson Presents Gene Simmons With Charity Award|work=Look to the Stars|access-date=June 14, 2015|date=November 12, 2013}}</ref> In his acceptance speech, Simmons spoke of his own difficult childhood in Israel in a bullet-riddled house. He recalled his mother's excitement when they received a [[CARE (relief agency)|CARE]] box one day.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mending-kids-international-honors-gene-simmons-shannon-tweed-simmons-nick-simmons-and-sophie-simmons-at-annual-gala-231487311.html|title=Mending Kids International Honors Gene Simmons, Shannon Tweed-Simmons, Nick Simmons And Sophie... |location=LOS ANGELES|author=Mending Kids International|date=November 11, 2013|work=PR Newswire|access-date=June 14, 2015}}</ref>

Simmons helped found "The Children Matter", which is a collaborative initiative with the charity MATTER that fights to give children around the world access to health care.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2017/06/22/gene-simmons-children-matter/l|title=KISS Legend Gene Simmons' Twin Cities Charitable Connection|author=Minnesota CBS local|date=June 22, 2017|work=minnesota.cbslocal.com|access-date=June 27, 2017}}{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

He was an advocate for public safety during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], encouraging people to wear face masks and follow [[social distancing|social distance protocols]].<ref>{{cite web|date=December 29, 2020|title=Kiss' Gene Simmons appeals for everyone to wear a face mask|url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/kiss-gene-simmons-appeals-for-everyone-to-wear-a-face-mask-2846566|access-date=January 3, 2021|website=[[NME]]|language=en}}</ref>

==Awards and recognition==

On January 28, 2011, Simmons was in [[Dallas]], Texas, to host the Aces & Angels Salute to the Troops charity event. Simmons was presented the [[Freedom of the City|key to the city]], and a street (Gene Simmons Boulevard) was named for him. Simmons and Tweed also visited the [[U.S. Army]] base at [[Fort Hood]] to support the troops as a part of the Aces & Angels event.{{Citation needed|date=February 2019}}

On June 15 of the same year, he was given the key to the city in [[Winnipeg]], Manitoba. In 2012, Simmons was awarded the ''Golden God'' award by the ''[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]]'' magazine.<ref>[http://www.revolvermag.com/goldengods/revolver-golden-gods-awards-winners-announced/ 'Revolver' Golden Gods Awards Winners Announced!] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202101359/http://www.revolvermag.com/goldengods/revolver-golden-gods-awards-winners-announced/ |date=February 2, 2014 }}. ''revolvermag.com''. April-16-2012; retrieved April 21, 2012.</ref>

In 2013, the [[Smithsonian National Museum of American History]] accepted an autographed Gene Simmons [[Axe bass]] into their collection from John Upshaw Downs Jr. The Smithsonian wrote, in part: "The bass will now be cared for in our permanent collections... We are happy to include the Axe bass as it relates to the impact Mr. Simmons and his band Kiss have had on American culture, especially in the creation of a unique and iconic brand that has been embraced by fans worldwide ... The story of Mr. Simmons' American experience deserves to be preserved. An immigrant and son of a holocaust survivor, he used creative vision and entrepreneurial acumen to make a significant impact for our nation's popular culture, becoming an iconic figure in American music and entertainment."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kissonline.com|title=KISS Online :: Welcome To The Official KISS Website|website=Kissonline.com|access-date=July 1, 2017}}</ref>

Simmons is an honorary board member of [[Little Kids Rock]], a national nonprofit that works to restore and revitalize music education in disadvantaged U.S. public schools. A&E's Gene Simmons Family Jewels visited a Little Kids Rock classroom and featured the segment on the show. He also decorated a guitar for auction with his son Nick.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.littlekidsrock.org/friends/our-big-fans/gene-simmons |title=Gene Simmons &#124; Little Kids Rock |access-date=January 13, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114071609/http://www.littlekidsrock.org/friends/our-big-fans/gene-simmons/ |archive-date=January 14, 2014  }}</ref>

On December 15, 2014, Simmons was awarded the Golden Medal by the Reial Cercle Artístic de Barcelona (Royal Artistic Circle of Barcelona).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/local/barcelona/20141211/54421749733/el-bajista-de-kiss-recibira-el-lunes-la-medalla-de-oro-del-reial-cercle-artistic.html|title=El bajista de Kiss recibirá el lunes la medalla de oro del Reial Cercle Artístic|work=LA VANGUARDIA|date=December 11, 2014|access-date=June 14, 2015}}</ref>

In 2020, Simmons won two [[Guinness World Records]] for "highest flame projection in a music concert" and "most flame projections launched simultaneously in a music concert." Both of the records were established at the ''KISS 2020 Goodbye'' concert.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DiVita |first=Joe|date=2021-01-02 |title=KISS Show Sets Two World Records, Gene Simmons Still Says 'Rock Is Dead' |url=https://loudwire.com/kiss-world-record-pyro-gene-simmons-rock-is-dead/ |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=Loudwire |language=en}}</ref>

==Discography==
[[File:KissO2110719-70 (48692750031).jpg|thumb|Simmons performing in 2019]]

===With Kiss===
{{main|Kiss discography}}

===Solo===
;Studio albums
*''[[Gene Simmons (album)|Gene Simmons]]'' (1978)
*''[[Asshole (album)|Asshole]]'' (2004)

;Other releases
* [[Gene Simmons Vault|''Vault'']] (box set, 2017)
* ''Speaking in Tongues'' (DVD, 2004)

===Guest appearances===
{{unreferenced-sect|date=October 2025}}
* [[Wendy O. Williams]] – ''[[WOW (Wendy O. Williams album)|WOW]]'' (1984) Producer, played all the bass on the album (credited as "Reginald Van Helsing"), co-wrote five songs "I Love Sex (And Rock and Roll)", "It's My Life", "Thief in the Night", "Legends Never Die" and "Ain't None of Your Business".
* [[Bruce Kulick]] – ''[[BK3 (album)|BK3]]'' (2010) Lead guest vocals on "Ain't Gonna Die"
* [[Engelbert Humperdinck (singer)|Engelbert Humperdinck]] – ''Engelbert Calling'' (2014) co-vocals on "Spinning Wheel"
* [[Lita Ford]] – ''Time Capsule'' (2016) played bass on several songs, co-writing and backing vocals on "Rotten to the Core"
* [[Ace Frehley]] - ''[[Spaceman (Ace Frehley album)|Spaceman]]'' (2018) co-writing on "Without You I'm Nothing" and "Your Wish Is My Command", bass guitar on "Without You I'm Nothing"

==Filmography==
===Film===
{| class="wikitable"
|-

! Year
! Film
! Role
! Bandmates
! Miscellaneous
|-
| 1978
| ''[[Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park]]''
| The Demon/Himself
| [[Peter Criss]], [[Ace Frehley]], [[Paul Stanley]]
| TV movie
|-
| 1984
| ''[[Runaway (1984 film)|Runaway]]''
| Dr. Charles Luther
|
|
|-
| 1986
| ''[[Never Too Young to Die]]''
| Carruthers / Velvet Von Ragnar
|
|
|-
| 1986
| ''[[Trick or Treat (1986 film)|Trick or Treat]]''
| Nuke (radio DJ)
|
| 
|-
| 1986
| ''[[Wanted: Dead or Alive (1986 film)|Wanted: Dead or Alive]]''
| Malak Al Rahim
|
|
|-
| 1988
| ''[[The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years]]''
| Himself
| Paul Stanley
| Documentary
|-
| 1989
| ''Red Surf''
| Doc
|
|
|-
| 1999
| ''[[Detroit Rock City (film)|Detroit Rock City]]''
| Himself
| Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley
| Simmons also produced
|-
| 2000
| ''[[At Any Cost (film)|At Any Cost]]''
| Dennis Berg
| 
| VH1 TV movie
|-
| 2001
| ''Wish You Were Dead''
| Vinny
|
|
|-
| 2002
| ''[[The New Guy]]''
| Reverend
|
|
|-
| 2008
| ''[[Detroit Metal City]]''
| Jack lll Dark
|
| Japanese movie
|-
|2009
|''[[Extract (film)|Extract]]''<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/BLABBERMOUTH.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=119334 |title=Gene Simmons To Appear In 'Extract' Film |date=May 3, 2009 |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |access-date=August 14, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606125437/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/BLABBERMOUTH.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=119334 |archive-date=June 6, 2011  }}</ref>
|Joe Adler
|
|
|-
|2010
|''[[Expecting Mary]]''
|Taylor
|
|
|-
|2010
|''[[Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage]]''
|Himself
|
|Documentary
|-
|2013
|''[[Incredible Bongo Band|Sample This: The Incredible Story of the Incredible Bongo Band]]''
|Himself
|
|Documentary
|-
|2015
|''[[Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery]]''
| Himself
| Paul Stanley, [[Eric Singer]], [[Tommy Thayer]]
|Voice only
|-
|2016
|''[[We Are X]]''
|Himself
|
|Documentary
|-
|2016
| ''[[Why Him?]]''
| Himself
| Paul Stanley
|Cameo
|-
|2017
|''[[Armed Response (2017 film)|Armed Response]]''
|Male Suspect
|
| 
|-
|2022
|''[[In Search of Tomorrow]]''
|Himself
|
|Documentary
|-
|TBA
|''Untitled [[Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery]] Sequel''<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/KISS/posts/10156223955181412 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/64075031411/10156223955181412 |archive-date=February 26, 2022 |url-access=limited|title=KISS|website=facebook.com|language=en|access-date=October 2, 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
| Himself
| Paul Stanley, Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer<ref name=":0" />
|Voice only
|}

===Television appearances===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Show
! Episode
! Role
! Bandmates
! Miscellaneous
|-
| 1974
| ''Dick Clark's - In Concert''
| March 29, 1974
| Himself
| Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley
| Performed "Nothin' To Lose, Firehouse, Black Diamond

|-
| 1974
| ''[[The Mike Douglas Show]]''
| June 11, 1974
| Himself
| Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley
| Kiss Performed "Firehouse".
|-
|1975
| ''[[The Midnight Special (TV series)|The Midnight Special]]''
| April 1, 1975
| Himself
| Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley
| Performed "Deuce, She, Black Diamond, (C'mon & Love Me - not televised)
|-
| 1976
| ''[[The Paul Lynde Halloween Special]]''
|October 29, 1976
|Himself
| Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley
| Performed "[[Detroit Rock City (song)|Detroit Rock City]]", "King of the Night Time World", and "[[Beth (song)|Beth]]"
|-
| 1979
| ''Tomorrow''
|
|Himself
| Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley
|
|-
| 1985
| ''[[Miami Vice]]''
| "The Prodigal Son"
| Newton Blade
|
|
|-
| 1986
| ''[[The Hitchhiker (TV series)|The Hitchhiker]]''
| "O.D.Feelin{{' "}}  January 28, 1986
| Mr. Big
|
|
|-
| 1997
| ''[[Action League Now!]]''
| "Rock-A-Big-Baby"
| Toy version of himself
| Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley
| Performed "[[Rock and Roll All Nite]]"
|-
| 1998
| ''[[MADtv]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.planetmadtv.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2129#1|title=Planet MADtv – ''Episode No.&nbsp;406 (Aired October 31, 1998)''|access-date=June 5, 2009|archive-date=November 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118171326/https://www.planetmadtv.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2129#1|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| October 31, 1998 (#406)
| Himself
| Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley.
| Halloween special; performed in five sketches
|-
| 1998
| ''[[Millennium (TV series)|Millennium]]''
| "[[...Thirteen Years Later]]"  October 30, 1998
| Hector Leachman
| Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, Ace Frehley
|
|-
| 2001
| ''[[Family Guy]]''
| "[[A Very Special Family Guy Freakin' Christmas]]"
| Animated version of himself
| Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley
|
|-
|2001
|''[[Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (US game show)|Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?]]''
| May 27, 2001
| Himself
|
| Won $32,000 for a charity
|-
| 2001
| ''[[The Daily Show with Jon Stewart]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-june-12-2001/gene-simmons|title=The Daily Show-''Gene Simmons''|access-date=February 20, 2011}}</ref>
| June 12, 2001
| Himself
|
| 
|-
| 2002
| ''[[Family Guy]]''
| "[[Road to Europe]]"
| Animated version of himself
| Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley
| Lois Griffin claims she dated Gene Simmons while they were in high school, and calls him by his birth name, Chaim Witz.
|-
| 2002
| ''[[The Tonight Show with Jay Leno]]''
| September 6, 2002
| Himself
|
|
|-
| 2003
| ''[[King of the Hill]]''
| "Reborn to Be Wild"
| Jessie
|
|
|-
| 2004
| ''[[Third Watch]]''
| "Higher Calling"
| Donald Mann
|
|
|-
| 2004
| ''[[Third Watch]]''
| "Monsters"
| Donald Mann
|
|
|-
| 2004
| ''[[Third Watch]]''
| "More Monsters"
| Donald Mann
|
|
|-
| 2005
| ''[[American Idol]]''
| "Auditions: New Orleans"
| Himself- guest judge
|
|
|-
| 2005
| ''[[Family Guy]]''
| "[[Don't Make Me Over (Family Guy)|Don't Make Me Over]]"
| Animated version of himself/ Prisoner No.&nbsp;3
|
|
|-
| 2005
| ''[[Mind of Mencia]]''
| Episode #1.7
| Himself
|
|
|-
| 2005
| ''[[Rock School]]''
| 
| Himself
| Presenter
|
|-
| 2006
| ''[[The View (U.S. TV series)|The View]]''
| August 1, 2006
| Himself
|
|Promotional appearance for ''Gene Simmons Family Jewels''
|-
| 2007
| ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants]]''
| "[[20,000 Patties Under the Sea]]"
| [[List of SpongeBob SquarePants characters#Sea Monster|Sea Monster]]
|
|
|-
| 2007
| ''[[Shrink Rap (TV series)|Shrink Rap]]''
| "Gene Simmons"
| Himself
|
| UK's More4 show
|-
| 2008
| ''[[Entertainment Tonight]]''
| January 2, 2008
| Himself
|
|
|-
| 2008
| ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]''
| January 18, 2008
| Himself
|
|
|-
| 2008
| ''[[Rachael Ray (TV series)|Rachael Ray]]''
| March 11, 2008
| Himself
|
|
|-
| 2008
| ''[[Criss Angel Mindfreak]]''
| "Mindfreaking with the Stars"
| Himself
|
|
|-
| 2008
| ''[[Ugly Betty]]''
| "[[The Kids Are Alright (Ugly Betty)|The Kids Are Alright]]"
| Himself
|
|
|-
| 2008
| ''[[Ugly Betty]]''
| "A Thousand Words by Friday"
| Himself
|
|
|-
| 2008
| ''[[Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?]]''
| Episode #3.9
| Himself
|
| Won $500,000 for the [[Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation]] charity
|-
| 2008
| ''[[The Apprentice (U.S. season 7)|The Celebrity Apprentice]]''
| First three episodes
| Himself
|
| Won $20,000 for the [[Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation]] charity; Fired in the third episode
|-
| 2008
| ''Jingles''<ref name="STF">{{cite web|url=http://www.thrfeed.com/2008/07/gene-simmons-ji.html|title=Gene Simmons to judge Burnett's 'Jingles'.|access-date=March 14, 2009}}</ref>
|
| Celebrity judge
|
| [[Mark Burnett]] reality show
|-
|2009
|''[[Glenn Martin DDS]]''
|Glenn Gary, Glenn Martin
|himself
|
|
|-
|2009
|''[[American Idol]]''
| Season Finale
| Himself
| [[Eric Singer]], [[Tommy Thayer]], Paul Stanley
| Performed medley of 3 songs with contestant Adam Lambert
|-
| 2009
| ''[[The Fairly OddParents]]''
| "[[The Fairly OddParents: Wishology|Wishology – Part 1: The Big Beginning]]"
| Animated version of himself
| [[Eric Singer]], [[Tommy Thayer]], Paul Stanley
|
|-
| 2009
| ''[[The Fairly OddParents]]''
| "[[The Fairly OddParents: Wishology|Wishology – Part 3: The Final Ending]]"
| Animated version of himself
| [[Eric Singer]], [[Tommy Thayer]], Paul Stanley
|
|-
|2010
| ''[[I Get That a Lot]]''
| Episode 2
| As Himself
| 
| Simmons appeared as a [[psychic]] working at the Mystic Journey Bookstore in [[Venice, California]]
|-
|2010
| ''[[Extreme Makeover: Home Edition]]''
| Episode 160
| As Himself
| 
| Kiss made a personal appearance during the Wagstaff family's vacation in [[Disneyland]] and honored them as special guests at one of their concerts. Kiss also made a personal appearance at a local school where a donation of new musical instruments was made in the Wagstaff family's name.
|-
|2010
| ''[[I'm in a Rock 'n' Roll Band!]]''
| Episode 1 And 5
| As Himself
| 
| Discussing the requirements of being in a rock band.
|-
|2011
| ''[[Castle (TV series)|Castle]]''
| To Love and Die in LA
| As Himself
| 
| 
|-
|2014
| ''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation]]''
| Long Road Home
| As Himself
| 
| 
|-
|2014
| ''[[American Idol]]''
| Season 13 Finale
| Himself
| [[Eric Singer]], [[Tommy Thayer]], Paul Stanley
| Performed with Caleb Johnson
|-
|2014
| ''[[Welcome to Sweden (2014 TV series)|Welcome to Sweden]]''
| S1 Ep4: Get a Job/Farthinder
| Himself
| 
| 
|-
|2015
| ''[[Scorpion (TV series)|Scorpion]]''
| S2 Ep1:
| Himself
| 
| 2015 Paul Murray Show, ( Foxtel Australia)         | September 30, 2015,  Himself,  Interview
|-
| 2016
| ''[[Angie Tribeca]]'' (2016 [[TBS (U.S. TV channel)|TBS]] TV Series)
| S1 Ep9:
| Himself
|
|
|-
| 2016
| ''[[Dr. Phil (talk show)|Dr.Phil]]''
| 
| Himself (special guest)
|
| Gives advice to guest Kris about prioritizing his parents, partner, and getting a job over his addiction of being a rockstar.
|-
| 2018
| ''[[Jeopardy!]]''
| October 31 episode
| Himself
|
| Reading clues about Halloween in costume and makeup. As a publicity stunt, Alex Trebek was briefly made up and costumed as Simmons. Short video of that appeared as a commercial bump; longer video posted to show web site.
|-
|2019
|''[[Kōhaku Uta Gassen|Kouhaku Uta Gassen]]''
|December 31, 2019
|Himself
|[[Eric Singer]], [[Tommy Thayer]], Paul Stanley
|Performed "Rock And Roll All Nite –YOSHIKISS version" with [[Yoshiki (musician)|Yoshiki]]<ref>{{cite web|date=January 2, 2020|title=Watch KISS And YOSHIKI Collaborate For New Year's Eve Television Performance|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/watch-kiss-and-yoshiki-collaborate-for-new-years-eve-television-performance/|access-date=February 6, 2021|website=Blabbermouth.net}}</ref>
|-
|2020
|''Ridiculousness''
|January 9
|Himself
|
|
|-
|2022
|''[[Hell's Kitchen (American TV series)|Hell's Kitchen]]''
|"[[Hell's Kitchen (American season 21)|Just Wingin' It]]"
|Himself
|
|
|-
|2023
|[[2023 AFL Grand Final]]<!-- Note, since this is a sporting event, I don't believe it should be italicised, but I'm happy to stand corrected -->
| 
|Himself
|[[Eric Singer]], [[Tommy Thayer]], Paul Stanley
| Performed "[[I Was Made for Lovin' You]]", "[[Shout It Out Loud (Kiss song)|Shout It Out Loud]]" and "[[Rock and Roll All Nite]]" during the pre-match entertainment
|-
|2024
|''[[Dancing with the Stars (American TV series)|Dancing with the Stars]]''
|[[Dancing with the Stars (American TV series) season 33|October 8, 2024]]
|Himself - guest judge
|
|
|}

===Music video appearances===
In 1994, Simmons appears as auditioning for the band with actor Al Lewis & comedian [[Gilbert Gottfried]] in a music video for "I'll Talk My Way Out Of It" by Howard Stern comedian [[Stuttering John]].
In 2007, he appeared alongside other celebrities, as well as regular people, in the music video for "[[Rockstar (Nickelback song)|Rockstar]]" by [[Nickelback]].{{Citation needed|date=February 2019}}

===Video game appearances===
Gene Simmons is a playable character in ''[[Tony Hawk's Underground]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Childers |first=Chad|date=2012-12-21 |title=Gene Simmons in Tony Hawk's Underground |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/gene-simmons-tony-hawks-underground/ |access-date=2024-11-14 |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |language=en}}</ref> unlocked when completing the story mode on Normal difficulty, and also appears with his Kiss bandmates in the Hotter Than Hell level to play one of three songs upon collecting the four K-I-S-S letters.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-03-27 |title=Secrets - Tony Hawk's Underground Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/tony-hawks-underground/Secrets |access-date=2024-11-14 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>

Gene Simmons's Kiss character, the Demon, is a playable character in ''[[Kiss: Psycho Circus: The Nightmare Child]]''. Simmons also has a large role in the 2010 music video game ''[[Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock]]''. In addition to narrating the main storyline, voicing the character Demigod of Rock in cutscenes, and doing advertising for the game, the Kiss song "Love Gun" is playable.{{Citation needed|date=February 2019}}

A Dark-Normal Type Pokémon introduced in ''[[Pokémon Sword and Shield]]'' known as Obstagoon the Blocking Pokémon resembles Gene Simmons's KISS character: '''The Demon'''.<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=genesimmons|number=1159171625809403904 |title=welp|first=Gene|last=Simmons|date=August 7, 2019|access-date=November 5, 2019}}</ref>

==Published works==
* ''Me, Inc.: Build an Army of One, Unleash Your Inner Rock God, Win in Life and Business'', Gene Simmons ({{ISBN|0-062-32261-3}})
* ''Kiss and Make-Up'', Gene Simmons ({{ISBN|0-609-81002-2}})
* ''Sex Money Kiss'', Gene Simmons ({{ISBN|1-893224-86-4}})
* ''Kiss: The Early Years'', Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley ({{ISBN|0-609-81028-6}})
* ''Kiss: Behind the Mask'', David Leaf and Ken Sharp ({{ISBN|978-0-446-69524-4}})
* ''Ladies of the Night: A Historical and Personal Perspective on the Oldest Profession in the World'', Gene Simmons ({{ISBN|1-59777-501-0}})
*27: ''The'' ''Legend & Mythology of the 27 Club'' ({{ISBN|978-1-57687-886-6}})

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*{{Official website|http://www.genesimmons.com}}
*{{allMusic}}
*{{IMDb name|0005430|Gene Simmons}}
*{{Discogs artist}}
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZlqehsXf5c&t=43s Gene Simmons - Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?] at ''[[Loudwire]]''

{{Gene Simmons}}
{{Kiss}}
{{House of Lords (band)}}
{{2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}}

{{Subject bar|portal1=Biography|portal2=Israel|commons=y|q=y|d=y}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Simmons, Gene}}
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