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New letters posted...
Hi Gene,
I just wanted to tell you that it was quite a pleasant surprise to be sitting in the movie theatre, watching Role Models and to hear the topic of KISS come up so many times. Love Gun seemed to be the album of choice throughout the movie and the end was EXCELLENT with the “warriors” dressed in KISS make-up. It’s a great movie and a real treat for the diehard KISS fans out there. The “Demon” character was the best.
Thanks for letting me share,
Rich
November 30th -
Belinda Stronach Gene Simmons and Bob Ezrin
looking for the next hot...Belinda Stronach and Gene Simmons screen potential bands at Tattoo Rock Parlour for a new music label and are joined by Uber music producer Bob Ezrin - The Wall (Pink Floyd), Destroyer (Kiss), Peter Gabriel, Alice Cooper.
November 29th -
KISS' GENE SIMMONS On CBC's The Hour; Video Available
KISS legend GENE SIMMONS was guest on CBC's The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos last night (Thursday, November 27th) - the video interview is currently streaming at this location. According to a show description, "Simmons talks about his music, marketing and (believe it or not his mom."
According to Billboard.biz, Simmons is relaunching his label Simmons Records with Universal Music Canada and auto-parts baroness Belinda Stronach with the goal to sign, develop and merchandise three Canadian acts per year.
"This is going to be about career songs that define who and what a band is," says Simmons, who was in Toronto to kick start the label and investigate potential acts.
Simmons has been almost omnipresent in recent years, with the reality show Gene Simmons Family Jewels playing in more than 80 countries, and a myriad of other ventures, from marketing to comic books. Simmons Records last acted as an imprint of Sanctuary Records, releasing a Simmons’ solo album and a Canadian artist before folding.
He says his intent is to sign three Canadian acts a year and develop their songwriting, image and live skills before making any release. Universal will put the records out "when they are ready," says Randy Lennox, president of Universal Music Canada.
http://www.bravewords.com/news/101782
November 29th -
Gene Simmons AXE Guitar Game Controller Review
by Shane McGlaun
Today we are checking out the Gene Simmons Axe Game Controller for the PS3 and PS2 console. The controller works with both Rock Band and Guitar hero games.
The controller is a licensed replica of the axe guitar that Kiss' Gene Simmons made famous. It is sized like the stock controllers for music games and offers a cooler looking controller for about the same price as a stock replacement.The Gene Simmons AXE Game Controller features the ability to work with both the PS3 and PS2 consoles. In addition to working with two consoles, the controller also works with both Rock Band and Guitar Hero. This is also the first guitar controller to be officially licensed 3/4 size replica of the guitar Gene Simmons made famous. Wireless connectivity uses 2.4GHz technology for a range of 30-feet. Power comes from three AA batteries and is promised to be 40 hours.
In Use
Definitely, the first thing you notice about the Gene Simmons AXE Game Controller is the design. If you ever saw a Kiss video or a live concert you will be familiar with the axe that Simmons made famous. The Gene Simmons AXE Game Controller is a replica of the actual guitar and looks appropriately heavy metal. The body is black and the edge of the axe is done in silver.
The buttons used on the controller are more like what you see on a stock Guitar Hero controller than what Rock Band players are used to seeing. The buttons are oval shaped with colors on each end. The middle fret button has three dots on it that you can feel allowing you to find the correct hand placement without looking down.
The neck offers lower solo buttons as well that are spaced closer together. An internal tilt sensor activates Star Power when the guitar is held up. The wireless transceiver plugs into the PS3 via a USB port and itself looks like a small axe. The switch for choosing Guitar Hero or Rock Band modes is on the transceiver.
The guitar itself has a power switch so you can conserve battery power when not in use and the connection button is located on the guitar. A shoulder strap is included as are the batteries to power the controller.
One of the things that some users had a problem with on the Peak wooden guitar controller I reviewed recently was the weight and size of the Peak controller. The Gene Simmons AXE Game Controller is sized about the same as a stock controller and weights about the same as well. This makes it easier for smaller players to handle. The Gene Simmons AXE Game Controller is also much cheaper than the Starpex controller at only $79.99. That is not much more than buying a second stock controller for either music game and the Gene Simmons AXE Game Controller looks much cooler. It's also neat that the Gene Simmons AXE Game Controller is a bass replica so your bassist can have a more correct looking controller.
Button feel is very good, though not quite up to the same level as the Peak controller. The whammy bar is positioned well and can be reached when needed but won’t get in the way during fast play. The strum bar offers good feel and should be durable enough. The controller also features a D-Pad and buttons for navigating game menus. The only real issue that might be a problem is that the neck of the Gene Simmons AXE Game Controller flexes a lot, which could mean a shorter lifespan if not well taken care of.
November 29th -
More jewels for GeneFollowing relaunch of his record label, Simmons sets sights on Canadian talent
KISS bassist/reality TV star/businessman Gene Simmons is in Canada promoting his revived Simmons Records label, which will work to develop Canadian talent for the world stage. (Jack Boland, Sun Media)
By JANE STEVENSON, SUN MEDIA
Fire-breathing rocker in makeup, high heels and black leather one day, Canadian music scout the next.
Such is the life of KISS bassist-singer-songwriter Gene Simmons, who is in Canada this week checking out new groups to sign to his relaunched Simmons Records label, in a deal with both Universal Music Canada and Belinda Stronach, the former MP turned businesswoman again.
"I want to find the next great three Canadian acts from different genres (each year)," Simmons, 59, said in a chic Toronto hotel bar. "And don't let them go to America. Provide the care and support that they need here, make them monsters here, and then take them to the rest of the world."
One possible signing is Toronto prog-hip-hop act Down With Webster.
"But if they do it the way they want to do it, they will fail," said Simmons, who was attending three nights of music showcases. "You gotta do it my way. It's a benevolent dictatorship."
Simmons Records was originally launched in the late '80s with BMG, and "we had a few hair bands," said Simmons, "and then music changed."
The label was relaunched to put out Simmons' 2004 solo record, A--hole. The new deal partners him with Universal and Stronach, whose family Simmons has known through business.
"I'll be in the studio with the bands," he said. "I'll be there to beat them up regarding their image, their names. If one of them is a drug addict he's going to be gone. And I've had experience with that. There's no room for idiots in bands. Because aside from the luck of the draw, it really is hard work. You have to get up every day, and 'cool' is a moving target, so it's a very hard target to hit."
Simmons is also proposing a reality-TV show for a Canadian network, to document the selected bands' journey to the studio.
"We're going to film the development of these bands, so when the record hits the TV show will hit at the same time."
Speaking of TV, Simmons said he sees no end in sight for his reality show on A&E -- Gene Simmons Family Jewels, which will begin its fourth season in March.
As for his day job with KISS, Simmons confirms the veteran glam-rockers are writing songs for a new album that he expects they will record next year and release next summer. KISS singer-guitarist Paul Stanley will produce the disc. The band will follow the album's release with a limited tour.
"We'll do a handful of shows just to keep in the game (next) summer, maybe 10 (dates), some Canadian shows. I know Halifax is one, but before you get out there and start the baseball season, they hold exhibition games, that's what we're doing. 'Cause once we go out, it's going to be for a year and a half."
As for rumblings of a co-headlining tour with Queen, Simmons said, "Oh, I've heard that, but we don't know until it's real. I would be happy to step up on that stage. I'd (also) love to step up on a stage with the Stones."
November 28th -
Gene Simmons To Re-launch Label
With Canadian Artists in TorontoBy Josiah Hughes
Stephen Harper’s government may have drastically cut back on funding for the arts but that doesn’t mean there’s no help for Canadian musicians, especially when long-tongued Kiss bassist Gene Simmons is around. The legendary rocker recently announced that he’ll be bringing his record label, Simmons Records, to Toronto with the help of Magna auto parts heiress and former Ontario MP Belinda Stronach, as well as Universal Music Canada.
“I want to find the next great three Canadian acts from different genres [each year],” he told the Toronto Sun. “And don’t let them go to America. Provide the care and support that they need here, make them monsters here, and then take them to the rest of the world.”
Word is, Simmons might be starting with T.O. hip-hoppers Down With Webster, but only if they follow his lead. “If they do it the way they want to do it, they will fail,” Simmons says. “You gotta do it my way. It’s a benevolent dictatorship… I’ll be in the studio with the bands. I’ll be there to beat them up regarding their image, their names. If one of them is a drug addict he’s going to be gone. And I’ve had experience with that. There’s no room for idiots in bands. Because aside from the luck of the draw, it really is hard work. You have to get up every day, and ‘cool’ is a moving target, so it’s a very hard target to hit.”
Whichever band he chooses first may become the subject of a Canadian reality show as they rise to fame. Simmons is also working with Kiss on a new album.
November 27th -
SATURDAY ON VH1 CLASSIC
In honor of Thanksgiving weekend (the beginning of the KISSmas season), as well as the KISSOLOGY DVD series - VH1 Classic will be running the following blocks of exclusive KISS TV on Saturday, November 29th!
ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN
2p-4p - KISS' '98 Dodger Stadium concert from KISSOLOGY Vol. 3
4p-5p - Rock Fest Kiss (an hour of various KISS videos from all eras)
5p-6p - KISS Live from the Summit ('77 Houston, from Vol. 1)
6p-7p - Hangin' With KISS (w/Eddie Trunk: the KISSOLOGY Vol. 1 special)
7p-8p - KISS Live from Sydney (Nov. 22, 1980 from KISSOLOGY 2)
8p-9p - KISSology: The Volume 2 Special
9p-11p - Kiss Live from LA (repeat of '98 Dodger Stadium from Vol. 3)
...stay tuned for more KISSmas TV coming soon!
November 26th -
Simmons Plots Revival of His Canadian Label
November 26, 2008 - Global
By Robert Thompson, Toronto
Kiss bassist and entrepreneur Gene Simmons is relaunching his label Simmons Records with Universal Music Canada and auto-parts baroness Belinda Stronach with the goal to sign, develop and merchandise three Canadian acts per year.
"This is going to be about career songs that define who and what a band is," says Simmons, who was in Toronto to kick start the label and investigate potential acts.
Simmons has been almost omnipresent in recent years, with the reality show "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" playing in more than 80 countries, and a myriad of other ventures, from marketing to comic books. Simmons Records last acted as an imprint of Sanctuary Records, releasing a Simmons’ solo album and a Canadian artist before folding.
He says his intent is to sign three Canadian acts a year and develop their songwriting, image and live skills before making any release. Universal will put the records out "when they are ready," says Randy Lennox, president of Universal Music Canada.
Though they have not been signed, Simmons says he is particularly interested in Toronto hip-hop/funk act Down With Webster.
"I would blow Down With Webster in front of their moms," Simmons says. No deal with the band has been inked, he adds.
Stronach's involvement is unusual given her family's focus on auto parts and horse racing. Lennox says Stronach is a music fan and is investing her own money in the venture. Simmons previously had a relationship with the Stronach family through his marketing company, Simmons Abramson Marketing, which ran a campaign for an energy drink created by Frank Stronach.
Simmons is not making a financial commitment to the label, instead investing what he characterized as "sweat equity."
"I'm not doing this because of the money," he says. "I'm like Linda Blair in 'The Exorcist' - I'm possessed."
Simmons' connection with Stronach, the daughter of auto parts magnate Frank Stronach who recently had a successful foray into Canadian federal politics with both the Conservative and Liberal parties, comes through the promotion of Frank's Energy Drink, a beverage Simmons' marketing company promoted.
Simmons says the goal of the imprint is to refine the songs in order to keep recording costs down. Once the record is ready, he intends to cross-promote it through a variety of ventures, including a reality television program with an as-yet unnamed Canadian network.
"This is about having all the platforms covered," he says. "Having the record come out with a reality show at the same time the media is writing about the album. It will engulf you."
November 26th -
Gene Simmons' Canadian Label
KISS bassist, reality television star and shrewd businessman Gene Simmons is in Toronto this week laying the groundwork and scouting talent for his relaunched '80s label, Simmons Records.
The imprint is a partnership between Simmons, Universal Music Canada and ex-politician and megabucks Magna International executive and heiress Belinda Stronach, whose interest in music also includes an investment in Toronto artist development company Big Bold Sun Music.
"The idea is to have the bands we sign develop a strong Canadian identity first in Canada, then move them onto the world stage," Simmons told the Toronto Star.
Simmons is looking to sign three Canadian artists a year to the label, and apparently has his eye (but hopefully not his tongue) on Toronto hip-hop/funk group Down With Webster. While pop and rock-based acts will likely be the main focus, the label will also consider rap and country artists if they can show "something different."
A Canadian-made reality TV show will be used to help promote and market the acts on the roster. Simmons is also looking to tie them to merchandising, product advertising, movies and other TV shows, since the label's deals will make it a partner in recording, publishing, touring, merchandising, licensing, television and product placement revenues.
Simmons is an expert at such things, since his business interests have covered books, comic books, a wide variety of KISS-themed merchandise, TV, magazines, DVDs and even open-wheel car racing.
"Canadian labels have been trying to do something like this for years," Simmons told the Star. "What's different this time is me. I know how to make things happen."
Simmons was making things happen at Toronto's Horseshoe Tavern on Tuesday night, taking in the 15th anniversary celebrations of 102.1 The Edge on-air personality Dave Bookman's Nu Music Nite.
http://www.chartattack.com/news/63223/gene-simmons-canadian-label
November 26th -
Gene Simmons teams up with Belinda Stronach
RENÉ JOHNSTON/TORONTO STAR
Simmons is offering an inclusive deal.
“What’s different this time is me.”KISS founder's venture seeks 3 Canadian bands for partnership deals and a reality TV series
Global glory and unimaginable wealth may have eluded the vast majority of hard-working Canadian pop and rock bands for decades, but those days are over, says Gene Simmons, the self-made rock 'n' roll squillionaire, American marketing superstar and founder of the cartoonish glam-rock band KISS.
"I have a new business model that will get Canadian bands out on tour, onto television and into the world's mainstream," Simmons said last night as he laid out some of the details behind plans to relaunch his dormant Canadian label, Simmons Records. It's a new joint venture between the star of the hit reality TV series Gene Simmons Family Jewels, Magna auto parts heiress and former Tory/Liberal MP Belinda Stronach, and Universal Music Canada.
"The idea is to have the bands we sign develop a strong Canadian identity first in Canada, then move them onto the world stage," said Simmons, who is in Toronto "for a few days" to finalize the deal, scout talent and take care of the Canadian ends of other businesses – books, comic books, advertising and merchandising – that he helps run under the Los Angeles-based umbrella company Simmons Abramson Marketing.
"For years, the only way Canadian acts could make it was to go to the States and more or less become an American band. In the new music marketing age, that doesn't have to happen."
The connection with Stronach, for four years a silent partner in a Canadian talent development company, Big Bold Sun Music, was coincidental, Simmons said.
"I've known the Stronach family for years. Our company handles the promotion and merchandising for Frank's Energy Drink, which was created by Frank Stronach, Belinda's father.
"When (Universal Music Canada president) Randy Lennox and I were talking about the new label, and the philosophy of new business models, he mentioned Belinda might be looking to invest in a new music company. It made sense to me."
Simmons is looking to sign three Canadian acts a year to his label – "pop, pop-rock and rock, and we're even interested in rap artists, as long as they've got something different going for them, like a sense of humour."
He has his eye on the Toronto progressive hip-hop band Down With Webster as his first signing.
"They're peculiar and eccentric, a cross between Arrested Development, Sly & The Family Stone and Red Hot Chili Peppers," Simmons said. "Their music is like a stew that's made out of familiar ingredients but tastes different because of the way it's blended and cooked."
Acts signed to the label will also star in a Canadian-made reality TV series for a network Simmons is not at liberty to name.
"We'll follow them from the time they start making their first album, and make moves to say goodbye to their families and girlfriends, and go out on the road ... like leaving home to join the circus."
The bands and their music will also be featured in merchandising and product advertising campaigns, and movies and TV shows, Simmons said, adding that financing for the new venture amounts to "millions."
The label will offer its artists a version of the all-inclusive and controversial "360-degree" deal, which will make the record company a partner in touring, merchandising, publishing, licensing, television and product placement revenues, Simmons said.
"Canadian labels have been trying to do something like this for years. What's different this time is me. I know how to make things happen."
GREG QUILL
ENTERTAINMENT COLUMNIST
November 24th -
NO GOOD TV AND VH1 CLASSIC BRING MUSIC FANS
THE WONDERS OF “ONE HIT WONDERS” IN A NEW
AND INNOVATIVE EIGHT PART SERIESInternet sensation NO GOOD TV unveils NO GOOD Productions with it’s first original television series “VH1 Classic One Hit Wonders” hosted by Carrie Keagan airing exclusively on VH1 Classic beginning December 1, 2008 at 9PM *
Beverly Hills, CA November 24, 2008 - NO GOOD TV (www.ngtv.com), the Internet sensation and YouTube phenomenon, announces the launch of NO GOOD Productions, a new television production arm. Its first original series is “VH1 Classic One Hit Wonders,” produced for VH1 Classic.
Hosted by Carrie Keagan, “VH1 Classic One Hit Wonders” re-imagines the countdown show with signature NO GOOD TV touches like high-end animation, innovative visual effects and edgy comedic writing. The eight part series will bring music fans a “best of” look at artists and bands known for that one smash hit that made them famous. Throughout the week, VH1 Classic will premiere two new episodes each night and salute the biggest one-hit music phenomenons in various categories including dance, metal, rap, new wave, ladies and more.
Shot on location at Rich Mansion in Hollywood, California, the series includes over 130 visual effects and is packed with new and little known facts about some of our favorite songs. “VH1 Classic One Hit Wonders” also features digitally re-mastered versions of classic music videos, made by NO GOOD Productions, exclusively, for this series, from artists like Ratt, Twisted Sister, Devo, Gary Numan, Spandau Ballet, Thomas Dolby, C&C Music Factory, Sugar Hill Gang, Biz Markie, Deee-Lite, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Right Said Fred, Ace of Base and 4 Non Blondes, among many others.
The eight-part series is produced by Kourosh Taj for NO GOOD Productions and Executive Produced by Lee Rolontz and Keshia Williams for VH1 Classic.
About NO GOOD TV (NGTV)
NO GOOD TV (www.ngtv.com) is the world’s largest producer of uncensored celebrity news and entertainment programming. The first and only network of its kind, NO GOOD TV covers all aspects of the entertainment industry without resorting to gossip or paparazzi-style programming. Hosts Carrie Keagan and Shark Firestone are featured in exclusive, uncensored interviews with the biggest stars in the world. With more than 310 million clip views on YouTube alone, NO GOOD TV is currently their #3 most viewed channel of all time. NO GOOD Productions is the television production arm of NO GOOD TV and is headquartered in a 24,000 square foot state-of-the-art production facility and studio in Beverly Hills, California.
NO GOOD TV recently expanded into producing original television series and specials having signed a multi-year partnership with Mark Burnett Productions. A deal brokered by NGTV’s Chairman of the Board, Gene Simmons.
New letters posted...
It was a pleasure to meet you at The New Hyde Park Fire Department....11/15/08
You are truly a gentleman and an absolute pleasure to be around. You made such and impression on both my children, their friends and my mother Judi who you called on my cell phone. To them you were a normal person that is approachable and down to earth considering your fame. Above are some pictures from that day. Thank you for spending the day with us, It is a memory we will keep and cherish forever.
With Great Admiration
Tina Barbaro
November 22nd -
GENE SIMMONS INTERVIEWED ON FOX BUSINESS
Gene rang the opening bell on the New York Stock Exchange early Wednesday morning (November 19). Watch video footage of his appearance below.
November 21st -
Simmons Sounds Off At Touring Conf. Keynote
Having recently completed a 30-plus-date European tour, Kiss will "eventually when we're ready tour America," co-founder Gene Simmons said during a keynote address today (Nov. 20) at the fifth annual Billboard Touring Conference, held at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York.Referring to Kiss as the "juggernaut of all rock'n'roll brands," Simmons said the band is currently working out future tour details. "We've been talking with [manager Doc McGhee] about Europe and then doing a year-long tour maybe this coming summer, but we'll see," Simmons said. "Kiss and Queen, that would be a smash. That would kill. So far (it's) 50/50."
During the address, Simmons, who is also a reality TV star and entrepreneur, stressed the duties of being a live performer. "I don't care if you're Axl Rose, forgot to tie your shoelaces or your father molested you when you were three -- you're a bitch if you don't show up onstage when it says 9 o'clock," he said, drawing loud applause from the audience.
"You need to have the integrity and self-respect to respect the promoter who paid you the money in advance, the hall and the people who makes all our lives possible," he continued.
Speaking to an audience of primarily concert promoters, venue officials and booking agents, Simmons warned those in the live entertainment industry that it wouldn't be wise to lower concert ticket prices. "Don't do that, you're training an entire generation of people to pay less for something and then more for something else," he said. "They won't know what the value is and they'd rather pay less every time."
Simmons stressed that the touring business needs to quickly think about the future of its model. "Thank God you're the last vestiges of a dying breed, because the record industry is already dead, because we trained the people [that] they don't have to pay for stuff that they used to pay for," he said. "The record industry allowed that and people are shocked they're out of business."
Meanwhile, Simmons expressed his discontent with the fact that Kiss, which he co-founded in 1972, has not yet been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. "A lot of those guys on the board can go and get my sandwich when I want, and I mean that in the nicest way," he said. "There are disco bands, rap bands, Yiddish folk song bands in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but not Kiss. I believe we have more gold records in America than any other group, but it's OK."
Billboard executive director of content and programming for touring and live entertainment Ray Waddell conducted today's Q&A with Simmons. The keynote address was filmed for an episode of his A&E reality show "Gene Simmons Family Jewels," currently in its third season.
November 20th -
GENE SIMMONS RINGS OPENING BELL
OF NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
November 20th -
GENE OPENS STOCK MARKET
Gene rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange yesterday!
November 20th -
Gene Simmons with Mediaweek
Gene Simmons, legendary co-founder of rock group Kiss who's now an entrepreneur, actor, producer, reality star and all-around entertainer, hosted Mediaweek's 23rd Media All-Stars luncheon on Nov. 12. Simmons chats with Mediaweek's own Marc Berman.
November 20th -
Obama Action Figures
G. I. O., the real American hero? Jailbreak Toys and Brooklyn music and design store Halcyon the Shop asked prominent contemporary artists like Suckadelic and Mars-1 to make their own customized, handmade toys. Here's what they came up with for our next President.
jailbreaktoys.com
"Barack Star" by Jeaux Janovsky
November 19th -
SEASON THREE DVD SET OUT TODAY
The Gene Simmons Family Jewels: Season Three DVD set was released today. The box set features 4 DVDs with a running time of 600 minutes.
CLICK HERE to buy the DVD Set at Amazon.com now.
November 17th -
November 17th -
Mr. TV: Army of One
Nov 17, 2008
-By Marc BermanSince it isn’t every day I have the chance to interview a megastar (and impress my two teenage children in the process), this week’s column is devoted to the one—and only—Gene Simmons, with whom I spoke on camera during our Mediaweek All-Stars luncheon last week.
Simmons, who emceed the event, is, of course, originally known as the larger-than-life co-founder of rock group KISS, which to-date has sold more than 80 million albums, and remains a merchandising bonanza. Gene also discovered the legendary Van Halen, managed the recording career of Liza Minnelli, is the designer of his trademark axe shaped bass guitar, has a postage stamp in his honor, and is one of the top fire-breathers in the world (thanks, in no small part, to a seven inch tongue).
But since you might know all that already, here are a few things you may not know about Simmons: he was an elementary school teacher prior to KISS, he once considered becoming a rabbi, and has never used drugs or alcohol. Never one to apparently sit still, Gene has morphed into a TV reality star, actor, producer, series creator, best-selling author and marketing mogul, including his own line of comic books, clothing and even a KISS Coffee House in Myrtle Beach, S.C. So, without further ado, let’s let the Rock God rock.
Obviously you are very busy. How do you manage all these projects?
We are very fortunate to be living in America. Don’t believe the naysayers and the doom watchers about how the stock market is in the dumpster. These are not hard times.
My mother is a survivor of the Nazi concentration camps of World War II. If my mother can have a positive, proactive point of view about life, she should be teaching everyone in the stock market and on the streets of America to just look up. There is no limit to what America can do.
How do you go from a sixth-grade school teacher to one of the world’s most famous rock stars?
It all begins with a step. We all have aspirations about different things and I follow an old adage... don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Let me ask you, what do you do for a living? I bet you didn’t have the same kind of job before it.
I guess you can say I’m a TV critic. Before this, I advised TV stations about what programs to put on the air. But before that, I sold ad space for magazines like Guns & Ammo and Hunting. I had no interest in that.
I rest my case. You are doing something completely different now.
But to go from a sixth-grade teacher to a huge rock star is a bit more extreme, don’t you think?
I actually wanted to be a rabbi. But I found out that rabbis do not get chicks. [laughter]. So, I found a new career.
Let’s talk about your acting for a moment. Are you planning on returning to Ugly Betty?
Well, they keep asking me to come back. It’s all about time permitting.
What about Celebrity Apprentice? Donald Trump obviously wanted you to stay. What happened?
I could have won that thing. But KISS was going back on tour; we were supposed to be in Australia and New Zealand. So, I had to figure out a way to leave and yet still play the game. And, in the first challenge, I managed to sell my first hot dog over the phone for $10,000 in about two minutes.
$10,000 for a hot dog? Could you do that today in this economy?
That’s up to us. Everybody just has to wake up and smell the coffee that realize that you live in America... the most educated and advanced people on the planet where the work force is capable of anything. There is nothing we can’t do. Anything is possible. As soon as people look at the glass as being half full instead of half empty, we’ll get back on track.
Rock star, reality star, actor, producer, composer, writer, public speaker, entrepreneur … what’s next for Gene Simmons?
I’ll let you know when I decide.
November 15th -
GENE SIMMONS KEYNOTE SPEAKER
AT BILLBOARD CONFERENCE, NYC
From: Billboard.com
Billboard executive director of content and programming for touring and live entertainment Ray Waddell will conduct the Q&A with Simmons on Nov. 20 at the Roosevelt Ballroom. The Q&A will be filmed for an episode of his A&E reality show "GENE SIMMONS Family Jewels," currently in its third season.
"GENE SIMMONS' fingerprints are on virtually all segments of the music industry, particularly as it relates to the live music business," Waddell says. "We are thrilled to have him on board for our milestone fifth Touring Conference and we know his insight and the 'GENE SIMMONS world view' will be a compelling must-see for our attendees. Buckle up."
Born in Haifa, Israel, in 1949 and the only child of a Holocaust survivor, Simmons found global fame as the co-founder and bass player for KISS, which got its start in 1972. KISS scored eight top 40 hits in the '70s and was one of the leading hard rock acts of its day.
The band remains a touring, licensing and merchandising powerhouse, with its officially licensed ventures including the KISS Coffeehouse in Myrtle Beach, S.C., the first in a planned chain of franchises; KISS comic books, KISS condoms and Kiss-branded Visa cards.
Simmons also pursues other business interests independent of the band. His Simmons Abramson Marketing is the worldwide marketing/branding entity for the IndyCar Series, and he and co-CEO Rich Abramson's NGTV.com (No Good TV) is a YouTube sensation.
His other businesses include a line of T-shirts and accessories called GENE SIMMONS Moneybag, the Simmons Comic Group, Simmons Records and his publishing imprint Simmons Books, which published his best-selling "Sex Money KISS" and "Ladies of the Night."
Now in its fifth year, the Billboard Touring Conference unites today's top touring professionals to discuss the current state of the industry through potent panel topics, provocative discussions, and productive round-tables, as well as networking opportunities with touring industry power players and decision makers.
The conference is capped off by the Billboard Touring Awards on Nov. 20, which honors the concert industry's top artists and professionals based on actual data compiled through the Billboard Boxscore chart.
New letters posted...
Hi Gene,
Thank you so much for turning me on to NGTV. It's the interviews, clips etc you never see on normal TV. I was just watching one regarding the movie "Role Models" and I was rolling. During the movie, Seann William Scott references the song "Love Gun" and tells a little kid what it's ACTUALLY about(while he is standing next to a KISS pinball machine) It's like behind the scenes rated R stuff you don't get to see. That is one hell of a business decision you made to be involved with this. But, I rarely see advertisements for NGTV. What outlets do NGTV use for ads? Thanks again.
Chris from Portland OR
November 12th -
This is the video the A&E folks put together to introduce me for the recently held MEDIAWEEK MEDIA ALL STARS in New York, which I was Keynote Speaker at.
Funny.
November 11th -
How Gene Simmons Lasted a Year in Fashion Biz
Gene Simmons & partner Jason Dussault Apparel bow at anniversaryBy Karen Ostlund
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 11/11/08 — There have always been fans that mimicked musician Gene Simmon’s leathers, platform boots and eye makeup, but you can’t really wear them out except to a KISS concert.
Yet his new line of “regular” clothing, if that term can be used with anything related to Simmons, has Simmons & designer Jason Dussault excited as the pair celebrated their first anniversary of their Los Angeles store this Saturday November 8th.
Canadian Jason Dussault also nicknamed “Deuce” of Dussault Apparel and Gene Simmons launched their first Los Angeles store exactly a year ago while filming “Family Jewels”.
The store is located at 8010 Melrose and their only Westcoast store besides the Kustom retailer in New York’s Financial district.
Their first two clothing lines, Dussault Apparel and Moneybag were earlier available over the internet and at the Vancouver flagship store Deuce.
The concept of the store is “Dussault Apparel Motel” and the setup is a hotellobby at the checkout counter.
The Motel store sells street garb — a ready-to-wear collection of high fashion hoodies, denim jeans, tops and exclusive luggage from their Moneybag label.
Dussault said “Gene Simmons and I started the Moneybag label in May 2007 but Gene owns the logo for over 25 years that he uses for his record company, book imprints and magazines”
The Moneybag Limited Edition products and Gene’s t-shirt line are truly one of a kind custom feel because every piece is hand painted and detailed.
The line has a touch of nostalgic inspired materials, each t-shirt is made of two separate colors of cotton,woven together-then bleached and hand dyed.
The garments are signed by Simmons himself and no shirts are exactly the same.
Before shipping the T-shirts are enzymed-washed to soften and appliqued with embroidery.
For Spring 2009 fashion the designer team decided to debut a new line called “Trashed” denim at Phoenix fashion week in October earlier this year. The “Trashed line” later continued its launch in New York and was presented at a special event sponsored by Pave’liquer at Kustom retail store during the fashionweek here in LA .
Gene and Jason make people understand that “Each piece of “Trashed” denim is hand-sewn, hand-painted, dyed and washed thirteen times.
This process creates depth and layers and make them very unique to look at-just like 70’s rockstar”
Ten dollars of every 375$ Trashed jeans sold is donated to Canuck Place Children’s Charity and five dollars of other Dussault jeans line.
During the same New York launch Jason Dussault and jewerly designer Malcom Norman presented two pair of denim jeans embellished with a marquis rose gold wallet chain containing 1080 grams of 18K gold,colored diamonds and carat rubies.The jeans are worth a whopping 250.000$ each.
A prototype worth 10.000 $ was recreated in bronze with semi-precious stones during Phoenix fashionweek.
Dussault Apparel is best known as a young line of high end urban street wear.
The design has always been inspired by rockers, tattoo artists,rappers and 70’s fashion icons.
Vancouver based Jason Dussault says he wanted to “create a line that blends a sense of nostalgia with promises of a better future”.
He likes material like Chinese silk linings and ornate patchwork on the one of a kind hoodies-which are sold hand painted and embellished with tattoo inspired embroidery.The women he likes in curve hugging jeans-skinny cigarette style in colors grey, black and blue.
The men in rockabilly style jeans with wider legs in red,white and blue selvege.
The Bloodline Design is the name of the jewerly line at the Dussault Motel and the result of the very first collaboration with jewerlydesigner Norman.
All jewerly are handmade and manufactured in sterling,gold and bronze. The pieces are inspired by the 70’s rock era and featured in fleur bucklets,demon rings,skull bracelets and razorblade necklaces. Bloodline’s jewerly has been seen in films like Fantastic 4,X-Men 3 and Cat Woman.
His latest design is featured in Nickelback’s European tour and on magician Criss Angel for his “Believe” show .Even Marah Carey has carried special manufactured Bloodline design on stage.
Since last year Dussault Apparel has unveiled a program to become a carbon neutral company, and has chosen Carbonfund.org as its partner.They want to promote environmental awareness about global warming and announce the creation of the carbon conscience program.
The first step taken by the company has been to determine its associated carbon dioxide emission footprint and its annual energy usage.
Dussault Apparel is willing to continue make donations to carbonfund.org and to help completely stop its carbon footprint to zero.
A unisex silver ring has been created for the cause and featuring the word “carbon” engraved on the outside.
VP Corporate Communicator Tina Baird announced during the first ear of opening there is plans to open up a Dussault Motel in New York and Tokio in the near future.
November 10th -
Gene Simmons rushes to cash in on rock videogames
DENVER (Billboard) - Amid the flood of third-party instrument peripherals emerging for the new "Guitar Hero" and "Rock Band" music simulation games, God forbid if Gene Simmons would miss an opportunity to get his brand on.
The entrepreneurial Kiss bassist and reality TV star has created a replica of the bass he uses while touring, which is compatible with all PlayStation versions of both games. The Gene Simmons AXE Guitar is, yes, shaped like a battle axe, and includes Simmons' superimposed autograph as well as his betongued likeness in full makeup.
It has a wireless range of up to 30 feet, two sets of fret buttons, and whammy and strum bars. It should be available November 15 from Hip Street (http://www.hipstreetonline.com) for $80.
New letters posted...
Dear Mr. Simmons:
I live just outside Bossier City, Louisiana and have recently seen several billboards advertising a "Mini Kiss" concert to be held at Louisiana Downs (a horse racing track). The billboard has a likeness of your Demon character, and I was just wondering if this group was affiliated or approved by KISS.
Just curious, so could you enlighten me?
And by the way, I've read all of your books and think that you are one very articulate person. Not to mention H-O-T!!!
With sincere admiration,
Christine J. Hennigan
November 7th -
NO GOOD TV AND MARK BURNETT PRODUCTIONS
ANNOUNCE COMPREHENSIVE PRODUCTION PARTNERSHIPExtensive co-production deal spans multiple programming genres and marries two distinctive entertainment pioneers.
Beverly Hills, CA November 7, 2008 - Innovative entertainment producers NO GOOD TV (www.ngtv.com) and Mark Burnett Productions have entered into production partnership that covers multiple programming genres and media formats. Gene Simmons, Chairman of the Board for NO GOOD TV, and Richard Abramson, Board member and special consultant, brokered the deal.
Mark Burnett Productions, headed by renowned television producer Mark Burnett, is the home of iconic series like “Survivor,” “The Apprentice” and “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader,” among others. Burnett himself has been inducted into the Broadcast and Cable Hall of Fame and is credited with starting the non-scripted television craze in North America.
NO GOOD TV is the leader in unscripted, celebrity based entertainment programming. Free from gossip and paparazzi fare, the network has redefined original broadband entertainment. First launched in February, 2007, NO GOOD TV has exceeded past the 300 million clip view milestone on YouTube in record time.
The first project announced is a late night talk show hosted by Carrie Keagan. Keagan, a break-out talent in her own right, is the main anchor for NO GOOD TV, as well as the network’s EVP of Programming. In addition to the aforementioned late night talk show, NO GOOD TV and Mark Burnett Productions will also be co-developing game shows, unscripted entertainment series, scripted comedies, movies and specials. These co-productions will be created to air across multiple programming platforms in North America and abroad, including broadcast, cable, online and wireless.
“As the media landscape changes, creating content for multiple platforms is essential to success,” said Mark Burnett, President of Mark Burnett Productions, “NGTV has already built a great brand, and we look forward to collaborating with them to extend its reach.”
“I am proud to announce that Media Icon Mark Burnett has joined our family,” said Gene Simmons, Chairman of the Board of NGTV, “Mark is an extraordinary visionary, entrepreneur; creator and producer. He has created some of the most successful television shows worldwide and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”
“Mark Burnett is a singular and distinguished pioneer in entertainment and I can think of no other partner more perfect than he to help bring the No Good TV brand to a worldwide television audience, said Kourosh Taj, Founder & Co-President of NGTV, “we set out to push the envelope and we’re honored to continue our tradition of trailblazing with the original trailblazer himself!”
November 7th -
Just got back from Vegas, where the INDYCAR SERIES held its year end bash.
Our SIMMONS ABRAMSON venture markets and brands the IndyCar Series. We are in our 3rd year. We are the ones who created the I AM INDY campaign and co-wrote the song, I AM INDY, with Bag.
My partner Rich Abramson and I sat and paid homage to the fastest racers on earth -- the IndyCar Racers. Reunification between IndyCar and Champ Car happened last year and the results have been extraordinary. A lot of the credit has to go to the Boss of the whole thing, Tony George. He happens to be a very charming man, who has great people skills and lives, breathes and eats IndyCar. Every day.
Without him, there would be NO IndyCar.
Lots of new traction: Versus is now the broadcaster of the IndyCar Series. New cities are being added to the next IndyCar racing season and more and more fans are attending the races and getting the thrill of their lives.
Get all the lowdown here. Click INDYCAR.COM and enter the World of IndyCar.
November 5th -
November 3rd -
GENE SIMMONS ON
"ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER"
Gene Simmons, Multi-Media Mogul and Legendary KISS Demon, jams his way into the classroom for his charity, the Elizabeth Glazer Pediatrics AIDS Foundation. As his popular family looks on, Gene rocks the test and spirited fans cheer him on this atypical game show that tests adults’ lack of knowledge as revealed by how much they’ve forgotten since elementary school on an all-new ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER? airing Friday, Nov. 7 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
New letters posted...
November 2nd -
Gene Simmons Gets Into the Gaming Market -
A Top Story This Week
Gene Simmons Gets Into the Gaming Market was a top story for this week. Here it is again: (antiMusic) We received the following announcement: the Gene Simmons AXE guitar for PlayStation Guitar Hero and Rock Bandhas arrived. This fully equipped, axe-shaped guitar controller is a three-quarter replica of the KISS bassist and vocalist's signature guitar and is compatible with PlayStation 2 and 3.
Distributed by Kobian USA, the Gene Simmons AXE guitar is available now for pre-order on www.hipstreetonline.com for $79.99 (it will ship November 15, 2008.)The AXE is customized with a replicated paint finish of the original AXE guitar and Simmons' autograph and the KISS face painted onto the body of the controller. Additional features of this 2.4 GHz guitar controller include: wireless range up to 30 feet, five fret and narrow fret buttons, fully functioning whammy bar, bi-directional strum bar and is USB connect ready. - Check it out
November 1st -
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