March 31st -
March 23rd
Went to Diana Ross' birthday party in Malibu with Miss Shannon Tweed. Interestingly enough, for those of you who haven't read my book KISS AND MAKEUP, Shannon and Diana are sisters in law!!! When I first met Shannon, I was coming off my relationship with Diana. One didn't know the other. After I moved in with Shannon, Diana told me that, unbeknownst to both of us, Diana's brother married Tracy, Shannon's sister.
The party was a hoot. Damian (3,000 MILES TO GRACELAND direc) Liechtenstein, Kevin Costner, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and lots of interesting people.
March 25th
Flew down to the University of Florida to give a lecture. I made no notes and no clue what I was going to talk about. The results were probably a mixture of a motivational speaker/comedian. My "shpiel" usually starts with where I came from and the wonders of America. It usually takes a far left or far right turn, depending on the audience and then what comes out of my mouth is as much a surprise to me as it is to them.
I loved it.
While at the hotel, while I was signing some posters for people, I looked up to see former Presidential hopeful George McGovern reaching out his hand. We sat, exchanged pleasantries and autographs.
March 28th
Did a photo session with Chris Buck for my ESQUIRE article at my house.
March 29th
Guillermo Del Toro, director of BLADE II (which by the way, you should go see... it's a roller coaster ride) came over to discuss LEGEND OF THE SEVEN GOLDEN VAMPIRES with my partner Barry Levine. The writer will be Tim McCanlese. More news as it develops.
Ed Dada, my partner in GENE SIMMONS DRAGONFLY clothing has confirmed that 1) the moneybag line is a big hit and 2) the GENE SIMMONS DRAGONFLY STORE will open in Hollywood within a few months and that 3) the LONDON GENE SIMMONS DRAGONFLY STORE will open shortly afterwards.
New letters posted!
"...you have been misunderstood in the"South."
"...rain brimstone and legal hellfire upon these sinners!."
"... I need to know is this true?"
Note from the webmistress:
We now have the news translated in French!
Many thanks to Alain Bellicha, webmaster of Balishworld.
New letters posted!
"...or maybe she was fascinated by your tongue."
"...I have to admit I am cheating a bit..."
"Hi Gene, here is a story I wrote for you."
March 25th -
Hi again, It’s the Gene Simmons Tongue Publisher yet again. It’s been a few weeks and I want to tell you about some of the exciting things that have been developing with GST Magazine.
On Friday, March 8th we had the "difficult" task of shooting all day at the PLAYBOY mansion. We had eight gorgeous PLAYMATES in attendance and HUGH HEFNER himself, who graciously participated in the shoot as well as being our generous host…Gene, our distinguished editor Steve Appleford and the entire GSTongue staff were there and came up with an assortment of amazing photos! Gene and Steve sat down with Hef for a revealing one-on- one with the world’s ultimate Playboy. Just wait till you see this story!
You can see some of the behind the scenes photos here.
On the music front, we have an exclusive interview with LIMP BIZKIT’S FRED DURST, also conducted by The Demon himself. Fred even gave us some of his own personal photos to use in the story.
We’ll give you an earful of TOMMY LEE as he takes the KISS Cell Phone out for a test drive and we’ll show you why you should "belly up to the bar" when you check out the beautiful waitresses from various rock clubs on the famous Sunset Strip.
Girls? Did someone say Girls???? Well, we’ve got you barbarians covered…. The stunning DONNA DÉRRICO (AKA Ms. Nikki Sixx) will have you signing up for guitar lessons immediately and the gorgeous Aussie witch, FIONA HORNE will have you grabbing for your own broomsticks. E!’s Talk Soup gal, AISHA TYLER will cause you to ask "Is it soup yet?" and Sports Illustrated swimsuit and Guess? model JOSIE MARAN will have you thinking about anything BUT the pussycats… Other hotties to keep your Tongues wagging include Roswell’s MAJANDRA DELFINO and former Playmate CARRIE STEVENS, who shares some of her exploits in the Rock & Roll world.
Plus, Gene’s visit to the Adult Video Awards will give a whole new meaning to the words "magazine spread"!
There are many more stories in our premiere issue and we are getting down to the wire with the May 28th on-sale date just two short months away. Subscribers will get their issue a week or two earlier as we go to press in late April…so if you haven’t signed up yet at www.genesimmonstongue.com, you still have time!
Other stories include: The comeback of champion surfer KELLEY SLATER, ROCK & ROLL SUICIDES, 20 LICKS WITH BILL MAHER, CHRISTOPHER RICE, WORLD CUP LOVE HOTELS, CELEBRITY MOTORCYCLE CRASHES, JAMMIN JOHNS, FORKED TONGUE and Elvis’ Karate habit. Plus, we’ll be calling Dr. Love and be keeping you up to date on everything from movies to fashion and the latest gadgets and boy toys.
Thanks,
Allen Tuller, Publisher
March 23rd -
Originally, my website was simply going to be a place where I could post info on my non-KISS activities. I've always been aware that certain very passionate KISS fans don't want me doing other stuff. I get it. I've certainly been guilty in the past of letting outside projects seduce me to the extent that KISS wasn't foremost on my mind.
But in point of fact, KISS pervades every waking hour of my life. Most of the time, I'm on the phone or having meetings chasing the next KISS action figure, or the next KISS Condom deal. And that brings up another point: There are also certainly very passionate fans who don't want all the merchandise. But we all know the answer to that one. I love the toys and games, and since no one else seems willing to create the new stuff, I will. It will continue to get bigger and bigger.
When the band first started, I thought it would be enough to write songs and get on stage. It wasn't. Not then and not now. From the very first day, I found myself typing letters of introduction to the music industry... putting together and mailing our bio kit... calling industry people and trying to get interest in the band... negotiating contracts with opening bands (when we were unmanaged and unsigned)... Paul was there too. He was always the one who kept my feet on the ground. The perfect check and balance system.
But, I could never find anyone who was willing to put in the time I was willing to put in. Everyone else would go on vacation... or had to walk their dog... or any number of other things that prevented a good seven-day work week... fifty two weeks a year... When we finally got a manager... he didn't have enough money to pay for our contracts... so, I lent him the money... and I lent the band money to pay for the band's contracts... And, when we finally started touring, I though "What happens if we lose our recording contract and our manager and have to start all over again?" I started to write down the names and numbers of every promotor we played for, in case I'd have to take over booking the band. I kept track of how many tickets were sold... who we opened up for... how to get in touch with them and so on.
KISS became successful very quickly... and yet, we weren't seeing every cent we were due. There was, unfortunately, alot of mismanagement. It seems to be a byproduct of the music industry. No one seemed to know how to make the most out of an opportunity. We finally parted ways with management, and tried a business manager... but that didn't work out as well as we had hoped. KISS was a democracy. Paul and I agreed in the very beginning to split ALL ROYALTIES with the band, even though we wrote most of the songs. It didn't work then. It doesn't work now. Four guys can sit in the same car... but you had better be sure the guy driving knows where he is going.
My mind kept coming up with new ideas; The MONEYBAG logo. I thought of it, tracked it down, did my due diligence and wound up owning it. I didn't know what to do with it back then. I certainly had ideas about a clothing line. But, who knew how to make that happen back then?
I discovered VAN HALEN. I wanted to bring them into the band's management. But the band and Management didn't "hear it." So I let them go.
I wanted to produce other artists. But, the band thought I shouldn't because it might dilute what KISS was doing.
I wanted to act in films. Parts were being offered. I acted in a few films. But I was told I shouldn't.
I wanted to have my own tv series (and was actually offered one, GROTUS for ABC TV. I shot the pilot for Carsey/Warner and they accepted it and me. I was shocked.} But, I was told I shouldn't do it.
I wanted to manage other artists. I actually wound up managing LIZA MINNELLI's recording career for a while. I got her a deal at Epic Records. She was produced by the Pet Shop Boys and got a gold record out of it. I managed other artists as well. But, I was told I should do it.
I wanted my own record company. I had one. Simmons Records through RCA/BMG. But, I was told I shouldn't.
It's been almost thirty years of being told I shouldn't. By the fans. By the management. By the band.
Part of the reason I love KISS, is because it's something I helped create with Paul and Peter and Ace. KISS has scaled the heights. We're the number one American Group in the Gold Record category. Period. I'm proud of that.
But as the song says, "climb every mountain... ford every stream... follow every rainbow... till you find your dream." I have to do what I have to do.
And I will.
So, GENE SIMMONS.COM is the place where you get to see what I'm up to outside the band. If you want KISS news... and there's always tons of it... log onto KISSONLINE.COM...or use our LINK.
I have too many ambitions and aspirations to settle for less. I refuse to wait until it's too late. I refuse to have an excuse to say "I wish I would have... I wish I could have... I wish I should have... " When it's time for me to go, I will have done everything I've ever wanted to do...
And, I suggest you all get off your behinds and DO SOMETHING NOW... even if it pisses off someone... your girl friend... your mom... because at the end of the day, if you make everyone else happy and keep yourself from attaining your dreams, you will die one miserable son of a bitch.
You can't please all the people all of the time. Someone will always have something to say about what you do. FORGET IT. Just do what you want to do.
The other people in the peanut galleries just might up working for you... you never know.
Ok. Enough sermons.
March 18th -
Did an ESQUIRE magazine interview to hype GS DRAGONFLY and GS TONGUE.
And, then went to a board of directors meeting involving a very big company. The meeting explored a fantastic new venture... but possibilities of which could easily produce multiples. Can't talk about the venture in more specific terms just yet.
March 19th
Met the folks at PENGUIN BOOKS about my second proposed book, BUY THIS VOL I....and to talk to them about my own book imprint, SIMMONSBOOK. We will see. Later that night, Producer Scott Steindorff and I went to see a terrific magician at the WWF named Criss Angel. Angel and I talked about a potential venture and you'll read about it soon.
New Lady in Waiting!
Ines from Argentina
New letters posted!
" I wanted to thank you for ruining my life. "
"There was nearly a riot because alot of groups thought you were satanic ..."
"Imagine to my surprise one day over at a friends of mine to see a picture of you and Shannon and your children on his bookcase. "
Here is a Sneak peek of the Playboy shoot for Gene Simmons Tongue magazine!
New letters posted!
Note from the webmistress:
We now have the news translated in Italian.
Many thanks to Luca Calabrese, webmaster of Kissweb-Italia.
March 16th -
March 12th - Met with one of the motion picture studios to develop a script based around a fictional band that wears masks. The backbone of the movie revolves around one of the members who has to find out who he is.
Can't be more specific just yet.
March 14th - Met with Michael Philips, who produced CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND about possibly teaming up on one of his projects. GENE SIMMONS TONGUE magazine staff and I threw a party for advertisers at the Four Seasons Hotel in LA.
I went into voice over a potential FORD TRUCK tv commercial. We'll see if they pick it up.
March 15th - I joined my GENE SIMMONS WOMEN OF WRESTLING (W.O.W.) partners David McLane and Jeannie Buss to see the Lakers vs Clippers basketball game at the Staples Ctr in LA. We discussed various developments with W.O.W. I've been successful in getting a future W.O.W. magazine, a W.O.W. clothing line and W.O.W. dolls set up. David and Jeannie are lining some pay per views and all in all, W.O.W. has certainly hit the ground running.
March 16th - GENE SIMMONS DRAGONFLY STORES will first debut in Hollywood, on Hollywood Blvd by the end of Spring. My business associate Ed Dada has informed me that we will also be opening a London store before too long.
The GSD clothing line was a big success at this year's MAGIC SHOW (the Las Vegas clothing industry's buyers convention) and we have plans of introducing many new styles. You can log onto GENESIMMONSDRAGONFLY.COM for more info.
GIGANTOR, the Japanese cartoon show I loved when I was a kid, is coming back into my life. I recently did an interview for NHK to celebrate ASTRO BOY, another Japanese cartoon show. In the interview I mentioned my fondness for both cartoons. The owner of Gigantor, Fred Ladd called, we talked and instantly connected. I'll be reviewing materials, watching the old cartoon shows and perhaps developing a Gigantor movie.
March 14th -
March 8th - The GENE SIMMONS TONGUE cover shoot at the Playboy Mansion went without a hitch. Many thanks to Hugh Hefner and the Playmates. Allen Tuller, my partner will be posting a story and fotos shortly. Our editor, Steve Appleford was there taking candid fotos and making sure things went well. The girls, as you can imagine, were magnificent and we can't wait for you to see our Premier Issue cover, "The Cult Of Hef"...Look for it in May.
March 10th - Spent the entire day doing phone interviews with Australia, where my book KISS AND MAKEUP just debuted. I'm told copies are flying out of bookstores. The book also debuted on the Canadian charts at #2.
March 11th - Did a photo shoot for the cover of FOLIO magazine. Folio is the trade publication for the magazine business, And, later that day, the GENE SIMMONS TONGUE team got together to take a look at some layout pages.
There are a number of other big projects I'm working but can't talk about just yet. More news soon.
And on a personal note, thanks to all of you for e mailing your feelings about religion, the band and whether you like me or not. All of it is appreciated and what's most important to me is having an honest relationship with you. Good, bad or otherwise.
March 11th -
We've been getting tons of e mail inquiring if there will be instore signings at various cities. There are no plans for any new cities. If and when there are, I will certainly post em.
March 4th -
I'll be winging my way to New York (on the way to a secret event in Jamaica) to meet with investors for SIMMONS RECORDS. And, I should cut this short, because Steve Appleford (editor of GENE SIMMONS TONGUE magazine) just arrived with some layouts and proofs.
March 2 -
Meeting tomorrow with a gent who is intent on funding the "Gene Simmons WOMEN OF WRESTLING (W.O.W.)" venture I've just started. David McLane, who owned the trademark approached me about teaming up with him. We are well on our way to launching this new venture. There is already talk of a 'W.O.W. magazine" and a "W.O.W. clothing line." More news as it develops.
And, to those of you out there who think I'm doing too much. You're wrong. I'm not doing enough!!! I don't want to wait until the end of my life to make the "I wish I woulda, shoulda, coulda..." speech. I live life to its fullest. NOW. Not later. I suggest you all do the same. And, don't worry if people around you don't understand why you won't go on vacation. Remember, soon they'll all be working for you.
March 1 -
The "Gene Simmons Talk Radio Show" may soon see the light of day. I met with one of the principles of a major radio station and we have begun negotiations. How am I gonna do it? What's it gonna be about? We'll find out together.
