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NEWS HEADLINES
May 31st -
Producer Bo Zenga came by to pitch me some ideas for Sanctuary Pictures.
Producer Barry Levine (who co-produced DETROIT ROCK CITY with me) came by to talk about some of our projects, among them: TUROK, DINOSAUR HUNTER, MEDIEVAL and a number of others.
Went to see CARMEN ELEKTRA and the PUSSYCAT DOLLS at the Roxy again. Went with partner Scott Steindorff and Las Vegas Palms Hotel owner George Maloof.
Ran into FRAN DRESCHER (tv's The Nanny). Fran just wrote a book called "Cancer, Schmancer".
May 30th -
MTV CRIBS spent the entire day at the house.
Started off with my partner in Sanctuary Pictures, Rich Abramson reviewing plans for the film company.
HUGH HEFNER and about eight of the most beautiful blonde women anyone has ever seen came by to say hello, give me the new issue of PLAYBOY and to congratulate me on the Premier of GENE SIMMONS TONGUE MAGAZINE. Some of the ladies with Hef appear on the cover and some of the ladies are on the inside of the magazine.
W.O.W. - Women Of Wrestling partner David McLain came by to discuss the meeting we had this morning re the startup plan of our company. We reviewed some of our gorgeous female wrestlers and made plans to take it to the next step.
GENE SIMMONS DRAGONFLY partner Ed Dada came by to discuss plans for the opening of our first store in Hollywood. The second store will open before Xmas we hope, in London, England. The stores will be a hybrid store/music center with go go girls/eatery and hang out place.
 FRED DURST came by last to pick up his issue of GS TONGUE. Fred appears in the magazine and talks about his beginnings. Fred is also in this month's PLAYBOY. Get a copy. It's hilarious.
 BILL MAHER called and we talked about how much I want him to write a column for GS TONGUE. Bill appears in our Premier issue and has always been one of my favorite people.
More news tomorrow.
May 27th -
Met with the new GENE SIMMONS TONGUE staff.. editor Juan Morales, foto editor Kino, assistant ed. Dee Mclaughlin to discuss issue #2. We have the cover story and are planning the foto shoot this week. Also laying out the various interviews being scheduled.
Issue #1 is hitting the stands Wed., June 4th. Everywhere.
GENE SIMMONS TONGUE LAUNCH PARTY/East Coast: June 5th in New York City at Studio 54. If you did not receive an invite, please do not try to get in. Fire marshalls and fire laws.
GENE SIMMONS TONGUE LAUNCH PARTY/West Coast: June 11th at Barfly on Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood. And likewise, if you did not receive an invite, kindly do not try to get in.
GENE SIMMONS TONGUE PRESENTS: June 15th Closing Ceremony of CINEVEGAS... the Las Vegas Film Festival at Rain/THE PALMS HOTEL.
I will be at all three.
After the meetings, sat down to watch the EXTRA tv piece they did on my "shrink" visit.
Ever since I announced there would be less "religious" postings, most of the religious zealots seem to have gone back into the woodwork. However, since I posted my views on guns, the cycle is beginning all over again. People are quite passionate about their views and do not seem to be interested in a civilized discussion. So, we'll keep those postings at a minimum, as well.
Country singer Marc Chestnut called me inquiring about an appearance on one of the new Country tv programs. It's being looked at by management. Meantime, pick up Marc's new cd.
New Lady in Waiting!
May 25th -
A footnote to my last missive re limiting the amount of religious mail I'm going to post: the floodgates seem to have broken. We received all sorts of "nutty religious" meandering... some of it well intentioned, but hardly well informed or historically accurate... and some venomous... all of which probably means it's a good idea to stop talking about this. People don't seem to be ready to go to the library to do the research.
The whole idea of discussing other things with you in the first place, was simply to step up and show more of myself... without the "politically correct" veil that surrounds me and other people in the spotlight. A well guarded secret by celebs is not to say very much about anything that might cause controversy. I wanted to be more upfront with you. You were the ones, after all, that made it all happen for me. I thought the least I could do was be as honest and upfront with you as I would a close friend.
But, to some of you, it's not what you want to hear. Oh well. Let's move on. None of this is earthshaking. There are many things more important than what goes on here at our site.
And remember, for those of you who want the latest KISS news, click on to KISSONLINE.COM ... the only official KISS site.
Another note for all of you out there with phrases like "Hey Gene, this is my fourth letter, how cum you haven't posted it?" Simple. Not interesting. Unlike other letter columns, ours is intended to be interesting reading. Don't care what it's about.
Here's a hint: I like pictures and artwork. If your letter has some of it, it will improve your chances of being on the site. Also, do not be afraid to ream me a new a-hole. I'm certainly willing to post your letter, and perfectly suited to give as good as I get. So, this is not for the squeamish. You've got to be able to take it as well as you give it.
And, if I haven't been clear about this before, let me try again. Letters COMPLETELY about KISS tend not to be posted. Not because I don't care about you or KISS. They're both obviously very important to me. It's just that this site is generally for my NON-KISS activities. See?
And, don't listen to some of the letters in the letter column. I'm very happy to be brown nosed. Don't be shy.
May 24th -
With everyone's permission, I'm going to post less of the "religious" e mails we've gotten. People cannot seem to separate civilized discussion, without throwing phrases like "you will rot in hell" (..in essence, for not believing what I believe in)...
There are extremist Muslims and there are extremist Christians... and there are extreme people in all religions who have no tolerance for anyone believing differently than they do.
A shame, really.
God must be cosmically laughing at all this nonsense. Shakespeare may have said it better... "What fools these mortals be."
Just came back from the PUSSYCAT DOLLS show at the Roxy in LA. It featured CARMEN ELEKTRA and CHRISTINA APPLEGATE, and lots of Dolls. At the show, bumped into Justin Timberlake, Marilyn Manson (whose girlfriend is in the show), director Penny Marshall... the show was a blast.
May 23rd -
Went to visit Bob Ezrin at a rehearsal facility, where he is working on the next JANE'S ADDICTION record with Perry Farrel, Dave Navarro and the band. Ezrin, if you're just joining us, has a stellar past producing records such as THE WALL by Pink Floyd, ALICE COOPER and a few KISS records as well.
Took fotos of JANE'S ADDICTION for GENE SIMMONS TONGUE magazine #2.
On the way out, took more fotos of JARED LETO, who is putting together a band called 30 SECONDS TO MARS. Jared just may have the looks and talent to pull it off. We may do an article on him for the magazine.
Have to cut it short. On the way out to visit Mrs. Navarro, CARMEN ELEKTRA and her PUSSYCAT DOLLS show at the Roxy in LA. , featuring five gorgeous women in compromising situations. If all goes according to plan, Carmen may do something for our magazine.
Also, a hardy welcome to our new editor at GENE SIMMONS TONGUE magazine... Juan Morales. Will print a full bio of Juan next time.
May 21st -
The EXTRA people called to let me know this Monday, May the 27th, Gene Simmons (that's me) will be visiting his very first "shrink." The Doctor calls herself a "Sexpert" and she was actually quite charming and sexy. You might find it mildly amusing.
I've also been talking to the good Doctor about her writing a regular column for GENE SIMMONS TONGUE magazine, starting with issue #2. This is still in the talking stages.
GENE SIMMONS TONGUE #1 will be on the stands June 4th.
CONAN O'BRIEN SHOW will be repeating a show I appeared on about two months ago. Check your TV Guide.
MTV CRIBS called and will be over May 29th to film a segment with me.
Trent Buckboyd, who edits Flaunt magazine, was going to come on board to helm GENE SIMMONS TONGUE magazine. It didn't work out, unfortunately. I am told his publisher had a change of heart and wouldn't allow it. Life goes on. We are close to bringing on board a new editor by tomorrow. Will announce his name and where you all can send fotos, e mails and so on...
Steven Spielberg's office invited me to have lunch with him and a few guests on the 29th of May. Spielberg created a Foundation called SHOAH, dedicated to the Nazi German Holocaust survivors. Their stories (over 50,000) have been recorded for future historians. My mother is a survivor. Hopefully, I'll be in town for the event.
May 18th -
Met with Elijah Blue regarding his band DEADSY. Elijah is Cher's son. He's got his own band now. Very cool. Check them out. They are on Dreamworks and are getting ready to tour with KORN on their Family Values Tour.
Afterwards, went to finish off a new toon I wrote called "ALL THE KIDS WITH PAINTED FACES." It will be added to the stack of new toons in my demo pile.
New Lady in Waiting!
Have been actively looking for a new editor for our GENE SIMMONS TONGUE magazine. Our first issue editor, Steve Appleford will hopefully work for us on future issue as writer and/or fotog.
Many thanks for all the recommendations we received from professionals in the magazine industry. Thanks to Rose Apadaka at WOMEN'S WEAR DAILY, and Jaan Uhelski and Bruce Haring. Looks like we are closing in on a possible editor in Trent Buckboyd, who is also the editor at Flaunt magazine. If all goes well, Trent will start on issue #2 asap.
Interviewed a former SWEDISH SKI TEAM member (remember that beer company that had gorgeous girls -- amongst clones of the "blonde" beauty in a campaign?), who is going to be featured in a "tell all" for GENE SIMMONS TONGUE #2. Her liaisons with famous rock stars and actors will make for some juicy reading. Yes. We'll also have lots of fotos.
Scott Steindorff"s Stone Village Productions
&
Gene Simmons Tongue Magazine
Invite you to experience
A Weekend at the
CineVegas International Film Festival
An evening reception at Little Buddha
Hosted by:
Scott Steindorff's Stone Village Productions
Friday, June 14, 2002
9 p.m. - Midnight
Closing Night Bash at Rain
Hosted by:
Gene Simmons Tongue Magazine
Saturday, June 15, 2002
11 p.m. - 2 a.m.
To be part of this unforgettable weekend go to
www.cinevegas.com
$300 Weekend Pass includes:
Scott Steindorff's Little Buddha party
Gene Simmons Tongue Magazine party
CineVegas Closing Night reception at Whiskey Sky
Marquee Award Tribute at the Four Seasons Las Vegas
and dozens of premieres and screenings.
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May 16th -
Did an interview for this Sunday's NEW YORK TIMES.
Was sent a script from one of the movie talent agencies for a proposed television series. Cannot mention title or agency. Told them I wish I had the time.
Some of the people close to me have commented on how I post what I do. The jokes came hard and they came fast. "Woke up. Brushed my teeth." You get the general idea. So, I was thinking about not posting the stuff I do. But, almost all of the e mails say how much they like to know what I'm up to.
If I did this on KISSONLINE.COM, the fans there would drill me a new a-hole. They want me to be working, thinking, eating and sleeping KISS. Only KISS. Once upon a time that was the case. The band is approaching the end of our third decade of existence.
Maybe it's time for me to work on some other dreams I've had. What do you think?
May 13th -
E-tv arrived to interview me for their LIZA MINNELLI special. I used to be Liza's recording career manager. Which is to say, I was involved with the record and not the tours, her film career or her B'way career. Her Pet Shop Boys produced/written album went gold and I cherished our time together. At the same time, I had my label (Simmons Records/RCA), was acting in movies, producing other artists and playing with KISS. It all became too much.
NEW YORK TIMES writer Bernard Weintraub came over to talk about "icons" in music for a future article in the newspaper.
USA tv Chairman/President Doug Herzog and Chief of all Programming Chris Sloan came over to the house to talk with me and my partner David McLane about our W.O.W. Women In Wrestling venture. More news as it develops.
ROLLING STONE called for a 400 word essay on "advise to the graduating class of '02". I told em the truth (as I see it.). When you read it, I'd be curious about your impressions.
New Lady in Waiting!
May 12th -
EXTRA flew out my mother to LA. They came with me in the limo and asked me all sorts of questions about my childhood. It was very cathartic for me. I was later told I looked like a 5 year old when I was caught looking at my mother as she was talking to the camera. I think the world of my mother. I hope you do of yours.
Most of the day was spent lounging around the house... eating... lounging... and eating.
EXTRA arranged for a gourmet chef to come to the house to serve dinner. Shannon's sister Tracy, her daughter, my two kids and Nick's friend A.J. sat at the dinner table. But before all that happened, we all watched the weekend edition of EXTRA. They repeated the "Cher visits Gene" segment and started teasing me. I didn't get what all the teasing was about... but it soon ended with all of them ganging up on me and smashing a cake into my face... watch for it next week.... or not.
Happy Mother's Day.
May 11th -
Flew up to Vancouver, B.C. to be the Keynote Speaker at the New Music Conference. It was held at the Commodore Ballroom. KISS played there in 1974. If memory serves me correctly, we opened for Diamond REO... not to be confused with REO Speedwagon. I remember the floor was wet (from beer, I imagine) and I slipped but didn't fall. The next day, I was interviewed by a guy from the Georgia Straight, the local newspaper. He wanted to know if we were actually serious about what we were doing. He thought it was very avant garde. Very Dada Theater (named after Salvador Dali, the painter.) I told him he missed the entire point. We were deadly serious and had every intention of being the biggest band in the world and going where no band had gone before.
I know he found it all very amusing. He told me he was forming a "serious" rock band and that he was going back to Mother England to start recording soon. He would show me how to do it. He told me to watch out for him in the future. I told him to watch out for KISS in the future. His name was Bob Geldorf and the band he formed (now disbanded) was the Boomtown Rats.
My speech was given to a roomful of hopeful music figures -- rock bands, singers, songwriters and industry people of all sorts. They were expecting, I'm sure, something else. I gave them the truth.
It's called the Music Business. Or, the Music Industry. Either way, it's not called simply Music. And, anyone who enters it only thinking about the first word, is usually doomed sooner than later to learning the phrase "do you want fries with that?"
This is not a popular notion. Bands like to think of corporations as the enemy... the suits. But they have no problem taking the "advance/money -- non recoupable" for the records they make. That means, the record company pays you tons of money to make a record (and you can keep whatever is left over... usually, alot) and if your record bombs, you don't have to pay back a penny. What other job on the face of the planet does that? I told them the "Suits" are the best friends they have... When fotos come in, we will show you what it looked like.
New letters posted!
"How do you feel about artists who tout the role of "substances" in the creative process?"
"You sure is one crazy "person".
"I think Clinton should have been charged with treason for selling our secrets."
May 10th -
The EXTRA people took me to my very first therapist. She is a "sexpert"... her own claim, by the way. The therapist was curious about my views about: my father, monogomy, love, commitment, the nature of man, etc. I was candid with her, as I am with anyone: publically and privately. Most of the time, I had the sense she thought I was saying things to shock her. But the truth is, I was simply stating things I believe men think but never say in front of women. Either way, be looking for it soon.
And, if you've been reading the letter column, I hope you've been enjoying it as much as I have. I have to say the letters have been very thought provoking and Lisa and I edit the section ourselves. What you get to see is a fairly good representation of what comes in daily. Posting all the e mails would be impossible. A few are hate filled.... homophobic... anti-Semitic... racist... but that's pretty much a cross section of society in general. Those people certainly don't need this forum to vent their hatred. They need to be ignored and they are.
As for insulting remarks aimed at me: I won't stand for it... not from friend and certainly not from foe. You slap me. I take out your whole family. Be civil and I am happy to be civil right back.
And if you want to send a note to some of our lovely ladies (Ladies In Waiting)... watch your tongue... we invite you to... we'll post your thoughts right next to their photos.
May 7th -
Spent the day with EXTRA following me around. Went to a private home for "auditions" to W.O.W. WOMEN OF WRESTLING. The girls really tossed themselves around the ring. Besides being pretty, it's clear this is not just about beauty. They are real athletes.
Then went to have lunch at Jerry's Deli in Studio City. Having cameras around is like having a picnic: the ants gather from all over.
Then went home where the cameras covered us eating (exciting, huh?) and finally... Soph wanted to know how I put on my makeup. I showed her. It was one of the funniest moments but also very touching for me. I never dreamed I'd be showing my daughter how her dad puts on his stage makeup. I often welled up, but kept it together.
Late at night, went to the Viper Room to catch some hot and sweaty rock and roll. Duff from Guns n' Roses debuted his new band. Faster Pussycat played. And, a hilarious "hair band" did a send up of 80's music... big hair, big moves and lots of "hey, dude"... hilarious. I took my camera along for possible GENE SIMMONS TONGUE articles.
See you all tonight at the NEW GUY premier.
May 6th -
I'll be attending the premier of THE NEW GUY in Hollywood on Tuesday the 7th. About a year ago, head of the studio Todd Garner called and asked me to fly down to Texas to do a cameo. I played a Preacher (no snickering, please) who is enamored of the opposite sex. Go see the movie.
Will be appearing on the CATHERINE CRYER PROGRAM on COURT TV Wednesday, May the 8th at 2:30 Pacific Standard Time (LA time).
May 5th -
Started the day at BILLY BLANKS TAE BO center exercising my butt off. Billy is a seven time world karate champion and has the aerobic center everyone wants to go to... no posing.. just sweat.
When I got back home, the EXTRA tv people were back to film some more segments. My son Nick decided he preferred to go to his best friend's house instead. The tv thing doesn't seem to interest him in the least.
Meanwhile, another EXTRA tv crew were off covering Miss Tweed and my little girl Sophie on a camping trip.
I went shopping (something I hardly ever do) to get some mother's day gifts. I literally break out in a sweat when someone walks up to me in a shop and asks "May I help you?" I feel just as uncomfortable going to a Starbucks and asking for a cup of coffee. "Do you want Decaf? Half caff? Latte? ad infinitum..." The EXTRA people followed me into the mall and it caused quit a stir. Eventually settled on a few gifts and we left.
Later that evening, the EXTRA crew followed me to former PLAYMATE CARRIE STEVENS birthday bash. Carrie, as you may know, will be featured in GENE SIMMONS TONGUE #2 talking about her days with Eric Carr and her experiences at Playboy. At the party were Playmates Brandi Brandt, Victoria Sylvsedt (she'll kill me... I know I misspelled her name) and a good time was had by all.
Heading off today to work on two new songs at a demo studio and then may end the day going to see ANDREW DICE CLAY at a club.
New Lady in Waiting!
New letters posted!
"I was surprised to see you at Ace's birthday bash..."
"Don't you feel you've contradicted yourself?"
"...shes beautiful.... smart.... fun... marry her !"
May 3rd -
GENE SIMMONS TONGUE magazine is off to the printers. Expect the premier issue to hit the stands early June. In the meantime, editor Steve Appleford will be moving over to write and photograph stories for our magazine. A new editor will be announced shortly.
EXTRA is going to be filming my comings and goings apparently for the rest of the month. I'm sure the notion was based on the success of Ozzy's show, which if you haven't seen it, is terrific. He's been a friend for decades and deserves it all.
On Saturday afternoon, they'll be following Nick and I while we go to Golden Apple, the comic book store and maybe visiting a video arcade.
Later that evening, they'll be following me to former Playmate Carrie Stevens birthday party. I'll take a camera along. Carrie is one of the main feature stories of GENE SIMMONS TONGUE #2. She was slated for the first issue, but we had far too much content and Carrie consented to be moved to the second issue. Carrie, if you don't already know, was Eric Carr's girlfriend and has had a really interesting life... all of which you'll read about in her article.
On Monday, EXTRA will be following me to a W.O.W. Women Of Wrestling audition day. I'll be visiting a private residence that set up a wrestling ring in the backyard. There will be a number of female wrestlers there. I'll also cover the event for GS TONGUE.
Later that evening, have plans of going to the Viper room to catch a "metal tribute" band doing an over-the-top show. If the club approves, will bring EXTRA with me.
May 2nd -
Sad to report my father passed away in Israel today.
Kindly do not send e mails to this site. If you'd like to do something, kindly contribute to Pediatric Aids. No need to contribute in anyone's name.
Call your local hospital and they'll answer your questions.
My mother's philosophy has always been "every day above ground is a good day." All of you out there: take a look around... take a deep breath... and go out there and live life... don't wait for an invitation... don't whine about little things... and don't ask anyone's permission for your happiness.
We're all just passing through, anyway. You might as well figure out what it's going to take to make you happy while you're alive.
May 1st -
CATHERINE CRYER program appearance on COURT TV will be rescheduled in the next day or so. I flew in from Las Vegas and headed directly to the studio for a satellite LIVE hookup. I was on camera ready to go, but the Blake Murder event was developing and so they decided to devote the rest of the program to it.
Our lettercolumn in the meantime, has become a tsunami of e mails. It's almost impossible to read, much less answer each one.
But, I do.
I DO. NOT LISA (our web mistress) AND NOT AN ASSISTANT. That's for some of you who believe I let someone else answer for me. No. It's me.
Who else would call you a knucklehead to your face?
Who else would log on e mails that spout pure hatred?
Who else would continue to ask "who else"?
A guy with an ego my size. Me.
And, we've been getting plenty of beautiful women wanting to be put onto the LADIES IN WAITING section... all in good time.
If you're bored, log onto GENE SIMMONS TONGUE magazine and see the latest developments of my favorite new magazine... coming first week in June.
EXTRA tv has been running THE SIMMONS all week. Hope you like it. We do.
Just been informed Extra wants to discuss running a month's worth of THE SIMMONS programming.
If some of you are wondering why the lettercolumn doesn't include many KISS comments... it's because I edit them out. Those e mails are better suited to the OFFICIAL KISS WEBSITE -- KISSONLINE.COM.
What you think of Ace's recent bash I attended, or what your opinion is of the general state of affairs with KISS are better suited there.
And all the stuff I do OUTSIDE of KISS is better suited here.
And, if I haven't said it recently, please know that I value your opinions and suggestions... I listen.
Note from the webmistress:
Here is a link to the Extra website that features videos of Gene's appearances on the show. You can watch the segments by clicking on the VIDEO link to the right of the page.
Thanks to Benjamin Warren for sending us the link. Ben created Gene Simmons Mobile and deserves a big thank you for that as well.
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online.com! 
