October 31, 2001

Webmaster Note: Updated 2 of the Ladies In Waiting and added 1 new Lady. Also added several letters to YOUR LETTERS.

October 28, 2001

TV GUIDE is doing a foto session with me for the recent interview I did with them regarding COURT TV's SECRETS OF ROCK AND ROLL.

October 26, 2001

This coming Monday, Oct the 29th, I'll be doing an on-camera interview with ABC NEWS for a DISCOVERY CHANNEL documentary entitled "1975" -- other interviews are being done with Norman (All In The Family) Lear and so on. Same day, I'll be at ICM (the talent agency) meeting with Burt Kears, Brett Hudson and Babette Perry to develop a tv chat show entitled 'SEX WITH GENE SIMMONS.' Kears and Hudson were the producers of the recently shot 'SECRETS OF ROCK AND ROLL' for COURT TV I hosted. We liked each other...tossed around some ideas and the show idea came from them. Now the hardest part begins...they call it "development." That evening, I'll be attending the premier for "DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE" starring John Travolta at the Paramount lot.

Oct 30th-

I'll be meeting with Craig Titley and Mark Palansky to talk about another project called 'GENTLEMEN BE SEATED" based on a short story by Richard Matheson. Titley and I have been working on this project on and off for a year.

Oct 31st-

I have a tentative meeting with SHAQ to discuss our film venture. Mid afternoon I'll be at NEW REGENCY pitching 'JADE" with Keith Domingue. And, at night, I'll be shooting the 'LATE LATE SHOW WITH CRAIG KILBORN' at CBS TV. This is the Halloween show, so anything's possible.

Nov. 1st-

I'll be pitching 'JADE' to Ori Marmur at MANDALAY. Later that evening, I'll be shooting 'POLITICALLY INCORRECT' at ABC TV.

Nov. 3rd-

I'll probably go to the premier of 'TRIBUTE' -- a documentary about tribute bands. The focal point, I'm told, is a KISS tribute band. The exec producer is Steven Soderberg, who directed TRAFFIC.

October 25, 2001

I took Miss Shannon Tweed to the premier of 13 GHOSTS on the 23rd. You may not want to go to see this one, if you have a weak stomach.

On the 23rd, we pitched 'JADE' to Nana Greenwald at Kopelson Entertainment.

And, today I'll be meeting with MAINFRAME (Transformers, Reboot, Beast Wars) to discuss the KISS CGI Super Hero Show for television. Contracts are ready to sign and we are all very excited about this project. I've been working on getting a show on the air for over ten years. The finish line is just ahead.

Tonight, I'll be teaching at UCLA in Dr. Laurie Perlman's class. Entrepeneur isn't just a big word, it's also a big idea -- difficult to put your finger on and very difficult to implement. My point of view is going to be how you can't be me and I can't be you... and if you're looking for a paint by numbers shortcut to life, it's not going to happen. What I CAN show you however, is maybe how you can be a better version of yourself. How you can be all that you can be, to paraphrase the military phrase.

And, Saturday the 27th, I'll probably head up to the PLAYBOY mansion for some fun and games.

Review from the LA Times - `KISS and Makeup'

KISS' lead demon Gene Simmons has written his life story. "KISS and Makeup" isn't due out from Random House until Dec. 11, but the 52-year-old rock star gave us an earful Saturday. He claims he has never been intoxicated, doesn't believe in marriage, cherishes merchandising and loves to brag about his long tongue and his 4,600 sexual liaisons. "I took photos," he said. "I'd be happy to show them to you." The Israeli-born rocker also had some strong words for the Taliban, most of which we cannot print here. "they cover up women when all we want to do is uncover them. They got it all backwards." He does however agree with the Bush Administration's war tactics. "I think America is finally doing business the Israeli way .... You lob a grenade at us, we send our tanks across your border."

Review from KIRKUS REVIEWS - `KISS and Makeup'

Raunchy, good-hearted memoirs of the prodigiously tongued co-founder of megaselling band KISS.

Simmons (previously Gene Klein, previously Chaim Witz) defends his warts-and-all narrative of pop-culture collisions and 1970’s excess by noting, "Those of you who believe in KISS need to know tie truth." The most colorful, engaging sections here deal with Simmons' childhood in Israel and Queens. He attended yeshiva to please his fiercely devoted mother, yet became obsessed with "television, the Beatles, superheroes science fiction, girls. Everything about America." As for the band's roots: "We all picked up guitars because we all wanted to get laid," Simmons writes. With his ambitious songwriting partner Paul Stanley, and the rougher-edged Peter Criss and Ace Frehley, Simmons lived and rehearsed in dingy lofts while writing flamboyantly muscular songs like "Strutter" and "Firehouse" and devising schemes to attract industry attention. Their tactics worked well, and their dynamic stage show (incorporating pulp-Kabuki makeup, tight leather, pyrotechnics, fire-breathing, and blood-spitting) rapidly built their reputation. KISS sold out stadiums throughout the '70s, but by 1982 internal strife and commercial missteps made the band appear shopworn. KISS soldiered on without Criss, Frehley, or makeup throughout the heavy-metal 1980s. The events become less compelling here, as Simmons surveys his merchandising savvy and his then-insatiable dive for short term romance: Like many aging rockers he recalls his odyssey with hazy bonhomie and good-humored bluster that can turn nasty, e.g., his gratuitous slams of ‘70s art rock bands and ‘90s grunge and his acrimonious portrayal of Criss and Frehley as self-destructive chuckleheads who needed to leave she band for everyone's benefit. They were eventually hired back as contract players, in time for a final tour in makeup and appearances at lucrative, popular fan conventions.

"The KISS Army” will appreciate Simmons' fondness for them and uncritically consume his heavy-metal memories.

October 24, 2001

Review from Publishers Weekly - 'KISS AND MAKE-UP'

The "Phantom of the Park," a.k.a. Simmons, needs nary a ghostwriter to pen his bio, for he ably delivers this season's most fascinating backstage pass. Articulately detailing his life from his birth in Israel through the 30-year life span of KISS, he charts how glam-metal's greatest pioneers provided the most outrageous spectacles of arena rock in the 1970's. Those same pyrotechnics, pneumatic drum risers, jacked-up personas and frightening face paints have sold 80 million records worldwide. Simmons, the "guy who sticks his tongue out and spits fire," boasts other on-stage innovations, including "throwing up blood" and creating the ubiquitous headbanger's hand sign for the devil. All in all, the rock 'n' roll extravaganzas of the KISS empire hardly run short of the obvious - wild parties, famous faces, hotel fiascoes, banging up cars and getting busy with groupies. Though no Wilt Chamberlain, Simmons describes at length how he has slept with 4,600 women. But when the smoke clears, the book is as well written as it is interesting: the story of a Jewish kid from Brooklyn, the endearingly sincere struggles Simmons faces over the years, his eventual marriage and fatherhood- as well as juicy material like his extended romances with Cher and Diana Ross. While moldering rock stars who have tales to tell may be a dime a dozen, Simmons' enjoyable and intriguing autobiography deserves attention.

Forecast: Thanks to KISS comic books, dolls and other paraphernalia, the band's quasicult fan base runs the gamut of age and cultural orientation. Expect big sales garnered from mass emails, author interviews and a 50-city radio tour.

Gene Simmons of KISS Tells it Like He Sees it at UCLA Extension Course

The inimitable Gene Simmons, co-founder of the rock band (and marketing phenomenon) KISS, will speak to students in a UCLA Extension course on Thursday, Oct. 25, from 7-10pm on the UCLA campus. The course, called "There's No People Like Show People: Communicating with Creative Professionals in the Entertainment Business," features a variety of guest speakers seeking to bridge the communication gap between art and commerce in the entertainment industry. The course is taught by Dr. Laurie Pearlman, a psychologist with 25 years of experience as a producer and agent.

Simmons is renowned not only for his groundbreaking creative work with KISS, but for his marketing and merchandising savvy. Although KISS was founded nearly 30 years ago, it was named the number one touring band as recently as 1998, and has sold over 80 million records and holds over 2,500 licenses.

Simmons' autobiography, KISS and Makeup, from Crown Books, is due to hit the stores in December.

UCLA Extension is one of the nation's largest and most comprehensive providers of continuing higher education for adult learners. Extension's Entertainment Studies Department offers the most dynamic and comprehensive professional training program available on the art and business of entertainment, with instructors who are working professional prominent in their fields.

October 23, 2001

GeneSimmons.com was down for about 18 hours, but is back up and running. Sorry for any confusion.

October 22, 2001

Webmaster Note: The Ladies In Waiting section is almost ready. You can see 2 ladies so far. A convenient way to upload files will be ready probably by tomorrow. In the meantime, continue to upload images here...

October 21, 2001

KISSONLINE.COM is the place to find out anything and everything about KISS. It's the only authorized KISS site. If you want to find out the latest news -- check out the latest arguements between very vocal and passionate KISS fans about the most mundane or most earthshaking topics circling KISS -- or just check out the GIRLS OF KISS...KISSONLINE.COM is the place to do it.

GENE SIMMONS.COM was started by John strictly, as he points out, a fan site. And, while KISSONLINE.COM reported all the stuff I was doing outside the band, it occurred to me it might not be the fairest thing to do. A lot of my projects don't have all that much to do with the band and in point of fact, may actually piss off KISS fans. Some of them may want me to ONLY be involved in KISS. And, as much as I love it, noone wants to be in a cage -- even one with a silver lining.

So, when you log on to this site, it'll be a place where you can find out what I'm up to. And, if you read something I'm working on one day and are surprised to learn it has changed on another day. Don't. All projects are tentative and like most things, they tend to change.

The band will continue to use KISSONLINE as its sole web site. And, GENE SIMMONS.COM will be the only place I'll let you know what I'm up to.

October 18, 2001

Webmaster Note: The Ladies In Waiting section doesn't exist at this time. I'm building it as you're reading this. When it's ready, there will be a link in the navagation area on the top left of this page. Keep sending in your pictures! (Send Picture.)

October 17, 2001

Just found out that HOLLYWOOD SQUARES is not going to happen. Their schedule and mine didn't work. I may do it in the near future.

Shot my hosting duties on COURT TV's 'THE SECRETS OF ROCK AND ROLL" to be broadcast on December the 4th. TV Guide was here doing an extensive interview with me about the documentary.

Tomorrow, going in to pitch Phoenix Pictures "JADE' based on the Chaos Comic Book.

Friday, the 19th of October, going in to pitch Radar Pictures "JADE.'

Waiting on word to see if Comedy Central is picking up 'SMASH", the show I created and am producing with Leslie Greif.

And, waiting for VH1 to get back to us about 'HIT MEN" the show I co-created and am producing with Leslie Greif. Producing are myself, Greif and Al Ruddy. Script supervision and master of the show bible is Nic Pileggi.

The biggest news of the day is a wealth of wonderful luck. More than one entity is circling me with a potential to make movies outside the studio system. I have to be vague at this point, to protect the entities involved, however I am more inclined to be in business with a group of people I like. I suppose at the end of the day, it's not always about business opportunities. Sometimes it's about working with people you like.

We will see. Soon.

October 16, 2001

Supplemental Information from CourtTV
GENE SIMMONS OF KISS TO HOST COURT TV DOCUMENTARY EXPLORING THE INFLUENCE OF CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS ON POPULAR MUSIC

The Secret History of Rock 'n' Roll airs on December 4, 2001

Gene Simmons of KISS will host a one hour documentary for Court TV about the crimes and misdemeanors that influenced the creation and direction of the pop music industry over the past 50 years, announced Henry Schleiff, Court TV Chairman and CEO. From the songs that made the charts, to the up and down careers of world renowned musicians. The Secret History of Rock 'n' Roll travels through the history of rock 'n' roll and maps the intersection where crime and rock meet. It will air as a special edition of The System and will premiere Tuesday, December 4th at 10:00 p.m.

Gene Simmons co-founded the legendary rock and roll group KISS 28 years ago. Gallup Poll cited KISS the number one group in 1977, 1978, and 1979. Billboard magazine reported that KISS stands right behind the Beatles in terms of the number of gold records awarded to any group in history. The number one touring band in 1996 and 1998, KISS has sold 80 million records and holds over 2,500 KISS licenses. Simmons, a consultant to the production, is a keen observer of the music industry and is able to comment on key elements of the story from the perspective of an insider who has lived it.

Through the stories of some of the music industry's prominent players, including Dennis Wilson of The Beach Boys and Brian Jones of the Roiling Stones, The Secret History of Rock `n' Roll shines a spotlight on the darker side of a business that has provided a musical soundtrack to generations, and views it through Court TV's unique lens of crime and justice. Combining new interviews, rare photos and exclusive archival footage and Court TV (www.courttv.com or AOL keyword: Court TV), a basic cable network, provides a window on the American system of justice through distinctive programming that both informs and entertains, As the destination for crime and justice programming, Court TV broadcasts trials by day and compelling stories of the criminal justice system in the evening. A service of AOL Time Warner and Liberty Media Corp., Court TV has over 60 million subscribers, and expects to reach 65 million by early 2002.
(courtesy Court TV)

Today, we pitched "Jade" the Chaos Comic Book title to Dean Devlin"s Electric Pictures. And, tomorrow, I'll be attending the "From Hell" premier in Westwood, California.

And, as regards GENE SIMMONS TONGUE magazine -- it's coming along nicely. One of the features of the magazine is going to be a section devoted to all the beautiful women out there. I want to see your pictures. We will post em here and some of you ladies might even get into the magazine...the cover is not out of the question, either.

GENE SIMMONS LADIES IN WAITING will be a new section on our site devoted to you: the beautiful women of the world. Send us your pictures. Tell us about yourselves. What do you like? What do you want? Whom do you want? You can be tastefully clothed or deliciously unclothed...it's your choice.

Note from webmaster: Go to the upload page to send pictures.

October 15, 2001

More News...Oct. 15th, 2001

I'll be shooting my hosting duties for COURT TV's documentary, tentatively titled "THE SINS OF ROCK AND ROLL" all day Wednesday, the 17th. This will hit the airwaves in early December.

On Friday the 19th, I'll be shooting HOLLYWOOD SQUARES. Garth Brooks will also be on the show. The plan is to shoot five shows that day and then spread em out over the course of a week.

Meantime, I've been pitching a new film I'll be producing with Barry Levine called JADE. To be written by Keith Domingue (who wrote the upcoming SHADOWMAN for Dimension). Today we pitched "Absolute Entertainment". Tomorrow will be Dean (INDEPENDENCE DAY, GODZILLA) Devlin at Electric Pictures.

On Thursday the 18th, we will be pitching Matt Bierman at Phoenix Pictures.

On Saturday, October 20th, I'll be appearing at the BEVERLY HILTON HOTEL in Beverly Hills for the Lillie Claire Foundation, which does excellent charity work. Also there will be Jennifer Lopez, CS&N and so on.

Also, today I saw the artwork for (yep) KISS KONDOMS. They're coming...soon.

More news next time.

October 13, 2001

GENE SIMMONS TONGUE magazine -- Will appear on the stands sometime in the spring. This is a joint venture between Sterling-McFadden and myself. We are in the process of hiring our editor, Steve Garbarino. Steve currently writes and edits for Vanity Fair and Details magazines.
The "tone" of the magazine is going to be a hybrid between Maxim, Rolling Stone and Playboy -- hopefully, with a sense of humor. The cover will depict a "surprise star" starlet...with her tongue out. Inside, there will be columns such as "Tongue In Cheek", which might delve into "who's doing whom", "Foreign Tongue" which will cover everything overseas, "Forked Tongue" which will be our food section and possibly "Tongue Lashings" our letter column. Allen Tuller is the publisher and we are both extremely excited about this new venture. More news as it happens.

'LEGEND OF THE SEVEN GOLDEN VAMPIRES' is a film project I will be producing along with Barry Levine and Brian Riley to star Tim Allen. It was originally a Hammer Film. We have a terrific screenwriter by the name of Tim McCanlese and the project will commence writing shortly.

'SEX, DRUGS AND ROCK 'N ROLL' is a film project I'm producing with Craig Baumgarten, which is set up at Buena Visa/Disney. The script is by Robby (I MARRIED AN AXE MURDERER starring Mike Myers) Fox. We are currently going through the beginning stages of our third draft of the script.

'NOVEMBER FILES' is a film I'm producing with Tim Bogart set up at Interlight. We had John Travolta for a short time and then, as so often happens in the film world, it fell through. This is still being developed.

'SMASH' is a TV comedy series I created/produced with Leslie Greif, which was recently set up at VH1 and came back in turnaround (which means, we were free to shop it elsewhere). It is currently under consideration at Comedy Central. The pilot episode features, TOMMY LEE, HUGH HEFNER (and the Playboy Mansion), MARK MCGRATH, LEEZA GIBBONS, PAT BOONE, SEBASTIAN BACH and lots more fun people. More news as it develops.

'HIT MEN' is a TV series I created/produced with Leslie Greif for VH1. Currently, script is in the rewriting stages. Nic Pileggi (CASINO and GOOD FELLAS writer) is our script/bible guardian. Also on board is Al (GODFATHER I, II, III producer) Ruddy. More news as it develops.

'GENE SIMMONS CHILLERAMA' is a TV horror series I am producing with Adam Rifkin and Tim Sullivan for MTV. The script (by Sullivan/Rifkin) has just been handed in for the pilot. I will also be doing hosting duties on the show. More news later.

'GROUPIES' was formerly set up at New Line as a feature I was producing. Based on an idea of mine, it has now been set up at MTV as a 2 hour Movie of the Week. Script by Erika Rothschild, is a departure from the original idea. We are waiting for a green light from MTV.

'MY DAD, THE ROCK STAR' is set up at Nelvana and is currently being shopped to network television. It is going to be an animated series. Created by myself with Nelvana head Toper Taylor.

'GENE SIMMONS DRAGONFLY' is going to be a new joint venture for a line of clothing apparel featuring the MONEYBAG logo I have owned for over a quarter of a century. As soon as paperwork I'll make sure we post some of the initial designs. I already have some of the prototypes in hand, and they are terrific.

GENE SIMMONS AUTOBIOGRAPHY - Kiss And Makeup - Crown Books will be hitting the book stores the beginning of December, 2001. I'll be appearing at a few, select book stores for book signings -- probably LA and New York, although other stops may be possible. Preorder here

COMMENT FROM GENE: Crown is setting up some book signings. Dunno when or where, but I assume LA and NY will be two places on the list.

COURT TV - The Sins Of Rock and Roll - I'll be doing hosting and voice over duties for this documentary. Shooting will take place mid-next week, and will have an overview of some of the alleged criminal activities that may have taken place in the music world.

LOTS MORE NEWS AND PROJECTS COMING UP...STAY TUNED.

I'll be hosting chat sessions in the future when time permits. Looking forward to speaking with you.

October 5th, 2001

GeneSimmons.com is now the official site of the Demon himself, Gene Simmons.