Kiss - Kiss band's bassist Gene Simmons - Interview

Interview, August, 1999 by Dimitri Ehrlich

DE: You've said the Spice Girls are more credible than a grunge-rock band.

GS: I just believe that when a band out of Florida wears ski masks and warm clothing, they're full of shit. But they're not full of shit if they say, "This is our stage act. We're making believe we're lumberjacks." Then I go, "OK. That's a costume, just like mine is." But if you're telling me you're suicidal and that you're in your mid twenties, you're healthy, you're good-looking, you're white, which means you're privileged, your mom and dad have lots of money, my first question is: What are you unhappy about?

DE: What about Kurt Cobain?

GS: You get one or two guys who are real, then everybody else apes it. I think Cobain was genuine, and completely out of his mind.

DE: Or in tremendous pain, for some reason.

GS: Oh, that's full of shit.

DE: Well, you met him. I didn't. So you can tell me if you thought he was a happy guy, but he didn't seem like it.

GS: Well, I don't care. If somebody's rich and white, I don't really give a shit if they're unhappy. I tell you what, if you have a problem with your fame, move to Timbuktu. If you feel awkward about the money you're making, make Gene a personal check for your entire worth. Let's say God gives you a blank check. You can have more, or you can have less. What do you want?

DE: I'll take more please, Gene.

GS: See the way you and I are the same?

DE: Yeah . . .

GS: You're just a whore, Dimitri.

DE: [laughs] Thank you, man. That's sweet of you to say.

GS: How can you have any self-respect? Well, it's called being alive.

DE: No, because I would give some money away.

GS: That's not what I asked. I don't give a shit what you do with it. The question is: Do you want more or less?

DE: Right, more would be easier.

GS: OK. Now, girls. Do you want more girls or less girls?

DE: One is enough for me.

GS: You're getting into bullshit territory here.

DE: Let me ask you a question.

GS: Sure.

DE: Are you satisfied?

GS: Never. While you're above ground, you should never be satisfied. When you're satisfied you should be six feet under. Because when you're the world-champion pole vaulter, are you satisfied? Not if you're a champion.

DE: But dissatisfaction can rob you of your life.

GS: When I was a kid, I remember seeing a Rolls-Royce drive by. I said, "why does he need that Rolls-Royce? Why doesn't he just drive a Volkswagen?" I was a moron.

DE: But once you get one Rolls, do you need twenty-three?

GS: Sure. It's never enough.

DE: Well, I just don't want that on my gravestone - "It was never enough."

GS: That's why it's your life. And I won't live it. Yours sounds very sad to me. Small. I don't want a small life.

DE: Well, all I'm looking for is a moment -

GS: You're lying.

DE: - when it's enough.

GS: You're lying. Because you said you want more. But anyway, I've got to run to a meeting.

DE: All right. I appreciate your time.

GS: Go for the big stuff. It's called reach for the stars! [laughs] Not reach for the ceiling.

DE: Maybe you're right.

GS: Thank you, Jesus. Oh, what am I talking about him for? Thank you, myself.