Artist Info

Gene Simmons 

Media Mogul, Serial Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Rock God 

Gene Simmons is an international rock legend and co-founder of KISS, America’s #1 gold record award-winning group of all time in all categories (RIAA). As a serial entrepreneur, Simmons has achieved success that reaches far beyond his music career, extending into television, film, publishing, merchandising, restaurants, consumer products and more. 

Early Musical Career 

Simmons’ was inspired to become a rock star when he saw a televised performance by the Beatles. He put his first band together, The Missing Links, with classmates while attending Joseph Pulitzer Middle School. 

After middle school and throughout high school, Simmons formed several bands including The Long Island Sounds, and Bullfrog Bheer. He met fellow KISS co-founder Paul Stanley in 1970 and they formed their first attempt at a band, Wicked Lester. Though the band developed a prominent following in the New York rock scene, Simmons worked several odd jobs to make additional money, including a position as a 6th grade teacher in Spanish Harlem and serving as an assistant to an editor at Vogue magazine.  

KISS  

In the winter of 1972, with a desire to create the “ultimate” rock band, not just “another” rock band, Simmons and Stanley formed KISS with original band members Peter Criss and Paul “Ace” Frehley. Inspired by his love of comic books and horror films, Simmons conceived the concept of his face paint. The addition of elaborate costumes, frenetic stage performance and ostentatious concert effects catapulted KISS to international stardom and a coveted position as one of the most recognized rock and roll bands in the world.  

Since their inception, KISS has developed millions of fans around the world, also known as the KISS Army. With over 100 million CDs and DVDs sold worldwide, KISS continues to sell out stadiums and arenas around the world, breaking box-office records set by Elvis and The Beatles.   

KISS was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 and in 1999 received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

In December of 2023, KISS held its last two concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York.   

Success Beyond KISS 

The Gene Simmons Band 

Simmons continues to hit the stage with his Gene Simmons’ Band, which in addition to Simmons includes Brent Woods (Sebastian Bach, Vince Neil of MÖTLEY CRÜE), Zach Throne Mother Pearl, The Pink Floyd Experience, Cody Carpenter) and Brian Tichy (Whitesnake, Billy Idol, Foreigner, Sass Jordan, and Ozzy Osbourne).  

Merchandising Giant 

Simmons’ keen business acumen has expanded the KISS brand beyond the stage. With more than 5,000 licensed/merchandised items, KISS has generated more money from merchandising and trademark deals than any other band in music history.  

Literary Works 

Simmons has penned seven books, including his New York Times best sellers, Sex Money Kiss, and Kiss and Make Up; the Los Angeles Times best seller Ladies of The Night; On Power, and “27”: The Legend and Mythology of the 27 Club, on his Simmons Books imprint. 

Rock & Brews Restaurants 

His family-friendly, rock-inspired restaurant brand, Rock & Brews, co-founded with Paul Stanley, has experienced rapid growth with locations throughout the United States and in Mexico, including airport, arena, casino and neighborhood locations.  The brand recently announced plans to develop its first Rock & Brews Casino Resort. 

Television & Film 

In addition to his own reality television show, Simmons is also a notable and often opinionated commentator on politics and business, and has amassed numerous television credits and launched numerous film companies, including: 

• Gene Simmons Family Jewels one of the longest running reality shows of all time with 167 episodes over nine seasons. 

• Frequent guest commentator on news stations including CNN; MSNBC; CNBC and Fox Business. 

• Appearances on popular television shows including Miami Vice; Mad TV; Family Guy; The Daily Show with Jon Stewart; American Idol; CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; Third Watch; Ugly Betty; and The Celebrity Apprentice. 

• Gene Simmons Rock School (VH1) for two seasons. 

• Creating Mr. Romance (Oxygen) and the cartoon My Dad the Rock Star (Nickelodeon). 

• Gene Simmons Rock School (VH1) for two seasons. 

• Co-producing the film Detroit Rock City (New Line). 

• Co-starring in Tristar’s Runaway (Michael Crichton Writer/Director), New World’s Wanted Dead or Alive, and Extract (Writer/Director Mike Judge), among other films. 

• Gene Simmons and WWE launched Erebus Pictures. Erebus will fully fund, and produce elevated horror films, starting with the high concept action/thrillers. 

Music Industry 

His work in the music industry goes far beyond KISS and includes the following ventures: 

• Managing Liza Minnelli’s recording career 

• Discovering rock band Van Halen 

• Manufacturing and selling his own line of AXE™ and Punisher™ basses and guitars 

• Gene Simmons Master Class events, teaching students how to play an instrument and write songs 

Film Industry 

In 2023, Simmons joined forces with Gary Hamilton (CEO of Arclight Films) to form Simmons/Hamilton Prods to finance, develop and produce feature films.  The company plans to produce 25 films in its first five years. 

Public Speaking 

With millions of fans around the globe and speaking four languages, Simmons is the personification of today’s globally connected citizen. He is a highly sought-after Keynote Speaker for private and corporate events and tours internationally on the lecture circuit.  

Simmons was a Keynote Speaker at NASDAQ, rang the bell at the NY Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange, and spoke at London School of Business. He is also a recipient of Forbes Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Philanthropy 

Simmons has devoted his career and influence to raising funds for and supporting causes that benefit children, veterans, active military and first responders. To date, Simmons has raised millions of dollars in support of numerous causes and charities.  

In November 2013, Simmons and his family were awarded the END Humanitarian Award for their support and efforts of Mending Kids International, a non-profit that provides surgical procedures for children around the world. 

Business 

Simmons has spent decades building successful brands internationally in various industries. Among his latest ventures are: 

• MONEYBAG™ Sodas, available in 7-Eleven’s and other retail outlet. 

• MONEYBAG™ Vodka 

• MONEYBAG™ Wins 

Personal Life 

Simmons married to Canadian actress and former Playboy Playmate, Shannon Tweed. They have two children together, Nick and Sophie.